The capital of India is home to 16 million people, making it the third largest city in the country. The strategic location of the city made an attractive target for invading armies, and it served as the capital for many of the great empires that ruled India, including the Mughal and British. The city is dotted with historic monuments and we will visit the main one that showcase its cultural and architectural heritage.

After breakfast, begin your exploration of the city through a historic culinary tour through Delhi and sample some of the iconic delicacies that define each era, showing how the foodways of the city changed as the city went through its many identities.  

On the way back to the hotel there is time to stop at Chandni Chow, one of the oldest and busiest markets in Old Delhi and has a rich history that dates back to the 17th century when it was established by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. 

Return to the hotel for time at leisure before dinner. 

Today, visit Humayun’s Tomb which stands as one of the earliest Mughal Garden mausoleums. It was designed by a Persian architect and is a prototype for future tombs, including the iconic Taj Mahal. 

The Agha Khan Trust completed restoration of the tomb and gardens in 2013, restoring them to their former glory through the work of traditional artisans and craftsmen. 

Later, drive past three major landmarks of the city: 

 - The old Parliament House, an impressive circular building designed by the British architect Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker in 1927.  The new one opened in May of 2023. 

- India Gate, a war memorial and iconic landmark built in memory of the soldiers who died in World War I. 

- The jewel in this architectural collection, the Rashtrapati Bhavan, the largest presidential Palace in the world and actually a self-contained oasis in the heart of the city. 

This afternoon, visit the Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, a Sikh gurdwara. One of the foundational tenets of Sikhism is “sewa” – socially responsibility irrespective of a person’s social standing. Thus every Sikh gurdwara has the famous community kitchen where it is considered a privilege to assist cooking the food and serving a simple meal to pilgrim and visitors.  In the afternoon, we'll visit a Hindu temple Hindus and gods come together through worship, sacrifice, and devotion. It is considered the house of the god to whom it is dedicated. The symbolism and structure of a Hindu temple are rooted in Vedic traditions, deploying circles and squares.

The Leela Palace is known for its opulent design, sumptuous interiors, and prime location in the diplomatic enclave near Chanakyapuri (bordering Lutyens Delhi, the center of the British-designed "New Delhi"). It offers a blend of traditional Indian aesthetics and modern luxury. The sumptuous public spaces and the contemporary rooms reflect the multi-faceted heritage of the capital city.  The hotel has two award winning restaurants - Megu for Japanese cuisine and the New York based Le Cirque. Qube offers a more casual all day dining option and its signature Indian specialty restaurant is Jamavar. The Leela Palace

This morning, transfer to the airport for the 40-minute flight to Jaipur. Upon arrival transfer to the hotel and check-in. 

In the afternoon, venture into the walled city for a specially curated walking tour. This immersive experience will introduce you to Jaipur beyond the typical tourist spots, delving into its rich cultural heritage and artisanal traditions. Explore the narrow lanes of the old city, where skilled artisans practice meenakari (enamel work) and kundankari (gemstone inlay work), for which Jaipur is renowned. Your journey will take you to Gopal Ki Rasta, known for its vibrant wholesale bead market, offering a glimpse into the city's bustling trade scene.

Simultaneously, indulge in Jaipur's diverse culinary landscape during the tour. Accompanied by your knowledgeable guide, discover the secrets of Rajasthani cuisine as you stroll through the bustling streets. From the opulent dishes favored by the aristocracy to the hearty fare of the desert dwellers, Rajasthani cuisine reflects the region's varied influences and rich culinary history. Learn about the local ingredients, spices, and cooking techniques that define this vibrant gastronomic tradition.

Enjoy your exploration of Jaipur's old city, where every corner holds a treasure trove of culture, craftsmanship, and culinary delights.

After breakfast, After breakfast, visit the majestic City Palace, an iconic landmark, rich architectural heritage. Adorned in the distinctive pink hue characteristic of the old city, the palace is a splendid fusion of Rajput and Mughal styles. Explore the sprawling complex, including its museums, which house an impressive collection of artifacts showcasing the region's royal history. 

Following this, enjoy a private tour of the palace's ceremonial rooms, gaining insight into the lavish lifestyle of the erstwhile rulers. Continue your journey to the Wedgewood blue balcony, a serene retreat where the queens once sought solace during the monsoon season, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

This afternoon, delve into the world of textiles and craftsmanship with a visit to the Costume and Textile Museum housed within the Mubarak Mahal of the main palace. Marvel at exquisite displays of fine muslins, Benares silks, hand-printed cottons, and intricately embroidered coats from across North India. Gain a deeper appreciation for the intricate artistry and craftsmanship that define India's rich textile heritage.visit sprawling City Palace which, painted pink in keeping with the color theme of the old city, is a blend of predominately Rajput and Mughal architecture.  

Afterwards, visit a private residence for a hands-on cooking lesson. Learn how to make a traditional Rajasthani dish which draws its ingredients from the desert. Sit down to a Rajasthani thali lunch.  You will leave with a book of recipes and a small spice box – an essential item in every Indian kitchen.

Before breakfast, take a morning walk through some markets - the flower market, the wholesale vegetable market and the unique milk market.  The journey continues past the roadside tea stands, street food sellers, pavement barbers, and people at shrines greeting the morning sun – all preparing to start their day.  The final stop will be the 300-year old Krishna temple with beautiful frescos and carved pillars.. You will arrive in time for the morning singing and “aarti” ceremony

Return to the hotel for breakfast before departing for the Amber Fort. The Rajputs built their Forts on high hills and ridges giving them a 360 degree view of the surrounding area and protecting them from invading armies. Most of the forts they built were built as a defensive structure but included pleasure palaces, rich in art and architectural features. Amber is perhaps among the finest of all the fort palaces, and reflected the opulence and elegance of the nearby Mughal courts

You have lunch today at LMB.  This is a down to earth, no frills eatery which focuses on serving flavorful local cuisine.  

The afternoon is at leisure and we will have henna painters, two astrologers, a gemologist, and bangle makers available at the hotel or you may like to relax and use the spa. (Not included and must be booked in advance.)

This morning experience the craft of block printing on fabric at Nila House, an organization that spans craft, design and sustainability while empowering artisans with the tools they need to be economically independent.  The traditional craft of wood block printing is anciently beautiful but arduous in production. The artisans are most often taught by family and work much the same as the generations before them, going back at least 400 years, printing on long tables covered in cotton. Block prints are aligned by eye, and telltale signs of the human hand, such as drips + printing imperfections, are part of the beauty of the craft. 

Enjoy a hands-on workshop using the famous block prints of Jaipur and natural indigo, the ancient, mysterious dye. Print onto handmade fabric, honoring the simplicity of its dip-dyed shades.

The afternoon is at leisure for shopping Jaipur’s most exclusive boutiques:

Narain Niwas is home to Hot Pink which houses the collection of India’s top designers, including  Idly Thierry Journo that has an interesting collection of rugs, cushions, and throws and Andraab for very high quality cashmere shawls, scarves, bedspreads and throws  Their exquisite collection includes hand-embroidered shawls which take over three years to complete. Aaksha is the brainchild of the Princess of the Udaipur Royal Family.  Her shop has apparel, homewares,, and jewelry.

Tonight feast on contemporary Indian cuisine,  the Johri.  The restaurant at The Johri serves an evolving menu of organic vegetarian Indian fare focused on farm-fresh produce and inventive flavors. The menu has been curated by Chef Vikram Arora and led by Chef Son Kumar.

Rated as one of the top three hotels in Asia, the Oberoi Rajvilas revives the gracious lifestyles of India’s legendary Rajput princes. Located in 32 acres of beautiful gardens, pools and fountains, in the peaceful Rajasthani countryside, the hotel is an oasis of elegance and luxury. 

The rooms are beautifully laid out with four poster beds and sunken marble baths overlooking private walled gardens. The hotel offers a range of activities to relax and recharge. Impeccable service and attention to detail complete the unforgettable experience here. Oberoi Rajvilas