India's Diwali Festival & Splendours of Rajasthan 

Day Three: Delhi - Agra (240km)

After breakfast, we check-out of our hotel and leave for the city of Agra – home to the famous Taj Mahal (approx. 4.5 hour drive). When we arrive in the afternoon, we visit the historical Agra Fort, which was the main residence of the emperors of the Mughal Dynasty until 1638, when the capital was shifted from Agra to Delhi. At sunset, we visit the iconic Taj Mahal - also known as the greatest love story ever told!

Day Four: Agra– Jaipur (240km)

After breakfast, we depart to Jaipur, stopping en route to visit Fatehpur Sikri. Also known as a host city, Fatehpur Sikri was built by Emperor Akbar, with the intention of being the most beautiful city ever built. For a while it was, but style must have won over substance! While beautiful, there is no easy access to the water. A few years after it was completed, the town was abandoned and the capital moved to Lahore in present-day Pakistan. We will then continue on our drive to Jaipur (approx. 4 hour drive), arriving in the afternoon.

• Breakfast & Dinner Included

Day Five: Diwali Festival in Jaipur

Today, India comes alight with the festival of Diwali. Diwali, or Deepawali, is India’s biggest and most important holiday of the year. The festival gets its name from the row (avali) of clay lamps (deepa) that Indians light outside their homes to symbolise the inner light that protects from spiritual darkness. This festival is as important to Hindus as the Christmas holiday is to Christians. 

Day Six: Jaipur

After breakfast, we go on a half day excursion to Amber Fort, stopping en route at the distinctive landmark of Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) for a great photo opportunity. It was constructed in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh to enable ladies of the royal household to watch the life and processions of the city. Next on our itinerary is Amber Fort, a honey-coloured fortress-palace in the Aravalli Hills that’s been described as the sleeping beauty of Rajasthan. Made out of sandstone and marble, the fort consists of a series of four courtyards, palaces, halls and gardens. This afternoon, we begin our city tour of Jaipur with a visit to Jai Singh’s Observatory. It was built in the 17th Century by the founder of Jaipur who, besides being a prince, was also a soldier, astronomer and builder. Then we visit the impressive Jaipur City Palace, one part of which is now a museum that contains fine Rajput and Moghul paintings, rare manuscripts and an armoury, old carpets, and even amazingly embroidered clothes of the Maharajas and the Maharanis. 

Day Seven: Jaipur – Jodhpur (351km)

After breakfast, we drive to Jodhpur (approx. 7 hour drive). When we arrive in the afternoon, we visit the Mehrangarh Fort - one of the most magnificent forts in India. The battlements are 6m to 36m high, and as the building materials were chiselled from the rock on which the fort stands, the structure merges with its base. Still run by the Jodhpur royal family, Mehrangarh is packed with history and legends.

• Breakfast & Dinner Included

Day Eight: Jodhpur– Udaipur (250km)

After breakfast, we will drive to Udaipur (approx. 5 hour drive) stopping en route to visit Ranakpur temple which is a Jain temple. Jainism is an Indian religion that emphasizes non-violence and ascetism. The temple is very beautiful and showcases unique temple architecture. We will continue on our drive to Udaipur. Upon arrival, we’ll proceed to our hotel for check-in.

• Breakfast & Dinner Included

Day Nine: Exploring Udaipur

After breakfast, we set off for our half day city tour of Udaipur. The city is also known as Venice of the East and speculated to be the most romantic city in Rajasthan. We visit the City Palace, once the home of Mewar’s rulers, which is a museum today. We also visit Sahelion-ki-bari (Garden of the Maids of Honour) a serene space the princesses would go to relax and enjoy their leisure time. Covered with the most beautiful trees and flowers, there are fountains all around. Later we will drive around Fateh Sagar Lake - an artificial lake named after Maharana Fateh Singh of Udaipur and Mewar, constructed north-west of Udaipur to the north of Lake Pichola in the 1680s.

Day Ten: Udaipur– Delhi

Today we transfer to the airport for our flight from Udaipur to Delhi. After arriving in Delhi we will transfer to the hotel. The rest of the day is free for us to buy souvenirs or relax at the hotel.

• Breakfast & Dinner Included

Day Eleven: Delhi – London

After breakfast, we transfer to Delhi airport for our return flight home.

• Breakfast Included