Journey to India
- January 28 – February 8, 2024
- From $4799
- For Jewish Singles
- Post-Trip: Nepal Post-Trip
Let us amaze you as your incredible journey to India unfolds. We begin in the big, chaotic capital city that is New Delhi. Riding a rickshaw through Old Delhi, you’ll get the sense and the feel of India as it was centuries ago. Next, we escape to the sandcastles of the desert where we’ll find India’s grand palaces and forts that are centuries old. Here, you’ll learn about the times of the Taj and the life of a Raj. We’ll ride jeeps to the Amber Fort, visit colorful markets in the Blue City of Jodhpur and lavish palaces in the Pink City of Jaipur. We’ll visit one of the architectural masterpieces of the world, the Taj Mahal, where you will not only be transfixed on the artistic gem, but on the love story that inspired it. Finally, our tour will take us to the spiritual city of Varanasi, the religious center of Hinduism. Here, on the banks of the Ganges River, you’ll witness the holiness and mystique that this 3,000 year old city is known for. Until you have traveled to India, you have not seen the world. Our amazing tour of India will speak to you and touch your mind, body and spirit. Join Jewish Singles from North America and beyond and experience the highlights of this amazing country!
Click here to see a preview video of Journey to India.
This trip is limited to 25 passengers
Your Value Added Tour Package Includes:
- 11 night / 10 day tour in 5-star accommodations
- 26 meals – 10 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 9 dinners
- Roundtrip airport transfers in Delhi (transfer provided on tour start and end date)
- All flights within India
- All transportation on air conditioned coach as outlined in itinerary
- Amazing Journeys parties
- Amazing Journeys onsite tour coordinator throughout
- Local English speaking tour manager throughout
- Baggage handling throughout (one bag per person)
- All taxes and service charges and gratuities for guides, drivers, baggage handlers, servers where meals are included and more
- Bottled water on the bus and in hotels
- Amazing Journeys gifts for each participant
- Amazing treatment throughout
- Daily Sightseeing Including these UNESCO World Heritage Sites:
- Humayun’s Tomb
- Taj Mahal, Agra
- Agra Fort, Agra
- Qutab Minar, Delhi
- Janter-Manter Astronomical Observatory, Jaipur
- Our Experiential Journey Includes These Special Experiences:
- Ride Rickshaws through Old Delhi
- Experience Indian Express Trains to Agra
- Learn to dance like a local at our Bollywood dance lesson
- Visit the Bishnoi Tribes in Jodhpur
- See the Meherangarh Fort of Jodhpur
- Dine as a guest in the home of locals while being wrapped in a colorful sari or headdress in Jaipur
- Zip through the Pink City on pink rickshaws in Jaipur
- Naan cooking demonstration, Jaipur
- Boat ride along the Ganges, Varanasi
- See the Ganga Aarti Ceremony along the Ganges River
- Learn about Hinduism, Sikhism and Buddhism
What’s Not Included:
- Optional tours and entrance fees not listed on the itinerary
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Indian visa or passport fees
- Beverages
- Meals not mentioned on the itinerary
- Arrival or departure airport taxes
- Camera/video fee
- Costs associated with Covid testing/medical attention
- Incidentals
Sunday, January 28 – Arrive New Delhi, India – Tour Begins
After your overnight flight, arrive in Delhi, India late this evening. Upon arrival, meet our Amazing Journeys representative who will greet you and transfer you to our hotel where you can relax and enjoy a good night’s sleep.
Welcome to India’s capital city. Contemporary Delhi is a bustling metropolis which successfully combines the ancient with the modern. Amidst spiraling skyscrapers, the remnants of a bygone era as shown in its many monuments. Delhi was a magnet which drew the Mongols, Turks, Persians, Afghans, Mughals and the British, all of whom contributed to its glorious but turbulent past. The fascination with Delhi was such that even though it was abandoned many times, its rulers returned to it again and again, rebuilding it at least seven times. Today, the twin cities of Old and New Delhi still intrigue Indians and tourists alike as the cultural and political capital of the largest democracy in the world.
Monday, January 29 – New and Old Delhi
After a hearty breakfast consisting of Indian and Western specialties, we begin with an Amazing Journeys Welcome and Orientation where we will meet our local Indian Tour Guide as well as other members of our group.
We start our day with a visit to Old Delhi which is a far cry from the brash metropolis of New Delhi and is an exciting place to be lost in the ocean of people. Walk the narrow lanes and markets which are laced with history at every turn. Experience market district, Chandni Chowk, by rickshaw as we ride through the buzzing spice market, cloth market and street food stalls as we witness the lively and vibrant local life.
After a quick lunch break, our afternoon tour takes us to New Delhi. Visit the 16th century Humayun’s Tomb, one of Delhi’s historical jewels. This grand mausoleum is the first tomb built by the Mughals in India and over the years it also came to be the resting place of more than 150 Mughal members. The monument is a fine example of Persian architecture and is now declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We’ll make a stop at Lutyen’s New Delhi, which was built to symbolize British power and is now the seat of Indian Government. We’ll drive by the President House, Parliament House and several beautiful avenues, gardens and the famous India Gate, all of which dot the surrounding area.
Tonight, join us for an Amazing Journeys Welcome Dinner at and discover the flavors of Northern India as we toast the beginning of our tour of India together. (B, L, D)
Tuesday, January 30 – Delhi – Agra – Delhi
Mark Twain once said, “The world is split into two parts, those that have seen the Taj Mahal and those who have not!” Today is the day for you to be among the group who have seen one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
To reach at the Taj Mahal, you will experience an Indian train on the Shatabdi Express. We start very early as we board one of the quickest trains to Agra. This 2¼ hour train ride will take us through the Indian countryside.
The city of Agra has the feeling associated with its Mughal period showcasing monuments of that era. The Taj Mahal, the greatest of them all, is the sole reason that many people visit India and will be one of the highlights of your trip! The Taj Mahal, a mausoleum, is an architectural marvel that combines elements from Mughal, Persian, and Indian architecture. Taking 22 years and 20,000 men to build, the white marble was quarried 200 miles away and was transported to the site by a fleet of 1,000 elephants. Spend some time at Taj complex and take memorable photographs with this beautiful marble monument.
Later, visit Agra Fort, built in the 16th century. This fortress is made of red sandstone and known as the Red Fort of Agra, another UNESCO monument. It encompasses the imperial city of the Mughal rulers.
In the early evening, we’ll board the Gatiman Express as we take the train back to Delhi, arriving in the early evening. This evening, enjoy a relaxed dinner at our hotel. (B, L, D)
Wednesday, January 31 – Delhi – Jodhpur
This morning we visit Qutab Minar which was intended to be the most glorious tower of victory in the world and is a UNESCO monument.
We’ll leave behind the busy city of Delhi and fly to the desert state of Rajasthan. We’ll fly (1 hour, 20 minutes) to our first stop, the city of Jodhpur, also known as the Blue City. The famous blue houses have graced many magazine covers and guide books including Lonely Planet. Snacks will be available on the flight.
Upon arrival in Jodhpur, we’ll stop to explore the Sadar Market, a lively and bustling market that runs from Sojati Gate to the Clock Tower, built in the late 19th century. In the distance, you can see Meherangarh Fort which dominates the skyline for miles around. The colorful market with tiny shops dotting the narrow lanes is situated in the heart of the city and you can find everything from shoes to clothes, pottery, spices and teas.
This evening, relax at our hotel with an included dinner. (B, D)
Thursday, February 1 – Jodhpur
This morning we head to the villages of the Bishnoi tribes. The Bishnois follow 29 principles of a non-violent sect, founded in the 15th century by Jambeswarji. They have defined themselves as a sect of Vishnu worshipers with intense devotion to nature, their reverence for wildlife and their careful environmental management, protecting especially blackbuck antelope from extinction and following a green vegetarian diet. They are a gentle community of potters, weavers, leather embroiderers and camel herders.
After a quick lunch at a local restaurant, we visit the famous landmark of Jodhpur known as the Mehrangarh Fort which stands tall atop a cliff. The Fort evokes the spirit of the Rathores, the ruling local Rajput clan. There are many fascinating royal apartments and balconies with their delicate friezes and museums, displaying the treasures of the royal family. Visit Jaswant Thada, an imposing white marble memorial to Maharaja Jaswant Singh II built in 1899.
Tonight we’ll enjoy dinner at Khaas Bagh – a boutique heritage hotel which serves delicious food prepared with secret recipes from the royal kitchens and served in a beautiful atmosphere. (B, L, D)
Friday, February 2 – Jodhpur – Jaipur
Today we will drive (6-7 hours) to the exciting city of Jaipur, the City of Victor. It is the only city in the world symbolizing the nine divisions of the universe through nine rectangular sectors sub-dividing it. The city was painted pink in 1853 in honor of a visit by Prince Albert. Thus, was named, “The Pink City.” Although this was done during the British rule, many houses are still adorned with the hue to reiterate their signature slogan of “Welcome to my Land”. The city was founded by Maharaja Jai Singh II in 1727 AD and remained as the stronghold of the Rajputs who gave it its everlasting legacy in the form of many heritage sites, palaces and forts, arts and crafts and culinary creations.
This evening, we’ll gather together for our Amazing Journeys community Shabbat, followed by Shabbat dinner at the hotel. (B, L, D)
Saturday, February 3 – Jaipur
Our day begins with a pink experience in the Pink City! Climb aboard our pink e-rickshaws, driven by cheerful and highly trained women who are full of zeal. You will drive through old city lanes to a local Temple and a visit to flower market, followed by a stop at Hawa Mahal (the Palace of Winds), one of the most photographed monuments of Rajasthan with its façade having 953 windows! Then, enjoy a tea break like the locals do, at a street tea stall where you can taste masala tea. We’ll take a spin around Albert Hall, beautifully designed in Indo-Sarcenic architecture before stopping for lunch at a local restaurant.
Next, visit the lavish Palace in the heart of Old Jaipur called City Palace, the residence of royal family of Jaipur. It houses a museum, queen’s palace, noblemen’s private meeting hall, all of which are open for visitors. Spend some time at Janter-Manter – an astronomical Observatory, a preserved set of monumental instruments built in India in the mid-18th century and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
In the evening, come together for a home-hosted dinner where we will have an opportunity to learn more about Indian family life, their culture and values. You’ll dress like the locals complete with sari, bangles, a bindi and henna tattoos for the women and kurta-paizama for the men. (B, L, D)
Sunday, February 4 – Jaipur
After breakfast, visit another highlight of your visit to India. The Amber Fort is India’s former seat of power and represents the opulence and grandeur of Rajput and Mughal architecture. Built entirely of red sandstone with white marble work, the fort boasts a grand palace, temple, and several ornate gates. Ride to the top on 4×4 Jeeps, where you’ll feel just like Indiana Jones as we ascend the fort.
After enjoying the fort, we will return to the city to have lunch at local restaurant, followed by some free time to enjoy some local shops, as Jaipur is a shoppers paradise. You will find a charming confluence of tradition and modernity, old shops and new showrooms where you’ll find anything from Bandhani sarees to silver jewelry, bangles in all colors and sizes as well as colorful gemstones that India is known for. It’s a great way to speak with some of the local shop owners and learn more about life in India.
Our late afternoon and evening are free for you to enjoy the sights and sounds of Jaipur and have dinner with others at a restaurant of your choosing, or come back to the hotel and enjoy the pool and spa. (B, L)
Monday, February 5 – Jaipur – Delhi – Varanasi
Bollywood and India are like body and soul which cannot be separated. Bollywood movies are based on a formula of a family story – love and hate, leg shaking dance numbers, and loud music packed with emotional melodrama. Bollywood dance is a mixture of various styles of Indian and Western dance. This morning, participate in a workshop and find your hidden dance talent (1 hour class).
After, we’ll head to the airport for our flight to Varanasi. Our day will be long as we will be flying from Western India to Eastern India to explore more cultural contrasts (6 hours including our layover in Delhi). Snacks will be available on the flight.
Arrive this evening in Varanasi, the city of Shiva on the banks of the Ganges, one of Hinduism’s seven holiest cities. With its temples, over a hundred ghats and a labyrinth of streets, the city has to be experienced to truly understand. It is said that “to visit the Ganga at Varanasi is to truly touch the soul of India.” Also called Benares or Kashi, Varanasi is the oldest living city in India, and one of the worlds most ancient, a contemporary of Babylon, Nineveh and Thebes. Hindu devotional movements flourished here, and it is still the chief center of Sanskrit learning in Northern India. The city is also famous for silk weaving. Upon arrival, we’ll transfer to our beautiful hotel.
We’ll check in at our hotel, followed by dinner. (B, D)
Tuesday, February 6 – Varanasi
Before sunrise, we’ll take you for a boat ride along the Ghats on the Holy River Ganges. At sunrise, the Hindu faithful flock to the river to cleanse themselves of their sins. It is said that, “To die in Varanasi is to end the Hindu cycle of re-birth” thereby making it a popular place to end one’s life. You will see the locals participate in their morning rituals including yoga, laundry and praying. Morning is an entirely different scene on the Ganges, so different from what happens in the evening. After sunrise, we’ll visit some of the temples in the surrounding area.
We’ll return to our hotel for breakfast and later, head out for a tour to Varanasi. After, we’ll visit the famous Kashi Vishwanath Temple which is considered to be one of the most sacred Hindu temples in the world. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the present structure was built in 1780, and situated on the bank of holiest river Ganga.
This evening, we will return to the ghats to see the Ganga Aarti ceremony. The Ganga Aarti is a spectacular illuminated sight where hundreds throng to the ghats to participate in this ceremony. Offerings of lamps and flowers are made to the river immediately following this ceremony and it is a moving sight to watch hundreds of miniature lamps float along the river. Nighttime on the Ganges River will be a sight etched into your mind forever and you’ll understand the world just a little better. After the ceremony, join together with your fellow travelers for our Amazing Journeys Farewell Event and dinner. (B, D)
Wednesday, February 7 – Varanasi – New Delhi
This morning, we travel to Sarnath ruins, where Siddarth Gautama, later known as Buddha, gave his first sermon on a quiet grove in the 6th century BC.
Today’s lunch will be at Shree Shivay – an authentic Indian vegetarian meal to be served in platter (or Thali). Food is an integral part of any culture and without experiencing it, the immersion into Indian culture is incomplete.
This afternoon, we’ll board our flight back to Delhi (1.5 hours) and check in to our airport hotel joining together for dinner at our hotel in Delhi. (B, L, D)
Thursday, February 8 – Depart New Delhi – Tour Ends
Your flight home will leave either late evening on February 7 or very early in the morning on February 8. Our hotel rooms at the Delhi airport are reserved until 12 noon today. Fly home with memories of an amazing journey through India or continue along to explore Nepal. (B)
The hotels for this program are the following:
Night 1-3 The Lalit New Delhi, New Delhi
Night 4-5 Radisson Blu, Jodhpur
Night 6-8 The Lalit Jaipur, Jaipur
Night 9-10 Taj Ganges, Varanasi
Night 11 Pride Plaza Hotel Aerocity, New Delhi International Airport, Delhi
Please Note:
- Alternate hotels may be utilized.
- For taking photos inside attractions, the Indian Government charges a camera and/or video fee of approximately $35 USD/$75 USD respectively (total for the entire trip). Our local Tour Manager will collect these fees at the beginning of the tour and pay the government accordingly.
- Smaller buses, which may not be lavatory equipped, may be used on this program. In this case, frequent stops are made during travel periods.
- This tour requires average physical activity. You should be in good health, able to climb stairs and walk reasonable distances, possibly over uneven grounds and cobblestone streets.
- The itinerary may change due to changed flight schedules or traffic delays.
Rates |
Twin^ | Single |
|
$4999* | $5899* |
A deposit of $850 is due with your reservation. Full payment is due October 16, 2023.
*Pay final payment by check and deduct $200
^ Twin occupancy is available for those coming with a friend. Roommate matching is not available.
Pre-Night Stays: We have a limited number of rooms for pre-tour overnights New Delhi. Rates include breakfast and taxes. There will be no planned Amazing Journeys activities on pre-night stays.
New Delhi (January 27):
Twin^ – $109
Single – $199
Rates are subject to change based on availability and are based on an all-inclusive, custom-designed package that differs from offerings seen in public advertising. Please note – This is a group exclusive vacation package. We are unable to make any of our package components available to anyone who is not part of our Amazing Journeys group.
Items listed on this website are subject to change at any time. By providing payment you agree to the terms and conditions as outlined on this website. All rooms are non-smoking.
Cancellation Policy: From the time of deposit until July 27, 2023, there is a $150 penalty for cancellation. From July 28 – October 16, 2023, the cancellation penalty is the amount of the deposit. From October 17 – December 26, 2023, the cancellation penalty is 50% of the total package price including Nepal package and any reserved extra hotel nights. From December 27, 2023 until the day of travel, the cancellation penalty is 100% of the total package price including Nepal package and any reserved extra hotel nights. Cancellations made on the day of departure and “no-shows” will receive no refund. There is no refund in the event of interruption or cancellation by the passenger after the start of the journey. Your decision not to participate on the tour due to State Department advisories, fear of travel, illness, or any other reason will be deemed a cancellation.
Travel Protection: A travel protection plan is recommended for participation in this program. Information will be sent with tour confirmation.
Flights and Transfers: The cost of all flights within India have been included in the cost of the tour. You will be flying into and out of Delhi for the India tour. Those going on to Nepal will fly home from Kathmandu, changing planes in New Delhi. More details will be sent to you with your tour confirmation. Please do not purchase your international flights until you have received a confirmation letter from Amazing Journeys via email. For those arriving and departing on the tour beginning and end dates, we will provide group airport transfers.
Passports & Visas: A valid passport is required. Passports must be valid for six months beyond the last day of the trip. An Indian visa is also required. The cost of the visa for a US citizen is currently $25. There may also be a minimal processing fee. Details will be sent with your tour confirmation. Rates may change at any time. For those who are citizens from countries other than the US, please consult the Embassy of India in your country of residence for visa requirements.
Activity Level – 3 out of 5: A trip to India is always a busy one. For this tour, you like to be on-the-go when you travel. You are happy to be on the move with early mornings, full days and walking tours, sometimes covering 1-2 hours of walking at a time, over a variety of terrain from cobblestone streets to easy pathways. You can navigate hills and uneven ground, and climb into various modes of transportation.
Twin Accommodations: Twin accommodations are available if you and a friend are traveling together. When signing up for twin occupancy, should one of the roommates cancel, the remaining traveling roommate will assume the cost of a single occupancy. Standard cancellation terms apply to any cancellation.
Taxes & Gratuities: All taxes and gratuities have been included in the cost of the tour package. These include baggage handling (one bag per person), tour manager, local guides, drivers and meal servers for included features. We are unable to tip the hotel staff on your behalf and we leave that up to you. Taxes, surcharges, visa fees and government fees are subject to change.
Vaccinations: There may be required vaccines and recommendations necessary in order to travel within India and Nepal. We recommend you visit a travel clinic or see your health professional. Requirements can change at any time. We will have more details in your confirmation email. It is recommended you bring along an official government issued Covid-19 proof of vaccination card as countries and venues along the way may still require it and you may be denied entry without.
Group Size: The India tour must have a minimum of 10 passengers in order to operate and is limited to 25 passengers. In order for the Nepal post-tour to have an Amazing Journeys staff person present, we require a minimum of 10 passengers. Otherwise, it will be conducted by our onsite tour manager.
Fuel Surcharges & Exchange Rate: In the case of currency fluctuations of greater than 3%, we reserve the right to adjust our pricing according in order that we may be able to operate the tour effectively. Should oil costs go above $65 a barrel and our tour operators adjust the rate of the tour, we reserve the right to adjust the cost of the tour accordingly.
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