Royal Rajasthan – A Classic India Tour
Rajasthan is the India that you have seen in movies and dreamt of visiting – with mountaintop fortresses and the trappings of the Maharajas. Literally “the land of the kings”, Rajasthan is home to numerous flamboyant palaces and cities filled with typical Indian street life. In this special version of our Rajasthan tour, you’ll be able to experience the most colorful and spirited of holidays, Holi, the Hindu celebration of Spring, love, and unity, with the Carnival of Colors in Udaipur!
You’ll experience the palaces of Jaipur, the food of Jodhpur, the sunset of Udaipur, the dunes of Thar Desert, and the magnificent Taj Mahal – the jewel of India’s crown. We’ve created an itinerary where you will not only see palaces, you will stay in them. You’ll also be treated to unique Indian cultural delights such as henna painting, Bollywood dancing, yoga, and street food. Pack your bags – you’re in for two weeks of intense color and vibrant life, unlike anything you’ve experienced.
Day One
Overnight: Delhi
Welcome to India! At the hotel in the afternoon, begin the tour with a welcome meeting and orientation. After the meeting, you will get a chance to spend time with your fellow travelers over dinner.
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Day Two
Overnight: Delhi
Have a morning to relax. After lunch, explore the narrow lanes and the vintage vibes of Old Delhi on a cycle rickshaw ride. Then, off to the oldest mosque, Jama Masjid and to a spiritual Sikh temple. In the late afternoon, enjoy a delectable high tea at one of the oldest Haveli – Haveli Dharampura, which offers a breathtaking view of Old Delhi charm.
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Day Three
Overnight: Udaipur
This morning we leave Delhi behind with a flight to Udaipur. This romantic city is set amid the Aravalli Hills and curls around Lake Pichola, a man-made lake created in the 14th century. On arrival, take a guided walk to the old city. Explore twisting alleyways filled with shops and bazaars, and learn about the old art of Miniature art painting, the specialty of this town. This is followed by a Rajasthani Folk dance, and in the evening, enjoy dinner at a lake side restaurant.
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Day Four
Overnight: Udaipur
Start the day with a tour of the elegant City Palace with a local guide. This marvelous building overlooks Lake Pichola and is Rajasthan’s largest palace. You have a free afternoon to discover more of Udaipur. The afternoon is free for you to further explore the charm of Udaipur at your leisure.
In the evening, experience a boat ride at Lake Pichola; this lake is 4-Km long and 3-Km broad, surrounded by splendid hills, palaces, temples, bathing ghats, and embankments. Visit the island palace Jag Mandir, which is beautifully set in the lake. Also experience Holika Dahan, which marks the beginning of Holi celebration.
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Day Five
Overnight: Udaipur
Don your vibrant Holi attire and follow your leader for an exhilarating Holi celebration. Join the Carnival of Colors and immerse yourself in the festivities. Initially, indulge in a milder version of Holi, exchanging colors with family and friends, offering sweets, and blowing colors into the air as a gesture of goodwill. But let’s not keep it all tame with our friends. This is a spirited and colorful battle, filled with love and camaraderie. Your leader will divide you into teams, equip you with water balloons, water guns, and colors, and unleash the colorful fury!
Once you’re adorned in a kaleidoscope of colors, feeling exhilarated (and maybe a bit tired), satisfy your hunger with a delicious meal prepared by your host. Relax, relish the food, engage in lively conversations, and debate over who emerged victorious in the colorful clash.
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Day Six
Overnight: Jodhpur
This morning after breakfast, drive to the Blue city of India, Jodhpur, where you will check in for a stay at one of the local heritage palaces. After settling in at your hotel, enjoy a peaceful high tea while watching the sunset over the 13th Century lake.
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Day Seven
Overnight: Jodhpur
This morning, explore Mehrangarh Fort, a former palace that’s now a museum, displaying weapons, paintings and elaborate royal palanquins. Later today you tour a nearby Bishnoi village, which offers a glimpse into rural Rajasthani life and the chance to learn about the rich cultural traditions of the people who live there, such as worshipping nature. This evening, enjoy a traditional dinner at a local restaurant.
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Day Eight
Overnight: Manvar Desert Camp
Pack up your excitement for a glamping experience in the dunes of Thar Desert. You’ll begin the day centering yourself with a relaxing yoga session, then drive to Manvar, which offers stunning sunrises, mesmerizing sunsets, and dazzling night skies. Settle into your tent, each of which offers an impressive view over the desert wilderness. Tonight we will enjoy a dance show in the moonlight.
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Day Nine
Overnight: Bikaner
This morning is travel time to Bikaner, considered to be the exotic beauty of Rajasthan. We will visit Junagarh Fort and get a peek into the royal lives and times of the Maharajas of Bikaner. The palaces, gardens, and balconies inside the fort depict various architectural styles influenced by the different rulers’ cultural differences and foreign inspirations.
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Day Ten
Overnight: Mandawa
Today, watch the countryside fly by as your bus travels to Mandawa. On the way, the group will stop for lunch at the 17th Century boutique hotel, Roop Niwas Kothi. Next stop is your hotel, an 18th Century castle transformed into a heritage property by the Regal Family. With antique collections, delicate mirror work, and Palanquin-roofed balconies, it offers a perfect blend of modern comforts and old world charm.
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Day Eleven
OVERNIGHT: MANDAWA
Today we will explore Mandawa, which is popularly referred to as an outdoor museum. Experience the heart of the Shekhawati region and the palaces and impressive mansions (havelis) it offers. A local guide will lead you on a haveli tour where you’ll notice that some are faithfully restored while others are crumbling.
This evening, share a meal of spicy Northern Indian food with your fellow travelers before retiring for the night.
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Day Twelve
Overnight: Jaipur
Today you hop on your private bus to the Pink City of India, Jaipur, which is the capital of Rajasthan. A city known for its gems & gemstones, you will get the opportunity to visit a local emporium specializing in textiles & jewelry. Then witness the beauty of Amber Fort in the evening, after the crowds leave and the fort is lit up. You will be welcomed as a royal for an exclusive moonlight dinner.
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Day Thirteen
Overnight: Jaipur
This morning, head into town for a memorable rickshaw ride with The Pink City Rickshaw Company, a not-for-profit organization that aims to provide a new aspirational employment opportunity to 200 women from low-income households in Jaipur. We will visit Jantar Mantar, an UNESCO World heritage site, which features the largest stone Sundial in the world.
Free time in the afternoon to relax by the pool and learn about the significance of Henna Tattoos. Rest up for tonight’s Bollywood dance class!
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Day Fourteen
Overnight: Agra
Early this morning you head to Agra, which is home to one of the most beautiful wonders of the world, the Taj Mahal. After arrival in Agra, you explore the elaborate Agra Fort, whose forbidding red sandstone battlements hide a number of majestic Mughal palaces. In the evening, learn about the exquisite art of hand-knotted carpets.
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Day Fifteen
Overnight: Delhi
In the morning visit Taj Mahal, which is the best time of the day to visit the monument. Built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal who died giving birth to their fourteenth child in 1631, the Taj Mahal is described by the Indian poet Rabindranath Tagore as ‘a tear drops on the face of eternity’.
Later, we return to Delhi and have our final group dinner together.
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Day Sixteen
Tour Ends
Your journey comes to an end after breakfast. Your guide will help you with transportation arrangements or use the hotel shuttle to the airport for your departure.
Our founder Sarah is a professional tour guide, travel writer, and artist with over 20 years of experience leading travelers around the globe. After earning a degree in architecture, she traded the drafting board for a life of adventure, guiding tours and sharing her travel expertise through writing, speaking engagements and media appearances.
A former Rick Steves guidebook researcher and co-author of Rick Steves Sicily, Sarah is also known for her popular packing-focused insights and content helping travelers around the world streamline their journeys. Based in Seattle but often found exploring the world, Sarah brings passion, insight, and a love for culture to every tour she leads.
Price: $6750 (Air not included) per person for a double occupancy room. Single Supplement is $1150. We welcome singles and if you do not have a travel partner, please sign up for a single spot. In the event that a roommate is found, your booking can be changed to a double before final payment is due.
What’s included: 15 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 high teas, 7 dinners, and 15 nights lodging in a clean, comfortable, and centrally located hotel. All admissions and fees for group activities. Transport within the tour and private guides, tips included.
Deposit Policy: A non-refundable deposit of $600 per person is due upon booking.
Tour begins and ends in Delhi (DEL).
If you have additional questions please email us at info@adventureswithsarah.net
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