Jewels of Northern India

Upon arrival at Delhi’s international airport, you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel. After breakfast, start exploring the city by passing near the Red Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a symbol of Mughal power, as well as Chandni Chowk, known for its ancient shopping lanes. You will also see the exterior of Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosque, and Raj Ghat, the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi. Drive past the Presidential Palace and India Gate. Lunch is on your own. Next, explore the ruins of Mehrauli and the Bangla Sahib Sikh Temple. In the evening, you’ll have the opportunity to prepare and taste “jeera aloo” (a dish made with potatoes and cumin) with an Indian family. Overnight at the hotel.

Depart after breakfast for Nawalgarh, a picturesque village in the Shekhawati region. Nawalgarh’s havelis are famous for their stunning frescoes depicting legends of the past. Lunch is not included. In the afternoon, take a walk through the village to see houses adorned with vibrant frescoes, illustrating warrior legends, daily life, and religious myths. You’ll have free time in the village for a stroll, followed by a demonstration and introduction to two Indian dishes: chapati and dal tadka (a lentil dish). Overnight at the hotel.

Visit Fatehpur, a typical Rajasthani village, followed by a drive to Bikaner through the Thar Desert. Bikaner is the 15th-century princely capital founded by Rajput lord Rao Bikaji. In the afternoon, visit the Junagarh Fort, a 15th-century fortress perched like an eagle’s nest. Then, enjoy a rickshaw ride in the old town. Overnight at the hotel.

Head to Pushkar, a holy city for Hindus, famous for its camel fairs. On the way, visit the Rat Temple, Karni Mata, an important Hindu prayer site where thousands of rats reside. Upon arrival in Pushkar, explore the city, including the Brahma Temple, the only temple in India dedicated to Brahma, and take a walk along the sacred lake. You’ll have the chance to taste the famous chai. Overnight at the hotel.

Drive to Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, known as the “Pink City” due to the warm and welcoming color of its red sandstone buildings. Upon arrival, visit Jaipur, including the City Palace, the Maharaja’s palace, part of which is still inhabited by descendants of the local rajah, and discover the Gaitor cenotaphs, the ancient royal tombs of Rajasthan. Overnight at the hotel.

The morning and lunch are at leisure. An optional excursion, including a visit to Amber Fort and the Jantar Mantar astronomical observatory, will be offered (to be booked and paid for locally). In the afternoon, stop at the Hawa Mahal, the magnificent Palace of Winds, which allowed royal women to observe the street without being seen. Overnight at the hotel.

In the morning, depart for Agra. Upon arrival, visit the superb Red Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, followed by the Taj Mahal, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and considered the 8th wonder of the world. Built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his late wife, this white marble structure inlaid with semi-precious stones is an unforgettable sight. Overnight at the hotel.

Drive to Delhi. Lunch is of your choice and not included. Transfer to the airport for your return flight.