In Agra, luxury begins at dawn, when the marble of the Taj Mahal softens from pearl to rose. Book a private sunrise tour to sidestep crowds and let a specialist guide unfold tales of Shah Jahan’s devotion as you wander the inlaid pietra dura panels and mirrored calligraphy. From there, retreat to a riverside suite at the Oberoi Amarvilas, where every balcony frames the mausoleum like a personal tableau; dusk cocktails here feel like a private performance staged by the Yamuna River mist. Spend a day inside the red sandstone embrace of Agra Fort, exploring palatial halls, mirrored chambers, and the balcony where the emperor once gazed toward his lost love’s tomb. Continue to the delicate Itmad-ud-Daulah, often dubbed the “Baby Taj,” its filigreed marble and tranquil gardens offering a quieter, more intimate counterpoint. For a sweeping sense of Mughal grandeur, journey to nearby Fatehpur Sikri, a ghost city of carved archways and ceremonial courtyards suspended in time. Between monuments, indulge in curated dining at rooftop restaurants overlooking domes and minarets, pairing Awadhi kebabs and fragrant biryani with panoramic city lights. Seek out ateliers where artisans revive the legacy of inlay work and hand-knotted carpets, commissioning bespoke pieces as tactile memories of your stay. A chauffeured car, spa rituals scented with jasmine and sandalwood, and moonlit views of the Taj Mahal complete a lavish Agra sojourn shaped for unhurried discovery.