Amazing India

DAY 1, Saturday - Arrive in Delhi, Transfer to Your Hotel
Arrive into Delhi where you are met at the airport by your tour escort. Transfer to the hotel and check in to your room. Delhi, India’s capital and political hub is an ancient city that has something for everyone. Settled seven times over the centuries, this city has grown in a way that reflects its past, while retaining its cosmopolitan flavor. Delhi is India’s showcase, be it architecture, religion, shopping, culture – everything is available here – waiting to be discovered.
Overnight: Delhi
 
DAY 2, Sunday - Sikh Temple, Old Delhi Tour, Shopping the Emporiums
After breakfast, visit Gurudwara Bangla Sahib – the largest Sikh temple in Delhi and one time bungalow of Raja Jai Singh Amber of Jaipur. You will then proceed to the ancient, original city – Old Delhi, famous for antiques and without which no trip to Delhi is complete. Take a pedicab to explore Chandni Chowk which offers a colorful insight into Delhi life: Khari Baoli, the largest wholesale spice market of Asia; Kinari Bazaar, tightly-packed stalls selling all manner of glittering trimmings; Dariba Kalan, the street illuminated by gold and silver ornaments and its famous perfume shop. Return to the hotel for lunch and leisure time. In the late afternoon it’s time to explore Delhi, the shopper's paradise. Here you will find the arts and crafts from all the states of India. From fine carpets, free-flowing shawls to fine, embroidered apparels, furnishings and bedspreads, silk stoles and papier mache; anything you can imagine about shopping in India is available here. Tonight, you will enjoy dinner at Lodi – The Garden Restaurant, known for its signature dishes Pate Maison, Lahm Moroccan and Chocolate Mousse and its lush green setting under a moonlit sky.
Overnight: Delhi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
 
DAY 3, Monday - Travel to Agra, Tour of Agra Fort, Mother Theresa's Charity Home, Theater Show
After breakfast, you will travel by coach approximately 130 miles to Agra. Situated on the right bank of the river Yamuna, Agra is world- renowned as the location of the Taj Mahal. Upon arrival, check-in, relax and enjoy lunch at the hotel. This afternoon, you will visit the majestic Agra Fort. Built between 1565 and 1571 AD, it is said that Emperor Shah Jehan, who built the Taj Mahal, was imprisoned here by his son Aurangzeb. You are then taken to Mother Theresa's Charity home which cares for 48 orphans and 150 infirmed adults. Reliant solely on private donations, the mission welcomes donations of books, disposable diapers and clothing. Before returning to the hotel, you will enjoy a theater performance at Kalakriti. "Mohabbat – The Taj" is the love story between Shajehan and his wife Mumtaj Mahal. It also depicts the 22-year hardship of the artisans that created the Taj Mahal. Dinner will be at Peshawari where you will experience Mughlai Cuisine showcasing the authentic flavors of the Northwest Frontier, barbecued specialties and baked Indian breads prepared in the restaurant’s display kitchen.
Overnight: Agra
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
 
DAY 4, Tuesday - Sunrise Taj Mahal Tour, Cooking with an Agra Family, Marble Inlay Workshop
Start your day with a sunrise visit to the beautiful Taj Mahal. Gracefully standing in its glory and splendor, the beauty of Taj Mahal can be discovered time and time again as it changes color according to time of day as well as change in season. Built between 1631 and 1648 by Emperor Shah Jahan for his beloved wife, this fairytale-like marvel took 22 years and the labor of 20,000 workmen to complete. The rest of the morning is at your leisure, perhaps you will opt for a spa treatment at ‘Kaya Kalp’, one of the best Spas in India. For lunch, you will share the afternoon cooking with a local family from Agra. You will assist the lady of the house as she prepares and explains the spices and intricacies of Indian food. After lunch, visit a local marble inlay workshop. Also known as Pietre Dure, marble inlay is a 350-year-old Agra tradition some of its best examples at the Taj Mahal, using white Makrana Marble and semi-precious stones. The rest of the day is at your leisure so you may opt to visit the Taj at sunset. Enjoy a buffet dinner at the hotel.
Overnight: Agra
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
 
DAY 5, Wednesday - Travel to Jaipur, Blue Pottery Workshop
An early start this morning as you travel to Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, the desert state of India, about 150 miles by coach. Upon arrival at your hotel, check in and enjoy a buffet lunch. Jaipur, popularly known as the Pink City, was founded in 1727 AD by one of the greatest rulers of the Kachhawaha Dynasty - the astronomer King Sawai Jai Singh. In the evening, you will be taken to a workshop for Blue Pottery, which is the use of blue glaze on pottery made from Fuller's earth clay. Dinner tonight will be at ‘Giardino’ at the Jai Mahal Palace, set in a red brick courtyard near the poolside.
Overnight: Jaipur
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
 
DAY 6, Thursday - Elephant Ride to Amber Fort, Samode Palace Tour, Jaipur Shopping
An early breakfast, is followed by a tour to Amber Fort. Begin your ascent to the fort on the back of an elephant. Amber Fort is a classic, romantic Rajasthani Fort Palace, with its rugged, time-ravaged walls and fascinating palaces. After descending from the fort, you board the coach for a short drive (about 30 minutes) to the quaint village of Samode. Travel by camel cart through the historical lanes of the village giving you the best insights of the forts and palaces, a fantastic opportunity to interact with the warm and affectionate villagers. The fairytale Samode Palace is a perfect example of Rajput-Mughal architecture. The palace is built on a small hillock and planned in a progression of courtyards of increasing height. Lunch will be served at the Palace. Upon return to Jaipur, the rest of the day is at your leisure and you may choose to spend your time shopping. Jaipur, a major center for gemstones, is an electrifying experience as it offers the best of Rajasthan’s indigenous range of arts, crafts and apparel. This evening, enjoy a buffet dinner at the one of the fine restaurants at your hotel.
Overnight: Jaipur
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
 
DAY 7, Friday - City Palace Tour, Sanganer Block Printing, Sari Demonstration
After breakfast, tour the City Palace, the former residence of the royal family, covering nearly one-seventh in area of the old city. One of the major attractions is the Armory Museum which houses an impressive array of weaponry. You will then visit Jantar Mantar, which is the largest stone and marble crafted observatory in the world. The observatory has 17 large instruments, many of them still in working condition. On your return, visit Hawa Mahal – The Palace of Winds for a brief photo stop and as it is in the heart of Jaipur’s shopping district, to buy souvenirs. Return to the hotel for lunch. This afternoon, travel about 30 minutes to Sanganer, famous for its block printing techniques. You will learn about the art of block printing and also try your hand at it. This evening’s dinner is more an event than just a meal. The fun begins with a sari tying demonstration, where you will learn about the different types of saris and how they are worn in different parts of the country. Dinner is served at the Jai Mahal Palace hotel’s lawns accompanied by folk dance and music. You may also choose to get Henna tattoos which will go great with your sari!
Overnight: Jaipur
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
 
DAY 8, Saturday - Spa Time, Delhi City Tour, Farewell Dinner
This morning, after an early breakfast, you will transfer to the airport for your short flight back to Delhi. Upon arrival, transfer and check-in to Le Meridien. Surrender your senses to the blended balance of opposite energies of yin and yang, male and female, light and dark, negative & positive that has been created specially for you at the Amatrra Spa at Le Meridien. A complimentary session of replenishment and relaxation is at your disposal. Choose from an herbal bath or an oil treatment for the eyes or back. After a buffet lunch at the hotel, you are escorted to the National Gallery of Modern Art for an exclusive tour with a specialized curator. The gallery exhibits around 4,000 Indian paintings, sculpture and graphic art dating from the mid-19th century to the present day. Drive around Lutyen’s Delhi with photo stops at the India Gate (World War I memorial), Presidential Palace, Parliament House and Secretariat buildings, an interesting blend of Victorian and 20th century architecture. Continue to the Qutab Minar, the gracefully hand-carved 234 ft tower. This evening’s Farewell Dinner is at "Le Belvedere" on your hotel’s rooftop. The large bay windows of the restaurant open out to a breathtaking view of the city.
Overnight: Delhi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
 
DAY 9, Sunday - Depart for the USA
After breakfast, transfer to the international airport for your flight home.
Meals: Breakfast