Introduction to Goa & The Golden Triangle

This tour to India takes you to the seaside resort of Goa, and around a trio of the most captivating cities the country has to offer.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Delhi

Upon your arrival in the Indian capital city of New Delhi, you will be greeted by our representative at the Indira Gandhi International Airport. After a warm welcome, you will be escorted to your hotel.

Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 2: Delhi – Goa

After breakfast, transfer to airport to catch your flight to Goa. Upon your arrival at Goa airport, transfer to your hotel for 3 nights stay.

Enjoy a relaxing day at leisure in Goa.

Day 3: Day in Goa

Take a half day tour of new and old Goa seeing the typical Portuguese Goan architecture and the Basilica of Bom Jesus, where the remains of St Francis Xavier lie in a dazzling silver casket.

Remaining time at leisure to explore the amenities offered by your hotel and enjoy the sunny beaches of Goa.

Day 4: Day in Goa

Enjoy a day at leisure in Goa.

Day 5: Goa – Delhi

Enjoy a morning at leisure in Goa. This afternoon, catch your flight to New Delhi. Upon arrival in Delhi, you will be transferred to your hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 6: Delhi – Agra

This morning, discover the history and heritage of Delhi, with a visit to Qutab Minar, a fine example of Indo-Islamic architecture. Then drive to the old part of the city, walking through the busy streets of Chandni Chowk, to Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India. En route, drive past the splendid Red Fort, India Gate, President’s House, Parliament House and other Government Secretariat Buildings of Lutyens Delhi.

Later this afternoon, embark on your drive to Agra (220 km – approx. 5 hours), city of the world famous Taj Mahal.

Upon arrival in Agra, check in to your hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 7: Day in Agra

This morning witness the surreal views of the Taj Mahal by sunrise. Step inside this eternal symbol of love and appreciate the intricate designs and symmetries that rhyme as a poem written in marble. Taj Mahal is an extravagant display of love, built by Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal.

Later visit the splendid Agra fort, built in red sandstone, encapsulating magnificent palaces, halls of public and private audience and beautiful gardens.

Classic Theatre Performance: This evening, watch a live theatre performance, introducing you to the story of the Taj Mahal. Watch the spectacular performance – “Mohabbat the Taj – The saga of love”, staging the largest replica of the Taj Mahal, and presenting the legend of love that created this magnificent mausoleum.

Day 8: Agra – Jaipur

After breakfast, embark on a drive to Jaipur (250 km – approx. 5 hours) – land of the Rajputs. Jaipur is an exuberance of colour, dance and traditional arts and crafts. Known, as the ‘Pink City’, Jaipur is home to ancient forts and palaces and is one of India’s most well planned cities.

En route to Jaipur, visit Fatehpur Sikri, the capital city of the Mughal Empire in the 16th century. Upon arrival check in at your hotel for two nights stay. Enjoy an evening at leisure in Jaipur.

Home Hosted Dinner: This evening, learn more about local lifestyle and culture of India with dinner at an Indian home. Spend time talking to your hosts and learn about their way of life. You may also opt for a unique opportunity to step inside an Indian kitchen and learn the age old art of Indian culinary delights. Your hosts will be happy to share their secret recipes and give you some handy tips about Indian cooking.

Day 9: Day in Jaipur

This morning, visit the Amber fort, which was built in the 16th century. An elephant ride will help you ascend to this hilltop fort (elephants are subject to availability). Alternatively, you could choose to walk or drive up to the fort.

This afternoon, visit the City Palace complex with its museums and Jantar Mantar, the ancient astronomical observatory, and the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), built in the 18th century. This palace with its innumerable windows and screened balconies was especially built for the royal women to view the city and processions from behind their purdahs.

Later explore the many facets of Jaipuri crafts such as semi precious jewels, pottery, colourful embroidered fabrics with mirror work, woven carpets etc – watch artisans at work and enjoy souvenir shopping in this colourful city of Jaipur.

Day 10: Jaipur to Delhi

After breakfast, embark on a return drive to Delhi, where you will be transferred to the International Airport to catch your flight back home. The flight home departs early in the morning.

Day 11: Dublin

Arrive back in Dublin after your return flight from Delhi.

Price inclusions

• Flight Dublin to Delhi
• Airport transfer to your hotel
• 9 nights accommodation in Superior Hotels
• Meals : Half Board
• All tours outlined in the itinerary
• Return transfer from your hotel to airport
• Flight Delhi to Dublin (overnight)
• Services of guide and local representatives
• Taxes and charges of €354

Booking remarks

• Inclusive of taxes and service charges as indicated
• Single room supplement €710
• Non refundable or transferable booking deposit 10% per person
• Full payment due on confirmation
• 2% surcharge if balance is paid by credit or charge card
• Optional Insurance €48 (conditions apply)
• Irish nationals require a visa to enter India. Cost €50, obtained via the Indian Embassy
• Taxes, fees or compulsory charges introduced after publication are not included in the above price

Accommodation details

• Delhi – Country Inn Suite or Similar
• Goa – Zuri White Sand or Similar
• Delhi – Country Inn Suite or Similar
• Agra – Radisson, Trident or Similar
• Jaipur – Fortune Select Metropolitan or Similar

All hotels are of a 4 – 5 Star Standard

Dates and Prices

Date	Price			55Club
13 Mar 2012	€2,289
20 Mar 2012	€2,289
27 Mar 2012	€2,289
03 Apr 2012	€2,289
10 Apr 2012	€2,289
08 May 2012	€1,999			€1,899
15 May 2012	€1,999
22 May 2012	€1,999
29 May 2012	€1,999
05 Jun 2012	€1,999
12 Jun 2012	€1,999			€1,899
19 Jun 2012	€1,999
26 Jun 2012	€1,999
18 Sep 2012	€1,999
25 Sep 2012	€1,999			€1,899