Day 01: Arrival at Delhi
Welcome to India! Upon arrival at International Airport, you are greeted by our representative. Transferred to hotel where our representative helps you check in and brief you about the following tours. Have some free time on your own to adjust to the new time zone. Stay overnight in Delhi.
Day 02: Delhi Sightseeing
Breakfast at hotel, your tour guide will pick you up in hotel lobby then head to Old Delhi for the magnificent Jama Masjid, India's largest mosque; then a unique glance at local life by an exploration to the bustling local bazaar of Chandni Chowk on rickshaw.
View Red Fort before drive to New Delhi for the tallest stone tower in India, 800-year-old Qutub Minar surrounded by ancient Hindu and Muslim complex. Continue to Raj Ghat – the cremation sites of Mahatma Gandhi. Drive along the city landmark of India Gate, President's House, Parliament House & Government Secretariat Buildings. Finish today with an insight into the local religion at a colorful Hindu temple-Laxmi Narayan Temple. Stay overnight in Delhi.
Day 03: Delhi – Mandawa
After breakfast, proceed for Mandawa, the capital of Shekhawati region famous for its old merchant mansions and beautiful fresco art. Stopovers for a rest or photo opportunity would be at your request en-route. On arrival and settle down at hotel, the rest of the day at leisure.
Day 04: Mandawa Sightseeing
Breakfast then enjoy your walking tour of Mandawa to discover many hidden havelis (mansions). The Shekhawati area is like an open art gallery in India, your private guide's commentary will definitely enhance your impression. Later afternoon enjoy a camel ride into the sand dunes surrounding.
Day 05: Mandawa – Samode
Continue travelling to rural Rajasthan to discover the small village of Samode nestled among rugged hills where cobbled narrow streets curve up till you reach the fairytale palace. This superbly restored eighteenth-century palace was put on the map by its starring role in the 1984 mini-series 'The Far Pavilions'. This palace will be your home for the night!
Day 06: Samode – Jaipur
After breakfast at hotel, a short drive to 'pink city' of Jaipur. On arrival proceed for sightseeing of Amber Fort, the ancient capital of the State. Situated just to the north of Jaipur, Amber Fort overlooks the city from a spar of the Aravali Hills. From the parking area below the Fort, you take the short walk up the steep path to the entrance courtyard, which leads to a magnificent complex of palaces, halls, pavilions, gardens and temples built over a period of 125 years by successive rulers. Inside, you'll also experience the Sheesh Mahal (Palace of Mirrors)
Afternoon city tour of Jaipur includes a brief stop at façade of the famous Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds) and your tour guide shows you the best angle for a perfect picture. Continue to the City Palace Museum & Jantar Mantar – the largest stone observatory in world that still in service today, check the local time in person by the giant sundial is interesting. Drive through the pink rose residential and business areas before you are escorted to the hotel.
Day 07: Jaipur – Agra
This morning we will head east to Agra, en-route a brief exploration to the former royal city of Fatehpur Sikri (about 1.5 hrs), one of the finest examples of Mughal architectural splendor at its height, built by Emperor Akbar in 1569 and abandoned after 15 years due to scarcity of water. Lunch time after that and then proceed to Agra. Hotel check-in on arrival and rest of the day is at leisure.
Day 08: Agra Sightseeing
Today you start from an early morning visit to Taj Mahal (closed on Friday) which frees you from the crowds and heat in daytime; this white-marble world wonder was built by a great emperor in memory of his beloved.
Later visit the palatial Royal Pavilions at the red sandstone Agra Fort for a glimpse of the royal Mughal lifestyle.
Day 09: Agra – Delhi (220 km) / Delhi Departure
On arrival meet at the station and transfer to the hotel for fresh-n-up. Late in the afternoon transfer to the International airport time to board the flight for onward destination.
