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India-Escorted Tour (Multiple Hotels)
The Treasures and Pleasures of India 
12 Nights USD 2099.00

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Taj Mahal Hotel - Mumbai
Step through the splendidly carved bronze and glass doors and enter a world of grandeur and dazzling style. Soaring onyx columns stretch to a luminous alabaster ceiling; while underfoot, rich hand-woven carpets set off a magnificent floor painstakingly inlaid with semi-precious stones. The eclectic mix of western contemporary style and traditional Indian motifs creates a veritable feast for the senses. Taj Mahal Hotel, Mumbai, situated on the waterfront, is a gracious landmark facing the Gateway of India. When the hotel opened in 1903, it had no parallel in the city, and possibly in the country. Although the hotel has seen much change, including the addition of a contemporary Tower Wing in 1973, it has retained most of its original charm. Elegant and spacious guests rooms, now extensively upgraded, offer hi-speed Internet access to ensure you are always connected to the world. Interactive televisions provide a host of information at your fingertips to make life that much easier. Efficient and personalized assistance further ensures you have a pleasant and comfortable stay.

Lake Palace - Udaipur
Founded in 1568 by Maharana Udai Singh, the lake city of Udaipur is often referred to as the 'Venice of the east'. Studded with extravagant palaces, hilltop fortresses, awe-inspiring temples and romantic gardens filled with blossoming trees, this 'city of Dreams' is, not surprisingly, a favourite with travellers, both Indian and foreign. A fantasy island palace shimmering on mirror-calm Lake Pichola, the lake Palace is one of the most romantic hotels in the world. The shimmering Lake Pichola surrounds the Lake Palace with a unique mystique, all its own. The Lily pond seems to carry that very mystique inside, in the centre of the palace. Here, dining is a pleasure during the day. And magic at night. The effect is that of time coming to a standstill. Nothing intrudes your privacy, peace and tranquility. Leaving you to wonder if paradise can be this serene. There are 81 rooms including 13 suites. Standard Rooms: all rooms elegantly appointed, centrally air-conditioned, with international direct dial facility. Channel music, color television with satellite programs. Facilities like the 24-hour room service and Laundry are available. All rooms overlook a lily pond or the terrace. Lake-Facing Rooms offer a breathtaking view of the lake. Small Suites: Tastefully appointed large rooms with a living area and a private balcony. Deluxe Suites: Grandly decorated spacious suites. Historical Suites: Opulent and decorated with miniature paintings and glasswork.

Rambagh Palace - Jaipur
In a land steeped with heritage, picturesque with exquisite architecture, in a state vibrant with heroic memories and romance, lies the dream city of Jaipur. It is in this land of pomp and pageantry, that you will find one of the Taj Group’s finest hotels - Rambagh Palace. Rambagh achieved the status of a palace when Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II returned to his childhood home in 1925. Rambagh Palace, resplendent in all its 47 acres, was finally converted into a hotel in 1957. The management was then entrusted to The Taj Group in 1972. The palace has since blossomed into one of the finest experiences any hotel can offer. Standard Rooms: Spacious and elegant, these rooms have retained their traditional theme, each refurbished with every modern amenity. Luxury Rooms: Safari, Sheesh Mahal and Gulmohar are a few of the 20 luxury rooms, each with individual themes. Luxury Bed-sitting Rooms: The Pothikhana, formerly the official study of Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II, is one of 6 rooms, each ample and elegantly decorated. Royal Suites: The former personal chambers of the Royal family are now the Prince’s Suite, Maharani Suite and the Maharaja Suites.

Amarvilas - Agra
Only 600 meters from the Taj Mahal stands the Oberoi Group’s new luxury resort. Discerning travelers can now appreciate the fabulous Taj Mahal while enjoying world-class luxury. The elaborate Mughal gardens, terraced lawns, fountains, reflection pools and pavilions complement the classical architecture of the hotel. Hotel Amarvilas in Agra has 112 rooms offer unmatched views of the Taj Mahal. Each bedroom has an area of approximately 42 square metres. Many rooms have adjoining private terraces. There are elegantly appointed interiors with teak wood flooring at Hotel Amarvilas in Agra. The finest handcrafted furniture. Spacious marble bathrooms with separate shower stalls. Walk-in-closet in each room, personal bar, satellite television, compact disc and digital video players and in-room safes. Two line telephones with data ports. Two fine restaurants of Hotel Amarvilas in Agra serving Continental Asian and Indian cuisine. Bar. Open air dining on the terrace. Snacks and beverage service is available by the pool. Deluxe picnics. There is a Gymnasium at Hotel Amarvilas in Agra. A Heated swimming pool and Jacuzzi available. The professionally run spa offers non-clinical programs for relaxation and beauty at Hotel Amarvilas in Agra. There are therapy rooms and suites plus a heat treatment area featuring steam room, saunas, and showers. Treatments incorporate the use of Ayurvedic principles of holistic health maintenance, herbal treatments and aromatherapy.

Taj Ganges - Varanasi
On the banks of the sacred river Ganges, Varanasi known also as Benares is one of India's most important pilgrimage sites and the holiest of holy cities for Hindus. Varansi is also known also as Kashi. Varanasi is one of the world's oldest learning & cultural city for well over 2000 years. Set amidst 12 verdant acres the Taj Ganges is a veritable haven of peace and calm in the heart of this crowded, ancient temple city. This western style high rise hotel has a lavish lobby & spacious modern rooms. Taj Ganges has 130 rooms with 10 Suites. All rooms are centrally air-conditioned, with international direct dialing. Colour Television with satellite programmes. 24-hour room service. Mandap: 24-hour coffee shop with an attached Bar. Prinsep: The bar. Varuna: Serves Indian Cuisine. Live classical music and Kathak dance at dinner. *Swimming Pool *Doctor on call *Health Centre *Safe Deposit Lockers *Foreign Exchange Counter *Shopping Arcade

The Oberoi - New Delhi
The Oberoi, New Delhi is undoubtedly one of the most exclusive hotels in the capital of India. It is centrally located and overlooks the prestigious Delhi Golf Club. The hotel is in close proximity to the commercial and shopping districts and has a reputation for service, luxurious accommodation and cuisine. Its spacious rooms and suites, completely refurbished, feature state of the art facilities for discerning business travelers and include dataports, fax machines, colour television sets with satellite transmission and mini bars. An exclusive feature is the 24-hour personalized butler service. The Oberoi has five exclusive restaurants: La Rochelle & Wine Bar for Continental cuisine, The Palms for all day dining, Taipan for Cantonese and Szechuan cuisine, Baar Thai for Thai cuisine and The Kandahar for Indian cuisine. There is a bar and a lobby lounge. The swimming pool is exclusively for the resident guests. The health club offers Swedish and Thai massages as well as aromatherapy.

Similar hotels may be used based on availability. 

SAMPLE ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrival in Mumbai
The legendary hospitality of the residents is based on the Indian concept of "Atithi Devobhava," meaning guests are treated as though they are God. On arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel where you will be greeted with a traditional welcome. Package price shown does not include airfare to/from the USA.

Day 2: Mumbai
A leisurely morning is followed by an afternoon tour of Mumbai, stopping at the Mani Bhawan, home of Mahatma Gandhi. Stroll through Nehru Park and the Hanging Gardens, which are adjacent to the Towers of Silence. A visit to the Prince of Wales Museum is also included. (B, D)

Day 3: Mumbai - Udaipur
This morning you may take an optional excursion to Elephanta Island, home to massive rock statues of the Hindu God Siva, and a World Heritage Site famous for its 7th-century caves. This afternoon, you fly to Udaipur, the city made famous by the James Bond film, "Octopussy." Upon arrival you are transported to the world-famous Lake Palace Hotel, which appears to float on top of the lake. (B)

Day 4: Udaipur
You are sure to fall in love with magical Udaipur, considered one of the most romantic cities in Rajasthan. A sightseeing tour through the city will begin with the City Palace and the Indo-Aryan Jagdish Temple, with free time to wander through some of the shops. This afternoon, enjoy a cruise on Lake Pichola and visit the Jag Mandir Palace, the epitome of the Rajput's whimsy. Tonight you board a Gangaur boat, which is the royal barge of the House of Mewar. Enjoy a sumptuous dinner and dessert served under the stars beside Lily Pond. (B, D)

Day 5: Udaipur - Jaipur
Enjoy leisure time before boarding your afternoon flight. The romance and mystery of Rajasthan continues as you travel to the "Pink City" of Jaipur. Upon arrival, you transfer to the Rambagh Palace where you will be greeted with a traditional Rajasthani welcome and taken on a tour of the expansive grounds. Learn about the fascinating history of this former hunting lodge. (B, D)

Day 6: Jaipur
This morning you visit the Hawa Mahal, with its striking facade of 953 windows. This massive "Palace of the Winds" is still the home of a former Maharaja. Board an elephant for a short ride to fascinating Amber Fort, once a guardian to the countryside. Later, witness the skill of the artisans as they make the handicrafts that Jaipur is famous for. Tonight, an optional home hosted dinner will be offered. (B, L)

Day 7: Jaipur
Begin your day at the City Palace, which houses an impressive collection of royal art and artifacts. Next, marvel at Jantar Mantar, an astronomical observatory. Built in 1726, the observatory is one of five such astronomical wonders built by Sawai Jai Singh and makes accurate predictions, even to this day. You may wander the bustling shopping bazaar before returning to your hotel. (B, D)

Day 8: Jaipur - Fatehpur Sikri - Agra
Enjoy a relaxing drive through the countryside en route to the ruins of Fatehpur Sikri. This ancient city, built entirely of sandstone, was intended to be the capital of Emperor Akbar, but was abandoned soon after completion. You then continue to Agra, where you will be awed by the majesty of the Taj Mahal. Built by Shah Jahan as a mausoleum for his beloved wife, the marble temple is a true architectural marvel. Early this evening, step onto your horse-drawn carriage for a sunset visit to the Taj Mahal. As daylight fades, the pietra dura work of the building will appear to turn from white to a soft pink. (B, L)

Day 9: Agra - Varanasi
This morning you may choose to rise early for an optional second visit to the Taj Mahal. After breakfast, you will visit the impressive Agra Fort. Later, board your flight to the "eternal city" of Varanasi, Hinduism's most significant locale. Tonight, you will be taken to the banks of the Ganges River to experience the ritual of offering light to the river, which is accompanied by the chants of the faithful. You will have a front row seat for this amazing spectacle from aboard your riverboat. (B, D)

Day 10: Varanasi
You will be rowed at dawn down the Ganges for views of the Ghats and temples of Varanasi. At sunrise, the Hindu faithful flock to the river to cleanse themselves of their sins. Later, a rickshaw ride down the winding alleyways and through the markets of this ancient city will enthrall you. This afternoon, visit Sarnath, where Buddha delivered his first sermon. (B, D)

Day 11: Varanasi - Delhi
A yoga and meditation guru will teach you about the culture of the local people. If you like, you may join in practicing these techniques, which sooth the body as well as the mind. Later, en route to the airport, a stop is made at a silk spinning shop to see this ancient art form in practice. (B, L, D)

Day 12: Old Delhi - New Delhi
As one of the largest cities in the country, Delhi offers a plethora of fascinating experiences. This morning you visit the Raj Ghat, a simple memorial to Gandhi, before passing by the Red Fort on rickshaws en route to the Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India. Here you will behold a superb view of the city. Next, cross over to New Delhi and visit Humayun's Tomb, Qutub Minar, the Parliament buildings and government residences. Tonight, you may participate in an optional dinner at a local restaurant in Delhi. (B)

Day 13: Delhi - Return Home
Begin your day with a visit to the National Museum. Here you will see exhibitions on the art, history and culture of the ancient Indian civilization. Lunch is included at the Spice Route Restaurant, complete with cuisine that has been designed to reflect the journey of spices from the Malabar Coast in India throughout Southeast Asia. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner. Late this evening, transfer to the airport. (B, L, D)

Your Vacation Includes:

• 12 nights accommodations
• Services of a professional tour manager throughout
• 24 Meals: 12 breakfasts (B), 4 lunches (L) and 8 dinners (D) as listed in itinerary
• Sightseeing as listed in itinerary
• Intra-tour transportation as listed in itinerary

--Please note that the prices shown do not include airfare to/from the USA. Airfare can be added on request.
--Six night Nepal tour extension available! Request pricing and details for your travel dates.

Prices are per person based on double occupancy and availability. Single/triple/child rates available upon request. Taxes are additional. Prices listed are in U.S. Dollars. Proof of citizenship is required for travel from the U.S. Citizenship requirements change frequently; it is the customer's responsibility to make sure all necessary documentation is present at the time of travel.