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DAYS 1 & 2 GOODBYE CANADA, NAMASTE DELHIEnjoy a private car ride to the airport. Travellers departing from the Toronto airport are assisted with their check-in. Meet your dedicated Group Guru and fellow travellers and fly overnight to New Delhi. It’s a long way to New Delhi, but don’t worry, in-flight entertainment (and Group Guru enter-tainment) helps time fly by! Upon arrival, our luxury coach will bring you to your hotel, where you will enjoy time to settle in before we raise a toast during our welcome cocktail. Overnight in New Delhi.

DAY 3 R&R AND EXPLORING OLD DELHIThe city of New Delhi is divided into two distinct entities: New Delhi and Old Delhi. Enjoy a leisurely start to the day before setting out for a guided tour of the old capital. Explore the iconic ramparts of the Red Fort, the 17th century Jama Masjid Mosque and the colorful Chandni Chowk district. End the day with a traditional rickshaw ride to discover all the interesting mysteries hidden in the city’s many alleyways. Overnight in New Delhi. (B,L,D)

DAY 4 DISCOVER MANDAWA (260 KM)Travel to the heart of the Shekhawati region to the beautiful town of Mandawa. Known for its forts and havelis (traditional Indian mansions), Mandawa is a gateway to the Rajasthan desert and an ancient Silk Road outpost. Upon arrival, experience the semi-arid landscape and observe the intricately painted havelis and their Indo-Mughal architecture. Overnight in Mandawa. (B,L,D)

DAY 5 HISTORICAL BIKANER AND JUNAGARH FORT (200 KM)Soak in the countryside on your way to Bikaner to explore the spectacular Junagarh Fort, an impressive 15th century fortress dedicated to Hindu deities Lakshmi Narayan, surrounded by 7 palaces built in succession over 4 centuries. Stroll through the local vegetable market before exploring the old town aboard a Tuk-Tuk. Overnight in Bikaner. (B,L,D)

DAY 6 FORT POKHRAN AND JAISALMER (336 KM)Travel the golden hills of Rajasthan to Fort Pokhran, a 14th century citadel that has since been turned into a museum and hotel by the royal family. Continue to Jaisalmer in the heart of the Thar Desert, to discover the mirage-like marvel of Gadi Sagar Lake, its vital man-made reservoir for nearly 600 years. Walk through the garden complex of Bada Bagh, home to dozens of royal chhatris belonging to descendants of the state’s Maharaja (“Great King”). Overnight in Jaisalmer. (B,L,D)

DAY 7 JAISALMER FORT, PALACE AND DECHU NIGHT UNDER THE STARS (165 KM)One of the last living forts in the world, Jaisalmer Fort will wow you with its trove of treasures. Journey to Dechu, as you tear through the desert on a dune buggy to Bishnoi Village, where an immersive experience awaits. Learn about their traditional way of life and attend a religious opium ce-remony organized by the village elders. Set off on an unforgettable safari in the sand dunes before retreating to your luxury desert camp for evening entertainment, including traditional dancers from the Manganiyar region. Night under the stars. (B,L,D)

Da Nang

Pokhran

JaisalmerJaisalmer

JodhpurDechu

KhejarlaPushkar Geejgarh

AgraJaipur Abhaneri

Mandawa

New Delhi

Bikaner

VaranasiIndia

Pokhran

2020 November 3 — November 18

2021 February 1 — February 162021 November 2 — November 17

INDIAMajestic

ASI

A

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DAY 8 BLUE CITY OF JODHPUR AND KHEJARLA MAGIC (206 KM)Early departure for Jodhpur, the Blue City of the desert. Perched 125 meters above the city, Mehrangarh Fort is home to the 15th century Pearl Palace and Mirror Palace. In the afternoon, watch the women of Jodhpur enliven the city with their colourful saris as you make your way to the spice souk at Ganta Ghar. Experience true local hospitality and meet Fort Khejarla’s Maharajah for a half-hour conversation with him and his family before being formally invited to attend a traditional music show as a guest of honor. End the evening by sharing a friendship drink and dinner with the Maharajah and his family. An otherworldly moment awaits. Overnight in Khejarla. (B,L,D)

DAY 9 PUSHKAR’S 400 TEMPLES AND JAIPUR (264 KM)Enjoy a scenic route to the pilgrimage city of Pushkar, home to over 400 distinct temples. The city is considered sacred by Hindus and is therefore completely vegetarian and alcohol-free. Explore some of the city’s magnificent temples, notably the colourful Jagatpita Brahma Mandir, a rare Hindu temple dedicated to creator-god Brahma. The 14th century shrine is located at the top of a white marble staircase providing an amazing view over the lake. Road to and overnight in Jaipur. (B,L,D)

DAY 10 DISCOVER JAIPUREnjoy a guided tour of the larger-than-life Amber Fort. Dating back to the 16th century, it was the residence of the Maharajahs as well as a fortified military complex. Scale the vast ramparts on elephant back and with 4x4 vehicles. Explore the Pink City and see how cows, elephants, bicycles and taxis share the roads every day. Stroll past the Hawa Mahal, Palace of Winds, before visiting the regal City Palace, known for its vast weapons and clothing collections. Attend a short demonstration on traditional dress for both men and women, followed by a Bollywood movie screening in one of the most beautiful cinemas in the world, the Raj Mandir. Overnight in Jaipur. (B,L,D)

DAY 11 EAT, PRAY, DANCE (128 KM)Start your day with an optional yoga class (at no additional cost) before our visit of the charming village of Abhaneri, and the Chand Baori, a stepwell. Continue on to the town of Geejgarh where you will travel by jugaad (a homemade quadricycle typical in India) to meet villagers and visit their homes. Accompanied by your hosts, gather organic vegetables for your lunch and take part in a traditional cooking class. Warm up with a cup of traditional Masala tea served in artisanal mugs. In the afternoon, spend a peaceful moment attending prayer at a Krishna temple. Work up an appetite by participating in a local dance show, clad with Rajasthani turbans and colourful scarves. Overnight in Kalekho. (B,L,D)

VARANASI, INDIA

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DAY 12 AGRA FORT AND MAJESTIC TAJ MAHAL (164 KM)Complete your tour of the Golden Triangle circuit by making your way to Agra, a sumptuous city claimed to be over 1,000 years old, and recognized throughout the world for its rich cultural legacy. Enjoy a guided tour of Agra Fort, an important military square and residence of the Mughal emperors until the mid-17th century. Admire the vastness of the 94-acre fort and its red sandstone walls. Embark on an afternoon tonga ride to the crown jewel of this tour: the Taj Mahal. Carved with flowers and encrusted with semi-precious stones, the “Crown of the Palaces” is a 42-acre white marble mausoleum, an ode of love from Shah Jahan towards his favourite wife, Mumtaz Mahal. The pink hue of the Taj Mahal at sunset will capture your heart. Relax during a magic show before feasting on Tandoori specialties for dinner. Overnight in Agra. (B,L,D)

DAY 13 SCENIC ROAD TO DELHI & FLIGHT TO VARANASI Journey through the countryside to New Delhi and board your flight to Varanasi, the most sacred city in India. Nestled on the banks of the Ganges River, Varanasi is home to countless ghats (stone steps) that provide access to the banks for funeral pyres and Hindu rituals. Experience firsthand an emotion-evoking evening ceremony steeped in religious tradition. Overnight in Varanasi. (B,L,D)

DAY 14 SACRED VARANASIFloat along the Ganges during an early morning boat trip and admire the thousands of devotees, priests, merchants and pilgrims bathing on its riverbank steps to purify themselves in sacred water. Discover the hidden treasures of Varanasi at your own pace, including the Kashi Vishvanath Temple dedicated to Shiva (“the auspicious one”). In the evening, attend another Aarti ceremony at the Ganges ghats. Overnight in Varanasi. (B,L,D)

DAY 15 & 16 R&R IN VARANASI & HOME SWEET HOMEEnjoy a relaxing morning and peruse Varanasi’s famous local handicrafts or visit any last sites before boarding an afternoon flight to New Delhi where you will enjoy a farewell dinner in an authentic Northern Indian setting. In the evening, fly back to Canada, arriving home the following day. Your driver will meet you at the airport to help you with your luggage and drive you home. Namaste. (B,L,D)

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$4,995a l l - i n c l u s i v e

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TOUR ESSENTIALS

• International flights with Air Canada and 2 domestic flights

• 13 nights in first class hotels and 1 night in a luxury tented camp

• Dedicated English-speaking tour guide and local guides

• Carefully selected visits, with entrance fees

• Luxury coach bus transfers and luggage porterage throughout

• Visas for Canadian citizens as required

UNIQUE MOMENTS

• Enjoy an immersive starlit evening with music and traditional dancing

• Trek across sand dunes on camel-back in the Rajasthan desert and camp under the stars in a luxury desert camp

• Marvel at the perfectly white marble etchings of the Taj Mahal

• Experience firsthand an emotion-evoking evening Aarti ceremony steeped in religious tradition

THIS TOUR INCLUDES

FOOD & DRINK

• All 39 meals, including: 13 breakfasts, 13 lunches and 13 dinners

• Traditional dinner under the stars (included in meal count)

• Farewell dinner (included in meal count)

• Indian cooking class (included in meal count)

• Welcome cocktail

• Bottled water daily (2 x 500ml)

EVERY APPROACH TOUR INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING PERKS:

Private car service to and from your home airport

International and domestic flights

Meals and excursions that are typically sold separately

Tips for all service providers

24/7 Group Guru (in addition to tour guide and local guides)

Extensive travel insurance with Manulife Financial

TOTAL VALUE OF PERKS

PALACE OF WINDS, JAIPUR

$2,127

Per person in double occupancySingle supplement: $995