zVisions of India

Check in to your lavishly appointed Deluxe Room at the Taj Palace.

Drive along the Rajpath past the India Gate and Parliament to visit Humayun’s Tomb and Qutab Minar, a graceful 12th-century minaret embellished with lovely carvings. Sit down to an elegant lunch overlooking lush gardens at The Lodi. Meals B+L+D

Delve into India’s rich diversity as you visit Jama Masjid, Asia’s largest mosque, and explore the city’s most important Sikh Temple. A traditional pedicab is the best way to experience the sights and sounds of Old Delhi as you travel along ancient winding lanes to the bustling Silver Market and past the imposing facade of the Red. Meals B+L+D

Regarded as one of the seven holy cities of Hinduism, Varanasi is alsoone of the world’s oldest cities. Upon arrival, you’ll be escorted to the Gateway Hotel Ganges. This evening, we take you to the banks of the sacred River Ganges to observe the Aarti Ceremony, an evocative Hindu ritual of light and praise. Meals B+L+D

Set out at dawn for a boat ride on the Ganges as thousands of devotees descend to the waters for purification, a daily ritual which has unfolded here for thousands of years. Accompanied by the haunting melody of our flutist, this is one of the most powerful scenes of humanity you will ever witness. Tour the most important shore temples and observe the city’s renowned silk weavers at a local workshop. Travel to Sarnath, revered as the site of Buddha’s first sermon, before returning to your hotel. Meals B+L+D

Khajuraho’s 10th-century temples are famously adorned with erotic carvings but titillation aside, they are most notable for the perfect balance they strike between architecture and sculpture. Your tour of the most important temples includes Kandariya Madadev, one of India’s greatest artistic achievements. Overnight at the Taj Hotel Chandela. Meals B+L+D

Visit the handsome medieval city of Orchha and continue to Jhansi to board the Shatabdi Express Train bound for Agra. Upon arrival, transfer to the Gateway Hotel and settle in to your elegant guestroom facing the Taj Mahal. Meals B+L+D

In addition to touring the palatial Agra Fort, your sunrise and sunset visits to the magnificent Taj Mahal capture all of its haunting beauty – bathed in the first rays of dawn and again in the golden glow of dusk. Observe the artistry behind the region’s exquisite marble inlay work at a local workshop and dine à la carte at Jhankar. Meals B+L+D

Visit Fatehpur Sikri, built and mysteriously abandoned in the 16th century. Continue to Jaipur and check in to the historic Taj Rambagh Palace Hotel. This evening, dine à la carte and stroll through the colorful streets of Old Jaipur. Meals B+L+D

See the Palace of Winds, tour the Amber Palace, where opulent halls and lavish courtyards reveal the grandeur of a kingdom that was never conquered. Dine at Samode Haveli, set in a 200-yearold manor house, and continue to the City Palace Museum and Jantar Mantar, an observatory built in 1726. Dine à la carte tonight. Meals B+L+D

Fly to Delhi and transfer once again to the Taj Palace Hotel. Meals B+D

Our tour ends this morning. Meals B