Dubai and India

Description

Day 1: Departure

Depart from LAX to Dubai.

Day 2: Dubai

City tour.

Day 3: Dubai to Delhi

Flight from Dubai to Delhi.

Welcome to India!

Arrive in the energetic capital city of Delhi; meet your representative and transfer to the hotel.

Hotel: Hyatt Regency

Day 4: Delhi

Time to rest and relax after your journey and acclimate to the new time zone.

Hotel: Hyatt Regency
Meals: Breakfast/Dinner

Day 5: Old & New Delhi

Wake up this morning to the incredible journey in India that awaits you. Begin in the walled city of Old Delhi, founded by Mughal Emperor Shahjahan. We will travel along the winding streets to Raj Ghat, memorial to Mahatma Gandhi, Father of the Nation and site of his cremation. Stop to photograph the massive Red Fort, a reminder of the magnificent power and pomp of the Mughal emperors. Then, ride a cycle rickshaw along the lanes of Chandni Chowk, once the imperial avenue of Mughal royalty. The tour continues to New Delhi, a city of airy boulevards, lush parks and gardens. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Qutab Minar, the world’s tallest brick minaret (spire) and the 20th-century Birla Temple, honoring the Hindu goddess of wealth. Drive past the imposing India Gate War Memorial to Indian and British soldiers, Parliament House and the Presidential Palace. Tonight, return back to the hotel, and enjoy an orientation meeting with your fellow travelers and tour manager. The remainder of your evening at leisure.

Hotel: Hyatt Regency
Meals: Breakfast/Dinner

Day 6: Delhi to Agra

Morning visit to Akshardham Temple, it is a beautifully ornate structure carved by 7000 sculptors out of pink sandstone and white marble with over 20,000 statues, floral motifs and exquisite carved pillars made of stone that epitomizes the spirituality and beauty of the country’s rich Hindu culture. This architectural masterpiece, built along the river Yamuna, lies in an area of over 100 acres with beautiful gardens, water fountains and carved pavilions. Afterwards, on to Agra, with its celebrated past, rich heritage and architectural treasures. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy the delights of this splendid city. This evening enjoy dinner together at the hotel in Agra.

Hotel: Radisson/Jaypee Palace
Meals: Breakfast/Dinner

Day 7: Taj Mahal & Agra Fort

It will be a memorable day as we visit the astonishing Taj Mahal, built by Emperor Shah Jahan as a mausoleum for his beloved Queen. Perhaps this is the most perfect architectural monument in the world, built of white marble and precious stones over a 22 year period – regarded as the finest example of Mughal design in the world. Afterwards, stop at a local marble shop to see the wide selection of hand-crafted marble arts and crafts. Later, a visit to the red sandstone Agra Fort, with its incredible maze of walled courtyards, mosques and lavish private chambers reflecting the grandeur of the Mughal Empire, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Next, to the Tomb of Itmad-ud- Daulah built of the finest Indian marble embellished with mosaics and inlay of semiprecious stones.Tonight, celebrate “love” at an optional evening performance of “Mohhabbat-e-Taj” – a series of plays that portrays the intense love of the Shah Jahan for his wife and depicts the lavish lifestyle of the Mughal era.

Optional: Mohhabbat-e-Taj Show (PM)

Hotel: Radisson/Jaypee Palace
Meals: Breakfast/Dinner

Day 8: Travel to Jaipur

Travel to Jaipur, gateway to the desert state of Rajasthan. Arrive in this glorious city, with its colorful stucco buildings lining the wide streets and you’ll understand why it’s nicknamed the “Pink City.” The city was painted this unique color in 1876 to celebrate the first visit of the Prince of Wales to Jaipur. Drive past stunning hilltop forts and glorious palaces en route to the hotel. Time to visit a Jewlery Shop where you can bargain to your heart’s content. Then, to the world-famous Raj Mandir Cinema, a popular symbol of Jaipur with its astonishing meringue-shaped auditorium, ever-changing colored lighting and a symmetrical shaped exterior.

Hotel: Marriott/ITC Rajputana Sheraton
Meals: Breakfast/Dinner

Day 9: Highlights of Jaipur

Excursion to the spectacular Amber Fort, a stunning fusion of Mughal and Hindu styles, with its gorgeous Palace of Mirrors. On the way, drive past the Hawa Mahal, the “Palace of Winds” with its lacy ornamental façade accented by delicate latticework and honeycomb windows. Arrive to the Amber Fort and ascend the hill to the ramparts by jeep, or on the back of an elephant (if available). From here, view the breathtaking panorama of Jaipur’s original city walls and Maotha Lake. Enjoy some refreshments while browsing a local Rajasthan textile and handicrafts store with silk-weaving, embroidery, clothing and carpets created by the villagers. This afternoon’s tour includes the beautifully preserved 18th century Jantar Mantar Observatory with its ingenious instruments, and the opulent City Palace, a former royal residence, now a grand museum with an extraordinary collection of paintings, costumes and armory. Tonight’s optional evening is highlighted by the exotic flavors of Indian cuisine at a local neighborhood restaurant, while you’re entertained by performers in traditional attire as they perform various interesting dance moves on the rhythm of the accompanying musical instruments

Optional: Dinner in a Local Restaurant with Cultural Show (Chokhi Dhani).

Hotel: Marriott/ITC Rajputana Sheraton
Meals: Breakfast/Dinner

Day 10: Jaipur to Delhi

Arrive in Delhi and check-in in a hotel for shower and then departure to Los Angeles.. Tonight, an optional dinner at a local Delhi restaurant accents the area’s very special cuisine.
Optional: Dinner at Local Delhi Restaurant.

Hotel: Hyatt Regency
Meals: Breakfast/Dinner

Day 11: Depart Delhi for Los Angeles

Depart from Delhi with Air China Connecting flight at Beijing to LAX.

INCLUSIONS:

• International airfare from LAX.
• All intra-city ground transportation.
• Five Star Deluxe accommodations
• Hotel taxes, fees & service charges
• Hotel porterage
• All transfers
• Road travel by AC Coaches
• Assisted transfers
• Sightseeing
• Breakfast and Dinner
• Accommodation on twinshare/double
• Sightseeing per itinerary in modern air-conditioned motor coaches.
• Services of Farsi/English-speaking tour manager throughout
• Entrance fees perDelitinerary

Special Features:

• India Gate War Memorial in New Delhi,
• Raj Ghat memorial to Mahatma Gandhi,
• Visit Qutab Minar Victory Tower,
• Visit the Taj Mahal,
• Amber Fort with Palace of Mirrors.

EXCLUSIONS:

• Optional tours and gratuities.