Pay tribute to the world's greatest monument, the Taj Mahal, chase the elusive tiger in Ranthambore National Park, soak up regal heritage in Rajasthan and discover the medieval capital of Vadodara on this 8-day luxury rail journey through India aboard the palatial Maharajas' Express.

• View Prices and Dates
• Highlights & Inclusions
• View Itinerary
• View Tour Images

Call 877-929-7245 to book your Royal India luxury rail tour.

• 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
• Hotel accommodations in Delhi and Mumbai including breakfast daily
• International arrival and departure transfers by private car and driver
• Porterage at stations

Exclusions: International 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.

• Enjoy high tea at Taj Khema with the backdrop of the Taj Mahal
• Chase the elusive tiger in Ranthambore National Park
• Witness an Exhibition Elephant Polo Match in Jaipur
• Enjoy a Royal Cocktail evening with Marwar culinary delights at the Mehrangarh Fort
• Experience Sundowner cocktails at the Sand Dunes in Bikaner
• Appreciate a Royal Lunch at the Durbar Hall in Udaipur's City Palace
• Savor authentic royal cuisine at Jambhughoda Palace
• Enjoy high tea at the splendid Laxmi Vilas Palace

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

Day 2 - Arrival in Delhi
Arrive at Delhi International Airport this evening and transfer to your hotel by private car and driver. Overnight Imperial Hotel.

Day 3 - Delhi
This afternoon's sightseeing tour of India's capital city showcases important sights including a visit to Jama Masjid, India's largest mosque. Overnight Imperial Hotel

Day 4 - Delhi Sightseeing / Maharajas' Express
Drive through Delhi's "Imperial City" and see the city of the British Raj with its grand Viceroy Palace, now the home of the President of India, as well as the nearby Secretariat and Parliament buildings, all designed by the famous architect Lutyen. Ndxt visit the impressive Qutab Minar complex with its tower, mosque and the Ali Darwaza entrance gate, all built by the first Muslim dynasty to rule India. Your sightseeing excursion ends with a visit to the stunning Humayun's Tomb, an important landmark in the history of Mughal architecture. This evening following dinner and check-in, proceed to Delhi's Safdarjung Station where you will be escorted aboard the luxurious Maharajas' Express. Overnight train.

Day 5 - Agra
After brunch aboard the Maharajas' Express, visit the City of Mughal Splendor, Agra. On arrival, the remainder of the morning is at leisure aboard the train. Tour the world-famous Taj Mahal, an UNESCO World Heritage Site built by Shah Jahan as a mausoleum for his favorite queen Mumtaz Mahal. High tea and champagne is served atop the Taj Khema, overlooking the Taj Mahal. Enjoy a glass of champagne as you behold the magnificent Taj Mahal at sunset. Re-board the train for dinner this evening. Overnight train. (B, T, D)

Day 6 - Ranthambore National Park / Jaipur
After breakfast, depart the train for your foray into Ranthambore Game Reserve. The park encompasses nearly 400 square kilometers of deciduous forest. Its name is derived from the huge 1000-year-old Rajput fortress of Ranthambore, which sits 215 meters high in the forest. Originally the private hunting ground of the Maharajas of Jaipur, Ranthambore was declared a National Park in 1973. It is famous for its open sightings of tigers, hyena, jackal and leopard among other animals indigenous to the area. Re-board the Maharajas' Express and enjoy brunch before arriving in Jaipur. Upon arrival, visit Amber Fort, situated on a ridge just outside of Jaipur City. The fort palace is surrounded by fortified battlements overlooking Maota Lake. This evening prepare for an experience like no other: an Exhibition Elephant Polo Match, where champagne and dinner is served. Return to the train this evening for your onward journey. Overnight train. (B, L, D)

Day 7 - Bikaner
Arrive in Bikaner after a leisurely breakfast. Bikaner is known for its Bikaner Camel Corp, a colorful military mounted camel regiment that opens up the Republic Day Parade in Delhi each year. Following lunch on board the train, proceed to Junagarh Fort, built in 1593 by Raja Rai Singh. Be overwhelmed by the interior palace rooms. Later, 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 Jodhpur. Overnight train. (B, L, D)

Day 8 - Jodhpur
Jodhpur is known as the "Blue City," famous for its magnificent forts and palaces. Upon arrival, embark on a walking tour through the bustling 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 Udaipur. Overnight train. (B, L, D)

Day 9 - Udaipur, the City of Lakes and Sunrise
Today explore Udaipur. Your visit will inclued the City Palace, the largest palace complex in Rajasthan, with its scalloped arches, fretted balconies and cupolas. Lunch is in the grand Durbar Hall, where a feast of local specialties awaits you. Following lunch, enjoy an option al stroll through the Old Market with its shops selling exquisitely embroidered and printed fabrics, jewelry, paintings, carved wood artifacts and other local crafts. Return to the train, where you will enjoy a lovely dinner onboard and an evening at your leisure. Overnight train. (B, L, D)

Day 10 - Vadodara
Wake in Vadodara, once known as Baroda. After breakfast aboard the train, travel by car through the picturesque countryside to the quaint hamlet of Jambughoda. Following a sumptuous lunch hosted by local royalty at the ancient Jambughoda Palace, 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. Later, enjoy high tea and snacks at the magnificent Laxmi Vilas Palace. Designed in an Indo-Saracenic style of architecture in 1890, it is the residence of the royal family. Witness the grandeur of its ornate Durbar Hall, the Venetian mosaic floor, Belgian stained glass windows and bronze and marble sculptures by Fellici. You will be entertained by a folk dance performance as you enjoy special delicacies from the royal kitchens. Return to the station and board the train for the last leg of your journey. Overnight train. (B, L, T, D)

Day 11 - Mumbai
After breakfast, disembark the train in the cosmopolitan city of Mumbai. On arrival, proceed on a visit of Bombay's Prince of Wales Museum, a fine example of Indo-Saracenic architecture and housing an excellent collection of Indian sculpture, miniature paintings and Tibetan art. Following your visit, transfer to your hotel overlooking Bombay's India Gate and harbor. Overnight Taj Mahal Palace Hotel. (B)

Day 12 - Mumbai Sightseeing
The morning is spent touring the city including visits to the dhobi ghats-the city's unique outdoor laundry-and Fort Bombay with its interesting blend of Indo-Saracenic architecture. This afternoon is at your leisure. Overnight Taj Mahal Palace Hotel. (B)

Day 13 - Tour Conclusion
Early this morning, transfer to Mumbai's International 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.