Day One

Fly overnight to Delhi via Dubai.

Day Two

Upon arrival this morning, meet your Tour Manager and transfer to the hotel. Later, a guided tour will introduce you to Old Delhi's vast Red Fort - the Lal Qila - and monumental Jama Masjid mosque, as well as Raj Ghat, Gandhi's cremation site. This evening, enjoy dinner at the hotel.

Day Three

Discover the treasures of New Delhi - including the India Gate war memorial, the vast boulevard of the Rajpath, and the ornate Qutb Minar tower - on today's guided tour. This afternoon, you'll journey south-east towards the province of Uttar Pradesh, arriving this evening for a two-night stay in Agra, the fabled 'City of Love'.

Day Four

An unforgettable day begins with a sunrise visit to the exquisite Taj Majal. After returning to the hotel for breakfast you'll enjoy a guided tour of Agra, including the serene Itmad ud Duala - the so-called 'Baby Taj' - and the royal pavilions, palaces and courtyards of the majestic Agra Fort.

Day Five

Today you'll head across the plains into Rajasthan, studded with exotic temples and havelis - lavishly decorated mansions. En route, you'll visit the deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri, its great buildings and monuments still immaculately preserved.This evening you'll arrive in the fabled 'Pink City' of Jaipur, for a two-night stay.

Day Six

This morning you'll visit Amber, the ancient capital of the Rajput Empire, with its magnificent palaces and temples dominated by the stronghold of Amber Fort. Climb to the fort by elephant or jeep and you'll be rewarded with stupendous views from the ramparts. This afternoon enjoy a sightseeing tour of Jaipur and discover the stunning 'Palace of the Winds', the City Palace, and the astronomical observatory.

Day Seven

Bid farewell to Rajasthan this morning, transferring to the airport for the flight, via Mumbai, to the ancient city of Kochi. You'll arrive this afternoon and transfer to your overnight hotel. After checking in, enjoy a traditional Kathakali dance performance - featuring elaborate costumes, literature, music and painting - this evening.

Day Eight

Journey inland, this morning, to spend two nights within the lush landscape of the Periyar National Park. Enjoy a guided tour of the Wildlife Sanctuary, home to several species of endangered mammals and over 250 bird species. Then take a boat ride on the serene Periyar Lake, before relaxing in the splendid surroundings of the hotel.

Day Nine

Explore the unique hill country again today, as you join a guide for a morning stroll through the spice plantation, where terraces of cardamom, vanilla, pepper, cinnamon, nutmeg tea, coffee, and even rubber trees, lend the air their various fragrances. The afternoon is free to relax at leisure.

Day Ten

Today you'll travel down to Kumarakom, an island town in the heart of Kerala's famous backwaters and a well-known haven for migratory birds. Board a traditional, thatch-roofed 'Kettu vallam' houseboat to cruise Vembanad Lake and waterways lined with coconut groves, rice fields and temples. This evening, experience a cooking demonstration by the houseboat chef.

Day Eleven

After breakfast, disembark the houseboat and journey towards Kochi for your final two nights. This afternoon, enjoy a guided tour of this 'Venice of the East', including the Jewish Synagogue, Mattancherry Palace, St Francis' Church, and enchanting Fort Cochin, where much-photographed Chinese fishing nets line the shore.

Day Twelve

Your last day is free for you to spend at leisure. Soak up the atmosphere, relax at the resort hotel, or head to the beach, before a farewell dinner is served at the hotel this evening.

Day Thirteen

Transfer to Kochi airport for the return journey via Dubai, arriving back in the UK in the afternoon.