Your journey begins with the overnight flight to Delhi.

Welcome to Delhi! On arrival you are warmly greeted and taken to your first accommodation. If you land before 3 a.m., an extra hotel night is included; if you arrive later, you may go straight into the programme. By minibus you drive to the Jama Masjid Friday Mosque above the old town, which gives you a first impression of the magnificent architecture of many of India’s sacred buildings. From there you continue on foot through the lanes of Old Delhi while your tour guide tells you stories and background about everyday life in the capital. The narrower the lanes, the fewer travellers you meet – instead, women in colourful saris, rattling auto-rickshaws and the aroma of food stalls. You then take a cycle rickshaw to the Red Fort, which you see from the outside. Afterwards you leave the old town for the government district: here the streets become boulevards, and on short stops at India Gate and the Mahatma Gandhi statue your tour guide tells you about Gandhi and India’s independence movement. At the Gurudwara Bangla Sahib Sikh temple you learn about Sikhism, let the chants sink in and see the huge dining hall where all visitors are invited to a free meal. At sunset one more special photo opportunity awaits: the Qutb Minar (UNESCO World Heritage), a victory tower begun at the end of the 12th century. Afterwards you return to your accommodation. 1 night in Delhi.

1 night · Double room · With breakfast The Bloom Hotel is located in Delhi’s Karol Bagh district and has a modern, simple and bright design. The restaurant serves regional and international dishes. The simply and practically furnished rooms have air conditioning, TV and a private bathroom.

After breakfast you leave Delhi’s busy streets behind and drive to Agra. You quickly notice that different standards apply in India: traffic is lively, roads are often very busy and even short distances take longer – but you get plenty of insights into everyday life along the way. On the way you visit Sikandra, the final resting place of the Mughal emperor Akbar. The complex impresses with a magnificent gateway flanked by four minarets, its elegant sandstone façade and its unusual roof structure – a jewel of Mughal architecture. In the afternoon you reach Agra and settle in at your leisure. 2 nights in Agra. (B) (Distance: approx. 205 km; driving time: approx. 4.5 hrs)

2 nights · Double room · With breakfast The Golden Tulip is conveniently located near Agra’s main sights such as the Taj Mahal. It has a restaurant serving international and local breakfast, a wellness and spa area and a roof terrace with pool and fine views. Rooms have a private bathroom, safe, air conditioning, TV and minibar.

Your day begins at Agra Fort (UNESCO World Heritage). The imposing red sandstone Mughal fortress impresses with its ornate audience hall and the opulent private chambers of the former Mughal emperors. The afternoon is yours – relax at your accommodation or explore the area on your own. In time for the right light you meet again and go to the Taj Mahal (UNESCO World Heritage). Your tour guide knows when and where the view is most beautiful as the white marble is slowly bathed in a cool, bluish light at sunset. Mughal emperor Shah Jahan had the mausoleum built in memory of his favourite wife Mumtaz Mahal, who died in 1631 giving birth to their 14th child. As you stroll through the gardens, your tour guide tells you more about this love story. (B)

Today you travel by comfortable minibus to Jaipur. On the way you stop at the Chand Baori stepwell in Abhaneri, built in the 9th century. Your tour guide tells you the legend of its creation: symmetrical steps lead deep down, and the well once served as a water source and meeting place for the inhabitants – even today the faithful come here too. On the way to your accommodation in Jaipur you pass the famous Bollywood cinema Raj Mandir. If you like, you can attend a screening here in the evening – just ask your tour guide. 2 nights in Jaipur. (B) (Distance: approx. 235 km; driving time: approx. 4.5 hrs)

Today you explore Jaipur in depth, starting with Amber Fort, a huge fortress high on a hill. Because visitors quickly spread out across the vast grounds, you can explore the former royal residence with its ornate decorations at a relaxed pace. Back in the city you pass the City Palace and get out at the “Palace of the Winds” with its countless delicate windows. On foot you continue to the Jantar Mantar observatory (UNESCO World Heritage), where you learn more about astronomy and the role of horoscopes in Indian culture. You then stroll through the streets of the “Pink City” with their shops and bazaar stalls. With your tour guide you then dive into the hustle and bustle of the “Food Street” at Bapu Bazaar: unusual dishes and aromas invite you to explore, while traders offer fabrics, jewellery and shoes. To finish, you drive up to Nahargarh Fort in the Aravalli Hills above the city and enjoy the panoramic view of Jaipur at sunset over tea or coffee, before returning to your heritage hotel. (B)

In the morning you drive to Pushkar, an important Hindu pilgrimage town on a sacred lake. You visit the 14th-century Brahma Temple, one of the very few temples in India dedicated to the creator god Brahma, and explore the ghats on the lakeshore, where pilgrims bathe and pray in the holy water. At a local market you learn the secrets of traditional chai making – and can take the ingredients for a real Indian chai home with you. In the evening you experience a Hindu ceremony in Pushkar. 1 night in Pushkar. (B)

1 night · Double room · With breakfast

In the morning you drive to Khimsar and check into your heritage palace hotel. Enjoy the charm and comforts of this historic property: relax by the pool, explore the gardens or treat yourself to a massage (optional, bookable locally). If you feel like doing something in the afternoon, you can explore the nearby village or head out to the dunes – your tour guide will be happy to advise you and arrange an excursion (optional, bookable locally). 1 night in Khimsar. (B) (Distance: approx. 150 km; driving time: approx. 3.5 hrs)

1 night · Double room · With breakfast At Khimsar Fort, surrounded by golden sand dunes, you stay like a maharaja: wander through the lanes and courtyards of the vast palace or relax by the large pool. There is a spa, restaurants with Indian and continental cuisine, bars, a gym, a tennis court and free Wi-Fi. The traditionally furnished rooms have air conditioning, heating, TV, minibar, kettle and private bathroom.

Today you drive through the vastness of the Thar Desert to the “Golden City” of Jaisalmer. Along the way you see remote villages, abandoned ruins and scenes of rural life, such as children herding their goats. Depending on the group’s wishes you stop in Phalodi or Pokhran for a coffee or lunch break. In Jaisalmer you already soak up the special atmosphere of the desert city before exploring it in depth tomorrow. 2 nights in Jaisalmer. (B) (Distance: approx. 290 km; driving time: approx. 5 hrs)

2 nights · Double room · With breakfast The Meri Haveli in Jaisalmer combines the character of a traditional Rajasthani haveli with the comfort of a modern boutique hotel. The family-run house has nine rooms and a restaurant serving Rajasthani cuisine, as well as a terrace with panoramic views of Jaisalmer Fort. Rooms have a king-size bed, free Wi-Fi, TV, air conditioning and a private bathroom with shower.

Jaisalmer rose to become an important trading centre as early as the 12th century. Strolling through dusty lanes and hidden courtyards, you admire the ornate wood and sandstone carvings of the havelis and explore the imposing medieval fortress – almost like a tale from the Arabian Nights. In the afternoon a short camel ride takes you to the sand dunes of Sam, where you experience the stark beauty of the desert. At sunset you enjoy the view over the dunes glowing in the warm evening light with tea, coffee and traditional snacks. (B)

Today you continue to Jodhpur, the second-largest city in Rajasthan. For long stretches the landscape is dry and barren, but time and again you pass villages and fields that give insights into rural life. In the afternoon you reach the “Blue City”, named after the characteristic colour of many of its houses, and visit Mehrangarh Fort. The fortress rises on a rock high above the city; from here you look far out over the winding lanes. In the evening the bazaars come to life. With your tour guide you stroll through a sea of exotic goods and tempting aromas, discovering local crafts and culinary specialities. You return to the hotel by tuk-tuk, a small three-wheeled auto-rickshaw – right through Jodhpur by night. 1 night in Jodhpur. (B) (Distance: approx. 270 km; driving time: approx. 6 hrs)

1 night · Double room · With breakfast The Trulyy Rudransh Inn is in Jodhpur, around 4 km from Mehrangarh Fort. The air-conditioned, stylishly furnished rooms have a safe, TV and private bathroom.

You can spend the morning in Jodhpur as you like – your tour guide will gladly give you a few tips. You then drive to Ranakpur and its 15th-century Jain temple complex. The white marble complex with 29 halls and 1,444 pillars, no two of which are alike, is considered one of the most beautiful temples in Rajasthan and one of the most important in India. Your tour guide introduces you to the rituals and symbolism of Jainism – let the peaceful atmosphere of this holy place sink in. 1 night in Ranakpur. (B) (Distance: approx. 160 km; driving time: approx. 3 hrs)

1 night · Double room · With breakfast The Ranakpur Safari Resort lies peacefully in the Aravalli Hills, surrounded by dense forest. From the outdoor pool you enjoy views of nature; there is an Indian restaurant and a pizzeria. The traditionally furnished rooms have air conditioning, TV and minibar.

Today you continue to Udaipur, where a special highlight awaits: depending on the water level, you take a boat trip of about an hour on Lake Pichola and watch the sunset over the water. On an island in the lake stands the luxurious Lake Palace Hotel, which James Bond fans may recognise. Afterwards you can stroll through a local market where traders’ calls mingle with the scent of fresh fruit and vegetables. You then end the evening at your accommodation. 2 nights in Udaipur. (B) (Distance: approx. 90 km; driving time: approx. 2 hrs)

2 nights · Double room · With breakfast The Vasant Vilas heritage boutique hotel is located in the heart of Udaipur, around 4 km from Lake Pichola and the adjacent old town. There is a pool for relaxing. The rooms combine traditional charm with modern comfort and have air conditioning, TV, minibar and a spacious bathroom.

Today you get to know Udaipur, famous for its traditional cityscape, its delicate temples and palaces and its picturesque setting on Lake Pichola. With your fellow travellers you stroll through the narrow lanes; the size and splendour of the City Palace will impress you, and again and again you enjoy views of the lake. The rest of the day is yours: put your feet up at your accommodation or take a walk along the lakeshore. (B)

Your journey slowly draws to a close. Around midday you fly back to Delhi, where you may pick up a few last souvenirs. In the evening you look back on the trip at a farewell dinner together: what was your highlight – and what will your fellow travellers remember most? 1 night in Delhi. (B/D)

1 night · Double room · With breakfast The Bloom Hotel is located in Delhi’s Karol Bagh district and has a modern, simple and bright design. The restaurant serves regional and international dishes. The simply and practically furnished rooms have air conditioning, TV and a private bathroom.

Today you say goodbye to colourful, bustling India and in due course fly from Delhi back home, arriving the same day. (B)