11 Day Sacred India. Delhi Agra Jaipur Lucknow Varanasi

Transcription

1 11 Day Sacred India Delhi Agra Jaipur Lucknow Varanasi

2 11 Day Sacred India FROM $1,999 PER PERSON, TWIN SHARE Few countries can expertly blend the modern, the traditional, and the spiritual as well as India. You ll get to experience it all for yourself on this phenomenal guided tour. Absorb the ethereal feel that will surround you as you view the awe inspiring architecture. Book Now Call Page 1

3 DAY 1 Australia Delhi Meals included 4 Golden Grand, or similar Welcome to India! Today begins your tour through this incredible country. Upon arrival at Indira Gandhi International Airport you will be warmly greeted by one of our representatives who will then assist by transferring you to your hotel. Get a good night s sleep to start your tour tomorrow well rested. DAY 2 Delhi Jaipur 4 Lemon Tree Premier, or similar Today we will be transferring to the city of Jaipur, the capital of India s Rajasthan state. The royal family that once ruled the region in 1727, founded what is now called the Old City, or Pink City for its trademark building color. Once we reach Jaipur, the rest of the day if yours to spend at leisure. DAY 3 Jaipur 4 Lemon Tree Premier, or similar This morning after breakfast we will proceed for the visit of the ancient capital of Amber to see the fabulous Amber Fort. We ll transfer from the hotel to the parking area below Amber Fort where we will board Jeeps that will take us up the hill to the entrance gate. The fort s majestic appearance and its geographical advantages made it a very special place to visit. Its alluring blend of Hindu and Muslim architecture along with its beautiful use of red sandstone and white marble makes this an extremely attractive complex. Maharaja Mansingh, Mughal Emperor Akbar s most successful General, started the construction of Amber Fort in the 17th century. Following our guided tour here, the rest of the day is yours to spend at leisure to see the city on your own, explore the colorful Bazaars or to participate a optional tour to enhance your experience. Call support@inspiringvacations.com Page 2

4 Optional Tour - Explore Jaipur City - Our city tour will begin at the magnificent City Palace, now converted into a museum, except for a small portion that is still used by the royal family of Jaipur. Built in the fortified campus style, the palace covers an area equal to almost one-seventh of the city. Here we will tour the beautiful Chandra Mahal and Mubarak Mahal Palaces within, as well as the intricately decorated Peacock Gate. Following this we will visit the Jantar Mantar monument and observatory, constructed between 1727 and 1734 by Maharajah Jai Singh II of Jaipur and one of the five observatories in India. Jantar Mantar is home to a ancient collection of nineteen architectural astronomical instruments and features the world s largest stone sundial. It has also been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. OPTIONAL TOUR - EXPLORE JAIPUR CITY Our city tour will begin at the magnificent City Palace, now converted into a museum, except for a small portion that is still used by the royal family of Jaipur. Built in the fortified campus style, the palace covers an area equal to almost one-seventh of the city. Here we will tour the beautiful Chandra Mahal and Mubarak Mahal Palaces within, as well as the intricately decorated Peacock Gate. Following this we will visit the Jantar Mantar monument and observatory, constructed between 1727 and 1734 by Maharajah Jai Singh II of Jaipur and one of the five observatories in India. Jantar Mantar is home to a ancient collection of nineteen architectural astronomical instruments and features the world s largest stone sundial. It has also been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. DAY 4 Jaipur Varanasi 4 Rivatas By Ideal, or similar Early this morning we depart Jaipur and board a flight to Varanasi. Upon arrival in Varanasi you ll be greeted by a representative and transferred to your hotel. After checking in enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure. This evening we will make a very special visit to the local ghats to witness the Aarti ceremony. Taking its name from the Sanskrit word for homage and devotion, Aarti takes place every evening on the banks of the River Ganges. During the ceremony, small diva (candle-lit lamps decorated with flowers) are floated down the river as an offering to the Goddess Ganga, accompanied by a chorus of chanting hymns, drums and temple bells. Call support@inspiringvacations.com Page 3

5 DAY 5 Varanasi 4 Rivatas By Ideal, or similar We ll start early today with an invigorating sunrise boat ride on the Ganges, where you can watch the light gradually illuminate the many ghats and temples along the river as you pass. Later this morning we ll take a trip to nearby Sarnath, one of the four main Buddhist pilgrimage destinations. The site is where Buddha preached his message of the path to enlightenment and it features a number of intriguing stupas and museums to explore. Alternatively, the day can be spent exploring the laneways and alleys behind the ghats or picking up some examples of the excellent local silk industry. In the afternoon we ll enjoy a lovely walking tour of the old city, through narrow laneways packed with stalls and shops, past the dhobi wallahs, burning ghats, and the endless temples that echo with bells and the pungent aroma of incense. We ll witness pilgrims performing ancient bathing rituals and ceremonies as your first day in this sacred city comes to an end. DAY 6 Varanasi Lucknow 4 Golden Tulip Lucknow, or similar Today we depart Varanasi by private vehicle to Lucknow, a large city in northern India and the capital of the state of Uttar Pradesh. Upon arrival in Lucknow we will proceed for check in at the hotel and then spend the rest of the day at leisure. Alternatively, you may choose to participate in an optional tour to enhance your experience. Optional Tour - Culinary Walk with Food Tasting - This fantastic food tour allows you to hop in and out of traditional roadside eateries giving you an opportunity to try a variety of different kinds of delicious local foods. Experience the best of the best in traditional restaurants, where the recipes were not only invented but actually perfected, without having to worry about how to eat without a fork or to wipe your hands clean after you are done. Call support@inspiringvacations.com Page 4

6 OPTIONAL TOUR - CULINARY WALK WITH FOOD TASTING This fantastic food tour allows you to hop in and out of traditional roadside eateries giving you an opportunity to try a variety of different kinds of delicious local foods. Experience the best of the best in traditional restaurants, where the recipes were not only invented but actually perfected, without having to worry about how to eat without a fork or to wipe your hands clean after you are done. DAY 7 Lucknow Agra 4 Howard Plaza - The Fern, or similar This morning we will be visiting the mosque complex of Bara Imambara. The Bara Imambara was built in the year 1784 by Asaf-ud-Daula, the fourth Nawab of Awadh. Created as part of a famine relief program, it marks one of the earlier attempts in Lucknow to imitate the structure of a Mughal complex. This is one of the few buildings in Lucknow completely devoid of European elements. The building is part of the Asaf-ud-Daula Imambara Complex, which contains a mosque, several courtyards and gateways, and a bawali or step-well that was once used as a summer palace. In the afternoon we will be departing Lucknow for the city of Agra via the Expressway. Upon arrival in Agra in the evening we will jump on an exciting Chaat Crawl through the city thought to serve up the country s best. Chaat are savoury snacks (like fried potatoes or samosa broken into pieces with chutney) typically served roadside from stalls or carts the Indian equivalent to fast food. With its origins in Uttar Pradesh, chaat have become immensely popular in the rest of India and the Indian subcontinent. DAY 8 Agra Delhi 4 Golden Grand, or similar Very early this morning we will enjoy a very special treat - a visit to the Taj Mahal at sunrise. This Monument of Love is a flawless architectural creation. A spectacle to behold at any time of day, it takes on a whole new life when bathed in the early morning light. This experience will leave you feeling awakened and inspired. Taking 22 years and 20,000 men to build, the white marble was quarried 200 miles away and transported by a fleet of 1,000 elephants. Call support@inspiringvacations.com Page 5

7 Following this you may enjoy some leisure time until the afternoon when we depart Agra for Delhi. Once we check into our hotel here, the rest of the day is yours to spend as you like. DAY 9 Delhi 4 Golden Grand, or similar The highlight for today is a magnificent city sightseeing tour of Old Delhi, a positively remarkable area dating back to the 1600s. Our tour begins at the Jama Masjid, India s largest mosque which proudly stands across the road from the historic Red Fort. This glorious mosque was built with sandstone and white marble and employs a unique combination of Hindu and Islamic architecture. After this we will experience an exhilarating cycle rickshaw ride in the busy market area of Chandni Chowk. The narrow lanes here have kept alive the traditional workmanship for which Delhi is famous. Originating from the times of the Mughal Empire, this market still hosts the descendants of royal chefs and famous Chudi Wali Gali. Next we will visit the Sheeshganj Gurudwara, a magnificent place of worship where we will learn about the history of the Sikh religion. Enroute back to our hotel we will stop at the India Gate, a war memorial dedicated to the Indian soldiers who died during WWI as well as Rashtrapati Bhavan, the official home of the president. You may spend this evening seeking out some of the city s fantastic local cuisine or participate in an optional tour. Optional tour - Home Cooked Dinner - Skip the celebrity chefs and head straight to the source of authentic Indian cooking secrets on this Delhi tour that delves into the heartland of Indian cuisine - a local s home! It s not just a meal, but a dining experience in a family home, where you ll learn about local culture, taste, incredible food, and make new friends. The food you ll dine on a traditional Indian home-cooked meal, which will be predominantly vegetarian and sure to tantalise our taste buds like no other. Call support@inspiringvacations.com Page 6

8 OPTIONAL TOUR - HOME COOKED DINNER IN DELHI Skip the celebrity chefs and head straight to the source of authentic Indian cooking secrets on this Delhi tour that delves into the heartland of Indian cuisine - a local s home! It s not just a meal, but a dining experience in a family home, where you ll learn about local culture, taste, incredible food, and make new friends. The food you ll dine on a traditional Indian home-cooked meal, which will be predominantly vegetarian and sure to tantalise our taste buds like no other. DAY 10 Delhi Australia N/A Today marks the end of your magnificent and unforgettable tour through India. Enjoy free time at the hotel before your transfer to Delhi International Airport where you will board your flight home or towards your onward destination. We hope you have thoroughly enjoyed your inspiring experience. DAY 11 Australia Meals included N/A Arrive home today. Call support@inspiringvacations.com Page 7

9 Inclusions WHAT'S INCLUDED Return international airfares with full service carrier, China Southern Airlines Return airport transfers 9 nights in authentic 4 star accommodation Breakfast daily The services of a professional fully escorted English speaking guide In depth sightseeing including all entry fees as per the itinerary Dedicated private transportation throughout SIGHTSEEING HIGHLIGHTS Delhi - Walk through the famous bazaars of Old Dehli, visiting Jama Masjid (India's largest Mosque) Delhi - Experience a Rickshaw ride in Chandani Chowk, a market place from the times of the Mughals Delhi - Stop by the Sheeshganj Gurudwara to learn about the history of Sikh religion Jaipur - Visit the City Palace, covering almost one-seventh part of the city and learn about the Peacock gate Jaipur - Explore the ancient capital of Amber to see the fabulous Amber Fort Varanasi - Witness the Aarti ceremony, taking place every evening on the banks of the River Ganges Varanasi - Sunrise boat ride on the Ganges, watching the light illuminate the ghats along this spiritual river Varanasi - Take a trip to nearby Sarnath, one of the four main Buddhist pilgrimage destinations Lucknow - Visit the Bara Imambara mosque complex, admiring architecture that modern architects are perplexed by Agra - Jump on a 'chaat crawl' in the city thought to serve up the country s best (savoury snacks) Agra - Admire the Taj Mahal at sunrise, the almighty 'Monument of Love' Fine Print Call support@inspiringvacations.com Page 8

10 DEPOSIT & PAYMENT Secure your package with a deposit of $250 per person. You will then be invoiced for final payment 120 days prior to departure. BOOKING PROCESS Select the purple 'Sign Up For Full Details' tab to begin your booking (you must sign up first by enterting your and creating a password) Then select the purple 'Book now' tab Select your Departure Date, Departure City, number of Passengers, Room Configuration, and enter any Special Requests Click the purple Proceed to secure checkout' tab Enter your credit card or Paypal details to secure your deposit/payment Once your order is complete, you will be prompted to complete a booking form so that we can fulfil your booking Your booking is confirmed once your booking form is submitted and you can begin the countdown to your Inspiring Vacation! Call support@inspiringvacations.com Page 9

11 HOW TO EXTEND YOUR STAY Some customers like to enhance their holiday by extending their stay pre and/or post tour. If you wish to do so, please follow these steps to initiate your request: 1. Follow the book now prompts after signing up, until you reach the "Special Requests" field 2. Here, please specify your preferred flight arrangements and if you require additional accommodation, with the number of nights needed. 3. After finalising your purchase and submitting your booking form, a member of our team will be in contact with you via to verify your request. Please note a $150 per person supplement plus any applicable fare and tax difference applies to deviate from the standard itinerary. You will be contacted via with a quote and proposed flight itinerary, with the additional payment required to confirm your request. Additional nights' accommodation can be booked by your own arrangement, or alternatively we can offer the following rates: Pre/Post-tour accommodation (Delhi): $120 per room per night (single or double/twin) including breakfast Please note, if you are not arriving or departing as per the group itinerary, airport transfers are also no longer included. If you would like us to arrange this service for you, an additional cost will apply: Airport Transfers: $60 per vehicle each way (1-4 people) The additional cost for these land arrangements will be added to your final payment invoice, due 120 days prior to departure, and are strictly subject to availability. Call support@inspiringvacations.com Page 10

12 SINGAPORE STOPOVER PACKAGE Includes: Upgrade to Singapore Airlines 3 nights at the 4 star Furama Riverfront or similar Breakfast daily Return airport transfers If you wish to book the Singapore stopover package before or after your tour, please select this under 'Upgrade Options' before completing your booking. You will then be invoiced for this in your final payment. The $150pp extension supplement does not apply if selecting this option. AIRFARE INFORMATION Full service airline used will be with China Southern Airlines (or similar if unavailable) Flights will require a minimum of 1 transit (maximum 2) All tickets will include 23kgs checked baggage. Once ticketed, flights are non-refundable. Any changes will be subject to the airline rules & change fees. Full names as per passport (including all middle names) are required. Any airline schedule changes or cancellations are beyond our control. PREMIUM ECONOMY OR BUSINESS CLASS UPGRADES Premium Economy - Not available. Business Class available from an additional $3,000 per person in addition to the standard price (subject to availability). Please specify this as a 'Special Request' when completing your booking and you will be quoted for the additional fare. In the event your selection is unavailable or that you are dissatisfied with the quote, you will be provided with a full refund. Call support@inspiringvacations.com Page 11

13 SINGAPORE AIRLINES UPGRADE Singapore Airlines is available for an additional $250 per person (Economy Class - subject to availability). Please select this under 'Upgrade Options' before completing your booking. You will then be billed for this in your final invoice. LAND ONLY DISCOUNT (IF BOOKING YOUR OWN FLIGHTS) A $700 per person reduction from the twin share price applies if you wish to arrange your own airfares. Should you wish to purchase land only, please select this option in the booking process, under 'Departure City'. Please note airport transfers are not included if selecting this option. Should you wish to book airport transfers to match your own flights, the cost would be $60 per vehicle, per direction. OPTIONAL TOURS Explore Jaipur City (Day 3) - $69pp Culinary Walk with Food Tasting (Day 6) - $69pp Home Cooked Dinner (Day 9)- $49pp Optional tours can be booked at time of purchase with your package. You will be able to select these as an add-on during the purchase path before making deposit payment. Any additional cost incurred will be added to the final balance of your booking. If you are not ready to choose your optional tours, you can log in to your account to add these to your Order or you can contact your Dedicated Support Agent for assistance. Please note that if pre-purchasing, they must be booked no later than 60 days before departure. Additional optional tours may be purchased on-tour, however, are subject to availability and price fluctuations as a result of currency exchange. Call support@inspiringvacations.com Page 12

14 EXCLUSIONS Visas Travel insurance (compulsory) Tipping Anything not mentioned in the itinerary Optional activities Personal expenses ACCOMMODATION The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences however any changes are beyond our control. SINGLE SUPPLEMENT Single supplement is $699 person in addition to the twin share price. TRIPLE SHARE GROUP SIZE 2-30 people CHILDREN Children must be 5 years old or over and share a room with parents at all times. Children are the same price as adults. TRAVEL INSURANCE Travel insurance is required to protect yourself against the unexpected. We have partnered with QBE Insurance to offer our customers competitive rates for their Travel Insurance. You can book comprehensive or budget cover, earn Qantas Frequent Flyer points and save 25% on retail rates. Simply click HERE to arrange your policy. Call support@inspiringvacations.com Page 13

15 VISA & PASSPORT INFORMATION It is the customer s responsibility to become familiar of the visa requirements for their intended destination and to ensure they have the appropriate visa documentation, whether obtained before departure or on arrival. Further, it is the traveller s responsibility to ensure they have a valid passport. The passport must be valid for a minimum of 6 months from your intended date of return to Australia. Inspiring Vacations is not responsible for delays or missed portions of the holiday package resulting from incorrect travel documents or visas, or for denial of entry for not having the appropriate visa or valid passport. Please note that the information provided is subject to change at any time. For the most upto-date information, we recommend visiting INDIA VISA REQUIRED - YES You will be able to obtain your E-visa when you have your Tour documents indicating your date of entry into India, approximately 120 days prior to Departure. Please note, the ETA is limited to 60 days validity from the date of arrival. Visit to apply for an e-visa. OTHER INFORMATION Final documentation including e-tickets and hotel details will be provided approximately 30 days prior to travel. The total length of the tour in days includes time spent in flight and is subject to change depending on the flight schedule, please refer to the day by day itinerary for the time spent on land. Call support@inspiringvacations.com Page 14