DAY 1, Tuesday - Depart for India
Depart for India

DAY 2, Wednesday - 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, Thursday - Old & New Delhi City Tour
Begin in the walled city of Old Delhi, founded by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. Travel along the winding streets to Jama Masjid, the largest and best known mosque in India. On a cycle rickshaw, continue along the lanes of Chandni Chowk, once the imperial avenue of Mughal royalty. After lunch, on to New Delhi, a city of airy boulevards, lush parks and gardens. Visit the Sikh Temple and drive past the imposing India Gate War Memorial to Indian and British soldiers, Parliament House and the Presidential Palace. Enjoy a visit to Gandhi Smriti, the official residence of Mahatma Gandhi, where he spent the last 144 days of his life, that is now a museum. The tour continues with a visit to Humayun's Tomb set in stunning gardens, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This evening, attend an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager at approximately 6 PM, followed by a light dinner
Overnight: New Delhi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 4, Friday - Travel to Jaipur, India's Pink City
Depart New Delhi to Jaipur, gateway to the desert state of Rajasthan. En route, stop for some photos at the graceful sandstone Qutab Minar Victory Tower, the world's tallest brick minaret, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Arrive in glorious Jaipur, with its stucco buildings lining the wide streets and you'll understand why it is nicknamed the "Pink City." The city was painted its unique color in 1876 to celebrate the visit of the Prince of Wales. Drive past stunning hilltop forts and glorious palaces on the way to a jewelry wholesaler renowned for its quality and design. View a spectacular array of gems, available loose, or uniquely set in gold, plus traditional gold enamel Mughal jewelry, and an extensive collection of artwork. Then, visit a bargain-filled bazaar before dinner at the hotel
Overnight: Jaipur
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 5, Saturday - Amber Fort, Jaipur
Excursion to the spectacular Amber Fort, a stunning fusion of Mughal and Hindu styles with its gorgeous Palace of Mirrors. Ascend the hill to the ramparts by jeep. From here, see the panoramic views of Jaipur's original city walls and the lake below. Stop for refreshments before shopping the vast collection of local handicrafts at a store, offering premium quality handmade carpets, textiles, pashminas, pottery and paintings. Fabrics in all colors and textures are available for loose purchase as well as custom design work. Spend the afternoon at leisure strolling through the city or, join the optional tour to view the well-preserved 18th century Jantar Mantar Observatory and drive past Hawa Mahal, the "Palace of Winds" with its lacy ornamental façade. Later, the tour continues to the opulent City Palace, former royal residence, now a grand museum with an extraordinary collection of miniature paintings, costumes and armory. Tonight's optional evening is highlighted by the exotic flavors of Indian cuisine at a local neighborhood restaurant, while you're entertained by performers in traditional attire as they execute various dance moves to the rhythm of the accompanying musical instruments
Optional: Half Day Jaipur Tour (PM)
Optional: Dinner at Local Jaipur Restaurant with Cultural Performance
Overnight: Jaipur
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 6, Sunday - Travel to Agra via Abhaneri
Depart Jaipur to the small ancient village of Abhaneri in northern Rajasthan. Upon arrival, if time allows, visit a local school and meet the children. Continue to the Chand Baori, one of the largest step wells in India, fortified on all sides. This unique idea was conceived by the early natives to work as a water reservoir, located adjacent to the temple dedicated to Harshat Mata, goddess of joy and happiness - an architectural jewel. Then after lunch, continue on to Agra, with its celebrated past, rich heritage and architectural delights. Relax and freshen up before dinner at the hotel
Overnight: Agra
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 7, Monday - Taj Mahal
A memorable day as you visit the astonishing Taj Mahal, built by Emperor Shah Jahan as a mausoleum for his beloved Queen. Perhaps, this is the most perfect architectural monument in the world, built of white marble and precious stones over a 22 year period - considered the finest example of Mughal architecture. Afterwards, stop at a handicraft gallery and showroom displaying a unique collection of sculptures, and intricate 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. In the afternoon, participate in the not to be missed optional tour to the red sandstone Agra Fort, with its incredible maze of walled courtyards, mosques and lavish private chambers reflecting the grandeur of the Mughal Empire; this monument has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Next, to the Tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah built of the finest Indian marble embellished with mosaics and inlay of semiprecious stones. Enjoy the evening at leisure
Optional: Half Day Agra Tour (PM)
Overnight: Agra
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 8, Tuesday - Travel to Lucknow, City Tour
This morning, depart Agra and travel to the multicultural Lucknow, capital city of Uttar Pradesh. Arrive in the afternoon, and embark on a city tour. Continue to the Imambara complex, housing Bara Imambara, also known as Asfi Mosque and the imposing Chota Imambara with its white Mughal architecture embellished with a golden dome. Proceed to Rumi Darwaza, an impressive gateway with its exquisite Awadhi architecture. View the tombs of Sa'adat Ali Khan and the Begum, known for their intricate design. Check into your hotel in the late afternoon. Tonight, dinner is at a local restaurant
Overnight: Lucknow
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 9, Wednesday - Travel to Varanasi, Sacred Prayer Ceremony
This morning, depart Lucknow and travel to Varanasi. A city built on the banks of the sacred River Ganges. For centuries, pilgrims have come here for blessings and purification in the holy waters. In the afternoon, check into your hotel and spend the remainder of the day at leisure. Or perhaps join the optional Sacred Prayer Ceremony at Dasaswamedh Ghat on the Ganges River, lit with oil lamps and candles illuminating the river. Here, you can witness the unique "Aarti" ceremony. The atmosphere is lively and bright - this is truly a not to be missed experience
Optional: Evening Sacred Prayer Ceremony at the Ganges River (PM)
Overnight: Varanasi
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 10, Thursday - Ganges Boat Ride, Hindu Temples, Sarnath Sightseeing
Rise before dawn for a boat ride on the Ganges to observe the solemn sunrise ceremonies. Witness the riverbanks humming with activity as Hindu devotees perform their rituals on the "ghats" steps and offer prayers to the rising sun. Then, on to Bharat Mata Temple with its marble relief map of an undivided India, Durga Temple, and Benaras Hindu University. After the early morning tour, return to the hotel for breakfast. A stay in Varanasi would not be complete without a stop at leading silk weavers, Mehta Silk. Browse beautiful silk brocades, scarves, sarees and decorative household items, all crafted by highly skilled weavers. Leisure time for shopping in the bustling bazaars. After lunch at a local restaurant, drive to Sarnath, the holy city where Buddha preached his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. The major events of Buddha's life are depicted in colorful wall paintings. Visit the Deer Park, Museum and Buddhist Temple. Tonight, dinner is at your hotel
Overnight: Varanasi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 11, Friday - Flight to New Delhi
Depart Varanasi this evening and return by plane to New Delhi on your last day in India. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. Tonight, bid farewell to your Tour Manager at dinner
Overnight: New Delhi
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 12, Saturday - Return Home
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast

Please Note: Land Price does not include airfare, departure or arrival transfers, airline taxes and fuel surcharges.