I think that this is our schedule for Friday:

After breakfast, drive to Agra, the city of the Taj Mahal. The drive through the countryside is approximately four hours with refreshment and facility stops along the way.

Upon arrival in Agra, check in to the hotel. At the hotel, you may collect the keys at the hospitality desk in order to freshen up in your room before you start your exploring.

Agra, the city of Taj Mahal was one of the grand cities of South Asia. With the arrival of the Mughals in 1526 led by Babur, Agra entered a completely new era during the reign of emperors Akbar, Jehangir and Shah Jahan. Akbar made it a great center for learning, art, commerce and culture. Its cosmopolitan bazaars and its strategic location on the river Jamuna, was altogether a worthier setting for the focus of an empire.

Afternoon Options:

A) 2:30 - 4:30 p.m. Visit the Tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah in the old city of Agra. Itmad-Ud-Daulah, became the first Mughal structure totally built from marble and pioneering the extensive use of `pietra dura', the inlay work of marble, so characteristic of the Taj Mahal. This mausoleum is small and squat when compared to the soaring Taj, but the smaller, more human scale has its own attraction, and the skillfully patterned surface of the tomb is exquisite

B) 2:30 - 4:30 p.m. Visit the Agra Fort, a World Heritage Site credited to the aforementioned Emperor Akbar, India's great visionary. His sons and theirs added to this imposing structure situated by the banks of the Yamuna River. The astonishing palaces, mosques and audience halls contained within its massive walls of red sandstone became once more a monumental mission of the Mughal Empire embellished by the artistic fusion of Islamic and Hindu tradition.

C) 2:30 pm onward Hourly shopping shuttle to the Marble inlay factory and local markets
D) Hotel Activity
2:30 - 4:30 p.m. At the hotel, Agra's leading astrologer will be available for consultation (The Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays)

Enjoy a show of the classical dance form of Kathak - This Mughal Court dance arose from the fusion of Hindu and Muslim cultures during the Moghul era, characterized by rhythmic footwork, spectacular spins, mime and gestures that are a dramatic representation of themes from Persian poetry synthesized with Hindu mythology.

After the show, continue on to enjoy the dinner served at the hotel with wine, beer, soft drinks and mineral water included. Overnight in Agra.

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Eugene