January 25: Depart the U.S. for Delhi, India
January 26: Delhi, India
- Arrive in Delhi and transfer to The Claridges hotel.
January 27: Delhi
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- After breakfast meet with our expert guest speakers to learn about the state of India's democracy and freedom of the press.
- Delhi is a city built and re-built seven times over several centuries. The capital city today marries the quaint and unique elements of different historical eras with the pace of the bustling, growing economy. At every turn of the road, the past and the present coexist with the pace of India's bustling, evolving economy.
- Visit Humayun's Tomb, the first Persian-style garden-tomb to be built in India. The structure is a marvel of Mughal architecture.
- A drive down the Raj Path (the royal path) takes you to the India Gate, a majestic monument commemorating the contribution of Indian soldiers who laid down their lives for the British Empire's army fighting in World War I.
- This evening enjoy a cocktail and a welcome dinner with fellow travelers at the hotel.
January 28: Delhi
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- After breakfast meet with our special guest speaker to discuss the pressing environmental issue currently confronting the the sub-continent.
- Start your journey in the old part of town. Visit Jama Masjid, standing for more than 350 years, this is the largest mosque in India and was commissioned by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, the builder of the Taj Mahal.
- Take a short ride on a cycle rickshaw through the shopping district of Chandni Chowk.
- Drive past the Red Fort, the residence of the Mughal Emperors and the seat of the Mughal capital till 1857. The ramparts of the Red Fort bear witness to some of the most important cultural and historical events of India.
- Later explore a bustling local market full of colorful spices, fragrant foods, and beautiful textiles.Lunch at Haveli Dharampura - a 200-year-old mansion that is a recipient of several architectural awards including the prestigious UNESCO Asia-Pacific Award for Cultural Heritage Conservation.
- Enjoy a unique kite flying experience. A popular pastime of Mughal emperors, today kite flying is a part of the cultural fabric of India.
- Dinner is on your own this evening.
January 29: Jaipur
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- Depart for the airport and fly to Japiur for an early afternoon arrival.
- Beautiful palaces, forts and colorful bazaars reveal the pink city Jaipur’s glorious regal past. Upon arrival check-in to the Taj Amer.
- Begin our tour of the city at its heart, the City Palace. Featuring a perfect blend of Rajput and Mughal architecture, the Jaipur royal family still continues to live here. The Palace complex houses the seven story Chandra Mahal in the center featuring a fine view of the gardens and the city. The Palace also has a rare collection of costumes and armoury of Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh.
- Head to the Jantar Mantar. Built in the 18th Century, this astro-observatory is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and features 20 astronomical instruments built in monumental sizes.
- Stop by the Hawa Mahal, also known as the “Palace of the Winds” with its ornately screened windows that allowed the women of the palace to gaze out onto the street unobserved. The side facing the street outside the palace, has 953 small windows and the breeze (hawa) which circulates through these windows gives the palace its name, and keeps it cool even in the hot summer months.
- After a short stop back at the hotel and lunch on your own, you will be transferred to an Indian family’s home to delve into a culturally immersive culinary experience as you prepare and share a leisurely meal with a local family. Learn the secrets of family recipes passed down through generations as you cook alongside your hosts. Then, share a table as you gain authentic insights into local life over dinner.
January 30: Jaipur
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- This morning meet with a guest speaker to discuss Indian wildlife and conservation.
- Later head to Albert Hall, now the Central Museum, which features displays of Rajasthani village life through costumes, pottery, woodwork, and brassware.
- Stop by the Anokhi Museum to witness the block printing process. The museum is dedicated to block/hand printing which a dying art form popular in Rajasthan and nearby areas. The building which houses the museum was an old rundown haveli (mansion) which is now restored completely and has been honored by UNESCO.
- Explore the Amber Fort. Amber was the ancient capital of Kachhwaha Rajput. The building of the fort was started by Raja Man Singh, a noted Rajput general of Akbar’s army in 1600, and was later enhanced by successive rulers. The architecture shows distinct Mughal influence.
- This evening a special dinner with cocktail is arranged at Dera Amer. Set in a peaceful camp on the outskirts of Jaipur, this sanctuary for elephants creates a stunning backdrop for a memorable evening.
January 31: Agra
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- This morning visit the Badal Mahal (headquarters of the Princess Diya Kumari Foundation and A&K AKP project). Situated alongside the Talkatora Lake in the UNESCO world heritage walled city of Jaipur, this monument was built in 1727 A.D. as part of the City Palace of Jaipur. The Badal Mahal was historically used for musical performances, artistic handicraft displays and to hold 'durbars' during the festivals of Teej and Gangaur. Today the tradition of handicrafts continues at Badal Mahal with PDKF, where disadvantaged women and girls of Rajasthan are trained in heritage arts and crafts. Meet with staff to learn more about this project.
- Drive for approximately six hours to Agra, stopping enroute for lunch.
- Enroute also stop at Fatehpur Sikri, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that brings alive the early days of Emperor Akbar. Fatehpur Sikri was Akbar's capital for approximately 12 years. The finest monuments within Fatehpur Sikri are the Diwan-i-Am, Diwan-i-Khas, Panch Mahal, Buland Darwaza and the tomb of Saint Sheikh Salim Chishti, and the Jama Masjid (one of the largest mosques in India).
- Akbarabad, as Agra was known during the Mughal era, is home to some of the most magnificent Mughal architecture. Situated on the banks of river Yamuna, the monumental beauty of Agra has inspired countless people around the world and is home to three UNESCO world heritage sites.
- Check-in to the Tajview Hotel.
- Later visit the Taj Mahal. This stunning mausoleum immortalized the name of Shah Jahan’s last wife Mumtaz Mahal, “light of the palace”. Built by Indian artisans and artisans from neighboring Islamic countries, it is aptly described by the poet laureate Tagore as “A tear on the face of eternity”.
February 1: Agra
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- Enjoy a second visit the Taj Mahal during sunrise. In the early morning, while bathed in the pinkish glow of the rising sun, is a great time to take some unforgettable pictures. The Mughal masterpiece took approximately 22 years, nearly 22,000 laborers and a thousand elephants to build.
- Return back to the hotel for breakfast before meeting with an expert who will talk about craft culture, co-ops. and the role of small businesses in India.
- Situated on the right bank of river Yamuna, the Agra Fort is one of the most important and robustly built strongholds of the Mughals, embellished with a number of beautifully decorated buildings bringing forth their unique style of art and architecture. This fabulous monument is witness to Akbar’s great rule, Aurangzeb’s tyranny and India’s first fight for freedom, the revolt of 1857.
- It is believed that the glorious Taj Mahal was also likely inspired by another monument in Agra called the Itmad-ud-Daulah. And so, this Mughal mausoleum is also called the ‘Baby Taj’. The tomb, built between 1622 and 1628 has walls made of white marble from Rajasthan, encrusted with semi-precious stone decorations.
- Later return to your hotel and tonight enjoy dinner at the Peshwari Restaurant.
February 2: Varanasi
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- Early this morning depart for a four hour drive to the airport in Delhi. Fly to Varanasi arriving mid-afternoon.
- Dating back to more than 3000 years, Varanasi is said to be the oldest city of the world. There are temples at every few steps here giving it the sobriquet “city of temples”. In Hinduism it is believed that those who breathe their last in this city attain nirvana and liberation from the cycle of births and re-births.
- Check-in to the Taj Ganges Varanasi.
- Enjoy the afternoon at leisure with dinner on your own this evening.
February 3: Varanasi
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- A visit to Varanasi is incomplete without a tour of the ghats at sunrise. This is the most auspicious moment in Hinduism and people flock to the river to greet the rising sun. Watch the activity from a boat, and as you drift down river you will see a panorama of life in a pilgrim town. People take dips in the holy river, yogis practice their art along the steps, women do laundry and pilgrims worship at the shrine - while in the background there is the constant sound of temple bells and chanting.
- Later return to your hotel for breakfast.
- After breakfast meet with an expert for an illuminating discussion on Hinduism and spirituality.
- This afternoon depart for Sarnath, where the Buddha came in 500 BC to give his first sermon after gaining enlightenment. Visit the remains of the monastery as well as a relatively new Buddhist temple. On the walls are paintings depicting the most significant episodes from the birth of Buddha as Prince Siddhartha, to the time he gained enlightenment and became The Buddha.
- Late this evening walk through the local market to the ghats where you witness the evening ceremony, performed by a priest on the banks of the river. Accompanied by the hypnotic beat of drums and bells and the chanting of prayers, the whole ceremony is mesmerizing and ends with the release of hundreds of lamps into the waters of the river.
February 4: Delhi
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- Depart this morning for Delhi arriving just after noon.
- Enjoy some leisure time to explore Delhi. Check-in the JW Marriott with rooms available until departure for the airport.
- Join fellow travelers for farewell cocktails and dinner.
Trip Price
Per person double occupancy: $8,799 plus internal air (see below)
Single supplement: $2,099
Included
- Accommodation in hotels as listed based on double occupancy
- Meals as listed in the program with wine at the welcome and farewell dinners
- Airport transfers in Delhi on designed arrival/departure days
- All sightseeing, activities and speakers (subject to their schedules) as listed.
- Private, air-conditioned bus with water available
- Services of English-speaking local guides and a tour manager throughout the tour
- Gratuities for driver, assistant driver, porters, etc.
Not Included
- International airfare to/from Delhi, India
- Internal airfare using scheduled airlines ($999 to be billed and scheduled by tour operator.)
- Any meals not listed as included
- Drinks with meals other than bottled water
- Gratuities for tour director
- Travel Insurance
- Excess luggage charges
- Passport and India E-Visa Fees ($25 current e-visa fee)
- Any item not listed as included