Depart the USA on an overnight flight to Delhi, India.

Upon arrival in New Delhi, late evening, a representative of Mayflower Cruises & Tours will meet you and assist with the transfer to your hotel. Please note, some flights may not arrive until early morning on Day 3.

After a leisurely breakfast and morning at leisure, discover the highlights of the city. Travel along the ceremonial avenue, Rajpath, past the Parliament House and Rashtrapati Bhawan – official residence of India’s President. See India’s counterpart to France’s Arc de Triomphe as a photo stop is made at India Gate – a commemoration to fallen soldiers. Visit the magnificent garden tomb of the Mughal Emperor Humayun – one of the most innovative monuments of its time. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight. Meals: B, D

Begin the day with a tour of Old Delhi, a labyrinth of narrow lanes overflowing with major attractions and World Heritage Sites. See Raj Ghat, the memorial site of Mahatma Gandhi, sitting serenely on the banks of the Yamuna River.  Enjoy a photo stop at the Red Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the most opulent fort and palace of the Mughal Empire. Enjoy an included lunch and experience a rickshaw cycle ride around Chandni Chowk, the bustling street market of the old city. Pass by historic havelis and the famed Khari Baoli spice market – a living museum of tradition and trade. After touring, transfer to the railway station for embarkation of the Deccan Odyssey and the start of your rail adventure. Settle into your accommodations and acquaint yourself with the train before enjoying your first meal onboard. Meals: B, L, D

After breakfast and a morning journey onboard, arrive at Sawai Madhopur, gateway to Ranthambore National Park – one of the largest in Northern India. Disembark the train and board the jeeps for a safari through the park where your naturalist guide helps you spot tigers, leopards, deer and other majestic predators in their natural habitat. Reboard the train late this afternoon and depart for Agra. Meals: B, L, D

Disembark the train and journey by coach to visit the Taj Mahal. Built by Emperor Shah Jahan, it’s considered one of the Wonders of the World with enduring and unparalleled beauty. After a local lunch, continue discovering the beauty of Mughal architecture at the Agra Fort – seat of Mughal reign and administration for three generations. A visit to the Diwan-e-Am (Hall of Public Audience) and the Royal Pavilions is not to be missed. The final stop of the day takes you to Kalakriti to witness the intricate art of inlay work known as pietra dura – the same technique used in the Taj Mahal and other significant Mughal monuments. Return to the Deccan Odyssey for relaxation and dinner. Meals: B, L, D

After the train pulls into the ‘Pink City’, disembark and travel by coach to the Amber Fort. Located on a hill high above the city, in a rugged and picturesque setting, the towers and domes of the fort are reminiscent of scenes from a fairytale. Discover the palace complex as you stroll through its grand halls, gardens, pavilions and sacred temples. After lunch in the city, visit the City Palace, home to a splendid collection of royal garments, intricately woven carpets, an impressive armory of historic weapons, and exquisite miniature paintings depicting historic events. After witnessing these impressive sites of Jaipur, return to the train and depart for Udaipur. Meals: B, L, D

Admire the picturesque landscape of the Aravali Hills as the train pulls into Udaipur this morning. Today’s adventure takes you to the City Palace, the largest palace complex in Rajasthan, renowned for its scalloped arches, fretted balconies, and graceful cupolas. The spectacular Crystal Gallery, housed inside the palace, is a highlight of the visit. A boat cruise on the tranquil waters of Lake Pichola completes the morning tour. After lunch in the city, embark on a walking tour through the Old City and explore the lively and colorful bazaar which still retains the local charms of a bygone era. Later this afternoon, return to the train and depart for Vadodara. Meals: B, L, D

A morning arrival brings you to Vadodara, the former capital of the Gaekwads. Journey by coach to the city of Champaner, founded by the most prominent king of the Chavada Dynasty in the eighth century. Visit the Pavagadh Archaeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, perched atop one of the oldest rock formations in India, overlooking historic monuments in the city below. Return to the train for lunch onboard followed by a visit to the Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum. Housed within the Maharaja’s Laxmi Vilas Palace, the museum showcases artefacts from a multitude of countries and is an exceptional collection of Indian and European art. Enjoy tea and snacks at the palace while witnessing a folk performance unique to the region. Return to the Deccan Odyssey and depart for Aurangabad. Meals: B, L, D

This morning is at leisure as the train continues to Aurangabad. Enjoy a relaxed breakfast and the amenities onboard while soaking in the rhythm of your rail journey. After lunch, disembark and travel by coach on a scenic drive to the Ellora Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dating from AD 600-1000, the Ellora Caves reveal remarkable rock-cut artworks representing Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain beliefs – an enduring testament to the religious harmony of ancient India. The vast complex stands as one of the finest examples of Indian rock-cut architecture, vividly depicting the deities and mythologies of its era. Return to the train and depart for Mumbai. Meals: B, L, D

An early morning arrival brings you to Mumbai and concludes your rail journey. Bid farewell to the Deccan Odyssey and begin a city tour. Discover the architectural splendor of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and departure point of India’s first train in 1853. View Mumbai’s iconic 85-foot triumphal arch, the Gateway of India, and learn of its historical significance. Drive through Kala Ghoda Art District, home to heritage buildings, quaint restaurants, museums, theaters and art galleries, reflecting the city’s vibrant cultural spirit. Make a photo stop at Dhobi Ghat to observe Mumbai’s open-air laundry system where hundreds of washermen clean clothes in rows of concrete wash pens. See Mani Bhawan, an historic residence of Mahatma Gandhi, and drive along the iconic Marine Drive offering stunning views of the Arabian Sea. Arrive at the hotel for dinner and an evening at leisure. Meals: B, D

Your adventure comes to an end as you transfer to the Mumbai airport for your flight home. Meal: B