The Maharajas’ Express, Golden Temple & Shimla

Your magnificent discovery of India's most spectacular locations begins by meeting the Tour Manager and travelling group at London Heathrow, ahead of an overnight flight to Delhi.

Starting by exploring the legacy of the British Raj in the Himalayan hill-town of Shimla, we move on to uncover the revered temples of Amritsar in Punjab. Boarding the stately Maharajas' Express, one of the world's most luxurious trains, this exquisite journey showcases India's majestic wildlife in Ranthambore National Park, the iconic Taj Mahal in Agra and the spiritual city of Varanasi on the banks of the holy Ganges.

Landing in Delhi this morning, we are transferred to our five-star hotel for a free day to unwind and acclimatise to our new surroundings.

As India's capital, Delhi is one of the country's most colourful and exciting cities - a bustling metropolis where the old and new exist harmoniously. The seat of power for many empires, including the mighty Mughals after Shah Jahan moved his capital from Agra in 1639, it replaced Kolkata as the centre of British India in 1911. Delhi's long history can be traced in its many carefully preserved monuments, ancient forts and tombs.

Our hotel is opposite the central Delhi forest, the green lungs of the city. With the afternoon at leisure, you could lounge on the terrace or take a dip in the outdoor swimming pool before we get to know our fellow travellers better over dinner this evening.

• Dinner

Rising early this morning, we transfer to New Delhi station with a picnic breakfast supplied by the hotel. Boarding the AC Executive Class carriages of the Shatabdi Express, we sit down for our first experience of India's railways, travelling the 170 miles to Kalka in a little over four hours.

From here, we embark on a UNESCO-listed journey aboard the narrow-gauge Himalayan Queen, affectionately known as the 'Toy Train'. With a picnic lunch provided, we can admire spellbinding valley views on this winding route through the Shivalik Hills, journeying at a leisurely pace. If you prefer, you can opt to travel this route by car.

Formerly the summer capital of the British Raj, delightful Shimla enjoys a cooler climate than India's bustling cities. On arrival, we check in to our historic five-star hotel which has enjoyed wonderful views across the valleys and hills for more than a century. The centre of Shimla's social scene during the Raj, this hotel remains popular today with our customers. This evening, we enjoy dinner together in the hotel's restaurant.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Author and historian Raaja Bhasin joins us after breakfast for an informative talk full of spellbinding stories about his hometown. Afterwards, we put this newfound knowledge to good use on a tour of Shimla.

Our sightseeing begins at the Viceregal Lodge, Shimla's most historically important building. As the summer residence of the Indian Viceroy, the leader of the British Raj, many significant moments occurred here, including the discussions which lead to the Partition of India in 1947. This elaborate stately home has sat at the top of Observatory Hill since 1888. Today, it is surrounded by manicured gardens and offers fantastic views. Next, we visit the Him Chatterjee Art Gallery to see the vibrant work of this talented artist.

After lunch, we walk to the Gaiety Theatre. Popular with Bollywood filmmakers to this day, this hall of irrefutably British style has seen many famous people tread its boards, including Rudyard Kipling and Robert Baden-Powell. Our tour concludes at Scandal Point - so named as it was a popular place for people to share gossip.

Later, we enjoy dinner at our hotel.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

A leisurely morning follows breakfast before we are transferred down the Himalayan foothills to Chandigarh. Here, we board our seats in AC Chair Class for an evening journey the golden city of Amritsar.

With a picnic dinner to enjoy during our travels, we can admire glimpses of rural Indian life as the sun sets on the verdant landscapes of Punjab - the evocative state in northwest India. Arriving at our destination late this evening, we transfer to our five-star hotel for a two-night stay.

Amritsar is one of the holiest centres for the Sikh religion and is a modern city. However, its old-world charm can be readily uncovered in the frenetic bazaars and narrow streets of its atmospheric Old City.

• Breakfast, Dinner

After a free morning, we travel by coach to the border of India and Pakistan to observe a culturally significant and symbolic spectacle. During the partition of India in 1947, the 'Radcliffe Line' split Punjab in two, with east Punjab becoming part of an independent India, while the west was absorbed by the new country of Pakistan.

Serving as a powerful representation of the relationship between India and Pakistan, the Beating Retreat Ceremony happens every evening at the Wagah-Attari border. The elaborate, synchronised drills and ritual lowering of the flags creates a vibrant spectacle and also demonstrates the hope for a peaceful future from both sides of the divide.

Returning to our hotel for dinner, a highlight of the holiday awaits afterwards as we visit the Golden Temple to experience the evening Palki ceremony. Each day, the holy book is carried in a golden casket bedecked with garlands from the revered Akal Takht to the main shrine and returned in the evening. Witnessing this spiritual procession is an unforgettable event as the chanting from the devotees creates an intoxicating atmosphere.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

A sightseeing walk after breakfast takes us through the narrow lanes of Old Amritsar as we uncover the heritage of this timeless city.

On our tour, we stop to view the Saragarhi Memorial, a shrine built to honour 21 Sikh soldiers who fell in defence of British India against Afghan Pashtun raiders in 1897. Walking through the bustling markets, we reach the Golden Temple. This sacred sight symbolises Sikhism's humility. Although covered in gold, the temple is built at a lower level than its surroundings, appearing as if it is floating on the tranquil pool. The complex also houses the world's largest free kitchen, feeding more than 500,000 people each day, regardless of religion, caste, gender or status.

We continue to Jallianwala Bagh, a sombre memorial to one of the darkest events in Indian history, as British troops opened fire on unarmed and peaceful celebrators gathered for Punjabi New Year. We check out of our hotel after a free afternoon to board the train for Delhi where we arrive late this evening for two nights.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Joined by a local guide this morning, our sightseeing tour of Delhi begins in New Delhi, with a visit to the Gandhi Smriti Museum, learning about the life of Mahatma Gandhi, the 'Father of the Nation'. After viewing India Gate and the presidential residence, there is free time for lunch.

Our tour continues at Sundar Nursery, a 16th-century heritage park as the focus shifts to Old Delhi. We head to Jama Masjid - one of India's largest mosques - before enjoying a rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk bazaar, experiencing daily life among the narrow streets. The day concludes at a haveli, an ornately decorated mansion that reflects the social status of former residents. At Haveli Dharampura, we enjoy a seven-course dinner, combining modern Indian and Mughal cuisine.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Early this morning, we begin our sensational journey on one of the world's most opulent trains, the Maharajas' Express.

With red carpets rolled out for our arrival, we are serenaded aboard by local musicians and shown to our deluxe cabins. Sumptuously decorated to recreate the evocative era of the maharajas, the cabins also feature modern touches such as air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, flatscreen TV, telephones and safes. Butlers are on hand around the clock to provide complimentary tea, coffee, water and snacks. As we roll out of the station, we gather in a dining carriage to enjoy breakfast as we begin our six-night journey. Our inaugural journey takes us through the enchanting landscapes, with lunch included before our arrival in Jaipur.

Exploring the 'Pink City' of Jaipur this afternoon, we visit the 17th-century City Palace - an extensive complex of museums and landmarks, including the iconic sandstone façade of the Palace of the Winds. This evening, we indulge in an exclusive dinner at the five-star Rambagh Palace hotel, once the residence of the Maharaja of Jaipur, before retiring to our deluxe cabins.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Awaking in our opulent surroundings, breakfast is served in the dining car before we explore Jaipur's incredible Amber Fort. Occupying a picturesque position in the rugged hills above Jaipur, it's possible to spot camels and decorated elephants on our journey.

The serene UNESCO-listed palace first appears almost as a mirage on top of Aravalli Hill. Overlooking Maota Lake, this glorious red sandstone and white marble building reflects a fascinating blend of Hindu and Mughal architecture. Exploring the ornate rooms of the exquisite interior, we encounter the mirrored mosaics of the Hall of Mirrors, the enchanting Jaleb Chowk courtyard and ornamental Charbagh gardens.

Returning to the Maharajas' Express in time for lunch, the rest of the afternoon is free to unwind. You might like to head to the Rajah Club lounge to chat to your fellow travellers or socialise in the Safari Bar, decorated in the style of an old hunting lodge. This evening, we dine in the train's princely restaurants.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Rising early, we find ourselves near Ranthambore National Park. Declared a Project Tiger Reserve in 1973, this pristine wilderness of forests and grassy plains is beloved by photographers and tourists due to its residents.

After a naturalist joins us to discuss the wealth of wildlife that calls Ranthambore home, we set out to view them in open-topped safari vehicles. Leopards, hyenas, mongooses, jackals and cobras can all be seen - but the main attraction is the regal Bengal tiger. Our expert guides understand these animals better than anyone, giving us the best chance to see a tiger basking in its natural habitat.

Returning to the train for breakfast, we discuss our wildlife viewing and enjoy lunch as we roll towards the red sandstone city of Fatehpur Sikri. Constructed by Mughal emperor Akbar the Great in the 16th century, it acted as India's political capital for just 14 years before it was abandoned due to lack of water. Remarkably, it perfectly preserved 400 years later, and we gain an insight into the opulent lifestyle of the Mughal Empire on a guided tour.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Enjoying an unforgettable experience today, we admire the morning sun casting its magical glow on the world's most beautiful building on a visit to the Taj Mahal.

One of the New Seven Wonders of the World, this monument to undying love was built by emperor Shah Jahan to honour his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. The 'poetry in marble' of the Taj Mahal is regularly regarded as the pinnacle of Mughal architecture. Now a UNESCO World Heritage site, the domes, minarets and arches are decorated with beautiful inlay work and marble screens.

Breakfast is provided on the roof terrace of a hotel in Agra, where we can savour incredible views of the spellbinding Taj Mahal before returning to the Maharajas' Express for lunch and an afternoon at leisure. You could choose between one of today's optional excursions, including visits to a spa or Agra Fort. The centrepiece of this red sandstone structure is the Musamman Burj - an octagonal tower with a marble balcony where Shah Jahan spent the final eight years of his life imprisoned, in view of the Taj Mahal.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Pulling into Orchha, we embark on a morning tuk tuk ride to this small town that was once the seat of a princely state. Packed with 16th-century temples and palaces, Orchha is an important pilgrimage site due to its temple dedicated to Rama, However, walking amongst these once resplendent palaces recalls an age of adventure as if we are the first people to discover this spectacular location.

With breakfast and lunch served on board the Maharajas' Express, we continue our journey, arriving in Khajuraho this afternoon. Ruling from the 9th to the 14th century, the Chandela dynasty is known for exceptional art and architecture. A guided tour of their original capital, Khajuraho, reveals spellbinding Hindu and Jain monuments that represent some of the finest temple art in the world. During our visit, we explore this enchanting collection of ornate temples - including the large Kandariya Mahadeva temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Built between 950 and 1050AD in an inspired burst of creativity, the temples are superb examples of Indo-Aryan architecture.

Afterwards, we return to the train for dinner.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

As we enjoy breakfast onboard, our journey continues to holy Varanasi. One of the world's oldest living cities, Varanasi has a spiritual legacy of more than 3,000 years. A place of pilgrimage, this revered site on the banks of the Ganges is known as the cradle of humankind.

After lunch at a five-star hotel, we visit Sarnath. Amongst the ruins of this holy Buddhist site is the Dhamek Stupa. Dating from around 250 BC, it is believed to be the spot where the Buddha preached his first sermon after his enlightenment. Returning to Varanasi, we set sail on the mighty Ganges, observing daily life on its banks. Women in saris washing their clothes, kids at play and Buddhist holy men meditating can all be seen.

However, the most spectacular sight is the magical evening aarti ceremony as priests lead the honouring of the sacred Ganges from the ghats. From our boat, we witness this exhilarating mix of lanterns, incense, dancing and chanting. After dinner aboard our train, we settle down for our final night on the Maharajas' Express.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This unforgettable journey aboard the Maharajas' Express concludes after breakfast as the train rolls into Delhi Safdarjung station. On arrival, we return to our nearby hotel where there is time to relax or explore independently.

With India's capital on your doorstep, you may wish to visit Raj Ghat. Here, you can find the National Gandhi Museum which displays personal items, images and other materials connected with the famed non-violent independence campaigner. Across the road, you can find the evocative ruins of the 14th-century Feroz Shah Kotla citadel. Cricket fans will recognise this moniker as the former name of the capital's historic cricket stadium which is nearby.

Lunch is on your own today and you might like to experience authentic Indian cuisine before returning to our hotel for our final dinner together this evening.

• Breakfast, Dinner

A once-in-a-lifetime experience has revealed the breathtaking charms of northern India. From the verdant foothills of the Himalayas to the desert landscapes of Rajasthan and banks of the sacred Ganges, the spirituality, culture and history of India have been on display throughout. Many treasures have been absorbed, including the Taj Mahal, wildlife encounters in Ranthambore and, of course, six nights aboard one of the world's most luxurious trains - the magnificent Maharajas' Express.

After an early breakfast this morning, we check out of our hotel and transfer to Delhi airport for our flight to London Heathrow, where your incredible Indian adventure comes to an end.

• Breakfast