Best Of India: Land Of The Taj & Tigers With Goa
Day 1: DELHI, INDIA Welcome to Delhi, a magnetic blend of old and new, and the capital of modern India. Hotel rooms are available for mid-afternoon check-in.
Day 2: DELHI–AGRA Your day starts with an orientation drive to see India Gate and the Presidential Palace. Then, take a rickshaw ride through the alleys of Chandni Chowk, a captivating bazaar. Visit Jama Masjid and Qutub Minar, the world’s tallest brick minaret, dating back to the 11th century. Next, explore Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, Delhi’s largest and most prominent Sikh gurudwara (house of worship). Drive to Agra this afternoon. Your Tour Director hosts a welcome dinner at your hotel tonight. (B,D)
Day 3: AGRA Start your day with an incomparable sunrise visit to the famous Taj Mahal. This remarkable monument, commissioned by Sjah Jahan as a memorial to his wife, Mumtaz Mahal, took 22 years to build. Return to your hotel for some time at leisure. This afternoon, visit Agra Fort, a colossal, red sandstone UNESCO World Heritage Site comprising the spectacular Mughal Palace with audience halls, the Room of Mirrors, and the pavilion where Shah Jahan spent his last days. (B)
Day 4: AGRA–FATEHPUR SIKRI–RANTHAMBORE NATIONAL PARK Today, stop at Fatehpur Sikri, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tour the sandstone palaces, elegant courtyards, and victory gate of this ghostly place built in 1569 and deserted by its people when water was no longer available. Then, travel to Sawai Madhopur, gateway to Ranthambore National Park. (B,D)
Day 5: RANTHAMBORE NATIONAL PARK Explore Ranthambore National Park on a morning game drive in an open-air safari vehicle. In addition to Bengal tigers, the park is home to leopards, sambar deer, sloth bears, marsh crocodiles, striped hyenas, and more. Return to your resort where the remainder of the day is free for you to enjoy your jungle surroundings. You may wish to join an optional game drive this afternoon for another chance to spot wildlife. (B,L,D)
Day 6: RANTHANBORE NATIONAL PARK-JAIPUR Enjoy free time this morning. After lunch at the hotel, drive to Jaipur, often referred to as the “Pink City” for its distinctive rose colored buildings painted in the 19th century to welcome royal visitors. (B,L)
Day 7: JAIPUR Sightseeing today starts at Jantar Mantar, then explore the City Palace Museum with its collection of paintings, carpets, weapons, and costumes. Later, visit the legendary Amber Fort, the “Sleeping Beauty of Rajasthan.” This fortress-palace has a somber exterior that hides a richly ornate interior of royal apartments, including an alabaster Hall of Victory and a superb Chamber of Mirrors. The afternoon and evening are yours to explore Jaipur. (B)
Day 8: JAIPUR–DELHI Drive back to Delhi. Tonight, your Tour Director hosts a farewell dinner to celebrate your tour of India. (B,D)
Day 9: DELHI–GOA Fly to Goa, India’s laid back coastal paradise. Transfer to your hotel and settle in for the beginning of a relaxing beach stay. (B)
Day 10: GOA Enjoy a guided city sightseeing tour of Goa. Highlights include historic churches, colorful neighborhoods, and seaside views. The afternoon is at leisure to unwind at your hotel or explore nearby beaches. (B)
Day 11: GOA Today is free to enjoy Goa at your own pace. Relax along the coast, browse local markets, sample fresh seafood, or simply enjoy the resort amenities. (B)
Day 12: GOA Another full day at leisure offers the perfect opportunity to soak up Goa’s easygoing atmosphere. (B)
Day 13: GOA Enjoy your final full day in Goa at leisure. (B)
Day 14: GOA Your tour ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Ranthambore National Park
The Ranthambhore National Park stretches across an area of 1,334 sq km on the eastern edge of the Thar Desert. Once the hunting grounds of the erstwhile ruling family of Jaipur, today it is one of the last sanctuaries of the big cat, the Royal Bengal Tiger. Ranthambore actually consist of not one, but three, wildlife preserves: the Ranthambore National Park itself, the Sawai Mansingh Sanctuary and the Keladevi Sanctuary.
Ranthambore is an oasis of dense dry deciduous forests amidst a vast tract of semi arid scrub and thorny desert vegetation surrounded by the hills of the Vindhyas and the Aravalis.
An ancient fort lies within the park boundaries of Ranthambore, adding to its charm. Ravines, nallahs, water bodies and waterfalls add to its beauty and offer many natural hideouts for tigers and the other wildlife endemic to this park.
Part of Project Tiger (one of Asia's most important conservation efforts), Ranthambore is the favorite haunt of wildlife buffs and professional wildlife photographers from around the world who come to see tigers, panthers, wild cats, hyena, jackal, marsh crocodile, wild boar, bears, many species of deer and a rich birdlife of over 300 species, including the great Indian horned owl. Ranthambore encompasses three lakes: Raj Bagh, Malik Talab and Padam Talab, where aquatic birds can be seen.
Goa
Goa is the smallest state of the republic of India. It lies on the country's west coast, about 250 miles south of Bombay. The state covers an area of 1,429 square miles. Long, sandy beaches, fringed with coconut palms, make Goa a tropical paradise for visitors. Other tourist attractions are the colonial buildings from the 1500's, built when Goa
was headquarters of Portugal's Asian empire. Today, Old Goa is half-hidden in jungle. Its population was severely affected by plague in the 1600's, and a new city was set up at Panaji, which contains the main government buildings. Margao is Goa's biggest commercial center. Mormugao, Goa's major port, has a fine harbor - one of the best on the west coast of India. The harbor is the focus of economic activity in Goa.
Excursions
Goa, Shore Excursion - 4 hours
Goa, Shore Excursion - 4 hours
Meet at the Port of Marmugao, Goa
(Excursion timings will be subject to the ship's arrival and departure)
HALF DAY TOUR: 4HRS
Disembark from the ship and meet your personal guide on the pier.
Today the tour takes you Old Goa and start with a visit to the Basilica Bom Jesus which houses the remains of St Francis Xavier. His tomb was the gift of the Grand Duke of Tuscany, and was carved by the Florentine sculptor Giovanni Battista. Around the silver casket are 32 plaques decorated with scenes from the saint’s life. Nearby on “Holy Hill” is the Convent of St Cajetan, dedicated to St Catherine, on whose day Goa was recaptured. Inside are catacombs with the embalmed bodies of Portuguese viceroys and archbishops. Along the way, you pass several other churches you may like to visit – Se Cathedral, the largest of the churches in Old Goa and the Chapel of our Lady of the Rosary built in 1526 and a synthesis of Iberian, Hindu and Moslem styles. At the Church and Convent of St Francis of Assisi is an interesting archeological Museum and Portrait Gallery. In Panaji you can visit the Mahalaxmi Temple and walk in Goa’s Latin quarters – Fontainhas
You will be dropped at the pier late in the afternoon.
Inclusions:
Private chauffeur driven air conditioned vehicle, Private guide,Complimentary Soft beverages and Bottled water in the car, Monument entrance and still camera fee,Meet and Assist at all airports and hotels, Porterage at airports, All currently applicable taxes
Exclusions:
Expenses of any personal nature (laundry,telephone calls etc, unless specified) Tipping at hotels and to guides/escorts (unless specified), Meals (unless specified) Any insurance or Visa, Any hike in monument entrances fee or revision in government taxes, Air fare is quoted seperately
Goa: Highlights - 5 hours
Goa: Highlights - 5 hours
Lush and lovely Goa was created as a place for relaxation where Sun worship is a cult form. Adventure seekers can go hunting for beaches and tiny villages. There are colorful local markets, trips to Spice farms and a countryside of Portuguese and Indian culture, with warm friendly people. In quiet and complete contrast to other ports and places on the Indian sub-continent, Goa offers a quaint reflection of its colonial Portuguese past well assimilated with its democratic Indian present.
We drive to visit `Old Goa’ and the Basilica of Bom Jesus famous throughout the Catholic world. Amongst other religious edifices still standing in Old Goa is the `Se Cathedral”, the largest church in Asia, but also the site of the “Golden Bell” which announced the death – knell of burning heretics during the inquisition.
Goa’s capital, Panaji (formerly Panjim) spread along the south bank of the wide Mandovi River, in a charming sprawl of red-roofed houses, sunny squares and gardens of bougainvillea and frangipani. The newly built Nehru Bridge spans the river giving easy access to the beaches along the ocean shore to the north.
Visit Panjim town which has a relaxed and friendly atmosphere especially along the leafy avenues of its old section, retaining its Portuguese style winding streets and old houses with red tiled roofs and overhanging balconies. The streets have taverns offering Goan cuisine and “Feni” (cashew nut liquor) and bakeries serving `Bebinca’, the delicious local cake. Many residents still speak Portuguese.
Overlooking `Largo de Igreja’ or Church Square is the Church of Immaculate Conception with its Baroque façade, probably the town’s most important landmark. In 1541 Portuguese sailors began visiting this church to offer thanksgiving prayers after their long and treacherous voyage from Lisbon.
Later, explore the market before driving back to the ship.
- Tour Duration: 5 hours
- Tour can operate : Morning
- Physical activity level : Moderate
- Wheelchair Accessible : No
Inclusions:
- Transportation by an air-conditioned vehicle
- Services of a local English speaking guide.
- All the entrance fees and camera fees.
- Credit card and bank charges.
- All the prevailing taxes.
Goa, Shore Excursion - 6 hours
Goa, Shore Excursion - 6 hours
You will be met at the pier (Excursion timings will be subject to the ship's arrival and departure). Once you disembark from your cruise-liner, you will meet your guide in the arrival hall. He will escort you to your waiting vehicle and together you will set of to explore some of the important sights of Goa.
Start your tour with a visit to the World Heritage-listed Basilica of Bom Jesus, which houses the remains of St. Francis Xavier. The remains are entombed in a silver casket, which is kept in a mausoleum carved by the Florentine sculptor Giovanni Battista. Continue on to Se Cathedral, a magnificent 16th-century monument and the largest church in Goa. Finally, stop at the Church of St. Francis of Assisi, built in the 17th century which houses an interesting archeological Museum and Portrait Gallery. Stop for lunch at a tropical spice plantation after which, you will have time to stroll around the grounds and explore the butterfly garden in the premises.
You will also visit the Shri Manguesh Temple. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the 400-year-old Shri Manguesh Temple is considered to be one of the most beautiful temples in Goa, and features a 7-story Deepa Stambha (decorative lamp tower) at the gates of the temple complex. You will then visit Shree Shantadurga Temple, located in the hills and noted for its statue of the Hindu goddess Durga.
You will then return to the port area.
Inclusions: Private chauffeur driven air conditioned vehicle, private guide, complimentary soft beverages and bottled water in the car, monument entrance and still camera fee, meet and assist at all airports and hotels, porterage at airports, all current applicable taxes.
Exclusions: Expenses of any personal nature (laundry, telephone calls etc, unless specified), tipping at hotels and to guides/escorts (unless specified), meals (unless specified) any insurance or Visa, any hike in monument entrances fee or revision in government taxes, air fare is quoted separately.
*Terms and conditions apply
FULL DAY FLAVORS OF GOA
FULL DAY FLAVORS OF GOA
FULL DAY
FLAVORS OF GOA
Goa is India’s smallest state by area and the fourth smallest by population. Located in West India in the region known as the Konkan, it is bounded by the state of Maharashtra to the north and by Karnataka to the east and south, while the Arabian Sea forms its western coast.
Goa is India’s smallest state by area and the fourth smallest by population. Located in West India in the region known as the Konkan, it is bounded by the state of Maharashtra to the north and by Karnataka to the east and south, while the Arabian Sea forms its western coast. Flavours
Depart the pier and head towards Old Goa which stands testimony not only to the reality of the Portuguese rule in the country, but also to the grandeur and wealth of the city during their reign.
Your first visit of the day will be to the St. Cajetan Church which was modelled on St. Peter’s in Rome and built of laterite blocks and lime plastered. The façade, having two towers on either side to serve as a belfry, has Corinthian columns and pilasters supporting a pediment, and four niches, which keep the statues of the apostles. Hidden beneath the church is a crypt where the embalmed bodies of Portuguese governors were kept in lead coffins before they were shipped back to Lisbon. Forgotten for a time, the last batch was removed only in 1992.
Continuing, the next stop will be at the Basilica of Bom Jesus which was built by the Jesuits in the 16th century and is one of the most important churches in Goa. The embalmed body of St. Frances Xavier is enshrined here in a marble mausoleum, which is exposed to the public once every ten years. The last date this happened was in December 2014.
Your final visit will be to the Panjim ‘Fontainhas’ area where the walking tour will begin. The Fontainhas is the Latin Quarter built by the Portuguese and we will be able to view from the outside the church and the old villas. Later, drive through Panjim, the capital city passing through streets lined with old villas that are characteristic of Portuguese Goa.
Later proceed for Trpical Plantation for visit and lunch. Spices are an ever present part of Indian life - they are essential in flavoring the distinctive regional cuisines and if you keep your eyes open you will see their bright colors reflected in the ladies' saris, and decorative textiles everywhere.
To find out where they come from, pay a most enjoyable visit to a spice plantation. Take a guided walk through the trees see what you can identify, smell, taste, and learn about the myriad spices for which India is renowned. And what place could be more perfect for a meal? Enjoy lunch here where everything is fresh and fragrant. Don't worry, the simple, tasty food will be spiced for Western tastes, and the preparation of each will be explained. After lunch you will return to the port and your ship.
| TIMING |
ITINERARY & POINTS OF INTEREST |
DISTANCE & TERRAIN |
W/C FRIENDLY |
| 00h00 - 01h30 |
Depart the pier for an Old Goa Churches |
|
This tour is not suitable for guests in wheelchairs; and those with mobility issues |
| 01h30 - 02h30 |
Arrive in Old Goa and visit Basilica of Bom Jesus Church & St. Cajetan Church |
700 meters / Flat / 04 steps |
| 02h30 - 03h00 |
Depart for Panjim Latin Quarters |
|
| 03h00 - 03h20 |
Visit around the Latin Quarters |
400 meters / Flat / 15 optional steps |
| 03h20 - 04h20 |
Drive to Tropical Plantation |
|
| 04h20 - 05h50 |
Visit and lunch at Plantation |
|
| 05h50 - 07h00 |
Return to pier |
|
|
HALF DAY HIGHLIGHTS OF GOA
HALF DAY HIGHLIGHTS OF GOA
HALF DAY
HIGHLIGHTS OF GOA
Proceed for St. Cajetan Church which was modelled on St. Peter’s in Rome and built of laterite blocks and lime plastered. The façade, having two towers on either side to serve as a belfry, has Corinthian columns and pilasters supporting a pediment, and four niches, which keep the statues of the apostles. Hidden beneath the church is a crypt where the embalmed bodies of Portuguese governors were kept in lead coffins before they were shipped back to Lisbon. Forgotten for a time, the last batch was removed only in 1992.
Continuing, the next stop will be at the Basilica of Bom Jesus which was built by the Jesuits in the 16th century and is one of the most important churches in Goa. The embalmed body of St. Frances Xavier is enshrined here in a marble mausoleum, which is exposed to the public once every ten years. The last date this happened was in December 2014. Continue with a short walk to the Se, or St Catherine’s Cathedral, which was commissioned to be "a grandiose church worthy of the wealth, power and fame of the Portuguese who dominated the seas from the Atlantic to the Pacific." With its exterior Tuscan design it is still larger than any other church in Portugal and said to be the largest in Asia.
Next visit will be to the Panjim ‘Fontainhas’ area where the walking tour will begin. The Fontainhas is the Latin Quarter built by the Portuguese and we will be able to view from the outside the church and the old villas. Later, drive through Panjim, the capital city passing through streets lined with old villas that are characteristic of Portuguese Goa.
Return to pier.
| TIMING |
ITINERARY & POINTS OF INTEREST |
DISTANCE & TERRAIN |
W/C FRIENDLY |
| 00h00 – 01h00 |
Drive to Old Goa Churches |
|
This tour is not suitable for guests in wheelchairs; and those with mobility issues |
| 01h00 – 02h30 |
Visit Basilica of Bom Jesus, Se Cathedral Church and St. Cajethan Church |
350 meters / Flat / 6 steps |
| 02h30 – 03h15 |
Proceed for Panjim City, visit Latin quarter |
450 meters / Flat steps |
| 03h15 – 04h15 |
Return to the pier |
|
