DAY 1, Tuesday - Depart for India
Depart for New Delhi, India

DAY 2, Wednesday - Arrive in New Delhi
Welcome to India! Arrive in New Delhi, the energetic capital city and transfer to your hotel. Balance of the day is at leisure
Overnight: New Delhi

DAY 3, Thursday - Explore New Delhi Area
Begin your exploration just outside New Delhi at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Qutub Minar. This minaret is built in red sandstone and it's a masterpiece of Mughal Islamic workmanship. Following lunch at a local restaurant, ride a cycle rickshaw along the lanes of Chandni Chowk, once the imperial avenue of Mughal royalty, which today is the busiest commercial area of the city. Then, drive past the imposing India Gate war memorial, Presidential Palace, and Parliament House. Continue with a visit to Gandhi Smriti (formerly Birla House), a museum dedicated to Gandhi, Father of the Nation. This evening, attend an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager at approximately 6 PM, followed by dinner
Overnight: New Delhi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 4, Friday - Travel to Jaipur
Travel to Jaipur, gateway to the desert state of Rajasthan. Arrive in this enthralling city, with its colorful stucco buildings lining the wide streets, nicknamed the "Pink City." The city was painted this unique color in the late 1800's to celebrate the first visit of the Prince of Wales to Jaipur. Drive past stunning hilltop forts and glorious palaces on the way to a jewelry wholesaler renowned for its quality and design. View a spectacular array of gems, available loose, or uniquely set in gold, plus traditional gold enamel Mughal jewelry, and an extensive collection of artwork. Then, visit a bargain-filled bazaar before dinner at the hotel
Overnight: Jaipur
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 5, Saturday - Amber Fort and Highlights of Jaipur
Take an excursion to the spectacular Amber Fort, a stunning fusion of Mughal and Rajput styles, with its gorgeous Palace of Mirrors, incredible maze of courtyards, and lavish private chambers reflecting the grandeur of the Mughal Empire. Arrive at Amber Fort and ascend the hill to the ramparts by jeep. From here, view the wonderful panorama of Jaipur's original city walls and Maotha Lake. Visit a local handicrafts store, offering premium quality handmade carpets, textiles, pashminas, paintings and woodwork. In the afternoon, tour the beautifully preserved 18th century Jantar Mantar Observatory with the largest sundial in the world. Interact with a local astrologer and learn more about the ingenious instruments. Tonight, spend the evening with a local family in their home. Savor traditional home-cooked Indian dinner, along with conversation about life in India today
Overnight: Jaipur
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 6, Sunday - Drive to Ranthambore National Park
This morning, experience the medieval mystique of the walled city. Walk through the winding lanes of Jaipur's vegetable market and view stalls brimming with fresh produce. Later, depart Jaipur and travel to Ranthambore National Park, one of the largest and most renowned national parks in Northern India, the former hunting grounds of the Maharajas of Jaipur. On the way, drive past Hawa Mahal, the "Palace of Winds" with its lacy ornamental façade accented by delicate latticework and honeycomb windows. Arrive and check into your room with free time to relax before dinner tonight at the hotel
Overnight: Ranthambore
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 7, Monday - Ranthambore National Park Safari
Take an early morning drive to the wildlife sanctuary at Ranthambore National Park. Accompanied by a naturalist guide, board your park-assigned Jeep or Canter vehicle and begin your search for elusive tigers as well as antelopes, deer, birds, and foxes. The park is dotted with structures, including a huge hilltop fort, reminiscent of a bygone era. Ranthambore National Park is a wildlife sanctuary and in late 1900's gained the protection of "Project Tiger." The park is most famous for its tigers and one of the best locations in India to see these majestic predators in their natural habitat. Have lunch at the hotel, with time to relax before the evening safari. Return to the lodge in time for dinner
Overnight: Ranthambore
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 8, Tuesday - Abhaneri en route to Agra
Today, drive to the small ancient village of Abhaneri in northern Rajasthan. Upon arrival, if time allows, visit a local school and meet the children. Continue to the Chand Baori, one of the largest stepwells in India, fortified on all sides. This unique idea, conceived by the early natives to function as a water reservoir, is situated adjacent to the temple dedicated to Harshat Mata, the goddess of joy and happiness. After lunch, continue the drive to Agra, with its celebrated past, rich heritage and architectural masterpieces. Arrive and check into the hotel
Overnight: Agra
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 9, Wednesday - Taj Mahal, Agra Fort
Explore the stunning Taj Mahal, built by Emperor Shah Jahan as a mausoleum for his beloved wife. This architectural monument, built of white marble and semi-precious stones over a 22 year period, is considered the finest example of Mughal architecture. Afterwards, stop at a handicraft gallery and showroom displaying a unique collection of sculptures, and intricate inlaid marble work. Marvel at the museum quality workmanship as you watch a demonstration of the process of marble carving, filigree and stone inlay. In the afternoon, discover the red sandstone Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with its incredible maze of walled courtyards, mosques and lavish private chambers reflecting the grandeur of the Mughal Empire
Overnight: Agra
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 10, Thursday - Return to New Delhi, Flight to Amritsar
This morning, head back to New Delhi for your flight to Amritsar, in northwestern India. The city is a major cultural and commercial center in the state of Punjab. Arrive in the afternoon and check into the hotel. This evening, head out to the Golden Temple, the most iconic building in Amritsar. Marvel at the illuminated temple and its stunning reflection in the sacred waters. A beautiful sight to behold
Overnight: Amritsar
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 11, Friday - Harmandir Sahib, Visit Rural Village, Wagha Border Ceremony
Begin the day with a visit to the gilded Harmandir Sahib, also known as the Golden Temple. It was built in the 16th century and is the most important place of worship for the Sikh faith. It's surrounded by a large complex with a marble walkway and a pool, which holds holy water. Later, embark on a heritage walk of the historic Old Town which takes you back in time. In the afternoon, head to a rural village. Here, you will be welcomed with tea, watch a gatka (Sikh martial arts) demonstration and learn how to tie a turban. Later, observe the Wagha border ceremony between India and Pakistan, carried out with great pomp and pageantry. Return to the hotel for dinner
Overnight: Amritsar
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 12, Saturday - Drive to Chandigarh, Rock Garden, Local Market
This morning, travel to Chandigarh, the capital of Punjab state. This green metropolis, is a blend of modernist architecture with classic European and traditional culture. On arrival, check into your hotel. Afterward, visit the famous Rock Garden, a unique sculpture garden that features art made from recycled materials such as broken tiles, ceramic pots, and other waste materials. Stroll through the garden, offering stunning views of the garden and the city beyond. Tonight, explore a local market and spend the evening at leisure
Overnight: Chandigarh
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 13, Sunday - Travel to Rishikesh, Evening Aarti Ceremony
Today, embark on a long drive to Rishikesh, one of India's seven Hindu holy cities, and home to many ashrams offering spiritual learning, yoga and meditation. Upon arrival in the afternoon, check into your hotel. Witness a captivating evening Aarti ceremony which is a Hindu ritual using fire as an offering and is performed on the banks of the Ganges River. Learn about the significance of the ritual as you observe priests chanting prayers and lighting small lamps to thank the river for being the source of life. Return to the hotel for dinner with entertainment
Overnight: Rishikesh
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 14, Monday - Yoga Meditation, Walking Tour of Rishikesh & The Beatles Ashram
Participate in an early morning yoga and meditation session. After breakfast, take a walking tour of Rishikesh, one of the holiest places in India. Discover its various temples and ashrams, then proceed to the Janki Bridge and watch people performing rituals on the ghats. Later, visit Beatles Ashram, also known as the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Ashram. It was here that the Beatles stayed in 1968 and composed some of their songs. Have lunch at a local restaurant before returning to the hotel. Later, enjoy a sound healing session at a local studio. Spend the rest of the day at leisure
Overnight: Rishikesh
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 15, Tuesday - Return to New Delhi
Depart Rishikesh, on a long drive back to New Delhi. Upon arrival, stop by Akshardham Temple and view the intricate carvings and beautiful stone architecture. Check into your room with free time to rest. Tonight, during dinner at the hotel, bid farewell to your Tour Manager
Overnight: New Delhi
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 16, Wednesday - Depart India
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast