GRAND TOUR OF INCREDIBLE INDIA

A full-day exploration of Old and New Delhi, revealing the many faces of India’s capital. Visit the soaring Qutub Minar, a masterpiece of early Indo-Islamic architecture, and the refined Mughal elegance of Humayun’s Tomb. Drive past the ceremonial India Gate and government buildings before entering Old Delhi to discover Jama Masjid, one of India’s largest mosques. Enjoy a rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk, a vibrant maze of spice markets, jewellery shops and street life unchanged for centuries. In the afternoon, drive to Mandawa, in the semi-arid Shekhawati region, once enriched by caravan trade. Overnight in a heritage haveli or fort.

Morning walk through Mandawa to admire its famed frescoed havelis, painted with mythological scenes, European influences and merchant pride — a unique open-air museum of Rajasthan’s trading past. Continue to Bikaner, an oasis city on the edge of the Thar Desert. Visit Junagarh Fort, an imposing citadel never conquered in battle, followed by Lalgarh Palace, blending Rajput, Mughal and European styles. Discover the Camel Breeding Farm, reflecting Bikaner’s deep desert heritage. Evening free to explore local bazaars.

Drive through the vast, windswept landscapes of the Thar Desert, punctuated by remote villages and camel caravans. Stop at Pokhran Fort, a former desert stronghold guarding ancient trade routes. Arrive in Jaisalmer, rising from the sands like a mirage. At sunset, witness the Golden Fort glow in warm honey-coloured stone — a truly unforgettable sight. Overnight in Jaisalmer.

Explore the living Golden Fort, still inhabited today, with its exquisitely carved Jain temples, palaces and narrow lanes. Visit Patwon-ki-Haveli, one of Rajasthan’s finest merchant mansions, followed by the peaceful Gadisar Lake. In the afternoon, venture into the dunes for a camel safari in the Sam Desert, culminating in sunset over rolling sands, traditional music, folk dances and dinner under a starlit sky.

Drive to Jodhpur, the Blue City, dominated by the colossal Mehrangarh Fort perched dramatically on a cliff. Visit its palaces, museums and courtyards, followed by Jaswant Thada’s marble cenotaphs and the Umaid Bhawan Palace, still partly royal residence. Continue to Luni, where you experience the charm of rural Rajasthan, village walks and interactions with local communities. Overnight in a heritage property.

Journey into the Aravalli Hills to Mount Abu, Rajasthan’s only hill station and a refreshing change of climate. Visit the stunning Dilwara Jain Temples, renowned for their marble carvings of astonishing delicacy. Enjoy Nakki Lake and panoramic views from Sunset Point.

Drive through forested hills to Ranakpur, home to one of India’s most extraordinary Jain temple complexes, celebrated for its 1,444 uniquely carved pillars. Arrive in Udaipur, the City of Lakes, once capital of the proud Mewar kingdom. Evening at leisure to soak in the romantic atmosphere.

Explore the vast City Palace, a fusion of Rajput and Mughal styles overlooking Lake Pichola. Visit Jagdish Temple before enjoying a boat cruise on Lake Pichola, gliding past Jag Mandir and the iconic Lake Palace at sunset.

Travel to Ajmer to visit the revered Dargah Sharif, pilgrimage site of Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti. Continue to Pushkar, a sacred town centred around its holy lake and the rare Brahma Temple. Proceed to Jaipur, the vibrant Pink City.

Ascend the hilltop Amber Fort, passing through ornate gateways and mirror-lined halls. Continue with Jaipur’s architectural highlights: Hawa Mahal, City Palace and Jantar Mantar Observatory. Time to explore colourful bazaars famed for gemstones, block-printed textiles and handicrafts.

Drive to Agra with a stop at Fatehpur Sikri, the perfectly preserved Mughal ghost city built by Emperor Akbar. Continue to Agra

Sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal, when its marble shifts from soft pink to luminous white. Explore Agra Fort, the elegant Baby Taj and Akbar’s tomb at Sikandra.

Drive to Gwalior, crowned by one of India’s most dramatic hilltop forts. Explore palaces, temples and enjoy an evening sound & light show narrating centuries of history.

Visit the Datia Palace before discovering Orchha, a medieval town of palaces and cenotaphs set along the Betwa River. Continue to Khajuraho.

Explore the UNESCO-listed Khajuraho temples, masterpieces of sculpture and sacred symbolism. Fly to Varanasi, one of the world’s oldest living cities.

Early-morning boat ride on the Ganges, witnessing sunrise rituals and daily life along the ghats. City tour and temple visits. Evening transfer to board the overnight train to Kolkata.

Discover Kolkata, former British capital and cultural heart of Bengal. Visit Victoria Memorial, Indian Museum, Missionaries of Charity, and stroll through colonial quarters and vibrant markets.

Train journey to Bhubaneswar, known as the City of Temples. Visit major shrines reflecting ancient Kalinga architecture.

Full-day excursion to Puri, one of Hinduism’s four sacred pilgrimage sites, and the UNESCO-listed Konark Sun Temple, shaped like a colossal stone chariot.

Flight to Chennai, gateway to South India. Evening at leisure.

Fly to Cochin, Kerala’s historic trading port. Explore Fort Kochi by boat, Chinese fishing nets and colonial landmarks.

Visit Mattancherry Palace and Jewish Quarter. Excursion into the serene backwaters of Alleppey, followed by a traditional Kathakali dance performance.

Fly to Bangalore, then drive to Mysore. Evening visit to the illuminated Brindavan Gardens.

Visit Mysore Palace and Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace at Srirangapatna. Continue sightseeing in Bangalore.

Flight to Goa. Time to relax on golden beaches

Explore Old Goa’s churches, spice plantations and laid-back coastal villages.

Fly to Mumbai, India’s financial capital. Discover Gateway of India, Marine Drive and art districts.

Transfer to the airport for your onward international flight.