Taj Mahal, Agra & New Delhi
Duration: 4 Days/ 3 Nights
Departs from: Mormugao
Re-join ship: Cochin
Reserve by: At least 90 days prior to sailing
IMPORTANT NOTE:
This Silver Shore Mid-Land Adventure requires advance booking through Silversea Reservations no later than 90 days prior to the sail date. Requests received after this date may be accommodated on a space-available basis. Tickets are available in limited quantities, and participation cannot be guaranteed for those guests not booking well in advance. A minimum number of participants is required to operate this programme. If this minimum number is not met, Silversea reserves the right to offer the programme at a different rate based on private arrangements, or to cancel the specific departure. Cancellation fee, unless otherwise advised, 90 - 0 days prior to the initial sailing date: 100% of the programme fare per person is due.
Payment in full is due at time of final payment. Bookings made within 120 days of sailing require full payment within seven days of booking or sooner, as specified by Silversea.
All Land Adventure fares are subject to change, and not guaranteed until payment is received in full by Silversea. All Land Adventures are non-transferable, and non-refundable, within 90 days of sailing. Minors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by someone 18 years of age or older. All Land Adventures are owned by independent contractors, and Silversea makes no representations and assumes no responsibility for the services provided by these operators. Land Adventures may be modified by the operators at their sole discretion.
VISA INFORMATION:
Guests must be in possession of Indian visa obtained prior to joining the cruise. It is the responsibility of each guest to obtain all appropriate visas before cruising.
LOCAL CURRENCY:
The local currency is the Indian Rupee; however, Euros and US Dollars are well-accepted by most vendors; local ATMs are available in some locations visited, and credit cards are accepted in most larger shops and hotels (there is no shopping stop planned during the program).
A visit to India's treasured sites evokes images of erstwhile royalty and legendary tales of love and valour. There are few places in the world that compare with the mesmerising Taj Mahal and the awe-inspiring Agra Fort. These outstanding attractions are amongst the 'jewels in the crown', drawing thousands of visitors each year from all over the globe. From the magnificent and timeless beauty of the Taj Mahal to the massive Agra Fort, and the architecturally avant garde Humayun's Tomb guests are able to enjoy a treasure trove of unforgettable sights that will enthrall even the most jaded traveller. Your programme ends in Cochin.
DAY ONE - Goa /Delhi
Depart the ship at noon and transfer to Goa airport for a scheduled flight to Delhi of just approximately 2.75 hours in length. Lunch will be served on board the flight. Upon arrival you will be transferred to The Oberoi New Delhi Hotel.
Dinner and overnight accommodation at The Oberoi New Delhi.
DAY TWO - Delhi/Agra
After breakfast, commence your journey to Agra, a drive of approximately 3.5 hours with a rest stop en route.
Welcome to Agra! As the capital of the Mughal dynasties in the 16th and 17th centuries, Agra also was the repository of many of the Mughals most famous monuments. The city has long astonished visitors with sites that date back to the Mughal empire.
Proceed directly to Agra Fort, the town's second important attraction after the Taj Mahal. The massive fort contains within its 1.5 mile-long (2.5 km-long), red sandstone walls the imperial city of the Mughal rulers. It comprises fairy-tale palaces and audience halls. Founded in the 16th century, the vast complex experienced many additions by subsequent rulers. Here Shah Jehan was held captive by his son and spent his days gazing out from his room towards the Taj Mahal across the river.
Proceed to your hotel for lunch followed by some time to settle in.
The Taj Mahal - Shah Jehan's enduring monument to love awaits you, where you will remain until sunset! This beautiful mausoleum in pure white marble is a thing of astonishing beauty and an architectural marvel. Its unique beauty and immaculately intricate execution all contribute to the breathtaking first impression as you pass through the arch of the entrance gateway. Emperor Shah Jehan, fifth of the great Mughals was devoted to his wife Mumtaz Mahal (jewel of the palace). She died at the age of 39 giving birth to her fourteenth child. He resolved to build his wife a memorial surpassing anything the world had ever seen in beauty and, it must be admitted, wild extravagance. Twenty thousand labourers and skilled craftsmen from Persia, Turkey, France and Italy were put into action to construct this unrivalled masterpiece. The rays of the setting sun make this monument a wonder to behold!
Dinner and overnight accommodation at The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra.
DAY THREE - Agra/Delhi
An awe-inspiring sight awaits you early this morning - a sunrise view of the Taj Mahal from across the river (Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays). The most unusual story about the Taj is that there might have been two of them. The Emperor intended to build a second tomb in black marble, a negative image of the white Taj for Mumtaz. Tragically, before he could begin he was deposed by his son and imprisoned in Agra Fort, where he remained until his death, spending the rest of his life looking out along the river to the final resting-place of his wife. Shah Jehan and Mumtaz Mahal are now both buried in the underground chamber of the Taj Mahal.
Return to the hotel for breakfast.
Following breakfast, set-off on your return journey to Delhi. Arrive in Delhi and proceed to your hotel The Oberoi New Delhi for check-in and lunch.
After lunch embark on a tour of New Delhi. Drive through "Lutyens' Delhi", commissioned in 1911 and inaugurated as recently as 1931. This magnificently planned area of Delhi is an architectural combination of British and Indian architecture. Travel past the War Memorial Arch, better known as India Gate, followed by a drive down Rajpath, past the Presidential House.
Visit Humayun's Tomb - a magnificent monument built in red sandstone by Haji Begum, Humayun's first wife and mother of Emperor Akbar. Her design was way ahead of its times and is the basis for the design of the famous Taj Mahal, built almost a hundred years later!
Dinner and overnight accommodation at The Oberoi New Delhi.
DAY FOUR - Delhi/Cochin
A very early morning transfer to the airport has been arranged, for your flight to Cochin. Breakfast will be served on board.
On arrival, your awaiting coaches will transfer you to the pier. Re-join your ship.
Please note: This Mid-Voyage Land Adventure requires an extensive amount of walking, at times over uneven, cobblestone, rocky, sandy, grassy, and natural surfaces and inclines, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and tuk tuk, board/de-board the airplane and embark/disembark the boat, and many steps at the sites visited. This tour is not suitable for pregnant guests, guests with back and/or neck problems, guests with heart and/or respiratory conditions, guests prone to motion sickness, guests prone to airsickness, guests with a fear of heights, guests with limited mobility, and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to bring lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes, sun protection, insect repellent, raingear, a weatherproof jacket, medication, a camera, and local currency for purchases from the ship. Proper attire is required to enter the temples; shorts and bare shoulders are not permitted. Hats and shoes must be removed when entering religious sites; bring an extra pair of heavy socks for comfort, as the pavement may be hot. Photography and videography might be prohibited at some sites. Hotels, restaurants, coaches, guides, and equipment are the best-available in the area, but may not be up to the standards of those found on other excursions. Guests should be respectful towards local sentiments and customs. Avoid bringing valuables (such as jewellery or large amounts of cash) on this tour. Guests must carry their passports and ship's ID at all times. Guests must be at least 21 years old to be served alcoholic beverages. The tour sequence and itinerary may vary. Operation of this tour is subject to weather conditions. Space on this tour is extremely limited; we suggest you book well in advance to avoid disappointment.
Airlines baggage limitation is 15 kgs (only one piece of luggage is permissble) for checked in luggage and 7 kgs for hand luggage. Liquids and sharp items are not permitted in hand luggage. It is advisbale to carry liquid medicines alongwith their medical prescription.
Programme Includes:
- One-night stay in a Luxury Room at the Oberoi New Delhi - Delhi
- One-night stay in a Premier Room at the Oberoi Amarvilas - Agra
- One-night stay in a Luxury Room at the Oberoi New Delhi - Delhi
- Scheduled flights: Goa/Delhi Delhi/Cochin (Economy-Class). Business-Class is available upon request at an additional charge and subject to availability, as most aircraft do not offer business seating
- Three breakfasts, two lunches, one in-flight lunch and three dinners (drinks included)
- All sightseeing and transfers as per itinerary
Not Included:
Visa, any meals and drinks not specified above, charges incurred by the airlines for excess or overweight luggage, gratuities to drivers and tour guides, laundry, telephone calls, cancellation insurance, and other personal items.