RAJASTHAN REVIVAL

Day 1 Arrive Delhi

Arrive in Delhi and transfer to your hotel. Enjoy an anti jet-lag massage and a gentle afternoon to recover from your flight. A guide and driver will be on hand to take you to parts of the city you have not previously explored, if you wish.

Overnight: The Lodhi

Day 2 Delhi - Jodhpur

Fly to the beautiful Blue City of Jodhpur, Rajasthan's second largest city. The city gets its moniker from the indigo-coloured houses originally inhabited by Brahmins. This evening, take a walking tour through the markets with an excellent guide. The narrow, sprawling streets of the Sardar and Girdikot bazaars offer a vast array of goods.Your hotel, Raas, is a beautiful 18th century haveli brought bang up-to-date for the 21st century with cushioned alcoves, spa treatments, complimentary WiFi, flatscreen TVs and an 18 metre infinity pool.

Overnight: RAAS

Day 3 Jodhpur

This morning, explore the 17th century Mehrangarh Fort - a vast complex of palaces and courtyards - right next door to your hotel. Rajput traditions are recalled by the fine filigree sandstone jali and the handprints in silver of the women who performed sati at the Loha Gate. The afternoon is free to explore at your leisure.

Overnight: RAAS

Day 4 Jodhpur - Nagaur

Drive north to the walled Rajasthani city of Nagaur (3 hours).Your abode for the next two nights is the delightful Ranvas, once inhabited by the queens of the Maharajah of Jodhpur. Ranvas comprises 10 havelis within the ramparts of a 4th century fort from which 33 beautiful rooms have been created. Despite its heritage, Ranvas is contemporary in style, and has a swimming pool and two excellent restaurants.

Overnight: Ranvas

Day 5 Nagaur

Explore the fort with your guide and the villages surrounding the city, which is little visited and preserves some fine examples of pre-Mughal and Mughal architecture, as well as numerous palaces within the fort with excellent wall-paintings. At sunset, walk round the amazing ramparts of the fort soaking up the contrast between the calm of the fort within and the bustle of Naguar city life without.

Overnight: Ranvas

Day 6 Nagaur - Private Desert Camp

Drive out to the Manvar desert (3 hours). Board your camels and caravan out across the sand to a private tented camp for dinner around the camp fire. Far from the chaos of the cities, your very own private desert camp sits in a peaceful area where the traditional culture and wildlife of rural Rajasthan may be appreciated. The lifestyle at the camp recalls the royal camps of the Mughal princes of the 17th century with safari style tents adorned with campaign teak furniture, large beds, electric lamps, en-suite bathrooms and large windows for appreciating the desert landscape.

Overnight: Manvar Desert Camp

Day 7 Manvar Desert - Jaisalmer

Rise early for the sunrise and head out to explore the nearby villages on foot after breakfast. Continue by road (3 hours) towards the Thar desert and check in to The Serai for 3 nights. Each of the beautiful white canvas tents has a sitting room, air conditioned bedroom with vast bathroom, and lounge/terrace. The style harks back to the days of the Raj, with campaign furniture and durries. The social areas include a stylish lounge and dining room as well as infinity pool and an organic garden.

Overnight: The Serai

Day 8 Jaisalmer

Explore the mighty citadel of Jaisalmer with its amazing sandstone fort rising out of the desert and see the impressive havelis. The city was founded in 1156 on a silk and spice trading route. The richly-laden caravans have long since disappeared into the annals of history, but the exotic atmosphere remains. Also visit Gadisar Lake, a man-made reservoir and the only source of water for the city. Pavilions and temples skirt the lake, a spot that attracts numerous bird species.

Overnight: The Serai

Day 9 Jaisalmer - Jodhpur - Mumbai

Drive back to Jodhpur (4 hours) and catch a flight to Mumbai. A car and driver will be at your disposal for an excellent final evening in Mumbai.