Essence of India

DAY 1: ARRIVE DELHI

Arrive in Delhi, India's bustling capital city, where you will be grereted with the traditional Indian welcome and escorted to the hotel. New Delhi reflects the legacy the British left behind. The division between new and old Delhi is the segregation between the capitols of the British and the Mughals, respectively.

Hans Plaza or similar.

DAY 2: OLD & NEW DELHI TOUR

Tour Old and New Delhi, including the exquisite audience halls, marble domes and slender minarets of the Jama Masjid. See the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial at Raj Ghat, the Ashoka Pillar, and the famous Chandani Chowk Bazaars. Drive along Rajpath to photograph the Parliament House, President's Palace and India Gate, a memorial to India's soldiers. Tour Gurdwara Bangla Sahib, built on the site of a house where Guru Harkishen Dev, the eigth Sikh guru, stayed on his visit to Delhi. Continue to Humayun's Tomb, one of the most spectacular Mughal buildings. Proceed to the Qutab Minar and riuns of the Hindu temples destroyed during the Qutabshahi period. This evening, enjoy a presentation and Indian dances and music, followed by dinner. (B,D)

Hans Plaza or similar

DAY 3: DELHI / AGRA

Travel this morning by express train to Agra.To the lover of art and the traveler seeking wonders of India, Agra is the sublime destination. Emperor Akbar, Jehangir and Shah Jahan lavished on this fabled city their love and riches immeasurable to transform this land into one of the greatest centers of art, culture, learning and commerce. your afternoon visit includes Agra Fort and Taj Mahal by sunset. (B,L)

The Trident Hotel or similar

DAY 4: AGRA / FATEHPUR SIKRI / JAIPUR

Travel overland to Fatehpur Sikri, once an imperial capital frozen in time, constructed by Akbar the Great around 1570. It was abandoned as abruptly as it had been built. Continue to Jaipur, owing its name, foundations and careful planning to the great warrior and astronomer, Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. (B,L)

The Trident Hotel or similar

DAY 5: AMBER FORT & CITY TOUR / DELHI / USA

Tour the city palace, once the formal residence of the royal family, built in a blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. Continue to Jantar Mantar, a stone observatory, and the largest of Jai Singh's five remarkable observatories. Proceed to the ancient capital of Amber, ascending the Palace Fortress on elephant-back. En route to Amber, stop to photograph the Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds) built in 1799 AD. Take an evening flight to Delhi. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant before boarding your flight to the USA. (B,D)

A Touch of Class Tours offers you the lowest international airfares available at the time of booking.