India, New Delhi

The splendours of Rajasthan

Flight to Delhi.

A kingdom that was the origin of several empires, today's 'Delhi' is an incredible combination of ancient and contemporary. It is the magnet that attracts Mongols, Turks, Persians, Afghans, Mughals and the British, all contributing to its glorious but turbulent past. Such was the fascination with Delhi that even though it was abandoned several times, its rulers returned again and again, rebuilding it at least seven times. Today, the twin cities of Old and New Delhi offer a striking contrast for the first-time traveller. You can find high-rise buildings, chic shopping malls and high-end cars in harmony with historic monuments, rustic ruins and bullock carts. An excellent gateway to relaxation without compromising on luxury, this city is sure to surprise.

After clearing immigration and collecting your luggage, our representative will meet you on the forecourt of the arrivals terminal. Transfer to your hotel and check into your room. (The room will be available from 2pm).

Overnight at your hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Departure by road to Mandawa. The Shekhawati region, a genuine open-air gallery of Rajasthan, is renowned for its havelis, the homes of rich Marwari merchants, decorated with outstanding frescoes. The facades are adorned with vibrant scenes, while the courtyards feature intricate pillars. The majority of these havelis were constructed during the eighteenth and early twentieth centuries. The most suitable locations in the region to view these havelis are Jhunjhunu, Fatehpur, Ramgarh, Nawalgarh and Mandawa.

On arrival, check-in at the hotel. Afternoon stroll and discovery of some of these beautiful homes. Most of the havelis are still inhabited, and you will be very welcome to visit.

Overnight stay at your hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Afterwards, departure by road to Bikaner. Situated in the north-west of the state of Rajasthan, the city of Bikaner was once the capital of this princely state. It is currently the administrative headquarters of the region. Founded by Rao Bika in 1486, it is the fourth largest city in Rajasthan. It is surrounded by a crenellated rampart and was once an important stopover on the caravan route. A camel festival is held here every February.

On arrival, check-in at the hotel. In the afternoon, visit Junagarh Fort, an impressive citadel constructed between 1588 and 1593. Its ramparts are almost a kilometre long and include 37 bastions. Its museum houses a very rare collection of ancient Persian and Sanskrit manuscripts.

Overnight stay at your hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Departure by road to Jodhpur. Jodhpur, the "Blue City", is rich in history and is one of the most vibrant places to explore. Known as the Blue City, with its many palaces, forts and temples, it is dominated by the Mehrangarh Fort, a structure that is steeped in legend. Its exquisite crafts, folk dances, music, and colourful people make Jodhpur a truly romantic destination. Discover the city's bazaars, experience a Tonga ride through the Old Town famous for its sweets and tasty Jodhpuri dishes, or get lost in the winding, colourful streets.

On arrival, check into your room.

City tour: Mehrangarh Fort, perched on a hill 125 metres above sea level. It is the most impressive citadel in Rajasthan. The fort dominates the Old Town, with its blue-painted houses and the Clock Tower, which marks the entrance to the bazaar. According to Rudyard Kipling, this 15th-century fortress is the work of "angels, fairies, and giants"!

Overnight stay at your hotel.

After breakfast, departure for Udaipur.

On the route, stop at Ranakpur. Set amongst the gentle hills of the Aravalli mountains, the Jain temples of Ranakpur are like white marble flowers in a lush green setting. The site is one of the five major pilgrimages of Jainism. In the hollow of a shady valley stands the largest Jain temple in the whole of India: the Chaumukha or "Four Heads", dedicated to Adinath, the first "Ford-crosser". This sublime temple of Adinath spans an area of 3,600 m2 and has no fewer than 29 halls and 1,440 pillars, none of which is identically sculpted. The temple complex was constructed in the 15th century at the initiative of a wealthy Jain merchant to honour the gods of his faith. Today, the monastic complex is home to a small community of Jain monks, who are visited by many pilgrims. Open to non-Jains from 12 to 5 p.m.

Please note: Due to new rules governing the management of Ranakpur's Jain temples, no guides are allowed inside the temple and explanations are given outside. Audio guides are available in English, French, German and Spanish for the inside visit. In addition, please comply with the following regulations:

• Do not wear black
• Wear only (men & women) long trousers and T-shirts, jumpers, etc.
• No leather
• No matches or cigarettes
• Shoes must be left at the entrance

After the visit, drive on to Udaipur and check into your hotel.

Overnight stay at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel followed by a tour of the city:

The City Palace, a majestic white fortified palace built in 1725, featuring a triple-arched main entrance known as the "Tripolia". The Suraj Gokhada, or 'Sun Balcony', is also of great interest.

The Jagdish Temple, built in the 16th century and dedicated to Lord Vishnu, is the largest and most beautiful temple in the city.

The Sahelion Ki Bari or "Garden of the Maidens" is home to numerous fountains and lush vegetation. This is where the ladies of the royal family used to stroll, sheltered from prying eyes and the hustle and bustle of the city.

Boat trip (non-private) on Lake Pichola at sunset.

Overnight stay at the hotel.

Visit to Pushkar, its Ghats, and the Brahma temple.

Breakfast at the hotel and then drive to Pushkar.

Situated along the shores of picturesque Lake Pushkar, the town is dotted with numerous temples, ghats, and ashrams. The sacred lake of Pushkar resonates with the chants and hymns of the 500 blue temples on its shores. A holy town, Pushkar is also famous for its fair, a time when colourful veils, turbaned heads, and colourful skirts, along with the sounds of the ektara (musical instrument) and the melodious tunes of Rajasthani folk songs, add to the charisma of the place.

Upon arrival in Pushkar, proceed to the hotel to check in. A visit to the town reveals a small lake with purported healing properties situated in a verdant setting amidst rolling hills. The lake is surrounded by 52 ghats, offering visitors a unique opportunity to observe the ablutions of worshippers.

Overnight stay at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Jaipur.

Jaipur, founded by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II in 1727, was planned according to the Indian Vastu Shastra architectural tradition. Jaipur is the only city in the world that symbolises the nine divisions of the universe through the nine rectangular sectors into which it is divided. The city is steeped in history and culture. The palaces and forts of bygone days, witness to royal splendour and processions, exist today as living monuments. Aside from the heavy traffic of bicycles, cars, and buses, little seems to have changed. This fascinating city with its romantic charm will transport you back to a time of royalty and tradition.

Arrival and check-in at the hotel. Afternoon city tour:

• The City Palace also known as the Maharajah's Palace, with its collection of royal clothing, ceremonial canopies and stunning miniature paintings.
• Jantar Mantar Observatory: built at the beginning of the 18th century by a prince who was passionate about astronomy and astrology, and whose astronomical instruments will both surprise you and elicit admiration.
• The Hawa Mahal or "Palace of the Winds" (photo stop). Facade behind which the royal women could watch street shows, without being seen by the people.

Overnight stay at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Departure for the sightseeing tour of Amer Fort, built by Raja Man Singh I in the 16th century and completed by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh in the 18th century. With its large ramparts and a series of gates and cobbled pathways, the fort overlooks Lake Maota to the front. Popular buildings in the fort consist of: the Diwan-i-Aam, the Diwan-i-Khas, the Sheesh Mahal (mirror palace), Jai Mandir, and the Sukh Niwas.

Please note: The ascent and descent to Amber Fort will be by jeep.

In the interests of respecting and protecting animal wildlife, we would like to see an end to the ascent of Amber Fort on the back of an elephant. The incessant journeys back and forth are exhausting, especially as the legs of these magnificent pachyderms are not made for walking on roads or cobblestones. As an alternative, we are offering you the opportunity to travel in a jeep and play your part in ending this practice from another era.

In the afternoon, screening of a Bollywood film at the Raj Mandir. Designed by architect W.M. Namjoshi in the Art Deco style, this meringue-shaped auditorium - which has seen numerous premieres of Hindi films since it opened its doors in 1976 - has become a popular symbol of Jaipur. Known for its large capacity and opulent, meringue-like interiors, it is well worth a visit, especially at night when the venue is enhanced by its night-time lighting.

Overnight stay at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Agra.

On the route, stop at Fatehpur Sikri, the magnificent ancient Mughal capital of Akbar the Great. A real ghost town whose ruins are still in their original state. It's not difficult to imagine what life was like in the fort in its heyday. Fatehpur Sikri is a remarkable place from an artistic and architectural point of view. The imperial city, now deserted - no doubt due to a lack of water - offers visitors an overview of its past grandeur with its palaces, colonnaded buildings, kiosks, pavilions, courtyards and ponds, mosques, caravanserais... Continue on to Agra.

Tradition attributes the founding of the city of Agra to Raja Badal Singh around 1475 AD. The city came to prominence during the reign of the Afghan king Sikandar Lodhi - who made it the capital of his empire. Agra witnessed the rise of the pomp and pageantry of three great Mughal monarchs - Akbar, Jahangir and Shah Jahan - who made this city one of the greatest centres of art, culture, learning, and commerce. In modern times, the city of Agra is renowned for its superb marble inlay work, hand-crafted soapstone, carpets, gold-thread embroidery, and leatherwork.

On arrival, check into the hotel. Overnight stay at the hotel.

At sunrise, visit the Taj Mahal. Emperor Shah Jehan erected this masterpiece of Indo-Persian art on the banks of the Yamuna to perpetuate the memory of his favourite wife, and it is one of the wonders universally admired by mankind. This site truly symbolises the story of a great love. The rectangular basin, lined with cypress trees, reflects the image of the monument, creating a magical charm. Beneath the dome, Shah Jahan and Mumtaz lie together in eternal rest.

Although the Taj Mahal appears to be perfectly symmetrical from almost any angle, it is the astounding marble inlay work that truly captivates. This exceptional piece of architecture will fascinate you.

Return to the hotel for breakfast.

Then discover the Red Fort, which was built by the Mughal emperor Akbar between 1565 and 1573. Classified by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, the fort's architecture tells the story of the Mughal Empire. Perched on a promontory overlooking the Yamuna River, this impressive fort exudes power and contains numerous palaces adorned with exquisite decorations. This dramatic city, surrounded by a moat, was home to three emperors: Akbar, Shah Jehan and Aurangzeb. Each emperor made a significant contribution to the marvellous interior architecture, which combines Hindu, Persian (Islamic) and local styles.

Then drive back to Delhi.

On arrival, check into the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

IMPORTANT:

Please note that the Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays and that you can only visit the place for 3 hours.

The visits planned for this day may be changed or cancelled depending on the return flight schedule.

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

The return flight may take place on the evening of day 11 or the morning of day 12. Depending on this schedule, breakfast at the hotel will be organised accordingly.

Visits planned for this day may be modified or cancelled depending on the return flight schedule.

If your return flight is scheduled for the end of the day, breakfast at the hotel and city tour:

Rickshaw ride: You'll be immersed in a world of colours and smells on this rickshaw ride through the typical, crowded alleys of the Chandni Chowk market, which means "moonlit meeting place". Chandni Chowk is reminiscent of a North African bazaar, with its shops, stands of all kinds, vendors haranguing the crowds, stalls overflowing with fruit, vegetables, spices, household items etc.

Visit to the Jama Masjid mosque, built by Shah Jahan between 1644 and 1658. It is the largest mosque on the Indian subcontinent. Its two 40-metre high minarets are decorated with vertical stripes of red sandstone alternating with white marble. Its courtyard can hold up to 25,000 worshippers.

See the Red Fort or Lal Qila with its red sandstone wall spanning more than 1.25 miles. Its construction began under Emperor Shah Jahan in 1638 and was completed by his son Aurangzeb in 1648 (the latter having imprisoned his father in the Agra Fort shortly after work began).

Gurudwara Bangla Sahib is one of the most famous places of worship in the Sikh religion and is renowned for its association with the eighth Sikh Guru, Guru Har Krishan. Inside, there is a pool commonly known as a "Sarovar". It was originally a Haveli occupied by Mirza Raja Jai Singh, a well-known military leader under the Emperor Aurangzeb. The complex is rather large and includes a community kitchen, a school, a dispensary, a bookshop, a museum, and even a car park!

Visit to the Qutub Minar, a 72-metre-high minaret dating from the 12th century, at the dawn of the Muslim era in India. This tower commemorates the victory of Mohammed de Ghor over the last Hindu ruler, Prithviraj III, in 1192. Two earthquakes in the 14th and 19th centuries seriously damaged the Qutub Minar and the neighbouring buildings. Its five storeys are separated by balconies, the first three in red sandstone and the top two in white marble.

In due course, transfer to the airport to catch your return flight.

To help you prepare for and enjoy your stay, please note the following:

ACCOMMODATION:

Accommodation in a double room.

Accommodation is classified according to local standards. The services provided may not be equivalent to European standards. They may be subject to change depending on availability. If this is the case, we will ensure that you are accommodated in a property of the same standard.

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.

TRANSPORT:

Transfers are provided in private air-conditioned vehicles with English-speaking drivers for all excursions and visits. The type of vehicle used may vary according to capacity (max 8 passengers).

GUIDES:

During the tour, you will be accompanied by local English-speaking guides in Delhi, Bikaner, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Jaipur and Agra, and by local English-speaking guides at the other destinations. Audio guides are available in French, English, German and Spanish for the Ranakpur temples.

SPECIFIC CONDITIONS / REGULATIONS IN RANAKPUR (DAY 5):

• Due to new regulations governing the management of the Jain temples in Ranakpur, guides are not permitted inside the temples and explanations are provided outside. Audioguides are available in English, French, German and Spanish.
• Do not wear black
• Wear long clothing only (men and women)
• Do not wear leather
• Do not carry matches or cigarettes
• Shoes must be left at temple entrances