After breakfast, begin your exploration of the city through a historic culinary tour through Delhi and sample some of the iconic delicacies that define each era. Your guides will showcase how the foodways of the city transformed as Delhi went through its many identities. 

You will explore the iconic Chandni Chowk in the heart of Old Delhi built in the 17th century by the Mughal Emperor Emperor of India Shah Jahan and designed by his daughter Jahanara. The market was once divided by canals that reflected the moonlight, the meaning of Chandni. It remains one of India’s largest wholesale markets where you can find anything from turmeric from South India, dates from the Middle East, silver jewelry, and specialty stores selling exclusive clothing and embellishments. 

Return to the hotel for time at leisure before dinner. 

Today, we visit Humayun’s Tomb, built in 1570 and one of the first garden tombs on the Indian subcontinent. Designed by a Persian architect, it is the inspiration behind many future tombs including the iconic Taj Mahal. The Agha Khan Trust completed restoration of the tomb and gardens in 2013, restoring them to their former glory through the work of traditional artisans and craftsmen. 

Later, drive past three major landmarks of the city: The old Parliament House, India Gate, and the Rashtrapati Bhavan, the largest presidential Palace in the world and actually a self-contained oasis in the heart of the city. 

This afternoon, visit the Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, a Sikh gurdwara. One of the foundational tenets of Sikhism is “sewa” – responsibility towards your community irrespective of a person’s social standing. Thus every Sikh gurdwara has a  community kitchen where it is considered a privilege to help cook the food and serve a simple meal to pilgrims and visitors.  

We will also visit Lakshmi Narayan Temple (left), an elaborate Hindu temple in central Delhi and one of the famous Birla Temples in India. This temple was completed in 1939 by  Jugal Kishor Birla.  “Laxmi Narayan” refers to the Hindu God Vishnu, the Preserver, with his consort Lakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth and Prosperity. The temple was inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi with the condition that the site would be open to all castes and faiths. There are also three temples dedicated to Buddha, Shiva, and Krishna. 

The Leela Palace is known for its opulent design, sumptuous interiors, and prime location in the diplomatic enclave near Chanakyapuri (bordering Lutyens Delhi, the center of the British-designed "New Delhi"). It offers a blend of traditional Indian aesthetics and modern luxury. The sumptuous public spaces and the contemporary rooms reflect the multi-faceted heritage of the capital city.  The hotel has two award winning restaurants - Megu for Japanese cuisine and the New York based Le Cirque. Qube offers a more casual all day dining option and its signature Indian specialty restaurant is Jamavar. The Leela Palace

This morning, transfer to the airport for the 40-minute flight to Jaipur. Upon arrival transfer to the hotel and check-in. 

In the afternoon, venture into the walled city for a specially-curated walking tour. This immersive experience will introduce you to Jaipur beyond the typical tourist spots, delving into its rich cultural heritage and artisanal traditions. Explore the narrow lanes of the old city, where skilled artisans practice meenakari (enamel work) and kundankari (gemstone inlay work) a rich legacy of over 2,500 years and origin in the royal courts of Rajasthan centuries ago. . Here, you will find beautifully-crafted 22-karat gold earrings, necklaces, bracelets and rings. 

Your journey will also take you to Gopal Ki Rasta, known for its vibrant wholesale bead market, offering a glimpse into the city's bustling trade scene.

Simultaneously, indulge in Jaipur's diverse culinary landscape during the tour. Accompanied by your knowledgeable guide, discover the secrets of Rajasthani cuisine as you stroll through the bustling streets. From the opulent dishes favored by the aristocracy to the hearty fare of the desert dwellers, Rajasthani cuisine reflects the region's varied influences and rich culinary history. Learn about the local ingredients, spices, and cooking techniques that define this vibrant gastronomic tradition.

Enjoy your exploration of Jaipur's old city, where every corner holds a treasure trove of culture, craftsmanship, and culinary delights.

After breakfast, visit the majestic City Palace, an iconic landmark with a rich architectural heritage. Adorned in the distinctive pink hue characteristic of the old city, the palace is a splendid fusion of Rajput and Mughal styles. Explore the sprawling complex, including its museums, which house an impressive collection of artifacts showcasing the region's royal history.  

Following this, enjoy a private tour of the palace's ceremonial rooms, gaining insight into the lavish lifestyle of the erstwhile rulers. Continue your journey to the Wedgewood blue balcony, a serene retreat where the queens once sought solace during the monsoon season.

This afternoon, delve into the world of textiles and craftsmanship with a visit to the Costume and Textile Museum housed within the Mubarak Mahal of the main palace. You’ll see  exquisite displays of fine muslins, Benares silks, hand-printed cottons, and intricately embroidered coats from across North India. 

Afterwards, visit a private residence for a hands-on cooking lesson. Learn how to make a traditional Rajasthani dish which draws its ingredients from the desert. Sit down to a Rajasthani thali lunch.  You will leave with a book of recipes and a small spice box – an essential item in every Indian kitchen.

Before breakfast, take a morning walk through some markets - the flower market, the wholesale vegetable market and the unique milk market.  The journey continues past the roadside tea stands, street food sellers, pavement barbers, and people at shrines greeting the morning sun – all preparing to start their day.  The final stop will be the 300-year old Krishna temple with beautiful frescos and carved pillars.. You will arrive in time for the morning singing and “aarti” ceremony

Return to the hotel for breakfast before departing for the Amber Fort. The Rajputs built their Forts on high hills and ridges giving them a 360 degree view of the surrounding area and protecting them from invading armies. Most of the forts they built were built as a defensive structure but included pleasure palaces, rich in art and architectural features. Amber is perhaps among the finest of all the fort palaces, and reflected the opulence and elegance of the nearby Mughal courts

You have lunch today at LMB.  This is a down to earth, no frills eatery which focuses on serving flavorful local cuisine.  

The afternoon is at leisure and we will have henna painters, two astrologers, a gemologist, and bangle makers available at the hotel or you may like to relax and use the spa. (Not included and must be booked in advance.)

This morning you’ll experience the craft of block printing on fabric at an organization that spans craft, design and sustainability while also empowering artisans with the tools they need to be economically independent. Block prints are aligned by eye, and telltale signs of the human hand, such as drips + printing imperfections, are part of the beauty of the craft. 

Enjoy a hands-on workshop using the famous block prints of Jaipur and natural indigo, the ancient, mysterious dye. Print onto handmade fabric, honoring the simplicity of its dip-dyed shades.

The afternoon is at leisure for shopping Jaipur’s most exclusive boutiques:

 Narain Niwas is home to Hot Pink which houses the collection of India’s top designers, including  IIdly Thierry Journo  that has an exquisite collection of rugs, cushions, and throws and Andraab for high quality cashmere shawls, scarves, bedspreads and throws,  Their collection includes hand-embroidered shawls which take over three years to complete. 

 Tonight feast on contemporary Indian cuisine,  at Johri.  The restaurant at The Johri serves an evolving menu of organic vegetarian Indian fare focused on farm-fresh produce and inventive flavors. The menu has been curated by Chef Vikram Arora and led by Chef Son Kumar. 

Rated as one of the top three hotels in Asia, the Oberoi Rajvilas revives the gracious lifestyles of India’s legendary Rajput princes. Located in 32 acres of beautiful gardens, pools and fountains, in the peaceful Rajasthani countryside, the hotel is an oasis of elegance and luxury. 

The rooms are beautifully laid out with four poster beds and sunken marble baths overlooking private walled gardens. The hotel offers a range of activities to relax and recharge. Impeccable service and attention to detail complete the unforgettable experience here. Oberoi Rajvilas

After a leisurely morning, catch an afternoon flight to Agra where Mughal splendor took root and will be seen in both the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort.  Upon arrival, you'll be greeted and transferred to the hotel, where you can unwind and refresh after the journey.  

As the sun begins to set, enjoy the evening sky, painted  in hues of gold and crimson, from your balcony. 

This evening begins with a short talk about Kathak (story). Indigenous to northern India and developed under the influence of both Hindu and Muslim cultures, the dance form of Kathak is made distinct by its intricate footwork and precise rhythmic patterns where the dancer controls about 100 ankle bells.  Its origins goes back to bards performing in villages and temple courtyards recounting mythological and moral tales. The Mughal emperors took this folk performance and transformed it into the more sophisticated art form you will see. Afterwards enjoy a sumptuous dinner, followed by a performance. 

Oberoi Amarvilas has the envious position of being just 600 meters from the iconic Taj Mahal, and every room has an uninterrupted view of it.  Reflecting the Indo-Persian architecture that influenced many of the buildings of Agra, the entrance of the hotel is decorated with cascading fountains. The interiors replicate the exquisite mosaics and frescos which are seen on the Taj Mahal, and each room has a king size bed, and is carpeted with hand woven rugs with Mughal designs. The hotel has a temperature-controlled swimming pool and a spa. Oberoi Amarvilas

Visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise when the light makes it appear to float in soft mauves and pinks. Poet Rabindranath Tagore described it as “a teardrop on the cheek of eternity” and it is considered the greatest monument to love (and certainly the strongest magnet for any visitor to India). The mausoleum of Mumtaz Mahal  is a masterpiece, and the ultimate refinement of Humayum's Tomb (visited in Delhi).  Tour the interiors where the tombs of Mumtaz Mahal and Shah Jahan lie behind an ornate marble screen delicately decorated with semiprecious stones.  Afterwards, return to the hotel for breakfast.

The afternoon, explore Agra Fort. With the Taj Mahal overshadowing it, one can easily forget that Agra has one of the finest Mughal forts in India. Walking through courtyard after courtyard of this palatial red-sandstone and marble fortress, your amazement grows as the scale of what was built here begins to sink in.T his imposing red sandstone citadel, which predates the Taj Mahal, was begun as a defensive fort but completed as an elegant palace. It showcases the Mughal talent for blending art and architecture. The complex houses robust barracks and courtly and elegant palaces, pleasure gardens, and galleries. It also offers a stunning view of the Taj Mahal.  

 Transfer to the airport for the flight to Lucknow, Continue to the hotel and check in. .   Tonight’s dinner is included but you are at leisure to order from room service or dine at any of the hotel’s restaurants.

Sprinkled with Islamic and British Raj–era architecture, stuffed with fascinating bazaars and famed throughout India for its food, the capital of Uttar Pradesh is something of a sleeper: plenty worth seeing, but often overlooked by travelers. Central Lucknow features wide boulevards, epic monuments and several parks and gardens that contribute to an atmosphere of faded grandiosity.

In the morning explore the British history of the city. First, you'll visit the atmospheric Residency, its history marking the beginning of the end of the British Raj in India.  This afternoon takes you to visit Muslim Lucknow the main focus of which is the Bara Imambara, which was built as a famine-relief project by the Nawab, Asaf-ud-Daulah. in 1748.  Next, explore the bhul bhulaiyan, a labyrinth of galleries, corridors and rooms that wind their way up to the rooftop balconies.  The huge vaulted gallery is said to be the largest room in the world unsupported by pillars. 

This evening you are invited to dinner to at the Chak family home. This highly educated and cultured family still keeps its culinary traditions alive with their loyalty to Kashmiri-Awadhi cuisine in their daily lives and is happy to showcase their culinary skills. This remarkable cuisine is unavailable anywhere outside a few Kashmiri homes in Lucknow.  You will have a live demonstration followed by dinner served with traditional beverages.  You hear the stories of their family history and will have conversations with members of the family.

Today will be spent exploring the crafts and flavors of Lucknow, starting with the main market, or chowk, a maze of alleys which are full of the aroma of spices. You'll also find there beautiful crafts made by the adored master craftsmen the Nawabs could attract to Lucknow.

It's the heart of the city where silversmiths, sari vendors, chikan embroiderers, and gold zari sequin workers practice their crafts side by side in narrow shops. We'll stop at Asghar Ali’s, the famous perfumers, to inhale the distilled essence of 200-year-old rose, jasmine, hina or khus. Down side streets you can get your sari or kurta embroidered with a bespoke design, or get a scarf decorated with tiny silver thread. 

Exploring Lucknow's renowned vegetarian cuisine for lunch will introduce you to the flavors of traditional recipes and age-old culinary traditions. Halwais in Lucknow have had their own loyal fan list and generations have been eating there.

Visit traditional eateries, the oldest dates back to 1825, and shops that specialize in sun-dried lentil nuggets and accompaniments like papadums, pickles, preserves, chutneys for ages and still rule the dinner tables at Lucknow homes. Taste not only the tangy chaat and the coolest kulfi on this tour but also end it with a paan (betel-leaf preparation). After a day of feasting with your eyes and taste buds you return to the hotel for a final dinner in Lucknow.

This afternoon you return to where this journey of exquisite tastes, craft and history began – Delhi, for a farewell dinner of Indo-Chinese food  After dinner you are transferred to the airport and assisted with checking in for your return flight.

 Renaissance Hotel Lucknow