Invitation India4

Meon Valley Travel Group Tour 17^th March 2007 - 9 days

London - Delhi - Jaipur - Ranthambore - Peharsar (Bharatpur) - Agra - London

A true invitation to India, this tour takes us to the historic city of Delhi, the stately forts and palaces of Jaipur and to the eternal monument to love - the Taj Mahal. We go off the beaten track to seek the elusive tiger in Ranthambore, and visit one of the finest bird sanctuaries in the world.

The varied accommodation includes a modern luxury hotel in Agra, a first class period hotel in Delhi and charming royal mansions in Jaipur and Bharatpur. The jungle resort in Ranthambore is simple though comfortable, in keeping with its surroundings.

The international flights are on direct non-stop services of British Airways from Heathrow. The flying time to Delhi is around 9 hours.

Day 1 Saturday 17th March 2007
Leave Heathrow on British Airways BA 257 at 15.15

Day 2 Sunday 18th March 2007 Delhi
Arrive Delhi at 04.55 and transfer to the Hans Plaza / Oberoi Maidens, a first class period hotel.
The morning is at leisure. In the afternoon we visit the bustling city of Old Delhi. This includes the Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India, Rajghat and the busy bazaars of Chandni Chowk.

Day 3 Monday 19th March 2007 Jaipur
This morning we take an orientation tour of New Delhi including Lutyen's buildings and India Gate. We also visit a Sikh gurudwara and a Hindu temple before driving on to Jaipur, the "Pink City", for two nights at the Shahpura House a former Royal Residence.

Day 4 Tuesday 20th March 2007 Jaipur
In the morning we enjoy an excursion to the hilltop Fort at Amber, ascended on caparisoned elephants or by jeep (dependant on availability), visiting a small factory for hand-printed fabrics on our return. The afternoon city visit includes the Hawa Mahal, City Palace, Jantar Mantar observatory and the Museum.

Day 5 Wednesday 21st March 2007 Ranthambore
This morning we drive to the national park at Ranthambore. Our stay for the night is at the Tiger Den, offering comfortable but simple accommodation. In the afternoon we enjoy a game drive.

Day 6 Thurday 22nd March 2007 Peharsar (Bharatpur)
We venture into the game reserve again early in the morning before driving on to the village of Peharsar, near Bharatpur. The beautiful royal mansion, Chandra Mahal Haveli, has been arranged for our stay. The afternoon is free to explore the village.

Day 7 Friday 23rd March 2007 Agra
An early start brings us to Bharatpur, 15 miles away. Rated as one of the finest bird sanctuaries in the world, Bharatpur has over 300 species of birds. We visit the sanctuary on cycle-rickshaws before driving to nearby Fatehpur Sikri to see the deserted capital of Emperor Akbar. A short drive brings us to Agra for a night's stay at the Taj View Hotel.

Day 8 Saturday 24th March 2007 Agra-Delhi
In the morning we enjoy a sightseeing tour of the city including the Taj Mahal, and the Agra Fort. Late afternoon we drive back to Delhi airport to board the return flight to London, just past midnight.

Day 9 Sunday 25th March Delhi-London
Fly back to the UK on BA142 departing at 02.10 and arriving at Heathrow at 07.05

Meal Plan: Full Board Ranthambore, Bed and Breakfast elsewhere. Meon Valley Travel Group Tour Special Price of only £1080 per person, based on 2 sharing Single room supplement £195 per person

Included in the price: London – Delhi direct British Airways flights in economy class All internal road travel by a private chauffeur-driven vehicle Assisted transfers for all arrivals and departures by flight All scheduled sightseeing expenses including English-speaking guides and entrance fee at monuments Services of a local escort All scheduled game viewing in the National Park Accommodation as specified in a twin sharing room Airport departure taxes in UK and India

Price excludes: Visa fees £30.00 Insurance Meals not specified Personal expenses

For further details or to reserve your place, call Carol, Fiona or Jenna on 01730 711010 and ask about the Invitation India Tour.