Mysteries of India
April 18 — May 05, 2017 • 18 Days • 30 Meals
You're Invited! Special Travel Presentation
Wednesday, Oct. 05, 2016 - TIME
2:00 PM
100 Main St. ; Mount Morris, New York, 14510
Highlights
Old Delhi, Yoga Class, Lake Pichola Cruise, Hawa Mahal, Amber Fort, Home-Hosted Dinner, Game Drives, Taj Mahal, Chandel Temple Complex, Ganga Aarti Ceremony, Sarnath
Essential Experiences
Itinerary at a Glance
Day 1 | Overnight Flight |
Day 2 – 4 | Metropolitan Palace Hotel Dubai, Dubai |
Day 5 – 6 | Kempinski Ambience Hotel Delhi, Delhi |
Day 7 – 8 | Lalit Laxmi Vilas, Udaipur |
Day 9 – 10 | Hilton Jaipur, Jaipur |
Day 11 – 12 | Dev Vilas, Ranthambore |
Day 13 – 14 | JayPee Palace, Agra |
Day 15 | Taj Chandela, Khajuraho |
Day 16 – 17 | The Gateway Hotel Ganges , Varanasi |
Available Options
Itmad-ud-Daula Tomb and Sunset at the Taj Mahal • $50pp
Climb aboard your tuk tuk or auto rickshaw. Your first stop is at the impressive Itmad-ud-Daula, a Mughal mausoleum. This is the first mausoleum made completely of marble, the same kind that was used for the Taj Mahal. This monument may be smaller than the Taj Mahal, but it is just as remarkable and is why it has been nicknamed the "Baby Taj." The tomb is often described as a “draft” of the world-famous Taj Mahal. Continue on to behold the mysteriously beautiful Taj Mahal at sunset. You will stop at Mahtab Bagh – the “Moonlight Garden” on the banks of the Yamuna River opposite the Taj Mahal – for a picture perfect view of the ornate white structure surrounded by the vibrant colors of the setting sun. You will see why it is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Only one option may be chosen while in Agra. Duration: Approximately 3 hours. Please note a minimum of 2 passengers is required. Transportation is included.
Mohabbat-e-Taj at Kalakriti Cultural Center • $100pp
Immerse yourself in Indian culture tonight when you journey to Kalakriti Cultural Center to see the lively and romantic show Mohabbat-e-Taj. You will be surrounded by the colorful music, song, dance and costumes that India is so famous for. This series of plays walks you through the stories of love surrounding the creation of the Taj Mahal. The love of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, and daily life of Mughal era artisans who worked for 22 years to create this marvel are depicted in this magical performance. Only one option may be chosen while in Agra. Duration: Approximately 2.5 hours. Please note a minimum of 2 passengers is required. Transportation is included.
Sound & Light Show at Amber Fort • $50pp
Amber Fort and Palace Complex in Jaipur holds the history of a citadel, pulsating with a legendary past of 600 years and 28 kings of the Kachhwaha dynasty, before their capital moved to Jaipur. This musical extravaganza has highlighted the local legends, folklore and a connoisseur of folk music that continues to give Rajasthan its unique identity. The show has been set in a very exotic location, with the giant panoramic view of the Amber Fort and Palace Complex in the front, raising Jaigarh on the left, the hills at the back and the gallery itself in the Kesar Kiyari Complex of Maota Lake. Duration: Approximately 1.5 hours. Please note a minimum of 2 passengers is required. Transportation is included.
Balloon Safari • $250pp
A balloon safari offers you the opportunity to see India and its spectacular forts, hidden palaces, breathtaking terrain and traditional local villages from a very unique perspective. Plus, you will meet some of the friendly people who make this country a vibrant, energetic and diverse place. In Jaipur, the “Pink City” is a step back in time. Be mesmerized as you drift slowly over the area surrounding the spectacular Amber Fort. Capture a privileged view of traditional Rajasthani villages and the smiles of the people as they gaze up at you. Duration: Approximately 2 hours. Please note a minimum of 2 passengers is required. Transportation is included.
Cancellation Waiver
Worry-Free Cancellation
Our industry-leading cancellation waiver offers travellers a full cash refund for the price of the tour, right up to the day prior to departure, minus the small cost of the waiver. Travel worry-free knowing if anything changes, you're protected.
Click here for complete details.
Plus, you're covered on tour.
Our cancellation waiver and insurance plan covers you on tour. If you have to stop your trip or return home early, need medical assistance or evacuation, suffer a baggage loss or delay; or are delayed on tour for 12 hours or more, you're covered.
Cancellation Waiver and Insurance is just $280 per person.
Travel Tips
On some programs, there are a limited number of single and triple rooms. Double rooms usually consist of 2 beds. Triple rooms are normally a standard double room with 2 beds. A cot or rollaway bed may be added to the double room at some hotels, based on room size and fire codes. When triples are not available, appropriate charges for single and twin accommodations will be assessed.
We make every effort to accommodate your specific requests and forward them to the hotels. These requests cannot be guaranteed as hotels may not always be able to honor them.
Check-in times are set by individual hotel properties and vary by hotel. Depending on your arrival time, there may be a delay in gaining access to your room as most hotels offer afternoon check-in. We ask guests to observe check-out times at all properties as designated by the hotel.
Some hotels require a credit card imprint or your passport information upon check-in in order to activate telephones in the rooms and for potential incidental charges. Most hotels charge an access fee for using phones in hotel rooms. Please check with the front desk personnel at each hotel for specific policies.
Hotel membership programs are not applicable.
In certain countries, hotel rooms tend to be smaller than standard U.S. accommodations. Please be assured that we use high quality properties throughout each country.
The Americans with Disabilities Act does not apply outside of the United States.
We will make reasonable efforts to accommodate the special needs of tour participants. Persons requiring individual assistance must be accompanied by a companion who is capable of, and totally responsible for, providing the necessary assistance. Neither our personnel nor its suppliers may physically lift or assist clients onto transportation vehicles.
We regret that we cannot provide individual assistance to a tour member who has special mobility, dietary or other like needs.
If you are taking prescription medication, please be sure to take an adequate supply for your tour and a few additional days, in original prescription containers. Medication should be packed in your carry-on baggage. Do not place it in your checked luggage. You may want to carry an extra prescription in a separate bag in case medication is lost.
In India, the Collette Foundation is supporting The Akshaya Patra Foundation by sponsoring a school in Jaipur, India. There are currently 240 children enrolled in school who are in need of a meal program. For many children, this is their only complete meal of the day and gives them an incentive to come to school, stay in school and provides them with the necessary nutrients to develop cognitive abilities and to focus on learning.
Many of our past travelers have inquired about in-kind donations. The Collette Foundation does not accept in-kind donations directly, however, if you would like to bring items the children and home are in need of, below is a list of suggestions:
• Notebooks
• English books
• Activity books
• Coloring books
• Pencils, pens, crayons
• Dictionaries
Your personal bank card may work at local ATM machines in the destination you are traveling to and would dispense local currency. Please contact your bank to determine if this option is available, that your PIN number will be accepted, to inform them that you are traveling and to determine if any charges apply for each transaction.
You may exchange your money at airports, banks, exchange bureaus, and at most hotels. In most cases, a commission charge will be assessed to exchange your money. At the hotel or in the city usually offer a better currency exchange rate than airports.
We recommend carrying only a few major credit cards. Credit card purchases often provide an extra guarantee on your purchase (check with your specific credit card company for details and fees). It is advisable to contact any credit card company you intend utilizing while on tour before you depart to notify them where you will be traveling, to avoid any rejection of services.
The currency in India is the Rupee.
Credit cards are accepted in major hotels and some department stores. The street vendors accept local currency.
If optional tours are made available to purchase, please note that credit cards must have an expiration date of greater than 30 days from the start of the tour.
An adaptor (which changes the physical plug) and/or converter (which changes the electric current) are necessary if you plan to use an appliance with voltage different from the standard within the country you are visiting. Please note, if your appliance has dual voltage you may still need an adaptor for the plug.
When packing your electronic items for travel, please review the converter electric current level to make sure it is the same or greater than the items you are planning on using. If you plan on utilizing or transporting a sleep apnea machine, please remember to pack an extension cord and adapter plug to ensure proper function.
Voltage in India is 230V. Plug type is C and D.
There isn't any significant elevation encountered on this tour.
Bring a camera, memory cards, film and batteries and be sure to bring enough photography supplies for your entire trip. If you have a video camera, bring an extra battery, plus proper recharging equipment. Due to security screening, we recommend storing your equipment in your carry-on luggage.
Bring a travel alarm clock, travel sewing kit and an alcohol based gel hand sanitizer when soap and water is not accessible.
Pack items that may leak in plastic bags. Do not pack any articles of value in your checked luggage.
As a precaution, we suggest that you divide the contents of your suitcase with your traveling companion.
Avoid over packing and leave room for souvenirs that you plan to take back home.
It is recommended to bring mosquito spray that contains DEET.
Bring a copy of your passport/identification and pack it separately from the original.
Leave a copy of your tour itinerary at home with your emergency contact and a copy of your passport.
Remember when flying you can only take one quart size bag with no more than 3 ounces of any one liquid. Liquids that do not fit in the one quart size bag and are larger than 3 ounces will be discarded by security.
Remember to hydrate and get up and stretch while flying.
If you are considering using your cell phone while traveling internationally, you should check with your cell provider concerning their access and charges for overseas calls, texting and emailing for the specific destination you are traveling to.
For your flight into India, there is a maximum of 15 kilos (approximately 33 lbs).
Please consult with your scheduled airline as luggage fees and restrictions vary by carrier and destination.
Due to the limited motorcoach capacity, one carry-on (36 inches in length, height and width; not to exceed 11 lbs. /5.2 kg.) and one checked luggage (62 inches in length, height and width; weight not to exceed 20kg/44lbs) are allowed.
We also encourage just one carry-on bag per individual (for carrying items that might be needed during the day’s sightseeing excursions or camera/video equipment). Dimensions for carry-ons should not exceed 17" x 12" x 10", allowing it to fit under the seat or in the overhead rack of most motor coaches.
If you exceed the limit of 2 bags, we cannot guarantee that your additional luggage will be able to fit in the touring vehicle. Storage or shipment of additional luggage will be at your own expense.
If we are able to accommodate your additional luggage, we will assess a fee of 4 USD per bag per hotel.
Please remember to label your luggage and important items with your name, home address and telephone number. We recommend labeling your luggage on both outside and inside of the bag.
Please attach only the plastic luggage tag included in this mailing to your checked luggage before checking in for your flight.
Your paper luggage tag is to be attached at the first hotel.
We cannot assume liability or accept claims for loss or damage to luggage and personal effects due to breakage, theft or normal wear and tear that results from hotel, airline and group carrier handling. It is in your best interest to have adequate insurance (such as our comprehensive“No Worries Travel Protection”) to cover these eventualities.
Please consult with your scheduled airline as luggage fees and restrictions vary by carrier and destination.
Due to the limited motorcoach capacity, one carry on (36 inches in length, height and width; not to exceed 15 lbs. / 7 kg.) and one checked luggage (62 inches in length, height and width; weight not to exceed 15 kg/ 33 lbs) are allowed.
We also encourage just one carry on bag per individual (for carrying items that might be needed during the day’s sightseeing excursions or camera/video equipment). Dimensions for carry ons should not exceed 17" x 12" x 10", allowing it to fit under the seat or in the overhead rack of most motor coaches.
If you exceed the limit of 2 bags, we cannot guarantee that your additional luggage will be able to fit in the touring vehicle. Storage or shipment of additional luggage will be at your own expense.
If we are able to accommodate your additional luggage, we will assess a fee of 4 USD per bag per hotel.
Please remember to label your luggage and important items with your name, home address and telephone number. We recommend labeling your luggage on both outside and inside of the bag.
Please attach only the plastic luggage tag included in this mailing to your checked luggage before checking in for your flight.
Your paper luggage tag is to be attached at the first hotel.
We cannot assume liability or accept claims for loss or damage to luggage and personal effects due to breakage, theft or normal wear and tear that results from hotel, airline and group carrier handling. It is in your best interest to have adequate insurance (such as our comprehensive“No Worries Travel Protection”) to cover these eventualities.
Your itinerary indicates which meals are included on your tour. Please take a moment to review. Guests with special dietary requirements must advise their Customer Care Agent as early as possible to ensure that the restaurants are given ample notice. Also, please advise your Tour Manager at the beginning of your tour. Your requests are important to us, and we make every effort to accommodate these requests.
Please be advised that the average price for meals (not inclusive of tax and gratuity) in where you are traveling is as follows: lunch 10 to 15 US dollars and dinner 20 to 30 US dollars.
It is customary to drink only bottled water while in India.
Included in this package is your personalized name badge. Our guests wear these in order to get to know their fellow travelers. The name badge also ensures that an Explorations representative can easily recognize you, particularly in crowds and at the airport upon arrival.
As you prepare for your trip, reading is the perfect way to learn about the culture, people and history of your destination and know before you go. We have a list of pre selected travel guides, novels and books about history, nature and art that will enhance your travel experience. You can access the complete list by typing the following into your web browser. Select the region of the world to find your tour: http://www.longitudebooks.com/find/d/3364/r/CV/mcms.html
Our tours are non-smoking throughout.
If you require a smoking room, please alert your agent upon tour booking.
Please be mindful of locations where smoking is prohibited: the motorcoach, at dining venues and other restricted areas on tour including most hotels. Customers are responsible for any fines incurred for failure to comply with smoking restrictions.
Transfers
We are pleased to provide you with complimentary airport to hotel, and hotel to airport transfers at the beginning and end of an escorted tour when you purchase an air-inclusive tour.
Land-only clients who have purchased round trip transfers will be accommodated at the same times as air inclusive clients.
Arrival meeting locations and transfer departure times are provided on your document booklets.
On some programs there may be a waiting period at the airport due to varying flight schedules of other arriving guests.
If you have secured your own transfer, you may meet your Tour Manager at the hotel.
Motorcoach Information: We do not own or operate vehicles. We charter quality coaches that are temperature controlled vehicles. Coach size may vary based upon the number of tour patrons. In certain countries, lavatory equipped motorcoaches are not available or the lavatory is for emergency use only.
Frequent stops will be made en route for comfort and convenience.
Seat Rotation: Seats are rotated for the benefit of our tour guests. This fosters communication and enables our guests to enjoy a variety of vantage points on the motorcoach. Guests will rotate seats at least once a day, as directed by the Tour Manager. In fairness to all, there will be no exceptions to this policy.
Flight Information, Departure Taxes & Fees
Land Only Vacations:
If you chose to purchase a land only vacation, pay particular attention to flight segments that occur during the tour which are not included in your land only rate.
You must purchase these internal flight segments and the schedule must match the flights that we utilize on the group tour.
Please provide us with your flight schedules for the entire tour six weeks prior to departure so we may secure services if you purchased transfers from us, as well as maintain emergency contact.
Air Inclusive Vacations
Air inclusive vacations cover air transport to and from your origin gateway as well as all internal air segments on tour.
In order to comply with Homeland Security’s “Secure Flight” mandate, all passengers must provide full name, date of birth and gender at time of reservation. Your airline ticket must match the name on your valid, non-expired, government issued photo ID to be shown at the airport (including middle name, first or middle initial).
If you are a member of a participating frequent flyer program, provide the number upon booking and retain the passenger copy of your ticket and boarding pass to ensure that you receive proper credit of your mileage.
Some air tickets are not eligible for mileage accrual.
Whenever possible, we will add charges for air departure taxes to your invoice. Some international arrival and departure fees are not included in your air ticket and must be paid by you on tour in local currency.
Flight Information, Departure Taxes & Fees
Air Inclusive Vacations:
Air inclusive vacations cover air transport to and from your origin gateway as well as all internal air segments on tour.
In order to comply with Homeland Security’s “Secure Flight” mandate, all passengers must provide full name, date of birth and gender at time of reservation. Your airline ticket must match the name on your valid, non expired, government issued photo ID to be shown at the airport (including middle name, first or middle initial).
If you are a member of a participating frequent flyer program, provide the number upon booking and retain the passenger copy of your ticket and boarding pass to ensure that you receive proper credit of your mileage. Some air tickets are not eligible for mileage accrual.
Whenever possible, we will add charges for air departure taxes to your invoice. Some international arrival and departure fees are not included in your air ticket and must be paid by you on tour in local currency.
Transfers:
We are pleased to provide you with complimentary airport to hotel, and hotel to airport transfers at the beginning and end of an escorted tour when you purchase an air inclusive vacation. Arrival meeting locations and transfer departure times are provided on your document booklets.
On some programs there may be a waiting period at the airport due to varying flight schedules of other arriving passengers.
Motorcoach Information:
We do not own or operate vehicles. We charter quality coaches that are temperature controlled vehicles. Coach size may vary based upon the number of tour patrons. In certain countries, lavatory equipped motorcoaches are not available or the lavatory is for emergency use only. Frequent stops will be made en route for comfort and convenience.
Seat Rotation:
Seats are rotated for the benefit of our tour guests. This fosters communication and enables our guests to enjoy a variety of vantage points on the motorcoach. Guests will rotate seats at least once a day, as directed by the Tour Manager. In fairness to all, there will be no exceptions to this policy.
Pricing
-
Double
$5,999pp
$6,199 -
Single
$7,299pp
$7,499
* For bookings made after 9/22/2016 call for rates.
* Included in Price: Round Trip Air from Monroe Cty Airport, Air Taxes and Fees/Surcharges, Hotel Transfers
* Not Included in Price: Cancellation Waiver and Insurance of $280 per person
* All Rates are Per Person and are subject to change based on air inclusive package from ROC