12 Nights (with Kathmandu Extension)
Depart the U.S.A. or Canada on your flight to Delhi, India.
Welcome to India! Arrival Delhi – the capital of India; meeting, assistance and private transfer to your hotel for overnight. Rest of the day is at leisure.
This morning, start your tour to Old Delhi as we drive past the majestic Red Fort – built on the banks of River Yamuna by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. Take a rickshaw ride through the narrow alleys of Chandini Chowk (closed Sunday), wheeling through the colorful bazaars, the spice market, onto Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India, where you will depart by private car to New Delhi. This afternoon’s sightseeing takes us to the 12th century Qutab Minar, which has withstood the ravages of time and not rusted even after 1500 years. Next stop, Mausoleum of Emperor Humayun – a forerunner of the Mughal style of architecture. Drive past the India Gate, the president’s residence, Parliament house and the Secretariat buildings, before returning to the hotel. (B)
Morning depart to Agra by private car. Upon arrival, check-in to your hotel and afternoon is at leisure. Late afternoon, your guide will take you to view the Taj Mahal at sunset. (B)
After breakfast, visit the impressive Agra Fort, a majestic symbol of Mughal dynasty’s power and resilience. The fort’s colossal double walls rise 20 m in height and measure 2.5 km in circumference, offering breathtaking views of the Yamuna River and Taj Mahal in a distance. Continue tour to the world-famous astounding Taj Mahal (closed Friday), built by Shah Jahan in 1630 for his queen Mumtaz Mahal as a mausoleum. It is an architectural marvel in white marble which took about 17 years to build. (B)
Morning drive westward to Jaipur by private car. En route visit the Fatehpur Sikri, an epic “ghost city” in red sandstone built by Emperor Akbar from 1571 to 1585 AD as his capital. Arrive in Jaipur – the capital city of the state of Rajasthan basks in its glorious past; check-in to your hotel. (B)
We start exploring Jaipur, also known as the ‘Pink City’. Ascend to the Amber Fort on the back of a gaily caparisoned elephant and tour the exquisite interior. The somber exterior of the fort extrudes the richness of the royal apartments which open on to striking views of the gorge. After a photo stop at the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), continue to City Palace. Evening we visit Birla Mandir Temple atop a hillock to experience a brief ‘aarti’ (community prayer ceremony). (B)
Morning transfer to airport for flight to Jodhpur. Dotted by huge fortress walls contrasting with blue residential colony, the city of Jodhpur was the largest state of Rajasthan pre-independence. Afternoon tour of Jodhpur visits the Merhrangarh Fort, Rajasthan’s most impressive structure offering a panoramic view of the city below. End your day with a visit to Ghanta Ghar or Clock Tower and the adjacent Sadar Bazaar, which is the center of the Old Jodhpur town. (B)
Today, drive to the romantic lake city of Udaipur. En route to the Ranakpur Temples, one of the Jain’s five holiest pilgrimage centers, and visit the famous Jain Temple. Later arrive at Udaipur and the rest of the day is at leisure. (B)
Morning city tour visiting the City Palace, once the home of Mewar’s rulers, today is a museum. This impressive complex is a blend of Rajput and Mughul influences which overlooking the clear blue of Lake Pichola. Later, visit Sahelion-ki-bari Garden and drive around Fateh Sagar Lake. Afternoon enjoy a boat ride on Lake Pichola before returning to the hotel. (B)
Transfer to Udaipur Airport for flight back to Delhi, connecting your departure flight home; or extend your journey to Kathmandu, Nepal or Dubai & Abu Dhabi, UAE. (B)
KATHMANDU, NEPAL EXTENSION by Private Car
4 Days / 3 Nights
Welcome to Nepal! Arrival in Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal and also the center of history, art, craft, culture and economy; meeting, assistance and transfer to your hotel. (B)
(NOTE: Flight from Delhi to Kathmandu NOT included and must be added)
Optional: Early morning 1-hour flight to view the Himalayas and Mount Everest; please inquire.
Morning visit Kathmandu Durbar Square, a UNESCO Cultural World Heritage Site. It is a cluster of ancient temples, palaces, courtyards and streets that date back to the 12th and 18th centuries. Enjoy a rickshaw ride from Kathmandu Durbar Square to Thamel via the small alley of Ason bazaar and Indrachwok. Depart by private car to the west of Kathmandu, visit the Stupa of Swayambhunath which believed to be 2500 years old. Afternoon visit to Patan, also known as Lalitpur, is the city of fine arts, enclosed within four stupas said to be built in 3rd century AD, by Emperoro Ashoka. The city retains much of the old charm with its narrow streets, brick houses and multitude of well-preserved Hindu temples, Buddhist monasteries (vihars) and monuments. (B)
Morning drive east of Kathmandu to Bhadgaon (Bhaktapur), ancient capital of Nepal, still untouched by rapid urbanization and has managed to retain its brick paved roads, charming red brick houses and way of life that goes back to medieval times. Here you will visit Nyatapola, Bhairabh Temple, Pottery Square, 15th century Fifty-Five Window Palace, and Golden Gate. Depart to Pashupatinath Temple existed before 400 A.D.; one of the holiest Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. You will be permitted to view the temple from the east bank of Rivers Bagmati (no visitors allowed inside). Continue to the Boudhanath Stupa, one of the biggest in the world of its kind and one of the most imposing landmarks in Kathmandu. Return to the hotel in Kathamandu. (B)
Transfer to Kathmandu Airport for your departure flight home. (B)
These are sample itineraries which can be further customized to suit your preference. Prices will be quoted upon request according to the date of travel and the number of passengers in your vehicle.
(B) Breakfast
VISA REQUIRED FOR INDIA & NEPAL
| City | Night | Suggested Accommodations |
| India: | ||
| Delhi | 2 | The Imperial New Delhi or The Leela Palace New Delhi |
| Agra | 2 | The Oberio Amarvilas |
| Jaipur | 2 | Taj Rambagh Palace or The Oberoi Rajvilas |
| Jodhpur | 1 | Taj Umaid Bhawan Palace |
| Udaipur | 2 | Taj Lake Palace or The Oberoi Udaivilas |
| Nepal Extension: | ||
| Kathmandu | 3 | Dwarika’s Hotel |
Other hotels are available, please inquire.