Delhi (India)

Day 1: Saturday 3 March

The ambience of India can hardly be any more perplexing. An utter feast for the senses, curious travellers have long been caught in a helpless love affair with market stalls and copper pots of freshly brewed chai. This evening, the Taj Palace allows for tranquil respite - a contrast to the bustling streets just beyond the walls.

Delhi

Day 2: Sunday 4 March

Two worlds await. Old Delhi and New. The quintessential divergence of culture permeates between a pleasant harmony of modern cafes and ancient architecture. One foot in front of the other, we approach the differences with an inquisitive touch. This evening, we come together for a sumptuous Welcome Dinner.

Delhi, Jodhpur

Day 3: Monday 5 March

Perhaps wander the streets of New Delhi this morning. An early afternoon flight whisks us to Jodhpur where we transfer to the Taj Umaid Bhawan Palace. This evening, choose from a hand-picked selection of restaurants.

Jodhpur

Day 4: Tuesday 6 March

This morning, inspiration and sandalwood incense entice us out of bed. An ocean of cerulean rooftops, the Blue City of Jodhpur is a true architectural treasure. Rising from the rocky hilltop, Mehrangarh Fort casts a gaze upon the city. Continue to the Jaswant Thada memorial – the peaceful cenotaph provides a haven in commemoration of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. This afternoon is set aside for relaxation or exploration on your own terms. Perhaps roam the labyrinth of streets or escape the hubbub with a poolside cocktail at our hotel.

Ranakpur, Udaipur

Day 5: Wednesday 7 March

This morning, a visit to the Jain Temple of Ranakpur illuminates deep religious and historic significance. Built in the 15th century, the complex of temples is structured with four doorways leading to the chambers and main hall where an image of Adinath is shown to symbolise the spiritual teacher’s quest along the four paths of Jainism. After an enlightening tour, we enjoy lunch amid the locals.

From here, our journey continues to Udaipur, where we rest our heads for two nights at the unique and luxurious Taj Lake Palace. 

Udaipur

Day 6: Thursday 8 March

Built under the order of several kings, enter the sprawling City Palace this morning. A curious assortment of European, Medieval and Chinese architecture abounds. We later visit Saheliyon Ki Bari, a delightful ornamental garden originally built for the enjoyment of the royal ladies. Spend the afternoon as you so please, or choose to embark on the following Your World experience:

• Cruise the waters of Lake Pichola in the shadow of the Aravalli Ranges.

Jaipur

Day 7: Friday 9 March

From blue to pink, we trace the spectrum to Jaipur. Surrounded by seven gates, the Pink City is a chaotic palette of rosy sandstone buildings commissioned by the Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh in 1727. Befitting the noble air of the city, we check into the Rambagh Palace. Originally a royal guesthouse, we delve into the luxurious lifestyle of those who boarded here before us.

The day culminates in an opulent dinner, served in the palatial grounds of our hotel. We feast upon the lavish combination of cuisine and vistas.

Jaipur

Day 8: Saturday 10 March

This morning commences with a visit to the Amber Fort. After tracing the exquisite inlay, we continue to the Hawa Mahal. Here, at the Palace of the Winds, we are met by a towering facade. Like a veil through time, we can almost see the ladies of the court concealed behind precious lace. Later this afternoon, venture to the World Heritage-listed Jantar Mantar. 

Embark Maharajas’ Express

Day 9: Sunday 11 March

Take this morning at your own pace. It’s early afternoon when sounds of the Maharajas’ Express can be heard along the iron railway. Become familiar with the fourteen carriages, each named after precious stones, and after settling into your appointed cabin, dress for dinner – an elaborate affair befitting our first night aboard.

Ranthambore, Fatehpur Sikri

Day 10: Monday 12 March

Our train rolls through the clear night. By the time we pull into the station, sleepy tigers are stretching stiff paws. We embark on an early morning game drive at Ranthambore National Park before enjoying lunch back on board. The abandoned city of Fatehpur Sikri looms ever closer. Fleeting scenery begs a linger. A ghost city of royal proportions, the town was built after the Emperor Akbar caught wind of a prophecy predicting the birth of an heir to the throne. When it came true, the Emperor declared Fatehpur Sikri to be his new capital. These days, however, the city is merely a desolate remain of its former grandeur. 

Agra, Gwalior

Day 11: Tuesday 13 March

It would be almost unforgivable to visit India without seeing the Taj Mahal. The marble declaration of love deserves to be appreciated on only the most indulgent scale - toast its beauty over a champagne breakfast in the light of the morning sun. Rejoin the Maharajas’ Express, arriving in Gwalior just in time for lunch at Usha Kiran Palace. Afterwards, visit Gwalior Fort. An appropriate close to the afternoon offers high tea at the Jai Vilas Palace.

Orchha, Khajuraho

Day 12: Wednesday 14 March

We begin our day’s adventure at Jahangir Mahal, completed in 1598. As we roam the halls, we hear the footfall of elephants - ancient steps echoing the war. You’ll notice that the building’s doorways and framework are large enough to accommodate these creatures.

Our train continues to Khajuraho. Second only to Paris in the fight to claim itself as the city of love, we touch on the fascinating collection of aphrodisiac temples. These rare buildings house some of the most provocative (in more ways than one) samples of temple art that can be found in the world.

Varanasi

Day 13: Thursday 15 March

Overnight, we are delivered to the holy city of Varanasi. Worship is ritual and the mundane intricacies of everyday are treasures to travellers’ eyes. Visit Sarnath, where Buddha gave sermon to his first disciples, explore the ruins of an ancient monastery at Dhamek Stupa and observe the delicate practice of silk weaving. This evening, embark on a cruise along the Ganges bearing witness to an evening aarti, a Hindu ceremony of light which takes place on the steps of the river. 

Lucknow

Day 14: Friday 16 March

As today is our last complete day in India, exploration has been prepared on a grand scale. We uncover the streets of Lucknow before visiting the City of Nawabs and the capital of Uttar Pradesh. Afterwards, visit the gateway, Rumi Darwaza. Imposing yet delicate, the structure is almost identical in design to a gateway that can be found in ancient Constantinople. Continue to the Bara Imambara shrine.

Disembark Maharajas’ Express

Day 15: Saturday 17 March

In true Captain’s Choice style, your belongings will be taken care of behind the scenes, conveniently appearing at the Taj Palace Hotel in Delhi. Both lunch and dinner will be served at our hotel before our tour comes to an end.