Essence of India (201213)
A 9-Day Insight Tours tour starting from $2,365
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| Starting Price: | $2,365 |  |
| Tour Length: | 9 Days | |
| Countries Visited: | India | |
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Cities Visited: Known as the Golden Triangle, the cities of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur showcase India’s rich Mughal and Rajput heritage - imposing forts, sumptuous palaces and gleaming marble temples and tombs, such as the exquisite Taj Mahal. Tour Pace: This tour starts off rather briskly with a full day sightseeing in Delhi followed by an early morning train departure for Agra. The rest of the tour is far more easy going, with free time and leisurely days in Jaipur and Samode. Hotels: Chic, contemporary hotels in Delhi, Agra and Jaipur proudly offer the finest amenities and personalised service that savvy international travellers have come to expect. Contrast their modern architecture with the unique experience of staying in Samode Bagh’s air-conditioned tented accommodations, luxuriously furnished with every comfort. |
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A Welcome Reception with delicious meal. (WR)Enjoy a Highlight Lunch at Laxmi Vilas Palace. (HL)Enjoy a Celebration Gala Dinner under the stars including drinks at Samode Palace. (CD)7 Buffet Breakfasts (BB), 1 Hotel Dinner in Western or the local style, including tea, coffee and bottled water. (D)
Included First Class Services
Escorted by a professional Tour DirectorTravel in comfort and style on our modern, air-conditioned luxury touring coaches and minibusesRide the Shatabdi Express train from Delhi to Agra in air-conditioned chair classInsight Hotels include all service charges, taxes and porterageInsight Traveller Welcome packArrival and departure transfers between New Delhi airport and your Insight tour hotel
Board your overnight flight (not included).
Day 2: DELHI AT LEISURE
Welcome to India! On arrival at Indira Gandhi International Airport, you are greeted with a traditional floral garland and transferred to your modern five-star hotel. Tonight, join your Tour Director for a Welcome Reception with a delicious meal.(Welcome Reception)
Day 3: DELHI SIGHTSEEING
Start the day with a cycle rickshaw ride through Old Delhi including the bustling lanes of Chandni Chowk market. Stop for a photo at the impressive Red Fort, then visit the Mahatma Gandhi memorial at Raj Ghat. You also explore India’s largest mosque, the magnificent Jama Masjid, built by Shah Jahan in 1650. Continue to the house where Mahatma Gandhi spent the last 144 days of his life, now a National Memorial and Museum. Lunch time finds you in the shadow of the soaring Qutub Minar, a World Heritage listed tower dating back to 1193. Afterwards, tour the wide boulevards of New Delhi. Drive along the ceremonial Rajpath, past the imposing India Gate and Parliament House. Visit the Tomb of Emperor Humayun, one of the best-preserved Mughal monuments in Delhi and round off your day with an insight into the local religion at one of the colourful temples.(Buffet Breakfast)
Day 4: DELHI - AGRA
After an early morning snack, transfer to the station for the two hour train journey to Agra. Upon arrival, enjoy breakfast at the Radisson Hotel. Then proceed to the Taj Mahal, a monument of love and flawless architectural creation built by an emperor in memory of his beloved queen. Return to the hotel for check-in and relaxation. This afternoon witness the hustle and bustle of everyday life as you make your way through the city to Agra Fort, a powerful fortress of red sandstone. After your tour through the palatial Royal Pavilions and gardens there is free time to freshen up. Later, attend a spectacular stage musical production, supported by cutting edge audio-visual effects, which follows the ‘Saga of Love’ that inspired the Taj Mahal.(Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)
Day 5: AGRA - JAIPUR
There is the option of witnessing the rising sun’s rays glistening on the pure white marble of the Taj Mahal this morning. Then drive west to the ancient Mughul capital of Fatehpur Sikri, now a deserted city full of architectural wonder. Enter from the Agra Gate to the huge rectangular courtyard where ambassadors were received and imagine court life in the 16th century. Lunch is served at the majestic Laxmi Vilas Palace in Bharatpur. This palace and heritage hotel has been home to the Baroda royal family for over 120 years. After lunch, continue to the ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur, stunning capital of the state of Rajasthan.(Buffet Breakfast / Highlight Lunch)
Day 6: JAIPUR SIGHTSEEING
A unique excursion today as you ascend by jeep to the Amber Fort, a superb example of Rajput architecture, its terraces and ramparts reflected in the Maota Lake below. Inside, the royal halls are decorated with intricate ivory, mirrors and glass, complemented by exquisite wall paintings. Back in Jaipur, see the famous ‘Hawa Mahal’ (The Palace of Winds) and visit the city Palace, now a museum housing a fabulous collection of Rajasthani and Mughal Art. A final stop is made at the famous Jantar Mantar, the observatory, constructed between 1727 and 1734 by Maharajah Jai Singh II. Back at the hotel you are at leisure.(Buffet Breakfast)
Day 7: JAIPUR - SAMODE
Enjoy a leisurely morning where you are free to explore the famous bazaars of the city. This afternoon drive to the sleepy village of Samode, only a short drive from Jaipur, but seemingly a world away. Your hotel is set in 20 acres of lush garden, modeled in the Mughal style. This evening you are honoured guests at Samode Palace, the restored ancestral residence of the royal family which is now an exclusive heritage hotel. A royal welcome awaits on arrival at the beautifully illuminated palace. The highlight is the absolutely brilliant Diwan-I-Khas, covered with original painting and mirror work. Explore the frescoed corridors and intricately carved walls, enjoy the folk dances of Rajasthan along with a special Celebration Dinner at open air rooftop or garden, where dining is a delightful experience.(Buffet Breakfast / Celebration Dinner)
Day 8: SAMODE - DELHI
After breakfast, the morning is entirely at leisure. Perhaps take a walk through the village to the local school or post office - a great opportunity to interact with the locals. Otherwise relax, take in the rustic views of the surrounding hills, maybe read a book in the peaceful surroundings or enjoy the hotel pool and facilities. Return to Delhi this afternoon.(Buffet Breakfast)
Day 9: RETURN TO USA
Your tour draws to a close today with transfers to Delhi International Airport.(Buffet Breakfast)
Touring Date |
Land Only |
Land + Air |
Single (Land Only) |
Single (Land + Air) |
8/17/2012 - 8/25/2012 |
$2,365 |
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8/31/2012 - 9/8/2012 |
$2,365 |
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9/14/2012 - 9/22/2012 |
$2,365 |
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9/28/2012 - 10/6/2012 |
$2,365 |
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10/12/2012 - 10/20/2012 |
$2,865 |
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10/26/2012 - 11/3/2012 |
$2,865 |
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11/9/2012 - 11/17/2012 |
$2,865 |
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11/23/2012 - 12/1/2012 |
$2,865 |
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12/7/2012 - 12/15/2012 |
$2,865 |
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12/21/2012 - 12/29/2012 |
$2,999 |
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1/4/2013 - 1/12/2013 |
$2,865 |
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1/18/2013 - 1/26/2013 |
$2,865 |
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2/1/2013 - 2/9/2013 |
$2,865 |
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2/15/2013 - 2/23/2013 |
$2,865 |
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3/1/2013 - 3/9/2013 |
$2,865 |
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3/15/2013 - 3/23/2013 |
$2,865 |
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3/29/2013 - 4/6/2013 |
$2,865 |
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4/12/2013 - 4/20/2013 |
$2,865 |
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| Note: Departures appearing above in green are guaranteed to operate by the tour operator. | ||||
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Airfare Disclaimer Documents |
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Delhi: Enjoy a cycle rickshaw ride through the lanes of the Chandni Chowk Bazaar. Stop for a photo of the Red Fort. Visit the Gandhi memorial at Raj Ghat. Visit Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosque. Visit the house where the Mahatma Gandhi lived and died, now a National Memorial and Museum. See the Qutub Minar tower. Drive along the Rajpath to see the India Gate and Parliament House. Visit the Tomb of the Emperor Humayun. Visit a temple for an insight into the local religion.Agra: Visit the Taj Mahal. Enjoy a city tour with a visit to the impressive red sandstone Agra Fort. Attend the dance drama spectacular ‘Mohabbat-the-Taj’ depicting the epic 16th century love story of emperor Shah Jahan.Fatehpur Sikri: Visit the deserted imperial city of the Mughal dynasty, dramatically abandoned a few years after it was built.Jaipur: Ascend to the awe-inspiring Amber Fort by Jeep to stroll through the sprawling complex of courtyards and halls. Enjoy a Jaipur city tour including a visit to the City Palace Museum housing traditional Rajasthani and Mughal Art. Visit the Jantar Mantar the Royal observatory built in 1726. A photo opportunity at the Hawa Mahal. (Palace of Winds)Samode: Explore Samode Palace, seeing the brilliant Diwan-I-Khas and enjoy the folk dances of Rajasthan
SAVE Up To $600 Per Couple On Select 2012 Insight USA Tours
2012 USA SALE - SAVINGS OF UP TO $600
Save up to $300 per person on select 2012 Insight Vacations USA itineraries
| Tour Name | Tour Duration | Departing | Was | Now | Saving | Promo Code |
| American Parks Trail | 10 | May 13, 27 | $2525 | $2325 | $200 | 12USSALE1 |
| Best of California | 9 | Jul 20 | $2595 | $2395 | $200 | 12USSALE2 |
| Best of Eastern Canada & USA | 16 | May 27 | $4175 | $3875 | $300 | 12USSALE3 |
| Capitals of Eastern Canada | 7 | Jul 8 | $1799 | $1599 | $200 | 12USSALE4 |
|
Coastal New England and Canada’s Maritimes |
13 |
Jun 29, Jul 13 |
$3525 | $3225 | $300 | 12USSALE5 |
| Enchanting Canyonlands | 7 |
May 19, Jun 16 & 30, Jul 21 & 28 |
$1975 | $1775 | $200 | 12USSALE6 |
| Grand Canadian Rockies | 13 | May 28 | $6275 | $5975 | $300 | 12USSALE7 |
| Great Western American Adventure | 15 | Jul 20 | $4350 | $4050 | $300 | 12USSALE8 |
| Hawaiian Dreams | 10 | Jun 16 | $3750 | $3450 | $300 | 12USSALE9 |
| Hawaiian Dreams with Kauai | 12 | Jun 16 | $4595 | $4295 | $300 | 12USSALE10 |
| Maritimes Landscapes | 8 | Jul 2, 16 | $2375 | $2175 | $200 | 12USSALE11 |
| Southwest Discovery | 11 |
May 11, Jun 15 |
$2535 | $2335 | $200 | 12USSALE12 |
Terms and Conditions: Price is in American dollars and is per person, land only, based on double occupancy. For new bookings only made after March 31, 2012 on departures listed above for 2012 travel. Subject to availability. Excludes Early Payment Discount and any other promotional offer. Please note if the booking is made within 45 days from the departure date full Payment will be due at the time of booking. No bookings may be made after June 26th, 2012. Other conditions apply.
SAVE Up To $700 On 2012 Insight Europe Tours
SAVE UP TO $700 ON 2012 INSIGHT EUROPE TOURS
AIR-INCLUSIVE DEPARTURE: Save up to $700 per couple on Insight Gold, and $500 per couple on Premium Europe tours.
LAND-ONLY DEPARTURE: Save up to $500 per couple on Insight Gold, and $300 per couple on Premium Europe tours.
BOOKING WINDOW: March 31st - June 28th, 2012
TRAVEL WINDOW: April 15th - October 25th, 2012
Terms and Conditions: Booking and full payment for entire vacation package must be made by June 28, 2012. Offer is valid for new bookings made from March 31, 2012 through June 28, 2012. Travel must begin between April 15, 2012 and October 25, 2012. Offers valid on any airline. Offers not valid to Egypt, Turkey, Morocco, Jordan, Israel, Select Choices, or any tours with train and tours with cruise. Save $700 ($350pp) offer valid only on air-inclusive Insight Gold Europe tours; Save $500 ($250pp) air offer valid only on air-inclusive Premium Europe tours. Normal name change policy applies. Fuel surcharges, taxes and fees are included in quoted rate. Once payment is received, air tickets are non-refundable. Save $500 ($250pp) land offer valid on land-only Insight Gold departures; Save $300 ($150pp) land offer valid on land-only Premium Europe departures only. Offers are combinable with brochure discounts found in our 2012 Premium Europe & Britain brochures except Early Payment Discounts. Offers are not combinable with Hot Deals or each other. Offers may be withdrawn at any time and are subject to availability. Valid for new Scheduled Group bookings subject to promo payment conditions are met. Please call for details. CST No. 20687545-20
SAVE $300 Per Couple On Insight Winter Tours
Save $300 on autumn, winter and spring vacations!
BOOKING WINDOW: April 16, 2012 - July 12, 2012
TRAVEL WINDOW: November 1, 2012 - March 31, 2013
Terms and Conditions: $300 per couple savings ($150 per person) valid when booking and deposit (plus applicable insurance) for vacation package is made by July 12, 2012. Offer valid for new bookings made on Winter Europe brochure vacations from April 16, 2012 through July 12, 2012. Travel must begin between November 1, 2012 and March 31, 2013. Offer not valid to Greece, Egypt, Turkey, Jordan, Israel, Select Choices, and tours with cruise inclusions. Promotion is combinable with brochure discounts found in Insight Vacations’ 2012/13 Winter Europe brochure except Early Payment Discounts. Offer may be withdrawn at any time and subject to availability. Valid for new Scheduled Group bookings subject to promo payment conditions being met. Offer ends July 12, 2012. Please call for details. CST No. 20687545-20
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All prices are per person, double occupancy, subject to availability. These pages are not endorsed or supported by the tour operator in any way. All information presented is based on promotional material provided by the tour operator. All prices, itineraries, accommodations and dates are subject to change without notice and at any time by the tour operators. Availability is limited and must be reconfirmed at time of booking. The prices on this website are not guaranteed. We are not responsible for errors, omissions, or changes in pricing. Please call us toll free at 1-800-942-3301 to confirm availability and pricing.
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