Day 1: Board your transatlantic flight and skip a day en route to India.
Day 2: Board your transatlantic flight and skip a day en route to India.
Day 3: Arrive in Delhi, India.
Welcome to India’s capital city of Delhi! After an early morning arrival you will have time to rest before meeting your traveling companions and Tour Director for sightseeing in the afternoon. Your Local Guide will show you the sights of “Old Delhi.” Start with a visit to the JAMA MOSQUE followed by a RICKSHAW RIDE through Chandni Chowk, a colorful local bazaar. You’ll also visit the GANDHI MEMORIAL MUSEUM and Raj Ghat, where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated in 1948. Tonight your Tour Director hosts a lavish welcome dinner including a COOKING DEMONSTRATION followed by a talk on Indian cuisine. (B,D)
Day 4: Delhi.
This morning’s sightseeing will focus on “New Delhi.” Visit HUMAYUN’S TOMB and Qutab Minar. Then, see the grand government buildings, the President’s House, and Parliament House. The afternoon is at leisure. Consider an optional visit to three famous temples for an introduction to India’s most popular religions: Hindu, Buddhism, and Sikh. Your Tour Director has suggestions for other activities. (B)
Day 5: Delhi–Varanasi.
Fly to Varanasi, the holiest of Hindu pilgrim cities, on the banks of the sacred Ganges River. Sightseeing today visits SARNATH, the cradle of Buddhism, where Buddha first spoke of his philosophy. For a truly memorable experience, join tonight’s optional tour: a rickshaw ride through the bustling streets of this unique city followed by a sunset cruise on the Ganges. Here you will witness striking religious rituals being performed—a truly unique experience. (B)
Day 6: Varanasi–Khajuraho.
Around dawn, board a BOAT to watch a striking religious ritual—the Hindu’s devotional bathing in the Ganges. You’ll observe hundreds of pilgrims gathered at the river’s edge, some practicing yoga, others meditating, and still others bathing fully clothed. A late-morning flight takes you to Khajuraho, where sightseeing focuses on the mysterious TEMPLES, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, that have been isolated for centuries. Art historians have long puzzled over myths and legends in an attempt to understand the bizarre combination of prolific religious and erotic temples. (B,D)
Day 7: Khajuraho–Orchha–Jhansi–Agra.
Today, enjoy the scenery as you pass through rural areas en route to Orchha. Upon arrival, visit the impressive MEDIEVAL PALACE COMPLEX, once the capital of a locally powerful Rajput kingdom. Later, arrive in Jhansi to board your train to Agra, where much of the city’s impressive past is still evident today in the majesty of her buildings. (B)
Day 8: Agra.
Start your day with a sunrise visit to the incomparable TAJ MAHAL, an extravagant marble monument to love. The Moghul Emperor Shah Jahan built it as a memorial to his beloved wife, who died during childbirth. To add to this memorable experience, you’ll also travel by tongas (horse carriage) during your visit. Later, visit AGRA FORT, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built by the Moghul Emperor Akbar, this impressive fortress of red sandstone conceals the imperial city of the Moghul rulers and its many palaces. (B,D)
Day 9: Agra–Jaipur.
Today, visit FATEHPUR SIKRI (the City of Victory) en route to Jaipur, known as the “Pink City.” This evening, enjoy a SARI- and TURBAN-TYING LESSON followed by a HOME-HOSTED DINNER with an Indian noble family. (B,D)
Day 10: Jaipur.
The highlight of today’s sights includes the amazing AMBER FORT. Later on, visit the CITY PALACE and the adjoining MUSEUM, which houses a collection of rare manuscripts. You will also stop at the famous HAWA MAHALl (Palace of the Winds). In the late afternoon, enjoy a WALKING TOUR through a local market, known for its arts and crafts including jewelry, enamel work, hand-painted fabrics, and stone sculptures. (B,D)
Day 11: Jaipur–Udaipur.
A short early morning flight brings you to Udaipur, the “City of Lakes,” where you will see some of India’s most beautiful palaces. Your sightseeing includes a visit to EKLINGI TEMPLE, dedicated to Shiva, the guardian deity of Mewar, followed by the JAIN TEMPLES OF NAGDA that date back to the 11th century. Today’s highlight is a CRUISE on Lake Pichola with a short visit to the island palace of JAG MANDIR. (B)
Day 12: Udaipur.
This morning, discover the massive granite and marble CITY PALACE with its courtyards, pavilions, terraces, and narrow corridors. Then, a visit of the adjacent CRYSTAL GALLERY and MINIATURE PAINTING COMPANY. Your sightseeing finishes at SAHELION KI BARI. The afternoon is at leisure. Tonight your Tour Director will host a festive farewell dinner to celebrate an unforgettable journey through India. (B,D)
Day 13: Udaipur–Delhi.
Today, fly back to Delhi. We have reserved hotel rooms for your use before transferring to the airport later this evening to board your homebound flight. (B)
Day 14: Delhi.
Your homebound flight arrives the same day.
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