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Nine Day - Explore North India
DAY 1, Mon
Depart the USA to India. Your
flight includes meals, drinks, and in-flight entertainment
for your journey
DAY 2, Tues
Arrive in Delhi and transfer to your hotel. Balance
of the day at leisure: DELHI
DAY 3, Wed
This morning, enjoy an optional tour of Old Delhi, an
ancient historical city with more than 60,000 identifiable
monuments. Visit the Memorial of Mahatma Gandhi and
the Jama Masjid (India's largest mosque), continuing
to view the famous Red Fort. Later, tour New Delhi.
Pass by the UNESCO World Heritage Qutab Minar, the world's
tallest brick minaret (spire). Continue for a visit
to the Mausoleum of Humayun and the 20th century Birla
Temple. Drive past India Gate, the former Viceroy's
Palace, and the Indian Parliament House
DAY 4, Thurs
This morning, travel to the medieval city of Agra. At
sunset, visit the Taj Mahal, one of the "Seven Wonders
of the World," built by Emperor Shah Jehan as a mausoleum
for his beloved Queen Mumtaj Mahal. This monumental
construction, which took 22 years to complete (1631-53),
is most famous for its imposing white-marble dome, and
is considered the finest example of Mughal architecture
in the world (B): AGRA
DAY 5, Fri
Day at leisure, or choose an optional full day Agra
city tour. Depart for Sikandra where you will explore
the well-preserved buildings of this UNESCO World Heritage
city. Visit the 17th century tomb of Akbar the Great,
located within a large walled garden. Afterwards, visit
the impressive Agra Fort, first begun by Emperor Akbar
the Great in the 16th century. View the palaces, mosques,
and Halls of the Public and Private Audiences. Next,
visit the tomb of Itmad-Ud-Daulah, often referred to
as the "Baby Taj," for its layout, inlay designs, and
latticework presage many elements of the Taj Mahal.
Conclude the tour with a visit to the Dayalbagh Gardens,
headquarters of the Radhasoami religious sect and an
important pilgrimage site.
DAY 6, Sat
Travel to Jaipur via the deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri.
Explore the well-preserved buildings of this UNESCO
World Heritage Site, including the Panch Mahal Palace
and 17th century Jama Masjid, one of the largest and
most impressive in India. Arrive in Jaipur, the famed
Pink City of India. The entire city was painted its
unique pink color in 1876 to celebrate the visiting
Prince of Wales. Several legends exist to explain why
the color pink was chosen, but no matter the reason,
it has come to represent the welcoming hospitality of
Jaipur.
DAY 7, Sun
Enjoy the day at leisure in Jaipur, or choose an optional
visit to the 16th century Amber Fort. Ascend the hill
to the fort on the back of an elephant, and admire views
of Jaipur's original city walls and the Maotha Lake
below. In the afternoon, tour Jaipur, including visits
to the observatory of Maharaja Jaisingh and the museum
at the Maharaja City Palace. Drive past the 18th century
Hawa Mahal ("Palace of Winds"), which has a streetside
facade of 953 small windows designed to circulate wind
throughout the palace; thus, giving the palace its name
DAY 8, Mon
Drive to Delhi this morning and enjoy the balance of
the day at leisure
DAY 9, Tues
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
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