Like many world capitals, Delhi bridges the old and new and offers a perfect introduction to the colorful kaleidoscope that is India. The city's importance has grown and diminished throughout history, originally the site of the mythical ancient city of Indraprastha, it became the Islamic center of India during the Mughal Empire. The city's status then waned until the British decided to move the imperial capital from Calcutta in 1911, and it has served as India's capital ever since.

There is a huge contrast between the Old City with its narrow lanes and bustling markets and New Delhi, a creation of British rule with spacious city layouts with tree-lined avenues and more European-influenced architecture. India's economic boom of recent years means the city is evolving rapidly, modernizing and expanding into new districts characterized by tall glass office buildings and modern shopping malls.

Our flight arrives Delhi, where you will be met and transferred to our hotel. Overnight at hotel in Delhi.

Breakfast and we will have a leisurely start to the day. Our exciting tour starts with driving past the Red Fort before arriving at the Old City, to immerse yourself in all the sounds, colors, and scents of historic India. Here we introduce you to several key spots in the heritage of this historic city; the old quarter, where we go through the bustling streets of Chandni Chowk, one of the oldest markets in town and travel via rickshaw to Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosque.

We continue exploring the culture and heritage of New Delhi, where the wide streets and colonial architecture offer a sharp contrast to the old City and reflect the legacy the British left behind. This area is the political centre of India and was carefully planned by the architect Edwin Lutyens when the British decided to move the capital here from Calcutta in 1911. We will visit key points of interest, stopping for a photo opportunity at India Gate, the war memorial to Indian and British soldiers, Parliament House, and the Presidential Palace. Also visit to Bangla Saheb Sikh Temple (Gurudwara) & Connaughat Place area. Next up, a visit to the Gandhi Smriti, the former official residence of Mahatma Gandhi where he spent the last 144 days of his life. Now, it's a museum dedicated to the memory of an incredible man and world leader whose influence and inspiration on non-violent mass movements has prevailed ever since his death.    We also visit Humayun’s tomb, an elaborate complex of tombs constructed in the 16th century, set within beautiful gardens as the final resting place for Humayun, the second Mughal Emperor, and members of his family. The site has been World Heritage listed by UNESCO as it was the first garden tomb in India and a key influence to the more famous Taj Mahal, which we will visit later in the tour and continue to visit Qutub Minar, One of the tallest brick Minar in India and this site has been under World Heritage list by UNESCO. Overnight at hotel in Delhi.

Breakfast and driving by surface to Agra. En route visit Delhi’s most famous Hindu temple – Akshardham.  Built in 2005, Akshardham means the “Divine Abode of God” and the magnificent surroundings are heavenly.  The cultural complex is a center for devotion, learning and harmony and is a must-see for a culture-vultures. Our expert guides will help you learn more about Hindu mythology and help decipher the intricate stone carvings and learn more about ancient Hindu architecture.

After the visit continue drive to Agra. Home of the world renowned Taj Mahal. En route, we stop to visit Itmad-ud-Daulah, also known as the Baby Taj. Emperor Jahangir's queen, Nurjahan, built this exquisite marble tomb in memory of her father, Mirza Ghias Beg from 1622-1628 A.D. The tomb’s elaborate carved white marble with inlaid semi-precious stones reflects major influences from the Persian Empire. Both historians and Agra locals believe this marvelously intricate stone inlay, called Pietra-Dura, also inspired the design of the famous Taj Mahal.

Agra, previously served for many years as the capital of the vast Mughal Empire. The city resides in India's famed Golden Triangle, and draws tourists to the Taj Mahal and other historic sites that reflect Agra’s rich history. Overnight at hotel in Agra.

Nothing compares to the surreal beauty of the Taj Mahal at sunrise, and we have the opportunity to witness this magical scene. Mughal ruler Shah Jahan dedicated the legendary monument to his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, and you will indeed marvel at one of the greatest architectural works of all time. Step inside this eternal symbol of love and inspiration; explore the intricate mosaics, precious designs and perfect architectural symmetry as if they were poetry created by hand from prized marble. The Taj Mahal seems to float above the banks of the Yamuna River, and blends Persian, Indian and Islamic elements in perfect symmetry. You will have ample time here, where 20,000 men spent 22 years building the monument.

After breakfast and some relaxation join us to explore the local marble market, where you explore and shop for marble souvenirs, Taj replicas, figurines and more. Be sure to visit the "Pietra Dura Workshop", where you enjoy an opportunity to watch the master craftsmen at work for the most renowned Indian handicrafts — the decorative art of inlay technique, to cut and fit highly polished colored stones to create images. The technique evolved to its peak during the construction of Taj Mahal and is still passed on from generation to generation.
We continue our visit to yet another great highlight from Mughal era - the famed Agra Fort. Explore and learn the history of this fascinating site, a vast fort which was the home of the Mughal Emperors and their many courtiers during Agra's era as capital. Enjoying an important position on a bend of the Yamuna River, Emperor Akbar the Great initiated construction, building a vast sandstone fort. However, it was his grandson Shah Jahan, the creator of the Taj Mahal, who added to it and embellished it using the finest marble, intricate carvings and inlaid precious stones. This architectural largesse was not entirely appreciated by his son, Aurangzabad, who thought Shah Jahan was wasting the Empire's fortune, thus deposing his father and keeping him under house arrest in a tower within the fort – his one consolation, a view of the Taj Mahal, home to his beloved late wife. Overnight at hotel in Agra.

Breakfast and we leave the erstwhile Mughal stronghold and proceed to the land of the Rajput kings. Our next stop is at Abhaneri, known as The 'Eastern Gateway to Rajasthan'. Founded in 1733 AD, it was once an impregnable well-fortified city, carved out of the region formerly known as Mewat. Here we will walk around the amazing Chand Baori (Stepwell). Built back in the 10th century, the incredible well of Chand Baori (Stepwell) was a practical solution to the water problem in the area. The arid climate forced the locals to dig deep for a dependable water source, one that would last throughout an entire year. The Chand Baori is 30m deep, has 13 floors and 3,500 steps. Learn about ancient Indian environmentalism—a "baori (Stepwell)" is a unique Indian invention for harvesting rainwater in a country where water is gold.

Our journey then continues by coach till we arrive into Sawai Madhopur, the gateway to Ranthambhore National Park. During the age of the Rajas, the park served as a favorite hunting ground and escape from palace life for the Jaipur ruling family. Now a key part of Project Tiger, this vast and renowned reserve has won international acclaim for its role in preservation and protection of tigers. Overnight at hotel in Ranthambore.

Expect an early wake-up call as we start the day with a game drive into Ranthambhore National Park. Early mornings provide the best chances to see wildlife, as many eat, hunt, wash, and roam before the heat of the day rises to less tolerable conditions.

Native wildlife for which Ranthambhore provides excellent habitat include leopards, deer, hyenas, sloth bears, and the royal Bengal tiger — at the apex of the food chain. Nature enthusiasts and photographers in general will find plenty to observe and capture on film for a lifetime of memories. Take advantage of one of the best places to see these majestic creatures, and an expert naturalist who knows the animals' habits will assist our search for the large cat by looking for fresh pugmarks and listening for distress calls from other animals. Please note — by nature these tigers are shy, solitary hunters. Sightings, which can be frequent, require patience and understanding; we cannot guarantee we’ll see one. The popular wisdom is, “the tiger may see you a hundred times before you see him once.”

Return to the hotel to spend the middle of the day at leisure, relaxing by the pool or sharing exciting accounts of your early morning game drive. In the late afternoon, we'll embark on another game drive into the park. Overnight at hotel in Ranthambore.

After breakfast proceed for a local village tour to observe how the traditional way of life still prevails. India continues to modernize and grow its urban networks, but the majority still live in villages; in fact, the common view considers villagers the soul of this vast nation. Generally, this population leads simple and largely self-sufficient lives, and we’ll learn about them. After lunch at hotel, we leave Ranthambhore and drive about 3.5 hours to Jaipur, Rajasthan's capital.

Before arriving in Jaipur, we stop for high tea at the impressive Castle Kanota, which the major Hollywood film release, “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel,” featured in key scenes. Thakur Zorowar Singh, a key member of Jaipur's government, built this grand, eight- acre property in 1872. The proud descendants still own the property, and they will host our group and regal us with anecdotes of an era gone by, depending on their availability. Our group has the privilege of enjoying a private tour of the property with its museum, armory, and a library — which displays gold work and a unique collection of more than10, 000 rare books and manuscripts.

In centuries past, Rajput aristocrats leveraged their power and financial strengths acquired from overland trade into the magnificently built palaces, defensive forts, and lush gardens this region still boasts today. As proud members of the Kshatriya warrior caste, and fiercely independent, Rajput princes made fearsome foes. However, many of them realized that to maintain their wealth and authority locally, it made sense to proclaim allegiance to the central power. Thus, many enjoyed a privileged position under the Mughal emperors, as well as the British Raj that followed. We enjoy a three -night stay in Jaipur, Rajasthan's capital.  Founded in the 18th century by Maharajah Jai Singh II, Jaipur became known as “the pink city” due to the predominant color of its rose-hued buildings, the origin of which dates back to 1876. At that time, in preparation for a visit from the British royals, Jaipur underwent a facelift that included mass painting in the chosen color. Planners chose pink, allegedly, to help reduce glare from the hot sun.

Arrive in Jaipur and check in to our hotel. Spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing and enjoying the property’s facilities as you wish. Overnight at hotel in Jaipur.

After breakfast, we'll drive to the Amber Fort, where we offer the opportunity to ride elephants up to the fort. Man Singh I began its construction in 1592, and the ornate palace reflects a classic Rajasthani romanticism. His descendent, Jai Singh I, finished the fort, which boasts a forbidding exterior that hides an inner paradise — a beautiful fusion of Mughal and Hindu influences. Time permitting; we may learn how to bargain for renowned Rajasthani fine fabrics for sale in the market. Rajasthan has a well deserved reputation for such refined textile crafts as woven rugs, silk scarves, and embroidered shawls — all handmade by local craftspeople and villagers.

Afternoon exploring historic Jaipur. In the heart of Jaipur, the City Palace complex astounds and impresses anyone curious about royal life in classic Rajasthan. The palace museum contains art, vintage weapons, clothing, even playthings from the royal children. Discover mysterious and beautiful Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds), a five-story sandstone edifice plastered in pink and encrusted with fine trelliswork and elaborate balconies. We will also visit “Jantar Mantar,” an unusual time-telling observatory built by Maharaja Jai Singh, a scholar and leader modern-day observers might deem a philosopher prince. His interests in astronomy back in the 18th century inspired him to build giant sculptural astronomical instruments out of stone to help him map the heavens. Jantar Mantar has attracted a range of mystics, fortune tellers, and visitors from worlds away. Overnight at hotel in Jaipur.

After breakfast, drive from Jaipur to Delhi, It will take about five to six hours. On the way visit a local school (subject to open days and permission from the school authorities) to understand the important role education plays in the future development of the country.

On arrival in Delhi, connect for your international flight for your next destination. End our tour services of Golden Triangle with Ranthambore.