Week-End in Islamabad (3 Days)

After greeting you at the Islamabad airport/guesthouse/hotel, we shall begin our tour by visiting Faisal Mosque, one of the largest in Asia with a capacity of 100,000 worshipers, and then enjoy splendid views of Islamabad from Daman e Koh view point, Rawal Lake and Islamabad city from Shakar Parian. We would then go to the Pakistan Monument, which has portraits, salient features and significant events through the history of Pakistan as well as the Folk Heritage Museum. The afternoon will be at leisure for you to explore some of the shopping centres of the city. In the evening enjoy dinner at Saidpur; a village artistically preserved featuring some of the finest restaurants of Islamabad. Overnight at your guest house/hotel.

We will drive from Islamabad to Taxila, which represents one of the most important archeological sites in Pakistan. This was the capital of the rich Gandharan Buddhist civilization which flourished in Pakistan from at least the sixth century B.C. through to the fifth century A.D. evolving and changing over the centuries as it absorbed the influence of various conquering empires. Despite their archeological importance, the remains themselves elicit mixed responses from visitors; certainly you need lots of imagination to conjure up the former glory of many of the sights. En-route, a short stop at Margalla Pass to view the Nicholson monument erected in 1868 in honor of Brigadier-General John Nicholson, a famous military figure of the British Empire. On arrival at Taxila have a cup of tea. Later on visit the archeological sites of Taxila. After a detailed visit of the Museum of Taxila, take a lunch in a local restaurant, and then visit oldest ruin of Bir mound, Jan dial temple and Julian Monastery. After a detailed visit, head back to Islamabad and your hotel for the rest of the time will be at leisure to enjoy the shops and restaurants of the city. Overnight at your guest house/hotel.

This morning after checking out of the guest house/hotel, we will drive to Murree, once the famous summer hill station for British army during colonial rule, and today a popular summer resort station situated at an altitude of 2300m above sea level. The British army built some very high standard schools and colleges here, such as the Lawrence College and Jesus & Mary Convent. Take a stroll on famous Mall Road of Murree and visit the Holy Trinity Church which was one of the earliest buildings to be erected in 1857 after the founding of Murree in 1851. After sightseeing for lunch we will drive to the beautiful Bhurban Pearl Continental Hotel. In the afternoon return to Islamabad.