During your voyage, enjoy a rare opportunity to explore the world’s most fascinating destinations in small, private groups, with knowledgeable guides to help you discover off –the-beaten- path gems. On an Overland Program, you’ll disembark the ship for one-night or more to enjoy a more authentic insider’s view, experiencing firsthand the colorful cultures, dramatic landscapes and exquisite landmarks before rejoining your ship.
One of the best-known structures in the world, Agra’s fabled Taj Mahal will awe your senses and forever capture your heart. Considered to be the finest example of Mughal architecture, the Taj Mahal is a glistening mass of white marble and semi-precious stones set amid impeccably landscaped grounds.
DAY 1 – December 12th, 2018
After disembarking the ship in Mumbai, you will proceed to the airport for your flight to Delhi. Upon arrival at the Mumbai airport, you will receive boarding passes and proceed through security. Your bags will be transported to the airport in a separate truck for an advance check-in.
On your flight, refreshments and snacks are served.
Upon arrival in Delhi, transfer to your coach and drive to Agra via the new Yamuna Expressway with vistas of India’s vast rural farming countryside along the way. Packed lunch boxes with soft drinks will be distributed along the way.
Agra, the city of Taj Mahal, was one of the grand cities of South Asia. With the arrival of the Mughals in 1526 led by Babur, Agra entered a completely new era during the reign of emperors Akbar, Jehangir and Shah Jahan. Akbar made it a great center for learning, art, commerce and culture.
Upon arrival in Agra, check-in to the Jaypee Palace Hotel or similar.
Following some leisure time, enjoy the classical dance form of Kathak in the ballroom, along with wine, beer and soft drinks. A buffet dinner follows the dance performance.
This Mughal Court dance arose from the fusion of Hindu and Muslim cultures during the Mughal era, characterized by rhythmic footwork, spectacular spins, mime and gestures that are a dramatic representation of themes from Persian poetry synthesized with Hindu mythology.
Overnight in Agra.
DAY 2 – December 13th, 2018
Discover the monumental Taj Mahal at dawn. Tea, Coffee, juices and rolls are served in the lobby, prior to our departure.
The Taj Mahal, with its incredible lacy white grandeur, is perhaps the most perfect architectural monument in the world. In memory of his wife, the great Mughal emperor Shah Jehan planned this most extravagant and incomparable monument built for love. Amazingly graceful from any angle, it is the close up detail, which is really astounding.
Return to the hotel for breakfast.
Morning options
a) Visit the Tomb of Itmad-Ud-Daulah in the old city, the first Mughal structure pioneering the extensive use of `pietra dura’, the inlay work of marble, so characteristic of the Taj Mahal. This mausoleum is small and squat when compared to the Taj, but the more human scale has its own attraction, and the skillfully patterned surface of the tomb is exquisite.
b) Visit the Agra Fort, a World Heritage Site credited to Emperor Akbar, India’s great visionary.
Return to the hotel.
Lunch is on your own
Afternoon options
a) Visit the Tomb of Itmad-Ud-Daulah in the old city, the first Mughal structure pioneering the extensive use of `pietra dura’, the inlay work of marble, so characteristic of the Taj Mahal. This mausoleum is small and squat when compared to the Taj, but the more human scale has its own attraction, and the skillfully patterned surface of the tomb is exquisite.
b) Take a look at some of Agra’s famous shopping …. Kohinoor, erstwhile jewelers to the Mughal court, featured in National Geographic. Old emerald necklaces, enamel, jewelry, silver, pocket watches in Gold and silver, textiles and embroidery form part of their private collection. The Marble Inlay factories steeped in this decorative art culture are also a specialty of Agra.
c) Hotel Activity - At the hotel, Agra’s leading astrologer will be available for consultation. Appointments for an analysis of your personal horoscope can be made at the Regent Cruises hospitality desk
Later in the afternoon the group revisits the Taj Mahal at sunset, the monument appearing to change its hue, tinted by the glow of the setting sun.
Dinner is included at the hotel
Overnight in Agra.
DAY 3 – December 14th, 2018
It’s an early morning today as you will check out and drive to the Delhi airport for your flight to Mangalore via Mumbai. Coffee, tea, croissants and juices will be served prior to your departure with a packed breakfast provided on the drive to Delhi.
Upon arrival in Mumbai you will transfer to your flight to Mangalore. Lunch will be served on the flight.
Upon arrival in Mangalore, you will be met and transferred to the pier to rejoin the ship. Once again, a separate van is provided for transportation of the baggage to the pier.
Land Program Step by Step:
Please note: The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. This program is subject to flight confirmations which are beyond our control. All program details including timings and any flights indicated below are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change. Final itineraries with the most up to date details will be provided by the Destination Services Team once you board the ship. Please review your final itinerary carefully for any amendments.
DAY 1
8:30am Disembark and transfer to the Mumbai airport.
9:30am Arrive at the airport, receive boarding passes and proceed through security.
10:50am Depart Mumbai for Delhi (flight details TBA and subject to change)
Snacks with refreshments are served aloft
1:10pm Arrive in Delhi and board busses for the drive to Agra
Packed lunch boxes with water and soft drinks will be distributed on the busses
5:30pm Arrive in Agra and check in at your hotel
7:00pm Dinner at your hotel included following a classic Kathak dance performance
Overnight at the Jaypee Palace Hotel or similar hotel
DAY 2
5:45am Tea/coffee/juices and rolls served in the lobby.
6:00am Visit the Taj Mahal, at dawn
8:00am Return to the hotel.
From 8:00am Breakfast at the hotel
Morning options :
10am-12:30pm a) Visit Agra Fort or
10am-12:30pm b) Visit Tomb of Itmad-Ud-Daulah in the Old City
12:30pm Return to the hotel, time for lunch on own
Afternoon options :
2:00 – 4:00pm a) Visit the Tomb of Itmad-Ud-Daulah in the Old City.
2:00 – 4:00pm b) Shopping shuttle to the Marble inlay factory and the local markets.
2:00 – 4:00pm c) Hotel activity – Agra’s leading astrologer will be available for consultation.
4:30pm onwards Revisit the Taj Mahal at sunset
7:30pm onwards Dinner at the hotel
Overnight at the Jaypee Palace Hotel or similar hotel
DAY 3
Early wake up Tea, coffee, juices, croissants served in the lobby prior to departure
5:30am Checkout and drive back to Delhi
A packed breakfast is included for the drive to Delhi
9:00am Arrive at Delhi airport, receive boarding passes and proceed through security.
10:30am Flight from Delhi for Mumbai (flight details TBA and subject to change)
12:40pm Arrive in Mumbai and change planes
1:55pm Flight from Mumbai to Mangalore (flight details TBA and subject to change)
Lunch is served on the flight
3:20pm Arrive in Mangalore and transfer to the pier
4:30pm Arrive at the pier and rejoin the ship
Expected Weather:
Days are sunny and comfortable with temperatures between 23 to 25°C (73 to 77°F). The evenings get cooler between 13 to 15°C (55 to 59°F) and temperatures drop as the night progresses.
What to Bring:
Casual wear for the day. Please bring along a sweater/jacket for the evenings and early morning visit to the Taj. Also, important is sun block, hat, shades and comfortable walking shoes. As the Taj Mahal is also a mausoleum there are certain religious customs to be observed. As a token of respect, it is customary to remove your footwear before entering. Avoid spaghetti straps or tank tops and short shorts for ladies – knee length shorts are okay for ladies and gents.
Currency:
US Dollars are widely accepted.
Electricity:
220 – 240 volts. Hotel rooms are equipped with converters
Luggage:
Light luggage would be most suited for this trip. Maximum 1 suitcase per person (no more than 15 kg/33 lbs) and one carry-on (no more than 7 kgs/15 lbs).
Airline & type of aircraft (subject to change) :
Airbus A320 and/or Boeing 737-700 – All economy class seats
Documents and Visa Requirements:
It is essential to have a valid Indian Visa
Accommodation:
Jaypee Palace Hotel
Fatehabad Road, Agra
Tel : +91 562 233 0800
*We will only source different hotels in unforeseen situations. If similar hotels are required they will be of equal ratings and standards and you will be notified of the change. If you are not notified of any changes before your departure then you will be staying at the hotels listed in this program.
Program Includes:
2 nights at the Jaypee Palace Hotel in Agra including breakfast –deluxe room
2 dinners including soft drinks and mineral water
1 packed lunch including soft drinks and mineral water
Deluxe buses
Mineral water onboard the busses at all times
Applicable entrances, camera/video fees at the Taj Mahal and the other monuments
English speaking guides
Kathak dance performance in Agra
Economy-class airfare from Mumbai to Delhi and from Delhi to Mangalore via Mumbai
Program Does Not Include:
Items of a personal nature
Hotel incidentals including mini bar and room service
Gratuities to drivers and guides
Any meals or beverages not listed above.
Please note: Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces which may include: inclines, cobblestones, sand, and gravel or natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. Guests who utilize a wheelchair and those with mobility concerns are advised to check with the cruise line in advance to see if any portion of the tour program may not be considered suitable for their individual situation. Weather appropriate clothing; hats; sunglasses; and flat, comfortable walking shoes are generally recommended.
Please note: All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements or currency fluctuations. Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change. Overland Programs must be purchased no later than 60 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 60 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty.
Prices are per person, based on double occupancy and subject to availability.
