Ultra-luxurious, using the world's finest five star hotels!
ZOOM VACATIONS INDIA ITINERARY
Overload your senses – Test your limits – Restructure your basic assumptions. Its basic humanity will touch your soul. Our 12-day Ethnic India Discovery takes you on a journey of a truly spellbinding saga with accurate portrayals of dramatic historical events. Long after you leave you will be gently haunted by memories of a place, a person, even a sound, or the smells of tea, jasmine blossoms, and insense.
Day 1: Arrive in Mumbai
Arrive at Mumbai’s International Airport this evening. You will be met at the airport by our representative who will give you a warm welcome with fresh flower garlands, and transfer to our landmark hotel by air-conditioned Car/Coach. Your room is availabe for immediate occupancy.
Overnight stay at the luxurious TAJ PALACE & TOWER hotel centrally located and overlooking the Arabian Sea.
Day 2: Mumbai
The "City of Gold," Mumbai (Bombay), is surrounded on three sides by the Arabian Sea. We explore this legendary city and visit the Gateway of India, the entrance to the port of Mumbai and then cruise towards Elephanta Island. A UNESCO World Heritage site, this island was originally known as Gharapurti and was renamed as Elephanta after the Portuguese found a carved elephant there. The main attraction of the island is the four rock cut cave temples dating back to 5th-8th century AD. The most renowned is the cave sculpture of 'Trimurthi', a three headed figure almost 20 feet in height, of Lord Shiva as a creator, preserver and destroyer. Afternoon is free to either relax in the hotel or cover some more attractions of the city including the Prince Wales Museum, India's finest museum, housing treasures, artifacts, paintings and sculpture from the many periods covering India's history, including the Indus Valley Civilization. Dhobi Ghat, the city’s open-air municipal laundry where thousands wash clothes brought daily from around the city. Also see the memorial at Mani Bhawan, once the residence of Mahatma Gandhi. Tonight there will be a private cocktail and welcome dinner.
Overnight stay at the luxurious TAJ PALACE & TOWER hotel.
Day 3 : Fly from Mumbai to Varanasi
Morning flight takes us to the oldest living city in the world Varanasi – also said to be the India’s most sacred city situated on the western bank of the holy river Ganga. Varanasi is the city, which cannot be described, only experienced. Our evening rickshaw (Tricycle) ride passing through the busy streets and bazaars of Varanasi takes us to the holy river Ganges where we cruise to witness the ceremonies amidst hundreds of lighted candles and flower offerings. Evening introduction to Astrology by expert astrologer who will also read our palm, if we so desire.
Overnight stay at THE TAJ GANGES hotel offers the perfect combination of five-star elegance and timeless hospitality.
Day 4 : Fly from Varanasi to Delhi
We rise before dawn and step gingerly onto a rustic boat as the wizened boatman coasts off. We wait, still, for the daily miracle to unfold. Just then, as if having waited for the audience to settle reverently in their assigned places, the Sun God appears triumphantly over the horizon. The sound of conches and temple bells rent the delicate pink fabric of dawn. The formerly hushed murmuring of ancient Sanskrit Shlokas, now rises, in one voice, to a crescendo of unparalleled piety and joy. We tour Sarnath, an important pilgrimage center for Buddhists. This is where the Buddha preached his first sermon after achieving enlightenment. Sarnath's temples and Archaeological Museum are full of Buddhist art treasures.
Afternoon flight to the capital and the third largest city of India, Delhi, a fusion of the ancient and the modern.
Overnight stay at the luxurious art deco IMPERIAL PALACE hotel, where exquisite interiors, impeccable service and fine cuisine combine to make this the Capital’s most graceful and elegant hotel.
Day 5 : Delhi
Today’s Delhi exploration includes the 11th century Qutab Minar Tower, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built by Qutub-ud-din Aibek of the Slave Dynasty, who took possession of Delhi in 1206. It is a red sandstone tower, standing tall at a height of 72.5 meters and is covered with intricate carvings and verses from the holy Qur'an. National Museum, having the collection of 5000 year old relics of the Indus valley civilization, varied exotic paintings, old manuscripts and mural paintings from Buddhist shrines in Central Asia.
Other attractions include The India Gate, a memorial raised in honor of the Indian soldiers martyred during the Afghan war. We will drive past the grand government buildings, the President’s House and Parliament House all dating back to the time of British Raj. The grand Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple, epitomises 10,000 years of Indian culture in all its breathtaking grandeur, beauty, wisdom and bliss. It brilliantly showcases the essence of India’s ancient architecture, traditions and timeless spiritual messages. The Akshardham experience is an enlightening journey through India’s glorious art, values and contributions for the progress, happiness and harmony of mankind.
Overnight stay at the luxurious IMPERIAL PALACE hotel.
Day 6 : Delhi to Agra by Train
Our journey to the city of Taj, Agra takes us through the beautiful countryside. Enroute we visit Fatehpur Sikri, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which has been described as “the world’s most perfectly preserved ghost town”. Built by Akbar in the late 16th century, it was abandoned after only 14 years, and the elegant buildings of this superb walled city remain intact to this day.
Overnight stay at luxurious and palatial THE OBEROI AMARVILAS hotel, which offers breathtaking views of this stunning monument.
Day 7 : Agra
Visit the magnificent Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World and surely the most extravagant expression of love ever created. 20,000 men laboured for over 17 years to build this memorial to Shah Jahan's beloved wife. It's a wealth of white marble and semi-precious stone.
Afternoon tour of imposing Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this powerful fortress of red sandstone encompasses, within its 2.5-km-long enclosure walls, the imperial city of the Mughal rulers. It comprises many fairy-tale palaces, such as the Jahangir Palace and the Khas Mahal, built by Shah Jahan; audience halls, such as the Diwan-i-Khas; and two very beautiful mosques.
This evening, watch a beautiful traditional dance performance at the Oberoi Amarvilas.
Overnight stay at luxurious and palatial THE OBEROI AMARVILAS hotel.
Day 8 : Agra to Jaipur via air conditioned vehicle
Passing through the images of rural India, a leisurely drive takes us to the royal city of Jaipur, also known as ‘The Pink City' due to the predominant color of its buildings. Throbbing, vibrant capital city of the colorful state of Rajasthan where the regal ambience of yesteryear is still felt throughout the city's numerous carved arches and once-bejewelled fortress walls.
Enroute visit to Keoladeo Ghana bird sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which is a home to an astonishing range of flora and fauna. Have a completely rewarding experience of seeing an overwhelming range of birds during the rickshaw (tricycle) ride into the bird Park. Have a unique experience of a Walking Tour in a Village, catch a peek at the rustic ways of life in the villages of India. Explore a lifestyle that has been left largely unblemished by the complexities of modern civilization. See the sights of rural India where life still continues at the pace with which it has done for thousands of years. …The ancient Persian wheel drawing water from river channels and farmers hard at work with bullock drawn hoes… in the backdrop of the golden fields of mustard… are images that are now largely extinct from all the other parts of the world.
Overnight stay at luxurious and palatial THE OBEROI RAJVILAS hotel. A luxury resort with its own distinctive character, it revives the gracious lifestyles of India’s legendary Rajput princes.
Day 9: Jaipur
Day starts with a visit to the dramatic hilltop fortress at Amber – ascend the imposing fort on a decorated painted elephant. We wander among glittering inlays and the Hall of Mirrors. On the way back we stop to view the elegant Hawa Mahal or Palace of the Winds. This elaborate building, now little more than a façade, is encrusted with delicate screens and carved balconies from which the royal ladies, confined to their quarters, could sneak views of the outside world.
Afternoon visit include the Maharajah’s City Palace, now partly a museum displaying a unique fusion of Mughal and Hindu architecture, and houses a rare collection of paintings, Rajput armoury and costumes. Explore the city on our own and indulge in shopping for gemstones, silver jewellery, paintings, blue pottery and hand printed textiles or which Jaipur is renowned.
Overnight stay at luxurious and palatial THE OBEROI RAJVILAS hotel.
Day 10: Fly from Jairpur to Udaipur
Fly to Udaipur. There is no place in Rajasthan which appeals more to the imagination of poets and painters, travellers and writers than Udaipur, an oasis in the desert state of Rajasthan. Afternoon private decorated boat cruise on Lake Pichola takes in views of island palaces, ancient temples along the shore, and the old walled city.
Overnight stay at the luxurious and palatial TAJ LAKE PALACE hotel, offering an experience created exclusively for those who know there is nothing like too much luxury.
Day 11: Udaipur
Let the glorious sunrise dazzle us at breakfast. Wander through the opulent City Palace grounds and the museum, which are the testament to the valour and chivalry of the Mewar rulers. Private tour of Crystal Gallery - probably the largest single private collection of crystal anywhere in the world. Visit Saheliyon ki Bari (the gardens the maids-of-honor), the Jagdish temple on the shores of Lake Pichola.
Overnight stay at the luxurious and palatial TAJ LAKE PALACE hotel.
Day 12: Fly from Udaipur to Delhi
Morning spent as you please. Afternoon flight to Delhi. This evening, enjoy a farewell cocktail reception. Transfer to the airport and Board your homebound flight or connect to your onward destination. Most international flights depart between 2:00 a.m. and 3:00 a.m.
Luxury Accommodations:
Zoom Vacations uses only India's Finest 5+ Star Accommodations including the Udaivilas and Amarvilas. Each hotel has been selected based on the following 5 criteria:
• Quality (only 5 star or better)
• Location
• Uniqueness
• Service
• Attention to detail
Without exception, our hotel selections in India are unlike any in the world. It is fun simply watching guests walk into each of these hotels, as jaw-dropping and photo-taking immediately ensues.
Mumbai: The Four Seasons, 2 nights
A sleek icon to the finest hospitality in India, The Four Seasons Mumbai is set in the emerging Worli district, central to everything in the city once known as Bombay. Spacious quarters, many with views of the Arabian Sea, offer unrivalled comforts and service. Anticipate the most pressing demands of the leisure traveler– or pause for see-and-be-seen dining, poolside recreation or ayurveda in the spa.
Varanasi: Taj Ganges, 1 night
The Taj Ganges is set amidst 40 acres of lush green gardens, Taj Ganges is the veritable haven of peace and tranquility in this ancient temple city. The hotel is constructed in the holy Swastik shape (The Swastika is an ancient symbol which re-presents good fortune and blessing). Taj Ganges offers recently renovated & refurbished world-class contemporary rooms & suites with choice of views ranging from the lush green gardens or the swimming pool.
Delhi: The Oberoi, 2 nights
Located in New Delhi, India’s capital city, The Oberoi, New Delhi reflects the city’s spirit in a harmonious blend of tradition and contemporary sophistication. Located close to the city center near business, commercial and shopping districts, the luxury hotel overlooks Delhi’s prestigious Golf Club on one side and the heritage site of Humayun’s Tomb on the other. Exquisite interiors, impeccable service and fine cuisine combine to make this the Capital’s most graceful and elegant hotel. The award winning hotel is ideal to explore the cultural wonders of Delhi.
Agra: The Oberoi Amarvilas, 2 nights
The Oberoi Amarvilas is located 600 meters from the Taj Mahal and all rooms, suites, lobby, bar and lounge offer breathtaking views of the monument. Built in a style inspired by Moorish and Mughal architecture, the resort is an incredible display of terraced lawns, fountains, reflection pools and pavilions with rich interiors that take you back to an era of Emperors and Princes. An interlude at The Oberoi Amarvilas is truly unforgettable. Allow yourself to be swept away by Taj Mahal's romance at dusk. Let the nights be filled with the magic of the Taj by moonlight.
Jaipur: The Oberoi Rajvilas, 2 nights
Recreating the magnificence of princely Rajasthan, in a richly embellished fort setting, with Jaipur as its backdrop; The Oberoi Rajvilas is set in 32 acres of landscaped gardens with pavilions and reflection pools that create the romance and grandeur of Rajasthan. Rooms, luxury tents and villas with private pools are clustered around private courtyards. At The Oberoi Rajvilas superb attention to detail creates a soothing blend of warm, effortless service and harmonious spaces. All rooms have large four poster beds and sunken marble baths overlooking private walled gardens.
Udaipur: The Oberoi Udaivilas, 2 nights
Conceived as a traditional Indian palace, The Oberoi Udaivilas showcases the rich heritage of the Mewar region of Rajasthan with its rambling courtyards, gentle rippling fountains, reflecting pools and verdant gardens. Grand architecture inspired by the palaces of Rajasthan present a picture of majesty resplendent with pavilions and domes that lead you to a journey of discovery. Interiors embellished with decorative domes, hand painted frescoes, intricate mirror work and beautifully crafted artifacts create an ambience of regal splendour.
Air: International and domestic airfare not included. Zoom Vacations has negotiated a 5% off your fare with American Airlines on this trip. Go to aa.com/rainbow, type in your departure city and arrival city and don’t forget to enter the Promotion Code: 14H0AQ. Click " Get Fare".
*Land onlyIntroductory rate, based on double occupancy. Prices are subject to change. Need a roommate? Zoom Vacations is happy to match you with someone, at no additional charge. Or, you may pay a single supplement and go as a single.
Please read Terms and Conditions prior to booking.
Testimonials From Past Zoom India Vacations
Before offering a trip to the public, Zoom Vacations visits the destination, surveying every hotel to find the right accommodations, meeting and hiring the best guides, identifying the most interesting excursions, exploring the highest quality restaurants and shopping venues, and performing a run-through of the trip.
This time we brought along two Zoom Traveler guinea pigs, Bob and Willie, which allowed us to see first-hand how our travelers would respond to this trip. We Received the following emails from Bob and Willie just days after the trip.
The trip of a lifetime! India exceeded my highest expectations! From the sights to the food to the people to the sumptuous accommodations – I couldn’t have planned a more memorable trip. There were so many highlights from the trip – I will just mention a few:
the accommodations - were literally fit for a king (or a queen!) – there were days the only thing that got me out of those thousand thread count sheets was the gourmet breakfast spread awaiting me – and the service was impeccable – such as, the day Joel and I were poolside and we asked our waiter “do you have French fries?” - to which he replied “would you like French fries? I will get them for you!”. This was the kind of rock-star treatment we received throughout!
The people of India – so warm and welcoming – they seemed to be as genuinely fascinated with us as we were by them. I have traveled a bit and never before have I had that experience. Sharing a common language allowed us to be more than mere observers – we were able to interact and learn about Indian culture and the way of life in India. This made it a much richer and fulfilling travel experience.
The food – let’s just say this is the first time I ever gained weight on a vacation, and it was worth every pound!
The sights – the traffic, the temples, the Taj Mahal, riding an elephant, the clubs – words can’t do it justice - it has to be experienced!
I can’t wait to return! Thank you, Bryan and Joel, for making this happen. All of your thoughtful planning, coordination, and high standards made for an effortless trip on my part. I merely arrived at the airport and from there you both expertly handled everything - allowing me to fully appreciate every moment in India. Many, many thanks!
Bob Reeg, Chicago
~
I wanted to send you a quick note to express how pleased I was with the Zoom India trip.The best way I can describe my travel experience with Zoom is, extraordinary.In all sincerity, India was an attack on the senses, but in a positive way.I remember the first time I stood at the gates of the Taj Mahal, and stared at it for a few minutes in total disbelief. I only believed it was real when I was able to feel the silkiness of the white marble of this magnificent mausoleum.
So many things to see and learn within a culture that seems to rush by you so quickly, that you can only take it all in if there is a group of people tending to your needs, taking care of the minutia and guiding you throughout your trip. Zoom Vacations is there every step of the way!
India was life changing in many ways; the people, colors, food, smells and the sights.It seems you would need a life time to do it all; however, I did not have time on my side. But you guys figured out a way to gracefully expose your travelers to all the highlights and even the simplest of details that this wonderful country can offer. I literally look at my pictures from the trip every day!
I can't wait to go back to India….with a Zoom Vacations group, of course!
