Rajasthan Explorer (trip)
Rajasthan Explorer
- Delhi airport, IGI Airport T3 Road, New Delhi, Delhi, India
- Culture & Nature
| from $3,150* per person | 17 Days | Year-round |
| Comfort accommodations | Exertion level: 3 | |
| Operator: Red Lantern Journeys | 12 people max | |
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Locations visited/nearby
India, Asia
0 testimonials about this trip.
3 testimonials about the provider, Red Lantern Journeys:
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Reviewer: Ki G.
located in
Seattle,
WA
USA
Dear Ambrose,
Marty and I wanted to thank you again for your super-meticulous planning of our trip! It really was incredible how everything, and I do mean every plan we made with you, came to pass on our madcap journey through India! You really heard our desires, and we experienced more richness than we had hoped for in the short time we had.
I had read every travel book, had dreamed about going for years, and was at a loss how to pull it all together. You eased the burden of choosing by arranging it all for us; having a guide in each stop to get us quickly in-depth added pleasure and knowledge to our experience. The guides themselves were charming and passionate, taking great pride in sharing their country with us. The time we spent on our own was perfectly balanced with these guided experiences. Really, Ambrose, I wouldn't think twice about signing on with you again for another Red Lantern Journey. It was a vivid dream come true for us!
Ki G. and Marty C.
Seattle, Washington
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Reviewer: Ivonne B.
located in
San Juan,
Puerto Rico
USA
Hi Ciara,
I just got home from New York and was welcomed by your beautiful flowers. Thanks for such a nice touch. It was a fitting ending to a wonderful trip.
The travel experience was excellent and exploring Indochine was simply unforgettable. While Cambodia and Laos were my two favorite destinations, and spending New Year�s Eve @ Halong Bay took my breath away, overall I was impressed with the people of the fascinating Southeast Asia region, all of whom were so kind and attentive.
I especially enjoyed having a private guide to take us by the hand in each city, giving us inside information of each location and allowing us to relax and forget about transportation logistics so we could truly enjoy every moment to its fullest. It really made all the difference in the world, specially being in that part of the world.
We had 6 different guides (3 males and 3 females).If I were to grade them, I would say that Mr. Hua (Hanoi/Halong) and Mr. Chang (Luang Prabang) were simply outstanding.They were not only very knowledgeable but also went out of their way to help us solve certain situations that arose and make us feel at home. The female guides were all very nice (JJ in Bangkok, Thuy in Saigon and Kim in Cambodia). The only one that was average was Tom (Hue/Hoi-Ann), mostly because his thick accent made it very difficult to understand him.
In terms of hotel choices, I was also very impressed, both because of their wonderful location and truly five-star services. The Shangri-La (Bangkok) and the Sofitel Metropole (Hanoi) were an attraction in itself. Also, the Maison (Laos), the Majestic (Saigon) and both Victoria properties (Hoi Ann & Seam Reap) were very cozy & charming. However, Hue�s Imperial Hotel, while it was rated as a 5-star, it was not up to par with the other hotels. It seems to cater to a more local clientele and both the food and facilities left much to be desired. I believe the classic La Residence or the modern Mercure would have been a better choice.
Overall, I can say I�ve been spoiled by Red Lantern�s way of travel and I would definitely recommend it to my friends or to serve as reference for your potential clients.
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Reviewer: Heidi K.
located in
Seattle,
WA
USA
Ambrose,
I haven't done this sooner because I am just now having time to sit down and process the China trip. I did want to make sure that I took the time to let you know what a fabulous trip it was. I'm sure being with a great group didn't hurt, but we all enjoyed ourselves immensely. Essentially there were not hitches to be found, even though we kept adding things willy nilly and didn't have the simplest itinerary. Michelle, our guide in Beijing, was superb. She was professional, yet friendly, knowledgeable, and very flexible in her heroic attempts to satisfy our every whim. We kept her busy keeping us busy from dawn 'til way past dusk - I do remember the look of relief on her face when we assured her that we didn't expect her to hike the section of the wall with us. I am sure that if we'd wanted her along she would have come.
I was interested to see how being in China during the October national holidays would affect our trip and, I can say wholeheartedly, that it made it better. I consider myself a somewhat experienced traveler but I'd never been to China and expected it to be a lot more overwhelming than it was. Really, I think I could live there in a heartbeat. I loved the fact that we visited places like Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and the Summer Palace with hoards of other people - and that most of them appeared to be Chinese, if not locals. There was this party feel in the air and plenty of subjects at which to point my camera. Guilin, the Li River, and Yangshou were more unique and beautiful than I imagined and I specially enjoyed the river cruise.
I won't say that, in some ways, I'm not glad to be home but you can be assured that I will recommend Red Lantern Journeys to my friends and family and will keep you on the short list for further trips. (Kevin mentioned that you are working on including Mongolia in your future offerings - I've always wanted to be able to resurrect my horsemanship skills and race my Mongolian war pony home to my yurt for supper). I'll also be sure to include a review and recommendation of RLJ on my blog once I get around the posting about the trip. (Yes, I'm slow I know - work just keeps getting the way).
Heidi K.
Seattle, Washington
Special information
- This is a custom departure, meaning this trip is offered on dates that you arrange privately with the provider. Additionally, you need to form your own private group for this trip. The itinerary and price here is just a sample. Contact the provider for detailed pricing, minimum group size, and scheduling information. For most providers, the larger the group you are traveling with, the lower the per-person cost will be.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive New DelhiUpon arrival in New Delhi you will be welcomed and transferred to your hotel for check in. Overnight in New Delhi.
Day 2: New Delhi to Mandawa
After breakfast, enjoy a half day city tour of Old Delhi’s most majestic sites including the bustling Chandni Chowk market, Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in India, and Raj Ghat, the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi. About noon, begin the drive of about 6 hours to Mandawa and check into your hotel. Overnight in Mandawa. (Breakfast)
Day 3: Mandawa to Bikaner
After breakfast, tour the Shekawati region, a region which in the 14th century was a major trading post. You will visit the famous painted havelis (houses) of the Shekawati region. In the afternoon, drive 3 hours to Bikaner. Overnight in Bikaner. (Breakfast)
Day 4: Bikaner to Jaisalmer
In the morning, take a city tour of Bikaner - a desert town constructed of a maze of walls and uneven streets. Visit the prominent Junagarh Fort and a unique Camel Breeding Farm. In the afternoon, drive 5 hours to Jaisalmer. Overnight in Jaisalmer. (Breakfast)
Day 5: Jaisalmer
Enjoy a morning tour of Jaisalmer. Visit the citadel – the Fort built by Rawal Jaisal where a fourth of the population lives. The fort also houses Jain temples of the 12th to 15th centuries and the Patwon-Ki Haveli, a five story mansion with carved pillars and murals. Also visit Gadsisar Lake which once supplied water to the city. In the late afternoon take an excursion 45 km outside the city to the desert sand dunes. Ride a camel on the dunes and witness a magnificent sunset. Return to Jaisalmer in the evening. Overnight in Jaisalmer. (Breakfast)
Day 6: Jaisalmer to Jodhpur
After breakfast, drive 6 hours to Jodhpur, stopping on the way to visit the Osian temple in a desert village. After checking into your hotel, take a city tour in the afternoon to the Clock Tower, see rare portraits of Jodhpur’s rulers at Jaswant Thada, visit the Umaid Bhawan Palace Museum and take a walk through the Mehrangarh Fort, home to a collection of musical instruments, palanquins, furniture, and cannons. Overnight in Jodhpur. (Breakfast)
Day 7: Jodhpur to Mount Abu
Enjoy breakfast, then drive 5 hours to Mount Abu. After checking into your hotel, embark on a city tour of Mount Abu which is the only hill station in the state of Rajasthan. Visit the Dilwara Jain temple, one of the finest examples of Jain architecture in India. The complex includes two temples dating back to 1031. Overnight in Mount Abu. (Breakfast)
Day 8: Mount Abu
Enjoy a free day to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of this hill station. Overnight in Mount Abu. (Breakfast)
Day 9: Mount Abu to Ranakpur to Udaipur
Drive 6-7 hours to Udaipur, stopping en-route to visit the Jain temples at Ranakpur. The cluster of temples, made of intricately sculpted white marble, is a marvelous feat of architecture. It would take anyone by surprise to learn that they were built in 1460 because they are so well preserved. The main temple is supported on 1,444 intricately carved pillars. After the visit, continue your drive to Udaipur. Arrive in Udaipur in the afternoon and check in to your hotel. Overnight in Udaipur. (Breakfast)
Day 10: Udaipur
After breakfast visit the romantic city of Udaipur including Jagdish temple, the Garden of the Maidens of Honor, and the City Palace, which is the largest palace complex in Rajasthan. Enjoy a boat ride on Lake Pichola. The afternoon is free to explore the small streets and interesting shops or to relax on a roof-top café overlooking the water. Overnight in Udaipur. (Breakfast)
Day 11: Udaipur to Chittorgarh to Pushkar
After breakfast, drive 6.5 hours to Pushkar stopping in Chittorgarh along the way. The hilltop fortress of Chittorgarh epitomizes the whole romantic ideal of Rajput chivalry. The fort was sacked 3 times from 1303 to 1568 by a stronger enemy. After the visit, continue to Pushkar. In the evening visit Pushkar Lake to witness a prayer ceremony at the Brahma temple. Overnight in Pushkar. (Breakfast)
Day 12: Pushkar to Jaipur
Start your tour of Pushkar at the lake surrounded by 52 bathing ghats. Pushkar has the only Brahma (creator of the universe) temple in India. The town is a maze of temples and hermitages, and is filled with ascetics and devotees. Later drive 3 hours to Jaipur and check in to your hotel. Overnight in Jaipur. (Breakfast)
Day 13: Tour Jaipur
Tour the impressive Amber Fort, situated on a ridge just outside Jaipur City. At the foot of the hill ride an elephant for the slow climb up to the main gate. The Amber Fort has the famous Shish Mahal, or palace of mirrors. Also visit the main sites of Jaipur including the "Palace of the Winds," the open-air Jantar Mantar Observatory to see the vast astronomical instruments and the City Palace and museum. The palace is still the home of the Maharaja and the museum has an interesting textile section, which contains dresses and costumes of the former Maharajas and Maharanis of Jaipur. Your evening is free to explore the alleyways of the markets of Jaipur. Overnight in Jaipur. (Breakfast)
Day 14: Jaipur to Fatehpur Sikri to Agra
After breakfast depart for Agra, stopping to visit the step wells of Abhaneri, which were built in the 9th century. The fascinating step wells are lined by 3,500 symmetrically laid steps that descend into a 100-foot pit. Your next stop is the ancient Moghul city, Fatehpur Sikri. This planned city took 15 years to build, but was abandoned after only 14 years due to a shortage of water. View the graceful buildings including the Jama Masjid, Tomb of Salim Chisti, Panch Mahal and other palaces, which are still well-preserved. Continue to Agra and check in to your hotel. Total travel time is about seven hours, including stops. Overnight in Agra. (Breakfast)
Day 15: Agra
After a relaxed breakfast, your guide and driver will take you across the narrow, congested Strachey Bridge to visit the Itmad-ud-Daulah Tomb and see the Taj Mahal from the opposite side of the Yamuna River. Then visit Agra Fort and the Jami Masjid, “Friday Mosque” with the bustling Kinari market at its entrance. Then travel by tonga (horse-drawn cart) to the entrance of the Taj Mahal and stay until sunset, watching the character of the white marble change as the sun goes down. Overnight in Agra. (Breakfast)
Day 16: Agra to Delhi
After breakfast, drive about 5 hours to Delhi. After settling into your hotel, take an afternoon city tour of New Delhi to visit Humayun’s Tomb and the stone tower - Qutab Minar, India Gate, and Laxmi Narayan Temple. You will end your tour at Connaught Place, the heart of New Delhi, where you can shop and enjoy dinner. Overnight in New Delhi. (Breakfast)
Day 17: Departure
Enjoy a free day in Delhi until your transfer to the airport for your flight home. (Breakfast)
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