Maharajas Express - Royal India

Step aboard India’s newest, most luxurious rail odyssey with the sublime Maharajas’ Express; a seductive combination of age-old quality and refinement blended with the engineered sophistication of the contemporary age. The cultured ‘Royal India’ journey transverses this eclectic nation from Imperial Delhi to vibrant Mumbai and the Arabian Sea, snaking serenely through a landscape as dramatic as it is historic. Each of the elegant passenger carriages enjoys sophisticated suspension for the smoothest of rides, a dedicated butler and cabins with large panoramic windows, airconditioning, flat-screen television, en suite bathrooms and a host of delightful flourishes and added-luxury touches. Savour gourmet banquet dining within two fine-dining restaurant cars and the sophistication of an aperitif or nightcap in the elegant Safari Bar or Raja Club.

YOUR HOLIDAY INCLUDES:

•   Five star accommodation for one night each in Delhi and Mumbai, with seven nights of rolling luxury aboard the Maharaja’s Express.
•   Breakfast in Delhi and Mumbai and daily breakfast, lunch and dinner, house brand beers, wines and spirits, station porterage and sightseeing as detailed aboard the Maharajas’ Express.

NB
•   The tradition and sheer elegance of the train provides an opportunity to dress for the occasion, recreating the magic and opulence of a royal era. Lounge suit / blue blazer is acceptable.
•   Warm clothing is advisable on the winter departures.

DAY 1 - LONDON TO DELHI

Depart London Heathrow with British Airways overnight to Delhi. Upon arrival, transfer to the luxurious The Oberoi, New Delhi for a one night stay. You are free to relax for the remainder of the day or explore at your leisure.

DAY 3 - DELHI TO AGRA
A further day free to perhaps explore the distinct New and Old sides of Delhi. Later, complete the boarding formalities at your hotel ahead of an evening transfer to Safdarjung station to board the opulent Maharajas’ Express. Tonight the train rolls out of the station, travelling smoothly overnight to magnificent Agra.

DAY 4 - AGRA
Early this morning leave the train to visit the iconic Taj Mahal, arriving as the sun rises and casts its golden rays over this World Heritage Site, constructed entirely out of white marble. Enjoy a Champagne breakfast at Taj Khema, a tableland overlooking the magnificent Taj marble screens. Optional tour to the spectacular Agra Fort before lunch. In the afternoon spend time at leisure either shopping for Mughal arts or making use of the hotel's spa facilities. Re-board the train for dinner and journey to Ranthambore National Park.

DAY 5 - AGRA TO RANTHAMBORE TO JAIPUR

The train trundles early into Sawai Madhopur, gateway to Ranthambore, one of India’s most revered national parks and prime location to spot the magnificent Bengal tiger. Enjoy an early morning sojourn into the park by way of jeep safari, tracking the elusive beasts with an expert guide keen to also interpret the jungle’s other fascinating flora and fauna.

After breakfast at Taj Swai Madhopur Lodge, return to the train to continue your journey to the ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur and enjoy a hearty lunch onboard. This afternoon, embark on an exciting tour of the city with the chance to shop for jewellery, textiles and the city's famous blue pottery. Visit the dramatic Amber Fort and tour the royal apartments, enjoying fantastic views of the gorge before entering the Chamber of Mirrors and the Hall of Victory. This evening, experience the unique sight of an elephant polo match with the option to take part! Enjoy dinner over a glass of wine.

DAY 6 - JAIPUR TO BIKANER
Relax as the train glides sedately onwards across the dry landscape of north eastern Rajasthan; the desert terrain punctuated by colourfully attired villagers and the occasional camel herd. Arrive late morning into Bikaner, a medieval city rich in temples, forts and palaces. Enjoy an optional tour of the city or a visit to the famous ‘Rat Temple. After lunch, explore Junagarh Fort, a formidable structure hiding a beautiful palace within, before experiencing regal pageantry firsthand on a camel cart convoy into the desert for a magical sunset, barbecue and traditional music and dance amongst the dunes.

DAY 7 - BIKANER TO JODHPUR
The train continues south, traversing the Thar desert to the fabled ‘Blue City’ of Jodhpur. A morning optional excursion takes in local craft villages, then after lunch explore the sights of the majestic Marwar capital of Jodhpur, including a walk through the vibrant Old Clock Tower Market. Tonight, sophisticate with a cocktail evening and dinner in the Royal Courtyard of the Meherangarh Fort.

DAY 8 - JODPHUR TO UDAIPUR
Breakfast this morning is greeted by the rolling Aravali Hills as the train continues on to Udaipur, the ‘Venice of the East’, and a city resplendent with its beautiful lakeside setting and plethora of magnificent palaces. Explore the enormous City Palace and later take a walking tour through the lively Old Market.

DAY 9 - UDAIPUR TO VADODARA

Arrive this morning into the Royal city of Vadodara on the River Vishwamitri, later disembarking for a sumptuous lunch with the royal family at Jambhughoda. Visit the ruins of Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeology Park before experiencing the royal art collection at the Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum. Finish the day with ‘High Tea’ at the magnificent Laxmi Vilas Palace, before tonight, savouring an Indian evening on board, toasting a most remarkable and memorable journey.

DAY 10 - VADODARA TO MUMBAI
A final breakfast heralds your arrival into Mumbai, India’s financial capital, where you will disembark, bid farewell to your crew and transfer to the grandly opulent Taj Mahal Palace for an overnight stay.

DAY 11 - MUMBAI TO LONDON
Transfer to the airport for your British Airways flight back to Heathrow, arriving later the same day.