14 Day Classical Rajasthan Premium Small Group Tour
This tour is fully escorted by a dedicated tour leader who will accompany you throughout the tour. If your tour includes multiple countries, you will be met by a new tour leader in each country and any internal flights included will be unescorted.
This tour is categorised as 3 out of 5
Balanced exploration with walking tours: Our most popular style, this tour offers a good mix of planned activities and free time. Expect moderate daily walking tours, so pack comfortable shoes.
As a general requirement across all of our trips, you may be required to walk up and down stairs, get on and off transportation, handle your own luggage, and participate in all scheduled sightseeing that may be conducted on uneven ground and terrain. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability and where required, supporting documentation may be requested to ensure that we are comfortable that you will enjoy your trip.
Experience a superior level of comfort. Our Small Group tours have been crafted for Inspiring Vacations travellers exclusively, with personal and unique experiences in mind. Travel with no more than 26 people, allowing for a more personalised and immersive experience. Please see the Important Information on your selected tour for the exact group size.
✓ Small group tour, with no more than 20 travellers
✓ Incredible sightseeing including Old and New Delhi, the stunning golden city of Jaisalmer, Jodhpur's majestic Mehrangarh Fort, Udaipur – the City of Lakes, the little visited Jain Temples at Ranakpur, iconic Taj Mahal, Jaipur's Amber Fort and Palace of the Winds
✓ 13 nights in central 4 and 5-star accommodation
✓ Breakfast daily
✓ Airport transfers included on the first and last day of your tour
✓ Fully escorted by a professional English-speaking tour guide
✓ Comfortable, dedicated, air-conditioned transportation throughout
✓ In-depth sightseeing and entrance fees as per the itinerary
✈ Needing international airfares to accompany your Inspiring Vacation? You will be able to access our flight portal after securing your package to add international airfares to your booking.
Travel with the experts for a carefully curated, value-packed discovery of the world's most iconic destinations. Our tours are bursting with must-see sights, rich experiences and quality inclusions, all at an unbeatable price. Bucket list dreams are ticked off on these all-encompassing journeys.
Welcome to Delhi.
Upon arrival, please make your own way to the starting hotel. Check-in time is 1500 hours. The rest of the day is at leisure to unwind and relax in the comforts of your hotel.
Arrival airport transfers are included as part of your package. You will be met upon arrival at the airport and transferred to your hotel.
If Inspiring Vacations has not provided your international airfares, please ensure you provide your flight details via your Traveller Hub portal no later than 90 days prior to travel so that your transfers can be confirmed.
Please note: if you are arriving early and have made your own arrangements prior to your tour commencing, airport transfers will not be included. However, if you are purchasing pre-nights accommodation as part of your Inspiring Vacations package, airport transfers will still be provided to the starting hotel.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and proceed on a guided tour of Old and New Delhi.
Arriving in Old Delhi, drive past the Red Fort; visit Raj Ghat, the simple but moving memorial to Mahatma Gandhi. Hop onto a local metro and travel with local Delhiites to and from Chandni Chowk. Enjoy a short walk through the narrow bylanes – full of legends and historic tales of Shahjahanabad. Visit quaint shops with incredible wares from food stalls to jewelry.
Later in the afternoon, get ready to explore imperial Delhi. Drive past the imposing India Gate (War Memorial Arch), Parliament buildings and Rashtrapati Bhawan (the President’s residence). End the tour with a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Listed tomb of Emperor Humayun. The tomb was the first garden tomb in the Indian subcontinent, a wonderful example of early Mughal architecture.
After an early breakfast, we depart towards Mandawa (245 km, approx 7 hrs).
On arrival, check in to your hotel and take some time to relax and freshen up. Known for its forts and havelis, Mandawa is a cultural reminder of a bygone era. Later this afternoon, explore the beautiful havelis, painted predominantly in vibrant colours with beautiful paintings that adorn their walls in this semi-desert region.
We continue deeper into the desert today to Bikaner (250 km, approx 5.5 hours).
Upon arrival, enjoy a walking sightseeing tour of Bikaner. Stroll around the local bazaars of Bikaner and visit one of the most interesting forts in Rajasthan, with its sumptuously decorated interiors. Junagarh Fort, built in 1588 by Raja Rai Singh, is unusual in the sense that it was one of the few major forts of Rajasthan not built on a hilltop. Instead, it was built on the open desert plains; the fort's rugged sandstone bastions, graceful pavilions and balconies are silhouetted against the sky.
Continue to Gajner where we check into our iconic heritage hotel for the night.
Another big day of travelling sees us arriving at the iconic desert walled city of Jaisalmer. (300km, approx. 6.5 hrs)
Rising from the heart of the Thar Desert like a golden mirage is the city of Jaisalmer founded by Rao Jaisal. The name Jaisalmer evokes a vivid picture of sheer magic and brilliance of the desert. Commanding Jaisalmer Fort, etched in yellow sandstone, stands with all its awesome splendour dominating the amber-hued city. The city is famous for its fort, sand dunes, and ideal for camel rides and safaris. Check into your hotel and relax.
This morning, enjoy an in-depth tour of Jaisalmer. Start at the stunning Jaisalmer Fort. Built in 1156, the fort stands proudly amidst the golden stretches of the great Thar Desert. Located on the top of the Trikuta Hill, the ramparts, bastions and the long-stretching walls dazzle during early morning and at sunset. Continuing on to Gadsisar Lake, adorned with an arched gateway, many small shrines and temples are festooned all around the lake. Relax by the pool back at the hotel or keep exploring this magical city.
Afternoon, drive to the outskirts of Jaisalmer, to witness the spectacular sunset on the sand dunes.
Experience the endless stretch of sands in the Thar desert and the ethereal magic of a stunning sunset as you drive out of Jaisalmer to visit one of its most panoramic sites-the golden sand dunes. Wind-caressed slopes are marked with ripples creating a mesmerising mirage, a visual impression of extraordinary splendour.
Get the real feel of the desert as you embark on a camel back for a ride to the sunset point and witness the sun setting in the backdrop of the barren yet beautiful shifting sands of the dunes, an unforgettable and magical spectacle.
Start: 3:30pm
End: 7:00pm
Inclusions: returns transfers, local guide, camel ride
After breakfast, drive to the blue city of Jodhpur (300 km, approx. 7 hrs). Upon arrival, check in to your hotel.
This afternoon, head out to tour the iconic Blue City. Start at Jaswant Thada, a white marble memorial to Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. The cenotaph was built in 1899, followed by the royal crematorium and three other cenotaphs that stand nearby. There is some beautiful marble lattice work and fine views from the terrace.
Continue with a visit to magnificent Mehrangarh Fort, one of Rajasthan's finest forts looking down protectively over the city. Owned and operated by the Maharaja of Jodhpur, this majestic 5-km long fort is located 125 metres above the city which makes for an impressive and formidable structure. There are seven gates that lead into the fort. Inside the fort is a series of courtyards and palaces. The palace apartments with marvellously carved panels and latticed windows have evocative names such as Sukh Mahal (Pleasure Palace), Moti Mahal (Pearl Palace), the Phool Mahal (Flower Palace) and the Sheesh Mahal (Palace of Mirrors). These palaces house the trappings of Indian royalty including a superb collection of palanquins, elephant howdahs (used when the Maharajas rode their elephants in processions), miniature paintings, musical instruments, costumes and furniture.
This morning, we drive towards the ‘City of Lakes’, Udaipur ( 280 km approx. 7 hrs). En route, we’ll stop at Ranakpur to visit the intricate friezes and sculptures of this amazing Jain Temple. The main shrine of Adinath, with its 1444 exquisitely carved columns is the largest and most complex Jain temple in the country.
After a short visit, continue to Udaipur, capital of the kingdom of Mewar, one of the oldest surviving dynasties in the world, established around 1567 A.D. Udaipur is a rich and beguiling tapestry of lakeside palaces, forts, temples, havelis and gardens, reflecting the varied influences over the centuries.
This morning, enjoy a half-day tour of the City of Lakes. Start with a visit to the City Palace standing atop a hill on the banks of Lake Pichola and surrounded by crenulated walls. Built in 1567, it is composed of four major and several minor palaces that form a single façade. Its main entrance is through a triple arched gate, the Tripolia, that was built in 1725. The gate leads to a series of courtyards, corridors and gardens.
Continue on to Saheliyon-ki-Bari (Garden of the maids of honour), a small ornamental garden which was a popular relaxing spot where royal ladies came for a stroll, hence the name. The garden has many fountains in its four delightful pools, chiselled kiosks and marble elephants.
This evening, enjoy a dance performance in a magnificent setting. Set on the edge of Gangaur Ghat, built in the 18th century, is the imposing Bagore ki Haveli.
Originally built by Amir Chand Bawa, the chief minister of the royal Mewar Court, the haveli became the home of Maharana Shakti Singh of Bagore, who added three more storeys to the building. Now a museum, the haveli has been carefully restored with cultural displays, a fascinating collection of period photographs and paintings, jewellery and other artefacts.
After the dance performance, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
Start: 6:00pm
End: 9:00pm
Inclusions: return transfers, admittance to folk show, local guide, dinner at a local restaurant
Enjoy a boat ride on Lake Pichola, the picturesque lake that entranced Maharaja Udai Singh and inspired him to build Udaipur. Hills, palaces, temples, bathing ghats and embankments surround the lake and are mirrored in its placid blue waters. The lake itself is a romantic setting surrounding the gleaming white Lake Palace Hotel (known for being featured in the famous James Bond film, Octopussy) and the Jag Mandir, a refuge of the rebel Mughal prince, Shah Jahan.
Start: 2:30pm
End: 3:30pm
Inclusions: returns transfers, local guide, boat ticket
This morning drive to the pink city of Jaipur (415 km, approx. 7 hrs). Upon arrival, check in to your hotel.
One of the most enticing cities in India, Jaipur is nestled between mighty forts and the rugged Aravalli Hills. Known as ‘the pink city’ its prominent buildings are washed in shades of red and pink. Founded by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh in 1727, Jaipur is steeped in Rajput history and icharacterised by sites such as the City Palace with its astronomical Observatory, Hawa Mahal and the beautiful Amber Fort.
This morning enjoy a guided excursion to the fabulous hilltop citadel of Amber Fort. Enroute, stop for a photo at the intriguing red sandstone Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) – a five-storied beauty with an incredible pyramidal façade, overhanging windows with lattice screens, domes and spires.
Crowning the crest of a hill, Amber Fort offers views of Maota Lake and the historic old town of Jaipur located at the base of the hill, which formed the early seat of the Amber kings before the fort was made their capital. Later this afternoon, enjoy a heritage walk in the pink city. Starting from the massive Tripolia Gate, make your way through the bustling lanes of Jaipur as you walk past beautiful temples and painted havelis. Wander through the streets as you see some of the gorgeous temples on both sides of the roads dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Hanuman and the many forms of Lord Krishna.
Explore the exquisite City Palace, a synthesis of Rajput and Mughal architectural styles, consisting of an overwhelming complex of exquisite palaces. The Museum has a collection of Rajasthani costumes, an armoury of Mughals and Rajputs including swords of different shapes and sizes with chiselled handles.
Start: 2:00pm
End: 3:30pm
Inclusions: return transfers, entrance into the palace & museum, local guide
Jantar Mantar in Jaipur is one of the largest observatories in the world, comprising remarkable stone assemblies that help to interpret the position of celestial bodies and calculate local time. Enumerated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, Jantar Mantar attracts tourists, historians, astronomers, architects, mathematicians, and geographers. The collection of nineteen astronomical instruments in Jantar Mantar allows the observation of astronomical positions with the naked eye. The monument is an exemplification of architectural innovations that was built on ideas from different religious and social beliefs in 18th-century India.
Start: 4:00pm
End: 6:00pm
Inclusions: return transfers, entrance into the observatory, local guide
Today we depart for the Mughal city of Agra (237 km/ approx. 6 hrs).
Known to the world as the city of the ‘Taj Mahal’, Agra is still associated with the Mughals, who besides being great rulers were also great builders. The architectural splendour of the mausoleums, forts and palaces is a vivid reminder of the opulence of the legendary Mughal Empire.
This afternoon, enjoy a walking tour of the bustling bazaars of Agra, keeping an eye out for a glimpse of Agra’s most famous building.
Visit the Agra Fort
Rise early this morning for a spectacular sunrise tour of the Taj Mahal, celebrated for its architectural magnificence and aesthetic beauty. Emperor Shah Jahan built this exquisite white marble mausoleum for his favourite queen Mumtaz Mahal. The monument was commissioned in 1631 and took 20,000 artisans, 22 years to complete. Witness the dramatic interplay of light as the sun rises and casts its golden rays over the pearl white tomb, recreating the magic of the Taj. After your visit, return to your hotel for breakfast.
Later this morning, continue to Delhi (202 km, approx. 4.5 hrs). Upon arrival, proceed to check in at your hotel where the rest of the day is free to relax in one of the many nearby cafes and restaurants.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel before check-out, we hope you've made memories to last a lifetime.
Departure transfers are included as part of your package. You will be collected from your hotel at the appropriate time and transferred to the airport to meet your flight.
If Inspiring Vacations has not provided your international airfares, please ensure you provide your flight details via your Traveller Hub portal no later than 90 days prior to travel so that your transfers can be confirmed.
This product requires full payment upfront to secure your booking.
Once you have created your booking you will be directed to your invoice to choose your preferred payment method.
This is a land only package.
This package does not include international airfares. If you would like to add airfares to your booking our flight portal will be available via your Traveller Hub. The flight portal will allow you to search for all available airfares to your destination. The function works like most general flight search engines allowing you to select your preferred airline, book different cabin classes (eg. Business class) and view flight durations and transit times to your destination.
The flight portal will be available via your Traveller Hub once the following criteria has been met:
Visit our Flight Hub for more information on terms and conditions, amending your flights and information on luggage allowances.
Some of our packages will include airport transfers in either one or both directions when arriving or departing from your destination. To know if transfers are included please view the ‘inclusions’ section of your selected package. If airport transfers are stated, transfers will be included as advised.
If transfers are not included, we also offer the option to book your airport transfers using our online portal. Access to this portal is available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed. Transfers are readily available and do not need to be booked until your final hotel list has been confirmed. Once you have made a transfer booking, please refer to your confirmation email for all transfer details including a local contact number for the transfer company.
If you book pre and/or post-tour accommodation on your own arrangement, and the tour includes transfers, note that these will be forfeited. The transfers are only provided in line with the tour dates and pre and/or post-tour accommodation purchased through Inspiring Vacations when available.
It is the traveller's responsibility to ensure they have a valid passport. The passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the intended date of return. Visas may be required for your destination. For further visa information, click here.
Fitness Requirements
While the tour itinerary should give you some guidance and overview to the expected requirements, to determine if this tour is right for you we categorise each of our tours in terms of their intensity. These guidelines are to ensure that each tour group is conducted as expected and to ensure the overall satisfaction of all Inspiring Vacations customers.
As a general rule, porterage is not included, therefore at all times you are expected to handle your own luggage where help may not be available.
This particular tour is categorised as a '3'
Moderate Tour: A good level of fitness and mobility is required, as this tour includes a moderate level of physical activity and is considered a medium-fast paced tour. You should be able to walk up and down stairs, get on and off the coach and able to walk reasonable distances of approximately 2 kilometres per day or more with ease. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability. If you have any form of walking aids, other than a walking stick or hiking poles, then this tour is not suitable.
India Tipping
A friendly reminder that tipping is not included in your package. At the commencement of your tour you will be asked to provide tipping to your guide towards a ‘kitty’, which is then used towards the guide tipping for the services of helpers, hotel staff, restaurants and airport porterage. We recommend AUD$3 per person, per day, to be paid in local currency. Please note that this tipping is not for the guide or driver, merely for the guide to tip the services of other local workers during your tour. While not made compulsory, if you choose not to contribute to the kitty it means that the guide is tipping for these services out of their own pocket. Your cooperation in this instance is most appreciated.
Further, tipping for your guide and driver will be collected at the conclusion of their services. To remove the uncertainty and stress of not knowing how much is appropriate to tip we recommend AUD$6-10 per person per day for your guide and AUD$3-5 per person per day for your driver to be paid in local currency. The amount you wish to contribute is dependent on the services received and at the complete discretion of the guest. Thank you for your understanding.
Any other tipping, such as tips for camera and video fees, bathroom attendants or hotel porters that are taking luggage to your room, is at your discretion as are gratuities for additional requested special services. We encourage passengers to have a supply of small denominations of local currency to distribute for personal tipping.
Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences, however, any changes are beyond our control.
Single Supplement
Single supplement is $1,451.00 per person, in addition to the twin-share price.
Tour Length
The total length of the tour in days includes time spent in flight and is subject to change depending on the flight schedule, please refer to the day by day itinerary for the time spent on land.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is recommended to protect yourself against the unexpected. In addition to the support that a policy may provide, you may be asked to present a copy of your travel insurance documentation while traveling.
We have partnered with nib to offer our customers competitive rates for their travel insurance. You can book Comprehensive or Essentials cover for your domestic, international or multi-trip journeys simply by clicking HERE.
Note that Inspiring Vacations cannot provide advice with regards to any insurance product.
Tour Documentation
Final documentation including e-tickets and hotel details will be provided approximately 30 days prior to travel.
Group Size
Minimum: 6
Maximum: 16
Children
Children must be 5 years old or above and share a room with parents at all times. Children are charged the same price as adults.
Tour Style
To meet the needs of various types of travelers, we choose to operate various types of tours, and depending on your selected package will mean different services are provided throughout your trip. The following descriptions of each tour style we hope will ensure that each traveller has appropriate expectations before they start their travels:
All participants must be in good physical condition to fully engage in this journey. For the safety and welfare of yourself and fellow travellers, if you are feeling unwell prior to departure, we advise staying home and contacting us to arrange alternate plans.
Prior to selecting your trip, carefully review the itinerary to assess your ability to comfortably manage our travel style. Please be aware that if, based on evaluation by our leader or local representative, a participant is deemed unable to safely complete the itinerary, we retain the right to exclude them from all or part of the trip without reimbursement.
It is advisable to consult your physician for current medical travel advisories and any required vaccinations before embarking. We recommend carrying a first aid kit and any necessary medications in their original packaging, as they may not be readily available during travel. For those carrying medication, it's essential to check your government's foreign travel guidelines for local restrictions or regulations.
You can enhance your holiday by arriving or departing before or after the tour. On this tour you can choose from the following options:
Pre Tour Accommodation
Post Tour Accommodation
Please select the number of extra nights required in the 'Additional Nights Accommodation' field when making your purchase. The additional cost for these arrangements will be added to your final payment invoice and are subject to availability.
To enhance your journey, we are offering guests a choice of the following optional activities (prices are per person):
Optional tours can be selected once you have finalised your tour purchase and paid your deposit. When completing your Passenger Booking Form, you will be asked if you would like to add Optional Tours, where any applicable cost will be added to your final balance. If you choose not to select them at this time, you can choose to add them later by logging in to your Account online.
Please note that you must select your Optional Tours no later than 70 days before departure, after which you will be required to purchase them on tour. Please keep in mind that anything purchased on-tour is subject to availability and prices may vary as you will be paying in local currency. We appreciate your understanding.
Click HERE for more information on weather in India
14 Sep 2020
India is a feast (and occasionally a full-frontal assault) for the senses. While every visitor will take away something different from this fascinating country, going in with a few simple things in mind will help first timers navigate their encounter Go with the flow Not everything in life goes to plan. Embrace this...
14 Sep 2020
Lying side by side, Old Delhi and New Delhi share one thing in common – a name India has always been proud of its diversity and its capital is a fine representation of this. Delhi is distinctly divided into two contrasting worlds – Old Delhi and New Delhi. Both have their own distinct characteristics and cultural style...
14 Sep 2020
South India is distinctly different from its northern counterpart and when it comes to food, it’s no different Idil, dosa, vada - oh my! Welcome to the flavours of South India. Idli (savoury, steamed rice cake), dosa (pancake), and vada (fried doughy fritters) are delicious snacks, native to India’s South and made from...
14 Sep 2020
Walk in the footsteps of forgotten maharajas, Mughal rulers and generations of pilgrims as you explore seven of northern India’s fascinating historical sites The Hill Forts of Rajasthan Established during the long reign of the Rajputs between the 5th and 18th centuries, Chittorgarh Fort, Amer Fort, Gagron Fort, Kumbhal...
14 Sep 2020
So you're off to India! Here's what you need to pack before you embark on your India adventure Know the weather India is a vast country and the climate differs from region to region. For example, the north of the country experiences more extreme climates than the rest of India, so you can expect temperatures to reach 4...
14 Sep 2020
India is one of the most diverse countries on the planet, and a complete feast for the senses. But, when is the best time to go? India's huge size means that the weather varies significantly between popular travel destinations. The one thing it rarely is, is cold, thanks to the protection of the Himalayan mountains. A...
14 Sep 2020
When you think of India, a splash of vibrant colours often pops into your mind. Holi brings that vision to life What is Holi? An ancient Hindu festival, Holi is celebrated with great exuberance across India and many non-Hindus eagerly participate in the festivities. Following the lunar calendar the festival is usuall...
14 Sep 2020
India’s festival of lights is not to be missed What is Diwali? Diwali is celebrated throughout much of India in October or November, with the main celebrations taking place on the darkest night of the Hindu month. In the country's north, it's a five-day festival, while in the south, it's usually a one-day event. The...
