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Today depart from Australia or New Zealand for Delhi, India! Upon arrival, meet the tour representative and be transferred to your hotel for check-in.
Please note: Due to flight scheduling and availability, some departures may occur on day 0. Affected customers must be at the airport the night before. Flight times will be indicated on your final documentation which you will receive prior to departure.
Overnight: Delhi (Standard or Premium Option)
Meals included: In-Flight
After breakfast, enjoy a city tour of Old and New Delhi. Drive past the Red Fort (made famous by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan) and Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India, which has three great gateways, four angle towers and two minarets constructed of alternating vertical strips of red sandstone and white marble. Continue onwards to Chandni Chowk, the main street of Old Delhi in the colourful shopping bazaar, and soak up the colourful market.
Next, travel to Laxminarayan Temple, a site dedicated to Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity and good fortune. You’ll also witness the India Gate, a 42-metre high war memorial and stone of triumph. The tour continues with a visit to Rashtrapati Bhavan, the palace-like building home to the President of India.
This afternoon enjoy the capital city at leisure or choose from optional activities before enjoying a welcome dinner where you can get to know your fellow travellers better.
Optional Activity: Lodhi Colony street art tour, Lodhi Gardens, India Habitat Centre - $45 per person
Head out to discover India’s first art district created by renowned artists from across the globe. Colourful murals were painted across the walls of one of the last housing estates built by the British and the funky art shares an important message on issues such as climate and marginalised communities. Continue on foot to India Habitat Centre and admire the architecture of this unique building with its covered walkways and changing exhibits. Stroll a little further to Lodhi Gardens, one of the city’s green spaces, filled with 15th century monuments and tombs from the Lodhi Dynasty and a favourite place for politicians and Delhiites to come and relax or exercise.
Overnight: Delhi (Standard or Premium Option)
Meals included: Breakfast; Dinner
Journey west from Delhi to the small rural village and hidden gem of Mandawa, in the Shekhawati region of Rajasthan. Famous for their collection of painted havelis and merchant houses, these crumbling mansions tell the story of a time when the community was prosperous and the owners travelled to distant lands.
In the afternoon, explore some of the palatial mansions, admire their intricately painted murals comprising everything from scenes of Maharajas to locomotive trains and aeroplanes and hear stories of how their wealth was gained and what influenced the paintings designs. Of the havelis, the most important are the Chokhani, Ladia, Binsidhar Newatia, and Gulab Rai Ladia Haveli. Another haveli, the Binsidhar Newatia Haveli, is known for its curious paintings. There is a painting of a boy holding a telephone and a European woman in a transport driven by a chauffeur. The Gulab Rai Ladia Haveli is famous for its erotic images, now mostly defaced.
As well as the havelis, visit the Fort Palace - the structure of the palace reminds us of the cultural and social importance of this region in the past.
Finish the day at your hotel for an evening at leisure.
Todays driving time/distance is approximately 6 hours/260km
Overnight: Mandawa (Standard or Premium Option)
Meals included: Breakfast
After breakfast, depart for Bikaner and on arrival, check in to your hotel.
Bikaner was founded in 1488 by a descendant of the founder of Jodhpur, named Rao Bhikaji. The city of Bikaner has seen several ups and downs in its eventful history. Bikaner is also called the camel country, being renowned for the best riding camels in the world. It is also the birthplace of the world-famous Bikaneri bhujia and namkeen (a salted snack made of lentils).
This afternoon enjoy an afternoon city tour visiting the Majestic Fort of Bikaner, the Karni Mata Temple - where rats are considered sacred and worshiped, as well as a camel breeding farm.
Todays driving time/distance is approximately 4 Hours/190km
Overnight: Bikaner (Standard or Premium Option)
Meals included: Breakfast
After breakfast depart to Jaisalmer. Upon arrival enjoy a short orientation tour before checking in at your hotel.
Rising from the heart of the Thar Desert like a golden mirage is the city of Jaisalmer. A commanding fort etched in yellow sandstone stands, with all its awesome splendour, dominating the amber-hued city. Located at the heart of the great Thar Desert, it offers the visitor an enchanting world of fable, colour, and history. Moreover, the magnificent wood-and stone-carved mansions and buildings display the love and interest Rajputs had for the fine arts.
Todays driving time/distance is approximately 7 hours/340km
Overnight: Jaisalmer (Standard or Premium Option)
Meals included: Breakfast
After breakfast, begin a city tour visiting the massive Jaisalmer Fort, the second oldest fort in Rajasthan after Chittorgarh. Visit Patwon ki Haveli, the grandest haveli of Jaisalmer, followed by the Desert Culture Centre which gives you an insight into this small town’s past. The Jain temples hold space for the followers of Jainism, whilst the Salim Singh ki haveli and Nathmal-ki-haveli give you more idea of the haveli architecture of the town. After, visit the Gadsisar Lake also an interesting spot to visit in this desert city.
This afternoon enjoy an excursion to Lodurva. Approximately 15km from Jaisalmer is the ancient capital of Lodurva, an important pilgrim spot of the Jain community with some magnificent Jain temples. ‘Toran’ or the ornate arches at the main entrance and splendid carvings are impressive. A ‘Kalpataru’ or a divine tree within, is the main attraction of the temple. Later, return to your hotel for an evening at leisure.
Optional: Evening excursion to visit Sam Sand dunes including camel ride – $50 per person
Head out on an excursion visit to Sam sand dunes in the desert where you will enjoy a camel safari and enjoy a magnificent sunset over the dunes. Here you will be welcomed with a traditional welcome of Tikka followed by High tea and snacks
Todays driving time/distance is approximately 1 hour/20km
Overnight: Jaisalmer (Standard or Premium Option)
Meals included: Breakfast
After breakfast, drive to Jodhpur, known as Blue city of India. Set at the edge of the Thar Desert, the imperial city of Jodhpur echoes tales of antiquity in the emptiness of the desert. The graceful palaces, forts and temples of the city bring the historic grandeur to life, while exquisite handicrafts, folk dances, music, and the brightly attired people lend a romantic aura to the city.
Upon arrival check into the hotel. This afternoon explore the many sights of Jodhpur, including Jaswant Thada, a cluster of royal cenotaphs built in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II and Umaid Bhawan Palace, the only 20th century palace built under the famine relief project that gave employment to the famine struck population. It was completed in 14 years.
Todays driving time/distance is approximately 6 hours/280km
Overnight: Jodhpur (Standard or Premium Option)
Meals included: Breakfast
Today after breakfast travel onwards to Pushkar. Characterised by a picturesque valley, mountainous regions and several pilgrimage sites of importance, Pushkar is a must-visit for many tourists to India. It marks one of the most revered Hindu pilgrimage sites of India and houses the only temple dedicated to Lord Brahma in the world.
This afternoon enjoy a tour of Pushkar, visiting the Brahma Temple, constructed using marble and stone slabs, and beautifully painted in shades of blue and red. Also visit Pushkar Lake, which is surrounded by almost 500 temples. The lake has 52 ghats, steps leading to the water, each of which was once the personal ghats for the 52 Maharajas of Rajasthan who performed sacred rituals here. Walk through the narrow lanes of the town to see the bustling street market and crafts.
Finish the day at your hotel where you may enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.
Todays driving time/distance is approximately 4.5 Hours/180km
Overnight: Pushkar (Standard or Premium Option)
Meals included: Breakfast
After breakfast, journey to Ranthambore, previously the hunting ground of the Maharaja of Jaipur, before being listed among the reserves protected under Project Tiger. Surrounded by the Vindhya and Aravali hill ranges and located close to the fringes of the Thar Desert, Ranthambore offers you the best of the desert land as well as plains for wildlife viewing.
Ranthambore was declared a game sanctuary in 1955. In 1980, it was declared a national park and listed among the reserves protected under Project Tiger. This evening, settle in and watch a short documentary film on Project Tiger and the National Park.
Todays driving time/distance is approximately 6 Hours/270km
Overnight: Ranthambore (Standard or Premium Option)
Meals included: Breakfast
After breakfast, head out on a morning safari (by canter) in search of the elusive tiger. Entry to specific areas within Ranthambore is monitored and controlled by the park authorities to ensure a limited number of jeeps and canters are allowed in, thereby increasing the chance for wildlife sightings.
This afternoon is yours at leisure or join one of the optional activities:
Optional Activity: Afternoon wildlife safari - $80 per person
Search for wildlife including the elusive Bengal tiger during an afternoon game safari. Sit back and join your naturalist guide and take the opportunity to see the wildlife and bird species found within the national park. Entry to specific areas within Ranthambore is monitored and controlled by the park authorities to ensure a limited number of jeeps and canters are allowed in, thereby increasing the chance for sightings. The optional tour includes safari, English-speaking naturalist guide and park fees.
Overnight: Ranthambore (Standard or Premium Option)
Meals included: Breakfast
After breakfast at the hotel, travel to Jaipur - the capital of Rajasthan. On arrival check into the hotel.
Jaipur is instantly recognisable for its pink-washed buildings, a colour associated with hospitality in Rajput culture. This beautiful city, along with Agra and Delhi, forms what is known as the Golden Triangle of India’s tourist circuit.
Jaipur is a city where royalty still lives in the grandeur of its palaces, where fighting for the honour of the clan has never been a need but a way of life, and where treating guests as gods have been a tradition from time immemorial. There is a timeless appeal to Jaipur’s colourful bazaars, where you can shop for Rajasthani textiles and trinkets.
The beautifully laid out gardens and parks, attractive monuments and heritage hotels, once the residence of Maharajas, are all worth a look. This evening, enjoy a visit to Lakshmi Narayan temple and the old town market followed by a Sari and Indian costume demonstration.
Todays driving time/distance is approximately 4 Hours/190km
Overnight: Jaipur (Standard or Premium Option)
Meals included: Breakfast; Dinner
After breakfast, enjoy a full day sightseeing tour of Jaipur.
Begin with a morning excursion to Amber Fort. Located 11 kilometers from Jaipur, it was the old fort of the Kachwaha clan of Amber. A beautiful sight to behold, the fort is built with white marble and red sandstone and looks even more attractive because of the Maota Lake in the foreground.
Next visit the Hawa Mahal or the 'Palace of Winds' which was constructed for the royal ladies to watch royal processions without being seen.
This afternoon, take part in an optional activity or enjoy at your leisure.
Optional Activity - Indian Cooking Demonstration & Dinner - $35 per person
Make your day a special one by participating in a cooking demonstration in Jaipur to learn the secrets of authentic Rajasthani cooking style in an informative and fun way. It shall be exciting to get the experience of cooking traditional veg and non-veg dishes and get an idea about different spices used to make the dishes more delicious and rich.
The royal household of Jaipur is known for many succulent recipes and kitchen secrets that have been handed down from one generation to another over centuries. Your local chef will try to provide the maximum possible cooking techniques and secrets in the shortest time and allow you to enjoy the dishes with their delightful families. And upon the end of your food tasting and cooking classes in Jaipur, you can go back enriched with the amazing culture and tradition of Rajasthan. A must for cooking enthusiasts, you are sure to learn some absolutely mouth-watering tips and tricks to cooking up a storm.
Overnight: Jaipur (Standard or Premium Option)
Meals included: Breakfast
After an early breakfast, depart for Agra, visiting Abhaneri Caves on the way.
Abhaneri is a small village in the Dausa district in northern Rajasthan; it is located 95km from Jaipur, towards the Jaipur-Agra highway. The present name of the village, Abhaneri is believed to be a mispronunciation of ‘Abha Nagri' or the ‘city of brightness'. Here you will visit the famous Chand Baori Step Well – located opposite a temple known as Harshat Mata Temple. It extends approximately 30m into the ground, making it one of the deepest and largest stepwells in India.
On arrival to Agra, check into the hotel. This afternoon, enjoy a visit to Agra Fort (Red Fort). A fascinating sight, it showcases a high level of ornamentation, with the Kohinoor diamond reportedly part of the furnishings at some point. The fort's artwork mixes Persian, European and Indian art, resulting in a unique Shahjahani style rich in form, expression and colour.
Red Fort is one of the building complexes of India encapsulating a long period of history, arts and its innovative architectural style, including its garden design which influenced later buildings and gardens in Delhi. In 2007, it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site as part of the Red Fort Complex.
Today enjoy this world-famous city of Agra at leisure or choose from optional activities. Later this evening enjoy a dinner with your fellow travellers.
Optional Activity: Visit to Baby Taj and Mehtab Bagh - $40 per person
Head to the landmark mausoleum of Itmad ud Daulah, known as “the Baby Taj”. Marvel at the intricately carved marble monument conceived before the Taj Mahal and considered the blueprint for its design. Continue to Mehtab Bagh, Moonlight Garden and admire the Taj Mahal from the beautiful gardens. Optional tour includes transfer in a/c vehicle, English speaking guide and fees.
Todays driving time/distance is approximately 5 Hours/240km
Please note: Should your itinerary see Day 14 fall on a Friday when the Taj Mahal is closed, then you will visit the Taj Mahal in the afternoon during sunset of Day 13, and visit Agra Fort on Day 14 instead. The optional visit to Baby Taj and Mehtab will be available on the morning of Day 14.
Overnight: Agra (Standard or Premium Option)
Meals included: Breakfast; Dinner
Today you will have an early morning visit to the Taj Mahal just after sunrise (at approximately 06:00) and return to the hotel for breakfast or you can visit just after breakfast at 09:00.
The world famous Taj Mahal is where you will see the undeniable beauty that incorporates and expands on design traditions of Persian and earlier Mughal architecture. While earlier Mughal buildings were primarily constructed of red sandstone, Shah Jahan promoted the use of white marble inlaid with semi-precious stones.
The Taj Mahal was commissioned by Shah Jahan in 1631, to be built in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. Construction of the Taj Mahal began in 1632, the principal mausoleum was completed in 1643 and the surrounding buildings and garden were finished about five years later.
Later, enjoy the city of Agra at leisure or take part in the below optional activity. Late this afternoon you will travel back to Delhi and on arrival check into the hotel for an evening at leisure.
Optional Activity: Food Trail Tour - $30 per person
Embark on a heritage walk through hidden lanes, bustling markets and visit an array of local eateries. Meet the people behind some of the city’s most famous snacks. Sample some traditional foods such as paratha, chat, savour one of the best chai served in a traditional clay cup and taste Agra’s famous sweet petha. Originally prepared more than 350 years ago from the royal kitchens of Shah Jahan, this sugary white pumpkin sweet comes in a variety of flavours having adapted to consumers' changing tastes. Optional tour includes transfer in a/c vehicle, English speaking guide, a selection of snacks and chai.
Todays driving time/distance is approximately 4 Hours/210kms
Please note: Should your itinerary see Day 14 fall on a Friday when the Taj Mahal is closed, then you will visit the Taj Mahal in the afternoon during sunset of Day 13, and visit Agra Fort on Day 14 instead. The optional visit to Baby Taj and Mehtab will be available on the morning of Day 14.
Overnight: Delhi (Standard or Premium Option)
Meals included: Breakfast
Following breakfast, at the appropriate time you will be transferred to the airport for your return flight home.
Meals included: Breakfast; In-Flight
Please note: Some flights may arrive +1 day later due to flight schedules.
Today depart from Australia or New Zealand for Delhi, India! Upon arrival, meet the tour representative and be transferred to your hotel for check-in.
Please note: Due to flight scheduling and availability, some departures may occur on day 0. Affected customers must be at the airport the night before. Flight times will be indicated on your final documentation which you will receive prior to departure.
Overnight: Delhi (Standard or Premium Option)
Meals included: In-Flight
After breakfast, enjoy a city tour of Old and New Delhi. Drive past the Red Fort (made famous by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan) and Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India, which has three great gateways, four angle towers and two minarets constructed of alternating vertical strips of red sandstone and white marble. Continue onwards to Chandni Chowk, the main street of Old Delhi in the colourful shopping bazaar, and soak up the colourful market.
Next, travel to Laxminarayan Temple, a site dedicated to Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity and good fortune. You’ll also witness the India Gate, a 42-metre high war memorial and stone of triumph. The tour continues with a visit to Rashtrapati Bhavan, the palace-like building home to the President of India.
This afternoon enjoy the capital city at leisure or choose from optional activities before enjoying a welcome dinner where you can get to know your fellow travellers better.
Optional Activity: Lodhi Colony street art tour, Lodhi Gardens, India Habitat Centre - $45 per person
Head out to discover India’s first art district created by renowned artists from across the globe. Colourful murals were painted across the walls of one of the last housing estates built by the British and the funky art shares an important message on issues such as climate and marginalised communities. Continue on foot to India Habitat Centre and admire the architecture of this unique building with its covered walkways and changing exhibits. Stroll a little further to Lodhi Gardens, one of the city’s green spaces, filled with 15th century monuments and tombs from the Lodhi Dynasty and a favourite place for politicians and Delhiites to come and relax or exercise.
Overnight: Delhi (Standard or Premium Option)
Meals included: Breakfast; Dinner
Journey west from Delhi to the small rural village and hidden gem of Mandawa, in the Shekhawati region of Rajasthan. Famous for their collection of painted havelis and merchant houses, these crumbling mansions tell the story of a time when the community was prosperous and the owners travelled to distant lands.
In the afternoon, explore some of the palatial mansions, admire their intricately painted murals comprising everything from scenes of Maharajas to locomotive trains and aeroplanes and hear stories of how their wealth was gained and what influenced the paintings designs. Of the havelis, the most important are the Chokhani, Ladia, Binsidhar Newatia, and Gulab Rai Ladia Haveli. Another haveli, the Binsidhar Newatia Haveli, is known for its curious paintings. There is a painting of a boy holding a telephone and a European woman in a transport driven by a chauffeur. The Gulab Rai Ladia Haveli is famous for its erotic images, now mostly defaced.
As well as the havelis, visit the Fort Palace - the structure of the palace reminds us of the cultural and social importance of this region in the past.
Finish the day at your hotel for an evening at leisure.
Todays driving time/distance is approximately 6 hours/260km
Overnight: Mandawa (Standard or Premium Option)
Meals included: Breakfast
After breakfast, depart for Bikaner and on arrival, check in to your hotel.
Bikaner was founded in 1488 by a descendant of the founder of Jodhpur, named Rao Bhikaji. The city of Bikaner has seen several ups and downs in its eventful history. Bikaner is also called the camel country, being renowned for the best riding camels in the world. It is also the birthplace of the world-famous Bikaneri bhujia and namkeen (a salted snack made of lentils).
This afternoon enjoy an afternoon city tour visiting the Majestic Fort of Bikaner, the Karni Mata Temple - where rats are considered sacred and worshiped, as well as a camel breeding farm.
Todays driving time/distance is approximately 4 Hours/190km
Overnight: Bikaner (Standard or Premium Option)
Meals included: Breakfast
After breakfast depart to Jaisalmer. Upon arrival enjoy a short orientation tour before checking in at your hotel.
Rising from the heart of the Thar Desert like a golden mirage is the city of Jaisalmer. A commanding fort etched in yellow sandstone stands, with all its awesome splendour, dominating the amber-hued city. Located at the heart of the great Thar Desert, it offers the visitor an enchanting world of fable, colour, and history. Moreover, the magnificent wood-and stone-carved mansions and buildings display the love and interest Rajputs had for the fine arts.
Todays driving time/distance is approximately 7 hours/340km
Overnight: Jaisalmer (Standard or Premium Option)
Meals included: Breakfast
After breakfast, begin a city tour visiting the massive Jaisalmer Fort, the second oldest fort in Rajasthan after Chittorgarh. Visit Patwon ki Haveli, the grandest haveli of Jaisalmer, followed by the Desert Culture Centre which gives you an insight into this small town’s past. The Jain temples hold space for the followers of Jainism, whilst the Salim Singh ki haveli and Nathmal-ki-haveli give you more idea of the haveli architecture of the town. After, visit the Gadsisar Lake also an interesting spot to visit in this desert city.
This afternoon enjoy an excursion to Lodurva. Approximately 15km from Jaisalmer is the ancient capital of Lodurva, an important pilgrim spot of the Jain community with some magnificent Jain temples. ‘Toran’ or the ornate arches at the main entrance and splendid carvings are impressive. A ‘Kalpataru’ or a divine tree within, is the main attraction of the temple. Later, return to your hotel for an evening at leisure.
Optional: Evening excursion to visit Sam Sand dunes including camel ride – $50 per person
Head out on an excursion visit to Sam sand dunes in the desert where you will enjoy a camel safari and enjoy a magnificent sunset over the dunes. Here you will be welcomed with a traditional welcome of Tikka followed by High tea and snacks.
Todays driving time/distance is approximately 1 hour/20km
Overnight: Jaisalmer (Standard or Premium Option)
Meals included: Breakfast
After breakfast, drive to Jodhpur, known as Blue city of India. Set at the edge of the Thar Desert, the imperial city of Jodhpur echoes tales of antiquity in the emptiness of the desert. The graceful palaces, forts and temples of the city bring the historic grandeur to life, while exquisite handicrafts, folk dances, music, and the brightly attired people lend a romantic aura to the city.
Upon arrival check into the hotel. This afternoon explore the many sights of Jodhpur, including Jaswant Thada, a cluster of royal cenotaphs built in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II and Umaid Bhawan Palace, the only 20th century palace built under the famine relief project that gave employment to the famine struck population. It was completed in 14 years.
Todays driving time/distance is approximately 6 hours/280km
Overnight: Jodhpur (Standard or Premium Option)
Meals included: Breakfast
Today after breakfast travel onwards to Pushkar. Characterised by a picturesque valley, mountainous regions and several pilgrimage sites of importance, Pushkar is a must-visit for many tourists to India. It marks one of the most revered Hindu pilgrimage sites of India and houses the only temple dedicated to Lord Brahma in the world.
This afternoon enjoy a tour of Pushkar, visiting the Brahma Temple, constructed using marble and stone slabs, and beautifully painted in shades of blue and red. Also visit Pushkar Lake, which is surrounded by almost 500 temples. The lake has 52 ghats, steps leading to the water, each of which was once the personal ghats for the 52 Maharajas of Rajasthan who performed sacred rituals here. Walk through the narrow lanes of the town to see the bustling street market and crafts.
Finish the day at your hotel where you may enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.
Todays driving time/distance is approximately 4.5 Hours/180km
Overnight: Pushkar (Standard or Premium Option)
Meals included: Breakfast
After breakfast, journey to Ranthambore, previously the hunting ground of the Maharaja of Jaipur, before being listed among the reserves protected under Project Tiger. Surrounded by the Vindhya and Aravali hill ranges and located close to the fringes of the Thar Desert, Ranthambore offers you the best of the desert land as well as plains for wildlife viewing.
Ranthambore was declared a game sanctuary in 1955. In 1980, it was declared a national park and listed among the reserves protected under Project Tiger. This evening, settle in and watch a short documentary film on Project Tiger and the National Park.
Todays driving time/distance is approximately 6 Hours/270km
Overnight: Ranthambore (Standard or Premium Option)
Meals included: Breakfast
After breakfast, head out on a morning safari (by canter) in search of the elusive tiger. Entry to specific areas within Ranthambore is monitored and controlled by the park authorities to ensure a limited number of jeeps and canters are allowed in, thereby increasing the chance for wildlife sightings.
This afternoon is yours at leisure or join one of the optional activities:
Optional Activity: Afternoon wildlife safari - $80 per person
Search for wildlife including the elusive Bengal tiger during an afternoon game safari. Sit back and join your naturalist guide and take the opportunity to see the wildlife and bird species found within the national park. Entry to specific areas within Ranthambore is monitored and controlled by the park authorities to ensure a limited number of jeeps and canters are allowed in, thereby increasing the chance for sightings. The optional tour includes safari, English-speaking naturalist guide and park fees.
Overnight: Ranthambore (Standard or Premium Option)
Meals included: Breakfast
After breakfast at the hotel, travel to Jaipur - the capital of Rajasthan. On arrival check into the hotel.
Jaipur is instantly recognisable for its pink-washed buildings, a colour associated with hospitality in Rajput culture. This beautiful city, along with Agra and Delhi, forms what is known as the Golden Triangle of India’s tourist circuit.
Jaipur is a city where royalty still lives in the grandeur of its palaces, where fighting for the honour of the clan has never been a need but a way of life, and where treating guests as gods have been a tradition from time immemorial. There is a timeless appeal to Jaipur’s colourful bazaars, where you can shop for Rajasthani textiles and trinkets.
The beautifully laid out gardens and parks, attractive monuments and heritage hotels, once the residence of Maharajas, are all worth a look. This evening, enjoy a visit to Lakshmi Narayan temple and the old town market followed by a Sari and Indian costume demonstration.
Todays driving time/distance is approximately 4 Hours/190km
Overnight: Jaipur (Standard or Premium Option)
Meals included: Breakfast; Dinner
After breakfast, enjoy a full day sightseeing tour of Jaipur.
Begin with a morning excursion to Amber Fort. Located 11 kilometers from Jaipur, it was the old fort of the Kachwaha clan of Amber. A beautiful sight to behold, the fort is built with white marble and red sandstone and looks even more attractive because of the Maota Lake in the foreground.
Next visit the Hawa Mahal or the 'Palace of Winds' which was constructed for the royal ladies to watch royal processions without being seen.
This afternoon, take part in an optional activity or enjoy at your leisure.
Optional Activity - Indian Cooking Demonstration & Dinner - $35 per person
Make your day a special one by participating in a cooking demonstration in Jaipur to learn the secrets of authentic Rajasthani cooking style in an informative and fun way. It shall be exciting to get the experience of cooking traditional veg and non-veg dishes and get an idea about different spices used to make the dishes more delicious and rich.
The royal household of Jaipur is known for many succulent recipes and kitchen secrets that have been handed down from one generation to another over centuries. Your local chef will try to provide the maximum possible cooking techniques and secrets in the shortest time and allow you to enjoy the dishes with their delightful families. And upon the end of your food tasting and cooking classes in Jaipur, you can go back enriched with the amazing culture and tradition of Rajasthan. A must for cooking enthusiasts, you are sure to learn some absolutely mouth-watering tips and tricks to cooking up a storm.
Overnight: Jaipur (Standard or Premium Option)
Meals included: Breakfast
After an early breakfast, depart for Agra, visiting Abhaneri Caves on the way.
Abhaneri is a small village in the Dausa district in northern Rajasthan; it is located 95km from Jaipur, towards the Jaipur-Agra highway. The present name of the village, Abhaneri is believed to be a mispronunciation of ‘Abha Nagri' or the ‘city of brightness'. Here you will visit the famous Chand Baori Step Well – located opposite a temple known as Harshat Mata Temple. It extends approximately 30m into the ground, making it one of the deepest and largest stepwells in India.
On arrival to Agra, check into the hotel. This afternoon, enjoy a visit to Agra Fort (Red Fort). A fascinating sight, it showcases a high level of ornamentation, with the Kohinoor diamond reportedly part of the furnishings at some point. The fort's artwork mixes Persian, European and Indian art, resulting in a unique Shahjahani style rich in form, expression and colour.
Red Fort is one of the building complexes of India encapsulating a long period of history, arts and its innovative architectural style, including its garden design which influenced later buildings and gardens in Delhi. In 2007, it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site as part of the Red Fort Complex.
Today enjoy this world-famous city of Agra at leisure or choose from optional activities. Later this evening enjoy a dinner with your fellow travellers.
Optional Activity: Visit to Baby Taj and Mehtab Bagh - $40 per person
Head to the landmark mausoleum of Itmad ud Daulah, known as “the Baby Taj”. Marvel at the intricately carved marble monument conceived before the Taj Mahal and considered the blueprint for its design. Continue to Mehtab Bagh, Moonlight Garden and admire the Taj Mahal from the beautiful gardens. Optional tour includes transfer in a/c vehicle, English speaking guide and fees.
Todays driving time/distance is approximately 5 Hours/240km
Please note: Should your itinerary see Day 14 fall on a Friday when the Taj Mahal is closed, then you will visit the Taj Mahal in the afternoon during sunset of Day 13, and visit Agra Fort on Day 14 instead. The optional visit to Baby Taj and Mehtab will be available on the morning of Day 14.
Overnight: Agra (Standard or Premium Option)
Meals included: Breakfast; Dinner
Today you will have an early morning visit to the Taj Mahal just after sunrise (at approximately 06:00) and return to the hotel for breakfast or you can visit just after breakfast at 09:00 (included).
The world famous Taj Mahal is where you will see the undeniable beauty that incorporates and expands on design traditions of Persian and earlier Mughal architecture. While earlier Mughal buildings were primarily constructed of red sandstone, Shah Jahan promoted the use of white marble inlaid with semi-precious stones.
The Taj Mahal was commissioned by Shah Jahan in 1631, to be built in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. Construction of the Taj Mahal began in 1632, the principal mausoleum was completed in 1643 and the surrounding buildings and garden were finished about five years later.
Enjoy the city of Agra at leisure or take part in the below optional activity. Late this afternoon you will travel approximately 210 kilometres back to Delhi and transfer to the airport for your flight to Varanasi.
Optional Activity: Food Trail Tour - $30 per person
Embark on a heritage walk through hidden lanes, bustling markets and visit an array of local eateries. Meet the people behind some of the city’s most famous snacks. Sample some traditional foods such as paratha, chat, savour one of the best chai served in a traditional clay cup and taste Agra’s famous sweet petha. Originally prepared more than 350 years ago from the royal kitchens of Shah Jahan, this sugary white pumpkin sweet comes in a variety of flavours having adapted to consumers' changing tastes. Optional tour includes transfer in a/c vehicle, English speaking guide, a selection of snacks and chai.
Please note: Should your itinerary see Day 14 fall on a Friday when the Taj Mahal is closed, then you will visit the Taj Mahal in the afternoon during sunset of Day 13, and visit Agra Fort on Day 14 instead. The optional visit to Baby Taj and Mehtab will be available on the morning of Day 14.
Overnight: Varanasi (Standard or Premium Option)
Meals included: Breakfast
Today enjoy an early morning boat cruise on the River Ganges.
After breakfast, depart for a city tour of Varanasi. The banks of the Ganges, considered to be a sacred river by the Hindus, are the centre of much of the religious activity that occurs in the city. The ghats built along the banks of the river for religious activity also form a major source of attraction here. Other interesting places that you will visit during this tour include Alamgir Mosque, Durga Temple, Vishwanath Temple, Bharat Mata temple, Tulsi Manas Temple and the Archaeological Museum.
Enjoy the afternoon at leisure or take part in an optional activity.
Optional Activity: Excursion to Sarnath - $30 per person
In the afternoon enjoy an excursion to Sarnath. Sarnath is devoted to Lord Shiva, the most sacred shrine in Varanasi. It is about 15 kilometres from the holy city of Varanasi, where Buddha decided to convey his first oration. The illustrious Mantra, Buddham Sharanam Gachham, owes its foundation to Sarnath.
Overnight: Varanasi (Standard or Premium Option)
Meals included: Breakfast
After breakfast and check out you will be transferred to Varanasi Airport for your flight back to Delhi.
Upon arrival you will be transferred to the hotel.
Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.
Overnight: Delhi (Standard or Premium Option)
Meals included: Breakfast
Today at the appropriate time be transferred to the airport for the flight home.
Meals included: Breakfast; In-Flight
Please note: Some flights may arrive +1 day later due to flight schedules.
Please note: Accommodation/rooms offered are based on a lead-in room type and are subject to availability based on seasonality. In the instance a property is not available, a similar standard of accommodation will be provided. Properties will be confirmed and included in your travel pack, which you will receive 4-6 weeks before travel.
Extra Nights
Not available at check-out.
Please note: If you are interested in booking additional nights of accommodation pre or post-tour, please wait until you receive your travel documentation approximately 4-6 weeks before departure for the confirmed list of hotels. If booking your own additional accommodation directly with the hotel, please be aware that you may be required to change rooms at the start/end of your tour.
Maximum Room Capacity
2 people.
Child Policy
• No child discounts. The full price applies to all children travelling with their parents.
• Valid for Children 12 years old and over.
Please note: Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult 18 years old and over to travel. No unaccompanied minors are allowed.
Triple Share
Unavailable
Bedding Configuration
2 x Single or 1 x Queen (subject to availability).
Tour Inclusions
Itinerary
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Important Info
