Day 1 : Thursday, 11 March- Delhi
You will be met at Delhi Airport by a representative from our local agency or by your French-speaking guide to welcome you to India. They will accompany you to the hotel, where we have booked a two-night stay for you.
Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 2 : Friday, 12 March - Delhi
After breakfast, the day is dedicated to exploring Delhi.
Bathed by the holy waters of the Yamuna, Delhi served as an imperial capital twice: first under the Mughals, and later, in 1911, under the British. The city is divided into two contrasting areas: New Delhi—a Victorian-style city featuring broad avenues, a business district, and the Parliament clustered around Connaught Place—and Old Delhi, the historic heart and former capital of Muslim India, characterized by narrow lanes lined with bustling bazaars. The Old City is home to the Red Fort, a testament to the power of the Mughal emperors, as well as the country’s largest mosque, the Jama Masjid.
You will explore Old Delhi on foot, followed by a visit to Raj Ghat, the mausoleum of Mahatma Gandhi. Next, you will visit Humayun’s Tomb, a magnificent example of Mughal architecture said to have inspired the construction of the Taj Mahal.
After lunch, you will visit the Qutub Minar, the country’s tallest tower, rising to a height of 72.5 meters.
In the late afternoon, you will discover New Delhi by traveling along Rajpath—the "King's Way"—before admiring the India Gate, the Parliament House, and the Presidential Palace.
In the evening, you will share a moment of spiritual devotion with the Sikh community at the Bangla Sahib Gurudwara.
Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 3 : Saturday, 13 March - Delhi / Mandawa (260km / 5h)
After breakfast, you set off for Mandawa, a region of Rajasthan known as the "open-air art gallery of Rajasthan." It is in these towns, surrounded by sand dunes, that you find the *havelis*—the homes of wealthy merchants who once made their living from the camel trade between India and Pakistan.
Lunch en route.
Upon arrival in Mandawa, you check into your hotel before setting out to explore the historic mansions of this small village—a true gem teeming with *havelis* and temples. You will also gain insight into the villagers' daily lives: women in colorful attire busy with their chores, children on their way to school, and artisans at work.
Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 4 : Sunday, 14 March - Mandawa / Bikaner (190km / 3h30)
After breakfast, you set off across the Thar Desert for Bikaner, a former princely capital dating back to the 15th century.
Upon arrival in Bikaner, you check into your hotel.
After lunch, you tour Junagarh Fort, a vast citadel housing various palaces and temples. A labyrinth of corridors, staircases, and courtyards awaits you. As you wander through the passageways, you will discover the coronation hall, the Hall of Mirrors, the Maharaja’s bedchamber, an arms museum (also displaying elephant howdahs), the conference hall featuring a silver throne, and even the original beds of nails used by fakirs.
After a short tuk-tuk ride through the town's picturesque bazaar, you explore the old quarters on foot, wandering through the typical narrow alleyways.
Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 5 : Monday, 15 March - Bikaner / Dechu (130km / 2h30)
After breakfast, you set off for Dechu.
Nestled amidst the deserts of Rajasthan lies a majestic oasis—the Thar Oasis Resort—a true gem! A visit to Dechu is the perfect way to understand the culture and beauty of desert life.
Upon arrival, you will check into your accommodation and have lunch, followed by some free time to enjoy the pool.
In the late afternoon, you will head out by jeep to explore fields of mustard and red chili peppers.
This is an opportunity to connect with the abundant wildlife—including Indian gazelles (chinkara) and nilgai—and to admire the magnificent beauty of the pristine sand dunes of the Thar Desert.
After a short camel ride across the dunes, the evening unfolds with a barbecue accompanied by a performance of Langana music and dance.
Dinner and overnight stay in a tent.
Day 6 : Tuesday, 16 March - Dechu / Jodhpur / Chandelao (130km / 2h30)
After breakfast, you set off for Chandelao. En route, you will visit Jodhpur, the “Blue City.” The city is dominated by Mehrangarh Fort, featuring a harem, a magnificent reception hall, a cradle room, a small Hall of Mirrors, and a gallery of royal palanquins—including a chased silver *howdah*.
Next, take a stroll through the city bazaars surrounding the Clock Tower—a well-known landmark for tourists, visible from afar—where artisans and merchants of all kinds ply their trades. The stalls here overflow with sari fabrics, spices, grains, fruits, and vegetables.
You then continue your journey to Chandelao. Upon arrival, you will check into the Chandelao Garh hotel; an architectural gem, the fort stands proudly in this remote region of Rajasthan. Chandelao Garh is a heritage hotel offering a regal atmosphere in which to rest and rejuvenate. You can visit the village of Chandelao, observe the local way of life, and enjoy the hospitality of the warm-hearted villagers and hotel staff.
Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 7 : Wednesday, 17 March - Chandelao / Ranakpur / Udaipur (310km / 5h30)
After breakfast, you depart for Udaipur. En route, you make a delightful stop to visit the Jain temples of Ranakpur.
Nestled at the foot of a wooded slope of the Aravalli Hills, Ranakpur is one of the most remarkable Jain sites—distinguished by the quality of its intricate carvings, the architectural complexity of its temples, and the charm of a setting imbued with deep religious fervor.
The site’s crowning achievement is the Adinath Temple, built in the 15th century.
After lunch, you continue along a scenic route through the rolling landscape of the Aravalli range to Udaipur—the "Pearl of Rajasthan"—where you check into your hotel upon arrival.
Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 8 : Thursday, 18 March - Udaipur
After breakfast, you will visit the "White City"—founded by Udai Singh in the 16th century and one of India's most romantic cities. It is graced by three sparkling lakes, including Lake Pichola with its two island palaces (Jag Niwas and Jagmandir), as well as the massive lakeside City Palace, the largest palace complex in Rajasthan.
In the morning, depending on water levels, you will be transferred to the Lake Pichola jetty to admire the magnificent façade of the Udaipur palace and stop at Jagmandir Island.
After visiting the palace, you will take a leisurely stroll through the streets of the Old City and visit the Jagdish Mandir, a sanctuary dedicated to Vishnu.
After lunch, you will visit Sahelion-ki-Bari—known as the "Garden of the Maidens"—built in the 18th century by Maharana Sangram Singh for the royal ladies to enjoy. You will explore this stunning park, featuring pools with intricate water features, marble elephants, and numerous pavilions.
Next, you will visit a silk painting workshop specializing in miniatures.
Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 9 : Friday, 19 March - Udaipur / Chittorgarh / Bijaipur (130km / 2h30)
After breakfast, you set off for Bijaipur, visiting the imposing Chittorgarh Fort—which towers over the plains—along the way.
Chittorgarh is, above all, an extraordinary site; it rises like a dark mass, towering 150 meters above the surrounding landscape. The atmosphere here is steeped in the tragedy of those who, sword in hand, charged toward certain death to defend the fort. The site bears witness to the honorable sacrifice of Rajput warriors and their women, who chose the flames of the funeral pyre over capture by the invaders.
After lunch, you continue your journey and check into a 17th-century palace in Bijaipur.
You have free time in the afternoon to enjoy the serenity and the magnificent swimming pool at the palace, or to take a short stroll through the village of Bijaipur.
Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 10 : Saturday, 20 March - Bijaipur / Fort Chabariya (170km / 3h30)
After breakfast, you set off for Fort Chabariya, a small, unspoiled Rajasthani village located off the beaten path. En route, you visit the 12th-century temples of Menal. At Bijolia, you discover temples dedicated to Shiva—fine examples of the religious architecture of that era.
You then continue to Fort Chabariya, a classified heritage hotel. Since 2018, the family has lovingly maintained and developed the property, transforming it into one of the country's finest heritage hotels. Situated by a river amidst a rural landscape, it is a haven of peace and tranquility. Expansive lawns and well-tended gardens—attracting a multitude of birds and dancing peacocks—welcome you to this oasis, where the singing of birds is the only sound you will hear.
You check into the hotel upon arrival.
Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 11 : Sunday, 21 March - Fort Chabariya / Jaipur (HOLI KA DAHAN) (140km / 3h)
After breakfast, you depart for Jaipur, one of India’s most pleasant and vibrant cities.
The capital of Rajasthan is also known as the "Pink City," named for the color of the buildings in the old town, which is encircled by barren hills topped with fortresses and crenellated ramparts. Sacred cows, camels, elephants, and rickshaws all share the streets. Founded in 1727, Jaipur is one of the most colorful and picturesque cities in all of India.
Upon arrival in Jaipur, you check into your hotel.
After lunch, you set off for an excursion to Amber Fort. This majestic structure is located 9 km north of Jaipur, in the former capital of the Rajput empire.
En route, you stop to view the Hawa Mahal (or Palace of the Winds)—a slender structure featuring over 900 windows and balconies—offering a perfect opportunity to capture an extraordinary moment.
In the evening, you visit the Birla Mandir temple to witness a religious ceremony (Aarti).
Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 12 : Monday, 22 March - Jaipur (HOLI )
After breakfast today, you will take part in the Holi festival—the festival of colors. You will have the opportunity to witness showers of colored powder, dancing, and singing, and to sample specialties prepared especially for the occasion, such as Gujiya, Thandai, Dahi Bhalla, Bhang, and many others.
It promises to be a unique and colorful experience that you will long remember.
After returning to the hotel, you will have a free afternoon to pursue your own activities or enjoy the pool.
Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 13 : Tuesday, 23 March - Jaipur / Abhaneri / Agra (240km / 5h)
After breakfast, en route to Agra, you will visit Abhaneri—a historic village famous for the magnificent Chand Baori. This is one of India’s largest and deepest stepwells, renowned for its impressive geometric architecture and more than 3,500 narrow steps. After visiting this remarkable site, you will continue on to Agra.
Upon arrival in Agra, you will check into your hotel.
You will then set out to explore the Taj Mahal. Here, you will discover a masterpiece of Mughal art and architecture: a radiant white marble mausoleum inlaid with semi-precious stones. Built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal, it is considered the third wonder of the world.
Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 14 : Wednesday, 24 March - Agra / Delhi / return flight
After breakfast, you will visit the Agra Red Fort, where towering red sandstone walls overlook the Yamuna River. This site marks the birth of the Mughal imperial style and offers a final view of the Taj Mahal.
In the late morning, you will travel to Delhi, where a room will be available for you to freshen up before the farewell dinner.
You will then be transferred to Delhi International Airport for your return flight.