Please join Rail and Sail Vacations to visit one of the most amazing civilizations on earth! From the Himalayas to the topical rainforests, India is home to thousands of ethnic groups and cultures and hundreds of languages. As well as being the most populous country in the world. We enhance our journey by enjoying the famous Holi Fest marking the arrival of spring and signifying the triumph of good over evil; usually falls on the full moon day of the hindu month of Phalguna which is usually March. Please “Spring” to action and save your place by reserving now! (800) 576-4905 or RailandSail.com
Included in your escorted travels:
· International airfare in economy (SEA,PDX,SFO, LAX, MORE)
· 12 nights 5 star hotels
· Daily breakfast & dinner
· Licensed guides of India
· All entrances and admissions as mentioned
· Sunrise boat in Varanasi & deep daan Ceremony
· Evening Ganges aarti on the ghats of Ganges
· Taj Mahal group photo
· Holi Festival celebrations in Jaipur
· Jeep Safari in Jodhpur
· Boat ride in Udaipur
· Bottled water/soft drinks/beer on all drives
· 3 Domestic Flights within India
· All airport transfers in India
· USA Tour Manager
· Caring and professional travel arrangements
· PLEASE CONSIDER TRAVEL INSURANCE
· Rail & Sail Insurance quotes: (800) 576-4905
Day 1— Wednesday February 25 — Depart for India! Make your way to your gateway airport. Check-in for our departure to India and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime. (in-flight services)
Day 2—Thursday February 26 — Welcome to Delhi, India! Arrive and transfer to our hotel for a well deserved rest. It’s on! (In-flight services, welcome dinner).
Day 3 — Friday February 27 — Delhi City Tour — After breakfast Explore Old Delhi starting with a rickshaw tour through Chandi Chowk (Silver Square). Enjoy the locl markets and snacks. In the afternoon visit New Delhi including Quttub Minar Tower, India Gate War Memorial, and the President’s house and Parliament. (Breakfast)
Day 4 — Saturday February 28 — Varanasi - After breakfast, we take a short flight to Varanasi on the banks of the Ganges River. All Hindu’s must bathe in the Ganges at some point in their life. This evening your guide will take you to the Ganges to see the aarti (loud recital of spiritual songs). (Breakfast)
Day 5 — Sunday March 1 — Varanasi —At dawn, a boat trip will take us along the bathing Ghats on the holy River Ganges to witness the 2,000-year-old rites of prayer and devotion. This afternoon, visit the buried city of Sarnath, where Buddha preached his first sermon, setting in motion the “Wheel of Law”. It is here that Buddha revealed his doctrine and founded his monastic community. (Breakfast)
Day 6 — Monday March 2 — Agra — This morning return by flight to Delhi, and continue to Agra by Motorcoach. Agra was the capital of the grand Mughal Empire. Relax this afternoon. (Breakfast)
Day 7— Tuesday March 3 — Agra & Jaipur This morning we make a dawn visit to the Taj Mahal which took 18 years to complete, with over 20,000 craftsmen working around the clock. Return for hotel breakfast before exploring the amazing Agra Fort with its synthesis of Hindu and Central Asian architectural styles. In the afternoon travel by coach to Jaipur with a stop at the amazing Abhaneri Stepwell. (Breakfast)
Day 8 — Wednesday March 4 — Holi Fest in Jaipur! Today enjoy Holi celebrations that often include folk music, cultural performances, and feasts that showcase the best of Rajasthani cuisine. (Breakfast)
Day 9 —Thursday March 5 — Jaipur Continue to explore Jaipur with a jeep ride to the Amber Fort, and later, city sights including City Palace, Solar Observatory, and Palace of the Winds. (Breakfast)
Day 10—March 6—Jaipur to Jodpur Today travel through the countryside by motorcoach to Jodhpur, the second largest city of Rajasthan. After our scenic drive, rest and enjoy the balance of the day. (Lunch, Breakfast)
Day 11—March 7—Jodpur Today enjoy a Jeep Safari where you will have the opportunity to witness rural tribal groups going about their daily lives. In the afternoon, visit Mehrangarh Fort perched on a rocky hill 400 feet above the city. (Breakfast)
Day 12—March 8 — Jodpur to Udaipur Travel overland today to Udaipur; enroute visit the Ranakpur Jain Temples. Renowned for some of the most marvelous carved temples in Amber stone, Ranakpur is one of the five holy places of the community. (Breakfast, Lunch)
Day 13—March 9 - Udaipur Today enjoy a boat ride on Lake Pichola, followed by the City Palace, and visit Jagadish temple which enshrines a black stone image of Lord Vishnu. Enjoy a vintage car ride this evening (breakfast, Farewell dinner)
Day 14—March 10 Udaipur to Delhi and depart Return by short flight to Delhi before onward flights home.