Taking in some of Gujarat's most significant and interesting historical sites, this trip will give you an in-depth understanding of Gujarat and the wider region's historical and cultural context.

Gujarat has been a hub of civilisation for more than four millennia. In 10 days, experience a cross-section of architecture from 4th to 19th centuries, including Buddhist caves, the golden period of the Solanki Rajputs, mausoleum complexes blending Hindu and Islamic influences and havelis with exquisite woodcarvings.

Day 1 Ahmadabad

Arrive at Ahmedabad. The 15th century saw the development of a provincial Indo-Saracenic style of architecture during the reign of Sultan Ahmed Shah. Afternoon tour of the Sarkhej mausoleum complex and the Vishala Village complex with its superb utensils museum and visit nearby mosques. Stay at House of Mangaldas Girdhardas, a heritage hotel owned by a former textile industrialist family.

Day 2 Ahmadabad

Visit the Calico Museum of Textiles, one of India's leading specialised museums. The collections are vast and include textile swatches of Indian origin found at archaeological sites in Egypt, silk sarees from across India, royal wardrobes of Rajasthan and cloth paintings and manuscripts. Afternoon visit to the exquisitely carved 15th century Adalaj stepwell. Overnight at House of Mangaldas Girdhardas.

Day 3 Palitana

Morning heritage walk to old quarters of Ahmedabad lined with beautifully carved havelis facades from 17th to 19th centuries. Continue to Lothal for insights into Indus Valley Civilisation town planning. Later, travel 240km to Palitana/Bhavnagar and Vijay Vilas heritage hotel Palitana or Nilambag Palace Hotel Bhavnagar.

Day 4 Gondal

Ascend the Shatrunjaya Hill near Palitana town to see Jain temple complexes. Take in about 863 temples crowning two ridges of the summit. Descend and drive 170km to Gondal. See the magnificent carvings and collections of the 1740s Naulakha Palace at Gondal. Stay at the Riverside Palace/Orchard Palace heritage hotel.

Day 5 Gondal

The 17th to 19th century period saw much trade out of Gujarat's ports. Day excursion to Junagadh to see the ancient Uparkot Fort, splendid Gothic palaces of the Nawabs and the flamboyant 19th century mausoleum complex. Return to Gondal, calling in en route to see the 4th century Buddhist caves of Khambalida.

Day 6 Dasada

Drive from Gondal to Dasada via the museum at Rajkot. Stay at Rann Riders resort in Dasada.

Day 7 Balaram

Travel 180km to Balaram with significant stops at Modhera and Patan. Visit the 11th century Sun Temple of Modhera, one of western India's finest examples of Hindu temple architecture. Continue to Patan and the magnificently carved 11th century stepwell from the Salanki period. Proceed to Balaram via Sidhapur known for its mansions and princely Palanpur. Stay at Balaram Palace Resort.

Day 8 Ahmadabad

Drive 250km back to Ahmedabad and House of Mangaldas Girdhardas hotel, via Taranga to see the 12th century Taranga Jain Temples and also to historic Vadnagar with its many historic buildings.

Day 9 Champaner

Drive 60km from Ahmedabad to Champaner. Visit Pavagadh archaeological park, which has magnificent works of 15^th century Indo-Saracenic architecture. En route, see the palaces of Vadodara. Stay at the heritage home in Jambugodha.

Day 10 Champaner

Travel to Udaipur via Shamlaji or return to Ahmedabad/Vadodara for a domestic Indian or international flight.