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Luxury Gold
OFFER ID 1463037
Essence Of India With South India Extension
Admire the Red Fort of the Mughal dynasty in Delhi, cruise the tropical waters of Kumarakom and uncover the desert forts of Rajasthan on this all-immersive tour. In Mumbai, meet the army of Dabbawalla delivery men who have provided meals to the masses for over 130 years using the tiffin service. Explore India’s capital your way with the choice to tour the UNESCO world Heritage Site at Qutub Minar or treat your taste buds to the Delhi Street Food Tour, joining a well-known local chef for a sojourn through the famous street snacks of the old city. After seeking out the wild tigers of Ranthambore, ascend by Jeep to the royal halls of Amber Fort-decked out with intricate ivory designs of times gone by and exquisite paintings. In Kochi, learn the art of home cooking with lessons from a local instructor-showcasing how to prepare the region’s traditional recipes. Continue the culinary delights in Jaipur where a VIP afternoon tea unlocks the private living room of the Maharaja, with a menu of traditional Indian sweets.
Dining Summary
14 nights from $7,125 per person
Special Promotion: Repeat Guests Save Up to 10% on Select 2024 Departures
Valid for new bookings deposited March 29, 2024 – May 30, 2024 for travel from March 29, 2024 – December 31, 2025. Please confirm with your travel advisor which trips are applicable for discount.
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Valid for new bookings deposited April 1, 2024 – May 30, 2024 for travel from April 8, 2024 – November 30, 2024
Luxury Gold: Spirit of North & South India
Day 1 - Delhi, a Rich Melting Pot
Welcome to vibrant India! A delightful melting pot of old and new, you’ll start in dynamic Delhi, with its bustling backstreets, rich history and wealth of colours. On arrival at Indira Gandhi International Airport, you will be greeted with a traditional floral garland and transferred to your hotel, the elegant Taj Mahal Hotel, situated in the heart of the leafy boulevards of Lutyens. At 19:00, join your Travelling Concierge and fellow travellers for your Welcome Dinner.
Accommodations: Taj Mahal, New Delhi.
Meals: Dinner with Wine
Day 2 - Delhi Sightseeing.
In the morning you’ll be taken to Old Delhi, driving past the Red Fort, the main residence of the Mughal dynasty until 1856. View this magnificent building from outside, before heading on a guided tour of Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in India. Your Journey, Your Way. Choose to join a well-known chef for a foodie walk in Old Delhi and witness the creation of the famous local street food snacks. Alternatively, visit the 12th century Qutub Minar, and see the tallest brick minaret in the world before enjoying lunch. Later, explore the winding streets of lively Chandni Chowk in local fashion via an exhilarating rickshaw ride. Visit a Sikh temple and its community kitchen, where they prepare and serve free vegetarian meals to locals, travellers, and those in need. In New Delhi see the impressive President Palace, the monumental India gate and the circular and colonnaded Parliament House.
Accommodations: Taj Mahal, New Delhi.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 3 - An Agra Adventure.
In the morning, you’ll begin your journey to Agra. The main residence of the emperors of the Mughal Dynasty, this historical fort is made up of a number of impressive buildings, including the Sheesh Mahal, or “glass palace,” and The Muthamman Burj. Your Journey, Your Way. Choose to go on the eye opening Mughal heritage walk, where you'll meet the locals to learn about their lives in the shadow of the Taj Mahal. Through this initiative the community is supported from tourism to improve their living conditions. Alternatively, visit a private colonial bungalow for high tea, meet the host family and listen to their stories about the British Raj and today's Indian culture and society.
Accommodations: Taj Hotel and Convention Centre, Agra.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 4 - The Taj Mahal and Ranthambore. Train
At sunrise, visit the illustrious phenomenon that is the Taj Mahal, a monument of love and flawless architectural creation, built by an emperor in memory of his beloved queen. After breakfast at your hotel, you’ll begin your journey to Bharatpur, where you will be served lunch at the lavish Laxmi Niwas Palace. Later, transfer to Bharatpur Junction train station, where you’ll board an Express Train to Sawai Madhopur, and you'll relax in air-conditioned business class seats. On arrival you’ll be transferred to your hotel, Nahargarh Ranthambhore. Built in the style of a traditional Rajput hunting palace, this dreamy venue is nestled in the foothills of the Aravalli Range, near the Ranthambore National Park. Head to your deluxe room before joining your fellow travellers for dinner with wine.
Accommodations: Nahargarh Ranthambhore.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner with Wine
Day 5 - In Search of Tigers in Ranthambore.
Start with an early morning journey into the former private hunting grounds of the maharajahs of Jaipur, in search of the elusive tiger. More commonly seen in the dry, deciduous forest are the wild boars, monkeys, spotted deer and antelopes, but if you are ever going to witness tigers in their natural habitat, this is the place. Return to your resort for breakfast and a day at leisure. At dusk, enjoy another foray into the national park with an expert naturalist. Besides the wildlife, there are also lakes, ruins of palaces, traditional Chhatri, old fortifications and a majestic 1,000-year-old fort within the park.
Accommodations: Nahargarh Ranthambhore.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner with Wine
Day 6 - Jaipur, the Pink City.
Travel through the rural countryside where flat, green fields are abundant with brightly coloured flowers. Your destination is the stunning Rajasthan capital of Jaipur. More affectionately known as the Pink City, this pretty destination owes its name to a visit from Queen Victoria in 1876, when all its buildings were painted pink as a sign of hospitality. Later, ascend by jeep to Amber Fort, with its royal halls decorated with intricate ivory, mirrors, glass and exquisite paintings. Today you’ll experience India’s spiritual majesty, with a special blessing ceremony at Amber Fort. Your Highlight Dinner will be served at the opulent 1135 AD, with its royal interior, traditional music and breathtaking sunset views.
Accommodations: Jai Mahal Palace, Jaipur.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner with Wine
Day 7 - Jaipur Sightseeing. Relaxed Start
Your Journey, Your Way. Choose to step in the side lanes of old Jaipur and see the highly skilled local artisans who are passionately passing their crafts on to preserve this slice of the cultural heritage. Alternatively, focus on the art of block printing and blue pottery as you visit a workshop. After lunch see the Hawa Mahal, or the Palace of the Winds, boasting a lace-like facade with its 953 windows, followed by a visit Jantar Mantar, the royal observatory. Continue to the City Palace, where you’re in for a treat with a VIP experience of Indian inspired high tea, exclusive to Luxury Gold guests. Go behind the scenes and walk in the private rooms of the Maharajas of Jaipur before sitting down and indulging in some warm tea and traditional Indian snacks and sweets.Tonight, join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience and meet the ladies of Pink City Rickshaw, a company dedicated to supporting the employment of women from low income households. Hear their stories first hand and how proud they are to have developed their skills by joining this inspiring organization.. Delight in their enthusiasm and knowledge as they take you on around Jaipur. Your Journey, Your Way. Choose to visit the colourful cavalcade of the fresh flower and spice market. Alternatively, visit the white marble Birla Mandir, a Hindu temple and witness aarti, a traditional prayer ceremony. Toast to your travels at your Celebration Dinner at the Cinnamon Restaurant in Jai Mahal Palace, blending traditional and contemporary cuisine from the four princely states of India.
Accommodations: Jai Mahal Palace, Jaipur.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 8 - Fly to Kochi via Mumbai.
In the morning, board your flight to Mumbai and onto Kochi. On arrival, transfer to your sophisticated hotel which offers panoramic backwater views or city views. This port city is a collection of tiny islands and peninsulas along the Arabian Sea. Kochi's culture and architecture has been shaped and nurtured for centuries by foreign powers such as the Dutch, British, Chinese and Portuguese.
Accommodations: Grand Hyatt Kochi, Bolgatty.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 9 - Kochi sightseeing, cooking school and Kathakali.
Sightseeing of Kochi shows you the oldest Jewish synagogue in the commonwealth. Next, witness the renowned mythological murals of Mattancherry Palace, built in 1557 by the Portuguese. Stop by India’s oldest European-built Church of St. Francis to see the tombstone of Vasco de Gama, interred here before his remains were returned back to Lisbon. Meet a local cookery instructor as she demonstrates traditional Kerala home recipes. Then feast on some of the delicious treats during our included lunch. In the evening, you will attend a performance of traditional Kathakali dance.
Accommodations: Grand Hyatt Kochi, Bolgatty.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 10 - Kumarakom and the Alleppey Backwaters. Relaxed Start
Journey to Alleppey jetty for a full day cruising the tranquil backwaters. Enjoy lunch on-board as you drift past picturesque villages, lush green paddy fields and a coconut plantation. Enjoy enchanting Kumarakom and its tropical paradise of beautiful little islands on the Vembanad Lake. Disembark at Kumarakom Lake Resort and check in to your luxury hotel for an evening at leisure.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 11 - Kumarakom and Vaikom Village. Relaxed Start
For those who want to rise early in the morning, there is an included bird-watching tour at Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. Set within lush acres of woodland, become acquainted with the vast variety of migratory birds that flock to the Himalayas. Return to the hotel for breakfast. Guided by boat, explore the narrow canals of Vaikom village, one of the oldest townships in Kerala and with many spots untouched by modernity. Gain insight into the life at the village as you try your skills at weaving from wild pineapple leaves or coconut husks, before sharing lunch at a local’s home. This afternoon, why not treat yourself to an Ayurveda treatment at the hotel?
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 12 - Relaxing Kumarakom. Relaxed Start
Your Journey, Your Way. Choose to harmonise your mind and body by taking part in a yoga class. Alternatively, indulge in a rejuvenating massage. In the evening, savour a delicious seafood dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 13 - Magical Mumbai.
Journey to Kochi for your flight to the vibrant city of Mumbai. Transfer to your hotel for time at leisure. Perhaps relax and enjoy the comforts of your deluxe hotel. Originally a collection of seven islands, the modern city of Mumbai came into being during the mid-eighteenth century by reclaiming land from the sea. As well as being the financial capital of India, Mumbai is also home to Bollywood, one of the largest centres of film production in the world.
Accommodations: The Oberoi, Mumbai.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 14 - Mumbai Sightseeing.
A day spent with the cool superheroes of the city; you get to live the life of a ‘Dabbawalla’ in Mumbai. Kick-starting the morning with an immersive talk, you get to know the intricate details of the magnificent tiffin service which has been in existence for nearly 130 years! After the talk, we head straight to the Headquarters of the association, located in Dadar, where you get an opportunity to sort each ‘Dabba’ or ‘Tiffin’ yourself. Once the sorting process is over, you’ll also brave the local trains, and not just that, you also get to interact with the tiffin men en route! In the afternoon, enjoy the view of the city skyline on your cruise to Elephanta Island, the glorious abode of Lord Shiva. Visit the complex of ancient cave temples listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. The massive entrance hall, supported by large pillars, houses the Mahesamurti, an enormous three-faced statue of Shiva. In the evening, raise a glass to your adventures, with your newfound friends during a delightful Celebration Dinner.
Accommodations: The Oberoi, Mumbai.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 15 - Depart Mumbai.
Your luxurious journey comes to an end with transfers to Mumbai Airport for your onward flights.
Meals: Breakfast
All fares are quoted in US Dollars.
610 W. Germantown Pike - Suite 180
Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462
USA
610-825-9010
800-233-3158