SPIRIT OF ROYAL INDIA
15 days | US$7180 | Imperial Journey in India
One can never fully comprehend the mass of humanity and stimulus that is India, the bustling cities, the encompassing myriad of culture, religion, races and tongues the natural beauty is stunning coupled with a plethora of temples, Haveli, palaces and fortresses. On our innovative journey of India experience the sweeping deserts of Rajasthan, stay in some of Northern India’s finest palaces, castles and forts. See the picture perfect Pink City of Jaipur, enjoy sunset over the magnificent Taj Mahal, explore romantic Udaipur, with its grand forts and palaces and feel the spiritual heart of India in Varanasi ending your journey in Mumbai
Day 1 Arrive Delhi
On arrival you will me be met by a representative of our company and transferred to your hotel, remainder of the day at leisure. Overnight the stunning Imperial Hotel
Day 2 Delhi and overnight train to Varanasi
After breakfast head into the pulsating heart of this vibrant city, with your guide catch the new Metro system and wander through the maze of laneways that are Chandni Chowk. Colourful bazaars and shops line our route. This afternoon visit the amazing Jama Masjid Mosque. This evening depart on your overnight train eastwards to the spiritual heart of India. The fabled city of Varanasi
Day 3 Arrive Varanasi
On arrival check into your hotel and enjoy some time to refresh and relax before heading out to lunch and exploring this vibrant city on an orientation tour with your guide. This evening enjoy a sunset cruise on the Ganges, accompanied by local musicians, take part in an unforgettable welcome (puja) ceremony. Two nights the Taj Ganges Hotel.
Day 4 Varanasi
An amazing morning beckons aboard a private boat to experience sunrise on the Ganges. Cruising along, pass the teeming bathing ghats as well as the ‘burning ghats’ (Life and death on the river). The senses are tested, but the experience is unforgettable.
After breakfast travel by taxi to the Buddhist spiritual centre of Sarnath to the site where Buddha delivered his first sermon. There is a wonderfully gentle and spiritual feeling in the temple and monastic settlement not far from the masses along the Ganges. Take a look at the main shrine and the famed Bodhi tree as well as having time to pop into the Tibetan monastery located nearby.
Day 5 Varanasi to Agra
A free morning in Varanasi before boarding an afternoon flight to Delhi, on arrival you are met by your guide and private car to journey south of the city through the countryside to the fabled city of Agra, home of the magnificent Taj Mahal. Two nights the Taj View Hotel
Day 6 Agra
Visit the Taj Mahal at dawn. Known as the ‘Teardrop on the face of Humanity,’ this monument to love will leave a lifetime impression. Sitting in the shadows of this marble monument, recall the stories about Shah Jehan and the love of his life. Later visit a carpet factory and learn how these local treasures are made. You will have time for an optional visit to the Agra Fort, built by four different emperors.
Day 7 Agra to Jaipur
Journey westwards where the first stop is a tour of the magnificent 16th century ghost city of Fatehpur Sikri. Created by Akbar it exhibits the splendour of a Mughal city. Here a local guide will unravel the mystery of this abandoned capital. Continue westward travel to the capital of Rajasthan – Jaipur, known as the Pink City. Jaipur is a city of contrasts with stunning palaces, historical fortresses and a busy centre of commerce. Two nights Jai Mahal Palace
Day 8 Jaipur
In the morning, head out to the Amber Place, once the capital of Jaipur where you will take an elephant ride to the palace. Return to Jaipur to visit the famed Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds) and have time to explore the Mubarak Mahal. The Maharajas museum has a superb collection of Royal costumes and pashmina shawls. A busy day concludes with a night of Bollywood cinema at the Raj Mandir Theatre.
Day 9 Jaipur to Sardargarh
Today, drive south heading for the sprawling hilltop fort of Sardargarh. Off the beaten track, get a taste of the glory and infamy of a time when Rajput honour meant more than life itself. Your accommodation will be at the heritage fort of Sardargarh as guests of the Rao or Lord of the Region and his family. Two nights Sardargarh Heritage Hotel
Day 10 Sardargarh
A day of adventure or relaxation! There is an optional jeep safari visiting small villages and searching for some of the local wildlife including leopards and deer. Take a walk around the Heritage castle and hear about the ancient history of the region. Dinner in the courtyard is surrounded by the sounds of local villages performing traditional songs for guests.
Day 11 Sardargarh to Udaipur
Travel further south into Rajasthan to the romantic Lake city of Udaipur. On arrival enjoy an orientation tour of the town with your guide. Two nights Taj Lake Palace Hotel
Day 12 Udaipur
Some say Udaipur is the most romantic and classical city in the east. The Lake Palace is a testament to the style and crafting of the Rajput lords of the region. The city is teeming with palaces and Haveli, truly a sight to savour. This morning explore the City Palace and museums, where the palace mosaics, miniatures and crystal galleries will hold your attention for most of the morning.
The afternoon is free with an optional cruise on the lake recommended or Chai in one of the local tea shops overlooking the city.
Day 13 Udaipur to Mumbai
Enjoy a free morning in Udaipur before joining your afternoon flight to Mumbai. This evening will be free to stroll along the beach of Chowpatty with Mumbai families and sample local favourites of Dal Puri and Dai Wada on the sands. Two nights Taj Mahal Palace and Towers
Day 14 Mumbai
If you’re keen join your guide in a pre dawn taxi ride down to Sassoon docks to see the fishing boats arriving with their catch on the bustling dock. See, hear and taste the essence of India before breakfast. Later this morning, explore the legendary Crawford Market, the old bastion of British Bombay by auto rickshaw. Then immerse yourself in the streets of Mumbai with a visit to the “Gateway of India” a must. This evening enjoy a delightful farewell dinner.
Day 15 Depart Mumbai
Your journey concludes after breakfast, you will then be transferred to the airport for your onward journey home.
Tour Inclusions
Tripcode: IEINN15D09
Print a copy of this itinerary
Make a booking
If you know the dates you would like to travel then please give us a call or just click below to complete your booking online right now.
Click here to book "Spirit of Royal India"