The UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Agra Fort Taj Mahal And Fatehpur Sikri - An Overnight Journey From Delhi Via Private Transfer

You will travel from New Delhi for an overnight journey to Agra; the last capital of Mughal Empire. The city’s architectural wealth, from the magnificent Taj Mahal to the impressive Agra Fort to the many mausoleums, has secured its place on the international map.  Agra is also known for its superb inlay work on marble and soapstone, as well as carpets, gold-thread embroidery and leather shoes.  During your excursion to Agra, you will visit three UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Agra Fort, the  Taj Mahal and Fatehpur Sikri.

Highlights
• Agra Fort - UNESCO World Heritage SIte
• Sunset & Sunrise at the Taj Mahal, UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Inlaid marble demonstration and Marble shop visit
• Fatehpur Sikri - UNESCO World Heritage Site

Day 1: Delhi / Agra

This morning you will be picked up at your hotel in New Delhi and driven to Agra, the last capital of the Mughal Empire (about 5 hours).Once you reach Agra, your first visit will be to the 16th century Agra Fort with its battlements, apartments, gardens and audience halls. The Red Fort of Agra is a powerful fortress built of red sandstone. It was the imperial city of the Mughal rulers.  Within the Fort, you will find many fairy tale palaces, such as the Jahangir Palace and the Khas Mahal - built by Shah Jahan. Also view audience halls, such as the Diwan-i-Khas as well as two very beautiful mosques.  You will then travel about 1.5 miles to visit the magnificent Taj Mahal often thought of as a “Monument to Love”.  Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan built this monument in memory of his favorite wife Mumtaz Mahal. The Taj Mahal is an immense mausoleum of beautiful white marble with inlaid precious stones built between 1631 and 1648.  It is the jewel of Muslim art in India and considered to be one of the most impressive architectural masterpieces in the world.  As you tour the famed landmark you will have an opportunity to witness the transformation as the monument is bathed in the warm glow of sunset.

Overnight stay at: The Retreat (Superior)

Day 2:    Agra / Fatehpur Sikri / Delhi

In the early morning, we will go to Metab Bagh, a garden  across the river from the Taj Mahal.  Here, you will watch the changing colors as the rising sun reflects on this beautiful monument.  Later this morning, we will leave Agra and visit the abandoned Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri (City of Victory).  This amazing city, a masterpiece of Muslim, Hindu and Jain architecture, was built by Akbar the Great in the 16th century. Comprised predominantly of red-sandstone buildings that sprawl over a huge area, the architectural style of the city is very much in tune with Akbar’s vision. A shortage of water was one of the main reasons the site was abandoned.

After visiting Fatehpur Sikri, you will continue on to Delhi, where you will be dropped off at your hotel.