Delhi is India’s capital but also its cultural and historical center. Reflecting its 900 years—ruled by Hindu, Muslim, and Mughal dynasties, the British, and now their parliamentary democratic republic—the city has become an intriguing mix of old and new...and all of it fascinating! Overnight at Oberoi New Delhi.

Today, explore British-influenced New Delhi and Old Delhi’s twisting maze of streets lined with markets of clothing, jewelry, and housewares and aromatic street food. Plus, help cook a meal in a Sikh temple, where a thousand visitors are fed daily, and visit Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosque, completed 1656.

We’ll drive to Agra today, where we’ll stay at the Oberoi Amarvilas with an unparalleled view of the Taj Mahal! The Taj Mahal is a glorious monument—not to battle or conquest but to love—built by 20,000 Persian, Turkish, French, and Italian laborers for Emperor Shah Jahan to memorialize his wife. We will visit Itmad-ud-daula and Mehtab Bagh, enjoy lunch at the hotel and visit the Taj Mahal at sunset. Overnight at the Oberoi Amarvilas in Premier Room.

We rise early to see the majestic Taj Mahal’s white marble and reflecting pools tinged with the pink of dawn. After strolling the grounds and vast interior, we return to the hotel for breakfast, then make a morning visit to Agra Fort on the River Yamuna, built by Emperor Akbar as his citadel in the 16^th century. This afternoon we drive to Jaipur, India’s “Pink” city, and overnight at the Oberoi Rajvilas in Premier Rooms.

After breakfast, we visit the City Palace complex, a showplace of Hindu and Mughal architecture, and its extravagant 18^th-c. observatory, with an afternoon visit to Amber Fort. Tonight, we have a special Indian village theme experience in a private forest venue entertained by music, mehndi, and the skills of a bangle-maker, blacksmith, and palmist. Overnight Oberoi Rajvilas in Premier Rooms.

This morning, we venture to the quaint village of Samode. We’ll visit its lavish palace and spend time with villagers, too. We also visit the village school that Micato supports with the help of travelers. Overnight Oberoi Rajvilas in Premier Rooms.

This morning we fly to Udaipur, the “Venice of the East,” known as the City of Sunrise and City of Lakes. Today we’ll visit City Palace, the state’s largest palace complex, featuring a mix of Mughal and Rajasthani architecture. We’ll stroll the town’s charming market and enjoy a sunset boat ride on Lake Pichola. Overnight at the Oberoi Udaivilas in Premier Rooms.

After a morning tour of the temples of Eklingji and Nagda, we enjoy a cooking demonstration followed by lunch at the 18^th-c. Devigarh Fort Palace. Farewell dinner at hotel. Overnight at the Oberoi Udaivilas in Premier Rooms.

We’ll enjoy a morning walk through a local bazaar with a variety of small stores selling silver, fabrics and leather crafts. Enjoy lunch at the hotel before our flight back to Delhi. Day rooms are provided at the Leela Gurgaon Hotel for your late-night flights. Tonight you fly home, or join Olivia for the “Spiritual Varanasi” Vacation Stretcher, October 24-26.