Visions of India

Day 1 - Welcome to Delhi!
Check in to your lavishly appointed room at the deluxe Taj Palace Hotel, wonderfully situated in the exclusive Diplomatic Enclave with easy access to many of Delhi’s top sites.

Day 2 - Explore New Delhi
The morning is free to relax and enjoy as you wish. Your hotel’s prime city-center location makes it easy to step out and explore at your own pace if you choose. After lunch at your hotel, join your expert Trip Leader to explore New Delhi, laid out by the British in the 1920’s with palatial-sized buildings set on broad tree-lined streets. Drive along the grand Rajpath and past the imposing India Gate to visit Humayun’s Tomb #WHS#and Qutab Minar #WHS#, two important monuments from Delhi’s ancient past. Meals B,L,D

Day 3 - The colors and sounds of Old Delhi
After breakfast, your morning sightseeing tour begins with a rickshaw ride through the colorful the streets of Old Delhi. See the Red Fort #WHS#, a potent symbol of the Mughal Empire, and Chandni Chowk – a vibrant market district filled with twisting lanes, crowded streets and exotic bazaars. You’ll also visit Raj Ghat, the sobering memorial to Mahatma Gandhi, and Jama Masjid - the largest mosque in India. Dine tonight at Cibo, a stylish venue recently opened by two of the city’s most famous and talented restauranteurs. Meals B,L,D

Day 4 - Onward to ancient Varanasi
Fly to Varanasi where you’ll be escorted to the deluxe Taj Gateway Hotel Ganges, an elegant resort-style hotel set amidst 40 acres of lush garden grounds. After time to refresh, visit Sarnath - the revered spot where Buddha gave his first sermon. The museum here is one of the most important in India, with spectacular carvings that span more than a millennium, from the 3rd century B.C. to the 12th century A.D. This evening’s specially-arranged excursion brings you to the banks of the River Ganges to observe the Aarti Ceremony; this beautiful Hindu ritual is a mesmerizing spectacle of light, prayer and devotion. Meals B,L,D

Day 5 - From Varanasi to Khajuraho #WHS#
Arise early this morning and return once again to the Ganges for a boat ride on this sacred river. In the soft golden light of dawn, you’ll witness thousands of devotees descending to these holy waters for purification – a powerful and evocative sight. Return to your hotel for breakfast and then rejoin your guide for a tour of this ancient and holy city. Among Varanasi’s many notable monuments are the magnificent Krishna Balarama Temple built in 1975 and Ram Nagar Fort, an impressive 17th-century edifice built of red sandstone and marble. Then continue to the airport for your included flight to Khajuraho where your afternoon sightseeing tour showcases the town’s celebrated 10th-century temples. Built during the mighty Chandela Dynasty, these structures are notable for the perfect balance they strike between architecture and sculpture. The Temple of Kandariya is one of India’s greatest artistic achievements and the erotic carvings which ornament many of the temples are known worldwide. Overnight at the deluxe Taj Chandela Hotel. Meals B,L,D

Day 6 - Journey to Agra
After breakfast, check out from your hotel for a scenic drive to the medieval city of Orchha. Your visit here reveals several magnificent temples and palaces of the Bundela Dynasty, many embellished with gracefully hanging balconies, beautiful tile work of turquoise and marble and countless windows with delicately carved stone screens. Enjoy lunch here in town and then continue to Jhansi to board the Shatabdi Express Train bound for Agra. Upon arrival, you’ll be escorted to the Taj Gateway Hotel and your elegant rooms facing the Taj Mahal. Meals B,L,D

Day 7 - The Taj Mahal #WHS#
Arise early this morning for a sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal! Gaze in awe as the translucent white marble of this monument-to-love catches the first golden light of the morning! Return to your hotel for breakfast and then set out once again with your guide to visit the Agra Fort #WHS# , an impressive hilltop citadel with fabulous courtyards, fountains and gates. Tour the opulent chambers of this erstwhile royal residence and then return to the city, where you’ll be captivated by the colors and rhythms of everyday life in India. This evening, we’ll take you back to the Taj Mahal to watch as this celebrated landmark reflects the rose and golden tints of sunset. As the day wanes, your guide will share the wrenching tale of this everlasting tribute to an undying love. Built by Emperor Shah Jahan in the mid 1600’s as a memorial to his beloved wife, a work force nearly 22,000 strong spent more than 20 years on its construction. Meals B,L,D

Day 8 - Journey to Jaipur
Drive through the colorful Rajasthani countryside and visit the fabled “ghost town” of Fatehpur Sikri #WHS# . Built in the 16th century and mysteriously abandoned not long afterward, this veritable fairy tale city and its “ruins” are still in pristine condition, making it easy to imagine the opulence of long-ago court life. Continue to Jaipur and check in to the Jai Mahal Palace Hotel, where Colonial-inspired furnishings and fine silks adorn spacious guestrooms set in an 18th-century palace surrounded by historic Mughal gardens. Meals B,L,D

Day 9 - The Amber Fort, Jaipur and our special Elephant Safari
Ascend by jeep or elephant to the Amber Palace where opulent halls, lavish courtyards and the lovely Chamber of Mirrors reveal the grandeur of a kingdom that was never conquered. After lunch, your sightseeing continues in the city at the oft-photographed Palace of Winds, famed for its magnificent latticed façade. You’ll also visit the Palace Museum to admire its fabulous displays of miniature paintings and traditional Rajasthani royal costumes. Then tour Jantar Mantar #WHS#, an unusual observatory built in 1726. Here you will see architectural stone instruments that were ingeniously designed and meticulously constructed to accurately measure time, predict eclipses and track the movements of the stars and planets. On this evening’s special excursion, you’ll spend time with a master Elephant Trainer for a riding lesson. Then set out into the forest to watch the sun set from atop one of these giant animals. Return to the elephant camp as torches are set aglow around a medieval fortress and sit down to an unforgettable al fresco dinner. Meals B,L,D

Day 10 - From Jaipur to Udaipur
Enjoy breakfast and a leisurely morning before your included flight to Udaipur, where you’ll be met and escorted to the one-and-only Taj Lake Palace Hotel. Built long ago as the private pleasure palace for a young prince, this extraordinary hotel rises like a mirage from the tranquil waters of Lake Pichola. Your evening is at leisure to indulge in the incomparable setting of this idyllic retreat! Meals B,L,D

Day 11 - Delight in the romance of Udaipur
Udaipur has been called India’s “City of Dreams” and you’ll see why as you explore the immense City Palace with its courtyards and grand halls, all wonderfully ornamented with pillars, balconies, towers and cupolas. At the City Palace Museum, you’ll find a superb collection of Mogul treasures – including artwork and weapons. Then visit Jagdish Temple. Built in 1651 and decorated with towering tiers of bas relief carvings, this temple enshrines a black stone image of Lord Vishnu and his vehicle, a mighty bird called Garuda. Then join your Trip Leader to wander in the enchanting garden of Sahelion Ki Bari, a tranquil refuge with beautiful pools and fountains graced by pavilions and surrounded by carefully landscaped flower gardens and shade trees. At the Fateh Prakash Palace, we’ve arranged for your entry into the famed Crystal Gallery. Here you’ll see a magnificent display of cut-crystal furniture including tables, sofa sets, beds and dressers. An exquisite, one-of-a-kind jewel studded carpet is also displayed along with crystal fountains, decanters and perfume bottles. After lunch, enjoy a memorable and atmospheric cruise across Lake Pichola. You’ll have marvelous views of Jagmandir Palace with the city and its great palace in the background. Back at the Taj Lake Palace, a guided Heritage Walk accompanied by a refreshing glass of sparkling wine, provides fascinating insight into the legends and romance of this historic property. This evening, you’ll dine on the rooftop terrace of the Taj Lake Palace! Meals B,L,D

Day 12 - From Udaipur back to Delhi
Fly to Delhi and transfer to the Crowne Plaza Gurgaon. With easy access to Delhi’s airport, this striking contemporary hotel is the perfect choice for your final night in India! Meals B,L,D

Day 13 - Depart Delhi
Our tour concludes this morning after breakfast. Meals B

Touring Date	Land Only	Land + Air	Single (Land Only)	Single (Land + Air)
9/23/2012 - 10/6/2012	$4,999
9/23/2012 - 10/6/2012	$5,199
10/14/2012 - 10/27/2012	$6,099
10/14/2012 - 10/27/2012	$6,399
1/20/2013 - 2/2/2013	$6,099
1/20/2013 - 2/2/2013	$6,399
2/24/2013 - 3/9/2013	$6,099
2/24/2013 - 3/9/2013	$6,399
3/10/2013 - 3/23/2013	$6,099
3/10/2013 - 3/23/2013	$6,399
Note: Departures appearing above in green are guaranteed to operate by the tour operator.
Airfare Disclaimer A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link. Documents TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.

Ratings & Reviews:

This tour has no reviews yet. Have you experienced this tour? Write a review.

Related Travel Articles

• See Europe :: Travel Safely and In Style, Escorted Tours
• Tours :: The Most Common Questions about Escorted Tours
• Things You Must Tell Your Travel Agent - Don't Ruin Your Vacation
• All About Paris France :: the world’s most romantic city
• Trafalgar Tours :: 8 ways to Travel in Style
• Travel Improves Your Health
• River Cruises :: A Popular Choice for Travelers
• Eastern Mediterranean and Arabian Gulf Vacations
• Adventures by Disney Invites Families to Experience the World in 2010
• Extreme Travel Destinations
• Avalon Scenery
• Royal Lotus
• Nile River Cruise
• Spotlight on Ireland
• Paula Deen Cruise
• Angkor Wat Temple Complex, Cambodia
• Touring Australia and New Zealand
• What's Included on A Tour
• Caribbean Cruises
• Shopping in the Caribbean
• Ireland Small Group Tours - New for 2011
• New Ships for 2011
• Insight Gold...New for 2011
• Travel the Romantic Cities of Europe
• Italy One Day Sale
• France River Cruises
• Introduction to London
• What to Expect on a River Cruise
• France River Cruises
• Kenya Off the Beaten Path
• 100 Royal Things to do in the U.K.
• Holland America Sunrise Fitness "Cocktail"
• Life Onboard A River Cruise
• Summer Vacation Ideas
• The Luxury of Silversea Cruises
• New Ships for 2012
• Best Places to Travel in August
• Explore the Magic of Kenya
• East vs. West African Safaris