14 Day 5 Star India By Luxury Rail & The Maldives Premium Small Group Tour

Welcome to India! On arrival at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM), you will be met by a local representative in the arrivals hall and transferred by private air-conditioned vehicle to your luxury 5 star hotel located in Mumbai’s prime historical and commercial hub. 

Check into your hotel where the rest of the day is at leisure.

Arrival airport transfers are included as part of your package. You will be met upon arrival at the airport and transferred to your hotel.
If Inspiring Vacations has not provided your international airfares, please ensure you provide your flight details via your Traveller Hub portal no later than 90 days prior to travel so that your transfers can be confirmed.

Please note: if you are arriving early and have made your own arrangements prior to your tour commencing, airport transfers will not be included. However, if you are purchasing pre-nights accommodation as part of your Inspiring Vacations package, airport transfers will still be provided to the starting hotel.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast in the opulence of your hotel, then meet your guide in the hotel lobby for a sightseeing tour of this incredibly diverse city. You will drive past some of the city’s famous landmarks including the Gateway of India, the business districts of South Mumbai-the Victoria Terminus, Mumbai University, Rajabai Clock Tower, High Court & Marine Drive, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya - the Prince of Wales Museum. Continue to the Hanging Gardens and Parsi Tower of Silence; a photo-stop at the largest open-air laundry – Dhobi Ghat and end the tour with a visit to Mani Bhawan. 

This afternoon, you will be transferred to the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus where you will receive a warm and traditional Indian welcome as you check in to the beautiful Deccan Odyssey train to commence your unforgettable journey across India. 

The Deccan Odyssey offers travel of a bye-gone era featuring well-furnished Deluxe Cabins with private bathrooms and state-of-the-art amenities to ensure a lavish experience to all its passengers. Onboard facilities include two dining cars, bar lounge, mini gymnasium and Ayurvedic Spa.

After completion of all formalities, you will be shown to your cabin and as you settle in, the Deccan Odyssey shall depart Mumbai for Vadodara at 1725 hrs. Tonight dine in one of the brilliantly decorated dining cars on a selection of Indian, oriental and continental delicacies served by attentive stewards in traditional Maharashtrian attire

Today you arrive at the capital of the Gaekwads - Vadodara, located along the seasonal river Vishwamitri.

After breakfast, you will disembark and proceed to visit Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the only complete and unchanged pre-Mughal Islamic city in India. This concentration of largely unexcavated archaeological, historic and living cultural heritage properties is cradled in an impressive landscape. Marvel at the Jami Masjid (Great Mosque ) built in 1513 representing a perfect blend of Hindu and Muslim architecture which was a model for later mosque architecture in India.

Drive back to Vadodara for a leisurely lunch on board the Deccan Odyssey.

After lunch, you will visit the Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum, originally constructed as a school for the Maharaja's children. Today, art lovers can view a large number of works of art displayed in the museum including a collection of the paintings of Raja Ravi Varma and other renowned European Masters as well as a collection of sculptures in marble and bronze. 

Enjoy high tea at the resplendent Laxmi Vilas Palace, built in 1890, and the residence of the Royal family even today. Reputedly four times the size of Buckingham Palace, its overwhelming Durbar Hall boasts a Venetian mosaic floor, Belgian stained glass windows and walls with intricate mosaic decorations. The palace also houses a remarkable collection of old armoury and sculptures in bronze, marble & terracotta by Fellici. Witness a folk performance typical of the region as you savour some of the special delicacies from the Royal kitchens.

Return to the Deccan Odyssey as it heads for Udaipur at 2000 hrs.

The Deccan Odyssey rolls into Udaipur in the morning. Set on the shores of the placid Lake Pichola, Udaipur, known as the City of Lakes, is easily one of the most romantic cities of India, surrounded by scenic hills. Enjoy your breakfast as you admire the picturesque landscape of the Aravali hills.

Rest of the morning at leisure.

Post early lunch, you will disembark to visit the famous City Palace, the largest palace complex in Rajasthan, with its scalloped arches, fretted balconies, and cupolas, which also houses the spectacular Crystal Gallery. The tour of this magnificent city is completed with a boat cruise on the tranquil waters of Lake Pichola. 

Later proceed on a walking tour through the Old City of Udaipur. On this tour you will explore the Old City’s lively, busy and old-fashioned colourful bazaar which still retains local charm and feel. As we walk along the serpentine narrow streets, the place gives us the opportunity to see the shops selling spices, tea, bamboo baskets, flowers, sweets and other household items. 

Thereafter you return to the Deccan Odyssey for a relaxed evening and dinner as we depart for Jodhpur at 2130 hrs.

This morning as the Deccan Odyssey travels through the stronghold of the Marwar region, enjoy a relaxing morning on board as you breakfast, unwind and experience the striking panorama of the Thar Desert, arriving at Jodhpur.

The morning is at leisure on board the Deccan Odyssey.

Following lunch on board, set out once again to explore the magnificent city of Jodhpur, also known as the Blue City, after the vivid blue-painted houses that surround the Mehrangarh Fort. Set like a pearl amidst the stark desert, this former capital of Marwar boasts some of the finest architecture from the Rajput era, renowned for its superb forts and glorious palaces.

Experience glimpses of the lifestyle of the residents as you explore the city. Walk through the bustle of the Old Clock Tower market, past old havelis and houses, continue to the magnificent Mehrangarh Fort, the pride of Jodhpur.  Marvel at the intricate carvings and expansive courtyards of the several palaces inside as well as the amazing view of palanquins, arms, paintings, costumes and the arts and crafts of a bygone era at the museum.

In the evening enjoy a wide array of sumptuous Marwar barbeque delights served in the royal courtyard of Mehrangarh Fort as you admire the cityscape from atop.

Having taken in your share of the sublime beauty of Jodhpur, return to the Deccan Odyssey and head for Jaipur at 2030 hrs.

Legendary for the triumphs of its proud Rajputs, Jaipur, the City of Victory, is surrounded by the rugged Aravali hills - crowned by formidable forts - and beautiful palaces, mansions and gardens. Royal processions and parades, in all their splendour, graced these palaces and forts once. The city is a colourful oasis in the desert and you will notice a timeless quality to Jaipur's bazaars and its people.

After breakfast you drive to Maharaja Mansingh’s 17th century masterpiece, the Amber Fort that overlooks the beautiful Maota Lake. The fort is a sprawling complex of courtyards, halls and rooms adorned with beautiful paintings, precious stones and mirrors. Behold the Sheesh Mahal, ‘Hall of Mirrors’, where a single lamplight reflects in many mirrors, and lights up the entire room, creating a dazzling effect.

En-route to Amber Fort visit the Palace of Winds, otherwise known as the Hawa Mahal, famous for its intricate pink sandstone carving and a beautiful view of the city.

Thereafter you will visit the famous City Palace of Jaipur, an overwhelming complex of exquisite palaces, gardens and courtyards, decorative art and carved doorways. The palace museum houses collections of rare manuscripts, armoury, costumes and carpets. Walk across to the adjacent Jantar Mantar, the astronomical observatory built in the 18th century by Sawai Jai Singh. A wondrous achievement for its time the observatory gives accurate readings even to this day. 

Following lunch you may choose to participate in one of the optional tours. Enjoy spa facilities at a palace hotel OR have the opportunity to explore the colourful bazaars of the Pink City which offer a wide range of ethnic handicrafts produced in the city-centre and its outskirts.

After your full day of delving in the royal past of Jaipur you will return to the Deccan Odyssey for dinner on board as it departs for Agra at 2130 hrs.

Arriving at Agra, you will realise that the Mughals were not just the greatest dynasty to rule India but also its greatest builders. After a leisurely breakfast on board, you will visit the Taj Mahal, which was Emperor Shah Jahan’s gift of love to his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, and is truly the world’s most wondrous monument. The making of the Taj Mahal is as much a fable as the edifice itself. It took 20000 men 22 years to build this unrivalled mausoleum and its exquisite white marble was brought from 200 miles away by caravans of elephants and camels.

After lunch at a city hotel, your tour of Agra continues as you visit Itmad-ud-Daulah, a marble mausoleum built by Nur Jahan, the wife of Emperor Jahangir, in memory of her father, Ghiyas Beg. Sometimes called the ‘Baby Taj’, it is beautifully conceived in white marble, mosaic and lattice.

Thereafter proceed to Agra Fort, another outstanding example of Mughal architecture, and the seat of Mughal reign and administration for three generations. The present structure owes its origins to Emperor Akbar who had its first buildings of red sandstone erected on the eastern bank of the river Yamuna. His grandson Shah Jahan, the most artistic and prolific builder of the dynasty, later added the impressive marbled private quarters and the mosque while Aurangzeb added the outer ramparts. A visit to the Diwan-e-Am, ‘Hall of Public Audience’ and the Royal Pavilions is not to be missed. 

Later, you have the opportunity to visit the local markets to admire the exquisite Pietra Dura (marble inlay) artefacts and Mughal ornaments OR as an optional activity you may avail of spa facilities at a hotel before completing your tour of this historical city.

Late evening, you return to the Deccan Odyssey for dinner and your onward journey to Sawai Madhopur at 2230 hrs.

Sawai Madhopur, in Rajasthan is the alighting point for the famous Ranthambore National Park, and India’s efforts to conserve the dwindling tiger population can be seen here. The park is one of the finest tiger reserves in the country and the most likely place to spot one of these majestic animals.

The people of Rajasthan’s villages are mostly tribals who subsist on farming and hunting. These friendly folk are warm and welcoming, happy to show guests around their villages, giving deep insights into their daily lives. The women here wear bright colours to offset the drab desert, and most people live in mud huts. 

Post lunch, disembark to head for the afternoon safari. Ranthambore is home to several other species as well; you can see herds of Chital and Sambar deer as well as wild boar, Nilgai antelope and chinkara gazelles. There are also sloth bears, leopards and crocodiles. Extensive bird life includes jungle fowl, partridges, quails, the crested serpent eagle, woodpeckers, flycatchers etc. There are also water birds like storks, ducks and geese at the lakes and waterholes. If it’s your lucky day, you could spot a tiger lolling around lazily in the sun, or feverishly hunting down deer around the lakes!

After a fulfilling afternoon, proceed for high tea at the Sawai Madhopur Lodge, the former hunting lodge of the erstwhile royal family of Jaipur. Feel free to share the spoils (of your photo-shoots!) over a leisurely hi tea.

After high tea, it is time to head back to the Deccan Odyssey where you can relax with a drink before dinner on board, as the Deccan Odyssey sets off for New Delhi at 1830 hrs.

Early this morning, after breakfast, you will arrive at the New Delhi Safdarjung Station where a local representative will meet you and transfer you to your luxury 5 star hotel. Having recently undergone a complete renovation, the Taj Mahal New Delhi offers luxuriously appointed guest rooms situated in the heart of the city.

In the afternoon proceed for a visit to the Qutub Minar, the soaring, 73-metre-high tower whose origins are masked in mystery. Drive past the imposing India Gate (War Memorial Arch), Parliament buildings and Rashtrapati Bhawan (the President’s residence). End the tour with a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage listed tomb of Emperor Humayun then return to the hotel where the rest of the evening is at leisure.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, and later proceed for a guided tour of Old Delhi discovering the narrow lanes of Chandni Chowk.  Drive past the famous Red Fort in the heart of Old Delhi, it was once the most opulent fort of the Mughal Empire. Take a cycle rickshaw ride through the back streets of Old Delhi to get a firsthand experience of the hustle and bustle of the ancient city. 

Arrive at the Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in the world, built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan to dominate his city. 

Return to the hotel where the rest of the afternoon and evening is at leisure. 

Today marks the end of your time in India as you are transferred to the airport in time for your flight to Malé.

On arrival into Velana International Airport (MLE), you will be met and transferred 45 mins by speedboat to your luxury accommodation in the North Malé Atoll. 

Welcome to Paradise! Asia’s smallest country by area and population, the Maldives is a chain of nearly one thousand two hundred coral islands perched on a vast underwater mountain range. Whiter-than-white sand, warm, luminous water and great seafood, all make the Maldives a destination for a bucket-list holiday.

After a warm welcome, you will be shown to your lavishly appointed Premium Water Villa,  the rest of the day is yours to spend at leisure, taking in the gorgeous tropical landscape.

Your Coral All-Inclusive package includes:

• All you can eat breakfast, lunch and dinner from the Coral All-Inclusive menu at signature restaurants, Bokkura, Pizzeria & Open The Grill.
• Unlimited beverages served at the Reef Bar from 11am - midnight with access to a wide range of branded spirits, branded beers, specialty cocktails, shooters, aperitifs, liqueurs, mocktails and fresh juices. 
• Mini bar replenishment of non alcoholic beverages and snacks once daily 
• Water Sports & Diving - Snorkeling gear throughout your stay, complementary use of canoe. Snorkelling instructions at the Dive Center. Scuba Dive trial in the pool, (Tuesday only). Educational lesson on Coral Reef & Marine life at the Dive Center (Wednesday only)
• Spa - Receive a 50% saving on Aromatherapy body massage per person once during the stay

This morning enjoy a delicious breakfast while admiring the surrounding low-lying islands that make up the utopian Maldives. Every atoll here is formed by centuries of coral reef growth, and each is encircled by a shallow lagoon, protected by the surrounding reef systems. The islands here have tropical castaway qualities: tall coconut palms, white sandy beaches and crystal clear lagoons. Today you may enjoy an entire day of leisure, participating in some of the many exciting activities that the islands have to offer.

Set on heart-shaped Hembadhu Island, Taj Coral Reef Resort & Spa is a contemporary tropical paradise tucked over a 1000-year old precious coral atoll offering some phenomenal snorkelling opportunities or take a tranquil canoe ride over the crystal clear waters, You may also choose to enjoy some exciting optional water sport activities at an additional charge, such as catamaran sailing, game fishing or wreck diving to name a few which may also be on your list.

Following another delicious breakfast this morning, you may enjoy yet another day of leisure in the dreamy Maldives. Enjoy any number of the incredible activities available to you, and make the most of your fantastic adventure here. Alternatively, relax on the beach and take in the picture-perfect surroundings while dipping your toes in the warm, luscious waters of the Indian Ocean. You will have never known true relaxation until you set foot on this luxurious white sandy beach.

Unfortunately, today marks the end of your incredible tour through India and The Maldives.

At the appropriate time, you will be transferred by speed boat to Malé Airport in time for your departure flight.

Departure transfers are included as part of your package. You will be collected from your hotel at the appropriate time and transferred to the airport to meet your flight.

If Inspiring Vacations has not provided your international airfares, please ensure you provide your flight details via your Traveller Hub portal no later than 90 days prior to travel so that your transfers can be confirmed.

Please Note: Standard hotel check out is 12pm. The hotel is able to hold your bags until your scheduled departure free of charge. If you have booked a late departing flight, late checkout can be guaranteed by purchasing an extra night at time of booking.