India: A Feast for the Senses

Touch down in Mumbai, where a warm welcome from your Abercrombie & Kent representative awaits. Settle into your luxurious hotel and prepare to explore a city of captivating contrasts. Beyond the bustling energy lie vibrant bazaars overflowing with treasures and innovative restaurants showcasing the city’s dynamic spirit.

Embark on a sensory exploration of Mumbai, hearing the rhythmic clang of dabbawalas, who deliver hot, homemade meals in time for lunch. Experience the magic of Bollywood firsthand as you learn some signature steps in a local dance class. Then, revel in India’s diverse regional cuisines during a local lunch and stroll through an aromatic spice market. The evening culminates in a celebratory cocktail and dinner at an acclaimed restaurant.

Fly to Jodhpur and settle into your hotel. This afternoon, prepare to be awestruck by Mehrangarh, an imposing fortress perched atop a rocky cliff, its sheer walls, towering battlements and intricately carved terraces revealing centuries of history. Enter through one of its seven fortified gateways to explore the museum and palaces within. Descend to the town and pause at Jaswant Thada, a shimmering marble cenotaph honoring Jodhpur’s former rulers. This evening, unwind with a cocktail at your hotel before dinner.

Journey to the heart of rural Rajasthan with an excursion to Salawas. Connect with local artisans, visiting a potter’s family, a weaver’s family and the Bishnoi community. Cap the day with an authentic lunch at a local restaurant known for its Indian-European fare and decorative vintage car collection. As dusk settles over Jodhpur, connect with a local family over gin and tonics, cooking a meal together and then sharing it with them in their home.

Fly to Jaipur and settle into your stunning villa, a private oasis nestled within a beautiful garden. Enjoy a refreshing dip in your plunge pool before exploring the City Palace and Jantar Mantar Observatory, an open-air collection of astronomical instruments, including the world’s largest stone sundial. At the Palace of Winds, see how royal women observed street life unseen. Tonight, savor an exquisite dinner at a lauded Indian establishment.

Visit the Amber Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site overlooking a tranquil lake. Explore its opulent design and enjoy a cooking demonstration followed by lunch. This afternoon, discover the stories behind these iconic dishes and learn about the key ingredients that define Rajasthani cuisine as you wander through bustling, fragrant markets, sampling local delicacies like crispy kachoris; tangy kadhi; and festive, sweet ghevar and feni. Admire the colorful façades of Jaipur’s havelis, grand mansions known for their intricate details and architectural significance.

This morning, set off by road to Delhi. Approaching India’s capital, a city of contrasts awaits — ancient monuments standing proudly alongside modern skyscrapers, reflecting a dynamic mix of cultures. The rest of your day and dinner in Delhi are yours to discover.

Explore Delhi’s unique flavor this morning on the Design Your Day excursion of your choice:Experience the Heart of Old Delhi on an excursion packed with snack stopsVisit A Local Family’s Home for a cooking class and lunchVisit a Sikh Temple and Its Shared Kitchen for a firsthand look at Delhi’s strong communal spiritExplore on your own this afternoon. Your Delhi journey culminates in a farewell dinner at one of India’s finest restaurants.

On a day trip to Agra, history and wonder intertwine. Explore the historic Agra Fort, where Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan spent his final years, his love story forever etched in the stones of the Taj Mahal. Reflect on its beauty over lunch at a Peshawari restaurant. Then, experience the awe-inspiring beauty of the Taj Mahal, a timeless testament to love and artistry. Return to Delhi by train, where the evening is yours to explore.