The Luxury Lap of Luxury

Depart Canada or the USA for a lifetime experience. Your international flight includes meals, drinks, and in-flight entertainment.

Welcome to Delhi, a city that bridges two different worlds. Old Delhi, once the capital of Islamic India, is a labyrinth of narrow lanes lined with crumbling Havelis and formidable mosques. In contrast, the imperial city of New Delhi created by the British Raj is composed of spacious, tree-lined avenues and imposing government buildings.

Upon arrival, you will be greeted by an Explore India representative at Delhi’s airport and he will escort you to your hotel.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel, you will be greeted by an Explore India Manager in the hotel lobby and you will start the morning with a visit to the house of Mahatma Gandhi. This house is the place where Mr. Gandhi’s epic Life ended on 30 January 1948. Mahatma Gandhi had lived in this house from 9 September 1947 to 30 January 1948. Thus, the hallowed house treasures many memories of the last 144 days of his life. The House was acquired by the Government of India in 1971 and was converted into a National Memorial of the Father of the Nation and was opened to the public on August 15, 1973. Next, you will visit The Sikh Temple locally called Gurudwara Bangla Sahib. This is the most prominent Sikh Temple of worship and is known for its association with the eighth Sikh Guru and the pond inside its complex.

Then on to the UNESCO World heritage site Humayun’s Tomb, Humayun was the second Mughal Emperor of India. The tomb was built by his widow Biga Begum in 1569-70, 14 years after his death at a cost of 1.5 million rupees. It was later used for the burial of various members of the ruling family and contains some 150 graves. It has aptly been described as the necropolis of the Mughal dynasty.

Later in the evening, we will enjoy dinner in the heart of Connaught place one of the largest financial, commercial, and business centers in New Delhi. The main commercial area of the new city, during the time of the British Raj, its environs occupy a place of pride in the city and are counted among the top heritage structures in New Delhi. It was developed as a showpiece of Lutyens’ Delhi with a prominent Central Business District.

Meals: breakfast and lunch

After your breakfast, you will proceed for a unique heritage walking tour experience of Old Delhi

Historically, those who ruled from Delhi were best able to control the sub-continent. The city originated, when the fort at AGRA faced agonizing heat, coupled with insufficient accommodation and space for Shahjahan’s lavish lifestyle and his great ceremonial processions. The city of SHAHJAHANABAD (THE ABODE OF SHAHJAHAN), bears a woman’s stamp. It was Jahan Ara, the favorite daughter of Shahjahan, who laid the foundation of the city around 1639. This is known as Old Delhi today and the heart of Delhi can be found here, three hundred and fifty years old, yet strong and beating….and the romance is still there, with its origins in the 17th century when Shahjahan shifted the capital from Agra to Delhi reflecting his ambition to leave a mark on the architecture subsumed in the identity of the city, a city where the foundation was laid by his ancestors which took 9 years for him to build. The city of SHAHJAHANABAD (THE ABODE OF SHAHJAHAN) is known as Old Delhi today is close to 400 years old and stands strong Houses The Red Fort, Strings of markets, bazaars, Havelis, temples, mosques, and churches that were later added by the British. Let’s go back in time to what all eras it has seen, one needs to be a traveler in this busy space as the royals come Calling.

In the afternoon you will visit the UNESCO World heritage site Qutab Minar, located in the district of South Delhi, this magnificent monument in red and buff sandstone is the highest tower in India. Built in the early 13th century, the surrounding archaeological area contains funerary buildings, notably the magnificent Alai-Darwaza Gate, the masterpiece of Indo-Muslim art (built-in 1311), and two mosques, including the Quwwatu’l-Islam, the oldest in northern India, built of materials reused from some 20 Brahman temples.

Meals: breakfast and lunch

After breakfast at the hotel, you will be transferred to the Delhi airport for your flight to Varanasi the religious capital of Hinduism formerly known as Banaras during the British Raj. This is one of the world’s most ancient cultures and oldest living city of India and home to one of the worlds’ most time-honored and mysterious cultures dating back 5000 years. Its present name is derived from the fact that the city is at the confluence of the rivers Varuna & Assi.

Hindus believe the banks of the Ganges is the most sacred place on earth to die. Up to 300 people are cremated at the sacred site every day to liberate their souls to find nirvana. It is believed anyone who dies in Varanasi breaks the cycle of death and rebirth and achieves nirvana (moksha) Legend says that the flames of the funeral pyres at Manikarnika Ghats have been burning for some 3,000 years

Meet and greet upon arrival at Varanasi airport, followed by a transfer to your hotel.

In the early evening, you will take a close look at the banks of the Ganges to witness the devotional ceremony of Aarti performed by thousands of devout Hindus, listen to the chanted prayers, the rhythmic drumming fill the air and the bells from temples across the Holy Ganges.

You will also experience offering private prayers to the river Goddess with a priest.

Meals: breakfast

Early morning activity: An experience at sunrise on a boat on the Holy Ganges to see the bathing Ghats (river bank) & cremation site. You will watch the sunrise on the riverfront from a boat; this can be a spiritually uplifting sight. Life on the Ghats is bound in an endless string of rituals; ever-changing aspects of the river and the wide landscapes throughout have fascinated visitors from all over the world.

Return to the hotel for breakfast.

In the afternoon, enjoy a guided excursion to Sarnath a center of Buddhist learning, and the buried Buddhist city where Buddha preached his first sermon. After attaining enlightenment at Bodh Gaya, the Buddha went to Sarnath and it was here that he preached his first discourse in the deer park and set in motion the ‘Wheel of the Dharma’. It is one of the holiest sites as it is believed that in this place the stream of the Buddha’s teaching first flowed. Sarnath was a renowned school of learning from the 16th century BC to the 12th century AD. Visit the ruins, the stupa, the Buddhist temple & the museum. At the museum is the Ashok Pillar with its four guardian lions, used as independent India’s national emblem.

This evening experience the uniqueness of the city with the Heritage Walk Tour of Varanasi, which focuses on protecting the heritage, beauty, and unchanged lifestyles from centuries ago. This aspect of the city, which is hidden and not many people get to see, will be yours to explore. The history behind all these well-known as well as unknown treasures has been contributed and innovated by the great saints, poets, literary figures, and musicians of the city. So many wonderful structures express the past and present civilization, beyond anybody’s imagination. This phenomenon is the key to India’s successful co-existence.

Meals: breakfast

After breakfast at the hotel transfer to Varanasi airport to board your flight for Delhi. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to Agra by Yamuna expressway.

In the evening, enjoy a live show, a fascinating play that depicts the saga of love and a memorable journey into the history of the Taj Mahal. The drama portrays the Mughal era in the 16th century. It is a series of plays depicting the true and immortal love of Shahjahan for Mumtaz Mahal, his beautiful wife; the lavish lifestyle of the Mughal era; and the hardship of the artisans who worked for 22 years to create the most precious specimen of craftsmanship.

Meals: breakfast

We start our day at sunrise with a visit to one of the most incredible monuments ever built in the world, The Taj Mahal which is a mausoleum made of white marble, the monument of love. It was built between 1631 and 1648 by order of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife. The Taj Mahal is the jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world’s heritage.

Return to the hotel for breakfast and leisure time. Later in the day, we will continue our sightseeing tour with a visit to Agra Fort, which was built by Emperor Akbar in 1565, additions were made up until the time of his grandson Shah Jahan. It contains the hall of public and private audiences amongst many other beautiful structures,

Later enjoy a cup of coffee at Sheroes Café Hangout. This bright and welcoming café is run by survivors of acid attacks. It is the story of how these strong women were brutally attacked, often by their own family members, but have overcome their scars and fears to speak out against this violence through working together and, through their business, educating the public about familial and non-familial violence against women.

View Taj Mahal from another angle from Mehtab park, originally built by Emperor Babur as the last in a series of 11 parks on the Yamuna’s east bank view of the Taj is in the early evening when its white marble and minarets turn pink under the setting sun.

Meals: breakfast

After breakfast, we drive to Jaipur, en route to visit the abandoned Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri. Built by Emperor Akbar in 1569, this was the old capital of the Moghuls, which was abandoned after 15 years due to scarcity of water.

After lunch, we will continue our drive towards Jaipur, the city of Jaipur owes its name, foundation, and its careful planning to the great warrior, and astronomer Maharaja Jai Singh II. In 1727, with Mughal power on the wane, Jai Singh decided to move down from his hillside fortress at nearby Amber to a new site on the plains. He laid out the city, with its surrounding walls and six rectangular blocks, according to the principles of town planning set down in Shilpa Shastra, an ancient Hindu treatise on architecture.

Arrive and check-in at your hotel. Spend an afternoon at your leisure.

Meals: breakfast and lunch

After a leisurely breakfast, enjoy an excursion to Amber Fort, ascent (by jeep) to the fort. Amber is the classic romantic Rajasthani Fort Palace. Its construction was started by Man Singh I in 1592, and completed by his descendent Jai Singh I. Its forbidding exterior belies an inner paradise where a beautiful fusion of Mughal and Hindu styles finds its ultimate expression.

Afternoon, you will visit the City Palace – A delightful blend of Mughal and traditional Rajasthani architecture, the City Palace sprawls over one-seventh of the area in the walled city. Next, view the Jantar Mantar which is the largest and the best-preserved of the five observatories built by Sawai Jai Singh II in different parts of the country. This observatory, consisting of outsized astronomical instruments, is still in use. Hawa Mahal – The ornamental facade of this “Palace of Winds” is a prominent landmark in Jaipur. Their five-story structures of sandstone plastered pink encrusted with fine trelliswork and elaborate balconies. The palace has 953 niches and windows. Built-in 1799 by Pratap Singh, the Mahal was a royal grandstand for the palace women.

Later in the day enjoy shopping in the colorful bazaars of the this amazing ‘Pink City of Jaipur.

Meals: breakfast

After breakfast fly to Udaipur, the capital of the erstwhile kingdom of Mewar with which many legends of bravery are associated, which was considered the most respectable of all Rajput princely states in Rajasthan. The city also known as the ‘City of Lakes, is the second most frequently visited city. The marble palaces, beautifully laid out gardens, and lakes make Udaipur seem almost like a mirage.

The City of Dawn, surrounded by the ancient Aravali Mountains and set on the edge of three lakes, is a brilliant kaleidoscope of narrow lanes flanked by bright stalls, gardens, lakes, palaces, and temples.

Upon arrival, you are met and transferred to and transfer to your luxury Oberoi UdaivillasTravel and Leisure Magazine rated the Udaivillas as one of the best hotels in the world. After settling in, take in the magnificent views of the City Palace and Jag Mandir from the hotel’s balconies.

Meals: breakfast

After breakfast you will enjoy a sightseeing tour visiting City Palace, a conglomeration of buildings added by various Maharanas; the palace manages to retain a surprising uniformity of design. Then head to the crystal gallery, which has a rare collection of Osler’s crystals ordered from England by Maharana Sajjan Singh in 1877.

Later enjoy the Udaipur’s heritage walk, and Udaipur’s most beautiful streets, and sites. You can wander in the hidden alleyways, and meet locals and various artisans engaged in jewelry making, pottery, and bamboo craft. Learn about popular legends, living heritage, and religious beliefs of this charming town.

In the later evening enjoy cooking, along with dinner with Bedla Family, the premier “Jagirdars” the Bedla Family has played a significant role in the affairs of the state over the centuries. Such was the faith of the Maharana that the Bedlas served as Prime Ministers, Valued Advisors, and official hosts to all the dignitaries visiting Mewar as state Guests.

Having to host illustrious foreign and Indian dignitaries, allowed the Bedlas to become excellent in entertainment and food as a mere norm. The official functions at the Bedla palace became famous. Over the years they refined and improved their entertainment activities leading to tables groaning under the weight of superb culinary delights. Their cuisine kept on evolving; keeping intact the basic distinctive authenticity coupled with imagination and innovation.

The Bedla family has had the distinction of serving their cuisine to Queen Elizabeth, Jacqueline Kennedy, and Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru the first prime minister of independent India.

Meals: breakfast and dinner

After breakfast fly to Mumbai, a combination of seven islands that was reclaimed slowly. The city was a part of the kingdom of Ashoka, a famous king of medieval India. This is the fourth most populated city in the world. Upon arrival meet and greet followed by a tour of Dharavi, which consists of commercial and residential areas. In the residential areas, the sense of community and the good nature of the people will be apparent. While going through the residential area, you will get a sense of the conditions and problems that the residents face. In the commercial area, you will see the recycling, food making, sewing, bakery, soap factory, and pappad making areas. They all take place in small rooms, which you will see as we pass through the maze of small gullies

Later check-in at your hotel. Afternoon at your leisure.

Meals: breakfast

After breakfast, you will explore the sounds and sights of Mumbai originally known as Bombay, and visit the Gateway of India, an 85-foot-high arch whose design reflects India’s Muslim and Hindu traditions. Visit the Prince of Wales Museum and Mani Bhawan, a small museum dedicated to the life and works of Mahatma Gandhi. Later we will see the Dhobi Ghat, the largest open-air laundry in the world, and witness hundreds of men and women hand-wash sheets and garments, etc.

In the afternoon cruise from Mumbai Harbour to Elephanta Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Elephanta Island is the site of the magnificent Elephanta caves, containing beautiful carvings, sculptures, and a temple to the Hindu God, Lord Shiva. The island, being a commercial, military, and religious center for centuries also has traces of early Buddhist culture. Here, Indian art has found one of its most perfect expressions, particularly the huge high reliefs in the main cave.

After lunch – We have an optional walk to see the architecture in the area as well as the bustling Crawford Market.

Meals: breakfast

In time you are transferred to Mumbai international airport for your to home.