India's Golden Triangle, Tigers and Shimla

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)