DAY 1, Thursday - Depart for India
Depart for India

Welcome to India! Arrive in the energetic capital city of New Delhi; meet your representative and transfer to the hotel. Time to rest and relax after your journey and acclimate to the new time zone
Overnight: New Delhi

Begin in the walled city of Old Delhi, founded by Mughal Emperor Shahjahan. Travel along the winding streets to Jama Masjid, the largest and best-known mosque in India. On a cycle rickshaw, continue along the lanes of Chandi Chowk, once the imperial avenue of Mughal royalty. After lunch, on to New Delhi, a city of airy boulevards, lush parks and gardens. Visit the Sikh Temple and drive past the imposing India Gate War Memorial to Indian and British soldiers, Parliament House and the Presidential Palace. Enjoy a visit to the Gandhi Smriti, the official residence of Mahatma Gandhi, where he spent the last 144 days of his life. Now, it's a museum dedicated to his memory and work. The tour continues with a visit to Humayun's Tomb set in stunning gardens, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This evening, meet with your fellow travelers and Tour Manager for a briefing on the incredible journey in India that awaits you. Tonight is at leisure to begin your discovery of Indian cuisine at one of the fine regional restaurants

Overnight: New Delhi

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Depart New Delhi to Jaipur, gateway to the desert state of Rajasthan. En route, stop for some photos at the graceful sandstone Qutab Minar Victory Tower, the world's tallest brick minaret, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Arrive in glorious Jaipur, with its stucco buildings lining the wide streets and you'll understand why it is nicknamed the "Pink City." The city was painted its unique color in 1876 to celebrate the visit of the Prince of Wales. Drive past stunning hilltop forts and glorious palaces on the way to a bargain-filled bazaar. Dinner at the hotel

Overnight: Jaipur

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Excursion to the spectacular Amber Fort, a stunning fusion of Mughal and Hindu styles with its gorgeous Palace of Mirrors. Ascend the hill to the ramparts by jeep, or on the back of an elephant (if available). From here, see the panoramic views of Jaipur's original city walls and the lake below. Stop for refreshments before shopping the vast collection of local handicrafts at Jaipur Handicrafts, offering premium quality handmade carpets, textiles, pashminas, pottery and paintings. Fabrics in all colors and texture are available for loose purchase as well as custom design work. Spend the afternoon at leisure strolling through the city's delightful gardens, or, join the optional tour to view the well-preserved 18th century Jantar Mantar Observatory and drive past Hawa Mahal, the "Palace of Winds" with its lacy ornamental faade. Later, the tour continues to the opulent City Palace, former royal residence, now a grand museum with an extraordinary collection of miniature paintings, costumes and armory. Tonight's optional evening is highlighted by the exotic flavors of Indian cuisine at a local neighborhood restaurant, while you're entertained by performers in traditional attire as they execute various interesting dance moves on the rhythm of the accompanying musical instruments

Optional: Half Day Jaipur Tour (PM)

Optional: Dinner at Local Jaipur Restaurant with Traditional Folk Dance

Overnight: Jaipur

Meals: Breakfast

Depart Jaipur to the small ancient village of Abhaneri in northern Rajasthan. Begin at Chand Baori, one of the largest step wells in India, fortified on all sides. This unique idea was conceived by the early natives to work as a water reservoir, located adjacent to the temple dedicated to Harshat Mata, goddess of joy and happiness - an architectural jewel. Then after lunch, continue on to Agra, with its celebrated past, rich heritage and architectural delights. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy the delights of this splendid city. Dinner at the hotel

Overnight: Agra

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Memorable day as you visit the astonishing Taj Mahal, built by Emperor Shah Jahan as a mausoleum for his beloved Queen. This is perhaps, the most perfect architectural monument in the world, built of white marble and precious stones over a 22 year period; considered the finest example of Mughal architecture in the world. Afterwards, stop at Kalakriti Marble. The Taj Mahal inspired the Kalakriti family to become the manufacturer of fine inlaid marble work. Marvel at the museum quality workmanship as you watch a demonstration of the timely process of marble carvings, filigree and stone inlay. Then browse Kalakriti's home furnishings and decorative items. In the afternoon, participate in the not to be missed optional tour to the red sandstone Agra Fort, with its incredible maze of walled courtyards, mosques and lavish private chambers reflecting the grandeur of the Mughal Empire; this monument has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Next, to the Tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah built of the finest Indian marble embellished with mosaics and inlay of semi-precious stones. This evening's optional dinner at an Agra restaurant, discover all the fun & excitement of Bollywood beats with a dance performance by a dancer on recorded music that will take place during or after your dinner

Optional: Half Day Agra Tour (PM)

Optional: Dinner at Local Agra Restaurant with Bollywood Dance

Overnight: Agra

Meals: Breakfast

Depart Agra this morning and return to New Delhi on your last day in India. Upon arrival, time to freshen up before tonight's dinner

Overnight: New Delhi-Gurgaon

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Today, depart India for Kathmandu, Nepal, "The Roof of the World". Upon arrival, you'll be welcomed with a traditional flower garland and transferred to your hotel. Time to rest, relax or explore the city for the remainder of the day

Overnight: Kathmandu

Meals: Breakfast

Join the optional Mt Everest Flightseeing and enjoy an hour of spectacular scenery over Mt Everest, during an early morning flight. Later, embark upon a spiritual journey to the World Heritage Site of Pashupatinath. One of the most sacred Hindu shrines in the world, attracting thousands of pilgrims each year. The Temple, on the banks of the holy Bagmati River, a tributary of the Ganges, is renowned for its beautiful architecture. Home to Kathmandu's funeral ghats, a series of cremation platforms are spread along the river. You'll experience throngs of devotees, meditating and praying on the steps throughout the temple. Next, you visit Boudhanath, the largest Stupa of its kind in the world. The unique aspect of this extraordinary Buddhist monument, is the hundreds of prayer wheels and 108 images of Buddha set into the niches around this mesmerizing structure from the 5th century. This afternoon, depart for the medieval city of Bhaktapur, known as the "City of Devotees", named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walk along the maze of winding streets lined with homes and temples dating back to the 13th century. Marvel at the intricately carved deities of the richly molded Golden Gate and the Palace of Fifty-Five Windows, with its exquisite wood carvings. View the Golden Sprout, the Taleju temple complex, and Nyatapola, the five storied temple in Taumadhi Square. Later, depart for Nagarkot, known for having one of the most spectacular views of the Himalayas, including Mt. Everest (on a clear day). Afterward, return back to the hotel. Tonight, do not miss out on the opportunity to partake in the optional dinner of traditional Nepalese cuisine

Optional: Mount Everest Flightseeing (AM)

Optional: Traditional Nepalese Dinner

Overnight: Kathmandu

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, travel to Chitwan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the first national park in Nepal. Upon arrival you will be greeted by your very own naturalist. Enjoy a Welcome Drink while learning more about the park and it's history. After settling in and a leisurely lunch, this afternoon get ready for your first adventure; an exciting Elephant Jungle Safari. Afterwards, return to the resort and enjoy tea, coffee and a slide show presentation on the local wildlife by the senior naturalist. Tonight, a wonderful dinner at the resort's Round House with ample time to share today's elephant adventure with your fellow travelers

Overnight: Chitwan

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, today's adventure begins with a morning Jeep Safari. Afterward, board a boat down the Narayani River. There'll be many opportunities to look out for the local wildlife of the Park. You may have a chance to see the Gharial or Mugger crocodiles as well as otters and a variety of water birds. Then, travel by jeep inside Chitwan National Park for a picnic lunch. Take a moment to relax or chose to join a nature walk with your trained naturalist for an introduction to some of the wildlife in the park. Late in the afternoon, enjoy an ox-cart ride to an authentic Tharu Village, visit the home of one of the villagers before returning to the resort. Tonight, enjoy a BBQ dinner while viewing an entertaining performance by a local Tharu dance group

Overnight: Chitwan

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Begin the day with a tour of Kathmandu City, capital of Nepal. Visit Durbar Square, an amazing cluster of ancient temples and palaces epitomizing the religious and cultural life of the people. Stop at sprawling Hanuman Dhoka, ancient palace of Nepalese Royalty and the Temple of Kumari, home to Nepal's most important living goddess. See the stone carved statue of ferocious Kal Bhairav, a colorful memorial to the Hindu God of destruction, followed by a visit to the magnificent Temple of the Goddess Taleju. Later continue to Swayambhunath, a 2,000 year old Buddhist Stupa, celebrated as the oldest Buddhist shrine in the world, with its lofty copper spires adorned with fluttering prayer flags. This majestic ancient structure crowns the hilltop overlooking the Kathmandu Valley - the four sides painted with the compassionate eyes of Buddha. Swayambhunath is one of the most recognizable symbols in Nepal, designated a World Heritage Site. Afterward, return to your hotel for balance of the day at leisure

Overnight: Kathmandu

Meals: Breakfast

This morning enjoy your morning at leisure or join the optional Half Day Patan City Tour. Known as Latipur or the "City of Beauty", Patan is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is filled with Hindu temples and Buddhist monuments exhibiting skillful carvings. This afternoon, board a flight to return to New Delhi. Bid farewell to your newfound friends and Tour Manager at the hotel over dinner

Optional: Half Day Patan City Tour (AM)

Overnight: New Delhi

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Transfer to the airport for your departure flight

Meals: Breakfast