NORTH INDIA LUXURY TOUR

Experience the best of the subcontinent when you travel to India with A Classic Tours Collection. India’s rich cultural tapestry unveils a country which is architecturally glorious, astonishingly natural & fascinatingly cultural. Each destination visited on North India luxury tour is infused with a kaleidoscopic blend of enchantment and sensual indulgence, ensuring that no previous travel compares. Enjoy insider experiences, unique cultural interactions and a host of extraordinary moments on our India luxury tours.

Day to Day Program:

DAY 01:  ARRIVE MUMBAI (BOMBAY)

On arrival, you will be greeted with a traditional Indian welcome and escorted to the hotel. A cluster of seven islands, Mumbai derives its name from Mumbadevi, the patron goddess of the Koli fisher folk. Mumbai is in an enigma of mud huts and skyscrapers, age-old traditions and high fashions, the industrialists’ heaven and moviemaker’s Hollywood. Rest of the day is at leisure.

HOTEL TAJ MAHAL – Built in 1903, the hotel is an architectural marvel, bringing together Moorish, Oriental and Florentine styles. Offering panoramic views of the Arabian Sea and the Gateway of India, the hotel is a gracious landmark of the city of Mumbai, showcasing contemporary Indian influences along with beautiful vaulted alabaster ceilings, onyx columns, graceful archways, hand-woven silk carpets, crystal chandeliers, a magnificent art collection, an eclectic collection of furniture, and a dramatic cantilever stairway.

DAY 02:  MUMBAI CITY TOUR

Morning half day tour includes the British-built Arch “Gateway of India” Bombay’s landmark, built in commemoration of the visit of King George V in 1911; Dhobi Ghat, Mumbai’s open air laundry, the Jain Temple, Marine Drive, Hanging Garden; Malabar Hills and the stately domed Prince of Wales Museum. This afternoon, is at leisure to explore the city on your own with a chauffeured car at your disposal within city limits.

DAY 03:  MUMBAI ELEPHANTA CRUISE & TOUR

This morning embark on a relaxing cruise to Elephanta also known as Gharapur. The 7^th century rock-cut cave temple is dedicated to Shiva. The Maheshamurti panel in which Shiva is shown as a creator, protector and destroyer, is a sight that should not be missed. This afternoon, is at leisure to explore the city on your own with a chauffeured car at your disposal within city limits.

DAY 04: MUMBAI

Spend this day at leisure to explore the city, shop, relax by pool or enjoy the hotel’s spa facilities. A chauffeured car will be at your disposal within city limits.

THE JIVA SPA is a blending ancient Indian wisdom with contemporary therapies. Jiva Spa offers the best in Indian rejuvenation therapies ranging from Indian aromatherapy massages, time-honored Indian treatments, body scrubs and wraps. Signature Jiva Spa experiences bring guests the essence of traditional royal wellness and therapeutic experiences.

DAY 05: MUMBAI/ UDAIPUR

Fly to Udaipur founded by Maharana Udai Singh in 1599. Developed strategically, the old city was surrounded by fortified bastions with access through eleven gates. Tour the City Palace with its scalloped arches, fretted balconies and cupolas; Saheliyon ki Bari or Garden of Maids and Folklore Museum to see a presentation of a string puppet show indigenous to this region.

THE TAJ LAKE PALACE HOTEL located in the middle of Lake Pichola, a dream of white marble and mosaic glistening in the moonlight, very reminiscent of the most beautiful tourist cliché in the world; Taj Mahal. Conceived in romance, the palace was built in 1746 by Maharana Jagat Singh II, 62^nd successor to the royal dynasty of Mewar believed to be descendants of the Sun God

DAY 06: UDAIPUR- RANAKPUR EXCURSION

This morning, travel overland to Ranakpur to see the incredible 500 year old Jain Temples. The temples are superbly preserved in near perfect condition. The most distinctive features are the 29 halls of the main temple, some octagonal and many more than one story high, are dissected by 1,444 pillars, each sculpted with unique designs where no two are exactly alike. The walls, ceilings, domes, pillars and doorways are finely and elaborately sculpted, the sculptors were said to be paid according to the amount of marble they chiseled away and the finished temple in natural marble looks like an ornate carving from a single piece of stone. The detail and intricate carving on the marble gives it an appearance of lace work rather than stone carving. This is a temple of architectural genius. Return to Udaipur where the rest of the afternoon is at leisure. A chauffeured car will be at your disposal within city limits.

DAY 07: UDAIPUR

This entire day will be spent at leisure to explore the city, shop, relax by pool or enjoy the spa facilities at the hotel. A chauffeured car will be at your disposal within city limits.

DAY 08: UDAIPUR/JAIPUR

Fly to Jaipur, owing its name, foundations and careful planning to the great warrior, astronomer, Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. Tour the City Palace built in a blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. Next, visit Jantar Mantar, largest of Jai Singh’s five remarkable observatories.

THE TAJ RAMBAGH PALACE HOTEL– Rajasthan evokes images of erstwhile royalty – polo-playing princes and beautiful princesses who captured their hearts. For nearly two centuries, the Rambagh Palace has been home to generations of royals. Built in 1835 on a modest scale for the queen’s favorite handmaiden Kesar Badaran, it was later refurbished as a royal guesthouse and hunting lodge. In 1925, Rambagh was converted into a palace and became the Maharaja of Jaipur’s residence. The ‘Jewel of Jaipur’ as it is fondly called, remained the home to the royal family until 1957, when it was transformed into a luxury hotel by Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II. It is now the ‘jewel in the crown’ amongst the authentic palaces of the Taj

DAY 09: JAIPUR- Amber Fort and Elephant ride

Visit the ancient capital of Amber, ascending the Palace Fortress on the back of a gaily-caparisoned elephant. Tour the intricate chambers and hallways of the palace. En route to Amber, photograph the Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds). The afternoon is at leisure to explore the city on your own. A chauffeured car will be at your disposal within city limits.

DAY 10: JAIPUR

Today will be spent at leisure to explore the city, shop, relax by the pool or enjoy the hotel’s spa facilities. A car and driver will be at your disposal for local city use. Recreation at Rambagh Palace – Several sporting facilities, time honored Indian therapies, yoga sessions from internationally reputed yoga teachers, relaxation and pampering your body, mind and soul are amongst the various fun products available. There is a fully equipped, cardio-vascular and weight training gymnasium, steam, Jacuzzi, heritage indoor and outdoor swimming pools.

DAY 11: JAIPUR/FATEHPUR SIKRI/AGRA

Travel by air to Agra where no other historical monument has evoked as much awareness and admiration as the Taj Mahal. After settling in to your luxury Hotel & Lunch (on own) travel to Fatehpur Sikri, once an imperial capital frozen in time, was constructed by Akbar the Great around 1570. It was abandoned as abruptly as it had been built. Also visit Sheikh Salim Chisti Dargah, originally built of red sandstone but was later rebuilt in white marble by Jehangir. Return back to Agra after the tour.

THE OBEROI AMARVILAS HOTEL– Enjoy the luxury of your own private view of the greatest monument to love. Wake up to the glorious sight of the Taj, bathed by the first rays of dawn. Watch her sparkle by day as the sun shines on her architectural perfection. The Oberoi Amarvilas is located 600 meters from the Taj Mahal and all the rooms, suites, lobby, bar and lounge offer breathtaking vstas of the monument. Built in a style inspired by Moorish and Mughal architecture, the resort is a splendid display of terraced lawns, fountains, reflection pools and pavilions with rich interiors transporting you to an era of emperors and princes. An interlude at The Oberoi Amarvilas is truly unforgettable.

Spa & Fitness – Complimenting the grandeur of the Mughal era is the spa that befits the self-indulgence of royalty. To the mystical, romantic image of the Taj Mahal visible outside, trained Thai therapists will reenergize your body with personalized holistic treatments based on Ayurveda, ancient Thai and western techniques. The vivifying experience includes beauty and body treatments with exotic oils and creams used by royalty five hundred years ago, in addition to a steam room or sauna to rekindle the body and spirit.

DAY 12: AGRA – CITY TOUR & TAJ AT SUNSET

Visit the Taj Mahal, built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan between 1631-52, as a tomb and testimonial to his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal (Jewel of the Palace). Visit Agra’s Taj Museum for a closer look at the original drawings of this exquisite monument. The etchings reflect the level of accuracy and precision in the planning of the Taj Mahal. Drawings of the interiors illustrate accurately of the graves’ position, where the foot of the graves face the viewer from any angle. There are numerable amazing collections such as royal ornaments, paintings, portraits of Mughal emperors and much more. Continue to Agra Fort, built by three of the greatest Mughal emperors. Afternoon is at leisure to explore the city or relax at the hotel. A chauffeured car will be at your disposal within city limits. At the time of sunset revisit the Taj Mahal.

DAY 13: AGRA/SIKANDRA/DELHI

Optional: At sunrise, recapture the breathtaking view of the Taj Mahal. Rest of the morning will be at leisure. This afternoon, travel overland to Delhi via Sikandra, to see Emperor Akbar’s mausoleum, an architectural infusion of Hindu, Christian, Islamic, Buddhist, Jain motifs. Begun by Akbar and completed by his son, Jehangir, who made several modifications. Arrive in Delhi, sprawling on the banks of the River Yamuna, capital of India. The division between New and Old Delhi is the segregation between the capitals of the British and Mughals respectively.

THE IMPERIAL HOTEL– Reckoned amongst Asia’s finest hotels, The Imperial is a legend that offers a unique experience embracing facets of India’s history. The 24 king palms, that lead up to the porch, stand a witness to the creation of New Delhi. Built in 1931 by Bromfield, a Lutyens’ associate, the Hotel is known for its contemporary colonial style. As New Delhi’s landmark Hotel, it is located on Janpath, the erstwhile Queensway. It is steps away from the renowned shopping district and major city attractions

DAY 14: NEW DELHI TOUR

Drive along Rajpath to photograph the Parliament House, President’s Palace and India Gate, a memorial to India’s soldiers. Proceed to the colorful and famous Birla Mandir. Next, visit Humayun’s Tomb, one of the most superb Mughal buildings. The mausoleum is known as the precursor to the Taj Mahal. Your final stop is at the Qutab Minar and ruins of the Hindu temples destroyed during the Qutabshahi period. This afternoon, is at leisure to explore the city on own with a chauffeured car at your disposal within city limits.

DAY 15 OLD DELHI TOUR

Tour the Red Fort with its Pearl Mosque and exquisite audience halls: marble domes and slender minarets of the Jama Masjid; Mahatma Gandhi Memorial at Raj Ghat; Ashoka Pillar and the famous Chandani Chowk bazaars, once the shopping arcade of Mughal royalty. This afternoon, is at leisure to explore the city on own with a chauffeured car at your disposal within city limits.

DAY 16: DELHI

This entire day is at leisure to explore the city, shop or relax by the pool. A chauffeured car will be at your disposal within city limits.

DAY 17: DEPART DELHI OR EXTEND YOUR STAY

Your fascinating journey through India comes to an end, coupled with fond memories, mementos and understanding of the unique cultures and customs of India.

OR EXTEND YOUR STAY IN INDIA, NEPAL, BHUTAN, SRI LANKA, BANGLA DESH, MALDIVES ETC.