Day 01: Arrive DELHI

After you have cleared immigration and customs formalities, you are met outside the International Arrivals Hall and transferred to the hotel (check-in at noon).

In the afternoon take a tour of Old Delhi which 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. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 02: Delhi To Haridwar, Rishikesh

After breakfast depart on the 5-hour drive to Haridwar, located at the foot of the Shivalik hills on the banks of the holy Ganga. Known as Mayapuri in the Puranas, it is mentioned in the memoirs of the Chinese traveller Huien TSang. Legend has it that the ancestors of Raja Bharigarh were burnt at this holy spot by the curse of Sage Kapila. They were redeemed by the Raja's penance, which brought the Ganga down from Lord Shiva's locks. Millions of devotees flock to this temple city annually to redeem themselves. The most sacred of the bathing ghats lining the river is Har-ki-Pauri. This is the venue of the Kumbha and Ardh Kumbha Melas, held every 12 and 6 years respectively, when hundreds of thousands of Hindu pilgrims, priests and sadhus gather.

Later, proceed to Rishikesh, located some 24 km north of Haridwar on the right bank of the Ganga, On arrival, check in the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 03: In Rishikesh

After breakfast explore Rishikesh, which is surrounded on three sides by the Himalayan ranges. Legend has it that God revealed himself to Raibhaya Rishi as Hrishikesh, after long penance and this sacred spot was henceforth known as such. A renowned centre of Yoga discipline and learning, Rishikesh is dotted with shrines and ashrams. Some 5 km away is the famous temple of Laxman Jhoola, dedicated to Laxman, the brother of Lord Ram, where he is believed to have performed penance. Rishikesh is also the starting point of several treks and pilgrimages to the holy shrines of Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 04: In Rishikesh

After breakfast day free to discover Rishikesh on your own. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 05: Rishikesh To Mussoorie

After breakfast depart on the 4-hour drive to Mussoorie and on arrival, check in at the hotel. Situated on a horse shaped hill, discovered by the British, Mussourie retains its casual elegance even today. Houses and walks bear English names, though Mussourie is a mixture of several cultures. Mussourie commands a panoramic view of the Doon Valley and is an ideal base for leisurely day hikes or treks in the Gangotri and Yamunotri valleys. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 06: In Mussoorie

After breakfast discover Mussoorie on your own, taking one of the various walks or just relax and unwind in the pine scented air. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 07: In Mussoorie

After breakfast this day is also free to discover Mussoorie on your own or just to relax. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 08: Mussoorie To Delhi

After breakfast depart on the 7-hour drive to Delhi and on arrival, check in at the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 09: Delhi To Agra

After breakfast visit New Delhi. India Gate was 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. One of Delhi’s most striking monuments is the 70-meter high Qutb Minar, which looms majestically across the wide plains of Delhi.

After lunch depart on the 4-hour drive to Agra. On arrival in Agra, check in the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 10: Agar To Jaipur

After breakfast 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 both Hindu and Muslim architecture.

The highlight of your trip will be a visit to the Taj Mahal, 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. Marble was brought from Makrana, near Jodhpur and precious stones of onyx, amethyst, malachite, lapis lazuli, turquoise, jade, crystal and mother of pearl were carried from Persia, Russia, Afghanistan, Tibet, China and the Indian Ocean.

In the afternoon 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 for overnight stay.

Day 11: In Jaipur

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 - panels of alabaster, 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 the ramparts of 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. It stands on one of the main streets, a curious building, elaborate and fanciful, 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, built by Jai Singh II, has huge stone instruments devised to study the movements of the sun, moon and planets and are incredibly accurate. There is time to wander through the colourful bazaars, a veritable collector's paradise where you can watch ancient craft forms. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 12: Jaipur To Delhi

After breakfast depart on the 6-hour drive to Delhi airport, in time for your onward flight.