DAY 02   DELHI

Upon arrival at the airport you are met by our representative and transferred to ther hotel TAJ MAHAL.

DAY 03   DELHI

Morning:  At your leisure. 

Afternoon: Visit Qutab Minar, the soaring tower of victory. The construction of Qutab Minar began in 1193. Visit also Humayun's Tomb, an early example of Mughal architecture that served as the model for the Taj Mahal, and the Red Fort on the west bank of the Yamuna River, constructed by emperor Shah Jahan as a royal residence and official complex. The palaces, mostly marble, are along the river front. See the Halls of Public and Private Audience, the Royal Baths with inlaid floors, the Pearl Mosque, the private palace of the king, and the ornamental canal. Some of the finest aspects of Mughal art can be seen in the pietra dura panels in the royal mansions. Proceed to Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosque built by Shah Jahan, and Chandni Chowk, the principal marketing street of Shahjahanabad and still a colorful commercial area. Also visit Raj Ghat, the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi, and India Gate, the memorial of the First World War. Drive past the landmarks of Lutyens-Baker New Delhi. These include Rashtrapati Bhawan, the official residence of India’s president and former Viceregal Lodge, the Parliament House, and the Secretariat buildings.

DAY 04   DELHI

At your leisure.

DAY 05   DELHI - AGRA

Morning: Accompanied by your guide, take the super fast Shatabdi Express train to Agra. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel AMARVILAS. 

Afternoon: Visit Agra Fort, the evolution of which took place through the reigns of three Mughal Emperors. Note the apparent transition from the stern citadel raised by Emperor Akbar to the lavish, shimmering white marble palaces built by Emperor Shah Jahan. Later visit the tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah. This small mausoleum was constructed by the Mughal empress Nurjahan for her father. Completed in 1628, it was the first Mughal building constructed entirely of white marble — a forerunner of the Taj Mahal. The marble surface of the tomb is almost completely covered by inlaid semi-precious stones.  

Early evening: Board a Royal Buggy (Decorated Horse Cart) for a ride to one of the most fabled sights on earth. The legendary TAJ MAHAL was built by Emperor Shah Jahan in 1630 to enshrine the mortal remains of his beloved Queen Mumtaz Mahal. This perfectly proportioned architectural masterpiece, a dedication of love, was fashioned from white marble. It stands testimony to the skill of craftsmen brought in from Persia, Turkey, France, and Italy and to the 17 years of labor by 20,000 workers. Stroll the grounds and view this most magnificent monument at the magical moment of sunset.

DAY 06   AGRA - ALWAR - SAMODE

Morning: Depart to Alwar. Visit the palace complex. The complex has massive gates and a reservoir lined by beautifully symmetrical ghats and pavilions. Visit the Government Museum, which contains 18th and 19th century Rajput and Mughal paintings; rare and ancient manuscripts in Persian, Arabic, Urdu and Sanskrit; and a diverse and amazing Indian armory. The armory features weapons of Hazrat Ali, the Prophet's Muhammad Son-in-law, and other vital historical figures. Proceed to Samode. Nestled in this small village, amongst rugged hills, is Samode Palace. This beautiful building has three levels, each with its own courtyard. The Durbar Hall boasts original paintings and the most delicate mirror work in Rajasthan. Upon arrival, check in at SAMODE PALACE.

DAY 07   SAMODE - KISHANGARH

Morning: Drive to Kishangarh. Upon arrival, check in at PHOOL MAHAL PALACE.
The exquisite Kishangarh School of Paintings flourished under the former princely rulers. Most of the paintings today are with either private collectors or with the royal family of Kishangarh. Prior arrangements will be made to view the Maharaja’s private collection. 

Afternoon: Walk the old walled city’s narrow streets. Watch the local artists still painting on paper and silk.  

DAY 08   KISHANGARH - RANTHAMBORE

Morning: Drive to Sawai Madhopur. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel SAWAI MADHOPUR LODGE.

Afternoon: Drive to Ranthambore National Park. With its beautiful scenery of lakes and rivers bordered by steep hills, a well-preserved fortress, and an abundance of wild life, Ranthambore, "formerly the maharaja’s hunting preserve," is a prime example of Project Tiger’s conservation effort. View the game, accompanied by an expert naturalist.

DAY 09   RANTHAMBORE

Morning:  Game-drive. 

Afternoon: Visit the fort and enjoy a marvelous view of the surrounding area. 

DAY 10   RANTHAMBORE - KOTA

Morning: Drive to Kota, known for its famous Kota-Doria saris and a miniature school of art specializing hunting scenes. Upon arrival, check in at the UMMED BHAWAN PALACE. 

DAY 11   KOTA

Morning: Visit the Maharao Madho Singh Museum, situated in the old palace, and view the collection of the Kota school Rajput paintings.  

Afternoon: Drive to Bundi. "Bundi is deliciously behind the times," wrote the Maharaja of Baroda. Visit the stunning palace-fort, one of the finest examples of Rajasthani architecture. Arrangements will be made to view the famous Chitra Shala, a gallery of very refined 17^th and 18^th century frescos of the Bundi School of Art, unmatched in their harmony of blues, greens and terracotta colors.

DAY 12   KOTA - CHITTORGARH - UDAIPUR

Morning: Drive to Chittorgarh (Chittor). Standing 550-feet-high, the Chittorgarh Fort commemorates the passing of a race of men and women who lived passionately and preferred to die fighting rather than submit. See the nine-storied Victory Tower, covered with exquisite sculptures of Hindu deities and depicting episodes from the great epics. See also Padmini Palace, built for Queen Padmini whose beauty was said to trigger the battle between Allauddin Khilji and Rana Ratan Singh, and the Tower of Fame, built by a wealthy Jain merchant in the 12th century A.D. Proceed to Udaipur. Upon arrival check in at the HOTEL LAKE PALACE.

DAY 13   UDAIPUR

Morning: Visit the Maharana’s City Palace, which boasts a labyrinth of courtyards richly decorated with inlaid mirror-work, galleries covered with frescos, temples, and kiosks. Proceed to the Jagdish temple which houses a remarkable bronze statue of Garuda the mythical bird. Visit Sahellyon Ki Bari, the garden of the maids of honor, with its exquisite fountains. Enjoy the Bhartiya Lok Kala Mandal folk arts museum and a scenic drive around Fateh Sagar Lake. 

Afternoon: Visit to the Crystal Gallery, a private collection with an outstanding display of crystal ornaments, including fountains, vases, crockery, furniture and beds, custom-made for the palaces of Udaipur in 1877. Observe also the silver beds, chairs, brocade, and velvet seating. Enjoy traditional British afternoon High Tea followed by an exquisite private boat cruise on Lake Pichola, surrounded by splendid hills and Palaces.

DAY 14   UDAIPUR - RANAKPUR - JODHPUR

Morning: Depart to Ranakpur. Visit the Jain temples. The temples, built in the mid-15^th century with intricately sculpted white marble, are extremely well preserved. Take special note of the Rishabji Temple, supported by 1,444 distinct pillars. Stop for lunch at the Maharani’s Orchard. 

Afternoon: Continue to Jodhpur. Upon arrival check in at the hotel UMAID BHAWAN PALACE.

DAY 15   JODHPUR

Morning: Visit Meherangarh Fort, Rajasthan’s finest. Strategically located on a mighty sandstone rock, the Meherangarh Fort was never captured. Palaces within are meticulously carved from hard sandstone. Paintings, thrones, banners, doors, weapons and a spectacular 17^th century royal tent are displayed in the fort’s museum. Also visit Jaswant Thada, the cremation ground of the royal family, with magnificent translucent marble tombs. Proceed to the Umaid Bhawan Palace museum with its rare collection of clocks and watches, fine china, ornate mirrored furniture, glass and crystal ware, and photographs. 

Afternoon: Drive deeper into the Thar Desert to visit a Bishnoi Village. The Bishnois are a conservationist, wealthy community of pure vegetarians who are orthodox and observe principles laid down by their enlightened Guru Jambhoji. This community, which has survived for five centuries, is known for protecting endangered species of animals and plants. Since the Bishnois make it impossible for the poachers to kill, the rare blackbuck thrives in this region.

DAY 16   JODHPUR - JAISALMER

Morning: Depart to Jaisalmer. Upon arrival check in at the hotel FORT RAJWADA. 

Evening: Drive to a scenic vantage point in the desert for a spectacular sunset view of the fort. 

DAY 17   JAISALMER

Morning: Tour Jaisalmer, a city of gilded magic. Visit the Citadel, the fort built by Rawal Jaisal where a fourth of the population lives. Visit also the Jain Temples of the 12^th to 15^th centuries; Patwon Ki Haveli, a five-story mansion with carved pillars and murals; Salim Singh Haveli, with its peacock-motif arched roof; and Nathmalji Ki Haveli, guarded by elegant sandstone elephants. 

Evening:  Take the camel ride to the Khuri Dunes.

DAY 18   JAISALMER - JAIPUR

Late morning: Board your flight to Jaipur. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel RAMBAGH PALACE.

DAY 19   JAIPUR

Morning: Drive to Amber Fort, the ancient capital of the state, where the Jaipur royal house held court for seven centuries. Board a splendidly arrayed elephant to ascend the rugged hill. Visit the magnificent gateways, courtyards, and pavilions. Proceed to Jagmandir, the Hall of Victory glittering with inlaid mirrors, Jai Mahal, and the Temple of Kali. Next visit Jaigarh (Tiger) Fort, one of the few military structures of medieval India. Jaigarh Fort is preserved almost intact, containing palaces, gardens, open and covered reservoirs, a granary, an armory, a canon foundry, the world's largest cannon on wheels, and several temples. Jaigarh Fort has been the royal treasury for several years. Enjoy the breathtaking views of Amber Palace and the surrounding area. 

Afternoon: Tour the city of Jaipur. Visit the Maharaja’s City Palace and its fabulous museum. Browse the display of textiles, arms, carpets, paintings, and manuscripts. See the Maharaja’s two large urns, the largest silver vessels in India. Proceed to Jantar Mantar, the Observatory of Maharaja Jai Singh II, constructed in 1716. Drive past the Hawa Mahal Palace of Winds, used by the ladies of the palace to watch the outside world. Continue through the rose-pink residential and business areas of the city.

DAY 21   DELHI

Full day at leisure.

DAY 22   DELHI - USA

Transfer to International airport to board your flight for onward destinations...TOUR ENDS