14 Days

Oct. 30 – Nov. 12, 2008

The vast and exotic sub-continent of India beckons us to explore the art, architecture, sights and sounds stretching thousands of years into the past.  India offers remarkable perspectives on where the modern world intersects with life as it has been lived for millennia.  Itinerary includes the capital Delhi; the Taj Mahal, a poem in marble, built by Emperor Shah Jehan in an act of love; a chance to see the tiger at Ranthambore National Park; the rose pink city of Jaipur; the colorful and vibrant Pushkar Camel Fair; the 15th century Jain temple at Ranakpur with exquisite marble carvings; and finally romantic Udaipur with its lakes and palaces.

     Exclusive Highlights

• Visit the home of an Indian family
• Meet a chef and learn about the spices of India
• Enjoy Indian cinema and ‘Bollywood’ movie
• Meet the head priest of the Jain temple at Ranakpur
• Visit Mother Teresa’s orphanage
• A camel or camel cart ride on the sand dunes
• Enjoy Rajasthani folk music and dance
• Walk through exotic ‘bazaars’ of Jaipur
• Enjoy the colorful and vibrant Pushkar Camel Fair
• Marvel the Crystal Gallery at the Durbar Hall, Udaipur

     Itinerary

• Thurs., Oct. 30 - USA/Delhi                                                         Depart for New Delhi, India.

• Fri., Oct. 31- Arrive Delhi                                                           Arrive in the evening.                                                                     TAJ AMBASSADOR/THE HANS (4 Star)

• Sat., Nov. 01 - Delhi                                                                       Tour of Old and New Delhi. Visit the Red Fort, Chandni Chowk (old shopping street) and Raj Ghat, memorial of Mahatma Gandhi.  Visit Qutab Minar, a 234-ft sandstone tower, and Humayun’s tomb. Drive past the government buildings and president’s house along the majestic Rajpath, visit a Temple of the Sikhs. (B,D)

• Sun., Nov. 02 - Delhi/Agra                                                            Today we drive to Agra, visit en route the Bahai temple, popularly known as the Lotus Temple and Sikandra, mausoleum of great Mughal Emperor, Akbar. (B,D)               THE TRIDENT (4 Star)

• Mon., Nov. 03 - Agra                                                                      This morning, enjoy an extended visit to the Taj Mahal and the Agra Fort.  Sample the arts of this region with visits to two private collectors in the afternoon.  Later we will visit an orphanage to meet the children and teachers.  In the evening we are invited to visit an Indian family home. (B,D)

• Tue., Nov. 04 - Agra/Ranthambore                                     Today we drive to Bharatpur for a train ride to Ranthambore National Park, visiting en route Fatehpur Sikri, the once fabled Mughul capital.  Afternoon nature drive by park vehicles.  This evening attend a presentation on the ‘Indian Tiger’ by our wildlife expert. (B,L,D) RANTHAMBORE REGENCY (3 Star)

• Wed., Nov. 05 - Ranthambore/Jaipur                                     Morning nature drive by park vehicles. Later we travel to Jaipur — the rose-pink capital of Rajasthan.  Enjoy a demonstration on hand painting – the art of ‘Mehndi’ with natural ‘Henna’ powders. (B,D)                                  CARLSON COUNTRY INN (4 Star)

• Thurs., Nov. 06 - Jaipur                                                                Visit the Amber Palace atop an elephant.  Tour the City Palace and an old astronomical observatory.  Also, see the ornate and elaborate Hawa Mahal, the Palace of Winds and explore the exotic ‘bazaars’ of Jaipur.  Later, experience the flavors of Indian cinema at a local movie hall for a short Bollywood movie. (B,L)

• Fri., Nov. 07 - Jaipur/Pushkar Camel Fair                                Today we drive to Pushkar to attend the famous Pushkar Camel Fair. Pushkar Camel fair is perhaps the largest camel and cattle fair in the world. (B,L,D)                           TENTED CAMP (unrated)

• Sat., Nov. 08 - Pushkar Camel Fair                                           Full day visit the camel trading center, take a camel ride, walk through the colorful ‘bazaars’, visit the Brahma temple and the ghats, bathing steps of the holy Pushkar. Lake. (B,L,D)

• Sun., Nov. 09 - Pushkar/Udaipur                                                Drive to Udaipur, visiting en route the amazing Jain temples of Ranakpur – a highlight of the tour with a meeting with the head priest. (B,D)                                            THE TRIDENT (4 Star)

• Mon., Nov. 10 - Udaipur                                                                Tour of Udaipur, including a visit to the vast and exquisite City Palace of the Maharana, Jagdish Temple and the Garden of the Maids-of-Honor.  Visit the elegant Crystal Gallery, featuring furniture made from Belgian glass.  Take a sunset boat cruise on Lake Pichola and visit the Jagmandir Palace. (B,D)

• Tue., Nov. 11 - Udaipur/Delhi/USA                                              Today we fly back to Delhi.  Later transfers to the International airport for homebound flight. (B)

• Wed., Nov. 12 - Depart Delhi                                                       HOMEBOUND FLIGHTS.  Arrive in the United States in the afternoon.

     Main Tour Land Price

    (Per person sharing basis)

• Land Only: $3,790*
• International Air: $1,200**
• Single room supplement: $1,290

     * Main tour land price does not include international        

     airfare; but internal air is included.
     ** Approximate round trip airfare in coach class              

       from Los Angeles using American Airlines non-stop flight
     Chicago-Delhi, taxes extra (approximately $325 per   

     person).

• Main Tour Land Price Includes
  All internal air coach class within India, hotel accommodations on twin/double room share basis, Meals included as indicated (B) American breakfast, (L) Lunch and (D) Dinner table d’hote, Group transfers, sightseeing and excursions by private air-conditioned motor coach with local English speaking guides, entrances to monuments and included features, Services of an India expert tour escort on the main tour and Tips/Gratuities on the main tour to drivers, guides, baggage handlers, transfer reps and restaurant staff for mentioned meals.  Customary end of the trip tip to your tour escort is not included.  Recommended industry standard is $6-$7 per person per day.

• Tour Price Does Not Include                                         Passport or visa fee, insurance, any transportation that is not part of the itinerary, foreign airport taxes, tips at US airport, immigration charges, excess baggage charges, additional meals, beverages, laundry, phone calls, faxes, and any other such items of personal nature nor does it include any services outside India.

     Post Tour Extension To Khajuraho and Varanasi

• Tue., Nov. 11 - Udaipur/Delhi/Khajuraho                                  Today we fly to Khajuraho. (B)                                                     JASS RADISSON (4 Star)

• Wed., Nov. 12 - Khajuraho/Varanasi                                         Morning visit the Khajuraho temples.  Afternoon we fly to Varanasi.  Later we will visit Sarnath. (B)                  RAMADA PLAZA (4 Star)

• Thurs., Nov. 13 - Varanasi/Delhi/USA                                       Enjoy an early morning boat ride on the Ganges River to see Hindu rituals etc.  Tour of Varanasi city.  Later we fly back to Delhi.  Transfers to International airport for homebound flight. (B)

• Fri., Nov. 14 - Depart Delhi                                                           HOMEBOUND FLIGHTS.  Arrive in the United States in the afternoon.
  

     Tour Extension Pricing

     (Per person sharing basis)

• Tour Extension Only: $1,190
• Single room supplement: $110

    *Tour extension prices are on private basis and include:   

    internal flights in coach class, private car/driver and local

    guide for all transportations, airport transfers, tours, entrance

    fees to included features, accommodation inclusive of taxes,

    meals as mentioned.