Treasures of Rajasthan & Mumbai

Your Rajasthani adventure begins at London Heathrow where we meet the Tour Manager before boarding an overnight flight to Delhi, the Indian capital. Delhi is a colourful and exciting metropolis, which reflects the nation's rich heritage and thriving present. A city where the ancient and modern exist in harmony, New Delhi became the capital of India when the British moved the seat of their empire from Kolkata in 1911. While New Delhi boasts broad avenues and colonial architecture, the city's ancient history is reflected in the Mughal forts, mosques and minarets of characterful Old Delhi.

On our overnight flight we can anticipate the experiences which lie ahead, of getting to know India's fascinating heritage, history and unique culture - an extraordinary blend of sights, scents and spirituality.

On arrival in Delhi this morning we are met by our local guide and transferred to our five-star hotel in a leafy suburb of New Delhi. The afternoon is free, so there's a chance to relax and unwind before dinner this evening or possibly to explore independently. The hotel has an outdoor pool, a spa and a world-renowned restaurant, specialising in traditional North Indian food prepared in a clay oven.

At a welcome meeting before dinner, our guide and Tour Manager provide an overview of our holiday and introduce some basic cultural guidelines about travelling in India generally, and Rajasthan in particular. We then sit down to dinner at the hotel.

• Dinner

On a guided tour, this morning we discover the sights of Old Delhi. Starting at the Jama Masjid mosque, an impressive building of red sandstone and white marble, we continue to the striking Red Fort and the memorial to Mahatma Ghandi, Raj Ghat. We experience the mile-long Chandni Chowk bazaar on an exciting rickshaw ride among the wafting aromas, colourful stalls and bustling atmosphere, followed by time to shop for souvenirs.

You are then free to enjoy lunch independently before an afternoon sightseeing tour of New Delhi's leafy boulevards and colonial architecture. Partly designed by acclaimed architect Edward Lutyens, at the centre of New Delhi is India Gate, a triumphal arch commemorating Indian soldiers who died during the First World War. At the opposite end of the boulevard, Rashtrapati Bhavan is the official residence of India's president and originally the palatial home of the viceroy.

After visiting the 16th-century tomb of emperor Humayun, an outstanding monument in the Indo-Persian style which predates the Taj Mahal, our tour concludes at the Gandhi Smriti Museum. 'Father of the Nation' Mahatma Gandhi spent the final 144 days of his life here, until he was shot in 1948, and we learn about his life through informative artefacts and personal effects. We return to our hotel, with time to unwind before dinner this evening.

• Breakfast, Dinner

We board the Gatimaan Express for a morning rail journey to the regal city of Agra. The city is home to some of the finest examples of Mughal architecture including its pinnacle, the Taj Mahal.

On arrival, we catch our first glimpse of the iconic Taj Mahal on a visit to the Mehtab Bagh or Moonlit Garden, which stands in perfect alignment with the gardens of Taj Mahal on the opposite bank of the Yamuna River. These gardens provide a beautiful vantage point to gaze at the magnificent monument.

This afternoon we visit the Agra Fort, also known as the Red Fort, recognised as an outstanding example of Mughal imperial fortifications and the residence of Emperors for three generations. This World Heritage Site features grand pavilions, gardens, mosques, and royal audience halls built with an aesthetic blend of Islamic and Hindu architecture, the signature style of the Mughals.

Our tour is followed by coffee at a community café, run by staff who are survivors of acid attacks. After checking in to our hotel, the remainder of the day is at leisure before dinner this evening.

• Breakfast, Dinner

As day breaks this morning we experience a highlight of our trip - a sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal, to marvel at this iconic building bathed in a golden glow. One of the Seven Wonders of the World, this UNESCO World Heritage site is admired for its exquisite white marble and perfect symmetry. We return to our hotel for breakfast before setting off to Jaipur.

On our way to Jaipur, we stop at the remarkable Abhaneri Stepwell, a type of reservoir unique to India. This 10th-century structure is one of the largest stepwells in the world, whose stunning design combines with the important function of preserving water.

After checking in to our luxury hotel in Jaipur, there is time at leisure. You could choose to enjoy the hotel facilities, explore locally, or simply relax before dinner. Jaipur is known as the Pink City, and is one of the most culturally rich cities of India. Nestled in Rajasthan, which translates as 'Place for Kings', Jaipur is blessed with several magnificent monuments which reflect the history of the Pink City. This evening, dinner is served at the hotel.

• Breakfast, Dinner

The rose-coloured hues of the 'Pink City' date back to a visit by the Prince of Wales in 1876, when the local ruler painted the city in shades of pink, regarded as India's colour of hospitality. Our guided tour starts at the ornate pink-and-yellow frontage of the Palace of Winds, constructed to allow royal ladies to watch processions without being seen. We then head into the hills to view the UNESCO-listed Amber Fort, exploring its Jaleb Chowk courtyard, a blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture.

After free time over lunch we wander around the City Palace, a sprawling royal residence. At the armoury here, an arsenal of pistols, blunderbusses, flintlocks, swords, rifles and daggers sits safely inside glass cases. We also visit Jantar Mantar, a huge astronomical observatory and the world's largest sundial.

Later, we take a Pink Rickshaw ride, to explore the secrets of the Old City of Jaipur on a meandering drive. This initiative was introduced to improve livelihood opportunities for the women of Jaipur, and the e-rickshaws are driven by smart, enthusiastic and well-trained female professionals.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Leaving Jaipur by coach after breakfast, we stop at the Brahma Temple on the sacred Pushkar Lake, an important pilgrimage site for Hindus who travel here to visit one of the world's few existing temples dedicated to Lord Brahma. In fact, the semi-circular lake is surrounded by more than 500 temples, set along its banks. Pushkar town is one of India's oldest cities and famous for its colourful cattle fair, an annual event that attracts a growing number of locals and tourists from all over the world.

After pausing for lunch in Pushkar we continue our drive towards Jodhpur, looking out for elephants and camels on the side of the road at the very edge of the desert. Jodhpur is the gateway to the Great Indian Thar Desert with scorching temperatures for most of the year and was once the capital of princely Rajasthan. On arrival, there's time to relax and soak up the peaceful ambience and historic architecture of our heritage lakeside hotel just outside the city, surrounded by landscaped gardens, before dinner this evening.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning we discover the sights of the 'Blue City' on a full-day tour, which includes the spellbinding Mehrangarh Fort. A jumble of houses below the imposing fort are painted cyan, azure blue and turquoise - these blue tones were originally used by Brahmins to signify their high caste.

After visiting the Jaswant Thanda memorial, which has an excellent viewpoint of the fort on its rocky plateau, we continue to the fort itself, which evokes the spirit of the Rathores, the ruling local Rajput clan. After viewing various palaces and displays of royal treasures, we continue on a walking tour of Jodhpur's old city and the bustling Sadar Bazaar where you are free over lunch.

This afternoon, we explore the tribal villages of the Bishnois, to learn about the culture of this nature loving and eco-friendly Hindu sect. All Bishnois respect the sanctity of animal and plant life as laid out by the 15th-century Guru Jambeshwar. Bishnois also believe their ancestors are reincarnated as deer, so herds of deer are often found near Bishnoi villages. We drive back to our hotel where we have dinner.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Today's drive to Udaipur provides a fascinating glimpse of local life. Enroute, we stop at the 15th-century Ranakpur Jain Temple, an important pilgrimage centre and sacred place for Jains. Inside are a number of temples which include the main temple, Chaumukha Mandir. Apart from its religious significance, this vast white marble structure is noted for its many hundreds of pillars, 29 halls, dozens of domes and columns. There is time to admire the grand architecture, intricate carvings and the many shrines throughout the temples - on the walls, ceilings and courtyard.

After stopping for lunch in Ranakpur, we continue our drive to the royal city of Udaipur in the southernmost area of Rajasthan. Udaipur is set beside tranquil Lake Pichola, surrounded by hills, palaces and temples. On arrival, we check in to our hotel which is situated in an idyllic position, on a hill top opposite Lake Pichola, set among scenic hills overlooking the city. Dinner is served at our hotel.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we tour the royal city of Udaipur where Rajasthan's largest palace overlooks the shores of Lake Pichola. The ornate City Palace complex was once the residence of the erstwhile royal family of Mewar and we explore it on a guided tour. The Mewar royals do not consider themselves as Kings, but custodians of the land they ruled on behalf of their clan deity. Marble balconies and delicate cupolas adorn the spectacular exterior, while museums inside contain a wealth of treasures from crystal and silver to unique paintings and historic sculptures.

Later, we take a stroll round the Saheliyon-ki-Bari gardens, once the domain of royal ladies who lived in the palaces, followed by a walking tour of the Old City. Frescoed townhouses with carved stone façades and bustling bazaars provide an enchanting glimpse into the history of the city.

This afternoon we experience a boat cruise on the placid waters of Lake Pichola to see the vast Jag Mandir Palace, which is noted for its marble pavilion and an imposing dome. We return to our hotel with time to relax before dinner.

• Breakfast, Dinner

This morning a short internal flight takes us to Mumbai on India's west coast, known worldwide as the birthplace of Bollywood. Originally seven separate islands, this important financial centre was ruled by the Gujarat Sultanate and Portugal before the British took possession in 1661. A large engineering project merged the islands in the late 18th century, and the country's first passenger rail line opened here in 1853.

Located beside the Arabian Sea, Mumbai flourished after the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869, which secured the city a vital position on the spice trading routes and it became the 'Gateway to India'. After time to unwind here we have the chance to taste some of the delicious local flavours at a cooking demonstration where we sample creations, before dinner at our hotel.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Rising at daybreak today to enjoy an extraordinary dawn walking tour that gives us an authentic insight into Mumbai life. We start at one of the city's oldest docks, Sassoon Docks in Colaba, where we watch fishermen bringing in their hauls after a night at sea. Continuing along the almost empty Dadabhai Naoroji Road - usually the nerve centre of the city - we pass colonial-era buildings on our way to Crawford Market, an authentic Indian bazaar, where crowds of locals shop for fresh ingredients. We also explore the neighbourhoods of Byculla and Dadar before returning to the hotel for breakfast and some free time.

On an afternoon sightseeing tour by coach we see sights including the famous Gateway of India, an arched monument from the colonial era, the impressive Chhatrapati Shivaji train station, and Mani Bhavan, the former home of Mahatma Gandhi. Our final stop is Mahalakshmi Dhobi Ghat, an open-air laundromat where hundreds of dedicated washers clean clothes the time-honoured way - with elbow grease and concrete tubs.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Our discovery of India's most beautiful and characterful regions has taken us from the northern area of Rajasthan to the south, visiting the iconic landmarks of this region's royal cities, then crossing to the colourful coastal city of Mumbai where we experienced an authentic slice of local life. This morning we head to Mumbai airport for our flight back to London. Arriving into Heathrow this evening, you are free to make your way home.