Hortulus Foundation’s

Exclusive Tour to

INDIA

February 17-March 4, 2018

Delhi Udaipur Jaipur

Jodhpur Agra

(Varanasi and Kathmandu extensions)

India is a cultural tapestry that has evolved over 5,000 years into a population of more than one billion people speaking 23 official languages and living throughout one million square miles of land. The sights and sounds of Northern In-dia’s Rajasthan province include fine Mughal gardens along with the fascinating cities of Delhi, Jodhpur, Jaipur, Udaipur and Agra. For those with more time, extensions to Varanasi and Katmandu allow for a fuller experience in this fascinating part of the world. On this exotic tour, you will experience some of the world's best hotels and most majestic and historical sights. Our hotels include the Rambagh Palace, the former residence of the Maharajah of Jaipur, and Jodhpur's Umaid Bhawan Pal-ace, voted World’s Best Hotel of 2016 by Trip Advisor’s Traveler’s Choice Awards. We will be escorted throughout by one of India’s best, most knowledgeable and personable national guides, Karni Singh. I had the pleasure of traveling with Karni two years ago. He is witty, intelligent, speaks the King’s English and has extensive insight to both Indian and Ameri-can cultures. Along with touring through palaces, monuments and gardens, we’ll have a special opportunity at the Holi Festival of Col-ors in Jodhpur. During this ritual, men, women and children carry powders and liquid colors to toss and color their faces and the clothes of neighbors and relatives. The result is every person, street and home are doused in every color imagi-nable.

This unforgettable experience might indeed be the "trip of a lifetime". We hope you will join us on this colorful adventure to Rajasthan and onward into Nepal!

Sincerely, Renny

February 17 – March 4, 2018 Delhi * Agra * Jaipur * Udaipur * Jodhpur

(Optional Varanasi & Kathmandu Extensions)

Depart from your home cities for the overnight flights to Delhi. Most major carriers (or with alliance partners) serve India directly into Delhi or Mumbai. Early arrivals are welcome; see Reservation Form.

▪▪ Delhi represents three thousand years of civilizations, dynasties and rulers that blossomed and flourished within its boundaries. The legacy of that past survives in the many monuments left behind by the regents, each chronicles the glory of it’s time and the imprint of the ruler. Today, the city is a blend of modern and traditional, beautiful gardens and wide tree-lined ave-nues that perpetuate the Mughal passion of landscaping and architectural excellence. ▪ We’ll take it easy tonight and enjoy cocktails & hors d’oeuvres in the Club Lounge. https://taj.tajhotels.com/en-in/taj-palace-new-delhi/?utm_source=Google&utm_medium=Local&utm_campaign=Taj-Palace-New-Delhi ▪ Our rooms https://taj.tajhotels.com/en-in/taj-palace-new-delhi/rooms-and-suites/taj-club-rooms

B,L,D

This afternoon’s visit is Jama Masjid, India’s most important mosque that features two minarets made from sandstone and white mar-ble. We’ll visit Khari Baoli Spice Market and see the Red Fort’s massive walls and three large gateways. Our tour also includes two con-trasting rides; one on Delhi’s new Metro system, the second a rickshaw along Chandni Chowak, an ancient shopping street. ▪ Dinner tonight at Bukhara, one of the best restaurants in India, great atmosphere and Indian food.

here the Viceroy once lived and now the official residence of India’s President. The gardens were d

New Delhi’s ceremonial avenue, Rajpath, from where we’ll view the Diplomatic enclave with a stop at India Gate, a war memorial arch built in honor of 90,000 Indian soldiers who lost their lives in World War 1.

From the terraces of Humayun’s Tomb (an architectural precursor of the Taj Mahal), we’ll have wonderful views of the city along with visiting it’s gardens, which have been recently restored by the Aga Khan Foundation for Islamic Architecture. ▪ The evening is open. One of India’s very best restaurants is the Spice Route; we’ll see who want to go and make reservations (early reservations are advised). Note: Restaurants in India don’t open before 12:30pm for lunch and 7:30pm for dinner.

▪ This morning we travel by coach to Agra. Our hotel is the ITC Mughal, where the rooms were recently renovated. ▪ We’ll visit the Taj Mahal at sunset before dinner at the hotel’s signature Peshwari Restaurant. ▪▪ Agra was once the capital of the Mughal empire and always home to the Taj Mahal.

▪ Sunrise finds us again at the Taj Mahal. Carved from white marble, Shah Jehan’s monument of eternal love to his bride Mumtaz Mahal sits like a jewel on the sea. After breakfast back at the hotel, we’ll visit the massive complex of Agra Fort with its many palaces.

▪ Then departing by coach for Jaipur, we stop at Deeg to visit the palace whose exceptional 18th century garden was laid out by the Maharaja of Bharatpur. Lunch on our own at The Bagh’s Café enroute.▪ In Jaipur, our hotel is the legendary and recently renovated Rambaugh Palace. The Palace was home to Jaipur’s Royal Family in the early 20th century and features impeccably landscaped grounds. https://taj.tajhotels.com/en-in/taj-rambagh-palace-jaipur/?gclid=Cj0KEQjwhMjKBRDjxb31j-aesI4BEiQA7ivN-LBWwV3nMpKw-6nDwOI6jmueZvwsx41Nw5Ippm2NsmgaAtmR8P8HAQ ▪ Our Rooms https://taj.tajhotels.com/en-in/taj-rambagh-palace-jaipur/rooms-and-suites/palace-rooms/

▪▪

▪ This morning is devoted to the City Palace and still residence of the former ruling family and

▪ At sunset we’ll experience an elephant safari before dinner at Dera Amer.

Stephanie Odegard, world- famous rug and furniture designer. She is an American living in Udaipur & New York, who will give a short talk on her life in Udaipur and working with Indian artists.

February, 28 Wednesday

▪ We’re off this morning by coach to visit

▪ Welcome dinner at our hotel, the fabulous Umaid Bahawan Palace.

https://taj.tajhotels.com/en-in/umaid-bhawan-palace-jodhpur

https://taj.tajhotels.com/en-in/umaid-bhawan-palace-jodhpur/rooms-and-suites/palace-rooms

▪▪ Jodhpur is Rajasthan’s 2nd largest city and distinguished as the “blue city,” due to a sprawl of indigo-colored colored houses.

Indigo deflects heat from sandstone walls thereby cooling the insides.

March 1, Thursday Jodhpur B

▪ In the local village this morning we’ll mix with the ancient Bishoni tribes to observe their customs & traditions.

▪ The afternoon is spent at Fort Mehrangarh, one of Rajasthan’s most impressive palace complexes that has been recently

reopened thanks to the support of the Maharajah of Jodhpur.

▪ We’ll stop at the old bazaar enroute back to our hotel.

▪ Dinner is open.

▪ Tonight we’ll observe the traditional Holika Dahan bonfire-lighting ceremony at the Palace, that celebrates the triumph of good

over evil.

March 2, Friday Jodhpur B,D

▪ Today we’ll immerse ourselves in the Festival of Colors Holi with other guests and the Royal Family at our hotel. The Royal family

lives within the complex; we’ll be in the center of the celebration.

http://www.latimes.com/world/la-ph-holi-unfurled-pictures-20170310-htmlstory.html

▪ We’ll experience a special Holi lunch & dinner at the Palace’s Baradari area with local musicians, fireworks and a color for

everything.

March 3, Saturday Jodhpur to Delhi to Varanasi or Home B

▪ Those going to Varanasi fly

out this morning; those

returning home tonight

from Delhi have an after-

noon flight.

Note: Here’s where travel

to India can produce a long

day. The flights returning to

the U.S. depart around mid-

night from Delhi and Mum-

bai. For those flying home

tonight, ATA will organize

day room at a good hotel

near the Airport in Delhi.

Once we know your interna-

tional flight arrangements,

ATA will sort out the best

arrangements. Better yet

extend to experience un-

forgettable

Varanasi & Katmandu.

Included Features ▪ Thirteen nights deluxe hotel accommodations:

3 nights Club Floor Taj Palace Hotel, Delhi

1 night ITC Mughal, Agra

3 nights Taj Rambaugh Palace, Jaipur

3 nights Fateh Garh Hotel, Udaipur

3 nights Taj Umaid Bhwan Palace, Jodhpur ▪ Hotel taxes, service charges and porterage ▪ Arrival transfer in Delhi to the Taj Palace

▪ Private guided tours of Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Udaipur , Jaipur and Jodhpur per itinerary ▪ Private garden visits in Delhi, Jaipur and Udaipur ▪ Entrance Fees

▪ Bottled water during coach rides & sightseeing activities ▪ Full buffet breakfast daily

▪ Three lunches per itinerary

▪ Six dinners per itinerary

▪ Bilingual Indian National Guide throughout

▪ American Travel Association escort throughout

▪ Gratuities except for the Indian National Tour Guide

▪ Fodor’s Guide of India plus a tour manual with information on clothing, currencies and airport procedures

Holi Festival of Colors

Features not included: International airfare; Intra-India airfare, excess baggage charges, visa, items of a personal nature, such as laundry, telephone calls, meals and beverages not specified.

$12, 848 single occupancy

Editor’s Note: The trip is expensive due to February’s highly desirable weather (the hoteliers know this). Plus, we chose good

5-star hotels and added an extra night in Jodhpur to enable attending Festival of Colors Holi. We’re going to have long days of traveling and sightseeing. Returning to a 5-star hotel at day’s end is indeed welcome.

(B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner - included in the tours)

Varanasi Extension

March 3, Saturday Jodhpur/Delhi/Varanasi B,D ▪ Morning flight to Varanasi (via Delhi) and check-in to our Jr. Suites at the newly opened Tree of Life Hotel. A stroke of luck as the other decent hotel is under renovation, and we caught the “Tree” just opening. ▪ Late afternoon arrival; check-in and dinner at our hotel. ▪▪ Since 6 BC, Varanasi has been a magnet for pilgrims who seek blessing and purification in the river’s holy waters. Varanasi is

a center of Sanskrit art and cultural studies.

March 4, Sunday Varanasi B ▪ We’ll see the pilgrims at sunrise while touring the Ganges by boat. ▪ This afternoon we visit Sarnath, where Lord Buddha preached his first sermon and the archeological Museum. ▪ This evening we return to the Ganges to experience the ghats (hundreds of stone steps flanking the riverbank) to witness a spe-cial Hindu prayer ceremony and hear the rhythmic drumming of lantern-bearing priests. A local specialist will give a short discourse on Hindu Religion and the significance of the Ganges. This is one of India’s most dramatic experiences. ▪ Dinner is open, which enables us to spend time on the Ganges as desired.

March 4, Sunday Varanasi/Delhi or Mumbai to Home or Katmandu B ▪ Morning open to shop & explore. Both those continuing to Katmandu or flying home from Delhi will fly out this afternoon. Package Cost & Inclusions $989 per person double occupancy $1,339 single occupancy

B▪ We’ll fly Varanasi/Delhi/Katmandu arriving late tonight. ▪ Our hotel is the newly refurbished Yak & Yeti; we’re staying on their ShangriLa Club floor. ▪▪ The history of the city of Kathmandu dates back to ancient times. Archaeolog-ical explorations indicate that Kathmandu and the two other sister towns in the valley were the oldest and traced to the period between 167 BC and 1 AD.

▪ Monday we’ll see Durbar Square, Teleju Temple and Swayambhunath, one of the world’s oldest Buddhist shrines. ▪ Tonight we’ll relax and enjoy cocktails & hors d's on the ShangriLa Floor.

▪ This morning finds us at Pashupatinath Temple, the most sacred Hindu temple in Nepal. Perhaps we’ll see Tibetan Pilgrims at Boundhanath stupa. ** One reason to spend 2 full days here is the weather dependent opportunity for a spectacular view of Mt. Everest by air. The process takes ½ day; we fly from Katmandu to Everest and back. The cost is approximately $200. ▪ Farewell dinner tonight. Following cocktails in the ShangriLa’s lounge.

▪ Afternoon flight to Delhi to fly out tonight for home. Most international flights depart late tonight.

Package Cost & Inclusions $1,059 per person double occupancy $1,446 single occupancy See Intra-India Airfare below for airfare information!

Intra-India & Katmandu Air Transportation: The Jaipur/Udaipur & Jodhpur/Delhi flights are $180; the supplement for Varana-

si is $200; if continuing to Katmandu, the total airfare is $ $470. The tickets will be issued locally and fares are subject to change

depending on when booked and tickets issued. In other words, the earlier you register, the earlier we can book and get the best

fares and secure space. Airfares are economy class.

International Air Transportation: Everyone is responsible for making their own air arrangements. If you need assistance, ATA

can suggest calling Gail Shoop (706-663-4707) gail@cortrav.com. Gail is well-experienced with international airfares and

familiar with itinerary. Please feel free to call Geoff 706-663-2171 to discuss your options.

Proof of Citizenship and Visa Requirements: A valid passport is required for travel and should be valid six-months beyond your

travel dates. Visas are necessary for American citizens traveling to India and Nepal. Visa processing will be handled individually and

is accomplished on-line. ATA will send those guidelines with the welcome letter. ATA will need a copy of the inside page of every-

one’s passport page before departing.

Tour Conditions

Reservations and Payment: Reservations are confirmed by American Travel Association (ATA), upon receipt of the Reservation

Form and deposit. Reservations require a $1,000 non-refundable per person deposit to accompany the Coupon. To insure your

place, receipt of deposit is due in the office of ATA no later than July 31,2017. Final payment is due by December 1. All payments

must be made by check payable to American Travel Association or by Visa, MasterCard, Discover Card or American Express.

Cancellation:

Land Package: Penalty on cancellations received between July 31 and December 1 is $1,000 after December 1, 100% of the tour

price depending upon the amount recoverable from the suppliers to whom payment had been sent. Cancellation penalties are re-

quired to offset non-refundable hotel and supplier payments made by ATA in advance of the tour. There will be no refunds once the

tour has begun. Cancellations must be made in writing to ATA.

For information contact: Geoff Robertson, American Travel Association 2126 Piedmont Lake Road, Pine Mountain, GA 31822

Phone: 706-663-2171, Fax: 706-225-2551, e-mail: travelata@aol.com

Weather: Delhi is on the same latitude as Orlando, FL. We can expect similar weather, which should be quite comfortable. The av-

erage high temperature in Delhi is 75, the low 53 and 1 day of the month average some rain. More weather/clothing detail will

come in the final advice memo.

Health: The Participant(s)) must represent that neither he nor she nor anyone traveling with him or her has any physical or other

condition or disability that could create a hazard to him or herself or other members of the tour. This program involves walking over

uneven surfaces and climbing stairs at locations that are not handicap accessible. Travel to Kathmandu includes high altitudes. A

letter of explanation of any physical or mental condition which may require medical attention or special equipment (wheelchair, for

example) must be enclosed with the Reservation Form.

Vaccinations – None are required unless arriving from Sub-Saharan Africa, when Yellow Fever a vaccination is required. You must

bring the original yellow vaccination card. While there’s a low risk of malaria, we strongly recommend taking a preventative medi-

cation. Please consult the nearest medical group that specializes in international travel.

Airline Contract: The usual passage contract when the ticket is issued shall constitute the sole contract between the airline and the

tour participant. Neither HFF or ATA shall be liable for airline cancellation penalties incurred by purchasing non-refundable tickets.

Trip cancellation insurance—Particularly since this tour involves non-refundable payments, we strongly encourage obtaining trip

cancellation insurance. Contact Allianz at www.allianztravelinsurance.com either on-line or over the phone (800-284-8300). The

airlines also have insurance options. Trip cancellation insurance is a good idea because it offsets non-refundable air, hotel, and op-

erator charges. Please note the Pre-Existing Conditions Exclusion in the Medical Conditions section. If one exists, you need to pur-

chase the insurance within 14 days of your first payment. Allianz has a number of plans. For most, the Basic Plan is fine. However,

everyone has different needs, which you should discuss with them. Also check with your insurance agent to see what is covered

under your existing homeowners and medical policies. For example, suitcases and contents are probably covered under your

homeowner’s.

Prices: The tour price is subject to change due to land cost increases and foreign exchange fluctuation. ATA reserves the right to

change the price for such reasons or changes in the number of participants (26) upon which the tour costs are based. All prices are

based on rates and tariffs in effect on June 27, 2017.

Responsibility: American Travel Association (ATA), the Hortulus Farm Foundation (HFF) their employees or agents, act only on be-

half of the owners and contractors providing means of transportation or other services such as hotels and restaurants to purchas-

ers of this tour and their travel companions (Participants), subject to any and all items and conditions under which any transporta-

tion or any other services whatsoever are provided by such owners and contractors. ATA and HFF, their affiliates and their employ-

ees and agents (collectively ATA and HFF) shall not be liable or responsible to Participants for the acts or omissions of the aforesaid

owners, contractors and employees thereof supplying transportation or other services hereunder, including but not limited to

breach of contract, intentional or negligent delay or bodily or property loss, injury or damages. All services and accommodations

are subject to the laws of the country in which they’re provided. ATA and HFF shall not be liable or responsible to Participants for

any loss, injury or death, or other damages caused by or resulting from acts of God, fire, breakdown or defects vehicles, machinery

or equipment, acts of governments and other authorities, wars, strikes, riots, thefts, epidemics or quarantines, monetary crisis,

diseases, terrorism or novel conditions. Participants shall have the responsibility to be aware of and determine the validity of any

travel advisories, which may exist. Unless the term "guaranteed" is specifically stated in writing on any invoice or reservation itiner-

ary, ATA and HFF do not guarantee any of such suppliers' rates, bookings or reservations. The Participants' retention of air tickets,

reservations or bookings after issuance shall constitute consent to the above terms and conditions. In addition, Participants shall

be responsible for conveying the terms and conditions hereunder to travel companions. If, due to weather, flight schedules or oth-

er uncontrollable factors, you are required to spend additional nights before or after the tour, participants will be responsible for

your own hotel, transfers, meals and related costs. Baggage and personal effects are the sole responsibility of the owners at all

times. ATA and HFF reserve the right to cancel any itinerary or any part thereof and to make such alterations in the itinerary they

deem necessary or desirable.

Travel Advisories/Warnings: No State Department travel warning currently exist for India. However, it’s the responsibility of the

Participant to become informed about the most current travel advisories and warnings by referring to the U. S. State Department’s

travel website at www.travel.state.gov or by phone at 1-888-407- 4747. In the event of an active State Department Travel Warning

or alert against travel to any of the specific destinations included in the tour, should the Participant still choose to travel, notwith-

standing any travel advisory or warning, the Participant assumes all risk of personal injury, death or property damage that arise out

of the events like those advised or warned against. The State Department’s travel information will be sent by American Travel with

the welcome letter. American Travel will monitor the State Department advisories.

Tax Deductibility: Current U.S. tax regulations allow deductibility for travel and subsistence expenses incurred in travel related to

trade or business. It is the responsibility of the traveler to become familiar with and adhere to the specific reporting requirements

imposed.

Hortulus Farm Foundation India Tour - Reservation Form

(If ATA has from a prior reservation, only the new information is needed)

Name(s) as they appear on your passports:

Name _______________________________________________________________________________________________

Passport No._____________________________________________________________

Birth date ____________________ If US Citizen, State of birth; otherwise Country_________________________________

Name_______________________________________________________________________________________________

Passport No. _____________________________________________________________

Birth date______________________ If US Citizen, State of birth; otherwise Country________________________________

▪ Please correspond to the following_______ office ______home address:

Company, if applicable ________________________________________________________________________________

Street __________________________________________________________________________ Apt/Suite ___________

City_____________________________________________________________ State ______Postal Code ______________

Cell Phone________________________________________ Fax _________________________________________

Other preferred Phone □ Home ___________________________ □ Office _________________________________

e-mail _______________________________________________________________________

First or preferred name(s) ___________________________________________________________________

Emergency Contact Name/s _____________________________________________________________________________

email address ________________________________________________________________________________________

Phone # Relationship __________________________________________________________________________________

Hotel Rooms □ I/we prefer 1 bed; if no kings available, queen is OK □ If no king, need two beds □ I/we prefer a two-bedded room

Extensions: □ I/we register for Varanasi. □ I/we register for Kathmandu □ Early Arrival Delhi on _________$370 per night inclusive

Deposit: A non-refundable deposit of $1,000 per person is due with the Reservation Form. Payments can be by check, Visa, Mas-

terCard or American Express credit cards. Enclosed is a check payable to American Travel Association in the amount of

$ __________

If you wish to wish to use Visa, MasterCard or American Express card:

Number _____________________________________________________________________________________________

Expiration date __________________________________ Security Code ____________________

Name on card ___________________________________________________________________________________

Billing address of cardholder if different from above ______________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

I have read and understand the conditions set forth in this brochure. Reservations will not be accepted without signature here:

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Return the form by mail to: American Travel Association, 2126 Piedmont Lake Road, Pine Mountain, GA 31822 Return the form by

fax to:: +1 706-225-2551 Or, return the form by email to travelata@aol.com Please call with any questions-706-663-2171