15 DAYS/13 NIGHTS ITINERARY FORTS & PALACES OF RAJASTHAN

Escorted Group or Private Journey
Desert Citadel of Jaisalmer - Rural Rajasthan
Character Accommodation - Jet Airways Flights

The princely states of Rajputana, now Rajasthan, were once the domain of courageous warriors and lavish ruling dynasties. Following a tour to Delhi, this journey travels to the heart of Rajasthan and explores many of the region's magnificent forts and palaces, its most atmospheric cities and the stunning desert scenery.

Day 1 to Delhi: Fly from London to Delhi with Jet Airways. (No meals)

Day 2 Delhi: Late morning arrival and transfer to the Maidens Hotel or similar for 1 night. Afternoon tour of New Delhi to see India Gate and the former Viceregal Residence, both fine examples of British Imperial architecture. (No meals)

Day 3 To Alsisar: Drive to Alsisar and stay overnight at the Alsisar Mahal/Indra Palace or similar. Afternoon walking tour of Alsisar's havelis. (Breakfast)

Day 4 To Bikaner: Transfer to Bikaner, once a major trading centre on the caravan route linking central Asia with north India. Stay 2 nights at the Laxmi Niwas Palace, the former residence of the Maharaja of Bikaner or similar. (Breakfast)

Day 5 Bikaner: Morning visit to Junagarh Fort. Afternoon at leisure. (Breakfast)

Day 6 To Jaisalmer: Drive to Jaisalmer for an overnight stay at Fort Rajwada/Gorbandh Palace or similar. Afternoon tour of Jaisalmer Fort, often referred to as the 'golden fort' due to the colour of its sandstone walls. (Breakfast)

Day 7 To Manvar: Drive to Manvar in the Thar Desert. Following a visit to local villages, continue to the tented camp. Evening Rajasthani dinner and music among the sand dunes followed by an overnight stay at the camp. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 8 To Jodhpur: Drive to Jodhpur and visit the majestic Meherangarh Fort. Continue to the village of Rohet/Luni and stay 2 nights at Rohetgarh Fort/Fort Chanwa or similar. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 9 Rohet/Luni: Morning jeep safari to visit the Bishnoi tribal villages. Afternoon at leisure. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 10 Udaipur: Drive south to the lake city of Udaipur, via the exquisite Jain temples of Ranakpur. Arrive at the Fateh Prakash Palace (Dovecote Room)/Laxmi Vilas Palace or similar this evening and stay for 2 nights. (Breakfast)

Day 11 Udaipur: Morning tour of the City Palace and Jagdish Temple. Afternoon at leisure. (Breakfast)

Day 12 To Jojawar: Drive to Jojawar and stay overnight at Rawla Jojawar or similar. Afternoon excursion, travelling through the Aravalli Hills by local train. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 13 To Jaipur: Drive to Jaipur and visit the City Palace. home of the present Majharaja. Continue to the Lal Mahal Palace, the former hunting lodge of the Maharaja of Jaipur, and stay for 2 nights at the de luxe Royal Camp or similar. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 14 Lal Mahal: Optional morning village exploration or elephant back safari. Afternoon tour of the ancient fort palace of Amber. Evening gala dinner. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 15 To Delhi: Early morning transfer to the airport and fly to Delhi. Transfer to the international airport for flight to London with Jet Airways. (No meals)

Note: This tour offers an excellent opportunity to experience rural life in one of India's most colourful regions. Wherever possible accommodation is in heritage properties, many of which are former royal forts and palaces. While most are of a high standard, they do have fewer facilities than modern hotels which is more than made up by the ambience of these properties, which for many people is a highlight of the tour.

Please contact us for single prices (a person occupying a single room whilst travelling with other people) or sole prices (a person travelling alone).

Prices are in £ sterling per person and subject to change. Any mandatory Christmas or New Year meals are not included.

Private journeys: Land transport is based on an air conditioned Tata Indigo (or similar).

Itinerary courtesy of Cox and Kings.