Traces of kingdoms and warriors stand as a testament to a feudal land of majestic palaces and proud people, where history lives on amongst its rocky outcrops and romance flourishes in the shade of the Taj Mahal. Forts, palaces, towns and villages rise obliquely against a backdrop of jungles and undulating dunes, and bright gaudy temples draw the faithful in a continuous parade of lively spirituality.
Day 1 - Delhi
Arrive in Delhi where you are met and transferred to your hotel.
Day 2 - Mandawa
Drive to the Shekhavati area of Rajasthan, renowned for its painted frescoes and ornate havelis (merchants' houses).
Day 3 - Mandawa
You follow a guided morning walk of Mandawa to enjoyed the painted havelis. In the afternoon you take a camel ride to surrounding villages.
Day 4 - Bikaner
Continue to Bikaner to visit the grand Junagadh Fort.
Day 5 - Osian
Drive via Nagaur and the unique Karni Mata Temple at Deshnok to Osian, an ancient town in the Thar desert. You spend the night in a beautiful tented camp in the sand dunes and take an afternoon camel ride in the desert.
Day 6 - Jodhpur
Next is the `Blue City' of Jodhpur, dominated by the impressive Meherangarh Fort with magnificent views over the blue-hued city.
Day 7 - Ranakpur
South of Jodhpur are the superb Jain temples of Ranakpur. You stay overnight in Fateh Bagh, a beautifully restored heritage hotel.
Day 8 - Udaipur
Continue to the enchanting `White City' of Udaipur, surely Rajasthan's most picturesque city with its white marble palaces, placid blue lakes, attractive gardens and green hills.
Day 9 - Udaipur
In the morning you enjoy a tour of Udaipur which includes a visit to the huge City Palace. You round off your tour with a boat trip on Lake Pichola. The afternoon is free to wander through the maze of alleys and interesting bazaars.
Day 10 - Deogarh
Nearby is the pleasant and little-frequented town of Deogarh. The narrow bazaar road, filled with textiles and silver jewellery shops, winds its way up to the top of the hill where you find the beautifully renovated 17th century Deogarh Mahal Palace. In the afternoon you take an excursion to the surrounding countryside in one of the vintage trucks owned by the family.
Day 11 - Jaipur
Drive to the `Pink City' of Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, with its old pink-coloured sandstone buildings.
Day 12 - Jaipur
Visit the City Palace, the Observatory and the famous facade of Hawa Mahal or `Palace of Winds'. In the afternoon take an excursion to the magnificent Amber Fort situated just outside town.
Day 13 - Agra
Drive via the abandoned Moghul capital of Fatehpur Sikri to Agra.
Day 14 - Delhi
Morning visit to the Taj Mahal, India's iconic masterpiece. Afternoon drive back to Delhi.
Day 15 - Delhi
Tour ends. Transfer to Delhi airport to connect with your onward travel.