Delhi to Mumbai on the Maharajas' Express

Arrive at London Heathrow to board your overnight direct flight to Delhi.

Touch down in Delhi late afternoon, where you are met by a private transfer to your luxury four-star hotel. Spend some time unwinding after your long journey, perhaps enjoying the hotel's facilities before you eat and taking the opportunity to rest ahead of a busy day tomorrow.

You could also explore India's capital on your own - despite its chaotic reputation, Delhi has a wonderful selection of parks to explore. The oft-overlooked Mehrauli Archaeological Park will delight history buffs and nature lovers alike, whilst the famous Delhi Deer Park offers manicured lawns, magnificent peacocks and roaming deer.

Transfer to the station, where a red carpet welcome awaits as you board the Maharajas' Express. Your deluxe cabin features a wealth of amenities, and is attended by a butler. All meals are included during your time on board.

The train stops at Agra, where you enjoy a visit to the Taj Mahal. Towering above the Yamuna River, the building's gleaming marble facade is considered the pinnacle of Mughal art in India. There's time to visit the interior and take a stroll through the perfectly manicured gardens before reboarding the train.

Your first port of call is Agra Fort. Dating back to the 1500s and perched on a hilltop above the city, the huge 60ft walls of the complex once housed the Mughal emperors. Tour the fort's many buildings over the morning, including the elegant Jahangiri Mahal, built for the ladies of the royal family.

In the afternoon, enjoy a safari in Ranthambore National Park in search of elusive Bengal tigers. Local tracking experts accompany each game drive to increase your chances of a sighting - and you might also glimpse leopards, Indian elephants, bears and crocodiles as you explore.

The Maharajas' Express arrives in the Pink City of Jaipur. After breakfast, a guided tour takes in some of the area's most beautiful and well-regarded sights, including the magnificent Amber Fort - one of three iconic forts that dominate the hills above the city.

In the afternoon, you have a choice between relaxing in your cabin and two optional excursions. You could delve into Jaipur's culture even further with a guided city tour, or opt to visit the buildings of the fascinating 18th-century observatory and ornate City Palace.

Enjoy breakfast with views over the countryside before arriving in Bikaner. Here, you can either relax on board or choose one of two morning excursions. Your first option is a visit to the Lalgarh Museum, home to one of the largest private libraries in the world. Alternatively, you could opt to take a local city tour.

Your afternoon includes a visit to Junagarh Fort, Bikaner's most magnificent fort complex filled with an array of palaces, temples and museums to explore. A journey to the edge of the Thar Desert follows, for an evening's traditional entertainment among the sand dunes.

Arrive in Jodhpur, where you have three options for your morning excursion. A trip to Bishnoi Village offers insights into the local Bishnoi people's traditional way of life, whilst a local city tour gives a more general introduction to the area. Your third option is a tour of the magnificent Umaid Bhawan Palace and the Jaswant Thada cenotaph.

Your afternoon is spent exploring Mehrangarh Fort, before experiencing the sights, sounds of Jodhpur's famous Sardar Market, browsing at local crafts and taking in the tempting aromas from local spice sellers as you lose yourself in narrow, winding lanes.

The Maharajas' Express pulls into Udaipur in the morning, ahead of terminating in Mumbai the next day.

Relax with a boat ride across the pristine waters of Lake Pichola, followed by a visit to the City Palace that dominates the shores of the lake. With its eye-catching fusion of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture and the collection of fascinating historical buildings contained within the complex, the palace is a fitting culmination of your epic rail journey.

Your last evening aboard the Maharajas' Express is a traditional Indian evening, allowing you to further explore the food and culture of your destination.

The Maharajas' Express pulls into Mumbai. On arrival, meet your private transfer to your four-star hotel. You have the rest of the day free.

You could relax at the hotel and make use of the facilities ahead of your flight the next day, or head out into the city to explore further. The magnificent Global Vipassana Pagoda or the colonial Gateway of India arch are must-sees for first-time visitors.

Another option is to book a tour. Options here include a Bollywood tour to learn more about the city's world-famous filmmaking industry, or a cruise along the city's cosmopolitan waterfront.

Transfer from your hotel to the airport to board your direct flight back to London Heathrow.