A Portrait of India (18 Days) 

     Tour begins: The Oberoi, New Delhi. Transfer from Delhi International Airport to your landmark hotel, The Oberoi, New Delhi, renowned for gracious service; it's set right in the heart of the city. Due to flight schedules, you will probably arrive at the hotel after midnight local time. You may want to travel a day early to ease the effects of jet lag and relax a bit before Tauck’s India travel experience starts – just mention this at the time of booking.

     Explore India’s capital city with an insider guide; a sightseeing excursion shows you the Secretariat buildings, Parliament House, Presidential Palace, and India Gate, commemorating Indian and British soldiers. Stop at the Mahatma Gandhi National Museum, paying tribute to the inspiring leader who forced change through non-violent protest. Visit two UNESCO World Heritage Sites – the 234-foot-high sandstone Qutb Minar Victory Tower, built in 1193, and Humayun’s Tomb, set in beautiful gardens. This Mughal creation popularized Persian-influenced architecture and was an inspiration for the Taj Mahal. Discuss favorite sights at the welcome dinner. (B,L,D)

     In GeoPassage's India travel by rickshaw past colorful bazaars, sacred temples, and colonial monuments through the winding streets of Old Delhi, the capital of Muslim India from the 12th through the 19th centuries. See the sumptuous Red Fort palaces, the symbol of Indian nationhood. Visit India’s largest mosque, the white marble Jama Masjid, and see Rajghat, Mahatma Gandhi’s cremation site. Spend the afternoon as you wish. (B,D)

     Fly to the ancient city of Varanasi built on the banks of the sacred River Ganges. Since 6 BC, this city has been a key destination for pilgrims who seek blessing and purification in the river’s holy waters. A sightseeing tour visits Sarnath, where Buddha gave his first sermon, and the National Museum, home to a priceless sculpture collection dating back to the 3rd century BC. Tonight, take a boat ride in the River Ganges and witness ceremonies amidst hundreds of lighted candles and flower offerings – one of the many highlights of GeoPassage's India travel experience. (B,L,D)

     Rise early for a cruise on the Ganges River to view the Varanasi sunrise ceremonies on the Ganges. A local lecturer provides insight into Hindu life and the spiritual rituals of the Ganges and Varanasi. Fly to Khajuraho, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home of impressive Chanella temples, for an overnight stay. (B,L,D)

     In northern India travel to historic Orchha, where ancient palaces, temples and cenotaphs speak volumes about Mughal royalty. Today, the ruins are home to briliant green parakeets. Travel aboard a train to Agra today, home of the magnificent Taj Mahal. Your luxurious Oberoi hotel offers a privileged view of this stunning man-made wonder. (B,L,D)

     An early morning visit to the Taj Mahal is followed by an excursion to the walled imperial city of Fatehpur Sikri for in-depth exploration of this remarkably preserved site. In the afternoon, take a guided tour of the massive red sandstone Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Inside, witness the medieval lifestyles of 16th- and 17th-century Mughal emperors. (B,L,D)

     Arrive in Jaipur for a two-night stay at one of the top ten hotels in the world, The Oberoi Rajvilas. See the sights of Jaipur today, including the City Palace Museum and the Jantar Mantar Observatory. Attend a special evening fit for royalty tonight. (B,L,D)

     Today on GeoPassage's India travel experience, view Jaipur’s sightseeing gems, including the massive gateways and pillared pavilions of Amber Fort. Tour Amber Palace, and enjoy an afternoon at leisure. (B,L,D)

     Fly to Udaipur where a tranquil cruise on Lake Pichola takes in views of island palaces, ancient temples along the shore, and the old walled city. Enjoy a two-night stay amidst the romance and splendor of your palatial lakefront resort. (B,L,D)

     Visit the 18th-century fountain gardens of Saheliyon ki Bari, and the Jagdish Mandir Temple. View the City Palace, a labyrinth of richly decorated courtyards, frescoed galleries, and marble temples. Learn the art of dressing in a sari and turban this afternoon. (B,L,D)

     En route to southern India travel by airplane to Kochi (Cochin) in the state of Kerala, home to coconut groves, paddy fields, wide beaches, and canal waterways. Enjoy a spectacular sunset cruise on the Arabian Sea prior to dinner at leisure in your hotel. (B,L,D)

     Kochi (Cochin) dates back to the 15th century, boasting myriad historic sites. After a lecture on southern India's unique heritage and cultural diversity, see the Dutch Palace, Jew Town, St. Francis Church, and Fort Cochin, the oldest European settlement in India. Visit the home of an acclaimed Kerala chef for a cooking demonstration and dinner this evening. (B,L,D)

     Explore the small villages of coastal Kerala as you make your way to your lakefront resort on the picturesque island of Kumarakom, a special GeoPassage India travel delight. Enjoy local cultural entertainment tonight. (B,L,D)

     Board unique houseboats for a cruise along the canals of Kerala, often referred to as the "Venice of the East." Attend an unforgettable martial arts demonstration tonight; there is no other ancient martial practice in the world that can compete with its training system and application techniques. (B,L,D)

     Fly to the "City of Gold," Mumbai (Bombay), surrounded on three sides by the Arabian Sea. Explore this legendary city during a two-night stay at your landmark waterfront hotel adjacent to the triumphal Gateway of India. (B,L,D)

     Visit the Gateway of India, and then cruise to Elephanta Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Marvel at the rock-cut cave temples with sculptured interiors dating back to the 6th century. A highlight is the Mahesamurti, a triple-headed Shiva statue. Following an afternoon spent as you please, join us this evening for a farewell cocktail reception. (B,L)

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