Escorted Tours 2022-23 Brochure - Mercury Holidays

53 Hundreds more escorted tours are available on our website www.mercuryholidays.co.uk Southern Asia Departures & from prices 9 May 22 £1,839 8 May 23 £1,799 3 Oct 22 £1,979 4 Sep 23 £1,999 13 Feb 23 £1,549 2 Oct 23 £1,999 27 Feb 23 £1,649 6 Nov 23 £1,949 17 Apr 23 £1,749 4 Dec 23 £1,949 • Upgrade to a Private Tour from £199 Tea Plantation, Darjeeling P R I V A T E T O U R U P G R A D E S F R O M £199 Day 1: UK to Kolkata Depart the UK on your overnight flight, via Dubai. Day 2: Kolkata D Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel then uncover the sights on an afternoon 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 St Paul’s Cathedral. A remarkable example of Gothic Revival architecture, three intricately embellished stained- glass windows dominate the cathedral’s façade. Day 3: Kolkata to Darjeeling B/L/D After breakfast, embark on a short flight to Bagdogra before twisting through the landscapes of Darjeeling. With a tranquil ambience, Darjeeling serves as India’s core tea growing district, affording breath-taking views of rolling hills and lush tea plantations. Day 4: Darjeeling B/L/D Early this morning, ascend 8,300ft into the dizzying heights of Tiger Hills. Later, 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 Gangtok. En route, stop at the small hillside retreat of Lamahatta and embark on a short hike within Lamahatta Park. Continue onto one of Gangtok’s oldest streets, the Lal Bazaar - a swarming market square, before strolling to Gangtok’s principle shopping boulevard - MG Marg. Day 6: Gangtok B/L/D Today’s tour commences at the museum of Directorate of Handicrafts and Handloom. Next, venture to the Research Institute of Tibetology to examine a splendid exhibition of unique Tibetan artefacts. En route to Tashiview Point, stop at the Do-Drul Chorten. 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 Transfer to the foothills of the mighty Himalayas, visiting the quiet town of Kalimpong. Spend the day at leisure to enjoy views of the Himalayas and explore the town’s local architecture. Day 8: Kalimpong B/L/D After breakfast, enjoy a tour of Kalimpong, beginning at the extravagant Mangal Dham, a distinctive pink temple complex set amongst an excellently preserved garden. 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 fly 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. Darjeeling, Sikkim and the Himalayas Tour highlights ✔ Embark on a tour of Kolkata ✔ Ride narrow tracks on the UNESCO-recognised Toy Train ✔ Visit the peaceful hillside sanctuary of Enchey Monastery ✔ Observe the golden dome of Do-Drul Chorten in Gangtok ✔ View the snow-topped Himalayas from Tiger Hill ✔ Explore the pink temple complex of Mangal Dham ✔ Hike through Lamahatta Park Tour includes • 8 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 7 dinners • 4 H accommodation: Kolkata-Zone by the Park, Darjeeling-Kush Alaya, Gangtok-Sterling Hotel, Kalimpong- Summit Hotel • Flights from London Heathrow with Emirates (via Dubai). Regional departures available from Stansted, Birmingham, Glasgow and Manchester Tour pace: Challenging 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. Gangtok Kalimpong Kolkata Darjeeling < <     Coach Air Extend your tour Dubai city stay, 2 nights, B&B 4 H from £119 or 5 H from £199 Tigers of Ranthambore, 4 nights, 4 H Full Board from £449 India’s Golden Triangle, 6 nights, 4 H Full Board from £599 Mystical Bhutan, 4 nights, 3 H B&B from £1,099 No Single Supplement Rooms available with no single supplement. Once sold, single supplement starts from £449