Day 1 – Wednesday, May 1 – Mumbai – Delhi – Agra
This morning we leave our ship, Azamara Journey, and fly to Delhi. After lunch at a local hotel, we will travel 5 hours by bus to Agra. During our bus ride, we will learn about Indian history and culture from our local guide. Tonight, join the group for an included dinner. (L, D)
Day 2 – Thursday, May 2 – Agra
This morning we visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise aboard a tonga – or horse carriage – that takes you to its gates. The Taj Mahal took 20 years and 20,000 men to build. Built in the 17th century by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as an expression of his love for his wife Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj Mahal is truly one of the wonders of the world. You cannot completely understand the beauty of the wealth of white marble and inlaid precious stones until you see it with your own eyes! We will return to the hotel for breakfast. After, visit Agra Fort, the 16th century fortress made of red sandstone, otherwise known as The Red Fort, encompassing the imperial city of the Mughal rulers.
This afternoon, we visit a Marble Inlay workshop. Agra is known for its fine marble work which is made by some of the descendants of the marble carvers who worked on the Taj Mahal. Various semi-precious stones are embedded in marble to create pleasing geometric and floral patterns, just like those you will have seen in the Taj Mahal. This evening, we will go to see the Taj Mahal from the other side of the river, this time at sunset. You’ll see it in a whole new light. Tonight we will have a group dinner. (B, D)
Day 3 – Friday, May 3 – Agra – Delhi
After breakfast, we will drive back to Delhi to take in the sights and sounds there. Once in Delhi, we’ll discover New Delhi with a visit to Qutab Minarm, a UNISCO Heritage Site, and the most colonial part of New Delhi where we will see the India Gate war memorial, the Parliament and the palatial Rastrapathi Bhawan – the President’s residence. (B, L)
Day 4 – Saturday, May 4 – Delhi
Today, enjoy a fascinating experience as we explore the unique city of Old Delhi. Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan in 1650 switched the Mughal capital from Agra to Delhi. Shah Jehan, possessing an architectural talent, brough about Delhi’s glorious Renaissance. We’ll be circumnavigating the narrow streets by rickshaw, the traditional mode of transportation. Here, you will see another Red Fort, the most opulent Fort and Palace of the Mughal Empire, in addition to the shops and crowded bazaars that give you an insight into the India that once was, and for some, still offers a traditional way of life.
As most of the international flights leave in the late evening hours from India, we have arranged for “Day Rooms” at our hotel, allowing you to keep your room until 8 pm. Tonight, we’ll take you to the airport in time for your flight back home. (B, L)
