Day 1 Thu: Depart North America
Depart North America for Delhi on your exciting Essence of North India tour.
Day 2 Fri: Arrive Delhi
Arrive this evening in Delhi, India’s capitol city. You are greeted with a traditional Indian welcome and escorted to the RADISSON HOTEL DELHI (Superior Room).
Day 3 Sat: Delhi Sightseeing
Enjoy a full-day tour of Old & New Delhi. Your tour of Old Delhi includes the Red Fort, Raj Ghat—a memorial to Mahatma Gandhi—Ashoka Pillar and the mile-long Chandni Chowk bazaar. Continue on to New Delhi for a 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. This evening, enjoy a welcome dinner with entertainment. (BD)
Day 4 Sun: Delhi / Varanasi
Fly to Varanasi, the holiest city in India, located on the banks of the Ganges River. Visit the stupas, ruins and museum at Sarnath, scene of Buddha’s first sermon. This evening, meet with an expert astrologer who will read your palm, if you so desire. RADISSON HOTEL VARANASI (Standard Room) (BD)
Day 5 Mon: Varanasi / Khajuraho
Witness an amazing spectacle as the sun rises over Varanasi during an early morning boat ride on the Ganges. A walking tour of the old city follows. Early this afternoon, fly to Khajuraho, a sleepy little town in Central India famous for its exotic temples. Visit the Western group of temples this afternoon. Overnight at HOLIDAY INN (Standard Room). (BD)
Day 6 Tue: Khajuraho / Orchha / Agra
Early this morning, visit the Eastern group of temples. Later, drive to Jhansi, stopping en route at Orchha, a medieval city frozen in time. Board the train for a short journey to Agra. Overnight at TRIDENT HILTON AGRA (Deluxe Pool-View Room). (BL)
Day 7 Wed: Agra / Fatehpur Sikri / Jaipur
Early this morning, visit the magnificent Taj Mahal, monument of love. Your romantic encounter is further enhanced by the opportunity to view this beautiful edifice in the warm rays of the rising sun. Following breakfast, visit Agra Fort. Early this afternoon, drive to Jaipur, 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, which is unique to India. Overnight at the TRIDENT HILTON JAIPUR (Deluxe Pool-View Room). (BL)
Day 8 Thu: Amber Fort Excursion & Jaipur City Tour
In the morning, visit the mountain fortress of Amber, riding atop regally painted and decorated elephants. Later, enjoy a tour of Jaipur, also known as the “Pink City.” Visit Hawa Mahal or the “Palace of Winds,” City Palace and the ancient observatory. (BD)
Day 9 Fri: Jaipur / Udaipur
Fly to Udaipur this morning. This afternoon, tour this famous “City of Lakes,” recognized as one of the most picturesque and romantic cities of India and perhaps the world. 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. Overnight at the TRIDENT HILTON UDAIPUR (Deluxe Pool-View Room). (BD)
Day 10 Sat: Ranakpur Excursion
Today’s excursion brings you to the beautifully sculpted 15th-century Jain temples of Ranakpur. The intricately carved white marble of the temples is well preserved. The temple dedicated to the Sun God is famed for its erotic sculpture. (BL)
Day 11 Sun: Udaipur / Mumbai / Aurangabad
This morning, fly to Mumbai, India’s most cosmopolitan city. Upon arrival, enjoy a tour of the city, visiting the Prince of Wales Museum, Dhobi Ghat, Marine Drive, Gandhi Memorial Museum and the Jain temple. Later, connect with your flight to Aurangabad. Overnight at the AJANTA AMBASSADOR HOTEL (Superior Room). (BL)
Day 12 Mon: Ellora Caves
This morning, enjoy an excursion to the Ellora Caves. These monasteries and temples dedicated to Buddhism and Hinduism date back to AD 600. The afternoon is at leisure. (BD)
Day 13 Tue: Ajanta Caves / Mumbai
Enjoy a full-day excursion to the Ajanta Caves. The paintings and sculptures of Ajanta, considered masterpieces of Buddhist religious art, have had a considerable artistic influence. Fly to Mumbai (formerly Bombay) this evening. Overnight at the AMBASSADOR HOTEL (Executive Room). (BL)
Day 14 Wed: Elephanta Caves Excursion
Cruise across the harbor to the Elephanta Caves, filled with carvings and sculptures dating to AD 550. Here, Indian art has found one of its most perfect expressions, particularly the huge, high reliefs in the main cave. The afternoon is at leisure. Enjoy a farewell dinner this evening. (BD)
Day 15 Thu: Mumbai / Home
Depart Mumbai this morning for home, filled with treasured memories of your spectacular journey through North India.
Note: Ask about extending your trip with a 3-day extension to Goa, an emerald city with beautiful beaches and a unique heritage. You may also consider joining the Temples & Traditions of South India tour.
