Departing London Heathrow late this evening fly non stop on Virgin Atlantic to Delhi, India’s vibrant and bustling capital city.

On arrival you are met and transferred to the Maidens Hotel, where the rest of the day is free to enjoy at leisure.

A morning tour of Delhi’s highlights takes in the ornate grandeur of the British Raj, as well as the simple but evocative Gandhi memorial and the interesting, although often overlooked Gandhi Museum. This afternoon visit the extraordinary 13th century victory tower of the Qutb Minar, a UNESCO World Heritage Monument, Humayun’s Tomb, one of the finest examples of Moghul architecture anywhere, and the colourful Hindu temple complex at Chattarpur.

Boarding the Shatabdi Express early this morning travel to Gwalior, once one of the richest of India’s princely states. On arrival transfer to the Usha Kiran Palace for an overnight stay, after which you will take a tour of the city, visiting its dominating fort and the opulent splendour of the Jai Vilas Palace.

A morning drive to Agra sees you in the heart of the once great Moghul Empire. This afternoon visit two of the region’s most iconic monuments, the regal Taj Mahal, built by the Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz and the imposing red sandstone Agra Fort on the bank of the Yamuna River. Your stay here will be either in the Trident Hilton.

With the day free we recommend a visit to Sikandra, the resting place of ruler Akbar the Great, whose empire stretched across North India from 1556 to 1605 as well as a return visit to the Taj Mahal at sunset - an unforgettable experience.

Travelling via the magical ambience of the deserted 16th century city of Fatehpur Sikri, head to Rajasthan’s ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur today, where you will be staying at the Trident Hilton.

Jaipur’s princely elegance is perhaps best captured by the grandeur of its remarkable Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds) and the Maharajah’s Palace, home to the rulers of Jaipur since the early 18th century and now a repository for some of the city’s most important treasures. This afternoon is free.

En route to Delhi today visit the lofty citadel of the dramatic Amber Fort, occupying the high cliffs to the north of Jaipur. After visiting its elegant courtyards and the beautiful Chamber of Mirrors continue back to the Indian capital and an overnight stay at the Maidens Hotel.

A free morning before an afternoon departure on Virgin Atlantic back to London Heathrow, arriving later this evening.