= Journeys Featuring AKP Projects
Northern India | Princes & Palaces
 City Palace |
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Day 01 Arrive Delhi
A warm A&K welcome to India’s capital and northern gateway, and private transfer to the hotel.
The Imperial (Heritage Room)
Day 02 Design Your Day Delhi
Today choose two of the following activities. A tour through the leafy New Delhi avenues or join foreign correspondent and author, Satish Jacob, as he introduces you to his Old Delhi on a morning walk. For a cultural take on life in the city, join a community preparation of lunch at the Gurudwara Sikh temple (B).
The Imperial (Heritage Room)
Day 03 Design Your Day Delhi
Another day in India’s capital to explore. Choose one of the following activities. Visit the famous lotus temple on a temple tour of the city; or bargain for a colourful sari as you spend the afternoon shopping for Indian crafts; or visit Deepalaya, a local A&K Philanthropy sponsored primary school(B).
The Imperial (Heritage Room)
Day 04 Delhi – Jaipur
Transfer for the *flight to the pink city of Jaipur where you are met and escorted to your palace hotel. This afternoon visit the major sights, the City Palace, the Palace of the Winds and the Jantar Mantar Observatory and take a rickshaw ride through the streets (B).
Taj Rambagh Palace (Palace Room)
Day 05 Jaipur
Excitement in store today with an elephant safari, Rajput style. Meet your brightly decorated pachyderm friend and enjoy a ride through the bush. The outing culminates in a champagne brunch or lunch. On returning to Jaipur stop at the magnificent hilltop Amber Fort. There’s much to see in the city so tailor the afternoon to suit. Choose one of the following activities. A private cooking class in the home of a local family, a walking tour of the city including the spice and vegetable market or keen shoppers can avail themselves of a car and driver to check out the traditional crafts, silver, gemstones, textiles, marble and pottery which Jaipur is famous for; or if food is your focus can be arranged (B,L).
Taj Rambagh Palace (Palace Room)
Day 06 Jaipur - Agra
Today you are driven east to Agra stopping en route at the 16th century sandstone fortress of Fatehpur Sikri, a well preserved Moghul palace city. On arrival in Agra, check-in to your hotel which has breathtaking views of the Taj Mahal from every room and then visit the shimmering monument up close as the sun is setting (B,L).
The Oberoi Amarvilas (Premiere Room with Balcony)
Day 07 Agra – Delhi
Rise early and return to the Taj for one last glimpse as the dawn light bathes the marble dome and minarets then continue to the vast pale pink sandstone complex of Agra’s vast Red Fort before returning to Delhi and the airport for departure (B).
*Flights not included in pricing.
An author and foreign correspondent, Satish Jacob has been the face of the BBC in South Asia for over two decades. Best described as a true "Delhi wallah", Satish lived in Old Delhi for six decades. A student of history he knows its by lanes and narrow alleyways like the back of his hand and he is delighted to accompany you on a 2-3 hour walk through the bustling bazaars of Old Delhi. No two walks are the same, as Satish takes you through his neighbourhood, recollecting stories, narrating anecdotes and explaining the way people lived in this area.
Gems in Jaipur
Jaipur is a major centre of jewellery production and Johari Bazaar is the best place to go for a wide selection. Stalls display a glittering array of necklaces, pendants, earrings, rings, bracelets and other pieces made of gold studded with precious stones such as diamonds, emeralds, rubies and pearls. Individual stones can be purchased as well but it is best to have prior knowledge about the stones you want to purchase for a better deal!
