Excursion Mid-voyage land adventure: taj mahal & the pink city of jaipur tour at Mormugao

The country of India is home to a remarkable 40 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, each of them more uniquely beautiful and captivating than the next. Embrace the scenic splendour and compelling history of several of UNESCO's crowned jewels during this unforgettable, three-night sightseeing excursion to India. In Jaipur, the 'Pink City', tour the mesmerising City Palace and UNESCO World Heritage Site such as the grand Observatory of Jantar Mantar. Moving on to Agra, explore the massive, 16th-century Agra Fort, and experience a sunset visit to the spectacular Taj Mahal and a sunrise view from across the river, an UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the 'Seven Wonders of the World'.

03MIDMAR-B Taj Mahal & the Pink City of Jaipur

Duration: 4 Days/3 Nights

Departs from: Moumugao

Re-join ship: Colombo

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 & Sri Lanka. 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).

Explore a few of the 40 uniquely beautiful and captivating UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India during this unforgettable, four-night sightseeing excursion.

DAY ONE - Tuesday, February 13, 2024 - Goa/Delhi

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

After disembarking the ship, meet your guide and transfer to Goa Airport for check-in and your scheduled, approximately two-hour, 45-minute afternoon Air India flight, departing at approximately 2:05 p.m. and arriving in Delhi at approximately 4:50 p.m., with lunch served in-flight.

(Please be advised that flights may be changed by the local supplier at any time, and without our control, due to operational reasons. The final flights' details will be confirmed once onboard).

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 Hotel for check-in and 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 - Wednesday, February 14, 2024 - Delhi/Jaipur

After breakfast and check-out, meet your guide and depart for the scenic drive to Jaipur

After breakfast at the hotel and check-out, depart for the scenic, approximately 5-hour drive to Jaipur, with a comfort stop en route.

Upon arrival in Jaipur, transfer to the magnificent Rambagh Palace Hotel for lunch and check-in

Upon arrival in Jaipur, transfer to your hotel for lunch and check-in. From the home of the Queen's favourite handmaiden to a royal guesthouse and hunting lodge, and, later, as the residence of the Maharaja, the Rambagh Palace has stepped gracefully through many royal transitions. The elegant rooms, marbled corridors and majestic corridors echo with history, and every corner of the 'Jewel of Jaipur' has a story to tell. This sprawling hotel was built in the Indo-Saracenic style, and served as a royal residence for many years before being converted into one of the country's premier hotels.

Take an afternoon tour of Jaipur, the 'Pink City'

This afternoon, meet your guide and depart for a guided tour of the 'Pink City'. Jaipur glows with a singular beauty derived from the shimmering pink paint used everywhere in its construction. The effect of this glorious extravagance has enchanted visitors for centuries, especially at sunset. Nestled in the Aravali Hills, Jaipur was built in 1727 to the highest standards of city planning. Its founder was Jai Singh ll, an extraordinary many who was not only a prince, but also a military champion of his people and dedicated astronomer who built advanced laboratories in Jaipur, Delhi, and elsewhere throughout India.

Visit the mesmerising City Palace and grand Jantar Mantar Observatory

Your first stop is the mesmerising City Palace. In an unending series of delights, from its grand aged entrance to the play of ornamental fountains, the City Palace is a dazzling showplace of Hindu and Mughal architecture. Amongst the pleasures of the City Palace is a museum with ample evidence of opulence. From here, visit neighbouring Jantar Mantar Observatory. Built from 1728 to 1734 by Maharaja Jai Singh, Jantar Mantar was constructed on a grand scale and way beyond its time. 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 Palace Room at the Rambagh Palace - Jaipur  

DAY THREE - Thursday, February 15, 2024 - Jaipur/Agra

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

After breakfast at the hotel and check-out, depart for the scenic, approximately 5-hour drive to Agra, with a comfort stop en route.

Upon arrival in Agra, transfer to the magnificent The Oberoi Amarvilas for lunch and check-in

Agra was the capital of the Mughal dynasties in the 16th century and 17th centuries, and repository of many of the Mughals' most famous monuments. The city has long amazed visitors with sites dating back to the Mughal Empire.

After Lunch, proceed for a visit to the massive, 16th-century Agra Fort

After lunch, a visit is made to the Agra Fort, the town's second-most important attraction after the Taj Mahal. This massive fort's approximately 1.5 mile-long (about 2.5 km-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, the vast complex underwent many additions by subsequent rulers. Here, Shah Jehan was held captive by his son, and spent his days gazing out from his room towards the Taj Mahal across the river.

Take in the beauty of the Taj Mahal at sunset

In the late-afternoon, depart for a special sunset visit to the Taj Mahal, Shah Jehan's enduring monument to love. An UNESCO World Heritage Site, his beautiful mausoleum of pure white marble is an architectural marvel of astonishing beauty, and offers a breath-taking image 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

Emperor Shah Jehan, 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. You can enter the mausoleum, and stroll around the extensive grounds. 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 with Balcony at The Oberoi Amarvilas - Agra

DAY Four - Friday, February 16, 2024 -Agra/Delhi/Colombo

Depart for an exterior viewing of the Taj Mahal at sunrise

Depart for an early-morning photo stop at the Taj Mahal, and marvel at the 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 Jehan and Mumtaz Mahal are now both buried in the underground chamber of the Taj Mahal. Following your visit, re-board your coach and transfer back to the hotel.

After breakfast and check-out, depart for the scenic drive to New Delhi

After breakfast at the hotel and check-out, meet your guide and depart for scenic, approximately 3.5-hour drive to New Delhi, with a comfort stop en route.

Lunch

Upon arrival in New Delhi, transfer to a local hotel for lunch.

Transfer to the airport for your scheduled flight to Colombo

After lunch, transfer to Delhi Airport for check-in and your scheduled, approximately three-hour-40minutes, evening SriLankan Airlines flight, departing at approximately 6:35 p.m. and arriving in Colombo at approximately 10:15 p.m., with dinner served in-flight.

(Please be advised that flights may be changed by the local supplier at any time, and without our control, due to operational reasons. The final flights' details will be confirmed once onboard).

Transfer to the pier and ship

Upon arrival at Colombo 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 4 miles (about 7.5 kilometres), at times over uneven, bumpy, gravel, grassy, and natural surfaces and inclines, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and board/de-board the airplane, a few steps at the Observatory and to view the Taj Mahal from across the River Yamuna, 30 steps at the Agra Fort, 43 steps at the Taj Mahal and 52 steps at the City Palace. This tour is recommended for active guests in good physical condition. This tour is not suitable for pregnant guests, guests with neck and/or back problems, guests with heart and/or respiratory conditions, guests prone to motion sickness, guests with limited mobility, and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing 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. Shoes must be removed prior to entering sacred sites; we suggest bringing along a pair of thick socks, because the pavement may be very hot. Shoe covers are provided at the Taj Mahal. 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 21 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. 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. 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:

• One-night stay in a Luxury Room at The Oberoi New Delhi - Delhi
• One-night stay in a Premier Room with Balcony at The Oberoi Amarvilas - Agra
• One-night stay in a Palace Room at the Rambagh Palace - Jaipur

Scheduled flights: Mormugao/Delhi and Delhi/Colombo (Economy-Class). Business-Class is available upon request at an additional charge and subject to availability, as most aircraft do not offer business seating Participating airlines restricts baggage allowance to one soft 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 - L+B+H). 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)

• Three breakfasts, four lunches (lunch is provided in-flight on Day 1), and four dinners (dinner is provided in-flight on Day 4), with drinks included
• Tour of the Agra Fort - Agra
• Sunset visit to the Taj Mahal - Agra
• Sunrise view of the Taj Mahal from across the River Yamuna
• Tour of the City Palace and Jantar Mantar Observatory - Jaipur

• 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.