From its bone-hued palaces that dominate rover-filled landscapes to the snake charmers who coax slithery performers from their coils, India is an enigmatic destination with the ability to thrill and cofound those who stumble into its spectrum. A smorgasbord of spicy food is served up in frenzied bazaars while the jaundice eyes of jungle cats peer from dense forest cover and zen-seekers thrill in the spiritual rituals of days gone by.

Day 1, Wednesday: Depart Canada

Day 2, Thursday, Delhi: The capital of Delhi is a just representation of the diversity you'll find elsewhere in the country, radiating from this city's crowded streets. The stately British design and trending art scene of New Delhi is humbled by the teeming markets and ornate mosques of the Islamic stronghold of Old Delhi. Prepare for your journey through the tombs, palaces and fortresses.

Day 3, Friday, Delhi to Agra (205 KMS / 5 HRS): Experience Old, historical and New Delhi in the morning, including a visit to Raj Ghat - Mahatma Gandhi's cremation site. Other notable sites in the tour include India Gate (the War Memorial), the President's House (from the outside),  the Baha'i Lotus Temple (a beautiful marble-clad symbol of piece), and the Qutub Minar – a 240-foot minaret, which is also the tallest in the world. B

Day 4, Saturday, Agra: Watch the sunrise at the Taj Mahal, which is thought to be the pinnacle of Mughal art in India (not to mention one of the quintessential structures of the country). When declaring it a world heritage site, UNESCO described it as "the jewel of Muslim art in India". Later in the afternoon, visit Agra Fort, another UNESCO heritage site. This fort was built primarily as a military structure between the 16th and 17th centuries by rulers of the Mughal Dynasty. B

Day 5, Sunday, Agra - Jaipur (236 KMS / 5 HRS): Drive to Jaipur, and on the way visit Fatehpur Sikri, an eerily abandoned capital from the Mughal Empire between 1570 and 1586. Akbar built this city to celebrate the birth of his son and future heir to the throne, Emperor Jahangir. Sadly, this masterpiece served as capital for little more than a decade, eventually abandoned for lack of accessible water. Once in Jaipur, admire the old city walls and the pink-coloured buildings contained within them, which earned the city the nickname, the "Pink City". Enjoy a dinner of authentic Rajasthani cuisine at Chowki Dhani. B/D

Day 6, Monday, Jaipur: Head to Amber Fort, perched on top of a hill. Getting there is half the fun - enjoy a royal ride on an elephant (the same mode of transport for past Maharajas). Visit the Jagmandir (the hall of victory), a 1950s palace constructed by Maharaja Man Singh, the commander of Akbar's army. In the afternoon, view the grand Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds). This magnificent structure was built to allow the royal ladies of the palace to discretely watch the grand processions along the main street, City Palace and impressive Jantar Mantar, an astronomical observatory built in the early 1700s by Maharaja Jai Sing II, the great warrior-astronomer to which this city owes its name. Also enjoy a rickshaw ride through the old part of the Pink city. In the evening, enjoy a demonstration of gem-cutting & polishing. B

Day 7, Tuesday, Jaipur - Pushkar (140 KMS / 3.5 HRS): After checking into the hotel in Pushkar,  embark on a walking tour of the Holy City of the God, Brahma, visit the Holy Lake, and peruse the famous Brahma Temple. In the evening, get ready to be a part of a special Pooja ceremony at a Ghat with a Hindu priest - a truly memorable experience. B

Day 8, Wednesday, Pushkar - Udaipur (260 KMS / 5 HRS): Udaipur is the majestic city of lakes and palaces. Founded by Maharana Udai Singh in 1559 and fondly referred to as Rajasthan's most romantic city, its rich history is matched by its picturesque setting among the Aravalli Mountains and three manmade lakes. Find yourself on a sunset cruise in the evening on Lake Pichola, sailing past picturesque Ghats and palaces, and ultimately stopping at the island of Jag Mandir. Here, discover a 17th century water palace that witnessed two important historical events; It was the refuge for Prince Khurram when he was exiled by his father, and later during the uprising of 1857, the island offered safety to several British families who fled from nearby Neemuch. B

Day 9, Thursday, Udiapur: Begin your day at the City Palace, overlooking the blue waters of Lake Pichola. The palace consists of a number of beautiful courtyards and gardens. The main hall has been converted into a museum, housing opulent artifacts and original works of art. Explore the exquisite crystal gallery inside, exhibiting 19th century pieces including crystal chandeliers, tables, sofas and beds. Continue walking towards the Jagdish Temple to study its many remarkable friezes. Lavishly built in 1651 by Maharana Jagat Singh, it is easy to understand why Jagdish is the most venerated Hindu temple in Udaipur. Afterwards, discover the Old City, and wander through its bustling streets lined with art shops, spice vendors, tailors and more and enjoy a special dinner at Rajbagh. B/D

Day 10, Friday, Udaipur - Jodhpur (285 KMS / 5 HRS): Drive to Jodhpur, and en-route visit Ranakpur Temple which was built in the 15th century. The breathtaking structure is considered one of the five holiest sites of the Jain community. Over 1444 marble pillars, each differently carved in exquisite detail, support the temple - although legend has it that it is virtually impossible to count the pillars. Not to be missed in the temple is one carving out of a single stone with 108 heads of snakes and numerous tails. B

Day 11, Saturday, Jodhpur - Jaisalmer (290 KMS / 5.5 HRS): Start the day by visiting Mehrangarh Fort and Jaswant Thada and later drive to Jaisalmer, founded by Prince Jaisal in 1156. Jaisalmer was a major staging post on the trade route across the forbidding Thar Desert. The first glimpse of the honey colored walls of the fort, rising out of the hot and barren desert is magical. Untouched by time, Jaisalmer, with its golden crenulated walls, narrow streets lined with exquisite havelis, has a medieval ambience. B

Day 12, Sunday, Jaisalmer: Tour Jaisalmer; the Golden Fort, and elaborately carved 12th to 16th century Jain temples. The havelis in both the fort and the town are exceptional, similar in style to the homes of Venetian merchants (mansions of wealthy traders). Afterwards, enjoy a unique camel ride excursion to see the sunset at Sam Dunes known for its enormous sand dunes that make a surrealistic landscape patterned by the wind. B

Day 13, Monday, Jaisalmer - Bikaner (325 KMS / 6 HRS): Check into the hotel, and afterwards visit a camel-breeding farm and learn all about one of the most vital species of the desert ecosystem. B

Day 14, Tuesday, Bikaner - Mandawa (200 KMS/4 HRS): Visit the 16th century Junagarh Fort. The outer wall, built of light red sandstone, is surrounded by a moat, and within are beautifully designed palaces with balconies, kiosks, lattice work screens with richly decorated interiors. The Badal Mahal in the fort has walls covered with stories from Krishna’s life, whilst the walls of the oldest palace, the Lal Niwas, are elaborately decorated in red and gold. In the afternoon, head to Mandawa for a walking tour that features a visit to the painted arched gateway that is adorned with Lord Krishna and his cows. B

Day 15, Wednesday, Mandawa - Delhi (departure):  enjoy some free time for some last minute shopping and wandering in Delhi. Then, transfer to the Indira Gandhi International Airport to check in. B

Day 16, Thursday: Arrive back in Canada in the morning.