Highlights of the Golden Triangle

Arrive in Delhi, the vibrant capital city of India, which seamlessly blends tradition and modernity. Be met on arrival and transferred to your hotel. Enjoy free time and perhaps explore the local area, taking 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 Two Nights: Delhi, Crowne Plaza New Delhi Okhla (D)

Today you will explore Old and New Delhi, a unique blend of traditional, colonial, and modern architecture. Embark on your Insider Experience, then, visit Jama Masjid, a 17th-century mosque, one of India's largest mosques, showcasing the grandeur of Mughal India. Continue to New Delhi, designed by architect Edward Lutyens regarded as a testament to Britain's imperial aspirations, to visit Humayun's Tomb. Thought to have inspired the magnificent Taj Mahal, the World Heritage-listed tomb perfectly combines elements of Persian and Mughal architecture in its design.

Later, visit the Gandhi Smriti Museum and learn about Mahatma Gandhi. This museum, dedicated to his life, is where he spent his final 144 days before being shot in 1948. (B/D)

Insider Experience - Rickshaw Ride Step aboard a traditional rickshaw for an exuberant ride through the narrow streets of Delhi's lively bazaar. Embrace the energetic ambience and immerse yourself in local life.

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 - Visit the Taj Mahal Be in awe at the beauty of the iconic Taj Mahal, the white marble mausoleum inlaid with semi-precious stones. Commissioned in 1631 by the fifth Mughal emperor to house the tomb of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal , the mausoleum 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 Abhaneri Stepwell, a stunning architectural marvel known for its intricate design. This stepwell, located in the village of Abhaneri, dates back to the 9th century and features a series of steps leading down to the water, creating a captivating geometric pattern. It was once used to store water during the arid months and is a remarkable example of ancient engineering.

Enjoy lunch at Laxmi Vilas Palace in Bharatpur, before boarding your air-conditioned coach for your comfortable journey to Ranthambore National Park. Tonight, enjoy dinner at your hotel. Stay Two Nights: Ranthambore, Ranthambore Regency (B/L/D)

Insider Experience - Traditional Rajasthani Lunch In the regal surroundings of the Royal Residence of the former rulers of Bharatpur, you'll be treated to the sumptuous flavours of traditional Rajasthani cuisine for an unforgettable lunch.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and the morning at leisure. Join your naturalist for an informative presentation on Ranthambore National Park and its diverse wildlife before savouring lunch at the hotel. This afternoon, embark on a guided game drive through Ranthambore National Park, home to an array of wildlife including leopards, sloth bears, striped hyenas, and the star of the show - the elusive Bengal tiger. (B/L/D)

Insider Experience - In search of the Bengal tiger Accompanied by an expert wildlife guide, search for 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.

Start the day with an early morning game drive through Ranthambore National Park, where you might be lucky to catch a glimpse of the park's Bengal tigers along with other wildlife like jackals, striped hyenas, serpent eagles and leopard.

After lunch, board your coach for a drive to the historic and picturesque city of Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan state. The bustling modern city is one of the three cities that make up the famous Golden Triangle that includes Delhi and Agra. In 1876 the local ruler decided to paint the city in shades of pink, the traditional colour symbolising hospitality, in anticipation of a visit from the Prince of Wales. The prince, who later became King Edward VIII, named Jaipur the ‘Pink City', and the city is still affectionately called the Pink City to this day. Stay Two Nights: Jaipur, Hyatt Place Jaipur Malviya Naga (B/L/D)

Today, explore Jaipur on a city tour admiring the striking architecture that harmoniously blends Hindu and Islamic architectural styles. Hop aboard your jeeps for this morning's Insider Experience.

Afterwards, enjoy free time for lunch, before continuing your discovery of Jaipur, visiting incredible sites including the City Place and ththe 18th-century, UNESCO World Heritage - listed Jantar Mantar Astronomical Observatory. Drive by Jaipur's most distinctive landmark, the Hawa Mahal, also known as the Palace of the Winds. Built from pink sandstone, the palace's gets its name from an astonishing 953 windows, cleverly designed to create a honeycombed cooling system that keeps the palace ventilated and cool during the searing summer heat. (B/D)

Insider Experience - Visit Amber Fort by Jeep Hop aboard your jeep for a thrilling ride to Amber Fort located on a hill overlooking Jaipur, also known as the Pink City. Along the way, discover discover why the city's beautiful buildings are coloured in this distinctive hue. Explore Amber Fort, learning about its fascinating history, and marvel at the opulent rooms elaborately decorated with rich tapestries and ornate furnishings befitting a maharaja's residence.

Journey to the charming town of Tijara in the Alwar district of Rajasthan, known for their unique pottery of exceptional quality created skilled artisans. Roll up your sleeves and immerse yourself in local traditions with a hands-on pottery class, creating some unique, one-of-a-kind pieces of your own. Afterwards, enjoy your Insider Experience, and this evening, savour the rich flavours of Rajasthani cuisine with a delicious Farewell Dinner to celebrate a memorable experience of India. Stay: Tijara Fort Palace (B/D)

Insider Experience - Sip tea while enjoying a Rajasthani cultural performance Enjoy a delightful cup of tea while being treated to a Rajasthani cultural performance, offering a glimpse into the vibrant heritage of the region.

After breakfast, bid farewell to your fellow travellers before your transfer to Delhi airport for your onward journey. (B)