Travel Type
Rail & Hotels
Duration
10 Days/9 Nights
Country
India
 

EXPERIENCE THE MAHARAJA EXPRESS

MUMBAI

Traditionally, Mumbai city tours have been just about monuments and buildings. And whilst history certainly chronicles the story of a city, there is more than one way to bring the city to life. Mumbai is as much about people and their distinct culture as it is about history. This tour pays homage to Mumbai in its entirety by creating fun and engaging activities that go beyond history lessons.

Tour Highlights

Enjoy a privately guided walk in the Colaba area. Also watch the ‘dabbawalas’ sorting lunch boxes (subject to availability) and spend some time with local children.
Shake a leg to Bollywood Music in a studio.

Experience the royalty

Maharajas Express – Heritage of India – A Journey into history to experience the splendour of a bygone era

Head on a tour of “The Heritage of India”, beginning from the bustling, vibrant commercial metropolis of Mumbai and culminating in the capital of India, Delhi. This tour will take you to the glistening Lake City of Udaipur and the imposing Jodhpur fort. In Bikaner, enjoy cocktails as the sun sets, painting the sky with its hues on the sand dunes. Explore the ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur, bathed in rosy glow. Try your luck at Ranthambore National Park, where you might glimpse a tiger and end the show with a visit to one of the seven wonders of the world, the breath-taking Taj Mahal. Prepare to be pampered with royal hospitality while exploring India’s historical and cultural treasures.

Inclusions

2-pre-night accommodation in Mumbai
6-night accommodation in selected cabin on board of the Maharaja Express
1-post-night accommodation in Delhi
Meet and greet at Mumbai airport
Transfers as per itinerary
Meals (22 meals: 9 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 6 dinners) and beverage:
– Daily breakfast in Mumbai and Delhi
– All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) on board of the train
– Soft beverages, house brands of Indian wines, beer and spirits on board of the train
– Complimentary tea, coffee and mineral water on board the train
Pre-stay in Mumbai: Assistance on arrival/departure by our representatives; all sightseeing excursions as per itinerary; private driver and air-conditioned vehicle for all transfers and excursions, complimentary packaged drinking water in vehicles, private English-speaking local tour guides during the city tours, all monument entrance fees as per itinerary
Post-stay in Delhi: Return transfer with private vehicle and driver and with assistance, bottled water in the vehicle
Butler service on board of the train
Guided off train excursions as illustrated in the itinerary inclusive of entrance fees, still camera fee, transport and services of an English-speaking guide
Porterage at stations

Exclusions

International airfare and airport taxes – Meals and beverage not mentioned in the inclusions – Laundry – Gratuities to personnel and guides – Personal expenses – Visa if required – Travel insurance

Additional Information

Note

Maharaja Express : There will be supplement charge of CA$ 910 per passengers travelling during New Year’s Eve and Christmas.
Pre- and post-stay: Supplement applicable for travel between December 20th and January 3rd.

Check-in venue and timing: The Taj Mahal Palace & Tower, Mumbai / 08:30am.
Departure station and timing: Mumbai – Chhatrapati Shivaji terminus / 10:50am.
Arrival station and timing: Delhi – Safdarjung Station / 16:15pm.

Booking conditions:

At the time of the booking: non-refundable deposit of 25% of the total amount of the package.
Final payment: 70 days prior departure. All payments are non-refundable.

1

DAY 1 FRIDAY, ARRIVE IN MUMBAI

Welcome to Mumbai!
Arrive at the Mumbai International Airport. Once you have de-boarded the flight, you will be required to clear immigration and customs.
A representative (with a paging board) will greet you and escort you to your vehicle once you have cleared the immigration process. You will then be transferred to the hotel of your choice.
Welcome and check-in at the hotel on arrival.

Mumbai
Gateway to India - Mumbai, the history of Mumbai or Bombay as we know it is the story of an incredible transformation from its founding to the present. India’s most cosmopolitan city and financial nerve center, Mumbai is also the center of the country’s thriving film industry popularly known as Bollywood. Some 15 million people from billionaire tycoons to homeless pavement dwellers live in this teeming megalopolis. No city highlights the glaring contrasts between the wealthy and the poor or the indomitable spirit to succeed as Mumbai does.

Accommodation : Mumbai for 2 nights

2

DAY 2 SATURDAY, MUMBAI

Today, after breakfast at 08:30 hours, we will partake of a journey during which we will participate in many different experiences, each engaging one of the senses. Together, the four experiences provide an immersive perspective of the city.
We will be taken on a historic walk through the colonial precinct of Mumbai, covering major landmarks such as the Gateway of India, Victoria Terminus, and the Royal Bombay Yacht Club. We will watch the ‘dabbawalas’ sorting lunch boxes at Churchgate Station. And of course, we will see the teeming population of the city go about their busy lives.
Next, we will be set up in a contemporary dance studio and in no time, we will be groovin’ and movin’! But hey, who wouldn’t shake a leg (or more) when it’s Bollywood Music we’re listening to? Even for those with two left feet, our personal Bollywood dance choreographer will take us through the basic steps – certainly enough to impress our friends back home.
Taste Nothing says more about a city than the local cuisine. It would be a pity if you came to a coastal city like Mumbai and didn’t sample the coastal Konkan fare. You will have the opportunity to gorge on a traditional thali (a variety of delicacies served in small bowls). The Konkan cuisine features amazing seafood and is known for its pepper crabs and coconut-based curries.
You will take a walk through the famous Mumbai Spice Market. The aroma hits you even before you arrive. Your travel expert will point out the various spices and tell you about their therapeutic properties. If you like, you cannot only buy the spices, but can also get them dry roasted and ground into the mixture of your choice. It is common to see ladies patiently waiting, with bags of spices and a recipe that has been handed down for generations!
A perfect end to this collage of experiences is to be able to touch people’s lives. What better way to do this, than to spend time with local children and talk to them about your country. You will also participate in learning a skill with them.
We will then return to our hotel.

Meals : Breakfast

3

DAY 3 SUNDAY, MUMBAI – BOARD MAHARAJA EXPRESS

This morning, after a leisurely breakfast at the hotel, you will check-out of the hotel and depart for the railway station for your onward luxury train journey.
Step abroad on Maharajas Express for your historical journey.
Meet at the Tower Hotel and The Taj Mahal Palace this morning at 08:30 AM in Mumbai.
After completing the registration process and check-in formalities, join us for a tour briefing and meet your host for this exciting journey.
Then, head towards Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus railway station, where you’ll be welcomed with a refreshing drink and the vibrant tune of a local band as you board the Maharajas Express.
The train will depart at around 10:50 AM from Mumbai, the land of Marathas, towards Udaipur, a land of shimmering lakes and regal palaces.

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation : Onboard the Maharajas’ Express for 6 nights

4

DAY 4 MONDAY, UDAIPUR, RAJASTHAN

Wake up to the majestic view of sun-kissed Aravalli hills, painted with golden hues of the morning sun, a beautiful region of Mewar, a land steeped in Rajput royalty. Savour a leisurely breakfast, taking in the views of nature’s painting while the Maharajas’ Express pulls into Udaipur, the charming “City of Lakes.”
Post breakfast, alight from the train as you begin your excursion with a boat ride on Lake Pichola to visit City Palace, which is considered the largest palace complex in Rajasthan and has scalloped arches, fretted balconies, and domes. Visit Mor Chowk, whose mosaics are replete with peacock motifs, showcasing the three seasons, summer, winter and monsoon; the Moti Mahal is embellished with fine mirror work; the Chini Mahal, covered with ornamental tiles with intricate designs illustrating floral motifs and geometric and traditional Indian themes; and Zenana Mahal which is simply stunning. After exploring all these, visit The Crystal Gallery and Darbar Hall with the aid of an audio guide.
After City Palace’s exploration, get ready for lunch at Fateh Prakash Palace’s Satkar Hall, where ancient Mewar traditions come alive through the hospitality reminiscent of its glorious past. Your taste buds will be spoilt by choice with a lavish spread of International and Indian cuisine.
After lunch, head back to your coaches and have a leisurely evening onboard, or you can join the optional activities.
For more information about these optional activities, please contact us.
Maharajas’ Express proceeds overnight to Jodhpur.

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

5

DAY 5 TUESDAY, JODHPUR, RAJASTHAN

On the 3rd day, the Maharajas’ Express ventures further into the heart of Rajasthan via the heartland of the Marwar region in the ‘Blue City” Jodhpur. Have a leisurely breakfast on board as the beautiful sights of Rajasthan pass by your windows. The rest of the morning is yours; you can relax in your comfortable cabins, mingle with fellow members, catch up on reading or participate in optional activities.
For these optional activities, please contact us.
Return to the Maharajas Express for lunch.
Following a delightful lunch, head to the magnificent Mehrangarh Fort. Admire beautiful, latticed windows, intricately carved panels and delicately curved arches before embarking on a walking tour of the Colourful Old Clock Tower market. Your tuk-tuk ride will wind through the charming lanes, taking you into the market, where you can catch glimpses into local lives while passing by a few old houses and havelis.
Tonight, enjoy an exclusive cocktail party at Khaas Bagh’s hotel, where you will have a delectable spread of traditional Marwari cuisine.
After bellies full of delicious food, return to the train and set off for your next stop- the desert city of Bikaner.

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

6

DAY 6 WEDNESDAY, BIKANER, RAJASTHAN

Enjoy your morning with a mouth-watering breakfast served onboard as you traverse the countryside.
On reaching Bikaner’s desert citadel, relax in your cabins or engage in one or more optional activities.
Please contact us about these optional activities.
After lunch, we’ll disembark and proceed to Junagarh Fort, built in 1593 AD by Raja Rai Singh, as it is considered unbeatable. And even though moats surround it, its true beauty lies inside. A visit to Diwan-i-Khas, Phool Mahal (Flower Palace), Badal Mahal, Hawa Mahal (Cloud Palace) and Anup Mahal would leave one utterly speechless.
Following the Junagarh Fort exploration, get ready for a royal procession on a clam cart with musicians and head to the sunset celebration on the sand dunes. Sip on refreshing cocktails with mouth-watering traditional barbeque and spellbinding folk performances like Langaas and Kalbeliyas.
By 20:30 hours, you’ll return to the comfort of your luxurious train and continue your adventure towards Jaipur.

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

7

DAY 7 THURSDAY, JAIPUR, RAJASTHAN

Have a relaxed breakfast aboard the Maharajas’ Express as we arrive in Jaipur, an attractive “Pink City” of Rajasthan.
Firstly, after landing and receiving a traditional grand welcome, begin your tour of the pink city with your first visit to Amber Fort. Located amidst picturesque and rugged hills, Amber Fort is a living evidence of the fusion of Hindu and Mughal architecture.
Initiated by Raja Man Singh I in 1592, the fort’s construction was brought to fruition by Mirja Raja Jai Singh. The fort was built using red sandstone and white marble, creating a stunning contrast. Its forbidding exterior contains an inner paradise where art merges with architectural beauty. Amber is one of the most classic and romantic fort palaces, and it carries its mystique.
A short jeep will take you to the fort, where you will be taken through the royal apartments, offering impressive views over the gorge. Travel back in time as you visit the Hall of Victory and the Sheesh Mahal (Chamber of Mirrors), where you’ll be enveloped in the splendour of the Mughal era. Following this, enjoy an exclusive lunch at the luxurious Rambagh Palace Hotel, established in 1835 AD. Previously serving as the residence of the Maharaja of Jaipur from 1925 to 1957, the palace still maintains an aura of royal magnificence, featuring hand-carved marble latticework, regal archways, and beautifully landscaped gardens.
After a delightful lunch, return to your train or participate in the optional activities. As the sun sets, enjoy a delicious dinner prepared onboard the Maharajas’ Express, and the train gracefully departs for Sawai Madhopur, the gateway to Ranthambore National Park. For the optional activities, please contact us.

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

8

DAY 8 FRIDAY, SAWAI MADHOPUR – FATEHPUR SIKRI

As dawn paints the sky in Sawai Madhopur, buckle up your seat belt for an exciting adventure, a safari through Ranthambore National Park.
Formally a hunting ground of the Maharajas of Jaipur, this park was converted into a sanctuary in 1973 and is now a haven for diverse wildlife. It is well known for open sightseeing of tigers, chital, sambar, chinkara, nilgai, wild boar, hyena, leopard, sloth bear and jackal. While Ranthambore might not rival Africa’s vast wildlife, spotting a tiger or a leopard here is a stroke of luck.
Set off on an early morning game drive. The safari will be conducted in open-air jeeps, and the ride is dusty and bumpy, but the chance to see amazing wildlife is worth it. Winter months can be chilly, so pack warm clothes for your early morning safari.
After the safari, head back to your train for a refreshing breakfast while you resume your tour to the legendary deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri. Enjoy a delicious lunch onboard while taking in the transforming landscape around you.
Upon arriving at the small, charming station of Fatehpur Sikri, get down for a fascinating tour. Explore the impressive gateways, private and public audience halls, and intricately sculptured palaces with unique water figures impeccably blending Hinduism with Muslim architectural styles in this magnificent red sandstone city. Built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar in the late 16th century as his capital, Fatehpur Sikri is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Post your exploration, return to the train for an “Indian Evening” as you depart for Agra.

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

9

DAY 9 SATURDAY, AGRA – DELHI

Today, Maharajas Express marks its final leg of the tour as it heads towards the enchanting city of Agra.
This legendary city houses one of the world’s greatest architectural wonders, the Taj Mahal and is also known as the jewel of India. Adorned with spectacular monuments and sitting amidst an attractive landscape, it calls you to explore its timeless beauty.
Leave early in the morning to visit the magnificent Taj Mahal, a UNESCO World Heritage site and among the world’s seven wonders. Built by Shah Jahan in remembrance of his beloved queen, Mumtaz Mahal, this structure is crafted entirely from white marble, featuring exquisite inlay work and marble screens. Around 20,000 of India’s finest artisans were employed to bring this marble poetry to life.
Afterwards, enjoy a scenic breakfast at a tabletop lawn atop the Taj Khema, take the splendid views of the Taj Mahal and return to the Maharajas Express for your final stop- Delhi, the heart of India.
Relish a hearty lunch onboard as the journey progresses. With bellies full of delicious food and a heart full of beautiful memories, bid farewell to your luxurious tour of ‘the Heritage of India’ at around 16:15 hours upon arrival at Delhi Safdarjung Station. Though the royal journey ends, the memories will stay forever.

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation : Delhi for 1 night

10

DAY 10 SUNDAY, DELHI – DEPARTURE

Breakfast at the hotel. Check-out and departure.

Meals : Breakfast

HOTEL OPTIONS OR SIMILAR

Mumbai: The Oberoi 5* – Luxury room
Train: Maharajas’ Express – Selected cabin
Delhi: Andaz Delhi (a Hyatt hotel) 5* – Guest room

Rates in CA$, per person, starting from, in double occupancy 

Land Package
Departures 2024-2025-2026Double
From October 2024 to April 2025
Deluxe cabin15149
Junior suite18259
From September 2025 to April 2026
Deluxe cabin15449
Junior suite18459
Suite24999
Presidential suite41849
 
Single supplementOn request
Dates of departures 2024-2025-2026
2024
October 11th
November 8th
December 6th
2025
January 3rd and 31st
February 28th
March 28th
October 17th
November 14th
December 12th
2026
January 9th
February 6th
March 6th
April 3rd

Supplement applicable for travel between December 20th and January 3rd.

**Prices in this document are for information only; they were issued at press time, for the current year. Please note that due to exchange rates and temporary promotions, they can increase or decrease at any time. Contact your travel agent for the price and promotion of the moment. Prices include the contribution of customers to the Compensation Fund for clients of Quebec travel agents.

Maharajas Express

Redefining luxury train travel since 2010, Maharajas’ Express is the latest and most luxurious train in India. Offering 5 fascinating journeys crisscrossing some of the most vibrant destinations, significant attractions and offering a vista of breathtaking landscape, culture and heritage with which India is blessed; Maharajas’ Express offers journeys to the very depth of the soul of India in sheer opulence.

Designed to recreate the elegance and pageantry of the personal carriages of erstwhile maharajas, the interiors of this luxury train in India is suffused with nostalgia. Elegance of a bygone era and state of the art amenities coalesce seamlessly to offer 5 Star living in the quaint interiors of the Maharaja Express.

Dining

Restaurant
On-board the luxurious Maharajas’ Express, you will find two thematic fine dining restaurants which will allow you to enjoy delicious meals in a vibrant yet soul soothing environment. The names of the restaurants are aptly suited to the tastefully crafted design, ambience and concept.

One of it is “Mayur Mahal”, named after India’s very own graceful national bird peacock, fondly called as Mayur and the other is “Rang Mahal”, which literally means ‘The Palace of Colors’ decorated with hand painted fresco ceiling.

Lounge and bar
For the guests who like to enjoy drinks over a friendly chat, we have two bars. One of it is a Lounge bar- ‘The Rajah Club’ and the other is a thematic bar named as – ‘Safari Bar’. Both the bars provide comfortable and relaxed sitting arrangements to complement the exquisite range of wines and spirits, allowing you to unwind and lighten up. For those who wish to be left alone, we provide selective collection of books and for those who love to socialize, we do have few board games to play and have fun with.

For the corporate travelers, who want to combine business and leisure onboard the Maharajas’ express, we can organize a suitable setup for meetings at the Safari Bar. This bar also serves as a venue for festive events.

Presidential Suite

The Presidential suite is aptly named Navratana (nine precious gems) and has a living room, 2 bedrooms and washrooms. The guests on-board the Presidential suite has an exclusive 24 hours personal valet to provide with attentive and luxury service. This palace on wheels has been provided with latest international features.

The tariff of presidential suite is inclusive of an exclusive language speaking guide and Luxury car during the off-board journeys.

– Cabin area : 448 Sq. Ft
– Double bed dimensions : 80 x 60 (In)
– Twin bed dimensions : 80 x 33 (In)
– 2 bedrooms
– Living area
– Sofa
– Writing table
– Complimentary minibar

Suites

All the 4 suites are double bedded and have large panoramic windows, so that you can savour every bit of Indian splendour on your rail journey. Each coach of the rail has a mini-pantry and manned by a valet to provide with attentive and prompt service.

The suite rooms are provided with additional features such as complimentary minibar and bathtub. The fare for the suite is inclusive of an exclusive language speaking guide and luxury car during the off-board journeys.

To ensure your safety and well-being, the rail has been provided with CCTV cameras, smoke alarms, RFID door locks and round the clock services of a paramedic. Your luxury vacation on Indian splendour, on-board the Maharajas’ Express will be truly an experience extraordinaire.

– Cabin area : 220 Sq. Ft
– Double bed dimensions : 80 x 60 (In)
– Separate living room and bedroom
– Upholstered armchairs with side table
– Writing table
– Complimentary minibar
– Luggage hold underneath the bed

Junior Suites

The train has 18 Junior suites of which 12 are twin bedded and 6 double bedded. All the suites have large panoramic windows, so that you can savour every bit of magnificent India on your train journey. All passenger carriages come with airconditioning, the first of its kind in India and have state-of-the-art facilities like live television, DVD players, Wi-Fi Internet to name a few to keep you entertained through the royal train journey. Each coach of the train has a mini-pantry and manned by a valet to provide a lavish and personalized service during the tour packages.

To ensure your safety and well-being, the train has been provided with CCTV cameras, smoke alarms, RFID door locks and round the clock services of a paramedic. Your tour package on-board the Maharajas’ Express will be truly an experience extraordinaire.

– Cabin area : 150 Sq. Ft
– Double bed dimensions : 80 x 60 (In)
– Twin bed dimensions : 80 x 33 (In)
– Writing table with two chairs
– Luggage hold underneath the bed
– Live television
– Wi-fi Internet (Subject to network availability)

Deluxe Cabin

The train coaches of Deluxe Cabin are named after the precious gems Hakik (Agate), Firoza (Torquoise), Katela (Amethyst), Beruz (Aquamarine) and Pitoniya (Bloodstone) to indicate the lavishness present in the overall experience provided in the tour packages of Maharajas’ Express. The train has 20 Deluxe Cabins of which 12 are twin bedded and 8 double bedded.

– Cabin area : 112 Sq. Ft
– Double bed dimensions : 80 x 60 (In)
– Twin bed dimensions : 80 x 33 (In)
– Folding writing table
– Luggage hold underneath the bed
– Live television
– Wi-fi Internet (Subject to network availability)

The heritage of India – Detailed itinerary
The heritage of India – Detailed itinerary