Experience the style, elegance and luxury, reminiscent of a glorious bygone age. Enjoy the finest traditions of Rajput hospitality and retire to magnificent royal palaces that echo with history. Tour Pace: This is a moderately paced tour, utilising air travel as well as luxury air-conditioned coach to facilitate maximum enjoyment in the historic cities and famous monuments. Your Luxury Gold Hotels: Opulent and stunning, stay in sweeping traditional palaces in Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur and classic, contemporary, spacious properties in Delhi and Mumbai. While the Oberoi Amarvilas is Agra’s finest hotel with guaranteed views of the Taj’s pearly dome from your bedroom window.
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Day 1
DEPART CANADA
Board your overnight flight (not included).
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Day 2
DELHI AT LEISURE
Welcome to India! On arrival at Indira Gandhi International Airport, you are greeted with a floral garland and transferred to your elegant hotel. Tonight, join your Tour Director for a Welcome Reception with a delicious meal.(Welcome Reception)
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Day 3
DELHI DISCOVERY
The morning is devoted to Old Delhi as you board your rickshaw for a ride through the lanes of Chandni Chowk bazaar. View the Red Fort, visit Raj Ghat, Jama Masjid and Gandhi Smriti, the house where Mahatma Gandhi spent the last 144 days of his life. After an included Mediterranean style lunch and cooking demonstration in the shadow of the Qutub Minar, drive along the broad Rajpath past the India Gate and Parliament House to visit the Tomb of Humayun. Finish with an insight into the local religion at a colourful temple.(Buffet Breakfast / Highlight Lunch)
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Day 4
DELHI - AGRA
An early morning start for our fascinating journey to Agra. Upon arrival, visit the Taj Mahal, a flawless architectural creation taking 22 years and many thousands of craftsmen to build. Afterwards tour the palatial Royal Pavilions at Agra Fort for a glimpse of the royal Mughal lifestyle. Later, attend a spectacular stage musical production which follows the ‘Saga of Love’ that inspired the construction of the Taj Mahal. Back at your luxury hotel perhaps enjoy a drink over looking the Taj’s illuminated dome.(Buffet Breakfast)
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Day 5
AGRA - JAIPUR
Open the curtains this morning to reveal the lustrous Taj Mahal, bathed by the first rays of dawn. Then head to the ancient Mughul capital of Fatehpur Sikri, a deserted city full of architectural wonder. Lunch time finds you at the majestic Laxmi Vilas Palace in Bharatpur, home to the Baroda royal family for over 120 years. After a delicious lunch, continue through the rural landscapes of Rajasthan to your hotel, one of the best in the world, and the former residence of the Maharaja of Jaipur.(Buffet Breakfast / Highlight Lunch)
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Day 6
THE PINK CITY
Ascend by jeep to the Amber Fort, its royal halls decorated with intricate ivory, mirrors, glass and exquisite paintings. Back in Jaipur, see the intricate ‘Hawa Mahal’ (The Palace of Winds) and visit the City Palace Museum and royal observatory. This evening you are invited on an exclusive private tour through parts of the Royal Palace normally closed for public viewing. When possible, a member of the royal family will welcome you to their home. This is followed by an exclusive gala dinner with drinks at the palace. A royal treat you’ll remember for a lifetime.(Buffet Breakfast / Highlight Dinner)
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Day 7
JAIPUR - JODHPUR
Depart for the ‘blue city’ of Jodhpur, on the edge of the Thar Desert, dominated by its mighty fort. Stop along the way at a typical rural village where lunch is served. In contrast, stay in Jodhpur’s grandest lodgings, the last of the great palaces of India and one of the largest private residences in the world. Before dinner this evening enjoy a walking tour, champagne in hand, to learn all about its fascinating history of this majestic palace.(Buffet Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
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Day 8
JODHPUR - UDAIPUR
Your city tour includes the palaces of the Mehrangarh Fort and the white marble Jaswant Thada. Then move on to Ranakpur to explore the intricate carvings and architecture of the sprawling Jain temples. Lunch is served at the exclusive Mountbatten Lodge on the edge of the Kumbalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary. Continue to Udaipur, where your five-star deluxe palace hotel rises from the waters of Lake Pichola like a dream in white marble, set against the backdrop of the Aravalli Mountains.(Buffet Breakfast / Highlight Lunch)
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Day 9
VENICE OF THE EAST
Sightseeing today includes the labyrinthine City Palace complex, which houses the private residence of the Maharana of Mewar (King of Kings). Wander through the markets and bazaars to visit the Jagdish Temple and Garden of the Maids of the Honour. This afternoon is yours to enjoy at your leisure. As evening descends cruise the placid waters for wonderful views of the City Palace stretching along the east bank followed by dinner at one of your hotel’s exquisite restaurants.(Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)
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Day 10
UDAIPUR - MUMBAI
After an early breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Mumbai. A chance to relax and freshen up in your luxuriously appointed guest rooms before embarking on an afternoon sightseeing tour. Visit the Gateway of India, commemorating the arrival of King George V and Queen Mary in 1911. Admire the collection of Indian painting and sculpture at the Prince of Wales Museum, visit Jehangir Art Gallery and see the meticulous Hanging Gardens on top of Malabar Hill.(Buffet Breakfast)
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Day 11
MUMBAI'S SACRED CAVES
Enjoy the view of the city skyline on your cruise to Elephanta Island. Visit the complex of ancient cave temples listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. The massive entrance hall, supported by large pillars, houses the Mahesamurti, an enormous three-faced statue of Shiva. Back in Mumbai the afternoon is yours to do as you please. This evening, please join us for drinks and a farewell Celebration Dinner at the hotel’s fine dining restaurant.(Buffet Breakfast / Celebration Dinner)
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Day 12
RETURN TO CANADA
Your tour draws to a close today with transfers to the airport.(Buffet Breakfast)
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A Welcome Reception and delicious meal with your Tour Director. (WR)
Enjoy a highlight lunch and cooking demonstration at New Delhi’s Olive Bar & Kitchen. Highlight lunches are also served at Laxmi Vilas Palace, Bharatpur & Mountbatten Lodge, Ranakpur. (HL)
Attend an exclusive gala dinner including drinks at the Jaipur Royal Palace. (HD)
Enjoy a Celebration Dinner including selected spirits, beer, wine & soft drinks at Mumbai’s fine dining Indian restaurant Ziya. (CD)
10 Buffet Breakfasts (BB), 1 lunch (L), 2 Hotel Dinners in local or Western style, including tea, coffee and bottled water. (D)
Escorted by a professional Tour Director
Travel in comfort and style on our modern, air-conditioned luxury touring coaches and minibuses
One-way flight from Udaipur to Mumbai
Insight Hotels include all service charges, taxes and porterage
Insight Traveller Welcome pack
Arrival and departure transfers between the airport and your Insight tour hotels
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Mumbai: Visit the Gateway of India, Prince of Wales Museum, Jehangir Art Gallery and see the Hanging Gardens. Cruise to Elephanta Island to visit the ancient cave temples.
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