Day 1 – USA to New Delhi
Today you will begin your Swain Destinations customized itinerary. Please note, international air has not been included in this package price.
Day 2 – Welcome to New Delhi, India
You will be met and assisted at the International airport by a representative upon arrival and transferred by private vehicle to your hotel.
If trees and streets could talk, the stories that would pour out of Delhi would keep listeners mesmerized for years. After all, this is one of the world’s oldest cities, inhabited continuously from as far back as 2 BC. It has been the capital of dozens of empires, the royal playground for hundreds of kings, the site of furious battles and devastation, and the center always of intrigues and power struggles that sought to control the rest of the country.
There are few ways to get a better introduction to the country than from a visit of its capital Delhi — no better insight into the diversity that is India. Immensely old and gleamingly modern; wide open spaces with bungalows and gardens at one end and narrow streets overflowing with shops and houses and people at the other; with a rich cultural heritage behind it and yet firmly placed in the 21st century when it comes to technology and business.
Starting Accommodation: Maidens Hotel
Day 3 – New Delhi Touring
Colonial Delhi TourThis morning visit New Delhi, Colonial Delhi trail will take you past the India Gate, a monument commemorating the deaths of over 70,000 Indian soldiers in the British Forces during the World War I and older British buildings that house today's Parliament and Secretariat.
Old Delhi City TourAfternoon visit to Old Delhi. There is a lot to be said about a country as diverse in its faiths as India, and as tolerant in its attitudes towards each. Take an exhilarating rickshaw ride from Jama Masjid through the narrow lanes of the old city, Chandni Chowk, terminating at the ramparts of the Red Fort. The Bazaars of Old Delhi are legendary with narrow streets lined with shops and goods spilling on to the pavements (closed on Sundays).
Starting Accommodation: Maidens Hotel (B)
Day 4 – New Delhi to Agra
An English-speaking representative will meet you in your hotel lobby at a predetermined time. You will be transferred overland to Agra. The 126 mile journey will take 4.5 hours with comfort stops en route.
Agra is famous the world over as the home of the magnificent Taj Mahal which is one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The city is also laden with smaller architectural treasures. It is famous for marble carvings, semi-precious stones, and silk embroidery. This charming city never ceases to amaze with its heady mix of history and culture. The drive today is around 5 hours.
Starting Accommodation: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Agra (B)
Day 5 – Agra Touring
Taj Mahal at Sunrise 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.
Agra Fort 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.
Starting Accommodation: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Agra (B)
Day 6 – Agra to Jaipur
An English-speaking representative will meet you in your hotel lobby at a predetermined time. You will be transferred overland to Jaipur, with a visit to Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri. The drive from Agra to Fatehpur Sikri is 25 miles- about 40 minutes. The drive from Fatehpur Sikri to Jaipur will take about 3 hours.
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. In the northern part of the courtyard is the superb white marble tomb of the famous Sufi saint - Shaik Salim Chishti.
Starting Accommodation: Samode Haveli (B)
Day 7 – Jaipur Touring
Amer Fort TourMorning, proceed for an excursion to Amer Fort, which is located 12 kms outside Jaipur. The original Palace was built by Raja Mansingh and later additions were made by Sawai Jai Singh. 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 Hawa Mahal TourVisit 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. Visit the Palace of Winds.
Starting Accommodation: Samode Haveli (B)
Day 8 – Jaipur to USA
Today is your final day on your Swain Destinations itinerary. Transfer to the airport for your departure flight to the USA. (B)
