Excursion Mid-voyage land adventure: taj mahal - agra & new delhi tour at Chennai

A visit to India's treasured UNESCO World Heritage Sites evokes images of erstwhile royalty, and legendary tales of love and valour. There are few places in the world that compare with the mesmerising Taj Mahal and awe-inspiring Agra Fort. These outstanding attractions are amongst the many 'crowned jewels' that draw thousands of visitors to India each year from all over the globe. Embrace them all during this immersive, four-night sightseeing excursion, and unearth a treasure trove of unforgettable sights and experiences that would enthral even the most discerning traveller. Discover the magnificent and timeless beauty of the Taj Mahal and massive Agra Fort. Marvel at the magnificent Humayun's Tomb and Qutub Minar, India's tallest stone tower. Explore the spiritual side of India during visits to the revered Sikh Temple and Jama Masjid Mosque, one of India's largest mosques. Cap off your journey to Old and New Delhi with a tour of Lutyens' Delhi, and a picturesque and fun-filled rickshaw-ride through bustling Chandni Chowk.

04MIDMAA-B Taj Mahal - Agra & New Delhi

Duration: 5 Days/4 Nights

Departs from: Chennay

Re-join ship: Phuket

Reserve: At least 90 days prior to sailing

IMPORTANT NOTE

This Silver Shore Mid-Land Adventure requires advance booking through Silversea Reservations no later than 90 days prior to the sail date. Requests received after this date may be accommodated on a space-available basis. Tickets are available in limited quantities, and participation cannot be guaranteed for those guests not booking well in advance. A minimum number of participants is required to operate this programme. If this minimum number is not met, Silversea reserves the right to offer the programme at a different rate based on private arrangements, or to cancel the specific departure. Cancellation fee, unless otherwise advised, 90 - 0 days prior to the initial sailing date: 100% of the programme fare per person is due.

Payment in full is due at time of final payment. Bookings made within 120 days of sailing require full payment within seven days of booking or sooner, as specified by Silversea.

All Land Adventure fares are subject to change, and not guaranteed until payment is received in full by Silversea. All Land Adventures are non-transferable, and non-refundable, within 90 days of sailing. Minors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by someone 18 years of age or older. All Land Adventures are owned by independent contractors, and Silversea makes no representations and assumes no responsibility for the services provided by these operators. Land Adventures may be modified by the operators at their sole discretion.

VISA INFORMATION:

Please check with your travel professional for details regarding visa requirements for India. It is the responsibility of each guest to obtain all appropriate visas before cruising.

LOCAL CURRENCY:

The local currency is the Indian Rupee; however, US Dollars, Euros and British Pounds are well-accepted by most vendors. Local ATMs are available in some locations visited, and credit cards are accepted in most larger shops and hotels (there is no shopping stop planned during the program).

Discover the magnificent Taj Mahal, and a treasure trove of unforgettable UNESCO World Heritage sights and experiences, during this immersive, four-night overland excursion to India.

DAY ONE - Thursday, December 29, 2022 - Chennai/Delhi

Disembark the ship and transfer to Phuket Airport for your scheduled flight to Delhi

After disembarking the ship, meet your guide and transfer to Chennai Airport for check-in and your scheduled, approximately two-hour, 45-minute morning IndiGo Airlines flight (#6E 2512), departing at approximately 10:40 a.m. and arriving in Delhi at approximately 1:25 p.m., with lunch served in-flight.

About Delhi

Welcome to Delhi, the intriguing cultural and historical centre of India's past and future. Delhi was built over 450 years by a succession of empires; first, the Hindu and Muslim dynasties, then the powerful Mughal Dynasty, who ruled until British colonisation began.

Transfer to your hotel for check-in

Upon arrival at Delhi Airport and after passport and visa formalities, meet your guide and transfer to The Oberoi New Delhi for check-in and some free time at leisure.

Take an afternoon tour of a Sikh Temple Complex

This evening, meet your guide and depart for a visit to a Gurudwara (Sikh Temple). Upon arrival, take a guided tour of the complex, which features a devotion centre, large pond (for holy dipping), missionary school, an art gallery, a charitable hospital, and Langar, a free community kitchen.

Transfer back to your hotel for some free time to freshen-up before dinner

Following your visit, re-board your coach and transfer back to the hotel for some free time to freshen-up before dinner.

Dinner is at the hotel.

Overnight accommodations in a Luxury Room at The Oberoi New Delhi - Delhi

DAY TWO - Friday, December 30, 2022 - Delhi

After breakfast, explore Delhi, Chandni Chowk & the Jama Masjid Mosque via a bicycle rickshaw

After breakfast at the hotel, meet your guide and depart for a sightseeing tour of Old Delhi via special transportation; a brightly-coloured bicycle rickshaw, the best way to navigate the narrow, bustling alleyways. When entering Chandni Chowk, the first view is that of the iconic Jama Masjid Mosque, one of the largest mosques in India. Built in 1658 by Shah Jahan, its style is traditional, except for the innovative addition of red-and-black stripes running up-and-down the white marble domes. Upon arrival, take a guided tour inside this revered mosque, then explore Chandni Chowk.

At Chandni Chowk, see historic buildings formerly occupied by prominent families

Once the hub of the Mughal Empire's commercial centre, Chandni Chowk is today one of the country's best-known wholesale markets for textiles, electronic goods, and watches. It was designed by Jahanara Begum, Shah Jahan's favourite daughter, and inhabited by the prominent families of the time. The historic buildings still retain their original structures, and appear to lean inquisitively over the narrow side streets below.

Pass by markets and narrow lanes lined with a wide array of shops

Pass by markets overflowing with spices, dried fruit, jewellery, and vividly-coloured saris, gaily decorated little shoppes lining the narrow, winding side streets, and vendors busy selling their wares. Each side street of Chandni Chowk specialises in a different commodity; brightly-coloured bangles, shining silverware, brass artefacts, gold jewellery, brilliantly-dyed fabrics, hardware, and, last but not least, mouth-watering street food cooked on the spot, filling the air with the scent of aromatic spices.

Transfer back to your hotel for lunch

Following this immersive morning experience, transfer back to your hotel for lunch.

Visit Qutub Minar, India's tallest stone tower, and stroll through the Mehrauli Archaeological Park

After lunch, visit Qutub Minar, India's tallest stone tower and an UNESCO World Heritage Site. At a height of approximately 239 feet (about 73 metres), the 'Tower of Victory' is considered by some to be the world's most perfect specimen of tower architecture. A mathematical marvel, this building has remained standing for eight centuries. Indulge in delightful anecdotes whilst walking across Qutub Minar's lesser-known neighbourhood.

Transfer back to the hotel for some free time to freshen-up before dinner

Leaving the Mehrauli Archaeological Park, transfer back to the hotel for some free time to freshen-up before dinner.

Dinner is at the hotel.

Overnight accommodations in a Luxury Room at The Oberoi New Delhi - Delhi

DAY THREE - Saturday, December 31, 2022 - Delhi/Agra

After breakfast, meet your guide and depart for the scenic drive to Agra

After breakfast at the hotel, depart for the scenic, approximately 3.5-hour drive to Agra, with a comfort stop en route. Agra was the capital of the Mughal dynasties in the 16th century and 17th century, and repository of many of the Mughals' most famous monuments. The city has long amazed visitors with sites dating back to the Mughal Empire.

Upon arrival in Agra, proceed for a visit to the massive, 16th-century Agra Fort

Upon arrival in Agra, a visit is made to the Agra Fort, an UNESCO World Heritage Site and the town's second-most important attraction after the Taj Mahal. This massive fort's approximately 1.5-mile-long (about 2.5 kilometre-long), red sandstone walls contained the imperial city of the Mughal rulers. It is comprised of fairy-tale palaces, audience halls, and two beautiful mosques. Founded in the 16th century, this vast complex underwent many additions by subsequent rulers. Here, Shah Jahan was held captive by his son and spent his days gazing out from his room towards the Taj Mahal across the river.

Transfer to your hotel for lunch, check-in, and some free time

Following your visit, re-board your coach and proceed to The Oberoi Amarvilas for lunch and check-in, followed by some free time at your leisure.

Take in the beauty of the Taj Mahal at sunset

In the late-afternoon, depart for a special sunset visit to the Taj Mahal, an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Shah Jahan's enduring monument to love. this beautiful mausoleum of pure white marble is an architectural marvel of astonishing beauty. Its unique design and immaculately intricate execution combine to create a breath-taking first impression as soon as you emerge from the arched entry gateway.

Enter the mausoleum and stroll about the extensive grounds of this UNESCO World Heritage Site

Upon arrival, you can enter the mausoleum and stroll around the extensive grounds. Emperor Shah Jahan, fifth of the great Mughals, was devoted to his wife Mumtaz Mahal (Jewel of the Palace). She died at the age of 39 giving birth to her 14th child. He resolved to build his wife a memorial surpassing anything the world had ever seen in terms of beauty and extravagance. Twenty-thousand labourers and skilled craftsmen from Persia, Turkey, France, and Italy were put into action to construct this unrivalled masterpiece. The rays of the setting sun make this monument a wonder to behold.

Transfer back to your hotel for some free time to freshen-up before dinner

Following your visit, re-board your coach for the drive back to the hotel, with some free time to freshen-up before dinner.

Dinner is at the hotel.

Overnight accommodations in a Premier Room at The Oberoi Amarvilas - Agra

DAY FOUR - Sunday, January 1, 2023 - Agra/Delhi

Depart for an exterior viewing of the Taj Mahal at sunrise

Depart for an early-morning exterior photo stop at the Taj Mahal. Upon arrival, marvel at the awe-inspiring exterior view of this magnificent, world-renowned mausoleum at sunrise. The most unusual story about the Taj is that there might have been two of them. The emperor intended to build a second tomb in black marble, a negative image of the white Taj for his wife, Mumtaz. Tragically, before he could begin, he was deposed by his son and imprisoned in the Agra Fort, where he remained until his death, spending the rest of his life looking out along the river to the final resting-place of his wife. Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal are now both buried in the underground chamber of the Taj Mahal.

Transfer back to the hotel for breakfast, check-out, and a scenic drive back to Delhi

Following your visit, re-board your coach and transfer back to the hotel. After breakfast and check-out, meet your guide and depart for the scenic, approximately 3.5-hour drive back to Delhi, with a comfort stop en route.

Proceed to your hotel for lunch, check-in and some free time at leisure

Upon arrival in Delhi, proceed to The Oberoi New Delhi for lunch, check-in, and some free time at leisure.

Drive through Lutyens' Delhi, and pass the War Memorial Arch and Presidential House

This afternoon, meet your guide and depart for a tour of New Delhi. Along the way, drive through 'Lutyens' Delhi'. Commissioned in 1911 and inaugurated as recently as 1931, this magnificently-planned area of Delhi is a combination of British and Indian architecture. From here, travel past the War Memorial Arch, better known as the 'India Gate', then drive down Rajpath and past the Presidential House.

Visit the magnificent Humayun's Tomb

Next, a visit is made to Humayun's Tomb, an UNESCO World Heritage Site. This magnificent monument was built in red sandstone by Haji Begum, Humayun's first wife and mother of Emperor Akbar. Her design was way ahead of its time and the basis for the design of the famous Taj Mahal, built almost a hundred years later.

Transfer to your hotel for some free time to freshen-up before dinner

Following your visit, re-board your coach and transfer back to the hotel for some free time to freshen-up before dinner.

Dinner is at the hotel.

Overnight accommodations in a Luxury Room at The Oberoi New Delhi - Delhi

DAY FIVE - Monday, January 2, 2023 - Delhi/Phuket

After breakfast and check-out, transfer to Delhi Airport for your scheduled flight to Phuket

After an early-morning wake-up call and check-out, meet your guide and transfer to the Delhi Airport for check-in and your scheduled, approximately four-hour, 35-minute morning IndiGo Airlines flight (#6E 1763), departing at approximately 6:25 a.m. and arriving in Phuket at approximately 12:30 p.m., with breakfast served-in flight.

Transfer to the pier and ship

Upon arrival at Phuket Airport, meet your guide and transfer to the port. Upon arrival at the pier, embark the ship.

Please note: This Mid-Voyage Land Adventure involves an extensive amount of off-road driving and a moderate amount of walking for approximately 6.2 miles (about ten kilometres), at times over uneven, cobblestone, grassy, and natural surfaces and inclines, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and rickshaw, and board/de-board the airplane, ten steps at Qutub Minar, ten steps at the Sikh Temple, 20 steps at Humayun's Tomb, 30 steps at the Agra Fort, 43 steps at the Taj Mahal, and 50 steps at Jama Masjid. This tour is recommended for active guests in good physical condition. This tour is not suitable for pregnant guests, guests with limited mobility, and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear warm, comfortable clothing in layers with flat, closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sun protection, insect repellent, raingear, camera, any necessary medication, and local currency or credit cards for purchases from the ship. Proper attire is required to enter religious sites; shorts and bare shoulders are not permitted, and both men and women must have their shoulders and heads covered. Shoes and hats must be removed prior to entering the temples; we suggest bringing along a pair of thick socks, because the pavement may be very hot. Shoe covers are provided at the Taj Mahal and Jama Masjid. Scarves are provided at the Sikh Temple. Robes are provided for ladies at Jama Masjid. Guests must be at least 12 years old to participate on this tour; minors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian over 18 years old. Guests must be at least 18 years old to be served alcoholic beverages. Guests must carry their passports and ship's ID at all times. Liquids and sharp objects are not permitted in hand luggage; please carry any liquid medicines, along with a copy of your medical prescription. At the time of booking, guests should use their names exactly as they appear on their passports, as the booking of airline seats is involved. Local conditions may be challenging; therefore, we urge flexibility and understanding as we visit unique and somewhat remote destinations. Coaches, guides, hotels, restaurants, equipment, and services are the best-available in the area, but may not be up to the standards of those found on other excursions. We thank you for your understanding. For your added safety and protection, please leave jewellery, valuables, and large amounts of cash on board the ship. Guests should be respectful towards local sentiments and customs. Photography is prohibited inside the Sikh Temple. Guests on this tour will be travelling unaccompanied from Delhi to Phuket. The tour sequence, timings, and itinerary are subject to change without prior notice, and airline alterations to the flight schedules may affect the tour itinerary, tour sequence and/or programme content. This description is just a sample of the tour program. A signed waiver is required to participate on this tour. Space on this tour is very limited; we suggest you book in advance to avoid disappointment.

Programme Includes:

• Three-night stay in a Luxury Room at The Oberoi New Delhi - Delhi
• One-night stay in a Premier Room at The Oberoi Amarvilas - Agra
• Scheduled flights: Chennai/Delhi and Delhi/Phuket (Economy-Class). Business-Class is available upon request at an additional charge and subject to availability, as most aircraft do not offer business seating

Baggage allowance for domestic flights is restricted to one luggage with a maximum weight of approximately 33 pounds (about 15 kilograms) and a maximum size of approximately 22x14x10 inches (about 55x35x25 centimetres) per person, plus one carry-on luggage with a maximum weight of approximately 15.4 pounds (about seven kilograms) and a maximum size of approximately total 46 inches (about total 115 centimetres).

Baggage allowance for international flights is restricted to two luggage with a maximum weight of approximately 44 pounds (about 20 kilograms) and a maximum size of approximately 22x14x10 inches (about 55x35x25 centimetres) per person, plus one carry-on luggage with a maximum weight of approximately 15.4 pounds (about seven kilograms) and a maximum size of approximately total 46 inches (about total 115 centimetres).

Supplement for excess luggage is to be paid directly at the check-in counter. Passengers with more than approximately 22 pounds (about ten kilograms) of excess luggage must check-in at least 90 minutes prior to departure. Maximum weight per item: approximately 33 pounds (about 15 kilograms) for domestic flights, and approximately 44 pounds (about 20 kilograms) for international flights.

• Three breakfasts (breakfast is provided in-flight on Day 5), three lunches (lunch is provided in-flight on Day 1), and four dinners, with drinks included
• Tour of the Agra Fort - Agra
• Sunset and sunrise visits to the Taj Mahal - Agra
• Tours of Humayun's Tomb and Lutyens' Delhi - New Delhi
• Visits to a Sikh Temple, the Qutub Minar, and Jama Masjid Mosque - Old Delhi
• Rickshaw bicycle-ride through Chandni Chowk - Old Delhi
• All sightseeing and transfers as per itinerary

Not Included:

Any meals and drinks not specified above, gratuities to drivers and tour guides, laundry, telephone calls, cancellation insurance, and other personal items.

Note