Rivatas (Oct 22 departure only)

Cantonment, Varanasi, India

The 130-rooms hotel offers a restaurant, coffee shop, and bar; complimentary WiFi internet access; laundry and dry cleaning services; outdoor pool; and spa services.  Each of the guest rooms have air-conditioning, a private bath with hair dryer, tea- and coffee-making facilities, minibar, in-room safe, TV, and phone.

Number of nights: 2

ITC Rajputana (Nov 26 departure only)

Rajasthan, India

Designed to echo the traditional havelis of the region, ITC Rajputana has a red brick exterior rising to different levels around a central area. Long corridors, secluded courtyards, and simplified lattice work recall Rajasthani architecture in a modern uncluttered and contemporary idiom and bring alive the spirit of Rajasthan. Amenities include several restaurants and bars; beauty salon; outdoor swimming pool; fitness center; spa with massage treatments. Each guest room has a private bath with hair dryer, tea- and coffee-making facilities, in-room safe, minibar, TV, and phone. 

Number of nights: 3

Taj Palace

Delhi, India

Surrounded by six acres of lush greenery in Delhi's Diplomatic Enclave, the Taj Palace Hotel features a contemporary décor accented by marble and brass. The 422-room hotel offers four restaurants, two bars, and a lounge; Fitness Center with Jacuzzi, steam room, sauna, and spa treatments; outdoor pool; beauty salon; and laundry service. Air-conditioned guest rooms have private bath with hair dryer, in-room safe, mini-bar, Internet access, TV, and phone.

Number of nights: 3

Jai Mahal Palace

Jaipur, India

A masterpiece of Indo-Saracenic architecture, the Jai Mahal Palace is certified environmentally-friendly and the former home of maharajahs and three prime ministers of Jaipur. This 270-year-old hotel sits amidst 18 acres of beautifully landscaped Mughal gardens. Amenities include three restaurants, one bar, a bakery, and two lounges; a barber shop and beauty salon; an outdoor pool; fitness center; spa with massage treatments; billiards and game room;  complimentary WiFi internet access; and laundry service. Decorated with period furniture and Rajasthani paintings, air-conditioned guest rooms have private bath with hair dryer, tea- and coffee-making facilities, in-room safe, minibar, TV, and phone. 

Number of nights: 3

Taj Sawai Madhopur Lodge

Ranthambore, India

Built in the 1930s by Indian royalty, the Taj Sawai Madhopur Lodge is located just a short distance from Ranthambore National Park. The rustic-style lodge offers a restaurant and bar, croquet, badminton, and outdoor pool. Each of the 30 air-conditioned guest rooms has private bath with hair dryer, mini-bar, in-room safe, Internet access, TV, and phone.

Number of nights: 2

Dera Village Retreat

Kalakho, India

Off the beaten track of rural Rajasthan sits Dera Lake Retreat, a rustic yet comfortable haven of guest cabins set amidst a series of traditional villages. Sitting on the banks of a monsoon lake, the camp offers a unique opportunity to witness how much of India lives, away from the cities. During our stay we visit a local school, take a camel safari, and meet local Meena tribespeople in their homes. Along with a restaurant, gardens and bonfires add to the retreat's ambience. Air-conditioned guest cabins have private bath with hot and cold running water. This remote location has no telephone service.

Number of nights: 1

Taj Gateway Agra

Agra, India

Nestled amid six acres of landscaped gardens close to the Taj Mahal, the 100-room Taj Gateway Hotel Agra offers two restaurants and a lounge; shopping arcade; recreational facilities including badminton, gym with jogging track, tennis courts, and outdoor pool; spa with steam room and massage; and an in-house astrologer. Air-conditioned guest rooms have private bath with hair dryer, coffee- and tea-making facilities, in-room safe, Internet access, TV, and phone.

Number of nights: 2

Taj Gateway Ganges

Varanasi, India

Set amidst 40 acres of landscaped lawns, Taj Gateway Hotel Ganges offers a host of amenities including a restaurant, coffee shop, and bar; laundry and dry cleaning services; astrologer; outdoor pool, croquet, badminton, and yoga; and spa services. Air-conditioned guest rooms have private bath with hair dryer, coffee- and tea-making facilities, mini-bar, in-room safe, Internet access, TV, and phone.

Number of nights: 3

Crowne Plaza Gurgaon

Delhi, India

The 234-room Crowne Plaza Hotel Gurgaon is conveniently located near the airport and the local business district. Hotel amenities include two restaurants and a bar, Fitness Center with spa, and both indoor and outdoor swimming pools. Air-conditioned guest rooms have private bath with hair dryer, in-room safe, mini-bar, Internet access, TV, and phone.

Number of nights: 1