PART 1: “Holi, Holy” – Delhi & Varanasi
March 1-4, 2018 – $2,095 pp (dbl occ), single supplement $550
PART 2: “Southern India in Style” – Mumbai & Kerala
March 4-12, 2018 – $3,095 pp (dbl occ), single supplement $1,150
PART 3: “Golden Triangle Done Different” – Jaipur, Udaipur & Agra
March 12-18, 2018 – $3,795 pp (dbl occ), single supplement $1,500
This journey is a combination of three unique itineraries curated by the “creative queen,” Marilyn Murphy, for whom India is her favorite country in the world. She collaborated with Philippa Kaye, a Brit who has lived and worked in India for more than two decades – seeking out the people and places beyond the mainstream destinations. These two kindred spirits have cooked up something extraordinarily special that you’ll never find offered anywhere else. It’s not just the destination that’s different; it’s how we do it.
PART 1 | The 3-night “Holi, Holy” itinerary includes time in Delhi to experience Holi – the festival of colors. From there, we’ll visit Varanasi, the oldest city in India and – possibly – the most shocking. Hindus believe that those who die in Varanasi will be released from the cycle of rebirth. Thus, devout Hindus come to Varanasi to meditate, wash away their sins and spend their last days before being cremated next to the sacred River Ganga. Every evening there is a boisterous, yet enchanting prayer ceremony which is not to be missed! Click the Part 1 tab above for more details.
PART 2 | The “Southern India in Style” itinerary begins in Mumbai where we’ll explore the city using local transport – the famous black & yellow taxis, red buses, and local trains – guided by enthusiastic youngsters who were once street kids, now trained to be professional tour guides. The culturally-rich state of Kerala in the southwest of India provides opportunities to explore the lush backwaters by houseboat, enjoy interactive sessions and meals with artisans, performers, and community leaders and experience traditional handicrafts and performing arts that are in danger of dying out. Click the Part 2 tab above for more details.
PART 3 | The “Golden Triangle Done Different” itinerary includes the ever-popular Golden Triangle, but with a little twist! Two nights each in Udaipur and Jaipur in Rajasthan, with its royal palaces, forts, and legendary cities. You’ll see the opulence of royal hunting lodges and converted palaces as well as simple tribal homes. You’ll photograph barren landscapes punctuated by bright flashes of colorfully-attired village women in their saris. In Agra, you’ll see the iconic Taj Mahal! The post-trip concludes in Delhi – from where you can fly home or extend for another night or two on your own if you wish! Click the Part 3 tab above for more details.
What’s most fascinating about India? The people. More than monuments and temples, this journey provides ample opportunities to meet fascinating people: artisans, philanthropists, entrepreneurs, royals, performers, farmers, women, and kids. Why join WOW! Travel Club on this journey to India?
Not included in the per person cost: International airfare, India visa, supplemental trip cancellation insurance
NOTE: Price is just one indicator of value. All WOW! Travel Club journeys include excellent hotels, guides, and services and surprises that will blow your socks off! We don’t believe in nickel-and-diming our friends, so we include almost all meals (with wine/beer), in-country airfare, and gratuities. Not included are international airfare (ridiculously inexpensive these days), Indian visa, and trip cancellation insurance (which we recommend, but cannot include since there are so many variables).I am text block. Click edit button to change this text. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
Thursday, March 1 – Flight arrival into Delhi and transfer to Claridges Hotel. (Most flights arrive late at night…).
Friday, March 2 – The Indian festival of Holi is celebrated today . . . and we have made special arrangements for our group to enjoy this to the fullest! Later in the afternoon, after changing into clean clothes, we’ll enjoy a special rickshaw tour of Old Delhi. Dinner tonight is at Masala Library.
Saturday, March 3 – A morning flight to fascinating Varanasi, India’s holiest city where we’ll meet up with Kunal, our excellent, local guide. Hindus believe that those who die in Varanasi will be released from the cycle of rebirth. Thus, devout Hindus come to Varanasi to meditate, wash away their sins and spend their last days before being cremated next to the sacred River Ganga. We’ll stay at Brijrama Palace Hotel.
Sunday, March 4 – Get up early this morning for a sunrise experience on the Ganges. We’ll also visit Sarnath, where Buddha gave his first teachings after attaining enlightenment. It’s now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Late this afternoon, we’ll catch a flight to Mumbai . . .
INCLUSIONS:
EXCLUSIONS: International airfare, Indian visa, and trip cancellation/interruption insurance.
What’s most fascinating about India? The people. More than forgettable monuments and temples, this journey provides ample opportunities to meet fascinating people: artisans, philanthropists, entrepreneurs, royals, performers, farmers, women, and kids.
We’ll explore Mumbai using local transport, guided by enthusiastic youngsters who were once street kids, now trained to be professional tour guides. In the culturally-rich state of Kerala in the southwest of India we’ll explore the lush backwaters by houseboat; enjoy interactive sessions and meals with artisans, performers, and community leaders; and experience traditional handicrafts and performing arts that are in danger of dying out.
Kerala is not quite what you expect when you think of India. Green, verdant, and blessed with waterways and palm-fringed beaches, the area possesses a rich cultural heritage, relaxed pace of life, and plenty of international influences.
EXCLUSIONS: International airfare, Indian visa, and supplemental trip cancellation/interruption insurance.
Monday, March 12 – This itinerary commences in Udaipur where you’ll transfer by boat to the Leela Hotel across beautiful Lake Pichola and check into your lake-view room.
Tuesday, March 13 – We’ll enjoy a walking tour of the Old City and visit the City Palace in the afternoon.
Wednesday, March 14 – Today we’ll drive to Jaipur, to include a visit en route to a wonderful grassroots NGO in the city of Ajmer to meet women artisans employed by Anchal Project which provides economic opportunity and other life-changing benefits to marginalized women, many of whom were trapped in commercial sex work. Check into the Jai Mahal Palace Hotel later this evening.
Thursday, March 15 – Visit the Amber Fort by jeep this morning. This afternoon, guides are standing by to lead you on small-group walking tours of the old city tailored to your specific interests: temples, textiles, jewelry, etc. A very special dinner is planned for this evening.
Friday, March 16 – Depart Jaipur and drive toward Agra, visiting the Abhaneri Step Well en route. The Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays, but we’ll view it at sunset from a special vantage point. Overnight at the ITC Mughal Hotel.
Saturday, March 17 – Enjoy a sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal before breakfast. Check out of hotel and pay a visit to the Wildlife SOS Elephant Rescue Center. Continue on to Delhi, from where most return flights to the U.S. depart late tonight. (If you want to see more sights of Delhi by staying an additional night or two, we will be happy to make arrangements.)
Sunday, March 18 – A room at the Holiday Inn Aerocity Hotel is provided for your convenience.
HIGHLIGHTS AND INCLUSIONS:
Accommodations based on double occupancy, as follows:
EXCLUSIONS: International airfare, Indian visa, and supplemental trip cancellation/interruption insurance.
WOW! TRAVEL CLUB – INDIA DONE DIFFERENT!
PART 1: March 1-4, 2018 (Delhi & Varanasi)
PART 2: March 4-12, 2018 (Mumbai & Kerala)
PART 3: March 12-18, 2018 (Udaipur, Jaipur, and Agra) (Posted trip dates exclude calendar days that may be required for international flights)
AIR TRANSPORTATION: You may make your own flight arrangements or we can assist with a $50 per person service fee. We cannot book mileage tickets or upgrades, which must be done directly with the carrier. If you would like us to assist, contact Howard Wise at howard@thectpgroup.com or call him at 818-444-2710. It is the responsibility of the traveler to provide the legal name as on the passport. Passport must be valid for six months from return date. Carriers may deny boarding if name on ticket does not match name on passport.
PAYMENT SCHEDULE: Space is limited and reservations will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Initial deposit of $1,500 pp is payable at time of registration. Final payment is due December 15, 2017.
CANCELLATION:
* The WOW! Travel Club will make every reasonable effort to find a replacement participant should you need to cancel.
SUPPLEMENTAL TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR TRIP CANCELLATION/INTERRUPTION:
We recommend insurance to cover financial penalties if you need to cancel your trip. Information will be provided upon receipt of deposit. Here are links of two travel insurance providers: Squaremouth and Travel Guard.
TIPS AND TAXES: The package includes all service charges and taxes imposed by hotels and all entrance fees to museums, etc. Basic gratuities to drivers, guides and porters are included. You are welcome to extend additional gratuities for anyone who has provided exemplary service.
BAGGAGE: Check with your carrier regarding allowances for your international flights. For domestic flights within India, the airlines allow one piece of checked baggage per person, maximum 33 pounds. We will advise the applicable cost for overweight luggage.
PASSPORT: You must have a valid passport with at least 6 months validity from the date of re-entry to your home country.
VISAS: A current visa is required for US Passport holders to travel to India. Click HERE to go to Indian Visa Online (Indian government page).
HEALTH/VACCINATIONS: Consult your physician for recommendations. Additional information regarding Traveler’s Health precautions is available at the website for the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Final travel documents will be sent to your mailing address about two weeks prior to departure.
WOW! VOWS: All guests will be asked to sign and agree to the WOW! Vows for responsible travel:
RISKS OF TRAVEL AND YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES: International travel involves inherent risks. The CTP Group/WOW! Travel Club (CTP/WOW) cannot be liable for any injury, death or loss of personal property in connection with your participation in CTP/WOW activities. By participating in CTP/WOW India Done Different!, you assume risk of inherent dangers (including without limitation, annoyance and expenses) related to military or political action, civil disturbances, quarantine, strikes, detention, mental trauma, pilferage, weather, epidemiological events, acts of God or any other circumstances over which CTP/WOW has no control. I understand that CTP/WOW reserves the right to refuse as a trip participant or remove from a trip, any person it judges to be incapable of meeting the rigors and requirements of participating in activities, or who it determines to detract from the enjoyment of the trip by others. I agree to follow all written and verbal rules of safety presented to me by CTP/WOW. CTP/WOW reserves the right to make route, hotel, itinerary and trip modifications as required or desirable to improve the trip quality and/or to accommodate the comfort and well-being of guests. CTP/WOW reserves the right to alter or cancel any trip due to weather, sickness, political climate, and/or insufficient registration or other unforeseen circumstances beyond our control. While CTP/WOW will make every effort to obtain full or partial refunds from suppliers, CTP/WOW cannot guarantee your ability to recoup payment. The above Terms & Conditions are hereby expressly incorporated into the “Release, Waiver and Indemnity Agreement” to be signed by you as a WOW! Travel Club participant.
CONSENT: Payment of the deposit OR any other partial payment for registration of a participant for CTP/WOW activities constitutes consent by all guests/participants registered by the party completing on-line registration. You and your guests/participants hereby agree to the Terms & Conditions of this website. The Terms & Conditions set forth on this website may not be modified or amended except in writing by an authorized officer of CTP/WOW. All guests/participants are required to initial and sign a Release Waiver and Indemnity Agreement, which will be sent prior to final payment due date. Final processing of your registration payment cannot be completed until such time as CTP receives the initialed and signed “Release, Waiver and Indemnity Agreement” of all participants/guests covered by your on-line registration. August 21, 2017 # 1016440-10
Please have credit card and passport on-hand – they will be necessary to complete registration.
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