On arrival, you are greeted with a traditional Indian welcome and escorted to your hotel. Bombay is India's most cosmopolitan city, an ancient port and trading centre. Rest of the day is at leisure.

Tour Bombay, a rich blend of East and West. An extensive tour of the city includes the British-built arch "Gateway of India", Bombay landmark the Hanging Gardens and the affluent community of Malabar Hills, the stately domed Prince of Wales Museum, with its rich collection of miniature paintings, ancient sculptures and jade, among the best in India, Dhobi Ghat, Marine Drive, the Gandhi Memorial Museum and Jain Temple.

Fly to Udaipur, famous as the "City of Lakes" and known as one of the most picturesque and romantic cities in India. Transfer to the hotel the world-famous Lake Palace Hotel, once a royal island retreat and now a luxurious hotel. It seems to float upon the waters of Lake Pichola. You will visit the city palace with its scalloped arches, fretted balconies and cupolas, Saheliyon ki Bari or Garden of Maids and the folklore museum where you can see a presentation of the string puppet show typical to this area.

By morning flight. Transfer to hotel. Full day free to explore the city. Overnight Udaipur.

You are transported back in time today, riding like royalty atop elegantly draped and painted elephants, into the high mountain fortress of Amber. Once the capital of royals, the fort is a superb example of Rajput architecture - a complex of Palaces, temples, exquisite marble and mirror-inlaid halls and apartments. In the old city, still encircled by a crenulated wall, visit the Hawa Mahal or "Palace of Winds", Jaipur's central landmark, from where royal ladies once watched daily life on the streets below. Explore the City Palace, characterised by balconies, tiny windows, cupolas, courtyards and arched entrances. It now houses an excellent collection of Rajasthan costumes, miniatures and an armoury of weapons. The restored observatory, originally built in the city's early years, first appears as a collection of abstract sculptures but is in fact a collection of effective instruments for studying the heavens. Overnight Jaipur.

Drive to Agra, stopping en route to visit the abandoned city of Fatehpur Sikri. This nearly intact Mughal city is a masterpiece of Muslim architecture unique in India. Your afternoon tour of Agra, the last capital of the Mughal empire in India, includes a visit to the 16th-century Agra Fort before experiencing the magnificent monument to the memory of love, the Taj Mahal. Your romantic encounter is further enhanced by the opportunity to view this magnificent edifice in the warm glow of sunset.

Optional visit to the Taj by sunrise this morning. Later, a short flight to Khajuraho, the religious and political capital of the Chandela Dynasty during the 9th to 13th centuries. Although once a splendid city, today Khajuraho is best known for its amazing Tantric temples built in the graceful Nagara style of architecture and enveloped with erotic sculptures - the oldest site of its kind in the world. Visit the eastern group of temples this afternoon. Khajuraho temples are noted for their exquisitely carved sculptures. The shrines of buff-coloured sandstone stand on high terraces, and every square inch of surface is covered with detailed sculptures depicting humans and divine beings indulging in literally every aspect of everyday life.

Visit the Western group of temples containing the largest and loveliest temples. Later, you fly to Varanasi (Benares), the holy city of India located on the sacred Ganges river. From there it's a short drive to Sarnath - the scene of Buddha's first sermon. Visit the museum - one of the most important in India. See the many stupas, ruins, and Mutagandhakuti Vihara, containing relics found during the early excavations of this buried city.

An early morning boat ride presents an incredible scene as multitudes of devotees come to the river to pay homage to the Sun God. Pass the bathing ghats where thousands of pilgrims immerse themselves in the holy water of the Ganges river, and the burning ghats where cremations are conducted. Later, you are flown to Kathmandu, the ancient capital of the mountain kingdom of Nepal. Your tour today includes an exploration of Durbar Square with its abundance of lovely pagoda-shaped temples, many bazaars and the royal palace. See the temple of the living Goddess - a young girl worshipped as a deity by all devout Nepalese. Continue to Bodhnath to see the largest Buddhist stupa in the world. At Pashupatinath, view the most sacred of Nepal's Shiva shrines, located near the holy river Bagmati. This Hindu temple's twin-roofed pagoda is of gold-gilt-brass and the gateways are silver-plated. Overnight Kathmandu.

Patan is the oldest of the three cities of the ancient Kathmandu Valley. Originally founded in the 3rd century, this medieval "City of Beauty" features hundreds of temples and palaces. The art and architecture feature intricate carvings with an interesting mixture of Hindu and Buddhist influences. Visit the Tibetan refugee camp - actually a mini village, for a rare chance to observe the deft hands of these skilled artisans and craftsmen weaving carpets and engaging in other ancient distinctly Tibetan handicrafts. Later, enjoy a drive through the beautiful countryside to the primitive city of Bhadgaon, also known as Bhaktapur "City of Devotees". The Durbar Square includes interesting temples and palaces, the Bell of the Barking Dogs, the Lion Gate, the Picture Gallery, and the famous Golden Gate opening the way to the courtyard of the Palace of 55 windows, topped by the figure of goddess Kali.

Arrive today in India's bustling capital city of Delhi, where you are greeted with a traditional Indian welcome.

Your tour of two cities includes a drive along Rajpath, where you'll see sights such as Parliament, the President's House, Qutab Minar, and India Gate. Visit the colourful Birla Mandir Temple, the spectacular Red Fort with its Pearl Mosque, and exquisite audience halls. The Mahatma Gandhi Memorial, Ashoka Pillar, and the mile-long Chandni Chowk bazaar complete our tour. Evening farewell cocktails and bar-be-que at the ethnic Waterbanks island 'resort, 20 km from the international airport. Overnight lake-facing cottages.

Depart Delhi.