^{The Very Best of} India

Day 1 Depart UK

We gather at London Heathrow for our non-stop Virgin Atlantic flight to Delhi. Dinner and drinks served courtesy of Virgin Atlantic.

(Meals: Dinner).

Day 2 Delhi - 2 nights

Breakfast is served prior to our arrival into Delhi. Following customs clearance our waiting coach will take us to the deluxe Oberoi New Delhi where accommodation is booked for two nights. Your afternoon is left completely free for you to relax and acclimatise. This evening join your travel companions for dinner so you may be better acquainted for our forthcoming travels together.

(Meals: Breakfast, Dinner).

Day 3 Delhi

Greet your sunrise in the world’s largest and most vibrant democracy. Old Delhi was an ancient walled city and this morning we shall explore. Start the day with a cycle rickshaw ride through Old Delhi. Here we see Red Fort, the most opulent Fort and Palace of the Mughal Empire. The fort is Shah Jehan's symbol of power and elegance, built behind red sandstone walls. Also visit Raj Ghat, the memorial site of the Mahatma Gandhi; Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India; and Chandni Chowk, the bustling and colourful market of the old city. This afternoon we shall take a tour of New Delhi. Designed and built by the British in the 1920's, New Delhi is a city of wide boulevards impressive Government buildings, green parks and gardens. We take you to see the very best, including a visit to two monuments from Delhi's past - Humayun's Tomb and Qutub Minar. Our drive takes us along the ceremonial avenue, Rajpath, past the imposing India Gate and Parliament House. Evening at leisure.

(Meals: Breakfast).

Day 4 Agra - 2 nights

After breakfast we shall depart on a leisurely drive to Agra. At the time of the Mughals, in the 16th & 17th centuries, Agra was the capital of the grand Mughal Empire. During this period the city became a leading centre of art, science, commerce and culture. The short golden age of Agra came to an end with the seventeenth century reign of Shah Jehan, mastermind of the unforgettable Taj Mahal. On arrival check in to the luxurious Oberoi Amarvilas. This afternoon we enjoy a sunset visit to the Taj Mahal - a truly breathtaking experience. The magnificent monument to love -The Taj Mahal, was built by an emperor in memory of his beloved queen. Construction of the Taj Mahal began in 1631, and is believed to have taken 18 years to complete, with over 20,000 craftsmen working around the clock. After your memorable experience return to the hotel.

(Meals: Breakfast, Dinner).

Day 5 Agra

This morning early risers can enjoy a sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal. Witness the Taj glow in the changing light of the rising sun. We return to the hotel around 07.30 for breakfast after which we will take a tour of Agra and visit its famous Agra fort. At the Fort we are taken through the chambers of this royal residence. As you drive through the city witness the local life and bazaars (markets) and the hustle bustle of everyday India. Your afternoon and evening are free to return to the Taj Mahal or to relax in the comfort of your hotel.

(Meals: Breakfast).

Day 6 Jaipur - 3 nights

The first stop today is at Fatehpur Sikri. The imperial city of the Mughal dynasty between 1571 and 1584, Fatehpur Sikri was built by Mughal Emperor Akbar. The architectural grandeur of this deserted city cannot be described in words and one can only experience the aura of its magnificent edifices by seeing them. Following lunch we shall proceed to Jaipur, where on arrival we shall transfer to the deluxe Taj Jai Mahal Palace, home for the next three nights. Evening at leisure.

(Meals: Breakfast, Lunch).

Day 7 Jaipur

Known as the “Pink City”, Jaipur is the capital of the colourful state of Rajasthan. As we drive through the old part of town during our city tour, you will witness a city blooming in a kaleidoscope of colour and sound. Visit the Amber Fort, a marvellous example of Rajput architecture with its terraces and ramparts reflected in the Maota Lake below. Afternoon at leisure.

(Meals: Breakfast, Dinner).

Day 8 Jaipur

After breakfast we continue our tour of Jaipur, this time on a city tour taking in Jaipur's most important buildings and monuments. Visit the City Palace Museum where you can see an imposing blend of traditional Rajasthani and Mughal Art. The museum is resplendent with its collection of robes of royal princes, carpets, an armoury of old weapons, miniature paintings portraying court scenes, battle scenes and processions. After the tour, we return to our hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure or perhaps to further explore Jaipur. This evening enjoy a special dinner at the Raj Palace, the first mansion in Jaipur built in 1728 by the Prime Minister of the Raj, Thakur Mohan Singhji.

(Meals: Breakfast, Dinner).

Day 9 Friday, Jodhpur - 2 nights

After breakfast, we leave Jaipur for our overland journey to Jodhpur. Later in the afternoon we arrive at the deluxe Taj Hari Mahal for the next two nights. Founded in 1459, the oldest of Rajputana's great cities, Jodha's Jodhpur preceded Udai Singh's Udaipur by more than a hundred years, and Jai Singh's Jaipur by nearly three centuries.

(Meals: Breakfast, Dinner).

Day 10 Jodhpur

Jodhpur was the home of the Rathore rulers - the princely State of Rajasthan. A ten kilometre long stone wall protects the well fortified city. Within stands an imposing Fort on a low range of sandstone hills, about 125 metres. above the surrounding plains. Visit Mehrangarh Fort - founded in 1459 AD by Rao Jodha (after whom the city is named). The Fort is intricately adorned with long carved panels and latticed windows of exquisite designs in red sandstone. Also visit Jaswant Thada - an imposing white marble cenotaph built to commemorate the acts of bravery and generosity of the rulers in 19th century. This afternoon is at leisure to relax or maybe take an optional jeep safari through the local villages.

(Meals: Breakfast).

Day 11 Udaipur - 2 nights

This morning we begin our drive to Udaipur. This will give us an opportunity to drive through the picturesque country side and enjoy the changing terrain. En route, we stop to visit the magnificent Ranakpur Jain temples. Light coloured marble has been used for the construction of this grandiose temple which occupies an area of approximately 60 x 62 metres. The temple, with its distinctive domes, shikhara, turrets and cupolas rises majestically from the slope of a hill. Over 1400 marble pillars, carved in exquisite detail, support the temple. Later in the day we arrive at Udaipur, for two nights at the luxurious Oberoi Udaivilas. Evening at leisure.

(Meals: Breakfast, Lunch).

Day 12 Udaipur

This morning enjoy a tour of the "Lake City" including a leisurely cruise on the serene and beautiful Lake Pichola. The banks of the lake provide interesting glimpses of the daily bathing and laundry that takes place here. Udaipur is a cool oasis in the dry heart of Rajasthan. It is probably the most romantic city in a state where every city has some romantic or exotic tale to tell. The huge City Palace, towering over the Lake Pichola is the largest palace complex in Rajasthan. Continue to the Jagdish temple which enshrines a black stone image of Lord Vishnu and his vehicle - a mighty bird called Garuda in a brass image. The temple is a very fine example of Indo-Aryan art. The temple is still in use and is visited by colourfully dressed pilgrims. Also see Sahelion Ki Bari - the spectacular garden displaying the unique life style of the royal ladies who once lived in the palaces. Your afternoon is left totally at leisure to absorb the surrounding beauty as you please.

(Meals: Breakfast, Dinner).

Day 13 Goa - 3 nights

A morning transfer takes us to Udaipur airport in time for our flight via Mumbai to Goa. Relax from the hectic pace of everyday India and enjoy the gentle breeze, swaying palm trees, the never ending shore line, the beaches with golden sand and the regular lapping of the waves. This is Goa, the magical place in India. Upon arrival we transfer to the deluxe Leela Palace, home for our final three nights in India.

(Meals: Breakfast, Refreshments, Dinner).

Day 14 Goa

Known as "Rome of the East" and "Pearl of the Orient", the state of Goa is located on the western coast of India in the coastal belt known as Konkan. This morning we shall take a tour of Old Goa. Old Goa is still the spiritual heart of Christian Goa, and its most famous building is the Basilica of Bom Jesus, which contains the tomb and mortal remains of the peripatetic St Francis Xavier, credited with introducing Christianity to much of South-East Asia. Also of interest is the Convent & Church of St Francis of Assisi, which has gilded and carved woodwork, murals depicting scenes from the saint's life, and a floor substantially made of carved gravestones. After our tour we return to the hotel where our afternoon and evening are completely free to spend as we please.

(Meals: Breakfast).

Day 15 Goa

A day left completely free to relax by the pool or to explore further. This evening join your fellow travelling companions for a farewell dinner.

(Meals: Breakfast, Dinner).

Day 16 Arrive UK

An early departure to the airport for our flight to Mumbai where we catch our connecting flight with Virgin Atlantic to Heathrow. Lunch and drinks are served courtesy of Virgin Atlantic. Our scheduled arrival into Heathrow is early evening bringing our Indian adventure to an end.

(Meals: Breakfast, Lunch).