Although watching a radiant sunrise and sunset at the Taj Mahal may well be the highlight of this exploration, it is by no means the only attraction that will leave an indelible impression. The time between these two spectacles can be spent at the UNESCO World Heritage site Agra Fort or at the tomb of Itmad-ud-Daula, a marble mausoleum known as the “Baby Taj” as it is considered to be the model for the Taj Mahal. Delhi also delights through architecture such as the triumphant arch India Gate.
DAY 1
Following disembarkation in Mumbai, depart for the airport for the flight to Delhi. Luggage will be transported in the guests’ coach.
Arrive at the airport, receive boarding passes and proceed through security and on to your gate.
Upon arrival in Delhi, you will depart for the scenic drive to Agra via the new Yamuna Expressway.
Lunch is served en route at Jaypee Greens Resort.
Agra’s story or glory began with the arrival of the Mughals, who made it a great centre of learning, art, commerce and culture. With its cosmopolitan bazaars and strategic location on the river Jamuna, Agra was altogether a worthy setting for the focus of an empire. This ‘city of the past’ has impressive World Heritage sites and traditional artisan workshops.
Arrive Agra and check-in to the renowned Oberoi Amarvilas with uninterrupted views of the Taj Mahal. Voted as the top three hotels of the world, its classical architecture is complemented by elaborate mughul gardens, terraced lawns, fountains, reflection pools and pavilions. Every room has a frontal view of the Taj Mahal.
Dinner is on your own.
Overnight at the Oberoi Amarvilas.
DAY 2
Coffee, tea, juices and rolls are served in the lobby prior to your departure.
Depart to visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise, as the early rays of the sun cast upon the pearl-white tomb.
The ivory gate which all dreams pass. A lacy white grandeur, perhaps the most perfect architectural monument accomplished. Amazingly graceful from any angle, it is the close up detail which is really astounding.
Return to the hotel for breakfast.
Morning options following breakfast include:
•See World Heritage Agra Fort, credited to Emperor Akbar, India’s great visionary. Astonishing palaces, mosques, and audience halls contained within its massive walls of red sandstone are embellished by an artistic fusion of Hindu and Islamic traditions.
•Visit the Tomb of Itmad-Ud-Daulah in the old city, the first Mughal structure pioneering the extensive use
of `pietra dura’, the inlay work of marble, so characteristic of the Taj Mahal. This mausoleum is small and squat when compared to the Taj, but the more human scale has its own attraction, and the skillfully patterned surface of the tomb is exquisite.
Back at the hotel for lunch on your own.
Afternoon options following lunch include:
•See World Heritage Agra Fort, credited to Emperor Akbar, India’s great visionary. Astonishing palaces, mosques, and audience halls contained within its massive walls of red sandstone are embellished by an artistic fusion of Hindu and Islamic traditions.
•Visit the Tomb of Itmad-Ud-Daulah in the old city, the first Mughal structure pioneering the extensive use
of `pietra dura’, the inlay work of marble, so characteristic of the Taj Mahal. This mausoleum is small and squat when compared to the Taj, but the more human scale has its own attraction, and the skillfully patterned surface of the tomb is exquisite.
•At the hotel, Agra’s leading astrologer will be available for consultation. Appointments for an analysis of your personal horoscope can be made at the Oceania Cruises Hospitality desk as you arrive at the hotel.
•There are options to browse shops such as Kohinoor, jewelers to the mughal court, featured in National Geographic. Old emerald necklaces, enamel jewelry and embroidery form part of their private collection. The Marble Inlay factories steeped in this decorative art culture are also a specialty of Agra.
Later, revisit the Taj Mahal at dusk. At sunset, the monument appears to change its hue, tinted by the glow of the setting sun.
Prior to dinner you will be treated to a short cultural show featuring the classical dance form of Kathak. This royal courtroom dance arose from the fusion of Hindu and Muslim cultures during the Mughal era. It is characterized by rhythmic footwork, spectacular spins, mime and gestures that are a dramatic representation of themes from Persian poetry synthesized with Hindu mythology.
Dinner and overnight at the Oberoi Amarvilas.
DAY 3
Following breakfast, check out and drive back to Delhi. Restroom stops will be made along the way.
Arrive Delhi and check-in to the Oberoi Gurgaon.
You will have some free time for lunch on your own before heading out on a panoramic drive to see Delhi’s majestic boulevards and grand government buildings. See India Gate, Delhi’s triumphant arch which stands at the end of the Rajpath. At the other end is the official residence of India’s President.
Return to the hotel with the evening at leisure where dinner is on your own.
Overnight at the Oberoi Gurgaon.
DAY 4
Breakfast and the morning is at leisure before checking out at 12:00 noon. You will be transferred to the Delhi International Airport in conjunction with the departure flight times. For guests with late flights, luggage storage will be available at the hotel.
Land Program Details Step by Step:
•Please note: The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. This program is subject to flight confirmations which are beyond our control (NOTE: only if there are flights). All program details including timings and any flights indicated below are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change. Direct flights are never guaranteed.
•Itineraries with the most up to date details (at the time) will be issued when you are emailed your final cruise documents 21 days prior to sailing. You will then receive one last final itinerary from our ground operator with a Welcome Letter upon arrival or at your hotel. Please review that Welcome Letter and your final itinerary carefully for any further amendments.
•The hotels used for your land program will be the hotels listed in this document unless you have been advised otherwise in advance of the land program start date.
•Guests failing to arrive on Day 1 of a scheduled land program will be considered a no-show and their hotel space released.
Extra Nights
•If you book extra nights through the cruise line, you will be met as per the flight details provided and transferred to your hotel. Check-in is 2:00pm (subject to change). Meals other than breakfast, as well as activities, are on your own until day 2 of the program.
•If you have an early-arriving flight, you may wish to book an extra night as your room will not be ready for occupation until approximately 2:00pm.
•If you book extra nights on your own, transfers are not included.
DAY 1
6:30am Disembark and transfer to Mumbai airport
Bags are transported in the guests’ bus
Excess luggage is separated for a train transfer to Delhi
8:00am Arrive at the airport, receive boarding passes and proceed through security
10:00am IndiGo flight (6E 6821) departs Mumbai for Delhi (subject to change)
Snack and refreshment served `aloft’
12:15pm Arrive Delhi
1:00pm Buses depart for Agra – buffet lunch is arranged at Jaypee Greens Resort
6:00pm Arrive Agra and check into your hotel
From 7:00pm Dinner is on your own at your leisure
Overnight at Oberoi Amarvilas
DAY 2
5:45am Tea, coffee, juices are served in the lobby
6:30am Sunrise visit of the Taj Mahal
7:00am Breakfast is served at the hotel
Morning options:
9:30am (a) Tour of Agra Fort
(b) Tour of Itmad-Ud-Daulah
12:30pm Return to the hotel
Lunch is “on your own”
Afternoon options:
2-4:00 pm (a) Tour of Agra Fort
2-4:00 pm (b) Tour of Itmad-Ud-Daulah
2-4:00pm (c) Shopping shuttle on the hour to the marble inlay factory and local markets
2-4:00pm (d) Appointments with Agra’s famous astrologer(s)
4:30pm Revisit the Taj Mahal at sunset
7:00pm Classical Kathak dance performance at the hotel
7:30 pm Dinner
Overnight at the Oberoi Amarvilas
DAY 3
From 6:30am Breakfast is served at the hotel
9:00am Checkout and drive back to Delhi
1:00pm Arrive at your hotel and check-in
Lunch is on your own at your leisure
3:00pm Depart on a driving tour of New Delhi
From 7:30pm Dinner is on your own at your leisure
Overnight at the Oberoi Gurgaon
DAY 4
From 6:30am Breakfast is served at the hotel
12:00pm Check out
Transfers are provided to the Delhi International airport in conjunction with your departure flight timings
Should you have a late departing flight you may wish to purchase an extra night as guests will need to vacate their rooms by 1200 noon.
Expected Weather:
Delhi and Agra: Days are sunny and comfortable with temperatures between 25° to 30°C (77° to 86°F). The evenings are pleasant, between 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F), with temperatures dropping as the night progresses.
Mumbai: Around 28°C to 34°C (82°F to 93°F ) during the day.
What to Bring:
Casual, weather-appropriate wear for the day. Also, bring sun block, hats, sunglasses and comfortable walking shoes. As the Taj Mahal is a mausoleum, certain religious customs must be observed. As a token of respect, it is customary to remove your footwear before entering. Ladies should avoid wearing tank tops or any top with spaghetti straps, as well as short shorts. Knee-length shorts are acceptable for men and women.
Local Currency:
US Dollars is widely accepted. Indian Rupees, available in denomination of 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 & 500.
1 USD is currently approx. INR 83.
Electricity
220 – 240 volts. We suggest brining a universal travel adaptor for electrical devices.
Luggage information
For the flights on this program, guests are permitted to check in a maximum of 1 suitcase not to weigh more than 15kg (33 lbs). One carry on is permitted with a maximum weight of 7 kgs (15 lbs). Any luggage exceeding this amount will be subject to fees payable by the guest directly to the airline at the time of check-in. Excess luggage is collected from the ship and these are then escorted by our staff on the train, arriving into Delhi a day later and stored in the hotel before being placed in individual rooms prior to guest check-in.
Documents and Visa Requirements:
It is essential to have a valid Indian Visa and your passport with a 6 month validity. Please check with your local embassy for visa requirements.
Aircraft type (subject to change):
Indigo Airlines – Airbus A 320
Hotel addresses:
Agra:
Oberoi Amarvilas
Taj East Gate Road
Agra 282001
India
Tel: +91 562 2231515
Delhi:
The Oberoi Gurgaon
443, Udyog Vihar
Phase V
Gurgaon
Haryana – 122 016
Tel: +91 124 2451234
*We will only source different hotels in unforeseen situations. If similar hotels are required they will be of equal ratings and standards and you will be notified of the change. If you are not notified of any changes before your departure then you will be staying at the hotels listed in this program.
Program Includes for guests:
•2 nights at Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra in a Premier room
•1 night at the Oberoi Gurgaon in a deluxe room
•Breakfast daily, 1 buffet lunch and 1 buffet dinner
•Transfers, sightseeing and road journeys using air-conditioned deluxe buses with accompanying guides
•Entrances and touring per the itinerary
•Economy class flight from Mumbai to Delhi(direct flights not guaranteed)
•Train transfer for excess luggage from Mumbai to Delhi
•Porterage at the hotels & airports
Please Note: Guests booking their own flights (independent of the cruise line) are responsible for ensuring that the cruise line has the updated arrival information, so your transfer can be arranged. If you book additional nights independently of the cruise line, an arrival transfer is not provided. If we do not receive flight details a minimum of 14 days in advance, transfers will not be provided.
Program Excludes for guests:
•Any meals not listed above
•Personal expenses and hotel incidentals including mini bar and room service
•Excess or overweight luggage fees on the internal flight
•Visa fees
•Gratuities guide, driver & hotel.
Please note: Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies, and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces which may include: inclines, cobblestones, sand, and gravel or natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. Guests who utilize a wheelchair and those with mobility concerns are advised to check with the cruise line in advance to see if any portion of the tour program may not be considered suitable for their individual situation. Weather appropriate clothing, hats, sunglasses, and flat comfortable walking shoes are generally recommended.
Please note: All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements or currency fluctuations. Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change. Land Programs must be purchased no later than 90 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 90 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty. There are no refunds for unused portions of any program. Guests failing to arrive on Day 1 of a scheduled land program will be considered a no-show and their hotel space released.
Prices are per person, based on double occupancy and subject to availability.