Watching the sun's first rays tint the Taj Mahal saffron and coral? Or walking with a goatherd on quiet country lanes? As we look back on our luxury tour of India, we never can decide which was more memorable. India is fantastical-and we visit sumptuous palaces and temples for the photogenic proof. India is intensely human too, but visitors who only see the raucous cities miss the point. So we arrange one-of-a-kind countryside walks that introduce you to villagers and rural life…as well as descendants of royal families, sari- and turban-tying experts, and eminent naturalists. India is a rush of mind-bending contradictions. (Think: "safaris" into the jungle habitat of tigers, New Delhi, and the Thar Desert.) Most of all, our beloved India is epic. And that’s where Classic Journeys comes in with a thoughtful, well-edited itinerary package that handles the complex logistics of India travel and frees you to absorb an amazingly broad wealth of experiences.

DAY 1 - DELHI
We meet in Delhi (1 night). After a walking tour of the Old City, we switch to rickshaws for a ride around India’s largest mosque. We may sample street food in the Chor Bazaar, but save room for tonight’s dinner in a private home.

DAY 2 - AGRA
In Agra (1 night), we’re not content just to see the Taj Mahal—our hotel overlooks it for uncrowded access at dusk and dawn.

DAYS 3-4 - RANTHAMBHORE
A hunting lodge (2 nights) is our base for walks and game drives at Ranthambhore National Park, the world’s best-known tiger preserve.

DAYS 5-6 - JAIPUR
Then we take the road to Jaipur (2 nights) through the villages of Rajasthan. On elephant back, we’ll visit the Amber Fort and pause for refreshments at a farmhouse.

DAY 7 - PUSHKAR
After a flight to Jodhpur, we’ll go for a camel ride before returning to our colonial-style luxury encampment at Osian (1 night) and an evening with local dancers.

DAY 8 - DEOGARH
From the beautiful hamlet of Narlai (1 night), we’ll take a fascinating walk into the Aravalli Hills to meet the native tribespeople at home in their small rural village.

DAYS 9-11 - UDAIPUR / DELHI
In Udaipur (2 nights), the Venice of the East, we’ll stroll from our gleaming hotel to explore the city’s white marble palace complex. Then we shop the spice and vegetable markets with a chef, followed by a cooking lesson in her kitchen. On our final day, we part company in Delhi.