Compare Luxury Rail: a taste of the Maharajas' Express and western Rajasthan by Audley Travel vs Rajasthan: Laneways & Local Villages by G Adventures

Day 1 : International outbound flight

Today you begin your journey by boarding your international outbound flight to Delhi.

Day 2 : Delhi

Arriving into Delhi International Airport, one of our local colleagues will meet you. You'll then be transferred by private vehicle into Delhi and to your hotel for the night.

Day 3 : On-board train

Board the Maharajas' Express this morning, before the train heads to Agra. After brunch on board you will arrive and visit the iconic Taj Mahal.

Day 4 : On-board train

Day two on board the Maharajas' Express. An early start as you head to Agra Fort, before the train departs for Ranthambhore National Park. This afternoon explore the park on a game drive, in search of the elusive Bengal tiger.

Day 5 : On-board train

Day three on board the Maharajas' Express. Spend the day in Jaipur, known as the Pink City, visit the nearby Amber Fort, and enjoy a special dinner within one of the impressive city palaces.

Day 6 : Jodhpur

Upon arrival into Delhi this morning, enjoy breakfast before disembarking the Maharajas' Express. Bid farewell to your fellow guests and meet your Audley driver who will take you to the airport. From Delhi you will fly to Jodhpur, a short journey of around 90 minutes.Upon arrival, a local representative will meet you and you'll be driven to your hotel in the heart of the Blue city, as Jodhpur is fondly known.

Day 7 : Jodhpur

Explore Jodhpur today with your local and knowledgeable guide. You'll be guided through the fascinating and extensive Mehrangarh Fort before discovering the Old City on foot. Later, enjoy a cookery experience with a local family.

Day 8 : Chanoud

Continue south through Rajasthan this morning to a small village called Chanoud. Here you will stay with a local family in their beautiful home, which has been painstakingly restored and converted into a small hotel. Chanoud is an Audley favourite and receives excellent feedback.

Day 9 : Udaipur

During the long journey to Udaipur today, you will have the opportunity to stop for lunch and explore the expansive and intricate Jain temple at Ranakpur as well as the impressive fortress at Kumbhalgarh.

Day 10 : Udaipur

Explore the pretty city of Udaipur today, which sits around Lake Pichola, accompanied by your experienced local guide. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon at leisure and consider a boat ride on the lake to watch the sun set across the city palace.

Day 11 : International return flight

After being transferred to the airport, you will start your homeward-bound journey. Your return flight will arrive the same day.

Day 1 Delhi

Arrive at any time and welcome to India's bustling capital - Delhi! Opt for an arrival transfer through the G Adventures-supported Women With Wheels project. Tonight, get to know your fellow travellers as we wander through the electric Karol Bagh market for your first night out; pick the best looking spot and cheers to new adventures and friends.

There are no activities planned until tonight's welcome meeting.

Day 2 Delhi/Mandāwa

This morning, drive to the desert town of Mandawa in the Shekhawati region. Established as a trading hub along ancient caravan routes, Mandawa is dotted with havelis (traditional houses) which often featured lavish courtyards that once belonged to traders who made their fortunes here. This afternoon, head out on walking tour to view the beautifully frescoed havelis and the old town.

Day 3 Mandāwa/Jodhpur

Settle in for the morning drive to Jodhpur, called the “Blue City” for the many houses painted that colour. Stark desert landscapes meet a riot of palaces, forts, and temples, all enclosed within imposing city walls. Six enormous gates provide entry to the city centre and overlooking it all stands the imposing shadow of Meherangarh Fort. In the afternoon take an orientation walk of the old walled city and view the the clock tower. Continue on to bustling Sadar Bazaar, one of the oldest markets in India.

Day 4 Jodhpur

Enjoy a free day to continue exploring this fascinating city. Opt to hike up to Mehrangarh Fort in the morning for stunning views. In the afternoon, choose to embark on an open jeep excursion to the neighbouring hamlets–explore the countryside and meet local carpet weavers, potters and other artisans.

Day 5 Jodhpur/Udaipur

Journey southeast with the option to visit the beautiful Ranakpur Temples. Continue to Udaipur, famous worldwide for its plethora of breathtaking lakes and Raj-era palaces. Get to know the old city on an orientation walk, then opt to enjoy a Rajasthani cultural show at the Bagore-ki-Haveli Folk Museum on Gangaur Ghat.

Day 6 Udaipur

Enjoy a full free day to explore this Royal city. Opt to visit the Jagdish Temple which pays homage to Vishnu, the Hindu god of preservation, or the stunning City Palace and Museum, followed by a boat ride on Pichola Lake. Or, relive life as royalty at Sajjangarh Fort, also known as the Monsoon Palace, sitting atop a hill with a panoramic view of the city’s lakes.

Day 7 Udaipur

Enjoy another full free day. Opt to enjoy the early morning serenity of Udaipur cycling along the city's picturesque lakes as the sun rises. Then choose to take a Rajasthani cooking class and enjoy your creations for lunch. Or, continue exploring forts and palaces–the options are endless.

Day 8 Udaipur/Pushkar

Today drive to Pushkar, en route opt to visit the Chittorgarh Fort–a Unesco World Heritage site. Travel over Snake Mountain to the holy city of Pushkar, a place so sacred that no meat, alcohol, or eggs are allowed within the city. Take an orientation walk and visit the 14th century Brahma Temple–the world’s only temple dedicated to the Hindu god of creation.

Day 9 Pushkar

Rise early for a hike and enjoy sunrise from Savitri Temple overlooking the surrounding Thar desert. Spend the rest of the day freely exploring the ghats (stone staircases) where pilgrims come to bathe in the holy lake, visit some of the hundreds of temples or get into bargaining in the bustling markets. This evening, opt for a traditional dinner with entertainment in the desert.

Day 10 Pushkar/Tordi Garh

Drive to the desert village of Tordi Garh and step back in time and stay the night in a restored heritage property. Take a stroll through the village to catch a glimpse of daily life, in markets, shops and homes and keep an eye out for a local cricket game as visitors are always welcome to join in. Later, opt for a camel cart ride, or jeep ride into the countryside for sunset.

Day 11 Tordi Garh/Jaipur

Opt to join a morning hike up to the old fort. After, travel to Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, clothed in pink stucco and commonly known as the "pink city." One of the most important heritage cities in India, begin with an afternoon orientation walk, then continue exploring on your own. A visit to Jaipur wouldn't be complete without catching an optional Bollywood film in the spectacular Art Deco film house — the Raj Mandir Cinema.

Day 12 Jaipur

Rise early for optional morning cycling then embark on an included tour of Amber Fort–another UNESCO World Heritage site to check off your list. Wander through the halls, courtyards, and palaces and admire the intricate details. Afterward, enjoy a free afternoon to visit the Hawa Mahal ("Palace of the Winds") or the city Palace Museum. Or, choose to explore the Jantar Mantar Observatory or take a cooking class to "spice up" your culinary skills. This evening, for your big night out, head to a rooftop bar and enjoy a drink on us to cheers the adventures you've just shared.

You can also use your free time to visit Kitchen With A Cause and have a delicious meal that allows you to give back to the community.

Day 13 Jaipur/Āgra

Continue on to Agra, visiting the impressive Taj Mahal in the evening as the setting sun covers it in an orange hue. Check this world wonder off your bucket list as you marvel at the iconic Mughal architecture. Immerse yourself in a guided tour and learn of the mausoleum's unique history.

Day 14 Āgra/Delhi

Visit the Agra Fort in the morning before heading to Delhi for your final evening. One of the most important battles of the Indian rebellion of 1857 was fought at the Agra Fort. Learn about the history of this place while peering at the red sandstone and white marble architecture.

Day 15 Delhi

Depart at any time.