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"Our guide went above and beyond every single day. He organized optional tours, put together fantastic evening events with music, theatre, ect... He made our trip to Eastern Europe one that we will always remember!!!"
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Vacation DetailsHotelsAddtional InfoDates & Prices
Departures: March 2010 - March 2010
Tour Highlights
- Round-trip air transportation from Newark or New York/JFK on Jet Airways, including all flights within the itinerary. Fuel surcharges included (valid at time of printing).
- Hotel accommodations for twelve nights, including hotel taxes and service charges.
- Full American breakfast daily (except Day 15).
- Welcome dinner in Jaipur and farewell dinner in hotel in New Delhi.
- Extensive sightseeing program including guided tours of Old and
New Delhi, Jaipur, Fatehpur Sikri, Agra, Khajuraho, Varanasi, Sarnath,
Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhadgaon.
- Elephant ride at Amber Fort in Jaipur, Tricycle Rickshaw ride in Old Delhi.
- Boat cruise on River Ganges in Varanasi.
- Round-trip airport to hotel transfers in each city.
Itinerary
U.S. citizens require Valid Passport and must be valid for six (6) months beyond return date and it must have one clean visa page (not an amendment page).
A Visa is required for both India and Nepal, and it must be obtained in the U.S. prior to travel. India requires a multiple entry visa.
Click here for more information on visas and passports, and to download Visa kits.
- Day 1 - Depart New York/JFK for India.
- Day 2 - Arrive New Delhi, India: Arrive in India's capital, New Delhi, late in the evening. Meet your Tour Manager and Airport Representative in the arrival area after you clear all immigration and customs formalities. Transfer to your hotel.
- Day 3 - Delhi/Jaipur: After breakfast, drive to Jaipur (approximately 5 hour drive), which is the capital of the Rajasthan province, "the abode of rajahs". Everywhere you will see the monuments of its Rajput rulers. Jaipur is one of the main centers for shopping in India, specializing in textiles, jewelry, stones, carpets and more. Transfer to the hotel. This evening is free to explore Jaipur on your own or to relax at the hotel. A welcome dinner is at the hotel. (Breakfast, Dinner)
- Day 4 - Jaipur: Depart the hotel after breakfast for a half-day excursion to Amber Fort, a marvelous example of Rajput architecture with its terraces and ramparts gracefully reflected in the Maota Lake below. Travel in the true style of the Maharajas of the past as you ride up to the fort on the back of a gaily-caparisoned elephant. The interiors of the fort are decorated with intricate ivory, mirror and glasswork complemented by exquisite wall paintings. As you move between the rooms of this magnificent structure, feel the history and visualize the pomp and grandeur of a kingdom never conquered.
Return to Jaipur for a guided city tour in the afternoon: visit the City Palace Museum where you can see an imposing blend of traditional Rajasthani and Mughal Art. The museum is resplendent with its collection of robes of royal princes, carpets, an armory of old weapons, miniature paintings portraying court scenes, battle scenes and processions. The tour includes a visit to the awe inspiring Jantar Mantar (an accurate observatory built in 1726 AD); and a photo stop at the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), a five-storied wonder with a spectacular pyramidal facade and overhanging windows with latticed screens, domes and spires. (Elephant ride is subject to availability.) (Breakfast)
- Day 5 - Jaipur/Agra: This morning drive to Agra (approximately 5-6 hour drive). Stop for tea/coffee break along the way. Visit Fatehpur Sikri - 40 kms away from Agra. Fatehpur Sikri - the deserted red sandstone city that was built by Emperor Akbar as his capital. Ponder the mysterious desertion of this capital city that was dramatically abandoned a few years after it was built. It was a veritable fairy tale city and its 'ruins' are still in a pristine condition. It is not hard to imagine what the court life must have been like in the days of its grandeur.
After visiting Fatehpur Sikri, continue to Agra and check in to your hotel. At the time of the Mughals, in the 16th & 17th centuries, Agra was the capital of the grand Mughal Empire. During this period the city became a leading center of art, science, commerce and culture. Akbar the Great made Agra great. The city's origins are dim but Akbar's grandfather Babur is credited with Agra's founding. The short golden age of Agra came to an end with the seventeenth century reign of Shah Jehan, mastermind of the unforgettable Taj Mahal. The rest of the evening is free to relax or free for shopping etc. Overnight at the hotel. (Breakfast)
- Day 6 - Agra: After breakfast at the hotel, proceed to visit world famous monument to Love - The Taj Mahal, built by an emperor in memory of his beloved queen. Construction of the Taj Mahal began in 1631, and is believed to have taken so many years to complete, with over 20,000 craftsmen working around the clock. The design and construction is said to be that of the legendary architect, Ustad Ahamad Lahori. Legend has it that once construction was completed, Shah Jehan had Lahori's hands cut off, and blinded, so he would never be able to duplicate the structure. What makes the Taj Mahal unique is its perfect proportions, distinct femininity, medium of construction and ornamentation. Its marble exterior reflects rose and golden tints at sunrise and sunset, while it is dazzling white during the day. It is impossible to visualize the Taj Mahal in any surrounding others than its paradoxical garden. Paradise, in Islam, is visualized as a lush garden where running streams flow. When the Mughals brought this concept to India they elevated it to heights of incomparable artistry. (Breakfast)
- Day 7 - Agra/Khajuraho: Transfer this morning to the railway station to board the train for Jhansi (approximately 2 ½ hour ride). Meet your local guide and drive to Khajuraho. En route, visit Orcha; its grandeur has been captured in stone frozen in time and rich in legacy. The palaces and Temples built by its Bundela rulers in the 16th and 17th centuries retain much of their pristine perfection. After visiting Orcha, enjoy lunch in a local restaurant. Drive to Khajuraho, founded in the 9th and 10th century by the rulers of the Chandela Dynasty and influenced by Tantrism. Eroticism becomes a theme of philosophical interest and the aim is sublimation of sexual relationship in the Sexual act or "Maithun", women being regarded as the incarnation of the divine energy or "Shakti". It is also possible that the carvings of Khajuraho were influenced by "Kama Sutra", the famous treatise on erotic arts written by Vatsyayana in the time of the Guptas. Check into the hotel and the evening is free for independent activities. (Breakfast, Lunch)
- Day 8 - Kahjuraho/Varanasi: After breakfast proceed on a visit to the famed erotic temples of Khajuraho. The temples are divided into three groups of which the western is the largest and best known. All but three temples, which are built of local granite, are constructed with hard river sandstone dug from the east bank of the Ken River, 13 miles to the east. None of the temples are enclosed; rather they are erected in high masonry platforms, each on an east-west axis. It is their detained sculpture, which gives Khajuraho its appeal and importance.
Early afternoon, transfer to the airport for your flight for Varanasi. You will be met at the airport by your guide and transferred to the hotel. Varanasi is the religious center of Hindu religion. Situated on the banks of the holy river Ganges, Varanasi is considered to be among the oldest living cities of the world and has been a center of learning and civilization for centuries. Varanasi holds special significance in the lives of the Indian people. Every year hundreds of thousands of pilgrims make a long journey to this vibrant city where the richest of the rich live side by side with the poorest of the poor. The old city of Varanasi is a maze of small streets and alleyways hiding in disorderly array with no less than 2,000 temples and shrines. Domes, minarets, pinnacles, towers, and derelict eighteenth century palaces dominate the sacred left bank of the river. You will see marriage processions and funeral processions and cows grabbing big flower necklaces destined for the gods, all in the jumble of this fascinating and spiritual city. (Breakfast)
- Day 9 - Varanasi: See Varanasi come alive along the banks of the river as you experience an early morning sunrise boat excursion on the holy River Ganges. You'll see people bathing in the holy water and worshipping the rising sun. Witness the conclusion of life at the riverbank holy cremation grounds. It is believed if you die in Varanasi you go straight to heaven. Varanasi will be one of the most extraordinary experiences of your visit to India. After the boat ride, return for a quick breakfast back at the hotel. Take a brief guided city tour, driving through the Benaras Hindu University with a visit to the Bharat Mata (Mother India) Temple. Highlights include the Durga Temple, better known as the 'monkey temple' on account of the large number of monkeys residing there and the Temple of Vishwanath (or Visheshwar, Lord of the Universe). If time permits, you might also visit some of the silk brocade and weaving centers-a specialty of Varanasi. Return to the hotel for lunch on your own.
In the afternoon take a half-day excursion to nearby Sarnath, symbolizing the birth of Buddhism. It was here that Buddha revealed his doctrine and founded his monastic community. The museum at Sarnath is among the most important in India and contains carvings representing a whole range of styles - archaic, the Mathura School, Gupta, past Gupta and Medieval - covering work of sculptors from the 3rd century B.C. to the 12th century A.D. Here you'll also see the original lions' heads from the Asoka Pillar, which form the symbol of the Indian republic. Return to Varanasi in the evening. The evening is free to relax or to explore on your own. (Breakfast)
- Day 10 - Varanasi/Kathmandu, Nepal: Breakfast is at the hotel. Then, transfer to the airport for your flight to Nepal's capital, Kathmandu. You will be met upon arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to your hotel. Nepal, the world's only Hindu Kingdom is a mystical country nestled in the folds of the magnificent Himalayan mountain ranges. Nepal is a deeply religious country, as you will see in their temples and buildings. The Nepalese culture is very diverse from India at the same time is also very similar in many aspects. The evening is free to explore Kathmandu on your own. (Breakfast)
- Day 11 - Kathmandu: After breakfast enjoy a guided half-day tour of Kathmandu City & Swaymbhunath. Drive to the central Durbar Square Hamuman Dhoka, the ancient royal residential quarter. See the Mahadev & Parvati Temple, House of the Goddess Kumari - the house of the vestal virgin or the living Goddess. Walk around the local bazaars. Continue with a visit to the sky-piercing temple of the Teleju and the Statue of Yogendra Malla. You also visit the 3,200-year stupa at Swayambhunath, offering a spectacular view of Kathmandu valley. This is considered one of the largest and most important Buddhist stupa's in Asia. This afternoon visit Patan, known as the City of Grace and Fine Arts, renowned for its beautiful places of art and architecture. En-route, enjoy an interesting exhibit at the Tibetan Refugee Center. (Breakfast)
- Day 12 - Kathmandu: Early this morning you can select an optional mountain flight over the Himalayas and on a clear day, the entire top of the mountain range is spectacularly visible from the plane (flights are subject to weather conditions). This morning visit Bhadgaon, an ancient capital of Nepal. Also known as Bhaktapur, it is the home of medieval art and architecture. The main square contains innumerable temples and other architectural showpieces such as the Lion Gate, the palace of 55 Windows and the Batsala and Nyatpola temples. You also visit Bodhnath, a colossal stupa, one of the largest in the world. It is generally acknowledged to be one of the most important Tibetan Buddhist sites outside Tibet. Pay an outside visit to Pashupatinath Temple, one of the holiest Hindu shrines in the world (non Hindus are not allowed inside the main temple). This pagoda style temple with a gilt roof and richly carved doors is dedicated to Lord Shiva, and situated on the bank of the river Bagmati. One can also see cremations from a distance and witness the spirit of faith people have in this temple. This evening is free to venture back into the city center to shop for some Nepalese crafts or to just wander amongst the locals. (Breakfast)
- Day 13 - Kathmandu/Delhi: After a leisurely morning, depart the hotel and fly to Delhi. Upon arrival, transfer your hotel. This afternoon, visit New Delhi. Delhi stands as the capital of Modern India. Here you can see the mingling of the Old and New India, the ancient and the modern. Delhi is made up of seven ancient cities, spanning the period from the 11th to 20th centuries. Delhi has seen the rise and fall of many emperors which have left behind a plethora of monuments that commemorate the grandeur and glory of bygone ages. Very few cities in the world can express such a profusion of architectural styles.
New Delhi was designed and built by the British in the 1920's; it's a city of wide boulevards impressive Government buildings, green parks and gardens. In 1911 King George V announced the transfer of the capital from Calcutta to Delhi. The King's architects, Lutyens and Baker, set in motion the design and construction of Delhi's eighth city - New Delhi. Lutyens designed an "Imperial City" having palatial-sized buildings set amid broad tree-lined avenues punctuated by Mughal style gardens, complete with fountains and shallow pools. You will visit two monuments from Delhi's past - Humayun's Tomb and Qutub Minar. Your drive takes you along the ceremonial avenue, Rajpath, past the imposing India Gate and Parliament House. Return to the Hotel for an overnight stay. (Breakfast)
- Day 14 - Delhi: After breakfast proceed for a half day city tour of Old Delhi visiting Red Fort, Jama Masjid, Rajghat, some Govt. buildings.
Old Delhi was an ancient walled city. Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan in 1650 switched the Mughal capital from Agra to Delhi. Shah Jehan possessing an exquisite talent, especially in architecture, created the seventh city and in the process brought about Delhi's glorious renaissance. Start the day with a cycle rickshaw ride through Old Delhi. Here you will see Red Fort, the most opulent Fort and Palace of the Mughal Empire. The fort is Shah Jehan's symbol of power and elegance, built behind red sandstone walls. Its main gate (Lahore Gate) faces Chandni Chowk, the perpetually congested avenue heading west from the Red Fort, is filled with twisting lanes, small streets and crowded bazaars. If you peer through a portico you may see a man getting shaved, silver being weighed, or any other conceivable form of intense commerce.
Also visit Raj Ghat, the memorial site of the Mahatma Gandhi; Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India; and Chandni Chowk, the bustling and colorful market of the old city. Chandni Chowk was the commercial centre of Delhi in the old time and you will see it come alive in the morning as the trading day starts.
This evening is free for last minute shopping. Return to the hotel for dinner and check out at 22:00 hours. (Breakfast, Dinner)
- Day 15 - Delhi/U.S.: Time for your magical journey to come to an end. Early this morning transfer to the airport for your flight back home.
Note: Due to changes in flight schedules, the sequence of the itinerary and/or mode of transportation is subject to revision.
Please note: Though rare, it may be necessary to substitute hotels and adjust itineraries due to local conditions. Included features may not be available on all departures.
India & Nepal
15 Days from $3299*
India & Nepal
15 Days from $3299*
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India & Nepal
15 Days from $3299*
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