Compare Luxury Rail: a taste of the Maharajas' Express and western Rajasthan by Audley Travel vs Ultimate Rajasthan Tour by Turban 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- Arrive in Mumbai & fly to Udaipur (Stay at Bujera Fort)

Arrive from your international flight at Mumbai Airport & board onward flight direct to Udaipur. A warm welcome on arrival at Udaipur Airport by our team member & get transferred privately to a newly built fortress hotel in Udaipur which is very famous for its unique character & charming design by Trish McFarlane & Richard Hanlon. Check-in to your room & spend the remaining day at leisure.

Day 2- Udaipur (Stay at Bujera Fort)

Today after breakfast get indulge yourself in the beauty of most romantic destination of India. Visit the City Palace, the grand palace originally built by Maharana Udai Singh II overlooking the Pichola Lake & Jagdish Temple. Visit Saheliyon Ki Bari- A garden was specially laid for 48 young women attendants who accompanied with Princess of Udaipur as dowry. In the evening enjoy boat ride on Pichola to see the numerous palaces & to capture the perfect evening on the serene waters of this manmade lake.

Day 3- Udaipur to Narlai (Stay at Rawla Narlai)

Leave the family of Bujera Fort & drive towards your next destination amidst the Aravali hills & was the hunting lodge of Royal Family of Jodhpur. Get settled in your room at Rawla Narlai. En-route to Rawla Narlai will stop at Ranakpur to see the Jain Temples. Have drinks by poolside or just spend the time in balcony of your room. (You have an option of 15 minute massage at spa room in Rawla Narlai provided by Turban Adventures).

Day 4- Narlai (Stay at Rawla Narlai)

Morning explore the village in an open jeep with the local expert guide & spend the rest of the day free on your own.

Day 5- Narlai- Jodhpur (Stay at Raas Jodhpur)

This morning to Jodhpur & check in at luxurious Raas Hotel located in old city & offers expansive view of the fort.Spend the remaining day exploring the local craft markets of Jodhpur with our expert guide & overnight stay.

Day 6- In Jodhpur (Stay at Raas Jodhpur)

Morning after a sumptuous breakfast at your hotel leave for sightseeing tour of Mehrangarh Fort which is one of the largest fort standing from centuries. Pay your homage to the rulers of Jodhpur at Jaswant Thada & visit Umaid Bhawan Palace. Afternoon at leisure. Optional- Exclusive Champagne Tour of Mehrangarh Fort with Karni Jasol at additional cost. An exclusive tour of Mehrangarh Fort with its curator Karni Jasol & access to its private halls can be arranged on request. He will walk along with you & explain you the history of the fort. Later have dinner privately organized on the fort in the dim lights & with true Rajput hospitality.

Day 7- Jodhpur- Nagaur (Stay at Ranvas Nagaur)

Morning take part in exclusive Yoga session with the instructor & post breakfast leave for the tiny town closer to Jodhpur known as ‘Nagaur’. Your accommodation for two nights is booked at Ranvas Nagaur in Nagaur Fort. Ranvas is the most unique property where one can have experience of staying in own private fort & walking outside the fort walls. Take a walk outside the fort with our expert guide. Overnight in Ranvas.

Day 8- Nagaur (Stay at Ranvas Nagaur)

Full day at leisure or you can explore the town with our guide.

Day 9- Nagaur- Jaisalmer (Stay at Killa Bhawan)

Today drive to Jaisalmer the Desert City located in the Great Indian Thar Desert. Your hotel in Jaisalmer is quite simple but it has the most stunning views of Jaisalmer City & Desert. It is located on the ramparts of Jaisalmer Fort which has the most unique character in town. Spend the day resting in your room’s private setting followed by overnight stay.

Day 10- Jaisalmer (Stay at Killa Bhawan)

Take a guided tour of Jaisalmer Fort, Mansions of wealthy merchants & the beautiful decorated bazaars of Jaisalmer. In the afternoon drive to Khuri Sand Dunes to have camel ride over the golden sands & to view sunset. Return to Jaisalmer & stay overnight.

Day 11- Jaisalmer- Rohet (Stay at Mihirgarh)

This morning drive towards the Jewel in the desert & the most special hotel of this trip located in the desert wilderness of Jodhpur. Enjoy your stay with private Jacuzzi & plunge pool. Overnight in Mihirgarh.

Day 12- Rohet (Stay at Mihirgarh)

Today take Jeep Safari to tribal villages of Bishnoi people & get to know their lifestyle. You can take part in their various daily activities. Return to hotel & enjoy the day.

Day 13- Rohet- Nimaj (Stay at Chhatra Sagar)

After your romantic stay at Mihirgarh we drive to Chhatra Sagar perched on the dam of a reservoir & provide the natural beauty to its visitors. Check in at the boutique camp & enjoy the dishes grown up in their local farm.

Day 14- Nimaj (Stay at Chhatra Sagar)

Take a village tour of Nimaj & temples. Unwind yourself at camp for the remaining day & learn to cook the dishes with hotel staff following centuries old recipes.

Day 15- Nimaj- BIshangarh (Stay at Alila Fort Bishangarh)

Today drive to Alila Bishangarh Fort, a newest luxury addition into Alila’s portfolio. Check in at your spacious room at the fort & spend the remaining day exploring the views of countryside.

Day 16 - Bishangarh to Jaipur excursion (Stay at Alila Fort Bishangarh)

Join our expert tour guide for excursion to Pink City covering the Amber Fort, A perfect example of Mughal & Rajput architecture. Ride on the decorated elephant to reach at the top of fort or you can ride on jeep as well. Visit 16th century step well famous as Panna Meena ka kund located in the foothills of mountains. While return to city stop at Jal Mahal for photo tour. Later visit City Palace- residence of former royal family of Jaipur, Jantar Mantar ( A UNESCO World Heritage Site ) is a astronomical observatory designed by Maharaja Jai Singh II & The Palace of Winds famous as Hawa Mahal, the landmark of Jaipur. After take a short market tour of Jaipur’s famous bazaars to collect souvenirs. Drive back to Bishangarh for overnight stay.

Day 17- Bishangarh (Stay at Alila Fort Bishangarh)

Take early morning Hot Air Balloon Safari over the Aravali Mountains & complete your tour in Jaipur. After refreshments at local café visit the Bagru block printing textiles & see the local artisans working on the world famous block printing technique. Return to Bishangarh by evening with fond memories from Pink City.

Day 18 - Departure

Transfer to Jaipur or Delhi Airport to board flight for onward destination.