Day 1 – Welcome to New Delhi, India
Welcome to New Delhi, India! Upon arrival you will be met and assisted at the airport by a representative and transferred by private vehicle to the Imperial New Delhi. Once at the hotel you will meet Bela from Swain Destinations who will be accompanying you throughout the duration of your escorted tour, providing insider knowledge as you traverse the country together.
Reckoned amongst Asia's finest hotels, The Imperial is a legend that offers a unique experience embracing facets of India's history. Located steps away from the renowned shopping district and major city attractions, The Imperial is New Delhi's landmark hotel, it is located on Janpath. Three acres of lush greens, royal palms, and a remarkable species of trees enhance the property's beautiful surrounding. Add to that the close proximity to museums, historical monuments and shopping, The Imperial New Delhi is one of the finest properties in the city.
Starting Accommodation: The Imperial, New Delhi
Day 2 – New & Old Delhi Private City Tour
Start your day with a visit to Old Delhi to the 17th century Jama Masjid or Friday Mosque. This grand mosque with imposing marble domes and twin minarets was built in 1656. A magnificent flight of sand stone steps lead to the great arched entrance.
Enjoy an exhilarating rickshaw ride from Jama Masjid through the narrow lanes of the old city, Chandni Chowk, to the ramparts of the Red Fort. The Bazaars of Old Delhi are legendary with narrow streets lined with shops and goods spilling onto the pavements.
Late afternoon, proceed to Humayun's Tomb, the 16th Century tomb of the second Mughal Emperor Humayun. Tucked away in the heart of Delhi, this treasure trove of history spreads over 100 acres of beautiful greens. This was the first garden tomb on the Indian subcontinent and is said to have inspired the design of the Taj Mahal. Ironically this first expression of the Mughal Empire grandeur in India, and is also associated with the empire's tragic end with the capture of the last Mughal Emperor and his three sons in 1857.
Starting Accommodation: The Imperial, New Delhi (B, D)
Day 3 – Delhi Private City Touring
This morning, drive to one of Delhi's most striking monuments, the 70 meter high Qutab Minar, which looms majestically across the wide plains of Delhi. The monument marked the site of the first Muslim Kingdom in Northern India established in 1193.
Later in the afternoon visit Gandhi Smriti, where Gandhi spend the last days of his life before he was assassinated, as well as Bangala Sahib Gurudwara, a temple that feeds thousands of local devotees.
Starting Accommodation: The Imperial, New Delhi (B)
Day 4 – Agra City Touring
This morning, an English-speaking representative will meet you in the lobby at The Imperial New Delhi and you will be transferred overland to Agra.
Agra Fort Private TourVisit the Agra Fort, the original red sandstone fort built by Moghul Emperor Akbar in 1565. The Forts maze of courtyards, its marble mosque and lavish private chambers reflect the grandeur of the Mughal Empire.
Taj Mahal Private TourMeet your guide, who will take you to visit the Taj Mahal. An extravagant marble monument of love, built by Shah Jehan in 1653 as a memorial to his queen Mumtaz Mahal. It took 22 years and 22,000 craftsmen to build. Poets have romanticized it, visitors have been held spellbound by the charm of this delicate vision in white marble. Such is the beauty of the Taj Mahal situated on the banks of river Yamuna.
Starting Accommodation: The Oberoi Amarvilas
(B)
Day 5 – Agra to Jaipur, via Fatehpur Sikri
This morning, an English-speaking representative will meet you in your hotel lobby for your transfer to Jaipur. On your way, you will visit Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri.
Fatehpur Sikri is a deserted, red sandstone city, built by Emperor Akbar, between 1570 and 1585, now glowing in its magnificent past. This was once the capital of the Moghul Empire for a short period but later abandoned due to scarcity of water. Here you will visit the Bulund Darwaza (The Gate of Victory), which is said to be the tallest gateway in the world.
Starting Accommodation: Oberoi Rajvilas (B)
Day 6 – Jaipur Experiences
Amer Fort Private TourThis morning you will proceed for an excursion to Amer Fort. One of the finest example of Rajput architecture, it was the ancient capital of Kaisshawah rulers. Visit the multiple chambers and hallways of the palace which are famous for their design and decorations. This unique capital of the erstwhile warrior kings of Rajasthan is a must on every tourist itinerary to the state.
City Palace and Jantar Mantar Private TourProceed for a city tour to visit the unique Jantar Mantar, which is a magnificent stone observatory built by Raja Jai Singh in 1728 and drive past the Hawa Mahal, an intriguing 'Palace of Winds'. This was really a facade built in 1799, to allow royal ladies to view the city from the windows. Later visit the opulent City Palace, the former royal residence built in a blend of Rajasthani and Mughal style which has grand museums displaying an excellent collection of miniature paintings, costumes and armory.
Starting Accommodation: Oberoi Rajvilas (B, D)
Day 7 – Jodhpur Touring
This morning an English-speaking representative will meet you in your hotel lobby and you will set course for Jodhpur. Once you have arrived you will take a private tour around Jodhpur city. Explore the colorful bazaars of Jodhpur, well known for glass bangles, ornamental swords, rugged leather slippers and printed fabrics.
Starting Accommodation: Umaid Bhawan Palace (B)
Day 8 – Jodhpur and the Mehrangarh Fort Tour
Perhaps the most majestic of Rajasthan's forts; described by Rudyard Kipling as 'The creation of angels, fairies and giants'. Mehrangarh's forbidding ramparts are in sharp contrast to the flamboyantly decorated palaces within. Founded in 1459, the sandstone fort was added to by later rulers between 17th and 19th centuries.
The royal apartments within the fort now form part of an outstanding museum. Its rich and varied collection includes a golden throne, fine miniature paintings, traditional costumes and fascinating weapons. Particularly magnificent are the restored royal chambers, which present a vivid picture of princely life and culture in Rajasthan.
Starting Accommodation: Umaid Bhawan Palace (B)
Day 9 – Jodhpur to Mumbai
This morning, an English-speaking representative will meet you in your hotel lobby and transfer to you to the airport for your flight to Mumbai.
Built largely by the British around one of the best-protected natural harbors in the world, Mumbai is India's business center and one of the most important commercial hubs between Singapore and Europe. It generates more than a third of the country's gross national product, and half of India's foreign trade moves through this busy seaport on the Arabian Sea.
Mumbai also is home to the country's prolific Bollywood film industry, which cranks out more feature films than any place in the world. The city's expansion has been rapid-from fewer than 1 million residents in the mid-1950s to more than 18 million today-and Mumbai suffers from growing pains. Civic services are stretched, water is in short supply and the city's footprint reaches endlessly northward to provide housing for new arrivals.
Starting Accommodation: The Taj Mahal Palace
(B)
Day 10 – Mumbai City Touring
Witness Mumbai come to life at dawn with this unique tour that offers a sneak peek into the underbelly of the city. From observing the newspaper vendor distribution network to a memorable walk down Sassoon Dock and taking part in a one-of-its-kind fish auction, you may also witness the men and women bargain at wholesale markets for fresh fruits, vegetables, meat and even flowers.
Late morning you will be escorted on a city tour of Mumbai, covering Indo-Saracenic buildings (Victoria station, Mumbai University). Drive through Marine Drive, Malabar Hills and Hanging Gardens. Visit the 'Dhobi Ghat' a huge open-air laundry. Also visit the unusual site of Mumbai's 'Dhabawallas' at work.
Starting Accommodation: The Taj Mahal Palace
(B)
Day 11 – Mumbai to USA
Today ends your time exploring incredible India. An English-speaking representative will meet you in your hotel lobby and you will be transferred to the airport for your departure flight to the USA.
(B)
