Guests enjoy exclusive VIP experiences during India’s biggest and most colorful festival
NEW YORK, Nov. 7, 2018 – Luxury Gold, the leader in luxury escorted journeys, takes travelers around the world on exceptional itineraries, including to India during the vibrant Diwali festival.
One of the most popular celebrations in India, Diwali begins this year on November 7. The Hindu festival of lights is marked with five days of festivities that celebrate the spiritual victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. During this time homes are filled with lights, candles and spiritual offerings, while fireworks fill the night skies to express respect to the gods and well wishes for peace, health, prosperity, and wisdom.
In 2019 Luxury Gold is offering eight itineraries to India and other destinations on the Indian subcontinent, with each journey carefully crafted to include unparalleled experiences only available through Luxury Gold.
“India touched something deep within my heart the last time I was there,” said Jon Grutzner, president of Luxury Gold. “The combination of powerful colors, cultural riches and culinary delights are uniquely India. They provide a destination experiences to satisfy even the most discerning well-traveled guests.”
The following luxury escorted journeys take guests to India and surrounding countries, and one includes a special culturally immersive extension through ME to WE that enables guests to travel with purpose.
Classical India with Nepal: This spectacular 13-day journey combines the exotic and enigmatic sides of India with the ancient kingdom of Nepal. It begins in Delhi, where guests first enjoy a rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk bazaar in Old Delhi, followed by visits to the Red Fort, Qutub Minar, Parliament House and the Gandhi memorial. Guests then fly to Nepal and begin exploring the mystical country, starting with Durbar Square and ancient Royal Palace complex. A Local Expert leads guests on an intimate visit to the Narayanhiti Royal Palace before heading to the hilltop temple of Swayambhunath. In Patan, guests visit the temple of Teleju and a Tibetan handicraft center as well as Nepal’s most important Buddhist site, Hindu Pashupatinath temple. There is also an opportunity to meet an Everest summiteer and hear about the Sherpa people and their roles in Everest expeditions. Then it’s back to Varanasi in India, where guests see the holy Hindu Aarti ceremony. At sunrise, a cruise along the Ganges River leaves guests in awe before they experience Kushti, Indian mud wrestling. Next, the journey takes travelers to Khajuraho to visit one of India’s Seven Wonders – the medieval Hindu and Jain temples. In Orchha, they explore the citadel and enjoy a delectable vegetarian lunch in a splendid resort before boarding the Shatabdi Express towards Agra. In Agra, a local resident joins guests on a special visit to the Taj Mahal and talks about life in the shadow of the iconic monument. The Pink City, Jaipur is on the itinerary the following day, where guests take a Jeep excursion to see the Amber Fort, the Hawa Mahal and the City Palace Museum. Some departures in 2019 include Diwali. Priced from $5,650 pp.
Imperial Rajasthan with ME to WE extension: This unforgettable 16-day itinerary combines a 12-day luxury heritage journey through timeless Rajasthan with an immersive four-day cultural experience in a small village that includes participation in a community development project. Guests start in Agra, where they explore the famous market, Sadar Bazaar, tour the extravagant Royal Pavilions and gardens, walk with a local through a village in the shadow of the Taj Mahal, and enjoy tea and pakoras on a rooftop with incredible views. At sunrise the next day the journey continues to the majestic Taj Mahal before continuing through Bharatpur to the Pink City of Jaipur. Guests will visit to the Amber Fort to relish in the exquisiteness of its royal halls, before returning to Jaipur to see the Hawa Mahal, visit the royal observatory and Sukh Niwas, Jaipur’s City Palace. Here they enjoy an elegant High Tea fit for royalty, a VIP experience available exclusively to Luxury Gold guests. Continuing on to Jaisalmer, the Sun City, guests enjoy desert life at its best amidst the Kanoi sand dunes with dinner and wine as the sun sets, and see an enchanting performance by traditional local musicians. Guests can relax during their stay at the five-star Leela Palace in Udaipur, where they visit the Jagdish Temple and Garden of the Maids of the Honour as well as a cooking demonstration by a local chef. The ME to WE culturally immersive experience extension begins with a journey to the Aravalli Mountains. Over the next three days, guests interact with locals, learn about daily life in rural India, contribute to a sustainability project in a rural village, and have the option to participate in a sunrise nature walk or yoga sessions. Priced from $6,350 pp.
Essence of India with Ranthambore: This majestic eight-day itinerary showcases the rich heritage of India’s bustling cities, renowned temples and exotic jungles. Starting in Old Delhi, guests visit Raj Ghat and see the Mahatma Gandhi memorial, explore the historic Red Fort, and discover the stunning Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosque. They’ll learn about rural agriculture as they walk through Agra with a local farmer and hear stories about life in the shadow of the Taj Mahal. After admiring the beauty of the Taj Mahal at dawn, guests continue to Ranthambore, where they stay at the elegant Royal Palace of Nahargarh Ranthambhore. Surrounded by lush trees and abundant wildlife, Nahargarh Ranthambhore is steps away from former royal hunting grounds, which guests explore with an expert naturalist as they search for the elusive Bengal tiger. In Jaipur guests visit the Palace of Winds, Hawa Mahal, and the famous Jantar Mantar following a unique excursion to the Amber Fort. On the final evening guests make an exclusive visit to the City Palace, where they experience a memorable Celebration Dinner at Baradari Restaurant. Priced from $3,175 pp.
In celebration of our India launch, Luxury Gold is pleased to offer a 10% Early Payment Discount for a limited time.
*For reservations, contact your favorite travel agent,
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Luxury Gold® sets an unmatched standard with its collection of award-winning journeys. Guided by a Traveling Concierge, Luxury Gold is a journey beyond the ordinary, where guests enjoy exclusive VIP Experiences, savor exceptional dining and relax in luxury hotels on every curated itinerary. As global leaders in luxury travel with expertise accumulated over nearly 100 years, Luxury Gold epitomizes extraordinary exploration to some of the world’s most spectacular destinations. To find out more, visit www.luxurygoldvacations.com.
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