Day 01 : Depart the USA
Depart the USA for India. Your flight includes meals, drinks and in-flight entertainment
Day 02 : Arrive in Delhi
On arrival in Delhi, you will be welcomed by a representative and transfer to your hotel. Balance of the day at leisure
Overnight: Delhi
Day 03 : Old & New Delhi City Tour
This morning, there will be a welcome orientation meeting your Tour Manager. Later, enjoy a tour of Old Delhi, an ancient historical city with more than 60,000 identifiable monuments. Visit the Memorial of Mahatma Gandhi and the Jama Masjid, India's largest mosque. Enjoy exploring the Old Delhi on a cycle rickshaw that takes you through the narrow and bustling lanes of Chandi Chowk. After lunch, in New Delhi you'll see the Birla Temple, the India Gate, the Parliament House and the Presidential Palace. Enjoy a visit to the Gandhi Smriti which is formerly known as Birla House and is a museum dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi where he spent the last 144 days of his life. The tour continues with a visit to Humayun's Tomb, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a landmark in the development of Mughal architecture. The significance of Humayun's Tomb lies in the fact that it was the first garden-tomb in India
Overnight: Delhi
Meals: Breakfast,
Day 04 : Travel to Jaipur
This morning, en route to Jaipur take a brief stop for a photo opportunity at the UNESCO World Heritage Qutab Minar, the world's tallest brick minaret. Continue traveling to Jaipur, the famed Pink City of India. The entire city was painted its unique pink color in 1876 to celebrate the visiting Prince of Wales. Several legends exist to explain why the color pink was chosen, but no matter the reason, it has come to represent the welcoming hospitality of Jaipur. Later, enjoy a stop at a Jewelry Shop and a local market
Overnight: Jaipur
Meals: Breakfast,
Day 05 : Elephant Ride to Amber Fort
This morning's excursion takes you to the 16th century Amber Fort. Ascend the hill to the fort by jeep or on the back of an elephant if available and admire views of Jaipur's original city walls and the Maotha Lake below. At the conclusion of the morning's tour, stop for refreshment and browse a local Rajasthan textile and handicrafts market. Marvel at the silk-weaving, embroidery, clothing and housewares created by humble villagers. You may choose, on your own, to see the massive City Palace or stroll through the delightful gardens dotting the city. For a more lively scene, independently visit the city's colorful bazaar, filled with vendors selling everything from sacks of spices to personal electronics and flowers
Overnight: Jaipur
Meals: Breakfast
Day 06 : Travel to Agra via Fatehpur Sikri
Travel to Agra via the deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri. Here you will view the Buland Darwaza, which is said to be the tallest gateway in the world. Explore the well-preserved buildings of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, including the Panch Mahal Palace and the white marble tomb of the famous Sufi saint - Shaik Salim Chishti
Overnight: Agra
Meals: Breakfast,
Day 07 : Taj Mahal
This morning, visit the Taj Mahal, built by Emperor Shah Jahan as a mausoleum for his beloved Queen Mumtaj Mahal. This monumental construction, which took 22 years to complete (1631-53), is most famous for its imposing white-marble dome, and is considered the finest example of Mughal architecture in the world. Tour concludes with a visit to a local Marble Shop which offers incredible beautiful marble art and craft
Overnight: Agra
Meals: Breakfast,
Day 08 : Travel to Delhi & Flight to Kathmandu
This morning depart Agra for Delhi. Upon arrival, transfer to the airport for your flight to Kathmandu. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy the rest of day at leisure to explore the city independently. Kathmandu is the capital and largest city in Nepal, serving as a governmental and cultural focal point for the country
Overnight: Kathmandu
Meals: Breakfast,
Day 09 : Rural Nepal Excursion
Drive to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Durbar Square, showcasing some of the finest architecture in Central Asia with more than 50 palaces, pagodas, and temples. The square is home to two important temples, the Kastamandap (Rest House of Wood), considered one of the oldest wooden structures in the world, and the 16th-century Taleju Temple, which honors a form of the Goddess Durga. Visit the temple of Machhendranath and the great stupa of Swayambhunath, with the eyes of Buddha painted on all four sides. See the Royal Palace complex with its gilded doorway and the shrine of Taleju. Enjoy the afternoon exploring the city on your own
Overnight: Kathmandu
Meals: Breakfast,
Day 10 : Kathmandu City Tour
Venture into rural Nepal this morning and enjoy visits to Pashupatinath, Bouddhanath, Bhadgaon and Nagarkot. Located on the banks of the Bagmati River, the Pashupatinath Temple is believed to mark the site where Shiva worshipped in the form of Lingam (only Hindus are permitted entrance). Continue to visit Bouddhanath, an important Buddhist pilgrimage center and home to one of the world's largest Buddhist stupas. Also visit Bhadgaon (Bhaktapur), a Newar city founded in the 9th-century. Here you will see the royal residential quarter of King Bhupatindra Malla and the Nytapole Temple. The tour concludes with a stop at Nagarkot, where you will see a spectacular view of the Himalayan Mountains and Mt. Everest when the weather is clear
Overnight: Kathmandu
Meals: Breakfast,
Day 11 : Flight to Delhi
This afternoon, transfer to the airport for your flight back to Delhi. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel to freshen up. Late evening transfer to the airport for all flights departing at or just after midnight
Overnight: Half Day Patan City Tour
Meals: Breakfast,
Day 12 : Arrive USA