India's Golden Triangle

This itinerary is the starting point for your tour, but it’s not set in stone. If there are days you would like to change, or specific places you’d like to go, we can work with you to create a personalized program that fits the needs of you and your students.

Day 1: Overnight Flight

Departure from the USA.

Day 2: Delhi

Upon arrival in India, meet your ACIS Tour Manager and transfer to your hotel.

Day 3: Delhi

Start the day with a guided tour of Old Delhi. See the magnificent Red Fort, built at the zenith of the Mughal Empire, and the centuries-old Chandni Chowk marketplace that's still a commercial hub. The bazaar's sounds, smells and colors—and the throngs of people—form an unforgettable impression. Finally, visit Jama Masjid, Asia's largest mosque. This afternoon's guided tour focuses on New Delhi. Exceptionally different from crowded Old Delhi, the new sector possesses a Victorian grace exemplified by the Presidential Palace and India Gate. Shaded avenues lead to the 12th century minaret Qutab Minar and Humayun's Tomb, a prime example of Mughal architecture.

Day 4: Agra

Journey to Sikandra and see the Tomb of Emperor Akbar before continuing to the Taj Mahal. Take in the city on a guided tour. After admiring the jewel-like Taj from a distance, where it seems to float like a fantastic mirage over the River Yamuna, take a rickshaw ride to get up close and spend the rest of the afternoon examining this treasure that immortalizes Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan's love for his wife. What could be more beautiful than the Taj Mahal at sunset?

Day 5: Agra

While the Taj Mahal is one of the world's wonders, today you'll see one of Agra's other claims to fame, Agra Fort. The palace is most notable for its smooth blending of Hindu and central Asian architectural styles. Also visit the Tomb of Itmad-ud-daulah, or "baby Taj," and see where Shah Jahan received his inspiration to make the Taj spectacular.

Day 6: Jaipur

Journey to Jaipur, visiting the Fatehpur Sikri enroute. The deserted city was once the palace-filled, 16th century Mughal capital. Common treasures include sandy scenery, tiny fortresses atop outcroppings and camel-drawn carts driven by mustachioed men wearing colorful turbans.

Day 7: Jaipur

This morning you'll ascend to the Amber Fort by 4x4 vehicle and tour the Hall of Mirrors and palaces. This afternoon's guided sightseeing of Jaipur visits the Maharajah's City Palace (where the Jaipur royal family still lives) and its museum housing fabulous collections of carpets, jewellery and arms. You'll also tour the Jantar Mantar, an observatory, and "Palace of the Winds", a latticed pink facade, designed for the royal ladies. Like them, you can remain hidden and overlook quaint bazaars. Stroll these bazaars and interact with residents of the ancestral homes along the main market.

Day 8: Samode

This morning travel to Dera Amer, a family-owned sustainable farm and animal sanctuary where you'll get to learn about their conservation practices and meet their adopted rescue elephants. You'll be greeted by these kind hearted giants, and have the opportunity to interact with them in responsible ways such as by feeding them bananas and taking a walk with the elephants in the wilderness, accompanied by their personal mahouts. In the afternoon, drive to Samode. Tonight's overnight, subject to availability, will make you feel like royalty—Samode Bagh is a paradise, modeled after a Mughal garden. You'll sleep in a dune-colored tent complete with carpeted floors, electricity and your own marble bathroom! Before turning in, enjoy an evening walk through the cobbled lanes of Samode village and market, stopping by the little shops of the bangle maker, the cloth merchant, or the gemstone expert.

Day 9: Delhi

The drive to Delhi today offers panoramic views of colorful Rajasthan. Enjoy dinner out in this cosmopolitan city.

Day 10: Overnight Flight

Today enjoy a temple tour. Visit a Sikh Temple, Hindu Temple and church and compare their similarities and differences. The rest of the day is free to shop for India's bounteous crafts - great souvenirs. After dinner, transfer to Delhi airport to begin your journey home.

Day 11: United States

Arrive in the USA after your overnight flight.