11 Day Amazing India Tour, Gutsy Women Travel

11 DAY AMAZING INDIA ITINERARY:

DAY 1, Thursday - Depart USA
Board your international flight to India

DAY 2, Friday - Arrive Delhi, India
Arrive at Delhi International airport and receive a warm welcome and garlanding before transferring to the hotel for check-in. Enjoy the balance of the day and evening at leisure. Overnight: Delhi

DAY 3, Saturday - Delhi City Tour/Welcome Dinner
After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a full day guided tour of Old and New Delhi. We begin with a tour of Old Delhi, an ancient historical city with more than 60,000 identifiable monuments. Visit the Red Fort, considered one of the most magnificent palaces in the world. India's history is closely linked with the fort, as it was where the British deposed the last Mughal ruler, Bahadur Shah Zafar, marking the end of the three-centuries-long Mughal reign. We then visit Jama Masjid Mosque, the largest mosque in India, as well as Raj Ghat, the Memorial of Mahatma Gandhi. After lunch at a local restaurant, we'll continue on a tour of New Delhi and visit the UNESCO World Heritage Qutab Minar, the world's tallest brick minaret, as well as the 13th-century Mausoleum of Humayun. We'll conclude with a panoramic drive past the famous India Gate, built to commemorate the 70,000 Indian soldiers killed in World War I, the President House, and the Indian Parliament. This evening, enjoy a Welcome Dinner at the hotel.   Overnight: Delhi    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 4, Sunday - Arrive Agra/Taj Mahal/Marble Inlay Workshop
After breakfast, depart for the ancient city of Agra, home of the famed Taj Mahal. Upon our arrival in Agra, we'll check-in to the hotel and enjoy a bit a free time to freshen up. After lunch, we'll visit one India's most recognized sights, the world-famous Taj Mahal. Built by Emperor Shah Jehan as a mausoleum for his beloved Queen Mumtaj Mahal, this monumental construction, which took 22 years to complete (1631-53), is most famous for its imposing white-marble dome, and is considered the finest example of Mughal architecture in the world. We'll then attend a workshop on the art of Marble Inlay. Under the direction of an experienced craftsmen, we'll see firsthand how semi-precious stones are embedded in marble to create pleasing geometric and floral patterns, similar to those seen in the Taj Mahal. Marble artifacts painted with attractive designs are yet another form of marble ware seen in the markets of Agra. Dinner at the hotel this evening. Overnight: Agra   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 5, Monday - Agra City Tour/Tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah/Dinner with Local Women's Association
We begin our morning in Agra with a panoramic tour of the city that includes a guided visit to the famed Agra Fort. Upon entering the Fort, we'll pass through its grand courtyard to visit the Halls of Public and Private Audiences, both of which contain exquisite Mughal carvings on their many pillars. Here we will also view mosques and grand palaces such as the Khas Mahal and the Shish Mahal. Enjoy some time for lunch on your own before visiting the Tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah or "Baby Taj" as it is sometimes referred to. A highly ornate edifice, the mausoleum is considered an imminent precursor to the Taj Mahal for its layout, inlay designs, and latticework. In the afternoon, visit the local markets for shopping. This evening, we'll enjoy a special dinner at a popular Agra restaurant organized by the NGO, a local Women’s Association.   Overnight: Agra     Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 6, Tuesday - Traditional Dance Class/Indian Cooking Class
This morning we'll take part in a traditional Indian dance class at the hotel. An experienced dancer, skilled in the art of traditional Indian choreography, will show us the methods and movements of some of India's most popular routines. Afterwards, enjoy some free time to freshen up and lunch on your own. We'll then visit the local markets to shop for food items which you will use during our evening Cooking Class at a paying guest house. Overnight: Agra    Meals: Breakfast

DAY 7, Wednesday - Arrive Jaipur/Fatehpur Sikri
After breakfast, depart for Jaipur. En route, we'll visit the deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri. Here we'll explore the well-preserved buildings of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, including the Panch Mahal Palace, the Tomb of Salim Christi and the 17th century Jama Masjid, one of the largest and most impressive in India. We then continue our journey to Jaipur, the famed Pink City of India. The entire city was painted its unique pink color in 1876 to celebrate the visiting Prince of Wales. Several legends exist to explain why the color pink was chosen, but no matter the reason, it has come to represent the welcoming hospitality of the city. On arrival, we'll check-in to the hotel and enjoy the balance of the afternoon at leisure. In the evening, we'll visit the home of a local family for dinner.   Overnight: Jaipur   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 8, Thursday - Amber Fort/Jaipur City Tour
Our morning begins with a guided tour of the city's most famous sight, the 16th-century Amber Fort. We'll ascend the hill to the fort on the back of an elephant, and admire views of Jaipur's original city walls and Maotha Lake below. The Fort contains Halls of Public and Private audiences, a Sheesh Mahal (hall of mirrors), and various marble palaces that are marvelous examples of ancient Rajput architecture. Following our tour, we'll have lunch at a local restaurant, then enjoy a tour of the city. Our tour includes visits to the observatory of Maharaja Jaisingh and the museum at the Maharaja City Palace. We'll then continue driving past the 18th-century Hawa Mahal, the famous "Palace of Winds," and the Birla Temple. This evening, we'll enjoy a traditional Rajasthani Dinner at Chokhi Dhani, an ethnic village resort on the outskirts of Jaipur. Set on 10 beautifully landscaped acres, Chokhi Dhani is dotted with machaans and platforms where various folk artists perform concurrently. A village fair is created every evening as an ongoing celebration of the rich and vibrant heritage of Rajasthan. Overnight:Jaipur   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 9, Friday - Block Printing, Idol Carving & Henna Tattoo Workshops/Shopping in Markets and Bazaars
Today we'll enjoy block printing, idol carving, and Henna tattoo workshops. Enjoy some free time for lunch on your own before an afternoon of duty-free shopping in Jaipur's colorful markets and bazaars. Dinner at the hotel this evening.
Overnight:Jaipur   Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 10, Saturday - Morning Yoga Class/Farewell Dinner in Delhi
Our morning begins with a special Yoga Class, organized by an experienced Yoga instructor. Here we will quiet our minds, bodies, and souls during this ancient Indian practice that dates back more than 5000 years. Following our session, we'll have a late breakfast at the hotel and some free time before check-out. We'll then depart Jaipur for Delhi. Upon arrival, we'll check in to the hotel and enjoy the balance of the day at leisure before our farewell dinner at the hotel this evening.
Overnight: Delhi    Meals:Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 11, Sunday - Depart for USA
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight. Meals: Breakfast

Back to Gutsy Women Europe Travel - Menu Page