October 16: Depart US
We depart this afternoon for an overnight flight to Delhi. Various meals and service will be served while in flight.
October 17: ARRIVE DELHI
Meeting and assistance on arrival then transfer to hotel. Overnight at hotel.
October 18: IN DELHI
Half day sightseeing of National Museum, National Handicrafts Museum and Rail Museum. This museum is a review of art and history and a meaningful survey of the culture of India. It represents collections drawn from all parts of the country relating to principal historic periods. It is rich in pre-historic materials from pre-Harappan and Harappan culture. There are sculptures ranging from the time of Ashoka to the late medieval period. This afternoon, time permitting we enjoy a visit to the Red Fort. The Red Fort is one of the famous sites of Delhi and a marvel in red sandstone. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2007.
October 19: IN DELHI
Full day sightseeing of New and Old Delhi. In New Delhi visit the 12th century Qutab Minar, gracefully hand-carved for its entire height of 234ft, and the iron pillar, which has withstood the ravages of time and not rusted even after 1500 years, the mausoleum of emperor Humayun, the imposing modern Lakshmi Narayan temple. Drive past India Gate (memorial to the Indian army soldiers who died in the World War I) the Rashtrapati Bhavan (formerly the viceroy's residence) and the Parliament House. Continue to Old Delhi with time to view Raj Ghat, the memorial to Mahatma Gandi and the largest Mosque in India, Jama Masjid. Spend some time in Chandi Chowk to savor the ambience of an oriental, crowded bazaar. Overnight at hotel.
October 20: DELHI – UDAIPUR
After breakfast we transfer to the Delhi airport in time to board flight for Udaipur. Meeting and assistance on arrival then transfer to hotel. Overnight at hotel.
October 21: IN UDAIPUR
Morning city tour of Udaipur, a splash of color in Rajasthan that is brighter when tinged with the tones of local lore and legends. Visit the City Palace, built in 1725, which houses the Dilkhush Mahal, Sheesh Mahal - studded with glittering Belgium Mirrors, Moti Mahal and the Palace of Lord Krishna all of which are ornately decorated. Later visit the Jagdish Temple. This temple built in 1651 is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the preserver in the Hindu Trinity of Gods. Also visit the Sahelion Ki Barigardens and fountains. Later drive around the Fatehsagar Lake. Overnight at hotel.
October 22: UDAIPUR – JODHPUR
Morning drive to Jodhpur (259 Kms / 6 Hrs) en route visiting Jain Temples of Ranakpur built in the 15th century are situated in the lovely Aravali valley. The town is named after Rana Kumbha, the legendary warrior king of Udaipur. Its surroundings are peaceful and picturesque. The Ranakpur Jain temples have grand structures and beautiful sculptures. There are 1444 pillars in the main temple and no two of them are similar. Visit Surya Temple and other Jain Temples a little distance away. On arrival check-in at the hotel. Afternoon city tour visiting the 5-km long Mehrangarh Fort situated on a 125-mt high hill. This is one of the most impressive and formidable structures in Rajasthan. Within the fort are some magnificent palaces with meticulously carved panels, latticed windows or "Jarokhas" with evocative names. The chambers of Moti Mahal, Phool Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, the Sileh Khana and the Daulat Khana are noteworthy for the splendor and glamour of a bygone era. Later visit the Jaswant Thada - a cluster of royal cenotaphs in the white marble built in 1899 AD in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh-II. The tour culminates with a visit to the Museum housed in the majestic Umaid Bhawan Palace. Overnight at hotel.
October 23: JODHPUR – JAIPUR
This morning we enjoy a leisurely breakfast before we transfer to the Jodhpur airport for our flight to Jaipur. Upon our arrival in Jaipur we will check into our hotel and have some free time to visit some suggested sites with our guide. Jaipur - The capital of Rajasthan, this picturesque city is a symphony in pink, a color which signifies hospitality in Rajput culture. Built by Raja Jai Singh in the 18th century, it is surrounded by hills topped with rugged fortresses and dotted with fairy tale palaces. Ambling camels and brightly dressed locals, reflect Jaipur’s desert heritage while the teeming markets display a profusion of handlooms and crafts. Come visit the city of love, legends and lore.
October 24: IN JAIPUR
Morning city tour begins with a visit to the Maharaja's City Palace, the former Royal residence, part of it converted into a museum. A small portion is still used by the Royal family of Jaipur. Built in the style of a fortified campus, the palace covers almost one-seventh in area of the city. One of the major attractions in the museum is the portion known as Armory Museum housing an impressive array of weaponry-pistols, blunderbusses, flintlocks, swords, rifles and daggers. The royal families of Jaipur once used most of these weapons. Later visit the Jantar Mantar, which is the largest stone and marble crafted observatory in the world. Situated near the gate of the city palace, the observatory has 17 large instruments, many of them still in working condition. Overnight at hotel.
October 25: JAIPUR – AGRA
Morning drive to Agra (237 Kms / 6- 7 Hrs) en route visiting Fatehpur Sikri. Located 40 Km from Agra, the deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri was built by Emperor Akbar in 1569, in honor of the great Saint Sheikh Salim Chisti who blessed Akbar and prophesized the birth of three sons to the heirless Emperor. Akbar used Fatehpur Sikri as his capital and the city was fully occupied for 14 years but slowly became deserted and ruined after Akbar left the city. Scarcity of water was the prime factor for the abandonment of this beautiful city. Visit the remarkably well-preserved, graceful buildings within the 'Ghost City' including the Jama Masjid, tomb of Salim Chisti, Panch Mahal Palace and other palaces that speak of the grandeur and splendor of the Mughal empire at the height of its power. On arrival check-in at the hotel. Late night visit to Taj Mahal in moonlight, built by Shah Jahan in 1560 in memory of his queen Mumtaz Mahal to enshrine her mortal remains. This architectural marvel is a perfectly proportioned masterpiece fashioned from white marble that stands testimony to the skill of 20,000 craftsmen brought together from Persia, Turkey, France and Italy and who took 17 year to complete this ' Love Poem in Marble'. (Friday closed). Later visit the Agra fort containing the halls private and public audiences and other palaces (Optional and depending upon full moon date). Overnight at hotel.
October 26: IN AGRA
Full day sightseeing of Agra city. Second visit to Taj Mahal. Also visit the Agra fort containing the halls of private and public audience and other palaces. Later visit tomb of Itmad-Ud-Daula. The tomb is known as the 'Baby Taj'. It was the first Mughal structure totally built from marble with extensive use of pietra dura. Also visit Sikandra, the tomb of Akbar and Dayalbagh for its various crafts and monuments. Later walk around the Bazaar (local market). Overnight at hotel.
October 27: AGRA – Delhi
We enjoy some free time for additional touring in Agra before we transfer to the Agra airport in time to fly to Delhi. Upon our arrival in Delhi we will catch our connecting flight back to the US.
October 28: DELHI - US
We arrive home later today.
