Pakistan: Persians, Mughals & Mystics (Specialist-led Tour)
Overview
Itinerary
Arrive in Lahore, Pakistan, and check in to the Pearl Continential Lahore (or similar).
Today tour the Shalimar Gardens followed by an evening lecture and welcome dinner.
Enjoy a full day's sightseeing of Lahore, the historic capital of both the Mughal Empire and the Punjab region. Highlights include the Badshahi Mosque, commissioned by Emperor Aurangzeb in the 17th century, as well as the Royal Fort, one of the finest examples of Indo-Islamic architecture. Visit both the Wazir Khan Mosque and the restored, Persianate Shahi Hamman ('Royal Baths').
Today you visit the tomb of Emperor Jahangir, the only one of the six major Mughal emperors to be buried in what is now Pakistan. Continue to the nearby tomb of his favourite wife, Nur Jahan. This afternoon, visit the Lahore Museum, famous in the works of Rudyard Kipling and home to impressive Mughal artefacts. Conclude the day at the bustling Anarkali Bazaar, which dates from the reign of Emperor Akbar the Great.
Travel to Multan, stopping en route in Harappa, ancient home of one of the subcontinent's earliest civilisations. In Multan, visit a workshop where artisans still produce the city's famous kashikari pottery, a style brought by Mongol invaders from Central Asia. Continue to Ramada Multan (or similar) where you stay 3 nights. Optional afternoon excursion to the tomb of Shah Rukn-e-Alam for a performance by local Sufi musicians.
This morning, drive to Uch Sharif. Said to have been founded by Alexander the Great, the city has long been a stronghold of Islamic rule in the subcontinent. See the famous Sufi shrines, including the 15th-century Tomb of Bibi Jiwandi. After, return to Multan.
Enjoy a morning tour of Multan, including the city's key Sufi shrines as well as the Shahi Eidgah mosque, an excellent example of late Mughal architecture. In the afternoon, enjoy time at leisure or take an optional excursion to visit the Multan Arts Bazaar.
Drive to Sheikhupura where you will see the Hiran Minar complex, unusual for being a commemoration of Emperor Jahangir's favourite antelope, Mansraj. Jahangir was noted for his love of wildlife both as quarry for the hunt and to observe in the wild. Proceed to Lahore and stay 2 nights at Pearl Continental Lahore (or similar).
Explore the historic Heera Mandi district of Lahore, including the Fakir Khana Museum (subject to confirmation), within what was once the home of the Mughal Emperor's Treasurer. Then visit Wagah to see the India-Pakistan border ceremony, followed by dinner.
Drive to Islamabad, pausing en route to visit the 16th-century Mughal fort at Rohtas. Proceed to Islamabad and stay at the Marriott Islamabad (or similar) for 2 nights.
Visit nearby Taxila, an ancient Buddhist centre which was conquered by Alexander the Great. Return to Islamabad for a highlights tour of Pakistan's modern capital. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner.
Tour ends in Islamabad.
Trip Inclusions
- Specialist-led group tour, accompanied by an expert in Mughal history and culture
- Visit the tomb of the fourth Mughal Emperor Jahangir
- Experience the famous Wagah border ceremony
- Admire the grandeur of the Royal Fort in Lahore
- See the artisans who produce Multan's renowned Kashikari glazed pottery
- 4 and 5 star accommodation
- Small Groups - max 18
- Guided excursions and entrance fees
- Local transfers in air-conditioned vehicles
- Expert-led touring throughout
- Itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and specified internal flights. International flights not included.
Operator
Cox & Kings groups rarely exceed 18 guests, and ninety percent of journeys have at least one guaranteed departure date, letting you plan with peace of mind.
Cox & Kings tours feature deep, authentic local experiences that reveal hidden truths and cultural secrets about each destination.
Cox & Kings partners with charming hotels that are comfortable and capture the essence of their surroundings, whether it’s a historic, characterful building, or an ideally placed location.
All Cox & Kings tours are guided and supported by experienced locals, who use their knowledge and on-the-ground relationships to improve and deepen the travel experience.
Dates & Pricing
AUD
Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Enquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Cox & Kings. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
Similar Tours
