SPLENDOURS OF INDIA
- Splendours of India
- Inclusions
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Testimonials
- Read a Review of Goway's
Splendours of India as published in the Vancouver Province (PDF) - Booking Form (PDF)
HOLIDAYS OF A LIFETIME
- Holidays of a Lifetime
- Online Brochure
- FAQ's for Holidays of a Lifetime
- Tour Directors
- Companion Books
- Not All Escorted Tours Are Created Equal (PDF)
- Group Allotments
- Waltzing Matilda
- The Best of Oz
- The Best of New Zealand
- Magic of Africa
- Splendours of China and Tibet
- Splendours of India
- Splendours of South America
- Magical Ecuador and Peru plus Bolivia
- Best of Ecuador
- Cradle of the Incas
Why this is THE BEST FULLY ESCORTED TOUR from North America...?
• Unbeatable value for money
• Stay in the first class hotels
• Luxury transportation
• Professional caring escorts
• Relaxed minimum two night stopovers
• No worries about luggage
• See the very best of The Orient
F.Y.I. this is an official Trade Mark of Goway
CONSUMER PROTECTION
Click to find out why your money is safe with Goway!
SPECIAL TOURS
For your information we operate only nine tours that we officially designate a Holiday Of A Lifetime.
Ghost City of Fatehpur Sikri
Indian Elephant
Local Inhabitant
Amber Fort Jaipur
Incredible India!
Each couple receives a copy of Goway's unique Travel Companion booklet (practical & historical information, diary).
ALL INCLUSIVE FIRST CLASS TOURING
Splendours Of India
18 days
This is one of only ten ideas that we have designated HOLIDAYS OF A LIFETIME. This is a very special inclusive and exclusive vacation. Goway provides a professional escort who takes care of all the day to day details... all the way. Virtually everything is included from North America back to North America. Don't expect just another escorted tour… You'll be on "the best escorted tour."
Day 1. Depart your hometown to our recommended departure cities of New York, Los Angeles or Toronto. F
Day 2. Arrive Mumbai. After arriving in, Mumbai, the capital of Maharastra, you will be met and transferred to your hotel by a Goway Representative where you will meet up with your fellow group members. Mumbai is the fastest moving, most affluent and industrialized city in India. It is part of India's beautiful west coast, that runs down from Gujarat, through Mumbai to Goa, Karnataka and Kerala. Trident Hotel Nariman Point, Mumbai (2 nights).
Day 3. Mumbai. After a late breakfast, depart for an excellent sightseeing tour of Mumbai's most iconic sites. Visit the Gateway of India, The principal landmark of Mumbai, which was the principal port when the visitors came to India by ship. The gateway was conceived following the visit of King George V to India in 1911, and was officially opened in 1924. The Prince of Wales Museum, built to commemorate King George's V visit to India, was opened in 1923. It has sections for art and paintings, archaeology, and natural history. The next stop will be Mani Bhavan, the house where Mahatma Gandhi used to stay during his visits to Mumbai. It has now been turned into a small museum. Also drive along Marine Drive and visit the Hanging Gardens. Time for shopping? Stop off at Colaba Causeway. Return to your hotel. This evening enjoy a Welcome to India special dinner. BD
Day 4. Mumbai to Udaipur. After breakfast, today's sightseeing tour starts with a visit to the Old City to visit Banganga to see locals at work such as the local barber, blacksmith, cobbler and other residents going about their daily life. Also visit Kotachiwadi to have tea and refreshments at a local home. After that, head to the Dhobi Ghat, one of the highlights of Mumbai. The dhobi is a traditional laundryman who collects dirty linen, washes them and returns it neatly pressed to doorsteps of the people. The "laundries" are called "Ghats" The clothes are soaked in sudsy water, thrashed on the flogging stones, then tossed into huge vats of boiling starch and hung out to dry. Next they are ironed and piled into neat bundles. Later, transfer to the airport and catch the flight to Udaipur. The lake city of Udaipur is a cool oasis in the heart of the colorful state of Rajasthan. Udaipur is famous for its Lake Palace, a magnificent palace now converted into a luxury hotel and the City Palace, which is converted into a museum. The beautiful Pichola Lake, Fateh Sagar Lake and Jagdish Mandir, an Indo-Aryan temple, are among the other places of interest. Udaipur is well-known for its local crafts, particularly paintings in the Rajput Mughal style. Upon arrival into Udaipur you will be transferred to your hotel. Fateh Garh Hotel, Udaipur (2 nights) BD
Day 5. Udaipur. Enjoy a morning tour visiting The City Palace and Museum. The main part of the palace is now preserved as a museum displaying a large and diverse array of artifacts. Afterwards, enjoy a boat ride on Lake Pichola. Lake Pichola is the famous lake almost synonymous with Udaipur. The beauty of the lake is enhanced by the surrounding hills, palaces, temples, bathing ghats and embankments. The Jag Niwas and Jag Mandir, the two island palaces on the lake look like pearls over the lake. After the cruise, visit the beautiful Sahelion Ki Bara Garden. This evening, enjoy a typical Rajhastani dinner. BD
Day 6. Udaipur to Jaipur. Morning buffet breakfast at the hotel. Check out and drive overland to Jaipur, known as the "Pink City" due to the colour of the stone used in its buildings. Upon arrival into Jaipur in the late afternoon you will transfer to your hotel.This evening you will have dinner at a local home hosted by a distinguished Indian family. Trident Hotel, Jaipur (2 nights) BD
Day 7. Jaipur. This morning, visit the Amber Fort with its honey coloured fortress palace. You will climb up to the fort by an elephant ride. The fort has been described as "the sleeping beauty of Rajasthan". The exterior opens on to striking views of a nearby gorge and India's answer to China's Great Wall. In the afternoon, you'll enjoy a city tour which includes a photo stop at the "Hawa Mahal", (Palace of Winds). Then you will depart for a visit to the City Palace & Museum. Situated in the heart of the old City, it occupies about one seventh of the old city area. The Palace is a blend of Rajput and Mughal architecture. It houses a seven storied Chandra Mahal in the centre which affords a fine view of the gardens and the city. Proceed to The Jantar Mantar Observatory. Built in 18th century by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the huge masonry instruments were used to study the movement of constellations and stars in the sky. An enormous sun-dial still provides accurate time which is subject to daily corrections. This evening, enjoy a typical South Indian dinner at a local restaurant. BD
Day 8. Jaipur to Ranthambore. This morning depart by road to Ranthambore National Park. Ranthambore National Park is a fascinating blend of history and nature. It supports a diverse range of flora and fauna, including the majestic tiger. Nahargarh Fort, Ranthambore (2 Nights) BLD
Day 9. Ranthambore National Park. An early wake up call this morning to enjoy a Jungle Safari with a professional Naturalist. Ride in a canter for safe tiger tracking and bird watching. Also indulge in wildlife photography. The jungle visits last approximately three hours. Return back to the hotel for lunch and the rest of the afternoon is at leisure. This evening enjoy one more safari. BLD
Day 10. Ranthambore to Agra. This morning you will transfer to the railway station to catch the amazing Shatabdi Express to Bharatpur. Upon arrival in Bharatpur, embark on a scenic drive to Agra. En-route you will visit the deserted capital Fatehpur Sikri. The city is built predominantly in Red Sandstone by the Mughal Emperor, Akbar. He had planned this city as his capital but shortage of water compelled him to abandon the city. One of the finest examples of Mughal architectural splendour at its height, the sunset over the ruins is a sight to cherish. Later, arrive in Agra and check into your hotel. ITC Mughal Luxury Collection, Agra (2 nights). BD
Day 11.
Agra. For your enjoyment, the hotel offers free Yoga. After breakfast, visit the Taj Mahal, the greatest love story ever told. Shah Jahan built this
memorial as a tomb for his favourite wife. After the Taj, drive to Agra Fort which lies on the west bank of Jamuna River. Akbar chose Agra as his capital as he laid the foundation of
the Fort of Agra. After Taj this was one of the most important groups of buildings. The construction was started in 1565 and was completed in about eight years. Later visit Mother
Teresa's orphanage. The evening is at leisure. BD
Day 12. Agra to Khajuraho. After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the railway station to catch the Shatabdi Express Train to Jhansi. From Jhansi, drive to Khajuraho and check in at the hotel. Khajuraho has become world renowned for its Temples. They are the most graphic, erotic and sensuous sculptures in India. Khajuraho has finally received the attention it deserves for its significant contribution to the religious art of India. Radisson Jass Hotel, Khajuraho. BD
Day 13. Khajuraho to Varanasi. This morning, tour the famous Western group of temples designated as a World Heritage Site enclosed within a beautifully laid out park. The Kandriya Mahadev, Jagadami and Chitragupta Temples display the best craftsmanship of Khajuraho. This afternoon you will fly to India's Holiest City, Varanasi also known as Benares or Kashi, the "City of Light" or the "Eternal City"' is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in India for the Hindus. Varanasi has been a centre of learning and civilization for over 2000 years. This evening enjoy a special kebab dinner at our hotel. Radisson Hotel, Varanasi (2 nights) BD
Day 14. Varanasi. This morning embark on an excursion tour of Sarnath. Sarnath, where Buddha preached his first sermon, contains the most impressive remains of temples. The Dharmarajika, Chaukhandi and Dharnek stupas are outstanding. There are also the remains of a monastery, and the beautifully polished Lion Capital of Ashoka. The Sarnath Museum, not far from the site, contains some of the finest specimens of Buddhist sculpture. This evening is at leisure to walk through the narrow lanes of Varanasi. Take some time to shop for Varanasi's famous silk brocades and beautiful Banaras saris. This evening enjoy the spectacular Aarti Ceremony on the Ganges, which will be reached by a rickshaw ride. BD
Day 15. Varanasi to Delhi. Start the day with an early morning boat ride on the sacred River Ganges to see the cremation Ghats and witness the living traditions of one of the world's oldest religions. At sunrise the sight unfolds before you as thousands of faithful come daily to the banks to bathe and pray while in the background, temples and palaces rise in tiers from the water's edge. Proceed back to hotel for breakfast. The remainder of the morning is at leisure to further explore the city before our afternoon transfer to the airport for your flight to Delhi. Upon arrival in Delhi, you will be meet and transferred to your hotel. Shangri La (3 nights) BD
Day 16. Delhi. Depart for a half day sightseeing tour of Old Delhi visiting the Red Fort, known by that name because of the red stone with which it is built. It is one of the most magnificent palaces in the world. It is also known that the first Prime Minister of India, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, announced to the nation that India was free from colonial rule. Also visit the Jama Masjid Mosque, renowned as the most elegant mosque in India. The courtyard of the mosque can hold up to twenty-five thousand worshippers. Next visit the Raj Ghat where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated. This evening, enjoy a wonderful “Farewell to India” dinner. BD
Day 17. Delhi. This morning depart for New Delhi sightseeing visiting Qutub Minar. The Qutub Minar made of red sandstone rising to the height of 72.5 metres is an architectural marvel of the 13th century and constructed by Qutb-ud-din Aibak in the 12th century to celebrate the victory of Mohammed Ghori over the Rajputs. Continue on to Humayun’s Tomb; built in 1565 AD by his grieving widow Haji Begum, Humayun's tomb is a complex of buildings of Mughal architecture. The complex is the first example of this type of Mughal architecture in India. This style of mausoleum was the same as was created for the Taj Mahal in Agra. The India Gate, a war memorial, is a majestic high arch built as a memorial to the Indian soldiers killed in the World War II. Drive past the magnificent Presidential palace and Government buildings before returning to your hotel for the evening. BD
Day 18. Delhi to North America. Depart today from Delhi flying back to North America arriving the same day in time to connect to your home city. BF
EXTENSION IDEA
You can choose to extend your itinerary with a stopover in Dubai at an additional charge if travelling with Emirate Airlines.
TWIN SHARE GUARANTEE:
If you are travelling alone and do not wish to pay the single supplement, Goway will match you up with another single traveller of the same gender. If a roommate is unavailable, you will enjoy a single room at no extra cost.
Note: You must be willing not to smoke in your hotel room and accept that compatibility of your roommate cannot be guaranteed.
SPLENDOURS OF INDIA 2013 PRICES:
18 Day Tour 2013 CAD & US PRICE |
|||
| Departure Dates Ex North America |
Land Arrangements Commence |
TWIN | SINGLE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sept 27, 2013 | Sept 28, 2013 | $ 6,499 | $ 8,548 |
| Nov 15, 2013 | Nov 16, 2013 | $ 6,499 | $ 8,548 |
PRICE INCLUDES:
Domestic flights within India, accommodation at First Class hotels with private facilities and air-conditioning, meals as shown as BLD, sightseeing by private bus, professional escort from North America plus local English-speaking guides, all transfers, taxes and entrance fees.
18 Day Tour 2014 USD AND CAD PRICE |
|||
| Departure Dates Ex North America |
Land Arrangements Commence |
TWIN | SINGLE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 17, 2014 | Jan 18, 2014 | $ 6,499 | $ 8,548 |
| Mar 14, 2014 | Mar 15, 2014 | $ 6,499 | $ 8,548 |
| Sept 27, 2014 | Sept 28, 2014 | $ 6,835 | $ 8,979 |
| Nov 21, 2014 | Nov 22, 2014 | $ 6,835 | $ 8,979 |
INCLUSIONS:
For information on the inclusions for this special idea, click here.
| DEPARTURES - 2013/2014 ITINERARY | THEMES |
|---|---|
| September 27, 2013 | C |
| November 15, 2013 | G, X |
| January 17, 2014 | L |
| March 14, 2014 | C |
| September 27, 2014 | G |
| November 21, 2014 | L, X |
Fun Themes: C (Cuisines of the Region), G (Geography), L (Lifestyles and Native Cultures), X (Pre Holiday Shopping)
NOT INCLUDED:
International airfare, Insurance, optional excursions, items of a personal nature such as laundry, dry cleaning, phone calls, drinks, excess baggage charges, Government departure taxes and Indian Visa.
