Day 1:
Arrive in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Your hotel room is available for mid-afternoon check-in.

Day 2:
Dubai. This morning, enjoy a city tour that begins with a stop at the JUMEIRAH MOSQUE, one of Dubai’s great landmarks, then a drive along Dubai Creek, the lifeline and pulse of the city. You will also have time to stroll through the narrow lanes of Bastakiah, the city’s old district, and through the souks (markets), including the SPICE SOUK with its aromas of exotic spices and the GOLD SOUK with its 220 glittering shop windows. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. (B)

Day 3:
Dubai. A full day at your leisure. You may wish to take a full-day trip to Abu Dhabi, enjoy a dinner cruise on a traditional dhow, or simply explore the area on your own. Your local host will have recommendations. (B)

Day 4:
Dubai-Delhi, India. Fly to Delhi, India’s capital city! Hotel rooms are available for mid-afternoon check-in.

Day 5:
Delhi. The morning is at your leisure to rest before meeting your traveling companions and Tour Director for sightseeing in the afternoon. Your Local Guide will show you the sights of “Old Delhi.” Start with a visit to the JAMA MOSQUE followed by a RICKSHAW RIDE through Chandni Chowk, a colorful local bazaar. Tonight your Tour Director hosts a lavish welcome dinner, including a COOKING DEMONSTRATION followed by a talk on Indian cuisine. (B,D)

Day 6:
Delhi. This morning’s sightseeing will focus on “New Delhi.” Visit the GANDHI MEMORIAL MUSEUM and Raj Ghat, where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated in 1948. Then, visit HUMAYUN’S TOMB and Qutab Minar followed by the grand government buildings, the President’s House, and Parliament House. The afternoon is at leisure. Consider an optional visit to three famous temples for an introduction to India’s most popular religions: Hinduism, Buddhism, and Sikhism. Your Tour Director has suggestions for other activities. (B)

Day 7:
Delhi–Varanasi. Fly to Varanasi, the holiest of Hindu pilgrim cities, on the banks of the sacred Ganges River. Sightseeing today visits SARNATH, the “Cradle of Buddhism,” where Buddha first spoke of his philosophy. For a truly memorable experience, join tonight’s optional tour: a rickshaw ride through the bustling streets of this unique city followed by a sunset cruise on the Ganges. Here you will witness fascinating religious rituals being performed—a truly unique experience. (B)

Day 8:
Varanasi–Khajuraho. Around dawn, board a BOAT to watch a striking religious ritual—the Hindu’s devotional bathing in the Ganges. You’ll observe hundreds of pilgrims gathered at the river’s edge, some practicing yoga, others meditating, and still others bathing fully clothed. A late-morning flight takes you to Khajuraho, where sightseeing focuses on the mysterious TEMPLES, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, that have been isolated for centuries. Art historians have long puzzled over myths and legends in an attempt to understand the bizarre combination of prolific religious and erotic temples. (B,D)

Day 9:
Khajuraho–Orchha–Jhansi–Agra. Today, enjoy the scenery as you pass through rural areas en route to Orchha. Upon arrival, visit the impressive MEDIEVAL PALACE COMPLEX, once the capital of a locally powerful Rajput kingdom. Later, arrive in Jhansi to board your train to Agra, where much of the city’s impressive past is still evident today in the majesty of her buildings. (B)

Day 10:
Agra. Start your day with a sunrise visit to the incomparable TAJ MAHAL, an extravagant marble monument to love. The Moghul Emperor Shah Jahan built it as a memorial to his beloved wife, who died during childbirth. To add to this memorable experience, you’ll also travel by tongas (horse-drawn carriage) during your visit. Later, visit AGRA FORT, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built by the Moghul Emperor Akbar, this impressive fortress of red sandstone conceals the imperial city of the Moghul rulers and its many palaces. (B,D)

Day 11:
Agra–Ranthambore National Park. Today, drive south to Ranthambore National Park. This renowned park is home to sambar deer, sloth bears, marsh crocodiles, and more. This afternoon’s GAME DRIVE is your first chance to glimpse the park’s wildlife, including its most famous resident—the elusive tiger! (B,L,D)

Day 12:
Ranthambore National Park. Today, enjoy two separate GAME DRIVES: at dawn when animals are most active and in the late afternoon. In between, enjoy free time to relax at your hotel. (B,L,D)

Day 13:
Ranthambore National Park–Jaipur. This morning, travel to Jaipur. In 1876, the city was painted pink to welcome Prince Albert and Queen Elizabeth II and it has been known as the “Pink City” ever since. This afternoon, visit the CITY PALACE and the adjoining MUSEUM, which houses a collection of rare manuscripts. You will also stop at the famous HAWA MAHALl (Palace of the Winds). Tonight, enjoy a SARI- and TURBAN-TYING LESSON followed by a HOME-HOSTED DINNER with an Indian noble family. (B,D)

Day 14:
Jaipur–Udaipur. Today, visit the amazing AMBER FORT, built entirely of white marble and red sandstone. Tour the interior with its intricate mosaics, carvings, paintings, and mirror works. In the late afternoon, fly to Udaipur, the “City of Lakes.” (B,D)

Day 15:
Udaipur. Discover the massive granite and marble CITY PALACE with its courtyards, pavilions, terraces, and narrow corridors. Then, visit the adjacent CRYSTAL GALLERY and MINIATURE-PAINTING COMPANY. Your sightseeing finishes at SAHELION KI BARI. Today’s highlight is a CRUISE on Lake Pichola with a short visit to the island palace of JAG MANDIR. Tonight your Tour Director will host a festive farewell dinner to celebrate an unforgettable journey through India. (B,D)

Day 16:
Udaipur–Mumbai–Cochin. Today, fly to Cochin, the “Gateway to Kerala,” via Mumbai. Located on the Arabian Sea in Kerala, India’s southernmost state, Cochin is the perfect starting point to explore the region’s natural beauty. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure. (B)

Day 17:
Cochin. Today’s sightseeing includes the CHINESE FISHING NETS that are the livelihood of many fishermen in the area. You will also visit ST. THOMAS CHURCH, the HILL PALACE MUSEUM, DUTCH PALACE, and will walk through the Jewish quarter. The afternoon is at leisure. (B)

Day 18:
Cochin. Enjoy an unforgettable full-day CRUISE in the backwaters of Kerala. Explore and witness local life along these serene waterways surrounded by lush palm trees and paddy fields. (B,L)

Day 19:
Cochin–Mumbai. Today, fly to Mumbai, a multicultural metropolis with a colorful history. This vibrant city is now India’s premier seaport, center of culture and industry, and home to “Bollywood.” This afternoon’s sightseeing includes the GATEWAY OF INDIA, Mumbai’s most famous monument commemorating the visit of Queen Mary. Then, drive along Marine Drive—a seafront promenade—and see a traditional DHOBI GHAT. You will also visit the HANGING GARDENS and MANI BHAWAN (former residence of Mahatma Gandhi). (B)

Day 20:
Mumbai. Full day at your leisure. You may want to do last-minute shopping at one of the many local bazaars or consider visiting Elephanta Island, a labyrinth of cave temples carved into the island’s basalt rock. In the evening, why not take an open horse-drawn carriage ride along the seafront promenade? Your local host will help you with suggestions. (B)

Day 21:
Mumbai. Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)