Day-By-Day Itinerary

 

This itinerary can be fully customized; to tailor this package to your specific requirements please call one of our travel specialists at 1-800-22-SWAIN.

 

Day 1 Fly USA to New Delhi 

Please note international air from the USA has not been included in the package price.

Day 2 Welcome to New Delhi, India

The Golden triangle of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur is a microcosmic representation of India. Delhi is the harmonious osmosis of power and heritage. Agra is immersed in soft romanticism and Rajasthan confronts you with its fierce magnificence. The golden triangle has beckoned travelers for centuries. The sights and the sounds are intrinsically Indian and something that one can savor for years to come. 

You will be met and assisted at the International airport by our representative upon arrival and transferred to your hotel. 

The story of Delhi is about wealth and who held the keys to that wealth. From the native sons of Hindusthan who fought over it to the foreigners who plundered, crushed and rebuilt their own Delhi each time. The British also delivered a blow by changing the capital to Calcutta (Kolkatta) but later changed back to Delhi in 1911. After independence a New Delhi was crowned the capital of a free India, fulfilling a destiny that confirmed that history will always be determined in this city. Spread across the city from the posh colonies in the south to the unchanged mohallas of the north, Delhi is both a trip into the past and a survey of the present. 

Day 3 Tour - New Delhi city tour

Commence your combined sightseeing tour of the famous historical sights in Old and New Delhi, visiting the Raj Ghat - memorial of Mahatma Gandhi. Drive past the Red Fort (1639-48) built by the builder of The Taj Mahal - Shah Jehan; visit Jama Mosque - the largest mosque in India; the Qutab Minar (72 m high) - one of the most perfect towers of the Persian world. End the tour with a drive along the ceremonial avenue - Rajpath, past the imposing India Gate, Parliament House and President's Residence. 

Day 4 Transfer New Delhi to Agra

The drive today is around 5 hours.

Agra is famous the world over as the home of the magnificent Taj Mahal which is one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The city is also laden with smaller architectural treasures. It is famous for marble carvings, semi-precious stones, and silk embroidery. This charming city never ceases to amaze with its heady mix of history and culture. 

Day 5 Tour - Taj Mahal and Agra Fort tour

The Taj Mahal is an extravagant marble monument of love, built by Shah Jahan in 1653 as a memorial to his queen Mumtaz Mahal. This beautiful mausoleum in pure white marble took 22 years and 22000 craftsmen to build. 

The tour also includes a visit to the Agra Fort, the original red sandstone fort built by Moghul Emperor Akbar in 1565, whose maze of courtyards; a marble mosque and private chambers reflect the grandeur of the Mughal Empire. Sikandra the tomb of Emperor Akbar and Itmad Ud Daula are also a part of this tour. 

Day 6 Transfer Agra to Jaipur

The drive today is around 6 hours. Enroute you will visit Fatehpur Sikri.  This deserted, red sandstone city, built by Emperor Akbar, between 1570 and 1585, now glows in its magnificent past.  Also visit the Bulund Darwaza (The Gate of Victory), set in the south wall. In the northern part of the courtyard is the superb white marble tomb of Sheik Salim Chishti, built in 1570. Legend says, Akbar was without a male heir, he made a pilgrimage to this spot, and the saint foretold the birth of Akbar's son, Jehangir. In gratitude Akbar named his son Salim. 

Jaipur - The capital of Rajasthan, this picturesque city is a symphony in pink, a color that symbolizes hospitality in Rajput culture. Built by Raja Jai Singh in the 18th century it is surrounded by hills topped with rugged fortresses and dotted with fairy tale palaces. Ambling camels and brightly dressed peasants, reflect Jaipur's desert heritage while teeming markets display a profusion of handlooms and crafts. Come visit the city of love, legends and lore. 

While Jaipur's attractions are numerous, nothing can beat being on its princely trail. One can live in the Palaces of erstwhile Maharaja's which are now converted in to heritage hotels or simply visit the numerous forts and Palaces which dot this pink city. From the City Palace to the smaller havelis like Narayan Niwas, each residence has grandeur and a majesty which can only be experienced. 

Day 7 Tour - Jaipur city tour and Amber Fort

The Amber Fort is one of the most magnificent destinations in Jaipur and is situated on the rugged hills outside the town. It is an example of fascinating blend of Hindu and Muslim architecture built in red sandstone and white marble. The highlight of the fort is the Seesh Mahal (mirror Palace), a palace known for its craftsmanship in mirrors. 

Amber is the classic romantic Rajasthani fort palace. It was the ancient capital of the Kachhwaha Rajputs until Sawai Jai Singh II moved down the hill to his newly created capital, Jaipur. This is one of the most magnificent destinations located on the hills just outside Jaipur. It was built by Raja Man Singh in 1600 AD and completed by Sawai Jai Singh in the 18th century. 

Visitors riding painted elephants can ascend to the Fort to see magnificent gateways, courtyards, pavilions, and a glittering chamber of inlaid mirrors. It also locates in itself large ramparts, terraces and pavilions. Painted scenes of hunting and war adorn the walls with precious stones and mirrors set into the plaster. In the foreground is the Maota Lake with breathtaking reflections of the magnificent Amber Fort Palace. 

Tour the walled city of Jaipur, a shopper’s paradise famous for handicrafts, jewelry and the list goes on. Visit the unique Jantar Mantar magnificent stone observatory built by Raja Jai Singh in 1728. The Hawa Mahal, the intriguing Palace of Winds which is really a facade built in 1799, to allow royal ladies to view the city from the windows. Continue the tour to visit the City Palace, former royal residence built in a blend of Rajasthani and Mughal style. Its museums offer an excellent collection of miniature paintings, costumes and armory.  A part of this Palace is still in use by the present royal family as their official residence. 

Day 8 Transfer Jaipur to Delhi

The drive today is around 6 hours.

Delhi is the capital of modern India. Many dynasties and rulers have flourished on its regal soil over the last 3000 years. The legacy still survives in many monuments varying from the 13th century mausoleums of the Lodi Kings to that of India’s Parliament House and the Presidential Estate.  Here medieval palaces and bazaars exist beside a modern metropolis. 

Day 9 Fly New Delhi to USA

Transfer to the airport for your departure flight.