Incredible India with Diwali Tour

On arrival at New Delhi airport, you will be welcomed to one of the most exotic countries in the world. Transfer to the hotel. Delhi, one of the oldest cities in the world, has an excellent atmosphere of an old city in Old Delhi and the modern one in New Delhi. The perfect combination of old and new worlds makes it a fascinating option to explore. Check in at the hotel with rooms available. Rest of the day is free for independent activities or rest after a long trip to reach Delhi.

After breakfast in the hotel, in the morning, visit New Delhi. Visit the Qutub Minar, a 72 meter high gigantic tower, built by the first Muslim ruler of India, Qutub-ud-din Aibak. Next on your tour is the visit to Humayun's Tomb, the mausoleum of the second Mughal ruler Humayun. The tomb, perfectly situated in a Persian garden, features an ingenious combination of red sandstone and white marble on the exterior appearance of the building. Thereafter proceed on a tour of the diplomatic area, government buildings, Rashtrapati Bhawan (residence of the President of India), Parliament and the Gateway of India (Triumphal Arch). As a last stop of Delhi sightseeing, visit Bangla Sahib Gurudwara, the Temple of Sikh Religion. It is an architectural beauty where a unique service of free food for local people, called ‘langar’, is carried out daily. Evening is free for leisure. Later, return to hotel for overnight stay.

After breakfast in Delhi hotel, in the morning visit Old Delhi, passing by the Red Fort, built by the Mughal ruler Shah Jahan and enjoy a ride on a rickshaw in Chandani Chowk, one of the oldest and largest bazaars in the city. Then, visit the Jama Mosque, the largest mosque in India. Proceed further to visit Rajghat, the place where Mahatma Gandhi, "Father of the Nation", was cremated on January 31, 1948. Visit the Akshardham Temple (closed on Mondays), a true work of art built very recently, thanks to the donations of thousands of wealthy Hindus. It is a place that sums up 10,000 years of culture, with all its grandeur, beauty, hope and blessings. Afterwards, visit the Lotus Temple (closed on Mondays), or Bahai Temple, which is in the vicinity and is famous for its Lotus Flower shape. Later in the evening, return to Delhi hotel for overnight stay.

Have delicious breakfast in Delhi hotel. Morning is free for personal activities. In the afternoon, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Udaipur. Upon arrival, reception and transfer to the hotel. The city of Udaipur is also called "the Venice of the East" or the "city of lakes". Udaipur is center of performing arts, handicrafts and famous for its miniature paintings. In the afternoon, Udaipur tour guide will take you on a tuk-tuk – a local transport - to the old part of town and enjoy the folk dances and puppet show of Rajasthan in Bagore-ki-Haveli. Later in the evening, return to Udaipur hotel for overnight stay.

Have fresh breakfast in the hotel. In the morning, we will visit the City Palace which was built on top of a hill offering panoramic views of Lake Pichola and Monsoon Palace. The City Palace of Udaipur is built in traditional style with few imprints of Mughal architectural style. The 300-year-old complex actually consists of 11 palaces built by its successive Maharanas, making it the largest complex among the palaces of Rajasthan. Later, visit the Jagdish Temple, a temple that honors the god Vishnú. Afterwards, a tour that includes the walk along the Fateh Sagar Lake and visit the Sahelion-ki-Bari or the 'garden of the maids', built in 18th century. In the afternoon, a private boat cruise on Lake Pichola will be organized that offers sumptuous view of Jag Niwas or Lake Palace. Rest of the evening is scheduled for private leisure activities and overnight stay will be in Udaipur hotel.

Having breakfast in Udaipur hotel, depart in the morning by road to Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, also known as "The Pink City". By the year 1876 AD, the old city had been painted into the particular color - terracotta rose - to welcome Prince Albert of England. It will be a long journey of about 7-8 hours. On arrival at Jaipur, check in at the hotel to spend evening in leisure and have overnight stay therein.

After breakfast, in the morning, we will visit Amber Fort and enjoy an elephant ride. Amber Fort, located on a picturesque hill, is a sturdy palace, being a fascinating blend of Hindu and Mughal architecture. Then stroll through the beautifully restored Jal Mahal, an ancient royal pavilion of pleasure. In the afternoon, visit the City Palace and the museum. Visit the Hawa Mahal or the Palace of Winds - the five-story façade with 593 latticed windows of stone, an emblem of the city of Jaipur. Also visit the Jantar Mantar or Yantra Mandir or the astronomical observatory. Come back to your hotel of stay.

Wear traditional clothes with an invitation from a family with your name written on the lettered envelope. On the way down to the lobby, the guide will wait for you with attendants to tie the turbans to the men and sellers of Indian bracelets with a pair of bindi for the ladies of the group. Once ready, we will go to the old part of the city where the rickshaw awaits us. On arrival in the Haveli, the family welcomes us. We will participate in making Rangoli, also known as "kolam" -a type of folk art of India. Rangoli is a series of decorative designs made on the floors of living rooms and patios during Hindu festivals. Then we light the house with diyas (candles made of earth). At home there will be women to put henna (temporary tattoo) with vibrant designs or if you prefer may be names of your loved ones. Next, we will experience one of the essential things that an Indian woman should know: cooking. Then, learn making some traditional sweet dishes, a must in Hindu festivals. Then, comes the time to pray the goddess Laxmi- the goddess of prosperity and money. To finish the evening we will enjoy a home-made dinner to have the experience of Indian gastronomy and we will participate in a colourful show of fire and sound- an explosion of firecrackers that is also an integral part of the festival. Later in the night, return to hotel for overnight stay.

After breakfast in the morning, departure by road to Agra visiting en route Abhaneri, known for the imposing Baoris (a stone built ancient underground water harvesting system) and Harshat Mata Temple. Continue drive to Agra, visiting Fatehpur Sikri. Fatehpur Sikri was the first planned city of the Mughal and was built by the Mughal ruler Akbar in 1564 AD. It served as its capital for 16 years. Later, due to the scarcity of water, Akbar had to leave this city. We will continue along the road to Agra, an ancient city as mentioned in the great epic 'Mahabharata' and that was the center of political activities during the reign of the Mughal. It is famous for being home to one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Taj Mahal. The Taj Mahal is a monument of such elegance that is considered synonymous with beauty in itself. On arrival at Agra, check in at the hotel for overnight stay.

In the morning, visit the Taj Mahal (closed on Fridays), the most fascinating and beautiful monument of India. The Taj Mahal was completed in 1653 AD by the Mughal ruler Shah Jahan in the memory of his favorite queen, Mumtaz Mahal. This perfectly symmetrical monument took 22 years of hard work of 20,000 workers including masons and jewelers involved in its construction. It is in the middle of immense gardens that complete the symmetry. After visiting Taj Mahal return to hotel to refresh and have breakfast. Thereafter, there is also a visit to Agra Fort, an imposing fortress on the banks of the River Yamuna, built by the Mughal ruler Akbar in 1565 AD. In the afternoon, we will enjoy the view of the Taj Mahal from Mehtab Bagh, located on the opposite bank of the Taj Mahal. Later in the evening, return to hotel to spend evening in leisure and have overnight stay.

After breakfast in the morning, transfer to the train station for your journey to Jhansi. Depart from Agra very early in the morning in Shatabdi train. On arrival at the city of Jhansi, after almost three hours of travel, you will find our representative waiting to welcome you. The train ride will be an experience!

As soon as we reach Jhansi, our car/ coach will be waiting for us to leave by road towards Khajuraho, visiting the great palaces, temples and cenotaphs of the medieval city of Orchha, built in the 16th and 17th centuries. Lunch included in Amar Mahal, Orchha. After sightseeing of Orchha, depart for Khajuraho. On arrival at Khajuraho, check in at the hotel. Rest of the day is free for leisure.

The temples of Khajuraho were built in a short span of a hundred years, from 950 AD- 1050 AD and are truly a blast, inspired by creativity. Of the original 85 temples, 22 have survived until today to constitute one of the great artistic marvels of the world. In the afternoon you will enjoy a program of classical music and dance show. Overnight stay is scheduled in Khajuraho hotel.

In the morning, after breakfast, visit the Temples of Khajuraho. The temples in stone capture all the forms and the mood of life, an artistic testimony of the craftsmen. Later, you will be transferred to the airport for to board flight for Varanasi. Upon arrival at Varanasi, you will be received and transferred to the hotel.

Considered to be one of the oldest cities in the world, there are few places in India with as much color, charisma or spirit as the ghats of the River Ganga in Varanasi offer. People take bath on the ghats of the Ganga. The city of Lord Shiva is one of the holiest places in India, where Hindu pilgrims come to wash the sins they have committed throughout their lives in the Ganges or incinerate their loved ones. In the afternoon we will witness the prayer ceremonies (Ganga Aarti) on the ghats - stone steps - that descend to the Ganges River. Later in the evening, return to hotel for overnight stay.

Before sunrise, we will leave the hotel again to explore the lifestyle of the people on the banks of the River Ganga. This morning boat cruise will offer you opportunity to observe the rituals and religious practices performed by the faithful on the ghats. The large banks of the river in Varanasi are densely dotted with 18th and 19th century pavilions, palaces, temples and terraces. Each of the hundred ghats occupies its own special place in the religious landscape of the city. Return to the hotel for breakfast and later visit Sarnath, the place where Buddha laid the foundation of Buddhism by delivering his first sermon and also visit an excellent museum here.

At the indicated time, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Mumbai. Depart in domestic flight to Mumbai. Upon arrival, you will be given a traditional welcome and transfer to the hotel.

Mumbai is a fascinating city, a compact mix of traditional and modern. A place full of life and variety, this city on the coast of the Indian Ocean, has a cosmopolitan and vibrant identity. Amuse of the vivid impressions of Mumbai, whether it's the glitz and glamor of "Bollywood", the spectacular Victorian-style buildings of the British reign, the seaside view on Juhu Beach, or the labyrinth of alleys of Mumbai. Overnight stay is scheduled in Mumbai hotel.

After breakfast, move on in the morning on an excursion to the Caves of Elefanta (closed on Mondays). The caves of Elefanta or Elephanta, originally called the caves of Gharapuri, are located in the island of the same name in the port of Mumbai, state of Maharashtra. Elefanta consists of two groups of caves: five Hindu caves and two Buddhist caves. The date of construction is uncertain, however, some studies indicate them built between the fifth and eighth century. By the year 1534 the Portuguese expeditions arrive at Gharapuri, calling it Elefanta, due to the great sculpture of an elephant in its access. Today the statue is in the Prince of Wales Museum in Mumbai. The main cave is called the cave of Shiva, and is obviously dedicated to the god of reference. The caves ere declared a World Heritage Site in 1987. The afternoon will be free for independent activities. Overnight stay is scheduled in Mumbai hotel.

Have breakfast in the morning and commence the sightseeing tour of Mumbai. Visit the Gateway of India, one of the most famous monuments of the city, built to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to India in 1911. Thereafter visit the Prince of Wales Museum (closed on Mondays), one of the finest examples of Victorian architecture in Mumbai. It is one of the best museums in India and the treasures & houses objects, paintings and sculptures from many eras covering the history of India, including the Indus Valley Civilization. Stroll through Mumbai University, High Court, to Flora Fountain, Victoria Terminus, an outstanding example of Victorian neo-Gothic architecture in India, Marine Drive, Chowpatty Beach, The Haji-Ali Mosque and the Malabar Hills. Later, visit Mani Bhawan, a simple and charming museum where Mahatma Gandhi stayed on his visits to Mumbai between 1917 and 1934. We will enjoy a stroll through Crawford Market and also visit the dhobi ghats.

In the afternoon, you will be transferred to the airport to depart on a domestic flight to Goa. Upon arrival at Goa, you will be transferred to the hotel.

Goa is synonymous with palm trees, white sand and clear water: the three essential elements that attract the two million visitors who visit the warm coasts of Goa every year. A Portuguese outpost in India for almost 500 years, the influence of colonial domination can still be seen everywhere: in the exquisite architecture, in the cuisine (an amalgam of East and West that combines coconut milk, Palm vinegar and chilies with the refined flavors of Lisbon), in the strains of fado melancholy that still floats in the breeze from time to time with bouquet of bougainvillea, and in the siesta, saturated joie de vivre. Overnight stay is scheduled in Goa hotel.

Have breakfast in the hotel. The morning is free for your independent leisure activities. In the afternoon, you will visit Old Goa or Velha Goa that includes a visit of the Basilica do Bom Jesus, the most popular and famous church in Goa, built in the 16th century, in which the remains of San Francisco Javier are preserved in a silver coffin. You will also visit the Cathedral, the largest of Goa, the church of St. Francis of Assisi, as well as the church of San Cayetano, built in the style of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. Also we will contemplate in Church of Our Lady of the Rosary and the convent of nuns of Santa. Overnight stay is scheduled in Goa hotel.

Have breakfast and enjoy free day for independent activities. The room in the hotel is booked till your departure in the mid-night. By midnight transfer to the airport for your international flight for your onward destination.