Skip to Main Content
Road Scholar logo
India

President's Journey: The Royal Imprints of India

Program No. 25382RJ
Experience the royal heritage of India through its most luxurious palace hotels, UNESCO treasures, and exclusive cultural encounters on this immersive President's Journey.
WishlistShare
Start
  • 25382-IN-Agra-Fort-lghoz.jpg
  • 25382-IN-Taj-Mahal-lghoz.jpg
  • 25382-IN-Amber-Fort-3c.jpg
  • 25382-IN_Jaipur_AmberFort_Sunset-2c.jpg
  • 25382-IN-agra-fort-4c.jpg
  • 25382-IN_Rajasthan_Jaipur_CityPalaceMuseum-5c.jpg
  • 25382-IN_Udaipur_CityPalace-6c.jpg
  • 25382-IN-cooking-demo-7c.jpg
Small GroupNew
Length
15 days
Rating
New
Activity Level
Starts at
21,999
Special Offer
Flights start at
FREE

Enroll with Confidence

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. Learn more

Protecting the Environment

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Learn more

Itinerary
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. Read More.
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
15 days
14 nights
What's Included
28 meals ( 12B, 7L, 9D )
7 expert-led lectures
24 expert-led field trips
1 flight during the program
5 hands-on experiences
An experienced Group Leader
13 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Expand All
Activity Note
There is no official programming today. Arrivals throughout the day and early evening. Any early morning arrivals today will need to book a pre-program hotel night if they would like to guarantee that their room will be available prior to 2:00 p.m.
Afternoon:
After checking in to the hotel and getting your room, take some time to freshen up and relax before dinner.
Dinner:
This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to have what you like. The hotel has three restaurants with varied dining options.
Evening:
At leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach. Walking at Gandhi Smirti mainly on flat, level ground. Jama Mosque has around 40 wide steps with limited or no handrails; steps are also steep. Walking sticks are recommended for those who have difficulty climbing. Jama Mosque provides gowns to be worn by women. The bicycle rickshaw ride in Old Delhi is through an extremely crowded market.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Orientation. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. All transfers and transportation throughout the program will be conducted via motorcoach, and most field trips will be led by our Group Leader unless specified otherwise. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may be changed due to local conditions/circumstances. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. After Orientation, we will then head out to visit Old Delhi on our motorcoach. Driving past the massive sandstone walls of the Red Fort, we’ll gain an appreciation for this symbol of Mughal power and pomp. Arriving at Jama Masjid, we will explore the largest Muslim mosque in India. Later, we will embark on a delightful change of pace as we take a rickshaw ride in Chandni Chowk, a centuries-old market bazaar. Be amazed at the small narrow lanes and the flurry that surrounds this busy marketplace.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we will board the motorcoach to explore India's artistic traditions with a visit to the National Handicrafts and Handlooms Museum. This Museum showcases a rich amalgamation of diverse craft traditions practiced across India and houses over 33,000 rare and distinctive pieces from various Indian states, including paintings, embroidery, textiles, sculptures, and crafts in clay, stone, and wood. Experience live demonstrations by skilled artisans, providing insights into the intricate processes involved in creating handicrafts and textiles.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach. Sikh Temple each have around 40 wide steps with limited or no handrails; steps are also steep. Walking sticks are recommended for those who have difficulty climbing. The Sikh Temple provides scarves to both men and women to cover the head. Neither location allows shoes, shorts or socks to be worn inside. Standing and walking for up to 1 hour in the Qutab Minar on stone walkways and uneven steps.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We begin our day with a presentation at the hotel on the relevance of Gandhian thoughts in todays world, led by a local expert. We will then head out by motorcoach to visit Gandhi Smirti, where Mahatma Gandhi—the “Father of the Nation”— spent his last 144 days from September 9, 1947 until he was assassinated on January 30, 1948. It has been preserved as a museum that displays Gandhi’s few personal effects as well as paintings, pictures, sculptures, and other relics. The memorial perpetuates Gandhi’s legacy and highlights his values and ideas. After this, we will board the motorcoach for an introduction to New Delhi. En route, our Group Leader gives us an overview of the Indian System of Government, the world’s largest parliamentary democracy. We will take in various sites, including India Gate—reminiscent of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris—a site that commemorates Indian soldiers who died during World War I; Parliament (Sansad Bhawan), the nation’s supreme legislative body; and President House (Rashtrapati Bhavan), a huge complex that serves as the official residence of the President of India. We continue by motorcoach to Sikh Gurudwara. Here we’ll explore the living culture of India at his Sikh temple. After spending time listening to the prayers, we will visit the soup kitchen that offers daily free meals for anyone in need of food. We will explore the kitchen and, for those interested in lending a helping hand, we’ll make some rotis with the women there. Sikh temples are special places of worship where everything is run by volunteers. It is a requirement for all Sikhs to volunteer time at the temples.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we board our coach to explore Qutub Minar. With our Group Leader we experience Qutub Minar, a masterpiece of Islamic architecture and one of the finest monuments in all of India, soaring up 237 feet. Qutab-ud-din Aibak, the first Muslim ruler of Delhi, began construction in 1192. The conical tower is an exquisite example of Indo-Islamic Afghan architecture. Qutub Minar is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has survived the ravages of time impressively. We return to the hotel.
Dinner:
At the hotel..
Evening:
At leisure. Pack and prepare for our journey to Agra tomorrow.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 127 miles to Agra, approximately 4 hours total riding time with rest stops along the way. At the Itmad-ud-Daulah Tomb in Agra, shoes need to be removed.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
After checking out of the hotel, we will board our motorcoach and depart for Agra. En route, the Group Leader will introduce us to Indian history and discuss the impact of British rule on India. We’ll arrive at the hotel in Agra around midday.
Lunch:
At the hotel.
Afternoon:
In the late afternoon, we’ll take our motorcoach on a field trip to the mausoleum of Itmad-ud-Daulah Tomb, popularly known as the “Baby Taj.” It was the first monument in India built entirely in marble rather than red sandstone. The tomb was built from 1622 to 1628 by the Queen of Jahangir, Nurjahan, as a memorial to her father, Mirza Ghiyas Beg. Its fascinating history chronicles the “rags to riches” saga of a poor merchant who rose to become chief minister of the Mughal emperor. The elaborately carved tomb in the Islamic style — like a jewel box set in a tranquil garden on the banks of the Yamuna River — was an inspiration for the Taj Mahal years later. Here we will be joined by a local expert to learn about Mughal Architecture as the sun sets over the Taj Mahal.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure. Continue enjoying the company of new Road Scholar friends, sharing your favorite experiences of the day.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach. Early morning wake-up call to depart for sunrise at Taj Mahal; weather conditions may delay visit until after breakfast. Both the Agra Fort and the Taj Mahal involve long periods of standing, walking and a few small steps, low and wide. At the Taj Mahal, a short wait is expected at the entrance gate. Once inside, the walking exploration is around 1.5 hours with benches to rest on throughout. Walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
We will set out pre-dawn to watch the rising sun bathe the pristine white marble of the Taj Mahal in warm hues of gold, ochre and orange (subject to weather conditions). As the UNESCO World Heritage Convention states, “An immense mausoleum of white marble, built in Agra between 1631 and 1648 by order of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favorite wife, the Taj Mahal is the jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world's heritage.” The building is unique due to its perfect proportions, distinct femininity, and medium of construction and ornamentation. We will have some time to explore the exquisite grounds and view the highly decorated interior chamber before we return to the hotel for breakfast.
Morning:
After breakfast, we will set off to explore Agra Fort with our Group Leader. We’ll visit the important sections of the fort and learn about its historical significance. Originally planned as an impregnable military structure by Akbar, over a period of time the Agra Fort acquired all the elegance, lavishness and majesty of an imperial palace. Our morning concludes with a unique cooking demonstration at a local family’s house.
Lunch:
At the residence, we’ll enjoy lunch made especially for us. We’ll then return to the hotel.
Afternoon:
Free time. This period of time has been set aside for your personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Please note that the period scheduled for free time is subject to change depending on local circumstances and opportunities for independent exploration.
Dinner:
This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to have what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving 149 miles, approximately 6 hours riding time with stops along the way.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Checking out of the hotel, we head west by motorcoach towards Jaipur. Along the way, we will learn about modern India from our Group Leader. Along the way, we will stop to marvel at an architectural wonder in Abhaneri village, the Chand Baori Stepwell; one of the India’s hidden wonders. Chand Baori with its 3,500 perfectly symmetrical, narrow steps and exquisite geometry which gave villagers multiple routes of access to the pools of water below, is one of the largest stepwells in the world. It was built to conserve water and provide a respite from the intense heat and was a community gathering place for locals as well as royals.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
We continue our drive to Jaipur. Upon arrival, we check into our hotel and rest for the remainder of the day.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach. Walking up to 1/2 mile to City Palace on mainly flat surfaces. Hawal Mahal is a stop en route for a nice view or photo. Walking up to 1/2 mile to Jantar Mantar on mainly flat surfaces.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will be joined by a local expert for a presentation on contemporary women’s issues. We then board our motorcoach and set Jantar Mantar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built by city founder Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh between 1727 and 1734, the Jantar Mantar is a collection of architectural astronomical instruments. The Jaipur observatory is the largest and best-preserved in India. We’ll then return to our hotel. En route, we will stop for photos at Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), located on the edge of the City Palace. Hawa Mahal allowed the royal ladies of the palace to be able to watch any processions and activities on the street without being seen by the public. Next, we will visit the City Palace. Although it is still the Maharaja’s residence, it has been largely given over to a museum containing rare manuscripts, fine specimens of Rajput and Mughal paintings, royal apparel and an armory. After our morning’s exploration, we will transfer by motorcoach to lunch.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
Free afternoon for you toe explore Jaipur on your own. Jaipur is famous for handicrafts and colorful bazaars. You have the opportunity to explore some of these shops and bazaars.
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Morning coach ride is 16 miles round trip, approximately 30 minutes each way. Getting in/out of jeeps at Amber Fort. The fort is set up on a hill and has several flights of stairs with uneven walkways in between. Walking at the fort for approximately 1/2 mile.
Breakfast:
Early morning yoga session at the hotel for those interested. After yoga, enjoy breakfast at the hotel.
Morning:
This morning we will board our motorcoach to explore Birla Temple, dedicated to the Lord Vishnu and Goddesss Lakshmi. Constructed from white marble, its architecture combines modern style with traditional Hindu features, showcasing intricate sculptures that depict mythological stories and deities. This visit offers a deeper understanding of Hindu rituals and mythology, offering insight into its rich tapestry and profound spiritual teachings After the temple, we will explore the Bly Pottery workshop in Sanganer to learn about the intricate process of creating this traditional Jaipur craft. We then board our motorcoach and return to our hotel.
Lunch:
On your own.
Afternoon:
After lunch we board our motorcoach and set out for Amber (pronounced Amer) Fort, set in rugged hills approximately six miles from Jaipur. At Amber Fort, we will learn about the construction of this ancient citadel, which began in 1592. The formidable exterior of red sandstone and white marble with its terraces and ramparts is reflected in Maota Lake. The fabulous interiors are a blend of Hindu and Mughal art and architecture. These former royal halls are decorated with intricate ivory, mirror, and glass work, complemented by exquisite wall paintings. Afterwards we will transfer by motorcoach to Dera Amer, were we will have an opportunity to spend some time with the rescued elephants.
Dinner:
We will have a special Rajasthani theme dinner at Dera Amer.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Activity Note
Driving time is approximately 148 miles and 6 hours. Getting on and off boat to our hotel on lake Pichola.
Breakfast:
Breakfast at the hotel.
Morning:
After breakfast, we check out and board our motorcoach for our drive to Udaipur. En-route learn about the changing faces of Indian Villages given by the group leader.
Lunch:
Enroute to Udaipur.
Afternoon:
After lunch we continue by motorcoach to Udaipur. Upon arrival, we boat the Taj Lake Palace boat to get to our hotel. The Taj's Lake Palace in Udaipur is the first of Taj's Grand Paces, a white-marble castle located on the serene waters of lake Pichola. It attained global fame as the secluded lair of the eponymous Bond Girl in the James Bond film ‘Octopussy’. The award-winning Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur with its illustrious 275-year history is one of the worlds’ most photographed hotels.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Transfer by boat to Udaipur City Palace. Entrance to the Jagdish Temple is approximately 100 stairs with handrails for support. The temple is on a hilltop within the city.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
This morning, we will explore the City Palace. This impressive structure, constructed from granite and marble, stands grandly atop a ridge, providing breath-taking vistas of the cerulean waters of Lake Pichola and the ethereal Lake Palace This complex was expanded by successive rulers over four centuries. It includes several palaces, including the Feteh Prakesh Palace that house the crystal gallery and the Jagdish Temple. We will explore the palace complex, including the renowned Crystal Gallery, an awe-inspiring collection of crystal unparalleled in scale and elegance. Next we walk up to Jagdish Temple, one of the grandest in Udaipur, built in 1651 in Indo-Aryan style. Dedicated to Vishnu, it is the largest temple of its type in Rajasthan.
Lunch:
On your own.
Afternoon:
Afternoon at leisure to explore the hotel and its surroundings. In the late afternoon enjoy a private boat ride on Lake Pichola to get a view of the city.
Dinner:
Enjoy a private dinner at an exclusive venue.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Activity Note
Motorcoach transfer to airport in Udaipur is 15 miles, about 30 minutes. Motorcoach transfer from Mumbai airport to hotel is 15 miles and approximately 1 hours drive.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
This morning after breakfast, check-out and transfer to the Udaipur Airport for your flight to Mumbai.
Lunch:
On your own at the airport. Options available for you to choose from.
Afternoon:
Your journey through India concludes in the bustling metropolis of Mumbai, India's commercial capital and home to the world-famous Bollywood industry. Enjoy the vibrancy of this city, known for its mix of colonial architecture, modern skyscrapers, and the heart of Indian cinema. Here, you will see firsthand how modern India harmoniously blends with its rich cultural heritage. Upon arrival in Mumbai, you will transfer by motorcoach to your hotel, the Taj Mahal Palace. The hotel built in 1903 offers a panoramic view of the Arabian Sea and the Gateway of India. After check in, you can shoose to walk around Mumbai's landmark, the waterfront Gateway of India, an impressive 85-foot arch built by the British in 1924 to serve as a ceremonial entrance to the country.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Morning exploration will take place between 5:15 a.m. and 9:15 a.m. Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
Before breakfast, we head out with our group leader on a walking discovery of Mumbai. Experiencing Mumbai at dawn provides a rare glimpse into the authentic city beyond its glossy facades and urban boardrooms. The early morning unveils Mumbai's industrious spirit vividly. Discover the myriad stories of individuals propelled by the pursuit of a better life, shaping Mumbai as a city known for its hard work, productivity, relentless energy, and perpetual motion. Witness firsthand the determination and resilience of its people, as the city awakens, animated by diligent newspaper distributors, bustling flower markets, lively fish markets, and dedicated exercisers, all harmonizing to create Mumbai's distinct rhythm. We return to the hotel for our breakfast there.
Morning:
The remainder of the morning is free for you to explore Mumbai on your own.
Lunch:
On your own.
Afternoon:
We board our motorcoach to explore with our group leader Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, formerly the Prince of Wales Museum) which houses about 50,000 exhibits of ancient Indian history and foreign artifacts, categorized into Art, Archaeology, and Natural History sections. After our visit to the museum, we board our motorcoach for a drive past Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, an impressive Gothic building and UNESCO World Heritage Site that replaced the original station of India’s first train in 1853. With its elaborate carvings, spires, turrets, and stained glass, it resembles a palatial complex rather than a train station. We continue our drive to Dhobi Ghat, India India's largest open-air laundry, where Dhobis wash Mumbai's clothes. With most of the city's washing done here, these men are aptly called the 'Washing Machines' of Mumbai.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant. Share favorite experiences and enjoy camaraderie with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Dharavi is a walking discovery on some uneven ground and photography is not allowed. Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
After breakfast, embark on an unusual yet rewarding excursion to Dharavi, Mumbai’s giant slum. While "slums" often evoke thoughts of poverty, this tour offers a real eye-opener, especially regarding Mumbai's Dharavi. The epicenter of Mumbai’s economic growth isn't behind skyscraper facades but in this run-down neighborhood. The residents here may not be suit-clad businessmen, but they are owners of multi-million dollar companies. These are the people of Dharavi, one of Asia’s largest slums.
Lunch:
On your own.
Afternoon:
Afternoon at leisure. For those interested, there is the Crawford Market along the seafront around the htoel.
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
Participants will board flights leaving Mumbai early in evening for home. This concludes our program.. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to like our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
Please select a day to update the map
Map details are not available for this location.





Recommended For You