10 Day Singles Only Royal Rajasthan & Beyond

India is a country of multidimensional contrasts from tranquil temples to fiesty festivals, lantern lit villages to software supremo cities. It is a feast for all the senses, home to more than one billion people that translates into an intoxicating cocktail for the traveller. India promises to jostle your entire being, and no matter where you go or what you do, it’s a place you’ll never forget.

Highlights

Your Royal Rajasthan journey is completely inclusive, providing a seamless worry free travel
10 nights of luxurious accommodation throughout featuring The spectacular Oberoi Amarvilas in Agra with breathtaking views from all rooms of the Taj Mahal, Rambagh Palace in Jaipur the beautifully refurbished home of the Maharani Gayatri Devi, the Oberoi Udaivilas on the banks of Lake Pichola commanding breathtaking views of the spectacular City Palace and Lake Palace in Udaipur and Falaknuma Palace in Hyderabad, where you relive the wealth and opulence of royalty
Travel by private aircraft to explore India’s most treasured highlights
Visit the majestic Taj Mahal at sunrise and marvel at this architectural masterpiece
Explore the palaces of Royal Rajasthan, the jewel in the crown of India
Marvel at the engineering brilliance of Maharaja Jai Singh II , who built the largest Medieval Observatory which is still astonishingly accurate today
Take a rickshaw ride through the tiny cobbled streets of old Delhi’s market place
Be welcomed as guests for a private visit to the Rashtrapati Bhawan - Presidential Palace

Day
1

ARRIVE DELHI

Arrive Delhi and a private transfer awaits to transport you through to your luxurious hotel, The Oberoi Delhi. The Oberoi reflects the capital city’s spirit in a harmonious blend of tradition and contemporary sophistication and is ideally located in the city centre near government offices, shopping, financial and business districts.

Overnight: The Oberoi Delhi, or similar

Day
2

DELHI

This morning after breakfast depart for a private visit to Rashtrapati Bhavan (Presidential Palace), the splendour of the Rashtrapati Bhavan is multi-dimensional. It is a vast mansion and its architecture is breathtaking. More than this, it has a hallowed existence in the annals of democracy for being the residence of the President of the largest democracy in the world. Few official residential premises of the Head of the State in the world will match the Rashtrapati Bhavan in terms of its size, vastness and its magnificence. Our exploration continues with a visit to Old Delhi beginning with the fascinating living legacy of the Indo-Islamic culture. Visit the Jama Masjid, the largest mosque of Old Delhi which can accommodate 20000 people at one time. Then enjoy a rickshaw ride as you wind your way through the busy and narrow streets of the mile long Chandni Chowk, popularly called “The Silver Street”, which is surrounded by shops and bazaars. This ride gives you a true sense of the traditional way of life of the people of Delhi. After lunch head towards New Delhi ending the tour at Humanyun’s Tomb, built in the 16th century and architecturally considered the forerunner of the Taj Mahal.

Overnight: The Oberoi Delhi, or similar

Day
3

DELHI - AGRA

This morning after breakfast our exploration of Delhi continues en route to the airport to board your private aircraft to Agra. On arrival transfer to your luxurious accommodation. The Oberoi Amarvilas. for lunch. This afternoon enjoy a tour of Agra city – visiting Agra Fort, strategically situated along a bend on the Yamuna River. Built 16th century AD by three generations of Mughal emperors, it is a superb synthesis of stern military fortifications with delicate interior details. Return to the hotel late afternoon. The Oberoi Amarvilas is perfectly positioned to view the majestic Taj Mahal. Enjoy drinks this evening as you enjoy the superb sunset on the Taj Mahal.

Overnight: The Oberoi Amarvilas, or similar

Day
4

AGRA - JAIPUR

This morning rise early to view the breathtaking sunrise. Experience the sublimity of the Taj Mahal - a varying kaleidoscope of solitude, colour and mood. A tribute from a great emperor to the memory of his beloved wife, it was 22 years in the making (1631-1653) and is an experience that defies description. Widely regarded as the earthly replica of paradise, the Taj Mahal is likened to “a vision, a dream, a poem and a wonder”.Return to your hotel for breakfast and later we will transfer from the hotel to Agra airport for your private flight to Jaipur . On arrival at Jaipur transfer to your hotel, the Rambagh Palace. Since it was built in 1835, Rambagh Palace has been the home of the Maharaja of Jaipur and the rest of the Royal Family. In 1957, they opened their doors to convert it into a luxury hotel and today, it is rated as one of India’s finest palace hotels. Later in the afternoon take a half day city sightseeing tour of Jaipur visiting the City Palace and Observatory (Jantar mantar). Its centerpiece is the City Palace, home of the royal family and known for its clutch of excellent private museums. Lying adjacent to the City Palace is the medieval Jantar Mantar observatory – built by Maharaja Jai Singh II, an inveterate astronomer – whose curiously shaped and oversized implements are astonishingly accurate till today.

Overnight: Rambagh Palace, or similar

Day
5

JAIPUR

Drive the short distance north to Amber, the ancient capital that preceded Jaipur. Originally built in the 11th century AD and expanded in size and scope by succeeding dynasties and their rulers, Amber is a visual spectacle. Ride up to its imposing hilltop location by jeeps and explore the maze of passages, corridors, pavilions, ornamental gardens and ramparts. On the way back stop at Anokhi Museum, to view a collection of old costumes with hand block prints that are typical to Rajasthan. This evening, be part of a very entertaining Elephant Polo match followed by a special dinner.

Overnight: Rambagh Palace, or similar

Day
6

JAIPUR - UDAIPUR

After a leisurely breakfast transfer to the airport for our private flight to Udaipur. Considered to be one of India’s most beautiful locales, the medieval town of Udaipur is set around a patchwork of lakes, and ringed by low hills. Rising along Lake Pichola’s eastern shore is the old city, dominated by the magnificent City Palace which presents a dramatic vista at sunrise and sunset. Upon arrival transfer to the luxurious Oberoi Udaivilas, set on the banks Lake Pichola with commanding views of the City Palace. At sunset, enjoy a privately arranged boat ride on the Lake Pichola.

Overnight: The Oberoi Udaivilas, or similar

Day
7

UDAIPUR

Spend the morning visiting the City Palace, these are a series of interconnected palaces that reveal private apartments, airy gardens on the upper floors, paintings and portraits, and a miniature painting gallery. In another of the nearby palaces, view a splendid private collection of crystal, before seeing the Maharana’s collection of vintage cars. Proceed for a walk through the old part of the city, seeing fruit and vegetable markets and farmers displaying their produce.

Overnight: The Oberoi Udaivilas, or similar

Day
8

UDAIPUR - MUMBAI

Transfer this morning for a commercial flight to Mumbai. Once a “Portuguese princess” dowry and later an adornment of Neo Gothic British architecture, Mumbai today, is more than just a metropolis. It is in fact an enigma of mud huts and skyscrapers, age old traditions and high fashions, the industrialist’s haven and Indian movie makers’ Hollywood. The city is constantly changing whilst also standing still in the past. The city’s name was changed in recent times from Bombay to Mumbai, derived from Mumba Devi, the patron goddess of the Koli fishermen, its oldest inhabitants. To discover this exciting city your expert guide will host a walking tour. This includes visiting the colourful promenade of the Gateway of India, Victoria Terminus, the famous Dabbawallas, the Dhobi Ghats, Jain temples, Tower of Silence and Hanging Gardens. The Gateway of India was built during 1924‑1927 to commemorate the visit to India of King George V of England in 1911. Your accommodation tonight is the famous Taj Mahal Palace & Towers. Located in the heart of Mumbai, it offers panoramic views of the Arabian sea and the Gateway of India.

Overnight: Taj Mahal Palace & Towers or similar

Day
9

MUMBAI - HYDERABAD

This morning transfer to the airport this morning for your commercial flight to Hyderabad. The city is a melting pot of Muslim and Hindu cultures; originally under the Nizams rule for a long period of time, it has a legacy of both Persian and Islamic influences. These pervade all aspects of Hyderabadi culture, be it the way the language is spoken, appreciation for all the fine arts or the proverbial Hyderabadi hospitality, which has to be experienced. On arrival transfer to the luxurious Falaknuma Palace: retrace the steps of Nizams, European royalty, enchanting Begums, distinguished Heads of State and walk the walk of Kings through this Palace in the sky. Two thousand feet above Hyderabad, Taj Falaknuma Palace has been beautifully refurbished and lovingly restored to reflect its opulent bygone era. Today visit the Purani Haveli, the erstwhile official residence of the Nizam, the highlight being the world’s largest wardrobe. Later, explore the largest collection of antiques in the world owned by a single person at Salar Jung Museum and view the priceless collections of gems and other massive collections of 47,000 antiques. There will be a farewell dinner tonight.

Overnight: Falaknuma Palace

Day
10

DEPART HYDERABAD

After breakfast depart for a city sightseeing tour of Hyderabad. Experience the charm associated with Hyderabad’s glorious past accompanied by your personal guide. Walk through the historic old city of Hyderabad starting at the Chowmohalla Palace, through the markets and ending at the graceful Charminar, the signature of the city. Later you will be met and transferred from your hotel to Hyderabad airport for your flight back home.

Dates & Prices

Tour Code	Days	Departs	Returns	Price $AUD
ID202(S)	10	9th September 2012	18th September 2012	$12,995	Book Now

JOURNEY PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE
International air-fare, visa fees, airport tax or travel insurance. Items of personal nature like drinks, laundry, telephone calls, tips, camera fees etc.

INTERNATIONAL FLI GHTS
Please note international flights are not included in the journey price, however, the programme has been designed to coincide with Singapore Airlines. Please contact
your travel agent or Bill Peach Journeys for pricing and details.

(S) Single Travellers are not required to pay a single supplement on these journeys. Limited single supplement free seats are available. The single supplement offer cannot be taken in conjunction with any other offer.

INCLUSIONS

10 nights of luxurious accommodation at India’s most prestigious properties including Rambagh Palace in Jaipur, Taj Palace in Mumbai and the Falaknuma Palace in Hyderabad
Travel from Delhi to Agra and from Agra throughout Rajasthan by private 19 seat aircraft, ensuring comfortable relaxed travel to some of the most fascinating destinations on earth
Domestic Commercial flights Udaipur – Mumbai; Mumbai – Hyderabad
Superb cuisine throughout; within each of the luxury hotels there is a selection of restaurants and cuisines to choose from, all included in the price. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included in your journey price
Escorted throughout by an experienced Journey Director and local hosts who will uncover partsof India that are out of bounds to
the average traveller
Luxury air conditioned coaches used throughout to explore each of the towns
All porterage, entrance fees, tips and transfers are included
All touring throughout, including a privately guided tour of the Taj Mahal at sunrise, a private cruise on lake Pichola and an elephant polo match at Jaipur

TRAVELLING THROUGHOUT INDIA
Travelling throughout India can be a challenge for even the most avid traveller. We believe the best way to travel is with an intimate group and to be looked after every step of the way. On this 11 day journey Bill Peach Journeys has taken care of every detail, careful planning and research has gone into every aspect to ensure you can simply relax and immerse yourself in the experience. From the very best available accommodation to private aircraft transportation, all has been organised to ensure a seamless journey.

LUXURY ACCOMMODATION
Luxury accommodation in India easily rivals the best anywhere in the world. From beautifully restored palaces to perfectly positioned boutique hotels, all ensure your journey is luxurious from start to finish. Throughout this journey you will stay in a combination of Taj and Oberoi properties each offering magnificent furnishing, superb cuisine and unsurpassed service. From the beautifully positioned Oberoi Amarvilas providing a breathtaking view of the majestic Taj Mahal to the history and elegance of the Rambagh Palace. Our final hotel will be the breathtaking Falaknuma Palace in Hyderabad, where we experience first-hand the opulence of a bygone era.

PRIVATE TRANSPORTATION
Travel throughout India can be challenging, distances are great and facilities between destinations are limited. Therefore in the style that has become synonymous with Bill Peach Journeys a private aircraft has been organised to transport you from Delhi to Agra and throughout Rajasthan. For additional internal air services we will be utilising the services of Jetairways a high quality commercial operator. On the ground we will be utilising an air-conditioned luxury coach to undertake our transfers and touring throughout.

LOCAL GUIDES
As with all Bill Peach Journeys your exploration of India will be hosted by one of our experienced Journey Directors, who will be on hand for the duration of the journey
to ensure that every detail is taken care of. To complement our Journey Director we will also have our Indian host who understands the culture, language and logistics of
travelling throughout India, providing a local perspective and interpretation of the journey. At each destination we will of course have local guides with an intimate knowledge of the special attributes of the area, the history, hidden treasures and local knowledge that will take us from the well worn paths to places that would be out of bounds to the average traveller.

LEVEL OF FITNESS & HEALTH
This is a moderate to active journey incorporating walks that are graded as moderate. Given the warm temperatures during the day it is highly recommended clients that select this journey have good health and fitness. Bill Peach Journeys will supply complimentary cool bottled water during the day. A number of the excursions include palaces and forts that were built centuries ago, hence the paths are uneven and usually involve steep inclines or stairs to access.

JOURNEY PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE
International air-fare, visa fees, airport tax or travel insurance. Items of personal nature like drinks, laundry, telephone calls, tips, camera fees etc.

Price $12,995 per person.

Single supplement: $FREE
Days: 10
Max Group Size: 20
Activity Level: Moderate

Terms & Conditions (PDF)

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