Depart London Heathrow on Jet Airways non-stop direct flight to Delhi (8½ hours).

Arriving in Delhi transfer to the Taj Palace Hotel, for a chance to relax and freshen up before an afternoon tour exploring the highlights of Old Delhi. The political and cultural capital of the Mughal emperor Shan Jahan during the 17th century, Delhi is filled with the eclectic mix of grandeur and vibrancy so beloved of Indian cities. The tour takes in some of its treasures, including the towering Qutb Minar, built during the 13th century to herald the arrival of the Muslim sultans and the classic Hindu designs of the Chattarpur temple complex.

Morning tour of the capital, where India’s colonial and Moghul past sit in splendid proximity to the bustling markets at Delhi’s vibrant heart. Sightseeing includes some of the architectural delights of New Delhi, originally created for the British Raj during the 1930s. Much of the city’s colonial grandeur can be attributed to the talents of Edward Lutyens, the British architect who, over a period of some 20 years, created such architectural gems as the India Gate, the Rashtrapati Bhavan (once the home of the Viceroy of India) and the private gardens in which the palace now stands.

Flying to Varanasi this morning (1 hour 10 minutes) transfer to the Taj Ganges on arrival for an overnight stay. Located on the banks of the mighty Ganges, the holy city of Varanasi, one of the oldest in India, embodies much of the myth and culture of Hinduism and has been a centre for the worship of Shiva for over 1200 years. Many believe that this is the site where the spiritual and material worlds collide, affording it a mystic property that is enhanced by the countless thousands of devotees who journey here to bathe in the scared waters of the River Ganges. This afternoon there is the option to visit the sacred Buddhist site of Sarnath, one of the most revered settings on earth, where the lord Buddha preached his first sermon.

A spectacular early morning boat ride along the sacred Ganges past some of the numerous ghats that line the banks, including some that are used specifically for public cremations. Later transfer to the airport for a flight to Khajuraho (40 minutes) and an overnight stay at the Hotel Chandela. This afternoon we will enjoy a sightseeing tour of its remarkable medieval temples, graced with some of the most exquisite sculptures in the country. Khajuraho is rightly considered to be one of India’s most captivating settings, home to a number of Chandela Dynasty buildings that represent some of the finest temple architecture anywhere on earth. Filled with erotic imagery and masterful carvings, each of the temples are dedicated to a different deity, with the two most famous being devoted to Shiva and Vishnu.

Travel to Orchha (170 KM/approximately 4 hours), once the capital of the Bundela kings of the 16th and 17th centuries and spend time visiting some of its majestic monuments. The city is home to the spectacular Fort Palace, which includes the Jehangir Mahal and the fabulous religious murals of the Raj Mahal. From here continue to Jhansi (16 KM/approximately 30 minutes) and then by train to Agra (217 KM/ approximately 2½ hours). Two nights in Agra is at the Taj View Hotel.

Agra was once the capital city of the mighty Mughals and much of its majesty can be attributed to the vision and power of Akbar the Great and his grandson, Shan Jahan. This morning visit two of India’s most spectacular buildings, the imposing sandstone edifice of Agra Fort and the magnificent marble splendour of the Taj Mahal, said to represent the epoch of Moghul architecture. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the fort is liberally blessed with a dazzling array of palaces and mosques, whilst the marble magnificence of the Taj Mahal needs no introduction. Built by Shah Jahan to honour the memory of his wife, Mumtaz, the Taj is one of the world’s most iconic buildings, taking over 20 years to build and costing in excess of 3 million rupees. This evening there will be the option of returning to enjoy the magical sight of the Taj basking in the glow of the setting sun.

Driving via the deserted sandstone city of Fatehpur Sikri, built by Akbar the Great and abandoned on the emperor’s death, journey to Jaipur, the 18th century capital of Rajasthan (233 KM/full day with stops). This wonderful ‘Pink City’ is an eclectic mix of styles and influences and considered to be one of the best planned in the country, built as it is around the principles of Hindu architectural theory. In Jaipur stay 2 nights at the Jai Mahal Palace.

The first stop today is at the extraordinary façade of the Hawa Mahal, the ‘Palace of the Winds’, built as part of the City Palace and intended to allow the women of the harem to view the city below without being seen. From here continue to Amber, for a jeep ride to the hill-top palace of the Rajput rulers, a rich mix of Hindu and Muslim design that offer some spectacular views out across the Aravalli Hills. This afternoon visit the magnificent Maharajah’s Palace, now a fascinating museum housing some of the treasures of Jaipur’s princely past.

Leaving Jaipur head into the cooler highlands of rural Rajasthan, towards the wooded principality of Deogarh (275 KMS/approximately 6 hours). Overnight at Deogarh Mahal, a 17th century converted palace set high in the Arvalli Mountains.

Head towards the magnificent lakeside city of Udaipur (195 KMS/4 hours), the Venice of the east and considered by many the most romantic city in Rajasthan. En route stop at the Jain temple of Ranakpur, the largest of its kind in India and one of the most important Jain sites anywhere in the country, whose marble elegance matches anything in Asia. In Udaipur, spend 2 nights at the Trident Hotel.

Founded in the 16th century, Udaipur is set before a magnificent backdrop of lakes and hills, presenting an idyllic location for the sumptuous palaces of the Rajput princes. A morning cruise on Lake Pichola affords the perfect setting to enjoy the romance and beauty of this ‘City of Dreams’ and take in the palaces, gardens and temples that are amongst the finest in all India. This afternoon we recommend an optional visit to the spectacular City Palace, a truly opulent repository containing many of the city’s most prized artistic treasures.

Jet Airways flight via Mumbai to London Heathrow, arriving later today (11 hours 55 minutes).