Day 1 Sat: Arrive Delhi
Arrive today in India’s capital city of Delhi. You are greeted with a traditional Indian welcome and escorted to your hotel.
Day 2 Sun: Delhi
After a leisurely morning, start your afternoon tour of Old Delhi. Among your stops are the Red Fort, Raj Ghat, Ashoka Pillar and the mile-long Chandni Chowk bazaar. (B)
Day 3 Mon: Delhi Sightseeing
This morning tour New Delhi - drive along Rajpath to view the Parliament House, the President’s House and India Gate. Visit the Humayun’s Tomb, Qutab Minar and Birla Temple. Afternoon is at leisure. (B)
Day 4 Tue: Delhi / Kathmandu
This morning fly to Kathmandu, capital of Nepal. This afternoon, visit Durbar Square, Temple of the Living Goddess and Swayambhunath. (B)
Day 5 Wed: Patan & Bhadgaon Excursion
Your morning tour includes the charming towns of Bhaktapur, Pashupathinath and Bodhnath, followed later in the afternoon by Patan and the Tibetan handicrafts center. This evening, enjoy a presentation of Nepalese folk dances. (B)
Day 6 Thu: Kathmandu / Varanasi-Sarnath
Today fly to Varanasi (India’s holiest city), located on the sacred Ganges River. Upon arrival, you are met and transferred to your hotel. In the afternoon visit the stupas, ruins and museum at Sarnath, scene of Buddha’s first sermon. (B)
Day 7 Fri: Varanasi / Khajuraho
In the early morning enjoy, the sunrise on the Ganges River with a boat ride followed by a walking tour of the old city. Later fly to Khajuraho, capital of the 9th to 13th century Chandela Dynasty. Upon arrival you are met and transferred to your hotel. Visit the Western group of temples containing the largest and loveliest temples, including Kandariya Mahadev (representing Chandela art at its best). (B)
Day 8 Sat: Khajuraho /Agra
This morning visit the principal Eastern group of temples, modest and less ornate than the Western Group. These temples reflect the simplicity inherent in Jainism. Later, drive to Jhansi to board the train to Agra, en route visiting Orcha, a medieval city frozen in time and space, existing to this day as it must have in the 17th century. Upon arrival you are met and transferred to your hotel. (B)
Day 9 Sun: Agra / Fatehpur Sikri / Jaipur
Early morning visit the magnificent Taj Mahal for a sunrise view. After breakfast visit the Agra Fort followed by your drive to Jaipur, en route visiting the abandoned city of Fatehpur Sikri. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel. (B)
Day 10 Mon: Amber Fort Excursion & Jaipur Sightseeing
In the morning visit the mountain fortress of Amber, riding royally atop regally painted and decorated elephants. Later, enjoy a tour of Jaipur City, visiting Hawa Mahal or the “Palace of Winds,” City Palace and the ancient observatory. (B)
Day 11 Tue: Jaipur / Udaipur
This morning fly to Udaipur. Upon arrival, you are met and transferred to your hotel. In the afternoon tour this famous “City of Lakes,” known as one of the most picturesque and romantic cities of India and maybe the world. Visit City Palace, Saheliyon ki Bari or Garden of Maids and the folklore museum where you can see a presentation of the string puppets typical to this area. (B)
Day 12 Wed: Ranakpur Excursion
Today’s excursion brings you to the beautifully sculpted 15th century Jain temples of Ranakpur. The intricately carved white marble is well preserved. The temple dedicated to the Sun God is famed for its erotic sculpture. Stop for lunch at Maharani Bagh, a mango grove and private gardens of the Maharajah of Jodhpur. (BL)
Day 13 Thu: Udaipur/Mumbai (Bombay)
Fly to Mumbai (formerly Bombay), India’s most cosmopolitan city. Your tour of Mumbai includes the British-built arch “Gateway of India,” the Hanging Gardens and the Malabar Hills where Mumbai’s rich and famous live, the Prince of Wales Museum, Dhobi Ghat, Marine Drive, the Gandhi Memorial Museum and Jain Temple. Room will be provided for wash and change at a hotel. Late evening transfer to international airport for flight back home. (B) |
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