Upon arrival, you will be given a traditional welcome and transfer to the hotel. Room available from 1400 hours.

Delhi, one of the oldest cities in the world, has an excellent ambience of an old city in Old Delhi, and the modern in New Delhi.

The perfect combination of old and new worlds makes it a fascinating option to explore.

Overnight at selected Hotel.

Breakfast.

Morning sightseeing tour of Old Delhi, passing by the Red Fort, built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan and enjoy a ride on a rickshaw (man-pulled bicycle cart) at Chandni Chowk, one of the oldest and largest bazaars in India. Crisscrossed by narrow streets with stores fighting for space, Chandni Chowk gives the feel of old Delhi shopping. Since the 17th century era, this place is rightly called a "shopper's paradise" in Delhi. During the reign of Shah Jahan, there was a tree-lined canal running through its center and reflecting the moon. Hence, the name "Chandni Chowk" came about, meaning "place of moonlight". Then, we visit the Jama Mosque, the largest mosque in India. Next, visit the Gurudwara, the Temple of Sikh religion, an architectural beauty. Sikhs by their religion perform Seva also Sewa, short for the word Karseva refers to "selfless service", work or service performed without any thought of reward or personal gain.

Volunteers who participate in Seva are known as Sevadars. During their visit to the kitchen, they will have the opportunity to become a sevadar and participate in the cooking by making chapatis (Indian omelet), lending a hand in the preparation of lentils, vegetables and serving the numerous sitters waiting for food. It is a very uplifting experience in that you are somehow giving something back to the community/people. (Lunch included in local restaurant) In the afternoon, sightseeing of New Delhi visiting Qutub Minar, a 72m gigantic tower, built by India's first Muslim ruler, Qutub-ud-din Aibak. Then visit Gandhi Smriti (also called Birla House), the place where Mahatma Gandhi spent the last 144 days of his life and was assassinated on January 30, 1948. Walk through the government buildings, Rashtrapati Bhawan (residence of the President of India), the Parliament and the Gateway of India (Arch of Triumph). Overnight at the Hotel.

In the afternoon, visit of New Delhi. Walk through the government buildings, Rashtrapati Bhawan (residence of the President of India), the Parliament and the Gateway of India (Triumphal Arch). Then visit the Gurudwara, the Temple of Sikh religion, an architectural beauty. Sikhs by their religion perform Seva also Sewa, short for the word Karseva refers to "selfless service", work or service performed without any thought of reward or personal gain. Volunteers who participate in Seva are known as Sevadars. During their visit to the kitchen, they will have the opportunity to become a sevadar and participate in the cooking by making chapatis (Indian omelet), helping to prepare lentils, vegetables and serving the numerous people seated waiting for food. It is a very uplifting experience in that you are somehow giving something back to the community/people. Then visit Gandhi Smriti (also called Birla House), the place where Mahatma Gandhi spent the last 144 days of his life and was assassinated on January 30, 1948.

Later visit to the Qutub Minar, a 72m gigantic tower, built by the first Muslim ruler of India, Qutub-ud-din Aibak. Overnight at Hotel

Breakfast.

Morning departure by road to Agra (Approx. 210kms/3-4 hours), Agra, an ancient city as mentioned in the great epic 'Mahabharata' was the center of attention during the reign of the Mughals. It is famous for being home to one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Taj Mahal. The Taj Mahal is a monument of such incredible elegance that it is considered synonymous with beauty in itself. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel.

Afternoon visit to Agra Fort, an imposing fortress on the banks of the Yamuna River, built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1565 AD. In the evening we will visit the Taj Mahal* (closed on Fridays), India's most fascinating and beautiful monument. The Taj Mahal was completed in 1653 AD by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favorite queen, Mumtaz Mahal. This perfectly symmetrical monument took 22 years of hard labor and 20,000 workers, masons and jewelers to build and is set amidst landscaped gardens.

Hotel Accommodation

*Visitors will now have only three hours to complete their tour of the Taj Mahal, from the time of entry to departure. The three-hour time limit starts after passing the ticket barrier and the security check starts after that. If a tourist stays inside the complex for more than three hours, he/she will have to pay a fine of 600 rupees per person, which is approximately USD 10 per person. Rules and regulations are subject to change at any time.

Breakfast.

Morning departure by road to Jaipur (Approx. 240kms, 5-6 hours), visiting en route Abhaneri to see the Chand Baori step well, with its precise geometrical design and maze of steps and to explore its rural surroundings. Lunch included en route at a local restaurant. Continue by road to Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, also known as "The Pink City" as the old city had been turned terracotta pink in 1876 to welcome Prince Albert.

Transfer to the hotel.

Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast.

Morning visit to Amber Fort with the ascent and return to/from the Fort by jeep. Amber Fort, situated on the picturesque and rugged hill, is a fascinating blend of Hindu and Mughal architecture. Built by one of Akbar's most trusted generals, Maharaja Man Singh I in the year 1592, Amber Fort served as the main residence of the Rajput rulers. Amber Fort through its great ramparts, several gates and paved roads overlooks the Maotha Lake in the city of Amer, which used to serve as the capital of the erstwhile princely state of Jaipur. Then stroll through the beautifully restored Jal Mahal, a former royal pleasure pavilion. In the afternoon explore the exotic 'bazaars' of Jaipur to discover the artistic richness of the region. Experience the Festival of Light shopping - Diwali - colorful clothes with embellishments, accessories for home decoration, diya (mud candle) to illuminate the house etc. and also the perfect opportunity to meet local people with their families shopping etc.

Next, experience the Festival of Light - Diwali.

During the day we stop at Jaipur bazaar, for henna (temporary tattoo) for women with vibrant designs or if you prefer it can be names of your loved ones. Upon return to your hotel, in your room awaits your traditional attire with turbans for men and Indian bracelet with a pair of bindi (dotted) with an invitation from a family with your name placed on top in a handmade envelope. Once ready in the lobby with your Indian clothes, we go out to the old part of the city where the rickshaws (tricycle) will be waiting for us to enjoy a ride through the old part and contemplate the colorful markets and the whole city well illuminated by candles/light.

Arrival at the Haveli where we are welcomed by the resident family. You will participate in making Rangoli also known as kolam a type of Indian folk art. Rangoli is a series of decorative designs made on the floors of living rooms and courtyards during Hindu festivals. Next, we light up the house with diyas (candles made of earth). It is time to pray Laxmi- the goddess of prosperity and money. At the end we will enjoy presentations of different forms of music and folkloric dance with homemade dinner to have the gastronomic experience.

They will participate in the firecracker explosion which is also an integral part of the festival.

Finally and to say goodbye, there will be the raising of the lanterns to the sky.

Return to the hotel.

Breakfast.

Morning visit to the Maharaja's City Palace, which houses the former Royal Residence and a museum celebrating the collection of the royal family of Jaipur. Then visit the Hawa Mahal or the Palace of the Winds - the five-story facade of 593 latticed stone sieve windows, an emblem of the city of Jaipur. Also visit the Jantar Mantar or the Astronomical Observatory. This is the largest and best preserved of the five observatories built by Jai Singh II in different parts of the country.

Later enjoy a Tuk-Tuk ride to explore the exotic 'bazaars' of Jaipur to discover the artistic richness of the region, visiting 'Bapu Bazar' (for textiles) and 'Johari Bazar' (for jewelry). Walk through the markets of fruits, vegetables, spices and visit small temples and interact with local people.

In the afternoon we will cross the Patrika Gate, one of the most photographed places in Jaipur. While the gate is just one of Jaipur's many architectural wonders, the opulent design is truly breathtaking; the vibrant and intricate walkways serve as a true reflection of Rajasthani culture. Also visit the Galtaji monkey temple. The Galta temple is a complex located about 10kms from Jaipur and is well worth a trip to visit as it consists of several temples and sacred water ponds.

Many are the pilgrims who come here because it is said that the saint called Galav lived here, practicing meditation and doing penance. Today it is popular because of the number of monkeys it houses and is known as the Temple of the Monkeys.

Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast.

Morning departure by road to Delhi (Approx. 270kms, 5-6 hours). Upon arrival, (Lunch included on the way at local restaurant) then transfer to hotel. In the afternoon visit of the Akshardham Temple (closed on Mondays) a true work of art built very recently thanks to the donations of thousands of wealthy Hindus. It is a place that summarizes 10 thousand years of culture, with all its grandeur, beauty, hope and blessings.

Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast.

Room available until 1200 hours of noon.

At a convenient time transfer to the airport for your international flight (must be at the airport 3 hours before flight departure time).