DAY 1 U.S.A./Delhi.
Depart for Delhi, India.
Day 2 Delhi.
Arrive late in the evening in Delhi, India's capital, a city of fascinating contrasts. You will be met and transferred to your hotel. Le Meridien New Delhi or similar.
Day 3 Delhi.
After breakfast, visit the ancient walled city of Old Delhi. See the largest mosque in India, the Jama Masjid, and the Red Fort, an opulent palace from the Mughal Empire. Take a rickshaw ride through narrow lanes and colorful bazaars at Chandni Chowk, the bustling market of the old city. In the afternoon, tour New Delhi; designed and built by the British in the 1920s, a city of palatial-sized buildings set on broad tree-lined avenues with fabulous Mughal-style gardens. Visit the perfectly symmetrical Humayun's Tomb, a World Heritage Site and a significant monument to Delhi's past. Travel the ceremonial avenue, Rajpath, past the Parliament House and the imposing India Gate on your way to visit Birla House, where Mahatma Gandhi spent the last months of his life and the site of his assassination. Le Meridien New Delhi or similar. (B, D)
Day 4 Delhi/Agra.
This morning, visit the Kashmir Arts and Crafts Mall and learn about the interesting art of rug making. Afterward, travel to Agra and check into your hotel. Mughal Sheraton or similar. (B, D)
Day 5 Agra.
Visit that magnificent monument to love, the Taj Mahal, built by an emperor in memory of his beloved queen. Revel in its perfect proportions and distinct femininity, enjoy the intrigue of its past. It is said that the architect was blinded and his hands cut off so he would never be able to duplicate his brilliant creation. Set amidst its paradisiacal garden, the Taj Mahal is a sight like no other. Continue to the massive Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and explore the chambers of this fascinating royal residence, followed by a visit to a marble factory. Mughal Sheraton or similar. (B, D)
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Day 6 Agra/Jaipur.
Take an optional early morning visit to the Taj Mahal at sunrise and witness the famous Taj glow in the changing light of the rising sun. (This is an additional cost but well worth it.) After breakfast, en route to Jaipur, enjoy an excursion to Fatehpur Sikri. The architectural grandeur of this imperial city is beyond words. Ponder the mysterious desertion of this capital city that dates from the 16th century, dramatically abandoned just years after it was built. Continue on to Jaipur and check into your hotel. Rajputana Sheraton or similar. (B, D)
Day 7 Jaipur.
The morning begins in the 'Pink City,' Jaipur, capital of Rajasthan. Drive through the old part of town and take in a kaleidoscope of color and sound. Jaipur is one of the main centers for shopping in India, offering gorgeous textiles, jewelry, stone work, rugs and much more. Travel to the Amber Fort, a marvelous example of Rajput design reflected beautifully in the Maota Lake below. Once inside see the magnificent royal halls decorated with intricate ivory, mirrors, glass work, and exquisite wall paintings. Rajputana Sheraton or similar. (B, D)
Day 8 Jaipur.
After breakfast, an optional Elephant Safari provides a rare opportunity to see rural Indian landscapes from the back of an elephant. Take in the beautiful countryside scenery of Jaipur atop India's most famous beasts, a once in a lifetime experience. In the afternoon, visit the City Palace Museum resplendent with its array of royal prince's robes, carpets, old weapons and collection of miniature paintings portraying court life. See the awe-inspiring Jantar Mantar, an accurate observatory built in 1726. Take advantage of a photo visit at the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), a five storied wonder with a spectacular facade of overhanging windows, latticed screens, domes and spires. Rajputana Sheraton or similar. (B, D)
Day 9 Jaipur/Delhi/U.S.A.
Morning at leisure. In the afternoon, travel to Delhi, followed by dinner. Transfer to the airport for your flight home. (B, D) Travelers on the optional extension to Varanasi and Kathmandu fly to Delhi in the morning, to connect with a flight to Varanasi. (See below)
Day 10 Arrive at your home city.
All land accommodations, local transportation and sightseeing is arranged and operated by Creative Travel Pvt. Ltd. who may use other suppliers or providers to render the services. |
