India’s Golden Triangle

Day 1

Depart on an overnight flight to Delhi.

Day 2

Late night arrival to Delhi, where we’ll be picked up at the airport and provided with a private transfer to the hotel for a good night’s sleep after a long travel day. 

Day 3 

Following an early breakfast at the hotel, begin your adventure with a tour of Qutub Minar, the famed minaret and UNESCO World Heritage Site. The 73-metre tower is constructed from sandstone and marble, and features engraved Quranic texts and elaborate decorative elements. India Gate, an imposing war memorial with an architectural style often compared to the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, will be the next stop on the tour, followed by an outside view of Rashtrapati Bhawan – a 340-room mansion and the official residence of the President of India as well as the impressive Parliament House. Your next stop will be the famous Janpath Market for souvenir shopping – expect to find jewelry, pashmina shawls, incense, carved wooden gifts, clothing and footwear, and much more. After enjoying a delicious curry at funky modern restaurant, you’ll continue on to Humayun Tomb, a grand mausoleum and important symbol of Moghul architecture, set in a stunning garden inspired by the description of Paradise in the Quran. Return to the hotel after a full day for a buffet dinner and overnight.  

Day 4

Your first stop of the day will be Akshardham Temple, a spiritual-cultural complex where Hindu values and traditions are explored. The tour will pass by Raj Ghat, a memorial dedicated to Mahatma Ghandi, and the  exterior of the famous Red Fort, which served as the main residence of the Moghul Emperors. This will be followed by an afternoon rickshaw ride along Chandni Chowk, a prominent thoroughfare and market known for its street food, spices, and bargain goods. From there, move on to the Jama Masjid Mosque – built in 1650, it is one of the largest mosques in the country. Time permitting, visit the Lotus Temple – notable for its beautiful flowerlike shape on the way back to the hotel. A buffet dinner will be served at the hotel. 

Day 5 

Depart Delhi this morning for Agra and be treated to a guided tour of the magnificent Taj Mahal. The ivory-white marble mausoleum is considered the jewel of Muslim art in India, and a universally admired masterpiece of world heritage. Decorated with stone inlays, carvings, calligraphy and topped with a spectacular 35-metre marble dome, the Taj Mahal attracts 8 million visitors per year. After lunch and hotel check-in, you’ll experience the warmth of Mother Theresa’s home for homeless children.  During your visit, you’ll have the opportunity to spend valuable time with the children who reside there through reading and helping to prepare a meal for them. A buffet dinner will be served at the hotel. Overnight in Agra.  

Day 6

This morning will be spent volunteering at an elephant rescue centre, where you will help chop and distribute food for the magnificent animals and participate in a number of other projects. Lunch will be served at the centre. In the evening, you’ll enjoy the Kalakriti Cultural and Convention Centre for an exciting dance and musical performance that tells the story of the love between the Emporer Shah Jahan and his wife Mumtaz, which inspired the construction of the Taj Mahal. Multi-lingual headsets will be provided. The show will be followed by a restaurant dinner. Overnight in Agra. 

Day 7 

The morning’s activity is a visit to the spectacular Agra Fort, a UNESCO Heritage Site located near the Taj Mahal. The fort is in fact a walled city spanning 94 acres and fortified with 70-foot walls. In the afternoon, you’ll enjoy some well-deserved rest by the pool and have the opportunity to shop for souvenirs. In the evening, you will dine with an Indian family and discover more about contemporary Indian culture and discuss their experiences over traditional homemade cuisine. Overnight in Agra. 

Day 8

Travel to the city of Jaipur, known as “The Pink City” for its sandstone buildings. Along the way, stop at two notable sites: Fatehpur Sikri, an important archeological site that was once the capital of the Moghul Empire; and Chand Baori Stepwell, a classic example of Indian well architecture. The stepwell has 3,500 narrow steps extending deep into the ground, and dates back to the 8th century. Arrive to Jaipur in time for dinner at the hotel buffet. Overnight in Jaipur. 

Day 9

Your day will begin with a visit to the Old Pink City and City Palace, the official residence of the Jaipur Royal Family. The tour will pass by Hawa Mahal or “Palace of the Winds” to view the magnificent façade, built in an intricate latticework pattern with 953 windows. Proceed to the Jantar Mantar to see the collection of astronomical instruments built by the King Sawai Jai Singh II.  Known for his fierce intellect, the King was the mastermind behind the collection, which allows the observation of astronomical position with the naked eye. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it includes the world’s largest stone sundial – observers can see the sun’s shadow move roughly a hand’s breadth per minute, and experience the astounding accuracy of these ancient machines. Following lunch at Tapri Tea, a popular teahouse serving authentic regional cuisine, you will enjoy a guided tour of the market and the opportunity to purchase souvenirs. Dinner will be served at a local restaurant. Overnight in Jaipur. 

Day 10

Begin the day with an excursion to Panna Meena ka Kund Stepwell, where you can once again observe the architectural ingenuity of this ancient water storage system, as well as Amer Fort – Jaipur’s principle tourist attraction. Next is a visit to an incredible textile factory for the opportunity to participate in a block printing demonstration and learn more about traditional methods of textile dying. The trip will close with a farewell dinner featuring traditional Indian dishes. 

Day 11 

Return flight to North America departing from Jaipur via Delhi.  Same day arrival to North America.

• Round trip airfare on Air Canada and all departure taxes 
• 1 checked piece of luggage 
• Accommodation as per itinerary in GHT approved first-class hotels in shared occupancy with individual beds
• All transfers on private air-conditioned, modern mini-busses 
• Licensed guide 24/7 managing all tour logistics while in India 
• All entrance fees and tickets as per the itinerary
• Delicious and authentic breakfast, lunch and dinner daily
• Individual accommodations for trip chaperones
• 4 individual bottles of water per person/day 
• 10 volunteer hours for students
• Pre-departure briefing and material

• Anything not mentioned in the itinerary
• Any and all fees associated with obtaining an Indian visa
• Immunizations
• All-inclusive insurance (approx $160.00 per student)
• Any donations to charities (ie: Mother Teresa’s Home) 
• Beverages other than water 
• Snacks

• Deposit at time of booking and registration
• Second payment due three months after registration 
• Final payment due no later than 90 days before departure