YOUR ITINERARY

Day 1: Depart USA. Your exotic journey to India and Nepal begins this afternoon as you depart New York for Delhi.

Day 2: Arrive Delhi. Afternoon arrival in India's capital. You'll be escorted to your deluxe hotel. Crowne Plaza Hotel.

Day 3: This morning, see New Delhi's highlights: The 12th century hand carved Kutab Minar, the Birla Temple and the India Gate. Later, a tour of Old Delhi takes you to the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi and to the Jamma Masjid, India's largest mosque. See the magnificent Red Fort, built in 1648 as a symbol of Mughal's power. This evening, your tour director hosts a welcome dinner. (B,D)

Day 4: Delhi/Jaipur. Morning at leisure to shop at Delhi's exciting bazaars. Later voyage to Jaipur, the "Pink City", famous for its exquisite buildings of rose-colored terra cotta.
Golden Tulip Hotel. (B)

Day 5: Enjoy a walking tour as well as a rickshaw ride in Jaipur's old city where you will explore the colorful local bazaar. Also visit the Palace of Winds, the landmark of Jaipur. This afternoon venture out of the city to Amber Fort, ancient capital of Rajasthan. See the Temple of Kali, the Hall of Victory, and ride an elephant to the hill where the Amber Fort is situated. Later, attend a unique prayer ritual at a hindu temple. Enjoy a leisure evening in picturesque Jaipur to explore on your own. (B)



Day 6: Jaipur/Agra. En route to Agra, visit Fatehpur Sikri, once a glittering capital, later abandoned due to scarcity of water. Marvel at well-preserved buildings and red sandstone palaces. Proceed to Agra, home of the legendary shrine built and dedicated to love, the Taj Mahal. Jaypee Palace Hotel. (B)

Day 7: Taj Mahal/Agra Fort excursion. The highlight of this morning's tour is a visit to the fabled, perfectly proportioned Taj Mahal. This 17th century, white marble mausoleum was built by Emperor Shah Jehan to enshrine the mortal remains of his Queen Mumtaz Mahal. Afternoon visit to the Agra Fort, a cluster of mosques and palaces on the banks of the river and to the bustling spice market. Later, explore on your own, shop or relax at your luxury hotel's pool-side. (B)

Day 8: Agra/Khajuraho. Travel aboard the famous Shatabdi Express train to Jhansi and continue by coach to Orchha, a medieval city on the River Betwa. Proceed to Khajuraho, renowned for its splendid temples. Enjoy dinner at your hotel. Jass Radisson Hotel (B, D)

Day 9: Tour the spectacular temples of Khajuraho, built by the Chandela kings between the 9th and 13th centuries. The temples are exquisitely carved with graceful statues and frieze of Gods and Goddesses. Afternoon at leisure. (B)

Day 10: Khajuraho/Varanasi. Fly to Varanasi, Hinduism's holiest city, situated on the sacred Ganges River. Tour the important temples and shrines and pass narrow streets filled with shops selling exotic spices and silks. Radisson Hotel (B)

Day 11: Varanasi/Kathmandu (Nepal). At sunrise take a boat ride on the Ganges River where pilgrims converge for the ritual of immersion and prayer. Later, fly to Kathmandu, the capital of the ancient Kingdom of Nepal. This is a deeply spiritual land, isolated by the high Himalayas. Crowne Plaza Soaltee Hotel. (B)

Day 12: Morning visit to the major temple towns in the Kathmandu Valley at the foot of the Himalayan mountains. See the gilded copper gate in Bhaktapur (Bhadgaon), a masterpiece. Proceed to the Hindu Temple of Shiva and the Buddhist shrine at Bodhnath. Afternoon at leisure. Your deluxe hotel is conveniently located for independent exploring and shopping. (B)


Day 13: Today, you may experience an optional Mount Everest scenic flight over the breathtaking Himalayas (weather permitting). Later, drive through the captivating countryside to the "City of Artists", Patan and see beautiful art and architecture. On your way back, stop at the fascinating Tibetan Refugee Craft Center and visit the temples, pagodas and palaces in Durbar. Tonight join your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner with a cultural performance. (B, D)

Day 14: Kathmandu/Delhi. Leisure time for last minute pursuits before your flight back to Delhi, where you'll connect with your late night flight back to the USA. (B)

Day 15: Delhi/USA. Bid farewell to incredible India and Nepal. Your memorable journey ends as you arrive New York.

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YOUR TOUR INCLUDES:

• Round trip airfare from New York
  (JFK) via scheduled Air India flight
• Airline fuel surcharge
• Intra-India and Nepal flights and ground transportation
• Accommodations at deluxe
  hotels with private bath
• 15 meals: 12 full buffet breakfasts (B), 3 dinners (D)
• Comprehensive sightseeing
  tours including entrance fees
• Experienced English-speaking
  Tour Director and local guides.