Royal Rajasthan: Jaipur, Jodhpur, Dunes and Udaipur

Arrive in Jaipur where you are picked up and transferred to your accommodation. If arriving after a morning safari in Ranthambore, drive to Jaipur and settle in. In the evening, head out to observe illuminated views of Hawa Mahal against the night sky, and visit Jantar Mantar if time permits. You can stroll through Bapu Bazaar to browse local textiles and handicrafts, before savouring traditional food and cultural performances at Chokhi Dhani. Overnight in Jaipur.

Spend a full day exploring Jaipur's architectural landmarks on a guided city tour. Visit Amer Fort set along the rugged hills, the five-storey facade of Hawa Mahal, the floating palace of Jal Mahal, and the astronomical observatory at Jantar Mantar. Later, explore the bustling lanes of Johari Bazaar and Bapu Bazaar to shop for traditional lehengas, camel-leather mojris, and colourful block-printed fabrics. Return to your hotel in Jaipur for the night.

Leave Jaipur and take a detour to the Kishangarh Marble Dump Yard, where white marble slurry creates unique white hills and a lake suitable for photography. If time allows, make an optional stop at Kishangarh Fort to view its Rajput architecture. Continue the drive of around 4 to 5 hours to the holy town of Pushkar. In the afternoon, walk around the ghats of Pushkar Lake, visit the sacred Brahma Temple, and attend the evening aarti at Brahma Ghat. Overnight in Pushkar.

Depart Pushkar and drive towards Jodhpur through the changing countryside. En route, stop in Ajmer to pay respects at the Ajmer Sharif Dargah of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti. Continue to Jodhpur, check in to your hotel, and visit Balsamand Lake and Kaylana Lake for a quiet break. Later, take an evening walk around Umaid Public Garden or Shastri Circle, and explore the bustling spice and craft markets around Ghanta Ghar. Overnight in Jodhpur.

Dedicate the day to exploring Jodhpur on a guided heritage tour. Begin at the elevated Mehrangarh Fort, taking in views across the blue houses of the old city. Proceed to the marble memorial of Jaswant Thada, admired for its intricate carvings and peaceful setting. Visit Umaid Bhawan Palace to view its grand Indo-Saracenic and Art Deco construction, and finish your day among the royal cenotaphs and landscaped grounds of Mandore Gardens. Overnight in Jodhpur.

Check out from your Jodhpur hotel and journey across the Thar Desert towards Jaisalmer and the Sam Sand Dunes. Upon reaching the dunes in the late afternoon, embark on a camel or jeep safari across the sand just as the sun begins to set. Check in to your desert camp for an evening filled with Rajasthani folk music, Kalbeliya dance, and Ghoomar performances accompanied by the sarangi and dholak. Dinner is served at the camp. Overnight at Sam Sand Dunes.

Head into Jaisalmer to explore the Golden City. Begin with a guided tour of Jaisalmer Fort, a living citadel filled with houses, shops, and carved temples. Continue to the Jaisalmer War Museum to learn about military history in the desert. Visit the ornate cluster of Patwon Ki Haveli and the artefacts at The Thar Heritage Museum. As evening approaches, watch the sunset reflected on Gadisar Lake, followed by time exploring local cafes in the old city. Overnight in Jaisalmer.

Drive from the desert region via Barmer to Udaipur, known as the City of Lakes. On arrival, check in to your accommodation and take time to freshen up. In the late afternoon, make your way to the peaceful shores of Lake Pichola. Relax by the waterfront, take in the evening breeze, and watch the sunset cast golden reflections over the waters and the surrounding City Palace and historic havelis. Overnight in Udaipur.

Tour Udaipur's historic sights, starting with a guided visit to the City Palace complex overlooking Lake Pichola. Next, visit Saheliyon Ki Bari to see its fountains, marble pavilions, and lotus pools. Continue to Bagore Ki Haveli on the lakefront to explore its museum of Mewar artefacts, and discover royal cenotaphs at the Ahar Museum. If you wish, take an optional sunset boat ride on Fateh Sagar Lake before attending an evening Rajasthani folk dance performance. Overnight in Udaipur.

Set out on a day excursion to Chittorgarh. Stop en route at the Sawaliya Seth Temple, a prominent Krishna pilgrimage site. Arrive at Chittorgarh Fort, India's largest fort complex, for a guided tour. Walk across the 700-acre site to inspect the soaring Vijay Stambh (Victory Tower), the intricate Kirti Stambh (Tower of Fame), and the historic palaces of Rani Padmini and Rana Kumbha, while learning about the fort's legendary sieges. Return to Udaipur for your final overnight stay.

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel in Udaipur. Check out and transfer by private vehicle to Udaipur airport for your onward journey, concluding your road trip through Rajasthan.