Best of India and Bhutan

This comprehensive, ultra-luxury tour visits two of the world's most fascinating cultural destinations: India and Bhutan.

Begin in Delhi with touring that includes Old Delhi’s bazaars, the Red Fort, Humayun’s Tomb, the Lodi Gardens, upscale shopping districts, and the excellent Crafts Museum. Next, visit Agra and the Taj Mahal, the world’s greatest monument to love. Also visit Agra Fort and local markets. At night, enjoy a luxurious room with an uninterrupted view of the Taj Mahal.

Proceed to Ranthambore National Park, one of the world’s finest wildlife sanctuaries, home to tigers, leopards and crocodiles. Enjoy game viewing excursions while staying at a luxury tented camp surrounded by lemon and mango trees.

Next, visit Jaipur, Rajasthan’s great “Pink City.” See the rich architectural legacy of Jaipur’s merchants and maharajas (Hindu princes)—hill forts, palaces, gardens, temples and havelis (courtyard mansions)—surrounded by stark desert. Ride an elephant to Amber Fort. Tour the Sheesh Mahal, the ancient observatory, the Palace of the Winds, and Jaipur’s City Palace. Marvel at the luminous saris of indigenous tribal women and the bright turbans of Rajasthani men. One night, attend a ceremony at a local temple. Explore medieval backstreets and browse bazaars selling textiles, leatherwork, woodblock prints, perfume, jewelry and Jaipur’s traditional blue pottery. When not touring, relax at your palce hotel that reflects the romance and grandeur of Rajasthan.

Continue to Udaipur, India’s most romantic city. Cruise Lake Pichola and walk through picturesque backstreets. Tour the City Palace, Jagdish Temple, the Saheliyon Ki Bari garden, and Udaipur’s bazaars. On a day excursion outside the city, tour the spectacular Jain temples of Ranakpur, where relief carvings cover every surface, including over 1,400 pillars, and have lunch at former royal retreat. Alternatively, opt to relax at your exclusive hotel and enjoy flexible shopping and touring in Udaipur with your private driver and guide.

Continue to Thimphu, Bhutan's charming capital. Thimphu is renowned for its high quality textiles and handicrafts. If your timing is right, explore the weekend market. Also opt to visit the Trashi Chhoe Dzong, National Textile Museum, Folk Heritage Museum, School of Traditional Arts, National Memorial Chorten (stupa), National Library or the Philatelic Center (Bhutan creates some of the world's most innovatively designed stamps).

Drive through the mountains, passing the 108 stupas, to Punakha, the ancient winter capital, located in a sub-tropical area where rhododendron and magnolia bloom and orange and banana trees flourish. Relax at your resort, set among rice terraces, chili and cabbage fields and traditional Bhutanese farmhouses. Enjoy some gentle hikes and cultural touring with your private guide before continuing to Paro, a resort valley town nestled between the Himalayas. With your own private guide and driver, explore the town, the National Museum, the surrounding verdant valleys, and Tiger's Nest Monastery.

If desired, perhaps have us arrange for a cooking class or meal at a private local home. Other options include spa treatments, visits to local farm houses and private monasteries, meditations led by monks, and meals with Bhutanese officials to learn about the government of this fascinating country. Soft-adventure activities include: hiking, biking, rafting, fly-fishing, archery lessons and more.

Throughout the tour, enjoy flexible touring with your own guide and driver and accommodation at some of the world's most luxurious hotels.