Arrive Mumbai

Please be in Mumbai no later than today. If coming directly from New Zealand or Australia, you are able to depart on Saturday morning and connect same day to Mumbai through Singapore with Singapore Airlines (SQ424 Singapore - Mumbai arriving around 10.00pm). 

Accommodation: 5-star International Hotel, Nariman Point

Meals: No Meals included today

Mumbai

An easy settling in day. After a late start, tour with Sarah around some key Mumbai sites including Mani Bhavan (Gandhi’s House), the Jain temple on Malabar Hill and see the Dhobi Ghat (the largest outdoor laundry in India). Today there's an option to have a late lunch at a super contemporary Indian restaurant (at own cost) led by a fabulous young female chef. Drinks and nibbles tonight (at own cost) overlooking the Arabian Sea as the sun goes down. Early night tonight as it’s an early start tomorrow!

Accommodation: 5-star International Hotel, Nariman Point
Meals: Breakfast

Mumbai

An early start this morning with a ‘Mumbai at Dawn’ market tour. We'll head back to the hotel for breakfast. Later this morning we'll see the famed Gateway to India and then have the chance to watch the Dabbawalla’s sort lunchboxes at Churchgate Station. There's the option this afternoon to visit Dharavi, India's largest slum. It's definitely not what you expect! Alternatively you have free time...maybe a wander around the laneway shopping precinct of Fort or exploration of Colaba Causeway’s market shopping? Tonight, we’ll do a Street Food Tour of Mumbai (at own cost)!

Accommodation: 5-star International Hotel, Nariman Point
Meals: Breakfast

Mumbai - Thar Desert

We’ll leave Mumbai and travel by air to Jodhpur this morning before venturing into the Thar Desert to a very special desert experience – India’s first botanical resort. Tonight we will dine on the dunes surrounded by miles and miles of desert wilderness and millions of stars shining above you.

Accommodation: A desert retreat
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Mumbai - Jodhpur

We’ll leave Mumbai and travel by air to Jodhpur this morning.  Enjoy lunch at a non-profit organisation that focuses on empowering women and children from marginalized communities. The organisation provides education, vocational training and support services to help these individuals gain independence and improve their quality of life. You'll have free time this afternoon to explore the bazaars, or relax before dinner tonight (dinner at own cost).

Accommodation: 5-star Rajput Residence Hotel, Jodhpur
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Thar Desert - Jodhpur

We’ll leave the desert this morning to return to Jodhpur this morning.  Enjoy lunch at a non-profit organisation that focuses on empowering women and children from marginalized communities. The organisation provides education, vocational training and support services to help these individuals gain independence and improve their quality of life. You'll have free time this afternoon to explore the bazaars, or relax before dinner tonight (dinner at own cost).

Accommodation: 5-star Rajput Residence Hotel, Jodhpur

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Jodhpur

Today we will do a desert safari to a Bishnoi Village (The Bishnoi, meaning 29, and represents the 29 principles the villagers live by. Out of these 29 principles, ten pertain to personal hygiene and good health, seven to healthy and communal social behaviour. Also four to being good devotees of God, and eight to the reservation and care towards the biosphere. We'll enjoy a lovely lunch at a desert retreat and visit a dhurrie rug weaving centre this afternoon. Dinner has been booked tonight for those who are keen (dinner at own cost).

Accommodation: 5-star Rajput Residence Hotel, Jodhpur

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Jodhpur

Meet in the lobby and we’ll head to the Clock Tower for a morning Heritage Walk. Later today we will visit the Mehrangarh Fort sitting high above the city (it’s a real stunner). There are more backstreets and laneways to explore and an ancient stepwell. You may also like to visit the Umaid Bhawan Palace – its highly recommended. Tonight, Sarah will book dinner at an old majestic haveli under the stars (dinner at own cost).

Accommodation: 5-star Rajput Residence Hotel, Jodhpur

Meals: Breakfast

Jodhpur - Jaipur

A morning flight will take us to the capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur. Known as the pink city, the energy in this city is infectious! We'll dive straight in and explore City Palace and the old city before a hosted cooking class tonight with dinner at a local haveli.

Accommodation: 5-star Heritage Haveli, Pink City
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Jaipur

This morning we will have a guided visit to the Amber Fort and the Panna Meena Ka Kund Stepwell. The rest of the day is yours to explore the fabulous high-energy capital of Rajasthan. The shopping and sights are fantastic in Jaipur so a list of super spots to visit will be provided. Tonight we’ll have a fabulous dinner at the even more fabulous Bar Palladio – Sarah will make a reservation (dinner at own cost).

Accommodation: 5-star Heritage Haveli, Pink City
Meals: Breakfast

Jaipur

Today you have the option for free time or there's some fantastic optional activities including a block printing workshop, lunch at a stunning rural villa or lunch at an elephant restaurant sanctuary! Sarah has made a reservation tonight at another super restaurant, for those who are keen (dinner at own cost).

Accommodation: 5-star Heritage Haveli, Pink City
Meals: Breakfast

Jaipur

For those who are keen, we’ll start the morning with a dawn tour of Jaipur…see the city come alive and explore the local fruit and vegetable markets, visit a temple worship and try some local breakfast street foods. You'll have time to explore the local shops and bazaars – handicrafts, jewellery, you name it. Don’t get lost!

Accommodation: 5-star Heritage Haveli, Pink City
Meals: Breakfast

Jaipur - Agra

We'll check out this morning and hit the road for Agra. There's lunch along the way as well as a stop at a World Heritage status ancient city, now abandoned and a stunning example of Mughal architecture. Tonight we'll have a Thali for an early dinner at a local boutique hotel (dinner at own cost).

Accommodation: 5-star International Hotel, Agra
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Agra - Delhi

This is it…an early morning guided dawn visit to the Taj Mahal. You'll have the chance to explore the gardens, go inside and hear the fascinating love story behind the most romantic building on earth. After breakfast, we will discover the Agra Fort before we are on the road to Delhi. Settle into out stunning hotel this afternoon. It's worth spending some time exploring!

Accommodation: A superb Raj-era 5-star heritage hotel (it is stunning!)
Meals: Breakfast

Delhi

This morning we will visit Old Delhi. Venture inside Jama Masjid Mosque (one of India's largest), wander through the 'Wedding Market', visit bustling Chandhi Chowk on bicycle rickshaw and explore Khari Baoli Spice Market. This is real India energy! You'll have free time this afternoon…fancy a Bollywood dance class? Maybe a massage? You’re always welcome to join Sarah as she explores things old and new…there’s a lot to do in Delhi! An afternoon visit to Humayun's Tomb is an option.

Accommodation: A superb Raj-era 5-star heritage hotel (it is stunning!)
Meals: Breakfast

Delhi

There's an option this morning to visit the ancient Qutab Minar, one of the most spectacular sites in Delhi. The rest of the day is free for you to make your own plans. Activity recommendations today include a visit to the Gandhi Museum, a stroll through the Lodhi Gardens or an afternoon wandering through the boutiques of Khan Market. Alternatively visit the Lotus Temple or the Red Fort. As always you are welcome to join Sarah on her adventures! Tonight, for our final night, there's the option to have dinner at one of the best restaurants in India (dinner at own cost)!

Accommodation: A superb Raj-era 5-star heritage hotel (it is stunning!)
Meals: Breakfast

Depart Delhi

You will be transferred to Delhi International Airport for your flight. A morning departure from Delhi back to Singapore (SQ401 Delhi - Singapore at around 9.30am) connects with overnight flights to New Zealand or Australia. You’ll be back home on Sunday. Alternatively, talk to Sarah about trip extensions - maybe a couple of days in Goa on the beach or exploring the palaces of Udaipur?
Meals: Breakfast

• Fully escorted by VERY experienced guide ;)

• Airport meet and greet and departure assistance

• 14 night’s 5-star accommodation

• Daily Breakfast

• Lunches: 2 (Nov), 3 (Mar)

• Dinners: 2 (Nov), 1 (Mar)

• Activities / Monument and Temple entrances as per programme (including English-speaking Guides and Tips as needed):

  • Mumbai Sites Tour

  • Mumbai at Dawn Tour

  • Visit to the Sambhali Trust with interactive cooking class and lunch

  • Jodhpur Desert Retreat and Lunch

  • Mehrangarh Fort

  • Old Jodhpur Blue City Walk

  • Jaipur Early Morning Tour

  • Amber Fort with Jeep ride

  • City Palace, Hawa Mahal and the gorgeous Pink City!

  • Jaipur Interactive Cooking Class (all drink included)

  • Fatehpur Sikri

  • Agra Fort

  • Sunset Viewing Taj

  • Taj Mahal

  • Old Delhi Tour

  • Bicycle Rickshaw in Chandi Chowk

  • Humayun's Tomb

  • Qutab Minar

• All airport transfers in India

• Air conditioned coach transport for full duration of itinerary

• Domestic Flights (Mumbai - Jodhpur; Jodhpur - Jaipur) with 25 kilos luggage allowance

• Unlimited mineral water in coach and hotels

• All applicable taxes

• Pre-departure advice and support - detailed planning information, Visa application support, additional travel advice, lots of insider tips & knowledge!

• 24/7 support in India from local representative if required

• Plenty more surprises!

• International Flights

• Departure taxes (if required)

• Health & Travel Insurance (you are required to have travel insurance)

• Meals not listed

• Additional tips (mainly hotel porters)

• Spending Money

• Indian entry visa

• Vaccinations (if required/desired)

• Additional travel arrangements/activities not noted on itinerary