Dive into frantic, colourful Indian life. Not literally, that would be weird. How many cows can you count in one day?

After we get off the train, find the nearest chai wallah for a steaming hot pick-me-up. Prepare to be called everything from Ricky Ponting to Princess Diana inside the Taj Mahal. You'd think the locals were more interested in us than that big marble thing right in front of them.

Tordi is so far off the tourist trail, even your GPS would have trouble finding it. Take a deep breath of fresh air and enjoy a break from the chaos. Don't miss a sunset walk up to Tordi's ruined fort.

Traditionally dressed Rajput men stroll the streets of Jaipur in their colourful turbans, sporting moustaches that would put Ned Flanders to shame. Watch and learn boys.

We love the local buses in India. On the way to Nimaj you could find yourself chatting with an old dude, playing with someone's baby or sharing homemade pakoras with a family. The one thing we guarantee you won't get is sleep - unless you've bought industrial-strength earplugs.

Apparently the buildings were painted blue to keep the mosquitoes away. Let us know if it worked. Spice Paradise on Girdi Kote Amar Chowk is our favourite little shop. Anil and Rekha, the friendly owners, won't hassle you to buy and all the spices come with recipes on the label.

Udaipur's "floating" Lake Palace was the secret hideaway for Bond's most famous jewel smuggler, Octopussy. Bond disguised himself as a crocodile to get across the water, but you can just take the boat

Touts, auto rickshaws and mind-altering smells rule Delhi, but it's all part of the charm. Grab a couple of samosas and savour the taste of India before heading home.

Whether you’re taking in man’s greatest works at places like Petra or Angkor Wat, experiencing grand set-pieces like the Trans-Mongolian Railway or trying your hand at regional specialities like tango in Buenos Aires, getting to grips with local cultures is what travel’s all about. A few tips from a guide and a sense of adventure are pretty much all you need. So what are you waiting for? It’s time to get the lowdown on high Tibet among Lhasa’s magisterial temples; follow up Delhi’s eye-popping bustle with a fix of its fiery food; and mix manic markets and Incan masterpieces in Peru.

- Gecko’s expert English-speaking local tour guide throughout the tour, and local site guides at some sites. - Sightseeing (including entrance fees where applicable): Agra including the Taj Mahal; Jaipur including Amber Fort, Old Bazaar and The Palace of the Winds; Jodhpur including Meharangarh Fort and Sardar Market; Udaipur including City Palace and Jagdish Temple; and Delhi including Chandni Chowk and Connaught Place. - Off-the-beaten-track experience in Tordi Garh – village walk, a visit to ruined temples and a fortress, and a jeep safari. - Overnight accommodation in 16th Century Tordi Palace. - Stay at Nimaj Bagh with a village walk to meet the locals. - Free time to explore Agra, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur and Delhi. - Overnight train from Udaipur to Delhi. Accommodation in air-conditioned sleeper class with three-tier sleeping berths (two sheets, a blanket and a pillow provided per person). - Express train from Delhi to Agra.

International flights, arrival and departure transfers, airport/departure taxes, visas, pre or post tour accommodation, all other meals, optional tours sightseeing or activities during free time, transfers outside of the tour program, travel insurance, tips and items of a personal nature, laundry and flights unless specified. Some places that we visit charge additional fees if you are entering with a camera or camcorder - your city guide will advise on these and they can be paid for locally.