Introduction to The Holy Himalayas

Spend 13 nights discovering the highlights of the Holy Himalayas on this tour of India. Discover Delhi, Dharamsala, Agra, Jaipur and more, giving you a perfect view of Indian life and culture.

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 to Amritsar

Early this morning, catch your train to Amritsar, city of the Golden Temple.

After lunch, relax at the hotel. Later in the afternoon, proceed to the India – Pakistan border. You will visit the Wagah Border, to see the ‘lowering of the flags’ ceremony. This unique ceremony involves a parade by Indian Border Security Force and Pakistan Rangers soldiers. This evening, visit the sparkling Golden Temple, the most popular Sikh temple in India.

Day 3 Amritsar to Dharamsala

After breakfast take a city tour of Amritsar, visiting the Jallianwallah Bagh (famous gardens close to the Golden Temple, which narrate the story of the most horrific pre-independence massacre in India) and the Ram Bagh museum (closed on Monday).

Later this morning, embark on your drive to Dharamsala. Upon arrival at Dharamsala, check in at your hotel for 2 nights stay.

Day 4 Day at Dharamsala

After breakfast, visit Mcleodganj, famous little town of Dharamshala also known as “Little Tibet”, and home to the current Dalai Lama. At the start of Mcleodganj is a small bazaar filled with variety of Tibetan handicrafts and artifacts; towards the end of town, lies the Namgyal Monastery. The external wall of the monastery is surrounded by rows of prayer wheels. Within the monastery are large idols of Lord Buddha, Avalokteshwara and Padmasambhava and walls lined with Thangkas. The charming church of St. John in the wilderness is situated here and this is the final resting place of Lord Elgin, a British Viceroy of India during the 19th century.

Day 5 Dharamsala to Manali

Enjoy a morning at leisure in Dharamsala. Later, embark on a scenic drive to the hill town of Manali. Upon arrival in Manali, check in at your hotel for 2 nights stay.

Day 6 Day in Manali

Manali is situated in the midst of pinewoods with high mountains above and river Beas flowing below. Manali, at the head Kullu Valley is also the epicenter for hikes and treks in the Himalayas. Visit the hot springs in Parvati Valley, which are one of the hottest in the world and possess curative qualities. Enjoy nature walks amidst green scenic mountains of Manali.

Day 7 Manali – Shimla

Enjoy a morning at leisure in Manali. Later, embark on a scenic drive to Shimla, the former summer capital of British India, set amidst the snow capped mountains, which offers stunning views of the Himalayas. Upon arrival in Shimla, check in to your hotel for 2 nights stay.

Day 8 Day in Shimla

After breakfast, enjoy a tour of Shimla, visiting the famous Christ Church, the second oldest church in Northern India. Later visit the Shimla State Museum, which houses a collection of miniature ‘Pahari’ paintings, sculptures, coins, woodcarvings and also costumes, textiles and jewellery of the region. A leisurely stroll along the Mall road provides you with a feel for the lifestyle of locals in Shimla.

Day 9 Shimla – Delhi

After breakfast, drive to the train station to catch your train to Delhi. Upon arrival in Delhi, check in at your hotel for overnight stay.

Day 10 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 overnight stay.

Day 11 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 12 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 2 nights stay. Enjoy an evening at leisure in Jaipur.

Home Hosted Dinner: This evening, have the option to 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 13 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 14 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 departs early in the morning, arriving into Dublin later in the day.

Day 15: Dublin

Arrive in Dublin after your return flight from Delhi.

Price inclusions

• Flight Dublin to Delhi
• Airport transfer to your hotel
• 13 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 €820
• 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
• Amristar – Country Inn or Similar
• Dharamsala – Asia Health Resort or Similar
• Manalli – Holiday Inn or Similar
• Shimla – Aaram Bagh 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
06 Apr 2012	€2,199
13 Apr 2012	€2,199
04 May 2012	€2,239
11 May 2012	€2,239			€2,139
18 May 2012	€2,239
25 May 2012	€2,239
01 Jun 2012	€2,239
08 Jun 2012	€2,239
15 Jun 2012	€2,239			€2,139
22 Jun 2012	€2,239
29 Jun 2012	€2,239
14 Sep 2012	€2,239
21 Sep 2012	€2,239
28 Sep 2012	€2,239			€2,139