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 a two night stay. 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 that was once the capital of India's Muslim Nawabs, to see its extravagant Devra and Singhania havelis. (B)

DAY 5: Mandawa - Bikaner.
Say farewell to Mandawa as we travel to Bikaner in north western 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 and surrounded by stunning Jain temples. (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 15th century city exudes imperial grandeur and warm hospitality. (B)

DAY 9: Jodhpur.
Look forward to an absorbing morning at Jodhpur's Mehrangarh Fort, founded by Prince Rao Jodha in 1459. Marvel at its grand palaces and admire the splendid Jaswant Singh II memorial at Jodphur's royal cremation ground - 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 empty desert around Jodhpur. These communities of nature lovers live 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' and the most romantic city in Rajasthan, Udaipur was founded in 1568 and was once the capital of India's old Mewar state. This enchanting city 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, L, D)

DAY 13: Pushkar. Camel fair.
Today, explore the festival grounds at leisure. During the 'Pushkar Mela', the town is transformed into a spectacular festival as it hosts the largest cattle fair in the world, attracting thousands of domestic and international visitors. Experience the trading of cattle, camel races and dazzling displays of clothes, brassware, camel saddles and halters, acrobatics, folkdance and music. (B, L, D)

DAY 14: Pushkar - Jaipur.
Continue to enjoy the excitement of the camel fair in the morning before an afternoon departure to Jaipur, Rajasthan's quintessential royal city. (B)

DAY 15: 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 in the Aravalli Hills 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 with its 90ft. sundial, and explore the bustling markets of the old city. (B)

DAY 16: Jaipur - Fatehpur Sikri - Agra.
An early morning departure for Agra, stopping en-route at Fatehpur Sikri, an atmospheric abandoned city. Tour the elegant courtyards, sandstone palaces and victory gate of this ghostly place, built by Emperor Akbar the Great in 1569 and deserted by its people soon after when its water supply failed. (B)

DAY 17: Agra, Included Taj Mahal visit - Sohna (near Delhi).
Early this morning proceed for your sunrise 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. Afterwards, visit Itmad-ud-Daulah, the beautiful tomb of Mirza Ghiyath Beg built in pure marble with its walls etched by translucent stones. Continue to Agra Fort, a colossal red stone 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, perhaps gazing at the view of the Taj Mahal from its windows. This afternoon, leave Agra for Sohna (near Delhi). (B)

DAY 18: Sohna - Delhi - UK.
Transfer to Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport for your return flight to the UK. (B)