The Maharajas' Express, Golden Temple & Shimla

Overnight flight from London to Delhi

Meet the Tour Manager and travelling group at London Heathrow, ahead of a direct overnight flight to Delhi. The journey begins with an exploration of Shimla, Amritsar, and then the Maharajas' Express through Ranthambore, Agra, and Varanasi.

Time to unwind on arrival in Delhi

Landing in Delhi, transfer to a five-star hotel for a free day to unwind and acclimatise. The hotel overlooks the forested Delhi Golf Course. Free afternoon to explore, visit the rooftop bar or swimming pools, before dinner with fellow travellers.

Meals: Dinner

Into the Himalayas aboard the UNESCO-listed 'Toy Train'

Early transfer to New Delhi station with a picnic breakfast. Board AC Executive Class Shatabdi Express to Kalka (170 miles, ~4 hours). Then board the narrow-gauge Himalayan Queen 'Toy Train' (UNESCO-listed) through the Shivalik Hills to Shimla with picnic lunch. Check in to historic five-star hotel. Dinner at the hotel restaurant.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Exploring Shimla, the summer capital of the British Raj

Author and historian Raaja Bhasin gives a talk about Shimla. Sightseeing tour including the Viceregal Lodge (summer residence of the Indian Viceroy), Him Chatterjee Art Gallery, Gaiety Theatre, and Scandal Point. Dinner at the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

By rail to the Punjab city of Amritsar

Transfer down the Himalayan foothills after breakfast, stopping for lunch in Dharampur. Collect picnic dinner at Chandigarh, continue to Ambala and board AC Executive Class Vande Bharat Express to Amritsar. Arrive late evening, transfer to five-star hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Wagah Border and Golden Temple Palki ceremonies

Free morning, then coach to the Wagah-Attari border to observe the Beating Retreat Ceremony. Return to hotel for dinner. Evening visit to the Golden Temple to experience the Palki ceremony, the holy book carried in a golden casket from the Akal Takht to the main shrine.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Discovering Old Amritsar

Sightseeing walk through Old Amritsar: Saragarhi Memorial, the Golden Temple, Jallianwala Bagh. Free afternoon, then check out and board train to Delhi, arriving late evening.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Encountering Delhi, India's bustling capital

Guided sightseeing tour: Gandhi Smriti Museum, India Gate, presidential residence, Sundar Nursery, Jama Masjid, rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk bazaar. Evening seven-course dinner at Haveli Dharampura combining modern Indian and Mughal cuisine.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Boarding the Maharajas' Express with the red-carpet treatment

Board the Maharajas' Express with red-carpet welcome and local musicians. Shown to deluxe cabins with butler service. Breakfast in the dining carriage as the train departs. Lunch en route to Jaipur. Afternoon visit to Amber Fort (UNESCO-listed). Dinner in the train's princely restaurants.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Uncovering the 'Pink City' of Jaipur

Breakfast in the dining car. Morning exploration of Jaipur: City Palace and Palace of the Winds. Return to the Maharajas' Express for lunch. Free afternoon, relax in the Rajah Club lounge or Safari Bar. Exclusive dinner at the five-star Rambagh Palace hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Morning tiger safari and the deserted Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri

Early morning safari in Ranthambore National Park in open-topped vehicles with a naturalist guide, hoping to spot Bengal tigers, leopards, hyenas and more. Return to train for breakfast. Lunch on board as the train heads to Fatehpur Sikri. Guided tour of the perfectly preserved 16th-century Mughal capital.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Marvelling at the 'poetry in marble' of Agra's Taj Mahal

Morning visit to the Taj Mahal (UNESCO World Heritage Site, New Seven Wonders of the World). Breakfast on the roof terrace of a hotel in Agra with views of the Taj Mahal. Return to the Maharajas' Express for lunch and a free afternoon. Optional excursions include a spa visit or Agra Fort.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Ancient temples at Orchha and Khajuraho

Morning tuk tuk ride in Orchha to explore 16th-century temples and palaces. Breakfast and lunch on board the Maharajas' Express. Afternoon arrival in Khajuraho for a guided tour of the Chandela dynasty temples, including the Kandariya Mahadeva temple. Return to the train for dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Spiritual Varanasi on the sacred Ganges

Breakfast on board as the train continues to Varanasi. Lunch at a five-star hotel. Visit Sarnath and the Dhamek Stupa. Evening boat cruise on the Ganges, witnessing daily life and the magical aarti ceremony from the ghats. Dinner aboard the train, final night on the Maharajas' Express.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Disembarking the Maharajas' Express in Delhi

Journey concludes after breakfast as the train arrives at Delhi Safdarjung station. Return to nearby hotel. Free time to explore independently, Humayun's Tomb, Purana Qila, Lodhi Gardens or Khan Market. Lunch independently. Final dinner together at the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Homeward bound

Early breakfast, check out of hotel and transfer to Delhi airport for direct flight to London Heathrow.

Meals: Breakfast