Escorted Tours 2023-24 1st Edition

largest stone sundial. Later this morning witness the distinct Hawa Mahal, a pink honeycomb landmark, constructed to provide ladies of the royal household an observatory for city life. Day 8: Jaipur to Agra B/L/D After breakfast, take a scenic coach ride to Agra, where a network of rickshaws and ancient Mandir temples await. Day 9: Agra B/L/D Begin today at one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, the majestic Taj Mahal. This iconic ivory-white mausoleum was completed in 1640 A.D. for Emperor Shah Jajan’s beloved third wife. Wander along ornamental gardens to witness the breath-taking spectacle of its minarets and distinctive bronze dome reflecting the illumination of daybreak. After lunch visit the UNESCO-recognised Agra Fort, an enormous sandstone city of pavilions, palaces and splendid courtyards behind 20 metre-high walls. Day 10: Agra to Delhi B/L/D After breakfast depart Agra on your coach to Delhi and on arrival check-in at the hotel to rest. Day 11: Delhi to Shimla B/L/D This morning board your train to Shimla, from here drive along a winding track around rugged mountains and through luscious pine forests to the hill station of Shimla - the former summer capital of British India whose snow-dusted mountain position offers incredible views of the Himalayan mountains. Day 12: Shimla B/L/D Depart Shimla this morning for a day in the neighbouring hill station of Kufri. Nestled at the Himalayan foothills, this charming town is surrounded by a picturesque forest reserve under the imposing gaze of Mahsu Peak. Having admired the wild beauty of Kufri, tour Rashtrapati Niwas, a former home to the British Viceroy. Day 13: Shimla to Chandigarh B/L/D This morning catch the UNESCO-recognised Toy Train to Dharampur Station. Built by colonial forces, it offers dramatic views along its winding course through untouched forests and across immense gorges. Arrive in Chandigarh for an evening at leisure. Day 14: Chandigarh to Amritsar B/L/D Following a packed breakfast, take the train to Amritsar, where your afternoon will be at leisure. Day 15: Amritsar B/L/D Enjoy a half-day city tour with a visit to the Golden Temple. Revered amongst Sikhs, this spectacular golden tank blends Islamic and Hindu architecture. The ancient monument also contains a mesmerising display of floral motifs carved into marble alongside shimmering gold panels. After lunch enjoy an afternoon to explore at your own pace. Day 16: Amritsar to Delhi B/L/D This morning transfer for your flight to Delhi. On arrival transfer to your hotel. Day 17: Delhi to the UK B After breakfast transfer for your return flight, or continue on to your chosen extension. Meal plan: All meals daily Accommodation: Delhi, 4 H Metropolitan Hotel and Spa Varanasi, 4 H Om Vilas Benares Jaipur, 5 H Radisson Jaipur City Centre Agra, 5 H Ramada Plaza Agra Shimla, 4 H Radisson Hotel Shimla Chandigarh, 4 H Park Plaza Amritsar, 5 H Hyatt Regency Amritsar Flights: London Heathrow to India with Virgin Atlantic. Regional flights available, see page 168-169 Tour pace: Challenging Extend your tour Delhi city stay, 2 nights, 4 H B&B from £219 Goa beach stay, 4 nights, 4 H All-Inclusive from £549 Tigers of Ranthambore*, 4 nights, 4 H Full Board from £439 *2 nights in Delhi No Single Supplement Rooms available with no single supplement. Once sold, single supplement starts from £805 Jaipur Taj Mahal Golden Temple 19 36 39 729 Departures & from prices 7 Jun 23 £2,349 14 & 21 Feb 24 £2,399 30 Aug 23 £2,179 28 Feb 24 £2,399 6 Sep 23 £2,179 6 Mar 24 £2,399 13 Sep 23 £2,279 24 Apr 24 £2,199 20 Sep 23 £2,349 15 May 24 £1,969 27 Sep 23 £2,319 22 May 24 £2,049 4 Oct 23 £2,379 5 Jun 24 £2,229 11 Oct 23 £2,499 31 Jul 24 £2,229 18 Oct 23 £2,499 28 Aug 24 £2,299 1 Nov 23 £2,399 4 & 11 Sep 24 £2,299 3 Nov 23 £2,399 18 & 25 Sep 24 £2,299 15 & 22 Nov 23 £2,279 2 Oct 24 £2,299 29 Nov 23 £2,399 30 Oct 24 £2,399 6 Dec 23 £2,399 6 Nov 24 £2,399 10 & 17 Jan 24 £2,499 13 & 20 Nov 24 £2,299 24 & 31 Jan 24 £2,499 27 Nov 24 £2,399 7 Feb 24 £2,499 4 Dec 24 £2,399 More dates available on our website • Tipping paid locally £51 pp per tour 11 Southern Asia Hundreds of escorted tours are available on our website www.mercuryholidays.co.uk