.Day 8 - October 11, 2011 - Tuesday:  Agra (B)  Breakfast at the hotel then we leave to explore the 16th century Agra Fort (above left) with its colonnades, battlements, apartments, gardens and audience halls. This is the most important fort in India and is near the gardens of its famous sister monument, the Taj Mahal. The great Mugal rulers lived and governed here and at the time it contained the largest state treasury and mint in the world. It was visited by foreign ambassadors, travelers and dignitaries. This powerfu walled city fortress of red sandstone comprises many fairy-tale palaces, audience halls, and two very beautiful mosques. Afternoon is free for us to explore. Evening: Tonight is a full moon and we take a very special early evening visit to the Taj Mahal - truly a once-in-a-lifetime dream in marble (above right). Later we explore the local markets on your own.

       . . . Day 9 - October 12, 2011  - Wednesday:  Agra and Jaipur (B,L)  After breakfast we drive to the capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur, known as the "Pink City.” Enroute we visit Emperor Akbar’s 16th century abandoned city of Fatehpur Sikri. This ghost town is remarkably well preserved and presents a perfect synthesis of Muslim, Hindu and Jain architecture. The sculptured columns bear mute testimony to this gallant experiment to unite Hindus and Muslims. Afternoon: Upon arrival check in to the 5 star Jai Mahal Palace Hotel (above center) Set amidst 18 acres of beautifully landscaped Moghul gardens, this incomparable Palace dates back to 1745 A.D. A masterpiece in the Indo Saracenic style of architecture, it blends spotlight-grabbing opulence that transport guests to a world of Rajasthan magnificence. It is located downtown, close to the main shopping center and historical monuments. Evening: On our own to explore the Pink City, shop, and indulge ourselves in truly fine Indian dining. (nice intro video to Jaipur) Perhaps we may even see a Jaipur snake charmer on the streets.

      . . . Day 10 - October 13, 2011  - Thursday:  Jaipur (B)  Morning: After breakfast we visit the sprawling Mountain Fortress of Amber which is the classic romantic Rajasthani fort palace. Its construction was started by Man Singh in 1592 and completed by his descendent Jai Singh. Its forbidding exterior belies an inner paradise where a beautiful fusion of Mughal and Hindu styles finds its ultimate expression. At the foot of the hill we will have the option to mount a caparisoned elephant (above left) for the slow but steady climb up to the main gate, making our entrance in the time honoured fashion. This ride is on an optional basis with direct payment to the Mahout by each of us who elect to take the ride. Afternoon and Evening are free to relax or pursue independent activities. We may want to visit the Vidhan Sabha of Rajasthan at night (above center) or Jaipur boasts some of the most colorful bazaars in Asia (above right).

    . . . . Day 11 - October 14, 2011  - Friday: Jaipur (B,D) After breakfast we tour the Hawa Mahal Palace which was built in 1799 and is often referred to as the most stunning sight in the city (above left). The palace is part of a huge complex overlooking one of Jaipur's main streets and was originally constructed to offer women of the court a vantage point, behind stone-carved screens, from which to watch the activities taking place in the bazaar. We then visit the City Palace (above center) which was built in 1732 for the head of the Kachwaha Rajput clan. It now houses a museum but the greatest part of it is still a royal residence. The palace complex incorporates an impressive and vast array of courtyards, gardens and buildings. Onward then to the Jaipur Ancient Observatory. Afternoon is free for us to explore the bazaars and ancient city of Jaipur. And for Evening: Dinner is planned at Chokhi Dhani Village (intro video to village) which has a different theme for each day. There is a festive celebration each evening of authentic Rajasthani village culture in music, folk dancing (above right), games, Rajasthani cuisine, and much more...

       . . Day 12 - October 15, 2011  - Saturday: Jaipur to New Delhi (B)  This morning we drive to Delhi and return to The Taj Palace Hotel. Our final day is at leisure for us to finish our exploration of India's people, culture and heritage. Click for a nice slide show of Delhi highlights. We can finish our shopping in the bazaars, find a wonderful restaurant (above left), visit the spa at Hotel LaLit and completley relax, or simply sit on a park bench, soak in the beauty of India and its people, and watch the highly inquisitive indian monkeys Perhaps visit the Jantar Mantar Park in the midst of downtown New Delhi with its red wash on the unique masonry architectural structures which stand in contrast to the lush green of its park-like setting. The site’s open space and protected boundaries offer the city’s residents a quiet place for respite and contemplation.(above right).

. Day 13 - October 16, 2011 - Sunday:  New Delhi to New York (B,L,D) Early in the morning we say goodbye to the country and people of India and transfer to the airport for our Emirates flight 513 departing at 04:15 am for Dubai where we arrive at 06:30 am. At 08:30am our Emirates flight EK201 departs arriving in New York at 2:15 pm Please note flight schedules are subject to change by the airlines. May our 8 days in India and our 4 days in Dubai shown us cultures and cities that we may never see again but may our memories and friendships forever stay with us in our memories, hearts....and of course our many photographs..

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