Splendor of Rajasthan
13 days - Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Mumbai
13 days - Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Mumbai
This program focuses on India's colorful state of Rajasthan. 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. The British designed New Delhi is a city of wide boulevards, impressive Government buildings, green parks and gardens; while Old Delhi, an ancient walled city with impressive Red Fort and bustling Chandni Chowk market, is a delight to explore and be amazed by. Agra was the capital of the grand Mughal Empire. During this period the city became a leading center of art, science, commerce and culture. Of course, one of India's most beautiful and iconic sights is found here, the magnificent Taj Mahal. Jaipur, known as the "Pink City," is the capital of the colorful state of Rajasthan. Everywhere in the "abode of rajahs" you will see the monuments of its Rajput rulers. Jodhpur, is referred to as the "The Blue City" due to the large number of blue-color homes in the old city, and is the oldest of Rajputana's great cities. With a large number of palaces, forts, and temples, it was home to the Rathore rulers, and is gateway to the Great Indian Thar Desert. Known as the "City of Lakes," Udaipur is located in the southwest of Rajasthan. With temples seemingly around every corner, this romantic city is highlighted by the City Palace, dreamy Lake Pichola, and the floating Lake Palace where parts of the James Bond movie Octopussy were filmed. Our last stop is Mumbai, formerly known as Bombay, it is the fastest moving and most industrialized city in India. It is a heady mix of shopping malls, fashion, Bollywood, luxury hotels, and world-class restaurants.
Private tour itinerary
Day 1: Delhi. Arrive at Delhi's Indira Ganghi International Airport and transfer by sedan to your hotel.
Day 2: Delhi. This morning explore the ancient walled city of Old Delhi. Start the day with a cycle rickshaw ride, followed by a visit to Red Fort, the most opulent fort and palace of the Mughal Empire. Across from the fort's main gate is Chandni Chowk, the perpetually congested avenue filled with twisting lanes, small streets, and crowded bazaars. To contrast the old with the new, return to New Delhi by the Delhi Metro. In the evening return to Red Fort for a Sound and Light show. Held after sunset, the show brings to life bygone days of Delhi's history from the Mughal period. (breakfast, dinner).
Day 3: Delhi. Embark on a morning touring program of New Delhi. Visits include two monuments from Delhi's past; Qutab Minar, the world's tallest brick minaret built from red sandstone, and Humayun's Tomb, built by Emperor Humayun's wife, it is an example of early Mughal architecture. From here drive along the ceremonial avenue, Rajpath, passing the imposing India Gate and Parliament House. After some free time to relax, proceed with your guide for a heritage walk in the old part of Delhi city. (breakfast).
Day 4: Agra. Drive (approx. 4.5 hours) through the Indian countryside to Agra this morning. In the afternoon tour Agra Fort, India's most important Fort, and home to many great Mughal emperors. Afterwards continue for a sunset visit to the magnificent Taj Mahal, the monument to love that was built by Emperor Shah Jehan in memory of his beloved queen. (note: the Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays). In the evening visit Kalakriti auditorium to see a live performance of Mohabbat the Taj; dedicated to the Taj Mahal. (breakfast).
Day 5: Jaipur. Depart by road for Jaipur, known as the "Pink City," it is the capital of the colorful state of Rajasthan. The drive takes approximately five hours. En route visit Fatehpur Sikri, the deserted red sandstone city that was built by Emperor Akbar as his capital. It's ruins are still in fine condition, and it not hard to imagine what the court life must have been like in the days of its grandeur. (breakfast, dinner).
Day 6: Jaipur. A full-day begins with a visit Amber Fort, a marvelous example of Rajput architecture with its terraces and ramparts reflected in the Maota Lake below. Perched on a hillside, the fort can be reached by jeep, and when available by elephant-back. After touring, dine like royalty on a delicious lunch at Amber Fort's 1135 AD restaurant. Back in Jaipur this afternoon visit the City Palace Museum, Jantar Mantar observatory, and make a photo stop at Hawa Mahal, the "Palace of Winds." We conclude the day with an Elephant Safari at Dera Amer. A sunset ride on elephant-back takes you through private jungle where you arrive to a grand welcome at the camp to dine on a barbecue dinner served alfresco under the stars. (breakfast, lunch, dinner).
Day 7: Jodhpur. After a free morning in Jaipur transfer to the airport for your flight to Jodhpur, one of Rajasthan's princely settlements, and gateway to the Great Indian Thar Desert. This evening enjoy a walking tour of Jodhpur. (breakfast).
Day 8: Jodhpur. Embark on a morning tour of Jodhpur. Visits include the imposing Mehrangarh Fort, acknowledged to be the finest example of a Hindu fortress; and Jaswant Thada, a royal memorial built in pure white marble. In the evening transfer to Umaid Bhawan Palace for a champagne heritage walk. Named after Maharaja Umaid Singh, it is one of the world's largest private residences with 347 rooms, and houses some of the most beautiful works of art from all over the world, all part of the royal family's private collection. (breakfast, dinner).
Day 9: Udaipur. Enjoy a free morning in Jodhpur. This afternoon we continue our exploration of Rajasthan with a flight to Udaipur, known as the "City of Lakes." (breakfast, dinner).
Day 10: Udaipur. This morning tour the city of Udaipur. Visits include the City Palace complex, which consists of four major and several minor palaces forming a single breathtaking facade of almost 1000 yards, Jagdish Temple, and a stroll through the markets and bazaars situated behind the City Palace. This evening enjoy a boat ride on the placid waters of Lake Pichola. (breakfast, dinner).
Day 11: Mumbai. Fly to Mumbai, formerly known as Bombay, it is an economic powerhouse and home of "Bollywood,' the center of the Hindi film industry. An afternoon tour visits the Gateway of India, Prince of Wales Museum, Jehangir Art Gallery, Marine Drive, Chowpatty Beach, and the Hanging Gardens of Malabar Hill. (breakfast).
Day 12: Mumbai. Embark on a half-day excursion to Elephanta Island. The seven caves here are the epitome of Hindu cave culture, and provide an exciting glimpse of Indian sculpture dating from about 600 AD. (breakfast).
Day 13: Depart Mumbai. Transfer to the airport for your onward flight. (breakfast).
Meals: Breakfast daily (12), one lunch, and six dinners.
Cost per person, double occupancy from $4,690.
Day 1: Delhi. Arrive at Delhi's Indira Ganghi International Airport and transfer by sedan to your hotel.
Day 2: Delhi. This morning explore the ancient walled city of Old Delhi. Start the day with a cycle rickshaw ride, followed by a visit to Red Fort, the most opulent fort and palace of the Mughal Empire. Across from the fort's main gate is Chandni Chowk, the perpetually congested avenue filled with twisting lanes, small streets, and crowded bazaars. To contrast the old with the new, return to New Delhi by the Delhi Metro. In the evening return to Red Fort for a Sound and Light show. Held after sunset, the show brings to life bygone days of Delhi's history from the Mughal period. (breakfast, dinner).
Day 3: Delhi. Embark on a morning touring program of New Delhi. Visits include two monuments from Delhi's past; Qutab Minar, the world's tallest brick minaret built from red sandstone, and Humayun's Tomb, built by Emperor Humayun's wife, it is an example of early Mughal architecture. From here drive along the ceremonial avenue, Rajpath, passing the imposing India Gate and Parliament House. After some free time to relax, proceed with your guide for a heritage walk in the old part of Delhi city. (breakfast).
Day 4: Agra. Drive (approx. 4.5 hours) through the Indian countryside to Agra this morning. In the afternoon tour Agra Fort, India's most important Fort, and home to many great Mughal emperors. Afterwards continue for a sunset visit to the magnificent Taj Mahal, the monument to love that was built by Emperor Shah Jehan in memory of his beloved queen. (note: the Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays). In the evening visit Kalakriti auditorium to see a live performance of Mohabbat the Taj; dedicated to the Taj Mahal. (breakfast).
Day 5: Jaipur. Depart by road for Jaipur, known as the "Pink City," it is the capital of the colorful state of Rajasthan. The drive takes approximately five hours. En route visit Fatehpur Sikri, the deserted red sandstone city that was built by Emperor Akbar as his capital. It's ruins are still in fine condition, and it not hard to imagine what the court life must have been like in the days of its grandeur. (breakfast, dinner).
Day 6: Jaipur. A full-day begins with a visit Amber Fort, a marvelous example of Rajput architecture with its terraces and ramparts reflected in the Maota Lake below. Perched on a hillside, the fort can be reached by jeep, and when available by elephant-back. After touring, dine like royalty on a delicious lunch at Amber Fort's 1135 AD restaurant. Back in Jaipur this afternoon visit the City Palace Museum, Jantar Mantar observatory, and make a photo stop at Hawa Mahal, the "Palace of Winds." We conclude the day with an Elephant Safari at Dera Amer. A sunset ride on elephant-back takes you through private jungle where you arrive to a grand welcome at the camp to dine on a barbecue dinner served alfresco under the stars. (breakfast, lunch, dinner).
Day 7: Jodhpur. After a free morning in Jaipur transfer to the airport for your flight to Jodhpur, one of Rajasthan's princely settlements, and gateway to the Great Indian Thar Desert. This evening enjoy a walking tour of Jodhpur. (breakfast).
Day 8: Jodhpur. Embark on a morning tour of Jodhpur. Visits include the imposing Mehrangarh Fort, acknowledged to be the finest example of a Hindu fortress; and Jaswant Thada, a royal memorial built in pure white marble. In the evening transfer to Umaid Bhawan Palace for a champagne heritage walk. Named after Maharaja Umaid Singh, it is one of the world's largest private residences with 347 rooms, and houses some of the most beautiful works of art from all over the world, all part of the royal family's private collection. (breakfast, dinner).
Day 9: Udaipur. Enjoy a free morning in Jodhpur. This afternoon we continue our exploration of Rajasthan with a flight to Udaipur, known as the "City of Lakes." (breakfast, dinner).
Day 10: Udaipur. This morning tour the city of Udaipur. Visits include the City Palace complex, which consists of four major and several minor palaces forming a single breathtaking facade of almost 1000 yards, Jagdish Temple, and a stroll through the markets and bazaars situated behind the City Palace. This evening enjoy a boat ride on the placid waters of Lake Pichola. (breakfast, dinner).
Day 11: Mumbai. Fly to Mumbai, formerly known as Bombay, it is an economic powerhouse and home of "Bollywood,' the center of the Hindi film industry. An afternoon tour visits the Gateway of India, Prince of Wales Museum, Jehangir Art Gallery, Marine Drive, Chowpatty Beach, and the Hanging Gardens of Malabar Hill. (breakfast).
Day 12: Mumbai. Embark on a half-day excursion to Elephanta Island. The seven caves here are the epitome of Hindu cave culture, and provide an exciting glimpse of Indian sculpture dating from about 600 AD. (breakfast).
Day 13: Depart Mumbai. Transfer to the airport for your onward flight. (breakfast).
Meals: Breakfast daily (12), one lunch, and six dinners.
Cost per person, double occupancy from $4,690.
Our deluxe India tours are carefully designed to provide a unique experience in the destination, promote cultural understanding and exchange, flow smoothly from place to place, allow time for relaxation and exploration on your own, provide maximum value, and very importantly to be enjoyable. The itinerary can be modified to suit your tastes, time frame, budget, and special interests.
