Incredible India's Golden Triangle & The Magnificent Taj Mahal - Simply Guided 2020

Incredible India’s Golden Triangle Including the Magnificent Taj Mahal

€ 2139 10 DAY GUIDED TOUR FROM

1 - 10 SEP

Visiting: Delhi, Agra, Taj Mahal, Jaipur

DAY 1 / 2 – MALTA – DELHI Meet the tour manager at Malta International Airport for flight to Delhi. Arrive in the historical city of Delhi and transfer to The 5* Le Meridien Hotel. India’s capital and a major gateway to the country, contemporary Delhi is a bustling metropolis, which successfully combines in its folds – the ancient with the modern. Amidst the fast spiraling skyscrapers, the remnants of a bygone time, in the form of its many monuments, stand as silent reminders to the region’s ancient legacy. Delhi is a food-lovers haven and has something to please every palate. There is an unlimited variety available across cuisines, price-brackets and experiences – from street food of North India to International cuisine and from road-side dhabas to fine-dining – Delhi has it all. Afternoon sightseeing tour of New Delhi, which reflects the legacy the British left behind. You will visit the simple but moving memorial to Mahatma Gandhi and the hidden stepwell Agrasen ki Baoli. Qutab Minar, the tallest stone tower in India built to establish the might of Islam and onset of Muslim rule in India and Humayun’s tomb, the first great example of a new distinctive style, which developed to become the hallmark of the Mughal Dynasty. The tour also includes a drive past the imposing India Gate (War Memorial Arch), the Parliament buildings, the Rashtrapati Bhawan (the President’s residence) and Dilli Haat, an open-air food plaza and craft bazaar. Dinner at a local restaurant. DAY 3 - DELHI Breakfast and sightseeing tour of the Old City of ‘Shahjahanabad’. Your introduction to the city will start with a visit to Raj Ghat - the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi, drive past the Red Fort - the magical monument in red sandstone built at the pinnacle of the Mughal Empire. From here proceed by bicycle rickshaws through the bustling streets to Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in Asia built by Shahjahan. Dinner at the hotel. DAY 4 - DELHI - AGRA Breakfast and drive to the city of love - Agra. Check in at your 5* Taj Hotel & Convention Centre. Enjoy afternoon visit to the world renowned Taj Mahal. Referred to as one of the wonders of the world, the Taj Mahal is the epitome of tourism in India and is celebrated for its architectural magnificence and aesthetic beauty. A symphony in white marble, a tribute to eternal love, it was built by the Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. There are tombs of Mumtaz and Shahjahan within the mausoleum. Done in white marble, it took 22 years and over 20,000 workers and craftsmen to complete this rhapsody in stone (1630-52 AD). The main structure is set amidst landscaped gardens. While on three sides it is surrounded by high walls, the rear is bound by the river Yamuna. Enjoy free time in the local bazaars and witness a display of chiselling on marble—intricate inlay work. Dinner at hotel.

DAY 5 - AGRA Breakfast and morning tour of Agra Fort and Itmud-ud-Daulah`s tomb. Few forts in the world have a more fascinating story to tell than the Great Fort of Agra, an outstanding example of Mughal architecture, the seat and the stronghold of the Mughal Empire under successive generations. Originally planned as an impregnable military structure by Akbar, the Agra Fort, over a period of time, acquired all the elegance, lavishness and majesty of an imperial palace. Situated 1 km upstream of the Taj Mahal, on the right bank of the Yamuna River, the Agra fort was built under the direction of Akbar, by Mohammed Quasim Khan, his commander-in-Chief and Governor of Kabul and added to by his son Jehangir and grandson Shahjahan. About 4 km north of the Taj, on the left bank of the Yamuna River, is the perfectly proportioned marble mausoleum. Itmad-ud-Daulah was built by Empress Noor Jahan, the wife of Jahangir in memory of her father Mirza Ghiyas Beg During 1622-28 AD. The first building to be constructed of pure marble in Moghul India, this two-storey mausoleum is small but perfectly executed, embellished with coloured stone inlay and filigree marble Breakfast and this morning you will be driven to Jaipur, en-route visiting Akbar`s abandoned capital, Fatehpur Sikri. Located 40 km from Agra , Fatehpur Sikri was built by Mughal emperor Akbar in 1571 in honour of the sufi saint, Sheikh Salim Chisti. It was the Mughal capital for 14 years after which it was abandoned due to paucity of water. It is made of red sandstone and combines influences from both Hindu and Mughal architecture. Even to this day, the entrance to the fort is through the road that Akbar built which leads to the Buland Darwaza, a huge 54 metres gateway. Other inspiring monuments in Fatehpur Sikri are the Hiran Minar that Akbar built in memory of his favourite elephant, Tomb of Sheikh Salim Chisht, Birbal’s House and the Diwan-i-Khas. Upon arrival at Jaipur check in at The 5* Fairmont Hotel. Dinner at hotel. DAY 7 - JAIPUR Breakfast and an exciting day awaits you as you begin your sightseeing tour with a photo visit at the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) a five-storied wonder with a spectacular pyramidal facade and overhanging windows with latticed screens, domes and spires. Drive to the ancient capital of Amer to see the fabulous Amber Fort, situated on a ridge just outside Jaipur city, surrounded by fortified battlements. Maharaja Mansingh, Mughal Emperor Akbar’s most successful General, started the construction of Amber Fort in the 17th century. Before the City Palace was constructed in Jaipur, Amber was the seat of power. The fort is surrounded by fortified battlements and overlooks the Moat Lake. Ruins and remains are spread over the Aravalli hills and sprawling crenellated screens. Dinner at hotel. DAY 6 – AGRA - JAIPUR

walls lattice the surrounding area. Also, see the unique Anokhi museum of hand block printing and learn about the traditional textile printing techniques. Afternoon drive to the Pink City, an “abode of rajahs”. The highlights of the tour include a visit to the City Palace Museum, which has a superb collection of Rajasthani costumes, and armory of Mughals and Rajputs including swords of different shapes and sizes with chiseled handles. Many antiques and artifacts belonging to the ruling family are housed here, including a collection of weaponry. It also has an art gallery with an excellent collection of miniature paintings, carpets, royal paraphernalia and rare astronomical works in Arabic, Persian, Latin and Sanskrit. Proceed to the awe- inspiring Jantar Mantar Observatory, a stone astrological and astronomical Observatory built by Maharaja Jai Singh in the 18th century and enjoy a visit at local market. Dinner at hotel. DAY 8 - JAIPUR Breakfast and morning walking tour of Bazaars and Cuisine Crafts Of Old Jaipur. Start your tour from Sanganeri Gate as you walk through the colourful fruit and vegetable market and bustling alleyways of original havelis, many still inhabited by traditional merchant families. Stop at the family owned temple of Siddhi Ganesh dedicated to Lord Ganesh symbol of good luck in Hinduism. Observe intricate gold painting and enamelling work on marble by a local artist. See ‘gota‘embroidery (gold and silver thread embroidery) work applied to saris and traditional Indian clothes. Visit a President’s award winning fifth generation Meenakari craftsman in his workshop. Join him for tea in his 200-year-old residence, a direct descendant from the family of chief hakims (physicians) who served the Emperors during the Mughal Dynasty. His traditional haveli resplendent with fine chandeliers, period furniture and traditional carpets is a highlight of the walk. His rare art collection is a sight to behold. For foodies Ghee Walon ka Rasta an entire street dedicated to eating is heaven! Sample a large variety of Indian savoury snacks including samosa, kachories and pakoras. Continue to Gopal Ji Ka Rasta, the centre of Jaipur’s famous jewellery shops is home to many wealthy merchants,always teaming with bargain hunters. Dinner at hotel. DAY 9 – JAIPUR – DELHI Breakfast and drive back to Delhi. Upon arrival proceed for check in at your 5* Novotel hotel. Dinner at hotel and transfer to airport. DAY 10 – DELHI – MALTA Flight Delhi - Malta

INCREDIBLE INDIA’S GOLDEN TRIANGLE 2020

PRICES ARE PER PERSON & SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY IN THE APPROPRIATE CLASSES AT THE TIME OF BOOKING. PRICE MAY VARY WITHOUT NOTICE. TERMS & CONDITIONS APPLY.

FLORIANA | MELLIEHA | MINUSTHREE - THE POINT | MOSTA

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