Indias Palace on Wheels

DAYS 1-2 FLY TO DELHI We depart London Heathrow for our overnight flight to the Indian capital, Delhi. On arrival in the late-morning of Day 2, we transfer to the 5-Star ITC Maurya Hotel for a two-night stay, in the heart of New Delhi close to diplomatic missions, shops and historical landmarks. INCLUDES:Day 2 - DinnerScheduled flights DAY 3 SIGHTSEEING IN DELHI Today is devoted to a fascinating sightseeing tour covering the ancient streets, temples and colourful markets of Old Delhi as well as the leafy avenues and colonial architecture of New Delhi. Our tour includes India Gate, Raj Ghat, the Parliament House, Humayan's tomb and Qutub Minar. We also visit Jama Masjib, India's largest mosque, and pass the vast Red Fort, constructed by the Moghuls in the 17th century. INCLUDES:Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerTour of Delhi DAY 4 THE TOY TRAIN TO SHIMLA We leave Delhi on the Shatabdi Express to Kalka. Here we board the scheduled service of the narrow-gauge Toy Train, recently awarded UNESCO World Heritage status, which takes us on a journey into the Shivalik mountain range to Shimla at over 7,000 ft (those customers who wish so can make this part of the journey by private car). Shimla was chosen by the British as their retreat from the summer heat, and many of the town's building remain very British in style. We spend three nights at the 5-Star Oberoi Cecil Hotel. INCLUDES:Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerToy Train to Shimla DAYS 5-6 SHIMLA On Day 5 we explore Shimla by jeep and see sights such as the Viceregal Lodge, a striking 19th century Elizabethan-style mansion. After lunch, we take a leisurely stroll along the Mall to the town's Gaiety Theatre, the Victorian-Gothic Christ Church and Scandal Point. A jeep is available if you would prefer not to walk during the afternoon. Day 6 is free for you to explore Shimla at your leisure. INCLUDES:Day 5 - Breakfast, DinnerDay 5 - Tour of ShimlaDay 6 - Breakfast, Dinner DAY 7 RETURN TO DELHI We leave Shimla in the morning and travel by road, for the journey back down the mountains through stunning scenery to Kalka. Here we join the Shatabdi Express to Delhi, for another night at the ITC Maurya Hotel. INCLUDES:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner DAY 8 DELHI AND THE PALACE ON WHEELS Today you are free in Delhi until mid-afternoon, when we transfer to our hotel train, the Palace on Wheels, for an enchanting journey through the bygone eras of the Maharajas. We have time to settle into our comfortable cabins before we enjoy dinner together in the restaurant car as the train heads into the night. INCLUDES:Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerPalace on Wheels DAY 9 JAIPUR Our first stop is the capital of Rajasthan, the Pink City of Jaipur. Sightseeing includes the imposing Palace of the Winds, whose ornate façade once enabled the ladies of the royal court to observe life in the street below whilst remaining in 'purdah.' We also visit the magnificent Amber Fort, one of three hilltop forts, and enjoy lunch in the Palace Hotel. During the night the train continues west. INCLUDES:Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerTour of JaipurAmber Fort DAY 10 TIGERS AND CHITTORGARH We leave the train to visit the Ranthambore National Park, to spot tigers, leopards and other native wildlife before we head to Chittorgarh to see the majestic hilltop fort, the Tower of Victory and the intricate Tower of Fame. INCLUDES:Breakfast, DinnerRanthambore National ParkChittorgarh Hill Fort DAYS 11-12 UDAIPUR AND JAISALMER The Palace on Wheels reaches Udaipur this morning. We leave the train for lunch at a local hotel before taking a cruise on Lake Pichola, sailing around the small island and the Lake Palace Hotel, originally the Palace of the Maharani of Udaipur. On our return to Udaipur we rejoin the train. On Day 12 we arrive in Jaisalmer, a fairytale walled town in the Thar Desert. We explore the narrow, twisting streets of the town centre, see beautiful merchants' houses with intricately carved sandstone façades and enjoy a camel ride into the surrounding desert. We dine together at a local hotel before the train departs for Jodhpur. INCLUDES:Day 11 - Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerDay 11 - Lake Pichola cruiseDay 12 - Breakfast, DinnerDay 12 - Jaisalmer tour & Camel Ride DAY 13 JODHPUR Jodhpur is known as the 'Blue City' due to the hue of the houses within the old walls. During a morning tour we see the impenetrable walls of the Mehrangarh Fort and Palace with fine sandstone carvings. We enjoy lunch in the Palace Hotel and visit Jaswant Thada, a white marble cenotaph. We rejoin the train and journey towards Agra. INCLUDES:Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerJodhpur tourJaswant Thada visit DAY 14 AGRA AND THE TAJ MAHAL After a visit by rickshaw to the Bharatpur bird sanctuary, we rejoin the train and travel to Agra. This afternoon we visit Agra Fort, the majestic red sandstone citadel and the captivating Taj Mahal, the iconic masterpiece in white marble. Built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in 1653, for his favourite wife Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj Mahal is the world's finest example of Mughal and Persian architecture. We return to the train for our final night on board and a farewell dinner. INCLUDES:Breakfast, DinnerBharatpur bird sanctuaryAgra FortThe Taj Mahal DAY 15 THE JOURNEY HOME We arrive back in Delhi this morning, having completed our magnificent journey on board the Palace on Wheels and transfer to the airport for our flight to London. INCLUDES:BreakfastScheduled flights GUEST SPEAKER RAAJA BHASIN On Day 4 of our tour, we enjoy a talk from Raaja Bhasin* in Shimla, gaining a detailed insight into the town through its people, history and culture. Known for his unique insight into this region's fascinating heritage, Raaja Bhasin is an acclaimed writer and researcher; most recently serving as a historical consultant on Channel 4's 'Indian Summers' series. Born locally, he is considered an authority on Shimla and the wider area of Himachal Pradesh having written five critically acclaimed books, as well as many articles, stories and even a TedTalk relating to the subject. He has been actively involved in many heritage projects, including the Kalka Shimla Railway line which is the route you will be travelling along. Thanks to the efforts of Raaja and his team, this route was awarded UNESCO World Heritage status in 2008 something that, as we journey through the mountains learning about the distinctive and inspiring engineering that made the line possible, we will soon understand why. *Selected departures only.