Journey to India
December 2022

Day 1 Lisbon - New Delhi
Arrival in New Delhi and transfer to Hotel.
Overnight :  New Delhi
Meals included: Light snack

Day 2 Cultural visit to New and Old Delhi
After breakfast at the hotel, we will proceed to the tour combining Old and New Delhi
The tour will begin with a visit to the Raj Ghat, a simple memorial to Mahatma Gandhi. Then to the Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in Asia, built in front of the Red Fort. The mosque has the capacity to receive up to 25,000 devotees. People enter and leave the mosque continuously and the presence of a nearby bazaar tells us that silence is rare. Then, we'll experience an adventure in the heart of Old Delhi, in Rickshaw through impossibly small alleys and alleys in the area around Chandni Chowck (Silver Street), one of the oldest market areas in India and certainly one of the busiest. During the rickshaw ride, your senses will come alive as you will encounter the many captivating sights and sounds this amazing city has to offer
We will have lunch in the city center, in a restaurant chosen for the group.
In the afternoon, we will visit New Delhi, which reflects the legacy the British left behind.
The tour of Imperial Delhi will begin with a tour of the imposing India Gate, the Parliament building and the Rashtrapati Bhawan, the president's residence (it will be a glimpse of these buildings that do not contemplate stopping). We will visit Gurudwara Bangla Sahib - the most prominent Sikh Gurudwara, or Sikh house of worship, in Delhi. 
It is quickly recognizable by its impressive golden dome and tall mast. Gurudwara Bangla Sahib was originally a bungalow belonging to Raja Jai Singh, an Indian ruler in the 17th century. The eighth Sikh Guru, Guru Har Krishan resided here during his stay in Delhi. During that time, there was an epidemic of smallpox and cholera, and Guru Har Krishan helped the suffering by giving help and fresh water from the well in his house.
We will visit Qutub Minar which is the tallest stone tower in India. The Qutub Minar was started in 1199 AD by Qutub-ud-Din Aibak and completed by the Sultan's successor and son-in-law, Iltutmish. The building is 72.5 m high and has 379 steps from the bottom to the top. The Minar is tapered with a base diameter of 14.3 m while the upper floor is 2.7 m. The Qutub Minar is still the tallest stone tower as well as one of the finest Islamic structures ever erected in India.
Even before returning to the hotel for a well-deserved rest, we'll make a stop at the Paharganj Main Bazaar, famous for the diversity of shops, among clothes, shoes, books and other products at very low prices.
Dinner at the hotel.

Overnight :  New Delhi
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 3  New Delhi - Samode - Jaipur
After breakfast at the hotel, we will start the journey towards Samode – 241 Kms, about 5 hours by bus.
Samode, an hour's drive from Jaipur, is located on an old caravan route. Today, the peaceful village, with its local artisans, produce printed fabrics and glass bracelets within its ancient walls. The Samode Palace, the village's main attraction, is fabulously decorated with 300-year-old wall paintings, many of them depicting religious themes. The highlight is a vast Durbar Hall with its original paintings and mirror work.

Lunch at Samode hotel
Continuing our journey to Jaipur – 41 Kms / 1 Hr, we will arrive at the victory city, Jaipur, which presides over the fascinating desert state and its people: surrounded by rugged hills, each crowned by a fort, beautiful palaces, mansions and gardens. scattered throughout your enclosure. The palaces and forts of yore that witnessed processions and royal splendor are today living monuments, naturally accepted in the lifestyle of the people of the "pink city". Jaipur's bazaars are of a timeless quality as are its people.
Upon arrival in Jaipur, we will proceed to check-in at the hotel.
dinner at hotel

Overnight :  Jaipur
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 4  Visit to Jaipur
After breakfast, the group will take a short trip to the ancient capital of Amber to see and feel its fabulous Fort. Maharaja Mansingh, Mughal Emperor Akbar's most successful general, started the construction of Amber Fort in the 17th century. Before the construction of the City Palace in Jaipur, Amber was the seat of power.
With the help of jeeps, we'll save you the trek to the top of the mountain, where the Fort is located, where you can stroll through the extensive and complex courtyards and halls. Many of the rooms have charming wall paintings, with gemstones and mirrors built into the walls. Most fascinating, perhaps, is the Sheesh Mahal (room of mirrors), where a single lamp is reflected in the many mirrors, illuminating the room.
We will have lunch in Samode Haveli
In the afternoon we will have the possibility of walking around the city of Jaipur.
Among the highlights to see when visiting Jaipur include the City Palace, which is an impressive complex of exquisite palaces, gardens and courtyards, decorative art and carved doors. The palace museum houses collections of rare manuscripts, armory, costumes, rugs and miniature paintings. 
We will walk to the Jantar Mantar or Astronomical Observatory made by the Maharaja of Jaipur, built in 1726, being one of the five astronomical wonders built by Sawai Jai Singh, and its predictions are very accurate to this day. During the tour, we will stop for photos at the 'Palace of the Winds', also known as the Hawa Mahal. It's actually an elaborate facade behind which court ladies used to watch the daily happenings in the street below. It is extremely intricate in its pink sandstone carving. Cool wind blows through its facade of windows and latticed screens through which court queens once viewed the city streets.
dinner at the hotel

Overnight :  Jaipur
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 5  Jaipur - Fatehpur Sikri - Agra (Taj Mahal)
After breakfast we leave Jaipur on the way to Agra (235 KMS / 6 hours), visiting Fatehpur Sikri on the way, with a stop for lunch in Bharatpur.
Fatehpur Sikri - the deserted red sandstone city that was built by the Great Mughal Emperor Akbar as his capital and palace in the late 16th century. 
It was the capital of the Mughal Empire for about 10 years and was abandoned shortly after it was built when the local water wells dried up. It remains practically in the same condition as it was 300 years ago. It is filled with palaces and mosques and used to be a larger city than London when it was originally built. Upon arrival we will visit Panch Mahal, Diwan-i-Khas, Diwan-i-Aam and Jodha Bai Palace.
We will continue the trip to Agra
Agra is closely associated with the Mughal period. The Mughals besides being great rulers were also great builders and preserved their best architectural wonders. They have many wonderful monuments and the Taj Mahal, the largest of them all, is a masterpiece of Mughal architecture. The massive but elegant Agra Fort, the delicate art of the tomb of Itimad-ud-daulah, the magnificent Taj and the deserted capital of Akbar, Fatehpur Sikri, are unique and remarkable.
dinner at the hotel

Overnight :  Agra
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 6  Visit Taj Mahal and Agra Fort - New Delhi
The group will visit the Taj Mahal (closed on Fridays). Taking 22 years and 20,000 men to build, the white marble was mined 320 kilometers away and transported to the site by a fleet of 1000 elephants.
Built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as an expression of his love for his wife Mumtaz Mahal in the mid-17th century, the Taj Mahal is truly one of the wonders of the world, although the Taj looks surprisingly perfect from just about any angle, it is the work of close-up marble inlay which is really amazing. The group will have enough time to see, be enchanted and enjoy the surrounding park as well as photograph this excellent piece of architecture.
Lunch at the hotel/local restaurant
In the afternoon, we will move on to visit Agra Fort - the seat and stronghold of the Mughal Empire under successive generations. This was the seat of Mughal government and administration and the current structure owes its origins to Akbar, who erected the walls and gates and the first buildings on the eastern banks of the Yamuna River. Shah Jahan added the impressive neighborhoods and mosque, while Aurangzeb added the outer walls.
Lunch at a local restaurant
You will later be transferred to Agra Cant railway station to board your train to Delhi (Hazrat Nizamuddin)
Upon arrival at Hazrat Nizamuddin (Delhi) train station, you will be transferred to your hotel
dinner at the hotel

Overnight :  New Delhi
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 7  New Delhi - Goa
After breakfast at the hotel, the group will be transferred to the airport and head south to Goa.
Goa, endowed with numerous attractions: picturesque landscape, sunny beaches, historical monuments, mild climate, gastronomic experience and above all hospitable people. Goa, an intoxicating mix of serenity and excitement along a 100 km coastline, dotted with some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
Once the capital of former Portuguese colonial rule, Velha Goa is now a serene spot dotted with majestic churches and imposing cathedrals. All dating back to a glorious time when it was the hub of activity for both Adil Shah of Bijapur and Portuguese rulers who had ambitions to make Lisbon their second in terms of grandeur and magnificence. Old Goa is famous for its churches and cathedrals. Some of the old buildings are converted into museums maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India. Old Goa is still the spiritual center of Christianity in Goa. It received UNESCO World Heritage status for its extraordinarily grandiose churches and convents.
Night at a hotel in Panjim, capital of Goa, where the Portuguese aromas and presence linger in its streets. Visits to some Portuguese spots without a doubt.
Dinner at a suggested restaurant (not included)

Overnight :  Panjim - Goa
​ Meals included: Breakfast

Day 8  Visit Fontainhas and Tropical Spice Plantation - Mandrem
After breakfast at the hotel, we will start the visit through Old Goa where we will visit the famous Basilica Church of Bom Jesus – one of the oldest churches in Goa, as well as in India, with a marble floor inlaid with precious stones.
Aside from the elaborate gilded altars, the interior of the church is simple. The church also houses paintings with scenes from the life of Saint Francis Xavier. 'Good Jesus' (literally, 'Good (or Holy) Jesus') is the name used for the baby Jesus. The Jesuit church is India's first Minor Basilica and is considered one of the finest examples of Baroque architecture in India.
It is the place of pilgrimage for Christians and Hindus who come to pay tribute to the remains of Saint Francis Xavier enshrined in a silver urn since 1553.
Then we will visit the imposing Cathedral of the Sé de Santa Catarina - the largest church in Asia, which has 14 altars, an 80-meter long corridor and 5 bells, including the Golden Bell, considered one of the best in the world for its tone and rich sound.
Later, we will visit the Church of St. Cajetan, which is a replica of St. Peter's Square in Rome. 
Around lunchtime, we'll head to the Tropical Spice Plantation, where a fantastic and tasty lunch with Goan delicacies awaits us.
Hidden away from the sights of Goa are huge spice plantations that produce many of Goa's fantastic aromatic spices. A plantation guide will guide us through the plantation that will last about an hour, in which he will explain details and curiosities about all the spices and plants, mentioning some of their medicinal properties. Black pepper, cardamom, nutmeg, vanilla, cinnamon, cloves, pepper, coriander are just some of the spice plants that we will find in the plantation. Varieties of cashew trees, betel palms and some tropical fruits such as carambola, apple, papaya, banana, pineapple and citrus fruits can also be found on site.
At the end of the afternoon, before heading to Mandrem, “our house” for the rest of the programme, we will still have time for a walking tour of Fontainhas – a heritage area where you can still see the influence of Portuguese architecture.
Arrival in Mandrem for hotel check-in and free time.

Overnight :  Mandrem ​
Meals included: Breakfast

Day 9  Ayurveda Consultation - Preparation for Panchakarma














The next few days begin with Ayurvedic Medicine consultations at the specialty clinic – Ayurclinic Goa, under the guidance of Dr. Rohit Borcar and his therapists.
A partner that started more than 10 years ago, it constantly receives groups for detox (panchakarma) and rejuvenation (rasayana) treatments from several European countries as well as Portugal, with Villa Prana being its exclusive partner.

About Ayurvedic Medicine 
Ayurveda means, in Sanskrit, science (veda) of life (ayur). 
Ayurveda is an ancient Indian therapy that uses massage, nutrition, aromatherapy, herbal medicine, among other techniques, as a method of diagnosis, prevention and also healing, based on studies of the body, soul and mind.
In this therapy, it is believed that the human body is made up of 3 principles, or Doshas, which are Vata, Pitta and Kapha, which are combinations of the elements Air, Ether, Fire, Water and Earth. As a way of balancing them, massages, food and phytotherapy are used, specific to each Dosha.
All treatments are carried out with high therapeutic quality vegetable and essential oils.
Start of clinic appointments, with a view to starting Panchakarma treatment the next day. Remaining day free for personal activities.
Group leaders will be available throughout the day to help with queries, translate queries, and resolve various issues.
Options will be suggested during the Panchakarma treatment to fill the day with different activities. The respective treatment lasts for 7 days.

All the participants in the trip will carry a set of information that they can carry out, which will be useful from that moment on. We found in several participants of other editions that health problems that always persisted even after attempts of various treatments, with the experience of Panchakarma they managed to find useful “tools” to mitigate or even extinguish these imbalances. 
Ayurvedic Medicine can be useful for various diseases, however it should be kept in mind that we are all different and what may be useful for some may not work for others. However, there must be a commitment on the part of the therapist/patient.

Overnight :  Mandrem ​
Meals included: Breakfast

Day 10 to 16  Panchakarma, Yoga and Beach
Treatment days that can be complemented with free activities, or suggestions given by the organizers, such as visiting other locations, markets or monuments. As a rule, the period of 7 days reserved for the Panchakarma treatment, unnecessary travel or organization of a group tour are not suggested, so that participants can enjoy a calm treatment, at their own pace and that they obtain the maximum benefits from the same.
Overnight :  Mandrem ​
Meals Included: Ayurveda breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 17 and 18  On your own
Free day for personal activities, beach, shopping and much more...
Overnight :  Mandrem ​
Meals included: Breakfast

Day 19  Farewell Dinner
On this free day, we will end the trip with a farewell dinner, to which we invite all the therapists who were with us during this experience.
Overnight :  Mandrem ​
Meals included: Breakfast - Dinner not included

Day 20  Departure Day
Free day for personal activities.
During the afternoon/evening, the group will be transferred to Goa Airport for a domestic flight to Bombay for connection to an international flight (terminal change). The same will take place in the early hours of December 21st.

Sleep :  -------------- ​
Meals included: Breakfast

Day 21  Arrival in Lisbon
Arrival in Lisbon in the morning.


Included:
•    18 nights in a shared double room in hotels with a rating of not less than 3 stars;
•    Meal Plan: Full board when mentioned in the program;
NOTE:  We will provide corresponding indicative flight and assistance in completing visa application, mandatory health form and purchase of international flights;
•    Domestic Flights: New Delhi – Bombay – Goa – Bombay; 
•    Transport by Train Agra – New Delhi;
•     7-day Panchakarma Ayurveda Treatment, with ayurvedic supplementation, ayurvedic diet, yoga classes, 3 consultations with an Ayurvedic Doctor and 7 days of treatments included;
•    All transport, excursions and sightseeing will be by air-conditioned bus;
•     Entrance fees to all monuments (one time only), road fees, parking fee, fuel fees, interstate fees, etc.
•    Indian guide services that will accompany the group from Delhi to Delhi (stay in non-customer hotels) + Portuguese speaking local guide services in Goa during sightseeing/excursions.
•    A rickshaw ride in the Old Delhi area; 
•    Train ticket from Agra to Delhi in tourist class with air conditioning;
•     Jeep ride up to Amber Fort in Jaipur.
•    Partner services for assistance with all arrival and departure transfers at the airport.
•    All taxes currently applicable

​
Not included:
•    International Flights Lisbon, Ex. New Delhi and Bombay – Lisbon; 
•    Entry visa to India for 30 days, single entry;
•   Travel Insurance, with COVID 19 coverage;
•   Personal expenses such as tips, laundry, telephone/fax calls, alcoholic/non-alcoholic beverages, including packaged drinking water during meals, camera fee video or camera, or smartphone use at monuments, medical expenses, airport departure tax, etc.
•     Insurance coverage
•     Any other services not mentioned in the inclusions.
•    Our quotation is not valid for period other than the one mentioned above.

The program may be modified if changes occur that cannot be circumvented by the organization.