Excursion Overland experience: the crowned jewels of india - taj mahal, agra & 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, five-night sightseeing excursion to India. In Delhi 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. Continue to Jaipur, the “Pink City,” where you’ll explore the City Palace and the UNESCO World Heritage Site, such as the grand Observatory of Jantar Mantar. Finally, discover Agra with visits to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Agra Fort and the breathtaking Taj Mahal - one of the 'Seven Wonders of the World'.

05MIDHKT-A The Crowned Jewels of India - Taj Mahal, Agra & Jaipur Duration: 6 Days/5 Nights

Departs from: Phuket, Thailand

Re-join ship: Colombo, Sri Lanka on 15 March 2027

Reserve: At least 90 days prior to sailing on 20 March 2027

IMPORTANT NOTE

This Overland Experience 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 Overland Experiences fares are subject to change, and not guaranteed until payment is received in full by Silversea. All Overland Experiences 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. Overland Experiences 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.

For India: Guests can obtain an e-visa before arrival, which allows entry through 30 designated airports. The e-visa is available for most nationalities and can be applied online. To apply and for further details, visit the Indian e-visa website.

For Sri Lanka: Guests can obtain an e-visa before arrival, which is available for most nationalities and can be applied online. To apply and for further details, visit the Sri Lankan e-visa website.

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).

LUGGAGE:

There baggage restrictions are as follows: hand baggage gross weight is limited to 5 Kg (11 lb), and size is limited to 23*36*56 cm. One checked bag must be less than 20 kg (44 lbs).

FULL DESCRIPTION:

DAY ONE - Monday, March 15, 2027 - Phuket/Delhi

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

After disembarking the ship in the afternoon, meet your guide and transfer to Phuket Airport for check-in and your scheduled, approximately five-hour evening Air India flight, departing at approximately 8:30 p.m. and arriving in Delhi at approximately 11:45 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 your hotel for check-in

Upon arrival at Delhi Airport, after immigration formalities, you will be met and transferred to The Oberoi New Delhi for check-in.

Overnight accommodations at The Oberoi New Delhi - Delhi

DAY TWO - Tuesday, March 16, 2027 - Delhi

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

After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the '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.

Return to your hotel for lunch.

Visit the magnificent Humayun's Tomb

After lunch continue to tour New Delhi. 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.

Visit Gurudwara Temple

Your tour will end with a visit to a ‘Gurudwara’ or Sikh Temple. Every public Gurudwara carries out three main functions - Kirtan (the singing of hymns), Katha (reading of the holy book, Guru Granth Sahib) and Langar (a free community kitchen for all visitors irrespective of their religion). Visit the community kitchen where you will see how food is cooked and served daily to a thousand visitors. We will arrange food supplies as a contribution for the day’s meal, and you are welcome to lend a helping hand. It’s an experience like no other!

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 & Overnight accommodations at The Oberoi New Delhi - Delhi

DAY THREE - Wednesday, March 17, 2027  - Delhi/Jaipur

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

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

Upon arrival in Jaipur, transfer to the magnificent Oberoi Rajvilas for lunch and check-in

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

This afternoon depart for a guided tour of the 'Pink City'. Jaipur glows with a singular beauty derived from the shimmering pink sandstone 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 man who was not only a prince, but also a military champion of his people and dedicated astronomer who built advanced observatories in Jaipur, Delhi, and elsewhere throughout India.

Visit the mesmerising City Palace and grand Jantar Mantar Observatory

After lunch you will visit the observatory known as Jantar Mantar, which is literally translated as Calculation Instrument. This observatory was built between 1728 and 1734 and is one of the five built in different cities by Maharaja Jai Singh. Modeled after the Jantar Mantar that was built in Delhi, the one in Jaipur is the largest, built on a very grand scale and way ahead of its time. Next to the observatory is City Palace complex that continues to evoke the splendor of a bygone era. The City Palace is a dazzling showplace of Hindu and Mughal architecture. Its museum is replete with evidence of opulence.

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 & Overnight accommodation at The Oberoi Rajvilas - Jaipur

DAY FOUR - Thursday, March 18, 2027 - Jaipur/Agra

After breakfast and check-out, depart for a scenic drive to Agra

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

Upon arrival, Transfer to your hotel for lunch and check-in

Upon arrival at Delhi transfer to your hotel for lunch and check-in.

Welcome to Agra - capital to the Mughals in the 16th and 17th centuries. Agra was also the repository of many of the Mughals most famous monuments. The city has long astonished visitors and many places of interest date back to the Afghans, who predated the Mughals.

Taj Mahal Sunset Visit

The Taj Mahal - Shah Jahan's enduring monument to love awaits you, where you will remain until sunset! This beautiful mausoleum in pure white marble is a thing of astonishing beauty and an architectural marvel. Its unique beauty and immaculately intricate execution all contribute to the breathtaking first impression. 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 fourteenth child. He resolved to build his wife a memorial surpassing anything the world had ever seen in beauty and, it must be admitted, wild 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.

Dinner & Overnight accommodation at The Oberoi Amarvilas - Agra

DAY FIVE - Friday, March 19, 2027 - Agra/Delhi

Take in the beauty of the Taj Mahal at sunrise

Early this morning, view the Taj Mahal from a vantage point across the River Yamuna (Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays) - this time watch the effect of the rising sun on this awe-inspiring monument. 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 Mumtaz. Tragically, before he could begin, he was deposed by his son and imprisoned in 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.

Agra Fort Visit

After breakfast, 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 miles long (about 2.5 kilometers long), with red sandstone walls that 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.

Following your visit, re-board your coach and proceed to The Oberoi Amarvilas for lunch.

After lunch, commence your journey to Delhi, a drive of approximately 3.5 hours with a rest stop en route.

Upon arrival at Delhi, transfer to your hotel and check-in.

Dinner & Overnight accommodation at The Oberoi - New Delhi

DAY SIX- Saturday, March 20, 2027 - Delhi/Colombo

Old Delhi Tour & Rickshaw Ride

After breakfast and check-out, proceed to explore Old Delhi. Special transportation has been arranged for this escapade  - brightly coloured bicycle rickshaws, 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 Jahan. Its style is traditional with the exception of the innovative addition of red and black stripes running up and down the white marble domes.

Chandni Chowk

Chandni Chowk was the hub of the Mughal era’s commercial centre and today is one of the country’s best- known wholesale markets for textiles, electronic goods and watches. This fascinating area was designed by Jehanara Begum, Shah Jahan's favourite daughter, and was then inhabited by the well-to-do families of the time. The buildings still retain their original structures and seem to lean inquisitively over the narrow streets below. There are gaily decorated little shops on every narrow, winding lane, with vendors busy selling their wares. Each lane specializes in a different commodity - brightly coloured bangles, shining silverware, brass artefacts, gold jewelry, brilliantly dyed fabrics, hardware, and last but not least, mouth-watering food cooked on the spot, filling the air with the aromatic scents of spices. This is an experience that no one would forget in a lifetime.

Return to the hotel, where lunch will be served.

After a leisurely lunch, transfer to the airport for your evening flight to Colombo of approximately 3.5 hours. Dinner will be served on board. On arrival, proceed to the pier. Later, join the awaiting Silversea ship.

Please note: This Mid-Voyage Land Adventure involves an extensive amount of off-road driving and a moderate amount of walking for approximately 5 miles (about 8.5 kilometers), 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, 20 steps at Humayun's Tomb, 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:

• Two-night stay in a Luxury Room at The Oberoi New Delhi - Delhi
• One-night stay in a Premier Room at The Oberoi Rajvilas - Jaipur
• One-night stay in Premier Room at The Oberoi Amarvilas - Agra
• One-night stay in a Luxury Room at the Oberoi New Delhi - Delhi
• Scheduled flights: Phuket/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 55 pounds (about 25 kilograms) and a maximum size of approximately 22x14x9 inches (about 55x35x25 centimetres) per person, plus one carry-on luggage with a maximum weight of approximately 15.4 pounds (about 7 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)

• Five breakfasts, five lunches and four dinners plus two in-flight dinners
• Two soft drinks/ local beer/ glasses of house wine with lunches and dinners served in the hotels
• Bottled water on the coach
•  Tour of the Agra Fort - Agra
• Sunset visits to the Taj Mahal - Agra
• Sunrise view of the Taj Mahal from Mehtab Bagh, across the River Yamuna - Agra
• Tour of the City Palace and Jantar Mantar Observatory - Jaipur
• Tour of Humayun's Tomb and Lutyens' Delhi - Delhi

• All sightseeing and transfers as per itinerary
• Scheduled flights, Economy-Class: Phuket/Delhi and Delhi/Colombo

Not Included:

Indian & Sri Lankan Visas, any meals and drinks not specified above, gratuities to drivers and tour guides, laundry, telephone calls, cancellation insurance, and other personal items.