Your Exclusive Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrive Delhi, India... Let the Magic Begin
Welcome to India! You’ll be warmly greeted and escorted by luxury vehicle to the 5-star Le Meridien Hotel.
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 and a visit Humayun’s Tomb . Then ride a tuk-tuk to browse the exotica that fill the stalls of India’s most famous market. Meals B,D
Day 3 – Up and Away to Agra
Drive to Agra and refresh at the Mughal Luxury Hotel before touring the Agra Fort, more a palatial walled city than defensive fortress! This magnificent hilltop citadel is filled with fabulous fountains, courtyards and carved gates. Then stand in awe before the incomparable Taj Mahal as your guide tells the wrenching tale of this everlasting monument to love. Built by Emperor Shah Jahan in the mid 1600’s as a memorial tribute to his beloved wife, a work force nearly 22,000 strong spent more than 20 years on its construction. Tonight’s stellar performance of song and dance reveals more of its history. Meals B
Day 4 – Journey to Jaipur
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. 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 journey into colorful, historic Rajasthan to visit fabled Fatehpur Sikri . Built in the 16th century by Emperor Akbar, 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 Jaipur and settle-in to the beautiful Sheraton Rajputana Hotel. Meals B,D
Day 5 – Relive the Glory of the Rajput Kingdom
Admire the delicate facade of the Palace of Winds. Then ascend by jeep into the Amber Palace where lavish courtyards, opulent royal halls and the magical Chamber of Mirrors reveal the grandeur of a kingdom never conquered. Then examine miniature paintings, ancient weapons and bejeweled royal finery in the City Palace Museum. You’ll be inspired by the ingenuity of Jantar Mantar, an accurate observatory built in 1726 with stone instruments meticulously designed and constructed to measure time, predict eclipses, and track the movements of the stars and planets.
This afternoon, you’ll explore the Rajasthani countryside from an exciting and unique perspective! Step aboard your waiting elephant and journey over riverbeds and through the forest, experiencing the best of rural India. Stopping by a remote village, you’ll meet the residents and experience firsthand the timeless rhythms of their daily life. This evening, history comes to life at the Amber Fort Sound & Light Show. Meals B
Day 6 – Fly to Kathmandu, Nepal
Fly via Delhi to Kathmandu and settle-in to the Hyatt Regency Hotel. This evening, descend to the banks of the Bagmati River to see Pashupatinath, the most sacred temple of Shiva in all Nepal. Nearby lies Arya Ghat, the most widely used cremation site in Nepal. Surrounding the temple is a bustling market where the faithful shop for dyes, cloth and religious supplies. Then witness the ancient Aarti Ceremony performed every evening here in the shadow of Pashupatinath. Meals B
Day 7 – Through City and Countryside
As the day unfolds, you’ll experience the rich history and deep spirituality of the Nepalese and this mystical country nestled in the Himalayas. Stroll in Hamuman Dhoka, the ancient royal residential quarter, and join locals at the colorful temple bazaars nearby. Visit Durbar Square, the vibrant heart of this ancient city, flanked by numerous old temples like Parvati Temple and the House of the Living Goddesses. Then venture into the quiet Kathmandu Valley to visit Patan, loveliest of the ancient royal cities and revered for fine traditions of art and culture. Weather permitting, a flight over Mt. Everest is available. Meals B
Day 8 – Discover the City of Devotees
Travel east to Bhadgaon, rich with medieval art and architecture like the Palace of 55 Windows, built by King Bupatindra Malla. Explore the city’s array of temples and visit Bodhnath, the largest stupa in Nepal and one of the most important Tibetan Buddhist monuments outside of Tibet. Your afternoon is at leisure to explore and shop at your own pace. Meals B
Day 9 – From Kathmandu to Delhi
Enjoy breakfast and a leisurely morning. Later, transfer to the airport for an afternoon flight back to Delhi for your onward connection. Meals B
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