Members gather in Toronto for the overnight flights to Delhi. 

Upon arrival in Delhi, we transfer to our hotel for dinner. 

Le Meridien Hotel (3 nights)  

Our journey begins in Delhi, a city where ancient ruins and modern power sit side by side. We start with a visit to the UNESCO-listed Qutub Minar, the world's tallest brick minaret and a masterpiece of early Indo-Islamic design. Next, we enjoy a panoramic drive on our way to Humayun’s Tomb. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993, it remains a stunning example of Mughal architecture. Our welcome dinner at Haveli Dharampura features a live performance that immerses us in the vibrant heritage of the region. 

Today we explore the stunning Akshardham Temple, a spiritual complex showcasing millennia of Hindu culture. Next, we enter the heart of Old Delhi to visit the Jama Masjid. This 17th-century masterpiece remains one of India's largest mosques, built by Emperor Shah Jahan from red sandstone and white marble. Embrace the lively energy of Chandni Chowk on a short rickshaw ride through this Mughal-era market. Then find quiet reflection at Rajghat, the park marking Mahatma Gandhi’s cremation site.

We board our flight to Jaisalmer, the Golden City. Upon arrival, we settle into our hotel and enjoy an elegant high tea, soaking in the tranquil atmosphere of the Thar Desert. In the afternoon, we visit Lodhruva village, once the capital of the Bhatti Rajputs before the founding of Jaisalmer. Here, we explore magnificent Jain temples known for their intricate stone carvings, offering a glimpse into the rich history that predates the current city. 

Marriott Jaisalmer (3 nights) 
 

Jaisalmer Fort, a 12th-century UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited forts in the world. We admire the massive sandstone walls, which house nearly one-fourth of the city's population amid narrow, winding alleys and exquisitely carved Havelis. These grand merchant mansions showcase the city's famous stonework, featuring elaborate balconies and latticed windows carved entirely from golden sandstone. We continue to the serene Gadi Sagar Lake, a 14th-century reservoir surrounded by temples. The afternoon is free to explore the city markets or relax at our hotel.

This morning, we visit Kuldhara, once a prosperous village of Paliwal Brahmins that was mysteriously abandoned in the 19th century. The site now offers well-preserved stone ruins, and a hauntingly beautiful glimpse into the past. After lunch, we drive to the Desert Festival, a vibrant celebration of Rajasthani culture set against the Thar dunes. While the program remains spontaneous, we’ll witness the desert come alive with a kaleidoscope of traditions, including high-energy performances, camel races, and folk music.
 

We venture deeper into the Thar Desert as we drive to Samsara Camp, a wilderness retreat nestled among endless sand dunes and a destination in itself. After lunch at the camp, we enjoy a thrilling jeep ride through the high dunes, followed by a short camel ride. As night falls, we gather for a special dinner beneath the desert sky, accompanied by the soul-stirring rhythms of local folk music and the mesmerizing movements of Kalbelia dances. 

Samsara Desert Camp (1 night)

After our desert retreat, we travel to Jodhpur, known as the "Blue City" for its iconic azure-washed houses that blanket the old quarter. On the way, we pause at Mharo Khet for a special farm-to-table experience. This organic farm invites us to tour its fields before we enjoy a plant-forward menu designed to showcase the day's freshest local produce. 

Novotel Jodhpur (2 nights) 

Our morning begins at the 15th-century Mehrangarh Fort, a formidable citadel rising about 400 feet above the skyline. We explore the Jodhpur Museum, housed within the fort's palace wings, home to a rare collection of opulent royal palanquins and historic arms and armour. Nearby, we visit Jaswant Thada, a white marble memorial to Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. A walk through the iconic Clock Tower and Sardar Market reveals the legendary spice and textile trades of the Blue City before we gather for an authentic Rajasthani meal at the elegant Khas Bagh. 

En route to Udaipur, we stop at Ranakpur, home to one of India’s most spectacular Jain temples. We visit the 15th-century marble complex dedicated to Adinatha, renowned for its 1,444 uniquely carved pillars. Following lunch, we drive to Udaipur, famously known as the "City of Lakes" for its sophisticated lake system and romantic waterfront architecture. 

Fateh Niwas (2 nights)  

Step inside the sprawling City Palace, a masterpiece of Rajasthani design that took 400 years to build. We explore its museum, the formerly Ladies' Chamber, before visiting the 17th-century Jagdish Temple. Our morning continues at Saheliyon Ki Bari, the "Gardens of the Maidens," famous for its marble elephants and lotus pools. After lunch, we glide across Lake Pichola on a scenic cruise for views of the city's shimmering ghats. This evening, we are treated to traditional dance and puppetry at Bagore-ki-Haveli.

Today we drive to Deogarh, a town with stunning views of the Aravalli Range. We venture into the heartland for the Rural Ramble, an off-road adventure through pastoral landscapes to witness local life in the fields. Our day concludes with the ultimate regional splendour: a stay in a 17th-century palace.

Deogarh Mahal (1 night)   
 

On our way to Jaipur, we hop on a scenic 30-minute ride into the Aravalli Hills aboard a traditional meter-gauge train. After this quick taste of the local rural rail, we drive to Pushkar, a sacred pilgrimage site nestled around a holy lake. We take time to explore the serene waterfront and the only temple dedicated to Lord Brahma. Following lunch, we continue our journey to the vibrant "Pink City" of Jaipur. 

Radisson City Center (3 nights)

A visit to the golden-hued Amber Fort provides a grand introduction to Jaipur, where we explore its intricate royal halls. We pause to admire the iconic Hawa Mahal, or "Palace of Winds," famous for its unique honeycomb facade designed for royal ladies to observe the streets below. After lunch, we delve into the wonders of the Jantar Mantar observatory and the regal artifacts of the City Palace. To end the day, we are welcomed into a local home for an intimate dinner, sharing authentic conversation and the rich traditions of a Jaipur household. 

In Sanganer, we witness the artisan heart of Jaipur, famous for its 17th-century hand-block printing and  handmade paper workshops. After exploring these traditional heritage crafts, the rest of the day is at leisure. 

We depart for Fatehpur Sikri, the short-lived 16th-century capital of the Mughal Empire. Following lunch, we continue our journey to Agra. 

Grand Mercure (2 nights) 

At sunrise, we witness the Taj Mahal glowing in the first light of day, a breathtaking moment at the world's most famous monument to love. Built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife, this UNESCO World Heritage Site represents the pinnacle of Mughal art. After breakfast, we explore the massive red sandstone Agra Fort, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site that served as the main residence of the Mughal emperors. We then visit Itimad-ud-Daulah (often called "Baby Taj" for its striking resemblance to the Taj Mahal), followed by the sprawling tomb of Akbar the Great in the Sikandra neighborhood.     

After a final transfer to Delhi, we enjoy a brief hotel stop to freshen up before dinner. We then head to the airport for our return flight, arriving in Toronto the following morning to conclude our journey.