The adventure begins with your departure from the USA on an overnight flight to New Delhi, India, a city that bridges two different worlds.
Upon arrival in New Delhi late evening, a representative of Mayflower Tours will meet you and assist with the transfer to your hotel. Please note, some flights may not arrive until early morning on
Begin the day with a tour of Old Delhi, a labyrinth of narrow lanes overflowing with major attractions and World Heritage Sites. Visit the Red Fort, the largest monument of the city and the most opulent fort and palace of the Mughal Empire, symbolizing power and elegance. The memorial site of Mahatma Gandhi, Raj Ghat, sits serenely on the banks of the Yamuna River. Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India, is another architectural treasure that graces Old Delhi and is visited during our tour. Experience life like a local on a rickshaw cycle ride around Chandi Chowk, the bustling and colorful street market of the old city. This evening, a welcome dinner is included. Breakfast and dinner
With its wide boulevards, impressive government buildings, green parks and gardens, the city is in complete contrast to Old Delhi. Our excursion takes us along the ceremonial avenue, Rajpath, past the Parliament House and Rashtrapati Bhawan — official residence of India’s President. See India’s counterpart to France’s Arc de Triomphe as a photo stop is made at India Gate – a commemoration to fallen soldiers. We visit two monuments from India’s past – the magnificent garden tomb of the Mughal Emperor Humayun and Qutub Minar, the second tallest tower in India and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Breakfast and dinner
Travel to the walled city of Jaipur, also known as the ‘Pink City’ due to the color of its buildings. Home to innumerable cultures and traditions, Jaipur is a royal treat for visitors. Visit the City Palace where we see some of the most imposing architecture of the city. Inside the palace is a resplendent collection of robes of royal princes, carpets, an armory of weapons, and miniature paintings portraying historic events. At the awe inspiring Jantar Mantar, an observatory built in 1726 AD, see curiously shaped and oversized instruments that are still astonishingly accurate today. Tonight we are immersed in culture as we dine with a local family. From the traditional greeting upon arrival to our conversation and dinner with the family, it’s truly a life enriching experience. Breakfast and dinner
Located on a hill high above the city, in a rugged and picturesque setting, the towers and domes of the Amber Fort are reminiscent of scenes from a fairy tale. This morning, enjoy the opulent palace complex as our guide takes us through the halls, gardens, pavilions and temples of this fascinating site made of red sandstone and marble. On our return we stop at the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) – the most well-known landmark and icon of Jaipur. This five-story architectural wonder, overlooking the busy bazaar street below, has a spectacular pyramidal façade. Its 953 delicately honeycombed pink sandstone windows allowed the women of the palace to observe daily life without being seen. The remainder of the day is free of planned activities. Breakfast and dinner
Leaving Jaipur, depart by motorcoach for Ranthambore, one of the largest and most renowned national parks in Northern India. Named after the historic Ranthambore Fortress found within the park, it’s a blend of history and nature, supporting a diverse range of flora and fauna. Upon arrival, we check in to the hotel and become acquainted with our new surroundings. Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Exploration of this wildlife park takes place on morning and afternoon safari adventures. Driving through this amazing sanctuary, observing majestic predators in their natural habitat, we set our sights on beautiful Royal Bengal Tigers, leopards, deer and other animals our naturalist guide helps us spot in the forest. Keep your camera ready to snap those photos of rare and endangered animals, birds and architectural ruins from the medieval period – all found in the forest. Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Enjoy a scenic rail journey to Bharatpur where we board a motorcoach and continue to Agra. En-route, visit a real-life ghost town: the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Fatehpur Sikri (City of Victory) built by Emperor Akbar as his capital. Dramatically abandoned a few years after it was built, its ‘ruins’ are still in pristine condition. This afternoon, set out for another life enriching experience: a sunset visit to the Taj Mahal! Built by Emperor Shah Jahan, it’s considered one of the Wonders of the World and its beauty has never been surpassed. A perfect end to the day, we see this magnificent monument, as the sun sets, gradually turning the white marble to a soft rosy pink. Breakfast and lunch
Our last day in India begins with a sunrise visit to Mehtab Bagh, a recently excavated Mughal garden, with a breath-taking view of the Taj Mahal from across the River Yamuna. The rays of the sun cast a golden sheen upon this architectural masterpiece and provide yet another unbelievably amazing site. While visiting the Red Fort of Agra, discover the inner paradise hidden by its forbidding exteriors. Emperor Shah Jahan was imprisoned in this fortress and walled city, yet he could still see his exquisite Taj Mahal every day. The final afternoon is at leisure in Agra. Breakfast and dinner
After a relaxing morning, journey back to Delhi. With a late afternoon arrival, visit the Bangla Sahib, the most prominent Sikh house of worship in Delhi, before enjoying an included dinner. After dinner, transfer to the airport for the flight home. Due to the day’s logistics, flights should depart Delhi after 10:00pm. Breakfast and dinner
Crowne Plaza New Delhi Mayur Vihar, Delhi, India
Holiday Inn City Centre, Jaipur, India
Tree House Anuraga, Ranthambore, India
Courtyard by Marriott, Agra, India
