The epitome of Mughal architecture, the Taj Mahal is so grand it warrants two visits – one at dawn and another at dusk, when its color looks entirely different. Opportunities to view other icons of the Mughal empire abound, as hauntingly beautiful Agra Fort and the red sandstone former capital of Fatehpur Sikri are easily within reach. An expressive kathak dance performance and a consultation with a leading astrologer shed light on the local culture, while shopping in Agra reveals the exquisite quality of Indian jewelry.

Program includes:

• 2 nights in Agra | 1 night in Delhi
• Economy-class flights to Delhi and Cochin
• Travel in air-conditioned deluxe coaches
• Entrance fees and camera and video charges at the Taj Mahal
• Kathak dance performance
• Options to visit Agra Fort; shop in Agra; and receive a private reading of your horoscope
• Select meals

Become immersed in the culture of Nepal, a country shaped in many ways by the snowcapped Himalayas. That backdrop looks especially dramatic while flying by iconic Mount Everest, yet the cities may be even more striking. Extraordinary stupas rise above Patan, Newari architecture graces Kathmandu and all of medieval Bhaktapur is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Unusual cultural opportunities include an audience with a Kumari living goddess, watching an Aarti prayer offering at a Hindu temple and seeing how singing bowls are used to heal by sound.

Program includes:

• 3 nights in Kathmandu
• Economy-class flights per the itinerary
• Flightseeing over the Himalayas near Mt. Everest
• Visits to 2 UNESCO World Heritage sites
• An audience with a kumari living goddess in Patan
• Camera charges at sites
• Select meals

Explore two UNESCO World Heritage site cave complexes, both hand-cut from solid rock to create religious sanctuaries. The 2nd-century Ajanta Caves contain arguably the world’s most important Buddhist wall paintings. The colors are still vibrant, thanks to an infra-red restoration process that removed centuries of grime. The Ellora Caves are noteworthy because their stone sanctuaries are devoted to Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism, a clear illustration of ancient India’s religious tolerance. The enormous, heavily ornamented Kailasa temple there was carved from a single block of stone.

Program includes:

• 3 nights in Aurangabad
• Economy-class internal flights
• Tours of the Ajanta and Ellorca Caves
• Visit the Black Taj tomb
• Watch artisans weave shawls and sarees
• Camera charges
• Select meals