DAY 01   USA - MUMBAI 

Depart the USA on your flight to Mumbai (formerly known as Bombay).

DAY 02   MUMBAI

Upon arrival at the airport you are met by our representative and transferred to the hotel TAJ MAHAL. 

DAY 03   MUMBAI

Morning:  At your leisure.

Afternoon: Tour the bustling city of Mumbai and enjoy the following sights: The Gateway of India, the Fish Aquarium, the Jain Temple with its superb exterior wall carvings, Kamala Nehru Park, and the Hanging Gardens on the slopes of Malabar Hill. The Hanging Gardens offer a superb view of Marine Drive and Chowpaty Beach. Visit Mani Bhawan where Gandhi stayed during his visits to Bombay between 1917-1934 and which is now a remarkable memorial. Visit The Prince of Wales Museum and view their excellent examples of Indian miniature paintings. Drive past the Flora Fountain Bombay nerve center to Victoria Terminus train station, Mumbai’s finest High Victorian Gothic architecture. Finally, pass through the colorful Crawford Market and the long gracefully curving Marine Drive.

DAY 04   MUMBAI - UDAIPUR

Morning: Board a ferry for an excursion across the harbor to the world famous Elephanta Caves, site of the magnificent 1200 years-old  series of rock-cut cave temples with large sculptured interiors dedicated to Lord Shiva. The carved figures of Hindu deities include an 18-foot high Trimurti sculpture signifying the trinity of the creator, the preserver and the Destroyer.

Afternoon: Board your flight to Udaipur. Upon arrival transfer to the hotel LAKE PALACE.

DAY 05   UDAIPUR

Morning: Visit the Maharana’s City Palace, which boasts a  labyrinth of courtyards richly decorated with inlaid mirror-work, galleries covered with frescos, temples and kiosks. Proceed to Jagdish temple which houses a remarkable bronze statue of Garuda the mythical bird. Visit Sahellyon Ki Bari the garden of the maids of honor with its exquisite fountains. Enjoy Bhartiya Lok Kala Mandal the folk arts museum, and a scenic drive around Fateh Sagar Lake.

Afternoon: Visit to the Crystal Gallery, a private collection with an outstanding display of
crystal ornaments, including fountains, vases, crockery, furniture and beds, custom-made for the palaces of Udaipur in 1877. Observe also the silver beds, chairs, brocade, and velvet seating. Enjoy traditional British afternoon High Tea followed by an exquisite  private boat cruise on Lake Pichola, surrounded by splendid Hills and Palaces.

DAY 06   UDAIPUR - JAIPUR

Morning: Board your flight to the pink city Jaipur. Upon arrival transfer to the hotel
 RAMBAGH PALACE.

Afternoon: Tour the city of Jaipur. Visit the Maharaja’s City Palace with its fabulous museum. Inside the museum find textiles, arms, carpets, paintings, and manuscripts, along with the Maharaja’s two large urns, the largest silver vessels in India. Proceed to Jantar Mantar the Observatory of Maharaja Jai Singh II, constructed in 1716. Drive past Hawa Mahal Palace of Winds, which was used by the ladies of the palace to view  the outside world. Continue through the rose-pink residential and business areas of the city.

DAY 07   JAIPUR

Morning: Drive to Amber Fort the ancient capital of the state, where the Jaipur royal house held court for seven centuries. Board a splendidly arrayed elephant to ascend the rugged hill. Visit the magnificent gateways, courtyards, and pavilions,  Jagmandir the Hall of Victory glittering with inlaid mirrors, Jai Mahal and the Temple of Kali. Next  visit Jaigarh (Tiger) Fort, one of the few military structures of medieval India. Jaigarh Fort is preserved almost intact, containing palaces, gardens, open and covered reservoirs, a granary, an armory, a canon foundry, the world's largest cannon on wheels and several temples. Jaigarh Fort has been the royal treasury for several years. Enjoy the breathtaking views of Amber Palace and the surrounding area.

DAY 08   JAIPUR - AGRA

Morning: Drive to the magnificent deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri, built by Emperor Akbar in 1569 and later abandoned due to scarcity of water.  Remarkably well- preserved are the graceful buildings within the city, including the Jama Masjid, Tomb of Salim Chisti, Panch Mahal, and other palaces. The red sandstone palaces are in such a perfect stat of preservation that it seems as if they were never left alone. After the visit continue to Agra. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel AMARVILAS.

Afternoon: Visit Agra Fort, which evolved under the reigns of  three Mughal Emperors. Note the apparent transition from the military might of the stern citadel raised by Emperor Akbar to the lavish beauty of shimmering white marble palaces built by Emperor Shah Jahan. Later visit the tomb of Itmad-Ud-Dulah. This small mausoleum was built by the Mughal empress Noor Jahan for her father. Completed in 1628, it was the first Mughal building constructed entirely of white marble and was a forerunner of the Taj Mahal. Its marble surface is almost completely covered by inlaid semi-precious stones.

Evening: Board a Royal Buggy (Decorated Horse Cart) for a ride to one of the most fabled sights in on earth - The TAJ MAHAL, the legendary monument to love built by Emperor Shah Jahan in 1630 to enshrine the mortal remains of his Queen Mumtaz Mahal. This architectural marvel is a perfectly proportioned masterpiece fashioned from white marble. It stands testimony to the skill of craftsmen brought in from Persia, Turkey, France, and Italy and to 17 years of labor by 20,000 workers. Stroll the grounds and view this most magnificent monument at the magical moment of sunset.

DAY 09   AGRA - KHAJURAHO

Morning: Board your flight to Khajuraho. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel TAJ CHANDELA.

Afternoon: Visit the world famous temples of Khajuraho, built by the Chandela Kings between 950 and 1050 AD. In a mere hundred years this small village saw an architectural renaissance of no parallel. Eighty-five ornately carved temples were built for the glory of God. Today twenty-two survive. Our tour includes visits to Chaunsat Yogini Temple, the oldest of the surviving temples dedicated to goddess Kali; Kandariya Mahadeva Temple, the largest and best example of the Central Indian style of temple architecture, dedicated to Lord Shiva; Chitragupta Temple or Bharatji Temple with a lovely 11 headed Vishnu image; Vishvanath Temple, lined by lions on the northern side, elephants on the southern side, and impressive three-headed image of Brahma inside. Facing the shrine is Nandi Temple with a massive six-foot-high Nandi bull. Lakshmana Temple, the finest of the western group of temples is attached to four shrines. Finally,  Visha Temple dedicated to Shiva, is the largest and most typical of the temples. After  a busy day of sightseeing, wind down with a relaxing pure oil massage treatment at an Ayurvedic Health Spa. 

DAY 10   KHAJURAHO - VARANASI

Morning:  At your  leisure.

Early Afternoon: Board your flight to Varanasi. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel
TAJ GANGES.

Afternoon: Visit Bharat Mata Temple, which features a big relief map of Mother India engraved in marble. Also visit the 18^th century Durga temple, commonly known as Monkey Temple due to its population of monkeys. Proceed to Tulsi Manas Mandir, crafted from white marble, which features  the entire Ramayana inscribed on its walls. Also see Benares Hindu University, considered the largest residential university in Asia. The university houses an Art Gallery and the Mosque of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb.

DAY 11   VARANASI - KATHMANDU

Early Morning: Take a private boat excursion on the holy river Ganges and enjoy sitar recital on board. See the bathing Ghats and cremation site. Watching people bathe and worshipping at the Ghats is one of the most extraordinary experiences of a visit to India.

Afternoon: Board your flight to Kathmandu. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel YAK & YETI.

DAY 12   KATHMANDU

Morning: Visit the Durbar Square at the centre of old Kathmandu. See temples and shrines  with intricately carved roofs, doors and windows dating all the way back to the Twelfth century. In the remarkable ancient royal residential quarter, visit Hanuman Dhoka, the  Mahadev and Parvati temple, and Machhender Bahl - Holy place for the Buddhists and Hindus. Proceed to the Temple Of Kumari, residence of the Living Goddess (also known as the Virgin Goddess). The building has profusely carved wooden balconies and window screens. The Kumari acknowledges greetings from her balcony window. Walk around the local Bazaars.

Afternoon: Visit the Old Newar city Patan, also known as Lalitpur. See the historical Durbar square, the golden gate, sky piercing temple of Telaju and the statue of Yogendra Malla. Also visit temples and old windows and carved balconies of wood, curio shops and bazaars. Continue to Swayambunath, one of the world’s most glorious Buddhist Chaityas, and believed to be 2000 years old, with the eyes of the Buddha pained on all four sides. It is the oldest of its kind in Nepal.

DAY 13   KATHMANDU

Early Morning: Take a flight over the imposing Himalayan range for a breathtaking view of Mount Everest.

Afternoon: Visit Bhadgaon, also known as Bhaktapur - another Newar city founded in the 9^th century. Visit the ancient gateway. Also visit Durbar Square, the royal residential quarter of Bhupatindra Malla,  and the famous five-storied pagoda style temple of Nyatapola. Later visit Bodhnath, the 2500 years-old Buddhist stupa. Bodhnath is one of the largest stupas in the world and a holy place for Buddhist pilgrims From Tibet. Continue to Pashupatinath, the temple of Lord Shiva. With its two- tiered golden roofs and silver door, Pashupatinath is one of the holiest Hindu shrines in Nepal.

DAY 14   KATHMANDU - DELHI

Late Morning: Board your flight to Delhi. Upon arrival transfer to the hotel TAJ MAHAL .

DAY 15   DELHI

Morning: At your leisure.

Afternoon: Visit Qutab Minar, the soaring tower of victory. The construction of Qutab Minar began in 1193. Visit also Humayun's Tomb, an early example of Mughal architecture that served as the model for the Taj Mahal, and the Red Fort on the west bank of the Yamuna River, constructed by emperor Shah Jahan as a royal residence and official complex. The palaces, mostly in marble, are along the river front. See the Halls of Public and Private Audience, the Royal Baths with inlaid floors, the Pearl Mosque, the private palace of the king, and the ornamental canal. Some of the finest aspects of Mughal art can be seen in the pietra dura panels in the royal mansions. Proceed to Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosque built by Shah Jahan, and Chandni Chowk the principal marketing street of Shahjahanabad, and still a colorful commercial area. Also visit Raj Ghat the cremations sites of Mahatma Gandhi, and India Gate, the memorial of the First World War. Drive past the landmarks of Lutyens-Baker New Delhi; This include Rashtrapati Bhawan, the official residence of India’s president and the former Viceregal Lodge, the Parliament House, and the Secretariat buildings.

DAY 16    DELHI

Enjoy a full day at leisure.

DAY 17   DELHI - USA