Turkey and India 9 Nights

About the destination: Istanbul's historical significance and its incredible cultural and architectural legacy can be attributed to its ideal strategic location, spanning the Bosphorus straits that divide Europe and Asia Minor. Throughout most of its 2,500-year history, the city (initially known as Byzantium, then Constantinople, and since 1930, Istanbul) has been a cultural melting pot. Today, its population of over 13 million is predominantly Turkish, with many of its residents being recent migrants from rural Turkey, drawn by the prospect of employment and career opportunities in this dynamic, rapidly expanding city. Although Istanbul is no longer the capital of the country, it remains Turkey's economic and cultural hub - a status emphasized by its designation as a European City of Culture in 2010 and the UNESCO World Heritage recognition of many of its key landmarks. These range from breathtaking Ottoman mosques and Byzantine churches and catacombs, to the pillars of Hellenistic temples and the remnants of enormous medieval city walls. However, Istanbul offers more than just Byzantine and Ottoman heritage. A rapidly growing economy has led to a thriving arts and music scene, with an abundance of new bars, clubs, private art galleries, restaurants, and designer fashion stores.

About the destination: Situated on the shores of the Yamuna River in the northern region of the country, Delhi serves as the capital of India and the seat of the Government. Delhi is a massive, bustling city, filled with contrasts. Although Delhi embodies modern India in many respects, its extensive history has left it with numerous ancient and medieval monuments, archaeological sites, and significant remains, making it one of the oldest existing cities in the world. Delhi is split between the cramped, congested lanes of Old Delhi, including its main thoroughfare Chandni Chowk, where little has changed in recent years, and the broad, tidy, tree-lined avenues of New Delhi. The government and its offices are located in New Delhi, the official capital, while the majority of its historic neighborhoods and monuments are found in Old Delhi. Delhi boasts an impressive array of magnificent monuments from various architectural periods, making it a delight to explore this captivating city. However, the key tourist attractions not to be missed include the Red Fort, Humayun's Tomb, the Qutub complex, the National Museum, India's largest mosque Jama Masjid, the India Gate, Gandhi Smriti, Lodi Gardens, and the Lotus Temple. Enigmatic and enchanting, Delhi is currently a thriving cosmopolitan city with fashionable lounge bars, themed restaurants, attractive shops, and all the amenities expected of a modern capital city. Delhi is a city of the present and future, but it is deeply rooted in history and has much to offer.

About the destination: Jaipur, also referred to as 'the Pink City,' is the capital of Rajasthan in India. The nickname 'Pink City' comes from the unique color of its buildings, which were initially painted this hue to mimic the red sandstone architecture of Mughal cities. The current earthy red color is a result of a repainting project carried out for a visit by the Prince of Wales in 1876. Jaipur is the largest city in Rajasthan and was established in the eighteenth century by Sawai Jai Singh as India's first planned city. It is a significant tourist destination for both Indian and international visitors. It is part of the tourist Golden Triangle, which includes Delhi, Jaipur, and Agra. The city boasts several attractions such as the City Palace, Govind Dev ji Temple, Vidhan Sabha, Birla Temple, and numerous grand Rajput forts, among others. It also serves as a gateway for travelers heading to the desert cities of Jodhpur and Jaisalmer.

About the destination: Situated on the shores of the Yamuna River in the northern region of the country, Delhi serves as the capital of India and the seat of the Government. Delhi is a massive, bustling city, filled with contrasts. Although Delhi embodies modern India in many respects, its extensive history has left it with numerous ancient and medieval monuments, archaeological sites, and significant remains, making it one of the oldest existing cities in the world. Delhi is split between the cramped, congested lanes of Old Delhi, including its main thoroughfare Chandni Chowk, where little has changed in recent years, and the broad, tidy, tree-lined avenues of New Delhi. The government and its offices are located in New Delhi, the official capital, while the majority of its historic neighborhoods and monuments are found in Old Delhi. Delhi boasts an impressive array of magnificent monuments from various architectural periods, making it a delight to explore this captivating city. However, the key tourist attractions not to be missed include the Red Fort, Humayun's Tomb, the Qutub complex, the National Museum, India's largest mosque Jama Masjid, the India Gate, Gandhi Smriti, Lodi Gardens, and the Lotus Temple. Enigmatic and enchanting, Delhi is currently a thriving cosmopolitan city with fashionable lounge bars, themed restaurants, attractive shops, and all the amenities expected of a modern capital city. Delhi is a city of the present and future, but it is deeply rooted in history and has much to offer.