Taj Mahal & Jaipur Mid Cruise Journey (Colombo to Mumbai) (Double)
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port
Colombo, Sri Lanka
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activityLevel
Strenuous Activity
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excursionType
Information Not Currently Available
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wheelchairAccessible
No
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startingAtPrice
$4499
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minimumAge
Information Not Currently Available
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duration
4 Days / 3 Nights
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mealsIncluded
Meals included
Taj Mahal
"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."
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)
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 3 (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, you will drive to Jaipur—the Pink City. Jaipur glows with a singular beauty derived from the pink paint used everywhere. The effect of this pink extravagance, especially at sunset, has enchanted visitors for centuries. After lunch, you will explore the City Palace complex that continues to evoke the splendor of a bygone era. The City Palace is a dazzling showplace of Hindu and Mughal architecture. Its museum is replete with evidence of opulence.
Next to the City Palace is the Jantar Mantar Observatory, whose name is literally translated as Calculation Instrument. This observatory was built between 1728 and 1734 and is one of five built in different cities by Maharaja Jai Singh. Modeled after the Jantar Mantar in Delhi, this one in Jaipur is the largest and was built on a very grand scale and way beyond its time. It is both fascinating and fun! Dinner and overnight at the Rambagh Palace (or similar).
Day 4 (B/L)
After an early breakfast at the hotel, you will be transferred to Jaipur airport for your flight to Mumbai. Arrive in Mumbai and transfer to the ship.
Please note: Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays.
A photo stop to view the Taj Mahal from Mehtab Bagh, across River Yamuna will be substituted. Due to this tour's popularity, exclusivity, and strict booking conditions, tour bookings must be confirmed 60 days prior to the actual call to Colombo with no cancellations allowed thereafter.
The Taj Mahal is currently undergoing a multi-year restoration project. Parts of the structure (including the facade and the minarets) may be covered with scaffolding at any time, without prior notice. The restauration work should not, in any way, deter tourists from visiting the monument.
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 < mailto:customerservice@cibtvisa.com>
Canadian citizens: 866 935 8472 or email customerservice@cibtvisas.ca <mailto: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.