Tour price includes: Agra Moti Masjid mosque, Agra Red Fort, Agra bazaar, Agra Taj Mahal (evening), Agra Taj Mahal (morning), Fatehpur Sikri desert city, Jaipur Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), Jaipur Amber Fort, Amber on elephant back, Amber Fort Garden, Jaipur Observatory (Jantar Mantar), Jaipur City Palace, Jaipur Jai Mahal Lake Palace, Jaipur Johari Bazaar Jewellers’ market, Udaipur City Palace, Udaipur Crystal Gallery, Udaipur Durbar Hall for afternoon tea, Udaipur Lake Pichola boat cruise, Delhi Jama Masjid, Delhi Red Fort, Delhi Raj Ghat, Delhi India Gate, Delhi Parliament House, Delhi President’s House, Delhi Qutab Minar tower, Delhi bicycle rickshaw ride.
ITINERARY
Day 1 DELHI
You will be met on arrival in Delhi and transferred to your hotel for a 2-night stay. Overnight Delhi.
New Delhi, the capital and the third largest city of India, is a fusion of the ancient and the modern, unwinding a picture rich with culture, architecture and human diversity, deep in history, monuments, museums, galleries, and gardens. Comprising of two contrasting yet harmonious parts, Old Delhi and New Delhi, the city is a travel hub of Northern India. Narrating the city’s Mughal past, Old Delhi takes you through the labyrinthine streets passing through formidable mosques, monuments and forts. You will also discover lively and colourful bazaars.
Day 2 DELHI
A half day city tour this morning will introduce you to Old Delhi, including an exhilarating bicycle rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk – a hustling & bustling market place and a maze of narrow streets. Visits will be made to:
- Jama Masjid – an architectural extravaganza of Shah Jahan, with its vast marble domes and minarets. The largest mosque in India, this is a handsome structure that is still used today
- Red Fort – an impressive and immense red sandstone Mughal fort enclosing beautiful palaces and gardens within*
- Raj Ghat – where the Father of India, Mahatama Gandhi, was cremated in 1948
This aftermoon you will discover New Delhi, driving past India Gate, Parliament House, and the President’s House. Time will be spent at Qutab Minar, an 11th century, 73-metre high victory tower built by slave king Qutubuddin Aibak and later completed by his successor Iltumish. Overnight Delhi. (B)
Day 3 DELHI-AGRA 200kms – 4hrs drive
Drive to Agra this morning. This afternoon visit the Agra Fort, the original red sandstone fort built by Akbar in 1565. Shahjahan added the marble palaces inside. Inside the fort is a famous pure marble mosque, the Moti Masjid. Explore the colourful local bazaar, and also see the intricate work of marble inlaid with fine gemstones, which is unique to Agra. Then late afternoon you will be taken to experience the ethereal beauty of the Taj Mahal** – symbol of love – at sunset. Overnight Agra. (B)
An immense mausoleum of white marble, built in Agra between 1631 and 1648 by order of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favourite wife, the Taj Mahal is the jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world’s heritage.
Day 4 AGRA-JAIPUR VIA FATEHPUR SIKRI 265kms – 6hrs drive
This morning drive to Jaipur, stopping en route to explore Fatehpur Sikri – the deserted red sandstone city built by Emperor Akbar as his capital in the late 16th Century. On to the magnificent Pink City of Jaipur, where you will spend 3 nights. (B)
Jaipur, the vibrant capital of Rajasthan is popularly known as the ‘Pink City’ because of the pink-coloured buildings in its old city. It sits on a dry lakebed in a somewhat arid landscape surrounded by forts and palaces. The walled old city is in the northeast of Jaipur, the new parts spread to the south and west. Jaipur offers a combination of splendid sightseeing and shopping opportunities. If Jaipur is a dream city for those with an eye for history and romance, it is also a shopper’s paradise. The main tourist attractions are in the old city, and the principal shopping centre is Johari Bazaar, the jewellers’ market.
Day 5 JAIPUR
Enjoy an elephant back ride or travel by jeep up to the Amber Fort this morning*** -and also visit the Palace, Kali Temple and Jai Mahal. An afternoon city tour of Jaipur will include visiting The City Palace, Palace of Winds, Jai Singh’s Observatory and of course shopping in the Pink City. (B)
Day 6 JAIPUR
Free day to relax, go shopping, or further explore this magical city. (B)
Day 7 JAIPUR-UDAIPUR
This morning you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Udaipur. On arrival in Udaipur you will be met and transferred to your hotel. You will then be taken on a half day city tour of Udaipur. The City Palace, a marvel of marble and granite overlooking Lake Pichola, is the largest palace in Rajasthan, its exquisite worksmanship making it a must on every visitor’s itinerary. A visit will also be made to the exquisite Crystal Gallery, followed by tea or coffee at Durbar Hall. (B)
Udaipur’s kaleidoscope of fairy-tale palaces, lakes, temples, gardens and narrow lanes strewn with stalls, carry the flavour of an heroic past, epitomising valour and chivalry. Their reflection in the placid waters of Lake Pichola is an enticing sight…One of the most romantic cities in Rajasthan, Udaipur is also known as the city of lakes. The marble palaces, beautifully laid out gardens and the lakes make Udaipur seem almost like a mirage in the desert.
Day 8 UDAIPUR
A free day in this beautiful city for shopping or further sightseeing, or to just relax at your hotel. Evening enjoy a boat ride on Lake Pichola. Overnight Udaipur. (B)
Day 9 UDAIPUR
You will be transferred to the airport today for your onward or homeward flight. (B)
NOTES
*The Red Fort is closed on Mondays. Also the places visited may not be in the same order.
**Note that the Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays.
***Elephant or Jeep ride, subject to availability.
| ACCOMMODATION – HIGHLIGHTS OF RAJASTHAN | ||
| DELUXE HOTELS (5 Star+) | SUPERIOR HOTELS (4 Star+) | |
| DELHI - (2nights) |
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Imperial Hotel |
The Claridges Hotel (5 Star) With its colonial charm, The Claridges has been a veritable treasure in Lutyens Delhi since the 1950’s, successfully combining old-world service with 21st century conveniences to make your stay truly comfortable and memorable. The 173 guest rooms and suites on just 3 levels are concealed from the outside world and overlook the pool or the green foliage. Hotel amenities include: 3 very good restaurants, coffee shop, pool, tennis court, health club, hair salon, spa, bar, business services and travel services. The hotel is in a superior location, near the city’s business and shopping districts and main attractions but still in a quiet, leafy neighbourhood, a pleasant area to take a relaxing stroll. |
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| AGRA - (1night) |
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| The Oberoi Amarvilas (5 star deluxe ) “…uninterrupted views of the magnificent Taj Mahal” The Oberoi Amarvillas is a member of the Great Hotels of the World, a collection of the world’s finest luxury hotels. Each of the 105 luxurious rooms and suites of this unique hotel has a view of the glorious monument. The Oberoi Amarvilas reflects its grandeur with terraced gardens, reflection pools and tastefully decorated interiors. Moghul arches, domes and fountains complement the palace – offering superb views of the Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. All guest rooms have teak floors, hand-knotted carpets, fine handcrafted furniture and luxurious marble bathrooms with separate shower stalls. The amenities seem endless: a luxury spa with a range of therapies, a swimming pool beset by luxury sundeck chairs where snacks and drinks are served; an ornamented ballroom and a superb restaurant framing that most romantic vista in the world. |
Gateway Taj View (5 star) Taj-View Hotel allows visitors to live in the lap of luxury and gaze at the Taj Mahal for as long as they wish – whenever they feel like. Guests can look forward to gracious interiors, personalized service, and the Taj’s inimitable style for a memorable stay.The hotel offers extensive facilities and is home to Agra’s only 24-hour, multi-cuisine restaurant. |
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| JAIPUR - (2nights) |
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| Rambagh Palace Rajasthan evokes images of erstwhile royalty – polo-playing princes and beautiful princesses who captured their hearts. The history of Rajasthan – or ‘Rajputana’ as it was once called – is rich with legendary tales of love and valour. For nearly two centuries, the Rambagh Palace has been home to generations of royals. Built in 1835 on a modest scale for the queen’s favourite handmaiden Kesar Badaran, it was later refurbished as a royal guesthouse and hunting lodge. In 1925, Rambagh was converted into a palace, and became the residence of the Maharaja of Jaipur. The ‘Jewel of Jaipur’ as it is fondly called, remained the home of the Jaipur royal family until 1957, when it was first converted into a luxury hotel by Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II. But it wasn’t until 1972 that Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces took over the reins. It is now the ‘jewel in the crown’ among the authentic palaces of the Taj in India. In the finest tradition of Rajput hospitality, the Rambagh Palace offers its guests a taste of royal living – a luxury and extravagance that was once the sole preserve of kings. Its elegantly appointed rooms, marbled corridors and majestic gardens echo with history, and every corner has a story to tell. |
The Samode Haveli A small intimate hotel offering personalised service, Samode Haveli has been meticulously restored and integrated into a unique property. This unique atmosphere of the contemporary and the historic gives Samode Haveli a warm & friendly atmosphere enabling guests to relax and treat it as a home away from home! With its understated luxury, antique furniture, furnishings and original work-of-art, the hotel is a celebration of traditional values and gracious living. |
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| UDAIPUR - (2nights) |
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| Lake Palace The Taj Lake Palace, located in the middle of Lake Pichola is a dream of white marble and mosaic glistening in the moonlight, very reminiscent of the most beautiful tourist cliché in the world; the Taj Mahal. Conceived in romance, the palace was built in 1746 by Maharana Jagat Singh II, 62nd successor to the royal dynasty of Mewar – believed to be descendants of the Sun God. Set against the backdrop of the majestic Aravalli Mountains on one side of the lake, and lofty palaces on the other, the Taj Lake Palace spreads across a four-acre island – an almost surreal vision in marble. The Royal Butlers , descendents of the original palace retainers, look after all contemporary comforts and ensure that all guests are treated like Royalty. |
Hotel Fateh Prakash Palace The Fateh Prakash Palace Hotel is a part of the City Palace Complex, which was built in the early 20th century during the reign of Maharana Fateh Singhji. It is situated on the shores of Lake Pichola. The hotel is a royal residence decorated in the traditional style. Its antique furniture, its Durbar Hall with portraits of the Maharanas of Mewar and its Crystal Gallery has kept the spirit of the palace alive. The hotel amenities include billiards, table tennis, and a live band. |
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HIGHLIGHTS OF RAJASTHAN Tour Costs Include
• Transportation in private vehicle with chauffeur
• English speaking local guides for sightseeing
• Train Tickets where applicable
• Accommodation for the mentioned number of nights
• Daily breakfast
• Porterage
• Entrance fees at monuments & places of visit
• All sightseeing and tours – including a full or half day city tour at each major destination
COST PER PERSON – Land Only – Daily Departure
BOOK DURING FEBRUARY 2010 AND SAVE 5% ON THE PRICE BELOW
| Hotel Class | DELUXE | SUPERIOR | ||
| HIGHLIGHTS OF RAJASTHAN |
1 Oct 2009 to 15 Apr 2010 |
16 Apr to Sep 2010 |
1 Oct 2009 to 15 Apr 2010 |
16 Apr to Sep 2010 |
| Medium Car -twin share | $4422 [wp_cart:HIGHLIGHTS OF RAJASTHAN-Medium Car -twin share-DELUXE Class -1 Oct 2009 to 15 Apr 2010 :price:4422:end] |
$3458 [wp_cart:HIGHLIGHTS OF RAJASTHAN-Medium Car -twin share-DELUXE Class -16 Apr to Sep 2010 :price:3458:end] |
$1834 [wp_cart:HIGHLIGHTS OF RAJASTHAN-Medium Car -twin share-SUPERIOR Class -1 Oct 2009 to 15 Apr 2010 :price:1834:end] |
$1301 [wp_cart:HIGHLIGHTS OF RAJASTHAN-Medium Car -twin share-SUPERIOR Class -16 Apr to Sep 2010 :price:1301:end] |
| Toyota Innova -twin share | $4590 [wp_cart:HIGHLIGHTS OF RAJASTHAN-Toyota Innova -twin share-DELUXE Class -1 Oct 2009 to 15 Apr 2010 :price:4590:end] |
$3624 [wp_cart:HIGHLIGHTS OF RAJASTHAN-Toyota Innova -twin share-DELUXE Class -16 Apr to Sep 2010 :price:3624:end] |
$2002 [wp_cart:HIGHLIGHTS OF RAJASTHAN-Toyota Innova -twin share-SUPERIOR Class -1 Oct 2009 to 15 Apr 2010 :price:2002:end] |
$1468 [wp_cart:HIGHLIGHTS OF RAJASTHAN-Toyota Innova -twin share-SUPERIOR Class -16 Apr to Sep 2010 :price:1468:end] |
| Toyota Innova -triple share | $4329 [wp_cart:HIGHLIGHTS OF RAJASTHAN-Toyota Innova -triple share-DELUXE Class -1 Oct 2009 to 15 Apr 2010 :price:4329:end] |
$3365 [wp_cart:HIGHLIGHTS OF RAJASTHAN- Toyota Innova -triple share-DELUXE Class -16 Apr to Sep 2010 :price:3365:end] |
$1741 [wp_cart:HIGHLIGHTS OF RAJASTHAN-Toyota Innova -triple share-SUPERIOR Class -1 Oct 2009 to 15 Apr 2010 :price:1741:end] |
$1207 [wp_cart:HIGHLIGHTS OF RAJASTHAN -Toyota Innova -triple share-SUPERIOR Class -16 Apr to Sep 2010 :price:1207:end] |
| Mini Van 4 to 6 share | $4298 [wp_cart:HIGHLIGHTS OF RAJASTHAN- Mini Van 4 to 6 share-DELUXE Class -1 Oct 2009 to 15 Apr 2010 :price:4298:end] |
$3333 [wp_cart:HIGHLIGHTS OF RAJASTHAN- Mini Van 4 to 6 share-DELUXE Class -16 Apr to Sep 2010 :price:3333:end] |
$1709 [wp_cart:HIGHLIGHTS OF RAJASTHAN- Mini Van 4 to 6 share-SUPERIOR Class -1 Oct 2009 to 15 Apr 2010 :price:1709:end] |
$1176 [wp_cart:HIGHLIGHTS OF RAJASTHAN- Mini Van 4 to 6 share-SUPERIOR Class -16 Apr to Sep 2010 :price:1176:end] |
| Single Supplement | $3306 [wp_cart:HIGHLIGHTS OF RAJASTHAN-Single Supplement-DELUXE Class -1 Oct 2009 to 15 Apr 2010 :price:3306:end] |
$2309 [wp_cart:HIGHLIGHTS OF RAJASTHAN-Single Supplement-DELUXE Class -16 Apr to Sep 2010 :price:2309:end] |
$937 [wp_cart:HIGHLIGHTS OF RAJASTHAN-Single Supplement-SUPERIOR Class -1 Oct 2009 to 15 Apr 2010 :price:937:end] |
$604 [wp_cart:HIGHLIGHTS OF RAJASTHAN-Single Supplement-SUPERIOR Class -16 Apr to Sep 2010 :price:604:end] |