SECRETS OF INDIA with SOUTHERN INDIA EXT (OIE2010)

Meals
American breakfast daily (B), 1 lunch (L), 6 dinners (D), including a welcome dinner in Delhi, home-hosted dinner in Jaipur, and a farewell dinner in Udaipur.

Hotels


Delhi
Crowne Plaza Delhi (SF),

Varanasi
Radisson Hotel (F),

Khajuraho
Radisson Jass Hotel (F),

Agra
Trident Agra (MF),

Jaipur
Trident Jaipur (MD),

Udaipur
Trident Udaipur (F),

Southern India Extension: Cochin
Trident Cochin (F),

Mumbai
Trident Mumbai (MD)

Day 1:
Board your transatlantic flight and skip a day en route to India.

Day 2:
Board your transatlantic flight and skip a day en route to India.

Day 3:
Arrive in Delhi, India. Welcome to India’s capital city of Delhi! After an early morning arrival you will have time to rest before meeting your traveling companions and Tour Director for sightseeing in the afternoon. Your Local Guide will show you the sights of “Old Delhi.” Start with a visit to the JAMA MOSQUE followed by a RICKSHAW RIDE through Chandni Chowk, a colorful local bazaar. You’ll also visit the GANDHI MEMORIAL MUSEUM and Raj Ghat, where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated in 1948. Tonight your Tour Director hosts a lavish welcome dinner including a COOKING DEMONSTRATION followed by a talk on Indian cuisine. (B,D)

Day 4:
Delhi. This morning’s sightseeing will focus on “New Delhi.” Visit HUMAYUN’S TOMB and Qutab Minar. Then, see the grand government buildings, the President’s House, and Parliament House. The afternoon is at leisure. Consider an optional visit to three famous temples for an introduction to India’s most popular religions: Hindu, Buddhism, and Sikh. Your Tour Director has suggestions for other activities. (B)

Day 5:
Delhi–Varanasi. Fly to Varanasi, the holiest of Hindu pilgrim cities, on the banks of the sacred Ganges River. Sightseeing today visits SARNATH, the cradle of Buddhism, where Buddha first spoke of his philosophy. For a truly memorable experience, join tonight’s optional tour: a rickshaw ride through the bustling streets of this unique city followed by a sunset cruise on the Ganges. Here you will witness striking religious rituals being performed—a truly unique experience. (B)

Day 6:
Varanasi–Khajuraho. Around dawn, board a BOAT to watch a striking religious ritual—the Hindu’s devotional bathing in the Ganges. You’ll observe hundreds of pilgrims gathered at the river’s edge, some practicing yoga, others meditating, and still others bathing fully clothed. A late-morning flight takes you to Khajuraho, where sightseeing focuses on the mysterious TEMPLES, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, that have been isolated for centuries. Art historians have long puzzled over myths and legends in an attempt to understand the bizarre combination of prolific religious and erotic temples. (B,D)

Day 7:
Khajuraho–Orchha–Jhansi–Agra. Today, enjoy the scenery as you pass through rural areas en route to Orchha. Upon arrival, visit the impressive MEDIEVAL PALACE COMPLEX, once the capital of a locally powerful Rajput kingdom. Later, arrive in Jhansi to board your train to Agra, where much of the city’s impressive past is still evident today in the majesty of her buildings. (B)

Day 8:
Agra. Start your day with a sunrise visit to the incomparable TAJ MAHAL, an extravagant marble monument to love. The Moghul Emperor Shah Jahan built it as a memorial to his beloved wife, who died during childbirth. To add to this memorable experience, you’ll also travel by tongas (horse carriage) during your visit. Later, visit AGRA FORT, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built by the Moghul Emperor Akbar, this impressive fortress of red sandstone conceals the imperial city of the Moghul rulers and its many palaces. (B,D)

Day 9:
Agra–Jaipur. Today, visit FATEHPUR SIKRI (the City of Victory) en route to Jaipur, known as the “Pink City.” This evening, enjoy a SARI- and TURBAN-TYING LESSON followed by a HOME-HOSTED DINNER with an Indian noble family. (B,D)

Day 10:
Jaipur. The highlight of today’s sights includes the amazing AMBER FORT. Later on, visit the CITY PALACE and the adjoining MUSEUM, which houses a collection of rare manuscripts. You will also stop at the famous HAWA MAHALl (Palace of the Winds). In the late afternoon, enjoy a WALKING TOUR through a local market, known for its arts and crafts including jewelry, enamel work, hand-painted fabrics, and stone sculptures. (B,D)

Day 11:
Jaipur–Udaipur. A short early morning flight brings you to Udaipur, the “City of Lakes,” where you will see some of India’s most beautiful palaces. Your sightseeing includes a visit to EKLINGI TEMPLE, dedicated to Shiva, the guardian deity of Mewar, followed by the JAIN TEMPLES OF NAGDA that date back to the 11th century. Today’s highlight is a CRUISE on Lake Pichola with a short visit to the island palace of JAG MANDIR. (B)

Day 12:
Udaipur. This morning, discover the massive granite and marble CITY PALACE with its courtyards, pavilions, terraces, and narrow corridors. Then, a visit of the adjacent CRYSTAL GALLERY and MINIATURE PAINTING COMPANY. Your sightseeing finishes at SAHELION KI BARI. The afternoon is at leisure. Tonight your Tour Director will host a festive farewell dinner to celebrate an unforgettable journey through India. (B,D)

Day 13:
Udaipur–Mumbai–Cochin. Today, fly to Cochin, the “Gateway to Kerala,” via Mumbai. Located on the Arabian Sea in Kerala, India’s southernmost state, Cochin is the perfect starting point to explore the region’s natural beauty. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure. (B)

Day 14:
Cochin. Enjoy an unforgettable full-day CRUISE in the backwaters of Kerala. Explore and witness local life along these serene waterways surrounded by lush palm trees and paddy fields. (B,L)

Day 15:
Cochin. Today’s sightseeing includes the CHINESE FISHING NETS that are the livelihood of many fishermen in the area. You will also visit ST. THOMAS CHURCH, the HILL PALACE MUSEUM, DUTCH PALACE, and will walk through the Jewish quarter. The afternoon is at leisure. (B)

Day 16:
Cochin–Mumbai. Today, fly to Mumbai, a multicultural metropolis with a colorful history. This vibrant city is now India’s premier seaport, center of culture and industry, and home to “Bollywood.” This afternoon’s sightseeing includes the Gateway of India, Mumbai’s most famous monument commemorating the visit of Queen Mary. Then, drive along Marine Drive—a seafront promenade—and see a traditional DHOBI GHAT. You will also visit the HANGING GARDENS, MANI BHAWAN (the former residence of Mahatma Gandhi), and the MUMBAI MUSEUM. (B)

Day 17:
Mumbai. Full day at your leisure. You may want to do last-minute shopping at one of the many local bazaars or consider visiting the Elephanta Island, a labyrinth of cave-temples carved into the basalt rock of the island. In the evening, why not take an open horse-drawn carriage ride along the seafront promenade? Your Local Host will help you with suggestions. (B)

Day 18:
Mumbai. Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (B)

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YOU CAN BOOK THIS TOUR ONLINE. Click here to check rates and availability online, 24 hours a day, 7 days per week. Or, to speak to one of our live, experienced travel consultants, Call us now at 1-800-942-3301.
Touring Date	Land Only	Land + Air	Single (Land Only)	Single (Land + Air)
10/16/2010 - 11/2/2010	$4,249
10/30/2010 - 11/16/2010	$4,249
11/6/2010 - 11/23/2010	$4,289
11/20/2010 - 12/7/2010	$4,249
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.

City Highlights


Delhi:
Guided sightseeing; visit the Jama Mosque, rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk bazaar, Gandhi Memorial Museum, and Humayun’s Tomb; welcome dinner with cooking demonstration

Varanasi:
Guided sightseeing; visit Sarnath; boat tour on the Ganges

Khajuraho:
Visit the Khajuraho Temples with a Local Guide

Orchha:
Visit the Medieval Palace Complex

Agra:
Guided sightseeing; visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise, Agra Fort, and Fatehpur Sikri

Jaipur:
Guided sightseeing; visit the Amber Fort, City Palace and Museum, and Hawa Mahali; walking tour through a local bazaar; home-hosted dinner with sari-and turban-tying lesson

Udaipur:
Guided sightseeing; visit Eklingi Temple, Jain Temples of Nagda, the City Palace, the Crystal Gallery, a Miniature Painting company, and Sahelion Ki Bari; cruise on Lake Pichola with a stop at Jag Mandir

Cochin:
Sightseeing with a Local Host; visit the Chinese fishing nets, St. Thomas Church, the Hill Palace Museum, and Dutch Palace; cruise the backwaters of Kerala; Host service during your stay

Mumbai:
Sightseeing with a Local Host; visit the Gateway of India, a Dhobi Ghat, Hanging Gardens, Mani Bhawan, and the Mumbai Museum; Host service during your stay

All Intra-Tour Flights
Note:Lake Pichola cruise operates depending on water levels.

Related Tours
OI|Secrets of India

Price Details US
Single Room Supplement: $1350Triple rooms are not available.Extra nights per person in Delhi:Jan.-Mar. & Oct.-Dec.: in single room $227; in twin room $125Apr.: in single room $153; in twin room $87Extra nights per person in Mumbai:in single room $248; in twin room $1412011 prices and itineraries are subject to change. Details will be available in August 2010.

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Standard Offers and Specials provided by Globus Tours

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