Begin at the Red Fort, before jumping on cycle rickshaws through the colourful markets of Chandni Chowk before emerging at the Jama Masjid Mosque. Today is the day to explore Delhi, and we suggest heading up to Old Delhi first, the historic capital of the Mughals. Here you can either head out further on foot through the markets or continue by car down to New Delhi to see the magnificent architecture created by Edwin Lutyens as the capital of the British Raj.

Get up early and board the Gatimaan Express train to Agra which takes an hour and a half (you will be in Executive Class of course). Your driver will be waiting beside your carriage and will take you to your hotel. It is worth then heading out to see the sights of Agra such as the Agra Fort and Itimad-ud-Daulah before walking through local villages on the other side of the Taj Mahal, seeing the hidden side to Agra. Continue to Chambal, a superb homestay, a drive of about 90 minutes. Set out on an afternoon camel safari to the magnificent ruins at Ater.

This morning, take a boat ride out on the Chambal River spotting crocodiles (gharials and muggers), and turtles. Continue to the countryside between the Chambal and Yumana Rivers, where you will likely spot Blackbuck deer. You will also have a chance to stop at the Bateshwar Temples on your return to Chambal. Bateshwar consists of about 40 Riverside temples, dedicated to Shiva. The ghats are very similar to those found in Varanasi. Continue to the small village of Holipura, whose ancestors are said to be soldiers from Alexander’s Greek Army (which reached parts of Pakistan and northern India). The village has some interesting Haveli architecture, and you will be led around by a local villager, culminating with tea in his home.

Drive to Ramathra, which takes about five hours. You will reach the fort for lunch. In the afternoon, set out on a three hour walking tour of Ramathra village, known for its cattle herders and timeless rural traditions. Return for tea, before setting off for a sunset boat journey.

A further day to explore. You firstly set off on a Wilderness Drive, visiting ‘Gujar’ hamlets, a dramatic gorge and cave temple. Return to Ramathra for a picnic lunch on the nearby lake. Spend the afternoon at leisure. You can also take a longer day-trip to see the City Palace at Karauli and the temple of Madanmohanji. There is also an interesting bustling bazaar in Karauli, famous for bangle making. For those who like their wildlife, you can set out on a night-drive across the Daang plateau stretching east to the Chambal river valley and as far as Ranthambhore to the south. This area is filled with gorges, Until recently, tigers roamed the area but visitors regularly see several varieties of deer, blue bulls, wolves, jackals, hyenas, foxes and if lucky, a wild boar, bear or leopard.

Drive to Jaipur, taking about five hours. We think it might be nice to spend the afternoon with your feet up beside the pool. If you want, Khas Bagh offers a superb cookery demonstration. For those more active, we can arrange a cycling experience through local villages. Khas Bagh is a superb homestay and is run by a father and son team.

Spend your day in and around Jaipur. Spend the morning exploring the city itself, heading off on a walking tour of the artisan quarters of Jaipur before heading to the amazingly ornate City Palace, the fantastic Jantar Mantar observatory and the Hawa Mahal (or Palace of the Winds). You then are close to the amazing Amber Fort, home to the ancient Jaipur Royal Family.

You are then heading back into the delights of rural Rajasthan. Drive about five hours to Shahpura, an area of stunning natural beauty. Set off that afternoon to visit the family’s farm. This luxury homestay is a delight to stay in.

A day to explore the local village of Shahpura. Firstly, explore the temple at Ram Dwara and stunning stepwell. Hike up to a famous tribal temple on top of a wooded hill (especially amazing on Saturdays and Sundays where tribal communities come from up to 50 miles away to give their devotions. Legend has it that wishes made at the top of the hill come true, and many make the journey barefoot. Return to Shahpura for tea before heading to the family’s ancestral fort, Dhikhola, for a dramatic dinner al fresco on the ramparts.

Drive to Deogarh, a drive of about three hours. That afternoon, set off on the ‘Sundowner Rural Ramble’. Pass through local villages, temples and stop for a wonderful and dramatic sunset. This charming luxury homestay will be your home for the next two nights.

In the morning, you embark on a wonderful local train journey through the Aravalli Hills in a small metre gauge train. The train departs from Kamblighat at 10:30 (IST – Indian Stretchy Time!) and arrives Phulad at 12:15. You then return to Dev Shree for lunch. In the afternoon, head out on an Artisan Walk in Deogarh. Meet the local potter, and try your hand at the potter’s wheel. Meet the henna painter, flag maker, miniature artist, grocer and silversmith on your immersive walk. Stop for tea at a local Chai stall. Return to Dev Shree for a cookery workshop to hone your already magnificent culinary skills. For guests wanting an extra day, we can add on trekking in the Aravalli Hills, cycling trips or just time to kick-back and relax with the family.

Drive south to Udaipur. For those guests with a particular interest in seeing forts and temples, we suggest the slight detour to visit the Jain Temples at Ranakpur and the dramatic fort at Kumbulgarh. Once in Udaipur, you will be staying at Bujera Fort.

Head off on a short walking tour of Udaipur, seeing the City Palace en route. We then suggest having the afternoon to put your feet up.

Take a private transfer to the airport. There are many flights to Delhi or Mumbai for your onward flight home. You can of course extend your time in India!