16 or 18 DAYS Mumbai, Udaipur, Ranakpur, Jodhpur, Jaipur, Fatepur Sikri, Agra, Khajuraho, Varanasi, Delhi

Day 1 Thu: Depart North America
Depart North America on your exciting journey to experience the Best of India & Nepal. Day rooms are provided in Singapore at the AMBASSADOR TRANSIT HOTEL. East Coast passengers connect through London.

Day 2 Fri: 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 3 Sat: 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. (BD)

Day 4 Sun: 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. (BD)

Day 5 Mon: 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. (BD)

Day 6 Tue: 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 (BD)

Day 7 Wed: 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.
(BD)

Day 8 Thu: 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. (BLD)

Day 9 Fri: 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. (BD)

Day 10 Sat: 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) (BD)

Day 11 Sun: 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 (BD)

Day 12 Mon: 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 (BD)

Day 13 Tue: 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. (BD)

Day 14 Wed: 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. (BD)

Day 15 Thu: 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. (BD)

Day 16 Fri: Arrive North America
Arrive home today, filled with warm memories of your journey through the Best of India & Nepal.

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. (BD)

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. (BD)

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. (BD)

Day 18 Sun: Arrive North America
Arrive home today, filled with warm memories of your journey through incredible India and Nepal.

Other Suggested Extension
Visit Royal Chitwan National Park.