India, New Delhi

India: Land of the Maharajas

On arrival in Delhi, you will be greeted by our local staff and transferred to the hotel.

Overnight stay in Delhi.

Today, we visit Old and New Delhi.

We will begin with a rickshaw tour of Old Delhi, followed by a visit to the Red Fort, a powerful reminder of the Mughal era. This will be followed by a visit to the monument dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi, the Raj Ghat. Next, we visit the Jama Masjid, India's largest mosque, and finally the bustling Chandni Chowk - famous for its spices, cheap jewellery, looms, electronics, and multiple dining options.

After lunch, we will begin our visit of New Delhi, with the intriguing 16th-century tomb of Humayun, and Qutub Minar. We will also visit the Gateway to India, the President's residence, and Parliament Street.

Overnight stay in Delhi.

This morning we will drive to Mandawa (260 km / approx. 5 hrs 45 mins), the colourful hidden treasure of Rajasthan's Shekhawati region. The afternoon will be devoted to discovering Rajput culture and history, as well as observing the frescoes as you stroll through the havelis. It's an art lover's paradise.

Overnight stay in Mandawa.

Today, we will make our way to Bikaner (216 km / approx.4 hrs). It is located in the northern part of Rajasthan and was founded in 1488 by King Bikaji.

We will explore the Fort of Junagarh and the Palace of Lallgarh, a magnificent royal residence, now transformed into a hotel and museum. Corridors, terraces, patios - everything in this place is authentic.

Overnight stay in Bikaner.

Today we will drive to Jodhpur (260 km/ approx. 4 hrs 40 mins).

It is nicknamed the "Blue City" on account of its characteristic colourful houses, which have made it famous the world over.

We will visit the Meherangarh Fort, one of the most impressive and formidable in Rajasthan. It is situated on a natural rock from which you can enjoy a beautiful view of the bustling city.

We will also visit Jaswant Thada, an architectural gem, and the Mandore Gardens, famous for their exquisite sculptures.

Overnight stay in Jodhpur.

The next stage will be the holy city of Pushkar, a place of pilgrimage for Hindus (187 km / approx. 4 hrs).

When we reach Pushkar, we will visit the temple of Lord Brahma, near the sacred lake. Brahma, one of the trilogy of supreme divinity, is believed to have performed a sacrifice in Pushkar after killing a demon with a lotus flower. The town is famous for its Marwair horses, magnificent specimens that adapt to any situation. They were used by Rajput warriors.

Overnight stay in Pushkar.

Today, we're off to the "Pink City" of Jaipur (140 km / approx. 2 hrs 30 mins).

As soon as we arrive, we can stroll through the heart of Jaipur and admire its architecture and its Rajput palaces. In the evening, you can catch a Bollywood film at the famous Raj Mandir cinema!

Overnight stay in Jaipur.

There's nothing like a day's sightseeing in the 'Pink City', surrounded by jagged hills and dotted with the ancient ruins of a fort that contribute to its astonishing beauty.

In the morning, you will visit the impressive Amber Fort, situated on a mountain just outside Jaipur.

At the foot of the hill, you'll climb into a 4x4 Jeep and enter through the large gate, which is befitting of royalty.

The afternoon has been reserved for the City Palace, while still serving as the residence of the Maharaja, it has some rooms open to the public. This will be followed by a visit to the Jantar Mantar Observatory.

Our day ends with a visit to the area surrounding the Hawa Mahal, also known as the 'Palace of the Winds'.

Overnight stay in Jaipur.

Today we will travel to Agra (240 km / approx. 6 hrs).

On the way, we'll stop to see the Abhaneri multi-storey wells: a structure that was once used to collect as much rainwater as possible.

You will then stop for a free tour of Fatehpur sikri, a desert city of red sandstone, where we will visit Bulund Darwaza, the largest gate in the world.

Overnight stay in Agra.

After breakfast, visit the Taj Mahal (closed on Fridays).

The Taj Mahal, built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in the mid-17th century as an expression of his love for his wife Mumtaz Mahal, is truly one of the seven wonders of the world.

After this tour, visit the Agra Fort, an outstanding example of Mughal architecture. It was the seat of Mughal rule and administration. The present structure originated with Akbar, who built the walls, gates and first buildings on the eastern bank of the Yamuna River. Shah Jahan added the impressive royal residences and mosque, and Aurangzeb added the outer ramparts. Be sure to visit the public audience hall and royal pavilions.

After visiting Agra, travel to Delhi, dinner at leisure and night at the hotel.

Depending on your return flight schedule, you can either be transferred directly to Delhi International Airport, or spend a night in Delhi before departure.

The return flight may take place on the evening of day 10 or the morning of day 11. Depending on this schedule, breakfast at the hotel will be arranged accordingly.

The flight times and names of the hotels will be provided when the voucher is sent, which will be no later than 48 hours before departure.

For people booking the "hotel only" package (without international flight), please let us know your flight details as soon as possible via the contact form located in "Help and Contact" at the bottom of the page, so that we can organise your transfers.

On arrival at Delhi International Airport, a member of our staff will be waiting for you at the exit with a sign bearing your name.

Hotels are rated 4- & 5-star according to local standards. The services provided may not be equivalent to European 4- & 5-star standards.

Check-in and check-out time is 12:00 pm.

Hotel accommodation is in standard rooms.

If rooms are unavailable, we will do our best to relocate guests to a hotel of a similar category.

Guides: For all bookings made on our French site, you will be provided with a French-speaking guide during the tour as mentioned in the programme.

For bookings made on a non-French site, you will be provided with a local English-speaking guide.

Please note that triple rooms generally consist of a double room with an extra bed. This type of bed may be less comfortable than a standard bed and reduces the space available in the room.