Eclectic temples and imposing forts. Pristine wildlife refuges and lively metropolises. Pink cities and golden triangles. Fairytale monuments and tantalizing cuisine. This is India, a land of color and contrast—and this is Monograms, the very best way to discover this incredible subcontinent. There’s no better introduction to India’s famed “Golden Triangle” than this incredible 8-day vacation. Your adventure includes hotel accommodations, private guided sightseeing in each city, breakfast daily, four lunches, and private transportation throughout. Plus, in each city, a Local Host® is at your service—a friendly face and expert on the local scene who is there for you to answer questions, give recommendations, and to help make your vacation all you want it to be. From the moment you arrive, Monograms is there to pave your way for an amazing journey. Your Local Host will greet you at your hotel with a warm welcome and plenty of tools to help acquaint you with the wonders of Delhi. Relax over a hearty breakfast, then enjoy a rickshaw ride through the famed Chandni Chowk bazaar—a market that’s been around for more than three centuries. Spend time here shopping for exotic spices, gold, fabrics, and a host of trinkets and souvenirs. Feeling hungry? We treat you to a scrumptious lunch of traditional Indian fare, so dive right in! The following day, your private tour with a Local Guide stops at Qutub Minar; visits Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, the largest Sikh house of worship in Delhi; and explores the lavish, 16th-century garden-tomb of Mughal Emperor Humayun (a precursor to the Taj Mahal). Southeast in Agra, be sure your camera’s fully charged for your private guided sightseeing tour that begins with a truly unforgettable sunrise visit to the incomparable Taj Mahal. Then, visit the ancient red sandstone Agra Fort, which guarded the imperial city of the Moghul rulers. With Monograms, you’ll have free time to explore more on your own later or you could join the optional excursion to Itmad-ud-Daula, the city’s beautiful “Baby Taj.”Head southwest, stopping to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Fatehpur Sikri, home to one of the largest mosques in India. Then, explore the splendid Keoladeo Ghana Bird Sanctuary, one of the finest bird parks in the world, where cormorants, storks, eagles, and more than 370 other migratory bird species have been recorded. During the nesting season, bird calls can become so loud that it drowns out human conversation! Also keep your eyes open for wild boars, mongoose, jackals, hyenas, civets, and porcupines, too! In the “Pink City” of Jaipur, your private sightseeing takes you to the amazing Amber Fort with the glittering walls and ceilings in the Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Palace), the City Palace, and the stunning Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds). Join your local guide on a walking tour through the local market to pick up mementos, and check out the fascinating bigger-than-life Jantar Mantar astronomical observatories. India’s Golden Triangle is truly a feast for the senses—and your Local Hosts is there to help you make the most of every moment! Monograms takes care of all the planning, arranging, and logistics, so all you have to do is sit back and enjoy.
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Transportation:
Private vehicle transfers between cities
American breakfast daily; 4 lunches
Day 1
Welcome to India! Your hotel room is available for mid-afternoon check-in
Day 2
Your private guided sightseeing tour starts with an orientation drive to see the Red Fort, Jama Masjid, India Gate, and the Presidential Palace. Afterward, take a rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk, a captivating local bazaar. Here, ancient alleyways are lined with quaint shops selling all sorts of goods and souvenirs—from silver and saris to spices and electronics. The remainder of the day is at your leisure
BreakfastLunchDay 3
This morning, explore Delhi on a private guided tour. Start at Qutub Minar, the world’s tallest brick minaret. Next, visit Humayun’s Tomb and Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, Delhi’s largest and most prominent Sikh gurudwara (house of worship). After lunch, drive to Agra, where much of the city’s impressive past is still evident in the majesty of her buildings
BreakfastLunchDay 4
Meet your Local Guide for a special private guided tour to the incomparable Taj Mahal at sunrise. This extravagant marble monument was built by Moghul Emperor Shah Jahan as a memorial to his beloved wife, who died during childbirth. In the afternoon, a private guided tour brings you to Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built by Moghul Emperor Akbar, this impressive fortress of red sandstone conceals the imperial city of the Moghul rulers and its many palaces. (B)
NOTE:
The Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays. In these instances, it will be visited in the morning on Day 5
BreakfastDay 5
Today, your private guided tour includes a visit to Fatehpur Sikri (the City of Victory) and the Keoladeo Ghana Bird Sanctuary, home to more than 370 species of birds. Continue on to Jaipur, known as the “Pink City.”
BreakfastLunchDay 6
The highlight of today’s private guided sightseeing is the amazing Amber Fort. Later on, visit the City Palace and the adjoining museum that houses a collection of rare manuscripts. Also, stop at the famous Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds) and Jantar Mantar, and take a walking tour through a local market
BreakfastLunchDay 7
Today, drive back to Delhi. The remainder of the day is at your leisure
BreakfastDay 8
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
NOTE:
Some flights depart Delhi very early in the morning. In these cases, breakfast is not included on Day 8, and you will have to depart for the airport late in the evening on Day 7 or just after Midnight on Day 8
BreakfastDay 9
ARRIVE IN DELHI, INDIA
Day 10
DELHI
Day 11
DELHI–AGRA
Day 12
AGRA
Day 13
AGRA–FATEHPUR SIKRI–JAIPUR
Day 14
JAIPUR
Day 15
JAIPUR–DELHI
Day 16
DELHI
Day 17
BreakfastLunch
Day 18
BreakfastLunch
Day 19
Breakfast
Day 20
BreakfastLunch
Day 21
BreakfastLunch
Day 22
Breakfast
Day 23
Breakfast
Day 24 ARRIVE IN DELHI, INDIA.
Welcome to India! Your hotel room is available for mid-afternoon check-in
Day 25 DELHI.
Your private guided sightseeing tour starts with an orientation drive to see the Red Fort, Jama Masjid, India Gate, and the Presidential Palace. Afterward, take a rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk, a captivating local bazaar. Here, ancient alleyways are lined with quaint shops selling all sorts of goods and souvenirs—from silver and saris to spices and electronics. The remainder of the day is at your leisure
BreakfastLunchDay 26 DELHI–AGRA.
This morning, explore Delhi on a private guided tour. Start at Qutub Minar, the world’s tallest brick minaret. Next, visit Humayun’s Tomb and Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, Delhi’s largest and most prominent Sikh gurudwara (house of worship). After lunch, drive to Agra, where much of the city’s impressive past is still evident in the majesty of her buildings
BreakfastLunchDay 27 AGRA.
Meet your Local Guide for a special private guided tour to the incomparable Taj Mahal at sunrise. This extravagant marble monument was built by Moghul Emperor Shah Jahan as a memorial to his beloved wife, who died during childbirth. In the afternoon, a private guided tour brings you to Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built by Moghul Emperor Akbar, this impressive fortress of red sandstone conceals the imperial city of the Moghul rulers and its many palaces. (B)
NOTE:
The Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays. In these instances, it will be visited in the morning on Day 5
BreakfastDay 28 AGRA–FATEHPUR SIKRI–JAIPUR.
Today, your private guided tour includes a visit to Fatehpur Sikri (the City of Victory) and the Keoladeo Ghana Bird Sanctuary, home to more than 370 species of birds. Continue on to Jaipur, known as the “Pink City.”
BreakfastLunchDay 29 JAIPUR.
The highlight of today’s private guided sightseeing is the amazing Amber Fort. Later on, visit the City Palace and the adjoining museum that houses a collection of rare manuscripts. Also, stop at the famous Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds) and Jantar Mantar, and take a walking tour through a local market
BreakfastLunchDay 30 JAIPUR–DELHI.
Today, drive back to Delhi. The remainder of the day is at your leisure
BreakfastDay 31 DELHI.
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
NOTE:
Some flights depart Delhi very early in the morning. In these cases, breakfast is not included on Day 8, and you will have to depart for the airport late in the evening on Day 7 or just after Midnight on Day 8.
Le Meridien New Delhi
Moderate Deluxe
Windsor Place, New Delhi Delhi India
Ideally located in the heart of New Delhi, the luxurious Le Meridien New Delhi stands tall over the historic landscape of Lutyen's Delhi. The hotel features a sophisticated and modern design, and sweeping views of New Delhi.
Jaypee Siddharth Hotel
First-Class
3, Rajendra Place Delhi India
Experience first class hospitality at the elegant Jaypee Siddharth Hotel, located in the commerical hub of New Delhi. After a day of exploration dine in the hotel's restaurant or relax and rejuvenate with a swim in the pool. The hotel also offers a spa and fitness center.
The Leela Palace New Delhi
Deluxe
Diplomatic Enclave Chanakyapuri Delhi India
The Leela Palace New Delhi is all about luxury. Located in the diplomatic quarter, you'll experience unrivalled guest service. The elegant interior blends traditional and modern motifs. Pamper yourself at the exclusive spa or take in panoramic city views from the rooftop pool.
Oberoi Amarvilas
Deluxe
Taj East Gate Rd Agra India
The Oberoi Amarvilasenjoys an unrivalled location just 600 metres from the iconic Taj Mahal. Unwind with a cocktail in the only bar in the world with views of the ancient monument, or relax in the outdoor pool surrounded by beautiful gardens.
Trident, Agra
Superior First-Class
Tajnagri Scheme Agra India
The Trident, Agra is set amidst beautiful gardens, fountains, landscaped central courtyards, and built of red stone reminiscent of the Mughal era. The hotel is literally, a stone's throw away from one of the new 7 Wonders of the World, the Taj Mahal.
Jaypee Palace Hotel
First-Class
Fatehabad Road Agra India
The Jaypee Palace Hotel is spread over an unbounded 25 acres of elegantly landscaped luxuriant greenery. Sprinkled with enormous water bodies and endless walkways, this magical creation impeccably blends Mughal and contemporary architecture with modern amenities.
Holiday Inn Jaipur City Centre
Superior First-Class
Commercial Plot No 1 Sardar Patel Road, Jaipur India
Holiday Inn Jaipur City Center is a modern hotel conveniently located in the heart of the city. After a long day of exploration, relax with sprawling city views at the rooftop pool, or treat yourself to international cuisine at one of the three onsite restaurants.
Trident, Jaipur
Superior First-Class
Amber Fort Road Jaipur India
Breathtaking views of the serene Mansagar Lake and the striking Aravalli range welcome guests to this hotel situated en route to Jaipur's famous Amber Fort. The hotel's multi cuisine restaurant serves an elaborate a 'la carte menu and extensive buffets for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Oberoi Rajvilas
Deluxe
Goner Rd Jaipur India
This luxurious hotel sits on over 32 beautifully landscaped gardens, with traditional architecture and reflection pools. The hotel features several fine dining restaurants, a spa, fitness center and exquisite guest service.