Rajasthan and Holi (festival of colors)

Arrival at New Delhi International Airport (Terminal 3). Namaste! Welcome! Your personal driver will be waiting for you at the airport to take you to your hotel. Afterwards, enjoy a city tour, including the main monuments of Old and New Delhi: Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosque; Humayun’s Tomb; the Red Fort; and Qutub Minar, India’s tallest minaret. Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, depart for Mandawa. Upon arrival, check into the hotel, then explore the town on foot. Evening return and overnight at the hotel.

Mandawa: This small village in the Shekhawati region was founded in the 18th century by Bhojraj Ji Kasubsub, a leader of the Rajput "Shekhawat" clan. Mandawa is famous for its many havelis—former noble family homes built by the region’s wealthy merchants, showcasing classic Indian architecture. The merchants have since migrated to other areas, leaving the havelis in the peaceful anonymity of the Indian countryside. Shekhawati’s beauty lies in its traditional villages, rarely visited by tourists.

In the morning, after breakfast, depart for Bikaner. Upon arrival, check into the hotel and explore the city’s fortress and its magnificent citadel. Visit the Karni Mata Temple in Deshnok (about 30 km from Bikaner), also known as the “Rat Temple.” Hundreds of rats are protected, fed, and revered here. Overnight at the hotel.

Bikaner: A fortified city with 7 km of imposing fortifications and five gates, Bikaner still surprises visitors with the vibrant activity in its bustling streets.

Early departure after breakfast towards Jodhpur. Upon arrival, check into the hotel and explore the city. Visit Sadar Bazaar, a colorful market filled with traditional clothing worn by women and turbans for men. Overnight at the hotel.

A full day of sightseeing in Jodhpur. Discover Mehrangarh Fort, then visit the ancient city of Mandore, Umaid Bhawan Museum, and the Mandore Garden. Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast, depart for Udaipur, stopping at Ranakpur to visit the Jain Temple of Adinath, an extraordinary structure begun in the 15th century. It is one of the most significant temples in Jain culture. After this visit, continue to Udaipur. Upon arrival, check into the hotel. Enjoy a cruise on Lake Pichola. Overnight at the hotel.

In the morning, explore Udaipur, including its city markets. Visit the City Palace and end the day with a visit to Jagdish Temple. Return and overnight at the hotel.

Depart in the morning for Bundi, after breakfast. En route, visit the Rajput Fort of Chittorgarh, once the capital of the Mewar Kingdom. The road from Udaipur to Bundi offers breathtaking scenery. Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast, head towards Jaipur. Upon arrival, check into the hotel. Begin by exploring Jaipur’s Amber Fort and the Palace of Winds. Take a jeep ride to Amber Fort, visit the fort, then tour the Palace of Winds (an old royal harem with a façade overlooking the bustling street below). Enjoy free time to wander the market with your guide. Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, is renowned for its textile production and silver jewelry. Overnight at the hotel.

Holi hai! Celebrate Holi in Jaipur. Holi, the festival of colors, spring, and renewal, brings together people across India. Tradition calls for wearing white and throwing colored powders at one another. This convivial festival is also an opportunity to taste special dishes prepared for the occasion. There is no chauffeur available on Holi (except for transport to the festivities), and all monuments are closed. The Holi package includes a white kurta, lunch, and colored powders. Overnight at the hotel.

Early morning departure for Agra, after breakfast. Make a short stop to visit the abandoned ghost town of Fatehpur Sikri, which has been deserted since the 16th century. After the visit, continue to Agra. Upon arrival, check into the hotel. Depending on your arrival time, take a leisurely walk around the city. Overnight at the hotel.

Depart at dawn after breakfast to visit the magnificent Taj Mahal. Built in 1631 by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his late wife Mumtaz Mahal, the reflections on the white marble of the Taj Mahal offer superb photo opportunities. Visit the Red Fort of Agra, where Emperor Humayun was crowned in 1530. Afterwards, transfer to New Delhi International Airport according to your departure time.