Following breakfast on Day 3 at your hotel, you’ll start with an informative Welcome Briefing by your Program Manager. You’ll then set out on a city tour of New Delhi that includes views of the President’s Palace and India Gate, as well as a visit to Humayun’s Tomb, with its graceful dome surrounded by delicate arches. After an included lunch at a local restaurant, embark on a city tour of Old Delhi, including Raj Ghat, the memorial to Gandhi, the huge Jama Masjid mosque, and views of the Red Fort. Cultural Connections: Next hop aboard rickshaws for a tour through picturesque Old Delhi streets. This evening, enjoy a Welcome Dinner in a local restaurant.

On Day 4, you’ll visit the Qutab Minar complex, where you’ll see India’s oldest mosque and Qutab Minar itself, a 235-foot fluted tower built by Muslim conquerors. You’ll also stop to visit local rug and pashmina artisans. Cultural Connection: You’ll then be a guest for lunch in a local home. In the afternoon, visit golden-domed Bangla Sahib, a prominent Sikh gurdwara, or temple.

You’ll fly to Varanasi this morning, the sacred Hindu city on the banks of the Ganges. Cultural Connection: After arrival, visit a music school where students learn traditional instruments and classic Indian songs. Then, a mesmerizing experience awaits as you cruise on the Ganges to observe the evening aarti offering of light ceremonies on the ghats by the river. Enjoy dinner at the hotel tonight.

If you like, rise early for an optional boat tour to observe the sunrise along the Ganges. Breakfast follows, then visit to the Sarnath Temple, where Buddha first preached the “Middle Path” of Buddhist practice. Cultural Connection: Enjoy a fascinating visit to the village of a renowned Indian novelist, where you’ll see fields that are worked in the traditional way, a farmer’s home, and a cow shelter. Dinner is included at your hotel this evening.

This morning, you’ll tour the Eastern and Western Group of Khajuraho temples, known for their carvings of entwined figures. Lunch is included, then the rest of the day is free.

Drive to the train station. Enroute to Agra, we’ll stop in Orchha for lunch and to view remarkable abandoned palaces and temples. Cultural Connection: Travel as the locals do, as we continue by train heading for Agra.

Today, you’ll tour the world-renowned Taj Mahal an architectural masterpiece made of white marble — the most magnificent monument dedicated to love. Also, visit a marble inlay workshop. Lunch is included at a local restaurant. Cultural Connections: You’ll also have tea in a local home, and tour Itmaddaulah Gardens.

Rise early for an optional Taj Mahal Sunrise tour. Later, visit Agra Fort. Then depart for the “ghost city” of Fatehpur Sikri. After lunch in a local restaurant, it’s on to Jaipur.

Day 12’s full day of sightseeing begins with a visit to magnificent Amber Fort. Cultural Connections: Ride an elephant as the Maharajas once did. You will visit a jewelry store to observe a skilled gem cutter. After lunch at a local restaurant, Cultural Connections: visit Jaipur’s Old Bazaar, and to the Palace of the Winds, and the elegant City Palace. This evening, enjoy dinner and a show at a local farm.

A morning flight takes you to Udaipur, where you’ll enjoy a short city tour followed by lunch in a local restaurant. You’ll cruise across the still waters to your luxury hotel — on the most famous in India — with the rest of the day to enjoy your opulent surroundings.

On Day 14’s Udaipur city tour, visit the City Palace, and other incredible royal creations. Also Cultural Connection: visit a school where the art of miniature painting is kept alive. You’ll then fly to Mumbai. Enjoy a short afternoon walking tour, then gather for a Farewell Dinner tonight.
Enjoy a free morning on Day 15 or join an optional Elephanta Island tour. In the afternoon, you’ll explore Mumbai, visiting the Hanging Gardens; the Dhobi Ghats; Marine Drive; Malabar Hill; and the Gandhi Museum. Cultural Connections: You’ll mingle with the locals at a vegetable market. Enjoy dinner, followed by a buggy ride around Old Mumbai. Then, depart for your late night/early morning flight to New York (depart hotel at approximately 9 pm; flight from Mumbai to U.S. departs at approximately 1 am). Those taking the Cochin option will stay overnight in Mumbai.

Arrive back in the U.S. or those taking the post-extension option will fly to Cochin.

Please Note: Due to airline schedules, some flights continuing to connecting U.S. cities may require an overnight at a JFK Airport hotel at an additional cost.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: The above day-by-day itineraries are preliminary and therefore subject to change. If any major changes occur in advance of your departure, you will be notified in writing by Vantage Deluxe World Travel. If changes occur while on tour, you will be notified by your Vantage Program Manager.