Classic northern India

Destinations	Delhi, Agra, Rajasthan, Mumbai (3 more) Jaipur, Udaipur, Jaisalmer
Activity	Luxury, Culture
Physical Level	Easy
Season	January - December

Suggested itinerary

Explore Old Delhi

Day 1–3 in Delhi

Start your Indian adventure in capital city Delhi. Your guide will introduce you to the sights of this grand city, starting with the World Heritage site of Humayun’s Tomb, Gandhi’s eternal flame and the imposing India Gate, a memorial to 82,000 soldiers who died during World War One.

Make sure to explore the narrow streets of Old Delhi, founded in 1639 by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, who moved the Mughal capital here from Agra. Try street food, marvel at the architecture and absorb your surroundings – it’s crowded and chaotic, but this is the real India.

Don't miss

Get lost in old Delhi in the Chandni Chowk

Visit Old Delhi, the symbolic heart of India’s capital, and get lost in one of its oldest and busiest markets, the Chandni Chowk. Explore its fascinating history, temples and famous colourful bazaars, selling everything from sweets and saris to jewellery and the delicious jalebis.

Take the train and marvel at the Taj Mahal

Day 4–6 in Agra

You’ll begin your trip to Agra early in the morning and that most Indian of transport – the train. India’s rail network is spread over 115,000km and transports 23 million people each day. You’ll be journeying from the comfort of a first-class carriage, but you’ll still take in the sights, sounds and smells of travel in India.

Your arrival into Agra will give you your first glimpse of the world-famous Taj Mahal. Spend a couple of days exploring this monument to love (Emperor Shah Jahan built it to house the tomb of his wife Mumtaz Mahal), as well as Agra Fort and Chandni Bazaar. If time allows, visit the ancient ruins of the sandstone city of Fatehpur Sikri.

Don't miss

Visit India’s most impressive fort in Agra

Agra may be more famous for a certain monument to love (hint: the Taj Mahal), but it is also home to the imposing, red sandstone Agra Fort. Built in the 16th century, it was once the residence of the Mughal emperors.

See the Taj Mahal (and beyond)

The Taj Mahal, built in the 17th century by Emperor Shah Jahan, may be the best-known of Agra’s historical sights, but it’s certainly not the only one. A visit to the Taj Mahal is a given, but try to spend a little longer in the area and make time for other highlights such as Akbar’s Tomb, Agra Fort and the mosque of Fatehpur Sikri.

Get cultural in Jaipur

Day 7–9 in Jaipur

Known as the pink city, Jaipur is a Rajasthani royal city that offers spellbinding sights and sounds. Its palaces, observatories and merchant buildings are painted in hues of red and pink, but its crowning jewel is the spectacular Amer Fort which towers over the city on a hillside a short drive from the city. Spend a couple of days exploring Jaipur, including its rich arts and crafts scene, before flying back to Delhi to connect with your international flight.

Don't miss

Marvel at the architecture of Jaipur's Amber Fort

Perhaps Rajasthan’s best known city, Jaipur is renowned for its stunning architecture. From the imposing Amber Fort to the Hawa Mahal and Jal Mahal palaces, the city oozes history. Jaipur is also Rajasthan’s cultural centre, making it a great place to take in traditional folkloric dance and music.

Shop for handcrafted fabrics in Jaipur

Rajasthan is one of India’s richest states when it comes to traditional arts and crafts. From block-printed and tie-dyed fabrics to jewellery and Jaipur’s distinctive blue-dyed pottery, Rajasthan is an art enthusiasts dream.

Experience rural Rajasthan

100kms from Jaipur nestled in the Aravelli Hills is the tiny village of Ajabgarh where life hasn’t changed for generations, tribesmen tend their goats and the sight of a foreigner is certain to raise a wave and a smile from local children. If there’s such a thing as ‘real’ India, this must be pretty close.

Encounter desert nomads in Jaisalmer

Day 10–12 in Jaisalmer

Travel to the far-flung western edge of Rajasthan to see the Golden City of Jaisalmer. Located in the heart of the imposing Thar desert, you'll encounter desert nomads, camel caravans, colourful clothing and a city full of charming buildings. With your guide, you'll explore the labyrinth of streets and the desert beyond.

Don't miss

Visit the camel markets of the Thar Desert

A visit to Rajasthan wouldn’t be complete without venturing into the vast blank canvas that is the Thar Desert. 40% of the state’s population reside in the desert, so take this opportunity to experience the folklore, crafts and vibrant camel markets of gateway towns like Jaisalmer.

Float on the lakes of Udaipur

Day 13–15 in Udaipur

Home to five interconnecting lakes, Udaipur is known as the 'Venice of India' and is one of the country's most romantic cities. Float across Lake Pichola to your floating hotel, visit the City Palace and Jag Mandir and take a guided shopping trip down the mazy alleyways of the old city.

End in iconic Mumbai

Day 16–18 in Mumbai

Fast-paced Mumbai is the brash, celebrity-filled city of entertainment. Here, Bollywood stars mingle with cricket legends and you'll get a taste of luxury with your stay at the famous Taj Mahal hotel.

It's not all about modern Mumbai though — your guide will take you on a tour of Mumbai's rich culture and fascinating history, including its crumbling colonial-era architecture.

Where to stay

Superior

Trident Agra

A little island of cleanliness and calm in the middle of the Taj Mahal mayhem. With this chain, you can be sure of excellent service, flawlessly clean rooms and a tickbox list of facilities. Lacking a little character, perhaps, but excellent value for money.

Superior

Rambagh Palace

This jewel in the Taj’s crown offers 78 stunning grand luxury rooms and suites, once the chambers of the Maharaja. The palace retains its splendour with vintage cars, guards on horseback and exquisitely uniformed staff. Mughal gardens and exceptional cuisine.