6 days 5 nights
Daily Departures

PRIVATE TOUR - DAILY DEPARTURES (GTAM06): Depart from New Delhi with English speaking guides for sightseeing visits only –  English speaking escorts throughout tour with surcharge

ITINERARY:

DAY 1 Meet on arrival at Delhi International Airport and transfer to hotel.

Delhi, the vibrant capital city of India lying along the River Yamuna, is a teaming metropolis of 14 million people and nowhere in the Country is the contrast between old and new more  obvious. Seven cities have existed here since the 10th century, ruled over by a succession of Rajputs, Turks, Afghans, Mughals and the British.  Delhi is two cities in one; the Old Delhi of the Mughals, created by Shah Jehan after moving his Capital from Agra in 1638 AD is still a medieval district of narrow lanes, forts, mosques and bazaars. The second, New Delhi, built by the British between 1911-1931 and characterized by Sir Edwin Lutyens' architecture, is a spacious and well-designed metropolis of broad avenues, grand imperial buildings and landscaped gardens. New Delhi is a surprisingly green city with its tree lined avenues, parks and natural forest and one of the City’s hidden delights is the picturesque Lodi Gardens set around Mughal tombs. As the Country’s cultural centre, it is home to a number of museums including the national Museum, the Museum of Modern art, the Museum of Natural History and the creative Arts and Crafts Museum where artisans can be seen at work. Delhi has fantastic shopping opportunities ranging from the excellent Central Cottage Industries Emporium and the traditional bazaars of Chandni Chowk to the colourful and varied speciality shops located in the markets of South Delhi.

Accommodation at Hotel Gautam Deluxe (Standard Room) in Delhi.

Gautam Deluxe

Located in the bustling Karol Bagh area near to Connaught Place, this budget hotel is clean with newly renovated modern and bright rooms. The streets of Karol Bagh are noisy and chaotic but inside is calm. Gautam Deluxe is an excellent hotel for value in Delhi and has the additional advantage of the adjacent atmospheric and renowned Pind Balluchi restaurant. 

DAY 2 This morning in New Delhi drive along Rajpath, a two mile long avenue originally the focal point of British India and now used for parades; lined with ornamental canals the views in both directions are imposing. Drive past India Gate, built to commemorate the Indian and British soldiers who died in World War 1, Parliament House and Rashtrapati Bhavan. Standing at the crest of Raisina Hill, Lutyen’s 20^th Century architectural masterpiece was built for the viceroy during British rule and is now the President's residence. During mid February – mid March the formal Mughal Gardens behind the Presidents Palace are open to the public.

Afterwards in Old Delhi previously known as Shahjahanabad, take a cycle rickshaw through the chaotic, noisy and bustling markets of Chandni Chowk, where trading continues in the maze of shops as it has done over the Centuries.  Stop at the magnificent Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India and the final architectural extravagance of Shah Jehan. Should you wish on the return journey stop at the Government Emporium, which is a 5 storey treasure trove of crafts and gifts

 This afternoon drive through South Delhi to Qutub Minar, a World Heritage monument and one of the most instantly recognisable and historically important monuments in Delhi. This 234

foot high fluted minaret was built in 1193, at the time of the foundation of the Islamic rule in Indian known as the Delhi Sultanate.  The adjacent Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque is an early example of the fusion of Hindu panels and Islamic domes and arches reflecting the mingling of the two cultures.

 In the late afternoon visit one of the most inspirational monuments of Delhi's past, Humayun's Tomb. The earliest great example of a Mughal garden tomb and the forerunner to the ornate Mughal style of architecture later perfected in the Taj Mahal, Humayun’s Tomb was built in 1565 by a Persian architect. Surrounded by well maintained gardens it is a wonderfully atmospheric place to visit.

Accommodation at Hotel Gautam Deluxe, in Delhi (Standard Room).

DAY 3 Early morning transfer to New Delhi Railway Station for your train to Agra. The Shatabdi Express is a 1^st Class air-conditioned train. Our representative will assist you boarding the train. The train departs Delhi at 0615 hours and arrives into Agra at 0815 hours. Tea, Coffee, bottled water and Indian snacks are served on the train. On arrival in Agra, as hotels have a midday check in, depart for a mornings sightseeing tour.

Agra was the capital of the Mughal court during the 16th and 17th centuries and its sublime monuments date from that era. The emperors Akbar, Jahangir and Shah Jehan governed their vast empires from here and as prolific builders; artisans from Persia, Central Asia and other parts of India were attracted by their patronage.  The resulting luxurious palaces, tombs, forts and gardens dot the picturesque riverine region along the Yamuna River; three of which, the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Fatepur Sikri have been declared World Heritage Sites. Agra is renowned for its delicate Pietra Dura work; a Florentine technique imported by Jahangir of arranging minute pieces of precious and semi precious stones in complex, stylized floral and geometric designs into a marble base. Today artisans still recreate the old patterns.

Situated on the west bank of the Yamuna River, the imposing red sandstone Agra Fort was started in 1565 by Akbar. The fort surrounded by a moat forms a crescent along the riverfront and encompasses a huge complex of courtly buildings reflecting the varied styles of the Emperors. Wander through the lavishly decorated halls, courtyards and galleries discovering hidden pavilions and alcoves glimpsing the Taj Mahal in the distance.

This afternoon in the soft late afternoon light visit the incomparable Taj Mahal, the world’s greatest monument to love and devotion. Built by the emperor Shah Jehan for his favourite wife Mumtaz, its perfect proportions and exquisite craftsmanship took 20,000 workers almost 22 years to complete in 1653. It is undoubtedly a building as close to perfection as is achievable and its appearance changes magically with the light at different times of the day.  (Closed on a Friday) Accommodation at Hotel Utkarsh Vilas (Deluxe Room) in Agra.

 Utkarsh Vilas

This newly built hotel with characteristic Mughal arches is extremely tastefully and artistically furnished. Spread over 3 floors, the 63 rooms are comfortable, bright and well furnished. The hotel is already renowned in Agra for its superb food.  Additionally it offers a swimming pool, spa and gym.

DAY 4 Today is a 5 hour drive to Jaipur en route after one hour stopping to visit Fatehpur Sikri, the deserted red sandstone city built by Emperor Akbar in 1571 in honour of the famous Sufi saint, Salim Chishti. The Mughal capital for only 14 years until abandoned reputedly due to lack of water, the buildings, blending Hindu and Islamic styles of architecture and reflecting Akbar’s secular vision remain in an excellent condition and it is a fascinating place to wander around.  

Jaipur, or the City of Victory, was founded in 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II and is a well planned city of magnificent palaces and building. Built from rose-coloured terra cotta, it has given it the name 'Pink City'. Nowadays the Capital of Rajasthan with a population of over 1 million, it is a city full of contrasts with bazaars teeming with turbaned elders and jean clad youngsters to camels, horses and a multitude of vehicles. Jaipur’s focal point is the magnificent Hawa Mahal, otherwise known as the Palace of the Winds; primarily an elaborate five storey face with projecting windows and balconies, behind which the ladies of the court used to sit and observe life going on in the streets below. 

Accommodation at Hotel Diggi Palace (Air-conditioned Room) in Jaipur.

Diggi Palace

The Hotel is a part of the original haveli of the Thakurs of Diggi dating from 1860, and is nestled amidst 18 acres of a cluster of havelis and gardens owned by the family. The family also resides in the main part of the haveli and takes active part in the upkeep and administration of the hotel. The hotels main attractions are the large garden with peacocks and other birds, peaceful location and heritage character.

DAY 5 Today is a full days sightseeing in and around Jaipur beginning with Amber, the ancient capital of the region prior to Jaipur, and located 11 km north of the City. Now a deserted complex crowning the crest of a hill with panoramic views, Amber Fort is extremely well preserved and a fascinating place to explore. The forts majestic ramparts follow the natural contours of the ridge and he palace is full of hidden gems – the Sheesh Mahal (Palace of mirrors), Jas Mandir with its latticed windows and glass inlay work and Zenana. (Women’s quarters)  Elephants still carry visitors in stately splendour to the main Palace, through magnificent high gateways.

In the afternoon in Jaipur city, visit the opulent Maharaja's City Palace which occupies the heart of Jai Singh II’s city and has been home to the City’s rulers for 200 years. A superb blend of Rajput and Mughal architecture, the interiors of the Palace are lavishly furnished and decorated and the Museum houses a fabulous collection of textiles, art and crafts and arms. The Jantar Mantar or Observatory was built by Jai Singh II, a keen astronomer, in 1728. It resembles a collection of giant sculptures and was used to determine the position of the stars and planets, accurately calculate Jaipur’s time, make horoscopes and is today still used to forecast the expected arrival date and intensity of the monsoon and summer temperatures.

Accommodation at Hotel Diggi Palace (Air-conditioned Room) in Jaipur.

DAY 6 Drive 5 hours to Delhi. Meet & transfer to International Airport for departure flight.

**END OF SERVICES**

NOTE: Small deviations in the tour program are sometimes necessary, depending on weather, road conditions, flight schedules and room availability.

RATES & CONDITIONS:

Our tour cost is based on the following hotels:

Our tour prices are inclusive of All sightseeing tour and transfer services as detailed in our itinerary in private air conditioned Toyota, Hotel accommodation in shared twin room with private bath room as specified or similar, Breakfast throughout (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner), English speaking local guides for visits as mentioned in the program, train fare in best available class, all entrance fees for sights as mentioned in the program, arrival and departure assistance at airports and railway stations, porterage at Railway stations, drinking water during tours, local government tax and service charge

Not included are surcharges for compulsory gala dinners during festive seasons and peak season surcharges, which will be advised at time of booking, services not mentioned in our itinerary, meals not specified, Indian visa fees, international flight tickets to and from India, expenditure of a personal nature such as drinks, laundry or tips, travel insurance (cover against all cancellation costs, medical expenses, including repatriation, in the event of accident or illness), camera or video charges at sites,

 NOTE: Due to high demand of hotels, it may be necessary to substitute some but we will endeavour to use ones of a similar standard and character 

NOTE: The Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays.

 
NOTE: Most international flights arrive in the middle of the night. Should you require your room to be ready upon arrival to your hotel on day one – an additional night must be added. Please inform your arrival schedule and we will advise.

 NOTE: In case the government changes presently applicable taxes or fuel surcharges, our rates will need to be adjusted accordingly