Grand Tour of India

Fly to Delhi. Depending on your time of arrival the rest of the day is yours at leisure.

Explore Old Delhi; see the Red Fort and walk to Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosque. After lunch, view India Gate and Parliament House before exploring Gandhi Smriti and Qutub Minar.

Fly to the ancient city of Varanasi. Head just out of town to the fascinating Buddhist site of Sarnath, where Buddha is said to have delivered his first sermon. The next day, rise early to cruise on the Ganges and explore the city. Later take a rickshaw to the ghats and witness a puja ceremony.

Transfer to the airport to fly to Khajuraho to see the exquisite temples and their intricately carved, erotic imagery. Enjoy a cultural dance display.

Travel to the 16th-century city of Orchha and then on to Jhansi station where you'll board the Shatabdi Express train to Agra.

Watch the sun rise over the Taj Mahal which is often swathed in mist and tinged pink – a magical experience. This afternoon visit the colossal 16th-century Agra Fort.

Visit the ghost city of Fatephur Sikri on the way to Ranthambore National Park, home to many animals such as leopards, hyena, bears and tigers. The next day enjoy both an early morning and afternoon safari.

Journey to the 'Pink City' of Jaipur for a two-night stay. Make a brief stop at the Hawa Mahal, the 'Palace of the Winds' before admiring the majestic Amber Fort, the Maharaja's City Palace and Jantar Mantar, the largest stone and marble-crafted observatory in the world.

Travel to Pushkar, a sacred pilgrimage destination for Hindus. This afternoon visit its sacred lake, ghats and the Brahma Temple before a camel cart ride in the desert. The next day visit Khimsar, perched on the edge on the great Thar Desert.

Rising from the sandy plains of the Thar Desert, Jaisalmer is known as the 'Golden City'. Head to Sunset Point to enjoy the views. The next day head to the magnificent Jaisalmer fort, and ride a camel through the Sam Sand Dunes.

Travel to Jodhpur and tour the city, exploring the magnificence of Mehrangarh Fort, visiting the museum of Umaid Bhawan Palace and the spice market. The next day drive through the desert by jeep to Bishnoi village.

Drive to Udaipur via the Jain temple complex of Ranakpur and Surya Temple as well as other Jain Temples. The next day explore the city, driving around Fateh Sagar Lake with stops at the Folk Museum, Mewar Art Gallery and Sahelion Ki Bari Garden. Later visit the ornate City Palace and take a cruise on the shimmering Lake Pichola.

Morning at leisure before boarding a flight to Aurangabad.

Visit the incredible UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ajanta and Ellora Caves and discover the beautiful murals and exquisite carvings of Buddhist, Hindu and Jain imagery. Fly to Mumbai.

Tour cosmopolitan Mumbai, India's economic powerhouse. View the Gateway to India, dawdle along Marine Drive and visit Chowpatty Beach, Mani Bhavan, Dhobi Ghat, Crawford Market and Flora Fountain. Fly to the relaxed Keralan city of Kochi.

Fascinating Kochi is strung across the islands and peninsulas of the Malabar coast. Visit the Dutch Palace and Fort Kochi before seeing the famous Chinese fishing nets and strolling through colourful markets. This evening enjoy an exuberant Kathakali dance performance.

Visit Kochi's synagogue, before heading out of the city to Nedumudy to board your houseboat. On this converted rice barge or 'kettuvallam' you will drift along the peaceful backwaters. Lunch and dinner are served on-board and you will stay overnight here too.

Enjoy breakfast as you cruise into Alleppey, then travel to the beach resort of Kovalam.

Explore Kerala's capital Trivandrum, with visits to Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple, the Zoological Gardens, Sri Chitra Art Gallery, the Observatory and Kanakakunnu Palace. Return to Kovalam for your final night stay.

Fly to Australia, arriving home the same or following day.