Signature Journeys & Classic Tours 2019

Incredible India'sGolden Triangle including theMagnificent TajMahal

10 days from €1929

1 - 10 SEP

VISITING: DELHI, AGRA, TAJ MAHAL, JAIPUR

PREMIUM TOUR

DAY 1/2 – MALTA – DELHI

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. 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 screens. Dinner at hotel. DAY 5 - AGRA

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. 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 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 DAY 7 - JAIPUR

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 – fromstreet 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. 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 3 - DELHI

SIGNATURE JOURNEYS & CLASSIC TOURS

DAY 6 – AGRA - JAIPUR

DAY 4 - DELHI - AGRA

Breakfast and this morning you will be driven to Jaipur, en-route visiting Akbar`s abandoned capital, Fatehpur Sikri. Located

Breakfast and drive to the city of love - Agra. Check in at your 5*Radisson Hotel.

All bookings are subject to our general information, booking conditions and information. Fuel surcharge may apply. Prices may vary without notice. For a full list of terms & conditions visit www.rocsgrp.com/travel/ terms. For a more detailed description, full details of facilities and supplements, please refer to our website. E&OE.

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