DAY 01: ARRIVE DELHI
Arrive Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport late this evening.

Welcome to India.!!!

Creaitve’s Airport Representative will meet you on arrival at the airport as soon as you come out from the main hall after clearing all customs and immigration formalities. A special welcomes awaits you here. Later transfer to the hotel by an air conditioned vehicle. On arrival at the hotel check in for your overnight stay.

DAY 02: DELHI
Delhi stands as the capital of modern India. Here you can see the mingling of the Old and New India, the ancient and the modern. Delhi is made up of seven ancient cities, spanning the period from the 11th to 20th centuries. Delhi has seen the rise and fall of many emperors that have left behind a plethora of monuments that commemorate the grandeur and glory of bygone ages. Very few cities in the world can express such a profusion of architectural styles. Relax in the morning.

After breakfast at the hotel proceed for a full day city tour of Old and New Delhi.

Old Delhi was an ancient walled city. Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan in 1650 switched the capital from Agra to Delhi. Shah Jehan possessing an exquisite talent, especially in architecture, created the seventh city and in the process brought about Delhi’s glorious renaissance. Here you will see the 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. Its main gate (Lahore Gate) faces Chandni Chowk, the perpetually congested avenue heading west from the Red Fort. Also visit Raj Ghat, the memorial site of the Mahatma Gandhi; Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India and Chandni Chowk.

Enjoy your lunch at a local restaurant (not included). After lunch you will tour New Delhi.

New Delhi was designed and built by the British in the 1920s. It is a city of wide boulevards, impressive Government buildings, green parks and gardens. In 1911 King George V announced the transfer of the capital from Calcutta to Delhi. The King’s architects, Lutyens and Baker, set in motion the design and construction of Delhi’s eighth city – New Delhi. You will visit two monuments from Delhi’s past – Humayun’s Tomb and Qutub Minar. Your drive takes you along the ceremonial avenue, Raj Ghat, past the imposing India Gate and Parliament House. Also visit a local temple.

Return to the hotel for overnight stay.

DAY 03: DELHI–JAIPUR (approx. 5 hours drive)
After breakfast, depart the hotel and drive to Jaipur. There are many photo opportunities on the way!

Arrive Jaipur this afternoon and check into the hotel. The evening is free to explore Jaipur on your own or to relax at the hotel. Overnight, stay at the hotel.
Jaipur - Known as the “Pink City” Jaipur is the capital of the colourful state of Rajasthan, “the abode of rajahs”.
It has the distinction of being a well planned and laid out city. As you drive through the old part of town, you will witness a life unlike others. Witness how the city blooms during the day in a kaleidoscope of colour and sound.
Everywhere you will see the monuments of its Rajput rulers. Jaipur is one of the main centres for shopping in India – especially with regard to textiles, jewellery, gem stones carpets, etc.

DAY 04: JAIPUR
After breakfast depart the hotel for a half day excursion to visit Amber Fort including Elephant ride. Amber Fort is a marvellous example of Rajput architecture with its terraces and ramparts reflected in the Maota Lake below. Go up to the fort on the back of a gaily-caparisoned elephant, true to the style of the Maharajas of the past. The interiors of the fort have various royal halls decorated with intricate ivory, mirror and glass work complemented by exquisite wall paintings. As you move between the rooms of this magnificent structure, feel the history and visualise the pomp and grandeur of a kingdom never conquered.
Enjoy your lunch at one of Jaipur’s many fine restaurants (not included) and afterwards enjoy a tour of Jaipur City.
This afternoon you will 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. Also visit the awe inspiring Jantar Mantar (an accurate observatory built in 1726 AD). Also included is a photo visit at the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) – a five storied wonder with a spectacular pyramidal facade and overhanging windows with latticed screens, domes and spires.

Return to the hotel for overnight stay.

DAY 05: JAIPUR–AGRA (approx. 6 hours drive)
After breakfast, depart the hotel and drive to Agra. En route visit Fatehpur Sikri to visit this deserted city.

Fatehpur Sikri - the deserted red sand stone city that was built by Emperor Akbar as his capital. Ponder the mysterious desertion of this capital city that was dramatically abandoned a few years after it was built. It was a veritable fairy tale city and its ‘ruins’ are still in a pristine condition. It is not hard to imagine what the court life must have been like in the days of its grandeur.

After visiting Fatehpur Sikri continue the journey to Agra and upon arrival check into the hotel. Evening is free for independent activities. Overnight, stay at the hotel.

Agra – In the 16th and 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. Akbar the Great made Agra great. The city’s origins are dim but Akbar’s grandfather Babur is credited with Agra’s founding. The short golden age of Agra came to an end with the seventeenth century reign of Shah Jehan, mastermind of the unforgettable Taj Mahal.

DAY 06: AGRA
After breakfast proceed for a half day city tour of Agra visiting world famous Taj Mahal.

Taj Mahal, that magnificent monument to love – 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. The design and construction is said to be that of the legendary architect, Ustad Ahamad Lahori. Legend has it that once construction was completed, Shah Jehan had Lahori blinded and his hands cut off, so he would never duplicate the structure. What makes the Taj Mahal unique is its perfect proportions, distinct femininity, medium of construction and ornamentation. Its marble exterior reflects rose and golden tints at sunrise and sunset, while it is dazzling white during the day. It is impossible to visualise the Taj Mahal in any surrounding other than its paradoxical garden. Paradise, in Islam, is visualised as a lush garden where running streams flow. When the Mughals brought this concept to India they elevated it to heights of incomparable artistry.

Later proceed to visit Agra Fort and the city. At the impressive Agra Fort you are taken through the chambers of this royal residence. As you drive through the city, witness the local life and bazaars and the hustle bustle of everyday India. Return to the hotel for overnight stay.

DAY 07: AGRA–DELHI (approx. 5 hrs drive)
After a leisurely breakfast drive to Delhi. Arrive Delhi and check into the hotel. This evening is free for independent activities, shopping etc. Overnight, stay at the hotel.

DAY 08: DELHI
After breakfast at the hotel the day is free for independent activities. Check out from the hotel at 1200 Noon.
(Your luggage will be kept safe.)
Later transfer to the International Airport to connect with your flight for onwards destination.

DAY 09: DELHI
Early this morning you will depart Delhi for your return home.

Tour ends

Important note:
Taj Mahal, Agra will remain closed on Every Friday.
Red Fort, Delhi will remain closed on Every Monday
Please plan the dates accordingly.

HOTELS ENVISAGED (or similar, depending on availability):

City Category ‘A’ Category ‘B’ Category ‘C’
Delhi The imperial – Heritage Room Le Meridien – Premium Room The Connaught – Standard Room
Jaipur Jai Mahal Palace – Luxury Room Samode Haveli – Deluxe Room Clarks Amer – Standard Room
Agra Mughal Sheraton – Executive Rm Le Meridien – Deluxe Room Clarks Shiraz – Standard Room
Delhi The Imperial – Heritage Room Le Meridien – Premium Room The Connaught – Standard Room

TOUR COST

On application for the current Tour Cost

Where prices are quoted in US$, the UK pounds price shown is based on current exchange rates.

Payment
1. Acceptance Payment £150 (non refundable) by cheque payable to “S W & M Miller”
Your Contract for all tour arrangements is directly with Creative Travel Delhi, India to whom payment for the tour is made.
2. Eight weeks prior to arrival in India (or on Acceptance) – 50% of the cost is payable in US $, by Credit Card or International Bank Transfer, direct to Creative Travel, India.
3. On arrival in India – the remaining 50% is payable, in US $, by Credit Card or Cash.

Cancellation Charges

35 days prior to arrival a cancellation fee of US$200 per person will be applicable.
30 days notice of cancellation a fee of 25% of the total amount will be applicable.
25 days notice of cancellation a fee of 50% of the total amount will be applicable
Less than 25 days notice incurs the full amount.
Acceptance Payment non refundable

Included in the Cost

Excluded from the Cost

• Expenses of a personal nature such as table drinks, laundry, telephone calls, Internet charges, mineral water, tips, shopping etc.
• Any other meals or services not mentioned in the programme.
• Any international airfare or any airport taxes.
• Any Government or State taxes subsequently introduced.
• Travel Insurance
• Any Christmas or New Year Dinner