|
Please wait while we process your request...
|
|
|
|
"Our Guide was excellent and made the trip perfect. He was very knowledgeable, witty, funny, and added personal touches such as Irish poetry before starting out in the motorcoach each day. He truly made this a great "Irish" experience."
|
|
Vacation DetailsAccommodationsAddtional InfoDates & Prices
Departures: January 2011 - March 2011
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 India, and it must be obtained in the U.S. prior to travel.
Click here for more information on visas and passports, and to download Visa kits.
- Day 1- Depart New York (JFK).
- Day 2 - New Delhi, India: Arrive in India's capital, New Delhi. Upon arrival, proceed to baggage claim and after clearing customs and immigration formalities, you are met by your airport representative as well as Tour Escort in the arrival area of the airport. A Special Welcome awaits at the airport with nice garland of fresh marigold flowers. Depart for your hotel by deluxe air conditioned coach. Transfer to the hotel for check-in.
Delhi consists of two distinct parts. Old Delhi exhibits India's history of Muslim rule. There are mosques, forts and monuments depicting the Muslim touch. New Delhi was established as the capital by the British. This part of the city has the government buildings and some monuments of historical significance.
- Day 3 - New Delhi: After breakfast enjoy a full day tour of Old and New Delhi. Old Delhi reflects India's history of Muslim rule. Visit the Red Fort (from outside; the most opulent Fort and Palace of the Mughal Empire); Raj Ghat, the memorial site of the Mahatma Gandhi; Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India (outside visit); and Chandni Chowk, the bustling and colorful market of the old city. Take a ride through this busy market on rickshaws. Enjoy lunch on your own at a local restaurant.
This afternoon tour New Delhi, a city of wide boulevards, impressive government buildings, green parks and gardens. 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 dinner and overnight. (Breakfast, Dinner)
- Day 4 - New Delhi/Agra: After breakfast, drive to Agra. The journey will take approximately 5 hours, with a stop en route for a tea/coffee break. Upon arrival, check into the hotel. At the time of the Mughals, in the 16th and 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, thanks to Akbar the Great. The short golden age of Agra came to an end with the 17th century reign of Shah Jehan, mastermind of the unforgettable Taj Mahal. Spend the afternoon at leisure or see the "Mohabbat-The Taj" show at Kalakriti Auditorium (optional hour duration). (Breakfast)
- Day 5 - Agra: After breakfast visit the impressive Taj Mahal, built by Shah Jehan in memory of his beloved queen. Construction of the Taj Mahal began in 1631, and is believed to have taken 18 years to complete with over 20,000 craftsmen working around the clock. Legend has it that once construction was completed, Shah Jehan had the architect blinded, and his hands cut off, so he would never be able to duplicate the structure.
Continue on to visit Agra's impressive fort. The fort contains splendid palaces both in red sandstone and white marble built by two generations of prolific builders, Akbar and later on by Jahangir and Shahjahan. The evening is at leisure to explore Agra on your own or enjoy an optional sunset visit to the Taj Mahal. Overnight in Agra. (Breakfast, Lunch)
- Day 6 - Agra/Jaipur: After breakfast drive to Jaipur. The journey will take approximately 6 hours. On your way to Jaipur, stop by the deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri. 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 pristine condition. Continue the drive to Jaipur. Upon arrival, check into the hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure. This evening you will be picked up for a Sound & Light show at Amber Fort. Overnight in Jaipur. (Breakfast)
- Day 7 - Jaipur: Known as the "Pink City", Jaipur is the capital of the colorful state of Rajasthan. It has the distinction of being a well planned and laid out city. As you drive through the old part of town, you will witness a life most unlike others. Witness how the city blooms during the day in a kaleidoscope of color and sound. Everywhere you will see the monuments of its Rajput rulers. Jaipur is one of the main centers for shopping in India -- especially with regard to textiles, jewelry, stones carpets, etc.
Take a half-day excursion to visit Amber Fort, the ancient capital of Kachhwaha Rajputs from 1037 until Sawai Jai Singh II moved the capital to a newly created Jaipur. Within the fort lies Jai "Mandir" (Temple) with its world renowned Sheesh Mahal. The walls and the ceiling of the Mahal are covered with a beautiful array of mirrors, which reflect any streak of light, so as to illuminate the entire room. The architecture shows distinct Mughal influence. You will ascend and descend the fort by decorated open jeeps.
After lunch, venture back into the city. 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. Also visit the awe inspiring Jantar Mantar (an accurate observatory built in 1726 AD). Also included is a photo visit 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. Return to the hotel for overnight. (Breakfast, Dinner)
- Day 8 - Jaipur/New Delhi: After breakfast at the hotel, drive back to Delhi, a journey of approximately 5 hours. On the way, there are many opportunities for photos. Upon arrival, check into the hotel for use of the Day Room. The afternoon s free for last minute shopping or exploring. Later, around 9:00pm, transfer to the airport for your flight home, which departs after midnight. (Breakfast)
- Day 9 - Late night flight/U.S.: Early this morning, arrival back in the U.S.
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's Golden Triangle
8 Days from $1799*
India's Golden Triangle
8 Days from $1799*
Additional Information
More About :
Video:
Image :
India's Golden Triangle
8 Days from $1799*
Departure Airport
Party and Room composition
|
|
Room(s)
|
|
Adults |
|
|
|
Children under
12 years
|
|
Infants under 2 yrs
|
|
| |