Compare Icons of India: The Taj, Tigers & Beyond with Dubai, Southern India & Varanasi by Globus vs Grand Tour of Egypt, Jordan and Dubai by Memphis Tours

Day 1

ARRIVE IN DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES. Welcome to Dubai! Your hotel room is available for mid-afternoon check-in.

Day 2

DUBAI. This morning, your GUIDED SIGHTSEEING begins with a WALKING TOUR through the narrow lanes of the historic Bastakiya Quarter. Next, explore the souks (markets), including the SPICE SOUK with its aromas of exotic spices, and the GOLD SOUK with its 220 glittering shop windows. Lastly, visit BURJ KHALIFA, the world’s tallest building. Here, ascend to the AT THE TOP observation deck on the 124th floor for spectacular views and a presentation on Dubai’s history. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. (B)

NOTE:
Many sites in Dubai are closed on Fridays. In these instances, today’s sightseeing will take place on day 3.

Day 3

DUBAI. Enjoy a full day at your leisure. Your Local Host will be happy to make suggestions on how to make the most of your time. (B)

Day 4

DUBAI–MUMBAI, INDIA. Today, fly to Mumbai, a multicultural metropolis with a colorful history. This vibrant city is now India’s premier seaport, center of culture and industry, and home to “Bollywood.” Your hotel room is available for mid-afternoon check-in. (B)

Day 5

MUMBAI. This morning’s GUIDED TOUR includes the GATEWAY OF INDIA, Mumbai’s most famous monument, which commemorates a visit by Queen Mary. From here, cross Mumbai Harbor by ferry to the ELEPHANTA CAVES (closed Mondays), a collection of cave temples dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Return to Mumbai and drive along Marine Drive, a seafront promenade, and see a traditional Dhobi Ghat (an open-air laundromat). You will also visit the MANI BHAVAN (former residence of Mahatma Gandhi) and the MUMBAI MUSEUM (closed Mondays). (B,L)

Day 6

MUMBAI–COCHIN. Fly to Cochin. (B)

Day 7

COCHIN. Your GUIDED TOUR starts with the Chinese Fishing Nets—the livelihood of many local fishermen—and a walk through the Jewish quarter. Next, visit the KERALA FOLKLORE MUSEUM which aims to preserve and educate people about the unique culture and heritage of South India. This afternoon, enjoy an unforgettable CRUISE on the backwaters of Kerala. Explore and witness local life along these serene waterways surrounded by lush palm trees and paddy fields. (B,L)

Day 8

COCHIN–DELHI. Today, fly to Delhi. (B)

Day 9

DELHI. Today’s sightseeing starts with an orientation drive to see the Red Fort, Jama Masjid, India Gate, and the Presidential Palace. Afterward, take a [LF] RICKSHAW RIDE through Chandni Chowk, a captivating local bazaar. Here, ancient alleyways are lined with quaint shops selling all sorts of goods and souvenirs—from silver and saris to spices and electronics. After lunch in a local restaurant, visit QUTUB MINAR, the world’s tallest brick minaret, dating back to the 11th century. Tonight, your Tour Director hosts a lavish welcome dinner that includes a COOKING DEMONSTRATION and talk on Indian cuisine with a local chef. (B,L,D)

Day 10

DELHI–AGRA. This morning, visit HUMAYUN’S TOMB and GURUDWARA BANGLA SAHIB, Delhi’s largest and most prominent Sikh gurudwara (house of worship). After lunch, drive to Agra and settle in for the evening. (B,L)

Day 11

AGRA. Start your day with a sunrise visit to the incomparable TAJ MAHAL, an extravagant marble monument to love. Moghul Emperor Shah Jahan built it as a memorial to his beloved wife, who died during childbirth. Later, travel to AGRA FORT, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, built by the Moghul Emperor Akbar. This impressive fortress of red sandstone conceals the imperial city of the Moghul rulers and its many palaces. (B)

Day 12

AGRA–FATEHPUR SIKRI–RANTHAMBORE NATIONAL PARK. Today, stop at FATEHPUR SIKRI (the City of Victory), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built by Emperor Akbar in the 16th century it was the capital of the Mughal Empire for only some 10 years before it was completely abandoned due to the lack of adequate water. After lunch in Bharatpur, board a TRAIN bound for RANTHAMBORE NATIONAL PARK, one of the best places in India to spot the elusive Bengal tiger! (B,L,D)

Day 13

RANTHAMBORE. Today, explore the park on MORNING & AFTERNOON GAME DRIVES in an open-air safari vehicle. In addition to Bengal tigers, the park is home to leopard, sambar deer, sloth bears, marsh crocodiles, striped hyena, and more. Between game drives, enjoy free time to relax. (B,L,D)

Day 14

RANTHAMBORE–JAIPUR. Rise early this morning for one last GAME DRIVE in this magical land. Then, travel to Jaipur. In 1876, the city was painted pink to welcome the Prince of Wales, and it has been known as the “Pink City” ever since. Tonight, enjoy a [LF] HOME-HOSTED DINNER with an Indian noble family, followed by a SARI- and TURBAN-TYING demonstration. (B,D)

Day 15

JAIPUR. Today, visit the amazing AMBER FORT, built entirely of white marble and red sandstone. Tour the interior with its intricate mosaics, carvings, paintings, and mirror works. This afternoon, visit the CITY PALACE and the adjoining MUSEUM, which houses a collection of rare manuscripts. Also, stop at JANTAR MANTAR and the famous HAWA MAHAL (Palace of the Winds). Tonight, your Tour Director hosts a festive farewell dinner to celebrate your journey through India. (B,D)

Day 16

JAIPUR–DELHI. Fly back to Delhi. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. (B)

Day 17

DELHI–VARANASI. Today, fly to Varanasi, the holiest of Hindu pilgrim cities, situated on the banks of the sacred Ganges River. This evening, your PRIVATE GUIDED SIGHTSEEING witnesses the GANGA AARTI (spiritual worship) on the ghats (steps) leading down to the Ganges. (B)

Day 18

VARANASI. Around dawn, board a BOAT and watch a striking religious ritual—the Hindus’ devotional bathing in the Ganges. Observe hundreds of pilgrims gathered at the river’s edge, some practicing yoga, others meditating, and still others bathing fully clothed. Return to your hotel for breakfast and some free time. This evening, your GUIDED SIGHTSEEING witnesses the GANGA AARTI (spiritual worship) on the ghats (steps) leading down to the Ganges. (B)

Day 19

VARANASI–DELHI. Enjoy the morning at leisure before flying back to Delhi. (B)

Day 20

DELHI. Your tour ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

Day 1: Arrival Cairo

Your tour manager will meet and assist you at Cairo International Airport and then he will escort you to the hotel by an air-conditioned coach. At hotel the tour manager will assist with a smooth check-in and review your holiday itinerary with you to establish and confirm pick-up times for each tour. Overnight in Cairo.

Day 2: Pyramids and Cairo Sightseeing

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Breakfast at your hotel in Cairo and then meet your personal guide who will accompany you to Giza Plateau to visit one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, the Great Pyramids of Cheops, Chephren and Mykerinus, famous Sphinx, and Valley temple facing the great statue. Lunch at a good quality local restaurant. Then transfer to enjoy the Egyptian Museum. Continue to explore Khan El Khalili, Cairo’s old bazaar. Back to your hotel. Overnight in Cairo.

Day 3: Fly Cairo to Luxor - Nile Cruise Tour

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Check out from hotel in the morning then transfer to Cairo Airport for a flight to Luxor where you will be met and assisted, then taken by an air-conditioned vehicle to board your Egypt Nile cruise to check in. After lunch on board, enjoy a visit to the impressive Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple. Dinner and overnight on board Nile cruise.

Day 4: Luxor Nile Cruise Excursions

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast on your Nile cruise, take an excursion to the royal cemetery for 62 Pharaohs, Valley of the Kings, then to mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, which was built by the architects of the New Kingdom Pharaoh Hatshepsut in the 15th century BC. Head to the Colossi of Memnon. After lunch, you will sail to Edfu enjoying a leisurely dinner on board. Overnight on board Nile Cruise.

Day 5: Edfu and Kom Ombo

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

After breakfast on Nile Cruise, visit the well-preserved Ptolemaic Temple dedicated to Horus at Edfu. Sail to Kom Ombo to see the unique Temple of Sobek, dedicated to Sobek the crocodile god, and Horus the falcon-headed god. Have your lunch on board. Continue sailing to Aswan. Dinner and overnight on board your Nile Cruise.

Day 6: Aswan Nile Cruise Tours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

After breakfast on Nile cruise, enjoy a day sightseeing in Aswan. Start with the High Dam and the largest known ancient obelisk, located in the northern region of the stone quarries of ancient Egypt, the Unfinished Obelisk. Proceed to the beautiful Temple of Philae, which is devoted to the two goddesses Isis and Hathor.

Overnight on board deluxe Nile Cruise.

Day 7: Fly Aswan to Cairo

Meals: Breakfast.

Disembark from your Nile cruise after breakfast,with free time at leisure in Aswan with optional excursion to the Romantic temple of Queen Nefertari and Ramses II at Abu Simbel. Finally, you will be transferred to Aswan Airport for your return to Cairo where you will be met and assisted at the airport then taken to your hotel.

Overnight in Cairo.

Day 8: Fly Cairo to Amman - Hello Jordan

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Cairo International Airport for a flight to Amman. Upon arrival at Queen Alia Airport, our representative will meet and assist you with the customs and immigration procedures. Transfer to the hotel in Amman for overnight.

Day 9: Jerash and Dead Sea Tour

Meals: Breakfast.

After your breakfast, you will be driven towards north to Jerash, situated in the foothills of the mountain of Gilead, the ancient city is reminiscent of the Roman Empire. Being one of the largest and well-preserved sites of Roman Architecture outside of Italy its grandeur can be seen in the colonnaded street, Oval Plaza the Nymphaeum and the Temple of Artemis. After this, we will drive towards the Dead Sea. Being the lowest point on earth and filled with a variety of minerals with medicinal properties, the site has developed into a health spa-like hotspot. The mineral concentration in the mud is used for therapeutic and beauty treatments. Queen Cleopatra and Sheba both were said to have known the value of the site and used it. Due to too high salinity, the water supports no form of life hence the name the Dead Sea and floating is very easy. Be sure to prepare to swim and relax in the mud before heading back to Amman for Overnight.

Day 10: Petra Tour

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, drive about 2.5 hours to the Rose-Red City of Petra, Jordan’s largest attraction. First started in the 6th century B.C. by Nabataean Arabs, the city boasts beautiful facades carved directly into the walls of the mountainsides. Arriving at the visitor’s center, it’s a 700-meter walk to the Siq entrance, which is an impressive 1200 meter long gorge of a kaleidoscope of colors. The towers are more than 80 meters above you and they will lead you to the wonderful treasury. As you exit the chasm, you’re instantly transfixed by the beauty of Petra, chosen as one of the New World Wonders, the place speaks for itself. After your time at Petra, you make your way back through the Siq before returning to Amman for overnight.

Day 11: Flight from Amman to Dubai

Meals: Breakfast.

After breakfast, transfer to Amman Airport for your flight to Dubai where you will be met and then transferred to your hotel in Dubai for check in at your hotel with free time at leisure and overnight stay in Dubai.

Day 12: Traditional Dubai City Tour

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner cruise

After leisurely breakfast, your local guide will take you to Bastakiya, the historic district of Dubai, and The Fort of Al Fahidi which houses the Dubai Museum. Enjoy a ride on the traditional Abra boat across scenic Dubai Creek and the Gold and Spice Souks. Head to Jumeirah Mosque and Burj Al Arab for amazing photo stops. Finally, you will visit to Saga World, a modern Arabian-style standalone mall that features traditional art work and furnishing stores to fashion boutiques. Then, you will be transferred to your hotel.

Dhow Cruise Dinner Dubai Marina

You will be picked up from your hotel to spend a relaxed evening onboard a traditionally decorated wooden Dhow cruise to sail along the Dubai Marina under the moonlight with tasty foods. The major Dubai landmarks shine through the moonlit sky, as the wooden vessel slips silently across the creek. Discover the city’s unexplored past, with historic buildings and monuments. The past and present architecture of the area is brought to its full beauty during this time of the day. Transfer back to your hotel.

Overnight in Dubai.

Day 13: Abu Dhabi Day Tour with Louver Museum

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast at your hotel in Dubai, start an amazing tour to Abu Dhabi to visit the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the fourth biggest mosque in the world which accommodates some 40,000 worshipers inside its walls. The mosque showcases the cultural diversity of the Islamic world. The tour continues into the heart of the city, Union Square, before a drive down to the Corniche. Next, you will pass by Emirates Palace. From there, you will move onto Heritage Village and finally you will enjoy the Louver Museum. After a long yet adventurous day, you will be transferred back to your hotel.

Overnight in Dubai.

Day 14: Sand Dune Dinner Safari

Meals: Breakfast, BBQ Dinner.

Breakfast at your hotel in Dubai at leisure. In the afternoon, you will be picked up to drive across the mystic sands of dubai desert. The thrill begins as your driver takes you up and down the golden sands of Arabia before stopping on the highest sand dune, allowing you to enjoy the beautiful view. You can experience the thrill of sand-boarding and move onto the Bedouin campsite. With a local attire and refreshment for your enjoyment, proceed your tour with camel ride on the Arabian Desert of Dubai. Then, have a delicious barbeque dinner and enjoy tanoura dancer perform a fascinating routine to Arabian music. Head to your hotel in Dubai.

Overnight in Dubai.

Day 15: Final Departure/Flight Back Home

Meals: Breakfast.

After breakfast at your hotel in Dubai, you may enjoy some free time at leisure at your hotel. Then, you will be transferred to Dubai Airport for flight back home.