Palace on Wheels

Begin your holiday at London Heathrow, where you board your overnight flight to Delhi.

Your flight lands in Delhi in the morning. After meeting the transfer to your hotel, you're free to spend the rest of the day however you would like. You might choose to relax in your hotel after your long flight, spending some time getting used to the time difference.

If you do want to head out, you'll find an international metropolis waiting, with something to discover around every corner. India's capital is one of the oldest cities in the world, and is said to consist of seven successive cities, with British-built New Delhi making up an eighth.

Discover Delhi's fascinating contrasts with a private guided tour. Begin in Old Delhi, visiting the Jama Masjid and the Raj Ghat and experiencing the bustling markets Chandni Chowk via rickshaw. Continue to the spacious, tree-lined avenues of New Delhi, taking in India Gate the Emperor Humayun's tomb, inspiration for the iconic Taj Mahal.

This evening transfer to Delhi's Safdarjung Railway station and board the Palace on Wheels, your luxurious hotel on wheels and your home for the next seven nights. Enjoy the first of seven sumptuous meals onboard before retiring to your cosy cabin.

After taking breakfast in the comfort of your cabin, spend some time exploring the 'Pink City' of Jaipur. Here, magnificent palaces and forts await, including the remarkable Palace of the Winds.

Your next calling points are the Albert Hall and City Palace, a sprawling residence that occupies a seventh of the area of the city. Here you'll also find an extensive museum and an observatory housing the world's largest sundial.

Continue to the Amber Fort. After ascending the steep slope to the fortress by jeep, wander through the beautiful buildings of the fort complex, losing yourself in the intricate blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture.

Head out in search of the elusive Bengal tiger, with jeep safaris in Ranthambore National Park. One of the best times to spot tigers is at sunrise, so set your alarms for an early morning pickup and enjoy the atmosphere of the park as it wakes up.

Return to the Palace on Wheels for breakfast as the train continues towards Chittogarh. After lunch, alight to explore the stunning red sandstone and white marble Chittorgarh Fort, which has stood since the 7th century. Take in the majestic sound and light show before returning to the Palace on Wheels for dinner.

Your next destination, Udaipur is famous for its lakes, palaces and forts. Begin your day with a visit to the Durbar Museum and the peaceful fountains of the Courtyard of the Maidens, built as a retreat for the ladies of the court in the 18th century.

After lunch, experience one of Udaipur's most beautiful sights as you cross the idyllic Lake Pichola by boat, towards City Palace, the largest of Rajasthan's palace complexes. Spend some time exploring its courtyards, pavilions and palaces, taking in the interesting blend of Mughal and Rajasthani architecture, before returning to the Palace on Wheels.

Enjoy breakfast in your sleeper cabin as the train pulls into Jaisalmer. Alight here to visit Jaisalmer Fort, an imposing yellow sandstone complex believed to be one of the very few 'living forts' in the world - nearly a quarter of the old city's population still resides within its walls.

After lunch, you have the opportunity to explore the desert on camelback, with a guided camel ride across the sand dunes of Sam. After this introduction to the Rajasthani desert, unwind with a sumptuous local dinner at a nearby hotel, accompanied by a cultural show.

Spend the day exploring Jodhpur, known colloquially as the 'Blue City', thanks to eye-catching blue painted houses that surround the Mehrangarh Fort. Spend time exploring this fortress, built by Rajput rulers in the fifteenth century - an imposing hilltop facade hides intricate carvings and expansive courtyards.

Continue to the Jaswant Thada, a striking white marble cenotaph built in memory of the 19th century Rajput ruler Maharaja Jaswant Singhjill by his son, often described as 'the Taj Mahal of Marwar'. Take in the ornate, gleaming facades and the peaceful grounds before returning to the Palace on Wheels.

Set your alarm early for a visit to the world famous Keoladeo Ghana National Park bird sanctuary in Bharatpur. Here, thousands of egrets, Siberian cranes and migratory waterfall can be spotted - an early morning visit provides the best viewing opportunities.

Reboard the Palace on Wheels for breakfast as you continue to Agra, where a visit to the expansive Mughal Agra Fort awaits. After lunch, your visit culminates with a visit to the Taj Mahal. The building's breathtaking domes need little introduction; spend your time marvelling at the exquisitely crafted marble and perfectly manicured gardens of this royal mausoleum.

Make the most of your final morning onboard the Palace on Wheels with a relaxed breakfast, perhaps watching the scenery change from the comfort of your cabin. Leave the Palace on Wheels behind as you pull into Delhi, with a private transfer to your hotel.

You have free time in Delhi for the rest of the day. Despite its chaotic reputation, India's capital 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.

Bid farewell to Delhi as you transfer to the airport and board your flight back to London Heathrow.