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ESCAPADE TO INDIA AND NEPALMonday November 1 - Monday November 15, 2010
Join us for a one of a kind trip to discover the jewels of India and Nepal. We will visit the sites of Delhi, ride an elephant to an ageless fort in Jaipur, stand in awe at the incomparable Taj Mahal in Agra & enjoy two special safari drives to witness the amazing Bengal Indian Tigers in RANTHAMBHORE National Park. In Nepal, we will enjoy the sights and sounds of fabled Kathmandu, enjoy tours of its fascinating holy temples and monuments, witness dramatic views of the Himalayan Mountains, including Mount Everest (with an optional flight seeing tour over Everest) and enjoy a free day for optional pursuits of exploration (such as simply strolling through the fabulous shops of Kathmandu, taking a scenic drive into the Nepalese countryside or a full day guided hike in the Himalayas for the active minded) Fabulous hotel accommodations, grand meals and ideal weather (Average high in early November is 82 degrees with little to no precipitation) add a final touch to this can’t miss tour.LAND ITINERARY:
Monday November 1st - depart San Francisco this afternoon on our Singapore Airlines flight to India. We will fly the airline rated #1 in customer service and comfort for 7 consecutive years. Crossing the International Date Line, we will make a 2 hour stop for change of planes in Singapore before our arrival in Delhi, India
Wed. 3 NOV DELHI
On our flight arrival in India early this morning (approx. 5am) we will be greeted and escorted by private coach to our 5 star hotel, where our group will have a guaranteed early check in upon arrival. The morning is at leisure to relax. Mid this afternoon, we will be met at our hotel and taken on a 3 hour city tour of Delhi. In its 3000 years of existence; seven cities have risen where the present capital of India stands. Here you'll encounter a fascinating blend of the ancient and the contemporary. Where government buildings, medieval palaces and bazaars exist beside a modern metropolis. Our tour will take us to see the India Gate ‑ Built of Bharatpur‑stone, it commemorates the 70,000 Indian soldiers who died in the 1st world war. 13516 names of British and Indian soldiers killed in the Afghan War of 1919 are engraved on the arch and foundations. Photo stop at Rashtrapati Bhawan once the Viceroy's residence is now the official residence of the President of India. Visit the Humayun's Tomb, built by his wife Haji Begum in the 16th. Century. An early example of Mughal architecture considered the predecessor of the Taj Mahal. Later visit the Qutub Minar ‑ the landmark of Delhi, a huge tower of victory started in 1199 and completed in 1368. The minar is over 200 feet high with a diameter at the base of almost 50 feet and almost 10 feet at the top.
http://www.thegrandnewdelhi.com/index.html The majestic low rise architecture spread across 10 acres of beautifully landscaped lawns; The Grand is an exceptional blend of a resort like setting equipped with modern design and contemporary comfort. Recently refurbished, The Grand is centrally located to major business and entertainment venues. Spa Oasis at The Grand with its purifying therapies helps you to relax, invigorate and rediscover your inner-self. One of the largest in the region, it is equipped with eight spacious treatment rooms, where guests can choose from an array of personalized treatments and therapies to rejuvenate oneself. It also offers recreational activities like gymnasium, yoga, relaxing steam and sauna, swimming pool and Jacuzzi. All rooms and suites have been redesigned with contemporary interiors, luxurious beds, customized furniture, spacious bathrooms and impressive artworks providing an immediate sense of style. The splendid view of picturesque landscaped gardens and scenery from our rooms makes it an oasis of relaxation, peace and tranquility. The hotel has a beauty parlor, barber shop, health club, swimming pool, billiards room, safe deposit boxes, a tennis court and sauna. Hotel rooms have extraordinary amenities which include bathrobe and slippers, safety deposit box, telephones with voicemail, mini bar, data port for Internet, hair dryers, color televisions and work desk with lamps.
4 NOV DELHI – JAIPUR
After the first of our daily included breakfasts, we will enjoy a mid morning checkout and depart at 10am by private chartered coach to Jaipur. Arrival mid afternoon in Jaipur we will check into our 5 star Hotel, the Le Meridien for our 2 night stay. The balance of the afternoon is at leisure. Maharaja Jai Singh II built Jaipur in the 18th century. It is a planned city built with ancient Hindu rules as the colonial capital of a richly colorful state. The whole city was painted pink to welcome the visit of Prince Albert in 1853. Dinner is once again included at our 5 star hotel LE MERIDIEN Home to the Rajput princes, who claim ancestral ties to the Hindu god Rama, Jaipur boasts the most sumptuous, extravagant palaces in India. Le Méridien Jaipur too is an extravagantly regal hotel, a hotel that pays homage to the grandeur of Indian architecture with peacock arches and gleaming white stone. Built upon 25 acres of lush gardens, Le Méridien Jaipur, a member of the Starwood family of hotels, offers a sanctuary of serene tranquility. The hotel features a world-class spa with massage and meditation rooms, two innovative restaurants, a sleek bar, a cinema seating 42 guests, Step into the Golden Age of India at the Le Méridien Jaipur. In the hotel’s 116 guest rooms and villas, opulent grandeur, complete with elaborate peacock arches, Indian art, and dark wood paneling, combine with the most sophisticated amenities to provide an exquisitely comfortable and sumptuous ambience rich in history. Intricately carved divans and beds draw guests into the elegant world of the Maharajahs. Business travelers will appreciate the convenience of Wi-Fi, large working desks, and IDD telephones, along with satellite televisions. Each spacious guest room boasts a luxurious bathroom with an airy walk-in shower. All rooms gaze out over the lush pool courtyard amidst lush foliage. A poolside bar is also at your service for relaxation and a chance to socialize with friends in a most relaxing setting. Tranquility and peace are yours at the beautiful Nirvana Spa. From massage to meditation, sauna, steam rooms, and Jacuzzis, Nirvana offers a full range of services to help you relax and forget the fatigue of business or travel. Enjoy a brisk workout at the health club, or dance until the morning light at Farenhite, the trendy nightclub on the ground floor of the hotel http://www.starwoodhotels.com/lemeridien/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=1828
Exterior view of the Le Meridian Hotel, Jaipur
5 NOV JAIPUR
After our included daily breakfast we will enjoy an excursion trip which takes you to the Amber Fort on Jeep and Elephants. This city Fort is situated 390 feet high with the Aravalli hills all around it in a valley 6 miles north of Jaipur. It was the ancient capital of the Kachhawaha Rajputs till 1037. The sprawling Amber Fort is a typical example of what the lives of our gallant Rajputs were like – militant, adventurous, temperamental and also self-indulgent. It is among the best hilltop forts in India. Within the stern exteriors that seem to grow out of the rugged hills are mighty gates, temples, huge ornate halls, palaces, pavilions, gardens and even a ramp to take you to the hilltop palace! And guess who climbs the ramp? Elephants! Yes, beautifully- caparisoned elephants go up and down carrying visitors to and fro. These well clad elephants make a joyride to Amber fort and in turn make your travel to Amber fort a fascinating and most memorable, can’t miss experience !
AMBER FORT, JAIPUR, PERCHED ON HILLTOP
The elaborately dressed elephant and carriage top for riders to the amber fort
En route, we will make a photo stop at the Palace of Winds (Hawa Mahal). It is a 5 storied building from the 18th century having 953 windows and niches made so that the ladies of the Royal family. Later we will visit City Palace, which houses the Royal residence and museums with collections of textiles and costumes, armory, manuscripts, paintings etc. Also visit Royal Observatory (Jantar Mantar-1728-34) built by king astrologer Jai Singh II. Dinner is once again included at LE MERIDIEN
6 NOV JAIPUR – RANTHAMBHORE (4 hours drive)
After our included breakfast we will depart mid morning and be taken by private coach to Ranthambhore National Park. Ranthambhore is one of the finest tiger reserves in India Nestled in the Aravallis it is home to a variety of flora and fauna. The park along with the contiguous regions of Kela Devi and Sawai Man Singh parks forms a good biosphere along the Chambal River, which separates it from Madhya Pradesh. Arrival in the mid afternoon, we will check into our deluxe hotel the Nahargarh Ranthambhore. The minute you approach this grand hotel, you will feel a sense of royalty. The hotel provides luxurious accommodations in an amazing setting. The building looks and feels like a palace with grand courtyards and oversized rooms. The hotel is beautifully built and majestically located in the middle of the jungle Surrounded by a 16th century style fortress, The Nahargarh Ranthambhore is a 10-year old replica of a Maharaji palace, and it is a stunningly beautiful and unique place to stay near the entrance to Ranthambhore National Park and its famous tiger safaris. The public areas and guest rooms surround the outer and inner courtyards which are decorated with fountains and flower beds. Gardens surround the main building. Nahargarh is the perfect base to explore Ranthambhore from the lap of luxury and you will truly feel like royalty staying here. Just driving towards it gets the heart pounding, as you see on approaching, a massive elegant palace with a wonderful entrance and surroundings. Interiors embellished with decorative domes & hand painted frescoes create an ambiance of regal splendor. A ceremonial welcome greets you at this beautiful hotel, which presents exquisite views. The magnificent setting combines with royal service to make your holiday a journey into the romance and grandeur of another century. The Lobby has Real Gold Inlay work to give the feeling of living in a Palace. Other facilities include a pool, rest area, reading room, internet facilities, a recreation area, lounge/bar and room service. Rooms on the first floor have individual courtyards while the rooms on the second floor have private terraces with stunning views of the National Park. All rooms of hotel Nahargarh are air-conditioned, have direct dial telephone, color television, refrigerator and 24 hour satellite entertainment.
PHOTOS OF OUR HOTEL WHERE WE WILL BE BASED FOR THE TWO NIGHTS AT THE NATIONAL PARK, OUR BASE FOR THE FINEST TIGER SAFARIS IN INDIA
Click here to read reviews of travelers that have stayed at this hotel: http://www.tripadvisor.in/Hotel_Review-g297671-d1405798-Reviews-Nahargarh_Ranthambhore-Sawai_Madhopur_Rajasthan.html The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure to relax. Dinner is again included tonight at our hotel 7 NOV RANTHAMBHORE NATIONAL PARK
This morning after our included breakfast, we will enjoy a morning game drive in the park to witness the amazing Bengal tigers that make this part of India famous ! Our safari will take us in specially designed safari vehicles for optimum tiger viewing capabilities. Safari to The Ranthambhore National Park
The Majestic 8th century fort of Ranthambhore dominates the skyline of one of the best tiger habitats in India. The jungles of Ranthambhore National Park are a wonderful mix of two different eco-systems formed at the convergence of the Aravali and Vindhya mountains. It also offers a wonderful mixture of flora, fauna and avian population
Ranthambhore is a dry deciduous forest replete with several lakes, rivulets and a magnificent ancient fort overlooking the park. The wildlife that one can see here are a large variety of birds, including an impressive number of waterfowl and birds of prey. The water bodies are home to marsh muggers, turtles and pythons. In the afternoon, after time at leisure to rest and relax at our hotel, we will set out for another included game drive to spot the amazing tigers in their natural habitat.
No two game drives are alike, as our experienced local guides watch for tigers at play, at rest or in other natural endeavors.
The game drives are absolutely mesmerizing and a truly once in a lifetime experience. Dinner is again included at the DEV VILAS
8 NOV RANTHAMBHORE – AGRA (Drive & Train)
After our included breakfast, we will drive to Sawai Madhopur railway station to board the train to Bharatpur – Departure time for our train– 12:35 pm – Arrival time – 3:06 pm). Our luggage is transported by a chartered bus direct to our hotel in Agra, so our passengers enjoy the ease of maintaining only their carry on bags on the train. Arrive at Bharatpur railway station where we will be met and driven by private coach to Agra (90 minutes from Bharatpur), where upon arrival we will be transferred to our 5 star hotel, the Jaypee Palace for the remainder of the afternoon and evening at leisure. Agra stands on the right bank of the river Yamuna, was once the seat of the Mughal rulers, the zenith of art and an enshrined romance. A town famous for its beautiful medieval monuments. The passion of the Mughals for building endowed it with some of the loveliest buildings in the world. Dinner is included at JAYPEE PALACE http://www.jaypeehotels.com/jp-page.php?id=jpWelcome
9 NOV AGRA
After our included breakfast we will enjoy the sightseeing of Agra. Our tour’s highlight will be the amazing Taj Mahal – A poignant poetry in marble, stands serene and awesome on a raised marble platform, by the banks of the Yamuna. The most extravagant monument ever built for love is a tribute to the timelessness of art and love. The inimitable poem in white marble, one of the seven modern wonders of the world, the finest expression of love of Emperor Shah Jahan for his queen Mumtaz who died giving birth to their 14th child, is located on the banks of the Yamuna river here. The Taj Mahal is a truly exquisite piece of work
SCENES OF THE INCOMPARABLE TAJ MAHAL
We will also visit today the Agra Fort, built by the great Emperor Akbar in 1565 AD, the fort is a masterpiece of design and construction. Within the fort are a number of exquisite buildings, including the Moti Masjid, Diwane-I-Am, Diwane-I-Khas and Musamman Burj, where the Emperor Shah Jahan died in imprisonment, besides Jahangir’s Palace, Khaas Mahal and the Sheesh Mahal.
Dinner is again included at the JAYPEE PALACE
10 NOV AGRA – DELHI – KATHMANDU After our included breakfast we will be taken by private coach to the Delhi airport (3 hour drive) to board the 1:30pm flight to Kathmandu, which arrives at 3pm. Upon arrival in Kathmandu we will be transferred by private coach to our 5 star Hotel, the Hyatt Regency Kathmandu, where we will spend the final 4 nights of our tour. Hyatt Regency Kathmandu is a luxury 5 star city resort hotel situated 10 km from the city centre of Kathmandu, Nepal.. The hotel is only 2 miles from Tribhuvan International Airport and very close to the business district and shopping areas. The Boudhanath Stupa, the most holy of Tibetan Buddhist shrines outside Tibet. is within ten minutes walking distance from the hotel. The hotel is also host to Club Oasis Spa, a sanctuary of calm in Kathmandu, Nepal
The hotel features a combination of 5 fabulous restaurants and lounges, including a restaurant overlooking landscaped gardens with an impressive view of the Bodnath Stupa in the distance. You will truly enjoy the unique dining experiences at any of the restaurants at the Hyatt Kathmandu and you will truly feel the cultural ambience of Nepal evoked at the Hyatt Kathmandu.
Room Description Serene garden or pool views are yours with our deluxe rooms featuring granite bath with tub and walk-in shower and separate work area with high-speed Internet access. Wooden flooring and Tibetan hand-woven carpeting reflect the local culture, and deluxe amenities such as daily local newspaper and plush Terry robes allow for a relaxing stay . Rooms feature hair dryers, in room safes and windows that actually open if you wish to get that fresh air feeling.
Club Oasis is a lifestyle choice offering complete services and facilities to rejuvenate and revitalize guests. Services range from a unisex beauty salon providing hair, make-up and beauty, treatments to the spa and fitness centre.
Spa
Fitness
Outdoor
11 NOV KATHMANDU
After our included breakfast we will enjoy a tour of Kathmandu, a city which looks like a living museum. We will visit Durbar Square, where the highest concentration of at least 48 buildings of unique architecture, palaces, monuments and temples are found. Durbar Square is a conglomeration of pagoda and shikhara – style temples grouped around a fifty-five-window palace of brick and wood. The square is one of the most charming valleys as it highlights the ancient of the kings perched on top of stone monoliths. The guardian deities looking out from their sanctuaries and the wood carvings – struts, lintels, tympanums, gateways and windows – all seem to form a well orchestrated symphony. We continue to the Kumari Bhal, the Temple of the Living Goddess. Overlooking the Durbar Square is the Hanuman Dhoka Palace, built by King Pratap Mall in the 17th century, which means the “gate of the Monkey God”. At the entrance there is a huge statue of the Monkey God Hanuman from the Ramayan epic. Shiva-Parvati Temple, a three storey temple famous for its erotic stone carvings. visit to the world’s most glorious Buddhist Later we will visit the stupa of Swayambunath. It is said to be 2000 years old and is situated 70 m above the level of valley. Often referred to as the `Monkey Temple’. This temple is believed to be famous in the tantric cult. We will then visit the town of Patan, also known as Lalitpur (City of Beauty and Fine Art). Patan is an ancient city filled with exotic pagodas, intricate gateways, fabulous deities, and endless carvings.
SCENES OF TEMPLES IN DURBAR SQUARE AND SURROUNDING KATHMANDU
12 NOV KATHMANDU
This morning, for those wishing a most memorable experience, you may choose to take our optional flight-seeing excursion over Mount Everest . Mount Everest is the highest mountain in the world and the views of its peaks from the air are absolutely magnificent This tour departs at dawn giving you the opportunity to witness a most memorable sunrise over Mount Everest and returning you to our hotel in time for our included breakfast and a wonderful day of included sightseeing. (The cost for our optional Mount Everest flight-seeing excursion including pickup from our hotel and return to our hotel, is only $299)
SCENES OF INCOMPARABLE MOUNT EVEREST, THE WORLD’S HIGHEST !
After our included breakfast we will all enjoy a full day tour. Our first stop is Bodhnath. One of the oldest and the biggest Buddhist monuments ever built in Nepal, Bodhnath Stupa is an imposing structure standing some 108 feet tall. The Stupa stands on the massive three level mandala style platform surrounded by colorful private family houses. This stupa is said to have been built in the 5th century AD. At the Pashupatinath Temple view the most sacred of Nepal’s Shiva shrines, located near the holy river Bagmati. This Hindu temple’s twin-roofed pagoda is of gold-gilt-brass and the gateways are silver-plated.
This afternoon we will visit Bhaktapur, the home of medieval art and architecture. Lying 8 miles east of Kathmandu city, this place was founded in the 9th century and is shaped like a conch shell. The city is at the height of 4600 ft. above sea level and offers a vast array of temples overlooking the Palace of 55 Windows, built by King Bupatindra Malla and the Nytapola Temple. This temple, which was also built by king Bhupatindra Malla, is the best example of the Pagoda style and stands on five terraces, on each of which stands a pair of figures, famous strong men, elephants, lions, griffins and goddesses.
13 NOV KATHMANDU
After our included breakfast, today is a full free day at leisure to relax, explore, shop, or take an optional excursion, such as Free a full day guided hike within Kathmandu Valley. Optional Champadevi HikingChampadevi is located at an elevation of 2285m southwest of Kathmandu. It is a pilgrimage site having a Buddhist Stupa and a Hindu shrine. Early in the morning we drive from Kathmandu about an hour to Pharping which is 16 kilometers south of Kathmandu and lies on the way to Dakshinkali Temple. As you commence to hike, the trail heads north along the pine forested ridge about half an hour, then the trail makes round bound towards south and takes another 3-hour's walk to reach Champadevi. The views of central and western Himalayan ranges are magnificent. After enjoying the splendid views, you come down following the same path to Pharping for about 2 hours and drive back to Kathmandu. This professionally guided day hike is recommended only for those in good physical condition, but does offer amazing views and a once in a lifetime experience . (cost $99)
14 NOV KATHMANDU - SINGAPORE After our included breakfast, we are transferred to the airport for our 1pm flight to Singapore. Upon arrival, we are transferred to our four star hotel for our final night. Overnight at ORCHARD HOTEL Offering cosmopolitan elegance and comfort on the world famous Orchard Road, the popular shopping and entertainment district of Singapore, The Orchard Hotel Singapore features 653 elegantly designed rooms to suit business and leisure needs. The superior guestrooms are spacious and elegant, and 28 square meters (311 square feet) in size. These rooms are attractively decorated and elegantly furnished and include wired (high-speed) Internet access
15 NOV SINGAPORE – SAN FRANCISCO
Breakfast is included at the hotel. Enjoy a free morning to explore the great shopping opportunities of Orchard Road, or take our optional half day morning excursion to cross the border into Malaysia. Our tour offers a rare glimpse into Malaysian culture, an opportunity to watch craftsmen at work creating batik paintings and enjoy a visit to a local Malay village where you will have an intro to the local Malay instruments and experience the simple way of living of the local culture. (Tour picks up at 8am at our hotel and returns to our hotel at noon. Cost $39)
This afternoon, we will enjoy an included 3 hour city tour of Singapore. Our tour begins with a drive around the Civic District past the Padang, Cricket Club, historic Parliament House, Supreme Court and City Hall. Stop at the MERLION PARK for great views of Marina Bay and a picture-taking opportunity with The Merlion, a mythological creature that is part lion and part fish. Visit THIAN HOCK KENG TEMPLE, one of Singapore’s oldest Buddhist-Taoist temples, before driving past Chinatown to watch craftsmen at work at a LOCAL HANDICRAFT CENTRE. If you wish, take an optional Trishaw ride, a traditional form of man powered 3 wheeled transit in Chinatown. The tri-shaw was a common means of transport back in the olden days in Singapore. The three-wheeled vehicle existed in its earlier form as the "Jinricksha" in Shanghai in 1880 and was manually pulled by a rider in front of a seat attached to two big wheels. The trishaw made its debut in Singapore in the 1940s, and although we do not see many trishaws on the roads now, it remains a strong icon of our rich cultural history. The half-hour trip takes you through Chinatown's quaint streets
Next, we proceed to the NATIONAL ORCHID GARDEN, located within Singapore Botanic Gardens, which boasts a sprawling display of 60,000 orchid plants. Our final stop is at LITTLE INDIA, which will entrance you with the scent of joss sticks, jasmine and spices.
Our tour will conclude with a transfer to the airport for our 6pm flight back to San Francisco, arriving the same day.
OUR ESCAPADE TO INDIA AND NEPAL INCLUDES:
TRIP COST INCLUDING ALL OF THE ABOVE: $3589 + TAXES OF $670 (taxes subject to change by the airline)
OPTIONAL SINGLE SUPPLEMENT FOR THOSE NOT WISHING OUR FREE ROOMMATE MATCHING SERVICE: $1199
A deposit of $200 is due within 7 days of booking a space on this trip. Second deposit of $400 is due June 15th Balance payments are due AUGUST 5th ALL PAYMENTS ARE REFUNDABLE IF CANCELED BY JUNE 25TH AND NON REFUNDABLE THEREAFTER TRAVEL INSURANCE IS AVAILABLE, PLEASE ASK FOR A QUOTE IF DESIRED
OPTIONAL 1 OR 2 DAY PRE TOUR WEEKEND IN SAN FRANCISCO
ARE YOU FLYING FROM THE EAST COAST AND WISH A BREAK BEFORE THE TRANSPACIFIC FLIGHT TO INDIA? HAVE YOU ALWAYS WANTED TO SEE THE SITES OF SAN FRANCISCO – SUCH AS ALCATRAZ, THE GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE AND MUCH MORE? THEN SPEND A DAY OR 2 WITH US IN THE CITY BY THE BAY – SAN FRANCISCSO. WE WILL BE STAYING AT THE SAN FRANCISCO MARRIOTT AIRPORT HOTEL, OFFERING FREE AIRPORT TO HOTEL TRANSPORTATION AND FREE TRANSPORTATION BACK TO THE AIRPORT. FOR PASSENGERS STAYING BOTH SATURDAY AND SUNDAY, WE WILL ENJOY A FULL DAY TOUR ON SUNDAY FEATURING THE SITES OF SAN FRANCISCO AND ALCATRAZ ISLAND
OUR PRE TOUR WEEKEND IN SAN FRANCISCO IS ONLY $249 INCLUDING:
FOR THOSE WISHING TO JOIN US FOR JUST SUNDAY NIGHT ENJOY
The Marriott has a full restaurant on site and a Starbucks Coffee on site, as well as full lounge, Passengers wishing to join us for either 1 or both nights in San Francisco may indicate so in the comments field when submitting your online reservation form or indicate so when booking with our office by phone. Passengers may also choose to add either the 1 or 2 night SF package at any time prior to the 2nd deposit due date of June 15th, or may do so thereafter, based on availability. |
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