Day 01: Arrive To Delhi

After you have cleared immigration and customs formalities, you are met outside the International Arrivals Hall and transferred to the hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 02: In Delhi

After breakfast depart for a tour of India’s capital. Morning sightseeing of Old Delhi includes a visit to the Red Fort, built in 1648 during the reign of Shah Jehan in red sandstone, which gave the fort its name. Jama Masjid is India's largest mosque, built of red sandstone and white marble in the middle of the 17th century. Chandni Chowk (Silver Street), once the imperial avenue down which Shah Jehan rode at the head of lavish cavalcades, is today bustling with shops, stalls and silversmiths' ateliers. Also visit Raj Ghat where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated. Afternoon sightseeing of New Delhi includes a visit to India Gate, built in memory of Indian soldiers killed during the First World War. Rashtrapati Bhawan, built in the early 20th century as the Imperial residence of the Viceroy is today the official residence of the President of India and Parliament House, an unique circular building with huge colonnades, houses the Upper and Lower Houses of Parliament. Connaught Circus is the commercial hub of New Delhi. Humayun's Tomb is the first Mughal garden tomb. One of Delhi’s most striking monuments is the 70-meter high Qutb Minar, which looms majestically across the wide plains of Delhi. In the evening enjoy a performance depicting the different folk and classical dance styles of India, followed by a tandoori dinner. Overnight at hotel.

Day 03: Delhi To Agra

After breakfast depart on the 4-hour drive to Agra. On arrival check in at the hotel. In the afternoon visit the red sandstone Agra Fort, which stands like a crescent on the banks of the Jamuna River, enclosed by forbidding 20-meter high walls, with a 12-meter moat between them. Three successive Mughal emperors - Akbar, Jehangir and Shah Jehan - helped create this massive structure which contains Hindu and Muslim architecture. The highlight of your trip will probably be a visit to the Taj Mahal, surely the greatest monument to love and one of the wonders of the modern world. Completed in 1652, skilled craftsmen from Persia, Turkey, France and Italy and some 20,000 labourers worked for 17 years to build this edifice, constructed by emperor Shah Jehan as a mausoleum for his beloved queen Mumtaz Mahal. Dinner and overnight at Hotel.

Day 04: Agra To Jaipur

After breakfast depart on the 6-hour drive to Jaipur En route stop at Fatehpur Sikri, the deserted sandstone city, which was the glorious but short-lived imperial capital of Akbar, the greatest of Mughal emperors. Lying on a rocky ridge, it is today a haunting complex of empty palaces, forts and mosques. A variety of architectural styles are found, since craftsmen representing many schools were employed. On arrival in Jaipur check in at the hotel. Dinner and overnight at hotel.

Day 05: Jaipur To Udaipur

After breakfast visit Amber, the capital for 6 centuries before Jaipur was built, which lies 11 km north of Jaipur. Rising majestically on the slopes of a hill, this 11th century fort and palace complex is a blend of Hindu and Muslim styles - the earlier constructions in the inner apartments designed by the Hindu founder are austere, while later constructions abound in the rich flourishes characteristic of Muslim influence. The Diwani-i-Am (Hall of Public Audience) affords a view of the strategic location of Amber. The Jai Mandir (Hall of Victory) is the finest example of the artistic exuberance of the day - fine inlay work, a shimmering Hall of Mirrors, renowned for its fine mirrorwork. The Sukh Nivas (Hall of Pleasure) has 17th century air conditioning. Experience the thrill of riding up to the fort on gaily-decorated elephants, in the manner the Rajputs of old made their royal ascent centuries ago.

In the afternoon explore Jaipur, one of the best-planned cities in India, built of rose-pink sandstone by the great astronomer-king Jai Singh II in 1727. The City Palace stands in the centre of the city. Part of it is still the Maharaja's residence, while most of the complex has been developed into a museum containing rare manuscripts, fine specimens of Rajput and Mughal paintings, royal apparel and an armoury. Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) is the landmark of Jaipur, built of pink sandstone with a delicate honeycomb design. Rising five storeys high, it is composed of semi-octagonal overhanging windows, each with its perforated screen, which allowed the ladies of the court to look onto the main street without being seen. Jantar Mantar observatory was built by the founder of Jaipur, Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh. The huge stone instruments were devised to study the movements of the sun, moon and planets and are incredibly accurate. There is time to wander around the bazaars. Evening transfer to the railway station to board the Chetak Express, departing Jaipur at 2210 hours. Overnight on the train.

Day 06: Udaipur

1025 hours: the train arrives in Udaipur. You are met at the railway station and transferred to the hotel. Afternoon sightseeing of Udaipur includes a visit to the City Palace, which stands on the crest of a ridge overlooking Lake Pichola. The largest palace in Rajasthan, it was built at various periods but still preserves the harmony of design. Now a museum, it is a labyrinth of courtyards richly decorated with inlaid mirror-work, galleries covered with frescos, temples and roof gardens, which afford a wide panorama below. Sahelion-ki-Bari (Garden of the Handmaidens) is a good example of the Hindu art of landscape gardening on a princely scale. Ornamental pools with finely sculptured cenotaphs of soft black stone are surrounded by a profusion of fountains. The Jagdish Temple in the old town was built in the mid-17th century and has a remarkable bronze statue of Garuda, the mythical bird, facing his revered master Lord Vishnu. The shops and craftsmen's ateliers in the narrow streets of the bazaar justify endless walks. Dinner and overnight at hotel.

Day 07: In Udaipur

After breakfast visit the famous Jain temples of Ranakpur which lie buried in a shady glen and cover a vast area. The central temple is called Chaumukha (four-faced) and is the most complex and extensive of Jain temples in India, covering an area of over 3,600 sq. meters. Its 29 halls are supported by 1,444 pillars, none of which are alike. Subsidiary shrines in the shape of side alters throng around in all directions, including a temple dedicated to the Sun God which displays erotic carvings. Return to Udaipur in the late afternoon. Dinner and overnight at hotel.

Day 08: Udaipur To Ahmedabad

After breakfast depart on the 6-hour drive to Ahmedabad. On arrival check in at the hotel. Dinner and overnight at hotel.

Day 09: In Ahmedabad

After breakfast explore Ahmedabad. Founded in 1411 by Ahmed Shah I on the site if the ancient city of Karavati, it is today the great textile and commercial city of western India. Omnipresent is the Sabarmati River over which four bridges connect the old city with the new. On one side are the crowded streets leading to Manek Chowk, where rows of traders dealing in silver jewelry or printed fabrics lean against spotless white bolster-pillows, waiting for customers. The upper floors of the old havelis (family homes) have exquisitely carved wooden balconies, windows and doorways. The most beautiful ones stand in Doshiwala ni Pol. In Ahmedabad, the Indo-Saracen architecture blends beautifully Hindu and Muslim styles. Sidi Saiyad's Mosque near Relief Road is one of the most eloquent examples of the finest such work in sandstone. The shaking minarets of Rajpur Bibi's Mosque at Gomtipur and Sidi Bashir's Mosque at Kalipur are interesting - pressure exerted on the inner walls of the minarets sets them vibrating. Hridey Kunj, Mahatma Gandhi's austere Ashram, is set amongst mango trees where he experimented in non-violent methods of political struggle. Also visit the project of the Aga Khan Rural Support Programme (AKRSP), part of the Aga Khan Development Network.

In the evening visit the Vechaar Utensil Museum, a 15-minute drive out of Ahmedabad, which houses a remarkable collection of metalware: utensils of every imaginable shape and size in bronze, brass and other alloys have been collected from every corner of Gujarat. A traditional Gujarati meal at the Vishalla Restaurant is delicious and appropriately rounds off the visit to the museum. Overnight at hotel.

Day 10: Ahmedabad To Rajkot

After breakfast depart on the 5-hour drive to Rajkot. On arrival check in at the hotel. In the afternoon take a tour of Rajkot. The Rajkumar College dates back to the second half of the last century and is regarded as one of the best private schools in the country. It was originally one of five schools set up by the British for the education of the sons of the princely state rulers. The Alfred High School (now Mahatma Gandhi High School) is where Mahatma Gandhi was educated. The Gandhi family home has been turned into a memorial museum containing photographs and a few personal effects. Dinner and overnight at hotel.

Day 11: Trip To Junagarh

After breakfast depart for Junagarh, which evokes memories of romance, triumph and tragedy. Junagarh literally meaning 'old fort' is today a picturesque city, an extension of the walled city of Uparkot. On the way to Girnar Hill, the second most sacred mount of the Jains, is the rock with Ashoka's edicts and inscriptions of Rudraman (150 AD) and Skandagupta (454 AD). Nearby is the sacred pond, Damodar Kund. An old Rajput palace, two stepwells and Buddhist caves are of special interest in this historic Uparkot fort. Visit the Neminath Temple (12th century) among the 5 magnificent Jain Temples on Girnar Hill, shrine of Ambaji auspicious for newly weds, Gorakhnath and Guru Dattaraya further up, and there is also a Shiva Temple and the tomb of a Muslim Saint. All these attract followers of Jain, Hindu and Muslim faiths.

The Aga Khan Development Network runs a Rural Support Programme here, which is worth visiting. Return to Rajkot in the evening. Dinner and overnight at hotel.

Day 12: Rajkot To Ahmedabad

After breakfast depart on the return drive to Ahmedabad. En route stop at Surendranagar to see the commendable work being done here by the Aga Khan Rural Support Programme.

On arrival in Ahmedabad check in at the hotel. Dinner and overnight a hotel.

Day 13: Ahmedabad To Baroda (Vadodara)

After breakfast depart on the 3-hour drive to Baroda, also known as Vadodara. On arrival in Baroda check in at the hotel. In the afternoon explore Vadodara, now booming with an oil refinery, petro-chemical complex and other industries. Visit the Sayaji Bagh and Vadodara Museum and Art Galley with its fine collection of Moghul miniatures and European masters. The Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum houses European works by Raphael, Titian and Murillo and examples of Greco-Roman, Chinese and Japanese Art as well as Indian exhibits. The flamboyant Laxmi Vilas Palace has a large collection of armour and sculptures. A short distance away is the Naulakhi Baoli, interesting multi-level wells, which are unique to western India. Dinner and overnight at hotel.

Day 14: Baroda-Bombay (Mumbai)

After breakfast visit Bharuch, situated 70 km south of Baroda, at the mouth of the Narmada River. It is one of the oldest seaports in western India, which flourished in the 1st century AD.

Return to Baroda in time to board the Shatabdi Express, departing at 1620 hours and arriving Bombay at 2145 hours. Dinner is served on the train. You are met on arrival in Bombay and transferred to the hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 15: In Bombay (Mumbai)

In the morning take a tour of Bombay. From humble obscure beginnings as a set of seven small islands, Bombay (now called Mumbai) has today risen to the eminence of India's most important commercial and industrial centre. The Gateway of India was conceived as a triumphal arch to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary for the Delhi Durbar in 1911. The Prince of Wales Museum, built of blue-grey basalt and yellow sandstone, contains some excellent examples of Indian miniature paintings of the Mughal and Rajasthan Schools, as well as collections of jade and chinaware artifacts. Flora Fountain, now called Hutatma Chowk (Martyr's Square) is a major landmark in the heart of the city's Fort area. Marine Drive is a long gracefully curving road along the buttressed sea-coast. Also of interest are the Hanging Gardens on Malabar Hill, from where you get a magnificent panoramic view of the metropolis and the Arabian Sea. The city has several fine examples of colonial architecture including the Clock Tower - now called Rajabai Tower, the University Hall and Elphiston College with canopied balconies, the School of Art, built in the late 1800s, where Rudyard Kipling was born; Crawford Market which has bas-reliefs designed by Kipling's father; the massive Victoria Terminus, built of yellow sandstone and granite combined with polychromatic stones and blue-grey basalt and the Municipal Corporation building.

Enjoy a typical Gujarati thali dinner, before returning to the hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 16: In Bombay (Mumbai)

The full day is at leisure to explore the metropolis on your own. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 17: Depart Bombay (Mumbai)

Transfer to the airport for onward flight.