As your plane glides into Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport, you arrive in a city where ancient dynasties and modern ambitions converge. After completing customs and immigration formalities, a warm welcome awaits from your dedicated LUMLE representative, who will meet you at arrivals and assist with a smooth transfer to your hotel, ensuring a comfortable start to your journey.

Delhi, a city rebuilt seven times across centuries, is a living kaleidoscope of history, culture, and energy. From its soaring Mughal monuments and grand colonial boulevards to its vibrant bazaars and modern skyline, the capital reveals India’s story of resilience and reinvention. Known as both the cultural and political heartbeat of the nation, Delhi offers an immediate immersion into contrasts—where the timeless and contemporary exist side by side.

The evening is yours to unwind at your hotel, recover from your international journey, and take in the first impressions of this dynamic metropolis. Tomorrow, you’ll begin your discovery of India’s capital city, exploring its layers of grandeur and charm.

Begin your day with an enthralling exploration of Old Delhi, where history and tradition unfold at every turn. Step into the grandeur of the Jama Masjid, one of Asia’s largest mosques, its vast courtyard and Mughal architecture evoking the power and devotion of a bygone era. From here, take a lively rickshaw ride through the labyrinthine lanes of Chandni Chowk, alive with the fragrance of spices, the glint of silver, and the hum of daily life. Pause for a photo opportunity at the majestic Red Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and enduring symbol of Mughal splendour, before moving to the tranquil Raj Ghat, the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi—a serene counterpoint to the city’s bustle. Conclude your morning with a break at a local ethnic restaurant to savour authentic Delhi flavours (at your own cost).

In the afternoon, transition into New Delhi, where sweeping boulevards and colonial grandeur define the landscape. Drive past the stately Rashtrapati Bhawan (Presidential Palace) and the elegant Parliament of India, landmarks of India’s democratic heart. Stop at the solemn India Gate, a war memorial honouring the soldiers who gave their lives, and continue to the striking Lotus Temple (closed on Mondays), a masterpiece of Bahá’í design and a symbol of unity and peace. End the day at the soaring Qutub Minar, a UNESCO-listed minaret whose intricate carvings reflect the artistic brilliance of Indo-Islamic craftsmanship.

As evening descends, return to your hotel, reflecting on a day that has carried you from Mughal magnificence and spiritual calm to colonial grandeur and modern elegance—a true immersion into the soul of India’s capital.

After a delightful breakfast, leave the bustle of India’s capital behind and journey into Rajasthan’s Shekhawati region, famed for its artistry and heritage. Your destination is the picturesque town of Mandawa, often celebrated as an open-air art gallery. As you arrive, the quiet lanes unfold with splendid Havelis—ornate merchant mansions decorated with some of the most intricate frescoes in the region. Their painted walls, depicting mythological scenes, daily life, and historic tales, showcase the opulence of the traders who once prospered here.

Spend the afternoon meandering through Mandawa’s timeless streets, admiring the elaborate artwork, carved facades, and fading grandeur of these architectural gems. The town’s atmosphere is steeped in nostalgia, offering an intimate glimpse into Rajasthan’s vibrant past, where history and art meet in every detail.

As the sun dips lower, the charm of Mandawa deepens—lantern light flickers across courtyards, and the town’s calm pace invites reflection on the journey from urban Delhi to this enchanting cultural haven.

After breakfast, set out for the historic desert city of Bikaner, once a thriving stop along the ancient caravan trade routes. Steeped in history and culture, Bikaner unfolds as a living museum of Rajasthan’s royal past. Begin with a visit to the magnificent Junagarh Fort, a formidable citadel never conquered in battle. Step inside its intricately decorated halls and courtyards, where exquisite stone carvings, ornate balconies, and frescoed interiors reveal the splendour and ingenuity of its Rajput builders.

As evening descends, climb into a colourful tuk-tuk and weave through the bustling bazaars of the old city. Here, vibrant stalls overflow with handwoven textiles, camel leather goods, and traditional crafts, while the air carries the aroma of spiced snacks and sweets. Immersed in the lively sights and sounds, you’ll experience the essence of Rajasthan at its most authentic.

Bikaner’s blend of regal monuments and dynamic street life makes it an unforgettable highlight of your desert journey, offering a vivid window into the traditions and artistry of Rajasthan.

After breakfast, depart Bikaner and embark on a surface journey to Jaipur, the resplendent Pink City of India. As the road unwinds, watch the desert landscapes gradually soften into more fertile plains, with scenes of rural life, camel carts, and scattered forts punctuating the horizon. This transition from the stark beauty of the Thar Desert to the regal grandeur of Rajasthan’s capital sets the stage for the next chapter of your journey. Upon arrival in Jaipur, the remainder of the day is free to relax or to take a leisurely stroll through the colourful lanes of this vibrant city.

Famed as the proud capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur enchants with its dazzling jewellery, hand-painted textiles, intricate stone carvings, and flourishing bazaars brimming with local artistry. The city’s striking rose-hued facades and carefully planned boulevards reflect a blend of Rajput pride and Mughal elegance. Its monuments and markets stand not only as architectural triumphs but also as enduring reminders of a regal past that continues to shape its unique identity today.

After breakfast, set out to explore the resplendent Amber Fort, perched on a rugged hilltop overlooking Maota Lake. Its soaring ramparts, domes, and courtyards conjure a scene from a Rajput legend. Inside, discover a world of ornate pavilions, gardens, and sacred temples. The undisputed highlight is the Sheesh Mahal (Hall of Mirrors), where the glow of a single flame multiplies into thousands of glittering reflections across walls and ceilings inlaid with mirror mosaics—an unforgettable demonstration of Rajput artistry.

Continue your journey through the Pink City with a visit to the City Palace Museum, a living testament to Jaipur’s regal heritage. Wander through grand courtyards and galleries that house royal robes, richly woven carpets, ancient weaponry, and exquisite miniature paintings depicting scenes of courtly life and battle. Just nearby stands the fascinating Jantar Mantar, an astronomical observatory built in 1726 AD, whose colossal stone instruments remain astonishingly accurate even today.

Pause for a photo stop at the iconic Hawa Mahal, or Palace of Winds, with its honeycomb of latticed windows designed to allow royal women to observe city life unseen. End your day amidst the vibrant bazaars of Jaipur, where colourful textiles, jewellery, and handicrafts spill from shopfronts, creating a kaleidoscope of sights, sounds, and scents that perfectly capture the city’s spirit.

After breakfast, set out on a scenic drive to Agra (approximately 240 km / 4 hours), with an en-route stop at the evocative Fatehpur Sikri. Once envisioned as the grand capital of Emperor Akbar, this red sandstone city was a flourishing court of power and artistry before it was mysteriously abandoned just a few years after completion. As you wander through its remarkably preserved palaces, mosques, and courtyards, it is easy to picture the splendour of Akbar’s reign and the vibrant life that once animated its halls.

Continue your journey to Agra, a city steeped in history and forever linked with the legacy of the mighty Mughal Empire. Agra first gained prominence under the Afghan ruler Sikandar Lodhi, and later in 1526 A.D., Emperor Babur laid the foundations of its transformation into a cultural gem. The city reached its zenith under the reign of Akbar, Jahangir, and Shah Jahan, flourishing as a centre of architecture, artistry, and imperial power.

Today, Agra is not only famed for its Mughal monuments but also for its thriving craftsmanship. From handwoven carpets to delicate marble inlay work and fine leather goods, many of the city’s artisans proudly trace their heritage back to the master builders of the Taj Mahal. Arriving here, you step into a living tapestry of Mughal grandeur and timeless artistry.

Begin your day with a sunrise visit to the world’s most celebrated monument of love, the Taj Mahal (closed on Fridays), weather permitting. Commissioned in 1631 by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, this UNESCO World Heritage Site took 18 years to complete with over 20,000 master craftsmen under the guidance of architect Ustad Ahmad Lahori. Admire its flawless symmetry, feminine grace, intricate pietra dura inlay work, and glowing white marble that changes hues with the light—rose and gold at dawn, dazzling white by day, and silvery under the moonlight. Surrounded by lush gardens and reflecting pools symbolising paradise, the Taj Mahal is an experience that stays with you forever.

After this unforgettable encounter, return to your hotel for a relaxed breakfast, reflecting on the timeless beauty you have just witnessed.

Later in the day, step into the imposing Agra Fort, another UNESCO-listed masterpiece and once the seat of Mughal power. Within its massive red sandstone walls lie palaces, audience halls, and courtyards that tell the story of imperial ambition and artistic brilliance. Stroll through its intricately carved chambers and marble pavilions, once home to emperors Akbar, Jahangir, and Shah Jahan, and imagine the splendour of Mughal court life. From the fort’s vantage points, catch memorable glimpses of the Taj Mahal in the distance—a poignant reminder of Shah Jahan’s enduring devotion.

Leave behind the grandeur of Agra this morning and journey along the Yamuna Expressway towards Delhi. From here, board your flight to Goa and watch as the landscapes transform from the Mughal splendour of North India to the palm-fringed, sun-drenched shores of the Arabian Sea.

On arrival in Goa, you will be greeted by our representative for a seamless airport transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Ease into the laid-back rhythm of this coastal paradise: wander barefoot along golden Goa beaches, take a dip in the warm waters, or simply recline by the pool with a cool drink as fishing boats drift across the horizon at sunset.

If you feel like exploring, step into the charm of Fontainhas, Panaji’s colourful Latin Quarter filled with Portuguese-era villas, or head to Fort Aguada for spectacular sea views at dusk. Alternatively, savour Goa’s celebrated cuisine at a beachfront shack, where freshly caught seafood is spiced with local flavours and served to the sound of the surf.

After the cultural discoveries of North India, today is devoted entirely to leisure on the golden sands of Goa. Embrace the unhurried rhythm of the coast: wander barefoot along palm-fringed beaches, feel the warm Arabian breeze, or simply let time drift by to the soothing sound of the waves. This is your chance to recharge and savour the slower pace of life after the vibrant energy of the Golden Triangle.

As the day unfolds, you may wish to relax in a seaside café, sample the laid-back Goan culinary scene, or watch the sun dip into the horizon in a blaze of gold and crimson. However you choose to spend it, today offers a gentle pause — a time for reflection, rest, and immersion in the coastal charm of India’s most beloved beach destination.

Today is another chance to embrace the unhurried rhythm of Goa. Begin your morning at ease, perhaps with a gentle walk along the shoreline as fishing boats return with their catch. The day is yours to enjoy at a relaxed pace — unwind on golden sands, explore a nearby café, or simply let time drift by to the sound of the Arabian Sea. As evening approaches, make your way to the beach to witness a classic Goan sunset, when the horizon glows in shades of amber, rose, and violet — a fitting close to a day of rest and reflection.

Savour a final morning in Goa with the sea breeze and tropical light as your companions. Depending on your flight time, enjoy a relaxed breakfast or one last walk along the shore. Later, transfer to the airport for your homebound flight, carrying with you not just memories of India’s Golden Triangle and the serenity of Goa’s coastline, but the timeless spirit of a journey that blended culture, heritage, and relaxation in perfect measure.