INDEPENDENT SPIRIT OF INDIA

Visit India

1 ARRIVE IN MUMBAI, INDIA

Welcome to India! Your hotel is available for mid-afternoon check-in.

2 MUMBAI

Your private guided sightseeing starts with an orientation for photos at some of the city's famous sites, including Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus and the Gateway of India. Then, witness Mumbai's fascinating tiffen lunch box delivery system. At Churchgate Station, the dabbawalas (box carriers) transfer the lunch boxes onto a wooden cart on a local train. Board the train for the short ride to Mahalaxmi Station where you'll disembark and watch the boxes being sorted by colour for final delivery. Lastly, stop to see a traditional Dhobi Ghat (open-air laundromat) and visit Mani Bhavan, the former residence of Mahatma Gandhi. (B,L)

3 MUMBAI-VARANASI

Today, fly to Varanasi, the holiest of Hindu pilgrim cities. (B)

4 VARANASI

Around dawn, board a boat and watch a striking religious ritual-the Hindus' devotional bathing in the Ganges. You'll observe hundreds of pilgrims gathered at the river's edge, some practicing yoga, others meditating, and still others bathing fully clothed. Return to your hotel for breakfast and some time at leisure. Early this evening, witness the Ganga Aarti (spiritual worship) on the ghats (steps) leading down to the sacred Ganges River. (B)

5 VARANASI-DELHI

Today, fly to Delhi, India's capital city. (B)

6 DELHI

Your private guided sightseeing tour starts with an orientation drive to see the Red Fort, Jama Masjid, India Gate, and the Presidential Palace. Afterward, take a rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk, a captivating local bazaar. Here, ancient alleyways are lined with quaint shops selling all sorts of goods and souvenirs-from silver and saris to spices and electronics. (B,L)

7 DELHI-AGRA

This morning, explore Delhi on a private guided tour. Start at Qutub Minar, the world's tallest brick minaret. Next, visit Humayun's Tomb and Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, Delhi's largest and most prominent Sikh gurudwara (house of worship). After lunch, drive to Agra, where much of the city's impressive past is still evident in the majesty of her buildings. (B,L)

8 AGRA

Meet your Local Guide for a special visit to the incomparable Taj Mahal at sunrise. This extravagant marble monument was built by Moghul Emperor Shah Jahan as a memorial to his beloved wife, who died during childbirth. In the afternoon, a private guided tour brings you to Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built by Moghul Emperor Akbar, this impressive fortress of red sandstone conceals the imperial city of the Moghul rulers and its many palaces. Today's I-Time Tips

Explore more on your own or join an optional excursion to Itmad-ud-Daula, the city's beautiful "Baby Taj." (B)

9 AGRA-JAIPUR

Today, drive to Jaipur, often referred to as the "Pink City." After lunch, visit Jantar Mantar and explore the City Palace Museum with its collection of paintings, carpets, weapons, and costumes. Lastly, visit Ladli, a training program teaching orphaned and destitute children valuable skills to keep them off the streets. Here learn about the project, interact with the children, and help them practice their English skills. (B,L)

10 JAIPUR

Visit the legendary Amber Fort, known as the "Sleeping Beauty of Rajasthan." This fortress-palace was built entirely of white marble and red sandstone, and features intricate mosaics, carvings, paintings, and mirror works. Today's I-Time Tips

Join a guide for a walking tour through old Jaipur. (B)

11 JAIPUR-DELHI

Today, drive back to Delhi. (B)

12 DELHI

Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

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