Begin your adventure with UTOvacation by heading to the airport and departing towards India.

*Note: Depending on your departure city, you may need to depart one day earlier than the itinerary departure date. Your flight schedule will be provided once your ticket is issued.

Arrive at Delhi’s International airport, you can choose to arrange your own transportation from Delhi’s International Airport to your hotel or opt for our convenient airport pick-up/drop-off service:

Check-in time at the hotel is 14:00.

Delhi, the capital city of India is a bustling metropolis that successfully combines the ancient and the modern in its folds. Standing on the west bank of the Yamuna River at the narrowest point between the Aravali hills and the Himalayas, this city has commanded the strategically vital route from the northwest frontier to the agriculturally rich Ganges plains for more than 2,000 years. Its strategic location was one of the prime reasons why successive dynasties chose it as their seat of power. 

Rest of the day at leisure to relax at the hotel.

The morning proceeds for a half-day tour of New Delhi. 

The city of Delhi can broadly be divided into two parts, Old Delhi and New Delhi. Old Delhi was the capital of Delhi’s Muslim rulers notably the Mughals between the 17th & 19th centuries, and New Delhi is referred to as the IMPERIAL city when the British decided to move their capital from Calcutta in 1911. 

Start the tour with a visit to the Qutab Minar. One of Delhi’s most striking monuments is the 70-meter-high Qutab Minar, (Arabic for pole or axis) which looms majestically across the wide plains of Delhi. The monument marked the site of the first Muslim kingdom in Northern India, established in 1193. Drive past the Parliament House, the Presidential Palace - Rashtrapati Bhavan (view from the outside), and the India Gate monuments built during British rule. India Gate is the famous war memorial situated at the east end of the Rajpath facing the Rashtrapati Bhavan. Later visit the Agrasen Ki Baoli – a stepwell in the center of the city and end the tour with a visit to the Bangla Sahib Gurudwara.

In the afternoon, drive to Agra. Agra city is a virtual gateway to a world of discovery. It has witnessed the rise of the pomp and pageantry of three great Mughal monarchs - Akbar, Jehangir, and Shah Jehan, all of whom lavished on this fabled city, their love, and riches to transform the land into one of the greatest centers of art, culture, learning, and commerce. Much of the city’s impressive past lives in evidence even today, in the haunting presence inside the monuments and in the majesty of the buildings. Rest of the day at leisure to relax at the hotel or join our optional tour to visit the Tomb of Itimad-ud-daulah.

Optional program Day 3: Tomb of Itimad-ud-daulah: USD 59/person

The Tomb of Itimad-Ud-Daulah is a masterpiece of the domeless class of Mughal tombs. It is the first building finished in white marble and marks the transitional phase from red stone to white marble, from Akbar’s tomb Sikandra to the Taj Mahal. Built by Nur Jahan, in memory of her father Ghias-ud-Din Beg, who was conferred the title ‘Itimad-ud-Daulah’ meaning ‘Pillar of the Government’. It is the first tomb to be built in white marble instead of red sandstone. It marks the departure from the red sandstone buildings of Mughal architecture. This optional tour also consists of a visit to the villa and garden of Sikandra.

To start the day, a sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal.

The Taj Mahal was built by the great Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan as an expression of his love for his wife Mumtaz Mahal. It is described as the most extravagant monument ever built for love; it stands on the banks of the Yamuna River and is a flawless architectural masterpiece. Taj Mahal was constructed over a period of twenty-two years, employing twenty thousand workers. It was completed in 1648 C.E. The construction documents show that expert craftsmen from Delhi, Qannauj, Lahore, and Multan were employed. The mausoleum is part of a vast complex comprising a main gateway, an elaborate garden, a mosque, and several other palatial buildings. The Taj is at the farthest end of this complex, with the river Yamuna behind it. 

After the tour, return to your hotel to freshen up. Afterward, proceed to visit and explore the city on your own or join our optional tour of the Agra Fort.

The afternoon is for leisure to relax at the hotel or explore the markets of Agra. In the evening, proceed to visit the Taj Mahal at dusk from Mehtab Bagh or Taj View Point.

Optional program Day 4: Agra Fort: USD 60/person:

The Agra Fort was built by the great Mughal Emperor Akbar and developed later by his successors in the year 1565. The fort was principally a military structure and later partially became a Palace during the reign of Emperor Shah Jehan.

Today, you will embark on a journey to Jaipur to visit the Abhaneri Stepwell. 

Jaipur is named after its founder, Maharaja JAI SINGH II the city of Jaipur was founded in 1727. An avid astronomer, he laid out the city with its surrounding walls and six rectangular blocks according to principles of town planning set down in the ancient Hindu treatise on architecture.

The concept of stepwells originated in India, and these acted as reservoirs or storage tanks that could store a large amount of water and keep it cool as well. Chand Baori is India’s most famous stepwell and is believed to be one of the largest of its kind in the world. Located in the village of Abhaneri, it was built by Raja Chand a Rajput ruler between the 8th and 9th centuries, to solve the water problem of this arid region.

The rest of the day is leisurely relaxing at the hotel or exploring the local bazaars.

This morning, proceed to visit the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), City Palace, the Observatory, and the local bazaars. Completed in 1799, the Palace was originally built to allow the sequestered ladies of the court to view the bustling life of the city. It is popularly known as Hawa Mahal, because of the perforated screen façade which catches the welcome breeze or Hawa. The City Palace was originally constructed by Maharaja Jai Singh II, and over time, many of his successors have added additions to the complex. As a result, the palace complex is divided into a series of courtyards, expansive gardens, and numerous buildings. This diverse collection of features provides an array of attractions for visitors to explore and enjoy. Located adjacent to the City Palace, the Jantar Mantar is an observatory built in 1728 by Sawai Jai Singh. His passion for science and astronomy was just as remarkable as his prowess as a warrior. Prior to commencing the construction of the Jantar Mantar, he dispatched scholars to study foreign observatories. 

In the afternoon, a visit to the local bazaars or handicraft shops is a must for those looking to indulge in some shopping. Here, visitors can peruse an array of unique goods and handicrafts, allowing for an authentic glimpse into local culture and traditions.

Later in the evening, the rest of the day is free of leisure, or join our optional tour to the Birla Temple to witness the Aarti Ceremony. 

Optional program Day 6: Aarti Ceremony at Birla Temple: USD 90/person:

The Birla Temple is a must-see, as it presents the opportunity to witness the Aarti Ceremony. This special ritual involves the offering of light to the deities, and it is a mesmerizing sight to behold. The intricate architecture of the temple adds to the experience, making it a fitting way to cap off a day of exploration and cultural immersion.

The full day is at leisure to relax at the hotel, or join our optional tour to visit the Amber Fort with Elephant/Jeep ride. 

Optional program Day 7: Amber Fort - Jeep Ride: USD 79/person or Amber Fort - One-way Elephant ride and return by Jeeps: USD 90/person

Amber Fort was made by Maharaja Man Singh and completed by Sawai Jai Singh. Set amongst rugged hills this is a fascinating blend of Hindu and Mughal architecture. It is believed to have been the capital of the "Minas" tribe, the original inhabitants of Rajasthan.

Today, we will be driving to Delhi. Delhi, the capital city of India is a bustling metropolis that successfully combines the ancient and the modern in its folds. Standing on the west bank of the Yamuna River at the narrowest point between the Aravali hills and the Himalayas, this city has commanded the strategically vital route from the northwest frontier to the agriculturally rich Ganges plains for more than 2,000 years. Its strategic location was one of the prime reasons why successive dynasties chose it as their seat of power. Arrive in Delhi & Check-in in at your hotel. The rest of the day is free to explore or visit the local bazaars/handicraft shops for shopping.

This morning, proceed to visit Old Delhi. Join our optional programs to to experience traditional Indian life or visit the Akshardham Temple Complex, or visit both.

Morning Optional program Day 9: Old Delhi Tour - Visit to Jama Masjid, Cycle Rickshaw ride, and Red Fort: USD 79/person:

Jama Masjid is the principal mosque of Delhi. Commissioned by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan and completed in the year 1656 AD, it is the largest and best-known mosque in the country. 

The Red Fort was built in 1648, this sprawling fort of red sandstones stands along the river Yamuna and is surrounded by a wall of about 2.4 km in circumference. It was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan.

Afternoon Optional program Day 9: Akshardham Temple Complex: USD 90/person

A mega temple complex, Akshardham, in New Delhi, one of the biggest and most intricate places of worship ever constructed, is drawing a horde of visitors and seems set to become a major tourist attraction. The complex is huge spread over 100 acres of land. It is made entirely of white marble (symbolizing purity and peace) and the red sandstone so characteristic of Delhi monuments. No steel has been used in its construction and is a fusion of several styles of North Indian temple architecture. It is widely heralded as one of the greatest monuments India has ever produced. The Akshardham temple consists of 234 intricately carved pillars, 9 ornate domes, 20 quadrangle spires, and 20,000 statues of India’s Hinduism’s spiritual personalities. The temple reaches 141.3 feet into the sky, spans 316 feet in width, and is 356 feet long. Inside the temple, each worshipfully carved pillar, ceiling, and dome shares a story of devotion offers a darshan of a deity or captures an incident from the life of Bhagwan Swaminarayan. The exhibitions are displayed in three large halls, each with a unique display style. A source of education, information, and inspiration, they are a fourfold combination of art, science, culture, and spirituality. Artistically mesmerizing, scientifically stunning, culturally moving, and spiritually elevating, the exhibitions create amazing environments capable of transporting viewers to ancient India. A balanced fusion of ancient values and wisdom and the best of modern media and technology, the exhibitions provide a powerful, soul-stirring experience of Hindu heritage and universal. The three halls are Sahajanand Darshan – Hall of Values; Neelkanth Darshan – Large Format Film; Sanskruti Darshan – Cultural Boat Ride.

Today, make your own transfer to the airport for your departure flight or choose the optional private airport drop-off service ( $80 / Person--Minimum to 2 ppl ). 

Note: *Depending on the air availability, flight back to USA/Canada may depart (00:00 am-03: 00 am) on the next day.

For your final day, you may explore the city at your own convenience and transfer to Delhi airport in the evening. Hotel checks out before noon. (Late check-outs are available for purchase if you wish to relax and enjoy your hotel room).