OPTIONAL DELHI / TAJ MAHAL MODULE - PRIOR TO TOUR 1
Friday October 30th – Wednesday 4th November, 2009 - 5 daysOCTOBER 30th Arrive in Delhi - transfer to hotel Hotel in DELHI
SAT Oct 31st Day 1 - Delhi is a great introduction to India, See the Bahai Lotus Temple and Indira Ghandhi’s home amongst other interesting sights on a full day tour. Hotel in DELHI
SUN Nov 1st Day 2 - Leave early for Agra. See the Baby Taj and the massive Agra Fort built in the 1500’s. Hotel in AGRA
MON Nov 2nd Day 3 - An early visit to the Taj Mahal before the crowds so you can experience this wonderful “monument to love”.Then we drive out to explore the ghost city of Fatepur Sikri Palace, driving back for dinner. Hotel in AGRA
TUES Nov 3rd Day 4 - In the morning we leave for Delhi. We have a tour in Old Delhi, ending at the Red Fort Light & Sound show. Hotel in DELHI
WED Nov 4th Day 5 - Leave on morning flight for and join the rest of the tour arriving to start Tour 1. Free afternoon to explore. Hotel in KOLKATA
Tour 1. KOLKATA - GOA - COCHIN - CHENNAI 15 days
Thursday November 5th – Thursday November 20th, 2009There is a strong spiritual essence to this tour with its beautiful old churches and intricately carved Hindu temples set amongst the lush countryside of South India. Enjoy the contrast of tropical coastal beaches and bustling cities with the colonial style.
WED 4th Arrive in Calcutta/Kolkata - airport transfer. Hotel in KOLKATA
THUR 5th - Day 1 A full day tour enjoying the many sights of Britain’s colonial past. See the stunning Victoria Museum, St John’s Church and a quaint English cemetery dating back to the 1700’s. In the afternoon we visit Mother Teresa’s shrine. Hotel in KOLKATA
FRI 6th - Day 2 After experiencing the extraordinarily grand Marble Palace with it’s eclectic mix of old paintings, marble statues and antique furniture, we visit the Hindu Kali Temple. Hotel in KOLKATA
SAT 7th - Day 3 Leave on a flight for Goa. After checking in, relax with a free afternoon exploring Portuguese Panjim, finishing the day at the Baga night markets enjoying fabulous food and great bargains. Hotel in GOA
SUN 8th - Day 4 Day tour in Old Goa, where we will view the Incorrupt Body of St Francis Xavier, a variety of lovely whitewashed churches, museums and an interesting Hindu Temple set in the lush paddy fields, finishing with a sunset dinner river cruise. Hotel in GOA
MON 9th - Day 5 We visit a 250 year old Portuguese house in Margoa before leaving for the airport to fly to Cochin. Homestay in COCHIN
TUE 10th - Day 6 Enjoy a day exploring this quaint harbour town with its Portuguese influences. See St Francis Church, the first church in India, take a Keralan cooking class to give you the experience of the wonderful local cuisine, finish the day with a Kathikali concert. Homestay in COCHIN
WED 11th - Day 7 A relaxing day exploring the backwaters on a Keralan boat cruise with a delicious lunch provided. Peek into the lives of the villages as we travel in this tranquil part of India. A classical dance performance with dinner. Homestay in COCHIN
THUR 12th - Day 8 Visit the oldest Jewish synagogue in India and the Dutch Palace by the spice markets before flying to Chennai. A sunset walk on Marina Beach before dinner to relax after the flight. Hotel in CHENNAI
FRI 13th - Day 9 A full day tour of this interesting city of historical colonial architecture, museums, and the highlight of the day - visiting the tomb of St Thomas the Apostle. Hotel in CHENNAI
SAT 14th - Day 10 Leaving early for the beachside retreat of Mamallapuram with the World Heritage 7th Century Shore Temple, rock cut friezes, stone carvers and a fresh seafood lunch overlooking the ocean. In the afternoon we drive through lush countryside to the former French colony. Hotel in PONDICHERRY
SUN 15th – Day 11 A full day tour includes beautiful French churches and Auroville, a unique experiment in international living. French architecture adds to the charm of this wonderful city. Stroll through tree lined boulevards and enjoy French cuisine in charming rooftop restaurants. Hotel in PONDICHERRY
MON 16th - Day 12 Leave early for Chidambaram to see the famous Nataraja Hindu Temple before driving to Tanjore. There we will visit the Royal Palace and museum before checking in. Hotel in TANJORE
TUES 17th - Day 13 We drive to the "Lourdes of India" in Vailankanni arriving in time for the English spoken mass at 10am. We will just relax and enjoy this beautiful coastal town which is a pilgrimage site for many Indians. In the afternoon we visit the Heritage listed Bridhadishwara Temple and fort. Hotel in TANJORE
WED 18th - Day 14 In the morning we drive to Trichy. There we will see the Lourdes Church and visit the Rock Fort Temple perched 83 mtr high on a massive rocky outcrop. Hotel in MADURAI
THURS 19th - Day 15 After visiting the World famous intricately carved Sri Meenakshi Temple we drive back to Chennai for some last minute shopping and dinner before flying home. TOUR ENDS
For prices and inclusions, please see our contact page.
