Indian Splendour Itinerary
Spoil yourself as you travel through Rajasthan aboard the luxurious Maharajas' Express, with stops at major sites en-route.
11 days from £7400pp plus international flights.
Full itinerary
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Start planning your tailor-made holiday now. Tell us what you want, and we will tailor make your perfect trip.
Day 1
Arrive Delhi
You've arrived in Delhi. Once you've cleared customs and immigration, make your way to the Arrivals Hall where our friendly representative will be waiting to meet you and welcome you to India. Once your luggage is loaded into the waiting vehicle you'll be whisked away to your hotel where you can spend the afternoon at leisure, recover from your long flight and look forward to the trip that lies ahead.
Day 2
Delhi
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel, then you'll be taken of a full day sightseeing trip taking in some of Old and New Delhi's iconic sights. The Red Fort is one of Delhi's most distinctive sights and was the home of the Mughal emperors. Nearby, the Jama Masjid is India's largest mosque. You can climb one of the minarets for a panoramic view of Delhi. You'll visit the crowded streets of Chandni Chauk, the bustling main market of Old Delhi.
From here you might take in the sights of New Delhi, India Gate and a drive along the Rajpath, lined with Lutyen's masterful colonial architecture, is a must. You'll see the beautiful Mughal architecture of Humuyun's Tomb and Qutub Minar in the southern suburbs of Delhi, an ancient Islamic monument that combines Islamic and Hindu traditions.
Breakfast
Day 3
Depart Delhi For Agra
You'll be taken to Delhi Safdurjung Railway Station early this morning, where you are greeted and welcomed on board the waiting Maharajas' Express. Unpack your bags and settle in to your cabin. Later make your way to one of the dining cars to sit down to brunch as the train departs the capital bound for Agra. Following the meal you have an introductory briefing from the tour manager, and in the early afternoon you arrive in Agra. What better way to begin your journey than with a tour of the iconic Taj Mahal. Seeing this monument in the real is every bit as impressive as you could imagine, and your guide is able to recount the moving story behind its construction to give you an added insight. There's a choice of further optional activities today including a spa treatment at a local hotel. Afterwards you return to the train with time to freshen up before dinner.
Breakfast, dinner
Day 4
Ranthambore National Park
Rising early, you can visit either Agra Fort or the Baby Taj and then return for breakfast on board. By mid-morning the train sets out for Ranthambore, arriving just after 3pm. You disembark and set off in a jeep for a game drive in the national park, known for its tigers but also home to sloth bears, spotted deer, Indian gazelle and blue bull. You'll certainly want your camera at the ready. Back on board there's plenty of time to shower and change, enjoy a pre-prandial drink and dinner while the train begins the short journey to Jaipur, arriving just before midnight.
Full board
Day 5
Jaipur
Breakfast is served early allowing you to set off in good time for your choice of activity. You can visit Amber Fort, an impressive historical complex a little way outside the city, tour the city palace and observatory or opt to begin your day with a relaxing spa treatment at a nearby hotel. Lunch is served back on board and you have a relaxing afternoon, chatting to fellow passengers. At around 5pm you are collected for dinner at Rambagh Palace. Built in 1835 this is one of Jaipur's landmark buildings and dining here is sure to be a memorable occasion. You are transferred back to the train later where you can have a nightcap in the safari bar before heading to your cabin.
Full board
Day 6
Bikaner
It's a more leisurely start this morning, with breakfast on board as you travel to Bikaner in the Thar Desert. On arrival you can choose to take a guided tour of the city or visit Lalgarh Palace and Museum. Alternatively, you are welcome to remain on board the Maharajas' Express and enjoy some relaxation while the staff look after you. After lunch you are taken to Junagarh Fort which dates back to the late 16th century, and thence to the sand dunes for scenic sundowners followed by an al fresco barbecue and a display of folk dancing. After this wonderful evening in the desert you return to the Maharajas' Express which then departs on the overnight trip to Jodhpur.
Full board
Day 7
Jodhpur
Enjoy breakfast as the train approaches Jodhpur and you ponder the choice of morning activities. You can take a drive out to Umaid Bhawan Palace, a grand building constructed between 1929 and 1943 part of which is now a museum, take a tour of a nearby Bishnoi village for an insight into local life or relax with a pampering spa treatment at a hotel. Following lunch there's a guided city tour taking in Mehrangarh Fort from which you get excellent views over the 'blue city', a walking tour of the old clocktower market and a ride in a motor rickshaw, a typical mode of transport in Indian cities. Cocktails and dinner are served at a local restaurant and then you are taken back to the train as it gets underway again.
Full board
Day 8
Udaipur
After a good night's sleep, sit down to breakfast and by mid-morning the train pulls in to your next destination, Udaipur, known for its picture-postcard lakes and palaces. Swap the train for a boat as you enjoy a cruise on Lake Pichola with plenty of photo opportunities. You also visit the City Palace complex and the Crystal Gallery which houses the largest private collection of crystal in the world, including fountains, furniture and a crystal encrusted carpet. You are treated to lunch in the Satkar Banquet Hall at Fakeh Prakash Palace before returning to the Maharajas' Express. An Indian evening is planned to mark your final night on board.
Full board
Day 9
Disembark In Mumbai
Breakfast is served from 7am this morning as the train heads towards Mumbai. You have time to sit and watch the scenery, have conversations with other passengers and enjoy some downtime in the safari bar, as well as to pack your belongings. Savour a tasty lunch and just before 4pm the Maharajas' Express makes its stately approach into Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaja Terminus, where you say your goodbyes to the crew and fellow travellers. You will be met on the platform and then transferred to your hotel where you can settle in. The rest of the afternoon and evening has been kept free.
Breakfast, lunch
Day 10
Mumbai
Enjoy breakfast after a good night's sleep in preparation for the day's sightseeing that lies ahead. This morning you'll enjoy a city tour of Mumbai taking in the highlights. Mumbai is a mixing pot of cultures, and people and religions from all over India can be found in the city. As well as countless Hindu temples and shrines, you can also find Jain temples, Christian churches, Muslim mosques, Jewish synagogues and even a Zorastorian tower of silence. This afternoon board a boat for the 11km ride to Elephanta Island. This UNESCO World Heritage Site consists of one group of five Hindu caves and a smaller group of Buddhist caves, both carved out of solid basalt rock.
Breakfast
Day 11
Departure
Enjoy a final delicious breakfast at your hotel and then it's time to pack your bags and say your goodbyes. You'll be collected from the hotel and driven to the airport to catch your flight home. Check-in and then reflect on your time on the Maharaja's Express as you wait for your flight to depart.
Breakfast
Call: 01473 890499
Start planning your tailor-made holiday now. Tell us what you want, and we will tailor make your perfect trip.
