Passenger Information

Your Value Added Tour Package Includes:

• 14 Night / 13 Day Tour in Deluxe (5*) and 1st Class (4*) Accommodations
• 27 Meals – 13 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches, 7 Dinners
• Roundtrip Airport transfers in Delhi (for those arriving at our recommended flight times)
• All Flights within India
• All Transportation as outlined in itinerary
• Daily Sightseeing Including these UNESCO World Heritage Sites:
  • Humayuns Tomb, Delhi
  • Qutab Minar, Delhi
  • Taj Mahal, Agra
  • Agra Fort, Agra
  • Fatehpur Sikri, Agra
  • Sarnath Ruins, Varanasi
• Special Included Experiences:
  • Rickshaw ride through Old Delhi
  • Bollywood dance show lesson, Delhi
  • Boat ride on Lake Pichola, Udaipur
  • Yoga Session with local expert in Udaipur
  • Elephant ride to the ascent of Amber Fort, Jaipur
  • Cultural immersion and home hosted meal, Jaipur
  • Henna tattoo demonstration, Jaipur
  • Two visits to Tiger Reserve by Canter (safari jeep), Ranthambore
  • Visit to Dastkaar Workshop, Ranthambore
  • Interactive cooking lesson, Ranthambore
  • Ride on Horse carriage on the way to Taj Mahal, Agra
• Amazing Journeys Cocktail Party
• Amazing Journeys Escort
• Local Indian Tour Manager Throughout
• Baggage Handling Throughout (one bag per person)
• All Taxes and Service Charges And Gratuities
• Amazing Journeys Gifts for each Participant
• VIP Treatment Throughout

What’s Not Included:

• Optional Tours and Entrance Fees not Listed on the Itinerary
• International Flights
• Travel Insurance
• Beverages
• Meals not mentioned on the Itinerary
• Arrival or Departure Airport Taxes
• Incidentals

Day 1 – Sunday, February 1 – Arrive Delhi, India

After your overnight flight, arrive in Delhi, India late this evening. Upon arrival, those who are on our recommended international flights, or arriving at the same time will be transferred 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 still stand. Perhaps there is no other capital city in the world so steeped in history and legend as the Indian capital Delhi. It 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.

Day 2 – Monday, February 2 – 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 Indian tour manager as well as other members of our group.

After, we’ll take off for our combined tour to Old Delhi and New Delhi. Sights to be visited include the Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India, constructed in 17th century. We’ll experience a cycle rickshaw ride through the bustling lanes and narrow streets of Chandni Chowk, the market district of Old Delhi. It’s an amazing ride! We’ll next see Raj Ghat, the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi, Laxmi Narayan Temple, a modern Hindu Temple, Qutab Minar, intended to be the most glorious tower of victory in the world and was to be the prototype of all minars in India and Humayun Tomb, precursor to the Taj Mahal with Indo-Persian design. During the tour, we’ll drive past India Gate War Memorial, Rastrapathi Bhawan, the palatial President’s House and Parliament House. (B, L, D)

Day 3 – Tuesday, February 3 – Delhi – Udaipur

This morning, you’ll have a bit of leisure time to enjoy shopping, or enjoy the spa at our beautiful hotel. Then, we’ll learn something new as we learn how to dance, Bollywood style! Later this afternoon, we fly to Udaipur, in the desert state of Rajasthan. Set amidst the Aravalli hills of south Rajasthan, Udaipur (City of Sunrise) is a beautiful city regarded as one of the most romantic in India. Presenting an enchanting image of marble palaces, placid lakes, attractive gardens and green hills, it has been called “the Venice of the East”. It was founded in 1568 as a traditionally planned, fortified city full of palaces and temples. The city also became a center for the performing arts, painting and crafts. Enjoy our serene hotel located right on Lake Pichola. (B, D)

Flight to Udaipur: 1 hour

Day 4 – Wednesday, February 4 – Udaipur

We begin with an early morning yoga session led by local expert. After breakfast, we’ll explore this lovely city. The amazing City Palace will be etched in your memory for years to come. It is the largest palace complex in India, blending Rajput and Mughal architecture. We’ll visit the Jagdish Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu after its construction in the 17th century, and Sahelion-ki-Baari where you’ll see the garden for the Maids of Honour. Later, enjoy a boat ride on Lake Pichola, fringed with hills, palaces, ghats, and temples; and offering spectacular views of the city. Tonight, join us outside on the exquisite patio of our “palace” for an exclusive Amazing Journeys cocktail party. (B)

Day 5 – Thursday, February 5 – Udaipur – Pushkar

Today, we drive to Pushkar Town. Tucked away beside a lake, Pushkar is one of the oldest towns in India. The name ‘Pushkar’ is believed to mean ‘blue lotus flower’ in Sanskrit. Folklore has it that the lake in the heart of the town emerged from a lotus thrown at the spot by the Hindu deity Brahma. In keeping with this legend, Pushkar is also called ‘the holy lake city’. For most of the year, the town is a haven for Indian pilgrims from across the country, seeking a dip in the holy lake. The town plays host to the annual Pushkar Mela, also known as the Pushkar Camel Fair, held every year in the month of Kartik (October/November), which attracts visitors in the thousands.

Upon arrival this afternoon, we’ll take the tour of the famous Pushkar Temple and Lake. Later, we’ll enjoy a cultural dance show before having dinner at our hotel. (B, D)

Driving time Udaipur – Pushkar: Approximately 4.5 hours

Day 6 – Friday, February 6 – Pushkar – Jaipur

This morning, we set out in the early morning to visit the sand dunes of Pushkar during sunrise. Return to our hotel for breakfast. Later this morning, we’ll set out for the “Pink City” of Jaipur (the City of Victory), which was founded in 1727. It is the only city in the world symbolizing the nine divisions of the Universe through nine rectangular sectors which sub-divide it. The city was painted pink in 1853 in honor of a visit by Prince Albert. Except for the busy traffic of bicycles, cars and buses, little seems to have changed. Upon our arrival, we’ll visit many exciting sights including Hawa Mahal, home to the former Maharaja with its façade including 953 windows! This makes for a perfect photo stop! We’ll see the City Palace, Maharaja’s palace covering one seventh of the area of the city of Jaipur. We’ll go to Janter-Manter, an incredible astronomical Observatory, built in 1726. Finally, you’ll be amazed by our walk through the through buzzing local markets, filled with the scent of colorful flowers, the aroma of fresh spices and a look at how locals do their day-to-day shopping. This evening, join us at our Amazing Journeys Shabbat service. (B, L)

Driving time Pushkar – Jaipur: Approximately 3 hours

Day 7 – Saturday, February 7 – Jaipur

After breakfast, you’ll be seeing one of the highlights of your visit to India. The Amber Fort is India’s former seat of power. Ride an elephant to the top of the hill as we ascent 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 the paradise of shoppers. 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. (B, L, D)

Day 8 – Sunday, February 8 – Jaipur – Ranthambore

Today we will drive to Ranthambore National Park, one of the finest tiger reserves in the country. Once a private tiger reserve of the Maharaja of Jaipur, in 1972 the sanctuary came under a government effort called Project Tiger, to help the efforts from having these animals become extinct. Now, most visitors have about a 50% success rate of spotting one of these majestic animals. This afternoon we will meet a naturalist who speak to us about tigers and other wildlife in India. Learn about Project Tiger’s successful results in conservation of this beautiful creature.

This afternoon, we embark on a game viewing drive by canter, an open-air safari jeep in search of the tiger. In addition, you may see herds of Chital and Sambar deer, wild boar, Nilgai antelope and Chinkara gazelles. There may also be marsh crocodiles, leopards, sloth bears and hopefully, the elusive tiger. This evening, be our guest at an exclusive Amazing Journeys cocktail party. (B, L, D)

Driving time Jaipur – Ranthambore: Approximately 3 hours

Day 9 – Monday, February 9 – Ranthambore

We start early this morning with a game viewing drive and another chance to see the elusive tiger. After, we’ll return to our hotel for a hearty breakfast. Later, we’ll visit the Dastkar Project, founded by local women who create traditional crafts and earn a livelihood from their artisan skills. (B, L, D)

Day 10 – Tuesday, February 10 – Ranthambore – Bharatpur – Agra

After an early morning light breakfast, we’ll depart by train and travel to Bharatpur.

Upon arrival we’ll make a brunch stop before driving to Agra. On the way, we’ll visit the abandoned city of Fatehpur Sikri, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This red sandstone city wa built by Mughal Emperor Akbarin in the 16th century.

Later, we will arrive in Agra, home to the world famous Taj Mahal. The ambience of Agra is still associated with the Mughal period. The Mughals, besides being great rulers, were also great builders and they reserved their best architectural wonders for Agra. There are many wonderful monuments here and the Taj Mahal, the greatest of them all, is a masterpiece of Mughal architecture at its best. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. (B, BR)

Train Ride Ranthambore – Bharatpur: 2.5 hours

Driving time Bharatpur – Agra: Approximately 3 hours

Day 11 – Wednesday, February 11 – Agra

At sunrise, we arrive at the entrance to Taj Mahal by Tonga, a horse and carriage, as was done centuries ago. The colors are so vivid at this time of day and the photos you will take will be amazing. This is one of the any highlights of our trip, and one of the 7 Wonders of the World. 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 1000 elephants. It is widely considered as one of the most beautiful buildings in the world and stands as a symbol of eternal love. Taj Mahal is the finest example of Mughal architecture, a style that combines elements from Persian, Islamic and Indian design. We’ll return to our hotel for breakfast.

Later, visit Agra Fort, built in the 16th century. This fortress is made of red sandstone and known as the Red Fort of Agra. It encompasses the imperial city of the Mughal rulers. This afternoon, you’ll have some free time to relax.

In the evening, join us for a local experience as we take a “tuk-tuk” ride in the bustling markets of Agra and visit the Taj Mahal from across the river. Here, you will see a different perspective of this striking masterpiece. (B)

Day 12 – Thursday, February 12 – Agra – Delhi – Varanasi

After an early breakfast, we drive to Delhi then board our flight for Varanasi. Varanasi, the city of Shiva on the banks of the Ganges, is one of Hinduism’s seven holiest cities. With its temples, over a hundred ghats and labyrinth of streets, the city cannot be described, only experienced. 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 world’s 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 North India. The city is also famous for silk weaving. Upon arrival, we’ll transfer to our hotel. This evening, experience 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. (B, L)

Driving time Agra – Delhi: Approximately 4.5 hours
Flight from Delhi to Varanasi: 1 hour, 10 minutes

Day 13 – Friday, February 13 – 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. In addition, you will see the locals participate in yoga, laundry and praying. Morning is an entirely different scene on the Ganges that what you will have experienced the night before. After sunrise you will 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. Our tour will include Bharat Kala Bhavan, within the sprawling grounds of Benaras Hindu University and housing an outstanding collection of sculpture, paintings and textiles. This evening, we’ll come together for an Amazing Journeys Shabbat, Farewell and dinner. (B, D)

Day 14 – Saturday, February 14 – Varanasi – Delhi – Tour Ends

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. This afternoon, we’ll board our flight back to Delhi and the end of our tour. At our airport hotel, you will have rooms reserved until your departure in the wee hours of the morning. Later this evening, transfer to airport to board your flight to home. (B)

Flight from Varanasi to Delhi: 1.5 hours

Day 15 – Sunday, February 15 – Depart New Delhi – Tour Ends

Your flight home will leave either late evening on February 14, or very early in the morning today.

The hotels for this program are the following:
Day 1 & 2      The Lalit, Delhi
Day 3 & 4      The Leela Palace, Udaipur
Day 5             Hotel Ananta Spa and Resort, Pushkar
Day 6 & 7      Hotel Trident, Jaipur
Day 8 & 9      Hotel Nahargarh, Ranthambore
Day 10 & 11  ITC Mughal, Agra
Day 12 & 13  Radisson Hotel, Varanasi
Day 14           Holiday Inn New Delhi International Airport, Delhi

Please Note:
1) Alternate hotels may be utilized.
2) On Day 7, if elephants are not available or can’t be used, you will be transported via 4×4 jeeps.
3) Due to flight departure schedules early on Day 15, a few day rooms have been reserved for the group at the Holiday Inn New Delhi Airport.
4) For taking photos inside attractions, the Indian Government charges a camera and/or video fee of approximately $25 USD/$60 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.
5) Smaller buses, which may not be lavatory equipped, may be used on this program. In this case, frequent stops are made during travel periods.
6) 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.
7) The order of this tour may change.

A deposit of $600 is due with your reservation. Full payment is due October 17, 2014.

Rates are subject to change based on availability.

These rates are based on an all-inclusive, custom-designed package that differs from offerings seen in public advertising. Roommate matching is available.

This trip is limited to 24 passengers.

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.

All rooms where we provide roommate matches are non-smoking.  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.

Cancellation Policy: From the time of deposit until September 3, 2014, there is a $100 penalty for cancellation. From September 4 – October 17, 2014, the cancellation penalty is $600. From October 18 – December 3, 2014, the cancellation penalty is 50% of the total package price. From December 4, 2014 until the day of travel, the cancellation penalty is 100% of the total package price. 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.

This tour is operated by India Travellers

Cancellation insurance: Cancellation insurance is highly recommended. Information will be sent with tour confirmation.

Passport Requirements:  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 $63 plus $13 processing fee. Details will be sent with your tour confirmation. 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.

Currency Fluctuations: In case of currency fluctuations greater than 3%, Amazing Journeys reserves the right to adjust our prices accordingly in order to operate the tour.

Taxes and Gratuities: All taxes and gratuities have been included in the cost of the tour package. At Amazing Journeys, we believe that travel should be simple, therefore, we have included and will pay on your behalf, all gratuities including baggage handling (one bag per person), tour manager, local guides, drivers and meal servers for included features. Taxes, surcharges, visa fees and government fees are based on May 2014 rates and are subject to change.

International Flights and Transfers: We will be recommending arrival and departure flight times. If your flight arrives or departs within these time frames, you will be able to take advantage of our group arrival and departure transfers. Those traveling outside of these recommended times will have the option of purchasing transfers to and from our hotel. The cost is $100 per person roundtrip. Please do not purchase your international flights until you have received a confirmation letter from Amazing Journeys via email.