SPECIAL OF INDIA & NEPAL
14 or 17 DAYS Mumbai, Udaipur, Ranakpur, Jodhpur,
 Jaipur, Fatehpur Sikri, Agra, Khajuraho, Varanasi, Delhi
 

Day 1: Arrive Mumbai (Bombay)
Arrive tonight in Mumbai (formerly Bombay), India’s most cosmopolitan city. You are greeted with a traditional Indian welcome and escorted to the famous colonial TAJ MAHAL PALACE & TOWER..

Day 2: Mumbai Sightseeing
After a leisurely morning, embark on a tour of Mumbai. Visit the Gateway of India, the Hanging Gardens, Malabar Hills—where Mumbai’s rich and famous live—the Prince of Wales Museum, Dhobi Ghat, Marine Drive, the Gandhi Memorial Museum and Jain Temple.

Day 3: Elephanta Caves / Udaipur
Cruise across the harbor to the Elephanta Caves, filled with carvings and sculptures dating to AD 550. In the evening, fly to Udaipur and check in at the world-famous TAJ LAKE PALACE, once a royal island retreat and now a luxurious hotel that seems to float upon the waters of Lake Pichola.

Day 4: Udaipur Sightseeing
Tour Udaipur, the “City of Lakes,” known as one of the most picturesque and romantic cities in India. Visit City Palace, Saheliyon ki Bari or Garden of Maids and the folklore museum where you can see a presentation of the string puppets typical to this area. Afternoon is at leisure.

Day 5: Udaipur / Ranakpur / Jodhpur
Drive to Jodhpur, stopping en-route to visit the beautifully sculpted Jain temples of Ranakpur. Stop for lunch at Maharani Bagh, a mango grove and the private gardens of the Maharajah of Jodhpur. UMAID BHAWAN PALACE

Day 6: Jodhpur Sightseeing
Visit the invincible Mehrangarh Fort, followed by a visit to the Jaswant Thada, a graceful marble cenotaph built in 1899 for Maharajah Jaswant Singh II. Also visit cenotaphs of other Maharajahs of Jodhpur. Afternoon is at leisure.

Day 7: Jodhpur / Jaipur
Travel to Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, also known as the “Pink City.” Check in at the Maharajah’s former residence, the magnificent RAMBAGH PALACE. This afternoon visit the Hawa Mahal or “Palace of Winds,” City Palace and the ancient observatory.

Day 8: Amber Fort Excursion
You are transported back in time today, riding royally atop elegantly draped and painted elephants, to the mountain fortress of Amber. Afternoon is at leisure. This evening enjoy a performance of Rajasthani folk dancing.

Day 9: Jaipur / Fatehpur Sikri / Agra
Drive to Agra, stopping en route to visit the abandoned city of Fatehpur Sikri. This nearly intact Mughal city is a masterpiece of Muslim, Hindu and Jain architecture, unique to India. Your afternoon tour of Agra, the last capital of the Mughal Empire in India, includes a visit to the 16th-century Agra Fort before experiencing the magnificent Taj Mahal, a monument to the memory of love. Your romantic encounter is further enhanced by the opportunity to view this beautiful edifice in the warm glow of sunset. TAJ VIEW HOTEL (Taj Facing Rooms)

Day 10: Agra / Khajuraho
This morning, experience a train ride to Jhansi, a major junction for both road and rail. Continue by road to Khajuraho, stopping en route to visit Orchha, a medieval city frozen in time and space, existing to this day as it must have in the 17th century. HOTEL CHANDELA

Day 11: Khajuraho / Varanasi
Visit the Western & Eastern groups of temples before flying to Varanasi (also known as Benares), India’s holiest city. Visit the stupas, ruins and museum at Sarnath, the site of Buddha’s first sermon. This evening meet with an expert astrologer who will read your palm, if you so desire. TAJ GANGES

Day 12: Varanasi / Delhi
A sunrise boat ride on the Ganges presents an incredible tableau, as multitudes of devotees pay homage to the Sun God. Cruise past the bathing ghats and crematoriums, followed by a walking tour of the old city. Later fly to India’s bustling capital city of Delhi, where you are met and transferred to the THE TAJ MAHAL.

Day 13: Delhi Sightseeing
This morning’s tour of Old Delhi includes the Red Fort, Raj Ghat—a memorial to Mahatma Gandhi—Ashoka Pillar and the mile-long Chandni Chowk bazaar. This afternoon, embark on a tour of New Delhi. Drive along Rajpath, the capital’s broadest avenue, for a view of the Parliament House, the President’s House and India Gate. Visit Humayun’s Tomb, Qutab Minar and Birla Temple.

Day 14: Akshardham Temple Sightseeing
This morning visit the beautiful Akshardham Temple. Built without steel, it consists of 234 ornately carved pillars, 9 ornate domes, 20 quadrangled shikhars, a spectacular Gajendra Pith (plinth of stone elephants) and 20,000 statues of India’s great sadhus (holy men), devotees, acharyas (saints) and divine personalities. Afternoon is at leisure. Late this evening you are transferred to the international airport for your flight back home.

KATHMANDU EXTENSION

Day 15 Thu: Delhi / Kathmandu
Fly this evening to Kathmandu, capital of Nepal. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to SOALTEE CROWNE PLAZA.

Day 16 Fri: Mt. Everest Flight-Seeing / Patan & Bhadgaon Excursion
Experience a one-hour mountain flight over the mighty Himalayas to see Mt. Everest. Your morning tour includes the charming towns of Bhaktapur, Pashupathinath and Bodhnath, followed later in the afternoon by Patan and the Tibetan handicraft center. This evening enjoy a presentation of Nepalese folk dances.

Day 17 Sat: Kathmandu / Delhi
This afternoon, visit Durbar Square, Temple of the Living Goddess and Swayambhunath. This afternoon fly to Delhi. You will be met and transferred to RADISSON HOTEL, where rooms will be provided so you can wash up and change. This evening, transfer to the international airport for your flight back home.

Other Suggested Extension
Visit Royal Chitwan National Park.

DATES/RATES

Internal airfare is an additional $640
Airfares: Based on current fares and subject to change. Please refer to our website for any updates.

INTERNATIONAL AIRFARE
Excellent international airfares are available upon request at the time of booking. The land price does not include any airfare, unless specified.

INCLUDES:

• Deluxe accommodation with private facilities

• A la carte dining including room service (breakfast & dinner), with dine-out plan (select your own menu at the restaurant of your choice and receive reimbursement from the tour manager)

• Domestic bottled water with every meal

• Arrival & departure transfers

• All sightseeing as per the itinerary

• Local English-speaking guides for sightseeing

• Entrance fee to monuments and cultural events

• Services of a professional TOLU tour manager

• Baggage handling

• All gratuities (except the tour manager)

• Sunset visit to the Taj Mahal

• Elephant ride up to Amber Fort

• Astrologer in Varanasi

• Boat ride on the Ganges River in Varanasi

Nepal Extension Inclusions

• Hotels as specified

• Nepalese folk dancing

• Mt. Everest flight-seeing tour