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ADD-ON
Bhutan
3 nights from only £869
For more details please speak to one of our Holiday Advisors. For departure dates and prices see page 90. DAY 5 - Morning drive from Jaipur to the deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri. This graceful sandstone city was built in 1569 by Emperor Akbar to commemorate the birth of his son. Continue to Agra for a two night stay. DAY 6 - The highlight of your tour will, of course, be a visit to the world famous Taj Mahal. Situated on the banks of the Yamuna River the Taj Mahal is a magnificent mausoleum built by the Emperor Shah Jehan for his wife Mumtaz Mahal. Twenty thousand men took twenty years to complete the world's most extravagant and beautiful expression of one man's love for a woman. Completed in 1653 it is constructed in pure white marble and inlaid with millions of semiprecious stones in exquisite patterns. You will also visit Agra Fort and see the beautiful Pearl Mosque and Jasmine Tower. A visit to the Tomb of Emperor `Akbar the Great' at Sikandra is also included. DAY 7 - This morning, board the Shatabdi Express for the scenic train journey between Agra and Jhansi. In Jhansi you will rejoin your coach and continue south to Khajuraho. Khajuraho is a city famed for its magnificent temples dating back to the 11th century and rediscovered in the 19th century. These temples are renowned for the intricate carvings that adorn their walls. We have included a walking tour and you will be amazed by the workmanship. Typical Indian rural life continues in Khajuraho and you will be charmed by the peace and tranquillity here. Overnight stop. DAY 8 - Morning flight from Khajuraho to the sacred city of Varanasi. Known until recently as Benares, this `eternal city' is the most important pilgrimage site in India. Situated on the banks of the sacred River Ganges, Varanasi has been a centre of learning and civilisation for over 2,000 years. Its principal attraction is the long string of bathing ghats paved steps or landings which line the west bank of the Ganges. It is here that the Hindus come to bathe, thereby cleansing themselves of sin. There are over 100 ghats in all, with two `burning ghats' where the dead are cremated before their ashes are scattered in the holy river. An afternoon sightseeing tour of the area has been included. Overnight accommodation has been arranged. DAY 9 - An early morning boat ride on the Ganges is included in the tour price. Sail past devout Hindus bathing and praying, women pounding their laundry and perhaps witness an elaborate funeral ceremony. Later you will transfer to the airport for your flight to Nepal and its capital Kathmandu. Transfer on arrival to the hotel for a three night stay. This ancient kingdom lies in the Himalayan Mountains between India and Tibet. The scenery is stupendous, from the highest point on earth (Mount Everest) to the fertile jungle lowland. Although its people are predominantly Hindu, there is a considerable overlap with Buddhism, and it is this vibrant mix of religion and culture which characterises the allure of Nepal and, in particular, its capital Kathmandu. DAY 10 - This morning there will be an included city tour of Kathmandu. You will visit the ancient Palace of the Kings of Nepal, the Temple of the Living Goddess and the 2,000 year old Stupa of Swayambhunath. This afternoon will be free for individual sightseeing. DAY 11 - Morning visit to Patan, the ancient City of Golden Roofs. You will also visit the Tibetan handicrafts centre. This afternoon you will drive to Bhaktapur, city of devotees. Also included is a visit to Pashupatinath, one of the four most important pilgrimage sites in Asia. DAY 12 - This morning, weather permitting, you can enjoy an optional early morning flight over the Himalayas (skies are often clearer between October and April). Later you will depart Kathmandu for the short drive to Dhulikhel. Here you can relax and enjoy the peace and breathtaking views over the Himalayas. Overnight accommodation at the Dhulikhel Mountain Resort. DAY 13 - Morning departure from Dhulikhel for the return drive to Kathmandu to connect with your flight to Delhi. On arrival, enjoy dinner at a hotel before transferring to the airport. DAY 14 - We leave on our early morning return flight to the UK. ALTITUDE During this tour you will travel to altitudes of over 5,500ft. This should not be a problem, although everyone should take it easy at first. If you suffer from heart or respiratory conditions or have any other concerns please consult your doctor.
ADD-ON
Amritsar
2 nights from only £349
For more details please speak to one of our Holiday Advisors. For departure dates and prices see page 91.
SPECIAL DEPARTURE
Pushkar Camel Fair
16 days from only £2299
Includes 2 nights at Pushkar
For more details please speak to one of our Holiday Advisors. For departure dates and prices see page 91.
To view dates & prices click here To book click here
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