Classic India

India... bewildering and brilliant – a subcontinent of color, spice and contradictions.
Introduction

India – a world of vivid color, drenched in culture, and a deeply rich history – is a difficult country to define. A convergence of varying beliefs, Western influences, languages, modern economy, and timeless traditions make India one of the most stimulating and evocative countries to visit.

Duration
15 Days
Starting At
$2489 per person
Style
Escorted
Departures
October 2018 - April 2019
The Journey
New Delhi, Agra, Ranthambore, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Mumbai
Roundtrip Flights From U.S. Included
Yes
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Tour Highlights

What's Included

Not Included

Tour Highlights

  • View the imposing India Gate War Memorial in New Delhi
  • View Raj Ghat, cremation site and memorial to Mahatma Gandhi
  • Qutab Minar Victory Tower, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Taj Mahal, the most perfect architectural monument in the world
  • Safari in Ranthambore National Park, previously hunting grounds of Maharajas
  • Visit the Amber Fort with its gorgeous Palace of Mirrors
  • View the Mehrangarh Fort, called the “Citadel of the Sun”
  • Visit Udaipur’s spectacular City Palace, a creation of marble and granite
  • Stand before the commanding Gateway to India Arch in Mumbai

What's Included

  • Flights New York-New Delhi, Mumbai-New York (other departure cities available for an additional cost)
  • Intra-Flight Udaipur-Mumbai
  • 12 nights accommodations
  • Hotel taxes, fees & service charges
  • All transfers
  • 19 meals: 12 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 5 dinners
  • Sightseeing per itinerary in modern air-conditioned motor coach
  • Services of English-speaking tour manager throughout
  • Entrance fees per itinerary

Not Included

  • Visas (if applicable)
  • Tipping – an entirely personal gesture
  • Optional activities

The Itinerary

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

Day 6

Day 7

Day 8

Day 9

Day 10

Day 11

Day 12

Day 13

Day 14

Day 15

Day 1

Depart for India

Depart for India.

Day 2

Arrive in New Delhi

Welcome to India! Arrive in the energetic capital city of New Delhi; meet your representative and transfer to the hotel. Time to rest and relax after your journey and acclimate to the new time zone.

Overnight: New Delhi

Day 3

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 Shah Jahan. 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 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 is at leisure.

Overnight: New Delhi | Breakfast

Day 4

New Delhi – Agra

Morning visit to Akshardham Temple, it is a beautifully ornate structure carved by 7,000 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. En route, stop at the Tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah, built of the finest Indian marble embellished with mosaics and inlay of semi-precious stones.The rest of the day is yours to enjoy the delights of this splendid city. This evening dinner together at the hotel in Agra.

Overnight: Agra | Breakfast, Dinner

Day 5

Agra

A memorable day as you visit the astonishing Taj Mahal, built by Emperor Shah Jahan as a mausoleum for his beloved Queen. This is perhaps 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 Kalakriti Marble, whose founding family was inspired by the Taj Mahal to become a manufacturer of fine inlaid marble work. Marvel at the museum quality workmanship as you watch a demonstration of the timely process of marble carvings, filigree and stone inlay. Afterwards, you’ll be able to browse their home furnishings and decorative items. Later, visit the red sandstone Agra Fort, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site with its incredible maze of walled courtyards, mosques and lavish private chambers reflecting the grandeur of the Mughal Empire. Tonight, celebrate “love” at an optional evening performance of Mohabbat-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.

Overnight: Agra | Breakfast

Day 6

Agra – Ranthambore National Park

Depart Agra to the small ancient village of Abhaneri in northern Rajasthan. Here, you visit the Chand Baori step well, fortified on all sides, one of the oldest and largest in India dating back to the 8th or 9th century. This unique idea, conceived by the early natives to function as a water reservoir, is situated adjacent to the temple dedicated to Harshat Mata, the goddess of joy and happiness. After lunch, drive to the Ranthambore National Park region, one of the largest and most renowned national parks in Northern India, the former hunting grounds of the Maharajas of Jaipur. Time to enjoy the beautiful new surroundings. Dinner together tonight at the hotel.

Overnight: Ranthambore | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7

Ranthambore National Park

Set out this morning on an early morning drive to the wildlife sanctuary at Ranthambore National Park. A local naturalist guide joins you in your park-assigned Jeep or Canter vehicle as you begin your search for elusive tigers as well as hyenas, jackals and foxes. The park is dotted with structures, including a huge hilltop fort that reminds you of a bygone era. Ranthambore National Park was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1957 and in 1974 it gained the protection of “Project Tiger.” The park is truly a wildlife enthusiasts and photographer’s dream, most famous for its tigers and one of the best locations in India to see these majestic predators in their natural habitat. Enjoy lunch at the hotel, with time to relax before the evening safari that is sure to thrill you. Return to the lodge in time for dinner together – a great opportunity to compare your wildlife stories.

Overnight: Ranthambore | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8

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. Visit 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.

Overnight: Jaipur | Breakfast

Day 9

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 shopping the vast collection of local handicrafts at Jaipur Handicrafts, offering premium quality handmade carpets, textiles, pashminas, pottery and paintings. Fabrics in all colors and texture are available for loose purchase as well as custom design work. 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 where you’ll be entertained by performers in traditional attire performing dance moves to the rhythm of accompanying musical instruments.

Overnight: Jaipur | Breakfast

Day 10

Jaipur – Jodhpur

Arrive in the blue-hued old city of Jodhpur, which lies at the foot of the massive Mehrangarh Fort that dominates the skyline. Time to relax before the visit to the Jaswant Thada Memorial, built in 1899 out of the finest marble in honor of the Maharaja of Jodhpur. Afterwards, ascend to the imposing Mehrangarh Fort, built in 1459 of burnished redsand stone, often called the “Citadel of the Sun.” This fort, one of the most impressive in all of Rajasthan, is acknowledged as one of the best preserved forts in all of India. Tonight, enjoy dinner together at the hotel.

Overnight: Jodhpur | Breakfast, Dinner

Day 11

Udaipur

This morning, depart Jodhpur for Udaipur. On your drive, stop in Ranakpur to visit one of the Jain’s holiest pilgrimage centers and the Jain Temple, dating back to the 14th and 15th centuries, crafted of pure white marble with more than a thousand columns. See the magnificent views of the surrounding landscape before departing to Udaipur, known as the “City of Lakes” and celebrated for its fairy-tale marble palaces that seem to rise from the waters of Lake Pichola. Spend the rest of the day acquainting yourself with this beautiful city.

Overnight: Udaipur | Breakfast

Day 12

Udaipur

On your morning tour of Udaipur visit the spectacular City Palace, a soaring creation of marble and granite perched on the lake’s edge. This extravagant palace complex, the largest in Rajasthan, blends medieval, European, and Chinese architecture and is richly decorated with glittering Belgium mirrors. After, on to the Jagdish Temple, with its exterior reliefs of alligators, elephants, horsemen and celestial musicians rising in tiers, the largest and most splendid temple of Udaipur. The serene setting of the Sahelliyon-ki-Bari gardens is your next stop, with its lovely fountains, lotus pools and marble elephants. Linger at the gardens, return to the town, or head back to the hotel. Later enjoy a relaxing boat ride on Lake Pichola.

Overnight: Udaipur | Breakfast

Day 13

Mumbai

Flight this morning to Mumbai, the most populous city in India, with a rich blend of Eastern and Western heritage. Begin at the commanding Gateway to India Arch, built to commemorate the 1911 royal visit of King George V. Ironically, 24 years later, the last British regimen marched through the Arch while leaving India following the country’s independence. Continue to Dhobi Ghat, where dirty laundry from all over Mumbai is brought to a massive open-air laundry and painstakingly hand washed by the “dhobis” (washermen) in endless rows of concrete troughs fitted with flogging stones. It provides an unforgettable glimpse into the workings of the city and unlike anything you have ever seen. Stop at the Mani Bhavan Mahatma Gandhi Museum where Gandhi’s movement was launched in 1942 and the serene ISKCON Temple. Drive through colonial Mumbai with its many buildings, structures and historical monuments still remaining from the colonial era. Tonight, share wonderful memories of your journey in India at a Farewell Dinner with your fellow travelers.

Overnight: Mumbai | Breakfast, Dinner

Day 14

Mumbai

Enjoy the day at leisure to explore Mumbai on your own. Late evening transfer to the airport for all flights departing near midnight.

Day Use: Mumbai | Breakfast

Day 15

Return Home

Return Home.

Know Before You Go

The Fine Print

All prices are per person based on double occupancy.

Prices are correct at time of publication; however, as airfares continually fluctuate and classes of service may have limited capacity, prices and availability will change accordingly.

Deposit due upon booking. Reservations accepted until sold out.

Deposits are nonrefundable and nontransferable.

Final payment is due 60 days prior to departure with some exceptions where payment is due earlier. Payment plans available.

Passport must be valid 6 months beyond travel dates. Visa requirements vary dependent upon your nationality, the countries you are visiting, whether you require a single or a multi entry visa and the duration of your stay. Some visas can be obtained upon arrival at the airport, others must be procured in advance, and embassy’s can often take several weeks to process them, so it is important that you start thinking about obtaining your visa at the time of booking. For more information about visa requirements, visit the US Department of State.

Visas are required for India.

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