Escorted Tours 2020 & 2021 - 2nd Edition - Mercury Holidays

10 INDIAN SUBCONTINENT MEAL PLAN: All meals included ACCOMMODATION Delhi 3 nights 4 ★ The Metropolitan New Delhi Agra 1 night 5 ★ Ramada Plaza Agra Ranthambore 2 nights 4 ★ The Ranthambore Regency Jaipur 2 nights 4 ★ Lemon Tree Premier DAY 1: UK TO DELHI Depart London on your scheduled, overnight flight to Delhi International Airport. DAY 2: DELHI L/D On arrival in Delhi, you will be met by your local guide and transferred to your hotel. Embark on a short tour of the beautifully planned city of New Delhi. Offering you a taste of its imperial glory, you’ll first drive past the India Gate, a touching sandstone arch dedicated to the 90,000 soldiers of the Indian army who lost their lives during World War One and later the world’s largest residence of any head of state at President’s House which majestically stands next to Parliament Building, a striking circular construction. Finally, visit the Birla Temple, made purely out of 2,000 tons of Rajasthani white marble. DAY 3: DELHI B/L/D A full-day tour of Delhi commences after breakfast, beginning with the historic Old Delhi in the morning. Lying side by side, Old Delhi dates back to the Mughal period, whilst New Delhi was built just over a hundred years ago. Travelling through the narrow and crowded streets on a rickshaw will transport you back in time, passing vibrant food markets of Old Delhi where bread makers bake delicious scented naan from the tandoor ovens and chai wallahs brew their sweet tea. A visit to the regal Red Fort gives you a sense of the lavish life once led by the former rulers before stopping for lunch in a local restaurant. Your tour will continue to New Delhi to see the Mahatma Gandhi memorial and the 12th century Qutab Minar. Built on the foundations of Jain and Hindu temples, the complex was built in 1193 A.D. after the defeat of Delhi’s last Hindu kingdom and displays fine examples of Indo-Islamic architecture as well as the tallest stone tower in India. DAY 4: DELHI TO AGRA B/L/D After breakfast, you will be driven to Agra arriving at your hotel in time for lunch. Despite being a small city, Agra was once the capital of the mighty Mughal dynasty whose strength manifested itself in the huge forts and buildings built to maintain its power. During the afternoon, you will visit the vast red sandstone Agra Fort. The colossal walled city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, built by the Mughals in 1573 A.D. and boasts gigantic pavilions, grand palaces and spectacular courtyards. DAY 5: AGRA TO RANTHAMBORE B/L/D This magical day starts after breakfast with a tour of one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, the Taj Mahal. Words do not do this remarkable palace justice; it really must be seen to appreciate its stupendous beauty. Taking 17 years and 20,000 men to build, the heartbroken Mughal Emperor Shahjahan dedicated this stunning white marble monument to his deceased wife to enshrine her mortal remains. Following this, you will begin your journey to Ranthambore National Park where you will spend the night. DAY 6: RANTHAMBORE B/L/D Spread over 1,344 square kilometres, Ranthambore National Park is one of the biggest and most renowned national parks in Northern India. Once a famous hunting ground for the gallant rulers of Jaipur, today it is home to a variety of species including tigers, leopards, striped hyenas, jackals, jungle cats and many more. Depart your hotel for an early morning jungle safari where you may even be able to spot the elusive Bengal Tiger. You will return to your hotel for breakfast and lunch with some leisure time where you can take advantage of the hotel’s outdoor swimming pool. A second safari trip will follow in the afternoon to visit further areas of the park. DAY 7: RANTHAMBORE TO JAIPUR B/L/D Today you will journey to the Pink City of Jaipur, which got its name from the distinctive earthy red-coloured buildings, painted to emulate the red sandstone architecture of the ancient Mughal cities. Lunch and dinner will be served at your hotel with the rest of the day as free time to relax or explore the largest city in Rajasthan. Ride a rickshaw around Old Delhi, marvel at the Taj Mahal in Agra and discover the Pink City. Spend two nights in Ranthambore where you’ll have the chance to spot Royal Bengal tigers on safari. Hawa Mahal ESSENCE OF NORTH INDIA 10 days from £1,149pp TOUR HIGHLIGHTS ✔ Rickshaw ride to the landmarks of Old Delhi and a city tour of New Delhi ✔ Witness the 12th century Qutab Minar ✔ Tour the courtyards and pavilions of the Red, Agra and Amber Forts ✔ Marvel at the magnificent Taj Mahal ✔ Look out for tigers and wildlife on safari in Ranthambore National Park ✔ Discover the ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur, with visits to the City Palace and Hawa Mahal PACE: To book or for further information visit your local travel agent or call us FREE on 0800 408 0556