A Culinary Journey of Northern India

Transcription

1 CATHIE RICE TRAVEL PRESENTS A Culinary Journey of Northern India Small group fully escorted⁰ 13 day tour Departing Perth 10 February 2019 Plus OPTIONAL GANGES RIVER CRUISE 7 Forrest Ave, Bunbury WA 6230 PH: FREECALL: st edition 1 Feb ST EDITION 21 FEB 18

2 Sun 10 Feb 2019 Depart Perth We depart Perth late afternoon on our Singapore Airlines flight to Delhi, via Singapore. Mon 11 Feb Arrive Delhi Upon arrival in Delhi, the group is met and transferred to our hotel. Please note: check in may not be possible until 2.00 PM. Your evening is free for your own leisure. HOTEL: Vivanta By Taj Dwarka (or similar) 2 nights Tue 12 Feb Delhi Sightseeing & Mughlai Food Begin with Old Delhi with a drive past Red Fort Palace to reach Jama Masjid - the largest mosque in India built in red sandstone. Between the mosque and Chandni Chowk is a narrow shop-lined street along which you will be transported by cycle rickshaws on your most photogenic journey of the tour. Later drive past New Delhi, which will include photo opportunities at some of the following attractions - the exterior of the Parliament House, the War Memorial Arch (India Gate) and residence of the President of India in New Delhi. Conclude your city tour with a visit to Qutub Minar; being one of the most important landmarks of Delhi, with calligraphically decorated interiors and inscriptions of verses of the Holy Quran. This evening enjoy Mughlai dinner in local restaurant. (B, D) Wed 13 Feb Delhi to Lucknow (by rail) Early morning (with packed breakfast) transfer to board the express train to Lucknow. (ETD 6.10 AM, ETA PM) The City of Nawabs is an intriguing blend of old world charm, warm hospitality, courteous people, beautiful architecture and rich heritage. Upon arrival the group will be met and transferred to the hotel. Late afternoon, visit a Chikan workshop/studios where you will see, how the rich Nawabi culture reflects on the textile through hands-on experience of the famous Chikan embroidery. The technique of creation of a Chikan work is known as chikankari; a delicate and artfully done hand embroidery on a variety of textile fabric like muslin, silk, chiffon, organza, net, etc. Evening enjoy Awadhi dinner at the hotel. (B, D) HOTEL: Clarks Avadh (or similar) 2 nights Thur 14 Feb Lucknow Sightseeing & Awadhi Food After breakfast we see some of the historical and cultural highlights of the city on our tour of Lucknow. In the evening enjoy a Culinary walk with Awadhi food tasting, giving you an opportunity to try a variety of delicious local Awadhi cuisine in traditional roadside eateries and famous food joints like Tunday Kabab, Mobeen s Pasanda, Bismillah s or Idris Biryani, Prakash Kulfi and others. (B, D)

3 Fri 15 Feb Lucknow to Agra & Multi Cuisine (by rail) After breakfast, your morning is free to explore the heritage city of the Nawab on your own. We transfer to the railway station after lunch to board the train to Agra (ETD 3.35 PM, ETA 7.20 PM) Upon arrival in Agra, the group will be met and transferred to our hotel. This evening, enjoy multi-cuisine dinner. (B, D) HOTEL: Radisson Blu (or similar) 2 nights Sat 16 Feb Agra Early morning visit, Taj Mahal - the epitome of love, stands on the banks of the river Yamuna built in the 17th century by the Mughal Emperor Shahjahan. The white marble building changes its hue with the variations in the daylight. Made entirely of white marble and decorated with exquisite pietra dura (stone inlay) work, different types of precious and semi-precious stones were used in the intricate inlay work done on the interiors. This magnificent monument is built around a Charbagh or four gardens plan, split by watercourses reflects the influence of Persian architectural style. Return to the hotel for breakfast. Later visit Agra Fort, built by Emperor Akbar, which is a mixture of the Islamic and Hindu styles of architecture and Itmad-Ud-Daula Tomb; nicknamed as baby Taj; another fine example of Mughal architecture. (B, D) Sun 17 Feb Agra to Ranthambore The morning after breakfast check out and travel to Ranthambore. En route visit Fatehpur Sikri, an outstanding example of Mughal architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The perfectly preserved red sandstone buildings consist of palaces, courtyards, a life-size chess board, tombs and mosques. Visit the Diwan-e-Khas with its remarkable central pillar. Also, visit Panch Mahal, the five-storied structure used as the viewing station for the harem. (B, D) HOTEL: The Tigress (or similar) 2 nights Mon 18 Feb Wildlife Safari & Indian Barbeque This morning, prepare for the first game drive at 6:00 9:30 am. Enjoy the national park travelling in a jeep with an estimated area of 400sq Km of this amazing reserve. The park is dotted with steep rocky hills and the dominating architecture of Ranthambore Fort (built in the 10th century), adds to its landscape.

4 The rugged park terrain alternates between dry deciduous forest, open grassy meadow, dotted by several lakes and rivers that are only made passable by rough roads built and maintained by the Forest Service. The tiger is not the only attraction at Ranthambore although it is the one park resident that people come to see. A variety of birds including Owlets, the ubiquitous Langur (monkey), Leopard, Caracal, Hyena, Jackal, Jungle Cat, marsh Crocodiles, Wild Boar, Bears and various species of Deer are the other attractions. Return to the hotel approximately around 9:30 am and have your breakfast. In the afternoon proceed for another game drive. Later return to the hotel for an Indian Barbeque dinner at the lawns of the Hotel. (B, L, D) (Game drives are scheduled between AM & PM, visitors are strictly advised to follow the guidelines of the national park and the wildlife tourist guide. Times may change.) Tue 19 Feb Ranthambore to Jaipur & Home-Made Meal Today travel to Jaipur; the pink city of Rajasthan treasure trove of culture, art & history & famous for its colour, lifestyle & Rajasthani cuisine. In the evening, we explore the bazaar through colourful & chaotic streets shopping for souvenirs like silver jewellery, precious & semi-precious stones. Later enjoy a home cooked meal and to understand what a typically Indian family eat daily, we visit a family house & participate in cooking lessons, so you can create quick, simple & healthy curry when you are back home. The Lady of the house will guide you through the lesson and share the story of their royal past. We enjoy a typical house meal consist of vegetables, lentil, non-vegetarian, some snacks rice & chapatti. (B, D) HOTEL: Trident (or similar) 2 nights Wed 20 Feb Food Sightseeing & Rajasthani Today you will proceed for a guided visit of Amber Fort, the ancient capital of Rajasthan and the majestic palace complex to witness a unique system of air-conditioning of the 17th century. Enjoy a photo stop en-route at the Hawa Mahal (Wind Palace). Later proceed for guided tour of Jaipur city. (B, D) Thur 21 Feb Jaipur to Kolkata (by air) Kolkata to Perth via Singapore After breakfast we transfer to the airport for our flight to Kolkata, check into hotel for day use until flight departs later in the evening, during the day we visit the home of Mother Teresa. Later transfer to Kolkata airport to connecting on to Perth (via Singapore). Arrive Perth 22 Feb.

5 13 Day Northen Culinary Highlights Tour Price $6,948.00* per person twin share. $1,350.00* single supplement OPTIONAL GANGES CRUISE From $4900* per person twin share Single supplement available on application and dependant on cabin availability. Thurs 21 Feb Kolkata to Farakka (by rail) Upon arrival in Kolkata we are transferred to the railway station for our rail journey (approx. 4 hours) to Farakka to join the ABN Rajmahal ship for our cruise. (B, D) Fri 22 Feb Ganges Cruising Note: all meals included onboard the cruise. This morning s cruise is along a straight canal section to Jangipur, where the afternoon is free to explore this small country town on foot. Sat 23 Feb This morning, set sail down the Lower Ganges, a charming waterway twisting and turning between banks lined with mustard fields and mango orchards. Moor at the delightful sleepy village of Baranagar with three gorgeous miniature terracotta temples to which you walk through the fields. This is rural India at its most idyllic. Continue down past Azimganj, boasting some fine riverside mansions, to Murshidabad where the Nawab s great Hazarduari Palace dominates the waterfront. Built by an English architect in 1837, the palace hosts an extensive collection of pictures, China, weapons and other objects. Carry on to visit the great Katra Mosque and Nashipara Palace before driving out to see the Katgola Palace. Built in the classical Georgian style by rich local merchants, Katgola Palace represents the other side of the coin of the 'White Mughal' period when English and Indian cultures came close to fusion. Moor overnight on the riverbank across from town.

6 Sun 24 Feb Sail downstream a short distance then walk to the Khushbagh, a peaceful Mughul-style garden enclosing the tombs of Siraj- Ud-Daulah the last independent Nawab of Bengal and his family. Return to the ship and continue downstream past the old British cantonment of Berhampur to a rural mooring close to the battlefield of Plassey where, in 1757, Robert Clive, the Commander-in-Chief of British India, defeated Siraj-Ud-Daulah, to change the course of Indian history. You can walk through the fields to the commemorative obelisk. Cruise on to a mooring near Katwa, a market town with narrow bustling bazaars. Mon 25 Feb Visit the brassworking village of Matiari where you can see the whole primitive process of beating out brass water pots and other vessels. Continue through the countryside to Mayapur to visit the vast new ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness) temple which dominates the skyline. Tue 26 Feb Continue down to the country town of Kalna. Take cycle rickshaws to see a group of some of Bengal s most attractive terracotta temples, as well as the unique Shiva temple with concentric rings made up of 108 shrinelets. Sail on, leaving fields behind and arrive at the outskirts of Kolkata. Land near Bandel to visit the imposing Imambara at Hooghly. With verses from the Koran written on its walls, the Imambara is an opportunity to step back in time and relive a slice of Islamic history in Bengal. Wed 27 Feb Sail downstream past fine waterfront buildings and the old Dutch settlement at Chinsura to land at Chandernagore, a French possession until Visit the 18th-century church and Dupleix s House, the erstwhile Governor-General of French India, before continuing down to Barrackpore. Land and take a walk through the cantonment past the Semaphore Tower, Government House, the Temple of Fame and Flagstaff House to get a better understanding of India's journey to independence. Thur 28 Feb Disembark Kolkata return to Perth Early this morning, cruise under the Howrah Bridge to central Kolkata. After breakfast we disembark and transfer to our hotel and check in for day use until flight departs later in the evening. During the day we visit the home of Mother Teresa. Later transfer to Kolkata airport to connecting on to Perth (via Singapore). Arrive Perth 1 March.

7 Inclusions - Coach tour: Accommodation with private facilities (Check In 1400 Hrs / Out at 1200 Hrs) International economy airfares (ex Perth Flying Singapore Airlines) Internal airfare (Jaipur Kolkata - flying Air India) Travel and transfers by air-conditioned vehicle as per the itinerary (image of vehicle or similar below). Meals as specified (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner). THO Tour Manager only for Culinary Journey of North India Local English speaking tour guide during sightseeing & excursions. Entrance fee to the monuments as per the Program (one visit per monument). 01 Rickshaw ride in Old Delhi. Train from Delhi to Lucknow and Lucknow to Agra in AC Chair Class. Culinary walk with Awadhi food tasting in Lucknow. Early morning visit of Taj Mahal. Elephant / Jeep ride at Amber Fort. Indian Family home dinner with a cooking demonstration. Day Use hotel in Kolkata on final day Visit to home of Mother Teresa Assistance and transfers All applicable & current taxes Cathie Rice Travel Tour Escort subject to minimum numbers being met⁰ Optional Ganges Cruise inclusions: 7 nights accommodation in twin Upper Deck cabins All meals while on board while cruising, all excursions, sightseeing and transfers in Kolkata & Farakka Not included: Any International or Domestic Airfare not mentioned and Visa fee, vaccinations, Early check in or late check out, Meals other than specified above, Tips & Gratuities, Travel & Medical Insurance, Camera and video permits, Expenses incurred due to flight / train cancellation or delay, Any expense of a personal nature, like drinks, laundry, telephone calls, mini bar, etc, any optional excursion or tour, any other expense not mentioned in the prices include column.

8 ⁰Please note: This tour will be escorted by a Cathie Rice Travel Tour Escort from Bunbury subject to minimum numbers being met. The optional cruise will only be escorted if all guests take the cruise extension. To obtain Electronic Visa Online - India, please visit for more details / submit your individual visa application. Please apply for your visa online at least 15 days before departure date. TOUR PARTICIPATION Our small group adventures bring together people of all ages. It is very important you are aware that, as a minimum, an average level of fitness and mobility' is required to undertake our easiest programs. Travellers must be able to walk without the aid of another person, climb 3-4 flights of stairs, step on and off small boats, and carry their own luggage at a minimum. Travellers with a pre-existing medical condition are required to complete a short medical questionnaire, which must be signed by their physician. This is to ensure that travellers have the necessary fitness and mobility to comfortably complete their chosen trip. While our staff work hard to ensure that all our travellers are catered for equally, it is not their responsibility to help individuals who cannot complete the day's activities unaided. DEPOSITS A non-refundable deposit of $ is required within 5 days of confirmation of your booking. At this time we require the completed booking form showing names as they appear on your passport, the booking form, the completed mandatory medical form and a photocopy of your current passport. FORMS A completed medical form is mandatory for this package. You must review and complete the forms and immediately return them. Questions that relate to your physical and mental suitability must be completed by a medical practitioner. Cathie Rice Travel cannot offer medical advice. CREDIT CARD PAYMENTS Payments made by credit card incur the following merchant charges: Standard Visa and Mastercard 1.45% Premium/Corporate Visa and Mastercard 2.20% American Express 2.20% Diners 2.75% FINAL PAYMENT Final payment due on or before 05 October It is imperative that deposits and final payments are paid by the due dates provided. Failure to pay on time may result in the cancellation of your reservations. Cancellation fees will apply as per suppliers conditions. If a booking is made after this date, the full tour price is due at time of confirmation. FARES AND PRICES Group costs quoted for this tour are subject to a minimum number of 18 paying passengers travelling together. Should minimum numbers not be met an alternative departure date will be offered. ⁰Please note, this alternative tour would not be escorted from Bunbury. Cathie Rice Travel reserves the right to re-cost should minimum numbers not be met. Due to the current instability of oil prices, all of the companies involved reserve the right to increase their costs relevant to fuel prices. All prices subject to increase until paid in full. Tour prices specified are based on airfares and land arrangement tariffs applicable at the time of printing and do not include airline taxes, airport/port charges or gratuities unless indicated. Prices are based on currency exchange rates therefore may be subject to increase without prior notice until the final payment date. All prices are in Australian dollars.

9 Please note: As this holiday package may incorporate many different facets such as flights, hotels, transfers, tours and/or a cruise, the payments you make will be forwarded to the individual companies involved to secure your reservations. Individual payments are not able to be made to these companies, therefore prices are subject to change as per the clause above, until the final payment date. Prices are based on travellers utilising group flights. Please ask for a quote should you wish to return at a later date. Please note that heavy amendment fees are charged for changes made once the airline tickets are issued. Travel insurance is not included in your tour cost. information. Please refer to the travel insurance section for more CANCELLATION/REFUND POLICY In the event of cancellation by the passenger, the following fees will apply: Deposit - NON REFUNDABLE After final payment date any charges imposed by the principals involved in operating the tour. Therefore, the cancellation fee may be up to the total cost of this tour. Bookings and payments are non-transferable. There is no refund for any sightseeing tours, meals, accommodation, or any other services not utilised or required during this tour. TRAVEL INSURANCE It is important to consider the purchase of travel insurance as early as possible as cancellation penalties will be enforced by the cruise/tour companies, hotels, airlines etc. Cancellation fees will not be waived if insurance cannot be obtained. Medicare will not pay for services or hospitalization outside Australia. Medical disembarkations do occur on cruises and passengers (or their families) are held personally liable for medical and associated costs incurred onboard ship or overseas. In conjunction with your tour, we are offering a 10% group discount on SureSave Insurance. Please contact our office for a brochure and a quote. PASSPORTS AND VISAS All passengers must be in the possession of a passport that is valid for at least six months after your return date to Australia. Passengers not travelling on an Australian passport must have a valid re-entry visa for Australia. Passports must have enough blank pages to accommodate entry and exit immigration stamps for each country of travel. At least one visa page in your passport is required for each visa. Most travel visas that are stamped into your passport require an entire blank visa page. A 'blank' visa page must be clean, clear, and not show ink or stains from any other pages in the passport. To obtain Electronic Visa Online - India, please visit for more details / submit your individual visa application. Please apply for your visa online at least 15 days before departure date. ITINERARY ALTERATIONS We endeavour to provide an accurate itinerary, however alterations may occur due to road or weather conditions, strikes or other reasons beyond our control. Any additional expense incurred by the passenger is not the responsibility of Cathie Rice Travel. We can give no guarantee as to the exact arrival and departure times for carriers and operators used in the tour and Cathie Rice Travel will not be liable for failure to make connections with any other services or attractions beyond its control.

10 SURNAME: Cathie Rice Travel Escorted Tours & Special Departures PASSENGER INFORMATION FORM Please complete and return with a copy of your passport TITLE: GIVEN NAMES (as per passport) ADDRESS: HOME PHN: MOBILE: BUSINESS PHN: PASSPORT NO: DATE OF ISSUE: NATIONALITY: DATE OF BIRTH: PLACE OF ISSUE: DATE OF EXPIRY: PLACE OF BIRTH: NAME YOU LIKE TO BE CALLED: EMERGENCY CONTACT: (Name, relationship, address phone number) DIETARY REQUIREMENTS: FREQUENT FLYER NUMBER & AIRLINE: HOTEL REQUIREMENTS: TWIN DOUBLE SINGLE TRIPLE SPECIAL REQUESTS: (see note below) MEDICAL INFORMATION: If yes, please give further information During the past 5 years, have you suffered any significant Illness, been hospitalised or require regular care by a doctor? Do you have any physical limitations, Handicaps or prosthesis? Do you take medication or drugs relating to a pre-existing medical condition? Are you affected by any other pre-existing medical condition not mentioned above? The information on this form will be assessed and you may be required to complete an additional confidential medical form relating to the tour you are joining. All special requests such as those for particular airline seating, hotel rooms and dietary requirements will be forwarded to the appropriate suppliers, however cannot be guaranteed by Cathie Rice Travel. Our escorted tours bring together people of all ages. It is very important you are aware that, as a minimum, an average level of fitness and mobility' is required to undertake our easiest programs. Travellers must be able to walk for a reasonable length of time without the aid of another person, climb 3-4 flights of stairs or over uneven surfaces, and carry their own luggage at a minimum. This is to ensure that travellers have the necessary fitness and mobility to comfortably complete their chosen trip. While our staff work hard to ensure that all our travellers are catered for equally, it is not their responsibility to help individuals who cannot complete the day's activities unaided. Travellers who need such assistance must be accompanied by a qualified companion who will assume full responsibility for the travellers wellbeing.

11 I have read and understand these conditions and those included in the tour brochure SURNAME: Date: Cathie Rice Travel Escorted Tours & Special Departures PASSENGER INFORMATION FORM GIVEN NAMES (as per passport) ADDRESS: Please complete and return with a copy of your passport TITLE: HOME PHN: MOBILE: BUSINESS PHN: PASSPORT NO: DATE OF ISSUE: NATIONALITY: DATE OF BIRTH: PLACE OF ISSUE: DATE OF EXPIRY: PLACE OF BIRTH: NAME YOU LIKE TO BE CALLED: EMERGENCY CONTACT: (Name, relationship, address phone number) DIETARY REQUIREMENTS: FREQUENT FLYER NUMBER & AIRLINE: HOTEL REQUIREMENTS: TWIN DOUBLE SINGLE TRIPLE SPECIAL REQUESTS: (see note below) MEDICAL INFORMATION: If yes, please give further information During the past 5 years, have you suffered any significant Illness, been hospitalised or require regular care by a doctor? Do you have any physical limitations, Handicaps or prosthesis? Do you take medication or drugs relating to a pre-existing medical condition? Are you affected by any other pre-existing medical condition not mentioned above? The information on this form will be assessed and you may be required to complete an additional confidential medical form relating to the tour you are joining. All special requests such as those for particular airline seating, hotel rooms and dietary requirements will be forwarded to the appropriate suppliers, however cannot be guaranteed by Cathie Rice Travel. Our escorted tours bring together people of all ages. It is very important you are aware that, as a minimum, an average level of fitness and mobility' is required to undertake our easiest programs. Travellers must be able to walk for a reasonable length of time without the aid of another person, climb 3-4 flights of stairs or over uneven surfaces, and carry their own luggage at a minimum. This is to ensure that travellers have the necessary fitness and mobility to comfortably complete their chosen trip. While our staff work hard to ensure that all our travellers are catered for equally, it is not their responsibility to help individuals who cannot complete the day's activities unaided. Travellers who need such assistance must be accompanied by a qualified companion who will assume full responsibility for the travellers wellbeing.

12 I have read and understand these conditions and those included in the tour brochure Date: