Maharajas’ Express – Indian Splendour

Fly to Delhi

Fly overnight from London to Delhi. (N)

Meal basis: As per itinerary – B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner, N: No meals.

Delhi

Arrive and transfer to the Taj Palace for your overnight stay. In the afternoon take a guided tour of Old and New Delhi including a visit the Jama Masjid Mosque and explore the labyrinthine streets of Old Delhi by cycle rickshaw. Drive past India Gate and the former viceregal residence. (B)

Delhi – Agra

This morning, transfer to Delhi Safdarjung Railway Station to check in before boarding the Maharajas’ Express. Your first stop is Agra, famously the home of India’s most iconic landmark, the Taj Mahal. Visit this UNESCO-listed, Mughal-era mausoleum in all its white-marble splendour. Afterwards, return to the train. Additional optional activities include a spa visit at a luxury hotel, a traditional theatre performance, or a guided city tour by road. (B, L, D)

Agra – Ranthambore

Disembark for an early morning visit to the imposing Agra Fort. Return to the Maharajas’ Express in time for a relaxed breakfast, as you continue towards Ranthambore. Upon arrival, enjoy an open-top safari drive in Ranthambore National Park, formerly the maharajas’ hunting ground. This wild sanctuary is home to tigers, sambar, nilgai, sloth bears, wild boars, hyenas, leopards and jackals. Return to the train for dinner and continue your rail journey. (B, L, D)

Jaipur

After breakfast on board, disembark for a guided tour of Jaipur, including a visit to the Amber Fort, whose rugged red-sandstone exterior belies its opulent interior. Tour the Fort’s royal apartments, Chamber of Mirrors and Hall of Victory. After lunch back on the train, optional activities include a spa visit at a luxury hotel, an excursion to Jantar Mantar observatory and the City Palace, or a private tour of Jaipur by road. Later, enjoy an exclusive dinner at the 19th-century Rambagh Palace Hotel. Return to the train this evening for onward travel to Bikaner. (B, L, D)

Bikaner

Enjoy breakfast with views of the countryside rushing by. Arrive in the desert citadel of Bikaner this morning for an optional city tour. After lunch back on board, disembark for a visit to Junagarh Fort, a 16th-century royal fortress that encloses a number of impressive palaces. Later, a ceremony of camel carts delivers you to a spot atop sand dunes for a sundowner and barbecue, accompanied by folk performances. Return to your train this evening. (B, L, D)

Jodhpur

This morning remain on board the Maharajas’ Express or select from optional experiences including a tour of rural Bishnoi villages, a visit to the spa of a five-star hotel, a private tour of Jodhpur by road, or a visit to Jaswant Thada and Uhmaid Bhawan Palace Museum. After lunch on the train, you explore Mehrangarh Fort, a vast 15th-century hilltop complex which encompasses elaborate courtyards, palaces, galleries and more. Next, embark on a walking tour of Old Clock Tower Market, arriving as the locals do – via tuk-tuk. This evening, enjoy an exclusive cocktail evening, sampling a range of local delicacies. After, return to the train and continue towards Udaipur. (B, L, D)

Udaipur

Wake up in the pretty region of Mewar for breakfast on board, proceeding by rail past the Aravali Hills to Udaipur, the ‘City of Lakes’. Disembark for a tranquil boat ride on Lake Pichola, then tour the resplendent City Palace – Rajasthan’s largest palace complex. Explore more of the city’s highlights, including Mor Chowk, Moti Mahal, Chini Mahal and Zenana Mahal, admiring peacock mosaics, gorgeous mirror-work and ornate tiles as you go. Aided by an audio guide, you also visit Crystal Gallery and Darbar Hall. For lunch, feast on a spread on Indian delicacies in Satkar Hall, housed within Fateh Prakash Palace. The rest of your day is spent aboard the Maharajas’ Express, as you make your way to Mumbai. (B, L, D)

Disembark in Mumbai

Following a leisurely morning on board, disembark the Maharajas’ Express at Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus in Mumbai. Transfer to the Taj Mahal Tower for your overnight stay. (B, L)

Fly to London

Transfer to the airport for your flight home. (B)