India & Nepal

Day 1: Depart USA

Your exotic journey to India and Nepal begins this afternoon as you depart the U.S.

Day 2: Arrive Delhi.

Accommodation: Le Meridien New Delhi

Afternoon arrival in India’s capital. You’ll be escorted to your deluxe hotel. Le Meridien New Delhi

Day 3:

Accommodation: Le Meridien New Delhi

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

This morning, see New Delhi’s highlights: The 12th century hand carved Kutab Minar, the Birla Temple and the India Gate. Later, a tour of Old Delhi takes you to the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi and to the Jamma Masjid, India’s largest mosque. See the magnificent Red Fort, built in 1648 as a symbol of Mughal’s power. Later, enjoy a guided walking tour  to Connaught Place downtown and explore the local shops/markets. This evening, your tour director hosts a welcome dinner.

Day 4: Delhi/Jaipur.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Sheraton Four Points City Square Hotel

Today, voyage to Jaipur, the “Pink City” and capital of Rajasthan, famous for its exquisite buildings of rose-colored terra cotta. Sheraton Four Points City Square Hotel

Day 5:

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Sheraton Four Points City Square Hotel

Enjoy a walking tour as well as a rickshaw ride in Jaipur’s old city where you will explore the colorful local bazaar. Also visit the Palace of Winds, the landmark of Jaipur. This afternoon venture out of the city to Amber Fort, ancient capital of Rajasthan. See the Temple of Kali, the Hall of Victory, and ride an elephant to the hill where the Amber Fort is situated. Later, attend a unique prayer ritual at a hindu temple. Enjoy a leisure evening in picturesque Jaipur to explore on your own or perhaps enjoy a trip to Jaipur’s spice markets.

Day 6: Jaipur/Agra.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Jaypee Palace Hotel

En route to Agra, visit Fatehpur Sikri, once a glittering capital, later abandoned due to scarcity of water. Marvel at well-preserved buildings and red sandstone palaces. Proceed to Agra, home of the legendary shrine built and dedicated to love, the Taj Mahal. Jaypee Palace Hotel

Day 7: Taj Mahal/Agra Fort Excursion.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Jaypee Palace Hotel

The highlight of this morning’s tour is a visit to the fabled, perfectly proportioned Taj Mahal. This 17th century, white marble mausoleum was built by Emperor Shah Jehan to enshrine the mortal remains of his Queen Mumtaz Mahal. Afternoon visit tothe Agra Fort, a cluster of mosques and palaces on the banks of the river. Later, explore on your own, shop or relax at your luxury hotel’s pool-side.

Day 8: Agra/Khajuraho.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: Jass Radisson Hotel

Travel aboard the famous Shatabdi Express train to Jhansi and continue by coach to Orchha, a medieval city on the River Betwa. Proceed to Khajuraho, renowned for its splendid temples. Enjoy dinner at your hotel. Jass Radisson Hotel

Day 9:

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Jass Radisson Hotel

Tour the spectacular temples of Khajuraho, built by the Chandela kings between the 9th and 13th centuries. The temples are exquisitely carved with graceful statues and frieze of Gods and Goddesses. Afternoon at leisure.

Day 10: Khajuraho/Varanasi.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Radisson Hotel (Varanasi)

Fly to Varanasi, Hinduism’s holiest city, situated on the sacred Ganges River. Tour the oldest living city in the world and visit the ‘Ghats’ (banks) of the Ganges River, where you’ll gain greater insight into Hinduism. Radisson Hotel

Day 11: Varanasi/Kathmandu (Nepal).

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Crowne Plaza Soaltee Hotel

At sunrise take a boat ride on the Ganges River where pilgrims converge for the ritual of immersion and prayer. Later, fly to Kathmandu, the capital of the ancient Kingdom of Nepal. This is a deeply spiritual land, isolated by the high Himalayas. Crowne Plaza Soaltee Hotel

Day 12:

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Crowne Plaza Soaltee Hotel

Morning visit to the major temple towns in the Kathmandu Valley at the foot of the Himalayan mountains. See the gilded copper gate in Bhaktapur (Bhadgaon), a masterpiece. Proceed to the Hindu Temple of Shiva and the Buddhist shrine at Bodhnath. Afternoon at leisure. Your deluxe hotel is conveniently located for independent exploring and shopping.

Day 13:

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: Crowne Plaza Soaltee Hotel

Today, you may experience an optional Mount Everest scenic flight over the breathtaking Himalayas (weather permitting). Later, drive through the captivating countryside to Bhaktapur and see beautiful art and architecture. On your way back, stop at the fascinating Tibetan Refugee Craft Center and visit the temples, pagodas and palaces in Durbar. Tonight join your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner with a cultural performance.

Day 14: Kathmandu/Delhi.

Meals: Breakfast

Leisure time for last minute pursuits before your flight back to Delhi, where you’ll connect with your late night flight back to the USA.

Day 15: Delhi/USA.

Bid farewell to incredible India. Your memorable journey ends as you arrive the USA this morning.