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Chasing
Bubbles with Alex Rust a custom tour for the Chasing Bubbles Foundation 17 to 29 October 2025
Join the Chasing Bubbles Foundation on a heartfelt pilgrimage to incredible India to retrace the final steps of Captain Alex Rust. This journey will honor his spirit of discovery and service. Participants will embark on an immersive experience exploring the meaning of life, adventure, and purpose. Along the way, we will continue his legacy by helping children in need, just as he did. Come be a part of this profound journey, blending introspection with impactful service, and celebrate a life devoted to adventure and giving back. FOR ALL SPIRITUAL SEEKERS, TRAVEL TO INDIA HAS A SPECIAL APPEAL. The very land is steeped in spirituality, where many ancient practices were developed and perfected over 5,000 years ago. Simply walking the land can leave a profound and lasting imprint on your soul. To transform your life requires a journey which will change the way you view yourself and the world. This tour maintains all the comforts of home with the profound experience of India, allowing you to absorb the area's rich spiritual traditions while enjoying safe food, excellent lodging and the guidance of experienced staff. Highlights of the tour include:
India is geographically the size of Europe. There are 17 different languages with their own scripts. As a visit to France is not representative of visiting all of Europe, equally North India is vastly different in all respects to South India. The BBC has listed the Golden Temple and Taj Mahal as two of the top ten sites to visit in the world. Your fee includes breakfast daily, 5-star hotels, sacred ceremonies and an English-speaking guide accompanying you from start to finish throughout the trip. Besides visiting the great religious and cultural sites, and walking in the footsteps of the Masters, our tour also provides time to do a little bit of shopping in the bazaars and partake in local customs and ceremonies.
ITINERARY October
17: Arrive Delhi October
18: Delhi In the morning visit Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in India with a capacity of 20,000 people, situated a quarter of a mile from the Red Fort, designed as Emperor Shahjahan's principal mosque. Construction lasted six years, ending in 1644. The structure was placed on a high platform so that it's magnificent facade would be visible from all the adjoining areas. It's an austere yet beautiful building in red sandstone with white marble being used extensively. The pulpit is one of its best features, being carved out of a single block of marble. The Emperor used to arrive here every Friday and on Id. Spend a little time at Rajghat where Gandhi was cremated. While there are many noteworthy Gurudwaras (places of worship for the Sikhs), we will visit the lovely Gurudwara Bangla Sahib where Guru Har Krishan, the eighth Sikh Guru went to Delhi and stayed as the honored guest of Raja Jai Singh. Drive past Rashtrapati Bhavan The house that houses the President of India and the house that boasts of having welcomed the most powerful men in history. The Rashtrapati Bhavan was designed by Edwin Lutyens and built in 1931, to be the central point of the British power in Delhi, and the Secretariat Buildings the centre of Government activity, down the impressive Rajpath (the main avenue), to the World War I memorial arch, India Gate, the High Court Building and the Old Fort, India Gate Sir Edwin Lutyens designed this war memorial to 90,000 Indian soldiers who died on the North-west Frontiers during World War I. The Duke of Connaught laid the foundation in 1921 and was completed in 10 years. After
lunch, visit Humayuns Tomb built by Haji Begum, the widow of
the second Mughal Emperor, Humayuns, nine years after his death
and took eight years to complete. It is designed by the Persian
architect Misak Mirza Ghiyaz. Octagonal in shape, raised on a
plinth, with double domes, high arches, laid in the centre of
a large walled enclosure, the monument is an imposing structure,
The Qutub Minar Delhis landmark, 73 mtr. Tall victory tower
was started by Qutub-ud-din Aibak, the first Muslim ruler in 1193
but could finish only the 1st storey of sand stones. Iltutmish
succeeding him added 2nd & 3rd floor in sand stone and later
in 1368 Firoz Shah Tughlak constructed 4th& 5th storey in
both sand stone and marble. Delhis most curious antique, the
uncorroded Iron Pillar, which dates back to the 4th century AD.
October
19: Delhi - Agra Continue sightseeing in Delhi, then drive to Agra. Agra has splendid forms of architecture based on Islam. Upon arrival in Agra, either rest in your hotel or spend a little while shopping. October
20: Agra - Fathepursikri - Jaipur Before
dawn, visit the spectacular Taj Mahal - the most extravagant monument
ever built for love. On the death of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal,
Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan built her this memorial over which 20,000
men laboured for 22 years to create a masterpiece in white marble
inlaid with semi precious stones; the art is called pietra dura.
Stroll down the ornamental gardens laid out along the classical
Mughal charbagh lines. This garden is separated by a long watercourse,
which reflects the monument in perfect symmetry. Return to your
hotel for breakfast, and then spend rest of the day resting, sightseeing
and wandering the local markets. The Taj Mahal is
closed on Fridays. October 21: Jaipur Light day of sightseeing, shopping at local markets and spending time at some of the shops offering museum quality pieces. Overnight: Jaipur. Drive past the Hawa Mahal. This five-storied building along the main street of the old city is in pink splendor with semi octagonal and delicately honey combed sandstone windows. The monument was originally conceived with the aim of enabling ladies of the royal household to watch the everyday life, and royal processions of the city without the public being able to see them. Visit the Jantar Mantar - the Observatory that incorporates multiple buildings of unique geometrical forms, each with a specialized function for astronomical measurement, thereafter continue your visit to City Palace. Afternoon proceed for an extraordinary shopping expedition around the vibrant Pink City. Flooded with color and traditional themes, Jaipur showcases the highest concentration of bazaars in the country. Vendors selling everything from textiles, footwear, ready-made garments, antique jewels, artifacts, bandhini print, to carpets, pottery to marble curios and books; a mind-boggling collection of items will ignite all of your senses. Your guide will then lead you to Chaura Rasta, located between the famous Bapu bazaar and Nehru bazaar. The market is famous for branded showrooms and antique bookstores, where people often take evening leisurely walks. Next, proceed with your guide to the dazzling lanes of Bapu Bazaar and explore a huge collection of world-famous Mojri footwear, and many items made from soft-leather. Experience traditional Jaipur patterns such as multi-colored block printed fabrics, traditional linen and cushion covers, antique perfumes, and decoration material like Jaipuri puppets, silver jewelry, churans (digestives) and a whole lot more. Let your guide take you to the best places to hunt for ethnic items and explain all about the historical significance of various curios. Proceed to the next market called the Johri bazaar, borrowing its name from the large number of jewelry stores surrounding the area. Packed to the brim with products on sale, from feather-like Jaipuri quilts and beautiful bed sheets to colorful turbans and traditional Kundan jewelry, Johri market has everything one can hope for. Drive to your hotel near Delhi airport (5 hrs). October 22: Jaipur Celebrate the light festival of Diwali this evening. During the day sightseeing, shopping at local markets and spending time at some of the shops offering museum quality pieces, though some of the larger shops will be closed. Overnight: Jaipur. Compare
the city of Old Delhi with the city of Jaipur, a city unique amongst
its medieval contemporaries. The streets, palaces, temples, residences,
shopping place are all in accordance to the ancient Hindu rules
of Vastu Shastra. The pink wash was added in 1853 in honour of
the visit of Prince Albert. Perched atop the hill looking down
majestically is the Amber fort. We ride up into the palace astride
elephants just like the Maharajas of yore. The plain and time
worn exteriors belie the exquisite detail with which the interiors
were crafted with a gentle breeze which cools the interiors. In
the famed Sheesh Mahal look up and be prepared to feel a surge
of color as the optical effect makes you a part of this royal
past. In the city, drive past Hawa Mahal, where again notice the
jails. The Maharaja's City Palace, much of which has been converted
into a museum covers almost one-seventh area of the city in a
fortified unit. Here the Armoury Museum housing an impressive
array of weaponry-pistols, blunderbusses, flintlocks, swords,
rifles and daggers. Become one w We head to Amber Fort. Perched atop the hill looking down majestically is the Amber Fort, one of the most fascinating of the Indian forts. he plain and time worn exteriors belie the exquisite detail with which the interiors were crafted with a gentle breeze which cools the interiors. In the famed Sheesh Mahal look up and be prepared to feel a surge of color as the optical effect makes you a part of this royal past. Spend a few hours with elephants where they live, what they eat, and what they do. October 23: Jaipur - Dharamsala
Depart mid morning and fly to Dharmasala. Spend rest of day sightseeing
at this tranquil Buddhist
town. Overnight: Dharamsala. October
24: Dharamsala - Amritsar October
25: Amristar - Varanasi At dawn, visit the Golden Temple the most important place of worship for the Sikhs, and see the Guru Granth Sahib being brought to Harmindar Sahib. Have lanager there, then depart for the airport for your flight to Varanasi. October
26: Varanasi Go to the Holy River Ganga before dawn. Experience Ganges cruise & watch activities on Ghats The long string of bathing ghats are the principal attraction in Varanasi, an importat city for Hindus and rich in rituals. Ghats are the steps which lead down to the river and the best time to visit the ghats is at dawn, when pilgrims take their morning dip. There are over 100 ghats in all. The best way to see the activities on the ghats is to take a boat ride along the ghats. One can see the women bathing discreetly in their saris, the young men going through yoga exercises, the priests offering blessings. Look for the burning ghats where bodies are cremated. Manikarnika and Harishchandra are the main burning ghats. The lingams mark each ghat, for Varanasi is the city of Lord Shiva. Back to the hotel for breakfast and proceed to St Mary's Cathedral to celebrate Mass (time to be determined). Then onto sightseeing of Sarnath. The main tourist attractions in Sarnath are the Stupas, excavated ruins of monasteries, Ashoka Pillar, Deer Park, where the Buddha delivered his first sermon, Dhamekh Stupa, Bodhi tree, Moolgandha Kuti Vihara and Archaeology Museum (closed on Friday). In the evening, go to the banks of the Holy River Ganga and witness an aarti on the bank of this river. You can stroll through narrow lanes of Varanasi bazaar & experience shopping. October 27: Varanasi - Guwahati Fly to Gauhati. Representatives of SJI will meet you as you exit Guwahti airport and transfer you to your hotel. Rest of day on your own, with no other services (except hotel) provided by SJI.. Overnight: Guwahti. October 28: Guwahti Full day on your own, with no services (except hotel) provided by SJI.Overnight: Guwahti. October 29: Guwahti - Delhi SJI rep will meet you at your hotel and transfer you to the airport for your flight to Delhi this morning. Fly to Delhi, and stay at airport. SJI representative will assist you on arrival and departure for your onward journey. Overnight: On board your flight. ~ ~ End of Services Arranged by Spiritual Journeys, LLC ~ ~ HOTELS ENVISAGED, or Similar:
REGISTRATION: Fill Registration Form and send to Deepak Singh complete with your non-refundable deposit of $ 500.00. Rest of payment due on or before Friday 18 July 2025. PAYMENT BY INSTALLMENTS: Available. Submit your Registration Form complete with your non-refundable deposit of $ 500.00. Rest of payment can be paid as often and any amount to suite your convenience, with final due on or before Friday 18 July 2025.
COSTS INCLUDE: Hotel accommodation
for 12 nights as above or similar on double/twin-sharing rooms,
REGISTRATION:
Fill Registration Form
and e-mail to
Deepak Singh. Additional information: E-mail: Deepak Singh, Spiritual Journeys, LLC., 262 Upland Road, Cambridge, MA 02140. USA. Ph: +1-508-358-4267. |
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ith
the planetary bodies at Jantar Mantar, the largest stone and marble
crafted observatory in the world. Jaipur is also an interesting
place for those interested in jewellery, clothes, carpets and
other handicrafts items. The city is a veritable paradise for
those seeking souvenirs of the craftsmanship of 
