Join Fred Theurkauf on February 7, 2002 as we journey in style on a first-class sightseeing and bridge-playing tour to Northern India and Nepal with a stay in Singapore. You’ll be entranced by the elaborate beauty, culture, religion and wild landscape of these diverse countries, evident in everything from the colorful brocades and saris displayed in the open-air markets to the ornate marble carvings of the Taj Mahal. We’ll enjoy thirteen comfortable nights in Northern India, visiting the people, palaces, forts, and temples of Delhi, Udaipur, Jaipur, Agra and Varanasi. We’ll then fly to Kathmandu, Nepal, the once-forbidden city surrounded by the Himalayas. Here we’ll see temples, shrines, statues of Buddha, and centuries-old masterpieces of metalworking. Our final destination, Royal Bardia National Park in Nepal, will be a wildlife safari member’s dream come true as we explore the former royal hunting grounds of the maharajas in search of the Royal Bengal Tiger. Hosted by aristocrats and diplomats, we’ll enjoy elegant bridge hospitality at private clubs in New Delhi, Jaipur, Varanasi, Kathmandu (Nepal) and Singapore.
Dates: February 8 to March 2, 2002 - 23 days
Cost: $6,509.00 (includes air on Singapore Airlines from LAX)
| Tour Schedule |
| Day 1 |
Depart USA |
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We depart from Los Angeles on Singapore Airlines. Somewhere in the wee hours of the morning we cross the international date line, losing one day.
Meal(s): , Dinner
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| Day 2 |
Singapore |
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Our flight arrives in Singapore and we check in at our hotel and relax before this evening’s Welcome Cocktails and Dinner with Fred Theurkauf.
Hotel: Mandarin Hotel
Meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner
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| Day 3 |
Singapore |
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Enjoy a city tour of Singapore, including Chinatown, Thian Hock Keng Temple, the colonial district and bustling Bugis Street Hawker.
Hotel: Mandarin Hotel
Meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner
 This evening we’ll enjoy the hospitality of Singapore players for a sumptuous dinner and bridge.
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| Day 4 |
Singapore-Delhi |
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This morning we enjoy Sentosa Island and a stop at Raffles Hotel before our flight to Delhi.
Hotel: Taj Mahal Hotel
Meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner
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| Day 5 |
Delhi |
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Welcome to New Delhi, where our city tour will include Humayun’s Tomb, the colonial district, the Qutub Minar (a 234-foot high fluted minaret), and the upscale business district of Connaught Place.
Hotel: Taj Mahal Hotel
Meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner
The players of the prestigious Gymkhana Club await us for cocktails and dinner in their rose gardens followed by a session of duplicate.
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| Day 6 |
Delhi |
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Old Delhi's Red Fort |
This afternoon we’ll see Old Delhi’s historical Red Fort, built almost entirely from red sandstone, Jamma Masjid mosque and Chandni Chowk Bazaar. Raj Ghat, the memorial to Ghandi rounds out our sightseeing today. Evening at leisure.
Hotel: Taj Mahal Hotel
Meal(s): Breakfast
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| Day 7 |
Delhi-Udaipur |
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This morning we fly to the “gem of the Desert,” romantic Udaipur. After an afternoon at leisure, we’ll cruise Lake Pichola and tour Jag Mandir Palace and enjoy the beautiful view of Udaipur as the sun sets over the lake.
Hotel: Lake Palace Hotel
Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch
Tonight Maharaja Fred will be our leader in a game of duplicate just with our own group at the hotel.
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| Day 8 |
Udaipur |
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Ranakpur Temple |
Today we journey to nearby Ranakpur to visit the celebrated Jain temples, an intricately carved complex of temples boasting a main hall of 1,444 stone support columns with no two being carved alike. We’ll lunch at the Maharani Bagh Orchard, one time retreat of the Maharajas. Evening at leisure.
Hotel: Lake Palace Hotel
Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch
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| Day 9 |
Udaipur-Jaipur |
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This morning we tour Udaipur’s City Palace and the beautiful peacock gardens of the Sahelion-ki-Bari, “Garden of Friends.” We’ll browse the local bazaar before we fly on to charming Jaipur.
Hotel: Rambagh Palace Hotel
Meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner
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| Day 10 |
Jaipur |
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We’re off this morning with an elephant ride up the hills of Jaipur to impressive Amber Fort to see its frescoed walls, gilt mirrored halls, and lavish gardens, all waiting for us to enjoy. We’ll also visit the Jantar Mantar, an 18th century Observatory (still accurate today), and the City Palace.
Hotel: Rambagh Palace Hotel
Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tonight we’ll be the honored guests of members of the private “Jai” Club for an elegant dinner followed by a most social session of duplicate.
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| Day 11 |
Jaipur |
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Morning at leisure. This evening we’re met by camel carts that transport us to Samode Palace, where torchbearers and musicians attend us during an evening of Rajasthani feasting, performances, and fireworks.
Hotel: Rambagh Palace Hotel
Meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner
This afternoon, join Fred Theurkauf and our own group for a duplicate session at our hotel.
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| Day 12 |
Jaipur-Agra |
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Today, we motorcoach from Jaipur to Agra. En route, we’ll visit the Bharatpur Waterbird Sanctuary, famous for migratory Siberian Cranes. We’ll also tour Fatehpur Sikri, a deserted capital city built by the 16th century Mughal Emperor Akbar. Local wells dried soon after construction, and the abandoned city has remained untouched for over 400 years.
Hotel: Mughal Sheraton Hotel
Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch
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| Day 13 |
Agra |
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The Taj Mahal |
Tours of Agra Fort and the world famous Taj Mahal are our highlights today. We’ll visit a marble carving factory to glimpse the process behind the intricately carved Mughal architectural style. Tonight we enjoy a lavish Mughali dinner with traditional dancing.
Hotel: Mughal Sheraton Hotel
Meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner
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| Day 14 |
Agra-Varanasi |
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Greet the sun this morning as it edges over the horizon to illuminate the stunning Taj Mahal - truly a wonder of the world. This afternoon, we fly to the Hindu holy city of Varanasi.
Hotel: Taj Ganges Hotel
Meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner
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| Day 15 |
Varanasi |
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Cruise the Sacred River Ganges as we watch thousands of devout Hindus descend the marble Ghats lining the riverbanks to engage in ritual purification. After breakfast, we’ll tour local temples, the Cremation Ghats and Aurangazeb’s Mosque. Tonight we’ll view a demonstration of palm readers, snake tamers, yogis and magicians. Evening at leisure.
Hotel: Taj Ganges Hotel
Meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner
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| Day 16 |
Varanasi |
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This morning’s excursion takes us to the nearby city of Sarnath where Buddha preached his first sermon after his enlightenment. The Dhamok Stupa marks the legendary site of Buddha’s first sermon and nearby monastery ruins commemorate this site. Afternoon at leisure.
Hotel: Taj Ganges Hotel
Meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner
Tonight we’ll be guests of the Varanasi players at the Benaras Club for cocktails, dinner and duplicate.
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| Day 17 |
Varanasi-Kathmandu |
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Today we fly to Kathmandu. You’ll marvel at the incredible metalwork in the religious ornamentation of this valley. We’ll enjoy a beautiful Himalayan sunset in Nagarkot before returning to our hotel for a traditional Nepalese dinner followed by native dances.
Hotel: Yak & Yeti Hotel
Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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| Day 18 |
Kathmandu |
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Patan's Durbar Square |
This morning, we experience a Himalayan Mountain Flight that includes a dramatic view of Mt. Everest. Next we’re off to visit the conglomerate of temples in Patan's Durbar Square and the Tibetan Refugee Handicraft center. Dhulikhel's views of the Himalayas makes for a wonderful stop before our visit to Pashputinath temple, one of the most revered Buddhist temples in the kingdom.
Hotel: Yak & Yeti Hotel
Meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner
Tonight we’ll enjoy a special evening of dinner and duplicate with Nepalese and local expatriate bridge players.
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| Day 19 |
Kathmandu-Bardia |
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Today we’re off on safari as we fly to Royal Bardia National Park. We’ll experience our first game drive this afternoon on elephant-back. The hunt is on! Don’t miss this evening’s discussion and slide show on the boundless wildlife in the park.
Hotel: Tiger Tops Karnali Lodge
Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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| Day 20 |
Bardia National Park |
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You’ll participate in another game drive this morning by land rover, elephant-back or canoe. Later, we’ll journey to Tharu Village, a farming community for a walking tour.
Hotel: Tiger Tops Lodge & Camp
Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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| Day 21 |
Bardia-Kathmandu |
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After our return from Bardia National Park to Kathmandu, your afternoon is at leisure. Tonight, join Fred Theurkauf for Farewell cocktails and dinner.
Hotel: Yak & Yeti Hotel
Meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner
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| Day 22 |
Kathmandu-Singapore |
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This morning we transfer to the Kathmandu airport for our flight to Singapore.
Hotel: Oriental Hotel
Meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner
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| Day 23 |
Singapore-USA |
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You’ll have the morning at leisure prior to our outbound Singapore Airlines flight this afternoon.
Meal(s): , Dinner
Enjoy a final duplicate game hosted by Fred Theurkauf with our own group before flying home.
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| Your 23-Day Package Includes |
Round-trip air transportation via Singapore Airlines (LAX).
First class carefully selected 4-star and 5-star accommodations throughout.
All domestic air within India & Nepal (including Himalayan flight-seeing).
Professional Indian tour escort & English-speaking guides throughout.
21 full Breakfasts (B), 6 Lunches (L), and 20 Dinners (D).
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2-day all-inclusive safari in Royal Bardia National Park.
Airport transfers, porterage and hotel service charges.
Gratuities for drivers, tour escorts, guides and servers at included meals.
5 dinner and bridge evenings with locals in Delhi, Jaipur, Varanasi, Singapore, and Kathmandu (Nepal), plus 3 sessions with our own group.
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Click here for a full-color brochure.
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