The Grande Palaces & Historic Forts

Assistance on arrival at Indira Gandhi International airport

Arrive Delhi, the Political Capital of India. Delhi is history, and the monuments are tablets on which the history is written. Every conqueror did his best to possess Delhi and make it his capital. It is not a single city but a combination of eight cities that have been established here from as early as 900 BC to 1930 when the British completed the construction of New Delhi as the capital of Imperial India. It is therefore not surprising that the monuments of Delhi successfully mirror the development of the architectural styles in the country. On arrival, once you have completed the Immigration formalities and collected your baggage, please proceed to the arrival lounge where you will be welcomed by the TOTAL HOLIDAY OPTIONS executive holding a placard who will assist you with a transfer.

Full day city tour of Old and New Delhi, visiting Spice Market with Rickshaw ride, Jama Masjid, Qutub Minar, followed by a drive-past tour of New Delhi

Proceed for a full day city tour, begin with Old Delhi with a drive past Red Fort to reach Jama Masjid - the largest mosque in India built in red sandstone. Between the mosque and Chandni Chowk is a narrow shop-lined street along which you will be transported by cycle rickshaws on your most exhilarating journey of the tour. A rickshaw ride will take you through markets buzzing with people going about their daily chores, vendors selling their wares and shops decorated and ready for business. The rickshaw tour is a great way to discover a different aspect of Delhi and experience the energy of the city. Also visit Khari Baoli, a street in Old Delhi, known for its wholesale groceries and Asia's largest wholesale spice market selling all kinds of spices, nuts, herbs and other food products. Conclude your day with a visit to Qutab Minar; being one of the most important landmarks of Delhi, with calligraphy decorated interiors as well as inscriptions of verses of the Holy Quran.

Travel to Gwalior

Assistance on departure and travel to Gwalior, best known for its imposing hilltop fort, which was famously described as ˜the pearl amongst fortresses in India”. Cradle to a number of dynasties that ruled over the centuries, the city has rich patronage of history, as the influence reflects distinctively from the numerous regal structures and temples dominating the cityscape.

Check-in at hotel later visit Jai Vilas Palace

On arrival check-in at the hotel and in the afternoon visit the captivating Jai Vilas Palace, which has the stock with antiques and furniture imported from Europe in the mid 19th century. The Maharaja of Gwalior, Jayaji Rao Scindia, had this magnificent edifice built to ensure a grand welcome for King Edward VII, the then Prince of Wales in 1874. Today, it serves as a residence for the descendants of the royal family. The palace also serves as a museum stretched over 35 rooms, houses the Chitrangada Raje Art Gallery and a library that comprises more than 5,000 books. Moreover, each room in the regal palace contains curios of historical importance, including a collection of swords that date back to the times of Shah Jahan and Aurangzeb, and the original Dhal (shield) that belonged to freedom fighter Rani Laxmibai.

Explore Kasera Oli and afternoon free to relax or go shopping

Morning explore the Kasera Oil, a lane during the walk one will explore the various techniques used in utensil making and gain an insight into the way of life of these artisans who have been working here for generations. Afternoon is free to relax or go shopping, Gwalior is famous for its Chandari, Maheshwari Silks and Handicraft. You will find a signature of Mughal, Persian, and Hindu architecture in the building where today bazaars are set. So, even if you don’t have to buy anything, you will enjoy walking through the streets and clicking photos for your memories.

Travel to Agra

Morning travel to Agra, home to India's most famous landmark, the Taj Mahal. A poem of white marble, the Taj is described as the most extravagant monument ever built for love. On arrival, you will be assisted with a transfer. Rest of the day is free to relax.

Assistance on arrival and afternoon visit Agra Fort

On arrival, you will be assisted with a transfer. Afternoon enjoy a guided tour of the large 16th century Agra Fort, built by Emperor Akbar, made with red sandstone, the forbidding exteriors of this fort hide an inner paradise which is a labyrinth of Mahals, Court Rooms, Gardens, secret passway exhibiting an amazing mixture of Islamic and Hindu style of architecture. The splendid structures within the fort, the ramparts and majestic gateways signify the immense power, wealth and confidence of the Mughal empire.

Morning visit to Taj Mahal and later Marble Inlay workshop

Early morning visit India’s most iconic landmark, the Taj Mahal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The epitome of love, standing majestically on the banks of the river Yamuna, was built in the 17th century by the Mughul Emperor Shah Jahan in loving memory of his queen. Made with pure white marble, ornate with semi-precious stones and built around a beautiful four gardens plan, it is universally admired as the greatest achievement in the whole range of Indo-Islamic architecture. Come back to hotel and after brief rest visit Marble factory to witness artisans creating beautiful marble handicrafts whose ancestors had worked during the construction of the Taj.

Travel to Jaipur

Assistance on departure and travel to Jaipur, the first planned city of India, is a treasure-trove of culture, art and history. Famous for its color, lifestyle and Rajasthani cuisine. It is a city exuding royal heritage and extravagant richness.

Assistance on arrival and afternoon enjoy High tea at Rambagh Palace

Assistance on arrival and check in at hotel. Later in the afternoon experience High tea at Taj Rambagh Palace. Savour the best teas of the world with an exquisite array of exotic canapés and pastries while watching the resident peacocks strut in the gardens. A platter of traditional high tea and snacks will be served with an array of sweets and savouries varies, which often includes scones with clotted Devon cream, light pastries, sandwiches and more. Rest of the evening is free to explore and indulge in shopping at the colourful bazaars of Jaipur.

Full day city tour of Jaipur visiting Amber fort with Jeep ride, Observatory and City Palace, Henna Painting and Turban tying in the evening

Morning tour of Jaipur starts with a drive to Amber fort. En-route photo stop at Hawa Mahal (Wind Palace). The fort complex built of red sandstone and marble claims of various edifices of prominence like the diwan-i-Aam, Sheesh Mahal, Shila Devi Temple that presents a beautiful blend of Hindu and Muslim architecture. Next visit City Palace Museum which boasts to have some of the priceless handwritten Hindu scriptures, miniature delicate paintings, preserved painted ceilings and the elephant saddles (haudas). Visit Jantar Mantar; one of the famed observatories, a complex of astronomical instruments chiselled out of stone which provides fairly accurate information to the day. Later women will have Heena hand painting whereas men will learn the traditional Rajasthani Turban tying, there are many variations of the turbans in Rajasthan, and it is said that the style of the turban changes with every 15 km you travel.

Travel to Bikaner

Morning assistance on departure and travel to Bikaner, lying the north-west part of Rajasthan is the centre of art and culture of medieval India. This desert city has a stark beauty which is unique with wide-spread dunes, the moonlit glittering beauty and desert agility, marvellous palaces and temples, archaeological treasures, all combining to making it a city of lasting charm.

Assistance on arrival and visit Junagarh fort

Assistance on arrival and transfer to your accommodation. Later proceed to visit Junagarh Fort; built in 1587-93 by Raj Singh, it is made of red and pink sandstone, has 37 domes inside and is surrounded by high walls with a 30 feet trench around the fort.

Travel to Jaisalmer

Travel to the Golden City of Jaisalmer, built-in 1156 AD and named after its founder, Bhatti Rajput Rao Jaisal. Located deep in the heart of the Desert, the city is popular for its century's forts, palaces, Havelis and amber-hued houses. Perched atop the Trikuta Hill, it stands tall against miles of gleaming sand, epitomising the desolate, awesome charm of the desert. The Havelis, built by merchants of the 19th century are exquisitely carved from golden-yellow sandstone and are still in beautiful conditions.

Assistance on arrival and evening camel ride

On arrival in Jaisalmer, you will be assisted with a transfer. Later this evening, enjoy a camel ride on its exotic sand dunes, offering an unforgettable experience of rich cultural heritage. The sunset has a peculiar glow and as night descends, the sky goes up in flames, which fade leaving a few embers, until it becomes black, a breath-taking sight indeed! Filled with colours, festivity and smiles.

Full day city tour visiting Fort, Gadisar lake, Havelis and Jain Temple

After breakfast, we leave for a city tour of Jaisalmer visiting the fort built in 1156 AD. The life within the citadel conjures up images of medieval times with magnificent palace, Havelis, temples and of course skilled artisans and ubiquitous camels. We also visit the Jain temple of the 11th century BC, Gadisar Tank a scenic rainwater lake with numerous beautiful shrines and Patwon ki Haveli it has exquisitely carved pillars and extensive corridors and chambers.

Travel to Jodhpur

Morning assistance on departure and travel to Jodhpur. Today you will experience the feeling of travelling back in time with a journey to Jodhpur. Also known as "The Blue City", and "Gateway to Thar", Jodhpur is famous for its Mehrangarh fort, blue houses, temples, sweets and snacks. Apart from the fort, there are multiple temples, lakes, shopping streets that are like a mirage from a bygone era.

Assistance on arrival and evening free

On arrival in Jodhpur, you will be assisted with a transfer. Rest of the evening is at leisure or for doing your own activities.

Visit Mehrangarh Fort, Jaswant Thada and evening free to explore bazaar

Morning proceed to visit Mehrangarh Fort, one of the largest forts in India, where the beauty and grandeur of numerous palaces inside narrates a saga of hard sandstone yielding to the chisels of skilled Jodhpuri sculptors. Inside, the collection of musical instruments, palanquins, furniture and cannons on the fort’s ramparts are all well preserved. Continue to Jaswant Thada, a cluster of royal cenotaphs in white marble built in the year 1899 AD in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. Within the main cenotaph are the portraits of various Jodhpur rulers. It is an architectural landmark of Jodhpur. Evening free to relax or explore local bazaar which is a treasure for shoppers. Jodhpur’s bazaars are teeming with an array of handicrafts. One can shop for white metal curios, silverware, quilts, tie-and-die fabrics, leather goods, wooden toys, paintings, embroidered shoes, breeches or Jodhpuris pants and a range of souvenirs.

Travel to Udaipur

Morning assistance on departure and travel to Udaipur, also known as the city of lakes, is the crown jewel of the state of Rajasthan. It is surrounded by the beautiful Aravalli Hills in all directions, making this city as lovely as it is. The city has an abundance of natural beauty, mesmerising temples and breath-taking architecture, which makes it one of the must-visit destinations in India.

Assistance on arrival and check in at hotel, later enjoy boat ride

Assistance on arrival and check in at hotel. Later enjoy a boat ride on Lake Pichola, is a man-made freshwater lake, created in the year 1362 AD, named after the nearby Picholi village. Two islands, Jag Niwas and Jag Mandir are located within Pichola Lake and have been developed with several palaces to provide views of the lake.

Half day city tour visiting City palace and Jagdish Temple

Morning, proceed for a guided sightseeing tour visiting City Palace and its complex. The City Palace boasts a wonderful blend of Medieval, European and Chinese Architecture and has various towers, domes and arches, which add to the flavour of this heritage site. Later visit Jagdish Temple, dating back to 1651 AD, it is an exquisite example of Indo-Aryan architecture. It is one of the largest and most famous temples in Udaipur and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, who is worshipped as Jagannath, a form of Lord Krishna.

Assistance on departure and transfer to airport

In time assistance on departure and transfer to Airport to board the flight to your onward destination.