We'll explore the magic of India on a tour that takes us to Delhi, Agra, Ranthambore, Jaipur and Samode. We visit the Taj Mahal and the "Pink City" of Jaipur, search for tigers on safaris Ranthambore National Park, and overnight in an authentic Indian Palace in Samode. Three days in Dubai show us this extraordinary diversity.

 

Included meals are denoted: Breakfast: B, Lunch: L, Dinner: D

 

DAY 1
Today we’ll depart Albuquerque on our overnight flight.

 

DAY 2              
After arrival, we meet our guide and transfer to our hotel in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

 

DAY 3              B,D

During the included city tour, visit the Dubai Museum in the Fahidi Fort and take a water taxi to Dubai Creek where a walk through the bustling alleys of the souks fills your senses with the mystical aromas of spice and the dazzling sparkle of gold jewelry.

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DAY 4              B,D

Enjoy a 4 x 4 land cruiser adventure as your driver takes you to the desert for the thrill of a safari on the golden sand dunes. Witness a beautiful desert sunset and continue to a Bedouin camp for a BBQ dinner, camel ride and local entertainment.

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DAY 5              B

We travel from Dubai to New Delhi, India today.

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DAY 6              B,D 

We begin the day with a tour of Old Delhi, a labyrinth of narrow lanes overflowing with major attractions and World Heritage Sites. Visit the Red Fort, the largest monument of the city and the most opulent fort and palace of the Mughal Empire. The memorial site of Mahatma Gandhi, Raj Ghat, sits serenely on the banks of the Yamuna River. Jama Masjid, another architectural treasure and the largest mosque in India, is also visited. Experience life like a local on a rickshaw cycle ride around Chandni Chowk, the bustling and colorful street market of the old city. An afternoon visit to Bangla Sahib showcases the most prominent Sikh house of worship in Delhi. This evening, we enjoy a welcome dinner.

 

DAY 7              B,D

With its wide boulevards, impressive government buildings, green parks and gardens, New Delhi is in complete contrast to Old Delhi. Your excursion travels along the ceremonial avenue, Rajpath, past the Parliament House and Rashtrapati Bhawan - official residence of India’s President. See India’s counterpart to France’s Arc de Triomphe as a photo stop is made at India Gate – a commemoration to fallen soldiers. Visit two monuments from India’s past – the magnificent garden tomb of the Mughal Emperor Humayun and Qutub Minar, the second tallest tower in India and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

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DAY 8              B,D

After breakfast, journey to Agra, home of the Taj Mahal. Built by Emperor Shah Jahan, it’s considered one of the Wonders of the World and its beauty has never been surpassed. This afternoon, enjoy a life enriching experience with a sunset visit to Mehtab Bagh, a recently excavated Mughal garden, with a breathtaking view of the Taj Mahal from across the River Yamuna. What a perfect end to the day as you see this magnificent monument, as the sun sets, gradually turning the white marble to a soft rosy pink.

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DAY 9              B,D

Sunsets aren’t the only way to experience the beauty of the Taj Mahal. The day begins with yet another awe-inspiring experience with a return to the Taj Mahal for a
sunrise visit. The rays of the sun cast a golden sheen upon this architectural masterpiece and provide yet another unbelievably amazing sight. While visiting the Red Fort of Agra, discover the inner paradise hidden by its forbidding exteriors. Emperor Shah Jahan was imprisoned in this fortress and walled city, yet he could
still see his exquisite Taj Mahal every day. The final afternoon in Agra is at leisure.

DAY 10             B,L,D

Departing Agra, journey by coach to Bharatpur. En route, visit a real life ghost town: the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Fatehpur Sikri (City of Victory), built by Emperor Akbar as his capital. Dramatically abandoned a few years after it was built, its ruins are still in pristine condition. After an included lunch in Bharatpur, board the train and enjoy a scenic rail journey to Sawai Madhopur. Gateway to Ranthambore, and one of the largest and most renowned national parks in Northern India, it’s a blend of history and nature, supporting a diverse range of flora and fauna.

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DAY 11            B,L,D

Explore Ranthambore on morning and afternoon safari adventures. As you drive through the sanctuary, observe majestic predators in their natural habitat and set your sights on tigers, leopards, deer and other animals your naturalist guide helps you spot in the forest.  Intricate artwork decorates the Amber Fort, Jaipur. Keep your camera ready to snap those once-in-a-lifetime photos!

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DAY 12            B,D

Think Pink! Travel to the walled city of Jaipur, known as the “Pink City” due to the color of its buildings. Visit the City Palace and see some of the most imposing architecture of the city. Inside the palace is a resplendent collection of robes of royal princes, carpets, an armory of weapons, and miniature paintings portraying historic events. At the awe-inspiring Jantar Mantar, an observatory built in 1726 AD, see curiously shaped and oversized instruments that are still astonishingly accurate today. Tonight you are immersed in culture as you dine with a local family. From the traditional greeting upon arrival to conversation and dinner with the family, it’s truly a life enriching experience.

 

Celebrating Diwali, October 24th, 2022 - One of the most important and glamourous holidays in India, Diwali is the festival of lights. Homes are decorated with thousands of lamps, people dress in colorful outfits and fireworks light up the night sky. We'll witness the beauty of this holiday during our stay in Jaipur.
 

DAY 13            B,D

Located on a hill high above the city, in a rugged and picturesque setting, the towers and domes of the Amber Fort are reminiscent of scenes from a fairytale. Discover the opulent palace complex as your guide takes you through the halls and gardens, pavilions and temples of this fascinating site made of red sandstone and marble. In the return, stop at the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) - the most well known landmark and icon of Jaipur. This 5-story architectural wonder has a spectacular pyramidal façade. Its 953 delicately honeycombed pink sandstone windows allowed the women of the palace to observe daily life without being seen. The remainder of the day is free.

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DAY 14            B,D

Following a relaxing morning in Jaipur, journey to the village of Bishangarh where the final night is spent in an authentic Indian fort. Perched high atop a hill, the views are outstanding, and the hotel is located in a gorgeous setting, in a small village filled with friendly locals. Enjoy the serenity of the fort before the included dinner.

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DAY 15            B,D

Experience the local life, culture and craft traditions of Bishangarh on a guided tour. Stroll through the streets of the village as they bustle with the morning routines and activities of the local villagers. Stop and say hello, or visit some of the artisans as they proudly display their handcrafted jewelry, woven carpets or pottery. Later this morning, journey back to Delhi, with a late afternoon arrival. Enjoy an included dinner before transferring to the airport for our flight home.

 

DAY 16           

We arrive in Albuquerque, full of memories of the desert and oasis, history and contemporary sites we've seen.

 

Itinerary subject to change