Behold the glorious Taj Mahal at sunrise and sunset when it appears to change colors as the varying natural light reflects off its white marble. The tomb is the most famous example of the Mughal architecture that flourished in India during the 16th through 18th centuries, but you will also see the stunning red sandstone Agra Fort, a Mughal masterpiece as well. You can choose your own adventure another day: visit the first Mughal tomb with marble inlay, go on a shopping spree or consult with a leading astrologer.
DAY 1
After disembarking the ship in Cochin and completing immigration and customs formalities, you will transfer to the airport for the flight to Delhi. A lunch box will be distributed at the Cochin airport after check-in.
Upon landing in Delhi, you will transfer to The Oberoi, Gurgaon hotel, where you will enjoy dinner and spend the evening.
Overnight at The Oberoi, Gurgaon or similar.
DAY 2
After breakfast at the hotel and check out, you will settle in for a scenic drive to Agra via the new Yamuna Expressway.
Upon arriving in Agra, you will enjoy lunch and check into The Oberoi Amarvilas, an elegant hotel with uninterrupted views of the Taj Mahal. The hotel’s classical architecture is complemented by elaborate Mughal gardens, terraced lawns, fountains, reflection pools and pavilions. Every room has a frontal view of the Taj Mahal.
In the afternoon, you will visit Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site that visionary Emperor Akbar had renovated in the mid-1500s. Astonishing palaces, mosques and audience halls embellished with Hindu and Islamic designs are contained within the fort’s massive walls of red sandstone.
Later, you will visit the Taj Mahal, which some consider to be the world’s most perfect architectural monument. Amazingly graceful from any angle, the Taj Mahal is especially astounding up close. At dusk the monument appears to change its hue, tinted by the glow of the setting sun.
Back at the hotel, you will enjoy a 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.
Following the performance, you will enjoy dinner at the hotel, where you will spend the evening.
Overnight at The Oberoi Amarvilas or similar.
DAY 3
In the early morning, you will be served coffee, tea, juices and bread rolls in the lobby prior departing for the Taj Mahal. You will arrive at sunrise as the first rays of sunlight are cast upon the pearl-white tomb.
After returning to the hotel for a full breakfast, you will have three options for your day’s adventure:
• Visit the Tomb of Itmad-Ud-Daulah in the old city, the first Mughal structure to extensively use pietra
dura, the marble inlay work that is so characteristic of the Taj Mahal. This mausoleum is small and squat when compared to the Taj Mahal, but the more human scale has its own attraction and the skillfully patterned surface of the tomb is exquisite.
• Consult with one of Agra’s leading astrologers at the hotel. Appointments for an analysis of your personal horoscope can be made at the Oceania Cruises Hospitality desk as you arrive at the hotel.
• Browse Agra’s marble inlay factories and shops such as Kohinoor, jewelers to the Mughal court. Old emerald necklaces, enamel jewelry and embroidery are only part of Kohinoor’s private collection.
After lunch, you will drive back to Delhi with restroom stops along the way. Upon arriving at The Oberoi, Gurgaon hotel, you will check-in, dine and spend the evening.
Overnight at The Oberoi, Gurgaon or similar.
DAY 4
After breakfast, you will transfer to the airport for the flight to Mumbai. Upon landing, you will transfer to the pier to board the cruise ship.
Land Program Step by Step
The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. This program is subject to flight confirmations which are beyond our control. All program details including timings and any flights indicated below are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change. Final itineraries with the most up to date details will be provided by the Destination Services Team once you board the ship. Please review your final itinerary carefully for any amendments.
DAY 1
Please note: Timings may vary depending on actual flight times
Timing Itinerary & Points of Interest
7:00am Cruise ship arrives in Cochin port
8:00am Disembark, clear immigration and customs
Transfer to the airport for the flight to Delhi
10:00am Arrive at the airport, receive boarding passes and proceed through security
12:00pm Fly to Delhi on Air India (flight # AI 822 - subject to change)
3:20pm Land in Delhi and transfer to The Oberoi, Gurgaon hotel
5:00pm Check-in at the hotel
7:30pm Dinner at the hotel
Overnight at The Oberoi, Gurgaon or similar
DAY 2
Timing Itinerary & Points of Interest
7:30am Breakfast
9:00am Drive to Agra via the Yamuna Expressway
1:00pm Arrive in Agra and check into The Oberoi Amarvilas hotel
1:30pm Lunch and leisure time
3:00pm Visit Agra Fort
5:00pm Visit the Taj Mahal until sunset
7:00pm Return to the hotel
7:30pm Classical kathak dance performance at the hotel
8:00pm Dinner at the hotel
Overnight at The Oberoi Amarvilas or similar
DAY 3
Timing Itinerary & Points of Interest
5:00am Enjoy tea, coffee and juices in the hotel lobby
5:30am Sunrise visit of the Taj Mahal
7:30am Breakfast
Morning options
9-12:30pm (a) Tour of Itmad-Ud-Daulah
9-12:30pm (b) Shopping shuttle on the hour to the marble inlay factory and local markets
9-12:30pm (c) Appointments with Agra’s leading astrologer(s)
12:30-2:00pm Lunch
2-6:00pm Check out of the hotel and drive back to Delhi for check-in at The Oberoi, Gurgaon
7:30pm Dinner at the hotel
Overnight The Oberoi, Gurgaon or similar
DAY 4
Please note: Timings may vary depending on actual flight times
Timing Itinerary & Points of Interest
4:00am Early morning wakeup call and tea/coffee and biscuits
6:00am Arrive at the airport, receive boarding passes and proceed through security
8:00am Fly to Mumbai on IndiGo Airlines (flight # 6E 675 - subject to change)
Breakfast will be served during the flight
10:25am Arrive in Mumbai and transfer to the pier
12:15pm Arrive at the pier and re-board the cruise ship
2:00pm Ship sails from Mumbai
General Information
Electricity:
220–240 volts. We recommend bringing a universal travel adaptor for electrical devices.
Expected Weather:
Delhi and Agra: Days are sunny and hot with temperatures between 30° to 35°C (86° to 95°F). The evenings are a bit cooler, between 25° to 30°C (77° to 86°F).
Mumbai: Around 30°C (86°F ) during the day.
What to Bring:
Casual cotton wear for the day. Also, bring sunscreen, 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.
Currency:
US Dollars are widely accepted. Indian Rupees in denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 & 500.
Luggage:
For the flights on this program, guests are permitted to check in a maximum of 1 suitcase per person 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.
•Power banks or electronic equipment must be carried in hand luggage. They are not allowed in checked-in baggage. Sharp items such as scissors, nail cutters, files, razors or liquids more than 100 ml are not allowed in hand luggage.
•Satellite phones and E-cigarettes are banned in India and need to be left onboard the ship.
Carriage of Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POC) or CPAP breathing machines on internal flights per airline regulations (subject to change as each airline has their own regulations)
1.Guests must obtain a doctor’s certificate mentioning their medical condition and the need to carry this equipment with them on their flights.
2.The certificate should have attached a picture of the equipment with its description/specifications, especially with regards to the type of batteries used (lithium/dry or any other type).
3.These documents must be sent to the Land Program Team via the Reservations Team at least one month prior to travel so that our local operator can begin the notification process with the airline(s).
4.Failure to comply with the above regulations may result in a denial of this equipment at the airport for which the cruise line nor our local ground operator can be responsible for.
Please note: Some airlines may impose restrictions or specific requirements when transporting wheelchairs, mobility scooters, or other assistive devices. We recommend checking directly with your airline or the Cruise Line prior to departure to ensure compliance with their policies.
Documents and Visa Requirements:
Please be advised that passports must be always kept with guests during travel.
A passport that is valid for at least 6 months after travel is required. Please check with your local embassy for any visa requirements for your nationality. It is essential to obtain an Indian visa in advance with passports valid for a minimum of 6 months from the date of arrival.
Vaccination & Health Regulations:
Guests are responsible for confirming up-to-date vaccination requirements directly with their local embassy or health authority. Please note that visa and vaccination costs are not included in the price of this program.
IMPORTANT DOCUMENTATION NOTICE:
To ensure successful flight arrangements for this program, the name on your cruise booking, passport, and any required visas must match exactly. This includes first, middle, and last names, with identical spelling across all documents. Discrepancies may result in denial of boarding by the airline.
Cruise line-generated manifests must align precisely with your official travel documents.
Failure to present the correct documentation or inconsistencies in guests names may lead to denied travel or the need to re-purchase tickets at your own expense. Guests will be responsible for any additional costs incurred due to these discrepancies.
Hotel Address & Contact:
The Oberoi, Gurgaon
443, Udyog Vihar, Phase V, Gurgaon, Haryana – 122 016
Phone: +91 124 483 1234
The Oberoi Amarvilas
Taj East Gate Road, Agra 282001, India
Phone: +91 562 2231515
Please Note: In the event of unforeseen circumstances, an alternative hotel may be arranged. Any substitute accommodation will match the original in both rating and quality. You will be informed of any changes prior to your departure. If no such notification is provided, your stay will proceed at the hotel specified in this program.
Program Includes:
2 nights at The Oberoi, Gurgaon, Delhi in a Deluxe Room
1 night at The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra in a Premier Room
All meals inclusive of house wines, beer, mineral water and sodas
Transfers and tours in luxury coaches
English-speaking guides for all sightseeing as per the itinerary
Unlimited mineral water on the coaches
Entrance and camera fees at all monuments
Kathak dance performance
Fortuneteller during the hotel activities in Agra
Economy-class flights: Cochin – Delhi and Delhi – Mumbai per the itinerary. Direct flights not guaranteed
Porterage at the hotels and airports
Accompanying Tour Manager starting from Cochin and ending in Mumbai
Two postcards per room of the Taj Mahal and India will be placed with stamps affixed for the U.S.
Program Excludes:
Any meals or beverages not listed above
Gratuities to drivers, guide and tour director
Hotel incidentals including room service and mini bar
Excess or overweight luggage fees
Any visa fees
Hints & Restrictions:
All the hotels and sites included in this itinerary can be encompassed quite easily with moderate activity levels.
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. This program is not recommended for guests who require the use of a wheelchair or mobility scooters. Guests with mobility concerns are advised to carefully assess their personal physical capabilities and stamina. Participants must be able to independently board and disembark from transportation, including motor coaches, and should be accompanied by an able-bodied companion if assistance is needed. Guests who choose to use independent transportation or wheelchair services provided by third-party companies may do so at their own risk and responsibility. We encourage guests to contact the cruise line in advance to discuss any specific mobility-related questions or concerns before booking this program. Weather appropriate clothing; hats; sunglasses; and flat, comfortable walking shoes are generally recommended.
Booking, Pricing & Cancelation:
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. No refunds or partial refunds will be issued for any unused portion of the program. This includes, but is not limited to, missed transfers, accommodations, guided tours, meals, or activities. All venues, hotel stays, tour guides, and logistical services are secured and pre-paid well in advance to ensure a seamless experience for all participants.
