Best of Bhutan & India (16 Days)
Delhi, Thimphu, Punakha, Paro, Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Udaipur
Essence of India
(12 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis) Delhi, Agra, Jaipur & Aravali Hills, Udaipur
This tour is an ideal introduction to India, featuring Delhi, the Taj Mahal, and the highlights of Rajasthan. Enjoy comprehensive private sightseeing by day and lavish accommodation by night.
Begin in Delhi, the bustling capital of India. During private touring, experience highlights such as Humayun’s Tomb, the Lodi Gardens, and a rickshaw ride through the bazaars of Old Delhi, as well as upscale shopping districts.
Transfer to Agra for a spellbinding visit to the Taj Mahal, the world’s greatest monument to love. Also visit Agra Fort and local markets. Stay in the luxurious Oberoi Amarvilas in a room with an uninterrupted view of the Taj.
Next, spend two nights in the Aravali Hills at Amanbagh, a luxurious resort in a walled compound in the Rajasthan countryside. A guaranteed highlight of your visit to India, touring includes an early morning visit (with yoga, if desired) at abandoned ruins in the region and a safari tour to local villages (including a visit to a home for tea).
Continue to nearby Jaipur, Rajasthan’s great “Pink City.” See the rich architectural legacy of Jaipur’s merchants and maharajas (Hindu princes)—hill forts, palaces, an observatory, gardens, temples and havelis (courtyard mansions)—surrounded by stark desert. Ride an elephant to Amber Fort. 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.
Spend three nights in Udaipur, India's most romantic city, among the grand arches and courtyard gardens of the beautiful Oberoi Udaivilas. 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.
Conclude with a night in Delhi and enjoy last-minute shopping and sightseeing.
Itinerary Overview
Day 1
Arrive Delhi
Private arrival transfer to hotel for 2 nights
Day 2
Delhi Full-day private tour of Old & New Delhi
Day 3
Delhi - Agra
Transfer to Agra for overnight. Afternoon private tour of Agra and Taj Mahal
Day 4
Agra - Aravali Hills
Sunrise visit to Taj Mahal, if desired. Private transfer to the countryside for 2 nights
Day 5
Aravali Hills
Private touring, including morning visit to ruins and village safari. Special private Rajasthani feast tonight with classical Indian musician
Day 6
Aravali Hills - Jaipur
Private transfer to Jaipur for 2 night stay. Afternoon private tour
Day 7
Jaipur
Private tour of Jaipur, including local markets, elephant ride and shopping
Day 8
Jaipur – Udaipur
Private 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
Private excursion to Jain Temples at Ranakpur or visit local temples and gourmet lunch at a palace
Day 11
Udaipur - Delhi
Private transfer and flight to Delhi for 1 night. Afternoon with guide and driver at disposal for flexible touring
Day 12
Depart Delhi
Private transfer to airport
Hotels
Delhi:
The Imperial New Delhi
Agra:
The Oberoi Amarvilas
Aravali Hills:
Amanbagh
Jaipur:
Rambagh Palace
Udaipur:
The Oberoi Udaivilas
Cost
$10,375
Per person (double occupancy)
Optional surcharge for regional business class flights (when available):
From $235 per person