Day 1 Delhi
Qutub Minar; Rajpath; dinner in India home
We will gather for our traditional get-acquainted meeting early in the afternoon so we can get some sightseeing in before dinner together. First up:  Qutub Minar, the world's tallest brick minaret. Construction commenced in 1193 under the orders of India's first Muslim ruler Qutub-ud-din Aibak. On the way we’ll make a photo stop at Rajpath, Delhi’s grand boulevard with the iconic India Gate, Parliament Building, and Presidential Palace (Rashtrapati Bhavan). We will conclude our day with a Home Cooked Dinner with a local family. As dinner is being prepared, your host will provide information on the lifestyles of Indians, the traditions of home life, the importance of family in Indian culture, arranged marriages - and of course, the food! You'll dine on a traditional Indian home-cooked meal.
Hotel Jaypee Siddharth (1 night)  http://www.jaypeehotels.com/siddharth

Day 2 Udaipur
Humayuns Tomb; Jagdish Temple
We’ll make an early start to beat the crowds at Humayun’s Tomb. Built in 1570, it is of particular cultural significance as it was the first garden-tomb on the Indian subcontinent. It inspired several major architectural innovations, and heavily influenced the Taj Mahal. Then a late morning flight whisks us to Udaipur. In the afternoon we'll visit Jagdish Temple, built in 1651 by Maharana Jagat Singh. This Indo-Aryan temple is the largest and the most beautiful temple of Udaipur, with noteworthy statuary. Dinner is at UPRE Restaurant. Our hotel’s rooftop restaurant offers spectacular Lake Pichola and City Palace views, fine international cuisine, and authentic flavors of Rajasthan.
Fateh Niwas (2 nights)  https://www.fatehcollection.com/fateh-niwas-udaipur-resort/

Day 3 Udaipur
City Palace; Lake Pichola cruise
This morning is free for your personal explorations. In the afternoon we will visit Udaipur's City Palace, a majestic architectural marvel towering over the lake and surrounded by crenelated walls. It is a blend of courtyards, pavilions, terraces, corridors, sumptuous rooms, and hanging gardens. Next we proceed directly to our classic evening boat ride on Lake Pichola. This lake is picturesquely surrounded by splendid hills, palaces, temples, bathing ghats and embankments. We’ll cruise by the famous floating Lake Palace Hotel and visit the island palace of Jag Mandir.

Day 4 Jodhpur
Ranakpur Temple
After breakfast we depart Udaipur by private bus to Jodhpur. On the way we will visit magnificent Ranakpur Temple. This Jain temple was built during the reign of Rana Kumbha in the 15th century and is our favorite temple in India. It features impressive pillared halls and majestic domes supported by over four hundred intricately carved marble columns.
Bal Samand Garden Retreat (2 nights)  http://balsamandgardenretreat.jodhanaheritage.com/

Day 5 Jodhpur
Mehrangarh Fort
This morning our destination is Mehrangarh, India’s most majestic fort. Situated on a steep hill, its interior boasts sumptuous palaces and impressive courtyards. The audioguides we’ll use are narrated by the current Maharaja of Jodhpur, whose family still owns the fortress.  Your afternoon is free to explore the exquisite “Blue City” of Jodhpur. Dinner tonight is a special treat.  We will be hosted tonight in the home of our tour director’s parents for a genuine Rajasthani meal.

Day 6 Pushkar
Mela
Immediately after breakfast we will drive to Pushkar. We will arrive in time for lunch and a free afternoon to explore and spend time at the Mela (Fair). Pushkar Fair began as the largest camel trading fair in Rajasthan, bringing thousands of cattle and camels to the surrounding dunes. In modern times a carnival atmosphere surrounds the trading. There are cultural performances, exhibitions, mustache competition, magic shows, kite flying, turban tying, and much much more.
Gulaab Niwas Hotel (2 nights)  https://www.gulaabniwaaspushkar.com/

Day 7 Pushkar
Mela; Desert Dinner with Rajasthani Dance
Today is a free day to explore the temples of Pushkar, more sights and sounds of the Mela, or the ghats of the sacred lake. In the evening we’ll proceed to the dunes of the surrounding desert for dinner and Traditional Rajasthani Dances.

Day 8 Jaipur
Amber Fort
Our goal today is storied Jaipur. After settling at our Heritage hotel we will visit splendid Amber Fort. Maharaja Mansingh built the fortress and walls in the 17th century. Before the City Palace was constructed in Jaipur, Amber was the seat of power. The fort is surrounded by fortified battlements and overlooks a photogenic lake and crenelated walls. Dinner will be at 1135 AD Restaurant inside the fort. All the recipes used at 1135 AD have been passed down for generations through various royal families. One expects the food to be rich and decadent, and it does not disappoint.
Narain Niwas Palace Hotel (2 nights) http://www.hotelnarainniwas.com/

Day 9 Jaipur
Jantar Mantar; Bollywood night
This morning we visit Jantar Mantar, a fascinating 18th century observatory. You have the rest of the day free to explore the Pink City. Visit the City Palace, picturesque Hawa Mahal, go shopping in the old city, or just relax by the pool at our hotel. Tonight is Bollywood Night! Discover the extravagance of a Bollywood blockbuster, with all the Bollywood-style elements of action, romance, drama and music (sometimes all rolled into one), at the spectacular Raj Mandir Cinema.

Day 10 Agra
Chand Beori; Fatapur Sikri
During our drive to Agra we will visit two of India's lesser known but premier sights. The Chand Baori is a stepwell built over a thousand years ago. It is one of the largest and most beautiful stepwells in the world. The deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri was built by Emperor Akbar in 1569. But the city was abandoned during his lifetime, leaving the evocative ghost town of today. Dinner is at Pind Balluchi restaurant, an interesting amalgamation of rustic ambiance and delicious food. It boasts a Punjabi village theme with Mud walls, artifacts, and traditional attire.
Jaypee Palace (2 nights)  https://www.jaypeehotels.com/hotel/jaypee-palace-hotel-convention-centre-agra?utm_source=gmb&utm_medium=google&utm_campaign=organic

Day 11 Agra
Taj Mahal; Agra Fort
We’ll begin our day visiting the ultimate monument of love and flawless architecture. Shah Jehan's Taj Mahal has inspired poets and writers for centuries. It was once described as "A teardrop glistening on the cheek of eternity". Afterward we move on to Agra Fort. Built by Emperor Akbar and beautified with palaces and gardens by his heir Jehangir, Agra Fort today dominates the center of the city. Shah Jehan was imprisoned here, within sight of his beloved Taj Mahal.

Day 12 Khajuraho
Orccha
This morning we depart Agra by train, taking the “Shatabdi Express” to Jhansi. We will visit nearby Orchha before continuing to Khajuraho. Orccha's grandeur has been captured in stone, frozen in time, a rich legacy of past glories. The medieval palace, temples, and evocative cenotaphs were built by its Bundela rulers in the 16th and 17th centuries.
Hotel Syna Heritage (1 night) http://www.synaheritagehotel.com/index.php

Day 13 Varanasi
Khajuraho temples
We begin our day visiting the Western Group of Khajuraho, famous for their “erotic” sculpture decorations. After a break for lunch we will fly to Varanasi.  We'll be met upon arrival and transferred to the hotel.
Hotel Palace on Ganges (2 nights)  http://palaceonganges.com/

Day 14 Varanasi
Ganges boat; Aarti
We will greet the sunrise on a classic boat ride on the river Ganges, a must do activity at Varanasi. Watch Hindus from all over India come to take this holy dip in the Ganges and offer prayers to the gods. Our vantage point is from a rowed boat that moves silently and slowly from one Ghat to another. A buffet breakfast and a relaxing morning await us in our heritage hotel. This evening we will observe the Aarti ceremony (bidding goodnight to Mother Ganga) from a boat on the river.

Day 15 Sarnath
Sarnath
Our final sightseeing visit is an excursion to Sarnath, one of India's most significant Buddhist sights. After attaining enlightenment, the Buddha came to Sarnath where he gave his first public sermon, preaching the middle path for attaining Nirvana. It is also considered one of the best places to see the rich antiquities of the Ashoka period of the 12th century. In the afternoon we’ll be transferred to Varanasi’s airport. Our tour ends there. Connections to international departures (Delhi) and other Indian cities are inexpensive and readily available.

[Hotels and itinerary specifics are subject to change.]

What’s Included:
14 nights accommodation; all breakfasts, 6 lunches, 8 dinners; All tour transport (coach, van, boat, domestic flight, train); All tips (tour leaders, local guides, drivers, boat captains, group meals, hotel staffs); Full-time services of an Indian tour director, Imprint escort, local guides; All entrances: Humayun’s Tomb, Qtab Minar, Sarnath temples, Jagdish Temple, Orccha fort and cenataphs, Khajuraho temples (Western Group), Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri, Chand Baori, Amber Palace, Jantar Mantar, Udaipur City Palace, Ranakpur Temple, Mehrangarh Fort; All Activities: Rajpath, Lake Pichola cruise, Pushkar Mela, Bollywood movie evening, New Delhi & Jodhpur dinners in Indian homes, Ganges boat cruises, Aarti ceremony, and more.

Important exceptions:
Tour participants are responsible for the cost of drinks, free-time sightseeing & meals, expenditures of a personal nature, and flight baggage overage fees.

  Day 1  Cairo
We will gather for our get-acquainted meeting in our Cairo hotel and have dinner together.
Oasis Hotel (3 nights) http://www.oasis.com.eg/

Day 2  Cairo
Egyptian Museum; Pyramids
This morning will start with a visit to the magnificent Egyptian Museum. This collection boasts an astonishing array of archaeological finds including the exquisite riches of Tutankhamun.  After lunch together we drive to Giza to explore the mysteries of the Great Pyramids and the mighty Sphinx, with plenty of photo opportunities as sunset approaches.

Day 3  Cairo
Khan el Khalili; Wikala al-Ghouri
Today we begin with the Citadel of Saladin and Mohamed Ali Mosque.  Then a guided visit to the Gayer-Anderson Museum.  In the afternoon we’ll visit Islamic Cairo and Khan El Khalili Bazaar, one of the world’s oldest. We’ll have free time for shopping, and take a break for tea at the iconic Feshawi Café. Additionally, if time allows, we’ll pop into another of Cairo’s impressive mosques.

Day 4  Luxor
Dahshur
An early morning departure brings us to Dahshur where we will see the unique Red and Bent Pyramids. They are among the largest and most accessible in Egypt but attract fewer visitors and are therefore less chaotic than those at Giza. Later we transfer to the airport for a short flight to Luxor.  Upon arrival we will be taken to our hotel.
Etab El-Luxor Hotel (1 night)

Day 5  Nile Cruise
Valley of Kings; Hatshepsut; Valley of Queens
Today begins with a visit of three tombs in the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Hatshepsut, and the Valley of the Queens.  We’ll finish with a photo stop at the Colossi of Memnon.  [Note:  The many temples, tombs, and monuments of the West Bank are constantly being restored leading to sporadic closures.  Specific sites are not guaranteed.  Imprint will endeavor to arrange visits to the most significant and interesting sites available at the time of our visit.]  At the end of the morning we transfer to our 5-Star Cruise boat, our home for the next 4 nights.
Dolphin 5-Star Cruise (4 nights)

Day 6 Nile Cruise
Karnak
This morning we have a leisurely visit mighty Karnak Temple, greatest on the Nile.  After lunch on board we begin our relaxing sail up the Nile.

Day 7  Nile Cruise
Edfu; Kom-Ombo
After breakfast on board, we will enjoy a visit to the Temple of Horus in Edfu, the best preserved temple on the Nile. Then we sail on to Kom-Ombo to visit the unique double temple, dedicated to both Horus the falcon god and Sobek the crocodile god. The rest of the day is a beautiful sail to the garden city of Aswan.

Day 8  Nile Cruise
Market; Falucca; Nubian village
Today is our day on the Nile.  In the morning we will visit the market of Aswan.  In the afternoon, as the sun wanes, we travel by felucca (traditional Nile sailing boat) to Elephantine Island and a visit to a Nubian Village.  We’ll learn about the contemporary lives of the Nubian people and enjoy dinner in a Nubian home.

Day 9  Abu Simbel
Abu Simbel; Sound & Light show
A late morning departure sends us across the desert to Abu Simbel.  Late this afternoon we’ll visit the magnificent temples of Ramses II and his Queen Nefertari. These temples received global attention in 1968 when they were completely dismantled and relocated to avoid inundation. This evening we’ll enjoy Egypt’s best Sound & Light Show.
Seti Abu Simbel Hotel (1 night)

Day 10  Cairo
This morning we transfer to Abu Simbel airport for our flight to Cairo (via Aswan).  The ambitious among us have the option of sunrise at the temples before our departure.  Upon arrival in Cairo we will check into our hotel for some rest and relaxation.
La Passage Hotel (1 night)

Day 11  Petra, Jordan
Dead Sea
Our day begins with a transfer to Cairo airport for our flight to Amman.  Upon arrival at Queen Alia airport we'll be met by our Jordanian guide who will assist us through immigration and customs, and escort us to the Dead Sea for a quick "bob” in the saline waters.  In the afternoon we will continue our journey south to Petra.
Petra Guest House (2 nights)

Day 12  Petra
This entire day is dedicated to exploring the lost Nabatean city of Petra. The morning starts with a journey through the fabled SIQ, the deep and narrow sandstone cleft which opens to reveal the iconic Treasury.  The day continues with our exploration of ancient Temples, Royal Tombs, a Roman theater, houses, and more.  For those interested, there is an optional night visit available.  Walk the siq by candlelight and emerge to find the space before the iconic Treasury filled with hundreds of oil lamps.

Day 13 Wadi Rum
We depart in the morning for the magical desert region of Wadi Rum, the filming location for many movies including The Martian and Lawrence of Arabia.  Upon arrival we’ll enjoy a mint tea or cardamom coffee before touring this moon-like desert landscape in a Bedouin driven jeep.  After sunset we’ll enjoy a classic Bedouin dinner.
Sun City Camp (1 night)  http://www.suncitycamp.com/

Day 13  Amman
Tour over today.  Included transfer to Amman or Amman airport for flight home.  Please note, we will not arrive back in Amman until early to mid afternoon.  For those continuing to Imprint’s Jerusalem extension, transportation to the Allenby Bridge border crossing is included today.