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24 – www.travelmarvel.com.au – Day 1. Arrive Delhi. Delhi is a city that bridges two different worlds. Old Delhi is a labyrinth of narrow lanes lined with crumbling havelis (private mansions) and formidable mosques. In contrast, New Delhi was created by the British Raj and is composed of spacious, tree-lined avenues and imposing buildings. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. Special Stay – at the luxurious Hyatt Regency. Tonight enjoy a Welcome Reception. Stay (Two Nights): Delhi, Hyatt Regency. D Day 2. Delhi. A guided tour of Delhi begins with a visit to Birla Mandir. Continue to Jama Masjid, which reflects the architectural extravagance of Shah Jahan, the fifth Mughal Emperor. Like a Local – embark on a rickshaw ride through the historic lanes of the Old City. After, see the impressive Red Fort, another creation of Shah Jahan. Enjoy a delicious lunch and visit the soaring tower of Qutub Minar, before returning to your hotel. Later, perhaps explore the Kingdom of Dreams cultural complex and watch a Bollywood performance (see page 36 for details). BL Day 3. Agra. Visit India Gate today, which commemorates the Indian soldiers who died in WW1 and the Anglo- Afghan War of 1919. Then explore historic Humayun's Tomb, a beautiful example of Mughal architecture. Arrive at your hotel in Agra. Stay (Two Nights): Agra, Courtyard by Marriott. B Day 4. Agra, Taj Mahal. Visit the stunning Agra Fort. Next, head to the Taj Mahal for a locally guided tour. See why it is adored as India's ultimate icon and a place of unsurpassed beauty. Delight in a special dinner at Anise set within the Courtyard by Marriott. BD Day 5. Agra, Fatehpur, Jaipur. Perhaps rise early and enjoy a sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal (see page 36 for details). After lunch at Laxmi Vilas Palace, take a tour of the fortified ghost city, Fatehpur Sikri. Then continue on to Jaipur, named the 'Pink City' for its terracotta-coloured buildings and temples. Stay (Two Nights): Jaipur Marriott Hotel. BL Day 6. Jaipur. Like a Local – travel by Jeep to the Amber Fort today, a towering fortress that overlooks the city. Explore Hawa Mahal, a five-storey structure designed to allow ladies of the royal family to see events without being visible. Afterwards, explore Jaipur's City Palace. A Taste of India – learn the traditional Rajasthani style of cooking during a class, then sample your efforts over lunch. BL Day 7. Kolkata, Embark Lower Ganges Cruise, Barrackpore. Fly to Kolkata, then transfer to the brand-new RV Rajmahal for your Lower Ganges River cruise, which will offer an authentic glimpse of the real India. After lunch on board, you will cruise past Serampore to the town of Barrackpore, where you'll disembark for a walking tour. Stay (Seven Nights): the RV Rajmahal. BLD Day 8. Chandernagore, Chinsura, Hooghly. Cruise upstream to Chandernagore and enjoy a walk around town, then cruise on to Chinsura. Later, head to Hooghly. BLD Essence of India 15 Days | Delhi | Agra | Jaipur | Lower Ganges River Cruise | Kolkata YOUR HOLIDAY PRICE INCLUDES § Eight days cruising the Lower Ganges § Services of a Travelmarvel Cruise Director and expert local guides § Transfers, port charges and tipping § Flight within India § 36 fine meals – 14 full breakfasts (B), 11 lunches (L) and 11 dinners (D) § All meals, plus local soft drinks, beers and spirits are included during your cruise, and regional wines are available with lunch and dinner on board § All sightseeing and entertainment aboard the RV Rajmahal INSIDER EXPERIENCES Unwind at the Hyatt Regency in Delhi Take a rickshaw ride through the narrow lanes of Delhi's Old City Ride a Jeep to the Amber Fort in Jaipur Learn how to cook Rajasthani-style at a local Jaipur restaurant Take a cycle rickshaw tour of Kalna Visit the brass-working village of Matiari Explore the beautiful Hazarduari Palace Ride a local train between Farakka and Kolkata for an insight into local life Tantalise your tastebuds during lunch at Oh! Calcutta in Kolkata Relax at Taj Bengal in Kolkata Discover Kolkata on a private tram ride Enjoy an in-depth tour of the World Heritage-listed Agra Fort