India is a country that holds a deep fascination throughout the world and is home to some of the most spectacular architecture and monuments, all steeped in rich history. This spectacular 8-day journey is an exploration of India's cultural diversity. Discover timeless traditions and exotic locales from vibrant Mumbai and imperial Delhi to the immortal beauty of the Taj Mahal and the shimmering Lake City of Udaipur. All of this-and more!-while being treated like royalty aboard the luxurious Maharajas' Express.

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• Train accommodations aboard the Maharajas' Express in well-appointed cabins with en suite bathrooms
• Meals as indicated
• Complimentary domestic wines and beers as well as bottled water and soft drinks
• Guided off-train excursions inclusive of entrance fees
• Services of a professional tour director throughout
• International arrival and departure transfers by private car and driver.
• Porterage at stations

Exclusions: Airfare, visa fees, any optional tours as mentioned in the itinerary, taxes, travel insurance, gratuities, telephone calls, laundry, alcoholic beverages (apart from house brands of wine, spirits and beer served in the restaurants and bar), video, and film and professional still camera fees.

• Relish the Royal Cuisine of the feudal family at Jambughoda Palace
• Savor supper at the magnificent Laxmi Vilas Palace
• Experience a Royal Lunch at the Durbar Hall in Udaipur's City Palace
• Enjoy a Royal Cocktail evening with Marwar culinary delights at the Mehrangarh Fort
• Experience Sundowner cocktails at the Sand Dunes in Bikaner
• Witness an Exhibition Elephant Polo Match in Jaipur
• Enjoy a Champagne breakfast atop the Taj Khema, overlooking the Taj Mahal

Day 1 - Depart USA
Fly from your departure city to Mumbai. (Airfare not included)

Day 2 - Arrival in Mumbai
Arrive in Mumbai this evening where you will be met and transferred by private car and driver to your hotel. Overnight Taj Mahal Palace.

Day 3 - Mumbai Sightseeing
After breakfast, your morning is spent touring Mumbai, allowing you to soak in the city's progressive, vibrant atmosphere. Visit the dhobi ghats, the unique outdoor laundry, and Fort Bombay with its interesting blend of Indo-Saracenic architecture, ending with a walk through the bustling Crawford Market. The evening is at your leisure. Overnight Taj Mahal Palace. (B)

Day 4 - Mumbai / Maharajas' Express
This morning visit the Prince of Wales Museum to see Indo-Saracenic architecture. The afternoon is at your leisure to shop. This evening transfer to Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, better known as Victoria Terminus. On arrival, board the Maharajas' Express for a welcome reception and brief orientation. Settle inot your onboard accommodations as you begin your journey across India. Overnight train. (B)

Day 5 - Jambughoda Palace / Champaner
Wake in Vadodara and enjoy a drive through the countryside to the quaint hamlet of Jambughoda, Lunch will be at the ancient palace, hosted by the royal family who still resides there. Return to Vadodara, where you will visit the Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum to view the royal collection of work by the important 19th-century painter Raja Ravi Verma as well as works from 19th and 20th-century European masters like Raphael, Titian and Murillo. Supper this evening is at the magnificent Laxmi Vilas Palace. Designed in an Indo-Saracenic style of architecture, the palace built by Maharaja Sayajirao III in 1890 is the residence of the royal family. Witness a folk dance performance as you savor a wide array of delicacies from the royal kitchens. Afterwards, return to the station and board the train for your journey to Udaipur. Overnight train. (B, L, D)

Day 6 - Udaipur, the Venice of the East
When you awake you will be in the picturesque region of Mewar, one of the most popular and royal states of the Rajputana, home to one of India's greatest destinations, Udaipur. Your morning holds a visit to the City Palace, the largest palace complex in Rajasthan, with its scalloped arches, fretted balconies and cupolas. Lunch at the grand Durbar Hall, reminiscent of the ancient Mewar glory. Following lunch, enjoy a walk through the Old Market. Browse through shops selling exquisitely embroidered and printed fabrics, jewelry, paintings, carved wood artifacts and other local crafts. Return to the train this evening, where you will enjoy a lovely dinner onboard and an evening at your leisure. Overnight train. (B, L, D)

Day 7 - The Blue City of Jodhpur
This morning the Maharajas' Express continues its journey to Jodhpur. Enjoy a leisurely morning onboard the train, admiring the passing scenery like the dramatic landscapes of the Thar Desert. After lunch proceed on a walking tour of the Old Clock Tower market and past some of the oldest houses and havelis, offering insight into the lifestyle of the local residents. Continue to the magnificent Meherangarh Fort where you can admire the intricate latticed windows, elaborately carved panels and elegantly curved porches. Tour the palaces and temples with their priceless jewels and dazzling collection of arms. The highlight of the day is a Royal Cocktail evening with a wide array of sumptuous Marwar culinary delights served in the royal courtyard of Meherangarh Fort as you admire the cityscape before you. Return to the train for your evening journey to glorious Bikaner. Overnight train. (B, L, D)

Day 8 - Bikaner / Camel-Cart Procession
Arrive in Bikaner after breakfast. The city is famous for its Bikaner Camel Corp, a colorful military mounted camel regiment that opens Delhi's Republic Day Parade each year. While in Bikaner, you can choose from various sightseeing options. Following lunch on board the train, proceed to Junagarh Fort, built in 1593 by Raja Rai Singh. Its interior palace rooms are a stunning example of artisanship unique to India. This afternoon, travel outside of Bikaner for a Sundowner in the Sand Dunes. Enjoy cocktails and savor traditional mouth-watering barbecue delicacies. Return to the train this evening and continue your journey to Jaipur. Overnight train. (B, L, D)

Day 9 - Jaipur
Jaipur is a jewel in the crown of the desert state of Rajasthan. Upon arrival, enjoy an Exhibition Elephant Polo Match followed by a champagne lunch. The afternoon is spent exploring the renowned "Pink City," famous for its jewlery and handicrafts. You can opt for a tour of the Amber Fort, situated on a ridge just outside Jaipur. Later, you can explore the city's famed "Johari Bazaar" with its array of jewelry and gem shops. Return to Jaipur's railway station and board the Maharajas' Express for the journey to Ranthambore. Overnight train. (B, L, D)

Day 10 - Ranthambore / Fatehpur Sikri
After breakfast, depart the train for your foray into Ranthambore Game Reserve. Originally the private hunting ground of the Maharajas, Ranthambore was declared a National Park in 1973. Keep an eye out for the elusive tigers as well as wild boar, sloth bear, hyena, jackal and leopard. Return to the train and continue your journey to the fabled deserted Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri. The fascinating sights of this fort include the Hall of Private & Public Audience, a perfect blend of Hindu and Muslim architecture. Return to the train and continue your journey to Agra, the jewel of India. Overnight train. (B, L, D)

Day 11 - Agra / Delhi
Early this morning witness the magical sunrise at the world-famous Taj Mahal, an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy a champagne breakfast served atop the nearby Taj Khema, overlooking the Taj Mahal. Following breakfast, return to the train and continue your journey to Delhi. A farewell lunch will be served aboard the train prior to your late afternoon arrival. Overnight Imperial Hotel. (B, L)

Day 12 - Delhi Sightseeing
Today's sightseeing tour of India's capital city begins at the Jama Masjid, India's largest mosque, and continues with visits to Raj Ghat, Viceroy Palace, the Secretariat and Parliament buildings, Qutab Minar and the stunning Humayun's Tomb. This afternoon is at your leisure. Overnight Imperial Hotel. (B)

Day 13 - Tour Conclusion
Transfer to the airport for your return flight home. (B)

   

   

   

Please contact a Vacations By Rail travel specialist at 1-877-929-7245 for 2012 departure dates, prices and availability for this tour.