Day 01: Arrival in Delhi by flight from your country

Arrive Delhi by International flight . Meeting and assist at the International Airport and transfer to hotel.

Overnight at hotel.

Day 02: In Delhi ( Boarding POW at 18.00 hrs)

Breakfast at hotel.

Morning proceed for Delhi City sightseeing. visit the 7th city of Delhi, Shahjahanabad (Old Delhi), built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan (1639-48 AD) after he shifted his capital from Agra to Delhi. Jama Masjid (Friday Mosque) made of red sandstone and white marble, completed in 1656. It is India’s largest mosque where more than 20.000 people can kneel in prayer. Visit Raj Ghat on the banks of the river Yamuna, Mahatma Gandhi’s Memorial, where he was cremated following his assassination in January 1948. An eternal flame burns 24 hours.

BOARDING THE TRAIN

With a tikka and turban on your forehead, you will be greeted with a royal garland. You will enjoy a welcome drink. Delhi is the capital of India. It is known for its rich history and culture. It was under the rule of the Mahabharata in ancient times and the Rajputs in the medieval days before it was invaded by the British. A grand welcome aboard the train at Safdarjung station in the evening begins the tour. Be introduced to your fellow travellers. Explore your new palace. Get acquainted with its world-class facilities. Have a drink at the bar on board. Dinner onboard at one of its 2 restaurants.

Day 03: Jaipur (Arrival: 03.45 hrs. Departure 23.30 hrs).

Arrive in Jaipur and start sightseeing. Sightseeing begins with a visit to the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) followed by the Jantar Mantar - an astronomical observatory.  The next visit is to the Museum of the City Palace. Jaipur is also a great shopping destination. You can buy some amazing handicrafts that you cannot get anywhere else in the world. Excellent quality gemstones, hand printed fabrics, etc.

Have a delicious lunch at the Amber Fort. Enjoy a ride on the back of a decorated elephant. The ride takes you up to the fort. After lunch, explore the fort. It is a perfect blend of Rajput and Mughal architectural styles. See the Sheesh Mahal in the Jai Mandir. Back to the train by coach for a refreshment break. Later, enjoy a mouth-watering dinner at one of Jaipur's finest hotels. Enjoy a cultural performance. After dinner return to the train.

Day 04 Sawai Madhopur(Arrival: 05.30 hrs. Departure 10.30 hrs)

Situated at the confluence of the Aravali and Vindhya ranges, Ranthambore Tiger Reserve is an amazing blend of natural and historical richness. Located about 14km from Sawai Madhopur. Apart from the abundant wildlife, another attraction here is the 1000 year old Ranthambore fort. It is situated on a high hill.

Three large lakes - Padam Talav, Malik Talav and Raj Bag - are found in the national park. Ranthambhore is a fragile ecosystem. It is dynamic in the diversity and density of fauna it supports. Tiger sightings are always a matter of chance. However, evidence of their activities is equally exciting. You may also have a chance to see 24 species of mammals including deer, sambhar, wild boar, gazelles, jungal cats, panthers, jackals, rare sloth bears and around 300 birds.

Breakfast will be served at the Vinayak Hotel. Later sightseeing. Visit the Jhoomar Baori - the hunting lodge of King Sawai Madho Sing and the Jogi Mahal - a former guest house.

Back aboard the Palace on Wheels. Have lunch on board. Enjoy the beautiful scenery passing by.

Chittorgarh (Arrival 16.00 hrs, Departure 14.00 hrs)

Explore the Chittorgarh Fort, considered the largest fort in India, on arrival at Chittorgarh. It covers an area of around 680 acres of land. It was built between the 5th and 8th centuries. The fort has lost none of its grandeur, although it is now in ruins.  Considered masterpieces of Rajput architecture, Rana Kumbha Palace and Padamini Palace are located inside the fort. The beautiful queen, Rani Padmini, resided in Padmini Palace.

Day 05: Udaipur (Arrival: 08.00 hrs. Departure 15.30 hrs)

On arrival in Udaipur, it is time for an exploration of the lake city. Have breakfast at Shikar Bari - a hunting lodge of the rulers of Mewar and a tranquil place to enjoy breakfast in the midst of nature. The massive City Palace, built by Maharaja Udai Singh on an island in Lake Pichola, is the first visit of the day.

Lunch is taken at Sunset Point - an open-air restaurant where you can overlook the City Palace and Jag Mandir while enjoying the fresh breeze blowing in from the lake. Later you will visit the Crystal Gallery- a balcony of the Fateh Prakash Banquet Hall which has a museum consisting of crystal glass furniture, crockery, chandeliers of the olden days etc.

The sightseeing ends with a boat ride on the famous Pichola Lake and back to the train.

Day 06: Jaisalmer (Arrival: 09.15 hrs. Departure 23.45 hrs)

Arrival in Jaisalmer - The golden city of India with a charm all its own. Founded in 1156 A.D. by Rawal Jaisal, a Bhati Rajput ruler. Visit the Jaisalmer Fort, also known as the Sonar Quila. It is built of yellow sandstone. It boasts the distinction of being one of the largest forts in the world.

The old mansions (havelies) are the other major attractions of the city. Patwon Ki Haveli, Nathmalgi Ke Haveli and Salim Singh Ji Ki Haveli have the most striking architecture. It is a fine blend of ancient and medieval architectural styles.

Go shopping and have lunch at the Moomal Hotel, where you're treated to mouth-watering Rajasthani delicacies. Later, you will enjoy a camel ride in the Thar Desert. At the Sam sand dunes the ride ends. Evening tea, sunset and barbeque dinner at Sam Dhani.

Return to the train.

Day 07: Jodhpur (Arrival: 7.00 hrs. Departure 15.30 hrs)

Arrive in Jodhpur and get a special welcome. . Jodhpur, best known for its indigo-coloured houses and buildings, is the former capital of the Marwar Empire.  The first visit of the day is to the Mehrangarh Fort. This is one of the largest forts in India.  It was built by Rao Jodha in 1459 and later rebuilt and extended by those who came after, including Rao Jodha himself. The fort stands 120m high on a hill. Later, you can indulge in some shopping for handicrafts at the local bazaar.

This is followed by lunch at the Umaid Bhawan Palace, one of the finest and largest palaces in the world, with some of the finest rooms in the world. It is still the home of the royal family. The fort also houses an old clock museum. Spend time exploring the beautiful palace.

Return to Palace on Wheels. Dinner on board.

Day 08: Bharatpur (Arrival: 05.00 hrs. Departure 08.45 hrs)

Bharatpur was a kingdom ruled by the Jats. Bharatpur's Jat history is not too old, with Suraj Mal establishing a strong stronghold in a region contested by both the Rajputs and the Mughals. Visit the Keoladeo Ghana National Park. This was formerly known as the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary. One of the world's finest bird sanctuaries and UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE. You can expect to see more than 300 species while birdwatching. Thousands of migratory birds are attracted to the shallow freshwater marsh.

Breakfast at the bird sanctuary. Return to the train.

Agra (Arrival 10.30 hrs, Departure 23.00 hrs)

Arrive in Agra and visit one of the world's best known monuments, the Taj Mahal. It was built in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. The perfect finale to your royal sojourn, the Taj Mahal.

You will have lunch at the Palace Hotel.

In the evening, enjoy a light and sound cultural programme. This is followed by a gala dinner at the Mughal Sheraton Hotel.

Day 09: New Delhi (Arrival: 04.00 hrs)

Arrive at Safdarjung Railway Station. Breakfast on board at around 7.30 a.m., followed by check-out and farewell formalities.

Later transfer to the airport to connect flight back home.

End of the Programme