= Journeys Featuring AKP Projects
Northern India | Princes & Palaces
 City Palace |
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Day 1 Arrive Delhi
A warm A&K welcome to India’s northern gateway, and private transfer to the hotel. With a rich Moghul history and vestiges of its colonial past, India’s capital is today a vibrant metropolis.
The Leela Palace New Delhi (Grand Deluxe)
Day 2 Delhi
This morning join a local expert on a stroll through the lively alleyways of Old Delhi dating to the 16th century and formerly known as Shahjahanabad. Start in the magnificent Red Fort, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007. Construction of the fort begun in 1638 under the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, it took 10 years to complete and was originally the residence of the royal family. It covers an impressive area with many different structures within its walls (pavilions, colonnades, public chambers and private apartments) and its design an elegant blend of Persian, European and Indian influences. Continue through Chandni Chowk market, past Jama Masjid, the biggest mosque in India, through the by-lanes of the walled city ending in the colourful spice market – a sensory experience.
In the afternoon, drive through the majestic boulevards of New Delhi designed by Edwin Lutyens in1920. Lutyens' Delhi includes the grand government buildings and parliament house. The Rashtrapati Bhawan (Presidential Palace) is where the Viceroy once lived and is now the official residence of the President of India. View India Gate, a memorial arch built in honour of the 90,000 Indian soldiers who lost their lives in World War I. Continue to Humayun’s Tomb, the first great example of Mughal architecture in India, and finish at the 12th century Qutb Minar complex. You may choose to add on an option to visit to the AKP supported project: Deepalaya School (B).
The Leela Palace New Delhi (Grand Deluxe)
Day 3 Delhi – Agra
Leave Delhi by road and visit the tomb of the great Moghul Emperor Akbar at Sikandra en route to Agra (approx 4.5 hour drive). This afternoon visit the vast pale pink sandstone complex of the Agra Fort, built by Emperor Akbar with imposing gates, walls of red sandstone and a moat. The day finishes in splendour at India’s most magnificent monument, the Taj Mahal, just as the sun is setting. The monument is the mausoleum of Empress Mumtaz Mahal, the beloved spouse of Shah Jahan, who died in 1630, said to have taken at least 22 years to build. You’ll have your own personal view from your hotel balcony (B).
The Oberoi Amarvilas (Premiere Room with Balcony)
Day 4 Agra - Jaipur
Rise early and return to the Taj for one last glimpse as the dawn light bathes the marble dome and minarets in a soft glow. Afterwards you are driven west towards Jaipur stopping en route at the 16th century sandstone fortress of Fatehpur Sikri, a well preserved Moghul palace city. Check in to your hotel. (B)
Oberoi Rajvilas (Premiere Room)
Day 5 Jaipur
Today visit the spectacular 500 year old Amber Fort imperiously positioned on a magnificent hilltop. Afterwards head to the nearby forest reserve of Dera Amer for an elephant safari through the bush. A champagne breakfast or lunch is included afterwards.
This afternoon visit Jaipur’s major sights, the 18th century City Palace, the Palace of the Winds and the Jantar Mantar Observatory. Opportunity to take a rickshaw ride through the old streets (B).
Oberoi Rajvilas (Premiere Room)
Day 6 Jaipur
There’s much to see in the city so tailor this day 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 (B,L).
Oberoi Rajvilas ( Premiere Room)
Day 7 Jaipur - Delhi
Transfer to the Jaipur airport and board your flight* to Delhi. Once in Delhi, transfer across to the international airport for departure (B).
*Flight not included.
Optional Extension
Choose to combine your journey with one of A&K’s fantastic extensions. Not to be missed, these additions are specially selected by our travel specialists.
View our 'India | Ranthambore Extension'
View our 'India | Varanasi Extension'
Enquire Now
Shopping in Jaipur
One of Jaipur’s major attractions is its shopping. The city is a major centre of jewellery production and also home to some of the country’s leading textile designers and craftsmen. For clothing, homewards and textiles visit Anokhi, Rasa and Ratan; for saris Rakhmani and for jewellery, the Gem Palace, Amrapali or the Johari Bazaar all of which have impressive collections of gems and jewels to suit all budgets.
