The Palace on Wheels
A once-in-a-lifetime railway journey travelling through Rajasthan, with the opportunity to extend to Shimla
Day 1 Fly from London Heathrow to Delhi and transfer to the Oberoi Maidens, a 4-star Heritage hotel.
Day 2 Morning at leisure. Afternoon sightseeing tour of Old and New Delhi passes the Red Fort and the Lutyens-designed government buildings of New Delhi and includes visits to the Jama Masjid, Humayun’s tomb and Mahatma Gandhi’s cremation site.
Day 3 Morning at leisure prior to boarding the Palace on Wheels. Train departs this evening for the ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur.
Day 4 Upon arrival this morning visits in Jaipur include the City Palace Museum, Palace of the Winds, the Royal Observatory and the dramatically sited fort at Amber. Lunch at a palace hotel. During the night the train continues west.
Day 5 Arrive early morning in Jaisalmer, a fortified city in the heart of the Thar desert, for a tour of its beautifully decorated havelis. Dinner and entertainment before the train departs for Jodhpur.
Day 6 Arrive in Jodhpur for a tour of the imposing Mehrangarh Fort with its fine sandstone carvings. Lunch at the Palace Hotel, originally the royal palace of the Maharajahs of Jodhpur. Rejoin the train for the journey to Sawai Madhopur.
Day 7 Early morning visit to Ranthambore National Park (renowned for its tigers). Afternoon tour of the majestically sited Chittorgarh fort.
Day 8 Morning arrival in Udaipur is followed by a visit to the City Palace.
Day 9 Arrive early morning at the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary before continuing to Agra for a visit to the Taj Mahal.
Day 10 Arrive early morning in Delhi. Disembark and return to the Oberoi Maidens. Late evening transfer to the airport for the return flight to London or extend your stay in Shimla.
Day 11 Arrive Heathrow in the morning.
Note
*Ongoing conservation maintenance is being carried out at the Taj Mahal.
Extension - Nepal
Day 11 Fly to Kathmandu from Delhi for a three-night stay at the luxury 5-star Hyatt Hotel, situated in 37 landscaped acres, 10 kilometres from Durbar Square but with a complimentary shuttle bus into the centre of Kathmandu. 290 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, four restaurants and bars, swimming pool, three tennis courts and a fi tness centre and spa.
Day 12 An optional morning flight over the Himalayas. Afternoon visit to Buddhist Patan with its stunning Newari architecture.
Day 13 Morning excursion to 9th-century Bhadgaon, timeless and almost medieval. This afternoon visit Dhulikhel with its prime views of the Himalayas.
Day 14 Morning tour of Kathmandu. Afternoon flight to Delhi to connect with the overnight flight to London Heathrow.
Extension - Shimla
(Available from Sep 14)
Day 11 Board the Shatabdi Express to Kalka before joining the Himalayan Queen Toy Train. This unforgettable narrow gauge railway passes through 103 tunnels and over 23 bridges on its ascent to Shimla (2000 metres). 3 nights at the 4-star Clarkes Oberoi.
Day 12 Morning tour of the scenic capital of the British Raj including a visit to the Vice Regal Lodge and a stroll along the Mall.
Day 13 At leisure to enjoy Shimla’s unique atmosphere and spellbinding scenery. Optional excursions to nearby beauty spots are available
Day 14 Afternoon departure for Kalka by car to board the Shatabdi Express for Delhi. Dinner will be served on board. On arrival transfer direct to Delhi airport.
Day 15 Morning departure for London Heathrow arriving later the same day.
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