Depart your home country on your flight to Delhi.
Most suited for
Couples, Families
Ideal time to visit
December- May
This isn’t just another whistle-stop tour of Rajasthan’s famous cities. You appreciate comfort, character and a journey that feels considered rather than hurried.
This route brings all of Rajasthan’s iconic highlights into focus, but elevates them with exceptional heritage hotels, refined service and experiences that reveal the state’s royal heart.
Yes, you’ll marvel at Jaipur’s palaces, explore Udaipur’s lakeside charm and wander Jodhpur’s blue lanes. But you’ll also experience Rajasthan at a deeper, more leisurely pace by staying in some of India’s most atmospheric properties, each with its own history, stories and sense of place. It’s Rajasthan at its most luxurious: rich, warm and unforgettable.
Princely Rajasthan
As with all our holidays, this itinerary is just a starting point. We will create a bespoke package which will be completely unique for you.
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Day 1
Your adventure begins
Day 2
Delhi
Arrive in Delhi and transfer to your hotel in the heart of Delhi. The Imperial is a glamorous hotel with excellent service, sophisticated guest rooms, colonial architecture and great facilities.
We can suggest a gentle afternoon excursion and restaurants if you want to do anything on the day of arrival.
Day 3
Delhi
A guided exploration today of both sides of Delhi – the historic city and its modern face. Old Delhi is the ancient walled city, capital of the Mughal Empire. Explore by cycle rickshaw and see the formidable Red Fort. Make your way through Chandni Chowk, which is filled with twisting lanes and crowded bazaars.
Return to New Delhi by the very modern Delhi Metro system, a marvel of modern engineering in one of the most crowded parts of India. In the afternoon, you’ll have time to explore the sights and sounds of New Delhi.
Day 4
Delhi to Agra
After breakfast, your chauffeur will arrive to drive you along the excellent new highway to Agra.
Enjoy lunch and then check in at your hotel – one of the very best hotels in the world. This afternoon is free to enjoy the facilities here. In the evening, it’s time for Mohabbat: “The Taj Show,” an 80-minute musical extravaganza depicting the romantic saga of Mughal Emperor Shahjahan and his beloved wife, Mumtaz.
Day 5
Agra and the Taj Mahal
Your guide will meet you for an early morning visit to the Taj – the soft light flatters the magnificent mausoleum at this time of day, and it’s less busy. You might like to return later in the afternoon too, as the Taj is said to be very different in the evening sun.
There is time today to visit the Red Fort, Agra’s second most iconic sight.
Day 6
Agra to Ranthambore
This morning, you’ll be driven to Ranthambore via a pitstop at the incredible ruined city of Fatehpur Sikri. This fairytale city in the desert is still in pristine condition, despite being wholly abandoned hundreds of years ago.
Continue to Ranthambore, the prime place to see tigers in Rajasthan.
Day 7
Ranthambore
Set off on two safari drives today, early morning and late afternoon, to maximise your chance of spotting the king of the Indian jungle, the tiger.
Day 8
Jaipur
Transfer this morning to Jaipur, a riot of colour and the capital of Rajasthan. On arrival, there is time to relax and enjoy your magnificent hotel, the Taj Rambagh Palace.
Day 9
Jaipur
Amer Fort, or Amber Fort, is a marvellous example of Rajput architecture, with fairy-tale terraces and ramparts reflected in Maota Lake below. The walls and ceilings of its royal halls are inlaid with intricate ivory, mirror and, glass mosaics and hung with exquisite wall paintings.
After the fort, you will visit the City Palace Museum to see beautiful examples of traditional Rajasthani and Mughal art as well as many of the other sites of the glorious ‘Pink City.’
Day 10
Jaipur
As well as the main sites of Jaipur, we think the city can be best understood with a guided city walk through the maze-like streets of the Old Town. It’s an incredible way to discover what makes this place tick. Though there are many options this afternoon, such as exploring the jewellery and arts and crafts which Jaipur is famous for, you may wish to have time to relax.
In the evening you will go to Sai Niwas, where you will have a short cooking demonstration/hands-on experience of two dishes and chappati making. A member of the family will host your meal.
Day 11
Jaipur to Shahpura
Today, you depart Taj Rambagh Palace after breakfast driving towards Shahpura. The journey will take approximately four hours.
After hectic Jaipur, Shahpura is an oasis in an unexplored part of Rajasthan and is an incredibly beautiful hotel.
Day 12
Shahpura
While at Shahpura Bagh, you may like to relax in the beautiful rural setting, but there are plenty of activities to keep you busy such as bicycling, picnicking, walking, fishing and boating, bird watching, visiting the stunning local temple, exploring the town and old palace. Visit the old fort and enjoy a refreshing lime soda as you watch the sun go down.
Day 13
Jodhpur
Today, you’ll go to Jodhpur – known as ‘Sun City, – a charming, historic city overflowing with temples, palaces, havelis, and spice markets. Its most distinctive feature is the electric blue of the old town buildings. Your hotel is a former grand palace, perched high above the city.
Day 14
Jodhpur
A guided tour of the city this morning and the imposing Mehrangarh Fort, the most massive fort in Rajasthan, looming over 100m above the city. In the afternoon, we suggest a wildlife safari into the region of the Bishnoi people, with their remarkable connection to the local wildlife.
Day 15
Udaipur
Journey today to Udaipur, via the famous and remarkable marble Jain temple at Ranakpur. It’s sublime and feels all the more extraordinary for being in the middle of seemingly nowhere.
Onto Udaipur, where you can check into your hotel, the genuinely iconic Taj Lake Palace Hotel.
Days 16 - 17
Udaipur
Plenty of time to relax and enjoy the hotel and take your guided tour of the palaces and backstreets of Udaipur. You’ll also have the chance to have lunch with the Bedla family. As the premier jagirdars (feudal landlords) of Udaipur, the Bedla family played a significant role in the affairs of the state over the centuries. They’ll be your hosts, and you’ll have a wonderful opportunity to hear some of their fascinating stories while sampling a vast number of authentic culinary delights that have been honed over two centuries. A wonderful, fun, informative, and highly entertaining experience!
Day 18
Udaipur to Delhi
Transfer to the airport, wave goodbye to your chauffeur and depart for your flight to Delhi and the last night reflecting on your journey.
Day 19
Fly home
Transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
With ETG, we have visited extraordinary places
... stayed in wondrous hotels, met fascinating everyday people, listened to varied opinions, and learned much about places far away. I couldn't do that on my own.
David
24 October 2024Excellent
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What’s included:
With ETG, what’s included goes well beyond the basics. From the moment your trip begins to your final farewell, the essentials are already taken care of, leaving you free to immerse, explore and enjoy without the hassle of hidden extras.
Here’s what comes as standard in all of our holidays:
All flights (unless you’ve booked your own!)
Expert guides and drivers
All accommodation
Many meals and snacks
Immersive experiences throughout
All regional transfers
Tips
24/7 In-Country support
Personal travel consultant throughout
Pricing:
As every holiday is bespoke, prices vary depending on destination, flights, hotel choices, inclusions and travel dates. We aim to include as much as possible upfront, so you know exactly where you are. As an approximate guide:
Bespoke Holidays £4,500 - £8,500pp
Bespoke Luxury Holidays £8,500 - £14,500pp
Bespoke Family Holidays from £4,000 - £7,500pp
Meet Our India Experts
With over a decade of experience, Sara knows how to blend India’s vibrant energy with luxurious, personalised touches. Her itineraries balance historic cities, serene countryside retreats, and cultural experiences that stay with you forever.
“This itinerary offers Rajasthan’s classic highlights with extraordinary comfort and style. An exceptional way to experience India’s royal heritage.”
Sara
Regional Expert
Explore Our Hotels & Villas
Wherever you go, and whatever you do, at the end of every day you can always be sure of a comfortable rest. Every location on our list of hotels is handpicked, and in its own way, shares the history, the hospitality, and the soul of the destination. Below are some examples of the different hotels we use.
The ETG Guarantee
We guarantee you an experience no one else has ever had.
The travel magic you’ll remember won’t be found on a well-trodden – or over-Instagrammed – itinerary. It will be the surprises, discoveries and secrets that you’ll uncover along the way with us.
Do you ever feel like people aren’t listening to you?
We get it. And we will – that’s a promise. Your holiday starts with a proper, no-pressure call to understand what you want, what you don’t want, and what matters to you. From there, we create a completely unique adventure, inspired by our conversation together.
And because of our long-standing relationships with trusted partners across Asia, you’ll have access to experiences you can’t find on Google. The kind of special experiences that are literally impossible to find on your own.
Important FAQs about India
India is a place of contrasts and deep cultural richness, and travelling here with ETG ensures you experience it in a way that is authentic, seamless, and meaningful.
We craft holidays that go far beyond the typical tourist trail: think hand-picked boutique hotels, private guides with expert local knowledge, and immersive experiences that give you genuine insight into India’s diverse traditions and landscapes. From the calm of rural Rajasthan to the chaotic charm of Delhi, our holidays are designed to be both inspiring and stress-free, with 24/7 in-country support so you can focus on the magic of the moment.
India is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on the region and your interests. For most of northern India, the cooler, drier months from October to March are ideal for exploring cultural sites, cities, and wildlife reserves. The southern states, such as Kerala and Tamil Nadu, are also wonderful during these months, while the Himalayan regions are best visited in the warmer months from April to June. If you’re looking for fewer crowds, travelling in the shoulder seasons—September or April—can offer a great balance of pleasant weather and quieter
Every ETG holiday to India is designed to feel seamless, immersive and stress free. We’ll arrange international flights (if you’d like us to), your drivers and guides, and stays in characterful hotels we know and trust.
You’ll experience India in a way that’s completely bespoke to you – from quiet moments to big adventures – all planned by our India specialists. And while you’re away, our local team is on hand 24/7, so you’ll always feel well looked after.
The Curious Traveller’s Guide to India
Discover astounding wildlife, immersive culture and exciting adventure, all in one handy guide.
