Splendors of India and Bhutan - Private tour

Arrival in New Delhi. Welcome to the Indian Capital New Delhi, full of historical treasures and no shortage of things to do, prepare yourself to be amazed by this international metropolis home to 17 million people. Proceed to clear customs and immigration. Continue to the exit, where you will be assisted by our Representative with transfer to your Hotel. Overnight in Delhi.

After breakfast join your Guide for a Tour of Old and New Delhi. The tour combines panoramic driving and walking visits, some of the highlights are: Humayun’s Tomb: Humayun's tomb is the tomb of the Mughal Emperor Humayun. The tomb was commissioned by Humayun's wife Hamida Banu Begum in 1562 CE, and designed by Mirak Mirza Ghiyath, a Persian architect. It was the first garden-tomb on the Indian subcontinent. It was also the first structure to use red sandstone at such a scale. The tomb was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993 and since then has undergone extensive restoration work, which is still underway. Drive past the India Gate: In the heart of New Delhi built to commemorate the Indian soldiers who lost their lives in World War I fighting with the British army. You will also see the War Memorial, Presidential Palace, and Government Buildings. Rickshaw Ride: down through Chandni Chowk, the old marketplace of Shah Jahanabad and now a picturesque bazaar. Raj Ghat: It is a memorial to the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi. Jama Masjid Mosque: The largest in India, built by Mughal Shah Jahn, who also built the Taj Mahal and the Red Fort. Later your Guide will drive you two hours along the new Taj Express Way to the City of Agra Capital of the Mughal Empire. Upon arrival your guide will check you in at your Agra Hotel. Overnight in Agra.

Breakfast included at the Hotel. After breakfast you will visit: Taj Mahal: One of the Wonders of the World, built in 1653 of white marble by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal. This enchanting Tomb Mausoleum is one of the World's most admired romantic Monuments of India's Mughal era. Agra Fort: Built in 1565 this impressive Fort has 2.5 km long of enclosure walls, inside two beautiful Mosques made of white Marble the Pearl Mosque and the Nagina Masjid, they are other Palaces as well. Imprisoned by his son within the walls of the Fort, Emperor Shah Jahan had a view of his beloved wife's Mausoleum from a balcony in the Musamman Burj Tower till the time of his dead. Itmad Ud Daulah’s Tomb: Nicknamed as Baby Taj, this was the first Mughal structure built completely from marble. Built between 1622 and 1628, this is the tomb of Mirza Ghiyas Beg, chief minister of Emperor Jehangir and father of Nur Jahan. Overnight in Agra.

Breakfast included at the Hotel. Today your Guide will drive four hours to the City of Jaipur on route visit: Fatehpur Sikri: An Unesco World Heritage Site, initially the City's name was Sikrigarh, named Fateh (Victory) after being taken over by Emperor Akbar in the second half of the 16th Century. It is a complex of Royal Palaces, courtyards, Mosques and various buildings, this complex is one of the best-preserved examples of Mughal architecture in India. Within its walls is the Jama Masjid Mosque one of the largest in India. Next, enjoy a traditional lunch in Bharatpur. Founded in 1733, it was once a fortified city and is now the gateway to Rajasthan. After lunch, continue with a visit to the fantastic Chand Baori stepwell in the village of Abhaneri. Built between the 8th and 9th centuries, Chand Baori is a beautifully carved maze with 13 floors and 3,500 steps. Upon arrival in Jaipur, the Guide will assist you with check in at your Hotel. Overnight in Jaipur.

Breakfast included at the Hotel. Called the 'Pink Cit' after Maharaja Ram Singh painted the City Pink (the color of hospitality) to welcome Prince of Wales to the City in 1876. Today you will visit: Amber Fort: Travel by elephant up to Hill where is located. Built in 1592 by Maharaja Raju Man Singh is one of the most popular attractions in Jaipur, a beautiful Palace Complex of red sandstone and marble that combines Hindu and Rajput features. Hawa Mahal: This Palace is a magnificent sample of Rajput architecture built for the ladies of the Royal Palace. Hence its latticed windows they could see out but no one could see them. City Palace: Built in the 19th century is an imposing Palace a combination of Mughal and Rajput style; it was constructed in the heart of the City by Maharaj Sawai Jai Singh, most of the Palace is a Museum hosting a very interesting collection of weapons, and royal customs. Jantar Mantar: Most likely this site is something you do not expect to find on your tour, an astronomical observatory, built in the early 18th century is a collection of instruments built on the ground, here you see an equinoctial sundial, meridian and hemispherical measuring instruments, and other devices that measure celestial latitudes and longitudes to name a few. Overnight in Jaipur. OPTIONAL TOUR AT AN EXTRA COST: Enjoy a Dinner with Rajasthani Music and Dance at the Narain Niwas Palace. A Great opportunity to experience the Rajput Royalty with Rajasthani Culture. USD 49 per person. Includes transfers. No drinks included.

After breakfast our representative will drive you back to Delhi. Check in at your Delhi Hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight in Delhi.

Breakfast at your hotel.
Transfer to Delhi’s airport for your flight to Paro, Bhutan.
Once you've completed immigration procedures and collected your luggage, our representative will welcome you.
You will then embark on a road journey to Thimphu, Bhutan's capital town.
The road takes you through the picturesque Paro Valley, eventually leading to the convergence of the Paro and Thimphu rivers, known as the Chuzom junction.
On the way, visit the famous iron bridge at Tachog Lhakang Monastery. This bridge and the monastery were constructed by Thangtong Gyalpo, a pioneering engineer who introduced suspension bridge construction to Bhutan and Tibet (some of which are still used today). Tachog Lhakang, which means 'temple of the hill of the excellent horse,' is now a private monastery run by the descendants of Thangtong Gyalpo.
Upon arrival in Thimphu check-in at your hotel. In the evening visit the National Memorial Chorten. This Buddhist shrine is one of Thimphu's most iconic landmarks, situated near the heart of the city. This site offers an excellent opportunity to engage with the locals, as many gather here to walk around the shrine, spin the large red prayer wheels, and offer prayers at the small shrine within the gate. The monument's intricate paintings and statues provide profound insights into Buddhist philosophy.

Breakfast at your Hotel.
Join your guide in the lobby for a day of sightseeing the most important sites in Thimphu. We start at the Buddha Dordenma, situated atop a hill within Kuenselphodrang Nature Park. This majestic statue fulfills an ancient prophecy dating back to the 8th century A.D. The colossal bronze statue of Shakyamuni, adorned with gold, stands at an impressive height of 51.5 meters, making it one of Bhutan's largest statues. Within the Buddha Dordenma statue, 125,000 smaller bronze statues of Buddha have been meticulously placed and gilded. At Buddha Point, you have the option to engage in meditation at a designated area. After lunch tour continues to the the National Library (closed on weekends and local holidays), which holds a vast collection of ancient Buddhist texts and manuscripts, some dating back several hundred years. Visit the National Institute for Zorig Chusum: Arts & Crafts or Painting School. Visit The Royal Textile Museum: Thimphu's National Textile Museum is worth a visit to learn about Bhutan's living national art of weaving. Later, discover the Ka Ja Throm -Centenary Farmers Market.

Morning drive to Punakha, across the Dochula pass in the snow covered Himalayas. In Bhutan, the passes are marked by a large Bhutanese Chorten and prayer flag. On a clear day, Dochula Pass offers the most spectacular view over the high peaks of the eastern Himalayas. Arrive in Punakha and check in at the hotel. Lunch at the Hotel. The tour continues with a visit to Punakha Dzong, one of Bhutan's oldest and most striking monasteries. Built between two rivers, it was the capital of Bhutan until 1955 and still serves as the winter residence of the monks. Later, visit Chimi Lhakhang Temple (Fertility Temple). Local people and foreigners visit this Temple to ask for fertility blessings.
On your way to the Temple, walk by the picturesque village of Sopsokha and admire the traditional architecture and the beautiful landscapes of paddy fields. Overnight in Punakha.

Breakfast at your hotel.
Drive to Paro, descending back down from Dochu La, and follow the way back up the dramatic Wang Chhu and Paro Chhu River valleys before crossing through Paro town.
Upon arrival check-in at your hotel. In the afternoon - Visit Ta Dzong originally built as a watch tower, now houses the National Museum. The extensive collection includes antique thanka paintings, textiles, weapons & armory, household objects, and a rich assortment of natural and historical artifacts. Walk down the trail to visit the famous Monastery Rinpung Dzong , meaning (fortress of the heap of jewels), with a long and fascinating history. Along the wooden galleries lining the inner courtyard are fine wall paintings illustrating Buddhist lore, such as four friends, the older man of long life, the wheel of life, and scenes from the life of Milarepa, Mount Sumeru, and other cosmic mandalas. Tour continues with a visit to a traditional farmhouse, meet a local family, and enjoy dinner. Local homes are often adorned with intricate woodwork and painted in vibrant colors, are a testament to Bhutan's architectural heritage. Visitors can experience the warmth of Bhutanese hospitality, savor authentic local cuisine, witness traditional farming practices, and immerse themselves in the tranquil ambiance of the countryside. Overnight in Paro.

Breakfast at your hotel.
Excursion to Taktsang Monastery (approx. 2 hours walk each way): This is one of the most famous monasteries in Bhutan, perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro valley. It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived on the back of a tigress and meditated at a monastery called 'Tiger's Nest.' This site has been recognized as a most sacred place and was visited by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646. It is now visited by all Bhutanese at least once in their lifetime. On 19 April 1998, a fire severely damaged the main structure of the building, but now this Bhutanese jewel has been restored to its original splendor. Lunch at a local restaurant at Taktsang Café (vegetarian). On your way back, visit Drukgyel Dzong, a ruined fortress, and the seventh-century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples built in the Himalayas by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo. The building of this Temple marked the introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan. Later, explore the local market of Paro. Visit a public garden and witness the locals playing the national sport of Bhutan: Archery. Overnight in Paro.