Day 1 : DEPARTURE NEW YORK
Today you will board on an overnight plane to New Delhi. Overnight is in the plane.
Day 2 : ARRIVE DELHI
Today you will arrive at Delhi’s International Airport. Following customs, immigration formalities and baggage collection, a LUMLE representative will meet you as you exit the arrivals terminal building and transfer you to your hotel.
Perhaps there is no other capital city in the world so steeped in history and legend as the Indian capital Delhi. It was the magnet, which drew the Mongols, Turks, Persians, Afghans, Mughals and the British, all of whom contributed to its glorious but turbulent past. The fascination with Delhi was such that even though it was abandoned many times, its rulers returned to it, again and again, rebuilding it at least seven times. Today, the twin cities of Old and New Delhi still intrigue Indians and tourists alike as the cultural and political capital of the largest democracy in the world.
Overnight is in Delhi.
Day 3 : DELHI SIGHTSEEING
After breakfast, go out on a sightseeing tour of Delhi visiting highlights of Old & New Delhi. Start the tour by visiting the largest monument of Old Delhi, the imposing Red Fort (Closed on Mondays). Very near the fort is the 17th-century Jama Masjid (‘Friday Mosque’), the largest mosque in India. Walk through the famous bazaars of Chandni Chowk to experience the hustle and bustle of a crowded oriental bazaar. Also visit Raj Ghat, the Mahatma Gandhi memorial, a simple black marble platform that marks the spot of his cremation.
In New Delhi, visit the India Gate, the memorial of the First World War and the road that leads from there to the President House, flanked by the houses of Parliament, the Secretariat building followed by the Humayun’s Tomb, also known as the forerunner of the Taj Mahal. End your tour, before your return to the hotel, by visiting Qutub Minar, the tallest brick minaret of its kind in the world.
Overnight is in Delhi.
Day 4 : DELHI – MANDAWA (270 KM / 06 HRS)
After breakfast proceed to Mandawa by surface. One of the rural places in India. Upon arrival on your own you may choose to walk through streets of the city allowing you to see amazing Havelis and mansions.
Overnight is in Mandawa.
Day 5 : MANDAWA – BIKANER (180 KM / 04 HRS)
Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer by surface to the Bikaner Desert Kingdom - a major centre of trade during the 16th century. Later in the afternoon visit the Junagarh Fort, with its attractive decorated interiors. End your day with an interesting Tuk-Tuk ride from the ancient city bazaar.
Overnight is in Bikaner.
Day 6 : BIKANER – JAISALMER (370 KM / 5 HRS)
Breakfast at the hotel. On your journey to Jaisalmer enter the Thar Desert by road. Historically it was an important trading centre for many centuries and now one of the few forts that are still inhabited. Upon arrival transfer to the hotel and rest of the day is free to explore the city on your own.
Overnight is in Jaisalmer.
Day 7 : JAISALMER
After breakfast at the hotel proceed for the sightseeing of the golden city of Jaisalmer. Today you will visit the magical Gadisar Lake and the magnificent Golden Fort. Walk through the narrow streets of the city, to visit the famous palatial houses characteristic of the city such as Nathmal and Patwon. In the afternoon, take an excursion to Sam to see the dunes in the beautiful sunset light.
Overnight stay is in Jaisalmer.
Day 8 : JAISALMER – JODHPUR (280 KM / 5 HRS)
Morning after breakfast you will continue your journey to Jodhpur know as blue city of India. Today you will visit impressive Mehrangarh Fort and Jawant Thada an imposing marble cenotaph.
Overnight stay is in Jodhpur.
Day 9 : JODHPUR – JAIPUR (370 KM / 07 HRS)
After breakfast transfer by surface to Jaipur the pink city of India. Upon arrival you are free to explore the city on your own.
Jaipur – the capital of Rajasthan province is known for its arts and crafts, jewelry, hand-painted fabrics and stone sculptures; it is one of North India’s finest examples of a planned city embodying the best of Rajput and Mughal architecture.
Overnight stay is in Jaipur.
Day 10 : JAIPUR
After breakfast, visit Amber Fort. High above the city, the towers and domes of the Amber Fort are reminiscent of scenes from some fairy tale. The palace itself is within the enormous fort complex and is replete with halls, gardens, pavilions, and temples. The Hall of Mirrors is not to be missed where one lit matchstick can illuminate the entire room.
Later proceed to visit the City Palace Museum where you can see an imposing blend of traditional Rajasthani and Mughal Art. The museum is resplendent with its collection of robes of royal princes, carpets, an armory of old weapons, miniature paintings portraying court scenes, battle scenes and processions, Also visit the awe inspiring Jantar Mantar (an accurate observatory built in 1726 AD).
Your tour also included is a photo visit at the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) – a five storied wonder with a spectacular pyramidal facade and overhanging windows with latticed screens, domes, and spires. Later walk through the colorful markets of Jaipur. Overnight is in Jaipur.
Day 11 : JAIPUR - FATHEPUR SIKRI – AGRA (240 KM / 04 HRS)
Today after breakfast, you will drive to Agra en-route visiting Fatehpur Sikri – the deserted red sandstone city that was built by Emperor Akbar as his capital. Ponder the mysterious desertion of this capital city that was dramatically abandoned a few years after it was built. It was a veritable fairy tale city and its ‘ruins’ are still in a pristine condition. It is not hard to imagine what the court life must have been like in the days of its grandeur.
Agra came into the limelight during the rule of the Afghan King Sikandar Lodhi – who had made it the capital of his empire. Later in 1526 A.D., the Mughal Emperor Babar took upon himself the task for rendering Agra, a unique character, and beauty of its own. The next few hundred years of Agra witnessed the rise of the pomp and pageantry of three great Mughal monarchs – Emperor Akbar, Jehangir, and Shahjahan. In modern times, the city of Agra is a thriving carpet industry where you can also find leather workers, sandstone and marble sculptors, some of whom claim to be direct descendants of the craftsmen who had helped build the Taj Mahal.
Visit the Taj Mahal, monument remains closed on all Fridays. Taj Mahal was built by an emperor in memory of his beloved queen. Construction of the Taj Mahal began in 1631 and is believed to have taken 18 years to complete, with over 20,000 craftsmen working around the clock. The design and construction are said to be that of the legendary architect, Ustad Ahamad Lahori. What makes the Taj Mahal unique is its perfect proportions, distinct femininity, the medium of construction and ornamentation. Its marble exterior reflects rose and golden tints at sunrise and sunset, while it is dazzling white during the day. It is impossible to visualize the Taj Mahal in any surrounding others than its paradoxical garden. Paradise, in Islam, is visualized as a lush garden where running streams flow.
Overnight is in Agra.
Day 12 : AGRA – DELHI (210 KM / 04 HRS)
Early morning after breakfast drive to Delhi. Upon arrival in Delhi transfer to the hotel and relax for rest of the day.
Overnight is in Delhi.
Day 13 : DEPART DELHI
In time drop you to Delhi airport, where you’ll catch your flight to your next destination.