Royal India
Experience the sights and sounds of its amazing diversity that is embedded in its geography, people and their cultures.
ABOUT THIS TRIP
Experience the sights and sounds of its amazing diversity that is embedded in its geography, people and their cultures.
13 NIGHT
13 MEALS
TRANSPORT
Flights
Make your way to your gateway airport to board your flight to India. Enjoy in-flight meals and services. Overnight onboard the flight
Evening: Welcome to Delhi, India! a monumental city with a vibrant mix of old and new teeming bazaars, stately British boulevards, powerful Mughal palaces and forts, and intricate, ethereal towers, temples and tombs. On arrival at Delhi International Airport you will be met and assisted by our company executive and transferred to your hotel.
Accommodation: Overnight in Delhi
Breakfast: At hotel
Morning: Tour Old and New Delhi visiting Raj Ghat, Mahatma Gandhi’s serene and evocative cremation site, India Gate (the War Memorial) and the Presidents House (from the outside), the Baha’i Lotus Temple (closed on Mondays) - this distinctive lotus shaped marvel in marble is a symbol of peace, the Qutub Minar a stunning
240-foot minaret, the tallest in the world surrounded by an elaborate complex built in the Indo-Islamic architectural tradition.
Afternoon: Drive to Agra. On arrival check in to the hotel
Evening: At leisure
Accommodation: Overnight in Agra
Meals Included: Breakfast
Taste and learn about some of Italy’s finest craft beers. Our beers and bites walking tour is the perfect way to relax and unwind after a day of more adventurous sightseeing by sampling some of Italy’s increasingly celebrated craft beer offerings. Accompanying you around the ancient and atmospherically rich neighborhood of Regola, our English-speaking guide will enlighten you in regard to the areas history as the training ground for Rome’s once feared triga cart riders. Stopping at a number of authentic cafes and bars, you will then be introduced to some of Italy’s most exciting craft beers and their traditional food pairings. Of course, wine is the drink most commonly associated with Italy. However, the north of the country has played host to the emergence of a proud micro-brewing tradition in recent years, with the finest craft beers being increasing celebrated in the Italian capital. Experienced as part of an intimate group setting, our beers and bites tour will then cross the Tiber toward Trastevere. Here you will once again learn some of the history of the area before sampling yet more popular craft beers and relaxing in typical Italian style in bars sandwiched between the areas cobbled streets and ancient town houses.
Early Morning: Visit Taj Mahal a sunrise (closed on Fridays). Often considered the pinnacle of Mughal art in India, the Taj Mahal was built by Emperor Shah Jahan for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. When declaring it a world heritage site, UNESCO described it as “the jewel of Muslim art in India”. There are few words that can describe the magnificence of this monument. Marvel as light and colors transform this stunning monument in the beautiful dawn glow. Return back to the hotel
Breakfast: At hotel
Later take a Marble craftsmanship demonstration
Evening: At leisure
Accommodation: Overnight in Agra
Morning: Drive to Jaipur, enroute visit Fatehpur Sikri -an eerily abandoned capital from the Mughal Empire between 1570 and 1586. Akbar built this city to celebrate the birth of his son and future heir to the throne, Emperor Jahangir. While Akbar is believed to have been illiterate, he took great interest in the arts and architecture; Fatehpur Sikri is one of his masterworks. Sadly, it served as capital for little more than a decade, eventually abandoned for lack of accessible water.
Afternoon: Demonstration of gem-cutting & polishing
Evening: On arrival check in to the hotel. Jaipur, Rajasthan’s capital is also known as the Pink City. The origin of this nickname becomes immediately apparent as you enter the old city walls and greet the pink-colored buildings that rise at every turn.
Accommodation: Overnight in Jaipur
Meals Included: Breakfast
You will be picked up at your hotel and off to discover Vatican City with a guide and skip-the-line access, including the Vatican Museums and St Peter’s Basilica. Home to the world’s largest private portfolio of artwork, the Vatican is a must-see for visitors to Rome, and the best way to explore it is with a guide. Learn about Raphael’s Rooms, the Michelangelo frescoes of the Sistine Chapel, the ‘La Pietà' sculpture in St Peter’s Basilica and more. Return to your hotel.
Tour available year-round departing on Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri and SatBreakfast: At hotel
Morning: Start with an exhilarating excursion to Amber Fort perched on top of a hill. A royal ride on elephant (subject to availability) up the hill like the Maharajas of past times and visit the Jagmandir (the hall of victory). Perched on a hillside on the outskirts of town, the palace was constructed in the 1590s by Maharaja Man Singh, the commander of Akbar’s army, and was largely motivated by the highly defensible location. This is a beautiful and very well preserved structure, built on four levels and surrounded by ruins, which served as the backdrop for the Mira Nair movie “Kama Sutra: A Tale of Love.”
Afternoon: At leisure
Accommodation: Overnight in Jaipur
Meals Included: Breakfast
Start exploring the city by a stop at the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds). This magnificent structure was built to allow the royal ladies of the palace to discretely watch the grand processions along the main street. The city palace was built between 1729 and 1732 by the ruler of Amber Sawai Jai Singh II. City palace has a large part of total area of Jaipur which is surrounded by battle door. The palace complex was built like there is another city in a city. A complex of courtyards, gardens, buildings, temples, fountains, pounds, courts, horse stable, workshops and playgrounds. Continue to the impressive Jantar Mantar, an astronomical observatory built in the early 1700s by Maharaja Jai Sing II, the astronomer to which this city owes its name. The term "Jantar Mantar" literally means "instruments for measuring the harmony of the heavens". It houses various architectural and astrological instruments that have caught the interests of astronomers, historians and architects around the world. It is considered to be one of the largest observatories ever built. While you are in the city, you can also visit the nearby popular street markets of Jaipur like the renowned Johori bazaar with hundreds of jewelry vendors, plus handcrafted clothing, furniture, art & more.
Breakfast: At hotel
Morning: Drive to Pushkar a sacred city for Hindus. Surrounded by hills on three sides and sand dunes on the fourth, Pushkar forms a fascinating location and a befitting backdrop for the annual religious and cattle fair (held in November). A quiet, secluded desert town for 51 weeks a year, for just a few days it becomes an absolutely incredible and authentic extravaganza during the annual Pushkar Fair. Drawing people from all around the globe, it is also quite possibly the largest camel and cattle-trading fair in the world.
Afternoon: Arrive in Pushkar; check in to the hotel. Enjoy a walking tour of the holy city of the God, Brahma; visit the holy Pushkar Lake and the famous 8th century Brahma Temple dedicated to Lord Brahma the creator of the universe and the only Bull temple in the world. Experience a special Pooja ceremony at a Ghat with a Hindu priest on the banks of Pushkar Lake
Accommodation: Overnight in Pushkar (Special Deluxe Tents during the Pushkar Camel Fair)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Breakfast: At hotel
Morning: After breakfast drive to Udaipur. Udaipur is the majestic city of lakes and palaces. Founded by Maharana Udai Singh in 1559 and fondly referred to as Rajasthan’s most romantic city, its rich history is matched by its picturesque setting among the Aravalli Mountains and three manmade lakes.
Afternoon: On arrival in Udaipur; check in to the hotel.
Accommodation: Overnight in Udaipur
Meals Included: Breakfast
Sailing past picturesque Ghats and palaces, stopping at the island of Jag Mandir, a 17th century water palace that witnessed two important historical events. It was the refuge for Prince Khurram, later known as Shah Jahan, when he was exiled by his father and later during the uprising of 1857, the island offered safety to several British families who fled from nearby Née much.
Breakfast: At hotel
Morning: Begin our day at the City Palace, overlooking the blue waters of Lake Pichola. Maharana Udai Singh initiated construction in 1559 A.D. and it was subsequently expanded, with impressive uniformity, by several succeeding Maharanas. The palace consists of a number of beautiful courtyards and gardens. The main hall has been converted into a museum, housing opulent artifacts and original works of art. Inside the complex we will find the exquisite crystal gallery, exhibiting 19th century pieces including crystal chandeliers, tables, sofas and beds. We will continue walking towards the Jagdish Temple to study its many remarkable friezes. Lavishly built in 1651 by Maharana Jagat Singh, it is easy to understand why Jagdish is the most venerated Hindu temple in Udaipur. Afterwards we will explore the Old City, wandering through its bustling streets lined with art shops, spice vendors, tailors and more.
Accommodation: Overnight in Udaipur
Meals Included: Breakfast
Breakfast: At hotel
Morning: Drive to Jodhpur, en-route visit Ranakpur Temple built in the 15th century and located in a valley on the western side of the Aravali Range. Ranakpur is considered one of the five holiest sites of the Jain community and is exceptionally beautiful. Over 1444 marble pillars, each differently carved in exquisite detail; support the temple although legend has it that it is really impossible to count the pillars. Not to be missed in the temple is one carving out of a single stone with 108 heads of snakes and numerous tails.
Afternoon: Upon arrival check in to the hotel
Evening At leisure
Accommodation: Overnight in Jodhpur
Meals Included: Breakfast
Breakfast: At hotel
Morning: Visit Mehrangarh Fort and Jaswant Thada. Later drive to Jaisalmer founded by Prince Jaisal in 1156. Jaisalmer was a major staging post on the trade route across the forbidding Thar Desert. The first glimpse of the honey colored walls of the fort, rising out of the hot and barren desert is magical. Untouched by time, Jaisalmer, with its golden crenulated walls, narrow streets lined with exquisite havelis, has a medieval ambience.
Afternoon: Arrive in Jaisalmer; check in to the hotel
Evening: At leisure
Accommodation: Overnight in Jaisalmer
Meals Included: Breakfast
Breakfast: At hotel
Morning: Tour Jaisalmer; the fort, often referred to as the Golden Fort because of the color of the stone, encloses palaces decorated with delicate jali or lattice worked screens, carved doors and floral carvings and elaborately carved 12th to 16th century Jain temples. The havelis in both the fort and the town are exceptional, similar in style to the homes of Venetian merchants; the havelis were the mansions of wealthy traders. The houses are decorated with beautifully carved facades, screens and windows. Each haveli has an inner courtyard surrounded by richly decorated apartments. Walk through the narrow streets of the fort to see the Nathmalji-ki-Haveli with its beautiful arched roof with carved brackets in the form of peacocks; Patwon-ki-Haveli the most elaborate and magnificent haveli and best known for its latticed façade and Salim Singh
ki Haveli. Outside the walls of the fortified town is the small oasis of Gadi Sagar, which led Prince Jaisal to found his city.
Accommodation: Overnight in Jaisalmer
Meals Included: Breakfast
See the sunset at Sam Dunes known for its enormous stretch of sweeping dunes with little or no vegetation that make it a surrealistic landscape with ever changing patterns carved by winds on the sand. Enjoy a camel ride out on the dunes at sunset before returning to “base camp” for beer/soft drinks and snacks while being entertained by folk singers and dance performances.
Breakfast: At hotel
Morning: After breakfast drive to Bikaner
Afternoon: Arrive in Bikaner; check in to the hotel. Day at leisure.
Accommodation: Overnight in Bikaner
Meals Included: Breakfast
Breakfast: At hotel
Morning: Visit Junagarh Fort, begun by Raja Rai Singh in the 16th century, but was added on over the next three centuries. The outer wall, built of light red sandstone is surrounded by a moat, and within are beautifully designed palaces with balconies, kiosks, fine jali or lattice work screens with richly decorated interiors. The Badal Mahal in the fort has walls covered with stories from Krishna’s life, whilst the walls of the oldest palace, the Lal Niwas, are elaborately decorated in red and gold. Drive to Mandawa
Afternoon: Arrive at Mandawa; check in to the hotel. Enjoy a walking tour of Mandawa dominated by a painted arched gateway adorned with Lord Krishna and his cows. Visit Chokhani and Ladia Havelis and the street with Saraf Havelis
Accommodation: Overnight in Mandawa
Meals Included: Breakfast
Morning: Depart back to Delhi
Late Afternoon: Free time for last minute shopping in Delhi.
Evening: Transfer to Indira Gandhi International Airport to check in for onward flights
Meals Included: Breakfast
Jaypee Siddharth (New Delhi)
With elegant interiors and modern comforts, Jaypee Siddharth Hotel is a delight for first time visitors and regular customers. Housing a 24-hours resto cafe, extensive conference and banquet spaces, the hotel enhances every aspect of your visit, taking care of each guest personally.
Fort Rajwada (Jaisalmer)
Fort Rajwada is a regal way of experiencing Jaisalmer. This luxury hotel stands tall among hotels in Western Rajasthan for its exquisite architecture blending with the picturesque & rich heritage of the Golden City - JAISALMER. Wonderful carving of the front building Built in the Golden City, Jaisalmer facing the SONAR KILLA. Fort Rajwada is a unique piece of architecture in yellow sand stone which comes alive with the fall of the sunrays on it giving it a golden glow to the absolute delight and enchantment of guests
Lallgarh Palace (Bikaner)
The Lallgarh palace is an imposing red- sand stone palace and was built by Maharaja Ganga Singhji in the memory of his father, Maharaj Lall Singhj in 1902 A.D. This oriental fantasy designed by Col. Sir Swinton Jacob, is entirely a hybrid architecture and mixture of different elements of Rajput, Muslim and European styles and can be categorized as Indo- Saracenic style. The Rajput exterior of Lallgarh Palace contrasts dramatically with the occidental decor within. The intricately dexterous carving on red stone is hall mark of great local craftsman.
Pushkar Resort (Pushkar)
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Pushkar Resort is A luxury resort in Pushkar (Rajasthan, India), a place reputed for the cattle / camel fair in Oct-Nov and destination all through the year. Pushkar Resort significance is that its best suited for both Indian and Inbound guests. Its located 6 kms from lake, ghats and the Brahma temple and has a spread out layout spread over tens of acres of greenery and gardens. Cottage Accommodation, Spreadout layout and excellent room interiors and modern comforts are good for a relaxing stay.
Holiday Inn Jaipur City Centre (Jaipur)
Holiday Inn Jaipur City center is a 5 star property located in the Pink City of India, Jaipur. It is in close proximity to Jaipur Railway Station (2.2 km), Jaipur Bus stand ( 2.7 km) and Jaipur Airport (9.9 Km). Most popular tourist attraction like Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mantar, Amer Fort, Jaigarh Fort, City Palace Jaipur, Jal Mahal and Albert Hall Museum are easily accessible for the guests. The hotel offers facilities like doctor on call, porterage 24-hour, Wi-Fi, lift and parking facility. Moreover facilities like airport / railway transfers, car rental facilities, guide services, sightseeing, taxi Services and travel assistance is offered at a charge. The hotel also offers facilities like, gymnasium, outdoor swimming pool. The property provides well equipped business facilities like business centre, board room, conference hall and facilities, secretarial services and executive lounge making it suitable for all kind of formal and informal events.
Desert Resort (Mandawa)
In the heart of Rajasthan , the colourful land of the Rajputs is the region of Shekhawati, taking its name from the powerful Shekhawat clan. The legends of this historic land have been captured in the murals and frescoes of its Havelis, Forts, Temples, and cenotaphs. Set against this exotic backdrop is The Desert Resort , Mandawa.
Radisson Blu Palace Resort & Spa (Udaipur)
The Radisson Blu Udaipur Palace Resort & Spa provides a beautiful overview of Fateh Sagar Lake. Hotel location is also close to the city center and numerous cultural attractions, such as the City Palace and Saheliyon Ki Bari, and within an hour drive of the airport. Each of our 245 rooms and suites includes modern decor and plush amenities like bathrobes and slippers. With various on-site restaurants, guests can savor a wide range of Pan-Asian and Indian dishes. The bar adjacent to our beautiful two-tier outdoor pool. Other services include a soothing spa, a helpful travel desk and superb event facilities that boast the largest pillarless banquet hall in the state.
Impressions of India
