Spotlight on India 2013

12 days with Tauck Rating:

800-680-2858 800-680-2858 Itinerary

Day 1 Welcome to India!
Tauck's 12-day northern India tours begin at The Oberoi, New Delhi. A transfer is included from Indira Gandhi International Airport to your landmark hotel, The Oberoi, New Delhi, renowned for gracious service in the heart of the city. Due to flight schedules, you will probably arrive at the hotel after midnight local time. You may want to travel a day early to ease the effects of jet lag and relax a bit before Tauck’s India tour begins – just mention this at the time of booking; Tauck can book your international flights for travel originating in the U.S. and can arrange an extra night at The Oberoi, New Delhi.

Day 2 Explore New Delhi, where old & new converge
Explore India’s capital city with an insider guide; a sightseeing excursion shows you the Secretariat buildings, Parliament House, Presidential Palace, and India Gate, commemorating Indian and British soldiers. Visit two UNESCO World Heritage Sites – the five-story sandstone Qutb Minar Victory Tower, built over 8 centuries ago, and Humayun’s Tomb, set in beautiful gardens. This Mughal creation popularized Persian-influenced architecture and was an inspiration for the Taj Mahal. After lunch, stop at the Gandhi Smriti Museum, paying tribute to the inspiring leader Mahatma Gandhi who forced change through non-violent protest. You'll have much to discuss this evening at the welcome cocktail reception and dinner. (B,L,D)

Day 3 Delving into the past in Old Delhi
Check out the colorful bazaars, sacred temples, 17th-century havelis (mansions) and colonial monuments in the winding streets of Old Delhi, the capital of Muslim India from the 12th through the 19th centuries. See the sumptuous Red Fort palaces, the symbol of Indian nationhood, and Rajghat, Mahatma Gandhi’s memorial and cremation site. Spend the afternoon as you wish – and for your dining pleasure this evening, it's your choice. Dine à la carte at a selection of fine restaurants in the hotel. (B,D)

Day 4 Rituals on the River Ganges in Varanasi
Fly to the ancient city of Varanasi, built on the banks of the sacred River Ganges. Since the 6th century BC, this city has been a key destination for pilgrims who seek blessing and purification in the river’s holy waters. A sightseeing tour visits Sarnath, where Buddha gave his first sermon, and the National Museum, home to a priceless sculpture collection dating back to the 3rd century BC. Tonight, take a journey by boat along the River Ganges to witness ceremonies "putting the river to sleep." Amidst hundreds of lighted candles and flower offerings, tonight will be a special highlight of Tauck's India tours. (B,L,D)

Day 5 Sunrise Ganges cruise & off to the temples of Khajuraho
This shorter version of Tauck's India tours continues as you rise early for a cruise on the River Ganges to view the Varanasi sunrise ceremonies, then fly to Khajuraho for an overnight stay. "Wow" is a common and appropriate response to the treasures you're about to explore. The Khajuraho Group of Monuments were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986; during the Chandella dynasty about a millennium ago, between 950 and 1,050 temples were built. They were described as striking a perfect balance between architecture and sculpture; though only about 20 remain today, their exquisitely detailed sculptures put them among India's most revered works of art. Dine à la carte this evening at your leisure at your hotel, surrounded by lush gardens near the temples. (B,L,D)

Day 6 Orchha's palace ruins & a train to Agra
Tauck's India tours continue to historic Orchha, where ancient palaces, temples and cenotaphs speak volumes about India's Mughal empire. Once inhabited by royalty, today the eerily silent ruins are home to brilliant green parakeets and chattering langurs. See the soaring spires of the cenotaphs before you travel by train to Agra, home of the magnificent Taj Mahal. Your room in the luxurious Oberoi Amarvilas offers a wonderful view of this stunning man-made wonder... what a sight to wake up to! (B,L,D)

Day 7 Wonders in Agra – the Taj Mahal & Agra Fort
Guests who wish may visit the Taj Mahal in time for sunrise – the gates open at sunrise. Those not going quite so early will join your Tauck Director a little later than sunrise (but still early morning) for a guided visit to the spectacular Taj Mahal, with time to explore on your own and take photographs. A guided tour of the massive red sandstone Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, follows. Inside, you'll get a very good look at medieval lifestyles of 16th- and 17th-century Mughal emperors. Join us if you wish on an afternoon excursion to the walled imperial city of Fatehpur Sikri for in-depth exploration of this remarkably preserved site, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dine as you please this evening from among a selection of your hotel's fine restaurants. (B,L,D)

Day 8 Enjoy the royal treatment in Jaipur
Travel to Jaipur for a two-night stay at The Oberoi Rajvilas, reflecting the gracious lifestyles of India's legendary Rajput princes. A sightseeing tour of Jaipur includes the City Palace Museum and the Jantar Mantar Observatory – a collection of architectural astronomical instruments for measuring time, predicting eclipses, tracking stars in their orbits, figuring out the declinations of planets and determining the celestial altitudes – all built by Maharajah Jai Singh II in the 18th century. Attend a special evening fit for Maharajah royalty tonight, celebrating India's cultural traditions, music, dance and cuisine. (B,L,D)

Day 9 Jaipur's glittering palaces & pavilions
A highlight of Tauck's India tours, today's sightseeing includes the many gems of Jaipur, from the massive gateways and pillared pavilions inside Amber Fort to a tour of Amber Palace, with its magnificent domes, massive ramparts and glittering hall of mirrors. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure in Jaipur, pursuing what interests you most. (B,L,D)

Day 10 Saris & turbans in Jaipur, then on to Udaipur
After a morning of leisure at your hotel, join us for a closer look at daily life in Jaipur. Learn the art of dressing in a sari and a turban during a private demonstration. Fly to Udaipur for two nights at The Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur, rated the "number one hotel in the world" by the readers of Travel + Leisure. (B,L,D)

Day 11 Lake Pichola cruise plus Udaipur's temples & palaces
Begin the final full day of this most intriguing of India tours with a leisurely cruise on Lake Pichola, setting the stage for an Udaipur sightseeing tour with our local guide. Visit the 18th-century fountain gardens of Saheliyon Ki Bari, and the Jagdish Mandir Temple. View the City Palace, a labyrinth of richly decorated courtyards, frescoed galleries, and marble temples that was once home to the Maharajah of Udaipur. Spend the rest of the day at leisure before dinner à la carte at the hotel. (B,L,D)

Day 12 Fly to Dehli for your journey home
Fly back to Delhi today for your return home; transfer to the Trident, Gurgaon, close to the Indira Gandhi International Airport, where rooms are reserved for your comfort. Tauck's 12-day India tours end in Delhi. Most int’l fights depart early the next day. (B,L)

800-680-2858 800-680-2858 Map

800-680-2858 800-680-2858 All This Included

Tauck's discovery of northern India – the first 12 days of "A Portrait of India" – is tailor-made for those with less time to explore this richly diverse land, and features stays at some of the world's best hotels!

Timeless cities... thousands of years of compelling history. Breathtaking architecture, like the Taj Mahal and the temples of Khajuraho. Dramatic, sun-drenched landscapes... a rich mix of local cultures and cuisines... and age-old spiritual traditions on the ghats along the River Ganges. From bustling Delhi to mystical Varanasi and the “Pink City” of Jaipur, to Udaipur, the “City of Lakes,” northern India invites you to discover these treasures on a 12-day version of Tauck's India tours perfect for the traveler with less time to spend. Experience contrasting images of the capital, Delhi, old and new. Sail on the Ganges in Varanasi to witness holy men “putting the river to sleep.” Travel by rail to Agra to visit the famous Taj Mahal... which you can see from your hotel room! Celebrate India’s culture and cuisine among Jaipur’s pavilions and palaces at a special Maharajah evening in Jaipur. Learn the art of wearing a sari or a turban during a two-night stay at your Udaipur hotel, voted Travel + Leisure’s “World’s Best Hotel." Throughout, you’ll enjoy accommodations in some of the world’s top-rated hotels... dine on local specialties... and discover the heart and soul of India in a way you never dreamed possible!

Multiple-night stays at three hotels ranked among the 15 “World’s Best” hotels by the readers of Travel + Leisure – The Oberoi Udaivilas, The Oberoi Rajvilas and The Oberoi Amarvilas (offering unparalleled views of the Taj Mahal)
Two nights in Jaipur, highlighted by a visit to the Amber Fort and a Maharajah evening featuring dinner and entertainment
Boat ride on the River Ganges, providing an opportunity to experience revered, centuries-old traditions in Varanasi
Hands-on demonstration in the art of dressing in a traditional sari and turban in Jaipur
A visit to walled Old Delhi, brimming with 17th-century havelis (mansions), temples, mosques and rickshaws
Airport transfers upon arrival and departure as noted
31 meals (11 breakfasts, 10 lunches, 10 dinners); gratuities to local guides, service charges, admission fees, taxes and porterage

800-680-2858 800-680-2858 Accommodations

Delhi: The Oberoi, New Delhi
Varanasi: The Gateway Hotel Ganges Varanasi
Khajuraho: The LaLiT Temple View Khajuraho
Agra: The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra
Jaipur: The Oberoi Rajvilas, Jaipur
Udaipur: The Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur

800-680-2858 800-680-2858 Notes

Flying time to Delhi averages about 18 hours from gateway cities in the U.S., and may include a stop-over in Europe; most international flights arrive between 11:00 PM and 3:00 AM local time, 10½ hours ahead of the U.S. (EST). To ease the effects of jet lag, consider traveling to India a day early, rather than arriving late at night on Day 1.
Please ask your Vacations To Go travel counselor for more information.

800-680-2858 800-680-2858 Terms and Conditions

For Tauck terms and conditions, please click here.

* The prices shown are U.S. dollars per person, based on double occupancy, and subject to availability. Prices quoted for land/cruise arrangements are subject to increase without notice. Once we have received your deposit, land/cruise prices are guaranteed. Air prices quoted via phone or email are subject to increase and are guaranteed only from the time that full payment is received. Also, air prices or air promotions mentioned on this site or on the phone do not include baggage fees imposed by airlines.

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