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Monday 15 November
We meet at Heathrow’s terminal 4 at 18:00 ready to catch the Jet Airways flight 9W121 at 20.50 to Delhi…
Tuesday 16 November
…arriving at 10.40. After freshening up we visit the National Railway Museum where we expect the Patiala Monorail will be in steam for us. For those who wish we can arrange a visit to the markets at Dilli Haat. Afterwards, we take a coach tour of the city, including the major sights. In the evening we have our start-of-tour dinner and get to know your fellow tour members.
Wednesday 17 November
This morning we take the train 2618 from Delhi’s Hazrat Nizamuddhin station at 09:20 for a three hour journey to Agra where we’ll be met and taken to our hotel. In the late afternoon we go to the Mahtab Bagh (Moonlight Garden) across the river Jamuna to see the beautiful Taj Mahal at sunset.
Thursday 18 November
This morning we go to Agra’s Red Fort where Shah Jahan was imprisoned by his son, with it’s lovely views across the River Yamuna. Later we visit the iconic Taj Mahal. Built over a period of 22 years by Shah Jahan as a shrine to his wife Mumtaz, this place has a really special feel to it.
Friday 19 November
After breakfast we drive to Bharatpur where we enjoy a visit to the bird sanctuary and the amazing Deeg palace and fort.
Saturday 20 November
After breakfast, we take our coach to the pink city of Jaipur. After checking into our hotel the rest of the day is free to explore. Take in the bazaars where you can buy anything from a pin to an elephant (well almost!). Great for souvenirs. Check out the back street shops to see some amazing wedding saris.
Sunday 21 November
We start the day with a visit to the superb Amber palace, a hilltop fortress, where we may be able to ascend to the main gate by elephant. Next we take a tour of the city – taking in the amazing Hawa Mahal (the Palace of the Winds), the City palace museum and the unbelievable Jantar Mantar observatory with a 120 foot high sundial accurate to 20 seconds!
Monday 22 November
An early start takes us to Jaipur airport where we catch our Indigo flight at 08:15 to Calcutta arriving at 10:10am. After freshening up, we take a cruise on the River Hooghly (one of the mouths of the Ganges) to see temples, and much of the old British riverfront.
Tuesday 23 November
A full day exploring Calcutta. We take a specially chartered Calcutta Tram to BBD Bagh – this is an excellent way to see how Calcutta really works - with its teeming streets and colourful bazaars from the relative calm of the tram. Our coach then gives us a tour of the City, including a visit to see the Kumartali idol-makers, a glimpse of Victoria Memorial and the Maidan. There may even be time for some shopping! In the evening we take the overrnight Darjeeling Mail train 2343 from Sealdah station at 22:05 arriving….
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