HIGHLIGHTS OF EXOTIC INDIA DAY TO DAY ITINERARY:
Day 1 – Arrive Delhi Airport
You will be met on arrival Delhi Airport and transfer to your hotel in a private vehicle, with an English-speaking driver-guide.
Accommodation: The Claridges (City Center) (4.5*)
Day 2: Delhi
Spend the day on a privately guided full day tour of Old and New Delhi which boasts spectacular monuments and holy sites.
This tour takes you to the famous Gate of India, which is a 42-meter high War Memorial Arch. On route you drive past the Parliament House and the Vice Regal Palace that is now the official residence of the President of India. Visit the Red Fort which was the palace for Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan’s new capital, Shahjahanabad, when he moved his capital from Agra to bring prestige to his reign. Surrounding the building are many fine examples of Indian artwork dating back to 1193.
Afterwards view the Humayun’s tomb, which is a complex of buildings of Mughal architecture dating to the Slave Dynasty (1268-1287 AD). The complex is a World Heritage Site and the first example of this type of Mughal architecture in India.
Accommodation: The Claridges (City Center) (4.5*)
Day 3: Delhi – Jaipur
Meet your driver for a private transfer to Jaipur. (258 Kms/5.5 Hrs)
Accommodation: Shahpura House (Heritage) (4*)
Day 4: Jaipur
Spend the day today in the company of an English speaking guide as you tour the Amber Fort and City Palace of Jaipur.Since the first half of the 18th century, the City Palace has been the abode to the rulers of Jaipur. The sprawling expanse of the breathtaking palace is a superb harmony of Rajput and Mughal architecture. Part of the palace has been converted into a museum, open to the public, while a section – Chandra Mahal – still remains the home of today’s maharaja.
Built in 1799, the whimsical Hawa Mahal – Palace of Winds – which adjoins the Palace has become quite the city icon. An optional elephant ride is available.
Accommodation: Shahpura House (Heritage) (4*)
Day 5: Jaipur – Agra
On the way, you will visit the ancient ghost city of Fatehpur Sikri. This area was built during the second half of the 16th century by the Emperor Akbar, and was known as the “City of Victory”, and the capital of the Mughal Empire for 10 years. The complex of monuments and temples boasts uniform architectural style, which includes one of the largest mosques in India, the Jamia Masjid
Accommodation: The Radisson Blu Agra (4*)
Day 6: Agra
Today your guide will pick you up from your hotel for a private tour of Taj Mahal, the most beautiful monument built by the Mughals, the Muslim rulers of India. Its stunning architectural beauty is beyond adequate description, particularly at dawn and sunset. It was built by Emperor Shah Jahan in the memory of his wife and queen Mumtaz Mahal. Also visit Agra Fort, built of red sandstone and marble. This great monument of red sandstone dominating a bend in the river Yamuna, two kilometers northwest of Taj Mahal was constructed by the Mughals during 1565-1571.
Accommodation: The Radisson Blu Agra (4*)
Day 7: Agra – Delhi – Flight to Varanasi
Meet your driver for a private transfer to Delhi. (205 Kms/5 hrs)
On arrival Delhi you will transfer to the airport for your flight to Varanasi. The flight duration is approximately 90 minutes. You will be met on arrival and transfer to your hotel.
Collection from your hotel by your driver-guide. Enjoy an Aarti Ceremony – a Hindu ritual where light or fire is offered to the deities. This evening Aarti Ceremony is an absolutely wonderful sight from the Ganges River and includes a boat ride to experience the magical ceremony from the water.
Accommodation: Rivatas by Ideal (4*)
Day 8: Varanasi
Enjoy a town tour of Varanasi. The tour continues to the historic ritual bathing site called Dashaswamedh, or the ten-horse sacrifice Ghat, the perfect way to conclude this walking city tour.This experience is expected to last approximately 4 hours including travel time.
Accommodation: Rivatas by Ideal (4*)
Day 9: Varanasi – Flight to Delhi
Glide along the famous and holy Ganges waterway in a private boat accompanied by an expert guide. The Ganga Ghats at Varanasi attract tourists and pilgrims of all ages for the opportunity to take a dip in the holy Ganges, which is believed to absolve one’s sins.
From your hotel, a private vehicle, with driver, and English speaking guide, will transfer you to the airport for your flight.
Enjoy your flight from Varanasi to Delhi today. The flight duration is approximately 90 minutes. On arrival Delhi proceed with your onward flight.