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Escorted Tours

Grand Tour of Rajasthan


Route:
  • London
  • Delhi
  • Agra
  • Jaipur
  • Bikaner
  • Jaisalmer
  • Manvar
  • Jodhpur
  • Udaipur
  • London
Tour Pace:

16 DAYS from £1899pp

Tour Highlights
  • Embark on captivating tours of Old and New Delhi
  • Explore the Mehrangarh, Red, Agra, Jaisalmer, Junagad, and Amber Forts
  • Embark on a tour of the magnificent Taj Mahal
  • Enjoy a deluxe tented camp stay in the Thar Desert
  • Meander the streets of the 'Blue City' of Jodhpur
  • Visit the City Palace on the shores of Lake Pichola
  • Marvel at the abandoned city of Fatehpur Sikri

To book call us on 0330 818 8907

Grand Tour of Rajasthan

Explore the iconic monuments of Delhi and Agra before travelling further into the enchanting northern province of Rajasthan, awash with all the vibrant colours of India.

Tour Itinerary

1
UK to Delhi

Depart London on your scheduled, overnight flight to Delhi International Airport.

2
Delhi

On arrival in Delhi, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. After lunch, a short tour of the beautifully planned city of New Delhi will follow. Offering you a taste of its imperial glory, you'll drive past the India Gate and Parliament Building before visiting the Birla Temple, made purely out of 2,000 tons of Rajasthani white marble.

  • Lunch & Dinner
3
Delhi

Today enjoy a full day tour of Delhi, beginning with the historic Old Delhi. Travelling through the narrow, crowded streets on a rickshaw, pass vibrant food markets and chai wallahs brewing their sweet tea. Visit the regal Red Fort for a sense of the lavish life once led by the former rulers before your tour continues to New Delhi to see the Mahatma Gandhi memorial and the 12th century Qutab Minar with its fine examples of Indo-Islamic architecture.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
4
Delhi to Agra

Depart Delhi for a leisurely train journey to Agra. Despite being a small city, Agra was once the capital of the mighty Mughal dynasty whose strength manifested itself in the huge forts and buildings designed to maintain its power. During the afternoon you will visit the vast red sandstone Agra Fort. The colossal walled city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, built by the Mughals in 1573 and boasts gigantic pavilions, grand palaces and spectacular courtyards.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
5
Agra to Jaipur

This magical day starts with a tour of one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Taj Mahal; words do not do this remarkable palace justice. Taking 17 years and 20,000 men to build, the heartbroken Mughal Emperor Shahjahan dedicated this stunning white marble monument of love to his deceased wife to enshrine her mortal remains. Then drive to the Pink City of Jaipur, passing farms and villages before arriving in Jaipur in time for dinner.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
6
Jaipur

Begin your day in Jaipur with a visit to the spectacular Amber Fort, the ancient capital of the royal family until 1728. Spanning over four huge courtyards, you will travel to the centre of the fort by Jeep, passing snake charmers and harems of the Maharajah along the way. An afternoon city tour of Jaipur takes you to the astronomical observatory of Jantar Mantar. Lastly marvel at the hundreds of tiny windows on the facade of the Hawa Mahal, known to many as the Palace of the Winds.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
7
Jaipur to Bikaner

Following breakfast you will start the drive to Bikaner, stopping en-route for lunch. Bounded by sand dunes and situated on an elevated plain, this vibrant desert town is fondly known as the 'camel country' of India. Arriving early evening you will check-in to your hotel for your overnight stay.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
8
Bikaner

A morning tour of the 16th century Junagad Fort awaits you today. With its unique and formidable structure, you will be able to appreciate the amazing network of havelis - mansions with courtyards and balconies of red sandstone and marble. The fort also contains numerous monuments with gold plasters, exquisite mirror work and hidden chambers. Returning to the hotel for lunch you will have the rest of the day at leisure to relax. Stay over Night at Hotel

9
Bikaner to Jaisalmer

This morning you will head to the 'Sun City' of Jaisalmer, located in the great Thar Desert. Dominated by the breath-taking fort, this beautifully evocative city is one of Rajasthan's biggest attractions with its mysterious camel-train trade routes and local bazaars brimming with bright embroideries and dazzling glass mirrors. On arrival into the city, you will check into your hotel before visiting some of the main attractions including the 12th century Jain temples and the magnificent golden Jaisalmer fort itself.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
10
Jaisalmer to Manvar

After check-in and lunch you will be taken on a desert jeep safari to see some of the rural life of the surrounding areas. Later, enjoy the unique experience of a camel ride into the Thar Desert. This evening witness the stunning sunset with a cultural performance and dinner under the starlit skies. (Desert Camps are closed 1st April to 30th September. Resort is operational until around mid-May and opens 1st August.)

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
11
Manvar to Jodhpur

After breakfast, check-out and proceed to Jodhpur where you will enjoy an afternoon tour of the buzzing 'Blue City'. Starting at the mighty 15th century Mehrangarh fort, this magnificent architectural masterpiece towers above the sandstone hills of the city and boasts huge courtyards and palatial apartments within. Continue on to Jaswanth Thada, the traditional cremation ground of the rulers of Jodhpur with ornamental gardens containing the fabulous white marble memorial to the Maharaja, Jaswanth Singh II.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
12
Jodhpur & Bishnoi

Spend a relaxed morning at leisure before an afternoon visit to a tribal village in the nearby Bishnoi, offering a taste of the past and rich culture of the region. Inhabited by a community of nature worshippers, the beautifully scenic village contains a natural lake surrounded by Khejri trees where migratory birds, antelope and other animals come from nearby areas to drink and graze.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
13
Jodhpur to Udaipur

Leaving Jodhpur, en-route to Udaipur you will visit the world famous Ranakpur temple complex. Acclaimed for their intricate and superb architectural style, the temples are the largest of the Jain cult and form one of the five major pilgrimage sites. Wholly constructed in marble with more than 1,400 exquisitely carved supportive pillars, they contain numerous beautifully and delicately carved sculptures and are definitely a highlight of any trip to this area. Continuing onwards to Udaipur.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
14
Udaipur

Affectionately known as 'The Venice of the East', magical Udaipur is a city of romance with beautiful lakes and fantastical palaces all bordered by lush, forested hills. This morning you will visit the huge City Palace, lining the eastern shore of Lake Pichola, with its balconies gazing out towards the stunning Lake Palace seemingly floating on the waters across the shimmering lake. Next make a stop at the celebrated Jagdish temple, the largest in the city and whose 79 foot sculpted spire dominates the skyline. Here you can appreciate the three-storied temple that is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the Universe.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
15
Udaipur to Delhi

This afternoon have a flight to Delhi where you will have the day at leisure.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
16
Delhi to the UK or Extension

This morning you will be transferred to the airport in time for your flight back to the UK or continue to your chosen extension.

  • Breakfast

Important Information

Visas

A visa is required for entry into India. British Citizen Passport Holders will need to obtain a tourist visa. We work closely with The Travel Visa Company who will be able to arrange your visa on your behalf. Please call them on 01270 250 590 and quote 'Mercury Holidays'. The Travel Visa Company can only apply for this 120 days before your proposed travel date. When calling the Travel Visa Company they will advise you of any changes to the fees or the procedure, they will also advise you of all information they will require in order to apply for the visa. Alternatively you can visit The Indian Visa Application Centre in London: 142-148 Goswell Road, London, EC1B 7DU. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months before you enter India. Visa requirements are subject to change and obtaining a visa is the responsibility of the traveller and not Mercury Holidays. We recommend you check with your destinations' Tourist Board or Embassy prior to departure for the most up to date guidelines regarding visas and passport validity

Insurance

We strongly recommend that you and all members of your party are suitably insured as soon as you book your holiday. It is a condition of booking that you must have suitable travel insurance. It is important that you purchase travel insurance that suitably covers your participation in whatever activities you may undertake at the time that you make your booking. To assist you with this, we have arranged travel insurance in partnership with Holiday Extras. To arrange your travel insurance with Holiday Extras, please call 0800 781 4237 and quote 'WK830' for preferential rates. Please ensure you provide us with the name of your insurer, policy number and their 24-hour emergency contact number as soon as possible. Mercury Holidays will not be liable for any costs incurred by you due to your failure to take out suitable travel insurance from the date of booking.

Payment

If booking more than 10 weeks before departure a deposit of £250pp will need to be paid at the time of booking with the full amount payable at 10 weeks prior to departure. The deposit applies to adults and children. If you are within 10 weeks of travel then the full balance of the holiday will be payable.

Flight Information

Flights are operated with Virgin Atlantic, departing London Heathrow. Each passenger is entitled to hold luggage plus 1 item of hand luggage. Weight restrictions will be finalized on E-ticket receipt. Should you wish to take additional luggage you will need to pay extra at check- in. Check-In should be at least 3 hours before departure.
IMPORTANT: Please note that final flight details will be confirmed on your final documentation which will be sent to you approximately 10 days before departure. Should you wish to take additional luggage you will need to pay extra at check-in. Check-In should be at least 3 hours before departure.
If you wish to arrange Airport car parking or accommodation at preferential rates, we recommend you book this in advance with Holiday Extras on 0871 360 2000, quoting HX313.

Health and Vaccinations

It is your responsibility to check any health and vaccination requirements applicable to your booked arrangements. We can only provide general information about this. Health and hygiene facilities and disease risks vary from country to country. You should take health advice about your own needs as early as possible and in good time before your departure. Sources of information include; www.fco.gov.uk, http://travelhealthpro.org.uk/, www.hpa.org.uk, your General Practitioner or a specialist clinic.

Physical Accessibility

The minimum number of travellers in your group will be 10, and the maximum will be 40. If in the unlikely event there are less than 10 people booked on your tour date, we will endeavour to reduce any disruption to your holiday and try to operate your tour with lower passenger numbers. If we are not able to operate your departure date then you may be asked to change to a different date and a full refund will be made available to you should this alternative not be suitable.

Group Size

The minimum number of travellers in your group will be 10, and the maximum will be 40. If in the unlikely event there are less than 10 people booked on your tour date then you may be asked to change to a different date. A full refund will be made available to you should this alternative not be suitable.

Tour Guide

This is a fully escorted tour, meaning that you will be met on arrival and will be accompanied by a guide throughout your stay ensuring that you have first-hand knowledge at all times.

Currency Information

The currency in India is the Rupee or Rs. The Rupee is a closed currency and officially you are not allowed to take any cash out of India. US Dollars and GBP are also widely accepted in India should you wish to keep an alternative currency on you. There are restrictions on taking Indian rupees into India. Visitors, including tourists, are not permitted to take any amount of Indian currency into the country. You can take cash or travellers' cheques (in pounds sterling or another foreign currency) and/or a bank card with you and exchange or withdraw rupees once in India.

Personal Expenses

You will need to take money with you to cover any personal purchases such as souvenirs, laundry and extra drinks and snacks. Approximately £300 per person will be sufficient for the durations of the tour, depending on how much of a bargain-hunter you are!

Tour Dates & Prices

Depart UKArrive UKPrice
2024 Dates
01 May 202416 May 2024SOLD OUT
04 Sep 202419 Sep 2024£1999.00
18 Sep 202403 Oct 2024£2099.00
16 Oct 202431 Oct 2024£2599.00
30 Oct 202414 Nov 2024£2599.00
20 Nov 202405 Dec 2024£2599.00

Included in the Price

  • Local English-speaking Guides
  • Scheduled Flights from the UK.
  • All internal travel including air-conditioned/heated transportation.
  • Accommodation, meals as specified and entry fees to all sights.
  • All airport taxes and security charges.

Additional Expenses

  • Visas
  • Insurance
  • Tips
  • Any meals not specified in your itinerary
Travelling alone?

We have a limited number of single places with no supplement on this tour. Once these have been sold, a single supplement will apply for single travellers on this tour. However, if you are happy to share with another passenger of the same gender, then let us know at the time of booking and we will endeavour to find you a travelling partner.

Private Tours:

If the group departure dates are not suitable for you and you would prefer a more personal and flexible experience then you can choose to book a private guide for your tour at a reasonable supplement.

Tour Change:

Please note that, due to weather conditions for departures between April and June, the Manvar Camp will be closed and you will stay at Manvar Desert Resort. All activities will remain the same however the swimming pool will be closed for May and June departures.

What to expect

Fact File
Min/Max temperature

20 °C / 42 °C

When to go

Weather can vary quite considerably throughout the year, so please familiarise yourself with the climate charts below.

Delhi

Agra

Jaipur

Bikaner

Udaipur

What to pack
  • Sunscreen, insect repellent and hat
  • Waterproof lightweight jacket
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Flip flops or sandals (shoes that are easy to remove when going into religious buildings)
  • Long, lightweight skirts or trousers and long sleeved tops (you will need to have your legs and arms covered when going into religious buildings
  • Camera and charger
  • A plug adaptor
  • Leave plenty of space in your case for shopping
  • A hand luggage bag for your stay in Manvar
Customer Rating:
10/10
Jeffrey Glanz
13th Mar 2020

We particularly enjoyed the Heritage Resort Bikaner, and the Manvar Resort & Tented Camp stay was exceptional

  • Overall Satisfaction
  • Value for money
Customer Rating:
10/10
Joan Nicholson
1st Feb 2020

All the hotels were very good, the meals were excellent, the rooms were comfortable and the staff were helpful.

  • Overall Satisfaction
  • Value for money
Customer Rating:
10/10
Robert Housden
12th Apr 2019

THE HOTELS WERE OF A VERY GOOD STANDARD THROUGHOUT

  • Overall Satisfaction
  • Value for money
Customer Rating:
10/10
Anna Pendlebury
19th Feb 2019

All hotels very good. Thoroughly enjoyed my first trip with Mercury Hope to travel with you again
Please note our guide YP Singh needs a special mention ...this guy is amazing We were so lucky to have him as our guide I hope to travel with YP as our guide again with Mercury

  • Overall Satisfaction
  • Value for money
Customer Rating:
10/10
Lawrence Cawker
12th Feb 2019

No comments

  • Overall Satisfaction
  • Value for money
Customer Rating:
10/10
Stephen Palmer
4th Feb 2019

The trip was well planned and thought through. The guide YP Singh turned the holiday from a great tour into an outstanding experience. Thank you!!

  • Overall Satisfaction
  • Value for money
Customer Rating:
10/10
Alexandra Macleod
25th Nov 2018

The staff in all the hotels provided an excellent service.
Great to have access to swimming pools.

  • Overall Satisfaction
  • Value for money
Customer Rating:
8.8/10
David Whitehead
14th Nov 2018

The standard of the hotels was good. The rooms were of a high standard.

  • Overall Satisfaction
  • Value for money
Customer Rating:
10/10
Jan Hynes
28th Oct 2018

All the hotels were excellent & the staff provided very fine service. Everyone was so pleasant & extremely helpful & caring.

  • Value for money
Customer Rating:
8.8/10
Moira Prebble
29th May 2018

Great holiday, guide in India excellent

  • Overall Satisfaction
  • Value for money
Customer Rating:
10/10
Anne Faulkner
26th May 2018

Just the pool at Manver had been drained which was slightly disappointing.
Also didn't like getting feedback forms after meals.
Park hotel was particularly good as was Ummard hotel

  • Overall Satisfaction
  • Value for money
Customer Rating:
10/10
Ian Mitchell
23rd Mar 2018

Hotels all offered comfortable accommodation and excellent service though our last hotel in Udaipur had rather more sparse interiors. Most hotels were a long way from city centres so it was not possible to walk into the middle of cities (except Jaipur and Udaipur) on free afternoons or at night. Food was generally very good, always served as a buffet which gave us a good choice. All pools were good, but the one in Jodhpur had no shade.

  • Overall Satisfaction
  • Value for money
Customer Rating:
10/10
Margaret Quinlan
10th Nov 2017

Some were slightly better than others but all of high quality

  • Overall Satisfaction
  • Value for money
Customer Rating:
10/10
Elaine Ord
9th Nov 2017

A couple of the hotels used provided rooms a long way from amenities which on arrival after a long days travel was not appreciated

  • Overall Satisfaction
  • Value for money
Customer Rating:
10/10
Margaret Williams
19th Mar 2017

Our guide and sidekick, driver and helper couldn't have done anymore for our party of 34. Several people fell ill and they got medication for them to make sure they recovered as quickly as possible. Can't recommend them highly enough.

  • Overall Satisfaction
  • Value for money
Customer Rating:
8.8/10
John Slee
17th Mar 2017

Hotels were generally very good. Would advise taking sink plugs.
Not all hotels had room safes, which made it difficult to secure passports etc when so advised.
Meal choices were very good.
Ladies would have liked some hotels to be located for suitable walkout shopping

  • Overall Satisfaction
  • Value for money
Customer Rating:
7.5/10
Reuben Hopper
5th Feb 2017

Hotel quality and cleanliness varied from very good to rather grubby.

All were welcoming though and food was very good.

  • Overall Satisfaction
  • Value for money
Customer Rating:
7.5/10
Richard & Pauline Merchant
31st Oct 2016

Excellently managed, hotels and guides perfect and could not fault the service.

  • Overall Satisfaction
  • Value for money
Customer Rating:
10/10
Edward Rozgowski
30th Oct 2016

Very good standard of rooms.

  • Overall Satisfaction
  • Value for money
Customer Rating:
10/10
Elaine Ord
29th Oct 2016

We could not have required anything else. Abhi was fantastic as our guide, kept us informed, suggested other visits which were amazing and did an excellent job along with Ahmed, Sergit and Ravi in giving us the best holiday experience ever. Thank you all from start of booking to the holiday itself we have been very well looked after and had an amazing time. All the hotels were excellent with good facilities and clean.

  • Overall Satisfaction
  • Value for money
Customer Rating:
8.8/10
Alan Walker
28th Oct 2016

All hotels were very good. Food at the hotels was excellent everywhere. I thought we had a very good, diverse group and everybody mixed in well. The guide contributed to this considerably. His personality and sense of humour were infectious.

  • Overall Satisfaction
  • Value for money
Tour Map
Grand Tour of Rajasthan Route Map
Tour Dossiers
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Hotels & Accommodation

Extensions

Delhi City Stay
Tour Route
  • UK
  • Delhi
  • Varanasi
  • Agra
  • Jaipur
  • Shimla
  • Chandigarh
  • Amritsar
  • Delhi
  • UK

After your Escorted Tour, spend two days at leisure in Delhi, giving you time to explore the historical sites and diverse culture.

2 nights
from £219pp
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Visit the Tigers of Ranthambore Extension
Tour Route
  • London
  • Delhi
  • Agra
  • Jaipur
  • Bikaner
  • Jaisalmer
  • Manvar
  • Jodhpur
  • Udaipur
  • Delhi
  • Rathambore
  • Delhi
  • London

Once a famous hunting ground for the gallant rulers of Jaipur, Ranthambore National Park is spread over 1,344km2 and is one of the biggest national parks in India. Choose this extension to experience a variety of wildlife including tigers, leopards, deer and much more.

4 nights
from £419pp
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Shimla City Stay
Tour Route
  • London
  • Delhi
  • Agra
  • Jaipur
  • Bikaner
  • Jaisalmer
  • Manvar
  • Jodhpur
  • Udaipur
  • Delhi
  • Shimla
  • Delhi
  • London

As capital of the state of Himachal Pradesh, the engaging town of Shimla is a popular resort for tourists and local vacationers alike. This former British summer capital still retains much of its colonial heritage and is the perfect extension to your tour of India.

4 nights
from £459pp
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Goa Beach Stay
Tour Route
  • London
  • Delhi
  • Agra
  • Jaipur
  • Delhi
  • Goa
  • London

Extend your trip with a stay in Goa, where your hotel is within walking distance from some of the most beautiful beaches. Goa is India's most popular and laid-back resort destination.

This add-on tour must be taken at the end of the main tour.

4 nights
from £499pp
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View Tour + Extension