Day 01
USA – DELHI
Arrival at Delhi and meeting with a representative of Surya Reisedienst and transfer to hotel. Overnight.
Day 02
DELHI
The visit of the capital of the country includes the Raj Ghat (Mahatma Gandhi's place of cremation), Chandni Chowk bazaar and Jama Masjid Mosque (the largest in India that can contain over 25,000 worshipers), the Gate of India, the Presidential Palace and the Government buildings (from outside), the imposing Humayun tomb of and the Qutub Minar complex. Overnight.
Day 03
DELHI – AGRA (205km – 4h)
Transfer to Agra and visit the Red Fort, with the fine Mughal architecture. Later visit to Taj Mahal, built in white marble and precious stones by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan as a mausoleum to the memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. Both places are amazing and the Taj Mahal is one of the wonders of the world. Overnight.
Day 04
AGRA – FATEHPUR SIKRI – ABHANERI – JAIPUR (260km – 6h)
The first aim is the visit of the Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri about 40km from Agra and built by Emperor Akbar in 1569 and abandoned after 15 years due to scarcity of water. We will admire the beautiful buildings and the Jama Masjid. Will go on with the trip visiting the Chand Baori (stepwell) at Abhaneri. Arrival at Jaipur. Overnight.
Day 05
JAIPUR
The day begins with the ascent on elephant back to the spectacular Amber Fort in the Aravali hills. The fort is a superb example of Rajput architecture perched on a cliff and surrounded by a wall with a 9km length. We will return back for the visit of Jaipur, including the City Palace and its museum, the Palace of the Winds and the astronomical observatory of Jai Singh. The city is also famous for its handicrafts (blue pottery and brass inlaid work). Overnight.
Day 06
JAIPUR – MANDAWA (220km – 6h)
Departure for Mandawa entering in the region of Shekhawati, where once settled a caste of traders, the Marwaris, which were enriched with trade of spices and fabrics along the routes that intersected with the Silk Road. This region is characterized by forts and frescoed palaces (the highest concentration in the world). Upon arrival at Mandawa accommodation in hotel and sightseeing. Overnight.
Day 07
MANDAWA – DESHNOKE - BIKANER (190km – 5h)
Departure for Bikaner with a visit along the way of the Karni Mata temple, the “temple of rats” in Deshnoke. Once reached Bikaner we will visit Junaghar fort, built between 1588 and 1593 by Raja Jai Singh and also we will visit a camel breeding and nursery farm. Overnight.
Day 08
BIKANER – JAISALMER (325km – 7h)
During the day we will croos the Thar desert until Jaisalmer visiting a desert village along the way. Upon arrival, accommodation and free time for a little of relaxation. Overnight.
Day 09
JAISALMER (esc. in cammello a KHURI, nel deserto)
The rich and magnificent palaces and havelis of Jaisalmer shine in contrast to the monotony of the Thar Desert. Its rulers were renowned for their value, their beautiful havelis and their glorious temples. In about ten centuries Jaisalmer resemble to an open air art museum. The visit includes the Citadel (known as Sonar Kella), the Patwon ki-haveli, Salam Singh-ki haveli and Nathmalji-ki haveli. In the afternoon we will go to Khuri for a camel ride between the dunes of Thar desert. Overnight.
Day 10
JAISALMER - JODHPUR (285km – 6h)
Departure towards Jodhpur. Upon arrival in the afternoon visit of the"Blue City", famous for its impressive forts, graceful palaces and imposing buildings. The city was built in 1459 by Raja Jodha (Rajiput). The visit includes the fort Mehrangarh, the museum and bazaar. Overnight.
Day 11
JODHPUR – MANDORE – JODHPUR (50km)
Full day visit for a trip out of time among the Bishnoi villages, an ethnic group that follow strict vegetarian and environmentalist rules. The name "Bishnoi" - the twenty-nine – derives from the number of basic precepts, the 29 commandments accepted by the whole community. This population traditionally protects each animal species and has turned its territory into a green oasis. Return and overnight in Jodhpur.
Day 12
JODHPUR – RANAKPUR – KHUMBALGARH (210km – 5h)
Proceed to the village of Ranakpur, where there is a magnificent temple dedicated to the Jain divinity of Adinath and famous for the magnificence of the chisels of his 1444columns, each one decorated differently. We reach then, crossing the scenic Aravalli hills, the imposing Mewari fortress of Khumbalgarh. Overnight.
Day 13
KHUMBALGARH – NAGDA – EKLINGJI – UDAIPUR (85km – 2,5h)
With the fresh air of the morning (1100mt) visit the fortress of Khumbalgarh, whose perimeter wall reaches a length of 36km. We will then head towards Udaipur stopping on the way to visit Nagda temples with elegant sculptures and Eklingj. Once reached Udaipur, accommodation at hotel followed by a boat excursion on the lake Pichola to reach the Jag Mandir. Free time for personal activities. Overnight.
Day 14
UDAIPUR - DELHI
The visit of Udaipur also includes the City Palace complex and the Jagdish Temple. In the afternoon transfer to airport for the flight to Delhi. Overnight.
Day 15
DELHI – USA
Breakfast at hotel and transfer to Delhi airport in time to board the return flight to USA .
Driving times displayed in the itinerary are approximate and depend entirely upon the condition of the roads and the stops requested by the group during transfers and do not include the time for the visits.
Hotels used |
City | Hotels |
Delhi | Hilton |
Agra | Jay Pee Palace |
Jaipur | Radison |
Mandawa | Castle Mandawa |
Bikaner | Lalgarh Palace |
Jaisalmer | Brys Fort |
Jodhpur | Ranbanka |
Khumbalgarh | Aodhi |
Udaipur | Ramada |