Best of India & Bhutan (18 Days)
Delhi, Agra, Ranthambore, Jaipur, Udaipur, Thimphu, Punakha, Paro
Essence of India
(12 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis) Delhi, Agra (Taj Mahal), Jaipur, Udaipur
This tour is an ideal introduction to India, featuring Delhi, the Taj Mahal, and the highlights of Rajasthan. Stay in India's most luxurious hotels, and enjoy private touring of colorful bazaars, atmospheric villages and towns, ancient temples, ornate palaces and gardens, and sophisticated urban restaurants and attractions.
Begin in Delhi with comprehensive touring that includes the bazaars of Old Delhi, the Red Fort, Humayun's Tomb, the Lodi Gardens, upscale shopping districts and the excellent Crafts Museum and National Museum.
Next, spend a night in Agra to see the Taj Mahal, the world's greatest monument to love. Also, visit Agra Fort and local markets. Stay in the Oberoi Amarvilas in a room with a stunning view of the Taj.
Continue to Jaipur, Rajasthan's great "Pink City," visiting local villages and the centuries-old ruins at Fatehpur Sikri en route. See the rich architectural legacy of Jaipur's merchants and maharajas (Hindu princes)
— hill forts, palaces, gardens, temples and havelis (courtyard mansions)
— surrounded by stark desert. Also take an elephant ride up to Amber Fort. Tour the Sheesh Mahal, ancient observatory, Palace of the Winds and City Palace. Marvel at the luminous saris of indigenous tribal women and the bright turbans of Rajasthani men. Explore medieval backstreets and browse bazaars selling textiles, leatherwork, woodblock prints, perfume, jewelry and Jaipur's traditional blue pottery. One night, attend a ceremony at a local temple. When not touring, relax in your elegant hotel that reflects the romance and grandeur of Rajasthan.
Next, fly to Udaipur, India's most romantic city, for three nights among the grand arches and courtyard gardens of the palatial Oberoi Udaivilas
— arguably India's most luxurious hotel. Cruise Lake Pichola and walk through picturesque backstreets, shop for local folk art, tour the City Palace, Jagdish Temple, the Saheliyon Ki Bari Garden, and browse the local bazaars. On a day excursion outside the city, tour the spectacular Jain temples of Ranakpur, where relief carvings cover every surface, including over 1,400 pillars, and have a memorable gourmet lunch at a spectacular palace. One night, enjoy a romantic dinner at the fabled Lake Palace Hotel in the middle of Lake Pichola.
Conclude with a night in Delhi and enjoy last-minute shopping and sightseeing.
Itinerary Overview
Day 1
Arrive Delhi
Arrival transfer to hotel for 3 nights
Day 2
Delhi Full-day private city touring
Day 3
Delhi
Full-day private city touring
Day 4
Delhi - Agra
Private drive to Agra for 1 night. Tour Agra and visit Taj Mahal at sunset
Day 5
Agra - Fatehpur Sikri - Jaipur
Private tour of Fatehpur Sikri en route to Jaipur for 3 nights
Day 6
Jaipur
Private tour of Jaipur and local markets, including elephant ride. Evening temple ceremony
Day 7
Jaipur
Private morning tour of Jaipur. Afternoon at leisure
Day 8
Jaipur – Udaipur
Transfer and flight to Udaipur for 3 nights. Introductory city tour this afternoon
Day 9
Udaipur
Private city tour, including boat ride on Lake Pichola
Day 10
Udaipur & Ranakpur
Private excursion to Ranakpur and gourmet lunch at palace
Day 11
Udaipur - Delhi
Transfer and flight to Delhi for 1 night. Afternoon with guide and driver at disposal
Day 12
Depart Delhi
Private transfer to airport
Hotels
Delhi:
The Imperial New Delhi
Agra:
The Oberoi Amarvilas
Jaipur:
Rambagh Palace or The Oberoi Rajvilas
Udaipur:
The Oberoi Udaivilas
Cost
$10,845
Per person (double occupancy)
Optional surcharge for regional business class flights (when available):
From $155 per person
All Artisans of Leisure tours are private and depart daily.
Call us at (800) 214-8144 for more information regarding the above tour, or to begin customizing your own itinerary.
