SCHEDULED FOR 2010:

May 19; Sep 29; Oct 20; Nov 24; Dec 15

FRI, DAY 03  -  DELHI

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel. 

In the afternoon, you will proceed on a combined sightseeing tour of the famous historical sights in Old & New Delhi. You will begin your immersion into Indian culture by making your way through the bazaars and street sellers. You will head over to the Red Fort. Built in 1648, the Red Fort symbolized Moghul power and elegance. Of red sandstone, the walls and temper of this fortress remind the contemporary traveler of more civilized times, when war was containable and battlegrounds were localized. After a ride through the tight, winding veins of Old Delhi, you will see Jama Mosque, the largest Mosque in India. You will work your way over to Raj Ghat - memorial of Mahatma Gandhi. Continuing the tour, you will visit the Qutab Minar - the highest stone tower in the world - built in Persian style in the 12th century. The tour ends with a drive along the ceremonial avenue - Rajpath, the heart of Lutyen's Delhi, past the imposing India Gate, Parliament House and the Presidential Estate. While on this tour you will also have an opportunity to see the arts and crafts of India.  Return to the hotel for a short rest.

Evening – witness "Sound & Light" show at the Red Fort. The show unfolds the history of Delhi and is so beautifully enacted so as to give the impression that one has gone back in time to the glorious days of the Moghul Empire. This will be followed by a Welcome Dinner where you will meet with your local hosts and their guests. OVERNIGHT AT YOUR HOTEL. (B,D)

SAT, DAY 04  -  DELHI-VARANASI

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer from hotel to the airport to connect with your flight to Varanasi.
Meeting, greeting and assistance upon arrival at the airport and transfer to your hotel. VARANASI – amongst the oldest living cities in the world, it is also the holiest of Hindu Pilgrimages. Thousands of devotees come here daily to the Ghats (banks) of the River Ganga (Ganges) to take a ritual dip and cleanse their souls and to worship at its many temples. It is not just important for Hindus, but has links with Buddhism and Jainism as well. It was at Sarnath close by, that Buddha preached his first sermon and Lord Mahavir also revealed his Jain Philosophy at Kasi – nearby. Varanasi is to Hindus what the Vatican is to Catholics and Mecca is to Moslems.

In the afternoon, visit the buried city of Sarnath, north east of Varanasi - it is as holy to Budhists as Varanasi is to Hindus. Having achieved enlightenment at Bodhgaya, Lord Budha came to Sarnath to preach his first message of the way to Nirvana. (B,L)

SUN, DAY 05  -  VARANASI-AGRA

Early morning you will take a specially arranged boat ride on the holy river Ganges to view the religious activity at the bathing ghats(banks of the river). Return to the hotel for breakfast. Later transfer to the airport to connect with your flight to Agra.
AGRA – The ancient city, once the capital of Moghul Empire in the 16th and 17th century, today depicts a gorgeous panorama of majestic architectural creations and a rich tradition of art and culture. Agra is home to one of seven wonders of the World, the marble symphony of Shah Jahan, “The Taj Mahal”, the monument of love built by Shah Jehan for his beloved young wife who died during the birth of their 13th child. Discover the dazzling creations of their craftsmen in other architectural marvels in Agra, the quintessential Moghul city. Meeting and assistance upon arrival and transfer to your HOTEL. (B,D)

MON, DAY 06  -  BHARATPUR-JAIPUR

Breakfast at the hotel. Morning, proceed for a city tour where you will experience the TAJ MAHAL. An extravagant marble monument of love,built by Shah Jahan in 1653 as a memorial to his queen Mumtaz Mahal. This beautiful mausoleum in pure white marble took 22 years and 22000 craftsmen to build. Continue your tour to the Agra Fort, the original red sandstone fort built by Moghul Emperor Akbar in 1565.
Later, drive from Agra to Jaipur (221 kms/7 hours) enroute visiting Fatehpur Sikri and later stopping for tea at Bharatpur. FATEHPUR SIKRI- This deserted,  red sandstone city, built by Emperor Akbar, between 1570 and 1585, now glows in its magnificent past.

BHARATPUR (first stop in the princely state of Rajasthan) - The first wildlife park situated on the Golden Triangle of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur is also called “Keoladeo Ghana Bird Sanctuary,". It has a recorded history of 100 years, and was once the former hunting reserve of the royal family of Bharatpur. Today the sanctuary is home to over 353 species belonging to 56 families, the most famous are the endangered Siberian Cranes which migrate to this sanctuary during winter season.

JAIPUR - The capital of Rajasthan, this picturesque city is a symphony in pink, a color which signifies hospitality in Rajput culture. Built by Raja Jai Singh in the 18th century, it is surrounded by hills topped with rugged fortresses and dotted with fairy tale palaces. Ambling camels and brightly dressed locals, reflect Jaipur’s desert heritage while the teeming markets display a profusion of handlooms and crafts. Upon arrival in Jaipur check-in at your HOTEL. (B,L)

TUE, DAY 07 -  JAIPUR

Breakfast at the hotel. Morning, proceed for an excursion to Amer Fort, which is located 12 kms outside Jaipur. A ride on decorated elephants to ascend the fort is a thrilling experience. The original Palace was built by Raja Mansingh and later additions were made by Sawai Jai Singh. One of the finest example of Rajput architecture, it was the ancient capital of "Kachawa" rulers.

In the afternoon proceed for a city tour to visit the unique Jantar mantar, which is a magnificent stone observatory built by Sawai Jai Singh in 1728.. Driving past the Hawa Mahal, an intriguing facade built in 1799 you will arrive at the opulent City Palace, the former royal residence. Built in a blend of Rajasthani and Moghul style it has grand museums displaying an excellent collection of miniature paintings, costumes and armory.  

In the evening, by special invitation, you will meet with the Maharaja and members of the royal family of Jaipur (if in town) over cocktails and a special dinner that will be preceded by a performance of folk dances..  OVERNIGHT AT YOUR HOTEL. (B,D)

WED, DAY 08  -  JAIPUR-NAWALGARH-DUNDLOD

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive from Jaipur to NAWALGARH (140 kms/3 hours). On arrival check-in at your HOTEL where a royal welcome awaits you. Afternoon, visit NAWALGARH AND DUNDLOD. In the semi-desert Shekhawati region and founded in 1737 AD, Nawalgarh boasts of some of the finest frescoes. Exuding an old world charm, the bazaar in Nawalgarh has the largest number of painted Havelis. You will also visit Dundlod Fort that dates back to 1750 AD and depicts a splendid blend of Rajputana and Moghul School of Art and Architecture. OVERNIGHT AT YOUR HOTEL. (B,L,D)

THU, DAY 09  -  DUNDLOD-BIKANER

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive from Dundlod to Bikaner (233 kms/5 to 6 hours). BIKANER: on the northern tip of the desert triangle stands the royal city of Bikaner. The genesis of this desert town dates back to 1486 A.D. when Rao Jodha's son Rao Bika set out of his father's kingdom, Jodhpur-Marwar, to establish a separate kingdom for himself. Once a major center of trade in the 16th century situated on the ancient silk route, today Bikaner has retained much of its medieval aura.  Unlike most other cities of Rajasthan, outside influences are minimal here and the traditional life style endures in the old city surrounded by a high crenellated wall. On arrival check-in at your HOTEL.

Afternoon tour begins with a visit to the “Junagarh Fort” built between 1588 and 1593 built by Raja Rai Singh who was a general in the army of the Mughal emperor, Akbar. The fort has a 986 meter long wall with 37 bastions & 2 entrances, and it is famous for the super quality of stone carvings. You will also visit a Camel breeding farm. In the evening, by special invitation, you will meet with the Maharaja and members of the royal family of Bikaner. OVERNIGHT AT THE HOTEL. (B,L,D)

FRI, DAY 10  -  BIKANER-JAISELMER

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive from Bikaner to Jaisalmer (330 kms/6 hours). JAISALMER: The magic of a golden fortress, centuries ago, Jaisalmer was on the camel trade route between India and Central Asia. It is a city that rises from the desert like a golden mirage.
On arrival check-in at your HOTEL. Afternoon at leisure. In the evening, visit the Khuri Sand Dunes. Take a camel ride on the sand dunes to view the sunset. The Rajasthani backdrop, the sunset and the camel ride make the entire outing an unforgettable experience. This evening, by special invitation, you will be welcomed by the Thakur of Khuri for dinner and "Langa" music at his fort. Langas, are musical cousins to Manganiyars. Their art is identical except that Langas are accompanied by a saranghi instead of the kamayacha. Both are string instruments, but the saranghi has more strings and so, is richer in range demanding greater training and virtuosity from the vocalist. The color of their costumes, the sounds of the desert, the passion in their voices and the animation of the performers makes it more than a concert. It is gripping theatre, as audiences world-wide have come to realise. To see a live performance by Langas is at once to evoke India itself.  OVERNIGHT AT YOUR HOTEL. (B,L,D)

SAT, DAY 11  -  JAISELMER

Breakfast at the hotel. Morning, proceed for a sightseeing tour of Jaisalmer. The tour begins from “The Jaisalmer Fort”, built in 1156 by Rawal Jaisal, the fort crowns 80 meter high on the Trikuta hill.  Still inhabited, there are palaces and bazaars within
the fort walls and the massive fort has 99 bastions around the circumference. Afternoon at leisure. In the evening, by special invitation, you will meet the Maharaja and members of the royal family of Jaisalmer. OVERNIGHT AT YOUR HOTEL. (B,L,D)

SUN, DAY 12 -  JAISELMER-JODHPUR

After an early breakfast, drive from Jaisalmer to Jodhpur (310 kms/6 hours). On arrival check-in at your HOTEL. Afternoon at leisure, or on your own you can visit the colorful bazaars of Jodhpur accompanied by a local English speaking escort.  OVERNIGHT AT THE HOTEL. (B,L,D)

MON, DAY 13 -  JODHPUR

Breakfast at the hotel followed by fullday sightseeing of Jodhpur and Mandore. The tour begins from “The Mehrangarh Fort" this formidable hilltop fort is the one of the most impressive in Rajasthan. A series of gates lead into the Fort like "Jayapol", built by Maharaja Man Singh in 1806 and the "Fatehpol", erected by Maharaja Ajit Singh to celebrate his victory over the Moghuls.  The main gate is the "Lohapol", an iron gate besides which there are 15 hand prints which are the "Sati Marks" of Maharaja Man Singh's widows who threw thmeselves upon his funeral pyre in 1843. Inside the fort you will also visit Moti Mahal or "Pearl Palace", the Sukh Mahal, or "Pleasure Palace" and the Phool Mahal, or "Flower palace". Continue the tour to visit the "Jaswant Thada", a marble cenotaph built in 1899 as a memorial to Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. After lunch you will visit Mandore. This evening, by special invitation, you will meet the Maharaja and members of the royal family of Jodhpur. OVERNIGHT AT YOUR HOTEL. (B,L,D)

TUE, DAY 14  -  JODHPUR-RANAKPUR-UDAIPUR

After breakfast at the hotel, drive from Jodhpur to Udaipur (300 kms/7 hours)) enroute visiting Ranakpur - home of the world famous Jain Temples dating back to the 15th century, which are located some 90 kms from Udaipur.  Its 29 halls are supported by 1444 pillars, none of which are alike.  The temple abounds with intricate friezes and sculptures. Lunch will be served enroute. Continue your drive to Udaipur and upon arrival check-in at your HOTEL. Afternoon at leisure. OVERNIGHT AT YOUR HOTEL. (B,D)

WED, DAY 15  -  UDAIPUR

After breakfast at the hotel proceed for a sightseeing tour of Udaipur. Begin your tour with a visit to the City Palace. At this Palace complex, one will marvel at the rooms with mirrorred walls and ivory doors, windows with colored glass, inlaid marble balconies and the peacock courtyard. Also visit the lovely Sahelion-ki-bari gardens, the Jagdish Temple and the local museum.

Afternoon at leisure, or you can make your way to the Jag Mandir Palace which is a lovely island palace. 

This evening while dining there, you will welcome the beauty and serenity of the Lake Palace Hotel. It is the spot where James Bond films were made. It is a world of stained glass windows, white marble floors, beauty and luxury set in the middle of a lake. This evening, by special invitation, you will meet the Maharaja and members of the royal family of Udaipur. OVERNIGHT AT YOUR HOTEL. (B,L,D)

THU, DAY 16  -  UDAIPUR-MUMBAI

Breakfast at the hotel. Today you will bid farewell to the princely state of Rajasthan with transfer from hotel to the airport in time to connect for your flight to Mumbai. Meeting and assistance upon arrival at the airport and transfer to your HOTEL. India’s western gateway is MUMBAI (formerly known as Bombay), the capital of Maharashtra. The island of Mumbai defines itself straight from the dictionary–vibrant, vivid and electrifying. The city’s rise from the dowry of a Portuguese queen (when Catherine of Braganza married England’s Charles II in 1661) to the country’s foremost sea port, commercial center and home to the worlds largest film industry, has been nothing short of meteoric.
Afternoon, sightseeing tour of Mumbai. The tour begins with a visit to the “The Gateway of India” Mumbai’s foremost landmark overlooking the harbor, was conceived following the visit of King George V in 1911 and officially opened in 1924. A drive up to the Malabar Hill, to the hanging gardens, gives a panoramic view of the city and the Queens Necklace –the Marine Drive. OVERNIGHT AT YOUR HOTEL. (B,L)

FRI, DAY 17  -  MUMBAI-GOA

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer from hotel to the airport in time to connect with your flight to GOA. Meeting and assistance upon arrival at the airport and transfer to your RESORT HOTEL.  451 years of Portuguese rule (prior to its liberation by India in 1958) has imbued Goa’s towns and villages with a unique culture. Panjim, the capital city and Margao an important town, have private houses and government buildings dating back to Portuguese times.  Unforgettable Goa, a heady blend of serenity and excitement down a 100 km coastline, studded with some of the world’s most beautiful beaches – Calangute, Colva, Baga, Dona Paula, Bogmalo. Idyllic seaside stretches where you create your own kind of holiday. Rest of the day at leisure. OVERNIGHT AT YOUR HOTEL.(B,L)

SAT, DAY 18 -  GOA

Breakfast at the hotel followed by sightseing tour of Goa and its environs. Afternoon at leisure. In the evening farewell dinner at the hotel. OVERNIGHT AT YOUR HOTEL. (B,D)

SUN, DAY 19 -  GOA-MUMBAI

Breakfast at the hotel. Morning at leisure. In the afternoon transfer from hotel to the airport in time to connect with your flight to Mumbai. Upon arrival meeting and transfer to a HOTEL near the airport for dinner and short rest.  (B,D)      

MON, DAY 20 -  MUMBAI-NEW YORK

Early morning transfer to the airport to connect with your homebound Austrian Airlines flight. Arrive the same day.

Tour Highlights

-Accommodations at 5-star hotels

-Full American Breakfast daily
-11 lunches and 13 dinners

-Welcome and farewell dinners
-Special dinners with entertainment

-Folk music and dance performances

-Royal welcome in Dundlod

-Sound and light show

-Special dinners with Maharajahs

-Lectures by authoritative members of Royal families

-Social meetings with local families

-All transfers and baggage handling

-Sightseeing with licensed English-speaking guides

Plus much more

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