Depart London Heathrow on a British Airways flight to Delhi (8½ hours), arriving in the early hours of Sunday morning. You will be met and transferred to The Claridges Hotel for 3 nights.

The morning has been left free to relax after the flight, before proceeding for lunch at a local restaurant on Pandara Road famed for its North Indian delicacies. After lunch, enjoy a tour of 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. After taking in the Parliament House and the President’s palace, continue to the Laxmi Narayan Temple, a Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Vishnu, before returning to the hotel.

A morning journey on the city Metro affords an opportunity to enjoy a part of Delhi rarely seen by most tourists. Travel to Chadni Chowk station to begin a walking tour of the Old City. 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 and sightseeing takes in the colourful Chandi Chowk bazaar, where you can mingle with the locals and browse the stalls en route to the Jama Masjid Mosque. From here proceed by car to the 16th century Humayun’s Tomb, a quite exceptional example of Mughal design. A lunch of superb southern Indian cuisine at Sagar Ratna restaurant, famed for its South Indian specialities, is then followed with a visit to the spectacular 13th century victory tower of Qutb Minar, built to herald the arrival of the Muslim sultans, an event that marked the end of the reign of the Hindu kings. A free evening to wander the N-Block market of the elegant Greater Kailash area of the city.

Departing the city, drive to Agra (200 KM/4 hours), for an overnight stay 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. Today 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. You will be transferred to the entrance by Tongas (traditional horse drawn carriages) and 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 (235 KM/approximately 6 hours including 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. Spend 3 nights at the Samode Haveli.

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. Also visit the magnificent Maharajah’s Palace, now a fascinating museum housing some of the treasures of Jaipur’s princely past. Lunch is at a renowned vegetarian restaurant, before taking a tour of the city by rickshaw, taking in the colourful bazaars and perhaps bartering for some of the renowned cloth, jewellery and precious stones that Jaipur is famous for.

A morning’s drive to the Dera Amer Elephant Camp set in a picturesque valley just behind the hills from which the Amber Fort dominates the landscapes. After a chance to feed the elephants you will ride by elephant (a maximum of 2 people per elephant) and journey in regal style through the surrounding villages and the Arvali forest, taking in the rural setting and a medieval fortress temple before arriving back at the camp in time for a delicious lunch, served amidst a princely setting of expansive cushions and finery. During the elephant safari cushions, umbrellas and mineral water will be provided for your comfort and following the excursion return back to the city.

A morning visit to Amber Fort, the hilltop palace of the Rajput rulers, a rich mix of Hindu and Muslim design that offers some spectacular views out across the Aravalli Hills. From here travel on to Samode by jeep safari, rather than taking the road directly from Jaipur. This affords the opportunity to take in more of rural Rajasthan, as you traverse some of the most beautiful countryside in the province en route to our overnight stop at the sumptuous 16th century Samode Palace, a highlight in its own right and a glorious climax to this exceptional adventure.

Following breakfast and a leisurely morning drive back to Delhi (290 KM/approximately 5½ hours including stops), where you will have use of day rooms at the Hotel Radisson prior to the evening transfer to the airport.

Depart on British Airways back to London Heathrow, arriving back in London early this morning.