INDIA & THE HIMALAYAS

Transcription

1 INDIA & THE HIMALAYAS $ 2999 PER PERSON TWIN SHARE THAT S % OFF 40 VALUED UP TO $4999 DELHI AGRA JAIPUR DARJEELING VARANASI India captures the heart like a first love. From the serenity of Varanasi on the Ganges to the rolling hills of Darjeeling and soaring Himalayas - it s a heady mix of beauty, rhythm and colour. And chief among India s many highlights are Delhi, Agra and Jaipur - the celebrated Golden Triangle. If the desire to experience India has ever crossed your mind, take a leap of faith and experience why it remains one of the most intoxicating destinations on the planet. The Offer Discover India s past and present on this life-changing 15-day trip to the Golden Triangle. Take a tour through old and new Delhi, experiencing iconic sights such as the Red Fort, Raj Ghat and Jama Masjid Mosque, as well as the vibrant Chandni Chowk Market and beautiful Lotus Temple. Tour the famed Taj Mahal, one of the great wonders of the world, and take time to explore the narrow streets and laneways of Agra - the quintessential Mughal city. See breathtaking palaces and forts in Jaipur, the pink-washed capital of Rajasthan, and let the city reveal new sights with the changing sun. Sample fresh tea from a Darjeeling tea garden, taking in views of the lofty Himalayas. Experience all things sacred in Varanasi, and witness life lived in harmony with the Ganges River. Enjoy cultural experiences including a turban and sari tying demonstration, plus a traditional welcome garland on arrival. With 13 nights accommodation, return international flights, A/C transport and English-speaking guides throughout the tour, there s no better way to discover the magic of India. *Please note: all information provided in this brochure is subject to both change and availability. Prior to purchase please check the current live deal at or contact our customer service team on TRIP (8747) for the most up-to-date information. If you have already purchased this deal, the terms and conditions on your Travel Voucher apply and take precedence over the information in this brochure.

2 The Itinerary Day 1: Australia - Delhi, India (In-flight meals) Depart today from either Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, *Adelaide or *Perth for Delhi. Fly with either Cathay Pacific, China Southern Airlines, Virgin Airways or Singapore Airlines, to name a few (subject to availability). Upon arrival be met and receive a garland by a representative at the airport. The representative will escort you by private chauffeur to the hotel. Whilst the room keys and check-in is organised, our representative will also hand over the Welcome Folder documents and brief you of the tour programme. Delhi is the capital city of India, and can be called as a major gateway to India. Delhi is one of the most important metropolis in India. It has a very good combination of both modern, as well as ancient culture. Delhi is a city waiting to be explored. It is the Headquarters of Indian politics with most of the heads of the Indian government and other political parties residing here, including the Prime Minister, and President of the country. Overnight: Sk Premium Park (Formerly Park Plaza), Delhi Day 2: Welcome to Delhi! City Tour (B) After breakfast, start a city tour of old and new Delhi visiting Raj Ghat (where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated); Red Fort (made famous by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan); and Jama Masjid (the largest mosque in India) which has three great gateways, four angle towers and two minarets constructed of alternating vertical strips of red sandstone and white marble. Chandni Chowk is the main street of Old Delhi in the colourful shopping bazaar. Travel to Laxminarayan Temple, a site dedicated to Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity and good fortune. India Gate is a 42 metre high stone of triumph and is a war memorial. The tour continues with a visit to Rashtrapati Bhawan, the palace-like building home to the President of India. Afterwards visit the beautiful Lotus Temple, also known as the Bahai Temple. Adherents of any faith can visit, pray or meditate. Today take the opportunity to ride on a traditional rickshaw. Overnight: Sk Premium Park (Formerly Park Plaza), Delhi Day 3: Delhi - Jaipur s The Pink City (B,D) After breakfast, travel to Jaipur. On arrival in Jaipur check-in to your hotel. The picturesque capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur is instantly recognisable for its pink-washed buildings, a colour associated with hospitality in Rajput culture. This beautiful city, along with Agra and Delhi, form what is known as the Golden Triangle of India s tourist circuit. Jaipur is a city where royalty still lives in the grandeur of its palaces, where fighting for the honour of the clan has never been a need but a way of life, and where treating guests as gods has been a tradition from time immemorial. There is a timeless appeal to Jaipur s colourful bazaars, where you can shop for Rajasthani textiles and trinkets. The beautifully laid out gardens and parks, attractive monuments and heritage hotels, once the residence of Maharajas, are all worth a look. Overnight: Jaipur (Standard Or Premium Hotel Option) Day 4: Jaipur City Tour and Amber Fort (B) Today enjoy a full day sightseeing tour of Jaipur - the picturesque capital of Rajasthan. To start off take a morning excursion to Amber Fort. Amber Fort is located 11km from Jaipur and was the old fort of the Kachwaha clan of Amber. The fort is built with white marble and red sandstone and al the more attractive because of the Maota Lake in the foreground. The fort in itself is a beautiful sight to behold, with its clear reflection on the lake so beautiful, it seems like an illusion. This afternoon take part in a city tour visiting the City Palace, the former royal residence built in a blend of the Rajasthani and Mughal styles. Jantar Mantar is the largest of the five observatories built by Sawai Jai Singh. The Hawa Mahal or the Palace of Winds was constructed for the royal ladies to watch royal processions without being seen. Also visit Lakshmi Narayan Temple plus enjoy a sari and turban tying demonstration! Overnight: Jaipur (Standard Or Premium Hotel Option)

3 The Itinerary Day 5: Jaipur - Fatehpur Sikri - Agra (B) After breakfast, depart for Agra. On the way, visit Fatehpur Sikri, made a UNESCO world heritage site due to its stunning imperial complex of pavilions and palaces. On arrival to Agra, check-in to your hotel. Agra is the quintessential Mughal City, where the world marvels at the epitome of love, beauty and sacrifice, The Taj-Mahal one of the Wonders of the World. So overwhelming is the magical monument that Agra has been immortalised, as the City of the Taj. As visitors walk down the narrow bustling streets, they cannot help but wonder, if the man contentedly smoking a hookah, is a direct descendent of some bygone Mughal. Overnight: Agra (Standard Or Premium Hotel Option) Day 6: Agra - Taj Mahal Delhi (B) After breakfast enjoy a city tour visiting the Taj Mahal, built by the Moghul Emperor Shahjehan in 1630 for his queen Mumtaz Mahal to enshrine her mortal remains. Besides the Taj, the Agra Fort (also called the Red Fort) makes an interesting sight. In the afternoon depart to Delhi, and on arrival check-in to your hotel. Overnight: Sk Premium Park (Formerly Park Plaza), Delhi Day 7: Delhi - Bagdogra - Darjeeling (B,D) After breakfast, transfer to the airport to board your flight to Bagdogra. Upon arrival, the representative will welcome and escort you by a private chauffeur driven transport to Darjeeling. Upon arrival check-in to your hotel. Darjeeling is a famous hill resort offering a breath-taking sight of the numerous peaks of the majestic Himalayas. The clouds seem to whisper to one another here and from horizon to horizon, stretch the ranges of Kanchenjunga, covered with snow from head to foot all year round. The views of Kanchenjunga and Mount Everest are particularly inspiring, and viewing the sunrise is wonderful from the famous Tiger hill. Overnight: Darjeeling (Standard Or Premium Hotel Option) Day 8: Darjeeling Tiger Hill Darjeeling City Tour and Tea Garden (B) Early morning visit to Tiger Hill and Ghoom Monastery. View the sunrise and its reflection over Mount Everest and Kanchenjunga in their majestic glory from Tiger Hill. After breakfast take part in a city tour visiting one of the most beautiful Hill stations in Eastern India. Darjeeling has an indelible imprint of the British in its lifestyle, garden tea-estates and its hotels. Visit the Race Course, Lablong village, The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and the house of Tenzing Norgay - the first Everest hero. Also see endangered Himalayan wolves and red pandas at a visit to the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park. In the afternoon, a visit to a tea garden takes you on an educational tour of the entire process of tea planting to manufacturing. Darjeeling tea has acquired a name for itself; enjoy and taste some of the special tea flavours. Overnight: Darjeeling (Standard Or Premium Hotel Option) Day 9: Darjeeling - Gangtok (B,D) After breakfast depart for Gangtok, on arrival check-in to your hotel. Gangtok is the capital city of Sikkim, the second smallest state of India. Famous for its many important monasteries, and for the picturesque views of the Himalayas, Gangtok is one of the important hill stations of the country. Here, see a smooth blend of both tradition and modernity. Located at an altitude of 1547m above sea level, Gangtok houses some of the most important Buddhist religious sites too. The existence of the peaceful Chortens or Stupas, old monasteries and the unspoilt natural beauty of Gangtok offers you a truly unique travelling experience. Overnight: Gangtok (Standard Or Premium Hotel Option) Day 10: Gangtok - Tsomgo Lake - Gangtok City Tour(B) Today, visit the stunning Tsomgo Lake (subject to weather; route accessibility/conditions), located 35 km from Gangtok,

4 The Itinerary and at an altitude of 12,000 ft. Embedded in steep and rugged mountain terrain, the lake is covered with snow from early winter to late spring. Associated with many legends and myths, Tsomgo is regarded as holy by the Sikkimese. Rides on colourfully decorated yaks and mules are offered at the lake site (optional activity), which also has a variety of food stalls. In the afternoon take a city tour visiting Do Drul Chorten, the solitary temple or the Enchey monastery, The Namgyal Institute of Research and the Tsuk la Khang, a depository of a large collection of scriptures and the principal place of worship for the local Buddhists. Overnight: Gangtok (Standard Or Premium Hotel Option) Day 11: Gangtok - Bagdogra - Varanasi (B) After breakfast transfer to Bagdogra airport to board your flight to Varanasi. Upon arrival the representative will welcome and escort you by to the hotel. Upon arrival check-in to your hotel. The city of Varanasi is situated along the west bank of the Ganges in the north Indian State of Uttar Pradesh. Called Benaras by the British, Varanasi is an important pilgrimage centre for the Hindus. The city finds mention in the great epics of Mahabharata and Ramayana. It was a flourishing trade centre when Buddha came to Sarnath, about 10 kilometres away, to preach his first sermon in 500 BC. The renowned American novelist Mark Twain once wrote, Benaras is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend and looks twice as old as all of them put together. Right from the ancient times, Varanasi has stood as a symbol of Hindu renaissance and preserved the rituals and traditions of Hindu philosophy. Down the ages, pilgrims from distant lands have come to Varanasi in search of divine blessings. In the evening, witness the glittering Aarti ceremony at the Ganges. Overnight: Varanasi (Standard Or Premium Hotel Option) Day 12: Varanasi - Ganges Boat Cruise Varanasi & Sarnath City Tour (B) Enjoy an early morning boat cruise on river Ganges. After breakfast, take a city tour of Varanasi temples. The banks of the Ganges, considered to be a sacred river by the Hindus is the centre of much of the religious activity that occurs in the city. The ghats built along the banks of the river for such religious activity also form a major source of attraction here. Some of the other interesting places to visit around the city are Alamgir Mosque, Durga Temple, Vishwanat Temple, Bharat Mata temple, Tulsi Manas Temple, Banaras Hindu University and the Archaeological Museum. In the afternoon enjoy an excursion to the city of Sarnath, Just 10 km from Varanasi. Sarnath is a highly revered Buddhist pilgrimage centre. It is believed that after getting enlightenment at Bodh Gaya, Lord Buddha preached his first sermon, sanctified as Maha Dharm Chakra Parivartan, at Sarnath. The great Dhamekh Stupa and several other structures stand testimony to the importance the place enjoyed at that time. The Chaukhandi Stupa is the place where, during his first visit to Sarnath, Lord Buddha met his first five disciples. The area is a treasure trove of archaeological findings such as Dharmrajika Stupa and Mulgandhkuti Vihar. The smooth glistening pillar established by Emperor Ashoka in B.C. marks the foundation of the Buddhist Sangha, and the Lion Capital atop this pillar is now India s National Emblem. Also visit Ashoka Pillar and a Tibetan Temple. Overnight: Varanasi (Standard Or Premium Hotel Option) Day 13: Varanasi - Delhi (B) After breakfast transfer to the airport to board your flight to Delhi. Upon arrival the representative will welcome and escort you to the hotel. Upon arrival check-in to your hotel. Overnight: Sk Premium Park (Formerly Park Plaza), Delhi Day 14: Delhi - Australia (B,In-flight meals) After breakfast transfer to the airport to board your flight home for Australia. Day 15: Arrive in Australia

5 What You Get FLIGHTS Return international flights (economy class) departing SYD/MEL/ BNE/*ADL/*PER Three internal flights: Delhi to Bagdogra, Bagdogra to Varanasi and Varanasi to Delhi ACCOMMODATION 13 nights quality accommodation (Standard Or Premium Hotel Option) DINING Enjoy 16 meals (Standard Options) Enjoy 37 meals (Premium Options only) HIGHLIGHTS Discover the highlights of India s Golden Triangle Explore Delhi, Jaipur, Agra, Darjeeling, Gangtok and Varanasi See the breathtaking Taj Mahal in Agra Experience a full day tour of New and Old Delhi, see Red Fort, Raj Ghat and Jama Masjid Mosque Take a traditional rickshaw ride in Delhi Explore the colourful Chandni Chowk Market Visit the beautiful Lotus Temple in New Delhi Enjoy a city tour of The Pink City Jaipur; visit the Royal Amber Fort and Palace Of The Winds plus more Experience Fatehpur Sikri; a UNESCO World Heritage Site Watch the sunrise from Tiger hill with stunning views of Mt Everest and Kanchenjunga Explore The Tibetan Ghoom Monastery Wander through Lablong village Enjoy a city tour of Darjeeling, visit the Mountaineering Institute and the home of Tenzing Norgay; the first Everest hero plus more See endangered Himalayan wolves and red pandas at Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park Enjoy a Tea Garden tour and taste some speciality tea in Darjeeling Explore Gangtok and visit the Do Drul Chorten the solitary temple plus more Witness the glittering Aarti Ceremony on the banks of the River Ganges Discover India s holiest city Varanasi on a city tour Enjoy a city tour of sacred Sarnath Take a boat ride on the river Ganges Enjoy a sari and turban tying demonstration in Jaipur Welcome garland on arrival in Delhi Complimentary gift on departure TOUR ESSENTIALS Sightseeing and monument entry fees Airline fuel taxes and surcharges Professional English-speaking local guides TRANSPORT Transportation by A/C vehicles TRANSFERS Return airport transfers with meet and assist We have rarely experienced such a high level of customer service. We hope TripADeal will be able to assist us again soon with our future travel plans. TripADeal Customers Patrick & Leigh - Melbourne, Australia

6 The Fine Print *Please note: all information provided in this brochure is subject to both change and availability. Prior to purchase please check the current live deal at or contact our customer service team on TRIP (8747) for the most up-to-date information. If you have already purchased this deal, the terms and conditions on your Travel Voucher apply and take precedence over the information in this brochure BOOKING INFORMATION After purchase, you will receive your Travel Voucher via . This will direct you to an Online Booking Form. You must return your booking form within 7 days of purchase, or no later than the Book By Date, whichever comes first Any special requests, preferences and optional extras MUST be clearly stated in your Online Booking Form. Any change requested after submitting your Online Booking Form cannot be guaranteed, is strictly subject to availability, and will incur surcharges as outlined in the Schedule of Fees below On purchasing this Travel Offer you are bound by TripADeal s standard Terms and Conditions in addition to the specific terms and conditions outlined in this Fine Print Please Note: all additional charges are payable direct to TripADeal (unless otherwise stated) OFFER ESSENTIALS Voucher valid until 24th April 2018 Voucher valid for one person based on twin share Single Supplement For solo travellers a mandatory single supplement is payable direct to TripADeal - Standard Package: $550 - Premium Package: $650 Departure Dates 2017: February: *15, 22 (SOLD OUT) March: 1, 8, 22 (SOLD OUT) April: *12, *19, 26 (SOLD OUT) May: 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 (SOLD OUT) June: 7, 14, 21 (SOLD OUT) July: *12, *19, 26 (SOLD OUT) August: 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 September: 5, 12, 19, 26 October: 3, 10, 17, 24 November: : February: 20 March: 13 April: 24 Surcharges Please note: dates/months with a * incur a high season surcharge. * Flight: $250 per person/voucher Departure Cities Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide* or Perth* Interstate Surcharges *Adelaide OR *Perth: $300 per person/ voucher Please note: amounts are payable to TripADeal FLIGHTS Airline(s) Used Cathay Pacific, China Southern, China Eastern, Virgin Airways, Singapore Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Thai Airways, Air India, Jet Airways and codeshare partners (subject to availability) Arrive Early in Delhi $300 per person/voucher plus any applicable difference in airfare and/or taxes - This fee does not include accommodation - No flight booking changes or cancellations permitted after air tickets have been issued Flight changes are subject to availability at the time of booking Airport transfers are not included Stay Behind in Delhi $300per person/voucher plus any applicable difference in airfare and/or taxes - This fee does not include accommodation - No flight booking changes or cancellations permitted after air tickets have been issued Flight changes are subject to availability at the time of booking Airport transfers are not included Flight Upgrades - Premium Economy: not available - Business Class: buy now for $3999 per person Please note: - All Premium Economy and Business Class upgrades are subject to availability (if we are not able to fulfill your business class request the upgrade cost will be refunded) - On any upgrade purchase, short haul flights and domestic flight sectors are not guaranteed in a Premium or Business cabin; subject to aircraft configuration

7 The Fine Print ACCOMMODATION Accommodation Used STANDARD PACKAGES: 3-4 Star Rating - Delhi: Sk Premium Park (Formerly Park Plaza Hari Nagar) - Agra: Hotel Royal Residency - Jaipur: Hotel Park Ocean - Darjeeling: Summit Grace Hotel & Spa - Gangtok: Summit Golden Crescent Resort & Spa - Varanasi: Hotel Meraden Grand *Please note: rooms offered are based on a lead-in room type. In the unlikely event that a hotel is fully booked a similar hotel of the same standard will be used PREMIUM PACKAGES: 4-5 Star (self-rated) - Delhi: Park Plaza Shahdara - Agra: Hotel Clark Shiraz - Jaipur: Hotel Sarovar Portico - Darjeeling: Elgin Inn Hotel - Gangtok: The Royal Plaza - Varanasi: Hotel Grapevine *Please note: rooms offered are based on a lead-in room type. In. the unlikely event that a hotel is fully booked a similar hotel of the same standard will be used Extra Nights (Pre & Post Tour) STANDARD PACKAGES: - Delhi: $120 per room/night including breakfast PREMIUM PACKAGES: - Delhi: $160 per room/night including breakfast Please note: extra nights are subject to availability at the time of booking. Airport transfers included (subject to availability) Maximum Room Capacity 3 people (subject to availability) Child Policy - No child discounts apply; a full priced voucher must be purchased for all children travelling with their parents - Strictly valid for Children 12 years old and over Please note: Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult 18 years old and over to travel. No unaccompanied minors allowed Triple Share No discounts apply for 3rd person travelling. A full priced voucher must be purchased. A rollaway bed is provided per room. Subject to availability until the time of booking. Bedding Configuration Double or twin bedding (subject to availability) Adjoining Rooms Subject to availability and at the hotels discretion. Please enquire on booking if you require this option. GENERAL TOUR INFORMATION Minimum group size 2, maximum group size 20 per coach Meals Please Note: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner are only included if you choose the Premium Package, and only on days part of the main tour itinerary. Arrive Early or Stay Behind meals at own expense. EXCLUSIONS -Visa fees and requirements (A tourist visa for India is a strict requirement if travelling on an Australian passport) - Meals/beverages not stated in the itinerary - Recommended gratuities/tipping - Approx 5-10 AUD - Can be given at discretion or to the Tour Leader to distribute - Optional activities/tours - Personal expenses - Airport departure Tax - Travel insurance (Mandatory) Please Note: A comprehensive travel Insurance policy must be organised BEFORE all details can be finalised with TripADeal. INSURANCE TripADeal is proud to offer a range of travel insurance products in partnership with My Travel Insurance SCHEDULE OF FEES Voluntary Changes This includes booking changes requested by you, including but not limited to those changes requiring airline ticket or Travel Voucher reissue 1st Change - $ per person + any additional charges applied by the airline/ cruise company/ other travel provider additional charges applied by the airline/ cruise company/ other travel provider Subsequent changes - $ per person

8 Terms & Conditions + any additional charges applied by the airline/ cruise company/ other travel provider Changes within 30 days of departure $ person + any additional charges applied by the airline/ cruise company/ other travel provider Changes within 14 days of departure $ per person + any additional charges applied by the airline/ cruise company/ other travel provider Name Changes Due To Passenger Error If the incorrect name has been advised to TripADeal, charges of $ per person + any additional charges applied by the airline/ cruise company/ other travel provider will apply Flights Flights are subject to change based on availability and airline schedule changes. This means some flights may arrive a day before or day later, involve a transit, a stopover, or a substitute airline. These changes are beyond TripADeal s control and will be confirmed upon booking. If you have any concerns please contact TripADeal directly for further information Flight Confirmation Once your flights are confirmed and ticketed through TripADeal, flights are non-refundable and non-changeable. Full names, as per passport and including your middle name if applicable, must be provided for ticketing *Please Note: TripADeal is not liable in the event of airline schedule changes after your flights have been ticketed VISAS A Tourist visa is a strict requirement when travelling to India. Please start arranging your visa at least 3 weeks prior to departure to account for any delays due to consulate operating hours. Please Note: Passengers who are not Australian citizens must check with the respective consulate or a visa agency to determine what their visa requirements are and what personal identification is required Bookings are subject to availability All prices in AUD unless stated otherwise Any changes to travel dates or deal option requested after purchase will incur a fee of $100 per change per voucher, payable direct to TripADeal All prices are inclusive of taxes and service fees TripADeal is proud to offer a range of travel insurance products in partnership with My Travel Insurance Non-redeemable for cash Vouchers are not refundable and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer/ promotion TripADeal pricing reflects current market rates, so deal prices may fluctuate from day to day. This is the nature of the tourism industry, and TripADeal is not obliged to refund you to match any subsequent price reductions after purchase Please Note:the Refund Policy is located at the bottom of the page on the TripADeal website Please Note: all vouchers/booking dates must be confirmed before the day of travel. If you don t do this TripADeal will not be liable for any issues that might arise with the product you have purchased Please Note: vouchers must be used within the stated validity period or else they will be deemed void