Day 1 – Thursday, January 25 – Arrival in Delhi

Welcome to Delhi, India a monumental city with a vibrant mix

of old and new teeming with bazaars, stately British boulevards,

powerful Mughal palaces and forts, and intricate, ethereal

towers, temples and tombs. Upon group arrival in Delhi at

Indira Gandhi International Airport you will meet our English

speaking local guide who will remain with the group for the

duration of the tour.

Private group transfer to the hotel.

As most flights will arrive late in the day and evening you’ll be

free to relax and unwind at the hotel after check-in.

*Broad Escapes will have a group flight from Toronto

(preference to Air Canada direct flights). The group transfer will

be based on the recommended group flight arrival time. Private

transfers (at an additional cost) can be arranged for those

arriving at a different date/time. Flights from all gateways can

be arranged through Broad Escapes.

Overnight in Delhi – 2 nights – Vivanta by Taj (or similar)

Day 2 – Friday, January 26 – Delhi B/D

We begin our adventure to India with a classical morning yoga

stretch and meditation to relieve the stresses of the previous

day’s flights and to energize the various energy channels

(chakras) in our body. Learn the history behind this ancient

tradition that has gained popularity worldwide. Later we’ll set

out on a city tour of New & Old Delhi. In New Delhi we’ll visit

Qutub Minar, a stunning 240-foot minaret, the tallest in the

world, Humayun’s Tomb, India Gate and Lakshmi Narayan

Temple – a modern Hindu Temple. Drive past the President’s

House, Parliament House and Government Secretariat

Buildings. In Old Delhi we’ll visit Raj Ghat, the cremation site of

Mahatma Gandhi. We continue to Jama Masjid, one of the

largest mosques in India then drive past the famous Red Fort

before we trade our vehicle for traditional bicycle rickshaws. On

our rickshaws we’ll weave through the crooked, congested

alleys off Chandni Chowk, one of India’s oldest and busiest

bazaars, and see the traditional workmanship for which India is

well known and still thrives. In the evening we have an

enriching cultural and culinary experience with a cooking

demonstration and family dinner where we’ll relish in Indian

food and share a few stories and laughs with a local family.

Note: January 26th is Republic Day in India. Some places &

routes may be closed due to Delhi Government orders.

Overnight in Delhi – Vivanta by Taj (or similar)

Day 3 – Saturday, January 27 – Delhi to VaranasiB/D

This morning transfer to the airport for a domestic flight from

Delhi to the ancient city of Varanasi (1.5 hours), the city of

Hindu culture. A holy city dedicated to Shiva, Varanasi has

survived the centuries because of its sanctified place in India’s

religious life. This afternoon visit Sarnath, a major Buddhist

centre, where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon. Here

we’ll visit the Dhamekh Stupa, an imposing cylindrical structure

(43.5m high) of the Gupta age, the Buddhist Temple and the

Archaeological Museum. This evening, at sunset, visit the ghats

(bathing steps) on the Ganges by candle-lit boat and witness

the intriguing ‘Aarti’ Ceremony. Here we will observe the

mystical scene of the many ghats lit with oil-lamp lights,

Brahmans chanting hymns and numerous floating oil lamps, all

part of the daily, evening ceremonies along the Ganges.

Varanasi is one of the world’s oldest continually inhabited cites

and is regarded as one of Hinduism’s seven holy cities. Located

along the Ganges River, millions of Hindus travel for pilgrimage

to worship, to mourn or to die here. It’s best to take a boat ride

on the Gange River to experience the Ganga Aarti ceremony,

performed each evening in Varanasi. The ceremony consists of

bell-ringing (to ward off evil spirits) and offering a series of

seven, elaborate gifts of light to the river. The gifts of light get

progressively brighter as the ceremony proceeds; it ends by

floating candles on the water and pouring water into the

Ganges - a definitely memorable experience.

Overnight Varanasi – 1 night – Radisson (or similar)

Day 4 – Sunday, January 28 – Varanasi – Delhi B/D

Early this morning, before sunrise, we drive to the Ghats on the

Ganges to take a boat ride on the river. Witness the fascinating

early morning rituals performed by Hindu devotees along the

river bank which includes morning bathing and the cremation

Ghats. We return to the hotel for breakfast followed by a

traditional yoga session before touring Varanasi, Hindus holiest

city and one of the oldest living cities in the world. Varanasi was

already old when Rome was founded, a flourishing trade centre

when the Buddha came to Sarnath to preach his first sermon.

It was a city of great wealth and religious importance when the

Chinese traveller Hiuen Sang visited in the 7th century. During

the half day, sightseeing tour we’ll visit Bharat Mata Temple,

Durga Temple,and the modern marble Tulsi Manas Temple.

Tour around Banaras Hindu University and visit the Mosque of

Moghul Emperor Aurangazeb built on the site of an ancient

Hindu Temple. Afterwards transfer back to Varanasi airport for

a return flight to Delhi. On arrival you will be met and

transferred to your hotel for check in.

Overnight Delhi – 1 night - Vivanta by Taj (or similar)

Day 5 – Monday, January 29 – Delhi to Agra B/D

After breakfast we will continue overland to the medieval city

of Agra (204km/3hrs). This afternoon we have a city tour of

Agra beginning with a visit of Itmad-ud Daulah’s Tomb. Often

described as “Jewel Box” and sometimes called the “Baby Taj”,

this tomb is regarded as a draft of the Taj Mahal. Then visit

Mehtab Bagh a garden complex, on the opposite bank of the

Taj Mahal, also known as “The Moonlight Garden”. We then

make a short visit to the “Mother Teresa Home Missionaries of

Charity” which will allow those interested to meet the nuns at

the orphanage who devote their lives to the homeless children

of India. Most of the orphans are girls who are more frequently

abandoned at birth. The dire poverty of these unwanted

children is heartbreaking, and this visit is therefore optional. No

one at the missionary will ask you for a cash donation. It is not

wanted. Rather, if you wish to contribute something of value, a

simple set of sheets that you pack in your luggage would be

greatly appreciated. This evening enjoy the “Mohabbat-The-Taj

Show” – a Saga of Love depicting the romantic love story of

Emperor Shajahan and his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal.

Overnight Agra – 2 nights – Jaypee Palace (or similar)

Day 6 – Tuesday, January 30 – Agra B/D

This morning visit the world famous Taj Mahal at sunrise. Built

by the Moghul Emperor Shahjehan to enshrine the mortal

remains of Queen Mumtz, the construction on this poignant

mausoleum started in 1631 and took 20,000 artisans 22 years

to complete. Afterwards visit Agra Fort. Its massive walls

stretch for 2½ km and are surrounded by a moat over 10

meters wide. The fort is really a city within a city. This

afternoon get to know Agra the local way, by exploring the

city’s hidden laneways, bustling spice market, and religious

mosques and temples on a Guided Heritage Walking Tour.

Sample treats at a 200 year-old sweet shop, hop on a cycle

rickshaw, and learn why Hindu families dress their idols.

Overnight Agra – Jaypee Palace (or similar)

Day 7 – Wednesday, January 31 – Agra to Jaipur B/D

Travel overland to Jaipur (280km/7hrs including stops),

Rajasthan’s capital also known as the Pink City. The origin of

this nickname becomes immediately apparent as you enter the

old city walls and greet the pink-colored buildings that rise at

every turn. Jaipur is an excellent place to enjoy unparalleled

shopping and people watching. This afternoon we’ll stop in

Sanganer, a town known for its famous textile block printing

and handmade paper industry. Continue on to Jaipur for hotel

check in.

Overnight in Jaipur – 2 nights – Shahpura House (or similar)

Day 8 – Thursday, February 1 – Jaipur B/D

This morning we will drive a short distance outside of the city to

Amber Fort. This is a beautiful and very well preserved

structure, built on four levels and surrounded by ruins. Travel

up to the fort on elephant back as the Maharajahs of the past

once did (on availability). Return to the city and drive past the

grand Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds). This magnificent

structure was built to allow the royal ladies of the palace to

discretely watch the grand processions along the main street.

Visit Maharaja’s City Palace and the impressive Jantar Mantar,

an astronomical observatory built in the early 1700s by

Maharaja Jai Sing II, the great warrior-astronomer to which this

city owes its name. There will also be time this afternoon to

visit the market. Spend time in the oldest and busiest of

markets in the walled city, Johori Bazaar, a true feast for the

senses. Aromatic spices fill the air, while oxcarts, rickshaws,

cows, bejeweled women and men with shocking pink turbans

jostle through the labyrinthine streets.

Overnight in Jaipur – Shahpura House (or similar)

Day 9 – Friday, February 2 – Jaipur to Udaipur B/D

This morning after breakfast we travel to Udaipur (408km/7hrs

including stops), founded by Maharana Udai Singh in 1559 and

fondly referred to as Rajasthan’s most romantic city. Set

amidst the Aravalli hills of South Rajasthan, Udaipur (City of

Sunrise) is a beautiful city regarded as one of the most romantic

in India. Presenting an enchanting image of marble palaces,

placid lakes, attractive gardens and green hills, it has been

called “the Venice of the East”. On arrival check in to the hotel

before heading out for a boat ride on Lake Pichola, fringed with

hills, palaces, havelis, ghats, embankments and temples and

offering spectacular views of the city. Visit the Jag Mandir

Island with its exquisite Gul Mahal Pavilion before returning to

the hotel.

Overnight in Udaipur – 3 nights – Trident Udaipur (or similar)

Day 10 – Saturday, February 3 - Udaipur B/D

We begin our day at the City Palace, overlooking the blue

waters of Lake Pichola. The palace consists of a number of

beautiful courtyards and gardens, a museum and opulent

artifacts and original works of art. We will continue walking

towards the lavish Jagdish Temple to study its many remarkable

friezes. Here we will visit a village to meet with locals and learn

about their daily routine. Afterwards explore the Old City,

wandering through its bustling streets lined with art shops,

spice vendors and tailors.

Overnight in Udaipur – Trident Udaipur (or similar)

Day 11 – Sunday, February 4 – Udaipur to Piplantari to

Udaipur B/D

Today is a very special day; visit Piplantari – a village where the

community celebrates birth and gives back to Mother Earth.

For each daughter born to a local family - 111 trees are planted.

Here we’ll meet with local families and learn how their

community adopted the tradition of planting trees for

daughters.

Overnight in Udaipur – Trident Udaipur (or similar)

Day 12 – Monday, February 5 – Udaipur to Mandore B/D

After breakfast depart for Mandore Guest House, on the

outskirts of Jodhpur (350km/6hrs including stops). This family

run ,eco-friendly, small resort boasts a lush green garden with a

variety of seasonal plants and flowers. It offers a tranquil

environment and an immersion of cultural experiences.

There’ll be free time upon arrival to walk among the beautiful

gardens. This evening enjoy the songs and dances expressing

the traditional way of life with a Kalbelia Dance group.

Overnight near Jodhpur – 2 nights – Mandore Guest House (or

similar)

Day 13 – Tuesday, February 6 – MandoreB/L/D

This morning we will be immersed in the culture of the

community with a jeep safari to visit a Bishnoi village. One of

the oldest ecologically-minded communities in the world, the

Bishnoi have been living in western Rajasthan for centuries.

They believe in conserving the flora and fauna of this ancient

region, even to the extent of sacrificing their own lives to

protect the environment. During the visit, we’ll experience the

culturally rich lives of the Bishnoi, while connecting with

stunningly clad women and charming men in headgear. Here

we’ll visit the authentic craftsmanship of the potters and

weavers. Continue with a visit to a village school and an

opportunity to interact with the local children before returning

to Mandore Guest House. The afternoon will begin with a

cooking lesson and cultural activities. We’ll learn about the

history and cultural importance of the Indian Henna and have a

designer create a beautiful Henna on your hand (for those who

are interested). Later, discover how to tie a Sari, the traditional

wear for women in most parts of India.

Overnight near Jodhpur – Mandore Guest House (or similar)

Day 14 – Wednesday, February 7 – Mandore to Jaisalmer B/D

Today we drive to Jaisalmer (305km/6hrs including stops).

There is something magical about Jaisalmer, which rears out of

the inhospitable Thar Desert like a mirage from the "1001

Nights". Once a staging post on the trading routes west, it is a

walled citadel, formidably fortified, of a sand colour that turns

golden in the setting sun, and is home to a complex fort

surrounded by palaces and temples. Below the forest of

intricately carved spires and turrets is a merry jumble of

buildings, alleys, animals, humans, shops and cafes, wonderful

golden havelis and numerous fine Jain temples. Camel trains

can often be seen taking visitors out into the desert on camel

safaris.

Overnight in Jaisalmer – 2 nights – Gorbandh Palace (or similar)

Day 15 – Thursday, February 8 – Jaisalmer B/D

After breakfast spend the day exploring Jaisalmer, founded by

Prince Jaisal in 1156. Jaisalmer was a major staging post on the

trade route across the forbidding Thar Desert. The first glimpse

of the honey colored walls of the fort, rising out of the hot and

barren desert is magical. Untouched by time, Jaisalmer, with its

golden crenulated walls, narrow streets lined with exquisite

havelis, has a medieval ambience. The fort, often referred to as

the Golden Fort because of the color of the stone, encloses

palaces decorated with delicate jali or lattice worked screens,

carved doors and floral carvings and elaborately carved 12th to

16th century Jain temples. Later in the day enjoy a unique

camel ride excursion at Sam Dunes to experience the enormous

sand dunes that make a surrealistic landscape patterned by the

wind. Here we’ll enjoy dinner on the dunes before returning to

the hotel.

Overnight in Jaisalmer – Gorbandh Palace (or similar)

Day 16 – Friday, February 9 – Jaisalmer to Jodhpur B/D

After an early breakfast continue on to Jodhpur (320km/6hrs

including stops) called the ‘Blue City’ and once the capital of the

former princely state of Marwar. It was founded in 1459 by Rao

Jodha and is now the second largest city in Rajasthan. Flanked

on its western side by the Mehrangarh Fort and on the eastern

side by the stately sandstone Palace of Umaid Bhawan, the

monuments, temples and gardens of Jodhpur depict a multi-

faceted grandeur. It is a marvelously medieval city. While the

graceful palaces, forts and temples bring alive the historic

grandeur, exquisite handicrafts, folk dances, music and the

brightly attired people lend a romantic aura to the city. Visit

the colorful Sardar Market. The narrow alleys in the market

lead to quaint bazaars selling textiles, antiques, silverware and

handicrafts. Tonight will be enjoy a farewell dinner to

reminisce with your fellow BE travellers about the experiences

and highlights of this incredible journey through India.

Overnight in Jodhpur – 1 night – Ranbanka Palace Hotel (or

similar)

Day 17 – Saturday, February 10 – Jodhpur to Delhi B/D

This morning visit the massive Meherangarh Fort, a living

testimony of the military strength of the Rajputs. With the

strategically located cannons on the walls, the fort is spread

over an area of 5 km at an altitude of about 125 meters. A

bird's eye view of the city from above the fort is fascinating.

Continue on to the Jodhpur Domestic Airport to check in for the

domestic flight from Jodhpur to Delhi. Upon arrival, check into

the hotel with time to relax and freshen up. Say farewell to

India on the private group transfer to Indira Ghandi

International Airport and check in for your overnight flight

home.

Day room Delhi – Lemon Tree Aerocity (or similar)

*Broad Escapes will have a group flight to Toronto (preference

to Air Canada direct flights). The group transfer will be based on

the recommended group flight arrival time. Private transfers (at

an additional cost) can be arranged for those arriving at a

different date/time. Flights from all gateways can be arranged

through Broad Escapes.

TERMS & CONDITIONS Reservations: To reserve space on this tour, contact your Ellison Travel & Tours Travel Consultant Deposits & Payments: A deposit is due at the time of booking. The amount of the deposit varies according to the tour booked. Final payment depending on the tour is due 60 to 120 days prior to departure. Both deposits and final payments are non-refundable at time of payment unless covered by insurance. Forms of Payment: Ellison Travel & Tours will accept payment in the form of cheque, Visa or Mastercard. Cheques must be made payable to Ellison Travel & Tours. If the credit card sale is declined, the customer will be informed immediately, and payment will be considered not received. Verbal authorization of the use of your credit card commits you to your reservation whether or not you have signed a credit card draft. Refunds will be processed in the form they were received. Goods & Services Tax: The Canadian Government's G.S.T. and/or H.S.T. may apply to the cost of your tour. Your vacation consultant will advise of the additional G.S.T./H.S.T. charges, if any, that apply to the cost of your tour. Ellison Travel & Tours reserves the right to pass any Government changes to the tax structure on to the consumer. Price Guarantee: Once the deposit is paid, the tour cost is guaranteed. Prices are however subject to change to cover any unexpected costs over which Ellison Travel & Tours has no control, such as fuel surcharges, government taxes and country visas. In the event of a surcharge tour members and/or vacation consultants will be advised of any surcharge on their tour. If a rate increase of more than 7% is necessary, clients may cancel with no penalties. No surcharges will be added within 30 days prior to departure. Insurance: Ellison Travel & Tours strongly recommends the purchase of Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance, and Comprehensive Assistance, Health Coverage, Individual Accident Coverage, and Baggage and Personal Effects Insurance. Details are available from your travel agent. Proof of Citizenship: Canadian Citizens are asked to carry a passport for tours to the United States. For international travel a valid passport is required. Citizens of other countries or landed immigrants should check with their travel agent for requirements for travel outside Canada. Passengers must have valid passports for travel abroad and visas for some countries. Ellison Travel & Tours does not accept responsibility for passengers who do not meet correct visa and passport requirements. Currency: All prices are shown in Canadian Dollars. Baggage: Maximum baggage allowance on motoroach tours is one large suitcase per person. All hand luggage must be carried personally aboard the motorcoach or aircraft. Although the Tour Manager and Coach Driver supervise the transfer of luggage to and from the motorcoach and every effort is made to handle luggage as carefully as possible, Ellison Travel & Tours cannot assume liability for loss, theft or damage due to breakage, fire, water, etc. Accommodation: All hotels listed in itineraries have been confirmed at the time of printing, but are subject to change. On most tours, TWIN refers to two persons sharing one room with two beds; however, in some areas, only one double bed may be available, so please specify at time of booking if you wish two separate beds. TRIPLE or QUAD usually refers to three or four persons sharing one room with two double beds, all with private bath. Please keep in mind that in some areas local customs may mean that there is a change in the type of accommodation provided. Items not included: Items of personal nature such as laundry, telephone charges and drinks with meals other than noted in the tour Inclusions. Responsibility: Ellison Travel & Tours acts solely as organizer of the tours outlined in this brochure and is responsible for making all reservations and charting the routes as outlined but it is expressly understood and agreed between the tour organizer and the passengers that Ellison Travel & Tours or its agents shall not be held responsible for: a) non-performance on the part of any hotel or other accommodation for any act or omission that cannot be directly attributed to the neglect of the tour organizer; b) any delays, misconnections, loss, damage or injury to persons or property or for mechanical defects or failure, however caused or for any substitution of hotels or carrier equipment beyond the control of the tour operator, or for any additional expenses occasioned thereby; c) any inconvenience, loss of enjoyment, upset, disappointment, distress or frustration whether physical or mental however caused, except where caused directly by the tour operator; d) any additional costs incurred or any ancillary loss sustained as a result of cancellations or delays of tours caused by inclement weather conditions, acts of God, or any other event, which result in one or more persons being unable to continue or complete the tour through no direct fault of the tour organizer. The tour organizer reserves the right to make any changes before or during the tour for the comfort and enjoyment of the passengers and it is agreed and understood that any increase in costs occasioned by such change shall be paid by the passengers or any decrease in costs occasioned by the change shall be refunded to the passenger. Force Majeure: Except where otherwise expressly stated in these conditions, we regret we cannot accept liability or pay any compensation where the performance or prompt performance of our obligations under our contract with you is prevented or affected by or you otherwise suffer any injury, damage, loss or expense of any nature as a result of “force Majeure”. In these conditions, “force Majeure” means any event which Ellison Travel & Tours or the supplier of the service(s) in question could not, even with all due care, foresee or avoid. Such events may include actual or threatened war, riot, civil strife, terrorist activity, industrial dispute, natural or nuclear disaster, adverse weather conditions, disease, fire and all similar events outside our control. All tour itineraries are subject to change or cancellation without prior notice. Tour managers are subject to substitution where deemed necessary. Ellison Travel & Tours shall have no responsibilities beyond their refund of all monies paid by the passenger which is deemed to constitute full settlement. The tour organizer reserves the right to decline any person as a member of the tour at any time before or during the tour should such person's presence be considered detrimental to the interest, comfort and enjoyment of the other tour members. Persons leaving the tour during operation will not receive a refund of unused services. Ellison Travel & Tours, its agents and all passengers agree that conditions set out herein are part of the terms between the passenger and the tour organizer. Acceptance of the ticket for the tour or any deposit given to the tour organizer represents acceptance by the passenger of all the aforementioned conditions.