We will start our tour at 7:45 am in midtown Manhattan, 8th Avenue between 33rd and 34th Street (by Duane Reade) DON'T BE LATE! Come 15 minutes early to sign in.

You will be greeted by your tour guide for the day. You will sign our liability waiver, and after departure a light breakfast will be served on board the van.

.

We will start the tour driving to the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir (Temple); this is an amazing masterpiece of exquisite Indian design and workmanship.

Start the visit in the visitor center where you will see a short informative film about the history and building process of the Mandir.

Learn about the world’s oldest living faith, Hinduism. You will also get an insight to the efforts of building this 162-acre temple complex, which is the second largest in the world. (Only second to Angkor Wat in Cambodia)

One of the temples, which finished in 2014, is made entirely from 68,000 cubic feet of Italian marble.

The beautiful carvings (Handmade in India) seen around the Mandir are not only aesthetically appealing, but also all have a meaning as well.

You will also find a souvenir shop with different Indian souvenirs and crafts.

There is also a store where you can purchase traditional all vegetarian Indian food and snacks. We are sure that you will find your visit to this spectacular traditional Hindu temple both educational and inspiring.

During the American civil war it was used for housing Confederate prisoners of war and during the Spanish-American war; large guns were installed in 1898 to protect the ports of the Delaware River.

Fort Delaware was established as state park in 1951.

To visit the fortress we will take a short ferry ride from Delaware City to Pea Patch Island.

A shuttle provides transport from the island dock to the granite and brick fortress.

Costumed re-enactors will take you back to the summer of 1864. You will have the chance to watch a blacksmith at work and see demonstrations of what life was like for the members of the 1st Delaware Heavy Artillery.

You will also have the option of some hiking/nature walk. A hiking trail with an observation platform provides opportunities for photography and nature study. Fort Delaware State Park is home to many migratory birds, including nine different species of herons, egrets, and ibis. Remote marshes provide an outstanding habitat for one of the largest wading bird nesting areas on the East Coast. At the island you will also find snack/gift shop.

Hines Tours reserves the right to alter the itinerary, plans and arrangements for the tour, if in the judgment of Hines Tours it becomes advisable to do so.

WHAT TO BRING AND WEAR ON THE TOUR:

ID: Please bring a valid government issued identification. (Adults only)

CLOTHES: according to the weather. Please note that a strict dress code operates within the Hindu Temple. Tops must cover the shoulders, chest, navel, and upper arms. Leg-wear must be at least below knee-length. Visitors not having appropriate dress code would be requested to wear wraps provided by the Temple. You will also be asked to remove all footwear before entering any of the temple buildings.

FOOTWEAR: Good walking shoes or sneakers with good traction will do as well. Do not wear dress shoes or high heels.

RAIN GEAR: Even with no rain in the forecast, we recommend you to bring some rain gear.

WATER: In a plastic bottle, especially on hot days. Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.

CAMERA: With extra memory/film is highly recommended. You will experience beautiful scenery and interesting sites.

CASH: Although our tour is classified as an "all inclusive". It is advisable to bring some cash for snacks and gratuities for the guide which is left to your discretion.

AN OPEN MIND: Although this is a recreational/leisure tour, you will also learn about history and about hinduism.