Compare 6 Day Istanbul Special 2018 Itinerary by Gate 1 Travel vs UAE, India, Nepal & Maldives in 26 days - Dubai & Jewels of the Indian Subcontinent - LUXURY by Exoticca

Day 1: US - Night on board

Arrive at your US departure airport ready to check-in for a flight* to the luxurious city of Dubai. Night on board. * If either your outbound or inbound flights depart in the early hours (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the indicated departure day.

Day 2: Dubai

Arrive in Dubai and transfer to the hotel.* The remainder of the day is free to discover this modern Emirati metropolis at your leisure. We recommend visiting the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world and a symbol of the city of 828 meters and 160 floors. Since its inauguration in 2010, it offers the best views of the desert and the city. Underneath is the largest shopping center in the world, the Dubai Mall where 1200 stores of all kinds are located. A shopping paradise! Overnight stay in Dubai. * You will have the option to add early check-in on arrival in Dubai (before 3:00 p.m.) in the next step of the booking process.

Day 3: Dubai

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy the morning at your leisure, exploring the old town or sunning yourself on Dubai's idyllic beaches. We recommend an optional excursion to explore the older parts of the city.* At dusk, take an exciting 4x4 excursion to the desert. Pass through camel farms and spectacular desert landscapes, as the sand dunes are illuminated at sunset until arriving at a traditional camp. Here, enjoy a delicious barbeque dinner under the stars with traditional entertainment including Belly Dancing,* waterpipes and camel rides. Return to the hotel and overnight stay in Dubai. * Optional Half-Day Classic Dubai Tour: Visit the Bastakia neighbourhood, home to old merchant houses and cafes, and learn about Dubai's history with included entrance to the Dubai Museum. Take a traditional river taxi, known as an 'Abra' across Dubai Creek to the aromatic souks of Old Dubai, filled with stalls selling exotic spices and golden wares. Please note: this optional excursion operates on Friday afternoons and Monday, Wednesday, and Sunday mornings only.

Day 4: Dubai

Breakfast at the hotel. Spend the day at your leisure, enjoying a shopping spree in Dubai's fabulous malls or relaxing at your leisure on the beach. We recommend an optional tour of the city's modern attractions.* Overnight stay in Dubai. * Optional Half-Day Modern Dubai Tour: Visit the most emblematic sights in the city including the Jumeirah Mosque and the Burj Al Arab, the world's most luxurious hotel. Travel to the man-made palm-shaped island of Palm Jumeirah to see the amazing Atlantis Hotel before heading back to the city on the monorail. Afterwards, explore glittering Dubai Marina, the Mall of Emirates, to see the impressive Ski Dubai, and the jaw-dropping Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world. Please note: this optional excursion operates on Mondays and Fridays only.

Day 5: Dubai - Delhi

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the airport to board a flight to Delhi. Arrive in India’s capital and transfer to hotel. Delhi is a city with a wonderful architectural legacy from its Islamic conquerors together with its spectacular historic city centre. The rest of the day free to start to get to know this fascinating city. Overnight stay in Delhi.

Day 6: Delhi

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, visit Old Delhi including the Jama Masjid Royal Mosque and the lively Spice Market to soak up the intoxicating aromas. Next, enjoy a rickshaw ride on Chandi Chow Street before heading to the majestic Red Fort, the former residence of the Imperial Family. Finally, admire the poignant Raj Ghat, where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated. In the afternoon, explore New Delhi, passing through the India Gate, the Mausoleum of Emperor Humayun, the majestic government buildings and the Presidential Palace. Overnight stay in Delhi.

Day 7: Delhi - Jaipur

Breakfast at the hotel. Leave by road to Jaipur, the Pink City of India. The capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur was built in 1728 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. Its architecture is a magnificent confluence of Hindu, Jain and Mughal architectural styles. Arrive and transfer to the hotel. The rest of the day is free to get to know this vibrant city. In the evening light, the pink and the orange buildings exude a magical glow, which is complemented by the vibrantly attired Rajasthanis. Camel drawn carts are characteristic of Jaipur's passing street scene. Overnight stay in Jaipur

Day 8: Jaipur

Breakfast at the hotel. Start the day with an exciting jeep transfer to the Amber Fort, sat on a hill above the beautiful Maotha Lake. In the interior, cross the premises of the Jag Mandir Palace and the famous Sheesh Mahal, a room embedded with beautifully bright pieces of mirror. Leave the fort, stopping at the iconic Palace of the Winds, the perfect backdrop for a memorable photo. Continue to tour the city of Jaipur including a visit to the Palace of the Maharaja, former royal residence, where a part of it has been converted into a museum. Also experience the wonder of the Jantar Mantar, the largest observatory in the world, made of marble. Overnight stay in Jaipur.

Day 9: Jaipur - Fatehpur Sikri - Agra

Breakfast at the hotel. Leave for Agra and along the way visit Fatehpur Sikri, an impressive ghost town. Next, pass by Bulund Darwaza, the largest gateway in the world. Arrive in Agra and enjoy a world of contrasting edifices of red sandstone and white marble and that irresistible charm that this favourite city of the Mughals still retains. Transfer to the hotel. In the afternoon visit the UNESCO World Heritage site, the Agra Fort. Inside the fort, discover the picturesque Pearl Mosque. Return to the hotel and overnight stay in Agra.

Day 10: Agra - Delhi

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, experience the legendary splendour of the Taj Mahal, the ivory-white marble mausoleum on the south bank of the Yamuna river and a universal symbol of love. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was commissioned in 1632 by the Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan, to house the tomb of his beloved wife. Take an iconic photo on the white marble bench made famous by Princess Diana and enjoy the experience of ticking such an important monument off of your bucket list! Afterwards, enjoy an afternoon drive back to Delhi. Transfer to the hotel. Overnight stay in Delhi.

Day 11: Delhi - Kathmandu

Breakfast at the hotel before transferring to the airport for a flight to Kathmandu. Arrive in Kathmandu and transfer to the hotel. The largest urban area in Nepal, with 2.5 million inhabitants, consists of the core of the metropolitan city of Kathmandu and its sister cities Patan, Kirtipur, Thimi and Bhaktapur, including the urban areas of Shankhapur, Karyabinayak, Champapur, Banepa, Dhulikhel and Panauti. The capital of the country is located at 1,400 meters above sea level in a picturesque bowl-shaped valley in central Nepal. If time allows, spend the rest of the day discovering the city at your leisure. Overnight stay in Kathmandu.

Day 12: Kathmandu - Bhaktapur - Kathmandu

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, visit "the city of the devotees", Bhaktapur, to admire the great architectural beauty of the third of the three royal cities of the Kathmandu Valley, also declared a World Heritage Site and whose Durbar Square is the best preserved in the valley. The Royal Palace stands out, whose entrance door is a masterpiece in embossed art, as does the Nyatapola Temple, known as the Temple of the Five Roofs, which is a pagoda of five magnificently sculpted floors and one of the highest in the country. Later, continue to the oldest temple in the Kathmandu Valley, the Changu Narayan Temple located in the Changu village and dedicated to the god Vishnu. From here there is a beautiful view of the surroundings. Return to the hotel and overnight stay in Kathmandu.

Day 13: Kathmandu - Patan - Kathmandu

Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning we recommend an optional Mount Everest flight-seeing excursion.* Head to the Kathmandu Valley through Asan Tole, the main street of the capital's oldest shopping area, which offers a vivid display of local Nepalese life. Discover the rich Nepalese culture and everyday life through the bustling and narrow streets and courtyards. Visit Durbar Square in Kathmandu, where you can see the Kumari Temple, which houses the living Goddess and the exteriors of the Taleju Temple and Kala Bhairav. In the afternoon, explore Swayambhunath Stupa, located at the top of a hill, to contemplate the beautiful landscape of the Kathmandu Valley. Later, discover the old city of Patan and visit it's Durbar Square, the oldest of the three in the valley. See the Royal Palace, home to beautiful patios and ornate windows and sanctuaries dedicated to Shiva, Ganesh and Vishnu. Also visit the Temple of the living goddess Kumari, who looks out onto the balcony to receive the greetings of the devotees. Return to the hotel and overnight stay. * Optional Mount Everest Flight-seeing Excursion: One-hour long sightseeing on a fixed-wing aircraft for an experience of a lifetime. All the spectacular glaciers, snow-capped peaks and gorges glide below as you fly towards Mt. Everest. Includes a flight certificate awarded at the end of the excursion. Return to Kathmandu to begin the rest of the days sightseeing.

Day 14: Kathmandu - Chitwan

Breakfast at the hotel. Set off by road to Chitwan, passing by scenic landscapes during the approx. 4-hour journey. Arrive in time for lunch and get settled at the hotel. In the afternoon, head out on a 1-hour nature walk to explore the beautiful surrounding area, scattered with cabins inhabited by the indigenous Tharu tribe, who have lived in the forests surrounding Chitwan for hundreds of years. After a delicious dinner, enjoy a Tharu Stick Dance Show, performed by local farmers, for an insight into Chitwan’s cultural roots. Overnight stay in Chitwan.

Day 15: Chitwan

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, set off for magical Chitwan National Park, one of the richest national parks in Asia, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Enjoy an exciting photographic jeep safari in the heart of the jungle to discover a lost world of towering prehistoric trees, rhinos, elephants, crocodiles, brightly coloured birds and, of course, the majestic Bengal Tiger. Inside the park, visit the Gavial Crocodile Breeding Centre, dedicated to the breeding of this species in order to boost the local population. Lunch included. Afterwards, enjoy a tranquil boat ride on the river to soak up the views of the sunset. Return to the hotel for dinner. Overnight stay in Chitwan.

Day 16: Chitwan - Pokhara

Awake early to enjoy a quiet walk through the village to soak up the sights and watch as the village comes to life in the morning. Return to the hotel for breakfast before setting off for Pokhara, a journey of around 3.5-hours long. En route, visit Bandipur Village, a small hilltop settlement and an amazing example of Newar culture. This charming village is home to precious 18th-century architecture, a number of small cafes and shops. Continue to Pokhara, nestled in a quiet, forest-covered valley. Arrive, get settled at the hotel and spend the remainder of the day at your leisure, soaking up the fantastic views of the Himalayas and the five Annapurna peaks. Overnight stay in Pokhara.

Day 17: Pokhara

Breakfast at the hotel. Set off for Sarangkot to see the sunrise over the Himalayas if weather conditions permit. Located at 1592 meters high, it is the most popular spot to enjoy the magnificent views of the Pokhara valley and the mountains. Afterwards, take a boat ride on the tranquil waters of Lake Phewa, see the beautiful Devi Waterfall and explore the Sacred Cave of Gupteshwor, almost 3 kilometres long. Continue to the traditional Old Bazaar of Pokhara, a pleasant traditional place, which is full of merchants of diverse ethnicities that sell fabrics, food and gold among many other products. Return to the hotel and overnight stay.

Day 18: Pokhara - Kathmandu

Breakfast at the hotel. Head back to Kathmandu and enjoy the scenery along the way. Arrive in Kathmandu and transfer to the hotel. Rest of the day free to enjoy the city at your leisure, shopping in its old baazars or simply minglings with the locals in the cafes and restaurants of the old town. Overnight stay in Kathmandu.

Day 19: Kathmandu - Nagarkot

Breakfast at the hotel. Set off for Nagarkot, an idyllic mountain village famed for its amazing views of the Himalayas. Arrive at the hotel and check-in. Rest of the day is at your leisure to explore the small town or contemplate the beautiful views. Overnight stay in Nagarkot.

Day 20: Nagarkot

Breakfast at the hotel. Today enjoy guided walks through the hills surrounding Nagarkot. It is the best way to explore and experience the spectacular natural landscape, countryside and terraced farmland and also understand the lifestyle of local people. Overnight stay in Nagarkot.

Day 21: Nagarkot - Kathmandu

Breakfast at the hotel. Return to Kathmandu by road. Arrive and enjoy a guided visit to Bouddhanath and Pashupatinath. The Buddhist stupa of Boudhanath, one of the largest in the world and icon of Nepal, sits on an octagonal base and is surrounded by the houses of the Lamas. Discover Pashupatinath Hindu Temple from the east bank of the river, the most important and oldest of the Kathmandu Valley, which is dedicated to Shiva and surrounded by an exuberant natural environment. Free afternoon to stroll through the city or make last-minute souvenir purchases. Overnight stay in Kathmandu.

Day 22: Kathmandu - Delhi

Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for a flight to Delhi. Arrive, transfer to the hotel and get some rest before your journey continues tomorrow. Overnight stay in Delhi.

Day 23: Delhi - Maldives

Breakfast at the hotel before transferring to the airport for a flight to Male. Touch down in Male, in the island paradise of the Maldives. Enjoy an exciting speedboat transfer, passing by paradise atolls, to your hotel to begin your idyllic All-Inclusive stay. Get comfortable at the hotel and perhaps end the day with a sunset stroll along the beach. Overnight stay in the Maldives.

Day 24: Maldives

All-Inclusive. Spend the day relaxing in paradise. The warm waters of the Indian Ocean are home to abundant and diverse marine life. Snorkelling is the best way to appreciate the wide array of fish species. Alternatively, lounge pool-side with a good book and simply unwind. Overnight stay in the Maldives.

Day 25: Maldives

All-Inclusive. Spend another relaxing day in paradise. Make the most of your excellent hotel facilities and why not treat yourself to a beach-side massage? Pure bliss! Overnight stay in the Maldives.

Day 26: Maldives

All-Inclusive. Relax at your leisure and enjoy another day in paradise. Be sure to snorkel in the clear waters of the Indian Ocean, which are teeming with marine life, and end the day with a sunset cocktail. You deserve it! Overnight stay in the Maldives.

Day 27: Maldives - Night on board

Breakfast at the hotel. It's time to bid farewell to paradise and take your speedboat transfer to the airport for a flight back to the US. Night on board.

Day 28: US

Arrive in the US and end your trip.