Palaces & Deserts of Rajasthan

Palaces & Deserts of Rajasthan

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Palaces & Deserts of Rajasthan

12 Days Starting and ending in UK/Ireland

Visiting: Delhi, Mandawa, Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Jaipur, Agra

Tour operator:

Exoticca

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 30

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Small Group

Activities:

Sightseeing, Walking

This tour is no longer available

Tour Overview

Embark on a captivating journey through the Palaces & Deserts of Rajasthan, where the rich tapestry of India's royal heritage unfolds before your eyes. This tour invites you to explore the architectural marvels and historical grandeur of cities like Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Bikaner, and Mandawa. From the bustling streets of Delhi, with its blend of ancient and modern, to the awe-inspiring beauty of the Taj Mahal in Agra, each destination offers a unique glimpse into the soul of India. Marvel at the pink hues of Jaipur, the golden fortresses of Jaisalmer, and the majestic palaces of Jodhpur. Experience the charm of Bikaner's desert kingdom and the painted havelis of Mandawa. This tour, perfect for history enthusiasts, photography aficionados, and cultural explorers, promises an unforgettable adventure through the heart of Rajasthan's most iconic cities, all while enjoying the comfort of carefully selected accommodations and the convenience of planned transfers, ensuring a seamless travel experience.

Highlights

  • Explore the architectural legacy and historic city centre of Delhi

  • Discover the Havelis and frescoes in the streets of Mandawa

  • Visit the spectacular Junagarh Fort and enjoy a Tuk-Tuk ride in Bikaner

  • Enter the Thar Desert and explore the golden city of Jaisalmer

  • Visit the impressive Mehrangarh Fort and Jaswant Thada in Jodhpur

  • Explore the Rose-Pink City of Jaipur and its markets

  • Visit Fatehpur Sikri and the spectacular Taj Mahal in Agra

  • Experience the peace and tranquillity of Delhi's iconic temples

Itinerary

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Day 1 : Uk/Ireland - Night On Board

Location: Delhi

Accommodation Name: Overnight Flight

Arrive at your UK/Ireland departure airport ready to check-in for an overnight flight * to Delhi. Night on board.* If either your outbound or inbound flights depart in the early hours (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the indicated departure day.

Day 2 : Delhi

Location: Delhi

Accommodation Name: Park Plaza Delhi CBD Shahdara

Arrive in India’s capital and transfer to hotel for check-in*. Delhi is a city with a wonderful architectural legacy from its Islamic conquerors together with its spectacular historic city centre. The rest of the day free to start to get to know this fascinating city. Overnight stay in Delhi**. *Possibility of booking early check-in at an additional cost in the next step of the booking process. **You have the possibility to upgrade to half-board by adding 9 dinners in the next step of the booking process.

Day 3 : Delhi - Mandawa

Location: Mandawa

Accommodation Name: Sara Vilas

Meals Included: Breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel. Depart by road to Mandawa. En-route, pass through authentic villages and start to enter some of the most rural parts of India. On arrival in Mandawa, enjoy a walking tour through the streets of the city. See the amazing Havelis - mansions noted for their frescoes depicting images of British colonial rule. Overnight stay in Mandawa. Estimated transfer distance 260km / 162mi.

Day 4 : Mandawa - Bikaner

Location: Bikaner

Accommodation Name: Maharaja Ganga Mahal

Meals Included: Breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel. Depart by road through the arid lands leading to the Bikaner Desert Kingdom - a major centre of trade during the 16th century. In the afternoon visit the spectacular Junagarh Fort, with its impressively decorated interiors. End the day with a memorable Tuk-Tuk ride from the ancient city bazaar. Overnight stay in Bikaner. Estimated transfer distance 166km / 103mi.

Day 5 : Bikaner - Jaisalmer

Location: Jaisalmer

Accommodation Name: Desert Tulip

Meals Included: Breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel. Enter the Thar Desert by road on your way to the city of Jaisalmer. This was an important trading centre for many centuries and presently one of the few forts that are still inhabited. Transfer to the hotel and the rest of the afternoon is free for more discovery of this city. We recommend to visit the Thar Heritage Museum or the Maharaja's Palace for a taste of kingly splendour. Overnight stay in Jaisalmer. Estimated transfer distance 308km / 191mi.

Day 6 : Jaisalmer

Location: Jaisalmer

Accommodation Name: Desert Tulip

Meals Included: Breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a tour of the golden city of Jaisalmer. Discover the magical Gadisar Lake and the magnificent Golden Fort. Walk through the narrow streets of the city, to visit the famous palatial houses characteristic of the city such as Nathmal and Patwon. In the afternoon, take an excursion to Sam to see the dunes in the beautiful sunset light. Overnight stay in Jaisalmer.

Day 7 : Jaisalmer - Jodhpur

Location: Jodhpur

Accommodation Name: Zone by the park Jodhpur

Meals Included: Breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel. Continue the trip towards Jodhpur, known as The Blue City and enjoy a visit to the impressive Mehrangarh Fort with its bird’s eye view of the old city. Later continue to Jaswant Thada, an imposing marble cenotaph. Overnight stay in Jodhpur. Estimated transfer distance 333km / 207mi.

Day 8 : Jodhpur - Jaipur

Location: Jaipur

Accommodation Name: Ramada By Wyndham Jaipur North

Meals Included: Breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer by road to Jaipur. Arrive at your hotel and the rest of the day is free to start to get to know the Rose-Pink City of India. We recommend a wander through some of the markets in the area to see the unique handicrafts and jewellery on offer. Overnight stay in Jaipur. Estimated transfer distance 310km / 193mi.

Day 9 : Jaipur

Location: Jaipur

Accommodation Name: Ramada By Wyndham Jaipur North

Meals Included: Breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to Amber Fort - The Old Capital of Thunder. En-route, take a brief photo stop at Hawa Mahal, The Palace of Winds. Arrive at Amber Fort by Jeep. Once inside, visit the Jag Mandir or the Hall of Victory. In the afternoon, take a city tour, beginning with a visit to the Maharaja’s City Palace. Later, visit The Jantar Mantar, the largest stone and marble crafted observatory in the world. Overnight stay in Jaipur.

Day 10 : Jaipur - Fathepur Sikri - Agra

Location: Agra

Accommodation Name: Royale Regent

Meals Included: Breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel. Set off towards Agra, and on the way, visit Fatehpur Sikri, an impressive ghost town, where the tomb of Salim Chisti, the Panch Mahal, is located. Arrive in Agra, capital of sultans and great Mughal emperors. Enjoy an unforgettable tour of the famous and spectacular Taj Mahal - one of The Seven Modern Wonders of the World. Overnight stay in Agra. Estimated transfer distance 235km / 146mi.

Day 11 : Agra - Delhi

Location: Delhi

Accommodation Name: Park Plaza Delhi CBD Shahdara

Meals Included: Breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel. This morning, return by road to Delhi and once you have arrived, visit the Raj Ghat, where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated. Afterwards, transfer to the India Gate, the residence of the country's president, and visit the impressive Humayun's Tomb, declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco in 1993. Overnight stay in Delhi. Estimated transfer distance 210km / 130mi.

Day 12 : Delhi

Location: Delhi

Accommodation Name: Park Plaza Delhi CBD Shahdara

Meals Included: Breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel. The rest of the day free to visit this fascinating city. We recommend an optional excursion to discover Delhi's most iconic temples*. Overnight stay in Delhi. *Optional Full-Day Delhi Temples Tour: Explore Delhi's most iconic temples. Experience the peace and tranquillity of the Lotus Temple, dedicated to the Baha'i faith and discover the extraordinary architecture of Akshardham Temple, dedicated to 10,000 years of Hindu culture. See the huge Jama Mosque and the downtown Sikh Temple with its golden dome before ending the tour at Lakshmi Narayan Temple, dedicated to the Hindu god, Vishnu. Note: The Lotus Temple & The De Akshardham Temple are closed on Monday. For all the departures on Thursday will not be able to do the Full-day Delhi Temples tour.

Day 13 : Delhi - Uk/Ireland

Location: Delhi

Meals Included: Breakfast

Breakfast* at the hotel. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for a flight back to the UK/Ireland. Arrive in the UK/Ireland and end your trip.* Depending on the return flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast on the last day.

What's Included

  • Departures from main UK/Ireland airports.

  • International flights: UK/Ireland - Delhi - UK/Ireland. *

  • 11 nights hotel accommodation in Charm, Superior and Luxury category hotels.

  • 11 Breakfasts.

  • Transfers with English speaking assistant in air-conditioned vehicles.

  • Visits and entrance fees as indicated in the itinerary. **

  • All air taxes and fuel surcharge.

  • Private transfers in Delhi, airport-hotel-airport, with complimentary bottled water.

  • ATOL Protection.

  • Tuk-Tuk ride in Bikaner.

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Mode of Transport

Travel in comfort with air-conditioned vehicles, ensuring a smooth journey across Rajasthan's diverse landscapes. From private transfers in Delhi to exciting Tuk-Tuk rides in Bikaner and Jeep transfers at Amber Fort in Jaipur, experience the convenience and thrill of various modes of transport.

Accommodation

Stay in a mix of Charm, Superior, and Luxury category hotels, offering a comfortable and authentic experience throughout your journey across Rajasthan. Enjoy modern amenities and traditional hospitality, ensuring a restful night's sleep after each day's adventures.

Meals Included

11 Breakfasts.

Check out our Q&As

  • Are there any exclusions?

    The tour details do not list any specific exclusions.

  • What is included in the tour?

    The tour includes departures from main UK/Ireland airports, international flights: UK/Ireland - Delhi - UK/Ireland, 11 nights hotel accommodation in Charm, Superior and Luxury category hotels, 11 breakfasts, transfers with English speaking assistant in air-conditioned vehicles, visits and entrance fees as indicated in the itinerary, all air taxes and fuel surcharge, private transfers in Delhi, airport-hotel-airport, with complimentary bottled water, ATOL Protection, Tuk-Tuk ride in Bikaner, and Jeep Transfer at the Amber Fort in Jaipur.

  • What countries does the tour visit?

    The tour visits India.

  • What type of tour is it?

    The tour is tagged as Small Group, History, Photography, Sightseeing, Walking with the primary tag being Cultural.

  • What are the highlights of the tour?

    The highlights of the tour include exploring the architectural legacy and historic city centre of Delhi, discovering the Havelis and frescoes in the streets of Mandawa, visiting the spectacular Junagarh Fort and enjoying a Tuk-Tuk ride in Bikaner, entering the Thar Desert and exploring the golden city of Jaisalmer, visiting the impressive Mehrangarh Fort and Jaswant Thada in Jodhpur, exploring the Rose-Pink City of Jaipur and its markets, visiting Fatehpur Sikri and the spectacular Taj Mahal in Agra, and experiencing the peace and tranquillity of Delhi's iconic temples.

  • Where can I check the latest Travel Restrictions?

    It is the traveler's responsibility to verify and comply with the passport, visa, and travel requirements applicable to your itinerary. It is also the responsibility of the traveler to verify and comply with the health requirements, proof of testing, and vaccination applicable to your itinerary both at the destinations and for, if applicable, countries where you have a connecting flight. Requirements change quickly and you should check the updated guidance well in advance of departure as well as shortly before departure. You should check the requirements for your own specific circumstances with the corresponding government embassies and/or consulates as appropriate.

  • What recommendations should I follow before traveling?

    Passport validity: It is the traveler's responsibility to verify and comply with the passport, visa, and travel requirements applicable to your itinerary. You should check the requirements for your own specific circumstances with the corresponding embassies and/or consulates as appropriate. Requirements change so please check the up-to-date requirements in advance of your departure date. In many cases, countries now require that passports are valid for at least 6 months from the date of departure from their borders.

  • How can I upgrade my flight?

    If you would like to make an upgrade to your flight or ask for a quotation, please contact us with all the information. Our customer success agents will answer your request as soon as possible.

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    Changes of flights and related services are not permitted after the booking is confirmed. If you wish to make any significant amendment affecting the flights, you will need to cancel it as per the terms & conditions applicable to your booking and make a new booking. If you require more information about your cancellations policy please go to the relevant Terms and Conditions for your booking (See Cancellation Policy section). If you would like to proceed with the cancellation or require assistance please contact us.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    The COVID-19 pandemic not only created an unparalleled impact on health and economy globally, but it has also changed fundamental behaviors with regards to traveling. In response to such changes, Exoticca provides extra peace of mind for all reservations made from 18th January, 2022 onwards by including Covid 19 Protection. Testing positive for COVID-19: If you or anyone else traveling with you on your booking cannot travel due to testing positive for COVID-19 you will be given the option to reschedule your trip or receive 100% of the trip value in Exoticca travel credit. **Proof of infection must be provided in the form of an official COVID-19 positive test result. For more information on the details of the Covid 19 Protection Policy, please go to the relevant Terms and Conditions for your booking (See Cancellation Policy section).

  • Travelling to the USA or Canada?

    Traveling to the United States: Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) ESTA stands for Electronic System for Travel Authorization. ESTA is an online application system, developed by the United States government to pre-screen travelers before authorizing them to board a plane or ship bound for the United States. Starting on the 12th of January 2009, any person entering the United States under the Visa Waiver Program must have an approved ESTA travel authorization. This includes travelers who travel to the United States to catch a connecting flight. An ESTA does not guarantee entry to the United States. U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials determine the admissibility of travelers upon arrival. For more information click here. If a traveler is found to have visited a country designated as a State Sponsor of Terrorism (09.11.2022, Countries: Cuba, North Korea, Iran, Syria), the traveler is no longer eligible to participate in the Visa Wavier Program and must apply for a visa to enter the United States. Traveling to Canada: Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) An Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is an entry requirement for citizens of visa-exempt countries traveling to Canada by air. This includes travelers who travel to Canada to catch a connecting flight. An eTA is linked electronically to the traveler's passport and is valid for a maximum of five years or until the passport expires, depending on which of these two scenarios occurs first. If you get a new passport, you need to get a new eTA. An eTA does not guarantee entry to Canada. When you arrive in Canada, a border services officer will ask to see your passport and other documents to determine whether you are admissible to enter Canada. For more information click here. Traveling to a Schengen member country (Europe): Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) The ETIAS travel authorization will be needed to enter a Schengen member country by air, land, or sea. From November 2023, visitors that do not need a visa to enter Europe will be able to register with ETIAS. ETIAS will become a mandatory entry requirement. The ETIAS for Europe will grant travelers authorization to visit the ETIAS countries that are all members that compose the Schengen zone. The ETIAS visa waiver has been designed for short-term stays of up to 90 days. For more information click here.

  • COVID-19 vaccination recommendations and other vaccines?

    It is the responsibility of the traveler to verify and comply with the health requirements, proof of testing, and vaccination applicable to your itinerary both at the destinations and for, if applicable, countries where you have a connecting flight. Requirements change quickly and you should check the updated guidance well in advance of departure as well as shortly before departure. Check with the migration and health authorities for the country of origin, destination, and stopover to learn more about vaccination requirements.

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Once your purchase is complete, you will receive confirmation by email and all your travel documents will be uploaded on to your booking and the Exoticca customer account (which you'll be provided details of). These will include: transport details, hotels, itinerary, important notes, and insurance policy (if applicable).

Reviews of this operator

Jane S  

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Most of the time we were travelling as a couple although we kept bumping into others in a simialr situation. Wherever we went there was someone there to welcome us and take us to our hotel, tell us about arrangements for the next few days and to generally look after us. Guides always turned up as expected and were all of a very high standard. We never felt concerned about what was due to happen the next day - it always did! Tours were always of interest. Accommodation which was charm class was perfectly acceptable and if not in the centre of town, taxis were always easy to use and safe whether a white pick up van in the Galapagos or a tuk tuk in Peru. I had a slight accident while there and I have to say that Exoticca guides etc could not have been more helpful. I would not hesitate to recommend Exoticca to anyone thinking of using them. We had an amazing experience in Peru, Ecuador and the Galapagos.

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Really excellent way to see Morocco. Our first experience of Exoticca and we were impressed with all the arrangements and attention to detail. The local guides were excellent and our driver Ayoub the absolute best - helpful, kind, knowledgeable and funny. What an outstanding young man! We are definitely recommending Exoticca to our friends and are interested in exploring other countries with you. Many thanks!

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S A (Google Reviewer)  

Exoticca was a great experience....

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Exoticca was a great experience. Very well planned itinerary and our tour driver Leo was excellent. We were lucky to get good weather for the most parts and were given good guidance about local attractions. The hotels were well located and of a good quality. Overall a very pleasant experience. We will travel with Exoticca again.

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Dale Foster (Google Reviewer)  

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JB  

Saw most of what was on the itinerary…

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Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Exoticca requires a minimum deposit of 60% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exoticca charges.

    At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.

    At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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