Highlights
- Board an antique-style luxury train to discover seven cities in seven days
- Search for Bengal tigers in Ranthambore National Park
- Explore Mehrangarh Fort, perched on a hill overlooking Jodphur
- Admire Udaipur's array of opulent palaces, including City Palace
- Visit Mumbai's landmarks with a guide, like the Gateway of India
Brief Itinerary
Day | Highlights | Overnight |
---|---|---|
Day 1 | Arrive in Delhi, Explore the Capital | Delhi |
Day 2 | Full-Day Tour of Old & New Delhi | Delhi |
Day 3 | Train to Agra, Visit the Taj Mahal | Agra |
Day 4 | Explore Agra Fort, Train to Ranthambore | Ranthambore |
Day 5 | Afternoon Game Drive in Ranthambhore National Park, Train to Jaipur | Jaipur |
Day 6 | Train to Bikaner, Explore the Desert City's Landmarks | Bikaner |
Day 7 | Train to Jodhpur, Visit the Mehrangarh Fort & Clock Market | Jodhpur |
Day 8 | Train to Udaipur, Lake Pichola Cruise, City Palace & Crystal Gallery | Udaipur |
Day 9 | Train to Mumbai, Experience the City's Nightlife | Mumbai |
Day 10 | Full-Day Tour of Mumbai | Mumbai |
Day 11 | Depart Mumbai |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Delhi, Explore the Capital
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Welcome to the bustling capital of India, Delhi! Meet your driver outside the airport and transfer to your hotel to check in. Today is free to spend as you wish, so you could stay in the hotel to relax and fight off jet lag or venture out to explore a bit on your own. A good place to start is the National Museum, where you can learn about India's rich history and cultural heritage. Peruse the vast collection of artifacts spanning over 5,000 years, from ancient sculptures and manuscripts to intricate paintings and textiles.
Day 2: Full-Day Tour of Old & New Delhi
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Today, you'll join your guide for a full-day tour of Old and New Delhi, starting in Old Delhi with a rickshaw ride through the Chandni Chowk Market. Navigate the narrow lanes lined with shops selling everything from spices and handmade goods to delicious street food. Continue the drive past the impressive Red Fort to get to Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in India. Your next stop is Raj Ghat in New Delhi, a memorial complex dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi. After paying your respects to the revered activist, head to the India Gate, built as a tribute to the Indian soldiers who lost their lives in World War I.
Then, your guide will take you on a drive along the Rajpath, a ceremonial boulevard lined with colonial-era architecture and landmarks like Rashtrapati Bhavan, the official residence of the President of India. End the tour at the UNESCO-listed Humayun's Tomb, commissioned by the emperor's wife and completed in 1570. Surrounded by lush, Persian-style gardens, the tomb complex is an oasis amid the bustling city. Explore the intricate chambers, walk through the serene gardens, and marvel at the elaborate craftsmanship before transferring back to your hotel.
Day 3: Train to Agra, Visit the Taj Mahal
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Trade the bustling streets of Delhi for the plush furnishings, rich tapestries, and elegant decor of the Maharajas' Express. Head to the Delhi Safdurjung Railway Station at 6:00 am to check in and start your seven-day train journey. Enjoy a gourmet breakfast in the lavish dining car, then head to the observation car with panoramic windows for a look at the countryside. As you pull into Agra, you'll sit down for a delicious lunch to prepare for your visit to the Taj Mahal, commissioned by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 4: Explore Agra Fort, Train to Ranthambore
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Get ready for an early wake-up call, as this morning, you head to Agra Fort at 6:30 am. The massive red sandstone and white marble fortress was built in the 16th century on the banks of the Yamuna River by Emperor Akbar of the Mughal Empire. Step through the towering gates to discover the complex of palaces, mosques, and audience halls.
Highlights include the Jahangiri Mahal, a palace renowned for its intricate stone carvings and latticework, and the Diwan-i-Khas, where Emperor Shah Jahan once held private audiences. After exploring the complex, return to the train for breakfast and start the journey southwest to Ranthambore, home of Ranthambore National Park.
Day 5: Afternoon Game Drive in Ranthambhore National Park, Train to Jaipur
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Enjoy a leisurely morning on the train, then transfer to the gates of Ranthambore National Park around 2:30 pm. The park is renowned for its large population of Bengal tigers, meaning you should be able to get a glimpse of these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. Traverse the park's diverse landscapes, from dense forests to open grasslands and tranquil lakes, in search of wildlife.
Day 6: Train to Bikaner, Explore the Desert City's Landmarks
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Get a glimpse of Jaipur's pink architecture and lush countryside as you enjoy breakfast on board and head northwest to the desert city of Bikaner. When you arrive, you can choose between staying on board to relax or disembarking to explore the city, starting at Lalgarh Palace and Museum, a red sandstone palace-turned-museum. Step inside to peruse the treasure trove of artifacts showcasing the city's royal legacy. Then, continue to the Karni Mata Temple in Deshnok, known better as the "Rat Temple" because thousands of rats that are revered as holy roam freely within the complex.
Day 7: Train to Jodhpur, Visit the Mehrangarh Fort & Clock Market
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Overnight, you pulled into Jodphur, often called the "Blue City" for its vibrant blue-painted houses. Enjoy a leisurely morning on board, opt for a spa session, or visit the nearby village of Bishnoi Panth to witness the local culture and traditions. Around midday, return to the train for lunch, then head to Mehrangarh Fort, perched majestically on a rocky hilltop overlooking the city. Step through the massive gates and discover the palaces, courtyards, and museum within. Then, zip through the streets on a thrilling tuk-tuk ride to absorb the city's energetic ambience.
Day 8: Train to Udaipur, Lake Pichola Cruise, City Palace & Crystal Gallery
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Trade the "Blue City" for the "City of Lakes," Udaipur, renowned for its picturesque lakes, grand palaces, and rich cultural heritage. Enjoy your breakfast on board, then disembark around 9:45 for a boat ride on Lake Pichola. Glide across the calm waters and enjoy views of some of the city's palaces, including Jag Mandir and Taj Lake Palace. After the boat ride, head to City Palace, a sprawling complex that blends Rajasthani and Mughal architectural styles. Wander through the courtyards, grand halls, and regal rooms, admiring the rich collection of artifacts, including royal costumes and vintage furniture.
Visit the adjacent Crystal Gallery within Taj Fateh Prakash Palace next, home to an array of crystal artifacts, such as furniture, carpets, and chandeliers, all made from or adorned with crystals. After your morning of sightseeing, sit down for lunch amid the regal decor in Satkar Hall. The menu features a delectable array of traditional Rajasthani dishes alongside a selection of international cuisines prepared with the finest ingredients. When you're done eating, return to the comforts of the Maharajas' Express and enjoy your final evening on board.
Day 9: Train to Mumbai, Experience the City's Nightlife
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Your last stop aboard the Maharajas' Express is the bustling city of Mumbai, known as India's financial and entertainment capital. Savor your breakfast and lunch on board while enjoying the scenic countryside passing by. Around 4:35 pm, you'll arrive in Mumbai and transfer to your hotel. Stay in to relax, or freshen up and venture out to experience the city's nightlife. Head to Colaba, a lively neighborhood at the southern tip of the city, and grab dinner at one of the waterfront restaurants. Then, choose a rooftop bar, such as Radio Bar, to enjoy a drink overlooking the city and the Arabian Sea.
Day 10: Full-Day Tour of Mumbai
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Join your guide on a private tour of Mumbai, starting at the Gateway of India, built in 1924 to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary. Continue to the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, formerly known as the Prince of Wales Museum, to peruse the exhibits dedicated to art, archaeology, and natural history. Your following stop is Mani Bhavan, a museum and memorial housed in Mahatma Gandhi's former headquarters. Escape into nature next with a visit to Kamla Nehru Park, a picturesque park offering panoramic views of the city skyline and Arabian Sea.
Other highlights of the tour include the Flora Fountain, which is surrounded by impressive buildings, such as the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, the University of Mumbai, and the Rajabai Clock Tower. From there, you'll venture toward the UNESCO-listed Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, a railway station that blends Victorian Gothic and traditional Indian architecture. Continue to the High Court of Bombay and Horniman Circle, a charming park surrounded by heritage buildings. End the tour at Nariman Point, the business district, where modern skyscrapers blend with historic landmarks.
Day 11: Depart Mumbai
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Take advantage of your final few hours in Mumbai with some last-minute sightseeing. You could shop for souvenirs at Crawford Market, attend a cricket match at Wankhede Stadium, or indulge in street food like kebabs along Mohammad Ali Road. If you have a late flight, consider a boat tour to Elephanta Island to discover the UNESCO-listed rock-cut caves dating back to the fifth to eighth centuries. When it's time, return to the hotel to grab your bags, meet your driver, and transfer to the airport for your flight home. Safe travels!
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