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

20 INDIAN SUBCONTINENT MEAL PLAN: All meals included ACCOMMODATION Delhi 2 nights 5 ★ Radisson Blu Dwarka Rishikesh 2 nights 4 ★ Dewa Retreat or Divine Resort Shimla 3 nights 3 ★ The Zion Pragpur 1 night 3 ★ The Chateau Garli or The Judge’s Court Dharamshala 2 nights 3 ★ Shiva Sanctuary Amritsar 2 nights 4 ★ Holiday Inn Delhi 1 night 4 ★ Radisson Blu Dwarka DUBAI 2 nights 4 ★ B&B from £119 or 2 nights 5 ★ B&B from £199 TAJ MAHAL 1 night 4 ★ B&B from £219 TIGERS OF RANTHAMBORE 4 nights Full Board from £359 DELHI 2 nights 4 ★ B&B from £149 KERALA BEACH STAY 4 nights 5 ★ B&B from £399 or 4 nights 5 ★ Full Board from £359 Visit our website to learn more about our extensions. EXTEND YOUR TOUR DEPARTURES & FROM PRICES 2022 DEPARTURES AT 2021 PRICES CONTACT US FOR DATES • Prices based on flights from London Heathrow to India with Emirates (via Dubai) • Regional departures available • Rooms available with no single supplement. Once sold, single supplement starts from £439 DAY 1: UK TO DELHI Depart London Heathrow on your scheduled, overnight flight to Delhi, via Dubai. DAY 2: DELHI L/D On arrival in Delhi, you’ll be met by your local guide and transferred to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure before tonight’s welcome dinner. DAY 3: DELHI B/L/D Take in the sights of Old Delhi on this morning’s tour, stopping at the ornate mosque of Jama Masjid before a rickshaw carries you through Chandni Chowk market and past the vermillion walls of the Red Fort. In the afternoon visit India Gate before continuing to Gurdwara Bangla Sahib. Finish the day amongst the ruins of the ancient Qutab Minar complex. DAY 4: DELHI TO RISHIKESH B/L/D After breakfast head north into the foothills of the Himalayas and towards spiritual Rishikesh. DAY 5: RISHIKESH B/L/D Enjoy a morning at leisure, then in the afternoon visit the famed ashram of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. In the evening visit Triveni Ghat to experience the Ganga aarti. DAY 6: RISHIKESH TO SHIMLA B/L/D Journey further into the Himalayan foothills and the city of Shimla nestled at its base. On arrival, enjoy your evening at leisure. DAY 7: SHIMLA B/L/D This morning, enjoy a ride on the UNESCO-recognised ‘Toy Train’ - built for the British Viceroy, the train is hauled along by a tiny diesel locomotive which rattles at a leisurely pace through breath-taking scenery to its final destination of Kandaghat. DAY 8: SHIMLA B/L/D This morning, enjoy a Heritage Walk in Shimla, experiencing the city’s most beloved monuments and historic landmarks, then enjoy an afternoon at leisure. DAY 9: SHIMLA TO PRAGPUR B/L/D Drive to the heritage village of Pragpur to visit Jwala Temple and witness the fire pit ritual. DAY 10: PRAGPUR TO DHARAMSHALA B/L/D Travel to Dharamshala stopping off at Kangra Fort and Masrur Temples en route. Established by the British in 1815 A.D, today the city has a decidedly Tibetan flavour seen in the handicrafts, restaurants and museums which abound in this area. DAY 11: DHARAMSHALA B/L/D Explore Dharamshala and the upper Dharamshala area of McLeodganj. Visit the imposing hilltop location of Namgyal Monastery, then travel onward to the vivid murals of the Kalachakra Temple and the fascinating Norbulingka Institute. DAY 12: DHARAMSHALA TO AMRITSAR B/L/D Today’s journey takes you to Amritsar, home to the Golden Temple which gives it its spiritual significance. Arrive in time for the sacred Palki Ceremony, accompanied by the reciting of hymns. DAY 13: AMRITSAR B/L/D Return to the Golden Temple as your first stop on today’s half-day tour. Visit the commemorative gardens of Jallianwala Bagh where a memorial serves as a poignant reminder of the 1919 massacre of civilians by occupying forces. After lunch, travel to the India-Pakistan border to experience the fascinating daily flag-lowering ceremony. DAY 14: AMRITSAR TO DELHI B/L/D After breakfast you will have some free time to relax before departing for your flight to Delhi. DAY 15: DELHI TO THE UK B After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your scheduled flight back to the UK, via Dubai or continue on to your chosen extension. B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner FOR YOU TO KNOW: A visa and travel insurance are required when travelling to India and must be obtained before travel. Tips: We recommend you allow approximately £45pp for the duration of your tour. 15 days from £1,799pp Rishikesh SPIRITUAL INDIA The holy cities of the Sikhs, sacred waters of the Ganges and spiritual retreats of Buddhist ashrams have given rise to the hauntingly beautiful religious ceremonies and ornate temples and shrines of India. REGIONAL FLIGHTS AVAILABLE WITH EMIRATES 10 Nov 20 £2,149 26 Jan 21 £1,899 02 Feb 21 £1,999 09 Mar 21 £2,089 08 Jun 21 £1,999 21 Sep 21 £1,799 12 Oct 21 £1,999 09 Nov 21 £1,999 PACE: TOUR HIGHLIGHTS ✔ Visit Amritsar, holy city of the Sikhs, and its famed Golden Temple ✔ Visit ancient and imposing Kangra Fort and Masrur Rock Temples ✔ Explore the city of Shimla ✔ Witness the riverside prayer ritual of Ganga Aarti ✔ Full-day tour of Delhi’s delights ✔ Namgyal Monastery, the personal monastery of the Dalai Lama ✔ Ride the UNESCO-recognised Toy Train Coach Air • Delhi < < India Shimla Pragpur Dharamshala Rishikesh Amritsar       Ranthambore 2 3 1 3 2 2 1 Number of nights To book or for further information visit your local travel agent or call us FREE on 0800 408 0556