Highlights of India

Fly to Delhi, India's rambunctious capital city. Depending on your time of arrival the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.

Experience Delhi; drive past the Red Fort, visit Jama Masjid, India's largest mosque, and hop on a rickshaw to explore Asia's largest spice market. After lunch view India Gate before visiting Gandhi Smriti and Qutub Minar, the 12th-century, 73-metre-tall iron pillar.

Depart for Agra. On arrival, visit the colossal red sandstone Agra Fort, set on the banks of the Yamuna River. The fort was established in the 16th-century but has had much added to it over time, making it an eclectic mix of architectural styles.

Wake early to see the sun rise over India's most iconic sight. At dawn, when the crowds are at their thinnest, the Taj Mahal is often swathed in mist and tinged pink by the rising sun – a magical sight. Later, take a train to Jhansi with a change in Orchha en route. Continue to Khajuraho, home of the famous Khajuraho temples.

Today, tour the eastern and western groups of Khajuraho's impressive temples. Fly to Varanasi and take a rickshaw to the atmospheric ghats on the River Ganges, where you'll witness a 'Ganga Aarti', a puja ceremony to the river goddess.

Rise early for a dawn boat ride along the River Ganges, followed by a brief city tour of Varanasi. This afternoon visit the Buddhist sites at Sarnath.

Fly to Jaipur where you have the rest of the day to explore the city on your own, before experiencing a traditional dance performance.

Start the day with a stop at Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds) before visiting the majestic Amber Fort, a magnificent 16th-century yellow and pink sandstone fort. Visit the stunning City Palace, still home of the city's royal family today, and Jantar Mantar Observatory, a fascinating collection of 18th-century astrological instruments designed to measure the heavens. Finish the day trying your hand at traditional block printing & carpet weaving.

Drive to Jodhpur. Enjoy some leisure time before taking a walking tour to explore the huge variety of local produce at a bustling vegetable and spice market.

This morning visit the mighty Mehrangarh Fort, Jaswant Thada and the museum located in the extravagant Umaid Bhawan Palace. Ride an auto rickshaw to a local restaurant for lunch before enjoying the afternoon at leisure.

Drive to Udaipur, a city of lakes, palaces and temples. Relax on a cruise along Lake Pichola, admiring the city's grand architecture from the water.

Today, explore the city, starting with a drive around Fateh Sagar Lake. Stop at the Folk Museum, Mewar Art Gallery and Sahelion Ki Bari Gardens. Later, visit the flamboyant City Palace and admire its delightful infusion of Rajasthani and Mughal styles.

Drive to Bundi and take a stroll through the town, discovering its unique and beautiful stepwells, stopping en route at Chittor Fort. One of the largest forts in India, Chittor sprawls across a hilltop overlooking the town of Chittorgarh.

Today, travel to Ranthambore National Park. On arrival, enjoy an afternoon at leisure.

Take both early morning and afternoon safaris in Ranthambore National Park for opportunities to spot the magnificent wildlife, including leopards and Bengal tigers.

Morning train to Delhi where the rest of the day will be at leisure.

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