The Journey of a Lifetime
October 6 - 18, 2011
$4,458 + tax
Itinerary:
Thursday October 6 LAX
We depart LAX on The United Emirates Airline.
Friday October 7
New Delhi
We arrive in New Delhi late in the evening and we transfer to our 5-star hotel for a good night rest. Hotel Taj Palace
Saturday October 8 New Delhi
After breakfast we have a full day of touring. We visit the largest mosque of Shah Jahan Jama Masjid and the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi Raj Ghat. We make a photo stop at the Red Fort and pass by the President's House and Parliament and the 138 ft. arch, India Gate. After lunch we visit the ruins of the Qutab Minar and the beautiful Bahai Lotus Temple. This city is an incredible introduction to India. Hotel Taj Palace (B, L)
Sunday October 9 Delhi - Varanasi
In the morning we transfer to the airport to fly to Varanasi. After checking into our hotel our English speaking guide takes us 5 miles by bus to Sarnath, where the Buddha gave his first sermon after his enlightenment.
Hotel Taj Ganges (B, L)
Monday October 10 Varanasi - Delhi - Agra
Before breakfast an early morning boat ride on the Ganges River watching all of the devoted Hindu bathing in the sacred river as the sun rises. Later we have a city tour and visit Bharat Mata Temple, Tulsi Manas and Benares Hindu University. Tonight we fly back to Delhi to board our comfortable bus to travel to Agra. Hotel Taj View (B, L, D)
Tuesday October 11 Agra
Most people come to India to visit "the monument of love immortalized in marble," The Taj Mahal. We will spend the day visiting the Taj, the Red Fort and other memorable structures. The Taj Mahal is one of the most memorable sights in the world. Hotel Taj View
(B, D)
Wednesday October 12 Agra - Fatehpur Sikri - Bharatpur - Jaipur
In the morning we board our bus for Jaipur, stopping en route to visit the red sandstone city built by Emperor Akbar, Fatehpur Sikri. Our lunch is at the Lakshmi Villa in Bharatpur.
Upon arrival in The Pink City of Jaipur, Rajasthan we check into our hotel. Hotel Taj Jai Mahal Palace
(B, L)
Thursday October 13 Jaipur
Our morning begins with a tour of the ancient state capital and The Amber Fort (on elephant!). We also visit the Sheesh Mahal, and Hawa Mahal. After lunch we go to the City Palace and Museum and finish at the ancient observatory - Jantar Mantar. Hotel Taj Jai Mahal
(B, L)
Friday October 14 Jaipur - Mumbai
Today we take a 1-1/2 hour flight to Mumbai. After checking into the hotel we drive past the Afghan Church and visit Prince of Wales Museum. We visit the residence of Mahatma Gandhi while he lived in Mumbai. Our next stop is the fascinating Dhobi Ghat where Mumbai's 'dirties' are scrubbed, bashed, dyed and hung out to dry. Mumbai is the most populated city of India.
Taj Mahal Palace & Towers (B, L)
Saturday October 15 Mumbai
After breakfast we pass by the India Gate on the way to our boat to Elephanta Island to see the famous caves filled with carvings and sculptures that date back to 550 A.D. On our return we have a beautiful view of the city from our boat.
Taj Mahal Palace & Towers (B, L)
Sunday October 16 Mumbai - Goa
In the morning we transfer to the airport for a short flight to Goa. On arrival in Goa we transfer to the Hotel. The rest of the day is free
for independent activities. Our hotel is right on the beach! Take a break and relax.
Taj Fort Aguda Beach Resort (B)
Monday October 17 Goa
We have a have day of sightseeing in Old Goa; visiting Dauna Paula, Miramar, Panaji and Altinho.
The rest of the day is free for your enjoyment.
Taj Fort Aguda Beach Resort (B)
Tuesday October 18 Goa - Chennai - Dubai - LAX
After our last breakfast in India we transfer to the airport for a short flight to Chennai. This city is very different from the others that we have visited. After a full day of touring we head back to the airport for our return flights. (B, L)
Meals included in the tour: (B) = Breakfast (L) = Lunch (D) =
Dinner
This fabulous journey includes:
~ Tour leader from LAX
~ Deluxe hotels
~ Round trip International Airfare (from Los Angeles)
~ Domestic flight
~ All Transfers
~ Tours with English speaking guide
~ Travel protection insurance
~ Entrance fees and all meals as indicated in the itinerary
