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Extension: The Taj Mahal, Delhi & Jaipur

Program Number: 19709RJ
Start and End Dates:
3/22/2014 - 3/29/2014;
Duration: 7 nights
Location: India
Price starting at: $1,699.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: Adventure Afloat Study Cruise; Ocean Cruises Activity Level: t (see description)
Meals: 15; 6 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 4 Dinners    
Meal Options: Vegetarian    

Absorb the wonders of India in Jaipur, Agra and Delhi. Marvel at and learn about the awe-inspiring Taj Mahal and Agra Fort. Learn about India’s modern history from Gandhi’s nonviolent philosophy to the country’s important role in the global economy.




Itinerary At-a-Glance

Jaipur (India), 2 nights; Agra, 2 nights; Delhi, 2 nights.



Days 1-2:
Jaipur:

Discover the the Amber Fort, established as the original capital of Rajasthan, six centuries before the construction of Jaipur, the City Palace, still the Maharaja's residence and Jantar Mantar, the amazing Jantar Mantar astronomical observatory, a collection of massive and shockingly accurate instruments built by a Mughal king in the 18th century. Share a traditional dinner with an Indian family at their palace home.
Lodging: Four-star hotel.



Days 3-4:
Agra:

Examine the Taj Mahal at sunset and sunrise, absorbing its perfect proportions and distinct ornamentation. Explore another UNESCO World Heritage Site, Agra Fort, more like a palatial walled city than just a fortification.
Lodging: Four-star hotel.



Days 5-7:Delhi:

Delve into India’s recent history as a local expert leads you to India Gate, the Parliament of India and the Presidential Palace. Ride a rickshaw along the bustling streets of Chandini Chawk. Discover Gandhi Smriti, the house where Mahatma Gandhi spent the last days of his life, now a museum.
Lodging: Four-star hotel.




India

As a consequence of its size, the history of India is an amalgamation of its individual territories. The natural wealth of India’s territories lured a succession of traders and foreign influences to it, each leaving their imprint on the nation, however faint or localized. Thus, Chinese fishing nets in Kerala are a throwback to that country's ancient maritime trade, while in the north, ancient terracotta figurines bear distinctly Grecian traces.
Meals and Lodgings
   Trident Hotel Jaipur
  Jaipur, India 2 nights
   Trident Hotel Agra
  Agra, India 2 nights
   Suryaa New Delhi
  Delhi, India 2 nights
 Trident Hotel Jaipur
Type: Four-Star Hotel
  Description: Situated near the renowned Amber Fort and overlooks the Mansagar Lake. The rose coloured facade of the hotel is reminiscent of traditional Rajasthani architecture.
  Contact info: Amber Fort Rd.
Opposite Jal Mahal
Jaipur,  302 002 India
phone: +91 141 267 0101
web: www.tridenthotels.com/jaipur/index.asp
  Room amenities: Central A/C, Internet Access, Dual Line Telephones, Tea & Coffee Maker, 24 Hr. Room Service, Electronic Safe, Hairdryer, Voltage 110-220
  Facility amenities: Bar, Restaurant, Fitness Center, Swimming Pool, Business Center, Currency Exchange, Laundry Service
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes
  Check in time: 2:00 PM

 Trident Hotel Agra
Type: Four-Star Hotel
  Description: The Trident, Agra, set amidst beautiful gardens, fountains, landscaped central courtyards, is 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.
  Contact info: Fatehabad Rd.
Agra,  282 001 India
phone: +91 562 223 5000
web: www.tridenthotels.com/agra/index.asp
  Room amenities: Central A/C, Internet Access, Direct Dial Telephone, Tea & Coffee Maker, 24 hr. Room Service, Satellite TV, Electronic Safe, Hairdryer, Voltage 110-220
  Facility amenities: Bar, Restaurant, Coffee Shop, Fitness Center, Swimming Pool, Jogging Track, Business Center, Currency Exchange, Laundry Service
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes

 Suryaa New Delhi
Type: Five-Star Hotel
  Description: The Suryaa New Delhi is a 5 Star Deluxe Hotel located in the heart of New Delhi, a mere 35 minute drive from the International Airport & adjacent to Delhi's business districts - Nehru Place, Pragati Maidan-International Trade Fair venue, Okhla & Noida Export Promotion Zone.
  Contact info: New Friends Colony
New Delhi,  110 025 India
phone: +911126835070
web: www.thesuryaanewdelhi.com/
  Room amenities: Satellite TV, CD Player, DVD Player, In-Room Movies, Coffee Maker, Mini-Refrigerator, Mini Bar, Wi-Fi Internet, Phone with Voicemail, Bathrobe, Hairdryer, Bathtub, In-Room Safe, Air Conditioning & Iron/Ironing Board
  Facility amenities: Laundry/Dry Cleaning, Multi-lingual Staff, Administrative Services, Concierge Services, Barber/Hair Stylist, Business Center, Currency Exchange, Fax, Gift Shop, Room Service, Health Club, Indoor Pool, Health Spa/Massage, Outdoor Pool, Hot Tub, ATM & Safe Deposit Box
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights after: n/a Please contact Road Scholar Travel Services for more information.
  Check out time: 12:00 PM


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
Begins Day 1 with a group flight from Mumbai to Jaipur. You will be staying at Trident Hotel Jaipur that night.
  End of Program:
The program ends on Day 6 in the evening after dinner. Flights out of Delhi usually depart between midnight and 4am. You will be staying at Suryaa New Delhi the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required. U.S. citizens visiting India require a visa, as well as passports that are valid for 6 months beyond the end of their stay abroad. The cost of Indian visa, which must be obtained prior to arrival in the country, is not included in the program cost. Contact Road Scholar's Travel Services for assistance.
  Parking availability:
We do not recommend driving in India.
Transportation (For Independent Travelers)
To Start of Program
  Location:  Jaipur
  Transportation to site: All participants on this extension will disembark the MV Discovery on March 20, 2012 and transfer to the airport in the afternoon for your flights to Jaipur.
  From End of Program
  Location:  Delhi
  Transportation from site: There is a group transfer from the hotel to the airport very early in the morning on March 26. Program Only Participants may take the group transfer if it conforms to their flight schedule. Taxis are readily available for participants who are not taking the group transfer. The concierge desk at the hotel will assist you in arranging a taxi.
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


Daily Schedule

Day 1: Transfer Ship to Airport / Flight to Jaipur
(Saturday, March 22)
   
 Afternoon: Transfer to the airport from your main program (19957) for your flight to Jaipur. Upon arrival transfer to the hotel for check in.
 Dinner: Dinner at the hotel.
   
Accommodations: Trident Hotel Jaipur
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: Amber Fort / City Palace / Dinner with an Indian Family in their Palace
(Sunday, March 23)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast buffet at hotel.
 Morning: Depart for Amber Fort. En route, view Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds). This five storied wonder has a spectacular pyramidal facade and overhanging windows with latticed screens, domes and spires. Amber Fort is an example of Rajput arcihtecture with its terraces and ramparts reflected in the Maota Lake below. The interiors of the fort have various royal halls decorated with intricate ivory, mirror and glass work complemented by exquisite wall paintings.
 Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant.
 Afternoon: Explore the Jantar Mantar Astronomical Observatory. It claims the distinction of being the largest stone observatory in the world. The most applaudable feature of the observatory is that even after so many years it still provides accurate information. The observatory has fourteen statistical instruments, which serve the purpose of measuring time, predicting eclipses and ascertaining other astronomical events. Afterwards, proceed to the City Palace built under the patronage of Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh and still houses the royal family of Jaipur. Only the ground floor of the City Palace is open for public viewing. The entire palace complex comprises of a number of gardens, courtyards and buildings. The structures inside the palace complex are: Chandra Mahal, Mubarak Mahal, Mukut Mahal, Maharani's Palace, Shri Govind Dev Temple and the City Palace Museum.
 Dinner: Dinner with a noble family at Sankotra Haveli, their palace home.
   
Accommodations: Trident Hotel Jaipur
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Fatehpur Sikri / Sunset over the Taj Mahal
(Monday, March 24)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast buffet at the hotel.
 Morning: Discover Fatehpur Sikr, the sandstone city built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar. A variety of architectural styles can be found here due to the craftmens brought from various parts of the kingdom. He had planned this city as his capital but a shortage of water compelled him to abandon it.
 Lunch: Lunch at Fatehpur Sikri.
 Afternoon: Arrive in Agra and check into your hotel.
 Dinner: Dinner on your own to explore the local cuisine.
   
Accommodations: Trident Hotel Agra
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 4: Sunrise at Taj Mahal / Agra Fort
(Tuesday, March 25)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast buffet at hotel after visiting the Taj Mahal.
 Morning: Visit the Tomb of Itmad Ud Daulah, this beautiful mausoleum was the first one to be built on a riverbank, which was normally used only to build pleasure gardens till then. The marble mausoleum is designed like a silver jewel box with stunning and delicate inlay work. Then enjoy a sunset view of the Taj Mahal from the Mehtab Garden. Then depart for Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, described as a walled palatial city. The great Mughals Babur, Humayun, Akbar, Jehangir, Shah Jahan and Aurangzeb lived here.
 Lunch: Enjoy a cooking demonstration and lunch at a private home.
 Afternoon: Free time to explore and follow your own interest.
 Dinner: Dinner on your own in Agra (suggestions provided).
   
Accommodations: Trident Hotel Agra
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 5: Transfer to Delhi / Lotus Temple
(Wednesday, March 26)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast buffet at hotel.
 Morning: Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty as you watch sunrise at the Taj Mahal. The building is unique due to its perfect proportions, distinct femininity, and medium of construction and ornamentation. Its marble exterior reflects rose and golden tints at sunrise and sunset, while it is dazzling white during the day. Then depart for Delhi. Learn about "Honor Killing in Urban Delhi" en route from Agra.
 Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant.
 Afternoon: Enjoy and presentation and discussion on comparative religion in India with an outside speaker. Afterwards we head to the Lotus Temple which is the main temple of the Bahai faith.
 Dinner: Family-hosted dinner in Delhi.
   
Accommodations: Suryaa New Delhi
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Delhi / Old Delhi / Gandhi Smriti
(Thursday, March 27)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast buffet at hotel.
 Morning: Gain a better understanding of India's more recent history as your expert local guide leads you past India Gate, Parliament & President House. Then take a rickshaw ride along the bustling streets of Chandni Chowk.
 Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant.
 Afternoon: Participate in a lecture on comparative religion. Then continue with a visit Gandhi Smriti, the sacred place where Mahatma Gandhi lived. Here, you will learn about the life, mission, and thought of Gandhi. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon at your leisure.
 Dinner: Dinner at the hotel.
   
Accommodations: Suryaa New Delhi
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Departure
(Friday, March 28)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.
 Morning: Transfer to the airport.
   
Meals Included: Breakfast
Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


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