China Highlights 9 Days
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Beijing • Xi'an • Shanghai Day 1 | Arrive Beijing Upon arrival in Beijing, China’s capital, you will be greeted and escorted to your hotel. The balance of the day is free to relax or begin exploring on your own. Day 2 | Beijing (B, L, SD) The full day tour of China’s fascinating capital begins with the Tiananmen Square and the Imperial Palace in the Forbidden City, home of Chinese emperors for more than 500 years. |
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After lunch, visit the Summer Palace. Take a leisurely stroll admiring the thousands of ancient murals along the Long Corridor and later a boat ride on Kunming Lake (weather permitting). This evening, enjoy a fabulous welcome banquet featuring the famous Peking duck at Qiamen 1416 Duck Restaurant.
Day 3 | Beijing (B, L)
The highlight today is an excursion to the Great Wall at Mutianyu. Enjoy the dramatic vistas and marvel at the Wall as it climbs and descends steep ridges and narrow valleys. A scenic cable car ride enhances your visit through the steep hills. In the afternoon, visit the Temple of Heaven where the emperors came to pray for good harvest twice a year.
Day 4 | Beijing Xi’an (B)
This morning take high speed train to Xi’an.
Upon arrival, check into your hotel.
Day 5 | Xi'an (B, L, DS)
Today’s highlight is a visit to the Archaeological Museum, home to an army of more than 6,000 life-size Terra-Cotta Warriors and Horses excavated from the tomb of the 1st emperor of the Qin Dynasty.
In the evening enjoy a special dumpling dinner and cultural show recreating the music, costumes and dance of the Tang Dynasty.
Day 6 | Xi'an Shanghai (B, L)
This morning explore the Ancient City Wall, built during 1374-1378 AD. Then visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, the symbol of Xi’an.
After lunch, transfer to the airport for your flight to Shanghai, the “Paris of the Orient”.
Upon arrival, your sightseeing features the bustling shopping street, Nanjing Road, and the Bund, the famous promenade along the Huangpu River.
Day 7 | Shanghai (B, L)
Start your morning with a visit to the Shanghai Museum, China’s most up-to-date museum showcasing the country’s ancient glory. In the afternoon, visit Yu Garden, famous for its rock gardens, pavilions, halls and ponds, and Old Shanghai Bazaar, with shops filled with all manner of interesting curios. Continue your visit stopping in the Old Town and modern Xintiandi.
Day 8 | Shanghai (B)
Spend today at leisure to explore this vibrant city on your own or consider taking an optional tour to Wuzhen, the famous “Oriental Venice”, a beautiful water town with a good number of side alleys, bridges, ancient docks and secondary waterways, which make it a fascinating place to stroll around.
Day 9 | Shanghai Home (B)
Farewell to Shanghai. Transfer to the airport for your onward flight back to the USA.
The highlight today is an excursion to the Great Wall at Mutianyu. Enjoy the dramatic vistas and marvel at the Wall as it climbs and descends steep ridges and narrow valleys. A scenic cable car ride enhances your visit through the steep hills. In the afternoon, visit the Temple of Heaven where the emperors came to pray for good harvest twice a year.
Day 4 | Beijing Xi’an (B)
This morning take high speed train to Xi’an.
Upon arrival, check into your hotel.
Day 5 | Xi'an (B, L, DS)
Today’s highlight is a visit to the Archaeological Museum, home to an army of more than 6,000 life-size Terra-Cotta Warriors and Horses excavated from the tomb of the 1st emperor of the Qin Dynasty.
In the evening enjoy a special dumpling dinner and cultural show recreating the music, costumes and dance of the Tang Dynasty.
Day 6 | Xi'an Shanghai (B, L)
This morning explore the Ancient City Wall, built during 1374-1378 AD. Then visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, the symbol of Xi’an.
After lunch, transfer to the airport for your flight to Shanghai, the “Paris of the Orient”.
Upon arrival, your sightseeing features the bustling shopping street, Nanjing Road, and the Bund, the famous promenade along the Huangpu River.
Day 7 | Shanghai (B, L)
Start your morning with a visit to the Shanghai Museum, China’s most up-to-date museum showcasing the country’s ancient glory. In the afternoon, visit Yu Garden, famous for its rock gardens, pavilions, halls and ponds, and Old Shanghai Bazaar, with shops filled with all manner of interesting curios. Continue your visit stopping in the Old Town and modern Xintiandi.
Day 8 | Shanghai (B)
Spend today at leisure to explore this vibrant city on your own or consider taking an optional tour to Wuzhen, the famous “Oriental Venice”, a beautiful water town with a good number of side alleys, bridges, ancient docks and secondary waterways, which make it a fascinating place to stroll around.
Day 9 | Shanghai Home (B)
Farewell to Shanghai. Transfer to the airport for your onward flight back to the USA.
Includes
Culinary Specialties/ Regional Cultural Show
Beijing: Peking Duck Dinner Xi'an: Dumpling Dinner and Tang Dynasty Show
Note:
Nov. 2017. from $1925 pp Nov. 2017 from $2305 pp
Dec. Jan. Feb 2018 from $1818 pp Dec. Jan Feb. 2018 from $2112 pp
March 2018 from $2018 pp March 2018 from $2228 pp
Pricing based on twin sharing
Ask about transpacific air options Call 1 800 422 3727 for more information. China Visa is required for US and Canadian citizens.
Culinary Specialties/ Regional Cultural Show
Beijing: Peking Duck Dinner Xi'an: Dumpling Dinner and Tang Dynasty Show
Note:
- Land package does not include transpacific air
- Transpacific airfare, US domestic add-on airfares are available. Please call for details.
- Preferred accommodations subject to change to similar class.
- All prices are subject to change without prior notice.
- B – Breakfast L – Lunch SL – Special Lunch D – Dinner SD – Special Dinner. DS – Dinner & Show
Nov. 2017. from $1925 pp Nov. 2017 from $2305 pp
Dec. Jan. Feb 2018 from $1818 pp Dec. Jan Feb. 2018 from $2112 pp
March 2018 from $2018 pp March 2018 from $2228 pp
Pricing based on twin sharing
Ask about transpacific air options Call 1 800 422 3727 for more information. China Visa is required for US and Canadian citizens.
Yangtze River CruiseThe Victoria Jenna is the Silver Award winner of Magellan's River Cruise Ship category and sets the standard for fine luxury cruising on the Yangtze River. Under American management, it is rated the finest of the Victoria cruise ships. All cabins are ocean view with private balconies.
Cruise Tour Fare Includes: Cruise accommodations are per person based on twin sharing Superior / Standard cabins
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Chongqing - Yichang 4 Days & 3 Nights Downstream Cruise
Day Time Event & Activities Day 1 18:00-20:30 Board the ship at Chongqing Chaotianmen Dock & Check In 21:00 Departs from Chongqing 21:15 Safety Briefing Day 2 06:30 - 7 Early bird coffee and tea/Practice Taichi (B, L, D) 07:00~8:30 Buffet Breakfast 09:00-11:30. Optional Shore excursion to Fendgu Ghost City/Cultural Activities On Board 12:00~13:30. Buffet Lunch 16:00-18:00. Shore Excursion to Shibaozhai Pagoda in Zhongxian County 18:15~19:00. Captain's Welcome Party 19:00~20:30. Buffet Dinner 21:00 Minorities & Dynasty costume show Day 3 06:30~7. Early bird coffee and tea/Practice Taichi (B, L, D) 07:00~8 Buffet Breakfast 08:30~10:30 Optional excursion to White Emperor City 09:00~10:30. Cultural Activities On board 11:00~12:00. Sail through Qutang Gorge 12:00 Buffet Lundh 12:00~13:00. Sail through Wu Gorge 13:00~17:30 Shore excursion to Shennv Stream 18:00~19:00 Sail through Xiling Gorge 19:00~20:30 Captain's farewell banquet 20:30~23:00 Settle accounts 21:00~22:30 Crew cabaret 22:30~02:30 Ship through the Five stage Three Gorges Dam Ship Locks Day 4 06:30~07:45 Buffet Breakfast (B) 08:00 Morning excursion to the Three Gorges Dam Site 12:30 Arrive at Yichang New Century Port & Disembarkation Cruise fares based on double occupancy. Available cruise dates March 2018 Upstream: $595 pp Ask about nights in Beijing and Shanghai and transportation to port cities. |
Yichang - Chongqing 5 Days & 4 Nights Upstream Cruise
Day Time Event & Activities Day 1 18:00-20:00 Board on the ship at New Century Port in Yichang Day 2 06:30~07 Early bird coffee/ tea Practice Taichi (B, L, D) 07:00~08:30 Buffet breakfast 08:00-09:00. Sail through east section of Xiling Gorge 09:00~11:30 Optional shore excursion to Tribe of Three Gorges 12:00 Buffet lunch 13:30~16:00 Shore excursion to Three Gorges Dam Site about 18:00 Ship through the Five-stage Three Gorges Dam Ship Locks 18:00~20:00 Captain's welcome party & Buffet dinner 20:00~21:00 Sail through the west section of Xiling Gorge 21:00 Minorities & Dynasty costume show Day 3 06:30~07 Early bird coffee, tea Practice Taichi (B, L, D) 07:00~08:30 Buffet breakfast 08:30~11:15 Shore excursion Shennong Stream 11:30-12:30 Buffet lunch 12:45 Sail through Wu Gorge 15:00 Sail through Qutang Gorge 15:30-1800. Optional excursion White Emperor City 1900-20:30 Buffet dinner 21:00 Crew Cabaret Day 4 06:30~07:00 Early bird coffee/ tea Practice Taichi (B, L, D)07:00~08:15. Buffet breakfast. 08:00~10:00. Shore Excursion to Shibaozhai Pagoda in Zhongxian County 10:00~12:00. Cultural activities onboard 12:00~13:15 Buffet lunch 14:00~16:30 Optional shore excursion to Fengdu Ghost City 14:00~17:00 Cultural activities onboard 19:00~20:15 Captain's farewell banquet (table dinner) 18:30~23:00 Settle accounts Day 5 07:00~08:15 Buffet breakfast (B) 07:30 Check out 08:00~08:30 Disembark in Chongqing |
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Intriguing Vietnam & Cambodia 10 Days
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Day 1 | Hanoi
Upon arrival in Hanoi, you will be greeted and escorted to your hotel.
Day 2 | Hanoi (B, L)
Begin with an exploration of the vast Ho Chi Minh Memorial Complex. Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House. Continue to the miniature 11th century One Pillar Pagoda and then to the Temple of Literature. Then, head to the Museum of Ethnology which showcases art, traditional clothing and reconstructions of traditional longhouses from 54 different ethnic groups. In the afternoon, visit Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple. Along the way, pass by other colonial landmarks such as the Opera House and St Joseph’s Cathedral.
Note: • The Mausoleum is closed on Mondays and Fridays and closes annually in October and November for restoration.
• The Ethnology Museum is closed on Mondays and during Vietnam New Year.
TIP OF THE DAY: Have a taste of Pho and Banh mi – two of the best street food items on the world.
Day 3 | Hanoi Halong Bay Cruise (B, L, D)
After breakfast, transfer to Tuan Chau Marina Port in Halong Bay and board the Paradise Luxury Cruise. After the welcome drink, start your cruise briefing, safety instructions and check-in cabins. Then, depart to Halong Bay. Enjoy lunch while cruising through HOA Cuong Fishing Village, Ti Top Area and Bai Tu Long Area. Visit Thien Canh Son Island where you can go swimming, kayaking (with supplement) or explore the mysterious dark cave. Enjoy cooking demonstration and pre dinner cocktail. Dinner is served on board.
TIP OF THE DAY: The sunrise over Ha Long Bay is pure magic, make sure you get up early enough to catch this stunning moment, and don’t forget your camera.
Day 4 | Halong Bay Cruise Hanoi Danang Hoi An (B, L)
Begin your day with early morning Tai Chi session on the Sundeck. Then, explore Sung SOT Cave. Back to the cruise for a breakfast buffet. Upon arrival at Tuan Chau Island, you will be transferred to Hanoi Airport for your flight to Danang. Upon arrival, you will be greeted and escorted to your hotel in Hoi An.
Day 5 | Hoi An (B, L)
Your walking tour includes many of the town’s highlights. Visit the Japanese Covered Bridge, built in 1593. Near the bridge is Sa Huynh Museum which houses exhibitions from the earliest period of Hoi An’s history. Visit the Tran Family Chapel and the Phuoc Kien Assembly Hall, a Chinese pagoda. Also visit a Lantern Making Workshop.
TIP OF THE DAY: Head down to An Bang beach after sightseeing for a sunset drink and some live music in the beach bars along the beach.
Day 6 | Hoi An Danang Saigon (B, L)
Transfer to Danang Airport for your flight to Saigon. Upon arrival, your tour begins with the historic centre, strolling along Dong Khoi Street, the main shopping thoroughfare and heart of old colonial Saigon. Pass by European-style landmarks such as the ornate City Hall (Hotel De Ville), the old Opera House, and pay a quick visit to the neo-Romanesque Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office. Then tour the Reunification Palace, formerly the Independence Palace of the South Vietnamese president. It has been preserved in its original state. Continue to the War Remnants Museum, guaranteed to provoke strong emotions. Finally, visit the Emperor of Jade Pagoda. Check in to your hotel.
Day 7 | Saigon (B, L)
Today’s highlight is to visit the Cu Chi Tunnels. Never discovered by American forces, the Cu Chi Tunnels were an important Vietcong base during the American War. Your afternoon is at leisure.
Day 8 | Saigon Siem Reap (B, L)
Transfer to airport for your flight to Siem Reap. Upon arrival, you will be greeted at the airport and proceed for sightseeing. Visit the fortified city of Angkor Thom. The city includes many of Angkor’s most popular sights. Enter by the monumental South Gate and continue to the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper Kings. Visit the ruined Baphuon, Royal Enclosure and Phimeanakas before continuing to the mysterious Bayon Temple. Later, watch the sun set over the Cambodian countryside from the upper terraces of an ancient Angkorian temple. Check in to your hotel.
TIP OF THE DAY: Chill out at the famous Pub Street where there are restaurants, bars, street food, and souvenir shops or simply just sit and chill with a relaxing street foot massage and watch the world go by.
Day 9 | Siem Reap (B, L)
The highlight today is to visit the Angkor Wat, the national symbol and the crowning jewel of Khmer architecture. The largest, best preserved and most religiously significant of the Angkor temples, Angkor Wat is stunning at any time of the day.
Day 10 | Siem Reap Home (AB)
Farewell to Siem Reap. Transfer to airport for your flight back to the USA.
Upon arrival in Hanoi, you will be greeted and escorted to your hotel.
Day 2 | Hanoi (B, L)
Begin with an exploration of the vast Ho Chi Minh Memorial Complex. Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House. Continue to the miniature 11th century One Pillar Pagoda and then to the Temple of Literature. Then, head to the Museum of Ethnology which showcases art, traditional clothing and reconstructions of traditional longhouses from 54 different ethnic groups. In the afternoon, visit Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple. Along the way, pass by other colonial landmarks such as the Opera House and St Joseph’s Cathedral.
Note: • The Mausoleum is closed on Mondays and Fridays and closes annually in October and November for restoration.
• The Ethnology Museum is closed on Mondays and during Vietnam New Year.
TIP OF THE DAY: Have a taste of Pho and Banh mi – two of the best street food items on the world.
Day 3 | Hanoi Halong Bay Cruise (B, L, D)
After breakfast, transfer to Tuan Chau Marina Port in Halong Bay and board the Paradise Luxury Cruise. After the welcome drink, start your cruise briefing, safety instructions and check-in cabins. Then, depart to Halong Bay. Enjoy lunch while cruising through HOA Cuong Fishing Village, Ti Top Area and Bai Tu Long Area. Visit Thien Canh Son Island where you can go swimming, kayaking (with supplement) or explore the mysterious dark cave. Enjoy cooking demonstration and pre dinner cocktail. Dinner is served on board.
TIP OF THE DAY: The sunrise over Ha Long Bay is pure magic, make sure you get up early enough to catch this stunning moment, and don’t forget your camera.
Day 4 | Halong Bay Cruise Hanoi Danang Hoi An (B, L)
Begin your day with early morning Tai Chi session on the Sundeck. Then, explore Sung SOT Cave. Back to the cruise for a breakfast buffet. Upon arrival at Tuan Chau Island, you will be transferred to Hanoi Airport for your flight to Danang. Upon arrival, you will be greeted and escorted to your hotel in Hoi An.
Day 5 | Hoi An (B, L)
Your walking tour includes many of the town’s highlights. Visit the Japanese Covered Bridge, built in 1593. Near the bridge is Sa Huynh Museum which houses exhibitions from the earliest period of Hoi An’s history. Visit the Tran Family Chapel and the Phuoc Kien Assembly Hall, a Chinese pagoda. Also visit a Lantern Making Workshop.
TIP OF THE DAY: Head down to An Bang beach after sightseeing for a sunset drink and some live music in the beach bars along the beach.
Day 6 | Hoi An Danang Saigon (B, L)
Transfer to Danang Airport for your flight to Saigon. Upon arrival, your tour begins with the historic centre, strolling along Dong Khoi Street, the main shopping thoroughfare and heart of old colonial Saigon. Pass by European-style landmarks such as the ornate City Hall (Hotel De Ville), the old Opera House, and pay a quick visit to the neo-Romanesque Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office. Then tour the Reunification Palace, formerly the Independence Palace of the South Vietnamese president. It has been preserved in its original state. Continue to the War Remnants Museum, guaranteed to provoke strong emotions. Finally, visit the Emperor of Jade Pagoda. Check in to your hotel.
Day 7 | Saigon (B, L)
Today’s highlight is to visit the Cu Chi Tunnels. Never discovered by American forces, the Cu Chi Tunnels were an important Vietcong base during the American War. Your afternoon is at leisure.
Day 8 | Saigon Siem Reap (B, L)
Transfer to airport for your flight to Siem Reap. Upon arrival, you will be greeted at the airport and proceed for sightseeing. Visit the fortified city of Angkor Thom. The city includes many of Angkor’s most popular sights. Enter by the monumental South Gate and continue to the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper Kings. Visit the ruined Baphuon, Royal Enclosure and Phimeanakas before continuing to the mysterious Bayon Temple. Later, watch the sun set over the Cambodian countryside from the upper terraces of an ancient Angkorian temple. Check in to your hotel.
TIP OF THE DAY: Chill out at the famous Pub Street where there are restaurants, bars, street food, and souvenir shops or simply just sit and chill with a relaxing street foot massage and watch the world go by.
Day 9 | Siem Reap (B, L)
The highlight today is to visit the Angkor Wat, the national symbol and the crowning jewel of Khmer architecture. The largest, best preserved and most religiously significant of the Angkor temples, Angkor Wat is stunning at any time of the day.
Day 10 | Siem Reap Home (AB)
Farewell to Siem Reap. Transfer to airport for your flight back to the USA.
Land Cost is per person in double occupancy traveling between October 1 - April 30, 2018 fro, $2.265. Single Supplement $575
Package Includes
Package Includes
- Hotel accommodations with daily breakfast
- Arrival and departure transfers
- Domestic air within Vietnam. International air between Vietnam and Cambodia.
- Comprehensive sightseeing as detailed in the itinerary including admission charges where applicable
- Experienced English speaking local guides
- Baggage handling, port charges, hotel taxes and all local taxes
Day 1 | New Delhi
Upon arrival in New Delhi International Airport, you will be greeted and escorted to the hotel. The balance of the day is at leisure. |
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Day 2 | New Delhi (B, D)
Your tour will start from Old Delhi. Drive past and photo stop at the Red Fort, which contains some very beautiful palaces and public buildings. Visit Jamma Masjid, one of the largest mosques that is still a house of worship for devout Muslims. Also visit Raj Ghat, Shanti Vana – the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru the first prime Minister of India. Later, take a tour of New Delhi. Drive past the India Gate, Rashtrapati Bhawan, now the official residence of the President of India Parliament House, a circular building that is a symbol of Indian democracy. Also visit Qutub Minar the 11th century victory tower.
Day 3 | New Delhi Jaipur (B, D)
After breakfast, drive to Jaipur (about 6 hours) and check in to your hotel. The rest of the evening is at leisure.
Optional activity: Visit the Anokhi Museum of Hand Printing, a small textile museum dedicated to the ancient craft of hand block printing, housed in a recently restored 400 year old haveli.
Day 4 | Jaipur (B, D)
Take an excursion tour to fabulous Amber Fort. Maharaja Mansingh, Mughal Emperor Akbar’s most successful General started the construction of Amber Fort in the 17th century. Before the City Palace was constructed in Jaipur, Amber was the seat of power. Enjoy a Jeep Ride at Amber Fort. Later, you will visit the City Palace, which is an overwhelming complex of exquisite palaces, gardens and courtyards, decorative art and carved doorways. The palace museum houses collections of rare manuscripts, armory, costumes, carpets and miniature paintings. Nearby one the famous Observatory Jantar Mantar, the most famous of five observatories built by Sawai Jai Singh in India. Your evening is free for shopping.
Day 5 | Jaipur Agra (B, D)
Drive to Agra (about 5 hours). En route, visit the small ancient village of Abhaneri in northern Rajasthan. Begin at Chand Baori, one of the largest step wells in India, fortified on all sides. Continue your drive to Agra. Upon arrival, drive to the Agra Fort, an outstanding example of Mughal architecture. The Agra Fort was the seat and the stronghold of the Mughal Empire under successive generations. Check in to your hotel.
Optional activity: Witness Mohabbat e Taj show - The Kalakriti Theater is the venue for this vibrant dance drama depicting a 16th century Mughal era love story that defines the Taj Mahal. Watch and listen (in a choice of languages by headset) as Shah Jahan and Queen Mumtaz Mahal profess their love for one another, and he creates the Taj Mahal in her memory. You will see the most realistic replica of the monument existing today. Animated action, brilliant costumes and powerfully resonant vocal performances.
Day 6 | Agra (B, D)
Early morning sun rise tour of the most opulent wonder of the modern world, The Taj Mahal (Closed on Friday). The Taj Mahal is everything that has been said about it and more. Taking 22 years and 20,000 men to build, the white marble was transported to the site by a fleet of 1,000 elephants. Built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as an expression of his love for his wife Mumtaz Mahal, in mid-17th century, the Taj Mahal is truly one of the wonders of the world. Return to hotel for breakfast and rest of the morning is at leisure. In the afternoon, visit the 18th century Roman Catholic Cemetery - re-living a cross cultural mix that has never made it into history books or traveler’s itineraries. Later, enjoy a walk to explore the old part of Agra and its hidden alleys. Evening will be free to explore the local markets for souvenirs and some other shopping. Later volunteer your time at Mission of Charity. Amidst the busyness and the touristy part of Agra, it is heartwarming to see great love and care in this place. Eye opening and touching the heart deeply when seeing so many people ranging from babies to old folks are being taken care of. Evening it will be free time to explore the local markets for souvenirs and some other shopping.
Day 7 | Agra New Delhi (B, D)
Drive to New Delhi (about 4hours) and check in to your hotel. After freshen up, enjoy farewell dinner at the hotel.
Day 8 | Depart New Delhi (B)
Farewell to New Delhi. Transfer to airport for your flight back home.
Package Includes:
• Hotel accommodations with daily breakfast
• Arrival and departure transfers
• Comprehensive sightseeing as detailed in the itinerary including admission charges where applicable
• Experienced English speaking local guides
• Baggage handling, port charges, hotel taxes and all local taxes
Superior First Class Accommodations:
• New Delhi:
• Hilton Garden Inn
• Jaipur:
• Four Points by Sheraton
• Agra:
• Clarks Shiraz
Special Notes:
• Land package does not include transpacific air
• Transpacific airfare, US domestic add-on airfare are available, please call for details
• Preferred accommodations subject to change to similar class.
• All prices are subject to change without prior notice
• B – Breakfast • L – Lunch • SD – Special Dinner
Land cost is per person in double occupancy traveling between Oct. 1 - March 31, 2018 from $745 pp
Your tour will start from Old Delhi. Drive past and photo stop at the Red Fort, which contains some very beautiful palaces and public buildings. Visit Jamma Masjid, one of the largest mosques that is still a house of worship for devout Muslims. Also visit Raj Ghat, Shanti Vana – the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru the first prime Minister of India. Later, take a tour of New Delhi. Drive past the India Gate, Rashtrapati Bhawan, now the official residence of the President of India Parliament House, a circular building that is a symbol of Indian democracy. Also visit Qutub Minar the 11th century victory tower.
Day 3 | New Delhi Jaipur (B, D)
After breakfast, drive to Jaipur (about 6 hours) and check in to your hotel. The rest of the evening is at leisure.
Optional activity: Visit the Anokhi Museum of Hand Printing, a small textile museum dedicated to the ancient craft of hand block printing, housed in a recently restored 400 year old haveli.
Day 4 | Jaipur (B, D)
Take an excursion tour to fabulous Amber Fort. Maharaja Mansingh, Mughal Emperor Akbar’s most successful General started the construction of Amber Fort in the 17th century. Before the City Palace was constructed in Jaipur, Amber was the seat of power. Enjoy a Jeep Ride at Amber Fort. Later, you will visit the City Palace, which is an overwhelming complex of exquisite palaces, gardens and courtyards, decorative art and carved doorways. The palace museum houses collections of rare manuscripts, armory, costumes, carpets and miniature paintings. Nearby one the famous Observatory Jantar Mantar, the most famous of five observatories built by Sawai Jai Singh in India. Your evening is free for shopping.
Day 5 | Jaipur Agra (B, D)
Drive to Agra (about 5 hours). En route, visit the small ancient village of Abhaneri in northern Rajasthan. Begin at Chand Baori, one of the largest step wells in India, fortified on all sides. Continue your drive to Agra. Upon arrival, drive to the Agra Fort, an outstanding example of Mughal architecture. The Agra Fort was the seat and the stronghold of the Mughal Empire under successive generations. Check in to your hotel.
Optional activity: Witness Mohabbat e Taj show - The Kalakriti Theater is the venue for this vibrant dance drama depicting a 16th century Mughal era love story that defines the Taj Mahal. Watch and listen (in a choice of languages by headset) as Shah Jahan and Queen Mumtaz Mahal profess their love for one another, and he creates the Taj Mahal in her memory. You will see the most realistic replica of the monument existing today. Animated action, brilliant costumes and powerfully resonant vocal performances.
Day 6 | Agra (B, D)
Early morning sun rise tour of the most opulent wonder of the modern world, The Taj Mahal (Closed on Friday). The Taj Mahal is everything that has been said about it and more. Taking 22 years and 20,000 men to build, the white marble was transported to the site by a fleet of 1,000 elephants. Built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as an expression of his love for his wife Mumtaz Mahal, in mid-17th century, the Taj Mahal is truly one of the wonders of the world. Return to hotel for breakfast and rest of the morning is at leisure. In the afternoon, visit the 18th century Roman Catholic Cemetery - re-living a cross cultural mix that has never made it into history books or traveler’s itineraries. Later, enjoy a walk to explore the old part of Agra and its hidden alleys. Evening will be free to explore the local markets for souvenirs and some other shopping. Later volunteer your time at Mission of Charity. Amidst the busyness and the touristy part of Agra, it is heartwarming to see great love and care in this place. Eye opening and touching the heart deeply when seeing so many people ranging from babies to old folks are being taken care of. Evening it will be free time to explore the local markets for souvenirs and some other shopping.
Day 7 | Agra New Delhi (B, D)
Drive to New Delhi (about 4hours) and check in to your hotel. After freshen up, enjoy farewell dinner at the hotel.
Day 8 | Depart New Delhi (B)
Farewell to New Delhi. Transfer to airport for your flight back home.
Package Includes:
• Hotel accommodations with daily breakfast
• Arrival and departure transfers
• Comprehensive sightseeing as detailed in the itinerary including admission charges where applicable
• Experienced English speaking local guides
• Baggage handling, port charges, hotel taxes and all local taxes
Superior First Class Accommodations:
• New Delhi:
• Hilton Garden Inn
• Jaipur:
• Four Points by Sheraton
• Agra:
• Clarks Shiraz
Special Notes:
• Land package does not include transpacific air
• Transpacific airfare, US domestic add-on airfare are available, please call for details
• Preferred accommodations subject to change to similar class.
• All prices are subject to change without prior notice
• B – Breakfast • L – Lunch • SD – Special Dinner
Land cost is per person in double occupancy traveling between Oct. 1 - March 31, 2018 from $745 pp