Included Tours in , The following itinerary lists details of the included tours. There are no tours planned for day 3, so you may either relax at the hotel, explore the city on your own, or choose an optional tour. Please note that the is a 3-4 hour drive from Delhi (depending on traffic), so day 4 will be a very long day. We highly recommend the optional tour that extends your stay in from one to two days, providing a more relaxed visit to the Taj Mahal.

DELHI DAY 1 (Wed. April 19): Arrive to Delhi Check-in to the hotel and spend the evening at your leisure.

DELHI DAY 2 (Thurs. April 20): City Tour of Old and New Delhi After breakfast, enjoy a guided city-tour of Old & New Delhi.

In Old Delhi visit the historic (only photo stop from outside) – Shah Jehan’s elegant citadel in red sandstone. Very near the Fort is the Jama Masjid (Friday Mosque), India’s largest mosque, also built by . Take an interesting walking tour through the famous bazaars of Chandni Chowk, which is adjacent to both the Fort and the Mosque. Also visit Raj Ghat – the memorial to Mahatma Gandhi.

In New Delhi visit India Gate, the memorial of the First World War and the road that leads from there to President House, which is flanked by the houses of Parliament and the Government Secretariat buildings. Visit the Qutub Minar, a Tower of Victory that was built in the 12th century by Qutbuddin Aibak, and Lotus Temple – although the temple belongs to the Baha’i sect, is open to people of all faiths.

DELHI DAY 3 (Fri. April 21): Day at Leisure, Optional Tours Available (see page 2-3)

DELHI DAY 4 (Sat. April 22): Day Excursion to Agra and the Taj Mahal This is a long day, but well worth the trip! Lunch is included. If you prefer to spend two days in Agra instead of one, please see page 2.

7:00 am: After an early Breakfast at the hotel; drive to Agra.

AGRA is a medieval city situated on the banks of the Yamuna River in the northern state of . It finds mention in the epic Mahabharata when it was called Agrabana, or Paradise. Ptolemy, the famous 2nd century geographer, marked it on his map of the world as Agra. It is generally accepted that Sultan Sikandar Lodi, the Ruler of Delhi Sultanate founded it in the year 1504.

10:30 am: Arrive in Agra. Visit Taj Mahal &

Sightseeing of Taj Mahal. The Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan built the Taj Mahal in the memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaj Mahal. Taj Mahal, the epitome of love and romance stands on the banks of river Yamuna. The architecture is considered as the finest specimen of Mughal style of architecture. The architecture is highly inspired from different styles of architecture, which includes Persian, Indian and Turkish. Considered as a world heritage monument and one of the wonders of the world, Taj Mahal architecture is truly splendid and one of its kind in the world. The design & layout of Taj Mahal never fails to enrapture architects, engineers, historians as well as common man.

After, visit Agra Fort, which is among the finest examples of the fusion architecture that has dominated the Mogul period. The assimilation of these different styles has given the buildings within the fort a distinctive look. To name a few, for example, the Palace built by is the most magnificent blend of Persian and local style whereas -e-Aam mixes subtleness of Turkish exteriors with the complex pattern of Persian architecture. stayed in the fort in the palace of Ibrahim. He built a baoli (step well) in it.

2:30 pm – Drive back to Delhi 6:00 pm – Arrive back at the Delhi hotel.

Optional Tours in Delhi, India Day 3 of your Itinerary

OPTION 1: Book a tour or explore on your own

For your free day in Delhi (Friday, April 21, 2017), take a cooking class, visit the Akshardham Temple... There’s lots to do!

CLICK TO SEARCH TOURS

OPTION 2: Turn your day trip to Agra into a 2-DAY EXPERIENCE

The standard VIP visits Agra in one day, thus leaving a free day in Delhi for those who want more independence. However, it’s a 3-4 hour drive each way (depending on traffic), which leaves just enough time to visit the Taj Mahal, have lunch, visit Agra Fort, and then head back. It’s a very long day (approx. 11hr), but it is doable. However, we know that most of you didn’t travel all the way to India to rush through your Taj Mahal visit, which is why we are offering and highly recommend this Agra extension. By using your free day in Agra instead of Delhi, not only will you spend more time at the Taj Mahal, but you’ll also gain the opportunity to see it at its best, during sunrise. You’ll have time for shopping in Agra, still visit the Agra Fort, plus visit an Elephant Care and Conservation Center. And don’t worry about hauling your luggage back and forth, your room is Delhi is still yours, no checking in and out, so you can leave your luggage in the room and only pack a small overnight bag for Agra.

DAY 3: 21 Apr’17 (Fri) DELHI - AGRA . After a leisurely breakfast at your hotel in Delhi, drive to Agra. . On arrival, check in at Agra hotel. Lunch. . Afternoon visit to the Agra Fort. . Post Agra Fort, drop off some people at the hotel, those that wish to go shopping will continue to a jewelry and/or marble/fabric shop. Back to the hotel, dinner on your own.

DAY 4: 22 Apr’17 (Sat): AGRA - DELHI . Today early morning sunrise visit of Taj Mahal. You’ll enjoy a tour around the complex, then have some free time to sit and enjoy the peaceful scenery before the crowds arrive. . Breakfast. Hotel check out and transfer to Delhi, visiting the Elephant and Bear Centers along the way. . Bear Rescue Center: The Center is home to many bears which have been rescued from captivity. The bears are kept here for some time until they recover fully and then are released in wild. The 2 hour “short visit”, gives an insight and personal exposure to the world of sloth bears. The visit includes: o A video presentation on the “dancing” bears and the challenges of bear conservation in India. o Interaction with bear keepers and the opportunity to watch bears from close quarters. o Learning about the feeding habits of the sloth bears in the wild and their diet in captivity, and the chance to experience their unique world as they play, forage for their feed, climb trees and dig in the ground. . Elephant Conservation & Care Center: A 2- hour visit to the Elephant Conservation and Care Center will provide you with the opportunity of a lifetime: to meet and interact with rescued elephants and to learn more about the Earth’s largest land mammal. Visit includes: o A complete Education Tour of the facility by a volunteer coordinator. o Feeding time. After unloading and distributing fruit treats you will have a chance to feed the elephants. o Lunch will be served at the Elephant Rescue Center after the visit. . Continue the drive back to Delhi. Dinner on your own.

Price per person: $130 $59 for a limited time! Including hotel in Agra plus Sunday tours: sunrise Taj Mahal visit, Elephant & Bear Conservation visit, lunch and tour guide

Please BOOK EARLY to guarantee your spot. Limited space available. Must be booked before final payment but we highly recommend reserving beforehand to guarantee your room at the Agra hotel.