CLASSICAL INDIA

Upon arrival in New Delhi (Indira Gandhi) International airport you will be met by our representative outside the custom gate and transferred to your hotel.

Overnight in Delhi. Hotel Royal Plaza or similar.

Enjoy a full day guided tour of Delhi.

The city consists of two parts – Old and New Delhi. Old Delhi was the capital of Muslim India between the 17th and 19th century and has many mosques, monuments and forts.

Begin your day with an exploration starting in Old Delhi. Visit Jama Masjid, the Royal Mosque which was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in 1656. Enjoy a cycle rickshaw ride through the narrow lanes followed by a short walk on the main street of Old Delhi – the colourful shopping bazaar known as Chandni Chowk. Drive past the Red Fort (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. Continue to Raj Ghat, the memorial to Mahatma Gandhi.

In the afternoon visit New Delhi – the imperial city created by the British as the capital of India. In 1911, Edwin Lutyens, the most renowned English architect of the day, was chosen to design New Delhi. Drive through the majestic boulevards – the Rashtrapati Bhawan is where the Viceroy once lived and is now the official residence of the President of India. View India Gate, a war memorial arch built in honour of 90,000 Indian soldiers who lost their lives in World War I. Visit Humayun’s Tomb (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), the first great example of Mughal architecture in India. The day’s tour ends at Qutab Minar (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) – a soaring tower of victory which is 72.5 metres high and has five distinct stories.

Overnight in Delhi. Hotel Royal Plaza or similar (B).

The morning after breakfast you will be driven to Jaipur covering distance of 250 Kms in approx 5 Hrs.

You may choose the Option of taking a 01 Hour scheduled flight the Jaipur. Thus reducing the overland travel time. There are regular flights available before and afternoon.

Upon arrival, check-in to your hotel.
This afternoon proceed for the city tour of Jaipur.

JAIPUR CITY: City Palace Museum – an imposing blend of traditional Rajasthani and Mughal art. The Museum is resplendent with its collection of robes of royal princes, carpets, an armory of old weapons, miniature paintings portraying court scenes, battle scenes and procession, JantarMantar (Observatory) – an accurate Observatory built in 1726 AD: Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) – a five storied wonder with a spectacular pyramidal facade and overhanging windows with latticed screens, domes and spires.

Overnight in Jaipur. Four Points by Sheraton or similar (B).

This morning enjoy an excursion to the magnificent Amber Fort.

AMBER FORT: 11 kms from Jaipur – A marvelous example of Rajput architecture with its terraces and ramparts reflected in the Maota Lake below. The magnificent old citadel, a labyrinth of massive walls and towers, shrouds an exquisite marble palace, pillared and carved glimmering with a million tiny mirrors, which create tantalizing reflection effect. The ascent to the fort is on gaily caparisoned elephants.

Afternoon at leisure to explore the colorful market of Jaipur (No guide, transport available).

Return to your hotel for overnight stay.

Overnight in Jaipur. Four Points by Sherton or similar (B).

This morning you will be driven to Agra covering a distance of 240 Kms in approx 5 to 7 hrs.

Encroute,visitFATEHPUR SIKRI: A fascinating ghost town, lies a little beyond Agra the deserted Red sandstone city that was built by Emperor Akbar as his capital. It was a veritable fairy tale city and its ruins are still in a pristine condition. It is not hard to imagine what the court life must have been like in the days of its grandeur. Set like a jewel in a courtyard of pink sandstone is the marble tomb of the Saint SalimChisti, enclosed by delicately carved marble screens. Thereafter, continue towards Agra and check in to hotel.

After the visit continue drive to Agra.
Upon arrival, check in to your hotel.

Rest of the day is kept at leisure for personal activities.

Overnight in Agra. Hotel Prime Plaza or similar (B).

After breakfast at the hotel, depart for guided sightseeing tour of Agra.

AGRA CITY: is the medieval city of the famous 17th century masterpiece Taj Mahal(Taj Mahal closed on Fridays), which of course is the most splendid of all buildings – perhaps the most perfect Architectural monument in the world. It was built in the memory of the beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal of one of the greatest kings Shah Jehan of the Mughal Empire – Agra is not only famous for Taj Mahal but the impressive Mughal Red Fort known as the Agra Fort.

After the tour; return to your hotel.

Overnight in Agra. Hotel Prime Plaza or similar (B).

After early breakfast, check out, meet our local representative and transfer to railway station to board train for Jhansi.
Arrive Jhansi, get down from the train, meet our local representative paging for you and depart for sightseeing of Orchha -which is a one hour drive from Jhansi. Dotted with temples, palaces and historical ruins, Orchha is sure to tantalize the historian in you. Here we visit the impressive monuments built during the Bundela Era (16th – 17 Century). Among the various destinations we visit the Orchha Fort, Jahangir Mahal, Raj Mahal and the Rai Praveen Mahal. Not only are the palaces worth the visit, but the city also has some splendid temples that cannot be missed.
After the tour, we leave for Khajuraho (4 hour drive) and on arrival, check in at your hotel for overnight stay.

Overnight in Khajuraho. Hotel Ramada or similar (B).

Breakfast at the hotel. Later depart with guide for sightseeing tour of Khajuraho.
Khajuraho is a city that has some of the most magnificent temples in the country. It is believed that the city once housed 86 temples each built with equal skill and precision, however today only 20 remain that live on to speak of the legacies of yester years. Built during the reign of the Chadella Kings, the temples belong to either Hinduism or Jainism. After touring the temples the rest of the day is at leisure to explore Khajuraho or just relax at the hotel. For the night we stay at the hotel.

Overnight in Khajuraho. Hotel Ramada or similar (B).

Breakfast at the hotel.
Later check out and transfer to airport to board flight for Varanasi.
On arrival you will be assisted to your hotel where you freshen up to attend the evening Aarti ceremony (a Hindu ritual done to pay ones respects to a deity) on the banks of the river Ganga. After the Aarti, we take a walk down the busy streets of Varanasi. Dotted with small shops and traditional street vendors, the evening life of Varanasi is a different experience. For the night we retire to our hotel.

Overnight in Varanasi. Hotel Industan International or similar (B).

Today we set out quite early to witness the Hindu rituals practiced during dawn on the river. We take a boat ride from the DasaswamedhGhatwhich gives us a splendid view of the activities. After that we head back to the hotel for a heavy breakfast, and then proceed to Samath, the place where Lord Buddha disclosed the truth of life to his disciples. We also visit the Dhamek Stupa, the place where Buddha gave his first sermon. The place is quite magnificent with the Chankrama and the lion headed pillar. We also visit the Museum which houses some of the most fascinating archaeological collections, including coins, scriptures and other antiquities. In the afternoon we head to the airport to board a plane to Delhi. On arrival at Delhi you will meet our representative who will guide you to the international terminal to board your flight for next destination.