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India Udaipur Market Women
Rajasthan & the Taj Mahal

India Cultural Walking Tour

9 DaysStarting at $9,995
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Overview

Watching the sun's first rays tint the Taj Mahal saffron and coral? Or walking with a shepherd on a quiet country lane. As you look back on India, you can decide which was more memorable. India is fantastical—and you’ll visit sumptuous palaces and temples for the Instagrammable 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, farmers and rural life…as well as descendants of royal families, sari- and turban-tying experts, and artisans. India is a rush of mind-bending contradictions, from the aromatic clangor of local markets to the deep serenity of some of the world’s most lavish hotels. Most of all, your India is epic. And that's where Classic Journeys comes in with a thoughtful, well-edited itinerary that handles the complex logistics and frees you to absorb an amazingly broad wealth of experiences. 

Classic Journeys provides unbeatable access to experiences around the globe.”
Travel + Leisure

Itinerary Highlights

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  • Explore Delhi with a walking tour of the Old City and a rickshaw ride around India’s largest mosque. 
  • Sample street food in the Chor Bazaar with your expert local guide
  • In Agra, enjoy the views and learning about the Taj Mahal
  • Make your way through the villages of Rajasthan and visit the Amber Fort 
  • Visit Deogarh Mahal's 17th-century palace, then train to Kamblighat to take a look at everyday life in this remote region
  • In Udaipur, the Venice of the East, stroll the city’s white marble palace complex
  • Shop the spice and vegetable markets with a chef, followed by a cooking lesson in their kitchen
  • Explore Udaipur, on foot at eye level, before parting company
Download Full Daily Itinerary

Map

  • Starting Point:

    Delhi – 9:00 am – Lobby of Shangri-La Eros Delhi

  • Ending Point:

    Udaipur – 8:00 am – Lobby of Oberoi Udaivilas
Itinerary Map

Click map to enlarge

Walking Level

  • Daily Mileage Options: 2-8 miles

  • Route Notes:

    The terrain on this trip includes a mix of paved and cobblestone streets in New Delhi, Jaipur, Deogarh and Udaipur; as well as well-maintained countryside trails of compressed dirt and stone, and temple complexes with marble and other hard stone surfaces. The footpaths offer a selection of level, rolling and hilly terrain with some elevation gain and loss.
To See Mileage Daily, Download Full Itinerary

Dates & Prices

The earlier you book, the more choice you’ll have and the lower your price. And you can always change your mind — you won’t be charged to transfer to a different trip before your final payment is due. Talk with one of our travel experts at 800-200-3887.

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Family Departure

Select our “Family Departure” to travel with other families.

Internal Airfare

$995: This tour includes flights between Jaipur and Udaipur for a supplemental cost. (subject to change)

Hotels

We spend years cultivating personal relationships with our hoteliers to provide you thoughtfully selected accommodations that reveal the true character of the region. Here is a sampling of our favorite hotels on this tour. 

Shangri-La Eros Delhi

In the heart of New Delhi, this luxurious 5-star hotel is an elegant oasis. Sprawling lawns surround it, and many of the tasteful contemporary Asian-style rooms offer grand views of the city’s historic district. Facilities include a lovely pool.

Oberoi Amarvilas Hotel

Oberoi Amarvilas

Just 600 meters from the Taj Mahal, all rooms and public areas in this fine resort offer breathtaking views. Inspired by Moorish and Mughal architecture, it has been ranked in the top 10 hotels in the world by Travel + Leisure.

Hotel Devshree

This luxury hotel has been constructed in a traditional haveli style with deep verandahs, courtyards of Rajput architecture and influence. The interiors are airy and spacious, and the décor has a contemporary twist. Bedrooms offer views of the gardens.

Oberoi Udaivilas

On the banks of Lake Pichola, this extravagant hotel sprawls across 50 acres with sapphire pools, vivid gardens and amazing views. Rooms are a distinctive blend of local style and contemporary amenities. Arrange an over-the-top afternoon tea.

Samode Haveli

Samode Haveli

Built by various rulers over many centuries, the former royal residences are now deluxe rooms and suites. Each room in Samode Haveli is unique and has a distinctive character which reflects the rich history and culture of Samode.

What’s Included

  • Meals: All breakfasts, six lunches, seven dinners, and one cooking instruction.
  • Hotels: Award-winning boutique properties, thoughtfully selected for their exceptional location, design, history, and regional character.
  • Tour Leader(s): Expert guides who are your well-connected local friends and provide you access to people and places you wouldn’t find on your own.
  • Supplemental Experts: Additional regional guides and specialists on select tours.
  • Transportation: All land transportation as listed in the daily itinerary, including fares for trains, ferries, and other modes of travel.
  • Privileged Access Events: One-of-a-kind access to remarkable people, places, and experiences arranged just for you, as noted in the daily itinerary.
  • Admissions & Entry Fees: Entry to tastings, historic sites, and other scheduled activities listed in the daily itinerary.
  • Baggage Transfers: Upon arrival, we whisk you and your bags directly to your room—no waiting, no tipping.
  • Gratuities: All gratuities at hotels, restaurants, and for baggage handling.
  • Dedicated Guest Services Coordinator: Your pre-trip concierge and tour expert, available to answer questions and ensure you’re fully ready to get the most out of your tour.
Not Included: Tour Leader gratuities, travel to and from your trip’s start and end points, and any meals or activities taken independently.

Why Choose Classic Journeys

Travel + Leisure has awarded Classic Journeys the #1 World’s Best Tour Operator multiple times and says, "Classic Journeys provides unbeatable access to experiences around the globe." Here’s what that access means for you.

  • Experience the world on foot and at eye level. Each day, join your guide on the most cinematic footpaths in the region.
  • Exceptional full-time local guides who become your well-connected friend. Our amazing guides are with you throughout each day of the tour, share their lifelong connections as well as engaging anecdotes about the history and culture of the region.
  • Small groups that provide you unrivaled access. An average of fewer than 10 guests per departure means we can offer you special access to sites like Stonehenge so you experience the stone circle when it’s closed to the general public, a guided visit to Zion Narrows that other companies cannot arrange because of larger group sizes, and vineyard walks with a count and countess in Tuscany.
  • Award-winning hotels are waiting for you at the end of every day. Luxuriate in the finest and most distinctive accommodations in the region you’re exploring, including rainforest lodges, 16th century villas, and award-winning properties that show up on World’s Best and Gold lists.
  • Eat like (and with) the locals. Food is a foolproof way into the hearts, homes and history of the places you visit with us. From gourmet picnics to coveted local restaurants, our meals offer you opportunities to explore native food traditions and fine dining.
  • Handcrafted itineraries with all activities included. With our long-term friendships, we know our walking tour regions more personally than anyone else. So you get thoughtfully curated itineraries that combine explorations of the villages, organic farms, archeological sites and the people who know them best.
  • Sustainable travel that supports the places you’re visiting. We put our local currency into the pockets of the people who live where we travel. It’s your guarantee that you’ll have authentic, up-close experiences on your trip. Best of all, our person-to-person approach helps sustain their ways of life.

 

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FAQs

Why is Classic Journeys the best tour company for India tours?

For a truly authentic and unforgettable experience in India, Classic Journeys leads the way. You’ll join a small group of travelers (often fewer than 10), walk at eye level through the countryside and bustling bazaars, and enjoy exclusive access—from evenings with local families to cooking alongside chefs. Your expert local guides (who will become your well-connected friends) will connect you to India’s heart in ways you simply couldn’t find on your own.

Which locations does the Classic Journeys India itinerary include?

Our Classic Journeys India tour explores Old Delhi’s bazaars, Agra’s incredible Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, strolls through Rajasthan villages and forts, Udaipur’s lakes and marble palaces—and special moments like cooking classes and village encounters along the way. Every day you’ll enjoy luxurious hotel stays, immersive walks and one-of-a-kind access for an unforgettable trip to India.

When is the best time to visit India?

The best time to travel to India is October to March—when cool, dry days are perfect for walking and exploring. For the best experience, Classic Journeys schedules departure dates to avoid extreme weather so you can savor every temple, palace, and countryside walk comfortably.

How active is the India cultural walking tour?

Classic Journeys’ India tour offers a mix of easy to moderate daily walks—usually 2 to 8 miles—with options for more active exploring. You’ll navigate the old city’s narrow lanes, climb fort stairs (like Amber Fort), and wander temple complexes. Your guides keep things flexible, so you can enjoy every walk at your preferred pace.

How many travelers are in each small group on your India tour?

Classic Journeys keeps groups small—usually fewer than 10 guests and never more than 18—ensuring access, flexibility, and genuine connections. This ensures personalized attention from your expert local guides as well as genuine camaraderie from your travel companions while exploring India.

What are the start/end logistics for the India tour?

The Classic Journeys India trip starts in Delhi and ends in Udaipur, and your bags are seamlessly handled at every stop. If you need any assistance, just reach out to your Guest Services Coordinator for travel tips and advice.