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Luxury North India Tour

Desert Experience – 10 nights/11 days

Destinations of Luxury North India Tour – Delhi – Agra – Ranthambore – Jaipur – Udaipur – Delhi

Ideal for either the first time visitor to India or the repeat traveller in search of complete luxury this journey combines accommodation in remarkable hotels with the diversity of northern India.

Your journey starts in India's capital - Delhi, a bustling metropolis that blends ancient and modern. A short drive South is Agra, the city of the Taj Mahal, the world's most famous monument of love. From here you enter Rajasthan to visit Jaipur, the state’s pink painted capital, ‘hunt’ for tigers in Ranthambore National Park and Udaipur, the "Venice of the East".

On this journey you will experience five of the world’s most magnificent hotels – all offering exceptional service, luxurious accommodation and superb facilities. More than this however, each has been hand crafted with unique and beautiful Indian flare, in the style of its locality.

Day 01 – Arrive Delhi

You will be met on arrival and transferred to your chosen hotel in Delhi. The country's energetic capital, offers a panorama of fascinating but very conflicting images, from the forts, tombs and ruins in Old Delhi to high-rise buildings and stately homes on wide, tree-lined avenues in New Delhi. Stay 2 nights at The Imperial Hotel.

The Imperial Hotel is one of the oldest hotels in Delhi. Built in 1933, it combines Victorian style with colonial architecture and is trimmed with a playful dosage of art deco. Surrounded by beautiful gardens, the hotel is centrally located on Janpath and offers its guests an outdoor swimming pool, a shopping arcade, permanent in-house art galleries and a variety of restaurants.

Day 02 – In Delhi

A full day’s sightseeing tour of Old & New Delhi visiting the mighty Red Fort; Friday Mosque -Jama Masjid; silver street of Chandni Chowk; Raj Ghat - the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi; The Hindu temple - Birla Mandir; India Gate & Rajpath; Rashtrapati Bhawan – the President's House; Humayun’s Tomb; Qutab Minar - a 73m high victory tower and the Bahai Temple – beautifully shaped to resemble a lotus flower. Overnight at The Imperial Hotel, Delhi.

Day 03 – Drive Delhi to Agra (220 kms/04 hrs)

Drive to Agra, the city of the Taj Mahal where you will be delivered to the Oberoi Amarvilas. Located only 600 metres from the Taj Mahal this luxury resort has been designed to give guests uninterrupted views of the Taj Mahal from all rooms and suites. The classical architecture of the hotel is enhanced by the elaborate gardens, terraced lawns, fountains, reflection pools and pavilions. The lobby, restaurants, bars and tea lounge also offer spectacular views of Agra’s world famous monument. The décor and service spell the ultimate in comfort and the luxurious spa offers non-clinical therapies.

In the afternoon visit the Taj Mahal, one of the Wonders of the World and created by the Emperor Shah Jahan for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal and then Agra Fort, offering gorgeous views from its lofty walls.

Day 04 – Drive Agra to Bharatpur (55 kms/01 hr) & train to Ranthambore

Depart Agra early to visit Fatehpur Sikri, the deserted capital of Emperor Akbar and an almost perfectly preserved 400 year-old Mughal capital, before boarding the 11am express train from Bharatpur Railway Station to Ranthambore, arriving in the early afternoon.

On arrival your host will transfer you to Vanyavilas where there will be time to freshen up before heading out on an afternoon game viewing drive. India’s leading luxury lodge, Vanyavilas is located on the edge of Ranthambore National Park. This is truly a regal base from which explore this wild corner of India and to ‘hunt’ for the Royal Bengal Tiger. Vibrant frescoes and richly detailed interiors create the ambience of an old world, royal, hunting palace and your accommodation is in luxury tents surrounded by beautiful gardens and waterways. Each tented suite features finely embroidered canopies, luxurious bathrooms and a private walled garden - the perfect contrast to the ruggedness of the jungle.

Day 05 – In Ranthambore

Morning and evening game drives in Ranthambore National Park – the diversity of habitats, the ancient ramparts and the variety of flora and fauna are breathtakingly beautiful and your guide will share his intimate knowledge of the Park. Overnight at Vanyavilas.

Day 06 - Drive Ranthambore to Jaipur (180 kms/03 hrs.)

After an early morning game drive and breakfast depart for Jaipur, painted pink to welcome Prince Albert in 1853, and pink still!

Here you will spend 2 nights at the Oberoi’s Rajvilas. Set amidst 32 acres of lush gardens, orchards, decorative pools and fountains, Rajvilas provides a heaven for the senses. Exemplary service comes together with harmoniously appointed interiors to give you a taste of the gracious lifestyle of legendary Rajput princes. In the elegant guest rooms discover exquisite furnishings, four-poster beds and sunken marble baths. The central courtyard houses a world class spa with steam rooms, saunas, Jacuzzis, plunge pools and a gymnasium. Indian and international cuisine can be enjoyed in the al fresco dining areas.

Day 07 – In Jaipur

A full day of sightseeing in Jaipur includes the Amber Fort, 11 kms from the city. The Fort is a superb example of Rajput architecture and you can either ride to its lofty heights by jeep or on a gaily-bedecked elephant. Returning to Jaipur, visit the museums, palaces and halls of the City Palace (still a royal residence) and the Palace of the Winds. At the Jantar Mantar Observatory, learn how it was constructed to measure 'the harmony of the heavens', a concept dear to Hindus as they believe their fated souls move to its rhythms. Retreat to Rajvilas for a delicious dinner or perhaps some pampering treats at the spa.

Day 08 – Fly Jaipur to Udaipur

You will be transferred to Jaipur Airport for your flight to Udaipur, the famed “city of sunrise” also called the Venice of the East. Your arrival transfer will take you to Hotel Udaivilas, the latest in the line of luxury hotels from the Oberoi Group. Udaivilas is a truly outstanding hotel overlooking the picturesque Lake Pichola and the City Palace. Conceived as a splendid palace, wonderfully recreating the romance of the past and representing the continuity of the grand traditions of Mewar, the hotel is completely in keeping with the 21st century.

Spread over an expanse of 30 acres, its carefully planned and executed design has evolved as a seamless assimilation of spaces - courtyards and walkways, gently rippling water bodies fountains and reflecting pools all surrounded by exquisitely landscaped gardens and dotted with sculptures and frescoes, arches and domes, niches and alcoves. The building lends itself to discovery and continual surprise. Embellished by beautiful works of art and craft from in and around the region, Udaivilas is a vast canvas that changes with the light and seasons.

The resort has specialty restaurants serving fine Indian and international cuisine. One of its special features is a world-class spa and wellness centre offering a wide range of rejuvenating and relaxing treatments. Drag yourself away from this exquisite playground to enjoy an evening boat cruise on Lake Pichola - the shimmering waters of the Lake combined with the City Palace in the background, serve as a magical way to end your day in Udaipur.

Day 09 – In Udaipur

A half day’s sightseeing tour of Udaipur visiting the opulent City Palace - towering over the lake, this is the largest palace complex in Rajasthan. The Jagdish Temple enshrines a black stone image of Lord Vishnu as Jagannath, Lord of the universe and Saheliyon ki bari is a small ornamental garden with fountains, stone elephants and a delightful lotus pool. The afternoon is yours to further explore the town or enjoy Udaivilas.

Day 10 – Fly Udaipur to Delhi

You will be transferred to Udaipur Airport for your flight to Delhi. On arrival you will be met and transferred to the Imperial Hotel for one last night in India.

Day 11 – Depart Delhi

You will be transferred to the International Airport for your departure flight.

LUXURY NORTH INDIA

* Small supplements may apply for travel between 01st and 15th November'2008 and during the month of February '2009. Chritmas / NYE supplements may apply for travel between 20th December '2008 and 05th January'2009.

Inclusions:-

# Accommodation on twin sharing bed and breakfast basis at the hotels mentioned above.

# All arrival-departure transfers and land transportation using an aircon car exactly as per the itinerary.

# Sightseeing tours / game rides along with a local English Speaking Guide/ naturalist and including entrance fee to monuments / game parks exactly as mentioned above in the Itinerary