Panorama of India (Maharaja Express luxury train)

DAY 1 - SATURDAY: FLIGHT TO INDIA

This flight is not included, but can be arranged on request.
The direct flight from Paris to Delhi takes around 9 hours. The most convenient times are those of AIR FRANCE.
Paris > Delhi : Departure 10.40 a.m., arrival 10.49 p.m.

Welcome on arrival in Delhi. Transfer to hotel and check-in.

Your 5* hotel, the Imperial Palace, was one of the first luxury hotels to open in the Indian capital in 1936. It is set behind pleasant gardens in a very central district. Its nostalgic Art Deco decor is the perfect introduction to your luxury train journey in India. Gandhi and Nehru were regulars here.

Overnight at Hotel Palace Impérial 5* (or similar)
Possibility of adding a day in Delhi, see options.

DAY 2 - SUNDAY: DELHI > JAIPUR, the Pink City (MAHARAJAS EXPRESS)

Welcome aboard your luxury Maharajas Express train.

Early in the morning, your driver will accompany you to Delhi Safdarjung station, where you will meet the train crew. Complete your check-in formalities with a welcome drink and enjoy the musical entertainment.

At around 8:30 a.m., your train travel in India begins. The Maharaja Express luxury train sets off for Jaipur, where you enjoy a leisurely lunch on board and meet the train crew at the briefing.

In the afternoon, the train stops to allow you to visit the City Palace galleries (Textile Museum, Weapons and Arts Museum). Here you can admire the silver jugs used by Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh II to carry Ganges water for drinking during his trip to England to attend the coronation of King Edward VII in 1901.

We then head to the Hotel Rambagh Palace for an exclusive dinner. Built in 1835, this palace was once the residence of the Maharaja of Jaipur. It retains its royal splendor, with carved marble trellises and refined gardens.

Return to the station in the evening.
(B, L on board, D at Hotel Rambagh Palace). Overnight aboard the Maharajas Express Train.

DAY 3 - MONDAY: JAIPUR (MAHARAJAS EXPRESS)

After breakfast on board, departure for an exucursion to Amber Fort. Set in picturesque hills, this red sandstone and white marble fort, built in 1592, is a fascinating marriage of Hindu and Mughal architecture. Its imposing exterior conceals a paradise of inner refinement. Amber is the classic, romantic palace-fort.

A short jeep ride takes you to the fort, where you can enjoy a tour of the royal apartments, with a breathtaking view of the gorge. Step back in time to the Mughal era as you enter the Chamber of Mirrors (Sheesh Mahal) and the Hall of Victory.
Return to the train for lunch, or choose from a range of optional activities:

• Relaxation in a 5* hotel Spa
• City exploration with private guide and car.

You then return to the comfort of the luxury Maharajas Express train.
Dinner will be served on board, while the train sets off for Sawai Madhopur (Ranthambore).
(B, L, D). Overnight aboard the Maharajas Express

DAY 4 - TUESDAY: MUMTAZ - FATEHPUR SIKRI (MAHARAJAS EXPRESS)

On arrival at Sawai Madhopur, prepare for a safari in Ranthambore National Park.
Formerly the private hunting grounds of the Maharajas, Ranthambore was declared a national park in 1973. It is renowned for its tiger, bear, hyena and leopard sightings.

You leave early in the morning for an exciting safari, then return to the train for breakfast and lunch.
Your luxury train continues on to the legendary deserted Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri: while enjoying your lunch, you admire the changing landscape.

On arrival at Fatehpur Sikri station, you discover fascinating sites: private and public audience halls, sculpted palaces with water features reflecting a refined blend of Hindu and Muslim architectural styles. This deserted red sandstone city was erected by the great Mughal emperor Akbar as his capital in the late 16th century. It is now a famous UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Back on the train, enjoy an "Indian evening" on board followed by dinner.
(B, L, D). Overnight on board the Maharajas Express train.

DAY 5 - WEDNESDAY: AGRA (MAHARAJAS EXPRESS)

Early in the morning, your luxury Maharajas Express train arrives in Agra - the jewel of India. This city is home to one of the world's greatest architectural wonders - the Taj Mahal. As you leave the train, you'll head for the famous palace, a major UNESCO World Heritage Site. Over 20,000 Indian craftsmen were mobilized to give shape to this marvelous white marble palace, built by Shah Jahan as a mausoleum for Mumtaz, his favorite queen.

Enjoy an original breakfast: admire the Taj Mahal from the top of the Taj Khema with a glass of champagne.

Return to the train for lunch.
The afternoon is free for optional activities:

• Spa relaxation in a hotel
• visit to Agra Fort

In the evening, your luxury train departs for Orchha while you enjoy dinner.
(B with champagne at the Taj Khema, L, D). Overnight aboard the Maharajas Express

DAY 6 - THURSDAY: ORCHHA - KHAJURAHO (MAHARAJAS EXPRESS)

Arrive at Jhansi station early in the morning to discover the picturesque village of Orchha, known for its rustic style. Visit Orchha Fort, built in the 1500s and overlooking the Betwa River. A short Tuk Tuk ride takes you through village life in the hinterland of North India.

Back on the train, you enjoy a relaxed lunch on board as the journey continues through spectacular scenery to Khajuraho.

Khajuraho is renowned for its architecture and delicate carvings. Built between 950 and 1050, the temples are superb examples of Indo-Aryan architecture. The highly sensual and erotic sculptures depict the full range of human emotions and relationships.
On arrival, visit the magnificent temples of Khajuraho, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You'll discover splendid examples of Chandela art at its apogee, including the Kandariya Mahadev temple dedicated to Shiva.

In the evening, enjoy optional activities:

• Indian dance show at Kandariya Shilpgram,
• Hotel spa
• Sound and light show at the temple.

(B, L, D). Overnight aboard the Maharajas Express

DAY 7 - FRIDAY: VARANASI ( MAHARAJAS EXPRESS + Mini-boat cruise on the Ganges)

As you enjoy breakfast, your luxury train in India travels through rich agricultural fields to the holy city of Varanasi (Benares). One of the oldest cities in the world, Varanasi (also known as Benares) has been a spiritual site for over 3,000 years.
A place of pilgrimage on the banks of the sacred Ganges River, Varanasi epitomizes the chaos and color of India: bustling bazaars, bright silks, festivals, temples, mosques and palaces...

On leaving the train, head to the Taj Gateway Hotel for lunch.
After lunch, visit the ancient ruins of Sarnath, where Buddha delivered his first sermon outlining the principles of Buddhism. Continue for a boat cruise on the Ganges, visiting a silk-weaving center on way, where you can buy Vanarasi silk saris and brocades.

Then enjoy a scenic cruise on the Ganges and witness a magical evening "aarti" on the "ghats" of the sacred river. Dinner is served at the Brij Rama Palace, built in 1812 and accessible by boat. Enjoy a classical Indian dance performance - Kathak - followed by a vegetarian dinner.

In the evening, join your train to Delhi.
(B on board, L at Taj Gateway Hotel and D at Brijrama Palace). Overnight aboard the Maharajas Express.

DAY 8 - SATURDAY: DEPARTURE FROM DELHI (MAHARAJAS EXPRESS)

Enjoy a final breakfast and leisurely lunch on board as the train arrives in Delhi.
Disembark in the afternoon at Delhi Safdurjung station.

Transfer to the Andaz Hotel 5* near the airport.
Rest time before your return flight, scheduled for around midnight.
Rest time at the Andaz Hotel 5* or similar (B, L)
Possibility of adding a day in Delhi, see options.

DAY 9: RETURN FLIGHT

Your return flight leaves Delhi around midnight. Arrival in Paris around 8am.
End of your trip to India.

PRICE INCLUDES

• 6 nights' accommodation on board the Maharajas Express luxury train in Deluxe cabin
• One night at The Imperial Hotel 5* or similar (Delhi) - First day
• One room at the Andaz Hotel 5* - Last day
• Meals as per program (BD = Breakfast, L = Lunch, ID = Dinner)
• Drinks on board the train, excluding branded beverages
• Entry to tourist sites as per program
• Guide for other stages
• Deluxe cabin: English-speaking guide
• Junior Suite and Suite cabins: English-speaking guide and private driver

PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE

• International flights (on request)
• Visas (approx. €220)
• Comprehensive insurance (€245 pp.)
• Drinks outside the train and meals not mentioned
• Gratuities
• Optional excursions (to be chosen and paid for on board the train).
• An extra day in Delhi on arrival or departure
• Overnight stay at the Imperial Hotel + private English-speaking guide: €275 per person

Please note: the program is indicative. Any changes to the program or timetable will be communicated to you as soon as they are known. They are subject to change due to strikes, fairs, festivals, events or weather conditions, detour, restricted access, privatization. These unforeseen factors are beyond our control and will not give rise to any claim for reimbursement.

PAYMENT TERMS

• Deposit: 30% of package price + insurance + flights: on order
• Balance: 70% of package + visas: 90 days before departure

CANCELLATION CONDITIONS

Non-refundable deposit of 30% of the land portion at time of order.

• 50%: if cancelled between 60 and 90 days before departure
• 100%: if cancelled less than 59 days before departure

Flights booked and visas obtained are non-refundable.