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Delhi – Taj Mahal (2 nights),
Leading Hotels of the World ’06
This hotel has the most distinguished address in the Lutyens district
of New Delhi. Centrally located, a few minutes from the Janpath shopping
area and city center, your spacious guest room has panoramic views.
Jaipur – Oberoi
Rajvilas (2), Condé Nast Traveler Gold List ’06
Once a favorite retreat of the majarajas, the northwestern city of
Jaipur is the setting for the luxury resort of Rajvilas. Resembling a
traditional Rajasthani fort- high walls and turreted towers- the hotel
sits on 30 gardened acres graced by a 250-year-old Hindu temple.
Agra – Oberoi Amarvilas (2)
Condé Nast Traveler Gold List ’06
Located just 2000 ft. from the Taj Mahal, all rooms offer breathtaking
views of the monument. Built in a style inspired by Moorish and Mughal
architecture, the resort will take you back to an era of Emperors and
Princes
Varanasi –Taj Ganges (1)
At Nadesar Palace Grounds, set
amidst 12 acres, the hotel is an oasis
of greenery in this bustling temple town.
Kathmandu – Hotel Yak & Yeti (2)
This is a premier five-star deluxe oasis in the heart of Kathmandu.
Modern-day sophistication greets cultural heritage on the beautifully
maintained grounds of the 100-year old palace and newly designed structure
of the hotel.
Royal Chitwan National Park – Tiger Tops Lodge (2)
This is one of Asia’s richest and most spectacular wildlife
sanctuaries. Tree houses and bungalows lie deep in the heart of the Park.
The Nepalese style
dining hall, lounge area, with its huge domed roof and central open
hearth
will be your special place for relaxation.
New Delhi, India – Taj Palace (1)
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Day
1 USA – London
Depart the USA on your evening
flight to London. (D)
Day 2 London
Upon your arrival at the airport, you are
met and escorted to your day rooms at a nearby hotel for your relaxation
and convenience. In the evening, you board your flight for India. (B,L,D)
Day 3 Delhi
You are met upon your arrival at the
airport and go by private car directly to your hotel, The Taj Mahal.
The striking pink sandstone structure, on beautiful grounds, features a
plush Mughal-theme lobby, with elegant tapestries and intricately carved
marble. The spacious premium guest rooms feature traditionally inspired
fabrics in peacock hues, art on the walls, and ornate carved furniture
with adjoining baths with inlaid marble.
The afternoon is yours to settle in; your
tour manager will be in the lobby to answer any questions you may have.
This evening, you and your travel companions are invited to a cocktail
reception and à la carte dinner in the hotel. (B,L,D)
Day 4 Delhi
 Delhi
– ever changing and ever expanding – is a fascinating medley of
sights, sounds, and smells; it is a unique blend of East and West. Old
simple bungalows sit beside extravagant European-style villas; old
monuments and ruins lie in the midst of modern neighborhoods. Delhi has
absorbed the land of former villages, but obvious signs of village life
are boldly evident in every corner of the city.
In Old Delhi, you explore the Red Fort (Lal
Qila), Emperor Shah Jahan’s sprawling 17th-century
capital. A short distance away, you go to Moonlight Square, (Chandni
Chowk), the old capital’s famous thoroughfare and still one of
Delhi’s most important commercial centers. You ride on cycle-rickshaws
down lanes, past Rajasthani women in bright saris and men in lungis
(skirt-like wraps), through the hustling silver market and the wholesale
spice market. And you visit the elegant Jumma Masjid, largest mosque in
Asia.
In New Delhi, you visit the Imperial City,
passing India Gate to the Presidential Palace and Parliament House.
Traveling through the Diplomatic Enclave, you come to the 12th-century,
234-foot high fluted minaret of Qutab Minar. Called the Seventh Wonder of
Hindustan, it is the tallest stone tower in India.
Tonight you attend a Maharaja festival and
are treated like royalty by hostesses in exquisite dress. You are welcomed
to the Grand Durbar Hall as rose petals are sprinkled in your path.
Samovars, hukkas, and lancers grace the surroundings; and the elaborate
meal of traditional Mughal dishes is accompanied by a sitar and flute
performance. (B,L,D)
Day 5 Delhi –
Jaipur
This morning, your flight from Delhi takes
you to Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan. You travel by caparisoned
elephant up to the Amber Palace. It sits on a hill above the city,
surrounded by ramparts. Within the walls, you see the Hall of Victory
(which contains alabaster panels with fine inlay work), the Hall of
Mirrors, the silver doors and marble carvings of Kali’s temple, and
halls with latticed windows and beautifully sculpted arches and pillars.
Your hotel tonight is the newly built Rajvilas
– six years in the making; but the result is a masterpiece. Designed
to resemble a small Rajasthani fort from the front, this intimate,
exclusive resort has fountains, sculptures, walking paths, and a lily pond
- set around a restored Hindu temple. Impressive attention to detail is
evident throughout. The luxurious guest rooms incorporate a fluid mix of
colonial and Rajasthani styling; nothing has been omitted for your
pleasure. (B,L,D)
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