18 to 35s Real Rajasthan

Namaste! Welcome to India. Your adventure begins in Delhi – the capital of India – with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, why not hit the streets and try and get into the Delhi flow of life. If you’re a history buff, there’s the 14th-century Humayun's Tomb or 11th-century Qutub Minar to explore. There’s also the former residence of royal families and British soldiers – the mighty Red Fort. After your meeting, maybe continue the introductions over an optional group dinner. Ask your leader for local favourites like a plate of chicken tikka masala or vegetarian curry (with naan bread, obviously) or head out to explore the nightlife.

Head out on a walking tour around the commercial heart of Delhi, visiting Chandni Chowk (Sheeshganj Gurudwara) and Connaught Place along the way. Explore Old Delhi on a bicycle rickshaw to dig that little bit deeper and visit Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib – one of the oldest and most iconic Sikh shrines in Delhi – and try your hand at making chapatis in the community kitchen. This shrine is visited by devotees regularly, and everyone is welcome here, regardless of their religion or gender. Tonight, embark on a journey through the heart of India on an overnight train to Bikaner.

This morning, you’ll arrive in the fortified town of Bikaner – a city in Rajasthan that still displays its ancient opulence through palaces and forts built of red sandstone that have withstood the passage of time. When you arrive, head out on an orientation tour with your leader. The rest of the afternoon is free to relax or explore the city more in-depth - maybe you can head out on a tuk-tuk tour of the Old City. Keep an eye out for delicious street food like bhujia (chickpea chips) or tuck into a thali tonight for dinner.

Today, you have free time to explore at your own pace – it's highly recommended you head to the Junagarh Fort if you haven’t already! You could try the iconic Chunilal sharbat (a sweet cordial prepared with fruit or flower petals) along the way. Tonight, rejoin your group for a fun cooking demonstration with a local family. Watch how they prepare chai and roll chapati (Indian flatbread) and have a go yourself! Learn how aloe vera is a delicacy in this region and chat to the local women as they teach you some tips and tricks to bring home. After, you’ll all enjoy dinner together.

This morning, take a local train to the yellow sandstone citadel of Jaisalmer. When you arrive in this ‘living fort,’ you’ll have free time to rest and recharge. Later, head out on an orientation walk with your leader through the snaking alleyways, filled with markets and intricately carved houses. Then, maybe ask your leader for their favourite local places to eat and grab some delicious local cuisine.

Spend today exploring the desert oasis of Jaisalmer – a former medieval trading centre that sort of looks like a giant sandcastle. This afternoon, chuck your essentials in an overnight bag, then hop in a 4WD to ride out to tonight’s camp in style. Traverse the sweeping dunes of the Thar Desert, then help set up camp while the guides get the fire started and ready for your vegetarian campfire feast, which includes chapati, dal, rice and veggies. You’ll be sleeping out in the open tonight, with mattresses, pillows, sheets and blankets provided. There’s no need for a tent – you wouldn’t want to miss the incredible starry sky tonight!

The crack of dawn is your wake-up call this morning – don’t worry, it's worth it! You'll soon see that not much can match up to a desert sunrise. After a simple breakfast and a morning display of light and colour, climb back into your 4WD and return to the city. Enjoy some free time to explore at your own pace before jumping on a train to the famous blue city of Jodphur. Tonight, you’ll have a unique experience in a family-run homestay right in the heart of the old town.