Escorted Tours 2023-24 1st Edition

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. Day 8: Jaipur B/L/D Begin your first day in Jaipur with a visit to the spectacular Amber Fort, the ancient capital of the royal family until 1728, located just 11 kilometres from Jaipur. Spanning over four huge courtyards, you will travel to the centre of the fort by Jeep, passing snake charmers, harems of the Maharajah and the Palace of Mirrors along the way, which all make for a truly unforgettable morning. An afternoon city tour takes in the major sights including the home of the royal family of Jaipur - The City Palace and the Jantar Mantar, an astronomical observatory. Lastly, marvel at the hundreds of tiny windows on the facade of the Hawa Mahal, known to many as the Palace of Winds, where it is said that the women of the royal family could once watch the streets below without being seen. There will also be a cultural dance show. Day 9: Jaipur to Delhi B/L/D The morning is left free so that after breakfast you can visit some of the local bazaars and stalls for some last minute shopping. Try the M1 Road and Chaemeliwala market for jewellery, handicrafts, textiles and more, or wander the streets and sample the delicious and unique Rajasthani street food that Jaipur has to offer. You will then commence your return journey to Delhi, stopping for lunch on the way. To round off this unforgettable experience, enjoy a final farewell dinner with your group in Delhi. Day 10: Delhi to the UK B After breakfast transfer for your return flight, or continue on to your chosen extension. Highlights of Kerala Meal plan: All meals daily Accommodation: Delhi, 4 H Metropolitan Hotel and Spa Agra, 5 H Ramada Plaza Agra Ranthambore, 4 H The Ranthambore Regency Jaipur, 4 H Lemon Tree Premier Flights: London Heathrow to India with Virgin Atlantic. Regional flights available, please see page 168-169 Tour pace: Intermediate Red Fort Taj Mahal City Palace, Jaipur No Single Supplement Rooms available with no single supplement. Once sold, single supplement starts from £359 Extend your tour Highlights of Kerala, 4 nights, B&B from £569 Goa beach stay, 4 nights, 4 H All-Inclusive from £365 Kerala beach stay, 4 nights, 5 H B&B from £559 or Full Board from £479 Shimla city stay, 3 nights, B&B from £449 Departures & from prices 30 May 23 £1,639 19 & 26 Mar 24 £1,699 6 Jun 23 £1,499 23 Apr 24 £1,499 13 Jun 23 £1,549 30 Apr 24 £1,349 4 & 18 Jul 23 £1,599 7 May 24 £1,299 29 Aug 23 £1,599 14 May 24 £1,349 5 & 19 Sep 23 £1,549 21 May 24 £1,449 26 Sep 23 £1,599 28 May 24 £1,499 3 & 10 Oct 23 £1,599 4 Jun 24 £1,499 17 & 24 Oct 23 £1,599 11 Jun 24 £1,599 31 Oct 23 £1,599 2 & 16 Jul 24 £1,599 14 & 21 Nov 23 £1,649 27 Aug 24 £1,599 28 Nov 23 £1,649 3 Sep 24 £1,549 5 Dec 23 £1,649 10 & 17 Sep 24 £1,549 2 & 23 Jan 24 £1,699 8 & 15 Oct 24 £1,699 30 Jan 24 £1,699 22 & 29 Oct 24 £1,699 6 & 13 Feb 24 £1,699 12 Nov 24 £1,699 20 & 27 Feb 24 £1,699 19 & 26 Nov 24 £1,699 5 & 12 Mar 24 £1,699 3 Dec 24 £1,699 More dates available on our website • Solo Group departures available 27 Jun 23, 22 Aug 23, 25 Jun 24 and 20 Aug 24 from £1,649 • Tipping paid locally £27 pp per tour 13 Southern Asia Hundreds of escorted tours are available on our website www.mercuryholidays.co.uk