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DAY 1, Thursday - Depart for India
Depart for India
DAY 2, Friday - Arrive in New Delhi
Welcome to India! Arrive in the energetic capital city of New Delhi; meet your representative and transfer to the hotel. Time to rest and relax after your journey and acclimate to the new time zone
Overnight: New Delhi
DAY 3, Saturday - Old & New Delhi
Wake up this morning to the incredible journey in India that awaits you. Begin with the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Qutub Minar, the world's tallest brick minaret. Later, continue on to the walled city of Old Delhi, founded by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. Drive past the massive Red Fort, a reminder of the magnificent power and pomp of the Mughal emperors. Then, ride a cycle rickshaw along the lanes of Chandni Chowk, once the imperial avenue of Mughal royalty. Travel along the winding streets to Raj Ghat, memorial to Mahatma Gandhi, Father of the Nation and site of his cremation. The tour continues to New Delhi, a city of airy boulevards, lush parks and gardens. Visit the and the 20th-century Birla Temple, honoring the Hindu goddess of wealth. Drive past the imposing India Gate War Memorial to Indian and British soldiers, Parliament House and the Presidential Palace. Tonight, return back to the hotel, and attend an orientation meeting with your fellow travelers and Tour Manager, followed by a Welcome Dinner at the hotel
Overnight: New Delhi
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 4, Sunday - New Delhi to Agra
Morning visit to Akshardham Temple, it is a beautifully ornate structure carved by 7,000 sculptors out of pink sandstone and white marble with over 20,000 statues, floral motifs and exquisite carved pillars made of stone that epitomizes the spirituality and beauty of the country's rich Hindu culture. This architectural masterpiece, built along the river Yamuna, lies in an area of over 100 acres with beautiful gardens, water fountains and carved pavilions. Afterwards, on to Agra, with its celebrated past, rich heritage and architectural treasures. En route, stop at the Tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah, built of the finest Indian marble embellished with mosaics and inlay of semi-precious stones. Tonight, enjoy dinner at the hotel
Overnight: Agra
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 5, Monday - Taj Mahal & Agra Fort
A memorable day as you visit the astonishing Taj Mahal, built by Emperor Shah Jahan as a mausoleum for his beloved queen. This is perhaps the most perfect architectural monument in the world, built of white marble and precious stones over a 22-year period; regarded as the finest example of Mughal design in the world. Afterwards, stop at Kalakriti Marble, whose founding family was inspired by the Taj Mahal to become a manufacturer of fine inlaid marble work. Marvel at the museum quality workmanship as you watch a demonstration of the timely process of marble carvings, filigree and stone inlay. Afterwards, you'll be able to browse their decorative items. Later, visit 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. Tonight, celebrate "love" at an optional evening performance of Mohabbat-e-Taj; a series of plays that portrays the intense love of the Shah Jahan for his wife and depicts the lavish lifestyle of the Mughal era
Optional: Mohabbat-e-Taj Show (PM)
Overnight: Agra
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 6, Tuesday - Agra to Ranthambore National Park
Depart Agra to the small ancient village of Abhaneri in northern Rajasthan. Here, you visit the Chand Baori step well, fortified on all sides, one of the oldest and largest in India dating back to the 8th or 9th century. 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, drive to the Ranthambore National Park region, one of the largest and most renowned national parks in Northern India, the former hunting grounds of the Maharajas of Jaipur. Time to enjoy the beautiful new surroundings. Dinner together tonight at the hotel
Overnight: Ranthambore
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 7, Wednesday - Ranthambore National Park Safari
Set out this morning on an early morning drive to the wildlife sanctuary at Ranthambore National Park. A local naturalist guide joins you in your park-assigned Jeep or Canter vehicle as you begin your search for elusive tigers as well as hyenas, jackals and foxes. The park is dotted with structures, including a huge hilltop fort that reminds you of a bygone era. Ranthambore National Park was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1957 and in 1974 it gained the protection of "Project Tiger." The park is truly a wildlife enthusiasts and photographer's dream, 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 that is sure to thrill you. Return to the lodge in time for dinner together - a great opportunity to compare your wildlife stories
Overnight: Ranthambore
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 8, Thursday - Travel to Jaipur
Travel to Jaipur, gateway to the desert state of Rajasthan. Arrive in this glorious city, with its colorful stucco buildings lining the wide streets and you'll understand why it's nicknamed the "Pink City." The city was painted this unique color in 1876 to celebrate the first visit of the Prince of Wales to Jaipur. Drive past stunning hilltop forts and glorious palaces en route to the hotel. Visit the world-famous Raj Mandir Cinema, a popular symbol of Jaipur with its astonishing meringue-shaped auditorium, ever-changing colored lighting and a symmetrical shaped exterior, after a stroll through Jaipur's bargain-filled bazaar
Overnight: Jaipur
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 9, Friday - Amber Fort and Highlights of Jaipur
Excursion to the spectacular Amber Fort, a stunning fusion of Mughal and Hindu styles, with its gorgeous Palace of Mirrors. On the way, drive past the Hawa Mahal, the "Palace of Winds" with its lacy ornamental façade accented by delicate latticework and honeycomb windows. Arrive to the Amber Fort and ascend the hill to the ramparts by jeep. From here, view the breathtaking panorama of Jaipur's original city walls and Maotha Lake. Enjoy some refreshments while shopping the vast collection of local handicrafts at Jaipur Handicrafts, offering premium quality handmade carpets, textiles, pashminas, pottery and paintings. Fabrics in all colors and texture are available for loose purchase as well as custom design work. This afternoon's tour includes the beautifully preserved 18th century Jantar Mantar Observatory with its ingenious instruments, and the opulent City Palace, a former royal residence, now a grand museum with an extraordinary collection of paintings, costumes and armory. Tonight's optional evening is highlighted by the exotic flavors of Indian cuisine at a local neighborhood restaurant where you'll be entertained by performers in traditional attire performing dance moves to the rhythm of accompanying musical instruments
Optional: Dinner at Local Jaipur Restaurant with Cultural Performance
Overnight: Jaipur
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 10, Saturday - Jaipur to Jodhpur
Arrive in the blue-hued old city of Jodhpur, which lies at the foot of the massive Mehrangarh Fort that dominates the skyline. Begin with a visit to the Jaswant Thada Memorial, built in 1899 out of the finest marble in honor of the Maharaja of Jodhpur. Afterwards, ascend to the imposing Mehrangarh Fort, built in 1459 of burnished red sandstone, often called the "Citadel of the Sun." This fort, one of the most impressive in all of Rajasthan, is acknowledged as one of the best preserved forts in all of India. Tonight, enjoy dinner together at the hotel
Overnight: Jodhpur
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 11, Sunday - Ranakpur en route to Udaipur
This morning, depart Jodhpur for Udaipur. On your drive, stop in Ranakpur to visit one of the Jain's holiest pilgrimage centers and the Jain Temple, dating back to the 14th and 15th centuries, crafted of pure white marble with more than a thousand columns. See the magnificent views of the surrounding landscape before departing to Udaipur, known as the "City of Lakes" and celebrated for its fairy-tale marble palaces that seem to rise from the waters of Lake Pichola. Arrive at your hotel in Udaipur late in the evening. Tonight, explore the city's culinary scene
Overnight: Udaipur
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 12, Monday - Udaipur City Tour & Lake Pichola Boat Ride
Begin the day with a tour of Udaipur. Visit the spectacular City Palace, a soaring creation of marble and granite perched on the lake's edge. This extravagant palace complex, the largest in Rajasthan, blends medieval, European, and Chinese architecture and is richly decorated with glittering Belgium mirrors. The serene setting of the Sahelion-ki-Bari gardens is your next stop, with its lovely fountains, lotus pools and marble elephants. Spend the afternoon at leisure before departing on an evening boat cruise on Lake Pichola
Overnight: Udaipur
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 13, Tuesday - Flight to Mumbai (formerly Bombay)
Free time this morning for individual explorations. In the afternoon transfer to the airport for your flight to Mumbai. Tonight, share wonderful memories of your journey in India at a Farewell Dinner with your fellow travelers
Overnight: Mumbai
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 14, Wednesday - Explore Mumbai, Flight to Nepal
Begin your tour of Mumbai at the commanding Gateway to India Arch, built to commemorate the 1911 royal visit of King George V. Ironically, 24 years later, the last British regimen marched through the Arch while leaving India following the country's independence. Continue to Dhobi Ghat, where dirty laundry from all over Mumbai is brought to a massive open-air laundry and painstakingly hand washed by the "dhobis" (washermen) in endless rows of concrete troughs fitted with flogging stones. It provides an unforgettable glimpse into the workings of the city and unlike anything you have ever seen. Stop at the Mani Bhavan Mahatma Gandhi Museum, where Gandhi's movement was launched in 1942 and the serene ISKCON Temple. Drive through colonial Mumbai with its many buildings, structures and historical monuments still remaining from the colonial era. Evening flight to Kathmandu. Arrive and transfer to your hotel
Day Use: Kathmandu
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 15, Thursday - Rural Nepal Excursion
Venture into rural Nepal this morning and enjoy visits to Dhulikhel and Bhadgaon. Begin with Dhulikhel, a Newari town, where you will see spectacular views of the Himalayan Mountains, on a clear day. In the centre of the old town, view temples adorned with wood carvings, fine examples of traditional Newari craftsmanship. Afterward, drive to Panauti, one of the oldest towns in Nepal. The tour continues with a stop at Bhadgaon (Bhaktapur), an ancient Newar city founded in the 9th century. Here, you will see the royal residential quarter of King Bhupatindra Malla and the Nyatapola Temple. Finally, located on the banks of the Bagmati River, the Pashupatinath Temple, the most important Hindu site in all of Nepal. Tonight, dinner is on your own or join the optional tour Traditional Nepalese Dinner
Optional: Traditional Nepalese Dinner
Overnight: Kathmandu
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 16, Friday - Kathmandu City Tour
Early in the morning, join the optional Mount Everest Flightseeing. Enjoy a flight on a small aircraft with a window seat for an hour of spectacular scenery over the tallest mountain on earth. View the iconic landmark of Kathmandu, the great stupa of Swayambhunath, with the eyes of Buddha painted on all four sides. Next Durbar Square, the UNESCO World Heritage Site that showcases some of the most impressive architecture in Central Asia, with more than 50 palaces, pagodas, and temples. The square is home to the Royal Palace complex with its gilded doorway and the 16th century Taleju Temple, which honors a form of the Goddess Durga. Continue to Boudhanath, an important Buddhist pilgrimage center and home to one of the world's largest Buddhist stupas It's believed to mark the site where Shiva worshipped in the form of Lingam (only Hindus are permitted entrance). Afternoon is free for individual explorations or, join the optional Half Day Patan City Tour. Known as Lalitpur or the "City of Beauty", Patan is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is filled with Hindu temples and Buddhist monuments exhibiting skillful carvings. Dinner tonight is at your hotel
Optional: Mount Everest Flightseeing (AM)
Optional: Half Day Patan City Tour (PM)
Overnight: Kathmandu
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 17, Saturday - Flight to New Delhi
Today, transfer to the airport for your flight to New Delhi. Upon arrival, check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to relax or explore on your own. This evening, enjoy a Farewell Dinner at the hotel with your Tour Manager and newfound friends
Overnight: New Delhi
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 18, Sunday - Return Home
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast
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