Day 01: Sep 23, 2018: Depart Vancouver for New Delhi (Flight)

Today we depart on this exciting tour as we fly over the Pacific Ocean and cross the International Date Line.

Day 02: Sep 24, 2018: Arrive New Delhi

Namaste! We arrive at the airport at 1:35 hrs on Sep. 25. We are warmly welcomed in the traditional Indian way with hands clapped together and transferred to our 5-star hotel.

Overnight: Vivanta by Taj Dwarka (5-star), New Delhi (2 nights)

Day 03: Sep 25, 2018: Delhi

The capital of India is a true reflection of the old and new of India. Today we explore Old Delhi and visit the Red Fort Complex*, named for its massive walls of red sandstone. The Red Fort and its sister construction, the 16th-century Salimgarh fort, are considered the zenith of Moghul creativity. After our visit, we embark on a captivating journey by rickshaw, passing through the narrow lanes of the famous Chandni Chowk Bazaar. Constructed by Moghul emperor Shah Jehan in the 17th century, this bazaar remains one of Old Delhi's oldest and busiest markets.  We end our rickshaw ride at Jama Masjid, India's largest mosque. We then proceed to Raj Ghat, the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi.
Next we explore New Delhi and visit the famous India Gate followed by the Houses of Parliament and Connaught Place. We continue to Qutb Minar and its Monuments*. Built over the course of 300 years, the red sandstone tower of Qutb Minar is 72.5 meters and five stories high. The surrounding archaeological area contains fascinating funerary buildings, notably the magnificent Alai-Darwaza Gate, a masterpiece of Indo-Muslim art, and two mosques. In the evening, we enjoy a welcome dinner. (B, D)

Day 04: Sep 26, 2018: Delhi/Agra (Drive)

After breakfast, we check out from our hotel and visit Birla House, the Former Residence of Mahatma Gandhi before he was assassinated in 1948. Next we visit Humayun’s Tomb*, built as the first garden tomb on the Indian subcontinent in 1570. Following our tour, we drive to Agra and check in to our hotel.

Overnight: Jaypee Palace (5-star), Agra (2 nights) (B)

Day 05: Sep 27, 2018: Agra

We start our day with a sunrise visit to one of the most well-known wonders of the world and the highlight of holiday tours to India, the Taj Mahal*. An immense mausoleum of white marble, built in Agra between 1631 and 1648 by order of the Moghul emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favourite wife, the Taj Mahal is the jewel of Muslim art in India and a universally admired masterpiece of world heritage. Situated on the right bank of the Yamuna in a vast Moghul garden, this funerary monument combines elements and styles of Persian, Central Asian and Islamic architecture. After visiting the Taj Mahal, we return back to our hotel for breakfast.
Following our morning meal, we visit Agra Fort*. This powerful fortress of red sandstone encompasses the spectacular imperial city of the Moghul rulers. Explore fairy-tale palaces, audience halls and two very beautiful mosques. We end our tour with a visit to some of the local factories famous for inlay work on marbles and witness the complex art of inlaying precious and semiprecious stones on the world-renowned marbles from the mines of Makrana. (B)

Day 06: Sep 28, 2018: Agra/Fatehpur Sikri/Jaipur (Drive)

A short journey takes us to Fatehpur Sikri*. Built during the second half of the 16th century by the Emperor Akbar, this stunning complex was once capital of the Moghul empire. After just 10 years, its temples, mosques and monuments were abandoned due to lack of water. The remains include one of the largest mosques in India, the Jama Masjid, and the artistically designed mausoleum of the revered Sufi saint, Salim Chisty.
From Fatehpur Sikri, we continue our drive to Jaipur, the rose-pink capital of Rajasthan. The rose-pink sandstone with which most of Jaipur’s buildings have been constructed have earned it the nickname of the Pink City. On arrival, we check in to our hotel before embarking on an colourful walking tour of the local bazaar. We then have the opportunity to witness the traditional art of block printing on textile, which has been passed down from one generation to another over hundreds of years, before returning to our hotel.

Overnight: Hilton Jaipur (5-star), Jaipur (2 nights) (B)

Day 07: Sep 29, 2018: Jaipur

This morning, we are treated like the royalty of yesteryear with a visit to the beautiful Hawa Mahal, the Palace of Winds, where the ladies of the royal harem used to watch the city from behind the intricately carved facade. Next drive to monumental Amber Fort* located in a picturesque valley among the Kalikho Hills. Known as the gem of Jaipur, this imposing fort dating from the late 16th century has never been attacked or invaded. Built from a combination of yellow and pink sandstone and white marble, the fort includes distinguished halls, intricate carvings and ornate gardens. Later we visit the majestic City Palace, which houses a rare collection of Indian art, and the Jantar Mantar* a historic astronomical observation site boasting instruments used to star-gaze with the naked eye. We end our day with visits to some local stores to admire the art of gem cutting and polishing, which Jaipur is famous for. (B)

Day 08: Sep 30, 2018: Jaipur/Ranthambore (Drive)

Our adventure continues as we set off for Ranthambore, the former hunting ground of the Maharajas of Jaipur. Ranthambore National Park boasts one of the largest and most diverse collections of wildlife species in India. It’s rugged terrain and dense deciduous forests also offer stunning panoramas. We enjoy lunch and dinner at our luxurious lodge.

Overnight: Ranthambore Regency (Luxury), Ranthambore (2 nights) (B, L, D)

Day 09: Oct 01, 2018: Ranthambore

An exciting day ahead as we enjoy morning and evening safaris in Ranthambore National Park. Ranthambore was established as a game sanctuary in 1955 and declared a Project Tiger reserve in 1973. Spotting Ranthambore’s famous Royal Bengal tigers in their natural habitat is an awe-inspiring experience. We will also have the opportunity to spy nilgai, chausingha, chital, chinkara, wild boar, jungle cat, ratel, hyena, porcupine, rhesus macaque and the black-faced langur. Additionally, about 150 bird species can be found here, including migratory birds that arrive in winter. (B, L, D)

Day 10: Oct 02, 2018: Ranthambore/Delhi (Train)/Depart Delhi (Flight)

Early morning, we are transferred to Sawai Madhopur railway station for our train to Delhi. Upon our arrival, we are transferred to Vivanta By Taj Dwarka New Delhi for day use of rooms until 20:00 hrs. We then enjoy our farewell dinner at the hotel. Late evening, we are transferred to the airport to catch our flight to Vancouver, departing at 02:40 hrs on Oct. 03. (B, D)

Day 11: Oct 03, 2018: Arrive Vancouver

After a fascinating insight into India, we arrive back in Vancouver.

Optional extension to Amritsar (Oct 02 – 06, 2018)

Day 10: Oct 02, 2018: Ranthambore/Delhi (Train)

Early morning, we are transferred to the railway station for our train to Delhi. Upon our arrival, we are transferred to Vivanta By Taj Dwarka New Delhi, with the remainder of the afternoon free. Enjoy dinner at the hotel.

Overnight: Vivanta by Taj Dwarka (5-star), New Delhi (1 night) (B, D)

Day 11: Oct 03, 2018: Delhi/Amritsar (Train)

Morning we are transferred to New Delhi railway station for our deluxe train ride to Amritsar, the holy city of the Sikhs. This daytime travel allows us to see rural India in the comforts of the Executive Class of the Shatabdi Express. Meeting local Indian folks on board adds to the cultural experience. Upon our early afternoon arrival, we are transferred to our hotel. Remainder of the day free to enjoy the city’s many cultural highlights. Optional visit to the Golden Temple to view the closing day Paiki Sahib ceremony, when the Holy Book is brought to rest every evening – truly a unique spiritual experience.

Overnight: Holiday Inn (4-star), Amritsar (2 nights) (B)

Day 12: Oct 04, 2018: Amritsar

As the spiritual centre for the Sikh religion, Amritsar is best known for its Golden Temple, Sri Harimandir Sahib, one of the most breathtaking temples in all of India. This monument is Sikhism’s holiest shrine, and we will have the opportunity to experience it on our tour today. The temple was intended to be a place where men and women from all walks of life and all religions can come and worship God equally. Housed inside is the Guru Granth Sahib, the holiest text of Sikhism. This visit to the temple is a major highlight of tours to India. Next, we visit Jallianwala Bagh, the historic site where hundreds of innocent Indian men, women and children were massacred by British General Michael Dyer on April 13, 1919. A memorial and a garden has been created here as a national monument.
In the afternoon, we visit the border between India and Pakistan and watch the spectacular Retreat Ceremony, put on by India's Border Security Force and on the other side by the Pakistan's Sutlej Rangers. This border is the only land route open between India and Pakistan. Every day, when the border closes, border guards from both sides put on a spectacular display. Bugles are sounded, flags of the two nations are ceremoniously retrieved and lights are switched on, marking the end of the day amidst thunderous applause by supporters from both sides. This event has been captured by many news channels including the BBC and CNN. (B)

Day 13: Oct 05, 2018: Amritsar/Delhi (Train)/Depart Delhi (Flight)

An early morning start as we are transferred to the railway station for our train to Delhi. Upon arrival, we are transferred to our hotel for day use of the rooms until 20:00 hrs. In the evening, we enjoy a farewell dinner at the hotel before being transferred to the airport for our flight back to Vancouver, departing at 02:40 hrs on Oct. 06. (B, D)

Day 14: Oct 06, 2018: Arrive Vancouver

After an interesting insight into India, we arrive back in Vancouver the same day.

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner

Departure Dates & Prices

We accept payments in US$, CA$ as well as in other convertible currencies like EUR, AUD and GBP. Tour prices have been costed in US$. CA$ price shown below is an indicative amount reached at by using the conversion rate at the time of web posting and will be applicable if there is no change in the conversion rate. Should the currency conversion rate change, the US$ pricing will prevail. Bestway Tours & Safaris offers a conversion rate protection. Once full payment has been received and no modification has been made to the tour itinerary, we will honour that rate. For complete payment procedures, please click here

Notes

Inclusions

Optional Extension to Amritsar

Participants

The main tour operates on a minimum of 10 and a maximum of 40 participants.

Customised Itinerary

If you would like to have a tour on dates other than the above ones or with a customised itinerary, please contact us and we will be happy to work out an exclusive program for you.

Contact Info
You may e-mail us at bestway@bestway.com or call 1-604-264-7378. Residents of U.S.A./Canada may call us toll free at 1-800-663-0844.

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