Sketching, Painting, Colour and Cultural Tour in ravishing Rajasthan

with renowned Australian artist Gabrielle JonesBA, BFA, Cert IV TandA

“ There are some parts of the world that, once visited, get into your heart and won't go. For me, India is such a place.

When I first visited, I was stunned by the richness of the land, by its lush beauty and exotic architecture, by its ability to

overload the senses with the pure, concentrated intensity of its colors, smells, tastes, and sounds…”

Keith Bellows, National Geographic Society

Endowed with natural beauty and a great history, for many, Rajasthan is the very essence of India. It is India’s second-largest

state – similar in size to France – largely covered by the ever-encroaching Thar Desert. Rajasthan was once remarkably prosperous: traders from as far afield as Persia and China had to cross its plains to reach the southern ports of Gujarat, something the warrior princes of Rajasthan were quick to capitalize on. Its crenelated forts and impregnable palaces that rise like giant fairytale sets above dusty sun-scorched plains and shimmering lakes and its ancient forts are reminders of the many kingdoms that historically vied for the region.

Here you'll see a perfect amalgamation of age-old traditional culture, modern luxury and comforts. Rajasthan is also high on contrasts: you could bed down amidst sumptuous luxury and then spend the day roaming ancient villages exploring medieval marketplaces.

“ Indians are the Italians of Asia and vice versa. Every man in both countries is a singer when he is happy, and every woman is a dancer when she walks to the shop at the corner. For them,

food is the music inside the body and music is the food inside the heart. Amore or Pyar makes every man a poet, a princess

of a peasant girl, if only for a second, when the eyes of man and woman meet.”

Gregory David Roberts, Shantaram

Touring Rajasthan is a unique experience… one that will

leave you spellbound.

Your AccommodationACS International Art Retreats has chosen your accommodation for the best all-round experience that Rajasthan has to offer – a mixture of 4 star hotels and Heritage digs that are unique to this region. All rooms have ensuites and breakfast is included.

ItineraryDay 1 – Saturday 4 FebruaryDELHI Hotel: Royal Plaza (4 star) or equivalent

Sketch tutorial

Upon arrival traditional welcome and transfer to hotel (early check-in is subject to availability). Afternoon 2 hour sketching tutorial (at 4pm) and evening Welcome Dinner (included).

Overnight Delhi.

Day 2 – Sunday 5 FebruaryDELHILight sketching as time permits

After breakfast, visit Old Delhi. We’ll start from outside the Red Fort, constructed in red sandstone by Mughal Emperor Shahjahan, before visiting Jama Masjid, India's largest mosque. We explore the famous bazaars of Chandni Chowk and enjoy rickshaw ride in bustling streets, before visiting Rajghat, the memorial to Mahatma Gandhi. In the afternoon, we’ll tour New Delhi, starting from the India Gate, built in memory of the soldiers who laid down their lives in the 1st World War. We then drive past the Rashtrapathi Bhawan, Parliament House, and the other government buildings to visit Humayun's Tomb, the mausoleum of emperor Humayun’s and Qutub Minar.

Overnight Delhi.

12 day Art & Cultural Tour in Rajasthan

The astounding Jal Mahal (or Water Palace), Jaipur.

4-15 February 2017

The Red Fort, Delhi.

Day 3 – Monday 6 FebruaryDELHI / JODPHUR Hotel: Ranbanka Palace (Heritage) or equivalent

Light sketching as time permits.

After breakfast transfer to airport to board flight to Jodhpur. At the edge of the Thar desert, Jodhpur was once the capital of the Marwar state. It was founded in 1459 AD by Rao Jodha, chief of the Rathore clan of Rajput. In Jodhpur the genius of its sculptors comes to life in its exquisite palaces, forts, temples and Havelis, which stand as a testimony to the imperial grandeur. Upon arrival check into hotel. Afternoon/Evening sketching of surrounds with Gabrielle, if time permits.

Overnight Jodphur.

Day 4 – Tuesday 7 FebruaryJODPHUREn Plein Air paint and sketch with Gabrielle

After breakfast visit the Jaswant Thada and the imposing Mehrangarh Fort, followed by a walking tour to see the old city of Jodhpur and its markets. Rest of the time free at leisure or to paint and sketch with Gabrielle.

Overnight Jodphur.

Day 5 – Wednesday 8 FebruaryJODPHUR / UDAIPURHotel: Amet Haveli (Heritage) or equivalent

After breakfast drive to Udaipur, en-route visit Jain temples at Ranakpur. Continue onto Udaipur (the 'City of Sunrise'), with its imposing marble palaces, enchanting cool lakes, luxurious green gardens, and old temples. It has so many that it is alternatively called the 'City of Lakes and Palaces’. Upon arrival check into hotel and relax.

Overnight Udaipur.

Day 6 – Thursday 9 FebruaryUDAIPURLight sketching gardens

After breakfast half-day city tour to visit Jagdish Temple, Maharana Jagat Singh built the Jagdish temple in 1651, in the centre of the old town and to the north of city palace. This temple is dedicated to the God Vishnu and has a shrine with a black stone image of lord Vishnu as Jagannath (Lord of the universe). We’ll visit the City Palace and Museums and Saheliyon ki Bari or Garden of the Maids of Honour, in the north of the city. This small ornamental garden has fountains, kiosks, marble elephants and delightful lotus pool. In the evening enjoy boat ride on Lake Pichola.

Overnight Udaipur.

Day 7 – Friday 10 FebruaryUDAIPURMorning painting workshop with Gabrielle

After breakfast a formal painting workshop with Gabrielle Jones and afternoon at leisure or to continue your painting. Our vehicle can be used within the city limits to ferry participants, if you’d prefer.

Overnight Udaipur.

Day 8 – Saturday 11 FebruaryUDAIPUR / DEOGARH Hotel: Deogarh Mahal (4 star) or equivalent

Light painting and sketching as time permits

After breakfast drive to Deogarh; upon arrival check into hotel. Later visit the surrounding village to experience the countryside lifestyle.

Overnight Deogarh.

Day 9 – Sunday 12 FebruaryDEOGARH / JAIPUR Hotel: The Grand Uniara (Heritage) or equivalent

After breakfast we will take you on a local train ride through a wooded hill section (Deogarh to Phulad). It’s an amazing one and a half hours spent on a meter gauge train which is the lifeline of locals. The train doesn't have a name. It just has a number – 222. So you chug on train no 222 through tunnels and bridges, past quaint railway stations where the famous book and movie “The Man Who Would Be King” of Rudyard Kipling unfolds. The landscape is rugged, yet stunning, cinematic and has a “in the middle of nowhere” feeling to it. Later in the afternoon drive to Jaipur; the vibrant capital of Rajasthan is popularly known as ‘The Pink City” for the colour of the buildings in its wonderful old city. This buzzing metropolis is certainly a place of wild contrasts and is a feast for the eyes. Upon arrival check into hotel. Rest of the time free at leisure.

Overnight Jaipur.

Day 10 – Monday 13 FebruaryJAIPURAfter breakfast enjoy the ride on an elephant up to the Amber Fort established in the 16th century by Raja Man Singh of the Kachwaha

Jodphur – Jaswant Thada, the milky-white marble memorial to Maharaja Jaswant Singh II, sits above a small lake 1km northeast of Mehrangarh and is an array of whimsical domes. It’s a welcome, peaceful spot after the hubbub of the city, and the views across to the imposing Mehrangarh Fort and over the city are superb.

Majestic buildings aside Lake Pichola, Udaipur.

City Palace, Udaipur The unforgettable ride on the Number 222... rooftop seating optional.

dynasty. Within the Amber Fort are ornate palaces, courts, stairways, pillared pavilions and palaces and drive past the stunning artistry of the five-storey façade of the Hawa Mahal. Afternoon visit the City Palace, the museum houses textiles, arms, carpets, paintings and manuscripts and other artistic paraphernalia and Astronomical observatory, built by Maharaja Jai Singh the founder of Jaipur. We’ll also visit Observatory and pass through Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds). Evening free.

Overnight Jaipur.

Day 11 – Tuesday 14 FebruaryJAIPUR Morning painting workshop with Gabrielle

Afternoon free for own activities or continue painting. Vehicle can be used within city limits.

Overnight Jaipur.

Day 12 – Wednesday 15 FebruaryJAIPUR After breakfast, optional transfer to Jaipur Airport for your onward journey.

Optional 2 day add-on to Agra and the Taj MahalDay 12 – Wednesday 15 FebruaryJAIPUR / AGRAHotel: Clarks Shiraz (4 star) or equivalent

After breakfast we drive to Agra, en-route visiting Fatehpur Sikri, constructed by Akbar in 1569 to honor Sufi saint Salim Chisti. Akbar’s court occupied this city till it was abandoned due to lack of water but it is still in a state of perfect preservation. Continue on to Agra. Upon arrival, check into hotel.

Overnight Agra.

Day 13 – Thursday 16 FebruaryAGRA / DELHI Hotel: Royal Plaza (4 star) or equivalent

After breakfast you will visit the world famous Taj Mahal (closed on Fridays) built by Mughal emperor Shahjahan in the memory of his beautiful wife Mumtaj and Agra Fort. Later, drive back to Delhi to check into your hotel.

Overnight Delhi.

Day 14 – Friday 17 FebruaryDELHIBreakfast and transfer to Delhi Airport for your onward journey.

Tour Costs 12 days / 11 nights (excludes optional Agra/Taj Mahal tour)

$3465 Participant, $3110 Non-Participant Twin share accommodation – Single supplement $760

*Optional meals add-on: Dinner $375 and Lunch $190 (10 days)

14 days / 13 nights (includes Agra/Taj Mahal tour)

$3850 Participant, $3490 Non- Participant Twin share accommodation – Single supplement $890

*Optional meals add-on: Dinner A$450 and Lunch A$230 (12 days)

ExtrasExtra night Jaipur – Double room $130 (2pax) Single room $130 – The Grand Uniara or equivalent

Airport Transfer $75/vehicle Jaipur

Extra Night Delhi – Double Room $150 (2pax) or Single $150 – Royal Plaza or equivalent

*PLEASE NOTE: Bookings for meal inclusions must be made and paid for at time of confirmation. Restaurants are chosen on recommendations of our local contacts as to the best available or typical food of the region.

Included in basic tour cost> All accommodation on twin sharing bed + breakfast basis for 11

nights /12 days (or optional 13 nights / 14 days) as per itinerary.

> All arrival/departure transfer and all surface arrangements by aircon 18 Seater Mini Coach as per the itinerary.

> 1 rickshaw ride in Old Delhi.

> Flight Delhi/Jodphur

> Boat ride on Lake Pichola, Udaipur.

> Audio guide in Ranakpur.

> Rural Rail – A local train ride (Deogarh to Phulad)

> 1 Elephant ride for climbing up to the Amer Fort, Jaipur.

> 1 Jeep ride while returning from Amber Fort.

> Battery bus Charges from parking place to Taj Mahal and Fatehpur Sikri.

> English speaking guide during city tour in Delhi, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Jaipur (and Agra if applicable) only.

> Monument entry fees (one entry only) as per itinerary

> All present applicable taxes.

> Sketching and painting with Gabrielle Jones as noted in itinerary and basic art supplies

The elephant ride up to the Amber Fort, Jaipur. The magnificent facade of the Hawa Mahal, Jaipur.

The colours of Rajasthan…

The iconic Taj Mahal.

Not included in basic cost> International flights.

> Expenses of a personal nature i.e. telephone calls, laundry, tipping etc., or travel conducted beyond the scope of the itinerary

> Additional meals not specified in itinerary (see *Optional Meals Add-on)

> Additional art supplies (most will be brought with attendees)

> Alcohol or drinks

> Cost of any activities selected beyond those detailed in the itinerary

> Travel insurance (it is a condition of acceptance into this retreat that you take travel insurance to cover all costs of attending)

> Any porterage services at airports or railway stations.

> Visa fees.

> Any other item not mentioned above.

Who should attend:This tour is ideal for people with some drawing and painting experience and exercises will be developed for students at different skill levels, from basic to advanced painters.

Outcomes for attendees include: a better understanding of the logistics and joys of plein air drawing and painting; methods for quickly recording surroundings and impressions in both sketches and painting; understanding of how to obtain an illusion of depth or modernist flat space; how to take notes for future paintings and working methods (colour and drawing) and how to implement or expand them; and some techniques for abstraction.

In addition, you'll have fun sharing a fabulous experience with like-minded people in a unique part of the world!

Getting thereSydney to Delhi via Dubai takes about 13 hours. You will need to factor this is in and perhaps leave on Friday or travel beforehand in India. Note: The Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays.

Further Information> In case the Hotel envisaged or normal category of rooms are

waitlisted / sold out, alternate hotels of similar category will be provided.

> Hotel check in time is 1400 hrs. and Checkout time 1200 Hrs.

> Please note “Special fare” tickets once issued are subject to cancel-lation charge. The baggage allowance on your Delhi/Jodphur flight tickets will be 15kg for check-in luggage and 7-8kg for hand baggage.

> As this is the ideal time of year for travelling to Rajasthan (warm days, cool evenings), it is also very popular. Accordingly, travel dates may need to be changed from those advertised, in order to secure the accommodation listed. Should this be necessary, bookings will not be made without your prior approval.

Come join us for a life-changing experience! Don’t miss out.Time is of the essence to secure this price and the

advertised standard of accommodation. Book now!Tour is limited to 10 participants.

Participant numbers strictly limited and allocation of rooms based on first come, first served basis. We reserve the right to change the itinerary at short notice due to unforeseen circumstances, but will replace with activities of equivalent interest.

Phone Gabrielle Jones on 0410 622 264 to discuss or register your interest.

Secure your place at this retreat with a 25% deposit (fully refundable till 4 November 2016, non refundable thereafter). The balance will be required approx six weeks prior to travel dates (30 December 2016 latest).

Visit the website at http://artclasssydney.com.au/international-art-retreats/ for past student/participant retreat testimonials.

Your hotel in Jodphur, The Ranbanka Palace (Heritage).

Your digs in Deogarh, the sprawling Deogarh Mahal.Up close at the Hawa Mahal, Jaipur.