Depart the USA on an overnight flight to New Delhi, India, a city that bridges two different worlds.
Upon arrival in New Delhi, late evening, a representative of Mayflower Cruises & Tours will meet you and assist with the transfer to your hotel. Please note, some flights may not arrive until early morning on Day 3.
Begin the day with a tour of Old Delhi, a labyrinth of narrow lanes overflowing with major attractions and World Heritage Sites. Visit the Red Fort, the largest monument of the city and the most opulent fort and palace of the Mughal Empire. The memorial site of Mahatma Gandhi, Raj Ghat, sits serenely on the banks of the Yamuna River. Jama Masjid, another architectural treasure and the largest mosque in India, is also visited. Experience life like a local on a rickshaw cycle ride around Chandni Chowk, the bustling and colorful street market of the old city. An afternoon visit to Bangla Sahib showcases the most prominent Sikh house of worship in Delhi. This evening, a welcome dinner is included. Meals: B, D
With its wide boulevards, impressive government buildings, green parks and gardens, the city is in complete contrast to Old Delhi. Your excursion travels along the ceremonial avenue, Rajpath, past the Parliament House and Rashtrapati Bhawan - official residence of India’s President. See India’s counterpart to France’s Arc de Triomphe as a photo stop is made at India Gate – a commemoration to fallen soldiers. Visit two monuments from India’s past – the magnificent garden tomb of the Mughal Emperor Humayun and Qutub Minar, the second tallest tower in India and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Meals: B, D
After breakfast, journey to Agra, home of the Taj Mahal. Built by Emperor Shah Jahan, it’s considered one of the Wonders of the World and its beauty has never been surpassed. This afternoon, enjoy a life enriching experience with a sunset visit to Mehtab Bagh, a recently excavated Mughal garden, with a breathtaking view of the Taj Mahal from across the River Yamuna. What a perfect end to the day as you see this magnificent monument, as the sun sets, gradually turning the white marble to a soft rosy pink. Meals: B, D
Sunsets aren’t the only way to experience the beauty of the Taj Mahal. The day begins with yet another awe-inspiring experience with a return to the Taj Mahal for a sunrise and inside visit. The rays of the sun cast a golden sheen upon this architectural masterpiece and provide yet another unbelievably amazing sight. While visiting the Red Fort of Agra, discover the inner paradise hidden by its forbidding exteriors. Emperor Shah Jahan was imprisoned in this fortress and walled city, yet he could still see his exquisite Taj Mahal every day. The final afternoon in Agra is at leisure. Meals: B, D
Departing Agra, journey by coach to Bharatpur. En route, visit a real-life ghost town: the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Fatehpur Sikri (City of Victory), built by Emperor Akbar as his capital. Dramatically abandoned a few years after it was built, its ‘ruins’ are still in pristine condition. After an included lunch in Bharatpur, board the train and enjoy a scenic rail journey to Sawai Madhopur. Gateway to Ranthambore, and one of the largest and most renowned national parks in Northern India, it’s a blend of history and nature, supporting a diverse range of flora and fauna. Meals: B, L, D
Explore Ranthambore on morning and afternoon safari adventures. As you drive through the sanctuary, observe majestic predators in their natural habitat and set your sights on tigers, leopards, deer and other animals your naturalist guide helps you spot in the forest. Keep your camera ready to snap those once-in-a-lifetime photos! Meals: B, L, D
Travel to the walled city of Jaipur, known as the “Pink City” due to the color of its buildings. Visit the City Palace and see some of the most imposing architecture of the city. Inside the palace is a resplendent collection of robes of royal princes, carpets, an armory of weapons, and miniature paintings portraying historic events. At the awe-inspiring Jantar Mantar, an observatory built in 1726 AD, see curiously shaped and oversized instruments that are still astonishingly accurate today. Tonight you are immersed in culture as you dine with a local family. From the traditional greeting upon arrival to conversation and dinner with the family, it’s truly a life enriching experience. Meals: B, D
Located on a hill high above the city, in a rugged and picturesque setting, the towers and domes of the Amber Fort are reminiscent of scenes from a fairytale. Discover the opulent palace complex as your guide takes you through the halls, gardens, pavilions and temples of this fascinating site made of red sandstone and marble. On the return, stop at the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) – the most well-known landmark and icon of Jaipur. This five-story architectural wonder, has a spectacular pyramidal façade. Its 953 delicately honeycombed pink sandstone windows allowed the women of the palace to observe daily life without being seen. The remainder of the day is free of planned activities. Meals: B, D
Following a relaxing morning in Jaipur, journey to the village of Bishangarh where the final night is spent in an authentic Indian fort. Perched high atop a hill, the views are outstanding, and the hotel is located in a gorgeous setting, in a small village filled with friendly locals. Enjoy the serenity of the fort before the included dinner. Meals: B, D
Experience the local life, culture and craft traditions of Bishangarh on a guided tour. Stroll through the streets of the village as they bustle with the morning routines and activities of the local villagers. Stop and say hello, or visit some of the artisans as they proudly display their handcrafted jewelry, woven carpets or pottery. Later this morning, journey back to Delhi, with a late afternoon arrival. Enjoy an included dinner before transferring to the airport for the flight home. Due to the day’s logistics, flights should depart Delhi after 10:00pm. Meals: B, D
