Rajasthan Forts & Palaces Grand Tour
New
Kick off in Delhi and finish back in Delhi on this 15 day North India adventure. You’ll explore Old and New Delhi’s hitters, from Jama Masjid and Chandni Chowk to Humayun’s Tomb and Qutub Minar. Next, drift through Mandawa’s painted havelis. Continue to Bikaner for forts and a desert camel ride, then on to Jaisalmer’s fort and Sam dunes at sunset. Jodhpur’s blue city vibes and Ranakpur’s exquisite Jain temple lead you to lakeside Udaipur for a boat on Pichola and a folk dance show. Visit sacred Pushkar and Jaipur, see Abhaneri and Fatehpur Sikri, and salute sunrise at the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.
Accommodation Standard
Prices
Tour Overview
Duration
15 daysHotel Rating
3, 4 or 5 star hotelsStarts
DelhiEnds
DelhiMinimum Age
No minimum ageMaximum Age
Tours have upper age limits for several reasons, such as but not limited to: tour pace, activity level, and accommodation standards. If you fall outside of this age limit, we do have lots of other tours in India that are suitable for all ages!
Arrival Transfer
YesDeparture Transfer
YesTour Guide
Yes - for included sightseeing.Country
IndiaPassengers
£2,790.00
£1,368.00
Accommodation Standard
Prices
Tour Style
Group Size
Min 1 / Max Private Tour
Trip Type
Private Tours
Range
On this tour, you won't be joined by other travellers, and will just be travelling with your booking party. Some transportation & sightseeing may be shared, check the Inclusions for more information.
Guiding Style
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Tour Guide
Yes - for included sightseeing.Group Size
Min 1 / Max Private TourRange
On this tour, you won't be joined by other travellers, and will just be travelling with your booking party. Some transportation & sightseeing may be shared, check the Inclusions for more information.
Guiding Style
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Trip Type
Private ToursPlaces You'll See
New Delhi
Delhi
Mandawa
Bikaner
Jaisalmer
Kanoi
Jodhpur
Pokhran
Udaipur
Ranakpur
Jodhpur Division
Pushkar
Jaipur
Abhaneri
Fatehpur Sikri
Agra
Accommodation Standard
Prices
Included
Not Included
Accommodation Standard
Prices
Itinerary
Day 1 - Delhi
Arrive in Delhi. On landing, we provide airport assistance and transfer you to your hotel. Standard check-in is from 12:00 – early check-in is subject to room availability. The rest of the day is free to relax and take things at your own pace. You may choose to go out for dinner with your driver. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 2 - Exploring Old & New Delhi
After breakfast at the hotel, we set out on a full-day tour of Delhi. In Old Delhi, we visit the Red Fort – residence of the Mughal emperors for nearly 200 years until 1857 – and Jama Masjid, one of the world’s largest mosques built by Shah Jahan. We take a cycle rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk to Khari Baoli Spice Market, a bustling maze of stalls selling spices, dried fruit, silver jewellery, saris, essential oils, stationery and traditional Indian sweets. We also stop at Raj Ghat, the memorial to Mahatma Gandhi at his cremation site.
In New Delhi, we visit Humayun’s Tomb – the subcontinent’s first garden-tomb – and Qutab Minar, a 73 metres tall minaret within the Qutb complex noted for its Afghan style. We then visit the Lotus Temple, a Bahá’í House of Worship open to all, and drive past the President’s House, Parliament and India Gate. The remainder of the day is free for you to relax or explore independently. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 3 - Delhi to Mandawa
Today, we drive from Delhi to Mandawa – about 250 kilometres, approximately five hours – and check in to the hotel.
Once a Shekhawati trading outpost on caravan routes between China and the Middle East, Mandawa grew around a fort built by Thakur Nawal Singh and is renowned for its ornately decorated havelis. We explore Mandawa Fort and the town’s heritage mansions, including Hanuman Prasad Goenka Haveli, Jhunjhunwala Haveli, Saraf Haveli, Murmuria Haveli, Ladia Haveli, and Chokhani and Newatia Havelis, as well as Raghunath Ji Temple and Lord Krishna Temple. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 4 - Mandawa to Bikaner
Mandawa – Bikaner (180 km – around 3 hours). After breakfast, we drive to Bikaner and check in at the hotel. One of Rajasthan’s earlier established cities, Bikaner showcases its former opulence in imposing red sandstone forts and palaces. It is also known for the Karni Mata Temple at Deshnok and for one of the world’s largest camel research and breeding centres, as well as housing one of only two models of a First World War biplane used by the British, gifted to Maharaja Ganga Singh.
This afternoon we tour the city, visiting Junagarh Fort, Lallgarh Palace and Museum, Laxmi Niwas Palace and the ornate Rampuria havelis. In the evening we visit the Camel Breeding Farm and enjoy a desert camel safari at sunset. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 5 - Bikaner to Jaisalmer
After breakfast at the hotel, we drive from Bikaner to Jaisalmer – 330 kilometres, around six hours – and check in on arrival. The rest of the day is at leisure – you can explore the colourful markets with your driver. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 6 - Exploring Jaisalmer & Sam Sand Dunes Camel Ride
We set out on a city tour of Jaisalmer – the Golden City founded in the 12th century when Rawal Jaisal built a mud fort here in 1156 and made it his capital. We explore Jaisalmer Fort, where shops and historic havelis are still lived in today, and visit Patwon Ki Haveli, Salim Ji Ki Haveli, Nathmal Ji Ki Haveli, Mandir Palace, Bada Bagh, the abandoned village of Kuldhara and Gadi Sagar Lake. If geology interests you, you may also visit the Wood Fossil Park about 15 kilometres from the city, where fossils date back around 180 million years.
Later we drive around 40 kilometres to the Sam Sand Dunes for an evening camel or jeep safari. We watch the sunset over the dunes, enjoy music and dance performances by local artists, and sample authentic local cuisine served at the dunes. After stargazing under clear desert skies, we return to Jaisalmer for the night.
Day 7 - Jaisalmer to Jodhpur
Jaisalmer – Jodhpur (265 km – approx. 5 hours). After breakfast at the hotel, we drive to Jodhpur, stopping en route to visit Pokhran Fort and Palaces. On arrival in Jodhpur, the rest of the day is free – you can relax at the hotel or explore a place of your interest with your driver. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 8 - Exploring Jodhpur
After breakfast at the hotel, we set out on a city tour of Jodhpur – the Blue City, where many forts, palaces, temples, havelis and houses are painted in vivid shades of blue.
Dominating the skyline, Mehrangarh Fort crowns a rocky ridge, with eight gates leading out from the old citadel. Jodhpur was founded in 1459 by Rao Jodha of the Rathore clan, and nearby Mandore – the former capital of Marwar about 10 km from the city – is noted for its temples, gardens and the cenotaphs of Jodhpur’s rulers, built in the style of Hindu temples rather than the typical Rajasthani chhatri. We visit Mehrangarh Fort, Jaswant Thada, Umaid Bhawan Palace and the temples, gardens and cenotaphs at Mandore. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 9 - Ranakpur & Udaipur
We drive from Jodhpur to Udaipur – 265 km – approximately 5 hours. En route we visit the Ranakpur Jain Temple complex, noted for its 1444 intricately carved pillars, 24 pillared halls and 80 domes supported by 400 columns – no two pillars are the same. The five spires include the Chaumukha Shrine, which houses a 6 feet tall statue of Lord Adinath. Highlights include a four headed image of Adinath sheltered by a 108 headed snake, along with ceilings adorned with geometric designs and figures of nymphs and celestial maidens with musical instruments set high in the vaults.
We continue to Udaipur and check in at the hotel. In the evening, we watch the Dharohar folk dance show at Bagore ki Haveli – an 18th century haveli now a museum showcasing Mewar art and architecture – where performers present Rajasthani dances to traditional music in bright attire for about an hour. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 10 - Exploring Udaipur & Lake Pichola Boat Ride
Today, we set out on a guided tour of Udaipur, the city of lakes ringed by the Aravalli hills. We explore the City Palace and its museum, visit Jagdish Temple and Saheliyon Ki Bari, then continue to the temples of Eklingji and nearby Nagda.
In the evening, we enjoy a boat cruise on Lake Pichola to take in the ghats and waterside palaces – the view back to the City Palace is superb. Lake Pichola – created in 1362 and named after the nearby village of Picholi – is dotted with the islands of Jag Niwas and Jag Mandir. Overnight at hotel.
Day 11 - Pushkar, Ajmer & Jaipur
Udaipur – Pushkar – Jaipur (405 km – approximately 8 hours). Leaving Udaipur, we drive from Udaipur to Jaipur, stopping in Pushkar, one of India’s oldest towns, ringed by low hills and known for its enduring architectural heritage and mythological associations. We visit Pushkar Lake – with its 52 bathing ghats – and the Brahma and Savitri Temples.
We then continue to nearby Ajmer for Khwaja Dargah E Sharif, Adhai Din Ka Jhonpda and Anasagar Lake, and we explore the local bazaars. After sightseeing, we drive on to Jaipur and check in at the hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to relax. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 12 - Exploring Jaipur & Amber Fort
We set out on a full-day city tour of India’s first planned city – founded in 1727 by Jai Singh II and laid out using Vastu Shastra principles. In 1876 the city was painted pink to welcome the Prince of Wales, a colour that still defines the old quarter today.
In the morning we visit Amber Fort, followed by Jaigarh Fort and Sisodia Rani Garden. In the afternoon we tour the City Palace, the Jantar Mantar Observatory and Hawa Mahal. Later, you can explore the famous bazaars of the Pink City. In the evening we attend the aarti ceremony at Birla Temple. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 13 - Abhaneri, Fatehpur Sikri & Agra
After checking out, we drive from Jaipur to Agra (approx. 245 km – 5 hours), stopping at Abhaneri to see Chand Baori, one of India’s deepest and largest stepwells, and the nearby Harshat Mata Temple.
We continue to Fatehpur Sikri, founded in 1569 by Emperor Akbar and abandoned after about 15 years due to water scarcity. Predominantly built in red sandstone, it blends Hindu and Islamic architectural elements – we visit the Diwan–i–Khas, Jodha Bai’s Palace, Jama Masjid, the Tomb of Salim Chishti, Panch Mahal and Buland Darwaza. We then continue to Agra and check in at the hotel. The rest of the day is free – you can relax at the hotel. Overnight at hotel.
Day 14 - Sunrise at Taj Mahal, Agra Fort & Return to Delhi
We set out at sunrise to visit the Taj Mahal, the ivory white marble mausoleum on the Yamuna commissioned in 1632 by Emperor Shah Jahan for Mumtaz Mahal and later the resting place of Shah Jahan himself.
After breakfast back at the hotel, we tour Agra Fort, the principal Mughal residence until 1638 when the capital shifted to Delhi, and the Itmad ud Daula Tomb, commissioned by Nur Jahan for her father Mirza Ghiyas Beg. In the afternoon we drive to Delhi (4 hours) and check in at the hotel. Overnight at the hotel in Delhi.
Day 15 - Delhi
After breakfast at the hotel, we arrange your transfer to Delhi airport at the appropriate time for your onward flight.
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Extras and add-ons
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Hotels
The hotels listed below are examples which we frequently use on this tour. Alternative hotels of a similar standard may be used instead.
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Prices & Dates
The prices you see below are a guide, with final prices per person being determined by the number of travellers in your booking party, desired hotel standard and the rooming arrangements required. To see an accurate price, please click "Book Dates" and enter the details for your booking party.
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