ROCS Guided Holidays 2024

VISITING: Delhi, Agra, Taj Mahal, Jaipur, Bangaluru, Mysuru, Udhagamandalam, Ooty, Coimbatore, Ernakulam, Kumarakom, Alleppey, Kochi 18-Day Grand Journey from North to South Incredible India

18 DAY GUIDED TOUR € 4439 FROM 07 - 24 OCT

DAY 1 / 2 – MALTA – DELHI Meet the tour manager at the Malta International Airport for your flight to Delhi. Arrive in the historical city of Delhi and transfer to The 5* Le Meridien Hotel for storage of luggage. 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. 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. Meals: Dinner 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. We will drive past the Red Fort; the magical monument in red sandstone built at the pinnacle of the Mughal Empire. From here we will proceed by bicycle rickshaws through the bustling streets to Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in Asia built by Shahjahan. Meals: Breakfast and Dinner DAY 4 - DELHI - AGRA Breakfast and drive to the city of love - Agra where you will check in at your 5* Taj Hotel & Convention Centre Agra. Enjoy an 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. Take advantage of leisure

time exploring the vibrant local bazaars, where the in-tricate artistry of chiselling on marble is proudly on display through elaborate in-lay work. Meals: Breakfast and Dinner DAY 5 - AGRA After breakfast, we will embark on a tour of Agra Fort and Itimad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb. Few forts worldwide encapsulate as compelling a narrative as the Great Fort of Agra—a remarkable showcase of Mughal architecture, serving as the seat and stronghold of the Mughal Empire across successive generations. Approximately 4 km north of the Taj, on the left bank of the Yamuna River, lies the meticulously proportioned marble mausoleum. Itmad-ud Daulah, commis-sioned by Empress Noor Jahan in memory of her father Mirza Ghiyas Beg during 1622-28 AD, stands as the first edifice in pure marble in Mughal India. This two-storey mausoleum, though modest in size, is flawlessly executed, adorned with coloured stone inlay and filigree marble screens. Meals: Breakfast and Dinner DAY 6 – AGRA - JAIPUR After a delightful breakfast, you will be chauffeured to Jaipur, with a fascinating stopover at Akbar’s abandoned capital, Fatehpur Sikri. Crafted from red sandstone, the architectural marvel harmoniously blends Hindu and Mughal influences. Even today, the entrance to the fort is accessed via the road constructed by Akbar, leading to the Buland Darwaza, an imposing 54-metre gateway. Other captivating landmarks within Fatehpur Sikri include the Hiran Minar, a memorial to Akbar’s cherished elephant, the Tomb of Sheikh Salim Chishti, Birbal’s House, and the Diwan-i-Khas. Upon reaching Jaipur, indulge in a check in at the luxurious 5-star Taj Amer Hotel. Meals: Breakfast and Dinner DAY 7 - JAIPUR Your sightseeing adventure commences with a photo visit to the Hawa Mahal, also known as the Palace of Winds. This five-storied marvel boasts a spectacular pyramidal facade adorned with overhanging windows featuring

latticed screens, domes, and spires. Next, venture to the ancient capital of Amer, where the magnificent Amber Fort awaits. In the afternoon, journey to the Pink City, known as the “abode of rajahs.” Visit the City Palace Museum, home to an impressive collection of Rajasthani costumes and an armory featuring weapons of various shapes and sizes with intricately chiseled handles. The museum houses antiques and artifacts from the ruling family, along with a remarkable art gallery displaying miniature paintings, carpets, royal paraphernalia, and rare astronomical works in Arabic, Persian, Latin, and Sanskrit. Continue your tour with a visit to the awe-inspiring Jantar Mantar Observatory, an 18th-century stone astrological and astronomical marvel built by Maharaja Jai Singh. Conclude your day with a leisurely exploration of the local market. Meals: Breakfast and Dinner DAY 8 - JAIPUR Savour a delectable breakfast, preparing you for a delightful morning walking tour through the Bazaars and Cuisine Crafts of Old Jaipur. Commence your journey from Sanganeri Gate, strolling through the vibrant fruit and vegetable market and lively alleyways adorned with original havelis — many still inhabited by traditional merchant families. Pause at the family-owned temple of Siddhi Ganesh, a sacred space dedicated to Lord Ganesh, the embodiment of good luck in Hinduism. Embark on a visit to a fifth-generation Meenakari craftsman, recipient of the prestigious President’s award, in his workshop. Join him for tea in his 200-year-old residence, a direct descendant from a family of chief hakims (physicians) who served the Emperors during the Mughal Dynasty. For food enthusiasts, Ghee Walon ka Rasta beckons — an entire street dedicated to gastronomic delights! Indulge in a variety of Indian savoury snacks, including samosas, kachoris, and pakoras. Proceed to Gopal Ji Ka Rasta, the epicentre of Jaipur’s renowned jewellery shops, nestled amidst a bustling atmosphere with en-thusiastic bargain hunters. Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

INDIA 2024

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