IND IA21 OCTOBER - 1 NOVEMBER 2019

11 Nights / 12 Days

IntroductionIndia is not a country but a continent and travelling through it is an experience like none other. Overwhelming in its chaos at first, it gradually unfolds unique delights. You may find it in its majestic forts, monuments and temples; in exquisite crafts; in traditional and contemporary arts; in the bustle of its colourful bazaars; landscapes and nature reserves; in diverse cuisines; or in the unexpected beauty that filters through the chaos. Legendary cities, opulent palaces, majestic forts, teeming jungles, barren deserts, bustling temples and a myriad of ruins form the state of Rajasthan. Never more than two minutes away are the flashes of brilliant colour of the ladies saris and men’s carefully twisted turbans which punctuate the landscape. Witness life in the countryside which has changed little through the centuries, stubbornly refusing to give in to modernisation, where village markets surround the crumbling cupolas of long forgotten monuments, selling local produce in spectacular displays.

Our tour has been designed to showcase some popular iconic destinations along with some smaller destinations where the experience is more authentic.

Temples and TextilesA Journey of Discovery

Following our recent successful Expertise tour to India in March, we are pleased to announce our return to India in October 2019.

We will spend 12 days (11 nights) seeing some of the amazing and historical sights in India’s famous “Golden Triangle” Our tour will take us to New Dehli, Amritsar, Agra, Jaipur, and Varanasi.

We will visit, and in some cases participate, in local workshops specialising in techniques such as phulkari workshop, indigo dyeing and block printing. Also included is a farming and cooking tour in Amritsar.

On behalf of the Australasian Quilt Convention and Expertise, we invite you to join our October 2019 tour to India.

Judy and Gary Fitz-Roy

JaipurExtravagant Places and FortsThe city of Jaipur was founded in 1727 by Jai Singh II, the King of Amer who ruled from 1688 to 1758. The city took 4 years to complete; huge ramparts were built pierced by 7 fortified gates. During the rule of Sawai Ram Singh, the city was painted pink to welcome the Prince of Wales, later Edward VII, in 1876. Many of the avenues remained painted in pink, giving Jaipur a distinctive appearance and the epithet Pink City.

Attractions include: The City Palace, Amer Fort, Palace of the Winds, Jantar Mantar

Delhi - City of DjinnsOver 1000 years old, Delhi has been an important urban centre from at least the 11th century ruled by 7 dynasties and the British. It contains ancient pilgrimage centres, abandoned cities, a thriving medieval city, a colonial capital and villages all within an expanding modern city. New Delhi and Old Delhi offers the visitor a myriad of attractions as your introduction to magical India.

Attractions include: The Red Fort and India Gate.

AmritsarInextricably linked with the history of Sikhism, Amritsar is amongst the most revered sites of the world. It was founded as recently as the 16thcentury. Its name is a derivative of the Amrit Sarovar (pool of nectar) amidst which stands the Golden Temple, the most sacred of Sikh shrines.Amritsar is famed for its textiles, particularly shawls, and for its carpets. Amritsar has gained tremendous popularity for its gourmet traditions, its ancient legends, historical monuments, places of worship, old bazaars, theatre traditions and colourful festivals.

VaranasiSpiritual Capital of IndiaVaranasi is a city in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh dating back to the 11th century B.C.

Regarded as the spiritual capital of India, the city draws Hindu pilgrims who bathe in the Ganges River’s sacred waters and perform funeral rites. Along the city’s winding streets are some 2,000 temples, including Kashi Vishwanath, the “Golden Temple”, dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva.

AgraFormally known as Agrabana ParadiseThe Taj Mahal - One of the Seven Wonders of the World. Agra – the home of the Taj Mahal commemorates the love of Mugal Emperor Shah Jehan for his wife Mumtaz Mahal. Around 20,000 workers laboured for almost 22 years to complete this vision in 1653. Agra was the imperial capital of the Mughal Court in the 16th century and offers other architectural marvels including the Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri.

ITINERARYDAY 1 (21 October) Arrive New Delhi airport late evening

DAY 2 (22 October)New Delhi After breakfast we will start the day by visiting The NationalHandicrafts and Handlooms Museum, popularly known as the Crafts Museum, which celebrates the rich, diverse, and practising craft traditions of India.

Collection consists of over 33,000 specimens in various crafts, acquired over a period of 60 years. You can see exquisite examples of textiles includeKalamkaris, Jamawars, Pashmina, embroidered fabrics especially Kanthas, Chikankari works and chaklas Tie and Die (Bandhani) fabrics, Baluchar and Jamdaani saris, Pichwais, phulkaris, Ikat fabrics of Orissa, Chamba Rumals, Block printed textile fabrics of Gujarat and Rajasthan, Himru textile pieces ofMaharashtra, Naga shawls, Chanderi saris and a variety of tribal textiles of the Lambadi,Toda and Naga tribes of Northeastern India.

DAY 3 (23 October)AmritsarAn early morning start for our train to Amritsar travelling on the Shatabdi Express. After check-in and lunch at the hotel, we will visit the famous Golden Temple, Jalian wala bagh, partition museum and a walk through oflocal textile bazaars of Amritsar. The balance of the day and evening is at leisure

DAY 4 (24 October)Amritsar This morning after an early breakfast we’re off to Gurdaspur a town about 1 hour from Amritsar. We will visit a place called “Punjabiyat” meaning ‘essence of Punjab’, ‘quintessential Punjabi’. A visit to a working farm, a cooking class and a Phulkari workshop are included.

DAY 5 (25 October)Amritsar to Agra A very early start for our morning flight to Delhi. After reaching Delhi we’re off to 4.5 hour journey to Agra. Evening at leisure or we can go to Mehtab bagh. It was the last of the Mughal gardens, which werebuilt along the River Yamuna. This crescent shaped garden is considered the ultimate spot for viewing Taj.

DAY 6 (26 October)Agra - Jaipur An early morning visit to the Taj Mahal at sunrise. Returning to the hotel for breakfast. After breakfast, Check-Out and transfer by road to Jaipur City. We will visit Agra fort enroute to Jaipur. Agra Fort is one of the most outstanding examples of Mughal architecture. The fort is built alongside the Yamuna River and stretches almost 2.5 km. It consists of a wall built in red sandstone and several buildings inside.

DAY 7 (27 October)Jaipur A full day tour including Amber Fort, which is a classic, romantic Rajasthani Fort Palace, with its rugged, time-ravaged walls and fascinating palacesinside. A brief stop at Hawa Mahal - Palace of Winds for photographs and an afternoon visit to the Anokhi Museum. Tonight we will enjoy the“DIWALI” celebrations followed by Dinner.

DAY 8 (28 October)Jaipur Today we visit Bagru. Here, the Chhippa community creates vibrantdesigns with a traditional technique known as block printing. Almost everyone in the village is involved in all parts of the process – from dyeing, to printing, to washing, to drying – and they’ve been doing it forover 350 years. In the afternoon returning to Jaipur for a visit the CityPalace, the former residence of the royal family, a part of whichis converted into a museum and a visit to the Jantar Mantar, which is the largest stone and marble crafted observatory in the world. The observatory has 17 large instruments, many of them still in working condition.

DAY 9 (29 October)Varanasi Today we travel to Varanasi, where will be enjoy an evening boat ride and Aarti ceremony at holy river Ganges

DAY 10 (30 October)VaranasiThis morning we start the day before sunrise and take a boat rideon the river Ganges and watch the city wake up. People of Varanasi offer prayers to the rising sun each morning as they begin their day. Explore theAkaras (open gyms) where traditional wrestlers begin their daily regimes. Return to the hotel for breakfast. After breakfast visit Sarnath – a place where Gautam Buddha gave his first sermon. Learn about the origin of theBuddhist religion. Visit the various stupas and temples in Sarnathbefore returning to your hotel for lunch. Balance of day at leisure

DAY 11 (31 October)DelhiA mid morning flight to Delhi, today we will have a cooking demonstration and workshop with a local family for lunch. Balance of day at leisure.Tonight we will celebrate our last night in India with a farewell dinenr.

DAY 12 (1 November) Delhi - AustraliaAfter Breakfast we will visit Old Delhi on a rickshaw, and the Red Fort before our late afternoon transfer to the airport for our journey home.

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED• Any beverages including mineral water, soft drinks, alcoholic drinks etc. unless otherwise specified.

• Any items of a personal nature such as tips (except for group meals and baggage handling), laundry, telephone calls etc.

• Anything featured as optional.

• The prices do not include: undue escalation in fuel prices, new taxes levies on hotels and transportation services or any hikes in entrance fees.

• Visa – Australian passport holders qualify for an e-visa. Applications can be made on the official government site https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa Cost is USD80 plus lodgement fee.

Passport must be valid for a minimum of 6 months after the return date to Australia. The passport should have at least two blank pages for stamping by the Immigration Officer.

Please be aware there are many other online services that claim to provide you with a speedy visa and charge for it. These operators are not endorsed by the Indian Government.

• Travel insurance (highly recommended)

WHAT’S INCLUDED • Return International Airfares with Singapore Airlines ex Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane• Airline Taxes• Domestic Airfares - Amritsar-Delhi, Jaipur-Varanasi, Varanasi-Delhi• Train - Shatabdi Express from Delhi to Amritsar• 11 Nights Accommodation in 4-5* Hotels• Breakfast Daily• 9 Lunches• 8 Dinners• 2 Water bottles per day• Internet• Sightseeing in Delhi – Rickshaw ride in old city, visit to Jama Masjid, Lutyen’s Delhi & Humayun’s Tomb (entrance fee included).• Sightseeing in Agra – Agra Fort & Taj Mahal (entrance fee included)• Sightseeing in Jaipur – City Palace, Jantar Mantar, Old City Market & Amer Fort (entrance fee included)• Experiences in Jaipur – Anokhi Museum & Full day workshop at Bagru. (entrances included).• Sightseeing in Varanasi – Morning boat ride and exploration of ghats, Sarnath with a visit to the Dhamek Stupa and evening aarti (entrance fee included)• Excursion to Punjabiyat in Amritsar with Phulkari workshop• Cooking Demonstration in Delhi

BOOK NOW TO SECURE YOUR PLACEFor bookings - please complete the registration form and email info@nationwidetravel.com.au

or if you need any more information contact us on 02 9418 0011This tour is subjected to a minimum of 30 travellers

$1,100SINGLE

SUPPLEMENT

For any enquiries please contact us at info@nationwidetravel.com.au • Ph: (02) 9418 0011

NAT IONWIDETRAVEL

Conditions

TOUR PRICE Tour price is based on tariff and exchange rate in effect as at 30th April 2019. Prices are subject to change if such rates vary prior to departure. Tour price Prices are based on a twin share basis (2 adults per room). Should we not be able to accommodate you on a shared basis, you will be given the option to pay for a single supplement. Tour will only proceed once the minimum number of travellers is achieved.

AIR BOOKINGS / ACCOMMODATIONUnless otherwise specified, Nationwide Travel reserves the right to nominate and utilise the services of the hotels/carriers it considers most suitable for fulfilling the stated destination and timetable requirements of the delegation. Every effort will be made to satisfy the seating classification specified at the time of booking. All fares are subject to change and group seat availability at time of booking. Additional fare may be applicable for cities other than Sydney for departure.

RESERVATION AND PAYMENT A non-refundable deposit of $500 per person is required to start a booking. No reservation will be processed without this deposit. A further part-payment of $2600 will be required 90 days prior to departure. Full balance payment is due 30 days prior to departure. Payments can be made by direct deposit to: Nationwide Travel Trust, BSB: 032 096, Account No: 224776. Please include your name and tour in the reference (xxxxxINDIA). We also accept credit card payments, Visa, Mastercard and American Express. A 1.5% fee is applicable to all credit card payments. Should the tour not proceed due to insufficient numbers a full refund of the deposit will be given.

CANCELLATIONS If it is necessary to cancel your arrangements, then cancellation fees will be incurred. Notice of cancellation must be in writing. Cancellation fees are as follows; Up to 90 days prior to departure…………Loss of Deposit Between 90 days and 60days …………….50% of tour cost Between 59 days and 30days …………….75% of tour cost Less than 30 days …………………………….100% of tour cost There will be no refunds for services not utilised on the tour.

DOCUMENTS AND VISAS Passport must be valid for a minimum of 6 months after the return date to Australia. Passport should also have at least two blank pages for stamping by the Immigration Officer. Australian passport holders are required to have a valid visa issued by the Indian Government. Visas and re-entry permits into Australia are the responsibility of each traveller. Nationwide Travel accepts no responsibility for any arrangements in relation to obtaining re-entry permits for Non Australian passport holders or Visas should individuals be travelling to destinations where a Visa is required. Australian passport holders travelling to India for the purpose of tourism are required to apply for the Indian Visa through an online application link. Please note that e-Visas can only be completed online and do not require any intermediary/agents. There are many online agents that offer speedy/express visas and charge for this service. Please use only the Government of India website - indianvisaonline.gov.in for this service.

VACCINES It is always recommended that you check with your local doctor regarding any vaccination requirements.

NOT INCLUDED Passport and visa fees, travel insurance. Meals and beverages, tips and taxes not specified in itinerary. Personal laundry, telephone and minibar costs at hotels en route.

TRAVEL INSURANCE At the time of booking and paying your deposit, it is strongly recommended that you purchase travel insurance. Ensure it is appropriate for all your travel arrangements as well as providing for cancellation charges detailed on this page.

We can provide you with a quote and offer the group discount with Covermore Insurance.

I have read and accept the Terms and Conditions on the brochure.

Date: Signed: Print Name:

NAT IONWIDETRAVEL

April 2019

Yourself Travelling with

Surname(as in passport)

Given Name(s)(as in passport)

Preferred Name(for name badge)

Date of Birth

Passport

In case of emergency (someone not travelling with you)

Name: Mr. Mrs Ms Miss

Contact telephone numbers Home Business

Relationship

PLEASE FORWARD A SCANNED COPY OF THE FRONT PAGE OF YOUR PASSPORT WHICH INCLUDES THE PHOTO TO info@nationwidetravel.com.au

No. Expiry No. Expiry

Nationality

Travel Requirements

Special Dietary requirements

Do you have a medical illness or allergy to any medication?

Accommodation Preferences Single Double - 1 Bed Twin - 2 Beds

City of departure Domestic Connection from

Travelling with Please indicate names of any other parties booked you wish to travel with

Mailing address Phone (Bus)

Phone (Home)

Phone (Mobile)Email

(Sample 01 Jan 78) (Sample 01 Jan 78)

Please charge my Visa/Mastercard Account number:

Name on card:_________________________________________________________

Expiry Date: / /Valid from: Security No:

Signature: _____________________________________________________

Direct Deposit to Nationwide Travel TrustAccount No. 224776BSB No. 032 096Please include your name and tour in the reference.

Amount: ________________

INDIA21 Oct - 1 nov 201911 Nights/12 Days

Please email form to - info@nationwidetravel.com.au

I would like to stopover in Singapore