The Palace on Wheels

The renowned Palace on Wheels train invites you onboard to witness the remarkable Rajput state of Rajasthan. Your tour includes the famed ‘Golden Triangle’ of the contrasting New and Old Delhi, the ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur and Agra, home of the Taj Mahal.

Along the way, discover desert forts, historic cities and ornate palaces and perhaps glimpse a tiger or two in Ranthambore National Park, all from the comfort of one of the world's great trains.

Tour overview
•   Tour vibrant New Delhi and historic Old Delhi
•   Discover Amber Fort in Jaipur
•   Look out for the Bengal tiger in Ranthambore National Park
•   See Chittaurgarh's ruined seventh-century fort
•   Visit Udaipur's city palace and crystal gallery
•   Tour Jaisalmer's sandstone havelis in the Thar Desert
•   Discover magnificent Mehrengarh Fort in Jodhpur
•   See Agra's sandstone fort and the Taj Mahal

Guide

•   You'll have your own private tour guide while in Delhi on arrival
•   Onboard the Palace on Wheels you'll have the services of a tour manager, and all off-train excursions will be guided by English-speaking local guides
•   Extensions are not escorted but assistance is provided by our local representatives in each destination

MEAL PLAN
•   Prices include breakfast, lunch and dinner onboard The Palace on Wheels
•   breakfast in Delhi and on the Goa and Shimla extensions.
•   Please note that meals onboard the train are subject to occupancy numbers and on occasion it may be necessary for some meals to be served at local restaurants.

ACCOMMODATION
•   Is in four and a half star hotels in Delhi.
•   Four star accommodation onboard The Palace on Wheels is compact, all have en suite shower and WC.
•   Storage space is limited so please pack accordingly.

GRATUITIES
•   Tipping is a way of life in India. It is usual to tip your room boy, waiter and tour manager at the end of the journey, suggested amounts will be provided onboard The Palace on Wheels.

TRAVEL TIPS
•   Summers in Rajasthan can be very hot and a sun hat is essential. During Dec and Jan, however, night time temperatures can drop to just above freezing so we recommend taking a jumper for the evenings and early morning.

NB
•   The Festival of Colours, Holi, will be celebrated all over India on Mar08 2012, during which people spray each other with different coloured dyes and this may cause a slight change to the itinerary, if affected.
•   Please note that local conditions may necessitate slight variations to the itinerary without notice.

DAY 1 - LONDON THE DELHI
Depart Heathrow today on your Virgin Atlantic flight to Delhi, arriving late morning the next day. Upon arrival, transfer to The Claridges for one night.

DAY 3 - DELHI TO JAIPUR
Enjoy a rewarding orientation tour of Delhi. Visit the narrow bustling streets, colourful bazaars and outstanding Jama Masjid mosque of Old Delhi. Tour Lutyen’s New Delhi, stopping at the Gandhi Memorial Rajghat and pass by the monumental government buildings.

Later in the afternoon board the ‘Palace on Wheels’ and depart for the ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur, enjoying dinner as the fascinating tapestry of Rajasthan life rolls by.

DAY 4 - JAIPUR TO SAWAI MADHOPUR
This morning, tour Jaipur and view the Royal Observatory, ornate Maharajah’s Palace and the unique façade of the Palace of the Winds. Enjoy lunch at the ornate walled fortress of Amber perched high above the surrounding area, followed by an elephant ride and a tour of the fort itself.

Tonight, dinner will be served on board the train ahead of its departure overnight to Sawai Madhopur.

DAY 5 - SAWAI MADHOPUR TO UDAIPUR

Morning visit to the acclaimed Ranthambore National Park, home to a diverse variety of wildlife including the famed Bengal tiger, wild boar and over 300 species of birds. Enjoy lunch on board the train as you travel to Chittaurgarh followed by a tour of this romantic city, including the remains of the 7th Century fort. Tonight, travel overnight to Udaipur.

DAY 6 - UDAIPUR TO JAISALMER

Awake in the enchanting city of Udaipur. Spend the morning on a fascinating city tour with lunch served in a local hotel. Later, visit the City Palace and the exquisite crystal gallery where every piece of furniture and even the carpet is adorned with crystals, a breathtaking sight. Return to the train for an early evening departure.

DAY 7 - JAISALMER TO JODHPUR
Arrive this morning in Jaisalmer in the heart of the Thar Desert and tour this city of sandstone ‘havelis’, housed within an ancient fort. Later journey out to the surrounding sand dunes for a camel ride before returning to Jaisalmer for dinner and entertainment at a local hotel. Reboard the train and tonight travel overnight to Jodhpur.

DAY 8 - JODHPUR TO BHARATPUR
Arrive in Jodhpur, the second largest city of Rajasthan and a city ringed by a high stone wall with seven gates and several bastions. Enjoy a tour of this ancient walled city, visiting the formidable Mehrengarh Fort with its many colourful palaces. Lunch is served in the impressive surroundings of the Umaid Bhawan Palace. Depart in the evening for Bharatpur with dinner on board.

DAY 9 - BHARATPUR TO AGRA
Breakfast precedes a tour of the World Heritage listed Keoladeo Ghana Bird Sanctuary.

Travel to Agra and visit the massive 16th Century sandstone Red Fort. After lunch, visit what for many is the highlight of any journey to India, the enchanting Taj Mahal. 20,000 craftsmen laboured for 20 years to build this fabulous memorial for Shah Jahan to honour his wife Mumtaz. The cool marble and clear symmetry are justifiably a masterpiece of the modern world. Later, dine onboard and depart for Delhi.

DAY 10 - AGRA TO DELHI
Arrive at Delhi Safdarjung station early in the morning and after breakfast transfer to The Claridges for one night.

Day 11 - DELHI TO LONDON
Depart after breakfast for your Virgin Atlantic flight from Delhi to Heathrow arriving later the same day, or extend your holiday to enjoy the relaxed beaches of Goa or the beautiful mountain scenery of Shimla.

GOA

The tiny state of Goa is a unique blend of Indian and Portuguese cultures with miles of long sandy beaches. The perfect place to relax after your journey.

DAY 11 - DELHI TO GOA

Fly to Goa and transfer to the Leela Kempinski for five nights or more in a Pavilion room. Spend time enjoying the many facilities of the hotel, relaxing on the beautiful beach and discovering the laid back Goan way of life.

DAY 16 - GOA TO LONDON
Fly to Mumbai to connect with your Virgin Atlantic flight to Heathrow, arriving later the same day.

SHIMLA

Shimla was once the summer capital of the British Raj, its pleasant climate made it the perfect escape from the desert heat of Rajasthan. Today you will find stunning mountain scenery along with buildings and winding lanes reminiscent of those found in the UK.

DAY 11 - DELHI TO SHIMLA

Board the 'Shatabdhi Express' for Chandigarh, then drive fours hours through the foothills of the Himalayas to Shimla for a three night stay at the Radisson

DAY 12 & 13 - SHIMLA
Enjoy the next two days in the beautiful mountain resort of Shimla including a morning ride on the toy train to Taradevi, a visit to Vice Regal Lodge and plenty of time free to relax or explore at leisure.

DAY 14 - SHIMLA TO DELHI
Transfer by road (three hours) to Kalka, before re-boarding the Shatabdhi Express to Delhi. Upon arrival, transfer for an overnight stay at The Claridges.

DAY 15 - DELHI TO LONDON
Transfer back to the airport for your Virgin Atlantic flight to Heathrow, arriving later the same day.