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

26 INDIAN SUBCONTINENT MEAL PLAN: 8 breakfasts, 6 lunches & 7 dinners ACCOMMODATION Kolkata 2 night 4 ★ Zone by the Park Darjeeling 2 nights 4 ★ Kush Alaya Gangtok 2 nights 4 ★ Sterling Hotel Kalimpong 2 nights 4 ★ Summit Hotel DUBAI 2 nights 4 ★ B&B from £119 or 2 nights 5 ★ B&B from £199 TIGERS OF RANTHAMBORE 4 nights Full Board from £449 MYSTICAL BHUTAN 4 nights B&B from £999 INDIA’S GOLDEN TRIANGLE 6 nights Full Board from £599 Visit our website to learn more about our extensions. EXTEND YOUR TOUR DAY 1: UK TO KOLKATA Depart London on your overnight flight, via Dubai. DAY 2: KOLKATA D Upon arrival, transfer to tonight’s hotel and uncover the sights on an enlightening afternoon orientation tour. Visit one of South Asia’s finest surviving Colonial centres, Dalhousie Square, a bustling plaza in the heart of modern Kolkata. Catch a glimpse of the high roofed white dome of Kolkata’s General Post Office and the impressive St Paul’s Cathedral. A remarkable example of Gothic Revival architecture, three intricately embellished stained-glass windows dominate the cathedral’s majestic façade. DAY 3: KOLKATA TO DARJEELING B/L/D After breakfast, embark on a short flight to Bagdogra before twisting through the fluctuating landscapes of Darjeeling. With a tranquil ambience, Darjeeling serves as India’s core tea growing district, affording breath-taking views of rolling hills and emerald green tea plantations which stretch along the horizon. DAY 4: DARJEELING B/L/D Early this morning, ascend 8,300ft into the dizzying heights of Tiger Hills. A descent leads you back to the hotel for breakfast. Later this morning, take the Toy Train to the iconic Batasia Loop, an encircling segment of railway track. Disembark to wander the gardens and discover the centralised poignant war memorial. DAY 5: DARJEELING TO GANGTOK B/L/D This morning, transfer to the capital of Sikkim, Gangtok; an area of supreme beauty. En route to the heart of Gangtok, stop at the small hillside retreat of Lamahatta, embark on a short hike within Lamahatta Park. Continue onwards to experience the charged energy emanating from one of Gangtok’s oldest streets, the Lal Bazaar - a swarming market square where local vendors congregate to sell an abundance of produce. Feast your eyes on the market’s vibrant showcase of fresh vegetables, before strolling to Gangtok’s principle shopping boulevard - MG Marg. DAY 6: GANGTOK B/L/D A full day city tour of Gangtok commences at the fascinating museum of Directorate of Handicrafts and Handloom. Next, venture to the Research Institute of Tibetology to examine a splendid exhibition of unique Tibetan artefacts; this distinctive establishment’s foundation stone was laid by the 14th Dalai Lama in 1957. En route to Tashiview Point, stop at the Do-Drul Chorten, which, crowned by a gilded dome, can be spotted from numerous vantage points across Gangtok. Later, discover the 1,001 golden Buddha statues concealed behind the flamboyant walls of Rumtek Monastery, and conclude today’s tour at Enchey Monastery. DAY 7: GANGTOK TO KALIMPONG B/L/D Departing Gangtok this morning, transfer to the foothills of the mighty Himalayas, visiting the quiet town of Kalimpong. At your own pace, spend the day at leisure to enjoy views of the Himalayas and explore the town’s local architecture, where remnants of the British era continue to be seen. DAY 8: KALIMPONG B/L/D After breakfast, enjoy a city tour of Kalimpong, beginning at the extravagant Mangal Dham, a distinctive pink temple complex set amongst an excellently preserved garden. Built in memory of the guru ShirMangaldasju. Next, soar 1,704 metres above sea level upon DeoloHill, gain an alternative perspective from the neighbouring Durpin Dara Hills. Finally, exhibited at Pine View Nursery, before enjoying an evening at leisure. DAY 9: KALIMPONG TO KOLKATA VIA BAGDOGRA B This morning, journey to Bagdogra Airport and board your scheduled flight to Kolkata, spending the evening at leisure. DAY 10: KOLKATA TO THE UK B Depart Kolkata on your return flight 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 £27pp for the duration of your tour. 10 days from £1,439pp DARJEELING, SIKKIM & THE HIMALAYAS TOUR HIGHLIGHTS ✔ Embark on a city tour of Kolkata ✔ Meander though narrow tracks on the UNESCO-recognised Toy Train ✔ View of the Himalayas from Tiger Hill ✔ Visit the peaceful hillside sanctuary of Enchey Monastery ✔ Observe the golden dome of Do-Drul Chorten in Gangtok ✔ Explore the distinctive pink temple complex of Mangal Dham ✔ Hike through Lamahatta Park From bustling Kolkata with its rich colonial heritage, head to the astounding natural beauty of Darjeeling and Sikkim on a journey into the Himalayas. Discover verdant tea plantations, Buddhist monasteries and breath-taking views. PACE: ROOMS AVAILABLE WITH NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT 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 £449 09 Nov 20 £1,869 23 Nov 20 £1,819 07 Dec 20 £1,819 15 Feb 21 £1,439 01 Mar 21 £1,539 19 Apr 21 £1,639 10 May 21 £1,739 06 Sep 21 £1,939 04 Oct 21 £1,889 08 Nov 21 £1,889 06 Dec 21 £1,839 Kanchenjunga view To book or for further information visit your local travel agent or call us FREE on 0800 408 0556