Depart from New York area today and make your way to India. Airport still to be set.

The bustling metropolis of Delhi has been invaded, destroyed, and rebuilt countless times in its 5,000-year history. Today, it is a sprawling urban center unofficially divided into two parts: Old Delhi: the classic Indian experience of colorful, crowded streets and historical monuments: and New Delhi, India’s capital, a city of wide avenues and government buildings that the British began erecting in the early 1900's.

Arrive this in Delhi, India this afternoon or evening. Upon arrival the group will be met and transferred to your local hotel for check in. Relax this evening and settle into your lovely hotel.

The 4* Connaught Hotel is centrally located and close to all the major tourist destinations in the city like the India Gate. The historic property is close to flea markets, street food, pubs, restaurants, museums & art galleries. The hotel has free Wi-Fi, onsite dining, a gym, and guest rooms have an in room safe and a tea/coffee maker among other amenities. 

Depending on flight arrival time, dinner is on your own tonight (if not provided in flight).

Overnight:  The Connaught (or similar)

 Meals: N/A

All travelers will gather this morning with your national guide and receive further information on the program and today’s activities.

Explore the unique and defining characteristics of Old Delhi and New Delhi. Contemplate the impact of Mahatma Gandhi’s life at the Raj Ghat, a simple memorial to the legendary icon of non-violent civil disobedience. Hop in a rickshaw for a view of the Red Fort, the imperial residence of India, and the Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in the country.

After lunch on your own, discover the garden tomb of Humayun, built by the widow of the second Mughal emperor. Continue to the imposing India Gate, the parliament buildings, and the Rashtrapati Bhavan, the residence of the president and largest structure for any chief of state in the world.

This evening, enjoy a welcome dinner with fellow travelers.

Overnight:  The Connaught (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Today the professional members of the group will visit a local hospital, such as Apollo Hospital, to discuss topics of mutual interest with a goal to broaden your world view of chronic disease experiences and challenges in India. India is faced with an increasing prevalence of diabetes, especially in rural areas, which requires solutions at many levels starting with creating awareness of the disease and its complications. 

After lunch you will visit a local university to learn about education and training requirements for diabetes clinicians and other healthcare professionals going into fields such as endocrinology, nursing or other medical fields.

Guest program:
Accompanying guests will explore the spectacular Swaminarayan Akshardham temple, which epitomizes 10,000 years of Indian culture in all its breathtaking grandeur, beauty, wisdom and bliss. It brilliantly showcases the essence of India’s ancient architecture, traditions and timeless spiritual messages. Visit to the Gurudwara Bangla Sahib. One of the most prominent Sikh temples, Bangla Sahib feeds more than 10,000 people every day, irrespective of cast, creed, color or religion. This is an integral part of ‘Seva’ or service, which is part of the Sikh faith. The temple also organizes various other socio-philanthropic activities and its picturesque setting is perfect to calm, relax and contemplate. Engage yourself in community service at the Langar of the Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, the spiritual and cultural center of the Sikh religion.

Dinner is on your own this evening.

Overnight:  The Connaught (or similar)

 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Wrap up your professional exchange in Delhi with representative from an organization like Diabetes Foundation India (DFI) for discussions to explore the provider and patient perspectives for best practices in diabetes care and education. Learn about the research they are working on and role in creating awareness about correction nutrition and exercise in the Indian population. 

Guest program: 

Accompanying guests will have some free time before heading to lunch and onward to Jaipur with the rest of the group. 

Later today depart via bus to the Pink City of Jaipur, known for the terracotta plaster that coats buildings in the old part of the city. Jaipur is the capital and largest city of Rajasthan. Established back in 1727 the city now has a population of more than 3 million. It is 167 miles north of Delhi and forms the western part of the Golden Triangle.

Lunch will be provided this afternoon in route to Jaipur (approximately 4-hour drive). Upon arrival in Jaipur, check in at your local hotel and have dinner on your own.

The 5* Trident Hotel comes with a range of world class facilities including onsite dining, spa, fitness center and outdoor pool. This luxury hotel offers stunning views of the Mansagar Lake and Jal Mahal. Tastefully appointed, the rooms are well-lit and airy and offer all the modern amenities such as a spacious wardrobe, an LCD television, a personal bar, and complimentary high-speed Internet for up to four devices.

Upon arrival in Jaipur, check in at your local hotel and have dinner on your own. The hotel has room service as well if preferred.

Overnight: Trident Hotel (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

This morning you will continue your professional interaction during a visit to a local Ayurvedic facility like the National Institute of Ayurveda in Jaipur. Share your insight with their team and learn more about ayurvedic medicine and its role in treating chronic healthcare issues facing Indian cities today such as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, pituitary problems, adrenal diseases such as Addison's, childhood obesity, and more. 

After lunch, the group will meet with representatives of a facility such as Disha: Resource Center for the Disabled. Interact with the staff and patients today to learn how they provide an opportunity for children with multiple disabilities to develop to their true potential. 

Guest program: Accompanying guests will enjoy a visit to Sanganer that takes you through two triple gateways to explore palace ruins and the city's exquisitely carved Jain temples. Learn about Rajasthani art from local masters before a stop at the Lakshmi Narayan temple, situated below Moti Dungri . Visit the temple grounds which were built in 1938 and dedicated to Lord Vishnu and goddess Lakshmi. Note you will be asked to remove your shoes to enter.

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This evening enjoy dinner and a local dance or music performance.

Overnight: Trident Hotel (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Start your morning with yoga! Your guide will lead those interested in a morning session at the hotel.

Embark on an extensive exploration of the monuments of Jaipur's golden age. First travel as the Maharajah's did by elephant to the Amber Fort, a beautiful complex of palaces, halls, pavilions, gardens and temples. Once inside the citadel, stroll through the sprawling palace and courtyards to admire the grand architecture and delicate carvings. En route, visit the Palace of Winds, also known as Hawa Mahal. Its elaborate façade with more than 900 windows once served as an observation point for the ladies of the court.

After lunch on your own, continue to the City Palace composed of a vast mosaic of exquisite palaces, gardens, and courtyards and the Jantar Mantar Astronomical Observatory. This stone observatory (the largest in the world) is one of five built by Jaipur’s founder, Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. Experience some of the traditional arts of Rajasthan as you watch craftsmen create block prints and jewelry.

Gain authentic cultural insight during an evening spent enjoying a home-cooked meal with a local family.  You will have a chance to both help with the meal prep and learn about the dishes they are cooking this evening.

Overnight: Trident Hotel (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Today the group will say farewell to Jaipur and drive with your guide to Agra. The remote city is a must see when you are in Northern India, not only because it is the home of the UNESCO World Heritage rated Taj Mahal. The city is located on the banks of the river Yamuna and the 24th most populous city in India.  The drive is about 6 hours (240 kms).

Lunch will be provided in route this afternoon.

On the way visit Fatehpur Sikri, a spacious red sandstone city built in the 16th century by the Mughal Emperor Akbar. The architecture combines Hindu and Moghul styles, expressing Akbar’s vision of synthesizing the cultures. The onetime capital was deserted after only 12 years, but the audience halls, palaces and mosques are still perfectly intact. 

The Trident Hotel is near the Taj Mahal and one of the best hotels in the city. Beautifully landscaped gardens and water fountains welcome you to this charming leisure hotel. Guests can also enjoy complimentary high-speed Internet for up to four devices.

Enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant this evening. 

Overnight:  Trident Hotel (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner