This is a past tour program.
The itinerary is shown here for information only. To see the current program and tour dates, click here.
India & Nepal: Delhi, Jaipur, Agra, Khajuraho, Varanasi, Kathmandu & more!
A holy man or "Saddhu", Kayhmandu Valley, Nepal
Our 15-day India and Nepal journey will amaze you with its abundance of fascinating, stunning, and exotic sights and sounds. You'll visit many of India's most important and significant cities, including New Delhi, the nation's capital and third-largest city, Jaipur, known as the "Pink City" for its unusual rose-colored sandstone architecture, Agra, site of the Taj Mahal, Khajuraho, with its exquisitely carved sculptures, and Varanasi, the holiest site in India, where thousands of Hindu pilgrims tour its temples and bathe in the Ganges River to gain religious merit. You'll continue to Nepal, at the foot of Mt. Everest, which few countries on Earth that can match for its combination of spectacular scenery, exotic culture and hospitable people. All of this for prices that represent exceptional value for money.
India & Nepal Touring Program
Day 1: Depart USA. Your exotic journey to India begins this evening as you depart from New York for Delhi.
Day 2: Arrive Delhi. Evening arrival in India's capital. You'll be escorted to your deluxe hotel. Crowne Plaza Hotel Surya New Delhi
Jama Masjid, Delhi, India
Day 3: New Delhi. This morning, see New Delhi's highlights including 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 to Mahatma Gandhi and the Jamma Masjid, India's largest mosque. See the magnificent Red Fort, built in 1648 as a symbol of Mughal's power. This evening, your tour director hosts a welcome dinner. (B,D)
Palace of Winds (Hawa Mahal), Jaipur
Day 4: Delhi/Jaipur. Morning at leisure to shop at Delhi's exciting markets. Later travel to Jaipur, the "Pink City", famous for its exquisite buildings of rose-colored terra cotta.
Rajputana Palace Sheraton (or similar) (B)
Day 5: Jaipur. 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, an extension of the city palace built as harem chambers. The 953 street-facing windows allowed royal ladies to observe everyday life in the street below without being seen.
Elephant ride up to Amber Fort, 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. (B)
Taj Mahal, Agra, India
Day 6: Jaipur/Agra. En route to Agra, visit Fatehpur Sikri, once a glittering capital but later abandoned due to scarcity of water. You'll marvel at the well-preserved buildings and red sandstone palaces. Proceed to Agra, home of the legendary shrine built and dedicated to love, the Taj Mahal.
Mughal Sheraton Hotel (or similar) (B)
Day 7: Agra. 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 to the Agra Fort, a cluster of mosques and palaces on the banks of the river and to the bustling spice market. Later, explore on your own, shop or relax at your luxury hotel's pool-side. (B)
Chitragupta Temple, Khjuraho
Day 8: Agra/Khajuraho. 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.
Jass Trident Hotel (B)
Day 9: Khajuraho. 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. (B)
Day 10: Khajuraho/Varanasi. Fly to Varanasi, Hinduism's holiest city, situated on the sacred Ganges River. Tour the important temples and shrines and pass narrow streets filled with shops selling exotic spices and silks. Radisson Hotel Varanasi (B)
Day 11: Varanasi/Kathmandu, Nepal. 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. Hyatt Regency Hotel (B)
Kathmandu Valley from Swayambhunath Hill
Day 12: Kathamandu. Morning visit to the major temple towns in the Kathmandu Valley, in the shadow of the Himalayan mountains. See the gilded copper gate in Bhadgeon, 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. (B)
Mt. Everest, Nepal
Day 13: Kathmandu. Today, you may experience an optional Mount Everest scenic flight over the breathtaking Himalayas (weather permitting). Later, drive through the captivating countryside to the "City of Artists", Patan 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. (B)
Day 14: Kathmandu/Delhi. Leisure time for last minute pursuits before your flight back to Delhi. Crowne Plaza Hotel Surya New Delhi (B)
Day 15: Delhi/USA. Early this morning bid farewell. Your memorable journey ends as you arrive New York this afternoon. (B)
Destination FAQs
For quick answers to Frequently Asked Questions about travel to India, click here.
For quick answers to Frequently Asked Questions about travel to Nepal, click here.
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