Overview
Legendary Rajasthan is full of spectacular color and wondrous reminders of its glorious past. On guided excursions, explore Jaipur, a walled city of pink stone and a treasure-trove of exuberant 18th and 19th century palaces; visit the haunting red sandstone ruins of the remote Mughal capital at Fatehpur Sikri; and watch a golden sunset and sunrise illuminate the legendary Taj Mahal, an exquisite white marble palace set on the banks of the Yamuna River in Agra.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1
Delhi, India
Arrive in Delhi where you are met for transfer to the Claridges Hotel Delhi...Meals on your own
Delhi, India - Day 1
Claridges Hotel Delhi
Delhi, India
Day 1 (1 night)
Set on three acres right in the heart of New Delhi, this hotel has been a landmark since the 1950s and it’s just a five-minute walk from the trendy Khan Market, an upscale shopping area patronized by diplomats, ex-pats, and Delhi’s elite. The hotel offers spacious, well-appointed rooms, a 24-hour coffee shop, two restaurants, and lovely garden, and a courteous staff.
Day 2
Train to Agra / Taj Mahal
After breakfast, depart Delhi for Agra, the capital of the Mughal Empire from the 16th to early 18th centuries (drive time: approximately 4 hours). On arrival, enjoy a full-day tour of Agra including Agra Fort, the first major building project of the Emperor Akbar, built in 1565 on the site of an earlier castle. At sunset, head to the legendary Taj Mahal, particularly lovely at this time of day. The Taj Mahal is an exquisite white marble palace, set on the banks of the Yamuna River. It was constructed over a 21-year period from 1632 to 1653 by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died in childbirth. It was described by the English poet Sir Edwin Arnold as “Not a piece of architecture, as other buildings are, but the proud passions of an emperor’s love wrought in living stones.” Overnight at the ITC Mughal Agra...BL
Note: The Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays, so please note that the days may be reorganized to accommodate this.
Train to Agra / Taj Mahal - Day 2
ITC Mughal Agra
Agra, India
Day 2 (1 night)
The ITC Mughal Agra Hotel is a comfortable property set on 35 acres of lush gardens complete with two swimming pools and an excellent spa. It is well located for our visit to the Taj Mahal and Agra’s other sites.
Day 3
Fatehpur Sikri / Jaipur
Awake early this morning for a sunrise viewing of the Taj Mahal, then drive to the haunting desert ruins of Fatehpur Sikri, once the capital of Mughal Emperor Akbar. The emperor and his court stayed here only from 1570 to 1586, and this fabulous city of red sandstone has lain abandoned ever since. The palaces and courtyards remain in pristine condition, offering us an extraordinarily accurate glimpse of a Mughal city. Continue to Jaipur, capital of Rajasthan. Afternoon tour of the City Palace and Museum. Overnight at the Trident Hotel Jaipur. Driving time today is approximately 6 hours...B
Fatehpur Sikri / Jaipur - Day 3
Trident Hotel Jaipur
Jaipur, India
Day 3 (1 night)
With a pleasant location across from Jaj Mahal Lake and just a 10-minute drive from the famous Jaipur Fort, this small hotel offers comfortable and spacious rooms and excellent service. The swimming pool is inviting, the breakfast buffet is abundant, and the lobby bar is a great place to unwind in the evening.
Day 4
Jaipur / Delhi / Depart
Jaipur was built by Maharaja Jai Singh II in the early 18th century, and this elegant city is unsurpassed as a testament to the craftsmanship of the old masters. Fresco painting and mirror work were two favorite ways of decorating interior spaces in Jaipur’s forts and gracious residences. Our full-day city tour includes Amber Fort, the Palace of the Winds, or Hawa Mahal, and the fruit and vegetable market. In the evening, drive to Delhi and connect with late evening homeward-bound flights (or overnight in Delhi, an 'on your own' expense)...BL
