On arrival in Delhi, you'll be met and transferred to your hotel.

Tonight, get to know your Great Rail Journeys Tour Escort and fellow travellers during a Welcome Dinner. Stay: Delhi, Taj Palace (D)

Take the Shatabdi Express to Kalka. From here, you'll board the Toy Train to Shimla, once the summer capital of the British Raj, arriving by early evening. Stay Three Nights: Shimla, The Oberoi Cecil (B/L/D)

Insider Experience: Ride the legendary ‘Toy Train' to Shimla. The World Heritage Toy Train provides one of the country's most idyllic train journeys.

Enjoy an Insider Experience then embark on a guided sightseeing tour of Shimla and see a number of colonial sights including the Viceregal Lodge, once the summer residence of the Indian viceroys and the Gaiety Theatre. Continue to the Sankat Mochan Temple before an afternoon stroll past the Victorain-Gothic Christ Church and to the mysterious Scandal Point, once popular for people to gather and share gossip. (B/L/D)

Insider Experience: Enjoy a talk from author, historian and journalist Raaja Bhasin and learn about the city's fascinating history.

Nestled at the foothills of the Himalayas and surrounded by picturesque natural scenery, Shimla is a delight to visit and was a favourite with the Sahibs from the time of the Raj. Make the most of your free day in this charming town as you further discover on your own. Perhaps explore the Himalayas outside Shimla and visit Wildflower Hall. (B/D)

After breakfast this morning, travel from Shimla to Chandigarh by road before boarding the Shatabdi Express train back to Delhi.

Upon arrival, transfer back to your hotel. Enjoy a further two evenings at the Taj Palace, an oasis of calm in the heart of India's bustling capital. Stay Two Nights: Delhi, Taj Palace (B/L/D)

Today you will explore Delhi, India's vibrant, hectic, awe-inspiring capital city. Visit Jama Masjid, a 17th-century mosque, and India's largest before moving on to New Delhi to visit Humayun's Tomb. Thought to have inspired the magnificent Taj Mahal, this World Heritage-listed tomb perfectly combines elements of Persian and Mughal architecture in its design. You'll also explore the wide leafy avenues and admire the imposing India Gate and the 13th-century Qutab Minar, a World Heritage-listed monument and the world's tallest brick minaret. (B/D)

Insider Experience: Take a rickshaw ride through the narrow streets of Old Delhi's lively Chandni Chowk bazaar, winding through a sea of pedestrians going about their everyday lives.

Transfer to the station where you'll board India's first semi high speed train the Gatimaan Express to Agra. Once in Agra, embark on a sightseeing tour of the World Heritage-listed Agra Fort. One of the city's most historic sites, the fort has served as both a military point and a royal residence in the past. Continue to the iconic Taj Mahal. The structure took over 22 years to build and is a wonder to behold. Its glittering white marble domes inspire awe, and almost seem to change colours throughout the day depending on the position of the sun. Stay: Agra, ITC Mughal Resort & Spa, a Luxury Collection (B/D)

Transfer from Agra to Ranthambore National Park, stopping en route at the abandoned ancient city of Fatehpur Sikri, a World Heritage- site, for a guided tour. This town to the west of Agra was once known as the City of Victory. Built in the 16th century, Fatehpur Sikri is home to a number of impressive monuments and temples. Enjoy lunch at Laxmi Vilas Palace Bharatpur before jumping back into your coach for the last leg of your trip to Ranthambore National Park. Dinner is at your hotel. Stay Two Nights: Ranthambore, Ranthambore Regency (B/L/D)

This morning, enjoy hearing a local naturalist deliver a lecture on Ranthambore National Park. After lunch, head out for a guided game drive through the national park. After an afternoon of exploration, return to your hotel for dinner. (B/L/D)

Insider Experience: With an expert guide, go in search of the Bengal tiger. Ranthambore is one of the best parks to view this elusive cat, so make sure to have your camera at the ready.

After a morning game drive, return to your hotel to spend the rest of the morning at leisure. Visit Birla Temple to witness an Aarti ceremony en route to your premium accommodation in the Pink City of Jaipur. Stay Two Nights: Jaipur, ITC Rajputana, a Luxury Collection (B/L/D)

Insider Experience: Witness an evening Aarti, a Hindu ritual offered as part of a temple blessing. Enjoy one last game drive early this morning.

This morning is dedicated to an in-depth exploration of Jaipur. Begin with a guided tour of Amber Fort. The striking architecture is a unique blend of Hindu and Islamic styles. Its exterior contrasts with the interior with many of the rooms elaborately painted with decadent mirrors and precious stones. Enjoy time at leisure for lunch before jumping right back into your sightseeing. Visit sites including the City Palace and the 18th-century Jantar Mantar Astronomical Observatory, and drive by Jaipur's most distinctive landmark, the Hawa Mahal ‘Palace of the Winds'. (B/D)

Insider Experience: Explore the Pink City of Jaipur and discover why its beautiful buildings are coloured in a distinctive hue. Spend time touring through the Amber Fort, learning about its fascinating history.

Spend your morning at leisure at your hotel.

This afternoon, travel back to Delhi, arriving in the evening.

Tonight, say goodbye to your fellow travellers at a Farewell Dinner. Stay: Delhi, Taj Palace (B/D)

After breakfast, you'll be transferred to the airport for your flight. (B)

Arrive in Delhi, the vibrant capital city of India, which seamlessly blends tradition and modernity. Be met on arrival and transferred to your hotel. Perhaps explore the local area and take in the kaleidoscope of sights, sounds and flavours on offer.

Tonight, get to know your Great Rail Journeys Tour Escort and fellow travellers during a Welcome Dinner. Stay: Delhi, Taj Palace (D)

This morning, transfer to New Delhi for your journey to Kalka in the foothills of the Himalayas. From your seats in your AC Chair Class carriages on the Shatabdi Express, enjoying a picnic lunch at your seats. From here, you'll embark on your Insider Experience and board the Toy Train to Shimla, once the summer capital of the British Raj, arriving by early evening. Enjoy dinner with fellow guests tonight at your historic 5-star hotel. Stay Three Nights: Shimla, The Oberoi Cecil (B/L/D)

Insider Experience: Ride the legendary ‘Toy Train' to Shimla. The World Heritage Toy Train provides one of the country's most idyllic train journeys. This vintage train chugs its way up a winding route through the Shivalik Hills, passing lush green countryside, tree-covered valleys, across hundreds of bridges and traverse 102 tunnels.

After breakfast today, enjoy your fascinating Insider Experience then embark on a guided sightseeing tour of Shimla and see a number of colonial sights including the Viceregal Lodge, once the summer residence of the Indian viceroys and the Gaiety Theatre. Continue to the Sankat Mochan Temple before an afternoon stroll past the Victorian-Gothic Christ Church and to the mysterious Scandal Point, once popular for people to gather and share gossip. Later enjoy dinner at the hotel. (B/L/D)

Insider Experience: Enjoy a talk from author, historian and journalist Raaja Bhasin as he presents an informative talk full of spellbinding stories about his hometown as he brings to life the history of Shimla.

Nestled at the foothills of the Himalayas and surrounded by picturesque natural scenery, Shimla is a delight to visit and was a favourite with the Sahibs from the time of the Raj. Make the most of your free day in this charming town as you further discover on your own. Perhaps explore the Himalayas outside Shimla or visit Wildflower Hall for an indulgent high tea.

Later this evening meet for dinner. (B/D)

After breakfast, travel from Shimla to Chandigarh by road, navigating the twisting route amid incredible scenery of verdant valleys, before boarding the Shatabdi Express train back to Delhi, with a simple picnic lunch at your seat.

Upon arrival, transfer back to your hotel and spend some time at leisure before regrouping for dinner. Stay Two Nights: Delhi, Taj Palace (B/L/D)

Today you will explore Delhi, India's vibrant, hectic, awe-inspiring capital city. Visit Jama Masjid, a 17th-century mosque, and India's largest. Sit back and enjoy your Insider Experience. There is free time to enjoy lunch before embarking on a sightseeing tour of New Delhi. See India Gate, a triumphal arch commemorating Indian soldiers killed during the First World War. At the other end of this magnificent boulevard is Rashtrapati Bhavan, the official residence of India's president, built in a blend of Mughal and European architecture.

After a visit to the opulent 16th-century tomb of Mughal emperor Humayun, conclude your tour at the Gandhi Smriti Museum. Learn about the life of Mahatma Ghandi, the man who Indians call the ‘Father of the Nation' through informative artefacts and personal effects. (B/D)

Insider Experience: Take a rickshaw ride through the narrow streets of Old Delhi's lively Chandni Chowk bazaar.

Set off this morning to the station where you will board the Gatimaan Express, travelling from Delhi to Agra, a journey that takes just over an hour and a half, on India's first semi high-speed train and the fastest train in India. Enjoy simple Indian snacks as you relax in fully air-conditioned carriages and enjoy the passing scenery. Once in Agra, embark on your Insider Experience and later a sightseeing tour of the World Heritage-listed Agra Fort. One of the city's most historic sites, the fort has served as both a military point and a royal residence in the past. Stay: Agra, Hotel Clarks Shiraz (B/D)

Insider Experience: Be in awe at the beauty of the iconic Taj Mahal, the white marble mausoleum inlaid with semiprecious stones. Commissioned in 1631 by the fifth Mughal emperor to house the tomb of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. It also houses the tomb of Shah Jahan himself. The structure took over 22 years to build and is a wonder to behold. Its awe-inspiring glittering white marble domes almost seem to change colours throughout the day depending on the position of the sun.

Transfer from Agra to Ranthambore National Park, stopping en route at the abandoned ancient city of Fatehpur Sikri, a World Heritage- site, for a guided tour. This town to the west of Agra was once known as the City of Victory. Built in the 16th century, Fatehpur Sikri is home to a number of impressive monuments and temples. Enjoy your Insider Experience before jumping back into your coach for the last leg of your trip to Ranthambore National Park. Dinner is at your hotel. Stay Two Nights: Ranthambore Regency (B/L/D)

Insider Experience: Indulge in a traditional lunch of Rajasthani cuisine at the opulent Laxmi Palace Vilas, which was built in the 1850s as a home for a prince of the Kingdom of Bharatpur.

Enjoy a morning Insider Experience. After lunch, head out for a guided game drive in canters, an open topped safari vehicle, through the national park and go in search of the Bengal tiger. Ranthambore is one of the best parks to view this elusive cat, so make sure to have your camera at the ready. After an afternoon of exploration, return to your hotel for dinner. (B/L/D)

Insider Experience: This morning, enjoy hearing a local naturalist deliver a lecture on Ranthambore National Park.

This morning set out on an early morning safari, the best time of day to see native wildlife, such as sloth bears, macaques, wild boar and leopards and perhaps have a chance of seeing an elusive Bengal tiger. Afterwards, return to your hotel for breakfast then travel by coach to Jaipur. Visit Birla Temple for your Insider Experience en route to your premium accommodation in the Pink City of Jaipur. Stay Two Nights: Jaipur, Taj Amer (B/L/D)

Insider Experience: Witness an evening Aarti, a mesmerising Hindu fire ritual accompanied by lively singing and dancing, offered as part of a temple blessing.

Begin the day with a visit to the City Palace, a gorgeous 17th-century palace blending decorative Mughal and Rajput architecture and home to the current Maharaja, before travelling to the UNESCO-listed Jantar Mantar, an early 18th-century astronomical observatory. View one of Jaipur's most renowned sights is the Hawa Mahal, the Palace of the Winds. The eastern façade of this pink and yellow sandstone structure is incredibly ornate. Five storeys of intricate lattice work dotted with 953 small windows.

After our tour, enjoy your special Insider Experience. The rest of the day is free to spend at leisure and you can either unwind at our hotel or explore Jaipur's excellent shopping optons. (B/D)

Insider Experience: Explore the Pink City of Jaipur a pink tuk tuk. This enjoyable mode of transport is part of a social enterprise project to provide the city's women with the opportunity for their own livelihoods. Discover why it's beautiful buildings are coloured in a distinctive hue.

Travel by jeep for your Insider Experience. This afternoon, close the sides of the Golden Triangle as you are transferred by coach back to Delhi. Tonight, say goodbye to your fellow travellers at a Farewell Dinner. Stay: Delhi, Taj Palace (B/D)

Insider Experience: Spend time touring through the Amber Fort, learning about its fascinating history and uncover many of the rooms elaborately painted with decadent mirrors and precious stones.

After breakfast, you'll be transferred to Indira Gandhi International Airport for your flight. (B)