India & Dubai
Explore two fascinating cultures on one adventure! Spend 10 days touring India and Dubai with stops at the Taj Mahal, New Delhi, Abu Dhabi, and more!
What’s Included
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The Itinerary
Day 1 – Depart The USA
Depart the USA on your international flight. (Note: Those making their own arrangements will start with EOX on Day 2.)
Day 2 – Delhi
Touch down in Delhi! Upon arrival, you will be greeted and assisted by a representative. Then transfer to your hotel.* (B)
For hundreds of years, several different empires centralized their power in Delhi. It has been destroyed and rebuilt many times. Modern Delhi is a fusion of two distinct cultural lineages—Old Delhi and New Delhi. Juxtaposed against the immaculately planned New Delhi created by the British Raj stands Old Delhi, once the capital of Islamic India, and a labyrinth of lanes, crumbling havelis, and mosques. Visit the Jama Masjid, the largest Old Dehli mosque in India. It has three immense gates, four towers, and two minarets. Ride through town in a rickshaw. Then drive through Dariba Kalan, which means “street of the incomparable pearl.” It is the oldest jewelry market in the city. The Red Fort, Shah Jahan’s elegant citadel made of red sandstone, was built on the western bank of the Yamuna River. Inside is a veritable treasure trove of buildings, including the Drum House, the Hall of Public and Private Audiences, the Pearl Mosque, the Royal Baths, and the Palace of Color. Enjoy some leisure time at Connaught Place Market, a popular shopping hub. Perhaps take a peek into a nearby observatory named after astronomer and nobleman Jantar Mantar. (B)
*(Transfer included if air purchased through EOX or if you provide EOX with your flight information at least one month prior to your departure.)
Day 3 – Delhi
Traverse the New Delhi area. Visit Humayun Tomb, one of the most innovative and experimental monuments of its time. New Delhi houses several government buildings and official residences reminiscent of the British colonial architecture, like the Parliament House. Stop for a photo at the India Gate, an “arc-de-triumph” style archway. Like its French counterpart, it commemorates fallen soldiers. See Qutub Minar, a soaring tower of victory built in 1193. It has five distinct stories, each marked by a balcony. At the foot of the tower is the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque, the first mosque to be built in India. Enjoy a cultural dance before dinner. (B)
Day 4 – Agra
The opulence of the Mughal Empire can be seen in Agra. Its superb marble and soapstone were honed by craftsmen descended from those who worked under the Mughals. Itmad-Ud-Daula is sometimes called “Baby Taj” because of its diminutive resemblance to the Taj Mahal. Built entirely out of white marble and inlaid with semi-precious stones, this riverside mausoleum exhibits a strong Persian influence. “Taj Mahal” translates into “crown of palaces.” It was built by Mughal Emperor Shahjahan as a memorial to his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal. A world-renowned wonder, the Taj Mahal looks the same from all four sides and is widely recognized as the jewel of Muslim art in India. (B)
Day 5 – Jaipur
On the way to Jaipur, enjoy a visit to Fatehpur Sikri, the beautiful and deserted medieval city built in the 16th century. The complex consists of religious, residential, and administrative buildings. Jaipur is popularly known as the Pink City, thanks to the color of its buildings. It holds innumerable sagas of culture, traditions, practices, and valor. (B)
Day 6 – Jaipur
The Hawa Mahal Palace is easily the most well-known landmark in the city. This five-story building overlooks the busy bazaar with 953 delicately honeycombed pink sandstone windows. It was originally designed this way so that royal ladies could remain in veiled comfort yet observe the exploits of common life. Elephants symbolize royalty in Rajasthan culture, and you’ll get to feel like royalty yourself with an elephant ride to Amber Fort. The City Palace Complex contains some of the most imposing and magnificent architecture in the city. Enjoy free time to walk through the narrow side streets of Jaipur. (B)
Day 7 – Dubai
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Dubai. Upon arrival, journey to the Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood to explore Old Dubai. Part of its allure is simply wandering through its narrow lanes. You’ll discover creative art spaces, museums, and cafés. Buildings topped with distinctive wind towers will surround you. Visit the Textile Souk full of colorful fabrics. The Saruq Al Hadid Museum displays archaeological treasures discovered in and around Dubai. Cross over the creek to Deira and visit the Gold Souk, where you can haggle with shopkeepers for beautiful jewelry. Then, continue to the Spice Souk. Aromas of cardamom, turmeric, dried lemons, rose petals, and more will captivate your senses. (B)
Day 8 – Desert Safari
Visit the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world. Its viewing platform is almost 1500 feet high, and the 360-degree view encompasses all of Dubai. Ride out into the remote Lahbab Desert. Bright red dunes look like giant beanbags of sand. Perhaps take the adventure into your own hands on a quad bike (optional). Send plumes of red sand flying while plowing up the dunes! (B, D)
Day 9 – Abu Dhabi
Tour Abu Dhabi. Visit a grand church in the Jebel Ali area and hear from a local Christian church on what life is like in a predominantly Muslim country. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is the acclaimed symbol of contemporary Islam. Abu Dhabi Corniche exudes a relaxing vibe with its sweeping harbor, pearl white sand beaches, and beautiful promenade. Next stop is Emirates Palace. Travel to the stunning Etihad Towers. Its five towers shout luxury and modernity. Qasr Al Watan is a palatial wonder. Get a glimpse into Emirati governance and culture via exhibits at the palace. Enjoy your special dinner cruise on board the Bateaux Dubai. As you sail, you will pass the illuminated Maktoum Bridge, Clock Tower, Twin Towers, and Grand Mosque. (B)
Day 10 – Return home
Return home with life-changing memories.*
*(Transfer to airport included if air purchased through EOX or if you provide EOX with your flight information at least one month prior to your departure. Those not providing this information may have to make their own transfer arrangements to return to the airport.)
B=Breakfast Included
D=Dinner Included
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