Itinerary:
Day 1: Depart your gateway city for Delhi, India.
Day 2: Depending on airline schedules, arrive in India’s hyperactive capital and check in at our hotel after midnight.
Day 3: This afternoon embark on an orientation tour of New Delhi. At least eight cities have stood here; the current one reflects a mix of indigenous and Western architecture, including Sir Edwin Lutyens’ 1920’s Imperial City of broad boulevards and stately government buildings. We see the 16th-century Tomb of Humayun, with its groundbreaking Mughal design; and Qutab Monar, the 234-step tower begun in 1193. Before tonight’s welcome dinner, enjoy a reception in the home of a local Indian family. (B,D)
Day 4: The capital of Moslem India from the12th–19th centuries, Old Delhi boasts two renowned 17th-century landmarks which we see on this morning’s tour: the Red Fort complex of palaces, and the sandstone and marble Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosque. We also walk the narrow lanes of the colorful Chandni Chowk marketplace. Later we visit the National Museum, housing a superb collection of Indian and international art and artifacts. (B,D)
Day 5: On our way from Delhi to Agra this morning, visit the inspiring S.O.S. Children’s Village where abandoned and orphaned children live in a family-like setting. Later today we reach ancient Agra in India’s heartland, once a stronghold of Mughal rulers who built elaborate forts, tombs, and palaces of sandstone and marble inlaid with semi-precious gems. Dine at our architecture award-winning-hotel tonight (B,D)
Day 6: A travel highlight today as we tour the Taj Mahal, the magnificent tomb built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz. Some 20,000 laborers spent 17 years on the white marble mausoleum, which was begun in 1632. Besides its exquisite symmetry, the Taj features striking examples of pietra dura, where skilled artisans embed semi-precious stones in marble to form dazzling patterns. Nearby we also visit imposing Agra Fort, composing palaces, pavilions, courtyards, and gardens surrounded by a massive wall. Both the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort are preserved as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. (B,D)
Day 7: A full day of touring includes Mughal Emperor Akbar’s mausoleum at Sikandra, a
harmonious blend of Hindu, Christian, Islamic, Buddhist, and Jain motifs; and the beautiful tomb at Itmad-ud-daulah, believed to have been an inspiration for the Taj Mahal. (B,D)
Day 8: Leaving Agra this morning we stop at Fatehpur Sikri, the elegant late 16th-century city of red sandstone built by the Emperor Akbar. Though the inhabitants deserted Fatehpur Sikro for lack of fresh water after a mere 15 years, it remains largely intact, an outstanding example of Mughal architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Mid- afternoon we reach Ranthambore National Park, a 512-square-mile nature preserve that is home to
hundreds of species of birds, reptiles, mammals, and of course, tigers and leopards. Our accommodations: a former hunting lodge set amidst 12 acres of lush gardens. (B,L,D)
Day 9: Take both morning and evening game drives today through the former hunting grounds of Maharaja of Jaipur. Not only will we see game (though tiger and leopard sightings are not guaranteed), but also picturesque ruins of old fortifications, lake palaces, and a thousand-year-old fort. During the day we visit the Ranthambore Foundation to meet local villagers and see artwork depicting the region’s animals. We take all meals today at our game lodge. (B,L,D)
Day 10: Following an early morning game safari enjoy some free time and lunch at the lodge before departing for Jaipur, one of the great cities of Rajasthan, home of India’s legendary Hindu warriors. We reach our hotel, a 250-year-old palace in the late afternoon. (B,L,D)
Day 11: Built by the Kkachhawah Rajputs as their capital from 1037 to 1728, Amber Fort is considered the pinnacle of Mughal architecture; indeed, this hilltop palace stands among the most impressive in the land. Tour the opulent and uninhabited citadel this morning, approaching on elephant-back to admire the magnificent fresco-covered portal, the opulent room of mirrors, walls of jewel-encrusted marble, and the royal apartments offering beautiful panoramic views of the surrounding valley. This afternoon enjoy free time to explore Jaipur, called the “pink city” for its buildings of rose-hued sandstone. (B,D)
Day 12: This morning visit the nearby village of Sanganer to see the traditional block printing and handmade paper industries here. Using processes that date back centuries—and very few machines—villagers craft coveted hand-printed textiles and unique paper goods. Return to Jaipur for an afternoon at leisure; perhaps to visit Jantar Mantar, the open-air royal observatory with huge astronomical instruments; or the City Palace Museum housing the priceless art collections of the Maharajahs of Jaipur. (B,D)
Day 13: Return by coach to Delhi today and check in at the hotel. There is free time for last-minute shopping before we gather for a farewell dinner. (B,D)
Day 14: Depart early today for connecting flights to the U.S. Post Tour Extension: Enjoy a five-day, five-night extension to Kerala, the “Green Gateway” to India. Discover a tropical paradise rich in scenic beauty, natural resources, and cultural heritage.
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