Palaces of Rajasthan

Day 1- Direct flight from London Heathrow to Delhi.

Overnight departure by Virgin Atlantic from London Heathrow to Delhi arriving the following morning (8 hours 30 minutes).

Day 2- Arrival in Delhi with option of sightseeing in New Delhi.

On arrival in the Indian capital you will be met and transferred to the Grand New Delhi for one night. Afternoon at leisure with the option to book a visit to New Delhi.

Day 3- Depart for Shekawati.

Early morning departure to Shekawati (approximate 8½ hrs / 254 Kms) for an overnight stay at the Alsisar Mahal Hotel. Rest of the day at leisure, evening option to enjoy camel cart ride which is offered by the hotel and can be arranged locally.

Day 4- Sightseeing of the famous painted havelis.

Morning sightseeing tour of building a large number of luxurious mansions known as ‘havelis’, to display their wealth through the magnificence of their frescoed walls. This was once part of India’s Silk Road.

Day 5- Travel to the Pink City of Jaipur with its famous Palace of the Winds.

Continue to Jaipur for two nights at the unique Jai Mahal Palace. Journey time 200 km/approximately 5 hours, including stops.

Day 6- Visit the Amber Fort, the Palace of the Winds, the City Palace and the Jantar Mantar observatory.

Morning visit to Amber, a former capital and magnificent hill-top Rajput fortress where you will take a jeep ride up to the Palace with its commanding views of the surrounding area. Afternoon tour of the ‘Pink City’, including the Palace of the Winds, the City Palace and the Jantar Mantar observatory.

Day 7- Drive to Chhatra Sagar for 2 nights.

Post breakfast drive to Chhatra Sagar (Approx 230 Kms, 4-5 hrs drive). Thakur Chhatra Singh of Nimaj, a powerful noble of the desert kingdom of Marwar (Jodhpur), decided to dam a seasonal stream flowing through his estate. His vision was to create a water reservoir which would harvest the monsoon rains. It was an ambitious project and a great drain on his resources but Thakur Chhatra Singh remained true to his vision. The dam was completed in 1890 and changed the dry scrub into prime agricultural land. Farmers struggling for sustenance on parched lands were invited by Thakur Chhatra Singh to settle around the reservoir. Stay for two nights at Chhatra Sagar. On the Pushkar Camel Fair special departure you will stay in Pushkar for 2 nights in the Ananta Spa & Resort.

Day 8- Day at leisure.

Full day is at leisure to relax. On the Pushkar Camel Fair special departure you will enjoy a full day at the famous camel fair.

Day 9- Travel to Jodhpur for afternoon sighseeing.

Travel this morning to Jodhpur (125 Kms/approximately 2-3 hours) and transfer to Vivanta by Taj - Hari Mahal for one night. Afternoon sightseeing tour of the city including the mighty 15th century Meherangarh Fort that towers above the city.

Day 10- En route to the desert city of Jaisalmer.

This morning travel by road to Jaisalmer (280km/approximately 5-6 hours) for your two night stay at the Gorbandh Palace.

Day 11- Sightseeing in Jaisalmer.

Sightseeing in Jaisalmer, a medieval city of elaborately carved mansions (‘havelis’) in yellow sandstone, built by rich merchants at a time when the city was a key stopping place on the caravan routes from the Middle East. Jaisalmer has been described as an ‘open air museum’, and to enter its narrow cobbled lanes is to step back into another era. Afternoon camel ride on the sand dunes and experience the wonderful sunset.

Day 12- Overnight at the charming Rohet Garh.

Return back towards Jodhpur and continue to Rohet (309km/approximately 6 hours) for an overnight at the charming Rohet Garh. Afternoon visit to a traditional Rajasthani village.

Day 13- Overnight stay at the magnificent Deogarh Mahal ,

Continue through rural India to Deogarh (110km/approximately 3 hours) for an overnight stay at the magnificent Deogarh Mahal , which enjoys an imposing position in the Aravalli Mountains. The afternoon is at leisure to enjoy this peaceful area. A wander through the photogenic town is highly recommended.

Day 14- Visit the Jain temples at Ranakpur on the way to Udaipur.

Onwards to Udaipur visiting the beautifully preserved Jain temples at Ranakpur (180km/approximately 5 hours, including stops). Stay at the Fateh Garh, overlooking Pichola Lake, for two nights.

Day 15- Tour of Udaipur's City Palace.

Morning tour of the City Palace. Afternoon at leisure to explore Udaipur at your own pace.

Day 16- Return flight.

Transfer to the airport for your morning Jet Airways flight to Delhi (1 hour 40 minutes). Connect to the international Virgin Atlantic flight to London Heathrow, arriving later the same day (9 hours 30 minutes).

Grand New Delhi

The centrally located Grand New Delhi offers 390 well-appointed rooms with modern design and contemporary comfort. Located a 15 minute drive from the airport terminals, the hotel has recently undergone a complete refurbishment. The beautiful landscaped gardens offer a relaxing place to escape the busy Indian capital. Three restaurants and a lobby lounge offer a variety of national and international cuisine. A beauty salon, gymnasium, swimming pool and jacuzzi are available at the Spa Oasis.

Alsisar Mahal Hotel

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Jai Mahal Palace

The former residence of the Prime Minister of the princely state of Jaipur, Taj Jai Mahal Palace is set amidst 18 acres of landscaped gardens in the heart of the city, near the main shopping area and the historical monuments. There are 100 rooms and suites all with air conditioning, tea/coffee maker, mini-bar, safe, colour TV, direct dial telephones, colour television with satellite programs and hairdryer. The hotel has a choice of restaurants and bars and leisure facilities include swimming pool, spa treatments, jogging track and gym.

Chhatra Sagar

Located just 2 hours from Jodhpur and 4 hours from Jaipur, amidst a rural landscape, Chhatra Sagar is a tranquil haven consisting of 11 quite exquisitely appointed en suite tents that occupy a 100-year-old dam overlooking the serene waters of a lake teeming with birdlife. Hand painted floors and ornate furnishings add to the unique ambience of the setting, whilst the excellent home cooked cuisine can justifiably claim to be some of the finest in Rajasthan.

Vivanta by Taj - Hari Mahal

The Vivanta by Taj - Hari Mahal, Jodhpur is set amongst several acres of landscaped garden and provides convenient access to the cities vibrant markets. The 93 rooms are furnished in a contemporary style and are well equipped with guest amenities including Internet connectivity, international direct dialling, satellite television, minibar, coffer maker, and safe. The hotels restaurants and bars serve Indian, Chinese and International cuisine and leisure facilities include a swimming pool, tennis court and fitness centre.

Gorbandh Palace

The Gorbandh Palace in Jaisalmer has 83 air-conditioned rooms with garden or pool views. A limited number of rooms offer fort views and corner rooms have balconies. International direct dial telephone, satellite television and mini-bar are available in all rooms. Tea/coffee making facilities are only available in the 3 suite rooms. The restaurant serves both traditional and international cuisine and there is also a bar, billiards, Spa, sauna, Jacuzzi and a swimming pool.

Rohet Garh

Located approximately 45 minutes from Jodhpur, Rohet Garh is the perfect base from which to explore the nearby Bishnoi villages. Rare among hotels it has remained a family home since 1662, where the members of the former ruling family often welcome guests personally. The 36 rooms and suites have their own individual character and furnishings maybe with spacious veranda’s or terraces or overlooking the expansive and well-kept gardens. There is a beautiful swimming pool with four pavilions at each corner where musicians often perform in the evenings as dinner is served, and a terraced dining area. There is a small gym and massages are also available. Rohet Garh boasts of one of the finest stables of Marwari horses in the country and riding is available for those with some experience.

Deogarh Mahal

Over 300-years old, Deogarh Mahal is ideally positioned in the heart of the Arvalli Hills, midway between Jodhpur and Udaipur. This beautifully restored palace has 60 rooms and suites, an attractive swimming pool and is surrounded by hills and lakes which play host to many species of migratory birds. The town is great for exploring on foot

Fateh Garh

Located in the City Palace of Udaipur, Fateh Garh is a royal residence with 28 rooms decorated in traditional style and provides a taste of the royal lifestyle. We use the Dovecote rooms which have modern amenities and overlook Lake Pichola. Fateh Garh boasts an attractive sunset bar and restaurant and other amenities including the swimming pool and restaurant are shared with the Shiv Niwas Palace its sister hotel which is located adjacent to the property.

Taj Mahal Extension - 2 nights

Extra Days:0Cost:from £ 260

Visit the world's greatest and possibly most extravagant monument to love - the iconic Taj Mahal. Completed by Emperor Shah Jahan in 1653, in memory of his late wife, its marble facades, intricate carvings and semi-precious stones bewitch all who gaze upon her. It took over 20 years to build and cost in excess of 3 million rupees. Sunrise is a particularly magical time to visit when the marble transforms its hues from gold to pink and red in the changing light. The rooftop terraces in Taj Ganj offer a mesmerising view of the Taj in the moonlight as does Mehtab Bagh. No visit to Agra should miss the imposing sandstone edifice of the Agra Fort. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is liberally blessed with a dazzling array of palaces and mosques.

Virgin Atlantic - Premium Economy

Cost: from £ 310

Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy offers passengers extra space and comfort with luxurious leather seats offering 38 inches of pitch room and an increased seat width of 21 inches. Before departure clients have access to a separate check-in area and also priority boarding and where possible passengers and luggage will be prioritised off the plane. Onboard, Premium Economy passengers have a dedicated cabin crew who will provide complimentary newspapers, drinks, and amenity kit and serve upgraded three course meals which are served on stylish china plates with stainless steel cutlery. Please kindly note that all airline product information is correct at time of writing however we do ask clients to take our advice in good faith as airlines frequently change such details and do not always send updates to us on changes to certain aspects of their products and services.

Virgin Atlantic - Upper Class (Business Class)

Cost: from £ 1360

Virgin Atlantic aims to spoil their passengers rotten with their Upper Class cabin which boasts some of the biggest Upper Class seats in the industry. The comfy 22 inch wide seats turn into 33 inch wide, 6.6 feet long totally flat beds at the click of a button. Each seat has its own 10.4 inch television with a massive list of entertainment plus an individual power point, table and laptop storage space. The elegant onboard dining experience allows passengers to choose from a wide menu of fine food and a drinks list including champagne, bucks fizz and cocktails. Prior to departure Upper Class benefits include a dedicated check-in area, a priority security lane at Heathrow and access to the exclusive Virgin Atlantic Clubhouses at Heathrow and Gatwick and those abroad where applicable ** ** In airports where Virgin Atlantic to not have a Clubhouse, Upper Class passenger’s will have access to an alternative Upper Class Lounge. These shared lounges are either owned by the airport authorities or another airline. Please kindly note that all airline product information is correct at time of writing however we do ask clients to take our advice in good faith as airlines frequently change such details and do not always send updates to us on changes to certain aspects of their products and services.