3 Continents In A Day- An Experiential Adventure

Day 1

Begin your extraordinary day trip, an "Experiential Adventure into two different worlds," We will depart in the early morning. A short stop for comfort and refreshments will be made mid-morning, just before crossing into New Jersey, to prepare for your first immersive cultural experience.
Upon arrival in Robbinsville, New Jersey, you will visit the magnificent BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham. This colossal, 183-acre site is the largest Hindu temple in the U.S. and, as one scholar noted, feels "like being transported to another world, specifically to India." The scale of the temple, which rivals major Hindu temples on the subcontinent, is simply astonishing. You will begin with a guided tour, where you will learn about the profound Hindu beliefs and the temple's sacred purpose as a space where the divine and human realms meet. The tour will highlight the intricate, Vedic-influenced architecture, which is designed using sacred geometry and incorporates the Hindu cosmos. You'll see the traditional features of a mandir, including the central tower, the impressive gateways, and the inner shrine, the garbhargriha, which houses the main deity. The guided portion will also cover key rituals like Puja (ceremonial offerings) and Circumambulation (the symbolic clockwise walk around the sanctuary). You will then have time for independent exploration before heading to the on-site Shayona Café for an all-vegetarian, traditional and authentic Indian lunch, perfectly completing your sensory journey into India.
In the early afternoon, your adventure continues with a drive to Philadelphia to explore the culture of Japan at the Shofuso Japanese Cultural Center. The centerpiece is The Shofuso House, a traditional Japanese-style house originally built in Japan in 1953, then dismantled and shipped to Philadelphia for the Japanese-American Friendship Festival. This National Historic Landmark allows you to step into a blend of ancient tradition and distinct aesthetics. A guided tour will begin your visit, followed by time to stroll the serene grounds, which are also known as one of the best spots to view the annual Subaru Japanese Cherry Blossom Festival.
As the day draws to a close, you will depart from Japan and travel to a nearby Philadelphia neighborhood for a final, surprising cultural twist. You'll end your day by being "transported" to Italy for a delicious dinner at an authentic Italian restaurant, wrapping up your whirlwind, three-country, one-day experiential adventure.


[THIS TRIP WILL HAVE A DRESS CODE TO BE ADHERED TO FOR THE HINDU TEMPLE - They uphold a standard of modesty and respect for their sacred grounds and spiritual practices. The dress code helps preserve their value and cultivate an atmosphere of tranquility for every visitor who graces their premises. No sleeveless or low-cut tops; No shorts, skirts, or dresses above the knees; No clothing that reveals the shoulders, chest, back or knees; No clothing containing offensive language or imagery; No footwear inside the Mahamandir.]

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***ALL WOLF'S TOURS - TIMES AND ITINERARY SUBJECT TO CHANGE***

D=Dinner