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The HAA Alumni Education Office will offer several optional guided tour programs before and after the Global Series event in New Delhi, to give conference participants an opportunity to extend their learning experience. See below for tour overviews and related hotel information.
To register, please call 617-495-5416 or sign up online on the Guided Tours registration page.
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Jump to a tour description below
Tour I: New Delhi By Day
Tour II: Taj Mahal Overnight
Tour III: Taj Mahal and More
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 Go sightseeing in India's capital city, which has an historic heritage dating back to 1,000 BC. Over the centuries it was fought for, defended, vanquished and pillaged, and as the seat of power it has seen the passing of many kings and dynasties and absorbed many different cultures. There are said to be no less than seven cities of Delhi, but if all minor forts and townships are taken into account, the number increases to fifteen. Apart from visiting the thirteenth-century Qutb Minar and viewing the majestic imperial buildings of Edwin Lutyens Delhi dating to the 1920's, we will visit, accompanied by a scholar, the sixteenth-century garden mausoleum of the Mughal emperor, Humayun. This is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and is considered to be one of the main inspirations for the Taj Mahal in Agra. From there we will proceed to visit the National Museum. It has an excellent collection of Indian sculptural art representing all major regions, schools, and historical periods; these include stone carvings, bronzes, stucco and terra-cotta figures, and figures in gold, silver, bone and ivory dating from 3rd century B.C. to the 19th century A.D. Also visit the Crafts Museum, designed by one of India's leading architects, Charles Correa. It houses a large and permanent collection of 20,000 items of folk and tribal arts, crafts, and textiles. One part of the Museum has an ongoing demonstration by craftspeople who are invited here to display their special skill and handwork. The tour is tentatively scheduled from 11AM to 4PM.
Cost: US$40.00 Per person
For a minimum of 20 persons in an air conditioned Volvo Coach accompanied by a historian for the Site visit of Humayuns tomb and the National Museum and a guide.
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Drive to Agra with a stop at Sikandra, where  the 16th century Emperor Akbar built his mausoleum, blending Hindu and Muslim motifs to reflect the two dominant cultures of his empire.
Although Agra is an ancient city in India’s heartland, it came into prominence in medieval times when the lavish patronage of the Mughal rulers created forts, tombs and palaces in red sandstone and marble inlaid with semi-precious stones. In the afternoon, visit the massive Agra Fort where the aging Emperor Shah Jahan, imprisoned by his son, watched from a distance the fulfillment of his life’s dream—the building of the Taj Mahal in memory of his beloved wife. The highpoint of your day will be a visit to the Taj Mahal, perfect in its symmetry. On the inner walls, jewel-like stones create beautiful designs in white marble.
 In the morning, visit the Fatehpur Sikri, a spacious red sandstone city built in the sixteenth-century by the Mughal Emperor Akbar, one of India’s greatest rulers. Remarkably broad-minded for his time, this Muslim king married many a Rajput princess in order to win over his Hindu subjects. The architecture of Fatehpur Sikri is a combination of Hindu and Muslim styles, expressing Akbar’s vision of synthesizing the cultures.
In the afternoon, drive back to New Delhi and, on arrival, check into the Maurya Sheraton Hotel. Those who participate in Tour III will drive to Jaipur for an overnight stay.
Transfer to the airport in time for your flight home.
Accommodations in Agra
 Mughal Sheraton
Gloriously stretching over 35 acres of vibrant courtyards and situated in the heart of Agra city, the award-winning Mughal Sheraton offers 285 luxuriously furnished rooms and suites. The Mughal Sheraton is a tribute to the great Mughal builders of the past. Recipients of the prestigious Aga Khan Award for Architectural excellence, the Mughal Sheraton offers delights around every corner. Rooms overlook verdant landscaped lawns, sparkling waters or glimpses of Taj Mahal. All guest rooms are decorated with a touch of old-world splendor, and many offer a view of the Taj Mahal, located just over a mile away.
 Amarvilas
The Oberoi Group's luxury resort, Amarvilas, is located just a half-mile from the Taj Mahal. Discerning travelers can now appreciate the fabulous monument while enjoying world-class luxury. The hotel has been designed to give guests breathtaking views of the Taj Mahal from all guestrooms and suites. The lobby, bar and tea lounge also offer spectacular views of the world-famous monument. Elaborate gardens, terraced lawns and fountains, reflecting pools and pavilions complement the classical architecture of the hotel. This elegant five-story hotel, with classical Moorish architecture, is set in nine acres of beautifully landscaped gardens, pavilions and fountains. The hotel offers luxuriously appointed rooms and suites with a wide range of in-room amenities; a grand entrance to the hotel lobby, through sixty-four water fountains; two restaurants serving international and Indian cuisines respectively, bar and lobby lounge offering a relaxed and comfortable ambience. Suites with independent living rooms and bedrooms are located on the uppermost floor with the best view of monument. The hotel features a contemporary health club and spa.
Cost:
Using Maurya Sheraton Delhi & Mughal Sheraton Agra:
double occupancy:
US $580 per person
single occupancy:
US $830 per person
Using Maurya Sheraton Delhi & Amarvilas Agra:
double occupancy:
US $780 per person
single occupancy:
US $1,190 per person
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 In the morning, explore the city of Jaipur, founded in the 18th century with many of its buildings made of pink sandstone—"The Pink City." See the amazing Hawa Mahal, "Palace of Winds," with its façade of many hundreds of balconies. Visit the Jantar Mantar, an open-air royal observatory with gigantic astronomical instruments well ahead of its time. Proceed to the City Palace Museum which houses a magnificent collection of artifacts, tapestries, royal costumes studded with previous gems, miniature paintings and arms of the maharajas of Jaipur. At the handicrafts museum, view craft making techniques with wood, metal, gems and jewels, and observe the art of miniature painting. Afternoon is at leisure.
 In the morning, drive back to New Delhi, visiting
en route Amber Fort, the former seat of the Rajput rulers of Jaipur. Ascend the hill in royal style—seated on decorated elephants, and then explore the temple and a maze of pavilions, courtyards, corridors, hallways and beautiful palaces inside the walls of the fort. The main entrance to the palace inside the fort of Amber Fort is spectacular, and is one of
the finest examples of Rajput architecture. Continue on to New Delhi and, on arrival, check into the Maurya Sheraton Hotel.
Transfer to the airport in time for your flight home.
Accommodations in Jaipur
 Welcom group Rajpunta
Palace Sheraton
The Welcomgroup Rajputana Palace Sheraton provides the finest accommodations in the city of Jaipur, with a host of comforts and services in truly regal ambiance. Designed along the lines of traditional havelis with its own definition of space and splendor, it offers the highest standards in comfort and leisure. The hotel is conveniently located just 10 miles from the airport. The Sheraton's 216 rooms, exterior design and gardens, all reflect the spirit of Rajasthan and its royalty. In addition, the Sheraton is well equipped to offer guests the best in modern facilities and services. For the business traveler, the Executive Club provides specially designed accommodations and facilities.
 Rajvilas
Rajvilas, an Oberoi Resort, revives the gracious lifestyles of India's legendary Rajput Princes. Located in over thirty acres of beautiful gardens, pools and fountains in peaceful Rajasthani countryside, the hotel is an oasis of elegance and luxury, offering high standards of facilities and services. Set in thirty-two acres of beautiful gardens, pools and fountains, Rajvilas has deluxe rooms in clusters of four and six around tranquil courtyards; air-conditioned Rajasthani luxury tents with lavish bathrooms and teak floors, and romantic Villas with private swimming pools. The main restaurant has a selection of continental dishes and Indian specialties. Al fresco dining in the adjacent open courtyard is a special feature with traditional Indian music and dance performances in the evening. There is also a lounge and a cozily appointed library bar. Located in the lush gardens of the hotel, The Spa is a tranquil haven for the senses, with Ayurvedic and Western relaxation and beauty treatments. State-of-the-art facilities for small meetings and conferences, complemented by space in the lush green lawns outside. Two floodlit tennis courts, and fully equipped health club and spa.
Cost:
Using Maurya Sheraton Delhi, Mughal Sheraton Agra and Rajputana Sheraton Jaipur:
double occupancy:
US $1,110 per person
single occupancy:
US $1,595 per person
Using Maurya Sheraton Delhi, Amarvilas Agra and Rajvilas Jaipur:
double occupancy:
US $1,690 per person
single occupancy:
US $2,655 per person
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Notes on tour costs
Tour costs include:
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| All transfers inclusive of porterage and handling of luggage at the airports and hotels. |
| Sightseeing tours as specified in the itineraries with local English speaking guides inclusive of entrance fees. |
| Air conditioned buses will be used everywhere. Mineral water included during bus rides and sightseeing tours. |
| Accommodation at the hotels mentioned in the itineraries based on double occupancy inclusive of all taxes. |
| Breakfast daily. Luncheons and dinners are NOT included. |
| Tipping and gratuities to drivers, local guides, hotel staff, etc. |
| An IVAT Tour Manager to accompany the tours provided that there are at least 10 people in each tour. |
Tour costs DO NOT include:
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| Any airfares |
| Airport taxes, if any. |
| Lunches and dinners. |
| Tours in Delhi |
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