Essence of India with Ranthambore - end Jaipur

Welcome to vibrant India! A delightful melting pot of old and new, you’ll start in dynamic Delhi, with its bustling backstreets, rich history and wealth of colours. On arrival at Indira Gandhi International Airport, you will be greeted with a traditional floral garland and transferred to your hotel, the elegant Taj Mahal Hotel, situated in the heart of the leafy boulevards of Lutyens. At 19:00, join your Travelling Concierge and fellow travellers for your Welcome Dinner.

In the morning you’ll be taken to Old Delhi, driving past the Red Fort, the main residence of the Mughal dynasty until 1856. View this magnificent building from outside, before heading on a guided tour of Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in India. Your Journey, Your Way. Choose to join a well-known chef for a foodie walk in Old Delhi and witness the creation of the famous local street food snacks. Alternatively, visit the 12th century Qutub Minar, and see the tallest brick minaret in the world before enjoying lunch. Later, explore the winding streets of lively Chandni Chowk in local fashion via an exhilarating rickshaw ride. Visit a Sikh temple and its community kitchen, where they prepare and serve free vegetarian meals to locals, travellers, and those in need. In New Delhi see the impressive President Palace, the monumental India gate and the circular and colonnaded Parliament House.

In the morning, you’ll begin your journey to Agra. The main residence of the emperors of the Mughal Dynasty, this historical fort is made up of a number of impressive buildings, including the Sheesh Mahal, or “glass palace,” and The Muthamman Burj. Your Journey, Your Way. Choose to go on the eye opening Mughal heritage walk, where you'll meet the locals to learn about their lives in the shadow of the Taj Mahal. Through this initiative the community is supported from tourism to improve their living conditions. Alternatively, visit a private colonial bungalow for high tea, meet the host family and listen to their stories about the British Raj and today's Indian culture and society.

At sunrise, visit the illustrious phenomenon that is the Taj Mahal, a monument of love and flawless architectural creation, built by an emperor in memory of his beloved queen. After breakfast at your hotel, you’ll begin your journey to Bharatpur, where you will be served lunch at the lavish Laxmi Niwas Palace. Later, transfer to Bharatpur Junction train station, where you’ll board an Express Train to Sawai Madhopur, and relax in air-conditioned business class seats. On arrival you’ll be transferred to your hotel, Nahargarh Ranthambhore. Built in the style of a traditional Rajput hunting palace, this dreamy venue is nestled in the foothills of the Aravalli Range, near the Ranthambore National Park. Head to your deluxe room before joining your fellow travellers for dinner with wine.

Start with an early morning journey into the former private hunting grounds of the maharajahs of Jaipur, in search of the elusive tiger. More commonly seen in the dry, deciduous forest are the wild boars, monkeys, spotted deer and antelopes, but if you are ever going to witness tigers in their natural habitat, this is the place. Return to your resort for breakfast and a day at leisure. At dusk, enjoy another foray into the national park with an expert naturalist. Apart from wildlife, there are also lakes, ruins of palaces, traditional Chhatri, old fortifications and a majestic 1,000-year-old fort within the park.

Travel through the rural countryside where flat, green fields are abundant with brightly coloured flowers. Your destination is the stunning Rajasthan capital of Jaipur. More affectionately known as the Pink City, this scenic destination owes its name to a visit from Queen Victoria in 1876, when all its buildings were painted pink as a sign of hospitality. Later, ascend by jeep to Amber Fort, with its royal halls decorated with intricate ivory, mirrors, glass and exquisite paintings. Later today, you’ll experience India’s spiritual majesty, with a special blessing ceremony at Amber Fort. Your Highlight Dinner will be served at the opulent 1135 AD, with its royal interior, traditional music and breathtaking sunset views.

Your Journey, Your Way. Choose to step in the side lanes of old Jaipur and see the highly skilled local artisans who are passionately passing their crafts on to preserve this slice of the cultural heritage. Alternatively, focus on the art of block printing and blue pottery as you visit a workshop. After lunch see the Hawa Mahal, or the Palace of the Winds, boasting a lace-like facade with its 953 windows, followed by a visit Jantar Mantar, the royal observatory. Continue to the City Palace, where you’re in for a treat with a VIP experience of Indian inspired high tea, exclusive to Luxury Gold guests. Go behind the scenes and walk in the private rooms of the Maharajas of Jaipur before sitting down and indulging in some warm tea and traditional Indian snacks and sweets.Tonight, join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience and meet the ladies of Pink City Rickshaw, a company dedicated to supporting the employment of women from low income households. Hear their stories first hand and how proud they are to have developed their skills by joining this inspiring organization.. Delight in their enthusiasm and knowledge as they take you on around Jaipur. Your Journey, Your Way. Choose to visit the colourful cavalcade of the fresh flower and spice market. Alternatively, visit the white marble Birla Mandir, a Hindu temple and witness aarti, a traditional prayer ceremony. Toast to your travels at your Celebration Dinner at the Cinnamon Restaurant in Jai Mahal Palace, blending traditional and contemporary cuisine from the four princely states of India.

Today your trip draws to a close. A private transfer takes you to Jaipur airport for your onward flight.