Short Escape: India

Namaste and welcome to Delhi, India's northern gateway. The city brings India’s rich cultural contrasts sharply into focus, with its ruin-studded gardens, a growing contemporary art scene and world-class cuisine. On arrival enjoy a warm A&K welcome and private transfer to your hotel.

The Imperial New Delhi

Today, take in the sights of Old and New Delhi. Join a local expert and navigate the narrow streets of Old Delhi abuzz with daily life, visiting the Turkman Gate and the towering minarets of India’s largest mosque, Jama Masjid. Weave through the colourful streets, alleyways and market stalls of Chandni Chowk on a cycle rickshaw to witness a mishmash of cultures. Take a photo stop at the Red Fort, residence of the Mughal Emperors and the seat of the Mughal capital till 1857. Gaze at the ramparts, the stage for some of India’s most momentous cultural and historical events.

In New Delhi, drive down the tree-lined Rajpath (the royal path) to the 42-metre-high stone arch of India Gate, a majestic monument commemorating the contribution of Indian soldiers who laid down their lives in World War I. At the far end of the boulevard, glimpse the sprawling President’s Residence, Rashtrapati Bhavan. Finish your tour at the jaw-dropping Humayun’s Tomb, built in 1570 for a Mughal emperor, it was the first garden-tomb on the Indian subcontinent.

The Imperial New Delhi | Meals: B

Bid farewell to India's resplendent capital and travel overland to Agra, home of the Taj Mahal. Standing proud in the heart of the city, the Taj Mahal was built by Emperor Shah Jahan for his wife Mumtaz and is now the world's pre-eminent expression of passionate mourning. Check in to your hotel before heading to the former imperial city of the Mughal rulers, the heritage-listed Agra Fort. Venture within its red sandstone walls to discover a labyrinth of highly decorated palaces and ornate marble mosques built by the great Mughal emperor Akbar I. As sunset nears, watch in awe as the ivory-white marble of the Taj Mahal glistens in dramatic contrast with the changing colours of the sky. Marvel at the uninterrupted views of the Taj from your room, or from the private dining terrace.

The Oberoi Amarvilas | Meals: B

Rise early to marvel at the breathtaking Taj in dawn’s tranquillity. Return to your hotel for breakfast before embarking on your overland journey to Jaipur. Stop at the heritage-listed city of Fatehpur Sikri Founded in the 16th century, its iconic fortified red sandstone buildings are regarded as Mughal Emperor Akbar’s crowning architectural legacy. Enjoy lunch before a quick photo stop at the majestic Chand Baori stepwells, built over a thousand years ago and one of the largest in the world. A royal welcome awaits you at your hotel, Rambagh Palace, once a royal hunting lodge for the Maharajah of Jaipur.

Rambagh Palace | Meals: BL

After a sumptuous breakfast, embark on a tour of the Amber Fort, with its distinctive Mughal architecture. Then, immerse yourself in the wonderful artworks and block prints of Anokhi Museum of Hand Printing, housed in a beautifully restored haveli (mansion), and learn the intricacies of this traditional Rajasthan craft.

Visit the City Palace and its museum which has a superb collection of Rajasthani costumes and armoury of the Mughals and Rajputs, including swords, antiques and artifacts. Then, learn about the heavens from within the Jantar Mantar Observatory packed with enormous astronomical and astrological instruments dating back to the 16th century.

Later, set out to discover the lesser-known wonders of the Pink City. Step inside lively temples to witness traditional customs, take part in a Hindu prayer ceremony, if you wish, and sip tea with the locals. Visit the ancient Vishnu temple decorated with fine frescos and mythological paintings. Enjoy a quick photo stop at Jaipur’s famous, Hawa Mahal (‘Palace of Winds’), with its distinctive red and pink facade with the afternoon free to explore the city at your leisure.

Rambagh Palace | Meals: B

Spend your day exploring at your own pace or choose from a range of activities (additional charge).

Leave the hustle and bustle far behind as you soar above Jaipur’s yawning horizons and rolling hills in an enchanting early-morning hot-air balloon flight. Spend time in the home of a noble Rajput family for an intimate cooking demonstration. Step inside Clay Botik studio for a hands-on pottery lesson with a local artist. Enjoy a delicious afternoon High Tea on the terraces and manicured lawns of your luxury property; or pay a visit to Digantar, a local school supported by A&K Philanthropy.

Rambagh Palace | Meals: B

Enjoy your final morning before transferring privately to the airport for your onwards journey.

Meals: B