Day 1 - Delhi (Thursday).
Welcome to Delhi, a monumental city with a vibrant mix of old and new teeming bazaars, stately British boulevards, powerful Mughal palaces and forts, and intricate, ethereal towers, temples and tombs. You will be warmly greeted on arrival at the international airport by our local staff, and swiftly escorted by private vehicle to our luxury hotel, the 5-star Le Meridien.

One of the finest new hotels in Delhi, Le Meridien is conveniently located in the heart of the city, not far from India Gate and fashionable Connaught Place. The look inside is contemporary and the service is superb. Guest rooms are spacious and feature air-conditioning, cable TV, direct dial telephone, high speed internet access, mini bar/fridge, coffee/ tea maker, safety deposit box, and a hairdryer in the private bath. Other facilities include 8 restaurants and lounges, a fitness center, Ayurveda Spa, and rooftop pool. Once at the hotel, you are free to relax. Since many flights arrive late in the day, it will be off to bed, with the first of many exciting days ahead of us in the morning.

(Dinner)

Day 2 - Delhi (Friday).
Our introduction to India begins in the hustle and bustle of Old Delhi, the Mughal capital established by Shah Jahan in 1638. Enjoy a cycle rickshaw ride through the narrow lanes of Chandni Chowk, the spine of Old Delhi that houses the spice market and jeweler's lane. The famous Red Fort, a marvel in red sandstone, is where Jawaharlal Nehru unfurled the flag of newly-independent India on August 15, 1947. Across the way is the Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India where 20,000 people can pray at one time. We will visit Raj Ghat, the serene and evocative cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi, on whose principals of nonviolence gave India her freedom from the British.

After a break for lunch, we will drive through the elegant boulevards of New Delhi. A visit to the Qutub Minar reveals a stunning 240-foot minaret that is the tallest in the world, and surrounded by an elaborate complex built in the Indo-Islamic architectural tradition. The distinctively shaped Lotus Temple - an architectural wonder in marble - is a symbol of purity and peace, and is only one of nine Bahai temples in the world. We will stop to view India Gate, a World War I memorial, and then on to see the Rashtrapati Bhawan, the Presidential Palace. Completed in 1929, this palatial building on the Raisina Hill was formerly the Viceroy's House during British rule.

(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 3 - Delhi (Saturday).
After a leisurely breakfast, we will have a special walking tour, sponsored by the Salaam Baalak Trust and their Project For Street Children. The Trust operates five 24-hour full-care shelters for disadvantaged youth, one devoted just to girls. These shelters provide the children with security and a sense of home. The kids are instilled with social values, acquiring the dignity of independence, decision-making, and responsibility. In furthering the education of these children, the Trust has developed a guided walking tour that is safe and secure, and led by children who have been fully trained as guides. Nobody knows Delhi's back streets better than the young people who once lived there. We will go together as a group, allowing the kids to show us the sights. It is also a great opportunity for them to improve their communication skills. Our tour is covering the cost of the walk, with all proceeds going directly to the Trust for the street children.

For those who wish to have the full day at leisure for other interests, you are welcome to do so. Delhi is a paradise for shoppers. Here you can buy almost anything from anywhere in India. Explore the main street in Karol Bagh or venture to the trendy Khan Market. You may choose to travel by auto rickshaw or enjoy the convenience of the Delhi Metro, one of the best and newest rail transportation systems in the world!

Later in the day, we will regroup to meet a successful woman entrepreneur for Chai and Chat! While sharing an essential cup of Indian tea, we will enjoy the opportunity to talk about life in India, the challenges for women in business, and the day-to-day domestic issues that she faces. So often it is not surprising to find numerous similarities in our lives.

(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 4 - Delhi / Varanasi (Sunday).
After breakfast we depart on a mid-morning flight to the ancient city of Varanasi, the center of Hindu culture. There is no Indian city quite like Varanasi . . . no architectural splendors, no exquisitely carved palaces or impregnable forts, and yet the city has an inherent fascination from its location on the west side of the River Ganges. A holy city dedicated to Shiva, Varanasi has survived the centuries because of its sanctified place in Indian religious life. Here, the bathing ghats are always bustling with life. Our hotel is the 4-star Ramada JHV, an oasis located 15 minutes from the city center. With 120 stylish guest rooms that overlook the city of Varanasi or a lush green lawn, the hotel features contemporary décor and world class service. Amenities include a plush bed, marble bathroom, high-speed Internet access, dual-line telephone, safe, coffee/tea maker, and complimentary use of the fitness center, swimming pool, sauna, steam and Jacuzzi. Dining choices offer 3 restaurants, 2 lounges and 24-hour room service.

Later this afternoon, we will take an excursion to the Buddhist pilgrimage site of Sarnath where Lord Buddha preached his first sermon. In the museum, we will see excavated pillars from the Maurya dynasty dating from 323-185 B.C., along with ancient stupas, the mound-like structures containing ancient relics. At dusk, we will take a public boat cruise on the sacred river to witness the intriguing Aarti Ceremony, a collective prayer ritual, and to watch the spectacular sight of floating oil lamps. As the sun begins to set, plating the river with gold, bells and gongs ring out, and chants fill the air. Rows of religious celebrants hold plates of flaming ghee, a kind of Indian clarified butter, and moving them in a circular salutation to the Goddess of the River. Offerings of lamps and flowers are made to the river immediately following this ceremony in what can only be described as an incredibly moving sight.

(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).

Day 5 - Varanasi (Monday).
Early the next morning, we will experience another amazing ritual. From a sunrise boat cruise on the Ganges you will see thousands of pilgrims gathering on the ghats to bathe in the sacred river. Prayers are offered to the rising sun as the city comes alive in the misty light of dawn. Following a late breakfast, we will take a walk through the narrow lanes of the Old City, seeing Bharat Mata Mandir, the holy shrine dedicated to Mother India, and Benaras Hindu University, an internationally renowned institution of education.

This afternoon experience the multi-hued arts and crafts of Varanasi. Accompanied by an expert you will visit a local Silk workshop and sari market where we will arrange a special saree tying session!

(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 6 - Varanasi / Khajuraho (Tuesday).
Feel the spirit move you this morning at a Yoga class with a master instructor. Later we will transfer to Varanasi airport for our short flight to Khajuraho. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Khajuraho was once the religious capital of the Chandela Rajputs, a Hindu dynasty that ruled here from the 10th to the 12th centuries. Built over a span of a hundred years, from 950 to 1050, the original complex had over 80 medieval Hindu temples enclosed by a wall with eight gates, each flanked by two golden palm trees. Twenty two of the sandstone temples now stand in a reasonable state of preservation. They are scattered over an area of 8 square miles and are divided into Western & Eastern Temple sections. Famous for their erotic sculptures depicting scenes from the Kama Sutra, the temples are a reminder of a society that believed in the full enjoyment of life, with all the senses being a path to nirvana. The complex was just discovered in the 20th century after being reclaimed from jungle. The remote location of Khajuraho saved the temples from harm by Muslim invaders and as a result, the intricately fine carvings are in very good condition and are said to represent life in heaven.

Tonight we stay at the 4-star Radisson Jass, a hotel that is renowned for 5-star service. Located amidst lush gardens and beautiful scenery, our boutique hotel has just 86 guest rooms that are tastefully decorated and comfortably furnished. Amenities include air-conditioning, direct dial telephone, flat screen plasma TV, WiFi access, mini bar, coffee/tea maker, safe, and a hair dryer in the private bath. In addition to 24-hour room service, there is a multi-cuisine restaurant, cocktail lounge, business center, fitness center, and a gorgeous outdoor pool.

For those interested, there is a fascinating Sound & Light Show every evening at the Western Group of Temples that documents the history and culture of Khajuraho over the past 4,000 years. The hotel is close to the temples and you can easily attend the show after dinner.

(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).

Day 7 - Khajuraho / Jhansi / Agra (Wednesday).
After breakfast we head for Jhansi, a drive that will take about 5 hours. En-route we will stop to visit Orchha, the capital of the Bundela Rajputs between 1531 and 1783. Set on the banks of the beautiful Betwa River, Orchha is a picturesque site with grand palaces and temples that retain much of their pristine perfection, appearing captured in stone and frozen in time. When we arrive at the Jhansi Railway Station we will board the Shatabdi Express for a two-and-a-half hour train ride in air-conditioned comfort. Arrival in Agra will be about 8:30 pm.
We will check into the 5-star Jaypee Palace Hotel, a glorious structural blend of red sandstone and marble, that is spread over 25 acres of elegantly landscaped greenery. Sprinkled with little lakes and endless walkways, the resort impeccably blends Mughal and contemporary architecture with modern amenities. Guest rooms are luxurious, and equipped with central air-conditioning, digital TV, direct dial telephones, Wi-fi access, safe, iron/ ironing board, a coffee/tea maker, and minibar. Facilities include a swimming pool set amidst pergolas and exotic flowerbeds. There is a health club, Turkish Bath, Ayurvedic Spa, beauty salon, putting greens, 2 restaurants and bars, plus a disco.

(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 8 - Agra (Thursday).
Best known as the city of the world's most famous monument of love, Agra attracts thousands of tourists every day from all over the world. Before daybreak we will visit the Taj Mahal, a seventh wonder of the world, to witness its shifting facades at sunrise. The words Taj Mahal translates as Crown Palace. As we tour this amazing monument, we will hear the story of another great Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan, who commissioned the "Taj" as a memorial to his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. With its magnificent setting on the banks of the River Yamuna, the Taj Mahal took 22 years to build and was completed in 1653. It has been called the most extravagant shrine ever built as a tribute to love.

After breakfast back at the hotel, we will explore elegant Agra Fort. Also known as Red Fort, another work of Akbar the Great, who built it over the course of eight years (1565-1573). The high red stone monument is notable for its smooth blending of Hindu and Asian ancestral architectural styles. The fort was successively occupied by Emperors Jahangir and Shah Jahan; the latter died here, imprisoned by his son and left to gaze at the Taj Mahal he had built.

A short visit to the Mother Teresa Home Missionaries of Charity will allow those interested to meet the nuns at the orphanage who devote their lives to the homeless children of India. Most of the orphans are girls who are more frequently abandoned at birth. The dire poverty of these unwanted children is heartbreaking, and this visit is therefore optional. No one at the missionary will ask you for a cash donation. It is not wanted. Rather, if you wish to contribute something of value, a simple set of sheets that you pack in your luggage would be greatly appreciated.

Dinner tonight is again at leisure, and as dining in India is very economical, there will be many choices for the group to choose from. Later, we will enjoy a special screening of a historical film based on the famous love story between the Mogul Emperor Shah Jahan and a beautiful Hindu Princess. This is a true "Bollywood" experience!

(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)!

Day 9 - Agra / Jaipur (Friday).
After breakfast we will drive to Jaipur. En route, we will stop at Fatehpur Sikri, the early abandoned capital of the Mughal Empire between 1570 and 1586. The great Mughal Emperor Akbar built this city to celebrate the birth of his son and future heir to the throne, Emperor Jahangir. While Akbar is believed to have been illiterate, he took great interest in the arts and architecture. Under his rule, Agra became a leading center of art, science, commerce and culture. Fatehpur Sikri is one of his masterworks. Sadly, it served as a capital for little more than a decade, and was eventually abandoned for lack of accessible water.

By afternoon we will arrive at the "Pink City" of Jaipur. The origin of this nickname becomes immediately apparent as we enter the old city walls and greet the pink-colored buildings that rise at every turn. We will stop to visit a local school to meet the students and the their female teachers. The kids will proudly show us the various projects they are working on and the teachers will discuss their methods of instruction.

As the capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur has a timeless appeal in its colorful bazaars which are complemented by gardens, parks, and monuments of astonishing beauty. While here we will make time to visit the bazaars and shops, famous for its array of shopping and multitude of bargains. The state of Rajasthan is renowned for its colorful hand-block printed textiles, carpets, antiques, blue and white pottery, silver jewelry, semi-precious stones, and jootis, those embroidered and beaded shoes with turned up toes that are made from camel leather. Another popular item is a painted copy on silk of traditional miniatures featuring gods from the Hindu pantheon, such as Krishna, that roll up into a light package.

Our hotel for the next two nights is the Fortune Select Metropolitan. The hotel offers a complete set of modern amenities from in-room services like high speed internet access, tea/coffee maker, 24-hrs room service, mini bar, electronic safe, LCD TV, hair dryer, electronic weighing measure, direct dial STD/ISD, iron & ironing board, daily newspaper. Additional facilities include a roof top swimming pool, sun deck and fitness center with steam room.

(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 10 - Jaipur (Saturday).
Located a short distance outside of the city is Amber Fort and Palace. Enroute we will stop to see the grand Hawa Mahal, the Palace of Winds. This magnificent five story structure was built with 953 windows to allow the royal ladies of the court to discretely watch the grand processions along the main street without being observed.

Perched on a hillside on the outskirts of town, Amber Fort and Palace was constructed in the 1590s by Maharaja Man Singh, the commander of Akbar's army, who chose the location for its highly defendable location. This is a beautiful and very well preserved structure, built on four levels and surrounded by ruins. It served as the backdrop for the Mira Nair movie "Kama Sutra: A Tale of Love." Upon arrival it is customary to ride the highly decorated caparisoned elephants up to the fort, Maharaja-style. However, the elephants are licensed and highly regulated, and it is possible at a moment's notice to be informed that the daily quota has been met. In that case, we will be transferred via jeep.

Continue to the City Palace Museum, which has a priceless collection of antiques, costumes and armory of the Mughals and Rajputs including swords of different shapes and sizes with chiseled handles. It also has an art gallery which displays a collection of miniature paintings, carpets, royal paraphernalia and rare astronomical works in Arabic, Persian, Latin and Sanskrit. We will visit the Jantar Mantar Observatory, a UNESCO World heritage site - a stone astrological and astronomical Observatory built by Maharaja Jai Singh in the 18th century.

Post lunch we will explore the bazaars of Jaipur during our Old Jaipur tour. The bazaars between the Badi (Large) and Chhoti (Small) Chaupar (Square) in the old city of Jaipur feature some of the best photo opportunities that the city has to offer. Your guide will lead you through the labyrinth of colorful alleys where artisans make puppets, bangles, and other local handicrafts. You tour guide can arrange for a Henna application by trained artists.

Tonight our farewell dinner will be a traditional Rajasthani feast. The cuisine of Rajasthan is primarily vegetarian, using lovely spices, curry, dried fruit and sweets . . . certainly a delicious celebration of our final night in India.

(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).

Day 11 - Jaipur / Delhi (Sunday).
This morning after breakfast we will make our way back to Delhi for an expected arrival at the international airport by 2:00 pm. From here, we bid farewell to one another as we take our flights back home. Most airlines schedule westbound flights to Europe and North America after 9:00 pm so you are in plenty of time to make your best selection. For anyone extending on our Southern Jewels tour, you can plan on departing Delhi for Chennai any time after 4:00 pm. Please let us know if we can assist in making flight arrangements for you.

(Breakfast).