Best of India And Dubai

Welcome to Delhi! The Indian capital is a monumental city with a vibrant mix of old and new teeming bazaars, stately British boulevards, powerful Mughal palaces and forts, and intricate, ethereal towers, temples, and tombs. Upon arrival at the Delhi International Airport, you will be met and assisted by our company representative and transferred to your hotel.




Overnight in Delhi ...more ...less

After breakfast, you will head on a tour of Old Delhi, the Mughal capital established by Shah Jahan in 1638. Drive past the famous Red Fort, where Jawaharlal Nehru unfurled the flag of newly independent India on August 15th, 1947. Trade the vehicle for bicycle rickshaws and get ready to weave through the maze of crooked, congested alleys off Chandni Chowk, one of Indias oldest and busiest bazaars, where you will see the traditional workmanship which India is known for and continues to thrive. Visit Raj Ghat, Mahatma Gandhis serene and evocative cremation site, and Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in India. The majestic Jama Masjid — meaning “world-reflecting mosque” — is the principal place of worship in Old Delhi and the largest and best known of its kind in India. Built-in the 17th century by Mughal Emperor Shahjahan — who also built the Taj Mahal and Red Fort — it is an elaborate structure featuring an expansive geometric base topped with globe-shaped minarets crafted from strips of red sandstone and white marble, and a massive courtyard that can hold up to 25,000 people. In the afternoon you will visit the Qutab Minar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a stunning 240-foot brick minaret, the tallest in the world, surrounded by an elaborate complex built in the Indo-Islamic architectural tradition. In the afternoon you will drive to the medieval city of Agra, home to the world-famous Taj Mahal. Agra is one of Indias prime tourist destinations for this reason specifically, although its attractions also extend to a wide range of other impressive historical sights. The Taj, however, is in a league of its own and is a must-see for any visitor to the city. Commissioned by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in the 15th century as a memorial for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, it is an architectural masterpiece of exquisite craftsmanship and perfect proportions.




Overnight in Agra

Early this morning, you will visit the Taj Mahal (closed on Fridays). Often considered the pinnacle of Mughal art in India, the Taj was built by Emperor Shah Jahan for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. When declaring it a World Heritage Site, UNESCO described it as “the jewel of Muslim art in India”. Few words can describe the magnificence of this monument. Marvel over the transforming light and colors of this stunning monument under the rising suns rays. From there you will return to your hotel for breakfast. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure or perhaps book the optional tours below.




Overnight in Agra

After breakfast at the hotel, you will drive to Jaipur with an en-route visit to Fatehpur Sikri — an eerily abandoned capital from the Mughal Empire between 1570 and 1586. Akbar built this city to celebrate the birth of his son and the future heir to the throne — Emperor Jahangir. While Akbar is believed to have been illiterate, he took great interest in the arts and architecture; Fatehpur Sikri is one of his masterworks. Sadly, it served as the capital for little more than a decade, as it was eventually abandoned due to its lack of accessible water. Later, enjoy a demonstration of gem-cutting and polishing. In the evening upon arrival, you will check in to your hotel. Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, is also known as the Pink City. The origin of this nickname will become immediately apparent as you enter the old city walls and see the pink-colored buildings that rise at every turn.




Overnight in Jaipur

Start your day with an exhilarating excursion to Amber Fort. Perched on a breathtaking hillside on the outskirts of town, this palace was constructed in the 1590s by Maharaja Man Singh, the commander of Akbars army, and was largely motivated by its highly defensible location. This beautiful, well-preserved structure was built on four levels and is surrounded by ruins, which served as the backdrop for the Mira Nair movie “Kama Sutra: A Tale of Love.”



In the afternoon, enjoy a photo stop at the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds). This magnificent structure was constructed for the royal ladies to discretely watch the grand processions along the main street — including the City Palace and the impressive Jantar Mantar, an astronomical observatory built in the early 1700s by Maharaja Jai Sing II, the great warrior-astronomer to which this city owes its name. Enjoy a rickshaw ride through the old part of the Pink City. See a demonstration of gem-cutting and polishing before you return to your hotel.




Overnight in Jaipur

In the early morning before breakfast, join our optional tour of Hot Air Ballooning over Jaipur at sunrise. After breakfast at the hotel, you will travel back to Delhi and enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure.




Overnight in Delhi

Today you will be transferred back to Indira Gandhi International Airport for your flight to Dubai. Upon arrival at Dubai International Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.




Overnight in Dubai

Today you will explore this fascinating city with a tour of Dubai. While the vast swathes of Dubai have been transformed with contemporary architecture into a modern and luxurious city, traces of the historic town from 40 years ago are still evident in certain areas. This tour will take you on a cultural journey through time into mini mazes of wind-towered buildings, narrow lanes, and meandering pathways of the lively souks. During the tour, you will visit the heritage area of Bastakiya and the 225-year-old Fort Al Fahidi, which houses the Dubai Museum. Pay a visit to the Spice and Gold Souks. With tantalizing scents and shimmering jewelry, you will drive by the Burj Al Arab, the iconic hotel in the shape of a sail. Enjoy a photo stop at the Jumeirah Mosque, an architectural landmark. Spend the afternoon at leisure.




Overnight in Dubai

Enjoy your morning at leisure. Later this afternoon you will be picked up for a dune drive through the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve. This mysterious desert beckons you for a magical evening out — an adventure you will never forget. Leaving behind the bustle of the city in the afternoon, our safari guides will take you on a thrilling journey over rolling dunes deep into the heart of the desert. From the crest of a high dune, watch the setting sun cast its orange glow over the vast expanse of rippling sand all around you. Like a shimmering mirage in the distance, you will see the flickering lights of your camp where a traditional Arabian welcome will await you. The encampment conjures up images of Arabian nights. Relax on comfortable cushions in Bedouin tents and quench your thirst, have your hands painted with intricate henna designs, head on a short camel ride, or just enjoy the aromatic shisha. A feast of grilled meats, fresh salads, and delectable Arab sweets will be served under a galaxy of stars. You will be entertained by the bewitching belly dancer swaying to the haunting strains of Arabian music.




Overnight in Dubai

Today you will be transferred back to Dubai International Airport for your flight home.