The Best of The Golden Triangle

Departs from New Delhi March 22-March 31, 2016
Post Tour Mumbai Extension April 1-3, 2016

Luxury Land Tour from New Delhi to Udaipur, Jodhpur, Jaipur, Agra (for Taj Mahal), and New Delhi, India

Overview

Join CruiseCenter for the most exciting tour we have offered yet. We are pleased to have the Taj Hotels Group in India (considered the BEST) for most of our stays. Our VIP package offers an affordable way to see the treasures of India’s Golden Triangle traveling roundtrip from New Delhi and offers an opportunity to experience the renowned colorful Hindu festival called HOLI during our visit of March 22-31, 2015. This action-packed 10-day tour will invigorate your senses as you discover what is considered to be “The Greatest Show On Earth” according to Rajhistan Tourism. This fully escorted program will be hosted by CruiseCenter’s own Tom Baker. The program requires a minimum of 10 guests to operate. I think you will be enthralled to join our luxury tour once you read the amazing details of this 2016 program below… Namaste and see you there!

Day-By-Day Itinerary

March 22, Tuesday - Arrive Delhi
Arrive in Delhi late night by international flight and after clearing immigration / customs, you will be met by the representative of Abercrombie & Kent, India and transferred to your hotel.
Hotel - Taj Palace, Room - Deluxe

March 23, Wednesday - Delhi
After leisurely breakfast you will enjoy the festival of colours in an open space near the hotel.

This afternoon you will have lunch at Café Fontana (coffee shop) of the hotel.

After lunch you will proceed on a city tour of New Delhi. You will tour some of the sights of the capital city. You will start at the Qutb Minar complex which has many historic monuments. The first mosque in India - The Quwwat-Ul- Islam - built from the dressed and carved stones of demolished temples lies in this complex. It establishes the political victory of Islam in northern India. The Qutb Minar was begun in 1199 by Qutb ud din Aibak and was completed by his successors. This fluted elegant tower is decorated with elegant balconies and carvings. From here you visit one of the architectural triumphs of the Mughal Empire - Humayun's Tomb. Humayun's Tomb is the earliest example of Mughal architecture in India. Recently renovated with the gardens restored to their former splendor and the fountains working, it is a very attractive site. Architecturally the mausoleum drew its inspiration from the styles prevalent in Samarkand, and the design of the Taj Mahal is based on this tomb.

You return to your hotel via the Rashtrapati Bhavan. Combining what Lord Hardinge, The Viceroy suggested "western architecture with an Oriental motif", this former viceregal lodge, today is the home of the President of India. Though the incorporation of Indian motifs in the final design was superficial, the enormous dome was fashioned on the great Buddhist Stupa at Sanchi. You will drive up Rajpath, stopping at the India Gate. This was designed by Lutyen in memory of the 70,000 Indian soldiers who died in the First World War. Among the other buildings you will stop at will be the Parliament House; The Cathedral Church of Redemption and to its north the Italianate Roman Catholic Church of the Sacred Heart. Both these were conceived by Henry Medd whose design won architectural competitions.

You will end your tour with a visit to Sikh Temple where group members will be blessed by the head priest. You will visit the Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, the temple for the followers of the Sikh religion. Originally a magnificent spacious bungalow owned by Jai Singh of Amber, it was given the status of a holy shrine, visited both by Sikhs and Hindus. It is visited all days by worshippers and it is also worth visiting the Art Gallery in the basement of the Gurudwara where the paintings show historical events connected with Sikh history.

Hotel - Taj Palace, Room - Deluxe, Meals - Breakfast & Lunch

March 24, Thursday - Delhi/Udaipur
Early this morning you will be transferred to airport where you will board 9W-2627 (5:35 AM / 7:05 AM) for Udaipur. Upon arrival you will be met and transfer to your hotel where you will have breakfast.

As check in time is 2 PM and you will leave your bags and proceed on a city tour of Udaipur which also includes visit to Crystal Gallery.

Udaipur with its lakes and palaces, cradled in the hills of the Aravalli range is a very romantic city. The name itself "The City of sunrise" evokes a sense of romance. Sightseeing will include the City Palace, the former home of the Maharanas of Udaipur. A feast of marble and vibrant mosaics, it is a marvelous example of the attention to detail and the exemplary workmanship of the Rajasthani artisans. You will also visit the Crystal Gallery that has an extraordinary collection of objects including a crystal bedroom set. From here you drive to Ahar, which has the impressive cenotaphs of 19 Mewar rulers. Returning to the city you visit the Bagore Ki Haveli that is a splendid Museum exhibiting Udaipur's traditional arts and crafts, costumes musical instruments and marble work.

After completing the tour you will check at your hotel.

In the evening you take a sunset cruise on Lake Pichola, sailing past its picturesque ghats and palaces. This lake as originally created in the 15th century by a grain merchant who built the dam allowing to create a roadway for his grain carts in the monsoon. You will stop at Jag Mandir which witnessed two important historical events. This 17th century water palace was the refuge for Prince Khurram later known as Shah Jahan when he was exiled by his father. His palace here is a curiosity - the upper floor designed in the Hindu style while the lower floor is built in the Muslim style. Later in during the uprising of 1857, the Rana of Mewar offered safety to several British families who fled from nearby Neemuch.

Hotel - The Trident, Room - Deluxe Garden View, Meals - Breakfast

March 25, Friday - Udaipur/Jodhpur

After breakfast you will drive for six hours which takes you across the Aravalli Hills, the oldest mountain range in the world. The scenery along the way is superb and you will see many vignettes of Rajasthani rural life. Among the sights you see are colorful villages, farms where an ancient system of irrigation using bullocks and a Persian wheel are still in practice, outdoor schools and the sartorially vibrant people who add a splash of color to the countryside. There are endless opportunities for photography. This is an opportunity to see life in India outside the cities and towns.

En-route you will stop for lunch at Mountbatten Lodge. Your destination for the afternoon is the white marble temples at Ranakpur. Considered one of the architectural gems of this area, this profusely and intricately carved temple belongs to the Jain religion. An austere religion, the temple belies the dictates of simplicity promoted by the founder.

You will arrive in Jodhpur in the evening and check in at your hotel.

Later you can browse in the little shops near the clock tower. The Sadar Bazaar where you wander at leisure is a marvelous example of late 19th century town planning, blending modern and Rajput traditions. There are many fine old buildings including the hospital, High Court and the railway station. At the Bazaar you can shop for Jodhpur's famous glass bangles, rugged leather mojri slippers made usually from camel leather, ad the vivid tie and dye fabric.

Hotel - Vivanta by Taj Hari Mahal, Room - Superior Charm Garden View, Meals - Breakfast & Lunch

March 26, Saturday Jodhpur

After breakfast you will drive over six hours to Jaipur and en route you will stop for lunch at hotel Country Inn & Suites. Later you will visit Dargah Sharif or Ajmer Sharif is a sufi shrine of sufi saint, Moinuddin Chishti. The shrine has the grave of the revered saint, Moinuddin Chisti.

You will arrive in Jaipur in the evening and check in at your hotel.

Hotel - Jai Mahal Palace, Room - Luxury, Meals - Breakfast & Lunch

March 27, Sunday - Jodhpur/Jaipur

After breakfast you will drive over six hours to Jaipur and en route you will stop for lunch at hotel Country Inn & Suites. Later you will visit Dargah Sharif or Ajmer Sharif is a sufi shrine of sufi saint, Moinuddin Chishti. The shrine has the grave of the revered saint, Moinuddin Chisti.

You will arrive in Jaipur in the evening and check in at your hotel.

Hotel - Jai Mahal Palace, Room - Luxury room, Meals - Breakfast & Lunch

March 28, Monday - Jaipur

Hill forts were always important to the Rajput rulers. Belonging to the Hindu "Kshatriya" or warrior class, they believed in the line from the sacred holy book, the Purana that "a fort is the strength of a king". They built a number of such forts all over the state of Rajasthan; some made for purely defensive purposes, but most built as fort palaces. Amber is one of the finest examples of a fort palace, built similar in style to the surrounding richly decorated Mughal courts. You will ride up to the fort on elephant back.

This afternoon you will tour part of the City Palace which is open to the public. The most striking building on entering through the Atish Pol or stable gate is the beautiful marble and sandstone Mubarak Palace, initially used to welcome foreign dignitaries and later used as the Cabinet Office. Today the palace houses the textile gallery exhibiting an excellent collection of costumes and rich textiles from the private collection of the Jaipur royal family. The armory is entered through the magnificent marble inlaid Singh Pol or Lion Gate. The most impressive part of the place is the Diwan-I-Khas or the hall of Private audience. Entered through a gateway richly decorated in pietra dura and flanked by a pair of elephants carved out of a single block of marble, the star exhibits of this area are a pair of enormous sterling silver vessels used to store holy water from the Ganges. The water was used by the Maharaja for his daily bath when traveling overseas, to protect him from ritual pollution. Also of interest is the Art Gallery which has a collection or royal memorabilia. The Jantar Mantar which you visit next is a collection of futuristic structures and astronomical instruments designed by Sawai Jai Singh the founder of Jaipur. This was a result of this intense study of Astrology and Astronomy, and these 17th century extraordinary structures are accurate even today. Finally you may like explore the colourful markets of Jaipur, in the heart of what is known as the Pink City.

Hotel - Jai Mahal Palace, Room - Luxury room, Meals - Breakfast

March 29, Tuesday - Jaipur/Agra

After breakfast you will drive for six hours to Agra and en route you will stop at hotel The Bagh, Bharatpur for lunch. You will also stop to visit Fatehpur Sikri. Just over 400 years old, Fatehpur Sikri was the inspiration of the third Mughal Emperor - Muhammad Jalaludin Akbar. When the lack of a male heir, led Akbar to the door of Shaikh Salim Chisti , the prediction of three sons led to the construction of a few royal palaces near the Saint's hermitage. Once his son was born, Akbar moved a part of his court from Agra to Sikri, and thus was born Fatehpur Sikri which served as a joint capital with the Agra. This was the first and only time a whole city was constructed using the prevailing Indo Saracenic or Indian-Islamic architectural styles. Built of red sandstone, this collection of extraordinarily striking disparate buildings are still as pristine and perfect as when they were chiseled.

You will arrive in Agra in the evening and check in at your hotel.

This evening you will visit the local market with your guide.

Hotel - ITC Mughal, Room - Mughal Chamber, Meals - Breakfast & Lunch

March 30, Wednesdy - Agra

Early this morning you will visit the Taj Mahal by sunrise. The Taj Mahal, which you visit next, is perhaps the world's most perfectly proportioned monument. This stunning mausoleum immortalized the name of Shah Jahan's last wife Mumtaz Mahal, "light of the palace". Built by Indian artisans and artisans from neighboring Islamic countries, it is aptly described by the poet laureate Tagore as "A tear on the face of eternity". Decorated with a mosaic of semi precious stones and Persian calligraphy recreating verses from the Koran, the mausoleum is an "Urs", an important place of pilgrimage since the empress died in childbirth making her a martyr. Prayers are said and passages from Koran are constantly recited in the mosque and cenotaph chamber.

You will return to the hotel for breakfast.

After leisurely breakfast you will visit Agra Fort and Itmad-Ud-Daulah.

Agra Fort - the present structure stands on the site of 14th century fort that was occupied by the Lodi Sultans of Delhi. When the Mughal Emperor Akbar established his supremacy in Northern India, he began his first architectural venture, rebuilding the fort as a beautiful fort palace. The work was completed by his son and grandson, highlighting the Mughal's ability to blend defensive and decorative architecture. Richly decorated with marble and mosaic, it was in a part of this fort that Shah Jahan spent the last years of his life, imprisoned by his son Aurangzeb. His private quarters where he was confined, has a magical view of the Taj Mahal across the river Yamuna.

Itmad ud Daulah is overshadowed by the bejewelled Taj Mahal, but is no less impressive in architecture and décor. This was the tomb the Empress Nur Jahan built for her father, Ghiyas Beg. He arrived at the court of the Mughal Emperor Jahangir as a penniless immigrant from Persia along with his daughter Nur Jahan, who became the wife of Jahangir. As Persian courtiers rose to importance, the Mughal court was dominated by the culture of Persia and the riverside tomb, which Nur Jahan built for her father is dominantly Persian in style. Though it lacks the harmonies and perfection of the Taj Mahal, every inch of marble is covered in coloured stone inlay. This "rauza" is a miniature casket shows some notable indigenous features indicating the involvement of Indian artisans and designers.

This evening you will enjoy the high tea at Sky Deck of hotel The Gateway.

Hotel - ITC Mughal, Room - Mughal Chamber, Meals - Breakfast & High Tea

March 31, Thursday - Agra/Delhi

After breakfast you will drive for three hours to Delhi and upon arrival you will check in at your hotel.

This afternoon you will tour some of the sights of the capital city. Today you will explore the area referred to as Old Delhi. This was the former Imperial capital of the Mughal Emperor, though very little remains of the grandeur of the Emperor Shah Jahan's city. You will drive past the Red Fort which was built in the mid 17th century when the Emperor moved his capital from Agra to Delhi. From here you drive to the 300 year old Chandni Chowk market, its narrow lanes best explored in a cycle rickshaw. As you wind your way through the narrow alleys you will see remnants of the grand houses that were once the homes of wealthy nobles. Today it is a busy market selling an extraordinary variety of items - silver, jewelry, aromatic spices, leather, fruit and vegetables. Apothecaries sell home grown medicinal items, and roadside dentists display their bizarre array of equipment and false teeth. This is an excellent introduction to the organized chaos which is quintessentially Indian. You will disembark at the Jama Masjid, believed to be the largest mosque in India and which was Shah Jahan's last architectural legacy. Originally it was called Masjid-I-Jahanum which means "The mosque commanding a view of the world". In complete contrast to the noise and crowds of Old Delhi, Raj Ghat is an oasis of manicured lawns and peace. This is the simple yet stunning memorial to Mahatma Gandhi, the main architect of India's independence.

This evening you will enjoy the farewell dinner at Masala Craft (serving authentic North Indian cuisine).

Late night you will be transferred to international airport where you will board your flight for onward destination.

Hotel - Taj Palace, Room - Deluxe, Meals - Breakfast & Dinner

Arrival and departure times may vary slightly.

OPTIONAL-POST TOUR MUMBAI EXTENSION APRIL 1-3, 2016
Price Per Person $689pp Double Occupancy and $929pp Single Occupancy

01 April, 2016 DELHI / MUMBAI (FLIGHT)
Pick up from Hotel in Delhi and drop at Delhi airport to connect flight for Mumbai. The one way flight is included in the post tour price.

Upon arrival in Mumbai you will be met with assistance at the Mumbai International Airport followed by a transfer to your ultra-luxury hotel, The Taj Palace Hotel (The Gem of Mumbai)

Mumbai was formerly known as Bombay and is the capital of the western state of Maharashtra. The city is a natural harbor lying at the mouth of the Ulhas River on the west coast of India. The Arabian Sea lines the western border of Mumbai and ranks as the most populous city in India and the fifth most populous city in the world.

Later in Afternoon you will have a visit to Elephanta Island

Elephanta excursion: Earlier called Gharapuri is today's Elephanta Island, which is known for embracing the remarkable Elephanta Caves. To be found about 10 kms off the eastern coast of Mumbai, Elephanta Caves has been given the position of a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The exquisite architecture of these caves makes them a popular attraction for the tourists coming to Mumbai. The caves are believed to have been carved during the 9th to 13th century, in the ruling period of Silhara kings. The Portuguese vandalized majority of their sculptures in the 17th century.

Overnight at The Taj Palace Hotel & Towers

02 April, 2016: MUMBAI
After breakfast full day city tour of Mumbai

Gateway of India
Prince of Wales Museum
Marine drive
Mani Bhawan Gandhi apartment / Museum
Drive past through Mumbai high court, Tomb of Silence, V.T. Station

After having an exhilarating day sightseeing, return back to hotel & overnight at the Taj Palace Hotel

03 April, 2016 MUMBAI DEPARTURE After Breakfast you shall be provided in time assisted departure transfer to the airport to connect the flight for your International flight home.

Arrival and departure times may vary slightly.

The Above Price Includes:

Complete transportation by an AC Coach by including all airport transfers, hotel transfers, all sector drives and sightseeing as per the program.
In Delhi, all arrival - departure transfers + 01 half city tour of New Delhi on day 02 and 01 Half day city tour of Old Delhi on Day 10 is included.
Luxury vehicle for all inter-city transfers, city tours and visits per the itinerary from DAY 03 Udaipur airport till DAY 10 drop at Delhi Hotel are included.
A onetime monument entrance fee during the sightseeing per the above program is included.
Services of Full Time English Speaking Tour Escort Guide is included for the entire trip from Delhi sightseeing on Day 02 till Agra / Delhi drop on Day 10.

NOTE: PLEASE NOTE THAT WE USE ONLY GOVERNMENT OF INDIA / MINISTRY OF TOURISM APPROVED LICENSED LANGUAGE SPEAKING GUIDES / ESCORTS. A FEW INTERESTING ACTIVITIES ARE ALSO INCLUDED:

A rickshaw ride in old Delhi is included.
Visit of Bangla Sahib in Delhi is included.
A1 boat ride on an Exclusive Boat at Lake Pichola in Udaipur is included
A Tuk Tuk Ride at Jodhpur is included.
An elephant ride at the Fort in Jaipur is included.
A rickshaw Ride at Jaipur is included.

VIP LUXURY SERVICES INCLUDE:

All guests will be given the traditional tilak welcome on arrival in India with a garland of roses.
Refreshing hand towels will be provided along the way for guests to freshen up while travelling from one city to the other.
Magazines and daily newspapers will be available every day to for the road trip drives.
Each client own will have their personal stationary sets with their names printed on hand made paper.
Each guest will be provided postcards depicting India, with stamps for easy mailing.
Maps will be provided with the route clearly marked out for the reference of all clients.
A specially designed Indian notebook to pen down day’s memories will be provided.
Fresh fruit, mineral water, and soft drinks will be provided during the drives.
Special gifts will be provided at each city.

The Above Price Excludes:

Any expenses of personal nature such as drinks, telephone or fax calls, laundry etc.
Any tips to hotel staff, local guides, drivers etc. This should range $10pp a day to your tour guide and $5pp a day to the driver.
Any meals apart from included meals listed above.
Any personal expenses.
ANY EXPENSES CAUSED BY REASONS BEYOND OUR CONTROL SUCH AS TRAIN – FLIGHT DELAYS / CANCELLATION / RESCHEDULING, ETC AND ANY OTHER SITUATIONS RELATED TO ROAD BLOCKS, ACCIDENTS, MEDICAL EVACUATION AND NATURAL CALAMITIES.
Any camera fees.
Any International Airfare to/from Delhi for the base tour or Airfare Delhi and home from Mumbai for the optional post tour.

Note: An Indian VISA is required for this Luxury Land Tour

Exclusive Tour Pricing

Tour Cost is $3199 per person based on double occupancy
Single occupancy is $4399 per person
Domestic Indian airfare is $163 per person additional

The deposit is $600 per person ($300 is non-refundable, per person). The deposit must be made by check made payable to CruiseCenter and sent to CruiseCenter Attn: Tom Baker 4801 Woodway, Suite 400W Houston, Texas 77056

Final payment is 90 days prior to departure. Your final payment may be made by check, Visa or MasterCard only.

Cancellation Policy
Deposit- $300 is non-refundable per person
90 days 50% of gross
60 days 100% of gross

Your Elegant 5-Star Hotels

Hotels mentioned below or similar on meal plan as indicated. :

City	Hotels with some TAJ Properties	Nights	Meal Plan
Delhi 5 Stars	Hotel Taj Palace (Deluxe Room)	02 + Room Till Departure on Day 10	BB
Udaipur 5 Stars	Trident (Deluxe Garden View)	01	BB
Jodhpur 5 Stars	Taj Hari Mahal (Superior Garden View)	02	BB
Jaipur 5 Stars	Taj Jai Mahal Palace (Palace Room)	02	BB
Agra 5 Stars	Hotel ITC Mughal (Mughal Chamber)	02	BB
Mumbai 5+ Stars	Taj Palace Hotel & Towers (Mughal Chamber)	02	BB

Disclaimer:

All advertised events are exclusive to guests who book through CruiseCenter only. CruiseCenter Cruises are group events and not chartered vessels. All rates are cruise only and per person, based on double occupancy subject to availability at time of booking. Non-discountable fees and taxes, airfare, air taxes and transfers are additional. A $30 processing fee is addition and subject to change without notice. Events based on a minimum of 50 group passengers. Pricing and other information may change without notice. We reserve the right to correct errors. Information and pricing are subject to change without notice. All cancellations are subject to a $50 per booking cancellation fee from CruiseCenter in addition to any vendor cancellation penalties. Trip Cancellation Insurance is strongly recommended for all reservations. More information will be provided to you at the time of booking confirmation. Please contact us for a more detailed description of restrictions, cancellations, and penaltie. Please ask us about rates for Suites, Mini-Suites, and other cabin categories not shown. If you are a PAST PASSENGER, Senior citizen, Military, or have Special Coupon Offers, please advise your CruiseCenter agent at the time of booking.

The Best of The Golden Triangle

Overview

Day-By-Day Itinerary

OPTIONAL-POST TOUR MUMBAI EXTENSION APRIL 1-3, 2016
Price Per Person $689pp Double Occupancy and $929pp Single Occupancy

The Above Price Includes:

Exclusive Tour Pricing

Your Elegant 5-Star Hotels

Disclaimer:

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Trip Insurance

The Best of The Golden Triangle

OPTIONAL-POST TOUR MUMBAI EXTENSION APRIL 1-3, 2016 Price Per Person $689pp Double Occupancy and $929pp Single Occupancy

OPTIONAL-POST TOUR MUMBAI EXTENSION APRIL 1-3, 2016
Price Per Person $689pp Double Occupancy and $929pp Single Occupancy