ARTS & HANDICRAFT TOUR

Hotels

Maidens
Imperial
Haveli Dharampura

Activities

Private guided exploration of Old Delhi’s historic monuments
Rickshaw ride through vibrant Chandni Chowk bazaars
Visit majestic Jama Masjid and Red Fort
Scenic drive through Lutyens’ New Delhi boulevards

Concierge Services

VIP airport handling
Private chauffeurs
English-speaking expert guides
Smooth intercity transfers
Personal concierge support

Hotels

Taj Ganges
Suryaudaya Haveli
Brijrama Palace

Activities

Sunrise private boat cruise along sacred Ganges
Guided exploration of Varanasi temples and ghats
Afternoon visit to sacred Buddhist site Sarnath
Discover traditional silk weaving ateliers

Concierge Services

VIP airport handling
Private chauffeurs
English-speaking expert guides
Smooth intercity transfers
Personal concierge support

Hotels

The Trident
The Oberoi Amarvilas
Ekaa villa

Activities

Sunrise visit to ethereal Taj Mahal
Guided exploration of majestic Agra Fort
Private visit to marble inlay artisan workshop
Curated shopping in Agra’s artisan markets

Concierge Services

VIP airport handling
Private chauffeurs
English-speaking expert guides
Smooth intercity transfers
Personal concierge support

Hotels

Dera Mandawa
Raas Raj Mahal Palace
Dera Mandawa

Activities

Private excursion to majestic Amber Fort
Visit iconic Hawa Mahal Palace of Winds
Private visit to traditional block-printing atelier
Explore City Palace royal courtyards and museum

Concierge Services

VIP airport handling
Private chauffeurs
English-speaking expert guides
Smooth intercity transfers
Personal concierge support

Hotels

Shahpura Bagh

Activities

Experience serene lakeside palace gardens and regal interiors
Guided village walk exploring authentic Rajasthani culture
Sunset excursion to historic Dhikola Fort

Concierge Services

VIP airport handling
Private chauffeurs
English-speaking expert guides
Smooth intercity transfers
Personal concierge support

Hotels

The Trident
Taj Lake Palace
Udaivilas

Activities

Explore magnificent City Palace overlooking Lake Pichola
Visit Saheliyon-ki-Bari royal gardens and fountains
vibrant Chandni Chowk rickshaw ride
Scenic drive through Aravalli hills to Devigarh Palace

Concierge Services

VIP airport handling
Private chauffeurs
English-speaking expert guides
Smooth intercity transfers
Personal concierge support

Cities Covered

Delhi – Varanasi – Agra –

Jaipur – Shahpura – Udaipur

Best Time To Visit

October – march

Activity Level

Moderate

5-star accommodation
Flexible – extensions, room & flight upgrades
Express train travel in air conditioned executive class
Transfers in air-conditioned vehicles
Experienced local tour manager

Itinerary

Day 1 : Arrival in Delhi

Your journey begins in Delhi, India’s vibrant capital where ancient empires and modern life exist side by side.

Upon arrival, you are warmly welcomed by your personal representative and escorted by private vehicle to your elegant hotel. The historic Maidens Hotel offers a serene introduction to the city with its colonial architecture, leafy gardens, and timeless charm.

For an enhanced luxury stay, upgrade to the legendary Imperial Hotel, famed for its art-deco elegance and museum-quality art collection, or the sophisticated Oberoi New Delhi, one of the city’s finest contemporary luxury hotels.

Spend the remainder of the day at leisure recovering from your journey.

Day 2 : Discover the Contrasts of Delhi

Explore the remarkable contrasts of Old and New Delhi with your private guide.

Begin in Old Delhi, once the capital of the Mughal Empire. Visit the magnificent Jama Masjid, one of India’s largest mosques, before navigating the vibrant lanes of Chandni Chowk by traditional rickshaw. Continue to the majestic Red Fort, a powerful symbol of Mughal grandeur. Later discover New Delhi, designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens during the British Raj. Drive past the stately Rashtrapati Bhavan and stop at the iconic India Gate, set within elegant ceremonial boulevards.

Optional evening experiences include a private cooking demonstration with a Delhi family or a sound-and-light show illuminating the Red Fort’s history.

Day 3 : Delhi to Varanasi

This morning fly to Varanasi, India’s most sacred city and one of the world’s oldest living urban centres.

Located along the banks of the River Ganges, Varanasi has drawn pilgrims, scholars, and seekers for over three millennia. Upon arrival, transfer to your heritage residence overlooking the river. From here you can observe the timeless rhythms of life along the ghats, where pilgrims gather for prayer and ritual bathing. Your hotel, Surya Udaya Haveli, offers intimate charm and authentic architecture. For a truly regal experience, upgrade to Brijrama Palace, an extraordinary riverside palace with spectacular Ganges views.

Spend the evening at leisure absorbing the spiritual atmosphere of the sacred river.

Day 4 : Sacred Varanasi

This morning fly to Varanasi, India’s most sacred city and one of the world’s oldest living urban centres.

Spend the evening at leisure absorbing the spiritual atmosphere of the sacred river.

Day 5 : Varanasi to Agra

Fly to Delhi this morning before continuing by private vehicle to Agra, the legendary Mughal capital.

Agra is home to some of India’s most extraordinary monuments, including the incomparable Taj Mahal.

Your residence is the elegant Trident Agra, set within peaceful landscaped gardens. For an unforgettable stay, upgrade to Oberoi Amarvilas, widely regarded as one of the finest hotels in the world, where every room enjoys uninterrupted views of the Taj Mahal. Spend the evening at leisure.

Optional experiences include the Mohabbat-e-Taj cultural performance or a guided heritage walk through Mughal Agra.

Day 6 : Taj Mahal at Sunrise

At dawn visit the breathtaking Taj Mahal, when the marble monument glows softly in the first light of day.

Built by Emperor Shah Jahan as a tribute to his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj remains one of the most romantic and beautiful structures ever created. Later explore the magnificent Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with palaces, audience halls, and royal chambers. Continue to Itimad-ud-Daulah, often called the Baby Taj, famed for its delicate marble inlay work.

You will also visit a traditional marble inlay atelier, where artisans demonstrate the intricate techniques used in the Taj Mahal itself.

Day 7 : Agra to Jaipur

Travel to Jaipur, the royal capital of Rajasthan and one of India’s most captivating cities.

Founded in 1727, Jaipur is famed for its rose-coloured architecture, magnificent palaces, and vibrant markets. Check into Samode Haveli, a beautifully restored aristocratic mansion offering traditional elegance and warm hospitality. For a truly royal experience, upgrade to Rambagh Palace, the former residence of the Maharaja of Jaipur, or the refined RAAS Raj Mahal Palace.

Spend the evening exploring Jaipur’s celebrated jewellery and textile markets.

Day 8 : Jaipur

This morning travel into the Aravalli Hills to visit the spectacular Amber Fort, the former seat of Jaipur’s Rajput rulers.

Ascend to the fort by private jeep and explore its magnificent courtyards, mirrored halls, and royal chambers overlooking the surrounding hills. Returning to the city, continue to the iconic Hawa Mahal, the extraordinary “Palace of Winds” with its delicate honeycomb façade. Visit the opulent City Palace, still home to Jaipur’s royal family, and the remarkable Jantar Mantar, an 18th-century astronomical observatory and UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Later enjoy time browsing Jaipur’s celebrated markets or visiting a traditional block-printing workshop, where artisans create the vibrant textiles for which Rajasthan is famous.

Day 9 : Jaipur to Shahpura

Journey through Rajasthan’s countryside to Shahpura, a charming rural town steeped in heritage.

Your residence is Shahpura Bagh, a historic family estate surrounded by lakes, gardens, and elegant courtyards. Spend the afternoon relaxing by the pool or strolling through the tranquil grounds. Later visit the atmospheric Dhikola Fort, where sunset views stretch across Rajasthan’s pastoral landscape.

Optional experiences include a traditional bullock-cart ride through nearby villages or a boat ride across the estate lakes.

Day 10 : Shahpura to Udaipur

Travel to the romantic city of Udaipur, often called the Venice of the East.

Set among shimmering lakes and the Aravalli Hills, Udaipur is one of India’s most beautiful cities.

Check into the elegant Jagat Niwas Palace, located directly on Lake Pichola. For a truly unforgettable stay, upgrade to the iconic Taj Lake Palace, floating on the lake, or the magnificent Oberoi Udaivilas, widely considered one of the world’s most spectacular resorts.

Spend the evening enjoying the serene lakeside atmosphere.

Day 11 : Discover Udaipur

Explore the romantic beauty of Udaipur.

Visit the magnificent City Palace, the largest royal complex in Rajasthan, with sweeping views over Lake Pichola. Continue to Jagdish Temple and the tranquil Saheliyon-ki-Bari gardens before browsing colourful artisan markets.

Later enjoy a sunset boat cruise on Lake Pichola, gliding past illuminated palaces and temples reflected in the water.

Day 12 : Ranakpur Temples

Travel through the scenic Aravalli Hills to visit the remarkable Ranakpur Jain Temples.

Renowned for their exquisite marble architecture, the temple complex features over a thousand intricately carved pillars — no two alike.

After exploring this spiritual masterpiece, enjoy lunch before returning to Udaipur for a relaxed evening.

Day 13 : Udaipur to Delhi

Fly to Delhi today for your final evening in India.

Spend the remainder of the day at leisure — perhaps indulging in last-minute shopping for textiles, jewellery, or handcrafted souvenirs.

Day 16 : Delhi / Departure

After breakfast, your private chauffeur will transfer you to the airport for your onward journey.

Depart India with unforgettable memories of sacred rivers, royal palaces, and timeless cultural treasures.

Contact an India specialist

The specialist who designs your trip to India will have explored the country many times and, in some cases, lived there. Their first-hand knowledge gives us the belief that no other travel company can match our expertise in helping you plan your trip.

When To go

City

Temperature

Rain

Delhi

13 °C

23 MM

Varanasi

24 °C

22 MM

Agra

15°C

14 MM

Jaipur

23 °C

09 MM

Udaipur

24 °C

04 MM

City

Temperature

Rain

Delhi

17 °C

09 MM

Varanasi

27 °c

09 MM

Agra

19 °C

10 MM

Jaipur

25 °C

08 MM

Udaipur

28 °c

01 MM

City

Temperature

Rain

Delhi

22 °C

12 MM

Varanasi

34 °C

11 MM

Agra

26 °C

10 MM

Jaipur

31 °C

07 MM

Udaipur

32 °C

08 MM

City

Temperature

Rain

Varanasi

39 °C

03 MM

Delhi

29 °C

04 MM

Agra

33 °C

04 MM

Jaipur

37 °C

03 MM

Udaipur

36 °C

02 MM

City

Temperature

Rain

Delhi

33 °C

11 MM

Varanasi

42 °C

09 MM

Agra

39 °C

13 MM

Jaipur

40 °C

14 MM

Udaipur

38 °C

07 MM

City

Temperature

Rain

Delhi

38 °C

38 MM

Varanasi

39 °C

86 MM

Agra

41 °C

51 MM

Jaipur

39 °C

50 MM

Udaipur

36 °C

84 MM

City

Temperature

Rain

Delhi

31 °C

200 MM

Varanasi

33 °C

281 MM

Agra

34 °C

207 MM

Jaipur

34 °C

196 MM

Udaipur

30 °C

216 MM

City

Temperature

Rain

Delhi

30 °C

233 MM

Varanasi

32 °C

281 MM

Agra

30 °C

272 MM

Jaipur

32 °C

211 MM

Udaipur

29 °C

208 MM

City

Temperature

Rain

Delhi

29 °C

108 MM

Varanasi

33 °C

192 MM

Agra

29 °C

127 MM

Jaipur

34 °C

84 MM

Udaipur

31 °C

180 MM

City

Temperature

Rain

Delhi

25 °C

25 MM

Varanasi

33 °C

36 MM

Agra

30 °C

30 MM

Jaipur

34 °C

11 MM

Udaipur

32 °C

17 MM

City

Temperature

Rain

Delhi

20 °C

03 MM

Varanasi

29 °C

07 MM

Agra

25 °C

04 MM

Jaipur

29 °C

03 MM

Udaipur

29 °C

08 MM

City

Temperature

Rain

Delhi

15 °C

05 MM

Varanasi

25 °C

05 MM

Agra

17 °C

05 MM

Jaipur

24 °C

05MM

Udaipur

26 °C

01 MM

What They're Saying

Susan Kind

United Kingdom, Tailor made Tiger Safari tour

We are home now after our wonderful tiger safari holiday. We were very pleased with all the aspects of the arrangements. The hotels, the drivers and the care you took to make sure it all went smoothly – everything was excellent.

Kim OppenHeim

Switzerland, Tailor made Kerala Group Tour

My husband and I, along with our 2 daughters and a group of 5 students from the international high-school where we teach in Switzerland, just returned from a two-week tour of Kerala organized by Newton Singh at Royal India Holidays.

Hannah Oustroumoff

United Kingdom, Tailor made tour of North India

The itinerary as perfect, two nights in each and 1 night in Pushkar gave us enough time to see the interesting sites and places and gave us enough time to relax.