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ESSENCE OF INDIA PREMIER TOUR 18-DAY ITINERARY, INDIA PREMIER COLLECTION Step back in time and travel through history, discovering ancient sites and learning royal traditions. Make your way through Rajasthan, filled with magnificent forts and palaces, each with their own fascinating royal history. Discover the beauty of the unique temples in Khajuraho before having your own spiritual experience in Varanasi, the center of the Hindu universe. DAYS 1 – 2: FLY TO DELHI Depart on your overnight flight from the U.S. to India. Upon arrival in Delhi, be welcomed by your guide and transferred to your hotel. DAY 3: DELHI Tour the city of Delhi, starting with a drive past the Red Fort, followed by a walk through Chandni Chowk Bazaar. Go to India's largest mosque, Jama Masjid, and the Lakshmi Narayan Hindu Temple. After lunch, view India Gate and visit Gandhi Smriti and Qutub Minar. This evening, dine at the Olive Bar & Kitchen, situated in an ancient Mughal mansion. (B, L, D) DAY 4: DELHI TO UDAIPUR Fly to Udaipur, a city of lakes, palaces, and temples. The afternoon is free at your leisure to relax or enjoy the facilities at your deluxe hotel. (B, L) DAY 5: UDAIPUR This morning, drive around Fateh Sagar Lake and visit the Folk Museum, Mewar Art Gallery, and Sahelion Ki Bari. Tour the City Palace and enjoy a relaxing cruise on Lake Pichola. This evening's meal is on the Sunset Terrace at the Fateh Prakash Palace, with perfect views across Lake Pichola. (B, L, D) DAY 6: UDAIPUR TO JODHPUR This morning, travel to Jodhpur, also known as the Blue City. Stop en route at Ranakpur, built in the 15 th century, and the largest temple complex of the Jain religion in India. (B, L) DAY 7: JODHPUR Tour the city, beginning with the Mehrangarh Fort, Jaswant Thada, and the museum located in the Umaid Bhawan Palace. Enjoy an auto rickshaw ride followed by a leisurely stroll through the Subzi Mandi local market. Later, travel out to the Hanwant Mahal, a former royal residence, for an unforgettable dining experience. (B, L, D) DAY 8: JODHPUR TO JAPIUR Drive to Jaipur and enjoy shopping at a local bazaar located inside the walled city. (B, L) DAY 9: JAIPUR Stop briefly at Hawa Mahal, Palace of the Winds, before continuing to Amer Fort, where Jeeps will take you to the entrance. After lunch, visit the City Palace and Jantar Mantar. This evening, return to the Amer Fort and dine at the 1135 ad restaurant, located inside the highest ramparts of the fort. (B, L, D) N E P A L I N D I A BHUTAN BANGLA- DESH P A K I S T A N C H I N A Delhi/ New Delhi ( 3N ) Jaipur ( 2N ) Agra (1N) Khajuraho (1N) Udaipur (2N) Jhansi Orchha Varanasi (2N) Bharatpur (1N) Ranthambore (2N) Jodhpur (2N) Arabian Sea Bay of Bengal G a n ge s R . 0 400 miles 0 400 km Inbound (1N) Air Coach Rail Dashed lines show alternate routes 52 | Essence of India Premier Tour DAYS 10 – 12: JAIPUR TO AGRA January to May – via Ranthambore Travel to Ranthambore National Park, one of the prime examples of Project Tiger's conservation efforts in Rajasthan. Explore the incredible wildlife and surrounding forest for the next two days on canter safari excursions. On the third day, board a train to Bharatpur. Upon arrival, have lunch and visit Fatehpur Sikri. Later that evening, enjoy the Mohabbat the Taj show at Kalakirti. (B, L, D) September to December – via Bharatpur On departures September to December, the alternative itinerary offers two nights in Bharatpur with a day trip to Keoladeo National Park before arriving in Agra. (B, L, D) DAY 13: AGRA View the Taj Mahal in all its glory as the sun is rising. Later, visit Agra Fort and Sadar Bazaar. (B, L) DAY 14: AGRA TO KHAJURAHO Rise early and board the Shatabdi Express train to Jhansi. Continue by road to Khajuraho, stopping in the medieval city of Orchha and later, enjoy a cultural dance performance. (B, L) DAY 15: KHAJURAHO TO VARANASI Commence your tour of the western group of Khajuraho temples and later, fly to Varanasi. Enjoy a rickshaw ride to the ghats of the River Ganges and witness the Puja ceremony. (B, L) DAY 16: VARANASI Enjoy an early morning boat ride along the River Ganges followed by a city tour of Varanasi. Drive to Sarnath and its Buddhist sites. (B, L) DAY 17: VARANASI TO DELHI Fly to Delhi and enjoy the day at leisure in this dynamic city. (B) DAY 18: DEPART DELHI Transfer to the Delhi airport for your flight back to the U.S. (B)