Itinerary

1. Arrive in Dynamic Hong Kong
Tour Begins: Kowloon Shangri-La, Hong Kong. A transfer is included from Hong Kong’s Chek Lap Kok Airport to Kowloon Shangri-La, Hong Kong; enjoy a brief orientation tour of Hong Kong Island and Kowloon en route to your waterfront hotel on Tsimshatsui East.

2. Best of Hong Kong
The best way to experience the true essence of this dynamic destination is by exploring with a local insider. Our bi-lingual guide will show you the highlights of the city today, along with the hidden gems that have captivated travelers for centuries. Start your day with a tram ride up Victoria Peak, where dramatic views of the city, harbour and neighboring islands await. Enjoy a different perspective of daily life in Hong Kong when you board a traditional Chinese sampan for a cruise through Aberdeen, the world’s most famous floating village; many villagers here have never lived on dry land!

Hong Kong is a shopper’s paradise – discover it for yourself on a visit to Asia’s renowned street bazaar, Stanley Market; once a fishing village, this is a great place to try out your bargaining skills in market stalls carrying everything from silk clothing to arts and crafts. While city sights are a virtual feast for every sensation, none is as satisfying as dining at the Sai Kung Fish Market. Choose your favorite seafood delicacy fresh from the sea, before having it prepared to your liking at the restaurant. Stroll down Kowloon’s famous Bird Street, alive with color and the songs of hundreds of birds; and wander through the magical Flower Market. Meals BL

3. Hong Kong As You Like It
Spend the entire day as you please. The elegant Kowloon Shangri-La is perfectly situated on Victoria Harbour, with stunning views of Hong Kong Island. From shopping to dining, you’re in a great location to spend the day doing whatever interests you most. Meals B

4. Journey Home
Tour ends: Hong Kong. Transfers from the Kowloon Shangri-La, Hong Kong to Hong Kong’s Chek Lap Kok Airport are included. You should allow 21/2 hours for flight check-in. Meals B

Dates & Prices

Airfare to and from Hong Kong is additional and is not included in your tour package price; it should be arranged as part of your international air ticket. Ask upon booking.

Note: This tour is only available at the conclusion of Vietnam, Cambodia & Thailand; it’s not accompanied by a Tauck Director, but is escorted by English-speaking local guides. Please ask at time of booking about additional hotel nights and our comprehensive Guest Protection Plan.
 

Kowloon Shangri-La, Hong Kong

Tauck Discoveries

Ride a Sampan Through Aberdeen Harbour
Board a traditional Chinese sampan for a cruise through Aberdeen Harbour, home to a community of boat people who have lived their entire lives afloat.

Sample an Authentic Market Lunch
Enjoy an adventure for your senses during lunch at the celebrated Sai Kung Fish Market, where you choose your seafood delicacy for preparation in a local restaurant.

Luxury Accommodations in Hong Kong
Spend three nights on the waterfront in Kowloon where your award-winning hotel combines panoramic views of Victoria Peak and the harbour with an ideal location.

Night 1, 2 & 3: Kowloon Shangri-La, Hong Kong - Hong Kong
Located on the waterfront overlooking bustling Victoria Harbour, the landmark Kowloon Shangri-La, Hong Kong, offers panoramic views of the harbour and the city. Recently renovated, the guestrooms are exquisitely appointed, featuring floor-to-ceiling bay windows, and are among the most spacious in Hong Kong. Enjoy a world of exquisite dining at seven restaurants and bars, including award-winning Italian at Angelini, Japanese at Nadaman, and sensational authentic global cuisines in a vibrant and colorful atmosphere at Café Kool. Deli Kool and The Lobby Lounge offer a more relaxed setting, the famous Shang Palace serves a feast of Cantonese favorites, and the Tapas Bar is the place for superb New World wines and international tapas. Kowloon Shangri-La was voted one of the best 500 hotels in the world by the readers both of Travel + Leisure and Condé Nast Traveler.
 

Itinerary

1. Arrive Tokyo
Tour begins: Imperial Hotel, Tokyo. A transfer is included from Tokyo Narita Airport to the gracious Imperial Hotel for your three-night stay in the heart of Tokyo. This grand hotel, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, has hosted kings, queens, presidents and movie stars during its 100-year reign as a historic city landmark. Join us for a welcome reception and dinner this evening. Meals D

2. Discover the Sights of Tokyo
See the National Diet Building on a guided city sightseeing excursion this morning that takes you to the Imperial Palace and Meiji Jingu Shrine. Stroll through Ginza, the city’s famous shopping district, before enjoying an afternoon at leisure. Meals BLD

3. Ginza / Senso-ji Temple
Sightseeing this morning features the Nakamise Shopping Arcade and Senso-ji Temple, popularly known as Asakusa Kannon. Of all the temples in Tokyo, Senso-ji is the most sacred and spectacular; a guided tour reveals tranquil gardens, delicate statues, a five-story pagoda and several smaller temples. Your afternoon is free; you have an opportunity to dine as you please for lunch and dinner, perhaps enjoying a lengthy, elaborate meal at a fine restaurant or sampling the local vendors’ regional specialties. You’ll find lots to choose from in Tokyo’s wide selection of restaurants! Meals B

4. Fuji-Hakone National Park
Journey into the hilly hot-springs town of Hakone in Fuji-Hakone National Park, riding Japan’s renowned Bullet Train, the Shinkansen, reputed to be Asia’s fastest train, into the rural countryside. Visit the Hakone Open-Air Museum, where nature harmonizes with a collection of sculpture from the post-Rodin period; there are also several pavilions housing a large collection of works by Pablo Picasso, as well as works by artists such as Renoir and Miro. Cruise the waters of sparkling Lake Ashi prior to a gondola ride on the Hakone Ropeway over the mountains. Weather permitting, the views of Mount Fuji, Japan’s highest volcanic peak, are outstanding. Overnight at the Hyatt Regency Hakone Resort & Spa, boasting panoramic views of historic Gora valley, well-known for its onsens (hot springs). Meals BLD

5. Hakone / Japanese Alps
An early morning departure takes you on a drive through the towering “Alps of Japan.” Rice farms dominate the valleys, while lush forests blanket the mountains. Visit the Itchiku Kubota Museum, showcasing the striking Japanese textiles and kiminos of the artist after whom the museum is named, and tour Matsumoto Castle, one of the most complete and beautiful among Japan's original castles. Continue on to your mountain resort in the 16th-century town of Takayama. Meals BLD

6. Historic Takayama
Takayama is renowned for its remarkably preserved Edo-period merchants’ shops and houses, quaint village streets and sake. Take a walking tour of the town, visiting the farmers’ morning market, the Festival Float Museum and the historic Takayama Jinya. The remainder of the day is free; there are wonderful museums, stores and antique shops to explore. Hearty mountain food and regional specialties abound in the city; dine as you please for lunch and dinner. Meals B

7. Shirakawa-go / Ryokan
Journey into the mountains to Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is well-known for its villages of thatched gassho-zukuri (praying hands) farmhouses. Visit a private 300-year-old family home and stroll through the historic village of Ogimachi, the largest village with 59 intact gassho houses. Continue north, where you will stay in a traditional Japanese ryokan-style hotel, embodying both luxury and simplicity. Enjoy an authentic look at Japanese customs while you are here; relax in rejuvenating communal baths and experience dinner with traditional dress and seating. Meals BLD

8. Kanazawa / Kyoto
Travel to Kanazawa today, where winding cobblestone streets lead to samurai residences, geisha houses, museums, shops and galleries, including a flower-filled open-air market. Stroll through the serene, centuries-old Kenroku-en Gardens, ranked among the country’s top three gardens. Visit an authentic Samurai house and explore the 300-year-old Omicho Market before taking a train to Kyoto for a four-night stay at The Westin Miyako Hotel, located in the heart of the city. Meals BLD

9. Enchanting Kyoto
A full day of city sightseeing begins with a visit to Kinkakuji Temple, fondly referred to as the Golden Pavilion, Kiyomizu Temple, and Sanjusangendo Temple, home to 1001 wooden cyprus statues of Kannon-Bosatsu dating back to the 13th century. Learn about the Japanese art of origami during a visit to a private home and experience a traditional tea ceremony, a beloved Japanese ritual. Dine on your own tonight; the city hosts an abundance of restaurants. Meals BL

10. Tranquil Nara
Visit Nijo Castle this morning, best known for its ornate interiors and nightingale floors; built of Japanese cypress by the first Tokugawa shogun in 1603, it is a wonderful example of Momoyama architecture. Continue on to Nara, where you’ll savor an unforgettable glimpse of old Japan on visits to ancient temples, shrines and gardens. See the Daibutsu (Great Buddha) at the Todai-ji Temple in Nara Park; at more than 50 feet high, the huge bronze statue is the largest bronze Buddha in all of Japan. Stroll the wooded grounds of the stunning vermilion-colored Kasuga Grand Shrine, home to 3,000 stone and bronze lanterns, before returning to Kyoto. Meals BL

11. A Day at Leisure in Kyoto
Kyoto abounds with a rich legacy of ancient treasures, cultural gems and natural beauty that spans the centuries. Explore the sights as you wish, before joining us for a farewell dinner tonight. Visit one of the city’s many Japanese gardens; stroll through the temples, shrines and traditional neighborhoods of historic Eastern Kyoto; browse through specialty shops where local arts and crafts thrive; or see the Geishas of the Gion District, showcasing an age-old cultural tradition. The choice is yours. Meals BD

12. Journey Home
Tour Ends: Osaka’s Kansai or Itami Airport. A transfer is included for the 1-1/2 hour trip from your hotel in Kyoto to the airports in Osaka; allow a minimum of 21/2 hours for flight check-in. Meals B

Dates & Prices

International Airfare is additional. Call Tauck for special rates on international air, in coach or business, for travel originating in the U.S. (subject to availability).

Please ask at time of booking about additional hotel nights before your tour begins and about our comprehensive Guest Protection Plan.

Tokyo ~ Kyoto ~ Fuji-Hakone National Park ~ Shirakawa-go ~ Kanazawa ~ Nara

Tauck Discoveries

Private Home Visit, Kyoto
Attend a traditional tea ceremony and learn about the art of origami during a visit to a private home in Kyoto.

“Inside” Shirakawa-go
Tauck takes you “inside” a 300-year-old home in Shirakawa-go, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its unique thatched gassho-zukuri farmhouses.

Japanese Ryokan-Style Hotel
Experience Japan’s time-honored customs at an award-winning hot springs ryokan-style hotel, embodying luxury and simplicity.

Shinkansen (Bullet Train)
Ride the Shinkansen (Bullet Train), a source of national pride since it was introduced in 1964, renowned for speed and efficiency – over 300 kilometres per hour.
 

Itinerary

1. Arrive Bangkok
Tour begins: Shangri-La Hotel at 6:00 PM. A transfer is included upon arrival at Bangkok International Airport to your hotel, the Shangri-La Hotel nestled on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. Join us for a welcome reception and dinner tonight. Meals D

2. Grand Palace / Reclining Buddha
Sightseeing today includes a visit to Wat Po, Bangkok’s largest and oldest temple, to see the mammoth Reclining Buddha, and a tour of the Grand Palace, home to the Emerald Buddha. Enjoy a traditional Thai lunch and return to the hotel by motorboat. The remainder of the day is free to explore the city as you please. Meals BL

3. Bangkok Klongs / Thai Dance
Board a long-tail boat for a cruise up the Chao Phraya River, connected by a network of canals called klongs; observe local life along the river. Spend the afternoon at leisure before joining us for a traditional Thai dinner, featuring a classical Thai dance performance. Meals BD

4. Fly to Chiang Mai
Fly to Chiang Mai today, known as the “Rose of the North,” where visits to 14th-century Wat Umong and Wat Phra Singh provide fascinating introductions to the region’s 300-plus temples. Spend the next two nights at the Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai, where you’ll stay in richly decorated Lanna-style pavilions overlooking gardens, terraced rice paddies and mountains. See local craft markets during a visit to the Night Bazaar. Meals BLD

5. Elephants and Crafts of the North
As the national animal of Thailand, the elephant has always been an integral part of Chiang Mai culture. See elephants at work in a teak forest and take an elephant trek through the jungle. You may choose to visit local handicrafts shops to see unique crafts, including lacquerware, silverwork, and umbrellas. Meals BLD

6. Fly to Hanoi
Fly to Hanoi today via Bangkok for a two-night stay in the heart of the city. Your colonial-style hotel overlooks the Hanoi Opera House and is steps away from landmark sights. Enjoy dinner at the hotel tonight. Meals BD

7. Cyclo Ride and Water Puppets
Sightseeing today includes a cyclo ride through Old Hanoi, a tour of the former Botanical Gardens, Ho Chi Minh’s final resting place at the Mausoleum and the Presidential Palace. Visit the famous One-Pillar Pagoda and see the infamous Hoa Lo (“Hanoi Hilton”) prison. Attend an enchanting water puppet performance, an art form dating back thousands of years. Meals BLD

8. Hué, World Heritage Site
Fly to one of Vietnam’s most beautiful cities, Hué, designated a World Heritage Site, for an overnight stay. The Perfume River provides the picture-perfect setting for your riverfront hotel. Guided sightseeing includes visits to the tomb of Tu Doc, Khai Dinh, the Citadel – the great enclosure that housed the Capital City, Imperial City, and the Forbidden Purple City – and the seven-story octagonal tower of Thien Mu Pagoda. Meals BLD

9. Da Nang / China Beach
Drive along the Vietnam coast to Da Nang this morning, stopping for lunch in the seaside village of Lang Co. Enjoy picturesque scenery as you cross over the Hai Van Mountain to your beachfront resort. Meals BLD

10. Cyclo in Hoi An / Marble Village
View the impressive collection of ancient sandstone carvings at the open-air Cham Museum en route to Hoi An. Travel by cyclo to see the red-painted Japanese Covered Bridge and the 200-year-old “Phung Hung” house, and see the many shops that line its central streets. Watch local artisans at work in Non Nuoc marble village before returning to your tropical resort. Meals BLD

11. Fly to Ho Chi Minh City
An early morning flight brings you to Ho Chi Minh City, the former Saigon. A sightseeing excursion includes the Saigon River, the gracious Post Office and Notre Dame Cathedral. Our local expert takes you inside the former Presidential Palace, now called Reunification Hall, and the bustling Cho Ben Thanh Central Market. Meals BLD

12. Cu Chi Tunnels
Discover the fascinating three-story deep, 120-mile network of underground passageways and rooms at Cu Chi Tunnels, before returning to Ho Chi Minh City to explore at your leisure. Meals BLD

13. Fly to Siem reap / Angkor Wat
Discover ancient Cambodia on a two-night stay at the Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor, close to the legendary temples of Angkor Wat. Explore the ancient walled city of Angkor Thom, see elaborate Elephant Terrace and Bayon Temple, and visit mystical Angkor Wat. Meals BLD

14. Temple of Banteay Srei & Ta Prohm
The 10th-century pink sandstone Temple of Banteay Srei boasts some of the most outstanding examples of Khmer art in the world; view its exquisite carvings and fine architectural details with a local guide and continue to the root-covered Temple of Ta Prohm. Join us for a farewell dinner tonight featuring local entertainment. Meals BLD

15. Fly to Bangkok
Spend the morning at leisure and enjoy lunch before taking an afternoon flight to Bangkok. Meals BLD

16. Journey Home
Tour ends: Bangkok. A transfer is included from Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport to Bangkok International Airport; allow 21/2 hours for flight check-in at the airport. Meals B

Dates & Prices

International Airfare is additional. Call Tauck for special rates on international air, in coach or business, for travel originating in the U.S. (subject to availability).

Please ask at time of booking about additional hotel nights before your tour begins and about our comprehensive Guest Protection Plan.
 

Bangkok ~ Chiang Mai ~ Hanoi ~ Hué ~ China Beach ~ Ho Chi Minh City ~ Angkor
Tauck Discoveries

Cultural Discoveries in Old Hanoi
Ride a cyclo through the streets of Old Hanoi, visit the famous One-Pillar Pagoda and attend an enchanting water puppet performance, dating back thousands of years.

An Elephant Trek in Chiang Mai
See elephants at work in a teak forest and take an elephant trek through a jungle in beautiful Chiang Mai, before visiting northern Thailand’s hill tribe villages.

Two Nights at China Beach Resort
A two-night stay at a luxury resort on China Beach includes visits to the 200-year-old Phung Hung house in Hoi An and Non Nuoc marble village to view artisans at work..

Historic Treasures of Cambodia
See the root-covered temple of Ta Prohm, explore the ancient walled city of Angkor Thom, and visit the majestic temple of Angkor Wat and mystical Bayon Temple.
 

Itinerary

1. Arrive in Hong Kong
Tour begins: Kowloon Shangri-La, Hong Kong. Transfers from Hong Kong International Airport are included to Kowloon Shangri-La, Hong Kong, where your extraordinary journey through China begins with a three-night stay on the Tsimshatsui East waterfront.

2. Sightsee Hong Kong
Ride the funicular tram to Victoria Peak for a stunning view of Hong Kong, before driving to Repulse Bay. Take a traditional Chinese sampan through the busy harbor at Aberdeen, home to a unique community of boat people who have lived afloat their entire lives. Visit the old fishing lanes of Stanley Market, now bustling with open-air vendors selling Chinese artwork, silk collectibles and more. The remainder of the day is free. Meals BD

3. Explore Kowloon
Explore local markets hidden amidst the maze of busy streets in Kowloon, renowned as a shopping mecca. Visit colorful fish markets to inspect some of the local specialties. The remainder of the day is free for you to do as you wish in this dynamic city. Meals B

4. Fly to Beijing / Peking Duck Dinner
Fly to Beijing for a three-night stay at one of the world’s best hotels. Join us this evening for a cocktail reception and a special Peking duck dinner. 13-day tour begins: 6:00 PM, The Peninsula Beijing. A transfer from Beijing Capital Int’l Airport is included to The Peninsula Beijing; tour begins at tonight’s cocktail reception. Meals BD

5. Tiananmen Square / Forbidden City
Walk into Tiananmen Square and imagine the historic events of the 20th century that took place here. The memory of Mao Tse-Tung dominates the square where his enormous portrait hangs above the “Gate of Heavenly Peace” – behind these walls, the Forbidden City looms. Step inside and tour the palace where China’s emperors ruled in absolute isolation. Take a trishaw ride into the back streets of old Beijing, known as the hutongs, and have tea with a local family for a taste of daily life. Meals BLD

6. Great Wall / Summer Palace
Travel outside of the city limits today to the Great Wall; ride a cable car to the highest point and take a walk along the wall. Spend the afternoon at the 18th-century Summer Palace, once a summer retreat for emperors of the Forbidden City. View the pavilions and gardens before boarding a dragon boat for a lakeside cruise. Meals BLD

7. Temple of Heaven / Fly to Xi’an
Visit the Temple of Heaven, built in the 15th century; it is considered the supreme achievement of traditional Chinese architecture. Fly to Xi’an, once the ancient capital of China, and journey through scenic countryside before arriving at your hotel. Meals BLD

8. Terra Cotta Warriors / Theater
Sightseeing today includes China’s largest and best-preserved city wall, 7th-century Little Wild Goose Pagoda and the amazing Terra Cotta Warriors. See an army of more than 8,000 life-sized terra cotta statues, each with distinctive physical features, which has been guarding their emperor’s underground tomb for over 2,000 years! Attend a cultural performance tonight. Meals BLD

9. Fly to Guilin
Take a flight to Guilin this morning for an overnight stay. One of the most picturesque places in China, Guilin boasts an inspirational setting that never fails to stir the soul. Visit Ludi Yan, the impressive Reed Flute Cave, and enjoy a therapeutic foot massage, before arriving at your hotel, flanked by the Li River and the new Zhengyang Pedestrian Street. Meals BLD

10. Yangtze River Cruise
A private Tauck cruise on the Li River sets the stage for your three-night cruise through the Three Gorges of the Yangtze River. An evening flight brings you to Chongqing, where you embark on your Victoria Cruises’ ship. Meals BLD

11. Fengdu, the Ghost City
Witness the beauty of China’s longest river, the mighty Yangtze, aboard one of the finest ships to cruise these waters. Start your day with relaxing Tai Chi exercises, followed by on-board lectures about the history of the Yangtze and Chinese healing arts. This afternoon, take a shore excursion to the ghost city of Fengdu. Meals BLD

12. The Three Gorges
A shore excursion to the Daning River enhances your viewing of Qutang Gorge this morning. Back aboard ship, see Goddess Peak as you pass through 25-mile Wu Gorge, then join a kite master for a kite flying lesson. You will have an opportunity to learn some basic Chinese and attend a freshwater pearl lecture as the ship makes its way through Xiling Gorge, the last and longest of the Three Gorges. Enjoy a farewell dinner banquet and cabaret tonight starring the ship’s crew. Meals BLD

13. Yichang / Fly to Shanghai
Sail to Yichang through the locks adjacent to China’s new engineering marvel, the Three Gorges Dam. The largest project of its kind in the world, it is scheduled for completion in 2009 and will continue to change the face of China’s interior and economy throughout the 21st century. Disembark the ship and fly to Shanghai, which is one of China’s most cosmopolitan cities. Note: Due to limited flight schedules, some groups will fly from Wuhan to Shanghai. Meals BLD

14. Shanghai’s Sights and Sounds
Shanghai, once known as the “Paris of the East,” is now a dynamic city with a population that surpasses 16 million people; enjoy a sightseeing tour of the city today. Visit Yu Gardens, classical Chinese gardens with over 30 pavilions linked by a maze of corridors and bridges over ponds, and tour the Shanghai Museum, frequently cited as the best museum in China. See a daring performance by the world-renowned Shanghai Acrobat Troupe after dinner; Shanghai's dazzling troupes are considered China’s very finest at this ancient craft. Enjoy dinner on your own tonight; Shanghai is known for its wonderfully diverse dining venues, including traditional teahouses and restored colonial mansions; your choice! Meals BL

15. Discover Zhu Jia Jiao
Explore Zhu Jia Jiao, dating back more than 1,700 years; walk along lovely willow tree-lined streets descending from the Ming and Qing dynasties and see centuries-old bridges still in use today. Learn how silk is created at a local silk weaving factory before returning to Shanghai for time at leisure. Meals BD

16. Journey Home
Tour ends: Shanghai, China. A transfer is included from Four Seasons Hotel Shanghai to Shanghai Pudong International Airport. You should allow 21/2 hours for flight check-in at the airport. Meals B

Dates & Prices

International Airfare is additional. Call Tauck for special rates on international air, in coach or business, for travel originating in the U.S. (subject to availability). On-tour air does not include the Hong Kong – Beijing flight day 4 which must be purchased with your international airfare.

Small Group Departures with no more than 26 Tauck guests, specially priced from $6,295 plus airfare, per person double (choice of two cabin categories); inquire at time of booking for September dates and full details.

Please ask at time of booking about additional hotel nights before your tour begins and about our Guest Protection Plan. 
 

3-Night Yangtze River Cruise ~ Beijing ~ Xi’an ~ Shanghai ~ Kowloon

Tauck Discoveries

NEW! Small Groups
In-depth exploration with no more than 26 Tauck guests on special Small Group departures in September. Cruise aboard the Yangtze Explorer, the newest ship on the Yangtze! These departures will explore the Shennong Stream instead of the Daning River on day 12.

Private Tea in Old Beijing
Take a trishaw tour of the hutong quarters of Old Beijing for tea with a local family.

Private Tauck Cruise on the Li River
A private cruise on the mystical Li River provides an in-depth look at traditional Chinese villages along its shores.

Discover Age-old Cultural Traditions
Step back in time 1,700 years to the remarkably preserved city of Zhu Jia Jiao, and learn how silk is created from worms to cocoons at a silkworm factory.

World-Famous Shanghai Acrobats
Attend an evening performance of the internationally renowned Shanghai Acrobats, justifiably considered the world's finest acrobatic troupe.

Sampan Cruise in Aberdeen Harbor
Board a traditional Chinese sampan for a cruise through Aberdeen Harbor, home to a community of boat people who have lived afloat their entire lives.
 

Itinerary

Flying to India
Flying time to Delhi averages about 18 hours from gateway cities in the United States, and may include a stop-over in Europe; most international flights arrive between 11:00 PM and 3:00 AM local time, 101/2 hours ahead of the United States’ Eastern Standard Time. To ease the effects of jet lag, please consider traveling to India a day early, rather than arriving late at night on Day 1. Tauck can book your international flights for travel originating in the United States, including arranging a pre-stay at The Oberoi, New Delhi, giving you time to rest and relax before sightseeing starts on Day 2. Ask for details upon booking.

1. Arrive New Delhi – The Oberoi
Tour begins: The Oberoi, New Delhi. A transfer is included from Delhi International Airport to The Oberoi, New Delhi, conveniently located in the heart of the city. Unless you have arranged for a pre-stay, you will most likely arrive at the hotel well after midnight local time, giving you just a few hours to rest before your first full day of sightseeing begins early in the morning.

2. New Delhi / Mahatma Gandhi Museum
Experience the contrasting images of Delhi, old and new, as you explore India’s capital city with an insider guide. View the Secretariat buildings, Parliament House, the Presidential Palace and the India Gate on a sightseeing tour. See the five-storied Qutb Minar Victory Tower and visit Humayun’s Tomb and the Mahatma Gandhi National Museum. Join us for a welcome dinner tonight. Meals BLD

3. Exploring Old Delhi
Travel by rickshaw through labyrinthine streets of Old Delhi, amidst colorful bazaars, sacred temples and colonial monuments. Visit the magnificent Red Fort, a powerful symbol of Indian nationhood, and tour India’s largest mosque, the white-marbled Jama Masjid. See Rajghat, Mahatma Gandhi’s cremation site, before spending the afternoon exploring on your own. Meals BD

4. Fly to Varanasi / Ceremonial Rituals
Fly to Varanasi this morning, one of the world’s oldest living cities. Nestled on the sacred River Ganges, Varanasi has welcomed pilgrims since the sixth century BC, blessing and purifying them with the river’s “holy waters” in sacred daily ceremonies. A sightseeing tour of this eternal city takes you to Sarnath, where Buddha gave his first sermon, and the National Museum, home to a superb collection of sculptures dating from the third century BC. Tonight, take a boat ride and witness pilgrims and holy men “putting the river to sleep.” Meals BLD

5. Ganges River Cruise / Khajuraho
Rise early for a cruise on the Ganges, followed by a lecture on the spiritual rituals of the Ganges and Varanasi in Hindu life. Fly to Khajuraho for an overnight stay. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this little town showcases temples built in the Chandella dynasty. Meals BLD

6. Orchha / Train to Agra
Visit Orchha today, one of India's most fabulous Mughal heritage sites; once home to royalty, the ancient temples, palaces, and cenotaphs are now inhabited by emerald parakeets and black-faced langurs. Take a train to Agra for a two-night stay at The Oberoi Amarvilas. Meals BLD

7. Wondrous Taj Mahal / Agra Fort
Enjoy an early morning visit to the Taj Mahal, before taking an excursion to the walled imperial city of Fatehpur Sikri. This afternoon, enjoy a guided tour of Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Meals BLD

8. City Palace Museum in Jaipur
Continue on to Jaipur for two nights at one of the top ten hotels in the world. Sightseeing includes the magnificent City Palace Museum and the renowned Jantar Mantar Observatory. Join us for a special evening tonight that celebrates India’s cultural festivities. Meals BLD

9. The Gems of Jaipur
Journey to the Amber Fort this morning to admire the massive gateways, pillared pavilions and palaces that pay lasting tribute to ancient kingdoms, and tour the Amber Palace. Spend the afternoon at leisure. Meals BLD

10. Fly to Udaipur / Lake Cruise
Fly to Udaipur for an unforgettable stay at The Oberoi Udaivilas; take a cruise on Lake Pichola. Meals BLD

11. Discover Udaipur
Explore Udaipur, seeing the 18th-century fountain gardens of Saheliyon ki Bari, Jagdish Mandir Temple and the City Palace, a labyrinth of richly decorated courtyards and marble temples. Learn the art of dressing in a sari and turban this afternoon. Meals BLD

12. Fly to Cochin / Tropical Kerala
Fly to Cochin, Kochi, in the enchanting state of Kerala, on the southern tip of India. Enjoy a cruise along its inland waterways, followed by a spectacular sunset cruise on the Arabian Sea. A performance of the world-famous Kathakali Dancers precedes dinner tonight. Meals BLD

13. 15th-Century Kochi
Attend a lecture on the unique history and diversity of southern India before exploring Kochi (Cochin). Visit its ancient Jew Town, the Dutch Palace, St. Francis Church and Fort Cochin, India’s oldest European settlement. This evening, go “inside” the private home of a Kerala chef for a cooking demonstration and dinner. Meals BLD

14. Kumarakom Lake Resort at Leisure
Drive through the small villages of coastal Kerala en route to your lakefront resort on the island of Kumarakom for a two-night stay. Join us for an evening of authentic cultural entertainment. Meals BLD

15. Cruise Aboard Kerala Houseboats
Board a traditional houseboat for a luncheon cruise through the beautiful canals of the “Venice of the East.” Attend a martial arts demonstration tonight, showcasing a highly revered ancient tradition. Meals BLD

16. Fly to Mumbai (Bombay)
Fly to Mumbai (Bombay), surrounded on three sides by the Arabian Sea. Your hotel is an architectural masterpiece, blending Moorish, Oriental and Florentine styles. Meals BLD

17. Gateway of India / Elephanta Island
Visit the Gateway of India before taking a cruise to Elephanta Island to see rock-cut caves, sculptures dating to 600 AD and the triple-headed Mahesamurti. Join us for a farewell cocktail reception this evening. Meals BL

18. Journey Home
Tour ends: Mumbai (Bombay). Fly home anytime. A transfer is included from the Taj Mahal Palace & Tower to Sahar International Airport. Most international flights depart between 2:00 – 3:00 AM.

Dates & Prices

*Triples are accommodated in two rooms in most hotels.

International airfare is additional. Call Tauck for special rates on international air, in coach or business, for travel originating in the United States (subject to availability); airport departure tax is additional.

Please ask at time of booking about additional hotel nights before your tour begins and about our comprehensive Guest Protection Plan.
 

Delhi ~ Agra ~ Varanasi ~ Jaipur ~ Udaipur ~ Kerala ~ Mumbai (Bombay)

Tauck Discoveries

See the Taj Mahal at Sunrise
Spend two nights at the luxurious Oberoi Amarvilas hotel in Agra, where you will have the opportunity to view the wondrous Taj Mahal at sunrise and sunset.

Lecture on Spiritual Life in Varanasi
Learn about the spiritual traditions of Varanasi on the River Ganges from a local lecturer who shares insights on this important aspect of Hindu life.

Get a Taste of Daily LIfe in Kerala
Dine at the private home of a Kerala chef, see the Kathakali Dancers perform, and learn the ancient secrets of martial arts during your four-night stay in southern India.

Cruise to Elephanta Island
See the triple-headed Shiva statue, the Mahesamurti, on a cruise to Elephanta Island, designated a UNESCO World Heritage site for its magnificent rock-cut temples.