The festival of Lights - Diwali
The itinerary, starting from Delhi and passing through Amritsar (with its Golden Temple) where the festival of Diwali is celebrated. Great celebrations take place around the sacred temple of the Sikhs, the Golden Temple. Sikhs celebrate Diwali in memory of Guru Har Gobind Singh, the sixth Sikh guru, who returned to Amritsar on the very day of Diwali. Many Sikhs with their colorful turbans gather around the famous brightly lit temple; the shore of the lake around which the temple is built is adorned with countless oil lamps and candles lit by devotees.
05 November: Arrive in Delhi
Upon arrival at the airport in Delhi, meeting with our staff for presentations. Transfer to the hotel. In the afternoon, visit of Old Delhi, with the Jama Masjid, one of the most impressive Indian mosques, also commissioned by Shahjahan and finished in 1656. Visit of the Raj Ghat, a black marble platform that marks the place of the cremation of Mahatma Gandhi which occurred on January 31, 1948 one day after his assassination. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
06 November: Delhi / Amritsar (by train Intercity - approx 5 hrs)
After breakfast, departure for Amritsar by train. At the arrival station, meeting with our staff and transfer to the hotel. In the afternoon excursion to the Wagha border, the border between India and Pakistan, for the ceremony of the changing of the flag. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
07 November: Amritsar
After breakfast, visit the Golden Temple, a white marble construction with a dome covered in gold leaf and surrounded by the waters of the Sacred Basin. Visit to Jallianwala Bagh, theater, in 1919 of the Amritsar massacre, an important event for the fight against Independence. Stroll through the colorful bazaar of Amritsar. Visit of the Partition of India museum. In the evening we will witness the Diwali festival in the Golden Temple. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
08 November: Amritsar / Delhi (by flight) e Delhi / Jaipur ( km. 265 - approx 6 hrs)
Breakfast and transfer to the airport for boarding the Delhi flight. Upon arrival in Delhi leave for Jaipur. Accommodation at the hotel. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
09 November: Jaipur
Photo stop in front of the Palace of Winds or Hawa Mahal, built in 1799 to allow the ladies of the court to observe, in discretion, the daily life in the streets. Excursion to the Amber Fort, 11 km. from the city. The fort, in red earth and white marble, whose construction began in 1592 by the hand of Raja Man Singh I, was the ancient capital of the state and seat of all Rajput dynasties until the foundation of Jaipur. Inside, refined decorations with sculptures, mirrors, precious stones. The entrance to the fort can be reached by elephant or by jeep (according to availability), along the ramparts of the fortress. Free afternoon for relaxation, shopping or individual visits. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
10 November: Jaipur / Abhaneri / Fathepur Sikri / Agra ( km. 245 - approx 5 hrs)
Breakfast and departure for Agra. First stop to see Abhaneri, where there is an ancient well-palace. Second stop for a visit to Fathepur Sikri, located 40 km from Agra and built by Emperor Akbar in 1569, who wanted to testify with it the power of his kingdom. The city was abandoned 15 years later due to lack of water. Its red sandstone buildings and pavilions are perfectly preserved. Accommodation at the hotel. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
11 November: Agra
Breakfast and visit of the Taj Mahal, (closed on Friday), the magnificent monument wanted by Shah Jahan who dedicated it, out of love, to his wife Mumtaz Mahal, who died in childbirth; the construction was completed in 1653. Visit of the Red Fort, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, whose construction was commissioned by Emperor Akbar in 1565. Visit of the Mausoleum of Etimad-ud-Daula. also called "Baby Taj". Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
12 November: Agra / Delhi ( km. 210 - approx 4 hrs)
Breakfast and departure for Delhi. Upon arrival in Delhi, visit the Qutub Minar complex, a 73 meter high tower, engraved with verses from the Koran, built in 1193 by Qutab-ud-din Aibak. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
13 November: Depart from Delhi
Boarding the flight for the return home.