JANUARY 2027
Day 1 – Thursday 14: Hello Jaipur… and Welcome to the Pink City
Arrive into the vibrant Pink City of Jaipur and be met by your private transfer to your heritage hotel, Alsisar Haveli, your home for the next 4 nights. The remainder of the day is yours to relax and settle in, perhaps enjoying the charm of your surroundings. This evening, meet for your welcome drink and a tour briefing before enjoying a special welcome dinner at iconic Bar Palladio, setting the tone for the journey ahead.
Stay: Alsisar Haveli
Meals: Dinner
Day 2 – Friday 15: Jaipur Royalty, Palaces and a Fort
Today we begin our exploration of Jaipur with a visit to the fascinating Jantar Mantar, home to the world’s largest stone sundial. We then enjoy a guided tour of the magnificent City Palace, a royal residence and the former administrative headquarters of the rulers of the Jaipur State. You will enjoy an exclusive exploration of the Chandra Mahal, the residence of the Jaipur Royal Family. After a photo stop at the Hawa Mahal (the Palace of the Winds), we continue to the impressive Amber Fort, rich in history and intricate design.
Later, we enjoy a special curator led visit to the Amrapali Museum,a beautifully curated museum dedicatd to India’s rich jewellery tradition.
This evening dinner is hosted by Mita Kapur at her private residence. Mita is a celebrated author, freelance journalist and recognised as a leader in the field of literature.
Stay: Alsisar Haveli
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3 – Saturday 16: The Jaipur Literature Festival – Where Stories, Ideas and Culture Come to Life
For literature lovers, those with curious minds and those who love creativity and culture on many levels, the Jaipur Literature Festival is a-once-in-a-lifetime experience not to be missed. Often described as the ‘greatest literary show on earth’ it is full of colour, energy, challenge, world class authors, debate around current events shaping the world and more!
Every year, the festival brings together a diverse mix of writers, thinkers, humanitarians, politicians, business leaders, sports people and entertainers on one stage to champion the freedom to express and engage in thoughtful debate and dialogue.
Enjoy the festival with a “friend of the festival” pass which gives you special privileges at the this extraordinary event.
The day is yours to explore the literature festival at your leisure.
Stay: Alsisar Haveli
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 – Sunday 17: Jaipur Arts, Fashion and Culture
Today offers a deeper look into Jaipur’s creative heart. Spend the day with local experts exploring fashion, art and traditional crafts.
Start the day with a talk by Mita Kapur & Shan Bhatnagar at his private residence – a showcase of the heritage, architecture, art and crafts of Rajasthan. Step into a world where artistry is not displayed, it is lived!
Over the course of this carefully curated day, Jaipur reveals itself as it was originally envisioned: a thriving capital of craftsmen, where every street, every courtyard, and every hidden workshop carries forward a legacy of design. Your journey weaves seamlessly between the contemporary and the traditional, offering rare access to both modern design studios and centuries-old artisan ateliers. Walk through the lesser-known lanes of the walled city, where craftsmanship is not staged for display but unfolds naturally. Venture into intimate workspaces where master artisans shape stone into fine artefacts, hand-weave durries with rhythmic precision, and bring to life the timeless brilliance of jadau and meenakari jewellery, once created exclusively for royalty.
This evening, we enjoy a memorable dinner at Sarvato, located in the City Palace – sublime.
Stay: Alsisar Haveli
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5 – Monday 18: Jaipur to Jodhpur: From Pink Hues to Blue Horizons
We depart Jaipur and journey towards Jodhpur, stopping en route for lunch at the beautifully restored 16th century Fort Barli. After experiencing local flavours and heritage hospitality, we continue to the Blue City of Jodhpur.
On arrival, check in to your boutique hotel, Daspan House, and enjoy a relaxed evening at leisure.
Stay: Daspan House
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 6 – Tuesday 19: Explore Jodhpur
Today begin your exploration of the beautiful city of Jodhpur.
After breakfast, discover the magnificent city of Jodhpur, where towering forts, blue-washed streets and centuries of royal history create one of Rajasthan’s most captivating landscapes.
Your morning begins at the elegant Jaswant Thada, a serene marble memorial whose intricate carvings seem almost translucent in the morning light. From here, continue to the extraordinary Mehrangarh Fort, rising dramatically 122 metres above the city on its rugged sandstone hill. One of India’s most impressive fortresses, its grand courtyards, richly decorated royal apartments and fascinating collection of armour and artefacts offer a remarkable glimpse into the lives of Rajasthan’s former rulers. Looking out across a sea of blue houses stretching towards the horizon, it is easy to understand why Jodhpur leaves such a lasting impression.
Lunch is served at the renowned Indique Restaurant, where the magnificent silhouette of Mehrangarh Fort provides an unforgettable backdrop as you relax and enjoy the flavours of Rajasthan.
This afternoon, step into the vibrant rhythm of the old city on a guided walking tour through the bustling Clock Tower precinct. Wander colourful laneways alive with the scent of freshly ground spices, vibrant tie-dye textiles, gleaming jewellery, handcrafted leather goods and lacquer bangles, where every turn reveals another glimpse of everyday life.
The walk continues to Toorji Ka Jhalra, the city’s beautifully restored 18th-century stepwell. Once a gathering place for the local community, it is now surrounded by thoughtfully restored heritage buildings housing stylish boutiques, artisan galleries and carefully curated homewares. This is the perfect place to browse, linger over a coffee or simply soak up the atmosphere of one of Rajasthan’s most photogenic neighbourhoods.
This evening dinner is at leisure – time to discover your own hidden restaurant or dine in-house. The choice is yours.
Stay: Daspan House
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 7 – Wednesday 20: Flavours, Traditions and Meaningful Connection
A slower morning offers the perfect opportunity to savour the rhythm of Rajasthan. At your hotel, join a private cooking demonstration where you will discover the distinctive flavours of the Marwar region. Guided by local expertise, you’ll prepare two traditional dishes using fresh, seasonal ingredients before sitting down to enjoy a leisurely lunch featuring your own creations, accompanied by warm breads and classic regional accompaniments.
This afternoon, experience one of the most meaningful visits of the journey at Sambhali Dastkar Boutique. More than simply a beautiful place to shop, this inspiring social enterprise is part of the Sambhali Trust, dedicated to supporting the education, independence and economic empowerment of women in Rajasthan.
Browse handcrafted textiles, garments and accessories created by local women artisans, each piece carrying its own story of skill, resilience and opportunity. Every purchase directly contributes to the Trust’s work, making this a chance to take home something truly special while supporting a remarkable community of women.
If time permits, enjoy a final wander through Jodhpur’s colourful local markets, perhaps picking up a few last treasures before we continue our journey through Rajasthan.
Enjoy a relaxed evening with dinner at your hotel.
Stay: Daspan House
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8 – Thursday 21: Time for Bliss at Rawla Narlai
Today we travel to the peaceful heritage village of Narlai, where life slows beautifully, an opportunity to live the culture at a gentler pace.
After checking in, enjoy lunch at the hotel before an afternoon jeep excursion and high tea by the lake, surrounded by birdlife and natural beauty. Bliss.
Dinner is at leisure this evening.
Stay: Rawla Narlai
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, High Tea
Day 9 – Friday 22: Embrace the Rhythm
Today is yours to enjoy at your own pace, embracing the gentle rhythm of life at Rawla Narlai.
For those feeling energetic, an optional early morning walk with a local guide leads to Elephant Hill. Climbing the 750 steps is rewarded with sweeping views across the Aravalli Hills and surrounding countryside, before reaching a 300-year-old shrine dedicated to a local chieftain. It is a peaceful way to welcome the day as the village slowly comes to life below.
After breakfast, perhaps join a leisurely guided walk through Narlai village, where quiet laneways, friendly smiles and everyday moments offer a genuine glimpse into rural Rajasthan. It is an opportunity to slow down, connect with the local community and experience a way of life that has changed little over generations.
The afternoon is yours to spend as you wish. Relax by the pool, wander the beautiful grounds of your heritage hotel, indulge in a spa treatment or simply find a quiet corner with a book and savour the luxury of unhurried time.
As dusk falls, prepare for one of the most unforgettable evenings of the journey. Gather with your fellow travellers before making your way to an ancient 11th-century stepwell, where hundreds of flickering lamps illuminate this extraordinary setting beneath the evening sky.
Against this breathtaking backdrop, enjoy a beautifully prepared four-course dinner celebrating the flavours of Rajasthan while the haunting melodies of a traditional Jogi musician drift through the air. It is a magical experience that feels timeless—a moment of beauty, music and connection that will remain with you long after your journey through India has ended.
Stay: Rawla Narlai
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 10 – Saturday 23: Narlai to Udaipur via Kumbhalgarh
Depart Narlai and journey to Udaipur, stopping en route to visit the impressive Kumbhalgarh Fort, known as the Great Wall of India. Please note to explore the Fort you will need to have a medium level of fitness and stability.
After exploring this remarkable site and enjoying lunch at a local restaurant , continue to Udaipur and check in to your hotel, Hotel Bujera Fort.
The rest of the day is at leisure.
Stay: Hotel Bujera Fort
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 11 – Sunday 24: Udaipur Sightseeing: Lakes, Palaces and Romantic Udaipur
Today we explore the romantic city of Udaipur. Visit the City Palace and Crystal Gallery, stroll through the beautiful gardens of Saheliyon ki Bari, The Garden of the Maidens, and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
In the afternoon, take a serene boat ride on Lake Pichola, soaking in the beauty of the surrounding palaces and hills.
This evening dinner is at a local restaurant.
Stay: Hotel Bujera Fort
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 12 – Monday 25: The Many Layers of Udaipur
This morning venture into the back alleys of the old city with your guide, where Udaipur reveals its most authentic and intimate side. As you navigate these quiet, winding lanes, you will witness the city’s celebrated tradition of miniature painting—an art form known for its extraordinary detail and delicate craftsmanship. A visit to a local miniature art centre offers a rare opportunity to observe artists at work and experience a live demonstration of this intricate technique.
As the walk unfolds, small ateliers and family-run workshops open their doors to showcase a range of traditional crafts—from silver jewellery and hand-embroidered textiles to leatherwork and decorative arts. Artisans continue to practice their skills with quiet dedication, preserving techniques passed down through generations. Pause at hidden courtyards and ancient temples, where the rhythm of daily life is punctuated by the soft chime of bells and the fragrance of incense. Along the way, there are opportunities to engage with local vendors and absorb the gentle cadence that defines Udaipur’s way of life.
Later, we visit the Monsoon Palace, perched high above the city, where you will take in breathtaking sunset views across Udaipur’s lakes.
Dinner is enjoyed at the hotel.
Stay: Hotel Bujerah Fort
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 13 – Tuesday 26*: Goodbye Udaipur, Hello Agra & the Taj Mahal
Prepare for a long travel day, as we bid farewell to Rajasthan and journey towards one of the world’s most iconic monuments.
After breakfast, check out of your hotel and transfer to the airport for your flight to Delhi. On arrival, we continue by private coach to Agra, with a packed snack provided along the way, allowing you to relax and enjoy the changing landscapes of northern India.
By late afternoon, arrive at the Jaypee Palace Hotel, your home for the evening. Settle in, enjoy the hotel’s beautiful surroundings and perhaps take some time to unwind, knowing that tomorrow morning brings one of the most anticipated moments of the journey—sunrise at the magnificent Taj Mahal.
*Republic Day in India, celebrated annually on January 26, honours the date India became a truly independent republic with the power to choose its own government. (Please note that today is Republic Day in India and alcohol will not be served.)
Stay: Jaypee Palace Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Packed Snack
Day 14 – Wednesday 27: The Taj at Sunrise and Agra Explorations
Rise before dawn for one of the defining moments of your journey as we make our way to the Taj Mahal at sunrise. As the first light of day gently illuminates its flawless white marble, the beauty of this extraordinary monument is quietly breathtaking. No photograph can truly prepare you for the experience of standing before one of the world’s greatest expressions of love.
Return to the hotel for breakfast before discovering another of Agra’s architectural treasures, the magnificent Agra Fort. Wander through its grand palaces, audience halls and courtyards, where Mughal emperors once ruled one of the world’s most powerful empires.
Later, gain an appreciation for two of Agra’s finest artistic traditions with visits to a Zardozi embroidery workshop and a marble inlay atelier.
This evening, gather for your farewell dinner on the Sky Deck at the Taj View Hotel. With the iconic silhouette of the Taj Mahal glowing in the distance, it is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate this colourful journey: The sites, the experiences and each other.
Stay: Jaypee Palace Hotel, Agra
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 15 – Thursday 28: Time to Say Farewell
Sadly all good things must come to an end. After a leisurely breakfast, checkout and return to Delhi airport for onward connections home or for more exploration of this fabulous country.
Safe travels and thanks for joining us.
Meals: Breakfast
