Holiday Sale: India Private Journey

Arrive in Delhi, the capital of India, where you are met and transferred to your luxurious hotel.

After a morning at leisure, head out to explore the city and the sights of New Delhi, starting with Humayun’s Tomb — one of the architectural triumphs of the Mughal Empire, its design influenced by the Taj Mahal. Next, visit Qutub Minar, one of the first mosques in India, and then view Rashtrapati Bhavan, former lodge of a viceroy of India, and the current home of India’s president. Drive past India Gate, a memorial to Indian soldiers who died in World War I, as well as the Parliament House and two churches noted for their architecture, before returning to your hotel.

Today, discover Old Delhi, driving past the stunning Red Fort before arriving at the 300-year-old Chandni Chowk bazaar, which you explore like a local via rickshaw. Roam through its narrow lanes experiencing the mélange of scents, sights and sounds amid vendors offering jewelry, spices, leather, and fruits and vegetables. Visit Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India and stop at the tranquil Raj Ghat, a simple yet moving memorial to Mahatma Gandhi.

After a leisurely breakfast, journey overland to Agra and settle into your hotel. Then, explore this bastion of Mughal heritage, starting with a visit to the beautiful 14th-century Agra Fort, richly decorated in marble and mosaic. Later, visit the peerless Taj Mahal at sunset to observe how it subtly changes colors in the waning light.

Rise early, if you wish, and visit the Taj Mahal again, to see how the rising sun lends a warm tint to its marble face. Then journey to Jaipur, stopping en route to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Fatehpur Sikri, India’s royal ghost town. Once the capital of Emperor Akbar, it stands today as an unpopulated 16th-century city with palaces, mosques, tombs, courts and hidden passageways. Continue to Jaipur, called the Pink City for the extensive use of local pink stone on its buildings, where you check in to your lodge located in the surrounding countryside and enjoy the rest of your day at leisure.

This morning, visit Albert Hall, which is now the Central Museum, to see its displays on Rajasthani village life through costumes, pottery, woodwork and brassware. Continue to the Anokhi Museum where you discover the art of traditional printmaking. Learn how inked blocks are laid and pressed by hand, producing a unique look and feel unmatched by any contemporary method. Next, explore the magnificent Amber Fort, one of the finest examples of a fort palace in India, built in a style similar to the richly decorated Mughal courts surrounding it. Note how architectural elements of defense and ornamentation blend seamlessly along the ramparts of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. After lunch, wander through Jaipur’s colorful local market with your guide or return to your hotel for an afternoon at leisure.

Experience Jaipur today, starting in the Old City with the intricately designed City Palace — a massive, sprawling mix of Rajput and Mughal architecture, complete with courtyards and gardens. Step behind the scenes to see a section of the palace that remains closed to the general public. Later, proceed to the Jantar Mantar, with its collection of futuristic structures and astronomical instruments designed by Sawai Jai Singh, founder of Jaipur. Stop for photos at the iconic Hawa Mahal; known as the Palace of the Winds, it was built for the women of the royal household to observe street life without being seen. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure.

After breakfast, visit a local village near your lodge where you have the opportunity to interact with villagers, see their homes, and learn about their daily routines and lifestyle. This afternoon, fly to Delhi where you are transferred to your hotel for an evening at leisure.

Rise early to transfer to the airport for your departing flight.