Dazzling Dubai & India Express
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Overview
| Featuring | Exhilarating Dubai; plus explore the lost empires of India in Delhi, Agra, the Taj Mahal & the pink city of Jaipur; Optional Extension to Nepal | |
| Style | Small Group TourTravel with a small, intimate group of 15-24 likeminded travelers escorted by an English speaking guide and/or tour manager for some or all of your journey. More of these packages
24 travelers max, tour escorts & guides for some segments |
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| Departures | Scheduled Dates: 10 open departures, January – September 2019 | |
| Price Includes |
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| Optional |
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| Highlights |
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| Departs | New York Kennedy (JFK); other gateways on request (flight schedule) | |
| Themes | History & Culture | |
| What to Expect | This fast-paced, partially escorted tour includes a reasonable amount of walking or hiking and requires an average level of physical fitness. This tour also includes long scenic drives between destinations, sometimes on bumpy unpaved roads and may have limited rest stops. | |
| As Seen in |
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Prepare for your trip Already booked? Find everything you need to know before you go, including information about passport & visa requirements, flights, luggage, and more.
Prepare to be dazzled twice on this innovative tour package to Dubai and India. Dubai is home to the world’s tallest building, a man-made island archipelago created for luxury living and vacationing, an indoor ski resort complete with ski lift, plenty of fine dining, and an ancient culture that has leapt from desert tent to skyscraper condo in less than 50 years.
In India, you’ll explore the "Golden Triangle", from fascinating and exotic Delhi, to Agra and the Taj Mahal, the world's most famous and lovely monument to love, to Jaipur, the "pink city," full of lavish mansions and palaces.
But don't wait to reserve your place. Space is definitely limited, and at these prices, it will surely sell out fast!
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Dates, Prices & Options
Itinerary
Notice: The Taj Mahal is currently undergoing renovations. Some scaffolding has been erected on sections of the building and some of its surrounding spires. Renovations are expected to be completed in Spring of 2019.Day 1: Depart USA
- Check in for your overnight flight to Dubai
Day 2: Dubai
Accommodations: 3 nights JW Marriott Marquis or similar, Dubai.
- Arrive in Dubai, meet our representatives, and transfer to your centrally located hotel
- NOTE: The flight from Washington D.C. Dulles (IAD) arrives early in the morning in Dubai (around 8AM). Check-in at the hotel is at 3PM. If you wish to check-in immediately please add early check-in to your reservation.
Day 3: Dubai
Included meals: Breakfast.
Enjoy a guided panoramic tour of Dubai -- see the highlights of this amazing place
The balance of the day is at leisure in one of the most dazzling cities in the world, or join several exciting optional excursions
Optional Excursion: Half Day Dubai City Tour, $65. Today's exciting optional morning tour will take you to picturesque Dubai Creek, which the Ancient Greeks called the River Zara. The first settlements by the Bani Yas tribe were along its banks, and later it served as a port for ships coming from as far as India and East Africa. Today, this saltwater creek divides the modern city into two parts, Deira on the north and Bur Dubai to the south, and remains a busy waterway both for traditional dhows and sleek luxury yachts. This is your first photo opportunity with a magnificent panorama of the city and its amazing futuristic skyline.
Next stop is the Bastakiya district, where traditional courtyard houses, with characteristic wind towers that cleverly catch the breezes to cool the houses, line the narrow alleys. Many of the houses in this picturesque area of Dubai, previously home to the city's merchants, have been lovingly restored by proud locals who wish to preserve the unique ambience of the district.
Continue to the Dubai Museum, housed in the massive, restored Al Fahidi Fort. Inside, lifelike dioramas offer a fascinating view of life in Dubai before the discovery of oil. You'll learn the importance of the date palm to the desert culture, the maritime traditions of fishing and pearl-diving, boat building and much more. Take a walk through the bustling, exotic souks, where you'll find beautiful and bargain-priced textiles, spices and gold. Another highlight of your city tour is a chance to take one of Dubai's most reliable and inexpensive forms of transportation, the Abra water taxi.
Your coach will bring you back to your hotel.
Optional Excursion: Burj Khalifa, $59. In the afternoon, you may choose to independently visit the Burj Khalifa (formerly known as Burj Dubai), officially opened in 2010 as the tallest building in the world. This miracle of international cooperation and coordination houses a luxury Armani hotel, offices of some of the world's most successful companies, and for a lucky few, homes that are as high as the clouds. Take in sweeping views of the city from the breathtakingly high "At the Top" observation deck.
Optional Excursion: Desert Safari & BBQ Dinner, $90. For those in the mood for adventure, in the late afternoon, set out on an optional desert safari tour, where you'll discover the vastness and stark beauty of the desert that surrounds Dubai. Experience an exciting jeep ride over the surrounding sand dunes. You'll also enjoy a traditional BBQ dinner and live belly dancing entertainment on this exciting optional tour. *The sand dunes jeep ride is not recommended for people with neck, back or cardiac concerns.
Day 4: Dubai
Included meals: Breakfast.
- Relax and explore on your own, or join an optional excursion to Abu Dhabi
Optional Excursion: Full Day Abu Dhabi, $120. Today, see another sophisticated city of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi. Enjoy a panoramic view of Jebel Ali, the largest man-made port, en route to the iconic symbol of Abu Dhabi, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Later, drive along the sweeping curve of the Corniche, replete with parks and fountains, from which you'll enjoy a contrast of modern skyscrapers against the sparkling waters of the Persian Gulf. Visit the Heritage Village, and learn about the history of Abu Dhabi in a reconstructed oasis. Walk through the open-air museum and see craftsmen demonstrate traditional skills. Later, pass by the Sheik Khalifa Palace, home to the president of the UAE. Afterwards, take a photo stop at Yas Island, where the Ferrari World theme park and Formula 1 race track are located. Return to Dubai.
Optional Excursion: Dhow Dinner Cruise, $85 (purchased locally). This evening, we recommend an optional dinner cruise by dhow boat on the Dubai Creek. A magnificent view of both sides of Dubai Creek illuminated by night adds to the charm of this wonderful way to experience Dubai.
Day 5: Dubai & Delhi
Accommodations: 2 nights Shangri-La Eros Hotel or similar, Delhi. Included meals: Breakfast.
- Transfer to the airport for your flight to Delhi
- Upon arrival, you'll be met and escorted to your hotel
Day 6: Old & New Delhi
Included meals: Breakfast.
- Full day sightseeing tour of Old and New Delhi
- Ride by bicycle rickshaw to Jama Masjid, India's largest mosque
Full Day Itinerary: After buffet breakfast at the hotel, board your coach to explore Old and New Delhi. Sprawling on the banks of the river Yamuna, bustling Delhi typifies the soul of India, where many layers of civilizations have flourished for more than 3,000 years.
Begin at the modern Laxmi Narayan Temple, built in honor of the Hindu goddess of wealth, Laxmi, and of her consort, Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the Hindu Trinity. Popularly known as the Birla Temple for the noted industrialist family which built it, Laxmi Naryan Temple was one of the first major Hindu places of worship open to the lower caste Harijans (untouchables). Continue to Raj Ghat, the memorial to Gandhi, built at the site of his cremation on the banks of the Yamuna River. Drive past the magnificent Red Fort, built in 1648 as a symbol of Mughal's power.
Later, ride by bicycle rickshaw to the Jama Masjid, India's largest mosque. Commissioned by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, it was completed in 1656 after six years of work by 5,000 laborers. The impressive marble and red sandstone edifice is considered one of the loveliest houses of worship in the world and contains a collection of important relics. It can accommodate 25,000 worshipers and still serves as one of the primary mosques in Old Delhi.
Next, you'll marvel at the Qutab Minar, the world's tallest free standing minaret at 72.5 m (238 ft), and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Qutab Minar's origins are shrouded in mystery; some say it was erected as a victory tower to indicate Islamic rule over the country, while others believe it is simply an ornate minaret used to call the faithful to prayer. Whatever the reason, the five-story tower was exquisitely constructed of sandstones and marble obtained from the destruction of 27 Hindu Temples. Here you'll also find the Iron Pillar, a curiosity thought to date from 5th century A.D., which has never rusted.
Sightseeing continues in New Delhi, which reflects the legacy the British left behind. Drive past the India Gate, designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens and reminiscent of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. The 42 meter high structure is a war memorial for the Indian soldiers who died in World War I and the Afghan Wars. Burning in a shrine under the arch is the Amar Jawan Jyoti (the flame of the immortal warrior), which marks the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Proceed to the Parliament building and the Rastrapathi Bhawan, the President's residence.
Day 7: Delhi & Agra
Accommodations: 2 nights ITC Mughal Agra or similar. Included meals: Breakfast.
- Drive to Agra this morning
- Remainder of the day at leisure in Agra or take part in optional excursions
Full Day Itinerary: After a good night's sleep and breakfast, drive to Agra, an ancient city that came into prominence in Medieval times under the Mughal rulers and was once the capital of a sprawling Mughal kingdom covering much of southeast Asia. Check into your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.
Optional Excursion: Itmad-Ud-Daulah, $20.This tour takes you to Itmad-Ud-Daulah, known as the "Baby Taj," the first Mughal structure totally built from marble.
Optional Excursion: Mohabbat The Taj Cultural Show, $50.This evening witness a live performance 'Mohabbat - The Taj Show' at Kalakriti. See how the love story between Emperor Shah Jahan and his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal inspired the creation of one of the world wonders. *Note the performance is in Hindi, with headsets available in various languages.
*Show does not operate from May 1 - July 20 due to annual maintenance.
Day 8: Agra
Included meals: Breakfast.
- Rise early for a morning tour of the Taj Mahal
- Remainder of the day at leisure, or join optional excursions
Full Day Itinerary: Rise early to enjoy a breathtaking morning tour of the Taj Mahal, truly one of the wonders of the world. Built in the 17th century by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as an expression of his love for his wife Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj took 22 years and 20,000 men to build, its white marble quarried 200 miles away and transported to the site by a fleet of 1000 elephants. Though the Taj is known for its stunning symmetry and balance, it is the close-up marble inlay work which is really astounding. You'll have ample time to explore this outstanding piece of architecture, and to wander the pristine gardens that surround it. *Departure from the hotel may be as early as 5:30am. Visit time may change depending on weather conditions.
Afterwards, return to the hotel for breakfast.
Optional Excursion: Agra Fort, $25. Visit the splendid Agra Fort, built by and inhabited by six successive generations of Mughal emperors—Babur, Humayun, Akbar, Jehangir, Shah Jahan and Aurangzeb. Though often eclipsed by the Taj Mahal, this sprawling fortress, more accurately described as a massive walled palatial city, is magnificent in its own right, and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. It was here that Shah Jahan was imprisoned by his son, Aurangzeb, and from the Muasamman Burj, a tower with a marble balcony, Jahan watched the continuing construction of his Taj Mahal until his death.
Optional Excursion: Mehtab Bagh, $20. Visit Mehtab Bagh at sunset to enjoy uninterrupted views of the Taj Mahal. Emperor Shah Jahan who had the Taj Mahal built, felt that the best view of this mausoleum was from the Mehtab Bagh. The 25 acres crescent-shaped land laid in the 17th century is situated along the Bank of the river Yamuna.
Day 9: Agra, Abhaneri Village & Jaipur
Accommodations: 2 nights ITC Rajputana Jaipur or similar. Included meals: Breakfast & lunch.
- Visit Abhaneri Village and see the Chand Baori stepwell
- Continue to Jaipur and check into your hotel
Full Day Itinerary: After breakfast, depart for Abhaneri Village, a popular stop along the Agra-Jaipur road for the impressive Chand Baori stepwell and the Harshat Mata Temple. The Chand Baori is perhaps the region’s most visited stepwell and is one of the largest and deepest in all of India. These stepwells were created to harvest rain water and also provided the locals a place to cool off during the hottest summer months as the temperature is a few degrees cooler at the bottom of the well than at its surface. After some exploration, continue to Jaipur, stopping en route at the Umaid Lake Resort for an included lunch. Arrive in Jaipur and check into your hotel.
Day 10: Jaipur
Included meals: Breakfast & dinner.
- Morning tour of Jaipur, including a brief stop at the Hawa Mahal and a visit to the Amber Fort
- Afternoon at leisure or take part in an optional excursion
- Enjoy a farewell dinner with fellow travelers
Full Day Itinerary: This morning's tour starts with a brief photo stop at the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds). Its beehive-like structure is an interplay of red and pink sand stone, painstakingly outlined with white borders and motifs. Behind this elaborate latticed facade, the cloistered ladies of the court could watch the daily goings-on in the street below.
Then, continue to the imposing Amber Fort, ancient capital of Rajasthan. The fort was begun in the 17th century by Maharaja Mansingh, Emperor Akbar's most successful general. Perched atop the Aravalli hills overlooking the Moat Lake, the fort's fortified battlements and crenellated walls spread over many acres. Ascend to the fortress by jeep or elephant (if available) to view the sprawling complex of courtyards and halls, many of them hung with magnificent paintings and inlaid with precious stones.
This afternoon, explore the markets and lanes of Jaipur on your own. Known as the Pink City, Jaipur is India's first and perhaps best planned city, full of beauty and color. Here you find magnificent palaces and gardens, serene lakes, and wide tree-lined streets. Except for the busy traffic of bicycles, cars and buses, little seems to have changed since 1727, when Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II designed and built the city.
Later this evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant with fellow travelers.
*Kindly note that you will see elephant rides offered around the Amber Fort. However, Friendly Planet Travel has made the compassionate decision to not include elephant rides in our itineraries, as the process to train these brilliant animals is not up to our ethical standards as it is painful and involves "breaking" so they don't pose risk of attacking humans. In addition, elephant backbones are delicate and not meant to carry the weight of saddles and people. Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.
Optional Excursion: Jaipur City Tour including the City Palace & Jantar Mantar Observatory, $30. Take an optional excursion to some of the city's famous pink sandstone buildings, including the City Palace Museum, housing the magnificent art collections of the Maharajas of Jaiputo. At the entrance to the City Palace is Jantar Mantar, the largest of five observatories founded by classical astronomer Sawai Jai Singh II nearly three centuries ago. Its 14 massive masonry instruments are extraordinarily precise and were used for measuring time, predicting eclipses, tracking stars' location as the earth orbits around the sun ascertaining the declinations of planets, and more.
Day 11: Jaipur & Delhi
Included meals: Breakfast.
- In the morning, depart for Delhi via motor-coach and transfer to the airport
- Board your return flight home via Dubai
- Passengers taking the optional Nepal extension will overnight in New Delhi at the Novotel New Delhi Aerocity or similar. Continue on Day 12 of the extension itinerary below.
Day 12: Arrive USA
- Your adventure ends today as you arrive in the USA
Nepal Extension
Take advantage of your already included airfare and add an optional extension to mysterious Nepal. The Nepal Extension includes 1 night in Delhi, round trip flights from Delhi to Kathmandu, 3 nights in Kathmandu with a full touring program, transfers, buffet breakfast daily and a farewell dinner and performance. Passengers taking the Nepal Extension will return to the U.S. 4 days later than the return dates shown. Note: Due to the earthquake in April 2015, many of Nepal's stupas and other sites are under ongoing renovations.
Day 12: Delhi & Kathmandu, Nepal
Accommodations: 3 nights Hyatt Regency Kathmandu or similar. Included meals: Breakfast.
- Transfer to the airport to take a short flight to Kathmandu, Nepal
- You will be met upon arrival and transferred to your hotel
- Welcome drink will be served on arrival at your hotel
- Later, visit Boudhanath, one of the world’s largest stupas
Full Day Itinerary: Transfer to the airport for your flight to Kathmandu. Having cleared immigration, collect your luggage and pass through customs. Upon exiting the terminal you will be met and transferred to your hotel and a welcome drink will be served upon arrival. After check-in, take a walk with your guide to Boudhanath which is possibly the world's largest Buddhist stupa. Around the stupa a number of monasteries have sprung up including one that houses an enormous seated statue of Maitreya Buddha splendidly adorned.
Day 13: Kathmandu, Patan City & Swoyambhunath
Included meals: Breakfast.
- Optional morning flight over Mt. Everest
- After breakfast, travel to Patan City south of Kathmandu
- In the afternoon, visit the National Museum and Swoyambhunath, the ‘monkey temple’
Full Day Itinerary: This morning you will have an opportunity to experience an optional early morning scenic flight over Mt. Everest and the breathtaking Himalayas. After breakfast, visit Patan City located just south of Kathmandu in the Kathmandu Valley. The official name of the city is Lalitpur, meaning city of fine art. Walk from Kumaripati through the narrow streets, curios shops and bazaars. On the way, visit the Golden Temple and then go to Patan Durbar Square where you will see the sky piercing temple of Taleju.
In the afternoon, drive to Swoyambhunath. En route, make a stop at the National Museum to see a splendid collection of weapons and artifacts from ancient, medieval and modern Nepal. Continue to Swoyambhunath, also known as the "Monkey Temple" which is said to be over 2,000 years old and one of the world's most fabulous Buddhist temples. Situated on top of a high hill where legendary Manjushri discovered the lotus growing in the ancient Kathmandu Valley Lake, Swoyambhunath commands a superb view of the valley below.
Optional Excursion: Mt. Everest Flyover, $199 (purchased locally). Early this morning you will have an opportunity to experience an optional Mt. Everest scenic flight over the breathtaking Himalayas, weather permitting. This optional excursion must be purchased locally.
Day 14: Kathmandu & Bhaktapur
Included meals: Breakfast & dinner.
- Enjoy a morning visit to Bhaktapur Durbar Square
- This afternoon visit Kathmandu Durbar Square at the heart of the old city
- In the evening, enjoy a Nepalese farewell dinner and performance
Full Day Itinerary: In the morning, drive to Bhaktapur Durbar Square, located in the center of Bhaktapur. The square is one of the most charming architectural showpieces of the valley and is home to some of the finest medieval arts of Nepal. Here you’ll see the Lion Gate, the Golden Gate, Nyatapola Temple and statues of the kings of Nepal.
In the afternoon, drive back to Kathmandu and visit Kathmandu Durbar Square, located in the heart of the old city. Visit Kumari temple, Taleju temple, Shiv Parvati temple, and Kal Bhairav. On a walk through a local bazaar, you will discover the true heart of Kathmandu in the sights, sounds and smells. This evening, join your fellow travelers for Nepalese farewell dinner and dance performance.
Day 15: Kathmandu & Depart Delhi
Included meals: Breakfast.
- Enjoy the morning at leisure in Kathmandu to shop and explore independently
- Transfer to the airport for your flight to Delhi
- Bid farewell to India & Nepal as you board your overnight return flight to the USA
Day 16: Arrive USA
- Your memorable journey ends today when you arrive in the USA
Full Day Itinerary: This morning you will have an opportunity to experience an optional early morning scenic flight over Mt. Everest and the breathtaking Himalayas. After breakfast, visit Patan City located just south of Kathmandu in the Kathmandu Valley. The official name of the city is Lalitpur, meaning city of fine art. Walk from Kumaripati through the narrow streets, curios shops and bazaars. On the way, visit the Golden Temple and then go to Patan Durbar Square where you will see the sky piercing temple of Taleju.
Hotels
JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai
Deluxe
The 5 star JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai is conveniently located in the business district of Dubai. Its location offers guests easy access to notable attractions, such as the world-renowned Dubai Mall and the jaw-dropping Burj Khalifa.
In the unlikely event that a particular hotel is not available, a similar or better hotel may be substituted.
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Things to Know
- Any tips before I depart? Yes! We've compiled a handy checklist of everything you need to know before you go, including information on how to pay your balance due, flights & transfers, packing & luggage, and more.
- I'm traveling solo. Can you help me find a roommate? Yes, you can connect with other travelers to share a room and avoid single occupancy rates.
- Can I make changes to my trip? Want to upgrade your seats? Depart from another city? Stay a few extra days? Something else? Just ask!
- Can I bring my kids? Are there any age restrictions? To book this package, you must be 18 or older. Your traveling companions must be 12 or older at time of travel.
- Do I need a visa or any other documents? Travel visas are required for this package. Please review the requirements.
- Should I purchase travel protection? Yes! Protect your travel investment with our travel protection plan, available to U.S. residents.
- What's the fine print? Review the terms & conditions for this package.
- What should I know about India? Check out our guide for travel tips, the best time to go, blog posts, videos, and more.
- What should I know about Dubai? Check out our guide for travel tips, the best time to go, blog posts, videos, and more.
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