Itinerary Details
Timeless India: Tigers & Traditions With Dubai
Day 1: ARRIVE IN DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES Your Small Group Discovery tour begins! Welcome to Dubai. Hotel check-in available mid-afternoon.
Day 2: DUBAI Dynamic Dubai Sightseeing with your Local Guide begins with a walking tour through the narrow lanes of the historic Bastakiya Quarter. Next, explore the souks (markets), including the spice souk with its aromas of exotic spices, and the gold souk with its 220 glittering shop windows. Lunch is served at the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding. Your local host answers questions about life in the emirate while you relish traditional Emirati cuisine. As part of Globus family of brands Lighthouse Project, this enriching visit is one example of our commitment to supporting the people and places we share with you. Shift gears from the souks to shopping and skyscrapers with a stop at the largest mall in United Arab Emirates and visit the adjacent Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building. Ascend to the “At the Top” observation deck on the 124th floor for spectacular views and a presentation on Dubai’s history. The remainder of the day is at your leisure and there’s no shortage of wonderful sights to explore in Dubai. (B,L)
Please note: Local Host services are provided in Dubai. You will meet your Tour Director on day 4 in Delhi.
Day 3: DUBAIFree to Wander Enjoy a full day at your leisure. (B)
ENHANCED FREE TIME
EXPLORE MORE Take a day trip to Abu Dhabi or consider an exciting desert safari that ends with a barbecue dinner under the stars. This and other optional excursions throughout your tour are available at MyGlobus.
Day 4: DUBAI–DELHI, INDIA Goodbye, Dubai Today, fly to Delhi, capital of India. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. (B)
Day 5: DELHI Delhi Delights Today’s sightseeing starts with an orientation to see the Red Fort, India Gate, and the Presidential Palace. Then, visit Jama Masjid and Humayun’s Tomb, and take a [LF] rickshaw ride through a local bazaar. After lunch in a local restaurant, enjoy a bit of free time. Tonight, your Tour Director hosts a lavish welcome dinner that includes a cooking demonstration and talk on Indian cuisine with a local chef. (B,L,D)
LOCAL FAVORITE
MARKET HIGH Hop on a rickshaw and explore Chandni Chowk, a captivating local bazaar. Ancient alleyways are lined with quaint shops selling a variety of goods and souvenirs—from silver and saris to spices and electronics.
Day 6: DELHI–AGRA Remembrance & Worship This morning, visit Qutub Minar, the world’s tallest brick minaret, dating back to the 11th century. Next, Gurudwara Bangla Sahib. After lunch, drive to Agra and settle in for the evening. (B,L,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
A RELIGIOUS EXPERIENCE As Delhi’s largest and most prominent Sikh gurudwara (house of worship), Gurudwara Bangla Sahib has religious significance and splendid architecture. The grand edifice is built in the Sikh architectural style, while this magnificent house of worship is made using stunning white marble below its commanding golden dome.
Day 7: AGRA Moghul Monuments Start your day with a sunrise visit to the captivating Taj Mahal. After a bit of down time, travel to Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, built by the Moghul Emperor Akbar. This impressive fortress of red sandstone conceals the imperial city of the Moghul rulers and its many palaces. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
LOVE REMEMBERED Rise early for a bucket-list visit to the extravagant Taj Mahal, a marble monument to love. Moghul Emperor Shah Jahan built it as a memorial to his beloved wife, who died during childbirth. Your guided tour takes you inside the Mausoleum, with time to explore on your own and reflect.
Day 8: AGRA–FATEHPUR SIKRI–RANTHAMBORE NATIONAL PARK AREA By Road & Rail Today, stop at Fatehpur Sikri (the City of Victory), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built by Emperor Akbar in the 16th century it was the capital of the Mughal Empire for merely 10 years before it was completely abandoned due to the lack of adequate water. After lunch in Bharatpur, board a train bound for Sawai Madhopur, gateway to Ranthambore National Park, one of the best places in India to spot the elusive Bengal tiger! (B,L,D)
Day 9: RANTHAMBORE AREAThe Game is Afoot Today, explore Ranthambore National Park on morning and afternoon game drives in an open-air safari vehicle. Between game drives, enjoy free time to relax. (B,L,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
SMALL GROUP EXCLUSIVE In addition to Bengal tigers, Ranthambore National Park is home to leopards, sambar deer, sloth bears, marsh crocodiles, striped hyenas, and more. Take the opportunity to spot them all on today’s guided game drives via small-capacity vehicles perfect for your group.
Day 10: RANTHAMBORE AREA–JAIPUR Jaunt to Jaipur Today, travel to Jaipur. In 1876, the city was painted pink to welcome the Prince of Wales and known as the “Pink City” ever since. After lunch, visit UNESCO World Heritage Site, Jantar Mantar, consisting of 19 astronomical instruments used for measuring time and dates back to 1728. Next, visit the City Palace Museum, once the royal residence and now showcases a collection of paintings, carpets, weapons, and costumes from the past. (B,L)
Day 11: JAIPURJewels of Jaipur Today, travel by Jeep to visit the amazing Amber Fort in the morning. Later, visit a [LF] local vocational training program for children. Tonight, enjoy a home-hosted dinner with an Indian noble family, followed by a sari-and turban-tying demonstration. (B,D)
LOCAL FAVORITE
PROMISING FUTURES Ladli is a training program empowering orphaned children by teaching them the valuable vocational skills they need. During your visit, you’ll learn about the project while interacting with the children and helping them practice their English skills. As part of Globus family of brands Lighthouse Project, this meaningful organization is one example of our commitment to supporting the people and places we share with you.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
FORMIDABLE FORTRESS Visit the legendary Amber Fort, known as the “Sleeping Beauty of Rajasthan,” built entirely of white marble and red sandstone. Rising above the hills of Jaipur, 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.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
SMALL GROUP EXCLUSIVE Your small group is invited to visit the home of a local noble family to share a home-prepared dinner. You’ll also learn the art of sari-and-turban tying in the beloved tradition of India.
Day 12: JAIPUR–VARANASI Where Tradition Flows on Today, fly to Varanasi (via Delhi), revered as India’s holiest city along the sacred Ganges River. Dinner is included at your hotel tonight. (B,D)
Day 13: VARANASI Sacred Rituals Near dawn, board a boat to watch a meaningful religious ritual—the Hindus’ devotional bathing in the Ganges. You’ll observe hundreds of pilgrims gathered at the river’s edge, practicing yoga or meditation. Return to your hotel for breakfast and time at leisure. Later, travel to Sarnath, where Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. Early this evening, experience the Ganga Aarti (spiritual worship) on the ghats (steps) leading down to the sacred Ganges River. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
FIRE & WATER Witness the light of ancient tradition as night descends on the Ganges River in Varanasi. Witness the devotional offerings made to the Goddess Ganga in the aarti performed at the river’s edge as it has been done throughout the ages. A ritual of fire, faithful Hindus float “diyas” (small candle and flowers) on the waters of the Ganges River, while praying for the blessing of Maa Ganga.
Day 14: VARANASI–DELHIHomeward Bound Fly back to Delhi today and prepare for your journey home. (B,D)
Day 15: DELHI Safe travels until we meet again! Your tour ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
