DAY 1: Quiet grace & charm
Tauck's 12-day northern India tours begin at The Oberoi, New Delhi. Transfer from Indira Gandhi International Airport to your landmark hotel, The Oberoi, New Delhi, renowned for gracious service; it's set right in the heart of the city. Due to flight schedules, you will probably arrive at the hotel after midnight local time. You may want to travel a day early to ease the effects of jet lag and relax a bit before Tauck’s India tour begins – just mention this at the time of booking; Tauck can book your international flights for travel originating in the U.S. and can arrange a pre-stay at The Oberoi, New Delhi.
DAY 2: Explore New Delhi
Explore India’s capital city with an insider guide; a sightseeing excursion shows you Parliament House, Presidential Palace, and India Gate, commemorating Indian and British soldiers. Stop at the Gandhi Smriti Museum, paying tribute to the inspiring leader Mahatma Gandhi who forced change through non-violent protest. Visit two UNESCO World Heritage Sites – the five-story sandstone Qutb Minar Victory Tower, built over 8 centuries ago, and Humayun’s Tomb, set in beautiful gardens. This Mughal creation popularized Persian-influenced architecture and was an inspiration for the Taj Mahal. You'll have much to discuss this evening at the welcome cocktail reception and dinner.
MEALS: B, L, D
DAY 3: Delving into the past in Old Delhi
Explore the colorful bazaars, sacred temples, and colonial monuments in the winding streets of Old Delhi, the capital of Muslim India from the 12th through the 19th centuries. View the sumptuous Red Fort (Lal Qila) palaces, the symbol of Indian nationhood, and Rajghat, the cremation site of and memorial to Mahatma Gandhi. Spend the afternoon as you wish – and for your dining pleasure this evening, it's your choice. Dine à la carte at a selection of fine restaurants in the hotel.
MEALS: B, D
DAY 4: Ceremony on the River Ganges
Fly to the ancient city of Varanasi, built on the banks of the sacred River Ganges. Since the 6th century BC, this city has been a key destination for pilgrims who seek blessing and purification in the river’s holy waters. A sightseeing tour visits Sarnath, where Buddha gave his first sermon, and the National Museum, home to a priceless sculpture collection dating back to the 3rd century BC. Tonight, embark on a journey by boat along the River Ganges to witness ceremonies "putting the river to sleep" amidst hundreds of lighted candles and flower offerings – a special highlight of Tauck's India tours.
MEALS: B, L, D
DAY 5: Sunrise cruise on the Ganges & off to the temples
This shorter version of Tauck's India tours continues when you rise early for a cruise on the River Ganges to view the Varanasi sunrise ceremonies. A lecture precedes departure for the airport for the flight to Khajuraho for an overnight stay. "Wow" is a apt description of the treasures you're about to explore. The Khajuraho Group of Monuments were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986; during the Chandella dynasty about a millennium ago, between 950 and 1,050 temples were built, described as striking a perfect balance between architecture and sculpture. Though only about 20 remain today, their exquisitely detailed sculptures make them one of India's most revered works of art. Dine à la carte this evening at your leisure at your hotel near the temples.
MEALS: B, L, D
DAY 6: Orchha's palaces & a train to Agra
Tauck's India tour continues to historic Orchha, where ancient palaces, temples and cenotaphs speak volumes about India's once-great Mughal empire. Originally inhabited by royalty, today the eerily silent ruins are home to brilliant green parakeets and chattering langurs. See the soaring spires of the cenotaphs before you travel by train to Agra, home of the magnificent Taj Mahal. Your room in the luxurious Oberoi Amarvilas offer a wonderful view of this stunning man-made wonder...what a sight to wake up to!
MEALS: B, L, D
DAY 7: Eighth Wonder of the Modern World...
Guests who wish may visit the Taj Mahal in time for sunrise – the gates open at sunrise. Those not going quite so early will join your Tauck Director a little later than sunrise (but still early morning) for a guided visit to the spectacular Taj Mahal, with time to explore on your own and take photographs. A guided tour of the massive red sandstone Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, follows. Inside, you'll get a very good look at medieval lifestyles of 16th- and 17th-century Mughal emperors. Join us if you wish on an afternoon excursion to the walled imperial city of Fatehpur Sikri for in-depth exploration of this remarkably preserved site, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dine as you please this evening at your choice of restaurants in the hotel.
MEALS: B, L, D
DAY 8: Enjoy the royal treatment in Jaipur
Travel to Jaipur for a two-night stay at The Oberoi Rajvilas, reflecting the gracious lifestyles of India's legendary Rajput princes. A sightseeing tour of Jaipur includes the City Palace Museum and the Jantar Mantar Observatory – a collection of architectural astronomical instruments for measuring time, predicting eclipses, tracking stars in their orbits, figuring out the declinations of planets and determining the celestial altitudes. And the most interesting fact – they were all built by Maharajah Jai Singh II betwen 1727 and 1734! Attend a special evening fit for Maharajah royalty tonight, celebrating India's cultural traditions, cuisine, music and dance.
MEALS: B, L, D
DAY 9: Palaces and pavilions of Jaipur
A highlight of Tauck's India tours, today's sightseeing includes the many gems of Jaipur – from the massive gateways and pillared pavilions of Amber Fort to a tour of Amber Palace, with its magnificent domes, massive ramparts and glittering hall of mirrors. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure, pursuing what interests you most in Jaipur.
MEALS: B, L, D
DAY 10: Saris, turbans & a flight to Udaipur
After a morning spent as you please, learn the art of dressing in a sari and turban in a private demonstration, and ride a rickshaw to visit the modern architectural marvel known as the Birla Mandir. Later, fly to Udaipur for a two-night stay amidst the romance and splendor of your palatial lakefront resort, rated the "number one hotel in the world" by the readers of Travel + Leisure.
MEALS: B, L, D
DAY 11: Discover the treasures of Udaipur
Begin the final full day of this most intriguing of India tours with a tranquil cruise on Lake Pichola, taking in views of island palaces, ancient temples along the shore, and the old walled city. Visit the 18th-century fountain gardens of Saheliyon Ki Bari, and the Jagdish Mandir Temple. View the City Palace, a labyrinth of richly decorated courtyards, frescoed galleries, and marble temples.
MEALS: B, L, D
DAY 12: Fly to Dehli for your journey home
Fly back to Delhi today for your return home; rooms have been reserved at a hotel close to the airport for your comfort. Tour ends: Delhi. A transfer is included from the Trident, Gurgaon to Indira Gandhi International Airpot. Most international flights leave before dawn.
MEALS: B, L
