|
18 DAYS Delhi, Agra, Fatepur Sikri, Jaipur, Mandawa, Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Manvar,
Jodhpur, Ranakpur, Udaipur, Mumbai
Day 1 Thu: Depart North America
Depart North America on your exciting journey to explore the Forts & Places
of India. Day rooms are provided in Singapore at the AMBASSADOR TRANSIT HOTEL.
East Coast passengers connect through London.
Day 2 Fri: Arrive Delhi
Arrive tonight in India’s bustling capital city of Delhi, where you are greeted
with a traditional Indian welcome and escorted to the THE TAJ MAHAL HOTEL.
Day 3 Sat: Old Delhi Sightseeing
After a leisurely morning, embark on your tour of Old Delhi. Among your stops
are the Red Fort, built by Shah Jahan, Raj Ghat — a memorial to Mahatma Gandhi,
Ashoka Pillar and the mile-long Chandni Chowk bazaar. (BD)
Day 4 Sun: New Delhi Sightseeing / Agra
This morning enjoy your tour of New Delhi. Drive along Rajpath, the capital’s
broadest avenue, for a view of the Parliament House, the President’s House and
India Gate. Visit the Humayun’s Tomb, Qutab Minar and Birla Mandir, a colorful
and modern Hindu temple. This afternoon drive to Agra, en route stopping at Sikandra
to visit the tomb of Emperor Akbar. TAJ VIEW HOTEL (Taj Facing Room). (BD)
Day 5 Mon: Agra
Experience an early morning sunrise viewing of the magnificent Taj Mahal, a monument
to the memory of love. After breakfast tour the exquisite 16th Century Agra Fort.
Afternoon at leisure. (BD)
Day 6 Tue: Agra / Fatehpur Sikri / Jaipur
After breakfast proceed to the abandoned and nearly intact Mughal City of Fatehpur
Sikri, a masterpiece of Muslim, Hindu and Jain architecture. Continue overland
to Jaipur, the capital city of Rajasthan, also known as the “Pink City.” Check
in at the Maharajah’s former residence, the magnificent RAMBAGH PALACE HOTEL.
(BD)
Day 7 Wed: Amber Fort Excursion & Jaipur Sightseeing
Today, you are transported back in time. Experience riding royally atop elegantly
draped and painted elephants to the mountain fortress of Amber. Later, enjoy a
tour of Jaipur City, visiting Hawa Mahal or “Palace of Winds,” City Palace and
the ancient observatory. (BD)
Day 8 Thu: Jaipur / Mandawa
Today, you will be driven to Mandawa in the Shekhawati region known as “the open
air art gallery” of Rajasthan. The Castle Mandawa is a rugged and handsome fort
that features war-scarred turrets, lofty domes and ancient cannons. It also offers
gracious hospitality with modern comforts. Overnight at CASTLE MANDAWA. (BD)
Day 9 Fri: Mandawa / Bikaner
Visit enchanting villages in the Shekhawati region. The many havelis (town mansions)
are covered with frescoes painted by local artists. Continue to the fascinating
city of Bikaner, tucked away in the desert of western Rajasthan and characterized
by its beautiful sandstone architecture. Enjoy your stay at historic LAXMI NIWAS
PALACE, carved out of red sandstone and still inhabited by the royal family. (BD)
Day 10 Sat: Bikaner Sightseeing
Start the day by visiting the unusual and impressive Junagarh Fort, built on
the desert plain itself, instead of a usual hilltop. The palace complex with its
sumptuously decorated interiors, ornately lacquered walls and dazzling colored
glass, is perhaps the best preserved example of its kind in India. (BD)
Day 11 Sun: Bikaner / Jaisalmer
Drive to Jaisalmer, a fascinating city rising from the heart of the Thar Desert
like a golden mirage. The commanding fort etched in yellow sandstone stands in
awesome splendor. RAWALKOT PALACE. (BD)
Day 12 Mon: Jaisalmer Sightseeing
Visit the awesome Jaisalmer Fort, housing the entire township within its ramparts.
Visit the Lovely Nathmalji-ki-Haveli and Patwon-ki-Haveli, three beautifully sculptured
Jain temples built between the 12th and 13th centuries and five interconnected
palaces. No trip to Jaisalmer is complete without a sunset trip to the picturesque
sand dunes of Sam and a camel safari. The ripples on the wind-caressed dunes and
the numerous musicians and dancers are a photographer’s delight. (BD)
Day 13 Tue: Jaisalmer / Manvar
Drive to the enchanting Thar Desert oasis of Manvar, where you enjoy your stay
in a luxurious tented camp and experience a night in the desert. Dine al fresco
tonight under a canopy of stars, with entertainment including folk dancing and
indigenous music. MANVAR DESERT CAMP. (BD)
Day 14 Wed: Manvar / Jodhpur
Embark on an early morning camel safari to witness the magnificent sunrise over
the desert dunes. Later travel to Jodhpur. Visit the invincible Mehrangarh Fort
and the Jaswant Thada, a graceful marble cenotaph built in 1899. TAJ HARI MAHAL
HOTEL. (BD)
Day 15 Thu: Jodhpur / Ranakpur / Udaipur
This morning depart for Udaipur. Stop en route and tour the beautifully sculpted
15th century Jain temples of Ranakpur. Continue your journey, stopping for lunch
at Maharani Bagh - a mango grove and the private gardens of the Maharajah of Jodhpur.
Check in at the world-famous LAKE PALACE HOTEL, once a royal island retreat and
now a luxurious hotel seemingly floating upon the waters of Lake Pichola. (BD)
Day 16 Fri: Udaipur Sightseeing
Tour this famous “City of Lakes,” known as Udaipur, one of the most picturesque
and romantic cities of India. Visit City Palace with its scalloped arches, fretted
balconies and cupolas, Saheliyon ki Bari Garden and the folklore museum where
you can see a presentation of the string puppets typical to this area. The afternoon
is at leisure. (BD)
Day 17 Sat: Udaipur / Mumbai (Bombay)
Your day is at leisure. Evening fly to Mumbai (formerly Bombay) and have dinner.
Bid farewell to India and depart on your international flight. (BD)
Day 18 Sun: Arrive Home
Arrive home filled with colorful memories of your regal escapade in the heart
of Rajasthan.
Extend your stay:
Visit Kathmandu and the Royal Kingdom of Nepal with a pre-tour extension. | 
