INDIA’s MUGHAL EMPIRE

Day 1 | Tuesday 24 November
Arrive Delhi
Travellers will arrive into Delhi at various times throughout the day. Academy Travel will arrange individual or group transfers to our heritage hotel in the heart of New Delhi. Overnight Delhi

Day 2 | Wednesday 25 November
Old Delhi
Following a tour briefing in the hotel this morning, we begin our immersion in Mughal India with a walking tour of Old Delhi, also called Shahjahanabad after its founder, the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. The city’s narrow lanes and bustling bazaars still echo with the grandeur of its imperial past and a highlight of the morning is our visit to the Jama Masjid, one of the largest and most important mosques in India. Commissioned by Shah Jahan and completed in 1656, this vast red sandstone and white marble structure towers over the old city. From its elevated courtyard, which can accommodate over 25,000 worshippers, we admire sweeping views across the chaotic sprawl of Old Delhi. We then enjoy our welcome lunch in a beautifully restored merchant’s haveli – a traditional multi-storey mansion with intricately carved balconies and rooms arranged around a central courtyard – offering insight into the domestic life of Delhi’s wealthy traders. Returning to our hotel, the remainder of the afternoon and evening is at leisure. Overnight Delhi (B, L)

Day 3 | Thursday 26 November
Imperial Legacies & Sufi Traditions
Today we explore Delhi’s layered imperial history, beginning with a visit to Purana Qila (Old Fort), one of the oldest surviving fortifications in the city. Though much altered over the centuries, its imposing ramparts and gateway pavilions evoke the early Mughal era, when Emperor Humayun briefly ruled from here. We continue to Humayun’s Tomb, a masterpiece of 16th-century architecture and the first great garden tomb of the Mughals. Commissioned by Humayun’s widow and built by Persian artisans, its harmonious proportions, glazed tilework and lush setting represent a fusion of Persian and Indian traditions reminiscent of the later splendour of the Taj Mahal. A visit to the excellent new museum on site provides further insight into the life of the emperor and the architectural innovations of the period. After lunch at a local restaurant, we return to the hotel to freshen up before heading to the revered Nizamuddin Dargah, the shrine of the 14th-century Sufi saint Nizamuddin Auliya. Recently restored by the Aga Khan Trust, the shrine is a centre of devotional music and prayer, tucked within a labyrinthine neighbourhood rich in heritage. Afterwards, we return to the hotel for an evening at leisure. Overnight Delhi (B, L)

Day 4 | Friday 27 November
Lucknow – City of the Nawabs
An early morning departure brings us to Delhi airport for our flight to Lucknow, the capital of the former princely state of Awadh and a city renowned for its refined culture and artistic heritage. From the 18th century, Lucknow flourished under the Muslim Nawabs of Awadh – semi-autonomous rulers whose authority was nominally granted by the Mughal emperor. Famed for their patronage of music, poetry, cuisine and architecture, the Nawabs cultivated a distinctive courtly culture that made Lucknow the cultural heart of North India. Following a period of increasing tension under British colonial rule, the city became a major centre of resistance during the 1857 uprising. The siege of the British Residency in Lucknow that year – one of the most dramatic episodes of the revolt – lasted for six months and left an enduring mark on the city’s landscape and memory. On arrival in Lucknow, we meet with Dr Roli Mishra, a specialist in chikankari – the city’s celebrated hand-embroidered textile tradition – to learn about its history, techniques and ongoing revival. We then enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before continuing to La Martiniere College, housed in a remarkable 19th-century Indo-European palace built by French adventurer Claude Martin. Our final stop is our hotel, where, after check in, we enjoy a talk on Lucknow’s history and heritage. Overnight Lucknow (B, L) 

Day 5 | Saturday 28 November
The Story of a City
Today we delve deeper into the rich and layered history of Lucknow, a city shaped by the elegance of its Nawabi past and the turbulence of colonial upheaval. We begin with the evocative ruins of the British Residency, the focal point of the 1857 uprising. Set within peaceful gardens, the site still bears the bullet-scarred walls and shattered columns of the prolonged siege that unfolded here – a defining moment in India’s First War of Independence. From the Residency, we explore one of Lucknow’s bustling local markets, where the atmosphere of the old city is alive in the sounds, scents and vibrant colours of daily life. Here we have the chance to view chikankari embroidery in its contemporary setting – an enduring art form that continues to define Lucknow’s cultural identity. On return to our hotel, the evening is at leisure. Overnight Lucknow (B)

Day 6 | Sunday 29 November
Sacred Spaces & Reflections
This morning we visit one of Lucknow’s most iconic landmarks – the Bara Imambara, or House of the Imam. Commissioned in 1784 by Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula as a public works project during a devastating famine, the Imambara is both a place of Shia worship and a symbol of the Nawab’s commitment to his people. The complex includes an enormous arched assembly hall – one of the largest vaulted spaces in the world unsupported by beams – as well as a mosque, courtyards, a stepwell and the famous bhulbhulaiya, or labyrinth. The tomb of the architect, Kifayat-ullah, lies beside that of the Nawab, a rare honour that speaks to the respect in which his work was held. The afternoon is at leisure to relax before we gather again for dinner in our hotel. Overnight Lucknow (B, D)

Day 7 | Monday 30 November
Kannauj – Agra
Departing Lucknow after breakfast, today we drive to Agra via the ancient city of Kannauj, the heart of India’s perfume production. Roses bloom in the Ganges’ alluvial soil surrounding the city and for centuries the region has produced oil-based botanical perfumes using age-old methods. Perfume was integral to the lifestyle of the Mughal courts, with heady attar scenting royal baths and palace fountains. During our visit we will see how the scents are distilled and blended and there is the opportunity to source your own vial of scented history before we continue to Agra, the first great capital of the Mughals. Overnight Agra (B, L) 

Day 8 | Tuesday 1 December
Agra
We begin early this morning with a visit to the Taj Mahal, bathed in the soft light of dawn. Commissioned by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, who died during childbirth in 1631, the gleaming ivory-white mausoleum stands as one of the world’s most iconic structures. Set within formal gardens and mirrored pools, the symmetry and fine marble inlay of the Taj Mahal exemplify the height of Indo-Islamic architecture. Later in the morning we visit the nearby Itmad ud Daulah, a jewel-like tomb sometimes referred to as the “Baby Taj”. Commissioned by Nur Jahan for her father in the early 17th century, its delicate jalis or lattice screens, pietra dura inlay and serene setting reflect the Taj Mahal in miniature. Following lunch at a local restaurant, we stop at a workshop where skilled artisans continue Agra’s tradition of marble inlay using techniques passed down through generations. We end the day with a guided visit to the Agra Fort, a massive sandstone citadel established by Emperor Akbar as both a military stronghold and opulent palace. Within its fortified walls, we uncover stories of Mughal ambition, rebellion, and the tragic imprisonment of Shah Jahan in his final years. Overnight Agra (B, L)

Day 9 | Wednesday 2 December
Fatehpur Sikri & Jaipur
Departing Agra today we head for Jaipur, the “Pink City” of Rajasthan and the home of the Ameri Rajputs, who found wealth and stability by embracing Mughal power. En route we will stop to explore the unique UNESCO World-Heritage listed site at Fatehpur Sikri, the deserted city of Emperor Akbar. Founded as Akbar’s capital in 1571 the emperor abandoned it within 20 years, possibly diverted by a campaign in the Punjab or by the failure of the city’s water supply. Our next stop is at Chand Baori, a 9th-century stepwell at Abhaneri village. Built by King Chanda of the Nikumbha Dynasty to store water and provide respite from the intense desert heat, the beautiful Chand Baori is one of the largest stepwells in the world. We continue on the final leg of our journey to Jaipur, the resplendent Pink City founded by the Rajput rulers, arriving at our hotel in the early evening. Overnight Jaipur (B, L)

Day 10 | Thursday 3 December
Jaipur – Forts & Palaces
This morning we travel a short distance into the hills outside Jaipur to explore the majestic Amer Fort, one of Rajasthan’s most celebrated architectural landmarks. Perched high above Maota Lake in the rugged Aravalli Hills, the fort was once the stronghold of the Rajput rulers of Amer, the predecessors of Jaipur’s current royal family. Constructed from pale yellow and pink sandstone, and white marble, the fort’s lavish halls, mirrored chambers, ornate gateways and tranquil courtyards reflect the grandeur and artistry of Rajput architecture at its peak. Returning to Jaipur, we visit the City Palace Museum, a sprawling complex of palaces, courtyards and ceremonial halls that has served as the residence of the city’s royal family since the 18th century. Today, parts of the palace are open to the public as a museum, housing an extraordinary collection of royal costumes, miniature paintings, weaponry and manuscripts that offer a vivid glimpse into the cultural and political life of princely Rajasthan. We conclude our day with dinner in a local restaurant. Overnight Jaipur (B, L, D)

Day 11 | Friday 4 December
Jaipur – Craftsmanship & Colour
Founded in 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, Jaipur was one of the first planned cities in India, designed according to Hindu principles of urban design. As a Rajput ruler loyal to the Mughal emperors, Jai Singh maintained strong diplomatic ties with Delhi, blending Mughal aesthetics with indigenous traditions to create a court renowned for its scholarship, architecture and refined craftsmanship. We begin our day with a walking tour through the old city, where Jaipur’s heritage remains alive in its lively markets, ornate facades and traditional neighbourhoods. We then visit a jewellery atelier and museum, gaining insight into the city’s reputation as a hub for gemstone cutting and Kundan jewellery – skills once honed for royal patrons. In the afternoon, we explore a local block-print textile studio, where intricately carved wooden blocks and natural dyes are still used to create beautiful hand-printed fabrics, preserving one of Rajasthan’s most iconic craft traditions. This evening we enjoy dinner in a local restaurant. Overnight Jaipur (B, D)

Day 12 | Saturday 5 December
Across the Desert
This morning we depart Jaipur and begin our journey across the arid plains of Rajasthan toward the historic town of Deogarh, set amid the rugged hills of the Rajsamand district. En route, we stop for lunch and enjoy the changing desert landscape, dotted with fields, villages, and herds of goats and camels. On arrival in Deogarh we take a short walk around the town’s hilltop fort palace, which offers sweeping views over the surrounding countryside. Though smaller than Rajasthan’s more famous strongholds, Deogarh Fort retains a powerful atmosphere, with weathered battlements and richly decorated interiors that speak to the legacy of its local Rajput rulers. We then check into our charming accommodation, a 17th-century palace turned heritage hotel, with dinner served in the elegant dining hall. Overnight Deogarh (B, L, D)

Day 13 | Sunday 6 December
Deogarh
Today our excursion take us out into the surrounding desert in order to gain an understanding of its strategic importance in earlier times and to take in some spectacular views of the surrounding district. We begin by travelling on a unique narrow gauge railway, on tracks built by the British in the 1930s, into the Aravali Hills. The track consists of 17 U-shaped bridges, two tunnels, and covers 17 km over two hours. It is a singular way to experience life in the princely states before independence. After lunch together back in Deogarh, we take a late afternoon jeep drive through a pastoral setting where we can explore the natural landscape with local people tending to their fields and cattle, and living in complete harmony with nature. We also visit a cave temple, in which a shrine of Lord Shiva is ensconced, and which offers a panoramic view of the landscape of black volcanic rocks interspersed with green fields. Our final journey leads us to the shores of a tranquil lake, where refreshments are served as dusk settles and local migratory birds gather in this peaceful haven. Dinner this evening is back in our hotel. Overnight Deogarh (B, L, D)

Day 14 | Monday 7 December
Udaipur & Lake Pichola
This morning we depart by coach for Udaipur, once the proud capital of the Mewar kingdom and still one of the most evocative cities in Rajasthan. Founded in 1559 by Maharana Udai Singh II after repeated conflicts with the Mughal Empire, Udaipur was established as a new stronghold for the fiercely independent Rajput rulers of Mewar. Unlike other princely states that aligned with the Mughals, Mewar maintained a strong sense of autonomy and martial identity, which is reflected in the city’s palaces, temples and enduring traditions. Often called the “Venice of the East,” Udaipur remains a symbol of Rajput pride and aesthetic refinement, its architectural harmony and serene atmosphere offering a striking contrast to the arid landscapes of much of Rajasthan. We arrive around midday and check into our hotel, set on the eastern shore of Lake Pichola with panoramic views across the lake to the City Palace and distant hills. The afternoon is free to relax and enjoy the hotel’s serene ambience, elegant interiors and lakeside gardens. Overnight Udaipur (B)

Day 15 | Tuesday 8 December
Palaces & Paintings
This morning we visit the City Palace Museum, housed within the sprawling palace complex that rises above the eastern shore of Lake Pichola. Built over several centuries by the Maharanas of Mewar, the palace is an exquisite example of Rajput architecture, blending ornate balconies, courtyards and pavilions with commanding views of the lake and city. The museum’s rich collection includes intricately carved stonework, vivid Mewar school of paintings, royal textiles, weaponry, palanquins and an extensive photographic archive tracing the long history of the dynasty. We then visit a studio of miniature painting artists, where we observe the delicate brushwork and painstaking techniques behind this centuries-old tradition, once patronised by both Rajput courts and Mughal emperors. We also have the opportunity to meet a local jeweller, continuing Udaipur’s legacy as a centre of fine craftsmanship. Following this, there is free time to explore the nearby market streets at your own pace. In the evening, we gather to share a farewell dinner, reflecting on our journey through the vibrant landscapes and layered histories of Rajasthan. Overnight Udaipur (B, D)

Day 16 | Wednesday 9 December
Depart to Delhi
Our tour concludes in the early afternoon with our flight to Delhi. Those departing later in the day or evening may like to pre-book time at the Airport Holiday Inn. (B)