Let your senses be tantalised, your emotions tested and your spirit lifted as you embrace the amalgam of cultures, colours and religions that India embodies. Spice bazaars partner with exotic markets in Delhi, and Agra is the home of the famous Taj Mahal; a symbol of unyielding love and one of the world’s greatest architectural masterpieces. We walk amongst tigers at Ranthambore National Park, and discover the ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur, whose streets represent the ancient Hindu map of the universe.

Day 1 to 4 - Delhi - Agra
Day 1 is simply an arrival day with no pre-organised activities, so you will have free time to relax and see some of the sights. Delhi is the bustling capital of India and, with a population of almost 13 million, it is bound to be a city that keeps you on your toes no matter what time of day it is! On Day 2 your tour leader will assist you with sightseeing options. You can visit the Gandhi Memorial Museum or the infamous Red Fort. A popular way to discover Delhi for many people is to take a bicycle rickshaw tour and check out the view from Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India.

In the morning of day 3 you will travel by train from Delhi railway station to the industrial city of Agra. Home of the infamous Taj Mahal, Agra is a city steeped in history and tradition. The Taj Mahal never ceases to amaze all who visit to marvel at what is possibly the greatest testimonial to love and romance ever built. The mausoleum Taj Mahal is an enduring monument to the love Shah Jahan had for his wife, and is renowned throughout the world as an architectural masterpiece in the Mughal style. The UNESCO World Heritage site was completed in 1648 and attracts more than 2 million visitors every year. Although the white marble dome is the most iconic aspect of the Taj, the complex is set in a large garden, which is laid out with avenues of trees, fountains and reflecting pools.

Originally the garden was a lush growth of vegetation, flowers and fruits but this has been gradually replaced by an English-style formal setting with verdant grassy lawns to wander around at your leisure. But there’s more to Agra than monuments of love, and other popular attractions include the Agra Fort and Tomb of Itimad-Ud-Daulah. You will have free time in Agra to explore at your leisure or book some optional excursions – your tour leader will offer suggestions and assist you with these. We visit the Taj Mahal with our guide early morning to avoid the crowds, a truly incredible sight. You might also like to visit Fatehpur Sikri – a complex of monuments and temples, all in a uniform architectural style. Built during the second half of the 16th century by the Emperor Akbar, Fatehpur Sikri (the City of Victory) was the capital of the Mughal Empire for only some 10 years. The day will be free to explore Agra further and admire some of Hinduism’s most holy sights.

Day 5 to 6 - Ranthambore National Park
Early in the morning of day 5 we transfer from our hotel in Agra to the railway station and travel by train to Sawai Madhopur, a town located along the rolling hills of the Vindhyas and Aravali ranges. Sawai Mahhopur is famous for Ranthambore National Park, one of the finest tiger reserves in India. On Day 6 you visit the wildlife safari into the National Park in search of the magnificent tigers that reside there. The lakeside woods and grassland provide an ideal habitat for other native wildlife such as deer, wild boar, antelope, bear, leopards and gazelles. This beautiful sanctuary, which covers 410 sq km, came under the Project Tiger scheme in 1972.

You may also wish to visit the Ranthambore Fort which is believed to have housed a settlement as far back as the eighth century. The fort has a Siva temple, where Rana Hamir once beheaded himself rather than face being humiliated by the conquering Delhi army! It also contains age-old palaces, pavilions and tanks.

Day 7 to 9 - Jaipur & Samode
Jaipur is Rajasthan’s capital and most visited city, and is a bustling, lively destination. It is known as the ‘pink city’ because of its pink wash buildings although time has faded some of this colour! Make sure you check out the Old City with its bazaars, palaces and havelis. There’s also the popular Nahargarh (Tiger Fort) which is a small fort with towering walls. The walk there will take you through some picturesque local streets and then up a steep winding road for several kilometres. Alternatively you can reach it by the road via Jaiharh Fort. You may also wish to go on a group visit to Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds) which is one of Jaipur’s most famous attractions. The following day there is free time to view the city independently. Try the fresh fruit juices from the street markets (remember to ask for no water or ice!) or wander around the old city taking in the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Here you also have the option to take a traditional elephant ride. You could also visit the Amber Fort, which used to be the capital of the city.

On day 9 we will pass the hills of the northern Aravallis and stop in Samode. It is a quiet, sleepy town, home to many artisans producing goods such as cloth and jewellery. After we arrive you have the rest of the day free for options. The Samode palace is number one on many visitors’ ‘to see’ lists, although you might want to take an optional jeep safari to visit the local villages and artisans. If you feel like spending the day relaxing, then a visit to Samode Bagh, a large 400 year old formal garden with pavilions and beautiful fountains, might be the ideal activity for you.

Day 10 to 11 - Delhi
Today we travel back to Delhi and you have one final day in this amazing city to enjoy the lively surrounds. We will have our final evening meal together and then the night is yours to do as you wish! The tour will end after breakfast on day 11.