Day : 1
Arrive Delhi (3 Nights)
Number of Days : 1
Welcome to India. Upon arrival at Delhi Airport transfer to your hotel. This evening meet your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Reception with drinks and local appetisers.Welcome Reception
Day : 2
Delhi
Number of Days : 1
This morning begin your City Tour with a rickshaw ride through Old Delhi for a Cultural Insight. View the Red Fort, the most opulent fort and palace of the Mughal Empire. Its main gate faces Chandni Chowk the bustling and colourful market of the old city with its twisting lanes and crowded bazaars. It was once the commercial centre of Delhi in times gone by. See it come alive in the morning as the days trading begins. Take a peek through a portico and you may see a man getting shaved, silver being weighed, or any other conceivable form of intense commerce. Visit Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in India, built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan between 1644 and 1656 at a cost of 1 million rupees. Return to your hotel and enjoy some free time this afternoon to relax or explore further. Buffet Breakfast
Day : 3
Delhi
Number of Days : 1
After a late start this morning take a specially designed walk through the city and discover the work done by the Salaam Baalak Trust, a non-profit, non-governmental organization that aims to provide a sensitive and caring environment for street and working children in Delhi. Learn about the daily lives of these street children, a Cultural Insight, some of whom live in the New Delhi railway station area. One of these children will be your guide as they take you through their shelters and tell their life-stories. Later walk through the bazaar of Paharganj and a vegetable market where the locals do their daily shopping. After lunch in a local restaurant continue your City Tour with a visit to New Delhi which was designed and built by the British starting in the 1920's. It took 20 years to complete this immense undertaking only to have the British pack up and relinquish the subcontinent in 1947. It is a city of wide boulevards impressive Government buildings, green parks and gardens. Visit two monuments from Delhi's past - Humayun's Tomb and Qutub Minar, both UNESCO World Heritage sites. Later drive along the ceremonial avenue, Rajpath, past the imposing India Gate and Parliament House. Return to your hotel for a relaxing evening.Buffet Breakfast, Lunch
Day : 4
Delhi – Agra
Number of Days : 1
This morning after breakfast travel to Agra which in the 16th and 17th centuries was the capital of the grand Mughal Empire. In the afternoon visit the impressive Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and walk through the chambers of this royal residence. The fort can be more accurately described as a walled palatial city and during Mughal times housed the state treasury and mint. On the drive through the city, witness the local life and the hustle and bustle of everyday India. Return to your hotel for dinner and your overnight stay.Buffet Breakfast, Dinner
Day : 5
Agra – Jaipur (3 Nights)
Number of Days : 1
Make an early start this morning to visit the spectacular Taj Mahal at sunrise when its marble exterior reflects rose and golden tints. It was built by an emperor in memory of his beloved queen and is believed to have taken 18 years to complete, with over 20,000 craftsmen working around the clock. Return to the hotel for breakfast and then depart for Jaipur, stopping for lunch en-route. Jaipur is known as the "Pink City" and is the capital of the colourful state of Rajasthan. On arrival check-in to the hotel.Buffet Breakfast, Lunch
Day : 6
Jaipur Sightseeing
Number of Days : 1
This morning's City Tour begins with a visit to the City Palace which opened as a museum in 1959 and is a blend of Mughal and Rajasthani architecture. Next visit the awe inspiring Jantar Mantar; an astronomical observation site built in the early 18th century and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Make a brief stop at the Palace of Winds, a spectacular five storied wonder constructed to enable the ladies of the royal household to watch the life and processions of the city unseen from the outside. This afternoon your choice of activities offers you the opportunity to learn about ancient customs and pastimes in a Cultural Insight. Choose between Turban Tying (turbans are worn by all members of society in Rajasthan) or Kite Flying (a very popular pastime in Jaipur). This evening visit the Birla Temple and witness an Aarti Ceremony.Buffet Breakfast
Day : 7
Jaipur
Number of Days : 1
Depart the hotel this morning for a trip to the Amber Fort; a marvellous example of Rajput architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The interior of the fort has various royal halls decorated with intricate ivory, mirror and glass work complemented by exquisite wall paintings. Later learn about the tradition of hand block printing from a Local Specialist. The block-printed cottons of Jaipur have been renowned for their exquisite patterns, and natural colouring for at least 250 years. The traditional prints and designs differ from area to area and can determine village, profession or even marital status. Blue Pottery is also synonymous with Jaipur and it is its vibrant colours of blues and greens which really sets it apart from other pottery in the country. Visit a workshop where a Local Specialist demonstrates how the pottery is made. This evening enjoy a Be My Guest experience with a local family in their home.Buffet Breakfast, Be My Guest Dining
Day : 8
Jaipur – Narlai
Number of Days : 1
This morning depart for Narlai, a sleepy yet spectacular village on a country back road of Ranakpur which is a picturesque base for exploring the true India and the local countryside. Stop for lunch along the way and on arrival in Narlai check-in to your Authentic Accommodation; the Rawla Narlai, a beautifully maintained heritage resort. Meet one of the family members for some fascinating stories and history about the hotel and the locals, a Cultural Insight. At dinner this evening taste the flavour of true Rajasthani royal hospitality at the 16th century old Stepwell of the Rawla Narlai.Buffet Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day : 9
Narlai – Udaipur (2 Nights)
Number of Days : 1
Today enjoy a Jeep safari into the nearby countryside to see the wildlife in their natural habitat. Later continue on to Udaipur; set amongst rolling hills and shimmering lakes with fairy-tale palaces it is considered by many to be the most beautiful and romantic city in Rajasthan. It has the atmosphere of a small town and it is surprisingly quiet and traffic-free with winding alleyways and tree-lined streets. This evening enjoy a scenic boat ride on the placid waters of Lake Pichola with a wonderful view of the City Palace stretching along the east bank. Buffet Breakfast
Day : 10
Udaipur
Number of Days : 1
Start this morning's City Tour with a visit to the City Palace complex which consists of four major and several minor palaces, forming a single breathtaking façade of almost 900 meters in length overlooking Lake Pichola. The Shiv Niwas and Fateh Prakash Palaces are luxury hotels today and the Shambhu Niwas Palace houses the private residences of the royal family. Visit the City Palace which is the oldest part of the complex dating back to the 16th century and has been converted into a museum. It houses a huge collection of rare miniature paintings and beautiful decorative motives made with mirrors and coloured glass. Later wander through the markets and bazaars to get a feel for the city and perhaps take the opportunity to purchase a sari. Visit the Jagdish Temple built in 1651, ornamented with excellent carvings and a bronze figure of the Garuda. Proceed to the Garden of the Maids of the Honour constructed in the early 18th century which was used as a venue for royal parties. After lunch in a local restaurant, enjoy some free time or take part in an Optional Experience.Buffet Breakfast, Lunch
Day : 11
Udaipur – Mumbai (2 Nights)
Number of Days : 1
This morning transfer to the airport for your flight to Mumbai, the capital of Maharashtra and the economic powerhouse of India. On arrival begin your City Tour with an orientation drive around the city. Visit Dhobi Ghat, a unique feature of Mumbai and a Cultural Insight, the 'dhobi' is a traditional laundryman, who will collect dirty linen, wash it, and return it neatly pressed and all for a pittance. Travel along Marine Drive and Nariman Point before arriving at Mani Bhawan, a memorial dedicated to this legendary freedom fighter of India. See the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, a historic railway station listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the busiest railway stations in India. The station was designed by Frederick William Stevens, a consulting architect in 1887-1888 and it took ten years to complete. It was originally named "Victoria Terminus" in honour of Queen Victoria. Check in to your hotel and later this afternoon continue with your City Tour. See Mumbai's principal landmark, the Gateway of India, a huge archway on the water's edge. This famous monument was built to commemorate the visit of the first ever British Monarch, King George V and Queen Mary in 1911. Visit the Prince of Wales Museum which showcases ancient artworks, sculptures and artefacts in its galleries. Later enjoy a walk through the famous Crawford Market. Named after Bombay's first municipal commissioner, Arthur Crawford, the Crawford Market is at the northern end of the old British part of the cityBuffet Breakfast
Day : 12
Mumbai
Number of Days : 1
This morning take a boat trip across Mumbai Harbour to see the rock-cut temples on Gharapuri, better known as Elephanta Island; a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The island was renamed Elephanta by the Portuguese after the huge carved elephant they found near the shore when they landed there. The labyrinth of cave temples represents some of India's most impressive temple carvings. The main Shiva-dedicated temple is an intriguing latticework of courtyards, halls, pillars and shrines. This afternoon return to your hotel and have some free time for last minute shopping or take part in an Optional Experience. This evening join your fellow guests and Travel Director for a Farewell Dinner.Buffet Breakfast, Farewell Dinner
Day : 13
Depart Mumbai
Number of Days : 1
Transfer to Mumbai Airport for your onward flight.Buffet Breakfast
