Your Exclusive Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrive Delhi, India... Let the Magic Begin
Welcome to India! You’ll be warmly greeted and comfortably escorted to the 5-star Le Meridien Hotel, with French-inspired style close to excellent shopping and dining.
Day 2 - Discover Delhi - Old and New!
Delight in Delhi from a variety of fascinating perspectives. In the morning, board a traditional cycle rickshaw for a leisurely exploration of Old Delhi. Gaze upon the imposing walls of the Red Fort
, a powerful symbol of the Mughal Empire, and watch as the bustling market of Chandni Chowk comes to life with the start of the trading day. Visit a local bakery and sample sweet jalebi freshly fried. Then pay your respects at Raj Ghat, the evocative memorial to Mahatma Gandhi.
In the afternoon, experience the daily rhythms of modern life as you join your guide aboard the efficient Metro for a quick ride to New Delhi, designed and built by the British in the 1920’s. Marvel at its palatial-sized buildings, drive down Rajpath, admire the grand India Gate and visit Emperor Humayun’s Tomb. Tonight you dine at Véda; designed by Indian fashion guru Rohit Bal, this stylish restaurant is loved as much for its spectacular décor as its menu – classic Indian dishes prepared with contemporary flair. Meals B,D
Day 3 – Fly to Varanasi
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before heading to the airport for your flight to Varanasi, one of the most ancient cities in the world and the center of the Hindu faith. Upon arrival, you’ll be met and escorted to the comfortable Radisson Hotel in the heart of the city. This afternoon you’ll join your guide to visit Sarnath, the revered spot where Buddha gave his first sermon. The museum here is one of the most important in India, with spectacular carvings that span more than a millennium, from the 3rd century B.C. to the 12th century A.D.
This evening’s specially-arranged excursion brings you to the banks of the River Ganges to witness a Hindu prayer ceremony, a beautiful spectacle of light and devotion. Return to your hotel for dinner at The Great Kebab Factory where a variety of meat, fish and vegetarian kebabs are offered with freshly-prepared, specialty Indian breads. Meals B,D
Day 4 – Dawn on the Ganges… Evening in Jaipur
Arise early this morning and return once again to the Ganges for a boat ride on this sacred river. In the soft golden light of dawn, you’ll witness thousands of devotees descending to these holy waters for purification – a powerful and evocative sight. Return to your hotel for breakfast and rejoin your guide for a city tour en route to the airport. Fly to Delhi and journey overland into the colorful Rajasthani countryside to Jaipur where you check in to the beautiful Sheraton Rajputana Hotel. Meals B
Day 5 – Relive the Glory of the Rajput Kingdom
After breakfast, you’ll ascend into the Amber Fort where lavish courtyards, opulent royal halls and the magical Chamber of Mirrors reveal the grandeur of a kingdom never conquered. Later, our exclusive Elephant Safari is a thrilling way to explore the protected forests of the Jaipur Bio-Reserve Area.
Rajasthan is renowned for skilled artisans who produce its brightly colored textiles, carved wooden boxes and unique silver jewelry. Your free afternoon here in Jaipur is a great opportunity to do some shopping and exploration at your own pace.
This evening, we take you back to the Amber Fort for dinner at 1135 AD, a uniquely atmospheric restaurant that evokes the splendor of the Maharajah’s court. After dinner, history comes to life as you witness the spectacular Amber Fort Sound & Light Show. Meals B,D
Day 6 – Discover the Pink City
This morning’s city tour includes the oft-photographed Palace of Winds, beloved for its magnificent latticed façade. You’ll also visit the Palace Museum to admire its fabulous displays of miniature paintings and traditional Rajasthani royal costumes. Then tour Jantar Mantar, an unusual observatory built in 1726. Here you will see architectural stone instruments that were ingeniously designed and meticulously constructed to accurately measure time, predict eclipses and track the movements of the stars and planets. Meals B
Day 7 – From Jaipur to Agra
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before departing for your journey into colorful, historic Rajasthan and a visit to fabled Fatehpur Sikri. Built in the 16th century by Emperor Akbar but mysteriously abandoned years later, this veritable fairy tale city and its “ruins” are still in pristine condition, making it easy to imagine the opulence of long-ago court life.
Continue to Agra and check in to the Mughal Luxury Collection Hotel where the balance of your day is free to enjoy as you wish. Tonight, gather with your fellow travelers for dinner in your hotel at Peshawri, an elegant venue specializing in the regional cuisines of India’s northwest frontier, including barbecue specialties and fresh-baked Indian breads. Meals B,D
Day 8 – The Amazing Taj Mahal
Few know to cross the river, but from the pleasure garden of Mehtab Bagh, there’s a breathtaking early morning view of the Taj Mahal, Mosque and Guest House. We’ll take you there before breakfast for an unforgettable experience… Gaze in awe as the translucent white marble of this monument-to-love catches the first golden light of the morning!
Return to your hotel for breakfast and then visit the Taj Mahal and its lovely gardens. Stand in awe before this magnificent monument as your guide tells the wrenching tale of this everlasting tribute to an undying love. Built by Emperor Shah Jahan in the mid 1600’s as a memorial to his beloved wife, a work force nearly 22,000 strong spent more than 20 years on its construction.
Next up this morning is the imposing Agra Fort. More a palatial walled city than defensive fortress, this magnificent hilltop citadel is filled with fabulous fountains, courtyards and carved gates. Return to your hotel where the rest of your day is at leisure. Meals B
Day 9 – Back to Delhi
After a leisurely breakfast, you’ll journey back to Delhi and check in again to the luxurious Le Meridien Hotel. With the rest of your afternoon and evening free, take advantage of your hotel’s terrific location and step out to enjoy some of the city’s most popular shopping and dining venues. Meals B
Day 10 – Farewell to India
You’ll be escorted to the airport for your onward journey. Meals B
