The Maharajas’ Express – Indian Panorama

On arrival in Delhi, you'll be greeted with a private transfer to your selected hotel. Choose between our 5-Star hotels on a B&B basis.

You enjoy a private sightseeing tour of New and Old Delhi today. See India's bustling capital in a unique way on this intimate and informative private tour. The tour lasts all day and includes a private guide and entry to monuments. You'll be picked up from your hotel and see the 17th-century Jama Masjid mosque, take a traditional rickshaw ride, visit Humayun's Tomb and the Sunder Nursery, where you can see rare and local trees in the city's first arboretum. Alternatively, choose one of our optional excursions, available at a supplement.

Joining the Maharajas' Express this morning, you enjoy a welcome drink and settle into your new surroundings. One of the world's most luxurious trains, the tasteful décor is inspired by the carriages of Indian royalty as you follow in the steps of maharajas. There's an excellent standard of cuisine and impeccable service onboard, which you experience during your first lunch onboard.

In the afternoon, the train arrives in Jaipur, where you alight to visit the City Palace Galleries, including the Textile Museum, Arms Museum and Arts Museum. Afterward, enjoy an exclusive dinner at the Rambagh Palace Hotel. Built in 1835, this was the grand residence of the Maharaja of Jaipur from 1925 to 1957. This evening, you step back onto the Maharajas' Express to spend your first night on this magical train.

Leaving the train after breakfast this morning, you will visit the Amber Fort. Set in picturesque and rugged hills overlooking Jaipur, this fort palace is a fascinating blend of Hindu and Mughal architecture, constructed of red sandstone and white marble. The rugged exterior hides an inner paradise with a beautiful fusion of art and architecture. Step back into the Mughal era as you enjoy a tour of the royal apartments, the Chamber of Mirrors and the Hall of Victory. Returning to the train, you can savor lunch onboard, before time to unwind. Dinner is served this evening as the Maharajas' Express proceeds towards Ranthambore.

Get ready for a safari in the pristine wilderness of Ranthambore National Park this morning. Originally the private hunting grounds of the Maharajas of Jaipur, you set out with experts to seek out amazing wildlife in their natural habitat. Although these beautiful creatures can be elusive, so a sighting can't be guaranteed, it is possible to see a Bengal tiger. The park is also home to wild boar, sloth bear, hyena, jackal and leopard.

Returning to the train, enjoy a relaxed breakfast as you continue to the deserted Mughal capital of Fatehpur Sikri, built in the late 16th century and abandoned just 14 years later. Arriving after lunch, take a guided tour of the fascinating and incredibly well-preserved sights - imposing gateways, halls, beautifully sculptured palaces with unusual water features, which blend Hindi and Islamic architectural styles. After the tour, return to the train for an 'Indian Evening' before dinner.

Arriving in the city of Agra this morning, you visit one of the new Seven Wonders of the World after breakfast. A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Taj Mahal was built by Shah Jahan as a mausoleum for his favorite queen, Mumtaz. Constructed entirely from white marble, this masterpiece was created by approximately 20,000 craftsmen. As part of the tour, you'll enjoy a champagne breakfast from atop the Taj Khema with great views of the Taj Mahal. Returning to the train for lunch, you can spend the afternoon exploring at your own pace before dinner, when your journey continues to Orchha.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast onboard this morning before preparing for a very special tour. In the historic city of Khajuraho, you'll visit a group of Hindu and Jain temples in the Chhatarpur district. Wander around these incredible temples, including the World Heritage monument of Chandela Temple. You'll also visit the Mahadev Temple, a 13th-century Shaivite temple, which is both unusual and visually stunning. Dinner is served back onboard the train, with both international and Indian dishes available.

After an early breakfast onboard, you'll take a short tuk tuk ride around the village of Orchha where you can visit the Orchha Fort, built in the 1500s by the Bundela rulers. Packed with 16th-century temples and palaces, Orchha is an important pilgrimage site due to its temple dedicated to Rama. Returning to the train for lunch, your journey continues towards Khajuraho. Built between 950 and 1050AD, the temples at Khajuraho feature interesting engravings showing human emotions and relationships. See some of the greatest examples of Chandela art, including the Kandariya Mahadev Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, and return to the train for dinner.

Today, you'll discover one of the oldest living cities in the world, Varanasi, which has a spiritual legacy of more than 3,000 years. This holy city is set on the banks of the sacred Ganges and is a place of great pilgrimage. Vibrant bazaars, colorful festivals, timeless temples and palaces can all be found in this colorful city. Enjoy lunch at Hotel Taj Gateway and then visit the ancient ruins of Sarnath. Amongst the ruins of this holy Buddhist site is the Dhamek Stupa. Dating from around 250 BC, it is believed to be the spot where the Buddha preached his first sermon after his enlightenment.

After lunch, visit a Silk Weaving Center, and enjoy a scenic cruise on the River Ganges. From your boat, witness daily life on the sacred Ganges, including holy men meditating on the ghats, Dinner is held at Brij Rama Palace on the banks of the river. Enjoy a classical Indian dance performance, followed by a unique vegetarian dinner.

Spend the morning relaxing onboard the train after breakfast, watching the diverse landscapes drift by your window before lunch. As the Maharajas' Express rolls back into Delhi this afternoon, it's time to leave this amazing train, taking memories of this unique trip away with you. You'll be transferred to your hotel to spend the night in Delhi.

Your once-in-a-lifetime journey comes to its close today as you enjoy a private transfer to the airport ready for your flight back home.

If you're not ready to go home and you want to keep your adventure going, extend your stay with one of our optional extensions.