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Abercrombie & Kent
OFFER ID 1504791
Private India & the Taj Mahal
Explore India’s greatest treasures as you visit the timeless Taj Mahal, seek the graceful Bengal tiger and witness a holy rite beside the sacred Ganges — all while staying in royal palaces-turned-luxury hotels.
13 nights from $13,225 per person
Special Promotion: New Air Credit Offer! Up to $1,500 on Select 2024 Private Journeys When You Reserve Your International Air Through A&K
Valid for new bookings deposited May 9, 2024 - December 20, 2024 only on select 2024 Private Journeys departures
*Promotion may not be combinable with any other offers, promotions, or discounts, and is subject to availability and airline booking guidelines. Other restrictions may apply.
Abercrombie & Kent: Private India & the Taj Mahal
Day 1 Mumbai, India
Arrive in Mumbai, where an A&K representative meets and transfers you to your iconic hotel.
This morning, explore the city’s classic sights, including Victoria Terminus Station and the Gateway of India. Then travel to the Churchgate Railway Station to observe local dabbawallas at work as they prepare to deliver hundreds of thousands of home-cooked meals to working professionals throughout the city with astonishing accuracy. This afternoon, visit Mani Bhawan, a museum dedicated to the life and works of Mahatma Gandhi. Finish today’s exploring with a photo stop at the Dhobi Ghat open-air laundry, a wonderfully colorful spectacle to behold.
Today, fly to Udaipur and check into your palace hotel. Enjoy early afternoon at leisure. Later this afternoon, cruise past Jag Mandir, a marble palace on an island in Lake Pichola.
Visit the City Palace, a marble complex of palaces and galleries overlooking the lake; tour the Crystal Gallery in Fateh Prakash Palace; and stroll through the gardens at Sahelion Ki Bari (Garden of the Maids of Honor). After lunch at a local restaurant, return to your hotel. Enjoy the late afternoon at leisure.
Fly to Jaipur and check in to your hotel, the former residence of the Maharaja of Jaipur. Then, explore the City Palace, a unique and arresting complex of several palaces, pavilions, gardens and temples. Located within the palace’s gates is the Mubarak Mahal, or “Auspicious Palace,” which contains textiles including the royal formal costumes, Sanganeri block prints, Kashmiri pashminas and silk saris. Then, visit Jantar Mantar, an open-air array of astronomical instruments, before returning to your hotel.
Today, view the Palace of the Winds, built so women of the royal household could observe street life without being seen. Proceed to explore the beautiful Mughal-style Amber Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stop at a local restaurant for lunch, and afterward, enjoy one of these Design Your Day activities:
Practice Yoga during a private session at Rambagh Palace.
Visit Digantar Vidyalay to interact with the students at an innovative school supported by Abercrombie & Kent Philanthropy.
Explore the Bazaars of Jaipur, taking in the vibe of local life and shopping for keepsakes from your journey.
Return to your hotel for an evening at leisure.
Drive to Agra, observing the colorful rural life of Rajasthan on your journey. Upon arrival, catch your first glimpse of the breathtaking Taj Mahal from your luxurious room. Visit the Taj Mahal in the late afternoon, as the setting sun bathes it in a soft orange glow.
Visit the masterpiece again to watch how the rising sun lends a warm pink tint to its marble face. This afternoon, visit Agra Fort, once the prison of Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, who built the Taj Mahal after the death of his beloved wife.
Depart by express train to Jhansi, and continue overland to remote Panna National Park, checking in to your wilderness lodge.
Today, set out on morning and afternoon game drives in a 4x4 vehicle, spotting crocodiles, deer or perhaps the elusive Bengal tiger. Learn how a successful conservation program has grown the park’s tiger population, increasing the odds of a sighting.
This morning, drive to Khajuraho to see its profusely sculpted Hindu and Jain temples. Fly to Varanasi, a city sacred to Hindus and Buddhists alike. At dusk, head to the banks of the sacred Ganges River to witness the entrancing aarti ceremony.
Rise early for a sunrise cruise on the Ganges River, seeing where the locals and pilgrims cleanse themselves on the ghats. Enjoy an orientation tour of the city, including a visit to the Bharat Mata temple, a site devoted to a unified India and the mother goddess that personifies its national identity. Later, fly to Delhi and check in to your hotel.
Visit the great Jama Masjid, and set off on an exciting rickshaw ride through the Chandni Chowk bazaar, one of the busiest and oldest markets in Old Delhi. After lunch, tour New Delhi, viewing the India Gate and Rashtrapati Bhawan, and visiting Humayun’s Tomb, the last resting place of an esteemed 16th-century Mughal emperor, which prefigures design techniques later perfected in the Taj Mahal.
Transfer to the airport to board your homebound flight.
FULL DAY
MARVELS OF MUMBAI
Proceed to Gateway of India, the city’s most famous landmark –an Indo-Saracenic archway built in 1911 to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary. It was originally conceived as an entry point for passengers arriving on P&O steamers from England; today it is remembered more often as the place from which the British staged their final departure. You will make a stop here for photographs.
See the highlights of the city from the comfort of your minivan as you set off for a tour of Mumbai city. Your tour begins with the Gateway of India (PLEASE STOP FOR A WHILE SO THE GUEST CAN TAKE PHOTO), the city's most famous landmark - an Indo-Saracenic archway built in 1911 to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary. It was originally conceived as an entry point for passengers arriving on P&O steamers from England; today it is remembered more often as the place from which the British staged their final departure.
Continue through Marine Drive, Mumbai's seaside promenade, an eight-lane highway with a wide pavement. Its graceful curve sweeps from the skyscrapers at Nariman Point to the foot of Malabar Hill. This hill is Mumbai's ritziest neighborhood. Popular since the 18th century because of its forested slopes, fresh sea breezes and panoramic views, merchants and colonial governors built many mansions and bungalows on its hillsides.
Your drive includes a look at a most remarkable railway station. Inspired by St. Pancras Station in London, the Victoria Terminus was built during Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee year. It is an extraordinary conglomeration of domes, spires, Corinthian columns and minarets in a style that was described by journalist James Cameron as "Victorian-Gothic-Saracenic-Italianate-Oriental-St. Pancras-Baroque". The first train in India left from this station in April 1853; today half a million commuters use the station every day.
Depart to Church Gate Station and spend some time watching the dabba-wallahs, the members of the Mumbai Tiffin Box Suppliers Association. Every day 4,000 of them deliver fresh, home-cooked food from 100,000 suburban kitchens to offices in the downtown area. Each lunch is prepared by a loving wife or mother, and packed into a set of stackable aluminum boxes. The meals are carried to their hungry recipients dangling from shoulder-poles and bicycle handlebars, and stacked on decorated handcarts. Tins are rarely, if ever, lost, and always find their way home again to be washed up for the next day’s lunch.
Even if you are not possessed of an interest in other people’s dirty laundry, you’ll be fascinated by the dhobi ghats, your next stop. Each morning washing from all over Mumbai is brought here to be soaped, soaked, boiled, beaten, and thrashed. The next day, after being aired, pressed, folded and wrapped, the bundles are returned from whence they came. The secret that keeps the operation running smoothly is the coded symbol that each dhobi-wallah places on every item. Invisible to the untrained eye, this mark ensures that nothing will be lost. Stop here for photos that you’ll never be able to duplicate anywhere else.
Proceed for Taj Mahal Hotel for Lunch on direct payment basis.
You will continue to The Prince of Wales Museum, crowned by a white Mughal-style dome, the finest work done by architect George Wittet, who also designed the Gateway of India.
Return to pier.
| TIMING | ITINERARY & POINTS OF INTEREST | DISTANCE & TERRAIN | W/C FRIENDLY |
| 09h30 – 11h00 | Orientation tour of Mumbai, Gateway of India, Malabar Hill and VT Station. | This tour is not suitable for guests in wheelchairs; and those with mobility issues | |
| 11h00 – 11h20 | Proceed to Churchgate station | ||
| 11h20 – 11h40 | Watch the Dabba-wallas at Churchgate | 10 meters / even | |
| 11h40 – 12h15 | Drive to Dhobi Ghat | ||
| 12h15 – 12h45 | Visit Dhobi Ghat | 100 meters / Flat / 5 steps | |
| 12h45 – 13h15 | Drive to Taj Mahal Hotel for lunch on direct payment basis | ||
| 13h15 – 14h15 | Lunch at Taj Mahal Hotel | 150 meters / Flat / 4 steps | |
| 14h15 – 15h30 | Drive to Prince of wales Museum and visit | ||
| 15h30 – 16h00 | Return to pier | 50 meters / Uneven |
HALF DAY MUSEUM AND GALLERIES OF MUMBAI
HALF DAY
MUSEUM AND GALLERIES OF MUMBAI
Explore the history, art and people of Mumbai and India during this informative half-day visit to the area's finest museums and galleries.
Depart from pier for the drive to Mani Bhawan, Gandhi's Bombay residence between 1917 and 1934. Mani Bhawan is now a permanent museum and memorial to the Mahatma. It contains a research library of more than 20,000 volumes, and a series of tiny dioramas depicting his life story in an interesting fashion. The walls are covered with photos of historic events and noteworthy people.
Next, visit the Prince of Wales Museum, easily recognized by its unique white Mughal-style dome. The museum is the finest work by architect George Wittet, who also designed the Gateway of India. It houses interesting displays of jade work, antique weapons, Indian paintings, illustrated manuscripts, exquisite miniatures, and clay and terracotta figures from the 3rd century B.C. Adjacent to Prince of Wales Museum, you will find the Jehangir Art Gallery. Mumbai's best-known venue for contemporary art, Jehangir is home to five small galleries displaying changing exhibits of 20th century arts and crafts from around the world.
Return to pier.
| TIMING | ITINERARY & POINTS OF INTEREST | DISTANCE / TERRAIN | W/C FRIENDLY |
| 00h00 – 00h30 | Pier to Mani Bhawan | This tour is not suitable for guests in wheelchairs; and those with mobility issues | |
| 00h30 – 01h00 | Arrive and visit Mani Bhawan | 20 steps/ Uneven Terrain | |
| 01h00 – 01h30 | Leave for Prince of Wales Museum | ||
| 01h30 – 02h30 | Arrive and visit Prince of Wales Museum | 50 steps/flat Terrain | |
| 02h30 – 02h35 | Walk down to adjacent Jahangir Art Gallery | ||
| 02h35 – 03h20 | Arrive and visit Jahangir Art Museum | 15 steps/ flat Terrain | |
| 03h20 – 04h00 | Back to pier |
FULL DAY THE CAVES OF ELEPHANTA
FULL DAY
THE CAVES OF ELEPHANTA
More than a thousand years ago, Hindu craftsmen carved columns and sculptures out of a series of caves located on an island off the shores of Mumbai, creating a temple complex dedicated to Lord Shiva. The Portuguese named the island Elephanta, after the large statue of an elephant they found near the spot where they docked their ships. Come and discover the unique beauty and intriguing tales of these temple caves with today’s memorable excursion.
Travel by minivan vehicle to the Gateway of India, the city’s most recognized landmark. Built in 1911 to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary, the archway was originally conceived as an entry point for people arriving on steamers from England. Today, the gateway serves as a launching point for your own exploration of the Elephanta Temple.
Boarding a motor boat, enjoy the approximately one hour and thirty minutes cruise to the Elephanta landing. From the jetty you have the option of either taking the mini train or walking approximately 15 minutes to the base of the long stairway which leads to the top of the hill, where the caves are located. As you enter, you will see a magnificent sculpture of Shiva as Nataraj, showing an enraptured expression as he removes the veil of ignorance. The most outstanding sculpture is a bust of Trimurti—the three-faced Shiva representing the Hindu trinity, Brahma the creator, Vishnu the preserver, and Shiva the destroyer. In other panels, Shiva is depicted in service to humanity as he brings the River Ganges to Earth, and at his most fearsome as he crushes the demon of Andhaka. Later, board the motor boat for return cruise to the Gateway.
Re-board your vehicle for the transfer back to your ship.
| TIMING | ITINERARY & POINTS OF INTEREST | DISTANCE & TERRAIN | W/C FRIENDLY |
| 00h00 - 00h15 | Depart from the pier by minivan to the Gateway of India | This tour is NOT suitable for guests in wheelchairs; and those with mobility issues | |
| 00h15 - 01h45 | Board the motor boat and cruise to Elephanta Island | ||
| 01h45 - 03h45 | Arrive and visit Elephanta Island | 1.5km / Uneven, cobblestones / 125 long steps each way | |
| 03h45 - 05h15 | Board your motor boat and return to Mumbai | ||
| 05h15 – 05h30 | Return to the pier |
Experience the highlights of this fascinating city, with its Western monuments and Eastern sensibilities.
Begin your tour with photo stop at the Gateway of India, the city’s most famous landmark an Indo-Saracenic archway built in 1911 to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary.
Next visit, The Church of St John the Evangelist better known as Afghan Church in South Mumbai, built by the British to commemorate the dead of the disastrous First Afghan War of 1838. The church is located in Navy Nagar in the Colaba area of Mumbai. Besides British soldiers it also commemorates different Indian regiments, such as the Bombay Army, the Madras Army, and Ranjit Singh's army from Lahore.
Drive along Marine Drive-Mumbai’s seaside promenade, an eight-lane highway with a wide pavement. Its graceful curve sweeps from the skyscrapers at Nariman Point to the foot of Malabar Hill, Mumbai’s ritziest neighborhood. At the top of hill are the Hanging Gardens, laid out in 1881. Here, an assortment of hedges, trimmed into animal shapes. The gardens also offer a superb view of the bustling city centre in the distance.
You then proceed to Bhau Daji Lad Museum (formerly the Victoria and Albert Museum) one of the oldest museums in Mumbai. It was established in 1855 as a treasure house of the decorative and industrial arts. The museum houses a large number of archaeological finds, maps and historical photographs of Mumbai.
You then visit, Crawford Market - one of South Mumbai's most famous markets. It is named after Arthur Crawford, the first Municipal Commissioner of the city. The market is situated near to Victoria Terminus railway station. The market houses a wholesale fruit, vegetable and poultry market.
Finally, visit and savor a relaxing lunch while exploring the historic Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, which dates back to the 1500s before returning back to the ship.
| TIMING | ITINERARY & POINTS OF INTEREST | DISTANCE / TERRAIN | W/C FRIENDLY |
| 00h00 – 00h10 | Leave from pier to Gateway of India | This tour is not suitable for guests in wheelchairs; and those with mobility issues | |
| 00h10 – 00h15 | Arrive at Gateway of India (photo stop only) | 10 steps/ flat Terrain | |
| 00h15 – 00h30 | Leave for Afghan Church | ||
| 00h30 – 01h00 | Arrive and visit Afghan Church | 4 steps/ flat Terrain | |
| 01h00 – 01h30 | Leave for Hanging Gardens | ||
| 01h30 – 02h00 | Arrive and visit Hanging Gardens | 2 steps/ Uneven Terrain | |
| 02h00 – 02h15 | Leave for Victoria & Albert Museum | ||
| 11h15 – 12h00 | Arrive and visit Victoria & Albert Museum | 5 steps/ Uneven Terrain | |
| 03h00 – 03h15 | Leave for Crawford market | ||
| 03h15 – 03h45 | Arrive and visit market | Uneven Terrain | |
| 03h45 – 03h15 | Leave for hotel Taj Mahal | 10 steps/ flat Terrain | |
| 04h15 – 05h45 | Arrive at hotel and proceed for lunch (On Direct Payment) | ||
| 05h45 – 06h00 | Back to pier |
Mumbai, Shore Excursion - 4 hours
You will be met at the pier. (Excursion timings will be subject to the ship's arrival and departure). Once you disembark from your cruise-liner, you will meet your guide in the arrival hall. He will escort you to your waiting vehicle and together you will set of to explore India’s most cosmopolitan city and financial nerve centre – Mumbai.
You will first explore the Fort area of Mumbai – Kala Ghoda, literally Black Horse – a neighborhood in South Mumbai. The crescent-shaped precinct is the city’s premier art district. You will drive past a large number of the city’s heritage buildings, full of museums, art galleries and educational institutions like the Jehangir Art Gallery, the National Gallery of Modern Art, the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (previously called the Prince of Wales Museum) and The Arts Trust.
You will end your tour with a visit to Mani Bhavan. As poignant as it is tiny, this museum is in the building where Mahatma Gandhi stayed during visits to Bombay from 1917 to 1934. The museum showcases the room where the leader formulated his philosophy of Satyagraha (non-violent protest) and launched the 1932 Civil Disobedience campaign that led to the end of British rule and Indian independence.
Stop for a sumptuous lunch at a local restaurant before you return to the port area.
Inclusions:
Private chauffeur driven air conditioned vehicle, Private guide, Complimentary Soft beverages and Bottled water in the car, Monument entrance and still camera fee, Meet and Assist at all airports and hotels, Porterage at airports, All currently applicable taxes
Exclusions:
Expenses of any personal nature (laundry,telephone calls etc, unless specified) Tipping at hotels and to guides/escorts (unless specified), Meals (unless specified), Any insurance or Visa, Any hike in monument entrances fee or revision in government taxes, Air fare is quoted separately.
*Terms and conditions apply
Mumbai, Shore Excursion - 6 hours
You will be met at the pier. (Excursion timings will be subject to the ship's arrival and departure). Once you disembark from your cruise-liner, you will meet your guide in the arrival hall. He will escort you to your waiting vehicle and together you will set of to explore India’s most cosmopolitan city and financial nerve centre – Mumbai.
Your first stop will be to take pictures at Dhobi Ghat, a sight unique to this city. ‘Dhobi Ghat’ or “washerfolks’ place”, is the world's largest outdoor laundry, and where Mumbai's traditional washer-folk - or dhobis - provide a wonderful service, collecting dirty laundry, washing it, and returning it neatly pressed, all for a very small fee.
Drive to Churchgate Station where you get the opportunity to see the famed ‘dabbawallas’ or ‘lunch box carriers’ in action. The Mumbai dabbawallas are international figures now, thanks to Forbes Global. The Forbes story details the efficiency with which they deliver the dabbas or lunch pails of their customers. Around 5,000 dabbawallas collect and deliver 175,000 lunches every day and take the empty boxes back. Their operation has a six sigma rating which implies less than 3.4 errors in every million transactions. This is the same rating that has made companies like Motorola and GE world famous for their quality!
Later you will visit Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Mumbai City Museum, a structure steeped in Indian history and culture. Built in Renaissance revival style in 1872 as the Victoria & Albert Museum, it contains 3,500-plus objects centering on Mumbai’s history. This landmark building was renovated in 2008.
Stop for lunch at a local restaurant before you continue on your tour.
You will end your tour with a visit to Mani Bhavan. As poignant as it is tiny, this museum is in the building where Mahatma Gandhi stayed during visits to Bombay from 1917 to 1934. The museum showcases the room where the leader formulated his philosophy of Satyagraha (non-violent protest) and launched the 1932 Civil Disobedience campaign that led to the end of British rule and Indian independence.
You will then return to the port area.
Inclusions: Private chauffeur driven air conditioned vehicle, private guide, complimentary soft beverages and bottled water in the car, monument entrance and still camera fee, meet and assist at all airports and hotels, porterage at airports, all current applicable taxes.
Exclusions: Expenses of any personal nature (laundry, telephone calls etc, unless specified), tipping at hotels and to guides/escorts (unless specified), meals (unless specified) any insurance or Visa, any hike in monument entrances fee or revision in government taxes, air fare is quoted separately.
*Terms and conditions apply
All fares are quoted in US Dollars.