Namaste! Welcome to India. Your adventure begins with an airport transfer and a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you have any free time before the meeting, perhaps visit the World Heritage-listed Mughal masterpiece of Humayun's Tomb or the tall brick tower of Qutub Minar. Perhaps head out for some dinner with your new travelling companions in the evening.  Note: We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). If you're going to be late, please inform the hotel reception. We'll be collecting your insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting, so please ensure you have all these details to provide to your leader.

In the morning, navigate the city’s metro system to discover Old Delhi on a guided walking tour. Hitch a ride in a traditional cycle rickshaw through a typical Indian traffic jam in the streets around Chandni Chowk marketplace. Visit Delhi’s oldest mosque of Jama Masjid, which is also India’s largest. Then head to the Sheeshganj Gurudwara (Sikh Temple) to learn about the Sikh religion.

Travel to Agra by one of India's faster air-conditioned trains (approximately 3 hours/230 kilometres). Steeped in Mughal heritage, Agra has a wealth of gardens, temples and open rooftops. Visit the Taj Mahal and hear about why Emperor Shah Jahan built it as a memorial to his wife, Mumtaz. Buzz around Agra in a motorised rickshaw and explore inside the spectacular sandstone walls of the Red Fort, built to encompass the imperial city of the Mughal rulers in the 16th century. If you have time, move on to Akbar's Mausoleum to honour the great emperor.

Take a local bus to Bassi, a small town in the middle of rural Rajasthan (approximately 4 hours/210 kilometres). Travel by private transport to your accommodation for the night (approximately 45 minutes/20 kilometres). On a walk through the village, see craftspeople at work and meet some of the locals. In the evening, stay in the beautiful heritage property of Fort Madhogarh, which has belonged to one of Rahasthan’s royal families for centuries.

Travel by private vehicle to Jaipur (approximately 90 minutes/50 kilometres). On arrival, take an orientation tour around the ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur. Get among the crowds of the city’s bazaars to shop for artisan goods and semi-precious stones. Set on a hilltop overlooking Maota Lake, visit the Amber Fort, an excellent example of Rajput architecture. The Sheesh Mahal inside the fort is a must-see. As the walls are completely covered in little mirrors, the hall illuminates with the light of a single match.

This morning, perhaps take an optional hot air balloon ride. Floating across the skyline of Jaipur in a hot air balloon a great way to start the day, and is definitely a journey highight. Take a cycle rickshaw to Hawa Mahal, also known as the 'Palace of the Winds’. Otherwise, you may like to head to Jaipur's Royal City Palace or the observatory of Jantar Mantar to see a collection of astronomical instruments. After a long day of exploration, perhaps head to the Raj Mandir Cinema with your travelmates to experience the glamour of a Bollywood film. Note: Ballooning can be done over the city on the morning of day six between September and June. For additional information, please see the important notes section of the Essential Trip Information.

Continue on to Ranthambhore (approximately 5 hours/200 kilometres) via private vehicle. Ranthambhore National Park was once a famous hunting ground for the Maharajas of Jaipur, and became one of the original Project Tiger reserves. Explore the ruins of the park’s 10th-century fort, and in the evening take a 4WD safari in search of tigers and other wildlife. Notes: The safety of our travellers is our highest concern and your tour leader has the authority to cancel or reschedule the jeep safari if they believe the vehicles available do not meet our safety standards. Ranthambhore National Park is closed between 1 July and 30 September each year. On those trips affected, we'll visit nearby Sawai Mansingh Sanctuary. Sawai Mansingh Sanctuary is located approximately 16km from Ranthambhore and is due to its hilly terrain isnt as af...

Travel to Bundi by private vehicle (approximately 4 hours/150 kilometres) and navigate its narrow streets on a walking tour. Wander through the downtown market and engage with the locals. Visit intricately carved baoris (step wells) and explore the 16th-century Bundi Palace – be sure to check out its famous murals. 

Travel via local train to the small town of Bassi (approximately three hours). Head to Castle Bijaipur by jeep, where you’ll spend the night. This fortified mansion is still run by the local landlord and his family. Enjoy a meal of local Bassi cuisine with your travelling companions in the evening, and relax in the castle for the rest of the night.

Take another local train journey (approximately three hours) and then enjoy a drive in an open-top jeep through the countryside to visit pastoral villages. The area is teeming with wildlife, and your guide will point out some native animals. While in the villages, perhaps treat yourself to a henna tattoo. Spend the night under the stars camping beside a lake. Note: During the monsoon period (April to September) we do not camp, but spend both nights in a heritage hotel.

Continue on to Udaipur via private vehicle (approximately 4 hours/180 kilometres). Take a walk to soak up the city’s hills, lakes and white marble palaces, or explore the cities winding alleys and bazaars filled with silver, leather goods and miniature paintings. A popular centre for artists, dancers and musicians, there’s plenty to keep you entertained in Udaipur.

Visit Jaipur’s City Palace, one of the largest royal palaces in India. Enjoy an optional boat ride on the famous Lake Pichola (seasonal: depending on the water level in the lake) and marvel at the island palaces off Jag Nivas and Jag Mandir. In the evening, perhaps enjoy a traditional concert that combines seven traditional Rajasthani folk dances.

Take a six-hour air-conditioned train to Ajmer and then a private vehicle to your hotel in Pushkar. Enjoy a walking tour to visit the bustling ghats and temples around Pushkar Lake, and watch as the devout worship by the holy water. A highlight of this trip is a camel ride out into the surrounding desert area. For those who would prefer not to to ride, there’s a camel-cart option.

Early risers can hike up to the Savitri Temple for amazing sunrise views over the town; there may even be a steaming glass of chai waiting for you at the top, if the chai man is there. You’ll have free time to enjoy the rest of the morning in Pushkar. The Shatabdi Express train departs Ajmer around 2 pm for the return trip to Delhi, arriving at around 10.40 pm.

There are no activities planned for the final day and you’re able to depart the accommodation at any time.