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Wonders of Majestic India 2009 Wonders of Majestic India

On the Viking tour of India you experience the splendor of the Taj Mahal, the simplicity of Raj Ghat’s Ghandi memorial the Tiger Reserve and more

Tour Overview

14 Days Priced
From
$4,975
Departure Dates:
February 8, 2009 - December 20, 2009
The glassy blue waters of Lake Pichola, the majestic Taj Mahal. This is India in all its exotic, sensual magnificence. Visiting this place with Viking Tours, you will see and experience more of India than you ever dreamed possible.

Immerse yourself in India’s endless colors

One day, you follow the seductive scent of cardamom down an alley bustling with activity—sari-clad women browsing exotic fruits at an open market, children darting in and out of doorways in delighted play. The next, you are taking a private boat tour on the glassy blue waters of Lake Pichola, or enjoying afternoon tea at the home of a famous colonel. At Agra, you stand in silent awe at the greatest monument ever built to love … the majestic Taj Mahal. This is India, in all its exotic, sensual, diverse magnificence. And visiting this magical place with Viking Tours, you will see and experience more of India than you ever dreamed possible.

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Where you will go

  • Agra
  • Agra, Bharatpur & Ranthambore
  • Delhi
  • Jaipur
  • Jodhpur
  • Ranakpur & Udaipur
  • Ranthambore & Jaipur
  • Sawai Madhopur
  • Udaipur
  • Udaipur & Delhi
View Detailed Itinerary

Pre-Tour

 
Camels

Experience the Fascinating Contrasts of Dubai.

More Info

Post-Tour

 
Visit Bhutan and experience the Tiger’s Nest Monastery, Paro Dzong overlooking the Paro Valley, Himalayan temples and more on this Viking tour

Extend Your Journey into Incredible Bhutan.

More Info

Pre-tour Extensions  Learn More...

Wonders of Majestic India

The Rajasthani dance is one of the many splendors of India with the Taj Mahal, Sahelion-ki-Bari garden, Mehrangarth Fort and more on this Viking Tour

DAY 1 : Delhi

Fly into bustling Delhi. We take you to the Taj Mahal Hotel for a 3-night stay. Enjoy refreshments at your hotel, relax and unwind.

DAY 2 : Delhi

Today, experience Old Delhi. Visit Raj Ghat, a beautiful memorial to the late Mahatma Gandhi. Then, admire Jama Masjid, principal mosque of Old Delhi, commissioned by 17th-century Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, who also built the Taj Mahal. Enjoy a sightseeing tour by trishaw before returning to your hotel for a festive welcome dinner.

The incredible Taj Mahal from a Viking Tour of India that includes Delhi, Agra, Bharatpur, Ranthambore, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur and more

DAY 3 : Delhi

This morning, visit the eternal Gandhi Multimedia Museum, dedicated to the “Father of India” who inspired nonviolent civil rights resistance movements worldwide. Drive past India Gate and the president’s house in New Delhi, and visit Qutab Minar, the world’s tallest brick minaret, and Humayun’s Tomb, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You are invited to lunch with a retired Indian general at his home, where you wander amongst the peacocks in the garden and enjoy stories and conversation. After a visit to the Sanskriti Foundation, dine and relax at your hotel.

DAY 4: Agra

Early this morning, depart for a scenic first-class ride on the Shatabdi Express, traveling toward Agra at nearly 100 mph. There, a fleet of tongas carries you to the gates of the inspiring, otherworldly Taj Mahal. This romantic crown jewel of India’s diverse attractions was commissioned by emperor Jahan as a monument to his beloved late wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and also one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. This afternoon, check in to your hotel, then tour Agra Fort. Also a UNESCO World heritage site, this walled city comprises several palaces, audience halls and mosques. Lunch and dinner are at your hotel.

Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur

DAY 5 : Agra, Bharatpur & Ranthambore

This morning, ride to Bharatpur, stopping at Fatehpur Sikri on the way. An administrative capital in the late 16th century, this UNESCO World Heritage Site was abandoned due to lack of water but is now of enormous architectural interest. Enjoy a brief tour and lunch there. Ride the Kota Jan Shatabdi Express to Sawai Madhopur, gateway to Ranthambore National Park; check in to your hotel.

DAY 6 : Sawai Madhopur

Rise early for a game drive through Ranthambore National Park, once private hunting grounds of the maharajas. This is the best time of day to observe many of the animals, including Bengal tigers and crocodiles, and enjoy a sweeping view across the Tiger Reserve from the 10th-century Ranthambore Fortress. After a hearty breakfast, visit the Dastkar Ranthambore Project. Relax this afternoon and enjoy an informative wildlife lecture tonight.

portrait of a girl in pink

DAY 7 : Ranthambore & Jaipur

Relax in Ranthambore this morning. After lunch, travel to Jaipur, which presides over the desert state of Rajasthan. See the city’s rose-colored buildings as you arrive and check in to the stunning Jai Mahal Palace; Enjoy its beautiful gardens and collection of miniature paintings. Dine at Jaipur’s popular Spice Court, where you can participate in the preparation of your meal.

DAY 8 : Jaipur

Your first stop is Hawa Mahal, also known as the palace of Winds, an elaborate façade behind which the ladies of the court once watched the street below. Proceed to the nearby ancient capital of Amber to visit the Amber fort. Ride on an elephant to the top of the fortress complex and stroll through its sprawling courtyards and halls. Lunch at Chandra Mahal Verandah, an exclusive private area of the City Palace. Explore City Palace and Jantar Mantar, an astronomical observatory built in 1726. Take time to roam and shop at the bustling local markets. On your way back to the hotel, visit the S.O.S. Children’s Village of India.

Taj Lake Palace

DAY 9 : Jodhpur

Today you set out for magnificent Jodhpur, stopping en route to enjoy lunch and spectacular views at the Nimaj Palace Hotel. Arrive this evening; check in to the Taj Hari Mahal Hotel and dine there.

DAY 10 : Jodhpur

Start your day at soaring Mehrangarh Fort, “Citadel of the Sun”; see its rich palaces and museums. Walk through Jodhpur’s old city, then proceed to the intricately carved Jaswant Thada mausoleum. After lunch, take a jeep safari to a Bishnoi tribal village, where you meet local craftspeople and see the free-roaming wildlife sacred to the Bishnoi people.

DAY 11 : Ranakpur & Udaipur

Journey to the extraordinary marble Jain temple at Ranakpur, constructed during the late 14th and early 15th centuries and dedicated to Adinatha, the First Lord. After lunch in Ranakpur, continue to Udaipur and check in to the dazzling Taj Lake Palace Hotel, built on Lake Pichola more than 250 years ago, for a 2-night stay.

DAY 12 : Udaipur

This morning, enjoy an in-depth city tour. Visit the City Palace, a majestic fortified monument, and admire the Crystal Gallery. Visit the school of miniature painting, then return to your hotel for an afternoon at leisure to enjoy this extraordinary property. Celebrate your India experience with a spectacular farewell dinner.

DAY 13 : Udaipur & Delhi

Enjoy one last morning at leisure in Udaipur; after lunch, we take you to the airport for your flight to Delhi. Check in to the Taj Mahal Hotel and dine there.

DAY 14 : Delhi

Today, we take you to the Delhi airport for your flight home. Or extend your journey with 5 nights in Bhutan.

Post-tour Extensions  Learn More...

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Extend Your Stay in Two Extraordinary Kingdoms

Begin your vacation with an intriguing journey in the United Arab Emirates Kingdom of Dubai, or after your India tour, head to one of the world’s most majestic and least-known places—ethereal Bhutan. Or for the ultimate exploration, surround your India vacation with both extraordinary kingdoms.

Experience Middle Eastern Majesty in Dubai

Get Close to Heaven in regal Bhutan

Pre-extension: Experience Middle Eastern Majesty in Dubai
3-Night Pre-Extension in Dubai - starting from $1,475 per person

DAY 1 : Dubai

Arrive this evening in spectacular Dubai in the Gulf of Oman, and check in to the deluxe Taj Palace for a 3-night stay. A world of scenic wonder awaits you on this 4-day adventure.

DAY 2 : Dubai

Today, enjoy a Dubai orientation by private boat tour. See The Palm and beautiful views of Dubai’s impressive skyline from the Dubai Marina. In the late afternoon, embark on a Dune Dinner Safari. This tour takes you to the eastern desert of Dubai, driving over the sand dunes to a local camel farm. Watch the sun set over the high dunes, then arrive at our traditional Arabic campsite, where a barbecue dinner is served by torchlight. Immerse yourself in the experience with camel rides, henna tattoos and a performance of traditional Middle Eastern dance.

DAY 3 : Dubai

Today, take an enchanting tour to explore the juxtaposition of ancient and modern worlds in Dubai. After stopping to experience the glorious Jumeirah Mosque, pass by Zaabeel Road for a glimpse of Sheikh Mohammad’s Residential Palace. The journey continues with a stop at Dubai Creek and cross over by abra (water taxi)—a chance to scan the splendid, ever-changing skyline—then visit the Spice and Gold souks (marketplaces). Lunch is served at the revolving restaurant atop the Hyatt Regency, affording stunning city views. Later, take a shopping tour to the famous Mall of the Emirates and the more traditional Souk Madinat Jumeirah before your gala dinner tonight.

DAY 4 : Dubai

After breakfast, we take you to the airport for your flight to Delhi to being your India tour. Note: If international air is purchased from Viking Tours, the flight from Dubai to Delhi is included. If you made your own international air arrangements, you will also need to reserve your Dubai to Delhi flights.

Post-extension: Get Close to Heaven in regal Bhutan
5-Night Post-Extension in Bhutan - starting from $2,475 per person

Visit Bhutan and experience the Tiger’s Nest Monastery, Paro Dzong overlooking the Paro Valley, Himalayan temples and more on this Viking tour

DAY 1 : Paro & Thimpu

Depart Delhi for an early-morning flight to Bhutan. The flight across the Himalayas into Paro takes you past the world’s highest peaks. Land in Paro (alt. 7,000 feet) where the clean environment, soaring snow-capped peaks and gushing waterfalls of this region will amaze you. Your Bhutanese Tour Director will escort you to the Hotel Druk, your hotel in Thimpu, capital of Bhutan. Lunch is at your hotel. This afternoon, visit Tashichhodzong, the beautiful medieval fortress/monastery which houses most government offices and the King’s Throne room and is also the summer residence of Je Khenpo, the chief abbot. Dine at your hotel.

DAY 2 : Thimpu

The day begins with a visit to the National Memorial Chorten, built in memory of the late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk. You also visit the Dupthop Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s few surviving nunneries, and the Textile Museum, to explore this time-honored craft and see its highlight, the Royal Collection of crowns. After lunch, visit the National Library, stocked with ancient Buddhist manuscripts. Continue with a visit to Zorig Chusem (“the Painting School”), where traditional skills are kept alive through instruction in the art of painting thangkas (sacred Buddhist scrolls), and the Folk Heritage Museum to learn more about Bhutanese crafts. After dinner at your hotel, you have the opportunity to visit and enjoy conversation with a Bhutanese family in their home.

DAY 3 : Thimpu and Paro

After breakfast, you drive back to Paro and check in to the Kichu Resort Hotel. Lunch is at the hotel, then drive through the valley to the north to see the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong, a victory fortress where the Bhutanese repelled invading Tibetan armies in the 17th century. You also visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the kingdom’s oldest and most sacred shrines. Return to your hotel for dinner and an evening at leisure.

DAY 4 : Paro

Take a morning hike to one of Bhutan’s highlights: the Taktsang (“Tiger’s Nest”) Monastery, which clings to a sheer 3,000-foot rock face at an altitude of over 10,000 feet. Visit the monastery and its adjacent holy caves and surrounding temples. After lunch at the hotel, visit Ta Dzong, the kingdom’s National Museum, featuring both natural and artistic artifacts. Then, walk down a scenic trail to visit Paro Dzong, with beautiful views and a traditional cantilevered bridge over the Paro River.

DAYS 5-6 : Paro and Delhi

After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the airport for your flight to Delhi. Early this morning, transfer to the airport for your flight home. Note: If you make your own international air arrangements, your flight times may vary and you may have more time in Delhi before your return flight home.

Dates and Pricing

January - March 2009
April - June 2009
July - September 2009
October - December 2009

For more information on accommodations and available upgrades: Call Viking Tours at 1-800-633-6834 or call your local travel agent.

Tours Starting January - March 2009
$5,975February 8, 2009
$5,975February 22, 2009
Tours Starting April - June 2009
$4,975May 3, 2009
Tours Starting July - September 2009
$5,975September 27, 2009
Tours Starting October - December 2009
$5,975October 25, 2009
$5,975November 22, 2009
$5,975December 20, 2009

Price Guarantee:

2009 Wonders of Majestic India. Never an additional charge or increase once you book AND pay in full.

Prices on above tours are per person Terms & Conditions

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Experience Middle Eastern Majesty in Dubai

3-Night Pre-Extension in Dubai - starting from $1475 per person

Get Close to Heaven in regal Bhutan

5-Night Post-Extension in Bhutan - starting from $2475 per person

Add All-Inclusive Roundtrip Air and Transfers

 

JAN-MAY; SEP-OCT

NOV

DEC

New York, Washington DC

$2,195

$2,295

$2,795

Upgrade to Business Class Air from $4,495.

Other U.S. and Canadian gateways available; call for details.

Note: Flights from the U.S. generally depart one day prior to the hotel check-in dates shown above. Airport transfers are included with roundtrip airfare purchase. If air is not purchased from Viking Tours, transfers between the airport and your hotel may be purchased separately at a cost of $75 per person, per direction, and are available to guests whose flights arrive the first day of the base program itinerary only. Airfares shown are valid as of August 2008, and include all government air taxes/fees of approximately $495 as well as all air fuel surcharges. Air seats are limited and airfares are subject to change and are not guaranteed until full payment of air is received. Additional airline-imposed baggage charges may apply; consult your airline. Business class upgrade is based on New York or Washington DC gateways. Call Viking for up-to-date prices. Tour charges, cruise fares and airfares will not be changed once payment in full has been received by Viking Tours. See also the Terms and Conditions.

Luggage Restrictions: since each airline has its own rules and regulations, we suggest you contact your airline(s) directly to verify checked baggage and carry-on restrictions for your flights to and from your home airport as there may be penalties for additional or overweight luggage.

Note to guests travelling with us on the post-extension to Bhutan: You will travel on domestic flights during your roundtrip to and from Delhi, India and Paro, Bhutan. Viking Tours monitors luggage restrictions for these flights and luggage allowance is very limited and strictly enforced. A guest may carry on one piece only; with dimensions not to exceed 45 inches (115 cm) and the total weight not to exceed 11 lbs. (5 kg). There are no size or piece restrictions for checked luggage allowance for intra- flights; however guests are allowed a total of 44 pounds (20 kilograms) for all pieces. Any items in excess of the above restrictions may have charges ranging from $4-6 per 2.2lbs. (1kg) based on weight. Guests may leave one piece of luggage at their hotel in Delhi if requested.

Travel Protection Plan

TODO

100% protection for your travel investment. Our Travel Protection Plan is among the most comprehensive and provides peace of mind. You are covered, even if you cancel your trip for any reason, including a pre-existing medical condition.* Backed by top-ranked Arch Insurance Company, you can travel with peace of mind.

*Pre-existing conditions exclusion is waived if your Travel Protection Plan is purchased within 14 days of initial trip deposit and you are not disabled from travel at time of payment. For specific coverage details, review policy conditions and limitation. Prices are per person. Download the Travel Benefits & Rates document here

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