Wild + Wonderful India

On arrival at the airport, you’ll be warmly greeted and escorted to your hotel.

After breakfast, you'll join our engaging native-born guide for a full-day tour of India's vibrant and endlessly fascinating capital. Focusing this morning on the sights and sounds of Old Delhi, you'll begin with Jama Masjid, India's largest mosque. Then hop aboard a traditional pedicab - a delightful way to immerse in the colors and rhythms of the city. Step off at the bustling and fragrant Spice Market and explore among the many vendors as our guide offers insight into India's enduring cultural and culinary traditions.
 
Continue your exploration with the historic landmarks of New Delhi, starting with the India Gate – built in memory of Indian soldiers killed during the World War I. Then drive along the elegant Rajpath past Rashtrapati Bhawan, built in the early 20th century as the Viceroy's residence and now the official home of the President of India. At Qutab Minar, you'll discover the tallest brick minaret in the world – a graceful, fluted, tapering tower completed in the 14th century with beautiful terra-cotta embellishments and balconies. Tonight, you'll enjoy an à la carte dinner with wine at our 5-star hotel.  Meals B+D

After breakfast, you'll embark on a scenic southward journey to Agra, the venerated 16th-century capital of the Lodi Dynasty. On arrival, check in to your hotel, and then visit the Agra Fort. Behind the impressive 1.5-mile-long fortress walls that surround the complex, you'll discover lovely grounds, historic mosques, grand audience halls, and fairytale palaces. Dating back to the 16th century and reflecting elements of both Hindu and Islamic architectural styles, this fort is more aptly described as a magnificent, walled palatial city.  End your sightseeing across the Yamuna River at Mehtab Bagh; most visitors don’t know to come here, but in the softer light of late afternoon and evening, this Mughal garden offers magical views of the Taj Mahal.  Meals B+D

Arise early this morning for a sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal. Of course, you saw this renowned “Monument to Love” yesterday evening, but its strikingly iridescent and translucent façade offers a different—yet equally enchanting—experience in the sharper light of early morning.
 
Return to your hotel for breakfast, then embark on a scenic journey through northern India. The drive from Agra to Sawai Madhopur typically takes about 3.5 to 4 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions, carrying you through rural Rajasthan with its shifting landscapes and glimpses of everyday village life. Along the way, you’ll pause in Abhaneri Village to visit the ancient Chand Baori Stepwell. With its symmetrical design featuring 3,500 intricately carved steps descending 13 stories, this architectural marvel is one of India’s deepest and most impressive stepwells, captivating visitors with its precision and grandeur. Take time to admire its intricate geometry and the interplay of light and shadow before continuing onward.
 
As you approach Sawai Madhopur, you may see colorful saris drying in the sun, camel carts, and cattle moving along the roadside—vivid scenes of rural Rajasthan. You’ll stop for lunch at a local restaurant en route.  Your destination is Sawai Madhopur, founded in 1765 and the gateway to Ranthambore National Park. On arrival, check in to your lodge for the evening.
Meals: B+L+D
 

Most travelers visit this world-famous reserve in a traditional Indian canter, an open-air bus that seats 20 people. But our exclusive safari drives find you in special open-air jeeps that seat only 4 to 6 guests. There's an experienced naturalist guide in each jeep and these vehicles are faster and much more maneuverable than the canter – offering our guests the best chances of spotting the elusive, Royal Bengal Tiger! They can even take you off-road for more up-close wildlife encounters. Today, you'll venture deep into the wild beauty of the reserve on early morning and late afternoon safari excursions - when the animals are most active. In addition to its most famous resident, the Bengal Tiger, Ranthambore's residents include sloths, bears, and hyenas! In between our game-viewing expeditions, you can relax at the lodge and take advantage of its evocative ambience and romantic setting.  Meals B+L+D

After a leisurely breakfast, the morning is yours to enjoy the historic ambience and lush landscaped grounds of our lodge. After lunch, you'll embark on an overland journey through the timeless landscapes of the Rajasthani countryside. On arrival in Jaipur, India's fabled Pink City, check in to your hotel, where the rest of your afternoon and evening are free to enjoy as you wish.  Meals B+L

Founded in the 11th century and beautifully constructed from yellow and pink sandstone and gleaming white marble, the spectacular Amber Fort just outside of town stands as a testament to the once-powerful and never-conquered Rajput Kingdom. Entering through the towering Sun Gate, your guided tour reveals lavish courtyards, beautifully decorated halls, and the dazzling Chamber of Mirrors. Back in the city, you'll see Hawa Mahal, the oft-photographed Palace of Winds. Built at the end of the 18th century and comprised of delicately latticed windows, its ingenious design allowed women of royal families to remain concealed while they observed the hustle and bustle of the street below. At the City Palace Museum, our knowledgeable guide will enhance your tour through the extensive and carefully curated collection, including miniature paintings, ancient weapons, and traditional Rajasthani royal costumes. You'll also visit Jantar Mantar, an observatory built in 1726. You're sure to be astounded by these architectural stone instruments – skillfully designed and constructed to measure time, predict eclipses and track the movements of the stars and planets; the largest instrument stands 90 feet tall, and all are amazingly accurate.
 
Jaipur is known for the extraordinary skill of its artisans, and after sightseeing you'll have time to explore the city's colorful bazaars. Brilliantly tie-dyed fabrics, miniature paintings, finely carved statues, metalwork and pottery are some of the many things you’ll see.  Tonight's specially arranged dinner in the inviting home of a Jaipur family promises congenial conversation as well as rich insight into daily life and India's fascinating culture.  Meals B+D

After breakfast, we’ll take you back to Delhi where A+R guests will have Day Use Rooms at Pullman Aerocity near the airport, offering a relaxing and convenient place where you can refresh before your onward flight.  Meals B