Indian heritage (Maharaja Express luxury train)

DAY 1 - FRIDAY: FLIGHT TO INDIA

This flight is not included, but we can offer it - Price on request.
The Air France Paris - Mumbai flight takes approximately 8.45 hours: departure around 12 noon, arrival around midnight.
Welcome at Mumbai airport and transfer to your room at the Taj Mahal 5* hotel.
Overnight stay at the 5* hotel
Possibility of adding a day in Mumbai, see options.

DAY 2: MUMBAI (Maharaja Express luxury train)

Meet in the lobby of the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel at 8 a.m.

At the introductory meeting for this train travelin India, you meet the train staff and complete check-in formalities. Then off to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaja station. You are greeted with music and a welcome drink.

Board the Maharaja Express.
The train leaves Mumbai in the morning and travels through Maratha country to Udaipur.
Overnight on board the Maharaja Express (DDP, DJ, ID).

DAY 3: UDAIPUR, the City of Lakes (Maharaja Express luxury train)

This morning, you wake up in the picturesque region of Mewar, one of the royal states of Rajputana. While enjoying a leisurely breakfast on board, you admire the magnificent Aravali hills. You arrive in Udaipur, the city of lakes.

In the morning, you leave the train for a boat trip on Lake Pichola.
You then visit the City Palace, the largest palace complex in Rajasthan, with its scalloped arches, balconies and domes. Admire the famous stone mosaics of Mor Chowk and the mirror play of Moti Mahal.
Visit the Crystal Gallery and Darbar Hall (audioguide).

Back on the train after lunch, enjoy a relaxing afternoon on board.

• Optional: enjoy the Spa at one of the city's five-star hotels.

Your Maharaja Express train spends the night in Jodhpur.
Overnight on board the Maharaja Express (DDP, DJ, ID).

DAY 4: JODHPUR, the blue city (Maharaja Express luxury train)

This morning, your journey continues in the Marwar region, in the south-east of Rajastan. You discover its hilltop capital, Jodhpur, known as the Blue City.

Optional tours:

• Discover the city in your private car with guide.
• Discover the Bishnoi villages, emblematic of rural India.
• Visit to the Umaid Bhawan Palace Museum and Jaswant Thada

After lunch, visit the magnificent Mehrangarh Fort: admire its latticed windows, carved panels and elegant arches. Continue with a walking tour of the Old Clock Tower Market.
At the Tuk Tuks market, you'll pass ancient houses and havelis and discover the daily life of the Indians,

In the evening, at a private cocktail party, you'll enjoy Marwar specialties served in an exclusive venue.
Back on the train, you'll find your compartment. The Maharaja Express resumes its journey towards the desert town of Bikaner.
Overnight aboard the Maharaja Express (DDP, DJ, ID).

DAY 5: BIKANER, the city of camels (Maharaja Express luxury train)

You arrive in the desert citadel of Bikaner.
Take advantage of this morning to relax on board or enjoy an optional tour:

Optional visit to the Lalgarh Palace Museum with a beautiful exhibition on Bikaner's royal heritage.

After lunch, you leave the train and head for Junagarh Fort, an impregnable 16th-century fortress. In the heart of this mighty moated fort, you'll be struck by the beauty of the private rooms.

Later, you take your place in a camel convoy. Accompanied by musicians, you set off to watch the sun set over the dunes. Enjoy cocktails, traditional grills and a traditional show.
Back in the comfort of your train, you set off for Jaipur.
Overnight aboard the Maharaja Express (DDP, DJ, DI barbecue on the dunes).

DAY 6: JAIPUR, the Pink City (Maharaja Express luxury train)

As you step off the train, a traditional welcome awaits you.
You begin your discovery of the Pink City with a visit to Amber Fort. Set in picturesque hills, this 16th-century building combines Hindu and Mughal architectural influences. A robust yet romantic palace-fort, it is built of red sandstone and white marble. 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.

After lunch, you can take part in an optional activity.

• Option 1: Visit the City Palace (Museum of Textiles, Arms and Arts) and Jantar Mantar (the Observatory).
• Option 2: Relax in the SPA of a five-star hotel.

Return to the train. Enjoy dinner on board as the Maharaja Express sets off for Sawai Madhopur (Ranthambore).
Overnight on board the Maharaja Express train (PDJ, DJ, DI)

DAY 7: RANTHAMBORE, nature park (safari) and FATEHPUR SIKRI, ghost capital

On arrival at Sawai Madhopur in the early morning, prepare for a safari in Ranthambore National Park. In this wilderness setting, you'll have the privilege of observing a multitude of animal species, including tigers, leopards, monkeys...

Back to the train.
Enjoy breakfast as your journey continues towards the legendary deserted Mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri.
Admire the changing landscape as you enjoy your lunch.

On arrival at Fatehpur Sikri's picturesque railway station, disembark for a tour of this fascinating site. Imposing gates, ornate, beautifully sculpted audience halls and dreamlike water features: a perfect blend of Hindu and Muslim architectural styles. This now deserted red sandstone city was built by the great Mughal emperor Akbar as his capital in the late 16th century. It is now a famous UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Return to the train. Enjoy an "Indian evening" on board, followed by dinner.
Overnight on board the Maharaja Express (DDP, DJ, ID).

DAY 8: AGRA - DELHI (Maharaja Express luxury train)

Early morning arrival in Agra - the jewel of India, home to one of the world's greatest architectural wonders - the Taj Mahal, a spectacular masterpiece in a picturesque setting. Step off the train and head for the famous monument: a UNESCO World Heritage Site, once built by Shah Jahan as a mausoleum for his favorite queen Mumtaz.

After breakfast, return to the train for the journey to Delhi.
You disembark in the afternoon at Delhi Safdurjung station.

Transfer to the Andaz Hotel 5* near the airport.
Rest time before your return flight at midnight.
Transfer to nearby airport.
Rest time at Andaz Hotel 5* or similar (DDP, DJ).
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.

THE MAHARAJA EXPRESS TRAIN

The Maharaja Express is one of the world's great luxury trains, like the Pride of Africa or the African Explorer in South Africa. It can accommodate up to 88 passengers.

It has sleeping cars with 4 types of compartments

• 20 Deluxe cabins (10.5 m²): 15 twins and 5 doubles - with en-suite bathroom:

• 18 Junior Suites (14 m²): 12 twins and 6 doubles - office and bathroom

• 4 Suites (20.5m²): double bed, living room, bathroom with bathtub

• Presidential suite (42 m²)

Other cars:

• Two dining cars: Peacock and Haveli. Each can accommodate 42 guests
• A lounge car with free drinks
• A bar car
• A gift store at the Maharaja's Club

MAHARAJA EXPRESS LUXURY TRAIN (Indian Heritage)

SPRING 2024 PRICES

• Deluxe compartment : €9,350 (English-speaking tours)
• Junior Suite compartment : €12,300 (private English-speaking tours)

PRICE AUTUMN 2024 / SPRING 2025

• Deluxe Compartment : €10,322 (English-speaking tours)
• Junior Suite compartment : €14,100 (private French-speaking tours)

Prices may vary according to changes in the €/USD exchange rate.

1. All "Options" / "Optional Tours" are subject to availability. Details and prices will be available on board during the trip.

2. Itineraries and timetables are subject to change, due to factors beyond our control such as force majeure events, strikes, fairs, festivals, sporting events, weather conditions, rail service disruptions/derailments, rail rerouting, closure/restricted access to a tour venue, unavailability of venues, etc.

3. The tour will generally be organized according to the details given above. However, you may wish to check any changes in the program / timetable provided in the travel document at check-in and/or check with the train general manager during the tour for any last-minute changes / updates.

PRICE INCLUDES

• 6 nights' accommodation on board the luxury Maharaja Express train
• 1 night in Mumbai (hotel Taj Mahal Tower 5* in Deluxe room, or same category)
• 1 night in Delhi (Imperial Hotel 5* in Imperial room or same category)
• Airport transfers - hotels - airport
• Meals as per program (BD = Breakfast, L = Lunch, ID = Dinner)
• Drinks on the train, excluding branded beverages
• Visits with local guides for each stage:
• Deluxe cabin: collective English-speaking guide
• In Junior Suite and Suite cabins: English-speaking guide and private driver
• Applicable taxes
• French-speaking assistance to prepare your stay

PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE

• International flights (on request)
• Visas (€220 per person)
• Multi-risk insurance (price on request, depending on the total price of the chosen trip)
• 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 Mumbai:
• Accommodation at the Taj Mahal 5* hotel + English-speaking city tour with private guide and driver: €463 pp.
• An extra day in Delhi: 5* accommodation
• Accommodation at the Imperial Hotel 5* + English-speaking city tour with guide and driver: € 344 pp.

TERMS OF PAYMENT

• Deposit: 30% of package price + insurance + flights: at time of order
• Balance: 70% of package + visas: 91 days before departure

CANCELLATION CONDITIONS

The following charges will be retained:

• 10%: if cancelled less than 120 days before departure
• 15%: if cancelled between 90 and 119 days before departure
• 30%: if cancelled between 60 and 89 days before departure
• 55%: if cancelled between 30 and 59 days before departure
• 100%: if cancelled between 0 and 29 days before departure