Arrive at Cochin International Airport, where you’ll be greeted and escorted to Brunton Boatyard, a heritage waterfront hotel that reflects the city’s colonial Portuguese-Dutch legacy. Spend your afternoon at leisure soaking in views of the Arabian Sea or taking a sunset walk along the historic harbor. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner featuring Kerala’s rich spice-laden cuisine, complemented by ocean breezes and soft candlelight.

After breakfast, begin your guided walking tour through the enchanting streets of Fort Cochin. Visit St. Francis Church, the oldest European church in India, and marvel at the cantilevered Chinese fishing nets silhouetted against the sea. Explore the Dutch Palace in Mattancherry, with its vibrant murals, and stroll through the historic Jewish Quarter and its 16th-century synagogue. The afternoon is yours to discover local art galleries or relax with an Ayurvedic spa treatment. In the evening, attend a private Kathakali dance performance—a classical art form native to Kerala known for its elaborate costumes and expressive storytelling.

This morning, travel to Alleppey to board your private luxury houseboat. Drift through Kerala’s famed backwaters—a tranquil world of interlaced canals, emerald paddy fields, and swaying palms. Enjoy freshly prepared regional delicacies on board as you cruise past charming villages, local fishermen, and traditional toddy shops. As the sun sets over the water, your boat anchors for the night, allowing you to unwind under the stars, lulled by the gentle rhythm of the backwaters.

Disembark after breakfast and transfer to Cochin Airport for your flight to Mumbai. On arrival, you’ll be met and taken to The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai—India’s most iconic hotel overlooking the Gateway of India. Spend your afternoon at leisure, perhaps exploring the nearby Colaba district or indulging in high tea at the Sea Lounge. Enjoy dinner this evening at the hotel’s fine-dining restaurant, Wasabi by Morimoto or at the legendary Souk rooftop restaurant with stunning views over the Arabian Sea.

Delve into Mumbai’s vibrant contrasts today. Your private guided tour includes the historic Gateway of India, the Prince of Wales Museum, and Mani Bhavan, Gandhi’s former Mumbai residence. Witness the organized chaos of Dhobi Ghat, the city’s enormous open-air laundry, and stroll through the Kala Ghoda art district. Opt to end your tour with a boat ride to the Elephanta Caves (optional). Return to your hotel to relax, followed by a curated culinary experience showcasing the flavors of Maharashtra and beyond.

Board a morning flight to Varanasi, India’s oldest and most spiritual city. Upon arrival, transfer to the exquisite BrijRama Palace, situated directly on the banks of the Ganges and accessible by boat. As dusk falls, experience the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony from a private boat—witnessing an age-old ritual of fire, music, and devotion as priests offer prayers to the sacred river. Dine at the palace this evening with views overlooking the ghats, where centuries of tradition unfold before you.

Rise before dawn for a private sunrise boat ride along the Ganges, watching the city awaken in a scene of quiet reverence and ritual. Return for breakfast, then explore Varanasi’s winding alleyways, visiting Kashi Vishwanath Temple and the ancient Banaras Hindu University. Later, journey to Sarnath, the revered site where the Buddha delivered his first sermon. Return to your hotel for a restful evening, or opt for a guided heritage walk and traditional vegetarian thali dinner.

Fly to Delhi and transfer to The Imperial, a heritage hotel that encapsulates the colonial charm and grandeur of Lutyens’ Delhi. Spend the afternoon at leisure or enjoy a guided exploration of nearby Connaught Place or the serene Lodhi Gardens. This evening, indulge in fine dining at the hotel’s famed Indian restaurant, Daniell’s Tavern, where history meets culinary artistry.

Your full-day guided tour explores both the historic and contemporary faces of Delhi. Begin in Old Delhi with a visit to Jama Masjid followed by a rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk’s bustling lanes. Stop at Raj Ghat, the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi. In New Delhi, explore Humayun’s Tomb and the soaring Qutub Minar, then drive past the India Gate and Parliament House. Return to your hotel or opt for a curated shopping experience with a fashion consultant.

Drive to Agra and check in to The Oberoi Amarvilas, where every suite offers uninterrupted views of the Taj Mahal. In the afternoon, visit Agra Fort and the exquisite Itmad-ud-Daulah tomb, often referred to as the “Baby Taj.” As the sun begins to set, gaze at the Taj Mahal from your balcony or enjoy a private visit to Mehtab Bagh across the Yamuna River. A candlelit dinner awaits back at your hotel.

Experience the Taj Mahal at sunrise—a moment of ethereal beauty that will stay with you forever. Return for breakfast, then journey overland to Jaipur. En route, visit the perfectly preserved Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri. On arrival in Jaipur, check in to the majestic Rambagh Palace, once the residence of Jaipur’s royalty. Spend your evening enjoying the palatial ambiance and a royal Rajasthani dinner under the stars.

Explore Jaipur’s architectural marvels today, starting with the hilltop Amber Fort, accessed via Jeep. Wander its mirror-clad halls and regal courtyards. Visit the City Palace and the Jantar Mantar astronomical observatory, followed by a stop at the Hawa Mahal for a photo opportunity. In the afternoon, engage with Jaipur’s artisan culture through private sessions in block printing or jewelry-making. Return to your palace for a curated heritage dining experience with classical Indian music.

Fly to Udaipur, India’s most romantic city, and check into the iconic Taj Lake Palace—a gleaming marble vision afloat on Lake Pichola. After lunch, explore the impressive City Palace complex, Saheliyon Ki Bari gardens, and visit the Jagdish Temple. In the evening, enjoy a sunset boat cruise on Lake Pichola followed by a private dinner on a secluded island or within the palace itself—an experience both intimate and unforgettable.

Today is yours to experience Udaipur at your own pace. Relax by the lake, enjoy a spa treatment, or visit local art galleries. An optional excursion to the nearby 8th-century temples of Eklingji or a countryside horse ride through the Aravalli Hills can be arranged. In the evening, celebrate your journey with a private rooftop dinner overlooking the illuminated palaces of Udaipur.

Fly back to Mumbai for your final evening in India. Return to The Taj Mahal Palace, where you can enjoy a leisurely evening revisiting favorite spots or indulging in a final spa treatment. A farewell dinner will be arranged at a fine-dining venue of your choice, capping off your grand tour with elegance and reflection.

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Mumbai International Airport for your onward journey. Depart with memories of sacred rivers, timeless palaces, and the colors, cultures, and spirit that make India a world unlike any other.