Nov 14th. Delhi
Overnight – The Oberoi New Delhi
You are driven to ancient Old Delhi this morning. One of your most enduring memories of India will be your next experience as you walk through the ancient Chandni Chowk Bazaar, home to the world’s largest spice market. The cacophony of sounds which have echoed through the centuries, the cries of hawkers and the animated bargaining, along with the incredible colors and the diverse smells emanating from the street food stalls and spice markets combine to make for an experience that is unique to this ancient bazaar. This will be followed by an e-rickshaw ride which ends up taking you to the Jama Masjid (1650 A.D.), the largest mosque in India. The Masjid is a magnificent example of Mughal architecture and is constructed of red sandstone and white marble. It is an active place of worship and its courtyard can hold 25,000 worshippers. Bare legs and shoulders are not permitted inside the mosque and we include rented sarongs and scarves.
After this you will drive close by for lunch, a choice between set menus at the historic Curzon Room in the century old Maidens Hotel, which is part of the Oberoi Group.
Your next stop after lunch will be at the awe-inspiring Red Fort. The great city inside the massive sandstone walls of the Red Fort offers visitors a large number of architectural and historical attractions. The Red Fort was the seat of the Mughal Empire for more than two hundred and fifty years and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is an amazing example of a blend of Persian, Indian and European architecture. Both this fortified city and the Jama Masjid were built by Shah Jahan, the emperor who created the Taj Mahal. After exploring the Fort, you are driven back to your hotel so that you can arrive before Delhi’s hard to describe rush hour begins.
Optional Home Dining & Cooking Lesson: Before returning to your hotel, you can choose to be driven to an experience that many of our guests really enjoy while in Delhi. You will be hosted by an accomplished chef and her husband at their home in the affluent Hauz Khas area of Delhi, minutes away from your hotel. A home cooking lesson with dishes selected based on your pre-stated preferences will begin the evening, and a delicious dinner and conversations about life in Delhi will follow. Your hosts are a well-traveled couple and the lady of the house has a passion for Indian food. You will be asked about this option soon after reserving your tour.
You are driven to ancient Old Delhi this morning. One of your most enduring memories of India will be your next experience as you walk through the ancient Chandni Chowk Bazaar, home to the world’s largest spice market. The cacophony of sounds which have echoed through the centuries, the cries of hawkers and the animated bargaining, along with the incredible colors and the diverse smells emanating from the street food stalls and spice markets combine to make for an experience that is unique to this ancient bazaar. This will be followed by an e-rickshaw ride which ends up taking you to the Jama Masjid (1650 A.D.), the largest mosque in India. The Masjid is a magnificent example of Mughal architecture and is constructed of red sandstone and white marble. It is an active place of worship and its courtyard can hold 25,000 worshippers. Bare legs and shoulders are not permitted inside the mosque and we include rented sarongs and scarves.
After this you will drive close by for lunch, a choice between set menus at the historic Curzon Room in the century old Maidens Hotel, which is part of the Oberoi Group.
Your next stop after lunch will be at the awe-inspiring Red Fort. The great city inside the massive sandstone walls of the Red Fort offers visitors a large number of architectural and historical attractions. The Red Fort was the seat of the Mughal Empire for more than two hundred and fifty years and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is an amazing example of a blend of Persian, Indian and European architecture. Both this fortified city and the Jama Masjid were built by Shah Jahan, the emperor who created the Taj Mahal. After exploring the Fort, you are driven back to your hotel so that you can arrive before Delhi’s hard to describe rush hour begins.
Optional Home Dining & Cooking Lesson: Before returning to your hotel, you can choose to be driven to an experience that many of our guests really enjoy while in Delhi. You will be hosted by an accomplished chef and her husband at their home in the affluent Hauz Khas area of Delhi, minutes away from your hotel. A home cooking lesson with dishes selected based on your pre-stated preferences will begin the evening, and a delicious dinner and conversations about life in Delhi will follow. Your hosts are a well-traveled couple and the lady of the house has a passion for Indian food. You will be asked about this option soon after reserving your tour.