INDIAN SPLENDOUR - 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 Agra 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 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.

Afterwards you have the option of a shopping tour in Agra or book an optional local sightseeing tour to Itmad-ud-Daula Tomb and Fatehpur Sikri, a ghost town and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

After lunch, you will be visiting Agra Fort or may choose optional activities such as private shopping or spa in a luxury hotel.

Return to the comfort of train or optionally you may choose to watch 'Mohabbat the Taj' show before returning for dinner on board and overnight stay as the train leaves for Ranthambore National Park.

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

After breakfast, embark on a thrilling game safari to Ranthambore National Park in the morning. Departure for Jaipur.

Visit to the Royal Observatory (Jantar Mantar). Optional tours: you may also choose activities such as Spa facilities at a Palace hotel, visit to Amer Fort, private shopping tour or a golf session at Rambagh Golf club.

Later, proceed to City Palace/Jai Mahal Palace for an exclusive Elephant Activity where guests may choose to indulge to paint them, feed them or take a joy ride followed by dinner.

Meals: full board on train.

Arrive in the deserted kingdom of Bikaner. Relax or book optional tour to either Lalgarh Palace or Deshnok Temple.

Join a tour to the majestic Junagarh Fort.

After lunch, partake in a camel cart procession around the undulating sand dunes. Later in the evening, enjoy the folk dance performance by Kalbeliyas and Langaas over sundowner cocktails and barbecue dinner amidst Sam sand dunes.

Meals: full board on train.

Jeep safari to Bishnoi's abode Rohet for a cultural experience. Rohet is a haven for Black Buck Antelope. Lunch on board.

Afternoon expedition to Mehrangarh Fort and Old Clock Tower Market.

Or book an optional tour: you may also choose to rejuvenate yourself with spa facilities at a 5 star hotel, visit Umaid Bhawan Palace Museum and Jaswant Thada or else go for a private shopping tour.

In the evening today, an exclusive Royal Cocktail evening is arranged for you with cultural performance (puppet show) at Hanwant Mahal which will be concluded with a show of fireworks.

Meals: breakfast and lunch on train, dinner at Hanwant Mahal.

Arrive in the city of lakes - Udaipur. After a leisurely breakfast, embark on local sightseeing tour to City Palace and Crystal Gallery.

Afternoon walking tour across Old Bazaar.

Meals: breakfast and dinner on train. Lunch at Satkar Hall.

Arrive in Balasinor, home to India's Jurassic park. Excursion to the Dinosaur Fossil Park followed by a visit to the local village.

Rendezvous with the royal family of Balasinor over a royal lunch.

Meals: breakfast and dinner on train. Lunch with Royal Family.

Arrival & disembarkation in Mumbai Lokmanya Tilak Station.

Transfer to the airport for your domestic flight to Kolkata followed by transfer to your hotel. Rest of day at leisure.

Meals: breakfast on train.

Transfer to your Pandaw vessel.

Meals: breakfast at hotel.