Amsterdam and North India Luxury Tour, Dec. 16,2103 - Jan. 3,2014

ITINERARY :

Day 1, Monday, December 16, 2013, Fresno - Amsterdam:

Departure from Fresno with Delta Airlines flight DL7564 at 7.50 am. Arrive in Seattle, WA at 10 am Board the Delta Airlines DL0232 at 1.20 pm to Amsterdam.

Day 2, Tuesday, December 17, Amsterdam:

Arrive in Amsterdam at 8.15 am. Afridi, our Afghan Taxi Driver drove us to Hampshire Hotel, Theater District in Amsterdam, Nassaukade 387-390, Amsterdam - Telephone: 31-20-683 4935. Full day in Amsterdam for visiting the Van Gogh Museum & Rijkmuseum and other places. Overnight in Hampshire Hotel.

Day 3, Wednesday, December 18, Amsterdam:

Full day in Amsterdam for visiting the Rijkmuseum and other places. Overnight in Hampshire Hotel.

Day 4, Thursday, December 19, 2013, Amsterdam - Delhi:

Leave from hotel in Amsterdam at about 9 am. Depart with KLM Airlines flight KL0871 at 12.50 pm.

Day 5, Friday, December 20, 2013, New Delhi:

Arrive in Indira Gandhi International Airport at 1.05 am, our representative will receive us with fresh marigold flower garlands and arrange our transfer to The Le Meridien Hotel (5-star deluxe, located in central Connaught Place Market - this was the commercial center of the British East India Company's new capital just north of the official, political capital) for overnight. Visit Jantar Mantar Asronomical Observatory & Connaught Place. Later enjoy lunch at Sagar Ratna South Indian Restaurant in Ashoka Hotel. Dinner was at an Open Air Restaurant in Vasant Kunj. Overnight in Le Meridien Hotel.

Day 6, Saturday, December 21, 2013, Delhi:

After breakfast drive to the Qutub Minar. This area was the capital of Chauhan Rajput rulers until the second battle of Taraori in 1192 when Prithvi Raj Chauhan was defeated by the Afghan ruler, Muhammad Ghur. The Afghan conqueror returned back to Ghur in Afghanistan after appointing the commander of his army, Qutubuddin Aibak as his governor in Delhi. Soon after Muhammad Ghur was assassinated in Ghur and Qutubuddin Aibak proclaimed himself a sovereign monarch. He was originally a slave of Muhammad Ghur, who rose among the ranks of his army to become his favorite commander. Qutubuddin Aibak destroyed 20 Hindu and Jain temples to use their material to start the construction of Qutub Jami Mosque – oldest Islamic mosque in India. Many Islamic rulers of the Sultanate and later periods added to and repaired this minaret. An iron pillar in the courtyard that never rusts was originally the flag post of a Hindu Vishnu Temple built by Chandragupta II (375 to 417 CE). The Kufic Islamic calligraphy is unique in this mosque because it was sculpted in red sandstone by Hindu artisans under direction of Islamic scholars. The artisans did not know Arabic language and made the endings of letters curved, as they used to do in Brahmi and Devnagri script of Sanskrit language. Later drive past the government buildings of India’s capital, planned & designed by the British architect, Edwin Lutyens and his friend Sir Herbert Baker: Office of Prime Minister, Office of Home Minister, President’s official residence, Parliament House and India Gate.

After lunch at Gulati's restaurant, sightseeing of Humanyun’s Tomb that may have served as inspiration for the architecture of the world famous Taj Mahal in Agra. End the Delhi sightseeing with the grand Jama Masjid that was built by the fifth Mughal Emperor Shahjahan. Later enjoy a thrilling Rickshaw ride in the historic Chandni Chowk Bazaar. Overnight in Le Meridien Hotel.

Day 7, Sunday, December 22, 2013, Delhi-Agra:

After breakfast drive on Yamuna Expressway in about 2.5 hours to Agra and visit the beautiful white marble tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah, designed by the Mughal queen Nur Jahan as a mausoleum for her parents, Mirza Ghiaz Beg and Begum Asmat. This was the first large mausoleum of Mughal period made in white marble and used the art of inlay of semi-precious stones in marble. Unlike the later built Taj Mahal, this building used only the various shades of Jasper stone and black marble for inlay where as in the Taj Mahal, Emperor Shahjahan used a large variety of semi-precious stones.

After lunch in Pinch of Spice Restaurant in Agra, visit the Mausoleum of 3rd. Mughal Emperor Akbar and the Dayalbagh Temple that has been under construction for almost 100 years. Later enjoy a demonstration of the art of inlay of semi-precious stones in marble by descendents of artisans who built the Taj Mahal. Overnight in Grand Wyndham Hotel.

Day 8, Monday, December 23, 2013, Agra:

Early morning be amazed by the unforgettable view of the world famous Taj Mahal in the morning glow of sunrise. It is a mausoleum to commemorate Emperor Shahjahan’s love for his favorite queen, the Shia Persian, Arjumand Bano Begum. She received the title of Mumtaj Mahal. She died delivering her 14th. child outside a battlefield at Burhanpur in central India in 1630. The construction started in 1631 and was completed in 1648 according an inscription on the main gate of the building. The white marble mausoleum was decorated with Pietra Dure motifs – inlay of semi-precious stones like Jasper, Malachite, Lapiz Lazuli, Jade and various shades of Agate etc. After breakfast visit a marble factory to see the traditional craftsmen working on inlay of semi-precious stones in marble.

After lunch at Rio restaurant, sightseeing of the Red Fort built by the third Mughal Emperor Akbar, who was just a teenager when he was placed on the throne of a precarious kingdom. According to the official biography of Emperor Akbar called "Akbarnama", written by his close friend and spiritual partner, Abul Fazl, there were over 500 mansions within the fort of Agra during the reign of Emperor Akbar. The British East India Company took over the western half, tore down many graceful mansions and built barracks for the soldiers instead. Even today this part is occupied by the Indian Army. Emperor's Akbar's grandson, Emperor Shahjahan replaced most of the palaces on the eastern flank of the fort with white marble palaces. Jahangiri Mahal in this fort is the only large palace still left in its original style and architecture - as it was during Emperor Akbar's reign. With his liberal and humane policies, he gained the trust of the majority Hindus and founded the richest empire in the contemporary world covering a vast territory from present day Afghanistan to Assam to the Deccan in the south, and from Gujarat on Arabian Sea to Assam and Bengal (present day state of Bengal in India & Bangladesh) on the Bay of Bengal. His grandson renovated many palaces on the eastern side of the fort, building the luxurious, white marble edifices, where he was confined as a prisoner of his own son, Aurangzeb, during the last eight years of his life. During the reign of Mughal Emperors Akbar, Jahangir and Shahjahan, many historians, travelers and emissaries from Europe visited India and were amazed by the culture and affluence of the vast empire. In the evening there will be a musical concert by Dr. Lovely Sharma, Pundit Debasis Chakroborty accompanied by Tabla and Tanpura, at Hem Santushi, 98 Ellora Enclave, Dayalbagh, Agra-282005. Overnight in Grand Wyndham Hotel.

Day 9, Tuesday, December 24, 2013, Agra – Fatehpur Sikri – Abhineri Village – Jaipur:

After breakfast drive to the capital of Emperor Akbar, Fatehpur Sikri, that was inhabited only for 14 years and then deserted for more than 400 years. Sightseeing of the red sandstone palaces and the white marble mausoleum of a Sufi saint, Sheikh Salim Chistie, who prophesied that Emperor Akbar would have three sons. Later drive to Umed Lake Palace in Dausa for lunch. After lunch visit the Chand Baori in Abhineri village, the world’s deepest Step-well and drive further to Jaipur. On arrival check-in the historical Taj Jai Mahal Palace. Late afternoon enjoy the demonstration of cutting and polishing of colored precious stones, wood block textile printing, woolen carpet weaving etc. Overnight in Marriott Hotel.

Day 10, Wednesday, December 25, 2013, Amber Fort – City Palace – Astronomical Observatory:

After breakfast drive to the walled “Pink City” to visit the Hawa Mahal palace that was built as a parade viewing gallery for the ladies of the royal family. Drive further to the Amber Fort. At the foot of the hill ascend on beautifully decorated elephants for a ride to the hilltop palaces of Mirza Raja Jai Singh and Maharaja Man Singh, who was a close confidant of Emperor Akbar and the commander of Mughal armies for many expeditions. Enjoy a demonstration of Rajasthani Turban wrapping in the Turban Museum of Surabhi Restaurant. After lunch at Surabhi Restaurant visit the City Palace of Jaipur famous for its fine collection of Mughal & Rajasthani miniature paintings. Visit the astronomical observatory built by Sawai Raja Jai Singh in 1734. All except one of its 17 astronomical instruments are still functional. Overnight in Marriott Hotel.

Day 11, Thursday, December 26, 2013, Jaipur – Deogarh Mahal :

After breakfast drive to Deogarh Mahal, built in 1670 by a powerful clan related to the Sisodia Maharanas of Chittorgarh and Udaipur. The palace is tastefully renovated with period furniture and interior decorations. Each room has a different decor. Relax and explore the palace. After lunch enjoy a walk in the alleys of the village surrounding the palace. Dinner and overnight in Deogarh Palace.

Day 12, Friday, December 27, 2013, Deogarh:

Full day to relax and enjoy the palace and its surroundings. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and overnight in Deogarh Mahal.

Day 13, Saturday, December 28, 2013, Deogarh – Udaipur:

After breakfast drive to Udaipur. Check-in the Taj Lake Palace Hotel overlooking Pichola Lake, City Palace & Jag Mandir Lake Palace.

After lunch at Jagat Niwas Palace Hotel, relax on a boat ride and sightseeing of Jag Mandir Lake Palace on an island in Pichola Lake. Begun in 1743 and inaugurated in 1746, the new palace was named Jag Niwas after his highness Maharana Jagat Singh II, 62nd successor to the royal dynasty of Mewar. Maharana Bhagat Singhji of Mewar Dynasty converted this palace in to a hotel in 1963. In 1971 the Taj Group of Hotels took over its management and since then it has been one of the world’s most luxurious, heritage hotels. Overnight in Taj Lake Palace Hotel.

Day 14, Sunday, December 29, 2013, Udaipur :

After breakfast sightseeing of Maharanas’ City Palace and demonstration of the art of miniature painting in the original medieval style in the Maharana’s Art School in the City Palace. The Maharanas of Mewar had their original capital in the present day pilgrimage town of Nagda, 30 kilometers or 19 miles north of Udaipur. It was established by the 1st. Maharana, Guhil, in 568 CE. In the 8th. century CE the capital was moved to Chittor, where the successive Maharanas built the largest Fort and city in contemporary India over remains of a Mauryan, older fort. Already before the sacking of Chittorgarh by Mughal Emperor Akbar, in February 1568 after a long siege that began in October 1567, the plans for a new capital were under way. The construction of the Mewar Dynasty’s City Palace in Udaipur started in 1559 by Maharana Udai Singh and continued by his successors over a period of about 300 years. Today the visitor’s see the Mardana (male section) and Zanana (female section) of the museum part of the palace. Apart from this two other sections of the palace are converted in to hotels: “The Shiv Niwas Palace” and “The Fateh Prakash Palace”. The descendents of the Maharanas of Mewar still reside in one section of the palace.

After lunch in a city restaurant, sightseeing of Jagdish Temple that was constructed by Maharana Jagat Singhji in 1651. Overnight in Taj Lake Palace Hotel.

Day 15, Monday, December 30, 2013, Udaipur – Ranakpur – Jodhpur:

After breakfast drive to Ranakpur for lunch in a local restaurant and sightseeing of the Chowmukha Jain Temple that was built between 1437 and 1458. This Jain temple is one of the finest in India in its design and sculptures. Drive further to Jodhpur. Check-in the Ajit Bhawan Palace Hotel. Sightseeing of the Mehrengarh Fort in the afternoon. Dinner and overnight in Ajit Bhawan Hotel.

Day 16, Tuesday, December 31, 2013, Jodhpur – Pushkar:

After breakfast explore the Umaid Bhawan Palace before the drive to Pushkar and check-in to Pushkar Bagh Resort Hotel. Sightseeing of Brahma Temple & temples on lake side. Pushkar is a popular pilgrimage center for Hindus living in nearby region. Overnight in Pushkar Bagh.

Day 17, Wednesday, January 1, 2014, Pushkar – Samode Palace - Nawalgarh:

After breakfast drive about 3.5 hours to Samode Palace for sightseeing and lunch. Drive further to Nawalgarh for sightseeing of the fort and Havelis (Anandilal Poddar, Bansidhar, Murarka and Chowkhani Havelis) in Nawalgarh and the Roop Niwas Kothi Hotel. Dinner and overnight in Roop Niwas Kothi Hotel.

Day 18, Thursday, January 2, 2014, Nawalgarh - New Delhi:

Day 18, Thursday, January 2, 2014, Nawalgarh - New Delhi: In the morning visit the Havelis (that could not be covered in Day 14). After early lunch drive to New Delhi for farewell dinner in Pllazio Hotel in Gurgaon - the new information technology city south of Indira Gandhi international airport. Around mid-night transfer to airport to board the flight back to Fresno.

Day 19, Friday, January 3, 2014, New Delhi - Amsterdam - Portland (OR) - Fresno:

At 3.15 am board the Delta Airlines Flight DL9438 and arrive in Amsterdam at 7.15 am. Depart with Delta Airlines flight DL0179 at 9.50 am and arrive in Portland (OR) at 11.25 am. The connecting flight from Portland (OR) is at 4 pm and will arrive in 6.15 pm in Fresno Yosemite Airport.

Inclusions:

• - Round trip international flight between Fresno to New Delhi
• - Traditional Indian reception with flower garlands at New Delhi airport
• - 13 overnights hotel accommodation in double / twin room with breakfast and dinner
• - Lunches in city restaurants or hotels during the sightseeing
• - Transfers, Sightseeing and intercity travel by air-conditioned mini-coach
• - Rickshaw ride in Chandni Chowk Bazaar in old Delhi
• - Sound and Light show in Red Fort of Delhi
• - Boat ride over Lake Pichola, Udaipur
• - Elephant ride at Amber fort, Jaipur
• - Battery bus ride for visit of Taj Mahal, Agra
• - 02 Bottles of cold water per day / Person ) in Vehicle during the tour
• - English speaking tour guide as per above programme
• - All Applicable taxes

Not included:

• - India Visa Fees (https://indiavisa.travisaoutsourcing.com/select-application)
• - Single room supplement
• - Travel Insurance
• - Still and Video camera fees at monuments etc.
• - Tips to drivers and guides (please budget about $ 4 per person, each for driver and guide per day)
• - Any personal expenses like laundry, phone call, internet fee or room service in hotels.