Nowhere are India’s rich cultural contrasts brought more sharply into focus than the country’s northern gateway, Delhi, with its ruin-studded gardens, a growing contemporary art scene and world-class cuisine. Delhi is a city built and re-built seven times over the centuries. India’s capital, it couples unique elements of different historical eras with the pace of the bustling, growing economy. At every turn of the road, the past and the present coexist. Settle into your luxury hotel and relax or step outside for some preliminary exploration on your own.

Delve into Delhi, old and new, today, starting with a guided exploration of the narrow streets of Old Delhi abuzz with daily life. Visit the Turkman Gate and the towering minarets of India’s largest mosque, Jama Masjid. Weave through the colorful streets, alleyways and market stalls of Chandni Chowk on a cycle rickshaw to witness a medley of cultures. Make a photo stop at the Red Fort, residence of the Mughal Emperors and the seat of the Mughal capital until 1857 and the stage for some of India’s most momentous cultural and historical events. In New Delhi, drive down the tree-lined Rajpath (the royal path) to the nearly 140-foot-high stone arch of the India Gate, a majestic monument commemorating the Indian soldiers who laid down their lives in World War I. At the far end of the boulevard, glimpse the sprawling President’s Residence, Rashtrapati Bhavan. Finish your tour at the jaw-dropping Humayun’s Tomb, built in 1570 for a Mughal emperor, it was the first garden-tomb on the Indian subcontinent.

Travel overland to Agra, home of the Taj Mahal. Standing proud in the heart of the city, the Taj Mahal was built by Emperor Shah Jahan for his wife Mumtaz, serving as both her mausoleum and as a splendorous monument to his enduring love for her. Settle into your hotel and take in the uninterrupted views of the Taj from your room, or from the private dining terrace. Head to the former imperial city of the Mughal rulers, the UNESCO-listed Agra Fort. Venture within its red sandstone walls to discover a labyrinth of highly decorated palaces and ornate marble mosques built by the great Mughal emperor Akbar I. As sunset nears, watch in awe as the ivory-white marble of the Taj Mahal glistens in dramatic contrast with the changing colors of the sky.

Journey overland to take in the dusky beauty of India’s Pink City, Jaipur. Pause en route at the deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri, just west of Agra, to admire one of the region’s most scenic landmarks. Founded in the 16th century by a Mughal emperor, the heritage-listed red sandstone city is regarded as Emperor Akbar’s crowning architectural legacy. Eat lunch before a quick photo stop at the majestic Chand Baori, one of the largest stepwells in the world. Impressively deep, its repeating pattern of steps may call to mind an Escher drawing. Proceed to Jaipur and settle into your stunning hotel.

Modernity walks hand in hand with history in Jaipur. This largest city of Rajasthan, founded by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh, it is renowned for its warm hospitality. Explore the Amber Fort, with its distinctive Mughal architecture, and then immerse yourself in the wonderful artworks and block prints of Anokhi Museum of Hand Printing, housed in a beautifully restored haveli (mansion). Visit City Palace and its museum, which has a superb collection of Rajasthani costumes and armory of the Mughals and Rajputs, and the Jantar Mantar Observatory, an ancient stargazing hub packed with enormous astronomical instruments dating back to the 16th century. Next, set out to discover the lesser-known wonders of the Pink City. Step inside lively temples to witness traditional customs and, if you wish, take part in a Hindu prayer ceremony and sip tea with the locals. Visit the ancient Vishnu temple decorated with fine frescos and mythological paintings and make a quick photo stop at Jaipur’s glorious Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), with its distinctive red-and-pink façade. Your afternoon is free to explore the city on your own.

Journey overland to Jodhpur on the edge of the great Thar Desert. Founded in 1459 by Rao Jodha, a Rajput chief belonging to the Rathore clan, Jodhpur is often called the Blue City, owing to the indigo-painted houses in its old city. Settle into your hotel before setting out to immerse yourself in Rajasthani culinary culture during a private cooking class. Set in the house of a local host, the epicurean crash course is also a great opportunity to learn about daily life in the city. After a warm welcome to the home, get comfortable in the kitchen and let the lesson begin. Your host teaches you secrets of using unfamiliar spices and ingredients to prepare delicious regional recipes. Finish with a dinner that features the freshly made dishes you’ve just helped create.

Drive to Salawas for a morning safari, and then visit with local potters, weavers and the Bishnoi people, discovering their fascinating culture and ethnic community in nearby villages. Founded by Guru Jambheshwar in 1451, the Bishnoi sect adheres to 29 principles, including unconditional love for nature and wildlife. Spend time learning why they are protective of their land and their unique traditions and customs. Then stop at a small weaving workshop and watch as family members carry on a hundred-year-old tradition of dhurry weaving, used for colorful, durable rugs and carpets with patterns unique to the weaver. After lunch, visit the towering Mehrangarh Fort, which stands sentinel over the city from a clifftop, marveling at its intricately carved walls. Then gaze at the Jaswant Thada, a 19th-century cenotaph of gleaming white marble with a foundation of red sandstone. Continue into the heart of the old city and wind through the narrow alleys of the bustling Sardar Market, an explosion of color that is filled with trinkets and handicrafts. Sample one of the city’s famous lassi, a sweet blend of yogurt and spices under the Clock Tower, before returning to your hotel.