Icons of North India Extension – Taj Mahal & Beyond

As your main trip concludes, arrive in Delhi and transfer to your hotel. One of the most distinguished addresses in the city, the 5-star Taj Mahal Hotel is preferred by dignitaries, heads of state and celebrities and provides a luxurious respite after your travels. It is located near the seat of India's government and numerous embassies among the wide, leafy boulevards of Lutyens' Delhi—the section of the city named after British architect Edwin Lutyens, who was responsible for much of the architectural design during a portion of the British Raj, when India was part of the British Empire until its independence in 1947. Tonight, relax and enjoy an included dinner at the hotel at your leisure.

A private air-conditioned van will pick you up at the hotel for the transfer to Agra. The city rose to prominence as the capital of the Mughal Empire in the 16th and 17th centuries, flourishing under emperors who invited artisans from Persia and Central Asia. Agra remains renowned for its handicrafts—especially marble inlay work, woven carpets, jewelry, zari and embroidery—but its architectural monuments bring the greatest acclaim.

After checking in to our hotel, we'll tour the magnificent Agra Fort this afternoon. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the fort was the center of Mughal power until the capital moved to Delhi in 1637. Photograph its courtyards, mosques and ornate private chambers that reflect the empire’s wealth and grandeur.

We then visit the Taj Mahal to see this celebrated monument to love in the golden light of sunset. Commissioned in 1631 by Emperor Shah Jahan as a memorial to his beloved wife, the Taj Mahal represents the pinnacle of Mughal art with its intricate design and formal gardens. Standing regally on the banks of the Yamuna River, it took 22 years to complete, built by 20,000 laborers and a thousand elephants. Today it is regarded as one of the seven wonders of the modern world.

Rise early to experience the Taj Mahal in the soft light of dawn, followed by a guided tour of the monument and its grounds. Watching the sunrise wash over this tribute to eternal love is a quiet, luminous moment, as the translucent white marble glows with rosy hues in the morning rays, weather permitting. Completed in 1653, the Taj Mahal has long captivated travelers and writers alike. The English poet Sir Edwin Arnold described it as “the proud passions of an emperor’s love wrought in living stones.” After breakfast, we drive back to Delhi by van, where overnight rooms await on arrival. Later, a transfer to the international airport is provided for departing flights.

Arrive in New Delhi and transfer to the Taj Mahal Hotel, a landmark 5-star property in the heart of India's capital. One of the most distinguished addresses in the city, the Taj Mahal Hotel has welcomed dignitaries, heads of state and celebrities, offering a luxurious respite after your travels. Located near India's government buildings and numerous embassies, the hotel stands among the wide, leafy boulevards of Lutyens' Delhi. Named for British architect Edwin Lutyens, this district was designed during the British Raj, before India's independence in 1947. This evening, enjoy dinner at your leisure, choosing from the hotel's restaurants or exploring nearby dining options.

Travel by private, air-conditioned van to Agra, which rose to prominence as the capital of the Mughal Empire in the 16th and 17th centuries. Under Mughal rule, artisans from Persia and Central Asia brought their skills to the city, which remains renowned for its marble inlay work, woven carpets, jewelry and embroidery. Yet Agra's architectural monuments are its greatest treasures. 

After checking in to our hotel, we'll tour the magnificent Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that served as the center of Mughal power until the capital moved to Delhi in 1637. Explore its imposing walls, ornate chambers and courtyards, where the wealth and grandeur of the empire are still evident. 

Later, visit the Taj Mahal in the golden light of sunset. Commissioned in 1631 by Emperor Shah Jahan as a memorial to his beloved wife, this masterpiece of Mughal architecture is celebrated for its intricate marble craftsmanship and formal gardens. Standing on the banks of the Yamuna River, it took approximately 22 years to complete, with thousands of laborers contributing to its construction. Today, it is recognized as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. 

Rise early to experience the Taj Mahal in the soft light of dawn, followed by a guided tour of the monument and its grounds. Watching the sunrise illuminate this tribute to eternal love is a memorable sight, as the translucent white marble takes on rosy hues in the morning rays, weather permitting. Completed in 1653, the Taj Mahal has captivated travelers and writers for centuries. English poet Sir Edwin Arnold described it as "the proud passions of an emperor's love wrought in living stones." 

Return to the hotel for brunch before an afternoon visit to Itimad-ud-Daulah, often called the "Baby Taj." Built by Nur Jahan, wife of Emperor Jahangir, this exquisite mausoleum honors her father, Mirza Ghiyas Beg, a high-ranking official in the Mughal court who earned the title Itimad-ud-Daulah, meaning "Pillar of the State." Considered a precursor to the Taj Mahal, it was Agra's first marble tomb, distinguished by intricate stone inlay work and delicate lattice screens. 

You may also have an opportunity to watch local artisans demonstrate the traditional marble inlay techniques for which Agra is famous. Return to the hotel for dinner this evening. 

After breakfast, return to Delhi by private vehicle, a drive of approximately 3½ hours. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before joining your guide to explore several of the capital's most significant landmarks. 

Visit Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, one of Delhi's most prominent Sikh temples. Learn about seva, the Sikh principle of selfless service, embodied in the temple's community kitchen, or langar, where volunteers prepare and serve free meals to visitors regardless of background or social standing. 

Continue to Agrasen ki Baoli, an ancient stepwell near Connaught Place protected by the Archaeological Survey of India. Descend into this striking stone structure, where 108 steps lead past three levels of arched chambers toward the water below. Measuring approximately 200 feet long, the stepwell offers a fascinating glimpse into Delhi's architectural history. 

Our tour also includes India Gate, a towering sandstone war memorial honoring Indian soldiers who died in World War I and other military campaigns. Standing 138 feet high, this monumental arch is one of New Delhi's most recognizable landmarks.  Following our sightseeing, transfer to the Taj Mahal Hotel in New Delhi to begin your next adventure.