Time Duration: one Day

Tour Overview

Day 1: Delhi

Upon your arrival in Delhi, your driver will greet you at Delhi International Airport or your hotel and transfer you by private, air-conditioned vehicle to your accommodation. After check-in and lunch, meet your private guide for a half-day sightseeing tour of Delhi.

Drive past some of the city’s cultural landmarks like the Red Fort, Chandni Chowk Bazaar and Khari Baoli spice market on your way to visit Jama Masjid. One of the largest mosques in the world and the largest in India, it was built by Shah Jahan to dominate the city. Explore the mosque with your guide to see several cultural relics, including an antique copy of the Qur’an. Then, make your way to Raj Ghat, a memorial built to commemorate the site of Mahatma Gandhi’s cremation.

Continue on with a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Qutub Minar, India’s tallest minaret, made of red sandstone and marble and inscribed with verses from the Qur’an. Stop next at Humayun’s Tomb, another UNESCO World Heritage site, tomb of a Mughal emperor dating back to the 1500s.

Next, pass under the high stone archway of India Gate – constructed in the memory of Indian soldiers who died in World War I – and drive along Rajpath (King’s Way), the ceremonial boulevard heading toward Rashtrapati Bhavan, official home to the President of India. Along the way, your guide will point out architectural and cultural features of these important monuments.

Overnight: 3-, 4- or 5-star hotel in Delhi

Day 2: Delhi – Agra

After breakfast at your hotel, drive to Agra by private vehicle — an approximate four-hour drive. After lunch and check-in at your hotel, enjoy more afternoon sightseeing with your local guide.

First, visit the Taj Mahal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Constructed from 1631 to1651 by Shah Jahan as a memorial to his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal, the domed mausoleum – built from white marble – is considered one of the most extravagant monuments ever built for love. Your guide will share information about its principle Persian designer, and discuss this exemplar of Mughal architecture – a style borrowed from many traditions including Islamic, Turkish and Indian.

Next, head to the 16th-century Agra Fort, built by Emperor Akbar on the banks of the Yamuna River. Admire its construction from red sandstone and its intricate design combining both Islamic and Hindu architectural styles. Explore the complex to see the beautifully constructed rooms like the Diwan-I-Am (public audience hall) and the Diwan-I-Khas (private audience hall), added by Shah Jahan.

Your city tour ends with a visit to the Tomb of Itmad-ud-daulah (more commonly known as the Baby Taj), built between 1622 and 1628 by Empress Nur Jahan for her father. Admire the marble trelliswork and precious stone inlay of the mausoleum, situated on the opposite bank of the Yamuna from the Taj Mahal. Hear from your guide about the strong Persian influence on the monument’s design – the first tomb in India entirely made out of marble and often described as a jewel box!

Overnight: 3-, 4- or 5-star hotel in Agra

Day 3: Agra – Jaipur

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel, followed by an approximate five-hour drive to Jaipur. En route, visit the UNESCO World Heritage red sandstone complex of Fatehpur Sikri, built in 1569 by Emperor Akbar and abandoned 15 years later due to water scarcity. Take a walk inside the walls of the complex as your guide enlightens you about the Hindu and Muslim architectural style of the sprawling construction, including Jama Masjid, Tomb of Salim Chishti Chisti, Panch Mahal and other buildings.

Afterward, continue to Jaipur and check in at your hotel upon arrival. With your evening free to spend at leisure, you’re welcome to stroll the local market. (Your driver will transfer you there and back, unaccompanied by your guide.)

Overnight: 3-, 4- or 5-star hotel in Jaipur

Day 4: Jaipur

Your day in Jaipur begins after breakfast with a guided exploration of Amber Fort. Feel like a maharaja from the past as you ride up to Amber Fort on an elephant outfitted with traditional Indian draperies! As you walk around the hilltop palace, constructed at the end of 16th century, learn about this excellent example of Rajput architecture from your guide. Admire breathtaking views of Maota Lake from the fortress as well as the palace’s ornate design and unique architectural elements.

After lunch, enjoy an afternoon city tour of Jaipur, whose origins can be traced back to the 18th century during the reign of Jai Singh II. Prepare to look beyond the bustling metropolis to find its historical charm, such as the magnificent palaces, temples, lush gardens and pink plastered stone that gives Jaipur the popular name “Pink City.”

Your guide will take you to visit the top sights of Jaipur, starting with the City Palace with its fine collection of textiles, costumes and armor. Then, admire the exquisite Hawa Mahal, or Palace of the Winds, built to resemble the crown of the Hindu god, Krishna. Last, see Jantar Mantar, the extraordinary stargazing observatory built by the renowned astronomer, Maharaja Jai Singh, before heading back to your hotel.

Overnight: 3-, 4- or 5-star hotel in Jaipur

Day 5: Jaipur – Pushkar

After breakfast at your hotel, embark on a three-hour drive to Pushkar and check in at your hotel. After lunch, take a journey to nearby Ajmer with your guide.

First, visit the Dargah of Moinuddin Chisti, a renowned Sufi shrine that draws Muslim pilgrims from all parts of the world to Ajmer. Next, learn about the 12th-century Afghan conqueror that converted Adhai-din-ka-Jhonpra from a Sanskrit school into a mosque by adding a seven-arched wall in front of the pillared hall.

Continue to beautiful Ana Sagar Lake, built north of Ajmer by King Anaji. See Daulat Bagh Gardens, located next to the lake, and its nearby marble pavilion. Afterward, return to Pushkar, which devout Hindus aspire to visit at least once in their lifetime.

Your guide will accompany you to the Brahma Temple, the only temple in the world where a life-size, four-armed idol of Lord Brahma is worshiped. Admire the marble floors and stairs, and see the coins placed there by devotees to mark the births or deaths of their loved ones.

Afterward, head to Pushkar Lake and hear the legend about its formation – when a lotus fell from Lord Brahma’s hands and dropped into the picturesque valley. The entire lake, surrounded by 500 temples, 52 palaces and 52 bathing ghats, is considered holy.

Overnight: 3-, 4- or 5-star hotel in Pushkar

Day 6: Pushkar – Delhi

Following breakfast at your hotel, head back to Delhi on an approximate seven- to eight-hour drive, stopping for lunch along the way at Neemrana Fort-Palace, perched on a plateau and surrounded by the Aravalli Mountains. Explore the fort, now converted into the Neemrana Fort Heritage Hotel, and enjoy an optional ride on the onsite zipline if you’d like (own expense).

Then, relax on the remainder of your air-conditioned drive to Delhi. After checking in at your hotel, rest during your free time and enjoy personal activities such as last minute shopping. Your driver will take you wherever you’d like to go (unaccompanied by your guide).

Overnight: 3-, 4- or 5-star hotel in Delhi

Day 7: Delhi

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before transferring to the airport to board your flight for your onward destination.

Tour End