8-Nights India: Land Of The Taj & Tigers from $1,839

India: Land Of The Taj & Tigers

Day 1 DELHI, INDIA Welcome to Delhi, a magnetic blend of old and new, and the capital of modern India. Hotel rooms are available for mid-afternoon check-in.

Day 2 DELHI Your day starts with an orientation drive to see India Gate and the Presidential Palace. Then, take a rickshaw ride through the alleys of Chandni Chowk, a captivating bazaar, and visit Jama Masjid. After lunch, visit Humayun’s Tomb and Qutub Minar, the world’s tallest brick minaret, dating back to the 11th century. Next, explore Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, Delhi’s largest and most prominent Sikh gurudwara (house of worship). (B,L)

Day 3 DELHI–AGRA Drive to Agra this morning. This afternoon, visit Agra Fort, a colossal, red sandstone UNESCO World Heritage Site comprising the spectacular Mughal Palace with audience halls, the Room of Mirrors, and the pavilion where Shahjahan spent his last days. End your day with a sunset visit to the famous Taj Mahal. This remarkable monument, commissioned by Sjahjahan as a memorial to his wife, Mumtaz Mahal, took 22 years to build. (B,D)

Day 4 AGRA–FATEHPUR SIKRI–SAWAI MADHOPUR Today, stop at Fatehpur Sikri, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tour the sandstone palaces, elegant courtyards, and victory gate of this ghostly place built in 1569 and deserted by its people when water was no longer available. After lunch, travel to Sawai Madhopur, gateway to Ranthambore National Park. (B,L,D)

Day 5 SAWAI MADHOPUR–RANTHAMBORE NATIONAL PARK Today, explore Ranthambore National Park on morning and afternoon game drives in an open-air safari vehicle. In addition to Bengal tigers, the park is home to leopards, sambar deer, sloth bears, marsh crocodiles, striped hyenas, and more. Between game drives, enjoy free time to relax. (B,L,D)

Day 6 SAWAI MADHOPUR–JAIPUR Today, drive to Jaipur, often referred to as the “Pink City.” After lunch, visit Jantar Mantar and explore the City Palace Museum with its collection of paintings, carpets, weapons, and costumes. Lastly, visit Ladli, a training program teaching orphaned and destitute children valuable skills to keep them employed and off the streets. Learn about the project and interact with the children and help them practice their English. (B,L)

Day 7 JAIPUR Visit the legendary Amber Fort, the “Sleeping Beauty of Rajasthan.” This fortress-palace has a somber exterior that hides a richly ornate interior of royal apartments, including an alabaster Hall of Victory and a superb Chamber of Mirrors. The afternoon and evening are at yours to explore Jaipur. (B)

Day 8 JAIPUR–DELHI Today, drive back to Delhi. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. (B)

Day 9 DELHI Your tour ends with breakfast this morning. (B)