On arrival in Delhi you are met at the airport and transferred to our hotel. The rest of today is free to explore India's capital at leisure before meeting the group and guide at the hotel at 18:00 for a Welcome meeting.
For those able to arrive very early today or the day prior, why not get off the beaten track and explore Old Delhi with us on our optional 'Backstreets of Delhi' add-on tour. You will get to relish the taste of various street foods, from savoury to sweet. Along the way, visit Khari Baoli, the largest spice market in India and the colourful Bazar Matia Mahal, located opposite the majestic Jama Masjid Mosque. The tour will combine a mixture of metro, electric rickshaw and walking to get around.
This morning we enjoy a packed day of sightseeing in Old and New Delhi. Check out the UNESCO-listed Humayun's Tomb and Jama Masjid - India's oldest and largest mosque. Visit the iconic Sikh temple Gurudwara Bangla Sahib and its community kitchen feeding 25,000-30,000 people daily. We also enjoy a thrilling rickshaw ride around the Chandni Chowk bazaar and explore New Delhi. Walk down the Rajpath, formerly known as the ‘King's Way' and see the famous India Gate monument.
This evening we enjoy a group Namaste dinner. (B/D)
Today we travel to Agra, where we enjoy lunch before taking a tour of the legendary Taj Mahal, India's most famous site. This iconic white monument was built by the Emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century in memory of his beloved wife. It is perhaps the most extravagant symbol of love the world has ever seen and has no rival. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity watch the sunset fade over the magnificent mausoleum so make sure to take plenty of photos! (B)
Continue to either Karauli or Dholpur stopping for lunch en route. In Karauli, we will stay in the beautiful Palace Bhanwar Vilas. An eclectic melding of both Oriental and Art Deco architecture, the heritage-listed hotel was built in 1938 as a family home of the Maharaja of Jaipur. In Dholpur, we will stay at the magnificent Raj Niwas Palace, which is known for its red sandstone, traditional Rajisthani architecture, and European-style ceramics. It's said that this heritage-listed hotel was built by the Maharaja to welcome HRH Albert Edward, who visited in 1876.
Spend the afternoon at your leisure exploring the grounds, perhaps check out the vintage cars or take a dip in the swimming pools. This evening, you can also opt to attend the evening Aarti (prayer). (B/L/D)
This morning we hit the road towards the vibrant UNESCO listed Pink City of Jaipur.
On arrival, we will spend the afternoon on a tour of the illustrious City Palace and the UNESCO-listed Jantar Mantar Space Observatory, which features 19 separate astrological instruments. (B)
Afterwards, enjoy a breezy jeep ride to Amber Fort, a 16th century fortress laid out over four levels, and overlooking the glistening Maota Lake.
Later, we'll have time to explore the walled city of Jaipur. Diiwali is a Hindu festival that celebrates the victory of light over darkness, so you can be sure to see every market and building adorned with colourful lights and lanterns. There's plenty to do here - from perusing the markets, to visiting the nearby temple, where locals will be offering prayers to their deities.
After our visit we enjoy a traditional Indian dinner at a local restaurant or at the hotel, and watch as vibrant firecrackers light up the darkening sky. (B/D)
Return to Delhi today where the rest of the day is at leisure. Perhaps visit the impressive Akshardham - the world's largest Hindu temple. (B)
Our Indian adventure comes to an end today with an included transfer to the airport. (B)
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