Leave London Heathrow this morning, flying by British Airways non-stop flight to Delhi (8½ hours). On arrival you will be met and transferred to the charming Maidens Hotel, for a 3 night stay amidst the colonial grandeur of this most elegant of properties.

This morning is free to relax before an afternoon sightseeing tour of some of the architectural delights of New Delhi, originally created for the British Raj during the 1930s after the government’s administration had been moved from Calcutta to Delhi. Conceived and built to reflect the prestige of the British Empire in India, much of the city’s colonial grandeur can be attributed to the talents of one man, 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. This afternoon’s visit will take in the impressive grandeur of the city’s Government Buildings, as well as the memorial arch of the India Gate, created as an enduring testament to the Indian troops who lost their lives during the bloody conflicts of the First World War and along the Northwest Frontier. The final visit of the day will be to the often overlooked Gandhi Museum, dedicated to India’s most revered statesman, which contains not only personal artefacts belonging to the great man, but also a fascinating history of the Satyagraha Movement and the philosophy of ahinsa (non-violence).

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 our tour this morning takes in some of the elegant splendour of its golden age. This includes the spectacular 13th century victory tower of the Qutb Minar, built to herald the arrival of the Muslim sultans (an event that marked the end of the reign of the Hindu kings), as well as the 16th century Humayun’s Tomb, a quite exceptional example of Mughal design whose garden setting, octagonal plan and domed roofs went on to serve as a prototype for the iconic Taj Mahal. Another quite exceptional site today is that of the Chattarpur Hindu Temple, a stunning collection of white marble shrines that sit resplendently amidst a setting of lawns and gardens. Dedicated to the goddess Durga, the site attracts pilgrims and devotees from all over, the surrounding temples affording an opportunity to worship Durga, Shiva, Vishnu, Lakshmi and Ganesh. Afternoon tour to include the important places of The Great Revolt of 1857, such as the British Magazine and Telegraph Memorial and the Nicholson Cemetery and Mutiny Memorial. This experience takes one back 150 years to the place where the Indian army fought the British for over 6 months and showcases this fascinating story and highlights some unique sites often overlooked by visitors and forgotten by locals.

Take the early morning express train (seats pre-booked in Executive Class) to Gwalior, once the largest and richest of the Indian Princely States (319 KM/3½ hours). Strategically located in the Gird region of Northern India, the city’s imposing fortress long held the reputation as one of the country’s most invincible citadels. Described by the Moghul Emperor Babur as ‘The pearl in the necklace of the forts of Hind’, it is the only one in the country that shows evidence of Chinese influences, with the dragons crafted onto the fort’s pillars testifying to the close trading ties with China at the time. Today also sees us taking in the opulent majesty of the Jai Palace Villas, a sumptuous setting that was influenced by the French Palace of Versailles and whose rich architecture combines Italian and Corinthian styles. Home to the current Scindia family, the Palace also contains an extensive museum that houses an incredible array of finery, including tapestries and Persian carpets, antique furnishings and a myriad of engaging treasures that hark back to the family’s grand heritage. Overnight at the Taj Usha Kiran Palace.

Travel to Agra (117 KM/approximately 2 hours), once the capital city of the mighty Mughals, whose majesty can be attributed to the vision and power of Akbar the Great and his grandson, Shan Jahan. Today sees us visiting 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. After lunch continue to Bharatpur, en route visiting the deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri. Built by Akbar in the late 16th century and abandoned on the emperor’s death, these imperial ruins present a fascinating reminder of the power and wealth wielded by the Mughal overlords and a wander through its perfectly preserved remains introduce us to the pavilions and courtyards of an imperial capital of quite breathtaking grandeur. Continue to Bharatpur (53 KM/ approximately 1½ hours) for a 2 night stay at the Laxmi Vilas Palace, built in 1899 for the younger son of the Maharajah of Bharatpur.

The Keoladeo Ghana National Park was originally created as a hunting reserve for the Maharajahs of Bharatpur, but today it is renowned as one of the world’s most important wetland bird sanctuaries, where more than 300 species have been sighted. Declared a UNESCO World heritage Site in 1971, the sanctuary is home to a rich diversity of resident and migratory species, including rare Siberian Cranes, birds of prey and a number of wintering breeds that flock in from Central Asia. The park is also a haven for golden jackals, striped hyenas and wild boar and today affords an opportunity to take in some of this abundant fauna on an included excursion into the park.

Drive to Jaipur (185 KM/approximately 4 hours) for a 2 night stay at the Samode Haveli. India’s fabled ‘Pink City’, Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan, a city whose history and heritage is inextricably linked with the Rajput rulers of the 18th century. Built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II in 1728, the city’s famous hue actually stems from a visit by Queen Victoria in 1883, when the powers that be ordered its buildings to be painted in the traditional colour of welcome – pink. This afternoon a visit to the Maharajah’s Palace affords an opportunity to revel in something of the city’s opulent past, where its excellent Museum presents an incredible collection of arms and artefacts, carpets and paintings that date back to a time when the rulers of Jaipur could pander to every opulent whim.

One of the city’s most famous sites is that of the Hawa Mahal, the Palace of the Winds, an extraordinary façade, built as part of the City Palace and intended to allow the women of the harem to view the city below without being seen. Made up of over 950 windows, this remarkable building stands some 5 storeys high and even today its pink sandstone features present a timeless reminder of 18th century grandeur amongst the modern bustle of central Jaipur. Continuing from here onto the city of Amber, once a centre of Rajput power, there will be a chance to visit its magnificent fortress by jeep, taking in some of its marble and sandstone splendour before a free afternoon to enjoy as you wish. The fort occupies a hilltop overlooking the Maotha Lake and within its towering walls lies another world of pavilions and palaces, including the stunning halls of the Sheesh Mahal, whose mirrored walls are inlaid with countless mirrors that were designed to produce a hypnotic display of blazing light.

Drive back to Delhi toady (240 KM/approximately 4 hours), where you have a room booked until your early morning departure back to London at the Radisson Hotel, conveniently located close to the airport.

Depart in the early hours of this morning, on a British Airways flight to London Heathrow, arriving back later this same morning.