After breakfast, drive through New Delhi’s government buildings area. View the magnificent Parliament Building, designed in a circular form with 144 supporting pillars, and drive past Rashtrapati Bhawan, the official residence of the President of India, spread across 330 acres and designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens. Also pass India Gate, the war memorial dedicated to soldiers of the British-Indian army who lost their lives during World War I. Later continue the drive to Jaipur.

After breakfast, drive to Amer with an en-route photo stop at Hawa Mahal, the pink-painted honeycombed palace built so royal ladies could watch city processions. Continue to Amber Fort, begun in the 17th century by Maharaja Man Singh, and reach the fortress by elephant or jeep, subject to local conditions. Explore courtyards, halls, wall paintings, mirror work and the famous Sheesh Mahal. Later visit City Palace, an elegant complex of palaces, gardens, courtyards, carved doors and museum collections, followed by Jantar Mantar, the astronomical observatory built in 1726. Time may also be kept for Jaipur shopping, including garments, carpets, gemstones, jewellery, wooden crafts, metal crafts, silk paintings and miniatures.

Celebrate Holi, the Festival of Colors, on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Phalguna. Today, the streets come alive as people welcome spring by throwing colored powder, spraying water, dancing and celebrating together. Take part in this unique cultural tradition with bright natural colors, festive energy, folk atmosphere, lunch and brunch at the celebration location. Golden Lotus Viaggi takes you through an authentic Jaipur Holi experience, from village-style celebration to street festivities and local folk traditions, so you can celebrate the Pink City’s Holi like a local and carry memories that remain long after the colors fade. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay. Dates may be shuffled as per the Hindu lunar calendar.

After breakfast, drive to Agra en route visiting Abhaneri and Fatehpur Sikri. Abhaneri is a small village in Rajasthan famous for Chand Baori, one of India’s deepest and largest stepwells, with the oldest parts dating back to the 8th century. Continue to Fatehpur Sikri, the fascinating 16th-century Mughal ghost city built by Emperor Akbar and later abandoned due to water scarcity. Visit Buland Darwaza, Jama Masjid and the Tomb of Sheikh Salim Chishti. Continue to Agra, a city that flourished under Mughal rule and became a centre of learning, arts, commerce and religion, best known for Agra Fort and the Taj Mahal. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel.

In the morning, visit the Taj Mahal, the “epitome of love” and one of the world’s most celebrated monuments, built in white marble by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. Note that the Taj Mahal remains closed to public visitors on Fridays. In the afternoon, visit the Tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah, commissioned by Nur Jahan for her father Mirza Ghiyas Beg and often called the “Baby Taj.” Continue to Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site admired for its massive courtyards, mosques, private chambers and Indo-Central Asian architectural fusion. Later spend time exploring Agra’s local bazaars, known for marble inlay, wooden crafts, brass items and handicrafts.

After breakfast, drive to Delhi and visit Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple, subject to opening day; the temple remains closed on Mondays. Swaminarayan Akshardham in New Delhi showcases the grandeur, beauty, wisdom and spiritual messages of India’s ancient culture through architecture, traditions and exhibitions. Built in only five years with the devotional efforts of thousands of artisans and volunteers, the complex was inaugurated on 6 November 2005. Later check into the hotel and enjoy leisure time.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport in time to connect with your onward flight. The tour concludes with warm memories of Delhi, Jaipur, Holi Festival celebrations and Agra’s Mughal heritage.