Rajasthan Panorama

Fly to Delhi and transfer to Gurgaon for an overnight stay. Depending on your time of arrival the rest of the day is at leisure.

Cross into Rajasthan and travel to the town of Alsisar. This small town is full of traditional frescoes, mansions and cenotaphs and even has a castle. Stay overnight in a beautifully restored haveli.

Travel to the vibrant town of Bikaner, dominated by its magnificent fort. Take a rickshaw ride through the streets to the old city bazaar. Continue to Gajner. Now a wildlife sanctuary, the area was once the hunting ground of the Maharajas of Bikaner.

Rising from the sandy plains of the Thar Desert, Jaisalmer is known as the 'Golden City', nicknamed for its honey-coloured walls. Browse the local markets and visit Sunset Point. Spend the next morning amongst the magnificence of Jaisalmer's 12th-century fort, full of palaces, temples and mansions. Later, travel to the Sam Sand Dunes where you view the sunset.

Venture on through the Thar Desert to Manvar. Here, enjoy a jeep safari to the local Bishnoi villages and meet the local people. Spend the night in a tented desert camp (mid-Oct to mid-Apr) or the Manvar Resort.

Today, drive to Jodhpur. Much of the old town is a vivid blue, earning it the moniker 'Blue City'. Over the next two days, take a city tour visiting Jaswant Thada, the royal cremation grounds, explore the magnificence of the hilltop Mehrangarh Fort and head to the small museum housed in the imposing Umaid Bhawan Palace.

Travel to Udaipur via the Jain temple complex of Ranakpur and Surya Temple. India's most romantic city, Udaipur is located on Lake Pichola and surrounded by wooded hills; a maze of palaces, temples and colourful alleyways. The next day drive around Fateh Sagar Lake as well as Sahelion Ki Bari Garden and the ornate City Palace. Later take a cruise on Lake Pichola passing the magical Lake Palace.

Drive to Deogarh, stopping en route to visit the Eklinji and Nathdwara temples. This evening wander through the bustling streets and enjoy dinner with live folk music and dances.

This morning, board a 1930s-era train for a ride through the hills to Phulad, then continue by road to Pushkar. Set on the banks of one of India's most sacred lakes, this holy city has 52 ghats used for worship by Hindu pilgrims. Take a walking tour and admire the Brahma Temple.

Travel to Jaipur, the 'Pink City' and Rajasthan's capital. On arrival, visit the Maharaja's City Palace and Jantar Mantar Observatory, a fascinating collection of wonderful astrological instruments.

Begin the day at Hawa Mahal, the 'Palace of the Winds', before travelling out of the city to admire the majestic Amber Fort. Back in Jaipur, try block painting and carpet weaving before enjoying a traditional dinner and dance performance.

Travel to Ranthambore National Park, home to many animals such as leopards, hyena, bears and tigers. The next day, you will have both morning and afternoon safaris, with more opportunities to spot the magnificent wildlife.

Today travel to Agra, stopping en route at Bharatpur for lunch and visit Fateh Sikri, tomb of Salim Chistic, and Panch Mahal Palace.

Wake early to see the sun rise over one of the world's most perfect buildings. At dawn the Taj Mahal is often swathed in mist and tinged pink by the rising sun – a magical experience. This afternoon visit the colossal Agra Fort.

Travel by road back to Delhi and visit Qutub Minar, Iron Pillar and the Lotus Temple.

A city of equal chaos and charm, Delhi grabs you and doesn't let go. Pass the imposing Red Fort and visit India Gate and the Parliament House.

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