India Tour & Safari 2012
February 1 - 12, 2012 SOLD OUT

Day 1 & 2 - Depart USA / Arrival Delhi

Depart Chicago for your flight to Indira Gandhi International airport in Delhi, India. We lose one day crossing the International Date Line, which will be regained on our return flight. Arrive in the evening, clear customs, and check in to the hotel. (In-flight meal service)

Day 3 - Delhi

Today begins with a sightseeing tour of Old Delhi. Established in the early 1600’s, Old Delhi was the original capital and economic center of India. Tradition and Heritage are important in Old Delhi, where many structures remain intact, preserving its historical ambiance. Originally surrounded by a wall enclosing about 1,500 acres, Old Delhi remains the symbolic heart of metropolitan Delhi. Visit the Red Fort ─ Shah Jehan’s elegant citadel, which was constructed of red sandstone, built as an octagon measuring 900m by 550m and surrounded by a 9 meter deep moat which, at its inception, was fed by the waters of the Yamuna River. Nearby, you will explore the Jama Masjid (Friday Mosque,) India’s largest mosque, also built by Shah Jahan. Take an interesting rickshaw ride through the famous bazaars of Chandni Chowk, which is adjacent to both the Fort and the Mosque. Following your rickshaw ride, visit Raj Ghat, the memorial to Mahatma Gandhi, if time permits.

After lunch proceed to New Delhi, which is the modern metropolitan region of Delhi. In 1911, King George V decided the capital should be moved from Calcutta, so they began construction near the center of Delhi, calling the region New Delhi. This new capital of the Republic of India consists of an urban area which is distinct from but contiguous with the walled Mughal city of Delhi (Old Delhi). Visit the Qutab Minar, a Tower of Victory which was built in the 12th century by Qutbuddin Aibak. Within its spacious courtyard stands the Iron Pillar, which dates back to the 4th century AD and bears a Sanskrit inscription in the Gupta style. The pillar has puzzled scientists, as its iron has not rusted in all these centuries. The tomb of Humayun ─ the magnificent structure in red sandstone and white marble is one of the finest examples of a garden tomb and was a precursor to the Taj Mahal. Its proportionate spaces, double dome and refined elegance are characteristic of Mughal architecture. Also visit India Gate, the memorial of the First World War and the residence of the President of India, which is flanked by the houses of Parliament and the Government Secretariat buildings. Tonight enjoy a classical dance show at Parsi Anjum Hall followed by dinner. (B, L, D)

Day 4 - Delhi / Jaipur

This morning, check out of the hotel and travel to Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan. Here you will see why Jaipur is referred to as the Pink City, the color associated with hospitality in Rajput culture. With its fairy tale palaces, broad avenues, and rugged fortresses perched on barren hills, the scenery of Jaipur is truly picturesque. This planned city, the first of its time, is encircled by a formidable wall. After lunch, the remainder of the day is yours to explore or relax. Return to the hotel for dinner and an overnight in Jaipur. (B, L, D)

Day 5 - Jaipur

Refreshed after a good night’s rest, you journey to Amber Fort, which is known for its unique artistic style, blending both Hindu and Mughal elements, and its ornate and breathtaking artistic mastery. Here you will enjoy an Elephant Ride for fun and easy transportation. This adventure on an embellished and decorated elephant is bound to enrich your memories with the Royal lifestyle of the Maharajas and leave you with a truly unforgettable experience. Once inside Amber Fort, visit the Jag Mandir (Hall of Victory) ─ the famed Sheesh Mahal, a room with all four walls and ceiling completely embedded with glittering mirror pieces, which were specially imported from Belgium during that period.

Later in the day your journey continues with a city tour of Jaipur, including a visit to Maharaja’s City Palace, the former Royal residence, which has partially been converted into a museum, leaving a small portion to be used by the Royal family of Jaipur. A major attraction in the museum is the Armory Museum, housing an impressive array of weaponry, including pistols, blunderbusses, flintlocks, swords, rifles, and daggers. Later visit the Jantar Mantar, which is the largest stone and marble crafted observatory in the world. Stop for a wonderful photo opportunity at Hawa Mahal, the Palace of Winds. Return to the hotel for dinner. (B, L, D)

Day 6 - Jaipur

Today is reserved for you to enjoy on your own. Having toured the city, you will be more familiar with Jaipur, thus allowing you to pursue activities that suit you. With a nearby marketplace, shopping for those treasured souvenirs will be fun and convenient. Or you may simply walk the streets taking in the rich culture that is rampant in India. This is a great opportunity to mingle with the locals! (B, L, D)

Day 7 - Jaipur / Ranthambhore

This morning, after checking out from your Jaipur hotel, embark on a scenic drive to Ranthambhore, which is home to the exciting Ranthambhore National Park. With an area of 400 sq. km encompassing rocky hill crests which descend to open valleys between the Aravalli and Vindhya ranges, dotted with water pools and fruit trees, this park gets its name from the thousand year old fortress, which looms above the forest. Well known for the diurnal (daytime) activity of tigers, Ranthambore is a very special and unusual area where a natural present meets a historic past. See first-hand what the wilderness of India has to offer on an afternoon safari drive. (B, L, D)

Day 8 - Ranthambhore

Today is going to be wild! After breakfast enjoy a guided safari throughout Ranthambhore National Park, which is host to a plethora of exotic species, including gazelle, sambar, cheetah, chinkara, nilgai, languor, wild bull, leopard, and tiger. Dotted across the landscape are crumbling ruins of its past glory, be it chatris, cupolas, palaces, or old guard posts, all of which reinforce the magical and ethereal quality of this great wilderness. (B, L, D)

Day 9 - Ranthambhore / Agra

Get a taste of India’s landscape and transportation as we board an air-conditioned train for Agra. Along the way, visit Fatehpur Sikri. Often referred to as the abandoned Moghul capital, this 16th century capital of Moghul, emperor Akbar is a complex of forts, palaces and mosques built in sandstone. The city had to be deserted due to lack of water. The white tomb of Sheikh Salim Chisti, Akbar’s spiritual adviser, is now observed as a Muslim pilgrimage spot. Visit Dayal Bagh, a retreat of the Radhaswamis who are of a special religious denomination from among the Hindus. The Radhaswamis started a memorial for their founder, Guru, in 1904 in the form of a nine story marble edifice inlaid with semi-precious stones.

After lunch, visit the crown jewel of India, the Taj Mahal. Built in the middle of the 17th century by the Moghul emperor Shah Jehan for his wife, Mumtaz Mahal, it is surely one of the greatest monuments to love and one of the seven wonders of the modern world. Completed in 1652, skilled craftsmen from Persia, Turkey, France and Italy, along with 20,000 laborers worked for 17 years to build this edifice. Marble was brought from Makrana, near Jodhpur and precious stones of onyx, amethyst, malachite, lapis lazuli, turquoise, jade, crystal and mother of pearl were carried to Agra from Persia, Russia, Afghanistan, Tibet, China and the Indian Ocean. (B, L, D)

Day 10 - Agra

A pleasant town, with a comparatively easy pace, Agra is known for its superb inlay work on marble and soapstone by artisans who are hereditary crafts persons. The city is famous for its carpets, gold thread embroidery, leather shoes, and of course, the Taj Mahal. The architectural splendor of the mausoleums, the fort and the palaces in Agra is a vivid reminder of the opulence of the legendary Mughal Empire, with Agra being the capital for nearly a hundred years, beginning in 1564.

Visit the Agra Fort, which stands like a crescent on the banks of the Jamuna River enclosed by forbidding 20m high walls, with a 12m moat between them. Three successive Mughal emperors ─ Akbar, Jehangir and Shah Jehan ─ helped create this massive structure which contains Hindu and Muslim architecture. Later visit Itimad-Ud-Daulah. Itmad-Ud-Daulaha’s tomb was built by Empress Noor Jahan from 1622-25 AD in memory of her father, Ghias-ud-din Beg. This ornate tomb is considered a precursor of the Taj Mahal. (B, L, D)

Day 11 - Agra / Delhi / Departure

The final morning in India is free for you to rest, find your last souvenirs, or explore. En route to Delhi, stop at a Wheat and Mustard Farm. Here, you have the chance to discuss an agricultural lifestyle with a local farmer. Discuss opportunities and threats to the farming industry in India, where over 50% of the workforce rely on agriculture. Upon arrival in Delhi, dinner will be served. Following dinner, transfer to the airport for your return flight home. Your flight leaves late this evening, at 11:45 p.m. (B, L, D)

Day 12 - Delhi / USA

Arrive in the USA early morning to catch your domestic flights home.