Max group size: 18

Itinerary

Saturday, Oct. 10 Depart USA
Fly Newark to Delhi (suggested flight only).

Sunday, Oct. 11 Delhi, India
Arrive Delhi in the evening. Meet Peggy Markel
and your national guide, and transfer to our
historic hotel.
Overnight Imperial Hotel (Heritage Rooms).
First among the legendary “Four Maidens of
the East,” The Imperial was the only luxury
hotel provided by Sir Edwin Lutyen in his
grand design for New Delhi. Built in 1933, the
hotel melds Victorian and old colonial architecture
with a playful dosage of art-deco.

Monday, Oct. 12 Delhi
Delhi offers vast cultural distinctiveness
within its boundary. The hub of the metropolis
is Central New Delhi, which presents a picture
of the orderly, planned city capital established
by the British. Old Delhi, however, is quintessentially
Indian, with a warren of cluttered
houses, traditional lifestyles and age-old
monuments such as the Purana Qila and Red
Fort. It is a must-visit city on any traveler’s
This morning, after breakfast and a group orientation
meeting, depart our hotel for a private
highlight tour of Old Delhi. Visit the Jama
Masjid (Friday Mosque), the largest mosque in
India and the final architectural achievement
of Shah Jahan. Next, we’ll immerse ourselves
in the frenetic pace of Delhi’s Meena Bazaar
and Chandni Chowk, a souk-like bazaar with
narrow streets and crowded alleyways. Many
of the shops here are more than 100 years
old and the labyrinth of alleyways is full of
surprises with a conglomeration of various
mini-markets including the silver market
and spice market. Well integrated into the
culture of the old city, these bazaars offer
an opportunity to get a glimpse of life in
Old Delhi. After a short rickshaw ride to
the exterior of the Red Fort, we’ll visit the
Mahatma Gandhi Memorial.
For lunch, we’ll dine at Legends of India.
Return to your hotel. The remainder of the
afternoon is at leisure to relax, swim and
explore on your own. We’ll also have the
choice of joining an arranged excursion to
the India Central Cottage Emporium. This
emporium sells a collection of handicrafts,
including textiles and jewelry, and is just
minutes by foot from our hotel.
This evening, reconvene for a wonderful
welcome dinner at the hotel’s premier
restaurant, The Spice Route. Heralded as
one of the top 10 restaurants in the world by
Condé Nast Traveler, The Spice Route, serving
Southeast Asian cuisine, has been designed
to reflect the journey of spices from the
Malabar Coast in Kerala through Sri Lanka,
Malaysia and Indonesia to Thailand and
Vietnam. The Restaurant is an overwhelming
visual depiction of the art and culture that
traveled through these regions. Prior to dinner
we’ll have an opportunity to meet with the
head chef and manager to gain some background
on the historic Spice Route.
Overnight Imperial Hotel (B,L,D)

Tuesday, Oct. 13 Jaipur
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for the
flight to Jaipur, Rajasthan.
Fly Delhi to Jaipur. Upon arrival, meet our
local guide.
Jaipur, popularly known as the Pink City, is
the capital of the state of Rajasthan. In the
1720’s Sawai Jai Singh II began to build the
new city of Jaipur. The city is astonishingly
well-planned, based on the ancient Hindu
treatise on architecture, the Shilpa Shastra.
Different streets were allotted for different
professions such as potters, weavers, dyers,
jewelers and bankers. Jaipur has a variety of
manufacturing industries. It is known for its
arts and crafts, jewelry, enamel work, handprinted
fabrics and stone sculptures.
We’ll first tour the glorious Jaipur City Palace
Museum. A vision in pink sandstone and
renowned throughout India and the world, it
is a blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture.
Enjoy a guided tour of the palace
interior; its museum houses the priceless art
collection of numerous maharajahs of Jaipur
and the Observatory.
Lunch will be at Loharu House with our host,
Begam Sahiba. This afternoon, activities
include a rickshaw ride through the bazaar
and a visit to the famed 18th century “Hawa
Mahal,” the Palace of Winds.
At our hotel, the remainder of the afternoon is
at leisure to relax, swim and explore on your
own. Take the opportunity for a massage or
a cool swim. There will also be the choice of
joining a guided excursion to some cottage
industries.
Tonight, dine at the Suvarna Mahal at the
famous Rambagh Palace Hotel.
Overnight Taj Jai Mahal Palace Hotel (B,L,D)
Set amidst 18 acres of beautifully landscaped
Moghul gardens, this incomparable Palace
dates back to 1745 A.D. A masterpiece in the
Indo Saracenic style of architecture, it blends
spotlight-grabbing opulence with tantalizing
comforts that transport guests to a world
of Rajasthani magnificence. It is centrally
located, close to the main shopping center
and historical monuments.

Wednesday, Oct. 14 Samode/Jaipur
After breakfast, transfer to Samode, once a
large and flourishing provincial town of the
erstwhile princely state of Jaipur. Samode
Palace was transformed into one of the
authentic palace hotels in 1987. It offers a
retreat into a beautiful and exotic environment
where visitors can enjoy its natural
beauty and rich history.
This morning we will meet with the head chef
of Samode for an introduction to Rajasthani
cuisine and spices. Within the hotel’s vast
kitchen we’ll learn to prepare a few special
dishes which we’ll then enjoy for lunch. The
chef will also discuss the popular fruits and
desserts of this region. After lunch at the palace
hotel, explore the village of Samode before
returning to Jaipur.
En route to our hotel we’ll visit the Amber Fort.
The kingdom of Jaipur was originally known
as Amber, which was also the name of its
ancient capital, situated seven miles away. Its
history can be traced backed to the 12th century.
The Amber Fort is superbly located, protected
by the wild Aravalli Hills on all sides.
This evening will be open for your own
culinary discoveries. Dine at our hotel or
choose from one of the following restaurants
in Jaipur: Spice Court (Indian), Peshawari
at the Rajputana Sheraton (North West
Indian), Copper Chimney (Chinese), The Niros
(Tandoori and Mughlai), The Temptations
(Indian & Continental).
Overnight Taj Jai Mahal Palace Hotel (B,L)

Thursday, Oct. 15 Chhatra Sagar
After breakfast, experience one of India’s classic
means of transportation, the train. We’ll
transfer to the railway station and board the
Shatabdi Express train to Ajmer. Upon arrival
at Ajmer we’ll have lunch at a local restaurant
and then proceed by road to fabulous
Chhatra Sagar.
Chhatra Sagar was built as a hunting lodge
of the Nimaj Estate. Surrounded by lush green
fields of wheat, mustard, cotton and chilies
and vast grazing pastures, this hundred-year
old reservoir is an ideal destination for nature
lovers and a perfect getaway from chaotic city
life. Enjoy warm hospitality, and some truly
delicious Indian and traditional Rajasthani
meals cooked with farm fresh vegetables
in the family kitchen. This is an intimate
glimpse into rural India experienced by the
very few.
Overnight Chhatra Sagar Tented Camp (B,L,D)
During the evening relax in the tastefully
designed and well-appointed tents, reminiscent
of a maharajah’s hunting camp. Each
tent has an attached bath with running hot
and cold water and its own private porch
overlooking the lake. The campsite, situated
on the dam, offers breathtaking views of the
sunrise, sunset and the Aravalli ranges on the
horizon.

Friday, Oct. 16 Chhatra Sagar
This morning, enjoy a fun and intimate cooking
class with our host family, followed by
your self-prepared lunch. This afternoon,
watch the birds, go for a nature walk, soak in
the fresh air, sit around the bonfire and listen
to old folklore. There will also be the option for
an adventurous jeep safari. The day will end
with a sunset boat ride on the reservoir fol-
Overnight Chhatra Sagar Tented Camp (B,L,D)

Saturday, Oct. 17 Shahpura Bagh
Early risers may wish to visit the old hunting
grounds, which provide an up-close view of
the local water fowl and birds of prey. After
breakfast, say goodbye to our hosts and
transfer to our next destination, Shahpura
Bagh, a heavily wooded, 30-acre estate. This
is an oasis in the desert, built on the on the
edge of three lakes, and once the summer
residence of the rulers of Shahpura. Nahar
Niwas, one of the two residences on the
estate, still remains the family home. Five
beautifully appointed suites comprise the
unique and comfortable guest accommodations.
After getting settled, depart by jeep to visit a
couple of the colorful local villages and perhaps
do some bird watching on the verdant
wetlands that surround you. Explore the area
starting with a visit to Shahpura town, a rich
multicultural melting pot with fascinating
arts and crafts. Wander the local marketplace
and view the unique goods on sale.
Today we’ll also visit Ram Dwara, the revered
ancient temple and the old city palace that
features Rajput and Mughal architectural traditions.
The last stop today will be the Dhikola
Fort which stands majestically on a hill. Back
at the estate, savor a home cooked meal with
the family.
Overnight Shahpura Bagh (Royal Rooms)
(B,L,D)
This royal residence embodies a timeless
rural Rajasthan, untouched by modernity,
unchanged in its unpretentious natural
grandeur. Not a hotel at all in the traditional
sense, it is actually a boutique home stay
where travelers arrive as guests and leave as
friends. This is a unique and genuine opportunity
to meet and live with a royal Indian
family. The surrounding wetlands are a bird
watcher’s paradise, fascinating even to the
uninitiated.

Sunday, Oct. 18 Shahpura Bagh
After breakfast, enjoy a private cooking class
with our hosts. We’ll first visit the local market,
followed by instruction and preparation
of some typical Rajasthani cuisine and a dish
specific to this area. After lunch, prepared
by our own hands, the afternoon will be at
leisure to relax, swim and explore on your
own. There will also be optional excursions to
the surrounding villages and environs. This
evening before dinner, enjoy a performance
of traditional desert music and dances by a
local troupe.
Overnight Shahpura Bagh (B,L,D)

Monday, Oct. 19 Udaipur
This morning, bid goodbye to our gracious
hosts and drive through valleys in the remote
and peaceful Aravalli range to stunning
Udaipur. Upon arrival, we’ll lunch at the
Gallery Restaurant.
There’s no place in India which appeals more
to the imagination of poets and painters,
travelers and writers, than Udaipur, the lovely
lake side capital of Mewar. It’s the most
picturesque city in India, set as it is on three
beautiful lakes and surrounded by hills.
This afternoon, take a guided stroll through
the colorful Bapu Bazaar before checking in to
the historic Lake Palace Hotel. This evening,
enjoy a sunset boat excursion on Lake Pichola,
before returning to the Lake Palace Hotel for
din- ner.
Observe a cooking demonstration at the
hotel’s kitchen before a wonderful dinner at
Neel Kamal Restaurant (at our hotel).
Overnight Taj Lake Palace (Luxury Rooms)
(B,L,D)
The world-renowned Taj Lake Palace is in
fact a converted white marble palace that
seems to float miraculously on the still waters
of Lake Pichola. Perhaps the world’s most
romantic hotel, this 250-year-old palace
blends serenity and opulence, and is without
doubt one of the world’s greatest addresses.

Tuesday, Oct. 20 Udaipur
After breakfast, visit the City Palace, a blend
of stern Rajput military architecture on the
exterior and lavish Mughal-inspired decorative
art on the interior. The Palace museum
contains a wonderful collection of old Rajput
weaponry. One of the more unusual moments
in the colorful history of Udaipur was when
it was used as a location for shooting of a
James Bond film.
After some time to lunch and explore on your
own, partake in a cooking class with the
owner of the Bedla House, a home stay in
Udaipur. Our host will take us on a culinary
experience, starting with a visit to the markets
to buy ingredients and then returning to
her house for a cooking demonstration, followed
by dinner.
Overnight Taj Lake Palace (B,D)

Wednesday, Oct. 21 Devi Garh
After breakfast, depart Udaipur for a short
drive to Devi Garh. Arrive at our marvelous
accommodation in time to wander through the local village and interact with
the people before lunch. This afternoon, enjoy a relaxing and soothing spa
experience (as part of our tour). Devi Garh, away from the stress of the city,
is a perfect place to unwind and cherish the exotic beauty of India. Relax
your body and stimulate your mind with prearranged, holistic Serena Spa
wellness therapies based on a unique combination of ancient Ayurvedic and
modern spa concepts. There will also be an opportunity for a yoga class.
Tonight, enjoy a wonderful farewell dinner with a music and dance performance.
Overnight Devigarh (Palace Suites) (B,L,D)
This spectacular heritage property hosts an eclectic mix of modern and
traditional elements. Marble and semi-precious stones complement contemporary
designs to elegant effect at this recently restored fortress-palace. An
all-suite, 5-star luxury hotel, it features personalized and intimate service.

Thursday, Oct. 22 Devi Garh/Delhi/Fly Home
This morning, attend our final cooking class with the hotel’s head chef and
his staff. Learn particular Indian cooking techniques and how the recipe can
be used back home. There will also be a morning yoga class.
After a delicious self-prepared lunch, go for a final stroll through the local
village, or perhaps choose to relax or swim at the hotel.
This afternoon, we’ll transfer to the Udaipur airport. Fly Udaipur to Delhi.
Upon arrival, transfer to a nearby airport hotel. We will have the use of day
rooms. Relax, dine on your own and prepare for tonight’s flight home.

More information from Peggy Markel:

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