India & Dubai

October 2nd

– 18th

, 2013

17 Days

From the Maritimes

1-800-883-8124

www.thetravelstore.ca

Inclusions:

~ Return Airfare from the Maritimes

~ All accommodations, transfers & private group transportation

~ Sightseeing & Admissions as per itinerary

~ Domestic & Regional Airfares (4 Flights)

~ Meals as indicated on itinerary (15 Breakfast, 2 Lunch & 10 Dinners)

Professionally Escorted by Gary & Lynda Rayner of

The Travel Store *

$6,590.00* per person/double occupancy plus $794.00 taxes & professional fees

Visas Costs Extra ~ India $181.99/ Dubai $249.69

-Important Non-Refundable Payment Dates-

Booking deadline of April 30th with a deposit fee of $1,000

per person plus insurance– Only 10 rooms available

Final Payment due by July 3rd, 2013

*Minimum Number of Guest Required*

This will be a journey into mysticism through

the land of the unexpected with Gary & Lynda

Rayner* of The Travel Store.

Bounded by the majestic Himalayan ranges in the

north and edged by an endless stretch of golden

beaches, India is a vivid kaleidoscope of

landscapes, magnificent historical sites and royal

cities, misty mountain retreats, colorful people, rich

cultures and festivities. Modern India is home alike

to the tribal with his anachronistic lifestyle and to

the sophisticated urban jet-setter. It is a land where

temple elephants exist amicably with the microchip.

Its ancient monuments are the backdrop for the

world’s largest democracy. The timeless mystery

and beauty of India can be experienced only by

visiting this ancient Land, there’s just one thing

you’ll need to travel through 5000 years of culture

and tradition- a comfortable pair of shoes.

BOOKING FORM

Invoice # ____________ Gateways: Maritimes

India & Dubai

October 2nd

- 18th

, 2013 ~ 17 Days

Insurance ~ Deluxe Package # ________

Insurance ~ Trip Cancellation Insurance # ________

If Insurance is not required a waiver must be signed and faxed back at time of booking

THE BOOKING NAME MUST BE EXACTLY THE SAME AS IT APPEARS ON YOUR PASSPORT

PLEASE PRINT

PASSENGER NAME

Non -

Refundable

Deposit

Amount

CREDIT CARD #/ OTHER

CV # ALSO REQ’D

EXPIRY

DATE

MM/YR

1

$1,000.00

2

$1,000.00

Passenger #1 ~ DOB ______________________________ Passport # ______________________ Aeroplan #: ___________________

Passenger #2 ~ DOB ______________________________ Passport # ______________________ Aeroplan #: ___________________

IMPORTANT: Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay and you must have 2 consecutive blank

pages in passport Dubai – Visa Required (Additional Fees) & India – Visa Required (Additional Fees)

Any Medical Information the Escorts should know about? ______________________________________________________________

Other Information / Requests: _____________________________________________________________________________________

Oct 2nd

/ 2013 ~ $6,590.00 + $794.00 taxes & professional fees

Visa costs extra – India $181.99/ Dubai $249.69

(Per person – based on double occupancy ~ Taxes subject to change up to and including final payment dates).

Passports must contain a minimum of 2 consecutive blank pages

Booking deadline of April 30th with a deposit plus insurance– Only 10 rooms available

Final Payment due by July 3rd, 2013

*Minimum # of guests required to be escorted by Gary & Lynda Rayner of The Travel Store*

Final non-refundable payment will be taken from

original credit card given for deposit unless notified prior to final payment date.

Client Signature (Mandatory): ________________________________________________________________________

Mailing Address: ____________________________________________________________

Phone: (H) _______________ (W) _______________ (C) ______________

Email Address: ______________________________________

Please fax the complete forms to 902-566-5095

*Please include a photocopy of your passport photo page to finalize booking*

India & Dubai

October 2nd

– 18th

, 2013

17 Days

Day 1 ~ Oct. 4th ~ Arrive In Delhi (B/D) Welcome to India. Upon arrival, we meet our local guide and transfer to the hotel for an immediate check in. After breakfast at the hotel, we enjoy the rest of the morning at leisure. We start our full day Delhi tour at Chandni Chowk, where we will hop onto a rickshaw which will take us across the market and into the tiny allies leading to a variety of shops. Originally meaning moonlit square or market, Chandni Chowk is the major street and one of the oldest and busiest markets in Old Delhi. Built in the 17th century, the market was once divided by canals to reflect moonlight. Today it remains one of Asia's largest whole sale markets. We continue our visit to Raj Ghat, the memorial and cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi. A “ghat” is a wide stone stairway leading to the river, where people bathe, wash their clothes, and worship. Raj Ghat is a park-like stone stairway, where pilgrims and visitors come to honor their leader. Next we stop at the India Gate and have a view of the magnificent Presidential Palace and government buildings. After lunch on our own, we proceed to Humayan's Tomb, a landmark in the development of Mughal architecture, located in the centre of a large garden. The tomb, built by the widow of Humayan, the second Mughal Emperor of India, is set in the center of a large garden and exemplifies the formative stage of the Mughal structural style. Our last sightseeing place will be the 12th century Qutab Minar, the world’s tallest stone tower and one of the earliest and most prominent examples of Indo-Islamic architecture. Tonight we have our welcome dinner at the famous Colours & Spice Restaurant. Accommodation : Royal Plaza Hotel (1 Night) Day 2 ~ Oct. 5th ~ Fly from Delhi to Varanasi (B/D) After breakfast at hotel, we transfer to the airport for a flight to India’s Holiest City, Varanasi, also known as Banaras or Kashi, the ‘City of Light’. On arrival in Varanasi, we transfer to our hotel. Varanasi (formerly known as Banaras) is where for centuries, pilgrims have made their way – the holy city of Hindus. Thousands of visitors customarily line the ‘ghats’ or steps that lead down to the banks of the sacred Ganges River, thereby creating a most amazing spectacle. At dusk, we witness the ‘aarti’ (hymns and prayers) and the sight of hundreds of lighted lamps flowing on the waters, sights one cannot forget. A veritable haven of peace and tranquility in the bustling temple city, Taj Ganges offers the perfect combination of five-star elegance and timeless hospitality. We will enjoy dinner at the hotel. Accommodation: Radisson Hotel Varanasi (1 night) Day 3 ~ Oct. 6th~ Varanasi Sightseeing, Fly to Khajuraho (B/D) We start our day with an early morning boat ride on the sacred River Ganges to see the cremation Ghats and witness the living traditions of one of the world's oldest and important religions. At sunrise the sight unfolds before us, thousands of faithfuls come daily to the banks to bathe and pray while in the background, temples and palaces rise in tiers from the water's edge. After the boat ride visit the Golden Temple and walk through the narrow lanes of Varanasi. These narrow cobbled lanes have stories to tell.

Old Delhi, Delhi

Humayan’s Tomb, Delhi

Varanasi

1-800-883-8124 www.thetravelstore.ca

River Ganges, Varanasi

Day 3 ~ Oct 6th ~ Varanasi Sightseeing, Fly to Khajuraho (Con’t)

In the afternoon, we transfer to the airport for a flight to Khajuraho. On

arrival, we meet our guide and transfer to our hotel. Situated in the heart of

Central India, in the state of Madhya Pradesh, Khajuraho is a fascinating village

with a quaint rural ambience and a rich cultural heritage. The fascinating

temples of Khajuraho, India's unique gift of love to the world, represent the

expression of a highly matured civilization. This evening we depart our hotel

for the fascinating Sound and Light Show, which evokes the life and times

of the Great Chandela Kings and traces the story of the unique temples from

the 10th century to the present day. We will travel back to the hotel at the end

of the show. We will enjoy dinner at the hotel.

Accommodation: Radisson Hotel Khajuraho (1 night)

Day 4~ Oct 7th ~ Khajuraho Sightseeing, Travel to Agra (B/D)

This morning, we visit the temples famous for its superb sculptures depicting

aspects of Indian life over the centuries. Khajuraho temples were constructed

between 950 and 1050 A.D. during the reign of Chandela Empire. The murals

depict the life and times of the Chandelas and celebrate the erotic state of

being. Early afternoon depart by road to Jhansi railway station- (4 hrs

drive). Board the Shatabadi express train departing at 6 pm. On arrival in

Agra at 8:20 PM, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

Accommodation: Radisson Hotel (2 nights)

Day 5~Oct 8th ~ Full day sightseeing tour in Agra (B/D)

Early this morning we depart hotel for a sunrise tour of the Taj Mahal

(closed on Fridays). An immense mausoleum of white marble, it was built

between 1631 and 1648 by the order of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in

memory of his third and favorite wife. The funeral mosque took 17 years and

20,000 men to build and is regarded as the jewel of Muslim art which combines

elements and styles of Persian, Central Asian, and Islamic architecture. Though

the Taj Mahal appears to be amazingly perfect from almost any angle, it is the

close-up marble inlay work that astounds visitors. The architectural precision is

balanced by the delicate white marble decoration of floral arabesques,

decorative bands and calligraphic inscriptions. We return to the hotel for

breakfast before visiting Agra Fort. Built near the gardens of the Taj Mahal,

the sixteenth-century fortress was founded in 1565 by the Emperor Akbar. The

citadel comprises a large number of palaces, an octagonal tower, some

reception rooms, the Hall of Public Audience and two mosques built of white

marble. Emperor Shah Jahan, who oversaw the building of the Taj Mahal, was

imprisoned by his son in Agra Fort, from which he could see the building

erected in memory of his beloved wife. The emperor was said to have died in a

tower. We travel back to our hotel at the end of the tour. The rest of the day

will be at leisure for own exploration. Tonight we head to Kalakriti to witness

the Mohabbat the Taj show, which is a saga of love based on the story

behind the creation of the Taj Mahal and Emperor Shah Jahan and his beloved

wife Mumtaz Mahal. We will enjoy dinner at the hotel.

India & Dubai

October 2nd

– 18th

, 2013

17 Days

Agra Fort, Agra

Taj Mahal, Agra

1-800-883-8124 www.thetravelstore.ca

Temple in Khajuraho

India & Dubai

October 2nd

– 18th

, 2013

17 Days

Day 6 ~ Oct 9th ~ Travel to Jaipur (B)

Today we travel through rural India by road to Jaipur. Enroute, we visit

the hauntingly beautiful city of Fatehpur Sikri (the Victory Palace), the

temporary capital of the Mughal Emperor Akbar and a fairy-tale ghost city

of red sandstone. We gain insight into the secular vision of Akbar through

close scrutiny and discussion of the Hindu and Islamic architectural styles.

See Bulund Darwaza, the largest gateway in the world. Facing south and

built by Akbar, the monumental gateway was the main entrance to the

palace to commemorate his conquest over Deccan in 1601. Standing on

the highest point of the ridge, it echoes early Mughal design with simple

ornamentation, carved verses from the Koran and towering arches. The

gateway is approached by 42 steps and expresses eloquently the grandeur

of Akbar’s empire. Jaipur is a shopper’s paradise, renowned for gems and

jewelry. If time permits, we will take a cycle rickshaw ride through the

local market.

Accommodation: Holiday Inn, Deluxe Room (2 nights)

Day 7 ~ Oct 10th ~ Full Day Sightseeing in Jaipur (B/D)

In contrast to other cities in India, Jaipur was designed with broad avenues in perfect straight lines and cross-cutting streets with fascinating bazaars and marvelous palaces. The formal royal seat of the Maharahahs is also known as the “Pink City” as the buildings of the walled city were washed in a rich salmon color in honour of Queen Victoria when Prince Albert visited the city in 1853. We begin our full day exploration of Jaipur with a photo stop at the Palace of Winds. Being a beautifully decorated pink façade standing majestically at the heart of the city, the palace provided the royal ladies an opportunity to watch activities on the street below without exposing themselves. Next we proceed to Amber Fort. On arrival, an elephant (alternatively by jeeps) will spare us the trouble of reaching up to the fortress. After exploring this incredible fort palace and marveling at its architectural wonders, pristine beauty and various collections of priceless artifacts, we continue to the City Palace, which is an amazing complex with various courtyards, connecting buildings, and fascinating museums displaying royal costumes and weaponry. After visiting the Amber Fort, we proceed to Jantar Mantar Observatory, one of the largest and best preserved observatories built in 1726. The observatory is equipped with solar instruments, which look like large, abstract sculptures, and are remarkably accurate in measuring celestial data. Later today we travel to Sankotra, a fort built in the 16th century where we will have a cooking demonstration and learn how to make simple Indian dishes. At the end of the demo, we enjoy what we cooked. Day 8 ~ Oct 11th ~ Fly from Jaipur to Mumbai (B/ D) After an early breakfast, we transfer to the airport for the flight to Mumbai. On arrival at Mumbai Chatrapati Shivaji International Airport (formerly Bombay), we will be greeted and transferred to our hotel. Being the largest city in India, Mumbai, or Bombay by its former official name, is the largest city in India and the country’s chief western seaport since the 1700s. It is also the financial center and home to India's diamond-cutting and film industry. A city of sharp contrasts, it has Asia’s largest slum and is

Palace of Winds, Jaipur

Amber Fort, Jaipur

1-800-883-8124 www.thetravelstore.ca

Fatephur Sikri (Victory Palace)

India & Dubai

October 2nd

– 18th

, 2013

17 Days

Day 8 ~ Oct 11th ~ Jaipur to Mumbai (Con’t)

said to have more millionaires per square mile than in Manhattan. People say that “if there’s a city that stirs the soul and fires the imagination like no other, it’s Mumbai.” Our afternoon touring begins at the Gateway of India, an imposing stone archway built in 1924 to commemorate the 1911 visit of King George V and Queen Mary. We then continue to visit the Prince of Wales Museum, one of the most highly regarded museums in India with a great collection of art works. Built at the beginning of the 20th century, it was built to commemorate the visit of Britain’s Prince of Wales and is an architecture masterpiece which combines European, Islamic and Indian styles. After visiting the museum, we proceed to the Hanging Gardens, which was built in 1881 with an assortment of hedges trimmed into animal shapes. The gardens also offer a superb view of the bustling city centre in the distance. Next we have a photo stop at the colossal Dhobi Ghat, the world’s largest outdoor laundry. Before traveling back to our hotel, we explore Mani Bhavan, a quaint Gujarati-style house, where Mahatma Gandhi lived from 1917 to 1934. It was here in November 1921 that he conducted a 4-day fast in order to restore peace to the city. We will enjoy dinner at the hotel. Accommodation: Trident Nariman Point (1 night) Day 9~ Oct 12th ~ Fly from Mumbai to Goa (B) This morning we proceed to the Gateway of India from where we will take a ferry to Elephanta Island, a UNESCO designated World Heritage site, which was believed to be created between AD 450 and 750. Atop a large hill, we will see the main temple, which is a long hall stretching 90 feet (27 metres) and has a series of sculptured panels lining the walls of the cave portraying images from Indian mythology. Later this afternoon, we travel to the airport for our flight to Goa. On arrival in Goa, we will be met and transferred to our hotel. Accommodation: The Golden Tulip Resort (2 nights) Day 10 ~ Oct 13th ~ Dolphin Cruise (B/L)

This morning at 07:30AM, we depart our hotel and head for the beautiful back country water of Key West for a 2 – 2 ½ hour dolphin cruise. Here, dolphins leap, play, feed, and rest every day, and we can see it happen on our dolphin cruise tour. Optional water activities, such as water-skiing, wind surfing, and fun boats will be available upon request at our own expense. Don't forget our camera, some sunscreen, and a towel! Day 11 ~ Oct 14th ~ Fly Goa to Mumbai (B/D) This morning we check out from the hotel and proceed with a tour of Old

Goa. We start at the Basilica of Bom Jesus, a fine example of Jesuit

architecture and perhaps the richest of the churches. The Se, or St.

Catherine’s Cathedral, was commissioned to be “a grandiose church

worthy of the wealth, power and fame of the Portuguese who dominated

the seas from the Atlantic to the Pacific.” It is still larger than any church

in Portugal. Nearby is the Church of St. Cajetan, modeled on St. Peter’s in

Rome. Its neo-classical façade, with twin towers flanking the great dome,

disguises an interior that is pure, unrestrained baroque.

1-800-883-8124 www.thetravelstore.ca

Gateway of India, Mumbai

Elephanta Island, Mumbai

Hanging Gardens, Mumbai

Dolphin Cruise, Goa

India & Dubai

October 2nd

– 18th

, 2013

17 Days

Day 11th ~ Oct 14th ~ Fly Goa to Mumbai (B/D) Con’t

Hidden beneath the church is a crypt where the embalmed bodies of

Portuguese governors were kept in lead coffins before they were shipped

back to Lisbon. Forgotten for a time, the last batch was removed only in

1992. This afternoon we travel to the airport for our flight to Mumbai.

On arrival, we travel to our hotel for a short break before enjoying the

farewell dinner at the hotel.

Overnight: Trident BKC Point (1 night)

Day 12 ~ Oct 15th ~ Fly Mumbai to Dubai (B)

Today we will be transferred to the airport for our flight to Dubai. On arrival, we meet our guide and start a half day walking of Dubai's old quarter to get acquainted with the city's heritage. We begin our trip in Shindagha, with a visit to Sheikh Saeed House - the residence of Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum, which dates back to 1896 and houses a rare collection of memorabilia and documents recording Dubai's history. Leaving here, we stop at the House of Camels and the Traditional House before heading towards Dubai's Creek. A short walk from the Creek brings us to the textile market, Hindu temple and Old Souk area. Established at the end of the 19th century by Arab textile and pearl trading immigrants from Bastak in Iran, the winding streets in this locality are lined with restored merchant houses, cafes, boutique hotels and art galleries, the oldest of which is the Majlis Gallery, dating back to the 1970s. We walk through the Bastakiya area and stop at a local house for a quick break giving us an opportunity to sample Arabian hospitality and a taste of traditional gahwah. We then make our way to the Creek and board a traditional Abra (water taxi). Crossing the Creek, we continue our walk through the fragrant alleys of the spice souk on the Deira side of its waters. We move on to Dubai's famous Gold Souk which flaunts dazzling displays of jewellery. The large and bustling fish market near the Gold Souk is our final stop before we return to the hotel. Known in the region as the "City of Merchants", Dubai has for generations welcomed seafarers and traders crossing the azure waters of the Arabian Gulf to its shores. With Goway, discover this most vibrant of cities, where the best of the cosmopolitan, avant-garde architecture and the highest standards of service blend harmoniously with the mystique and culture of Arabia, to make a destination that is, quite simply, unique. Accommodation: Four Points Sheraton Downtown (3 Nights) Day 13 ~ Oct 16th ~ Dubai City Tour (B/D) Depart our hotel for a fascinating, full day excursion of the modern and historical Dubai. We will start at the vicinity of Dubai’s new downtown for an opportunity to photograph the iconic Burj Khalifa from Dubai Mall. Our next stop, the Dubai land Information Center, provides great insight about the dynamic future projects in the fast growing city of Dubai. From here, we proceed to the Palm Island, a man-made island shaped as a palm tree, to view its magnificent boutique hotels and splendid architecture. After, you drive to Dubai Marina for some more photo opportunities and proceed to Burj Al Arab; Dubai’s landmark hotel to the Majilis Al Ghorfat, a magnificent structure constructed in 1955 and recently restored, originally the summer residence of the late Shekh Rashid bin Saeed Al-Maktoum.

1-800-883-8124 www.thetravelstore.ca

Jumeirah Mosque, Dubai

Gold Souk, Dubai

Textile Market, Dubai

Burj Al Arab Hotel, Dubai

Day 13 ~ Oct 16th ~ Dubai City Tour (Con’t) Driving past modern palaces, a photo stop will be provided at

Jumeirah Mosque before continuing to Dubai’s Bastakiya area to admire

the old-wind-towered homes which were built by wealthy merchants.

After lunch on your own arrangements, visit the Al Fahidi Fort, a 200

year-old structure that houses the Dubai Museum and records the city’s

past as an important pearl diving and trading center. Continue your

journey on a traditional Abra, across the creek, offering sights of a

modern metropolis, with splendid architecture on its banks, dwarfing the

bustling alleys. Your excursion will end at your hotel.

Tonight, we enjoy a three course traditional Arabic set dinner at a

local restaurant.

Day 14~ Oct 17th ~ Mountain & Desert Safari (B/L/D) Setting out at 10:00AM this morning for a full day mountain and desert safari tour, your first stop is for photos at Fossil Rock in Hajar Mountains. Lunch will be provided at a local restaurant. Make your way to the Hatta Heritage Village for a visit and continue over rolling dunes through the Dubai Desert Conservation reserve. Tonight, enjoy a feast of grilled meats with other guests at the campsite for a BBQ dinner with fresh salads and Arab sweets served under a galaxy of stars with belly dancers. There will be unlimited soft drinks, mineral water, tea, and coffee. Day 15 ~ Depart Dubai for the flight home (B) A full breakfast will be provided at the hotel, after which we will be transferred to the airport for our onward flight home.

Professionally Escorted by

Gary & Lynda Rayner of

The Travel Store*

$6590.00* Per Person/Double Occupancy *Plus $794.00 Taxes & Professional Fees

Visa costs extra ~ India $181.99/ Dubai $249.69

-Important Non-Refundable Payment Dates-

Booking deadline of April 30th with a deposit fee of $1,000 per

person plus insurance– Only 10 rooms available

Final Payment due by July 3rd, 2013

*Minimum Number of Guest Required*

India & Dubai

October 2nd

– 18th

, 2013

17 Days

1-800-883-8124 www.thetravelstore.ca

Palm Island, Dubai

Mountain & Desert Safari, Dubai

Hajar Mountains, Dubai