18 Days / 15 Nights

Nov 03 – Mon: Depart North America
Depart North America on your exciting journey to explore the Forts & Places of India.

Nov 04 - Tue: Arrive Delhi
Arrive tonight in India’s bustling capital city of Delhi, where you are greeted with a traditional Indian welcome and escorted to the TAJ MAHAL HOTEL (Superior Rooms).

Nov 05 - Wed: New Delhi Sightseeing
After a morning at leisure, embark on a tour of New Delhi. Drive along Rajpath, the capital’s broadest avenue, for a look at Parliament, the President’s House, India Gate, Humayun’s Tomb and Qutab Minar. Also visit Birla Mandir, a colorful and modern Hindu temple. Enjoy a welcome dinner at the Bistro restaurant with a presentation of Indian music and dance. (BLD)

Nov 06 - Thu: Old Delhi Sightseeing / Agra
This morning enjoy your 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 the Humayun’s Tomb, Qutab Minar and Birla Mandir, a colorful and modern Hindu temple. This afternoon drive to Agra, en route stopping at Sikandra to visit the tomb of Emperor Akbar. TAJ VIEW HOTEL (Taj Facing Room). (BD)

Nov 07 – Fri: Agra
Experience an early morning sunrise viewing of the magnificent Taj Mahal, a monument to the memory of love. After breakfast tour the exquisite 16th Century Agra Fort. Afternoon at leisure. (BD)

Nov 08 –Sat: Agra / Fatehpur Sikri / Jaipur
After breakfast proceed to the abandoned and nearly intact Mughal City of Fatehpur Sikri, a masterpiece of Muslim, Hindu and Jain architecture. Continue overland to Jaipur, the capital city of Rajasthan, also known as the “Pink City.” Check in at the Maharajah’s former residence, the magnificent RAMBAGH PALACE HOTEL. (BD)

Nov 09 – Sun: Amber Fort Excursion & Jaipur Sightseeing
You are transported back in time today, riding like royalty atop elegantly draped and painted elephants, up into the high mountain fortress of Amber. Later, enjoy a tour of Jaipur City, visiting Hawa Mahal or “Palace of Winds,” City Palace and the ancient observatory. (BD)

Nov 10 – Mon: Jaipur / Pushkar
Today a 3 hour drive takes you to Pushkar, the venue of the Pushkar Fair. Famous for the only temple dedicated to Lord Brahma. Every year on the full moon of November, thousands of pilgrims gather to bathe in the sacred lake. This occasion is also well known for one of the largest cattle fairs in Rajasthan – a riot of color, tradition, dance and costumes unparalleled anywhere in India. Later in the evening visit and experience the activities at the fair. TENTED CAMP (BD)

Nov 11 - Tue: Pushkar
Spend the day at the Pushkar fair, a riot of color and thousands of people from all over the world. The fair grounds reverberates with festivitiy, as row of make shift stalls display a bewildering array of items. Enjoy the experience of the highlight of Pushkar - camel trading. (B/D)

Nov 12 – Wed: Pushkar / Bikaner
This morning drive to the fascinating city of Bikaner, tucked away in the desert of western Rajasthan and characterized by its beautiful sandstone architecture. Enjoy your stay at historic LAXMI NIWAS (Standard Rooms), carved out of red sandstone and still inhabited by the royal family. (BD)

Nov 13 – Thu: Bikaner Sightseeing
Start the day by visiting the unusual Junagarh Fort, built on the desert plain itself, instead of a hilltop. The palace complex with its sumptuously decorated interiors, ornately lacquered walls and dazzling colored glass are perhaps the best preserved example of its kind in India. (BD)

Nov 14 – Fri: Bikaner / Jaisalmer
Drive to Jaisalmer today, a fascinating city rising from the heart of the Thar Desert like a golden mirage. The commanding fort etched in yellow sandstone stands in awesome splendor. RAWALKOT PALACE (Standard Rooms). (BD)

Nov 15 – Sat: Jaisalmer Sightseeing
Visit the awesome Jaisalmer Fort, housing the entire township within its ramparts. Lovely Nathmalji-ki-Haveli and Patwon-ki-Haveli; three beautifully sculptured Jain temples built between the 12th and 13th Centuries; and five interconnected palaces. No trip to Jaisalmer is complete without a trip to the picturesque dunes of Sam, where you will enjoy a camel safari this afternoon. The ripples on the wind-caressed dunes are a photographer’s delight. (BD)

Nov 16 – Sun: Jaisalmer / Jodhpur
Drive to the enchanting city of Jodhpur. Visit the invincible Mehrangarh Fort and the Jaswant Thada, a graceful marble cenotaph built in 1899. TAJ HARI MAHAL HOTEL (Superior Rooms). (BD)

Nov 17 - Mon: Jodhpur / Ranakpur / Udaipur
This morning depart for Udaipur. Stop en route and tour the beautifully sculpted Jain temples of Ranakpur. Continue your journey, stopping for lunch at Maharani Bagh - a mango grove and the private gardens of the Maharana of Jodhpur. Check in at the at the world-famous LAKE PALACE HOTEL (Lake Facing Rooms), once a royal island retreat and now a luxurious hotel seemingly floating upon the waters of Lake Pichola. (BD)

Nov 18 – Tue: Udaipur Sightseeing
Tour this famous “City of Lakes,” known as one of the most picturesque and romantic cities of India. Visit City Palace with its scalloped arches, fretted balconies and cupolas; Saheliyon ki Bari Garden; and the folklore museum where you can see a presentation of the string puppet show typical to this area. The afternoon is at leisure. (BD)

Nov 19 – Wed: Udaipur / Mumbai (Bombay)
Your day is at leisure. Evening fly to Mumbai (formerly Bombay), have dinner, bid farewell to India, and depart on your international flight. (BD)

Nov 20 – Thu: Arrive Home
Arrive home filled with colorful memories of your regal escapade in the heart of Rajasthan.