DAY 1: Depart UK.

DAY 2: Arrive Delhi.
On arrival in Delhi you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel for two nights. The capital of modern India, Delhi is a magnetic blend of old and new boasting a fascinating array of sights, from elegant shops and lively bazaars to impressive forts and mosques that were once the power-base for India's Mughal emperors. This afternoon is free for you to relax or start exploring.

DAY 3: Delhi. Included sightseeing.
Your day starts with a sightseeing tour of Old Delhi, gazing at landmarks such as the majestic three-domed Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in Asia, and the splendid 17th century Mughal Red Fort before visiting Raj Ghat and Shanti Vana, the cremation sites of Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru. This afternoon, enjoy New Delhi's major sights, including the towering Qutab Minar, ancient tomb of the Emperor Humayun, the grandiose India Gate war memorial, then a drive past the President's House and Parliament. (B)

DAY 4: Delhi - Mandawa.
This morning, leave for Mandawa, a busy market town famed for its intricately painted havelis - the ornate mansions of India's merchants and temples. Admire the splendid views over Mandawa from its fortress-topped hill, before an afternoon visit to its havelis and monuments close-up. Later, visit Fateh Pur, a nearby 15th century town, to see its extravagant Devra and Singhania havelis. (B)

DAY 5: Mandawa - Bikaner.
Say farewell to Mandawa as we travel to Bikaner in northwestern Rajasthan. Surrounded by desert, this royal walled city was a major trading centre on the ancient caravan routes between central Asia and India. At the heart of the temple-filled city is the massive Junagarh fortress, a formidable complex housing courtyards and palaces. This afternoon we take a tour of this amazing edifice, with its 37 pavilions and exquisitely decorated balconies, chapels and mirrored palaces. (B)

DAY 6: Bikaner - Jaisalmer.
Our destination today is the exotic desert city of Jaisalmer. Strategically located on camel trade routes and often dubbed the 'Golden City', Jaisalmer is a feast for the senses. Filled with intricately latticed, beautifully preserved 19th century havelis, it is best known for its impressive fort, standing 80 metres above the city. (B)

DAY 7: Jaisalmer.
This morning, enjoy a tour of Jaisalmer's fort, built in the 12th century and where a fourth of the city's population now lives. After admiring the richly carved Jain temples and havelis nearby, this afternoon brings a highlight of your trip - an excursion to Sam Sand Dunes. Enjoy a short camel ride over the dunes as the sun dips behind the horizon, casting a radiant glow over the desert. (B)

DAY 8: Jaisalmer - Jodhpur.
Leave Jaisalmer for Jodhpur, once one of India's princely states. Set in the sand dunes of the Thar Desert, Jodhpur's mesmerising old city is ringed by a 10-kilometre, eight-gated wall outside of which the new city stands. Brimming with enchanting palaces, temples, havelis and a beautiful fort, this imperious city exudes grandeur and warm hospitality. (B)

DAY 9: Jodhpur.
Look forward to an absorbing morning at Jodhpur's Mehrangarh Fort. Marvel at its grand palaces and admire the splendid Jaswant Singh II memorial - beautifully constructed from thin marble sheets to let sunlight filter in. In the afternoon, experience a jeep safari to visit the local Bishnoi tribes of the desert - communities of nature lovers living an ascetic lifestyle, protecting endangered plant and tree species and prohibiting poachers from killing animals. (B)

DAY 10: Jodhpur - Udaipur.
This morning we travel to Udaipur, visiting the spectacular Jain temples at Ranakpur en route. Known as the 'City of Lakes', Udaipur, founded in 1568, is built around three lakes and is made up from a maze of narrow lanes, exquisite palaces, pavilions and gardens. The remainder of the day is at leisure. (B)

DAY 11: Udaipur.
Today, marvel at Udaipur's mirage-like beauty on a tour of its City Palace and Museum, comprising of a series of enchanting palaces overlooking Lake Pichola. Later, admire the Jagdish Mandir, a temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, and the ornamental gardens of Sahelion ki Bari. In the evening, enjoy a boat ride on Lake Pichola. (B)

DAY 12: Udaipur - Pushkar.
Today we travel to Pushkar. Once a mighty Mughal residence, this holy city is famed for its colourful camel and cattle fair and home to 400 temples and ghats. (B)

DAY 13: Pushkar - Jaipur.
This morning is dedicated to Pushkar's 14th century Brahma temple - the only one in India - a vision of white, rising from the banks of the sacred Pushkar Lake, and unbelievably beautiful in the early morning or evening light. Afterwards we travel to Jaipur, Rajasthan's quintessential royal city. (B)

DAY 14: Jaipur.
Following a photo opportunity at the intriguing red sandstone Hawa Mahal, the 'Palace of the Winds', we arrive at the legendary Amber Fort, known as the 'Sleeping Beauty of Rajasthan'. This fortress-palace has a sombre exterior that hides a richly ornate interior of royal apartments, including a stupendous Chamber of Mirrors and alabaster Hall of Victory. Later enjoy the City Palace Museum with its collection of paintings, carpets, weapons and costumes, followed by a visit to the Jantar Mantar Observatory and explore the bustling markets of the old city. (B)

DAY 15: Jaipur - Fatehpur Sikri - Agra. Included Taj Mahal visit.
An early morning departure for Agra, stopping en route at Fatehpur Sikri, an abandoned city. Tour the elegant courtyards, sandstone palaces and victory gate of this ghostly place, built in 1569 and deserted by its people when the water ran out. In Agra, look forward to another highlight - your late afternoon visit to the Taj Mahal. One of the Seven Wonders of the World, this remarkable edifice was commissioned by Shahjahan as a memorial to his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Taking 22 years to build and completed in 1653, its breathtaking marble-inlaid interiors are a shrine to the emperor's passion and contain both his and his beloved's mausoleum. (B)

DAY 16: Agra - Sohna.
After breakfast, visit Itmad-ud-Daulah tomb, built in pure marble with its walls etched by translucent stones. Continue to Agra Fort, a colossal redstone monument stretching for 2.5 kilometres. Admire its forbidding battlements and spectacular Mughal palace with its chambers, room of mirrors and the poignant pavilion where Shahjahan spent his last days. This afternoon, leave Agra for Sohna (near Delhi). (B)

DAY 17: Sohna - Delhi - UK.
Transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK. (B)