Starting in Dehli, this itinerary takes in the classic highlights of India while staying in the most exclusive hotels the country has to offer. You'll have the chance to explore Dehli with your private guide and driver. You'll then fly to Udaipur, the "most beautiful" of the royal cities of the Raj. Explore the City Palace, Grystal Gallery, Eklingji and Nagda Temples. Drive to Jodhpur to see the Fort and Ummaid Bhawan Palace. Then fly to Jaipur for your personal guided tour of the Amber Fort, City Palace, Observatory, and Hawa Mahal. Visit Fatehpur Sikri on the way to Agra and a sunset experience at the Taj Mahal. The next day leisurely roam through the Agra Fort and the Taj Mahal - the pinnacle of Mughal architecture. Visit Sikandra on the way to Delhi, and fly to Varanasi. Your dawn ride on the Ganges past the funeral pyres of the Ghats will be surreal experience and a highlight of the tour. Return to Delhi for New and Old city tours including Red Fort, Qutab Minar, and Humayun's Tomb. End your tour in Delhi and catch your flight home.

Airport transfer with private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking assistant.

Recognized as one of Asia’s finest hotels, The Imperial is a legend that offers a unique experience embracing facets of India’s history. It remains New Delhi’s landmark hotel, steps away from the renowned shopping district and major city attractions and a half-hour drive from the international airport. With high ceilings, impeccable decor and equipped with all the facilities and modern conveniences, the 232 rooms and suites, overlooking verdant gardens, bespeak discreet luxury and offer total privacy and serenity. The award winning restaurants feature cuisine from southeast Asia, French, and India. The Swimming Pool, dotted by the Royal Palms and nestled in the shaded grounds of the Hotel, offers a tranquil, refreshing experience.

Delhi is a city of dramatic contrasts, and is the most popular starting point for any tour of India. A tour to Old Delhi includes the Red Fort and the mosque of Jama Masjid with a stroll through the bazaars of Chandni Chowk ("Moonlit Square"). A New Delhi travel includes the Humayun's Tomb, in many ways the precursor of the Taj Mahal, the India Gate, a memorial dedicated to the unknown soldiers who laid their lives in the World War I, the President's House, and the Parliament House.

Private guided tour of New Delhi which is built in a typically British colonial style with tree-lined avenues and colonial bungalows. See the Laxminarayan Temple, a modern Hindu temple, and India Gate, the 42 m high War Memorial Arch. Drive past the Parliament House, the Secretariat buildings and the Vice Regal Palace, now the official residence of the President of India. Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price). Overnight at The Imperial - city centre.

Airport transfer with private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking assistant. Take your flight from Delhi to Udaipur today. Airport transfer with private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking assistant. Private guided tour of the majestic white City Palace built in granite and marble. This largest palace complex in Rajasthan is surrounded by crenellated fort walls, and overlooks Pichola Lake. The Garden of the Maids of Honor is well laid out with extensive lawns and shady walks. Constructed for forty eight young ladies-in-waiting sent to the royal house as part of the dowry, the garden has many fountains in its four delightful pools, chiseled kiosks and marble elephants. Crystal Gallery in the Fateh Prakash Palace features a breath taking collection of crystals including tables, sofa sets, dinning table, dressers, fountains, beds, and an exquisite jewel studded carpet, which is beyond description. Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price).

Udaipur, in the heart of Rajasthan, is a city of majestic palaces and beautiful lakes. Here, adorning the banks of Lake Pichola and standing witness to the historic City Palace, The Oberoi Udaivilas captures all the romance and splendor of a royal era. Each room is uniquely luxurious and offers modern amenities. Fine international cuisine, authentic flavours of Rajasthan or a quiet drink are all presented with views of the City Palace and Lake Pichola.In the serenely appointed spa suites, spectacular views of Lake Pichola and the City Palace inspire the spirit whilst your body is revitalised by the healing hands of our highly trained Banyan Tree therapists.

Udaipur is referred to as the most romantic city in India and dubbed the ‘Venice of the East’. The marble palaces, beautifully laid out gardens and the lakes make Udaipur seem almost like a mirage. The City Palace, or the Palace of the then King of Mewar, is built with white marble and shines in the bright sunshine. There are three interconnected lakes within the town; Fateh Sagar Lake, Pichhola Lake, and Swaroop Sagar Lake. Pichhola Lake is home to one of the most romantic hotels of the world, the Lake Palace Hotel. Fateh Sagar Lake contains two small islands, one contains the Udaipur solar observatory, and the other one has the beautiful Nehru Garden.

Private guided tour of Eklingji, located about twelve miles north of Udaipur, featuring a complex of 108 ancient temples, carved from sandstone and marble. The main temple was built in AD 734 to propagate the blessings of Lord Shiva. At Nagda there are some 10th century temples. The Jain temple of Adbudji is essentially ruined, but its architecture is interesting. About 500m away, the Sas Bahu temple has fine intricate carvings. There are also some small temples submerged in the nearby lake. Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price). Overnight at Oberoi Udai Vilas.

Transfer to Jodhpur with private vehicle and driver. Private guided tour of Rohetgarh Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price).

This landmark Art Deco-style palace is five km (3 miles) from Jodhpur International Airport and 10 km (6.5 miles) from Mehrangarh Fort. Umaid Bhawan Palace offers an indoor pool, full-service spa, and steam room, and serves a complimentary Continental breakfast daily. In addition to available wireless Internet access, guestrooms feature balconies, CD and DVD players, and in-room safes.

Jodhpur is a vibrant city of Palaces, Forts, temples and havelis. It is known as the Blue city, due to the indigo tinge of the whitewashed houses around the Mehrangarh Fort. The Umaid Bhawan Palace is not only one of India's most imposing palaces but also among its most recent. Mehrangarh Fort, The Jaswant Thada are other architectural landmarks in Jodhpur. The Jaswant Thada is a white marble memorial built in 1899 in memory of Maharja Jaswant Singh II. The monument, in its entirety, is built out of intricately carved sheets of marble.

Private guided tour of the most magnificent building in Jodhpur, Mehrangarh Fort, constructed in 1459. The fort is situated on a lofty height, 400 feet above the city, and is enclosed by imposing thick walls. Inside its territorial boundaries, there are several palaces, which are known for their intricate carvings and sprawling courtyards. Jaswant Thada lies to the left of the Mehrangarh fort complex. It is a royal cenotaph made up of white marble. It was built to commemorate Maharaja Jaswant Singh. Umaid Bhawan Palace is built of marble and pink sandstone. An excursion to Bishnoi Village, gives you a glimpse of village life in Rajasthan. Tour of the Villages to visit the potters, durries & Bishnoi community villages. You will also have an opportunity to interact with the villagers. This village safari will be by Jeeps and visit traditional villages to see local handicrafts like shoe makers, pottery, hand weaving and lao men in their traditional attire, women clad with ancestral jewelry, en route watch and photograph wildlife black buck, chinkaras, and peacocks freely moving in abundance protected by `Bishnois’ the protectors of wildlife and trees. Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price). Overnight at Taj Umaid Bhawan Palace (5*).

Airport transfer with private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking assistant. Take your flight from Jodhpur to Jaipur today. Airport transfer with private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking assistant. Private guided tour of the City Palace of Jaipur, an imposing blend of traditional Rajasthan and Mughal architecture, originally built by Maharaja Jai Singh II of the Kachhwaha clan of Rajputs. The vast palace complex occupies one seventh of the walled city of Jaipur. The Jantar Mantar is a collection of massive astronomical instruments, built of local stone and marble. Each instrument carries an astronomical scale marked on the marble inner lining, and bronze tablets were also employed. Adjoining the Palace is the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds). Built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh, the Hawa Mahal overlooks one of the main streets and also provides some excellent views of the city. Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price).

Rambagh Palace has been home to generations of royals. Built in 1835 on a modest scale in 1925, Rambagh was converted into a palace, and became the residence of the Maharaja of Jaipur. The ‘Jewel of Jaipur’ as it is fondly called, remained the home of the Jaipur royal family until 1957, when it was first converted into a luxury hotel by Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II. But it wasn’t until 1972 that Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces took over the reins. It is now the ‘jewel in the crown’ among the authentic palaces of the Taj in India. In the finest tradition of Rajput hospitality, the Rambagh Palace offers its guests a taste of royal living – a luxury and extravagance that was once the sole preserve of kings.

Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan and known as the Pink City for its reddish stucco on the massive Rajput forts. The Amber Palace complex overlooking the artificial lake south of the town is one of the most popular tourist sites. Bustling markets offer great shopping.

Private guided tour of Amber Fort, located in the city of Amber 11 km from Jaipur. The structure which is today known as Amber fort was initially a palace complex within the much larger Jaigarh Fort. The fort is constructed of red sandstone and white marble, overlooking Maotha lake, and was reputed to be the treasure vault of the Kacchwaha rulers. The most magnificent sight is inside the hall of mirrors. When royalty lived there, at night they needed only a single candle, because the thousands tiny intricate mirrors would light up the entire room. Ride up the base of the Amber fort on an elephant accompanied by a professional mahout. Visit the local markets to find an exotic array of art, gems, and souvenirs. Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price). Overnight at Rambagh Palace (5*).

Transfer to Agra with private vehicle and driver. On the way, visit ancient ghost city of Fatehpur Sikri. Built during the second half of the 16th century by the Emperor Akbar, the "City of Victory" was the capital of the Mughal Empire for only 10 years. The complex of monuments and temples, all in a uniform architectural style, includes one of the largest mosques in India, the Jama Masjid. Includes ride on a Tonga (horse drawn carriage). Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price).

Located close to the Taj Mahal, the Oberoi Amarvilas is also near Agra City and Agra Cantonment Railway Station. Offering breathtaking views of Taj Mahal, the 102 guestrooms are beautifully appointed and come with an array of modern amenities to make your stay pleasant one. Guests can dine at the Bellevue Restaurant that serves delicious international and Indian cuisine for breakfast, lunch as well as dinner. The Esphahan Restaurant serves traditional Indian cuisine while the bar offers a fine selection of wines, spirits and cigars. Work out in the fitness center, take a bracing dip in the swimming pool, relax at the sauna or indulge in yoga. Get pampered by trained therapists with personalized holistic treatments based on Ayurveda, ancient Thai and Western techniques at the spa.

Agra boasts three UNESCO World Heritage sites, the Taj Mahal, the Agra Fort, and nearby Fatehpur Sikri. The Taj Mahal in all its timeless beauty is still the inspiration of poets and painters, writers and photographers. Agra Fort is a testament to the Mughal dynasties and their conqueror architecture. And the ghost city of Fatehpur Sikri dazzles with its temples and palace yards.

Private guided tour of Taj Mahal, the most beautiful monument built by the Mughals, the Muslim rulers of India. Taj Mahal is built entirely of white marble. Its stunning architectural beauty is beyond adequate description, particularly at dawn and sunset. It was built by Emperor Shah Jahan in the memory of his dear wife and queen Mumtaz Mahal. Also visit Agra Fort, built of red sandstone and marble. This great monument of red sandstone dominating a bend in the river Yamuna, 2km northwest of Taj Mahal was constructed by the Mughals during 1565-1571.
Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price). Overnight at Oberoi Amar Vilas (5*).

Transfer to Delhi with private vehicle and driver. Take your flight from Delhi to Varanasi today. Airport transfer with private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking assistant. Private guided tour of Sarnath, located 5 miles from Varanasi, the site is a deer park where Gautama Buddha first taught the Dharma after his enlightenment. Sarnath is one of four holy Buddhist sites sanctioned by the Buddha himself for pilgrimage. Amongst the ruins is the Dharmekh Stupa is impressive at 128 feet high, and 93 in diameter. This dates back to 200 BC and is the sport where the Buddha is said to have preached his first sermon.
Within the deer park complex is the large Dhamekha Stupa, constructed by the Emperor Ashoka in 249 BCE, and several other Buddhist structures that were added between the 3rd and the 11th century BC. Evening Aarti Ceremony which looks wonderful from the Gange river, includes a boat ride to experience the magic of the river during this spectacular sight. Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price).

Situated in one of the oldest living cities of the world, on the banks of the river Ganges, Nadesar Palace has hosted royalty, statesmen and celebrities since 1835. The name Nadesar is derived from the Goddess Nadesari, whose shrine is located in the front of the Palace. Set amidst verdant gardens, mango orchards, marigold and jasmine fields, Nadesar Palace is a haven of peace and tranquility. Works of art from the Maharaja’s collection decorate the walls of the Palace’s 10 luxurious suites. Embellished with original pieces of furniture refurbished to recreate the atmosphere of a bygone era, the décor of the rooms is intended to evoke the colours of marigolds, jasmines, and pale pink lotuses that are offered to the holy Ganges.

Varanasi is set at the left bank of the mighty river Ganges, this immensely chaotic place of pilgrimage is known for its ritual burnings. A dawn boat ride down the river is a fascinating and unforgettable spectacle. The city is sacred to Hindus and also one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. In many ways Varanasi epitomizes the very best and worst aspects of India, and it can be a little overwhelming. However, the scene of pilgrims doing their devotions in the River Ganges at sunrise set against the back drop of the centuries old temples is probably one of the most impressive sights in the world - definitely a must see destination on any trip to northern India.

A dawn boat ride on the Ganges with a private expert guide. The Ganga Ghats at Varanasi are full of pilgrims who flock to the place to take a dip in the holy Ganges, which is believed to absolve one from all sins. People can be seen swimming and bathing immediately next to the funeral pyres of the riverside temples. This is a somewhat surreal experience and only for those with a strong constitution. Airport transfer with private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking assistant. Take your flight from Varanasi to Delhi today. Airport transfer with private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking assistant. Departure tax will be charged at Delhi airport, paid in cash by the passengers: 5US$ per person for domestic flights, and 27US$ per person for International flights.

Depart from Delhi international airport - end of itinerary.