Detailed Itinerary
Day 01: Abroad - Delhi
Jama Masjid Arrive at Delhi International airport.
On arrival in Delhi, the guest will be met by our representative and
transferred to hotel.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 02: Delhi
This morning you will be taken to visit Old Delhi - Former centre of Mughal
Power, Old Delhi offers ancient monuments, narrow streets and bustling
bazaars.
Drive past the Red Fort, built in 1648 and board the 'rickshaw ride' for a
unique experience from the Red Fort, through "Chandni Chowk" or
Silver Street, experiencing the sights and sounds of this very busy avenue
heading west from the Fort. Later visit the Jama Masjid, the greatest mosque
in India and completed in 1658 by Shah Jahan who also built the Taj Mahal,
and the Raj Ghat, the simple memorial to Mahatma Gandhi.
This afternoon you will be taken to visit New Delhi - drive past the
stately government buildings of the British Era designed by Lutyens,
including the India Gate & the Presidential Palace. Continue onto the
beautiful Humayuns tomb of the Mughal era & predecessor of the world
famous Taj Mahal. End the tour at the towering minaret of Qutub Minar.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 03: Delhi - Agra
Morning drive to Agra (203 kms). Upon arrival in Agra - check into the
hotel.
Afternoon visit Red Fort and famous Taj Mahal.
Taj Mahal, AgraRed Fort - lies on the bend of the river Yamuna, almost in
the heart of the town. It was built by Akbar as his citadel over the years
1563-73 in the finest architectural style. It has imposing gates and walls
of red sandstone and a moat.
Taj Mahal -This most famous Mughal monument was constructed by Emperor Shah
Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal "the lady of the Taj". It
has been described as the most extravagant monument ever built for love, for
the emperor was heartbroken when Mumtaz died after 17 years of marriage,
during the birth of her 14th child.
The central structure has four small domes surrounding the huge, central
dome. Above the tombs of Mumtaz Mahal and Shah Jahan are false tombs, a
common practice in Indian mausoleums. (Taj Mahal is closed on Friday).
Overnight at hotel.
Day 04: Agra - Jaipur
Thereafter drive to Jaipur (221 kms), en route visit Fatehpur Sikri.
Fatehpur Sikri the deserted, red sandstone city that was built by Emperor
Akbar as his capital and palace in the 16th century. Also visit the Buland
Darwaza the largest gateway in the world.
Village life of Jaipur
Thereafter continue drive to Jaipur. Upon arrival in Jaipur - check into
the hotel.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 05: Jaipur
Morning tour of the impressive Amber Fort, situated on a ridge just outside
Jaipur City. At the foot of the hill you will mount your caparisoned
elephant for the slow but steady climb up to the main gate, making your
entrance in the time honoured fashion. The Fort, completed in the early 18th
century, took over 100 years to build and now, although deserted, offers a
fascinating insight into the life-style of the Mughal ruling families.
Afternoon tour of the City - "The Pink City" is spectacularly set
within surrounding rugged hills, dotted with ancient ruined fortresses.
Your tour will include the imposing City Palace, still home to the Maharaja
although several of the rooms are now open to the public. Many antiques and
artifacts belonging to the ruling family are housed here, including a
collection of weaponry. You will also visit the Hawa Mahal "Palace of
the Winds", and the open-air Jantar Mantar Observatory to see the vast
astronomical instruments. Enjoy a stroll through the colourful bazaar before
returning to your hotel.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 06: Jaipur - Mumbai - Goa
Afternoon transfer to airport for flight to Goa.
Leave: Jaipur at 0725 hrs by 9W-3401
Arrive: Mumbai at 1035 hrs
IN TRANSIT
Leave: Mumbai at 1200 hrs by 9W-475
Arrive: Goa at 1300 hrs
On arrival in Goa, the guests will be met by our representative and
transferred to hotel.
Goa's 450 years under Portuguese domination produced a unique, syncretic
blend of East and West. The stretches of silver sand wetted by a rush of
blue waters, the sky mirroring the sea below, the strumming of guitars from
distant taverns, white churches resting against green paddy fields and
coconut groves, long nights spent over brewed feni, longer days of sun, sand
and sea. Rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 07 - 10: Goa
Full day at leisure.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 11: Goa - Mumbai
Morning at leisure.
Afternoon transfer to airport for flight to Mumbai.
Leave: Goa at 1410 hrs by 9W-472
Arrive: Mumbai at 1510 hrs
On arrival in Mumbai, the guests will be met by our representative and
Check in into the hotel. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 12: Mumbai
OPTIONAL - one hour boat ride across Mumbai Harbour brings you to the lush
green Elephanta Island. Here, visit some of the huge and intricately carved
Elephanta Caves that date back to the 8th century. For rows of massive
columns cut into solid rock from three magnificent avenues, lead to the
outstanding three-headed sculpture representing Brahma the Creator, Vishnu
the Preserver and Shiva the Destroyer. Dedicated to Shiva, the beauty and
power of these phenomenal sculptures depicting the various manifestations of
Shiva is overpowering.
Afternoon, city tour of Bombay - the great port city with its Victorian
Gothic buildings from the British Raj Era mingling with the modern. The tour
includes Gateway of India overlooking the Harbour, the, the Towers of
Silence, Marine Drive and the Dhobi Ghat, the unique and colourful outdoor
'laundry'. Also visit Mani Bhawan, a small museum dedicated to the life and
works of Mahatma Gandhi, and the bustling Crawford Market.
Late Evening transferred to the International airport for flight to back
home.
Day 13: Mumbai - Out
Leave Mumbai.
