Excursion Mid-voyage land adventure: the crowned jewels of india - taj mahal & jaipur tour at Phuket

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, four-night sightseeing excursion to India. In Agra, explore the massive, 16th-century Agra Fort, and experience sunrise and sunset visits to the spectacular Taj Mahal, an UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the 'Seven Wonders of the World'. Moving on to Jaipur, the 'Pink City', tour the mesmerising City Palace and UNESCO World Heritage Site such as the grand Observatory of Jantar Mantar. Finally, discover both Old and New Delhi during a drive through Lutyens' Delhi and a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site - the magnificent Humayun's Tomb; and the intriguing Jama Masjid Mosque and a scenic and fun-filled rickshaw-ride through Chandni Chowk.

04MIDHKT-C The Crowned Jewels of India - Taj Mahal and Jaipur

Duration: 5 Days/4 Nights

Departs from: Phuket

Re-join ship: Chennai

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).

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

DAY ONE - Tuesday, March 7, 2023 - Phuket/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 Phuket Airport for check-in and your scheduled, approximately four-hour, 45-minute afternoon IndiGo Airlines flight (#6E 1746), departing at approximately 1:30 p.m. and arriving in Delhi at approximately 4:45 p.m., with lunch served in-flight.

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, March 8, 2023 - Delhi/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 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 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.

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, 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.

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

Following your visit, re-board your coach and proceed to your hotel 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, 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 at The Oberoi Amarvilas - Agra

Please note: The tour sequence, timings, and itinerary for this day are subject to change due to the festival of Holi.

DAY THREE - Thursday, March 9, 2023 - Agra/Jaipur

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 Jaipur

After breakfast at the hotel and check-out, meet your guide and depart for scenic, approximately five-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 FOUR - Friday, March 10, 2023 - Jaipur/Delhi

After an early breakfast and check-out, transfer to Jaipur Airport for your scheduled flight to Delhi

After an early breakfast and check-out, meet your guide and transfer to Jaipur Airport for check-in and your scheduled, approximately one-hour morning Alliance Airlines flight (#9I 844), departing at approximately 8:20 a.m. and arriving in Delhi at approximately 09:20 a.m., with a snack served in-flight.

Upon arrival, take a guided orientation tour of New Delhi

Upon arrival at Delhi Airport and after passport and visa formalities, meet your guide and depart for a guided orientation tour of New Delhi.

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

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 and Jama Masjid Mosque

Next, a visit is made to Humayun's Tomb, a magnificent monument 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 lunch and check-in

Following your visit, re-board your coach and transfer to your hotel for lunch and check-in.

Take a fun-filled and exciting ride through Old Delhi via brightly-coloured rickshaw

This afternoon, 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 mosque, India's largest, built in 1658 by Shah Jehan. Its style is traditional, with the exception of the innovative addition of red and black stripes running up-and-down the white marble domes.

See historic buildings and narrow lanes lined with a wide array of different shops

Once the hub of the Mughal era'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 buildings still retain their original structures, and appear to lean inquisitively over the narrow streets below. See gaily decorated little shops on every narrow, winding lane, with vendors busy selling their wares. Each lane 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 to your hotel for some free time to freshen-up before dinner

Following this immersive experience, transfer to your 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 - Saturday, March 11, 2023 - Delhi/Chennai

After an early wake-up call and check-out, transfer to the airport for your scheduled flight to Chennai

After an early wake-up call and check-out, transfer to Delhi Airport for check-in and your scheduled, approximately three-hour, morning Air India flight (#AI 429), departing at approximately 9:45 a.m. and arriving in Chennai at approximately 12:40 p.m., with breakfast served in-flight.

Transfer to the pier and ship

Upon arrival at Chennai 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 4.66 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, 20 steps at Humayun's Tomb, 30 steps at the Agra Fort, 43 steps at the Taj Mahal, 50 steps at Jama Masjid, 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 and Jama Masjid. A robe is 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. 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 at The Oberoi Amarvilas - Agra
• One-night stay in a Palace Room at the Rambagh Palace - Jaipur
• One-night stay in a Luxury Room at the Oberoi New Delhi - Delhi
• Scheduled flights: Phuket/Delhi, Jaipur/Delhi, and Delhi/Chennai (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 (breakfast is provided in-flight on Day 5), four 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
• Tour of the City Palace and Jantar Mantar Observatory - Jaipur
• Tour of Humayun's Tomb and Lutyens' Delhi - Delhi
• Visit to the Jama Masjid Mosque - Delhi
• Rickshaw-ride through Chandni Chowk - 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