| Start date | End date | Days |
Prices from
ex. flights |
Single Supplement | Tour Expert | Group Size | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13/02/27 | 27/02/27 | 15 days | £8,500 pp | £2,215 | Ursula Weekes | 15 Max | LIMITED | Reserve place |
For those keen to better understand India, and for those who believe that knowledge and understanding of a country is best achieved through art and history, this alternative itinerary through Rajasthan and the ‘Golden Triangle’ of Delhi-Agra-Jaipur is an opportunity not to be missed.
In the company of passionate art historian Ursula Weeks, Steppes Travellers will gain unrivalled insight into Rajput and Mughal culture through private access to art collections and through meeting local experts and community leaders. Travelling from Delhi to Udaipur over 15 days, visit major archaeological and historic sites, as well as others rarely included in itineraries.
With accommodation in historic havelis and palaces, this small group tour offers a sensory and physical experience far beyond the norm.
Dr Ursula Weekes is an independent art historian based in London, specialising in Mughal and Rajput art and culture.
She teaches at various academic and museum settings, including the Courtauld Institute of Art, the V&A Academy and formerly at JNU in Delhi.
Travel in the company of art historian Ursula Weekes, whose deep knowledge of Mughal and Rajput traditions brings context to every site.
Explore UNESCO sites such as the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri, each revealing a distinct chapter of Mughal ambition and craftsmanship.
Meet the makers preserving Rajasthan’s artistic heritage, from Jaipur’s block printers to Kishangarh’s miniature painters.
Gain rare access to palaces and private collections, including those in Jaipur and Kota, viewing art and objects normally unseen by visitors.
Day 1
Arrive Delhi (The Claridges)
Day 2
Delhi (The Claridges)
Day 3
Delhi - Agra (Taj Convention)
Day 4
Agra - Jaipur (Niravi)
Day 5
Jaipur (Niravi)
Day 6
Jaipur (Niravi)
Day 7
Jaipur - Bundi - Kota (Umed Bhawan Palace)
Day 8
Kota (Umed Bhawan Palace)
Day 9
Kota - Kishangarh (Phool Mahal Palace)
Day 10
Kishangarh – Ajmer – Chhatrasagar (RAAS Chhatrasagar)
Day 11
Chhatrasagar to Jodhpur (Ratan Vilas)
Day 12
Jodhpur (Ratan Vilas)
Day 13
Jodhpur to Udaipur (RAAS Devigarh)
Day 14
Udaipur (RAAS Devigarh)
Day 15
Udaipur - Delhi
Day 1
Arrive Delhi (The Claridges)
Arrive into Delhi and transfer to your accommodation. This afternoon, visit the Qutab Complex, a fine example of early Indo-Islamic architecture. Meet with the group this evening for a welcome talk by Ursula, followed by dinner at the hotel.
Day 2
Delhi (The Claridges)
Explore Old Delhi this morning, including the Jama Masjid and the surrounding lanes. Meet writer and scholar Rana Safvi for an introduction to the history and culture of Shahjahanabad. After lunch at Haveli Dharampuratake, take a rickshaw ride along Chandni Chowk and later visit the Red Fort, a grand expression of Mughal architecture with palaces, pavilions and gardens. Return to the hotel late afternoon for dinner.
Day 3
Delhi - Agra (Taj Convention)
Board the Gatimaan Express from Delhi to Agra this morning. On arrival, visit Agra Fort, tracing the evolution of Mughal architecture and enjoying views towards the Taj Mahal. Continue to the delicate “Baby Taj”, the tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah. After lunch and check-in, there is time at leisure before a sunset visit to the Taj Mahal.
Day 4
Agra - Jaipur (Niravi)
After breakfast, drive to Jaipur. En route, explore Fatehpur Sikri, the atmospheric abandoned Mughal capital with its palaces, courtyards and gateways. Continue to Jaipur, arriving in time to check in and relax before dinner.
Day 5
Jaipur (Niravi)
Begin today with a visit to the Anokhi Textile Museum to learn about traditional block-printing and the artisans who preserve these skills. Continue to Jagat Shiromani Temple. Later, explore Amber Fort with a local insider guide, wandering through its halls, courtyards and ramparts above Maota Lake. After lunch, visit the Haveli of Royal Gems & Arts and stroll through the lively Gangori Bazaar.
Day 6
Jaipur (Niravi)
Visit Jaipur City Palace, home of the rulers of Jaipur since the 18th century. Explore its courtyards, museums and, with special permission, some private rooms of the Chandra Mahal, with expert insight from Bharat Singh, Director of the Museum. After lunch in the palace complex, the afternoon is at leisure.
Day 7
Jaipur - Bundi - Kota (Umed Bhawan Palace)
Drive to Bundi this morning, a journey of around four hours. Pause here for lunch and a short exploration of the town. Continue for about an hour to Kota and check into your accommodation.
Day 8
Kota (Umed Bhawan Palace)
This morning visit Kota Garh Palace to see the private painting collections of the Maharao of Kota, offering a vivid insight into the region’s artistic traditions. There may also be an opportunity to meet Prince Jaidev Singh Kota. Return to the hotel for lunch and some time to relax. Later, take a gentle boat trip on the Chambal River, looking out for birdlife and the chance of crocodiles.
Day 9
Kota - Kishangarh (Phool Mahal Palace)
Drive from Kota to Kishangarh this morning, a journey of around four and a half hours. After lunch at your hotel, visit the Maharaja of Kishangarh’s collection. The miniature paintings and royal objects here illustrate Kishangarh’s distinctive artistic style. Before dinner, Ursula will give an illustrated talk to deepen your understanding of the region.
Day 10
Kishangarh – Ajmer – Chhatrasagar (RAAS Chhatrasagar)
Travel Chhatrasagar today, a drive of around two and a half hours. En route, stop in Ajmer to visit Mayo College, one of India’s most prestigious schools. You will also see Sanjay Singh Badnore’s ancestral art collection before enjoying lunch at his home. Continue to RAAS Chhatrasagar to settle into your tented accommodation and relax before dinner.
Day 11
Chhatrasagar to Jodhpur (Ratan Vilas)
Enjoy a relaxed morning at Chhatrasagar. After a light lunch, depart for Jodhpur, a drive of about two hours. On arrival, check into your hotel. Dinner will be followed by a presentation from Ursula, introducing Jodhpur and its artistic traditions.
Day 12
Jodhpur (Ratan Vilas)
This morning, take a guided heritage walk through the blue Brahmin quarters of Jodhpur. Explore narrow lanes lined with painted havelis, and visit traditional perfume makers, bazaars and artisan workshops, possibly using local rickshaws for part of the route. After lunch, visit the great Mehrangarh Fort and end the day with drinks and dinner at the Stepwell Rooftop restaurant in the old city.
Day 13
Jodhpur to Udaipur (RAAS Devigarh)
After breakfast, drive to Udaipur, stopping at Ranakpur to visit its intricately carved Jain temple. Continue to Nathadwara to see the Srinathji Temple, an important Krishna shrine. After lunch, continue to Udaipur. In the evening there will be a presentation from Ursula before dinner.
Day 14
Udaipur (RAAS Devigarh)
An early start for a boat ride on Lake Pichola. Then visit Udaipur’s City Palace, a sprawling complex of courtyards, terraces and galleries decorated with coloured glass, mirrors and Mewar paintings. After lunch, return to the hotel for time at leisure. This evening, gather for a farewell dinner.
Day 15
Udaipur - Delhi
Spend your final morning at leisure in Udaipur. Late morning, transfer to Udaipur Airport for the flight back to Delhi to connect with onward travel.
This journey is shaped by a collection of heritage hotels, each chosen for its sense of place and cultural depth. Many are former palaces or family havelis, where carved stone, courtyards and quiet gardens create a strong link to Rajasthan’s past. Others offer a contemporary take on tradition, blending comfort with local craftsmanship, with a stay in luxury tented accommodation adding a different perspective. Together they provide calm spaces after full days of exploration and insight into regional history and design, enriching the rhythm of the trip.
Kota Garh Palace offers a glimpse into the artistic world of a former Rajput court. Its private rooms hold remarkable paintings commissioned by generations of Maharaos, each work revealing refined technique and scenes of courtly life. The visit may also include time with Prince Jaidev Singh Kota, a thoughtful advocate for preserving the region’s artistic heritage. Set beside the Chambal River, the palace stands as a quiet testament to Rajasthan’s cultural depth and enduring creativity.
Moderate Activity
Travelling on your own? Our group tours are perfect for solo travellers, as travelling as part of an organised group in faraway places provides security and peace of mind. We handle all of the arrangements for you and there will be a local tour guide on hand throughout to provide advice and help if needed, as well as the expertise of a Tour expert.
To allow flexibility, our group tours do not include international flights as standard. We can arrange international flights on your behalf, please get in touch with our travel experts for a quote. All international flights from the UK are ATOL protected.
For further information about any of these tours please call 01285 880 980
| Start date | End date | Days |
Prices from
ex. flights |
Tour Expert | Group Size | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13/02/27 | 27/02/27 | 15 days | £8,500 pp | Ursula Weekes | 15 Max | LIMITED | Reserve place |
Our travel experts have a wealth of first-hand knowledge, so if you have any questions about this expert-led group tour, please get in touch. They would love to help. We hope you can join us on this tour.
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