Taj Mahal Mid Cruise Overland (AUH/MUM) (Double)
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port
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
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activityLevel
Moderate Activity
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excursionType
All
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wheelchairAccessible
No
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startingAtPrice
$5600
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minimumAge
Information Not Currently Available
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duration
Approximately 4 Hours
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mealsIncluded
Meals not included
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Inscribed in 1983, the Taj Mahal is an immense mausoleum of white marble, built in Agra between 1631 and 1648 by order of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favorite wife. The Taj Mahal is considered to be the greatest achievement in the whole range of Indo-Islamic architecture. It is the jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world's heritage.
Day 1 (L, D)
Disembark the ship and transfer to the airport for your flight to Delhi. Lunch will be served on-board flight. Upon arrival, you will transfer to The Oberoi New Delhi Hotel (or similar) for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 2 (B/L/D)
After breakfast, visit the Sikh’s holy shrine, Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, a complex featuring a devotion center, a large pond (for holy dipping), a missionary school, an art gallery, a charitable hospital, and Langar, a free community kitchen. Return to the hotel for lunch.
This afternoon, visit Qutub Minar, India's tallest stone tower. At a height of 239 feet, the ‘Tower of Victory’ is considered by some to be the world's most perfect specimen of tower architecture. A mathematical marvel, this building has remained standing for eight centuries. Dinner and overnight at The Oberoi New Delhi Hotel (or similar).
Day 3 (B/L/D)
Breakfast at the hotel this morning; then, you will set out by motor coach for Agra—the second capital of the Mughal Empire during the 16th and 17th centuries. The ride itself is an experience not to be missed. Today, Agra is caught up in a world of contrasting edifices of red sandstone and white marble, narrow alleys, quaint buggies, and a certain charm that this favorite city of the Mughals still retains. Thus, it is not surprising that modern Agra still reflects its Mughal heritage most conspicuously.
Upon arrival in Agra, visit the magnificent and sprawling Agra Fort, built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1565. The fort is also made predominantly of red sandstone. The vast halls echo a bygone era and transport you back through the passage of time. Transfer to your hotel in time for lunch. This evening you will visit the Taj Mahal at sunset. Little needs to be said about this architectural wonder, which lies at the heart and soul of every visitor’s pilgrimage to Agra. Built by Emperor Shah Jahan, the Taj is a white marble memorial to his beautiful wife Mumtaz Mahal. This monument took 22 years to complete and was designed and planned by Persian architect Ustad Isa. Apart from its stunning design balance and perfect symmetry, the Taj is also noted particularly for its elegant domes, intricately carved screens and some of the best inlay work ever completed. Dinner and overnight at The Oberoi Amarvilas Hotel (or similar).
Day 4 (B/L/D)
Another visit to the Taj Mahal has been arranged this morning -- this time to capture the play of light during sunrise. This will be a short visit -- a photographic opportunity only. After breakfast, embark on your return drive to Delhi. Lunch awaits you at your hotel, before you begin your exploration of Old Delhi. Special transportation has been arranged for this escapade – brightly coloured bicycle rickshaws, the best way to navigate the narrow, bustling alleyways. When entering Chandni Chowk, the first view is that of the mosque, India's largest, built in 1658 by Shah Jehan. Its style is traditional with the exception of the innovative addition of red and black stripes running up and down the white marble domes. Chandni Chowk was the hub of the Mughal era’s commercial centre and today is one of the country’s best known wholesale markets for textiles, electronic goods and watches. This fascinating area was designed by Jahanara Begum, Shah Jahan's favourite daughter, and was then inhabited by the well-to-do families of the time. The buildings still retain their original structures and seem to lean inquisitively over the narrow streets below. There are gaily decorated little shops on every narrow, winding lane, with vendors busy selling their wares. Each lane specialises in a different commodity – brightly coloured bangles, shining silverware, brass artefacts, gold jewellery, brilliantly dyed fabrics, hardware, and last but not least mouth-watering food cooked on the spot, filling the air with the aromatic scents of spices. This is an experience that no one would forget in a lifetime! Dinner and overnight at The Oberoi New Delhi Hotel (or similar).
Day 5 (B/L)
After breakfast and check-out, proceed to 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! Transfer next to Delhi airport with an en route 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. Fly to Mumbai where you will join the awaiting ship.
Cancellations: Due to this tour’s popularity, this tour has a 60-day cancellation penalty. Which means, any cancellation made within 60 days of arrival into Abu Dhabi will be charged the full about of this overland. This includes if you cancel your voyage within 60 days of arrival into Abu Dhabi.
Important: It is solely each guest's responsibility to obtain (before traveling) any visas, vaccinations or tourist cards that are required for participating in Mid-Cruise Adventures or Overnight Journeys, unless noted otherwise in the description. Please be aware that you may need a visa for any and/or all countries that you will depart from and travel through as part of your Mid-Cruise Adventure or Overnight Journey, and for the country in which you will re-join the ship. Your travel agent can assist you with your visa needs. If you require further assistance, Seabourn's preferred visa service is CIBTvisas. US and Canadian citizens can reach them by phone or email:
US citizens: 866 788 1100 or email customerservice@cibtvisa.com
Canadian citizens: 866 935 8472 or email customerservice@cibtvisas.ca
CIBTvisas phone numbers and email addresses for Dutch, German, Australian, United Kingdom, Belgian, Singapore, Spanish, Swiss and French citizens can be found in the Frequently Asked Questions section of our website, in the Cruise Preparation area. Applications and additional information can be downloaded from the CIBTvisas website at https://cibtvisa.com/Seabourn. You must advise CIBTvisas of your Mid-Cruise Adventures or Overnight Journeys, as the visa requirements for these vacation enhancements may vary from those required for your cruise.
Notes: Bring sturdy non-skid walking shoes. This tour is available only to guests whose cruise does not begin or end in Cape Town. The contents and order of activities in this program are subject to change. Shade is limited; to avoid sunburn, wear light, long clothing suitable for use as a cover-up. Bring a hat and sunglasses; wear biodegradable sunscreen. Bring bottled water. Ride will be bumpy. Guests with back or neck conditions are not allowed to participate. Not advisable for guests with mobility limitations. Waiver must be signed and medical conditions disclosed. Wildlife sightings are likely but are not guaranteed. Participants are not permitted to use cell phones during the drives or to speak loudly or stand up in the vehicle, as this will disturb the animals. Smoking is not allowed. An escort from the ship's staff may or may not also accompany the group. You must book this overland PRIOR to sailing. Tour operates subject to meeting a minimum number of participants. Gratuities and personal expenses are not included. Bring your passport with you on tour.