India for inspiration

Departure from Sofia to Istanbul at 16:20 on a Turkish Airlines flight.
Landing in Istanbul at 18:30 and continuation to Delhi at 20:45.
Air tickets are outside the package price of the trip and must be paid separately.

Landing in Delhi at 05:15. Welcome and transfer to hotel Radisson Blu Dwarka 5* near the airport. Early check-in, breakfast and time to rest and refresh.
A panoramic tour follows with a visit to the delightful Lotos Temple. The temple's architecture is inspired by the lotus flower, a universal symbol of purity, peace, love and divinity, as these are also the fundamental principles of the Baha'i Faith for the unity of humanity and religions. The 27 marble petals of the temple form a figure with nine sides, symbolizing completion and creating a peaceful space for meditation. The Lotus Temple in Delhi is open to all people regardless of their faith and embodies divine harmony and inspiration.
A walking tour around the Gateway of India Memorial Arch, and a photo break at the Presidential or Parliament Buildings. The highlight of today's tour is a visit to the world's largest Hindu temple, Akshardham, dedicated to the Patron Saint of the Swaminarayan Order. Not only the size of the temple is impressive, but also the enthusiasm of the 11,000 volunteers during the 5 years of construction. In fact, Akshardham is more than a temple - it is a Pantheon of Hinduism, arts, values and faith. At sunset, we will attend the magnificent water and light show in the temple gardens and see for ourselves that Akshardham is the modern architectural icon of Delhi !
Return to the hotel and dinner included. Overnight.

Breakfast. We continue the panoramic tour of Delhi with a visit to the landmarks of the Indian capital: a visit to the complex with the tallest stone tower-minar in India - „Qutub Minar“, which is an early example of Indo-Islamic architecture with intricate carvings and inscriptions from the Koran and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage.
Next, visit the Red Fort. We will be inspired by the massive, historic citadel of the Mughal dynasty, built by Emperor Shah Jahan in the mid-17th century. The palace is renowned for its soaring red sandstone walls, intricate architecture of Persian, Indian and European styles, and as the main imperial residence and symbol of India's rich heritage, it is deservedly under UNESCO protection and the centre of all national celebrations. The sightseeing tour concludes with a visit to the Raj Ghat Memorial Complex, the site where Mahatma Gandhi, the father of the nation, and most of India's prominent statesmen were cremated.
Dinner included at the hotel. Overnight.

Breakfast. Transfer to airport for flight to Amritsar - Punjab state. Check in at Hyatt Regency Amritsar 5*.
A panoramic tour of „The Heritage of Amritsar“ with a local guide follows. Walk around the main architectural landmarks and the old streets that have preserved the city's rich 400-year history. Centuries-old craft bazaars and an exciting immersion into the culture, history and daily life of the Sikhs await us. In the Sikh tradition, when visiting the Golden Temple, everyone must cover their head - so a visit to a specialised shop selling Punjabi shawls and head scarves is planned and men can change into a turban of exquisite colours.
Next, visit the Golden Temple complex - the most revered shrine of Sikhism, famous for its stunning gilded (on the outside) walls and domes.
The temple is surrounded by a Sacred Pool of Water (Amrit Sarovar) which houses the „Guru Grand Sahib“, the Holy Scripture (1430 pages) of Sikhism, revered by Sikhs as the „Last, Living and Eternal Guru“ of their inspiration.
The Holy Scriptures serve as the Supreme Spiritual Guide, preaching divine unity, selfless service and righteous living, and this adds to the impression of Divinity of the place.
The Golden Temple is open to all people, regardless of faith or background, but the „Guru Grand Sahib“ (Holy Scripture) also needs rest so every night a ritual of „lulling“ and carrying the „Guru“ with proper prayers is performed, accompanied by closing the Scripture, wrapping it and carrying it with reverence and great inspiration to its resting place.
Dinner is included in the program for the day, and depending on the specific service times at the Golden Temple, it may be before or after the visit to the temple complex. Return to the hotel and overnight.

Breakfast. We continue our daylight tour of the Golden Temple complex with a visit to the Temple Kitchen (Langar), the largest free public kitchen in the world, serving vegetarian meals to over 100,000 people daily. This free meal is inspired by Sikh principles of equality, selfless, volunteer service and universal hospitality. We will sample the traditional Punjabi tea that is served to every visitor to the kitchen.
Guru Nanak's quotes and sermons emphasize oneness, true life, compassion, and finding God within, emphasizing that „There is only one God,“ „Truth is the highest virtue, but even higher is true life,“ and „Conquer your mind and conquer the world.“ He emphasizes universal brotherhood and the recognition of the divine in all beings, urging people to live with kindness and integrity rather than losing themselves in ritualistic or material pursuits.
Next, visit the nearby Historical Garden Memorial, the site of the mass shooting (April 13, 1919) by British troops of an unarmed mob protesting colonial rule of India.
Late afternoon departure (35 km) for the border between India (Amritsar) and Pakistan (Lahore) to be part of a spectacular, daily „Flag Lowering Ceremony“ where soldiers from both countries perform synchronized virtuoso marches culminating in the lowering of the flags at sunset.
The ceremony is inspired by both the rivalry between India and Pakistan and the respect between the two countries with a shared, centuries-old history.
Return to the hotel and dinner included. Overnight.

Breakfast. Departure by bus (200 km / 5-6 h) to the foothills of the „Little Himalayas“ at an altitude of about 1850 meters, where the town of Dharamsala is located - also called „Little Tibet“ because here is the official residence and headquarters of the 14th Dalai Lama, who has been living in exile since 1959. Translated, the town's name means „Home of the Dharma - the True Way“, emphasising the spiritual significance of this very special place. Hotel accommodation Hyatt Regency Dharamshala Resort 5*. Dinner included. Overnight.

Breakfast. Followed by a full day sightseeing program to explore one of the most sacred places for Buddhism.
Visit the Dalai Lama's complex in Dharamsala - the beating heart of Tibetan exile and along with Namgyal Monastery, houses magnificent temples with Buddha statues, prayer wheels and prayer flags. This is why Dharamsala was given its inspired name „Little Tibet“ in the hope of preserving Tibet's religion and cultural history.
The Dalai Lama's sermons and the ideology of Buddhism emphasize compassion, kindness, inner peace and helping others, stressing that happiness comes from our actions, not our possessions, and that love and understanding are essential for the survival of humanity.
His quotes are memorable: „Our main purpose in this life is to help others“; „Be nice whenever possible ! Always possible !!“.
Lunch included during the tour.
Visit the „Norbulinka Institute“, a vibrant cultural center preserving Tibetan arts and traditions (translated as Precious Park), established to preserve Tibetan crafts (painting, carving, tanka) for future generations, making it a vital center for Tibetan heritage.
Return to the hotel. Dinner included. Overnight.

Breakfast and transfer to Dharamsala airport for flight to Jaipur via Delhi. Arrive in the late afternoon in the capital of Rajasthan.

Welcome to the „Golden Triangle“ of India !
Jaipur is the „Pink City“ of India, famous for its stunning pink buildings, planned architectural environment and rich history - which is why it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city was founded by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II and named after him („Jai City“). Transfer to InterContinental Jaipur Tonk Road 5*.
Dinner included at the hotel. Note.

Breakfast and departure for another UNESCO site - the majestic Amber Fort, not far from Jaipur. Next, visit the historic fort, known for its stunning blend of Rajput and Moghul architecture and memorable panoramic views of Maota Lake and the saffron garden, shaped like an island with perfect geometric forms. It was here that saffron was grown for the Maharaja's harem.
If possible, you will reach Amber Fort in the most exotic way - on the back of an elephant !
Lunch included during the tour in the region.
The tour program continues in the historic center of Jaipur with a visit to the Maharaja's City Palace and a photo stop at the impressive pink facade of the „Palace of the Winds“ (Hawa Mahal), from which the Indian harem princesses peered.
Departure to Agra (250 km, 5 hours). Arrival at dusk and check-in at hotel Courtyard by Marriott Agra 5*.
Dinner included at the hotel. Overnight.

Early breakfast at the hotel and we set off for an exciting visit to the Taj Mahal - the unique temple-mausoleum, a symbol of love and one of the world's most recognizable monuments of culture. It has been declared one of the New Seven Wonders of the World - a true inspiration of Mughal architecture. It was built by Emperor Shah Jahan as a tomb for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, who died while giving birth to their fourteenth child. To describe the beauty of the Taj Mahal, Rabindranath Tagore poetically calls the temple “A tear on the face of eternity” и “A dream embodied in marble”. Return to the hotel for refreshments. Check out of the hotel and visit the shopping mall for Indian saris, textiles, scarves and free time for lunch. Departure by bus to Delhi (220 km / 5 hours). Check-in at hotel Radisson Blu Dwarka 5*.
Dinner included at the hotel.

Dry breakfast pack and early transfer to Delhi airport for 06:55 flight to Istanbul. Landing in Istanbul at 11:30 and continue to Bulgaria at 14:50.
Landing at Sofia Airport at 15:10.
End of program.