9 Days / 8 Nights

Day 1 Fri: Arrive Delhi
Arrive today in India’s capital city of Delhi. You are greeted with a traditional Indian welcome and escorted to the TAJ PALACE HOTEL (Superior Room).

Day 2 Sat: Delhi
Enjoy a full day tour of Old and New Delhi today. Among your stops are the Red Fort, Raj Ghat, Ashoka Pillar and the mile-long Chandni Chowk bazaar. This afternoon drive along Rajpath to view the Parliament House, the President’s House and India Gate. Visit the Humayun’s Tomb, Qutab Minar and Birla Temple. (B)

Day 3 Sun: Delhi / Varanasi-Sarnath
Today fly to Varanasi (India’s holiest city), located on the sacred Ganges River. Upon arrival, you are met and transferred to TAJ GANGES HOTEL (Superior). In the afternoon visit the stupas, ruins and museum at Sarnath, scene of Buddha’s first sermon. (B)

Day 4 Mon: Varanasi / Khajuraho
In the early morning enjoy, the sunrise on the Ganges River with a boat ride followed by a walking tour of the old city. Later fly to Khajuraho, capital of the 9th to 13th century Chandela Dynasty. Upon arrival you are met and transferred to TAJ CHANDELA HOTEL (Superior). Visit the Western group of temples containing the largest and loveliest temples, including Kandariya Mahadev (representing Chandela art at its best). (B)

Day 5 Tue: Khajuraho /Agra
This morning visit the principal Eastern group of temples, modest and less ornate than the Western Group. These temples reflect the simplicity inherent in Jainism. Later, drive to Jhansi to board the train to Agra, en route visiting Orcha, a medieval city frozen in time and space, existing to this day as it must have in the 17th century. Upon arrival you are met and transferred to TAJ GATEWAY HOTEL (Superior). (B)

Day 6 Wed: Agra / Fatehpur Sikri
After breakfast visit the proceed on an excursion to Fatehpur Sikri. Built by Emperor Akbar during the 16th century, this city is perfectly preserved although it was abandoned due to a lack of water. Later this afternoon enjoy a city tour of Agra visiting the Fort and the Taj Mahal. (B)

Day 7 Thu: Agra / Jaipur
This morning you have the option to visit the magnificent Taj Mahal for a sunrise view. After breakfast depart for Jaipur. Check in upon arrival at TAJ JAIMAHAL PALACE HOTEL (Luxury Room). The afternoon is at leisure. (B)

Day 8 Fri: Amber Fort Excursion & Jaipur Sightseeing
In the morning visit the mountain fortress of Amber, riding royally atop regally painted and decorated elephants. Later, enjoy a tour of Jaipur City, visiting Hawa Mahal or the “Palace of Winds,” City Palace and the ancient observatory. (B)

Day 9 Sat: Jaipur/Mumbai (Bombay) / Depart
Fly to Mumbai (formerly Bombay), India’s most cosmopolitan city. Your tour of Mumbai includes the British-built arch “Gateway of India,” the Hanging Gardens and the Malabar Hills where Mumbai’s rich and famous live, the Prince of Wales Museum, Dhobi Ghat, Marine Drive, the Gandhi Memorial Museum and Jain Temple. Room will be provided for wash and change at TAJ LANDS END HOTEL (Superior). Late evening transfer to international airport for flight back home. (B)