#grand entry hall designs

[kristinanw]

Vestibule - Mediterranean Entry

[carsonmell]

Vestibule - Mediterranean Entry

[bitidragon]

Vestibule - Mediterranean Entry

[duckandpenguin]

Vestibule - Mediterranean Entry

[petitbeast]

Vestibule - Mediterranean Entry

[zyroxan]

Vestibule - Mediterranean Entry

[cebelamour]

Vestibule - Mediterranean Entry Motive for a significant Mediterranean vestibule renovation

[rcbooks]

Vestibule - Mediterranean Entry

[joliegriffin]

Mediterranean Entry Los Angeles Vestibule - huge mediterranean vestibule idea

[r-memberme]

masquerade | k.m

⎯⎯“In a world built on secrets and shadows, we find ourselves dancing in the light of our hidden truths.”

warnings: flufff

The night was a tapestry of dark velvet and scattered starlight, woven with threads of mystery and whispered promises. It was the kind of night when even the most guarded souls feel a pull toward the unknown—a pull that Klaus Mikaelson felt with every beat of his ancient heart. That night, an invitation arrived, sealed with wax and bearing a single, ornate mask. It promised entry to a masquerade held deep within the crumbling walls of an abandoned castle, hidden in the wild hills of an old European countryside.

You and Klaus found yourselves drawn together by fate’s playful hand. You had both long harbored secrets and desires too fragile to confess in the daylight; tonight, under the cloak of anonymity and enchantment, you were free to be as whimsical and raw as your hearts allowed.

The carriage ride was a surreal prelude to the night’s unfolding. The countryside blurred past in a riot of inky black fields and silvered tree lines, while the carriage’s wheels sang a slow, rhythmic lullaby. Klaus sat beside you, his presence both comforting and dangerous, his eyes glinting with mischief as he murmured, “It seems the night itself has conspired to steal us away, my dear.” You only smiled, feeling your heart swell at his familiar cadence—a voice that, even after centuries of solitude, still resonated with both menace and tenderness.

When you arrived at the castle, its silhouette loomed against the moonlit sky like a forgotten dream. Ivy crept along its crumbling walls, and stained glass windows—long shattered—hinted at the grandeur that had once filled its halls. Lanterns swung from iron hooks, casting dancing shadows upon the cobblestones. The sound of distant laughter and the faint strains of a melancholic waltz beckoned you inside, and the heavy door creaked open as if welcoming you to a realm where time and memory merged.

Inside, the atmosphere was both eerie and intoxicating. Guests, their faces hidden behind intricately designed masks, floated through the grand hall like ghosts at a ball, their movements languid and otherworldly. The air was perfumed with a blend of ancient incense and something sweet and familiar—perhaps the trace of old memories or the promise of undiscovered passions.

Klaus, ever the master of his own fate, led you through the crowd with a quiet confidence that belied the tumult of emotions beneath. “I trust you can see the irony,” he said, his voice low as he guided you into the center of the ballroom. “In a world built on secrets and shadows, we find ourselves dancing in the light of our hidden truths.” His eyes, usually so guarded, shone with a mixture of defiance and longing as he caught your gaze.

You laughed softly, a sound that mingled with the haunting melody of the waltz. “You always have a way with words, Klaus. It’s as if you’ve penned sonnets in your head for every moment.”

He smirked, brushing a stray lock of hair from your face. “Perhaps I have, though I’d wager they pale in comparison to the verses I imagine when I see you.”

In that moment, as you moved together on the marble floor, the world around you melted into a blur of swirling gowns, whispered promises, and the soft glow of candlelight. The waltz carried you both away, a hypnotic rhythm that transcended the present, echoing with the memories of what once was and the hopes for what might be. Every step you took was a conversation—silent yet profound—with every glance and every touch laden with unspoken meaning.

At one point, while the waltz carried you in a gentle spiral, Klaus leaned in close, his breath warm against your ear. “Tell me,” he murmured, “do you ever wonder if these masks we wear are more than mere disguises? That they’re the very trappings of the souls we hide from the world?”

You smiled, eyes twinkling beneath your mask. “I think they’re the windows we use to share a glimpse of who we truly are, even when we’d rather remain hidden.”

He chuckled softly. “Then tonight, let us cast aside our pretenses and be as we are—raw, unfiltered, and perhaps a bit reckless.”

You squeezed his hand, the contact igniting a warmth that defied the chill of the ancient stone around you. “Let’s be reckless then,” you whispered. “Let’s be daring enough to believe that even in the dark, we can find a light that guides us home.”

For hours, the masquerade unfolded in a swirl of poetry and mischief. Klaus and you wandered from one forgotten corridor to another, sharing quiet conversations in hidden alcoves and laughter that echoed off the crumbling walls. At one point, you found yourselves alone in a small chamber where the only light came from a solitary, flickering candle. The room was filled with the scent of old parchment and a hint of lavender, and in that secluded space, Klaus turned to you with a rare seriousness.

“I have lived a thousand lifetimes in solitude,” he began, his voice a low murmur that seemed to reverberate with centuries of longing and regret. “But tonight, for a fleeting moment, I can feel that perhaps my heart has not been entirely forsaken. You have stirred something in me that I thought was lost forever—a fire that burns in the silence between us.”

You listened, eyes shining with unshed tears and defiant hope. “And what if that fire consumes you?” you asked softly. “What if it leaves nothing but ashes in its wake?”

Klaus reached out, brushing a fingertip against your cheek, his touch tender and sure. “Then I would gladly walk through that inferno, for even the flames would pale in comparison to the thought of living without you.”

His words hung between you, heavy and potent—a vow made not in words alone but in every shared glance, every unspoken promise. In that moment, as the candle sputtered and cast dancing shadows upon the stone, you both understood that your souls were entwined in ways that transcended the fleeting hours of mortal joy.

And then, as the first light of dawn began to chase away the remnants of night, the masquerade faded into memory. The masks were removed, the laughter dissolved into silence, but the bond forged in that enchanted evening remained, a testament to a love that was as wild and boundless as the stars above.

In that ancient castle, amidst ruins and dreams, you and Klaus stepped forward into the uncertain light of a new day, carrying the echo of that night within you—a promise that even in darkness, love would guide you home.

Taglist: @heretic-gf @myworldrightnow @deactiveblogx @witch-of-letters

[jadevalentine-writes]

Hannibal Fic WIP - Mystery Neighbor AU

Riding the high of completing Wild Hunt, I'm here to thrust another WIP upon ye. Behold, my first Hannibal fic, and despair!

Tagging the muses: @subtlybrilliant, @tindragon09, @prommethium

---

Hannibal noticed something was off the moment he pulled into his driveway. Out of caution, he remained in the Bentley, engine idling, as he studied the exterior of his home in the waning summer light. 

The front doors were closed and the windows he could see looked intact. The back of the townhouse was obscured by the eight foot wooden privacy fence but he didn’t notice any signs of disruption from his point of view. Of course his security system would have alerted him to any unwanted entry, but Hannibal Lecter was nothing if not pragmatic. Any criminal worth their salt could easily disable an alarm, even one as expensive as his. 

Hannibal sighed and turned to his right, looking instead to the long empty townhouse next to his own. A moment’s reprieve was his goal, a negative to his own home’s exterior to make any differences more apparent. 

Then he saw it. 

A for sale sign swung gently in the warm breeze. 

Hannibal smiled and turned off the car. 

The quote “Netherfield Park was let at last” came to mind, though the townhouse to his right held none of the grandeur of the fictitious estate. Hannibal also doubted that a wealthy man in want of a wife would find his way to this particular Baltimore neighborhood anytime soon. And there certainly would not be any grande balls, to his chagrin. 

Hannibal chided his caution as he approached the front door. Although he rarely interacted with his neighbors, the prospect of a new one was still exciting. Perhaps they would have a taste for art and music, like he did, and he would see them at gallery openings and operas, nodding to each other over champagne and rocks glasses but never speaking. Maybe they would appreciate fine dining as he did and he could try new dishes out on them if he was feeling adventurous. 

Or perhaps they would be new to their wealth and rude, and they would feature in a dish themselves.

***

The next evening, Hannibal returned home with dinner on his mind. 

There was a liver he should really use before it was past its prime and he was debating on how to prepare it.  Marinating was best, and it did not bother him to eat late. He was walking towards the door, mentally going through his stock of wine that would pair well with the main course when he heard a creak that made him pause. 

Hannibal angled his head towards the door, listening intently for breathing on the other side, when again his gaze landed on the sign in the yard next door. 

Sale Pending the attachment underneath swayed. 

Well, that was fast. 

Hannibal smirked as he let himself into the foyer. Soon, he would have a new neighbor and a new source of entertainment or irritation, at least for a little while.

***

Saturday brought with it slumber and sunshine. 

And multiple dogs barking. 

The last drove Hannibal from the warmth of his bed out of academic curiosity. He rarely heard dogs in his neighborhood, let alone so close to his house. The dogs of the Baltimore elite were small, to be seen, not heard, and toted around in designer bags.

These dogs sounded larger and multiple. 

Hannibal crossed the hall to the guest bedroom which was adjacent to his driveway and looked out. 

His neighbor had arrived, in four-legged, frantic glory. 

[atlas-jack]

okay so i just got ps plus which has opened my world to a lot of new games. now some of you may know im a big shill for square enix. i love their games and have since i was like 6. so naturally i was super excited when i saw stranger of paradise in the games catalog, especially given its high rating on playstation.

im now 7 hours in and i gotta say, im quite happy i didnt spring the £70 that the game usually sells for. im actually kinda disappointed. a lot of the levels ive played have felt grand and ostentatious but so empty. theres these huge halls with nothing in them. it feels like a waste of the space.

i know that open worlds can be expensive and resource intensive so im not upset about that. however, i thought that given its not open world, it would give the artists and level designers more freedom to make the individual levels more solid and interesting. and some genuinely are! theyve nailed the forest location and bikkes cave. but every other level seems to be one of these towers with huge empty rooms with a little chest off to the side.

as well as this, jacks character just seems so... boring. there is no substance to him. i am supposed to align myself with this man who has one goal in mind that he doesnt shut up about. and 7 hours in, thats still all i know about him. or any of the group for that matter. in 15, whilst i know that reception to it was a bit mixed, part of what made that game for me was the banter between the team mates. you dont really get that here.

i also dont really care about 'killing chaos'. there is no real explanation as to what or who chaos is and we keep going back and forth on whether chaos is even real. i dont know and i actually dont care. i feel like the developers were trying to go for some big, crazy twists with this but its not really all that engaging or fun to keep arguing about this chaos thingy.

this doesnt really feel like an appropriate entry into the final fantasy franchise. maybe because it feels underdone and flat. final fantasy, to me, is about those big, bubbly, clashing characters and team dynamics and genuinely interesting worlds to explore. i feel a lot of this is missing in stranger of paradise.

i think the gameplay is really the only thing that holds this game up for me. the combat is fun and rewarding and i genuinely feel great after defeating a boss. if the gameplay wasnt as solid as it is, i think i would have stopped already. im having fun with the combat mechanics.

i would have been really upset if i paid £70 for this.

[shannaraisles]

Devil's Dance - for @euryalex

A commission fic for the lovely @euryalex, featuring her Tav, Tara Lunarsong, and Wyll Ravengard - thank you so much for commissioning me, lovely, you were a real pleasure to work with! The banner was created using one of @euryalex's own screenshots.

Devil's Dance

Aevan will be there.

Tara shook her head, chasing away the inevitable suggestion of long-held fear that came with that thought. Aevan Covaldi, her former master and still a high ranking noble of this city ... yes, he would be at the ball tonight, held to honour Enver Gortash’s ascension to the rank of Archduke of Baldur’s Gate. No matter what she had done, or what he thought of her now, he would try his hand to drag her back under his control. She could not suppress a shudder at the prospect of being once more entirely at his mercy. 

A flicker of motion in the reflection, dragging violet eyes from their contemplation of herself to the entrance of the companion who needed her to be on top of this tonight. Wyll looked almost as uncomfortable as she felt, hands twitching at the finery they had procured for the evening. They had been invited, they would play their part. After all, this was the life that awaited him when his own father eventually chose to step down. He would be the next Duke Ravengard of the Gate, as was his birthright. 

The reluctance on his face was covered in an instant as she turned to greet him, replaced with the warm smile that she had grown so accustomed to from him. No day was now complete without at least one of those smiles from Wyll, and he never seemed to tire of bestowing them upon her. This time, however, it was touched with something that drew more heat to her skin, promising a thrill they had flirted with just barely over the weeks they had been travelling together. 

“Tara, you look ...” He spread his hands, that smile deepening at his own loss for words. “Beautiful barely touches the radiance I see before me.”

She laughed, cheeks warming with almost shy delight at his appreciation. 

“It is a wonder what well made clothing can do for even the most dowdy person,” she agreed, a teasing tilt to her head as she took the hand he offered to her. 

“You jest, surely,” he said, holding her arm out so that he could drink in the magnificence of his companion clad in silk and velvet to match the jewel-dark tones of her hair and eyes. “It is not the dress that makes you shine, my lady.”

“And it is not your finery that draws my eyes, but the good heart and soul behind your every word and action,” was her tender response, fingers squeezing his for a brief moment before her smile faded. “Are you ready to do this?”

He held her gaze for an uncomfortable moment, stone eye and living both seeming to share the pain of his reluctant duty with her. 

“In truth, I do not believe I shall ever be ready to be a part of this vipers’ nest we call high society,” he confessed. “But it is my father’s wish - and our own design - that I attend this evening. I am grateful that you will be at my side.”

“You have no idea how much I echo that sentiment.”

“Then, my dearest lady, shall we enter the dragon’s lair together?” Wyll drew her hand to the crook of his arm, laying his palm with warm comfort over her fingers. “I will not leave your side, I swear it.”

Tara let her relief show in her own smile as she curled her hands to his elbow, the two of them stepping from the rooms they had been given to make their way down to the entry hall. The ball was already in full swing, the new Archduke presiding over the celebration of those who knew his purpose and those innocent of it. As his guests, and guests of Duke Ravengard, they should have been downstairs over an hour ago. They could not put it off any longer. 

The grands doors opened, their names announced to the gathering, and all eyes fell upon them. And what did those eyes see? A half-elven sorceress arrayed like a queen, on the arm of the Blade of Frontiers, the devil son of Duke Ravengard. Those same eyes lingered on the horns that curled from Wyll’s head, one the warning flicker of lightning at the fingertips of his companion when she noted too many recoiling in disgust and fear. It did not matter how much Duke Ulder may declare his faith in his son - the transformation visited upon him by Mizora would forever be the first impression he made upon those he met. The nobility could be ruthless if they spotted weakness; Tara curled her fingers tighter to Wyll’s sleeve. They could not show any weakness here. 

“Ah, my guests! At last you grace us with your presence!”

Gortash’s voice cut through the silence, and it seemed as though the room took a breath. 

“My lord.” Wyll bowed, though his hand did not leave Tara’s as she inclined her head to the devious man sat above them. “Our apologies for our tardiness.”

Gortash’s smile was painfully knowing, the tadpoles squirming in their heads as his regard focused on them. 

“No apology is needed, I assure you,” he declared. “Were my companion such a rare jewel, I too would delay sharing her with the world.”

Tara managed to turn her grimace at the implication into a dignified sneer of a smile, glad when Gortash seemed to dismiss them with a wave of his hand, extorting the musicians to play once more. Allowed to accept the newcomers in their midst by their newest leader, the nobles and their warriors and spies turned back to their own scheming and sniping ... all but one. 

She felt his gaze before she found him in the crowd, standing tall, displaying the scars she had left on him with an almost perverted pride. Wyll must have felt her stiffen at his side, drawing her just a little closer into the warmth of his presence, his free hand returning to rest with tenderness over her fingers at his elbow as Aevan Corvaldi moved to intercept them. The man’s eyes settled with snake-like certainty on Tara, and for just a moment, she was thrown back in time, gripped in the vice of memory so tightly she could barely breathe. She remembered the leash settled about her neck, metaphorical in nature but oh, so real for so many years. She remembered the rules, the punishments, the suppression of her very being, cold numbness spreading through her chest ... and felt Wyll’s hand squeeze her own, heard him clear his throat to address the source of her age-old terror with no fear at all. 

“I notice your eyes lingering where they should not,” the Blade of Frontiers said, his shoulders somehow broadening  as he drew himself up, prepared to step between them if necessary. “You are?”

“An old friend.” Aevan’s smile was still as charming as it had always been, even with the steel-sharp edge of fury lingering deep behind his eyes. “You are thriving, I see, Tamara.”

With the numbness of fear fading, Tara looked into those eyes and felt ... nothing. No anger, no disgust ... no fear. Her lips twitched, almost betraying the smile that wanted to show itself as she acknowledged that finally this man had no hold over her. There was the uncomfortable stirring of the tadpole in her mind, telling her that Aevan, too, had been implanted, yet she felt nothing but pity for his state. After all, if she and her party were to find success, he would at last be defeated in every way that mattered to him. He would have to acknowledge that he was just one among many, and as powerless as so many of the souls he had ground beneath his heel over time. 

“No thanks to you, Lord Corvaldi,” she said, her fingers answering Wyll’s squeeze as reassuringly as she could. 

“Oh, come now.” Her former monster laughed his amiable laugh, but the coldness behind his gaze could not be wholly denied. He wanted her even more, now that she had proven she had no need for him. “You and I were very good together. Perhaps we could be again, away from this demonic underling you have acquired in my absence.”

This time, it was Wyll who stiffened at her side, stinging from the implication, and she who calmed him before he could speak in answer, marvelling at her calmness in the face of such blatant attempts at manipulation.

“I think, Lord Corvaldi, you will find that I am better in your absence,” she informed him. “I have no need for underlings when I have companions who choose to stand by me. But, of course, you would not understand that. You have no use for true loyalty, something I am certain the Archduke would confirm. Enjoy your evening.”

She offered him her sweetest smile, turning away with her blood singing in her veins, drawing Wyll away from the darkness of her past and further into the throne that might contain his future. He stepped smoothly with her, but she could feel that he was steaming with anger at the unseemly encounter.

“Easy,” she murmured. “I have been around people like this enough to know that he cannot do anything to me. But he should not have said that about you.”

“He said nothing that others are not thinking,” Wyll sighed in return, lowering his head so only she could hear the regret in his speech. “For all my father’s posturing, they will only ever see me as the devil in their midst.”

“The Devil Duke of Baldur’s Gate does have a certain ring to it,” she mused, trying to lighten the moment for him as the soft cadence of music reached them through the crowd. “Dance with me, dear heart. Let’s show them you are so much more than they seem to think.”

This drew a faint chuckle from his lips, the sense of acceptance there even as he stepped back to bow to her. It was the minuet they had first danced together in camp so many weeks before, steps that came now as easily as breathing to them both. Fingers barely touching as they passed one another, eyes locked on one another even as the crowd dispersed around them, all eyes on the devil and his lady as they promenaded across the floor in perfect time, each one in sync with the other as easily as their heartbeats found a similar rhythm. 

And there, in the gentle swirl of motion and intimacy, was the intrusion of voices, as the tadpoles squirming in their minds gave them glimpses into the judgement of the people watching them. 

... fiendish power to hold over us ... is this beast to be our next duke ... must have sold her soul to him for this favour ... Lord Gortash’s hell hound ... 

Tara saw the words strike Wyll to the core, saw him falter in his steps. She abandoned the dance, stepping close, curling her hands to his cheeks, drawing him down. 

“No,” she whispered, violet eyes burning her fierce denial into his. “You are Wyll Ravengard, Blade of Frontiers, hero of the Sword Coast. You are a good man, no matter the appearance you wear. You do not belong in this nest of vipers.”

WIthout a second thought for how it might look, or who might be offended, she pulled him to her, lips seeking his to still the roiling recriminations in his mind and sweep his thoughts clean of the judgement of others. Her fingers poured deliberately over his jaw, to his neck, gripping the butter-soft velvet of his doublet between his shoulderblades, dragging herself closer, ever closer into his arms as he clung to her. His kiss was almost desperate, needing to believe her, needing to know he was not what all these strangers wanted to see him as. 

“Tara ...” Her name drawn from his lips in a fervent whisper as she gently parted her lips from his, sharing his breath with her as he shuddered in her grasp. “What am I doing here? I cannot be what he wishes of me.”

She smiled, brushing the tip of her nose to his, fully aware that his father, the source of all his insecurities and uncertainties, was watching their every move. Aware that he would know she was responsible for his son’s happiness, even if that happiness meant abandoning the duty the old man kept forcing upon him. 

“Then be what you wish to be,” she whispered back to him. “Stay with me. Let’s see what we can become together.”

She felt a second shudder tremble through him, taking with it the burden of not knowing if he could walk away from the life that had been proscribed for him since birth. Of course he could walk away; so long as she walked at his side, he could do anything. And here she was, promising she would walk that path with him. 

His lips parted, curving into broad grin as he pressed a swift kiss to her mouth, drawing his courage.

“Be ready, my dear one.”

Then he turned to the company, who stared at the two of them as though they had lost their minds, as though their little display of fierce devotion was the very height of offence. 

“My lords, my ladies, and company all,” he announced. “I thank you for your cold indifference and unfeeling judgement. Rest assured, there will be no Devil Duke of the Gate. I have no desire to be a part of this company of thieves and villains. Please, make merry while you can. Your time is growing short.”

With a flourishing bow, he wrapped his arm about Tara’s waist. She drew the symbol in the air, mouthed the words, and suddenly they stood at the doors through which they had entered, a blast of force from his hand blowing them open with a careless gesture. They turned back to the crowd for a last bow, each noting the fury on the face of the Archduke and the quiet pride in the respectful nod from Duke Ulder before dismissing them all as easily as they themselves had been dismissed. Gortash’s opinion meant nothing to them, but the Duke’s smile was all the approval Wyll needed. Tara’s smile was heartfelt as she nodded back to him, turning to her Blade once more. 

And, arm in arm, the Blade of Frontiers and the Lily of the Valley stepped out from beneath the expectations of others, into a world of their own making.

[taiwanexpoindia]

Taiwan Expo India 2024: Premier Innovation Showcase at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi

The Taiwan Expo India 2024 is set to be a landmark event, marking its return to New Delhi with a grand showcase of technological advancements and cultural richness from Taiwan. Scheduled from July 8 to July 10, 2024, at the iconic Pragati Maidan, this expo aims to foster stronger economic ties and collaboration between Taiwan and India. Organized by the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA), along with the International Trade Administration (TITA) and the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA), the expo promises to be a dynamic platform for innovation, trade, and cultural exchange.

Dates: July 8-10, 2024 Location: Pragati Maidan,Hall no 2(Entry Gate 4), New Delhi

Key Themes and Pavilions

The Taiwan Expo 2024 will feature five central themes, each highlighting Taiwan’s expertise and innovative spirit across various sectors:

Smart Manufacturing: This pavilion will showcase Taiwan’s advanced manufacturing technologies, which are integral to industries worldwide. Expect to see demonstrations of automation, robotics, and cutting-edge machinery designed to enhance efficiency and productivity in manufacturing processes.

Smart City: As cities around the world evolve into smarter, more connected ecosystems, Taiwan is at the forefront with its smart city solutions. The Smart City pavilion will present technologies that contribute to sustainable urban development, including smart transportation systems, energy management, and IoT (Internet of Things) applications.

Smart Lifestyle: Taiwan’s innovations extend into everyday life, improving how we live and interact with technology. The Smart Lifestyle pavilion will feature products that enhance quality of life, from smart home devices to consumer electronics and health and wellness innovations.

Wellness Fiesta: Health and wellness are critical components of a balanced lifestyle. This theme will focus on Taiwan's contributions to medical devices, personal care, and health-related technologies, highlighting products that promote well-being and healthy living.

Green Innovations: Reflecting Taiwan’s commitment to environmental sustainability, the Green Innovations pavilion will display eco-friendly technologies and solutions aimed at reducing carbon footprints and fostering a greener planet. This includes renewable energy technologies, green materials, and sustainable practices.

Explore Taiwan's cutting-edge technology and innovative solutions at the Taiwan Expo India 2024. This event will feature over 110 exhibitors across 160 booths, showcasing advancements in smart manufacturing, green innovations, and more. Join us at Pragati Maidan for a unique opportunity to discover Taiwan's contributions to modern technology and culture. Don’t miss out on engaging with top industry leaders and experiencing Taiwan’s rich cultural heritage!

[fillyoursoulxx]

closed starter for @tinymute​ ft juliette

One. Two. Three. Four.

Four. Three. Two. One.

Each of Silas’ fingers tapped the pad of his thumb as he moved through the massive entry hall. He weaved in and out, offering h'dourves and overall just trying to breathe as he had to shift and side step and do his best not to bump into anyone not paying attention. His skin crawled. His chest was tight, a cluster of icy barbs lodged right in the middle of it and fuck-- it felt like a mess of angry hornets were between his ears. He was aware of it all individually and all at once. He wanted to shut his eyes, to step out of at least one of his senses, but he’d learned when he started...this was just part of the job. 

Actual event spaces weren’t so bad. They had open concepts with lots of exits and decent acoustics. Staff had designated places to take a moment without having to worry about disturbing or being disturbed by a guest. Speaking of staff, there were more of them opposed to a few being hand picked to consequentially run into the ground. And furniture. They didn’t have completely unnecessary furniture or taxidermy or priceless vases in the most idiotic places.

Event spaces made sense. This was not that. 

It was some grand mansion event...not a wedding. Birthday maybe? Hell if he knew. He knew better than to take these kinds of parties. They were living nightmares and considering he had plenty of the regular kind, he didn’t need this. And yet here he was, making his way to the equally massive living room. For what? Oh-- right. He needed to make up for skipping out early before. Emanuel hadn’t been too happy about it, especially since Silas only texted rather than confirming he was actually ‘sick’. He hadn’t gotten into trouble but wasn’t like he got sick time. So this, however uncomfortable was needed. He had rent to pay.

Thankfully this area was less packed and a little more chill than the foyer and pool area. He made his rounds there and then made his way out again, cursing under his breath as he almost immediately collided with a set of guests. Apologizes were offered before he breezed past a similarly dressed figure, one of his co-workers no doubt, and into the first room he could find.

He needed a moment. Just a small one. Because right now he wanted to fucking crawl out of his skin. Looking around the room, which was likely someone’s study he heard the door open and he groaned, “Lenny, I know. It’s busy, but I need a minute so please fuck--” the words flew out of his mouth before he turned and made eye contact with...a familiar pair of clear blue eyes. He blinked, completely unaware he was already smiling. 

“--oh. You definitely aren’t-- uh. Hi” 

[arantajtour01]

Full Day Old and New Delhi Tour by Arana Taj Tour Company

Full Day Old and New Delhi Tour by Arana Taj Tour Company

Discover the Best of Delhi in a One-Day Guided Tour

Delhi, the heart of India, is a mesmerizing blend of ancient history, rich culture, and modern development. Exploring both Old and New Delhi in a single day might seem overwhelming, but with Arana Taj Tour Company, you can experience the city's most iconic landmarks in a comfortable, well-organized manner.

This Full Day Old and New Delhi Tour covers historic monuments, bustling bazaars, and stunning architecture while giving you deep insights into Delhi’s past and present.

Why Choose Arana Taj Tour Company?

Arana Taj Tour Company offers expertly curated tours designed to make your Delhi experience enjoyable and hassle-free. Here’s why they are the best choice:

✔ Expert Local Guides – Discover fascinating stories behind every monument. ✔ Comfortable AC Transportation – Travel in a private, air-conditioned vehicle. ✔ Skip-the-Line Access – Avoid long ticket queues. ✔ Flexible Itinerary – Customize your tour based on your interests. ✔ Great Value for Money – Affordable pricing with top-notch services.

Itinerary of the Full Day Old and New Delhi Tour

1. Hotel Pick-Up (8:00 AM - 9:00 AM)

Your tour starts with a pick-up from your hotel, airport, or any preferred location in Delhi. Your expert guide and chauffeur will ensure a comfortable and informative journey throughout the day.

Exploring Old Delhi – A Glimpse into Mughal India

2. Jama Masjid – India’s Largest Mosque

Your first stop is the Jama Masjid, built by Emperor Shah Jahan in 1656. This grand mosque is a masterpiece of Mughal architecture, featuring:

Towering minarets and majestic domes

A massive courtyard that can accommodate 25,000 worshippers

Breathtaking views of Old Delhi from the top of the minaret (optional climb)

3. Chandni Chowk – A Rickshaw Ride Through the Bustling Market

Next, hop on a traditional cycle rickshaw and explore Chandni Chowk, one of Delhi’s oldest and busiest markets. Experience:

Narrow, vibrant streets lined with shops selling spices, jewelry, and textiles.

Mouthwatering street food like parathas, jalebis, and samosas.

A blend of history and chaos in this 17th-century marketplace.

4. Red Fort – A UNESCO World Heritage Site

Marvel at the majestic Red Fort, a symbol of Mughal grandeur. Built in 1648, this iconic fort was the residence of Mughal emperors and is famous for:

Its massive red sandstone walls and intricate carvings.

The beautiful Diwan-i-Aam (Hall of Public Audience).

The sound and light show (optional evening visit).

(Note: You will see the fort from outside, as entry requires extra time.)

5. Raj Ghat – Gandhi Memorial

Pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Raj Ghat, a peaceful memorial where he was cremated. This serene spot is surrounded by lush gardens, making it a great place for reflection.

Exploring New Delhi – The Modern Face of the Capital

6. India Gate – A Tribute to Fallen Soldiers

Drive past the India Gate, a 42-meter-high war memorial dedicated to Indian soldiers who died in World War I. Take pictures and enjoy the beautiful gardens surrounding the monument.

7. Rashtrapati Bhavan – The Presidential Residence

Get a glimpse of the magnificent Rashtrapati Bhavan, the official residence of the President of India. While entry is restricted, you can admire the grand architecture from outside.

8. Humayun’s Tomb – The Inspiration for the Taj Mahal

Visit Humayun’s Tomb, a stunning Mughal-era mausoleum built in 1570. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is known for:

Its Persian-inspired architecture and lush gardens.

Being the first garden-tomb in India.

Serving as an architectural inspiration for the Taj Mahal.

9. Qutub Minar – The Tallest Brick Minaret in the World

Explore the Qutub Minar, a 73-meter-tall masterpiece of Indo-Islamic architecture. This UNESCO-listed site features:

Intricately carved Quranic inscriptions.

The famous Iron Pillar, which has not rusted in over 1,600 years.

A complex of ancient ruins and tombs.

10. Lotus Temple – A Symbol of Unity and Peace

End your tour at the Lotus Temple, a Bahá’í House of Worship shaped like a lotus flower. This serene site welcomes people of all faiths and is ideal for:

Meditation and quiet reflection.

Admiring modern architectural brilliance.

Capturing stunning photos of its unique design.

11. Drive Back and Hotel Drop-Off (6:00 PM – 7:00 PM)

After a full day of exploration, relax in your private vehicle as you head back to your hotel or preferred drop-off location in Delhi.

Tour Inclusions and Exclusions

What’s Included?

✔ Private air-conditioned transport ✔ Professional English-speaking guide ✔ Complimentary bottled water ✔ Hotel/airport pick-up and drop-off ✔ Rickshaw ride in Chandni Chowk

What’s Not Included?

❌ Entrance fees to monuments ❌ Lunch and personal expenses ❌ Tips and gratuities for guide and driver

Why Take a Full Day Old and New Delhi Tour?

🔹 Covers the Best of Both Worlds – Explore historic Old Delhi and modern New Delhi in a single day. 🔹 Hassle-Free Experience – No need to worry about transportation or ticket bookings. 🔹 Rich Cultural & Historical Insights – Learn from knowledgeable guides. 🔹 Customizable Itinerary – Adjust stops based on your preferences.

Tips for a Great Delhi Tour Experience

✔ Wear Comfortable Shoes – You’ll be walking a lot! ✔ Dress Modestly – Some religious sites require covered shoulders and knees. ✔ Stay Hydrated – Carry a water bottle, especially in summer. ✔ Beware of Scammers – Stick to your guide’s recommendations. ✔ Try Local Food – Don’t miss Delhi’s famous chaats, kebabs, and sweets!

Final Thoughts: A Perfect Delhi Experience

A Full Day Old and New Delhi Tour by Arana Taj Tour Company is the best way to experience the historical grandeur, cultural richness, and modern charm of Delhi in a single day. Whether you’re a history lover, a foodie, or a photography enthusiast, this tour offers something for everyone.

Book your tour today and explore Delhi like never before!

FAQs

1. How long does this tour take?

The tour lasts approximately 10-11 hours, including travel time.

2. Can I customize the itinerary?

Yes! You can discuss modifications with your guide to suit your interests.

3. Is the tour suitable for kids and elderly travelers?

Absolutely! The tour is family-friendly, and private transportation ensures comfort.

4. What is the best time of year to visit Delhi?

The best time to visit is October to March, when the weather is pleasant.

5. Do I need to carry cash for entrance tickets?

You can pay by card at most places, but having some cash is recommended.