Land of the Maharajas (13 Days) 

     Depart North America on your exciting journey to explore the Forts & Places of India.

     Arrive this evening in Delhi, where you are greeted and escorted to JAYPEE SIDDHARTH.

     After a leisurely morning, you will take an afternoon tour of New Delhi. Drive along Rajpath to view the Parliament House, the President’s House and India Gate. Also visit Humayun’s Tomb, Qutab Minar and Birla Temple. (B)

     This morning, your tour of Old Delhi includes Red Fort, Raj Ghat, Ashoka Pillar and the mile-long Chandni Chowk bazaar. This afternoon, drive to Agra, stopping en route at Sikandra to visit the tomb of Emperor Akbar. Upon arrival in Agra, check in at the TRIDENT HILTON AGRA. (B)

     Enjoy an early morning sunrise visit to the magnificent Taj Mahal, a monument to love, followed by a visit to the exquisite 16th-century Agra Fort. Later, drive to Jaipur, stopping en route at the abandoned Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri, a masterpiece of Muslim and Hindu architecture. Continue overland to Jaipur, the capital city of Rajasthan. Check in at TRIDENT HILTON JAIPUR. (B)

     Enjoy a morning visit to the high mountain fortress of Amber. Later, enjoy a tour of Jaipur City, visiting Hawa Mahal, or “Palace of Winds,” City Palace and the ancient observatory. (B)

     Your morning is at leisure. In the afternoon, depart by train to Jodhpur. Upon arrival you are met and transferred to AJIT BHAWAN PALACE. (B)

     In the morning, visit the invincible Mehrangarh Fort and Jaswant Thada, a graceful marble cenotaph built in 1899. In the afternoon, drive to Jaisalmer, a fascinating city that rises from the heart of the Thar Desert like a golden mirage. The commanding fort etched in yellow sandstone stands in awesome splendor. GORBANDH PALACE (B)

     Visit the awesome Jaisalmer Fort, which houses the entire township within its ramparts. Visit the lovely Nathmalji-ki-Haveli, Patwon-ki-Haveli and Salim Singh-ki-Haveli—three beautifully sculpted Jain temples built between the 12th and 13th centuries. No trip to Jaisalmer is complete without a sunset trip to the picturesque sand dunes of Sam and the experience of a camel safari. The ripples on the wind-caressed dunes and the numerous musicians and dancers are a photographer’s delight. (B)

     In the morning, drive to Jodhpur. Upon arrival, check in at AJIT BHAWAN PALACE HOTEL. Afternoon is at leisure. (B)

     This morning depart for Udaipur, stopping en route to tour the beautifully sculpted Jain temples of Ranakpur. Continue your journey, stopping for lunch at Maharani Bagh—a mango grove and the private gardens of the Maharajah of Jodhpur. Arrive in Udaipur and check into TRIDENT HILTON UDAIPUR. (B,L)

     This morning tour the famous “City of Lakes.” Visit City Palace with its scalloped arches, fretted balconies and cupolas, Saheliyon ki Bari, or Garden of the Maidens, and the folklore museum where you can see a presentation of the string puppets typical to this area. (B)

     This morning, fly to Mumbai (formerly Bombay), the most cosmopolitan city in India. Upon arrival in Mumbai, tour the city, including the British-built arch “Gateway of India,” the Hanging Gardens, the affluent community of Malabar Hills, the Prince of Wales Museum, Dhobi Ghat, Marine Drive, the Gandhi Memorial Museum and Jain Temple. Check in at RAMADA INN, where a room will be available for a few hours so you can wash up and change clothes. Later in the evening, bid farewell to India and depart on your international flight. (B)