“India, incredible India” proclaims the international add for Indian tourism. For once the destination equals the hyperbole. Incredible, captivating, seductive, extraordinary, mystical, enchanting – the experience of India outstrips any attempt of description. It is a dazzling tapestry of sounds, sights, colors, smells, mysticism, beauty, culture, and history.

Embark with Imprint on a journey through the heart of Northern India. As you travel through the arid landscapes of Rajasthan, each city unveils a tapestry of vibrant colors, rich history, and regal splendor. Jaipur, the Pink City; Jodhpur, the Blue City; and Udaipur, the City of Lakes. We will visit majestic palaces, daunting fortresses, and awe-inspiring temples.

Experience traditional dances, savor the flavors of Rajasthani cuisine, and discover the enduring legacy of Rajput heritage. We conclude our adventure in Agra, home to the iconic Taj Mahal, the timeless testament to love. For those extending, we’ll discover India’s most sacred city – Varanasi.

· Udaipur: Rajasthan’s most romantic city, a dusk boat ride on Lake Piccola with twin ‘floating’ palace hotels, and the best palace in India.

· Jodhpur: India’s mightiest fortress, explorations of the “Blue City”, Bishnoi village visit, and dinner with an India family.

· Jaipur: The impressive palace fort of Amber, a 19th-century astronomical observatory, and the evocative Palace of the Winds.

· Agra: The incomparable Taj Mahal and Agra Fort where Shaw Jahan was imprisoned within sight of his beloved Taj.

Visa Requirements: Participants are REQUIRED to obtain a Visitor Visa prior to the trip at their own expense. 

Q: How do I obtain a visa for India?

A: You need a visitor visa before arrival. Apply online via the Indian Embassy website: India Visa

If you would like help acquiring your visa there are many reputable outfits providing E-visas.

Note: The responsibility to acquire the correct visitor documentation rests solely with the traveler. Since Imprint does not provide this service, we have no special expertise, connections, or experience on which to draw. Therefore, we are unable to assist with difficulties. Any information offered for a specific tour is provided as a courtesy only. Said information is not to be viewed as complete and total. It is also the sole responsibility of the traveler to provide up-to-date passport information. If a passport has expired or will expire prior to six months beyond a traveler’s intended departure from their Imprint tour destination, it is the responsibility of the traveler to update the passport data in their registration. Imprint Tours is not responsible for transportation booking delays, mistakes, or omissions if registration passport data is out of date.

Registration and Deposit

Q: What should I expect after registering and paying the deposit for the tour?

A: You will receive a confirmation email welcoming you to the tour. This email will include a link to a Manage Booking page where you can view all your trip details, your deposit receipt, payment schedule, and information for purchasing travel insurance. Imprint Tours STRONGLY recommends purchasing trip insurance.

Flight Information

Q: Are flights included?

A: International Flights to/from the tour are NOT included. Internal tour flights, when used, are included.

Q: What airport do I use to join/depart the tour?

A: The tour starts in New Delhi (DEL) on March 17, (late afternoon) and ends in New Delhi (DEL) on March 28 (late afternoon). If opting to depart on March 28, make sure you book an evening (9:00PM or later) flight. For those continuing to Varanasi, the extension ends after breakfast on March 31 (VNS).

Q: Should I arrive early for the tour?

A: When you arrive is entirely up to you. Most Imprint travelers arrive 1 day early.

Q: Can I skip breakfast on the final day and depart early that morning?

A: Yes, you are not obliged to partake of the final breakfast, nor will you miss any tour activities.

Q: When can I feel comfortable booking my flights

A: Avoid booking flights before July 17, 2026 unless you confirm the tour status.

Q: Do I need to check the tour status after July 17?

A: No, if you have not received a cancellation notice from Imprint by July 17, you may assume the tour is a go.

Q: Does Imprint provide or arrange airport transfers?

A: No, airport transfers to join or depart the tour are the traveler's responsibility to arrange. Basic information will be included in the 8-Week Letter. 

Q: Does Imprint provide advice about airlines, routing, or booking?

A: No, Imprint does not provide these services.

Payment: Early Pay Discount (EPD) and Full Price

Q: How do I take advantage of the Early Pay Discount (EPD)A: To receive the $300 EPD, you must register for the EPD price and pay in full by the designated date. The payment system already reflects this discount. You will receive a notice of final payment due one week prior. Please refer to our Terms and Conditions regarding EPD as cancellation incurs a penalty.

Q: If I’ve chosen to take advantage of the Early Pay Discount (EPD), and subsequently cancel, what penalties will I incur?

A: If you’ve opted for the EPD and paid in full, but then cancel, your deposit plus $400 of the EPD price is non-refundable. If no deposit has been paid, $1000 of the EPD price is non-refundable.

Q: Can I pay with a Credit Card?

A: Yes, you can opt to pay via Credit Card. However, you must pay the Credit Card fees, which are non-refundable in the case of cancellation.

Q: Can I avoid the Credit Card fees?

A: Yes, you can pay via ACH transfer without fees

Q: If I am registering for the optional extension, why do I need to designate EPD or Full Price when the extension price is the same for both?

A: Designating EPD or Full Price on the optional extension allows us to sync payments for your entire trip in order to invoice you accurately.

Q: Can I choose to delay final payment until Nov 17, 2026?

A: Yes, you must register for a Full Price package, then pay your balance due by Nov 17. You will receive a notice of final payment due one week prior.

Q: Is there any penalty for cancellation of a non-EPD registration?

A: No, there is no penalty for cancellation until Nov 17. However, your deposit is forfeit if the 30 days has elapsed (see above).

Q: What if I have to cancel after Nov 17?

A: After Nov 17, 2026 all payments are final and non-refundable for any reason. 

Pre-Departure Information

Q: What should I do to prepare for the tour?

A: About 8 weeks before departure, you'll receive a detailed email with a packing list, sightseeing suggestions, and other important information. Meanwhile, ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from the tour end date and has two clean pages for visa stamps.

Note - It is also the sole responsibility of the traveler to provide up-to-date passport information. If a passport has expired or will expire prior to six months beyond a traveler’s intended departure from their Imprint tour destination, it is the responsibility of the traveler to update the passport data in their registration. Imprint Tours is not responsible for transportation booking delays, mistakes, or omissions if registration passport data is out of date.

Pre- and Post-Tour Hotels

Q: Since Imprint is unable to assist with pre- or post-tour hotels bookings, how do I book extra hotel nights?

A: For pre-tour nights, our hotel Delhi hotel is The Park Hotel. If you would like to book post-tour nights in New Delhi, we do not have a tour hotel booked. If you are extending to Varanasi, our tour hotel is Guleria Kothi. Bookings are made under Intrepid Travel India and Imprint Tours, standard rooms. Final hotel bookings with roster names will be made about 60 days prior to the tour start.

Tour Hotels

Q: If I need a complete list of tour hotels, where do I find that?

A: On the Trip Overview page of this We Travel portal.

Important Reminders

Q: Are there any critical things I need to keep in mind?

A:

• Print and keep the confirmation letter for reference.

• If your passport will expire between now and 6 months beyond your intended departure from India, it is your sole responsibility to update your registration information in We Travel. You can use the link in your confirmation email to return to your account to make edits. Imprint Tours is not responsible for reminding you to update your information nor for any problems with booking delays or mistakes due to incorrect passport data.

• Add reid@imprinttours.com to your email address book.

• Download & activate Whatsapp for essential on-tour communications.

• Check your bank’s policy on international ATM withdrawal or Credit Card fees.

Health and Safety

Q: What health precautions should I take?

A: Visit the CDC website or your local travel medicine clinic for suggested inoculations for India. We cannot advise on inoculations due to liability concerns.

This tour involves moderate physical activity, including walking tours and excursions to natural sites with uneven terrain. Participants should be in good health and capable of handling such activities.

Tour Member Expectations

Q: What mindset should I have for the tour?

A: Be flexible, independent, and personally responsible. Expect challenges and surprises, especially in less-developed areas. Positive, flexible attitudes contribute to a better group experience.

Travel Insurance

Q: Why is travel insurance important?

A: Travel insurance protects your investment against unforeseen events like flight delays, baggage loss, or sudden illness. We recommend Trawick.

Trip cancellation insurance helps protect you and the investment you made in your trip when you travel. It provides pre-departure benefits in case you must cancel your trip before you have the chance to take it, and post-departure benefits such as travel delay, trip interruption, and emergency medical expenses to protect you while you are traveling.  

In case you haven't read our Terms and Conditions carefully, we would like to repeat the importance of purchasing travel protection.

For more than 25 years, Trawick International has been a trusted provider of international insurance, administration, and assistance services.  Trawick International provides personalized service and trusted guidance.  With 24/7 customer support and worldwide protection, you’ll have everything you need for everywhere you’ll go.

We understand your plans can change quickly and unforeseen events could impact your travel plans. We feel it's important to consider purchasing a travel protection plan to help protect you and your travel investment.

Comprehensive Travel Protection and Travel Medical Insurance Plans may provide coverage for:

• Trip Cancellation

• Trip Interruption 

• Trip Delay 

• Missed Connection

• Baggage Benefits

• Baggage and Personal Effects 

• Baggage Delay 

• Emergency Accident and Sickness

• Medical Expense 

• Dental Expenses 

• Emergency Evacuation 

• Repatriation of Remains  

• Accidental Death & Dismemberment 

*Please make sure to read your specific plan document as coverage may vary depending on state and policy purchased. 

For policy questions please call Trawick International’s 24/7 customer service team at 888-301-9289.

Worldwide Travel Assistance is available 24 hours a/ day, 7 days a week. Trawick International offers immediate online policy confirmation of coverage, personalized ID cards and plan documents. Our Global Response Center (GRC) is staffed by a diverse team of bilingual and multilingual professionals.  Trawick Internationals Assistance Provider OnCall International can arrange access to over 180 written and spoken languages to ensure we can deliver clear, accurate, and culturally sensitive emergency response and assistance to travelers anywhere in the world, at any time.

Please Note: Full coverage terms and details, including exclusions and limitations, are contained in the insurance policy. Product descriptions provided here are only brief summaries and may be changed without notice. Plan sold by Trawick International. Insurance is provided by either Technology Insurance Company or Wesco Insurance Company, an AmTrust Financial Services, Inc. company and non-insurance services by Trawick International. Limitations and exclusions apply. Trip cancelation plans are only valid for residents of the United States.

Welcome meeting
We will gather for our traditional get-acquainted meeting late in the afternoon. Afterwards, we’ll enjoy our first Indian meal together.

Humayuns Tomb, Jagdish Temple

This morning our goal is Humayun’s Tomb. Traffic allowing, we’ll make a photo stop at Rajpath, Delhi’s grand boulevard with the iconic India Gate and Presidential Palace (Rashtrapati Bhavan). Built in 1570, Humayun’s Tomb is of particular cultural significance as it was the first garden-tomb on the Indian subcontinent. It inspired several major architectural innovations, and heavily influenced the Taj Mahal. Afterwards, an afternoon flight whisks us to Udaipur. Upon arrival we'll visit Jagdish Temple, built in 1651 by Maharana Jagat Singh. This Indo-Aryan temple is the largest and the most beautiful temple of Udaipur, with noteworthy statuary.

City Palace, Lake Pichola cruise

Your morning is free for your personal explorations. In the afternoon we will visit Udaipur's City Palace, a majestic architectural marvel towering over the lake and surrounded by crenelated walls. It is a blend of courtyards, pavilions, terraces, corridors, sumptuous rooms, and hanging gardens. Next we proceed directly to our classic evening boat ride on Lake Pichola. This lake is picturesquely surrounded by splendid hills, palaces, temples, bathing ghats and embankments. We’ll cruise by the famous floating Lake Palace Hotel and visit the island palace of Jag Mandir.

Day 4 Ranakpur Temple

After breakfast we depart Udaipur by private bus to Jodhpur. On the way we will visit magnificent Ranakpur Temple. This Jain temple was built during the reign of Rana Kumbha in the 15th century and is our favorite temple in India. It features impressive pillared halls and majestic domes supported by over four hundred intricately carved marble columns. Upon our arrival in Jodhpur we’ll check into our hotel.

Day 5 Mehrangarh Fort, Holika Dahan

Today is a special day. This morning our destination is the magnificent Mehrangarh, India’s most majestic fort. Situated on a steep hill, its interior boasts sumptuous palaces and impressive courtyards. Next up, a walking tour of the “Blue City” section of the town. After a free afternoon we’ll join our tour manager Chetan's family to participate in Holika Dahan (Holi eve celebrations). 

Dau 6 Holi Festivities 

Today is an exceptional day on this or any tour. We will spend the morning participating in the vibrant celebration of Holi. The exuberant color throwing ritual is a joyous celebration where people playfully drench each other in a kaleidoscope of tinted powders. This spirited tradition symbolizes the triumph of good over evil, signals the coming of spring, and fosters unity and a spirit of camaraderie. On this one day only the usual rankings of caste, gender, status, and age are ignored. The festivities include a special Holi meal, which we will also share.

Mandore Guest House (3 nights)  https://www.mandore.com/ 

Amber Fort

After breakfast our coach will depart for storied Jaipur. After settling at our Heritage hotel we will visit splendid Amber Fort. Maharaja Mansingh built the fortress and walls in the 17th century. Before the City Palace was constructed in Jaipur, Amber was the seat of power. The fort is surrounded by fortified battlements and overlooks a photogenic lake and crenelated walls. Dinner will be at 1135 AD Restaurant inside the fort. All the recipes used at 1135 AD have been passed down for generations through various royal families. One expects the food to be rich and decadent, and it does not disappoint.

Free Day;,Cooking Demo; Sari/Turban evening

Your day is free to explore the Pink City. Visit the City Palace, picturesque Hawa Mahal, go shopping in the old city, or just relax by the pool at our Heritage Hotel. In the late afternoon we’ll be visiting a local family where we will enjoy a cooking demonstration of traditional Rajasthani cuisine. To add to the festive atmosphere, ladies will be shown how to properly drape a sari and men will learn to tie a turban. And of course we’ll enjoy the results of the cooking demo for dinner, resplendent in our traditional attire.

Jantar Mantar, Rickshaw food tour, Bollywood night

This morning we visit Jantar Mantar, a fascinating 18th century observatory. Built by Sawai Jai Singh II, it features the world’s largest stone sundial and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Next, we’ll experience a rickshaw food tour. The Pink City Rickshaw Co. is a unique and innovative endeavor that provides employment opportunity to 200 women from low-income households. Tonight is Bollywood Night! Discover the extravagance of a Bollywood blockbuster, with all the Bollywood-style elements of action, romance, drama and music (sometimes all rolled into one), at the spectacular Raj Mandir Cinema.

Chand Beori, Fatapur Sikri

During our drive to Agra we will visit two of India's lesser known but premier sights. The Chand Baori is a stepwell built over a thousand years ago. It is one of the largest and most beautiful stepwells in India. The deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri was built by Emperor Akbar in 1569. But the city was abandoned during his lifetime, leaving the evocative ghost town of today. Dinner is at Pind Balluchi restaurant, an interesting amalgamation of rustic ambiance and delicious food. It boasts a Punjabi village theme with Mud walls, artifacts, and traditional attire.

Taj Mahal, Agra Fort

We’ll begin our day visiting the ultimate monument of love and flawless architecture. Shah Jehan's Taj Mahal has inspired poets and writers for centuries. It was once described as "A teardrop glistening on the cheek of eternity". Afterward we move on to Agra Fort. Built by Emperor Akbar and filled with palaces and gardens by his heir Jehangir. Shah Jehan was imprisoned here, within sight of his beloved Taj Mahal.

Qutab Minar, Tour over
After breakfast we’ll drive back to Delhi where the tour ends at the airport. Enroute we’ll visit the Qutab Minar, the world's tallest brick minaret. Construction commenced in 1193 under the orders of India's first Muslim ruler Qutub-ud-din Aibak.. Most international flights depart Delhi late in the evening or the wee hours of the morning. We'll provide day-use rooms at an airport hotel where you can relax and refresh before your flight departure. Those continuing on to Varanasi will be accommodated overnight at the airport hotel.

Day 1  Upon our return to Delhi (day 12 of the regular tour) we will check in to an airport hotel, where we will be accommodated overnight.

Day 2  Sarnath
An AM flight will transport us to Varanasi, India’s most sacred city. Before heading into the bustling city we will visit Sarnath, one of the world’s most significant Buddhist sights. After attaining enlightenment, the Buddha came to Sarnath where he gave his first public sermon, preaching the middle path for attaining Nirvana. It is also considered one of the best places to see the rich antiquities of the Ashoka period of the 12th century. Afterward we’ll be taken to our riverside hotel - via boat.

Day 3  Ganges Sunrise boat, Old city tour, Aarti
We will greet the sunrise on a classic boat ride on the river Ganges, a must do activity in Varanasi. Watch Hindus from all over India come to take this holy dip in the Ganges and offer prayers to the gods. Our vantage point is from a rowed boat that moves silently and slowly from one Ghat to another, including the burning Ghat where devout Hindus are cremated. Later, we’ll take a walking tour of the old city. We’ll explore the lanes and alleys behind the Ghats, viewing the architecture of the temples, the colorful chaos of the city, and gain insight into the spirituality of this ancient city. In the evening we will observe the Aarti ceremony (bidding goodnight to Mother Ganga) from a boat on the river before gathering for a final dinner together.

Day 4  Extension over
The extension ends after breakfast. Imprint will assist with airport transfer arrangements.