TheCharmedVoyager

To u r s

2 0 0 9

Ta i l o r m a d e l u x u r y Tr a V e l

TheCharmedVoyager

,

We bring you a selection of amazing tours in 3 continents: Europe, Asia & Oceania The programs here featured are solely samples that we have highlighted for your

Inspiration, for through our partners in Australia [ Wilderness Australia & Orion Expedition Cruises ]

India [ Luxe India ] Italy [ Italian Details & Red Travel ]

New Zealand [ Ahipara Luxury Travel ]We can provide you with a full range of luxurious escapades, offering you very

Special deals when you book through us, for you to take the most of theseIndelible experiences.

Th

e C

ha

rm

ed

Vo

ya

ge

r

12 Nights | 13 Days

Exploring the

Mystique of India

>> Day 1 Arriving in DelhiUpon arrival at Delhi International Airport, you will be

met by a Luxe India representative and transferred

to the hotel where you will be assisted for the check

in. Delhi remains one of the oldest surviving cities

in the world today. It is in fact, an amalgam of

eight cities, each site being built in a different

era by a new dynasty/ruler. Today the remains

of forts, palaces and buildings are spread across

the city, hence adding to its character. Delhi

through its 1000-year-old history has evolved

into a culturally secular city – absorbing different

religions, diverse cultures, both foreign and

indigenous, and yet functioning as one organic

entity. It was known for its riches – both material

and cultural – foreign travelers were hypnotized

by it – books have been written on it since time

immemorial, poets have loved it and Kings and

Emperors have fought over it.

Spend two nights at Taj Mahal Dehli Hotel.

Accommodation is in Superior room on bed &

breakfast plan.Th

eC

ha

rm

ed

Vo

ya

ge

r

Taj Mahal Delhi Hotel

The Taj Mahal is Delhi’s premier social hotel, with

nightly cocktail affairs, cultural events, and the

occasional society weddings drawing the glitterati.

The lobby has Mughal-inspired decorative domes,

a giant Oriental rug, and a general feeling of

bustle. Centrally located in prestigious Lutyens’

Delhi, the Taj is popular with business travelers

and celebrities, and the service is correspondingly

slick.

>> Day 2 In DelhiAfter breakfast, proceed for a visit of Old Delhi

covering The Jama Masjid. Located in the centre

of the old city, this congregational mosque was

built by Sultan Ahmed Shah in 1423.

Later visit The Red Fort on the western bank of

the river Yamuna. Built in red stone, The Mughal

Emperor Shah Jahan, started the construction of

this massive fort in 1638, after which he shifted

the capital from Agra to Delhi. Later visit The Raj

Ghat where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated in

1948.

Afternoon, proceed for a visit of New Delhi covering

The Qutub Minar, one of the finest Islamic structures

ever raised in India, Humayun’s Tomb the first

garden-tomb in the Indian subcontinent and the

inspiration for several monuments including the

Taj Mahal. After this a drive around India Gate and

Lutyen’s buildings will be arranged.

>> Day 3 Delhi - AgraAfter breakfast proceed for private road transfer

to Agra (about 04-05 hours drive).

Agra is globally renowned as the city of the Taj

Mahal. But this royal Mughal city has, in addition

to the legendary Taj, many monuments that

epitomize the high point of Mughal architecture.

In the Mughal period, in the 16th and 17th

centuries, Agra was the capital of India. It was

here that the founder of the dynasty, Babar, laid

out the first formal Persian garden on the banks

of the river Yamuna. Here, Akbar, his grandson

raised the towering ramparts of the great Red Fort.

Within its walls, Jehangir built rose-red palaces,

courts and gardens, and Shah Jahan embellished

it with marble mosques, palaces and pavilions

Th

eC

ha

rm

ed

Vo

ya

ge

r

of gem-inlaid white marble. The crowning glory

of the city is obviously the Taj, a monument of

love and imagination that represents India to the

world. On arrival you will be met by Luxe India

representative and be assisted for check in at the

hotel. Spend two nights at The Gateway Hotel.

Accommodation is in Executive room on bed &

breakfast plan.

The Gateway Hotel Agra

Situated within three kilometers of the Taj Mahal,

the world-renowned monument to love, The Taj

View Hotel has stylish and comfortable rooms all of

which evoke the beauty of the Mughal architecture

of Agra and many offering an uninterrupted view,

albeit it distant of the monument itself. The hotel

also boasts meticulously landscaped gardens and

a swimming pool.

>> Day 4 In AgraA spectacular start to the day, would be visiting

Taj Mahal at sunrise, to view the glowing light

of sun over its opaque white dome. Visit the

beautiful monument, Taj Mahal built by Mughal

emperor Shah Jahan in 1560, in loving memory of

his queen Mumtaz Mahal to enshrine her mortal

remains. (Taj Mahal remains closed on Fridays).

Upon return back to the hotel, have breakfast

at the hotel. Late morning we continue with our

sightseeing, visiting Agra Fort and several of its

palaces, that is built by the four generations of

the Mughal dynasty. Rest of the day at leisure

with car at disposal.Th

eC

ha

rm

ed

Vo

ya

ge

r

>> Day 5 Agra - Bharatpur - RanthamboreLate morning proceed for private road transfer to

Bharatpur en route visiting Fatehpur Sikri which

was the political capital of India’s Mughal Empire

under Akbar’s reign from 1571 till 1585 and regarded

as the crowning glory of his architectural legacy.

On arrival in Bharatpur you will be assisted in

conecting Jan Shatabdi Express (1548-1800 hrs)

for Sawai Madhopur.

Sprawling over a undulating terrain of Aravali and

Vindhyan ranges, in the heart of Rajasthan, is the

wilderness of Ranthambore National Park, one of

the finest Tiger Reserves of India. Formerly the

hunting grounds of the Maharaja of Jaipur, it was

declared a National Park in 1972. Dry deciduous

forests, lakes, meadows, mountains and forts

combine to create a park of great beauty, which

still has a healthy population of tigers. In this

beautiful setting you can also see leopards, hyena,

deer, sloth bear, wild boar and jungle cat.

On arrival you will be met by Luxe India

representative and will be assisted for check in

at the hotel.

Spend two nights at Sawai Madhopur Lodge Hotel.

Accommodation is in Luxury room on full board

basis. Game drives included.

Th

eC

ha

rm

ed

Vo

ya

ge

r

>> Day 6 In RanthamboreEarly morning proceed for Game drive and visit

the National Park. Late morning return to the

hotel for breakfast.

Have lunch at the hotel on direct payment basis.

In the afternoon proceed again for the Game

drive.

Evening at your hotel, you will meet up with Mr.

Fateh Singh Rathore (Subject to his availability

in city). He was the first, Director of the

Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve and initiated the

Project Tiger in Ranthambhore. He lives with

his family very close to Ranthambhore and still

involved in one way or another to make their

contribution towards bringing about a ray of hope

for the survival of Indian wildlife.

Th

eC

ha

rm

ed

Vo

ya

ge

r

>> Day 7 Ranthambore - JaipurAfter breakfast visit the Ranthambore Fort. The

fortress of Ranthambore was founded in 944 by

the Chauhan Rajputs. The fortress commanded a

strategic location, 700 feet above the surrounding

plain.

Later proceed for private road transfer to Jaipur

(about 04 hours drive). Jaipur is also known as

the Pink City, because of the terra-cotta-colored

lime plaster that coats the old part of the city’s

walls, buildings, and temples. The reasons for

painting the town pink are unknown, some say it

is because Maharaja Jai Singh II’s being a devotee

of Lord Shiva and as pink was his favourite.

The most popular reason is that pink is the

traditional color of hospitality, and the old part

of the city was freshly painted and paved with

pink gravel to warmly welcome Edward VII for

his visit here in 1876. Today, Jaipur is a thriving

world class economy that attracts more and more

multinational enterprises to set up shop here

than in any other city of prominence in North

India. On arrival you will be met by Luxe India

representative and be assisted for check in at the

hotel. Spend two nights at Taj Rambagh Palace

Hotel. Accommodation is in Palace room on bed

& breakfast plan.

Taj Rambagh Palace Jaipur

A destination palace resort spread over 47 acres of

tranquil, landscaped gardens, Rambagh Palace is

Jaipur’s foremost Royal Palace residence. Located

close to the walled Pink City, spectacular forts,

and all the unique shopping bazaars of Jaipur,

the Palace unveils the rich culture and history of

the erstwhile rulers of Rajasthan. Originally built

as a hunting lodge in 1835 and converted to a

palace in 1925 as the residence of the Maharaja

of Jaipur, Rambagh was finally converted as

India’s first palace hotel in 1957. An architectural

masterpiece, Rambagh presents a fine blend of

Rajput and Mughal architecture where guests

relive the royal lifestyle.

>> Day 8 In JaipurAfter breakfast, visit the Amber Fort, we

recommend getting there early before the hoards

descend. This is one of the most fascinating of

the Indian forts comprising the Palace of Mirrors,

Hall of Public Audience and the beautiful gardens,

all of which give a glimpse into the majesty of

days gone by. The fort can either be reached

by Jeep, on foot or, subject to availability, on

elephant back.

Afternoon, visit the City Palace whose several

courtyards and gardens provide wonderful

contrast to its many palatial structures including

Mubarak Mahal, Chandra Mahal, Badal Mahal and

the Sri Govind Dev temple. The huge silver water

vessels displayed at the Diwan-e-Khas recorded

in the Guinness Book as the largest in the world

are a must see. The visit of The Observatory will

also be arranged.

Th

eC

ha

rm

ed

Vo

ya

ge

r

>> Day 9 Jaipur - UdaipurLate morning proceed to airport to board flight

for Udaipur.

The most romantic city of Rajasthan, Udaipur’s

beauty lies in its rolling hills, serene lakes and

palatial splendour. Built on the shores of Lake

Pichola by Udai Singh II in 1559, after having

lost his stronghold, Chittaurgarh to the Muslim

invaders. Udaipur was also the capital of the

legendary Sisodias of Mewar, believed to be direct

descendants of the Sun. Today it is surprisingly

quiet and relatively traffic-free having a small

town atmosphere. The impressive City Palace

complex overlooks the legendary “floating” Lake

Palace on Lake Pichola. Udaipur is also one of

Rajasthan’s great centres of contemporary art

as well as of miniature paintings. On arrival you

will be met by Luxe India representative and be

assisted for check in at the hotel.

Afternoon a visit to the City Palace, which is the

largest in Rajasthan. In size and outline the

City Palace and its subsidiary palaces bear a

resemblance to the Windsor castle in England.

You will also see lovely medieval Jagdish Temple

and Sahelion-Ki-Bari or the ‘Gardens of the Maids

of Honor’.

Spend two nights at Taj Lake Palace Hotel.

Accommodation is in Luxury room on bed &

breakfast plan.

Taj Lake Palace Udaipur

The beautiful and famed Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur,

appears seemingly afloat on the shimmering

waters of Lake Pichola.

The hotel can only be reached by boat adding

to the experience of exclusivity when staying in

this, the most famous of all the former palaces

in India. Originally built as a summer retreat,

this 250-year old palace, built on an island in

the middle of the lake is quite possibly the most

romantic hotel in the world.

As a testimony to courtly love, the palace brims

with princely details including marble pillars,

ornate glasswork, intricate paintings, and much,

much more.

Udaipur

Th

eC

ha

rm

ed

Vo

ya

ge

r

panoramic views of the Arabian Sea and the

Gateway of India, the hotel is a gracious landmark

of the city of Mumbai, showcasing contemporary

Indian influences along with beautiful vaulted

alabaster ceilings, onyx columns, graceful

archways, hand-woven silk carpets, crystal

chandeliers, a magnificent art collection, an

eclectic collection of furniture, and a dramatic

cantilever stairway. This hotel has played perfect

host to Maharajas and Princes to various Kings,

Presidents, CEOs and entertainers.

>> Day 12 In MumbaiAfter breakfast visit The Gateway of India built

by the British and designed by the architect

George Wittet. The first stone was laid by on

March 31st, 1913 and it was formally opened in

1924. Later visit Elephanta Caves dedicated to

Lord Shiva. Here, Lord Shiva is depicted as the

creator, protector and destroyer in the famous

Maheshmurti. There are also other beautifully

sculpted panels depicting different aspects of

Lord Shiva.

Rest of the day at leisure with car at disposal for

shopping and local running.

>> Day 13 Leaving MumbaiIn time you will be met by Luxe India representative

and be assisted to board flight for onwards

sector.

>> Day 10 In UdaipurAfter breakfast, full day visit of Ranakpur temples.

Visit the lovely valley of the Aravali, built in the

15th century. The main temple in the complex

is the Chaumukha (four-faced) temple, built in

1439. Evening drive back to the hotel.

>> Day 11 Udaipur - Mumbai

After breakfast proceed to airport to board flight

for Mumbai. Located on the edge of the Arabian

Sea, Mumbai originally was a fishing village

comprising of seven swampy islands when it was

acquired by Portuguese in 1534. It came under

British crown in 1661 as part of dowry of Catherine

of Braganza, when she married Charles II.

Mumbai today is city of striking contrasts and a

vibrant, confident metropolis that’s tangibly high

in energy. Here skyscrapers stand next to stately

Victorian buildings, noisy traditional bazaars and

adjoin glittering new shopping malls. Mumbai is

also home to Bollywood, the centre of India’s film

industry.

On arrival you will be met by Luxe India

representative and be assisted for check in at the

hotel. Spend two nights at Taj Mahal Palace &

Towers Hotel. Accommodation is in Superior Sea

View room on bed & breakfast plan. Taj Mahal

Palace & Towers Mumbai - Built in 1903, the hotel

is an architectural marvel and brings together

Moorish, Oriental and Florentine styles. Offering Th

eC

ha

rm

ed

Vo

ya

ge

r

Private & exclusive sightseeing tours as per π

above programme with services of local English

speaking guides in each city.

Entrance fees to all monuments as mentioned π

in the above programme.

Exclusive services of Luxe Concierge throughout π

the tour.

Game drives in Ranthambore π

Train fares on Bharatpur-Sawai Madhopur π

sector.

Travel bag containing: Travel Wallet, Passport π

holder, Travel Essentials, One National roaming

activated mobile phone & Pen.

>> ExclusionsInternational air fares. π

Airport taxes. π

Visa charges. π

Items of personal nature i.e.: telephone calls, π

drinks, laundry, tips etc

Camera/Video fees at various monuments. π

>> This program is solely a sample.

Through our local partner, Luxe India, we can

offer you a full range of destinations and services

covering the whole and the best of India!

>> Highlights & services included

Meeting and assistance on arrivals and π

departures with services of our Concierge/

Representatives.

Private transportation in our chauffer driven air- π

conditioned vehicles at all places using a Toyota

Innova Car.

Porterage at airports and hotels only. π

Hotel accommodation on twin sharing basis π

hotels listed above on bed & breakfast basis.

Check-in time at all hotels will be 1400 hrs π

while check-out time will be 1200 hrs.

Th

eC

ha

rm

ed

Vo

ya

ge

r

TheCharmedVoyager

w w w . T h e C h a r m e d V o y a g e r . C o m

i n f o @ T h e C h a r m e d V o y a g e r . C o m

r i o d e J a n e i r o +55 21 3258 6739

P o r T o a l e g r e + 5 5 5 1 3 0 2 2 8 9 7 5

Ta i l o r m a d e l u x u r y Tr a V e l