Independent India: The Golden Triangle

Welcome to India! Your hotel is available for mid-afternoon check-in.

Your private guided sightseeing tour starts with a drive to see the Red Fort, Jama Masjid, India Gate, and the Presidential Palace.

Take a rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk, a captivating local bazaar. Ancient alleyways are lined with quaint shops selling goods and souvenirs-from silver and saris to spices and electronics. (B/L)

This morning, explore Delhi on a private guided tour. Start at Qutub Minar, the world's tallest brick minaret constructed in the early 13th Century. Visit Humayun's Tomb and Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, Delhi's largest and most prominent Sikh gurudwara (house of worship).

After lunch, drive to Agra, a city where much of the city's impressive past is still evident in the majesty of her buildings. (B/L)

Meet your Local Guide for a special visit to the captivating Taj Mahal at sunrise. This extravagant marble monument was built by Moghul Emperor Shah Jahan as a memorial to his beloved wife, who died during childbirth.

In the afternoon, a private guided tour brings you to Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built by Moghul Emperor Akbar, this impressive fortress of red sandstone conceals the imperial city of the Moghul rulers and its many palaces.

Today's I-Time Tips: Explore more on your own or join an optional excursion to Itmad-ud-Daula, the city's beautiful "Baby Taj." (B)

Today, drive to Jaipur, often referred to as the "Pink City." After lunch, visit Jantar Mantar and explore the City Palace Museum with its collection of paintings, carpets, weapons, and costumes.

Lastly, visit Ladli, a training program teaching orphaned and destitute children valuable skills to keep them off the streets. Here learn about the project, interact with the children, and help them practice their English skills. (B/L)

Visit the legendary Amber Fort, known as the "Sleeping Beauty of Rajasthan." This fortress-palace was built entirely of white marble and red sandstone, and features intricate mosaics, carvings, paintings, and mirror works.

Today's I-Time Tips: Join a guide for a walking tour through old Jaipur. (B)

Today, drive back to Delhi. (B)

Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning. (B)