INDIAN PANORAMA - MAHARAJA EXPRESS TRAIN 9 NIGHTS PRE TOUR

Welcome to India! Transfer from airport to your hotel. Rest of day at leisure.

Meals: none.

10:30 Today’s tour includes heritage rich Old and New Delhi including a Heritage Walk inside India’s large st Mosque ‘Jama Masjid’ built in 1644 AD showcasing finest Islamic style of architecture. Explore real life of Old Delhi through maze like streets of the iconic Ancient Bazaar ‘Chandni Chowk’ and Asia’s largest Spice Market. Experience colonial-era at ‘Lutyens Delhi’ including Mahatma Gandhi Museum ‘Birla House’, Temple ‘Bangla Sahib Gurudwara’ and volunteer inside its holy Community Kitchen that daily feeds over 10,000 devotees, pilgrims and homeless. Visit Ceremonial Boulevard ‘Raj Path’ to witness ‘Sir Edwin Lutyens’ finest works from 1920’s British Raj Era including Colonial Government Buildings, India Gate, President and Parliament House from outside.

Journey to the City Centre Market ‘Connaught Place’ named after the ‘Duke of Connaught’ and surrounds the central park of Delhi.

20:00 Transfer from hotel to Delhi Safdarjung Railway station. A royal welcome in traditional Indian style will greet you at the station, Sip on your welcome drink even as formalities are completed. The train will depart for Jaipur at 22:00.

Relax and recuperate in the plush coupes of the train after a delectable dining in restaurants of the train.

Meals: Breakfast at your hotel. Dinner on train.

Arrive in the city of Kachwaha kings, Jaipur, the pink city and visit Amber Fort.

Later, proceed to City Palace/Jai Mahal Palace for an exclusive Elephant Activity where guests may choose to indulge to paint the elephants or feed them. Post lunch, visit the Royal Observatory (Jantar Mantar). Or book an Optional tour: you may also choose activities such as Spa facilities at a Palace hotel, visit to City Palace, private shopping tour or a golf session at Rambagh Golf club.

Meals: full board on train.

The train will arrive in Sawai Madhopur in the morning. You will be served your breakfast on board the train before proceeding for a game safari in Ranthambore National Park.

Enjoy lunch while the train enters into the ghost town of Fatehpur Sikri. Explore Sikri Fort.

Meals: full board on train.

Arrive in Agra early in the morning and pay an early morning visit to Taj Mahal, a jewel of Mughal architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

An endearing breakfast session with champagne at the Taj Khema overlooking Taj Mahal constitute the highlight of the day.

Lunch on board and continue to Gwalior Fort, Saas Bahu Temple and Jain Cave sculptures. Hi tea at Jai Vilas Palace Museum.

Meals: breakfast at Taj Khema, lunch and dinner on train.

Train ride in the morning with breakfast and lunch. Upon arrival, visit the Western Group of Monuments in Khajuraho.

Dinner will be served on board The next destination is Varanasi.

Meals: full board on train.

Early arrival in Varanasi, a holy Indian city known for its Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimage sites.

Visit the Silk Weaving Center and learn the weaving insights. Lunch at Vivanta by Taj.

Visit Sarnath renowned for its Buddhist heritage followed by boat ride in Ganges to witness the evening arti. Images of the evening 'Aarti' on the banks of the river will capture your senses.

Return to the train for dinner and overnight stay.

Meals: breakfast & dinner on train. Lunch at Vivanta.

Arrive in the city of the Nawabs - Lucknow. Breakfast will be served on board.

Begin your sojourn across the city by visiting the Rumi Darwaza and the Bada Imambara. Later, indulge in a cocktail lunch at Taj hotel.

Enjoy an exclusive "Indian Evening" arranged to give you a peek into the vibrant culture of India.

Have dinner on board. The train will leave for Delhi tonight.

Meals: breakfast and dinner on train. Lunch at Taj hotel.

Arrival & disembarkation in Delhi. Transfer to the airport for your domestic flight to Kolkata followed by transfer to your hotel. Rest of day at leisure.

Transfer to your Pandaw vessel.

Meals: breakfast at hotel.