DAYS 1-2 A journey through Rajasthani history, from the Maharaj kingdoms to British rule and India’s dynamic present Tour Jodhpur’s staggering 15th-century Mehrangarh Fort Sleep like kings and queens in a palace still inhabited by the Jodhpur royal family Saddle up for a culturally rich bike ride to Bisnoi, stopping to admire the region’s finest pottery and dhurrie rugs A local family welcomes us into their home for a traditional Indian feast.

DAY 3 Relive a classic Indian form of travel – with a camel caravan across desert sand for a night beneath the stars in safari-style tents (with all the necessary amenities, of course) Pedal through the countryside, rolling dunes and green farmland.

DAYS 4-5 Bike rural India, past friendly villagers, colorful temples, peacocks, cows and goats Pali’s three exquisite temples leave you inspired for the heart-pumping ride through the Aravalli Hills to Narlai Explore Kumbhalgarh, an imposing 15th-century citadel perched above the arid landscape.

DAYS 6-7 From Ranakpur, a breathtaking 14th-century Jain temple with 1,444 intricately carved pillars, cycle through rolling terrain to the opulent Devi Garh Palace, our home for the next two nights Venture into the countryside by foot, bike – or even camel!

DAYS 8-9 Spin past lake palaces and temples en route to the lakes of Udaipur Stroll through Udaipur’s craft shops for handmade paper, silver, copper or leather goods – or relish some R&R at one of the world’s most luxurious and romantic hotels.

LESS