Escorted Tours 2023-2024

Smaller Group Tour Rishikesh Day 1: UK to Delhi Depart the UK on your overnight flight. Day 2: Delhi L/D On arrival, you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel with the day at leisure before your welcome dinner. Day 3: Delhi B/L/D This morning, explore Old Delhi, stopping at the Jama Masjid before a rickshaw carries you through Chandni Chowk market and past the Red Fort. Later, visit India Gate and Gurdwara Bangla Sahib. Finish the day at 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 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 for an 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, 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 Kalachakra Temple and 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. Next, visit the commemorative gardens of Jallianwala Bagh, then 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, relax before your flight to Delhi. Day 15: Delhi to the UK B After breakfast, transfer for your return flight, or continue on to your chosen extension. Spiritual India Tour highlights ✔ Tour Amritsar, the holy city of the Sikhs, and its famed Golden Temple ✔ Visit the ancient Kangra Fort and Masrur Rock Temples ✔ Explore Shimla, nestled in the Himalayan foothills ✔ Marvel at Namgyal Monastery, the personal monastery of the Dalai Lama ✔ Witness the riverside prayer ritual of Ganga Aarti ✔ Ride the UNESCO-recognised Toy Train 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. Meal plan: All meals daily Accommodation: Delhi, 5 H Radisson Blu Dwarka Rishikesh, 4 H Dewa Retreat Shimla, 4 H The Zion Hotel Shimla Pragpur, 3 H The Chateau Garli Dharamshala, 4 H Shiva Sanctuary Amritsar, 4 H Holiday Inn Amritsar Flights: London Heathrow to India with Virgin Atlantic Tour pace: Intermediate < Ranthambore Amritsar Dharamshala Pragpur Shimla Rishikesh Delhi <       • Coach Air Nights 2 2 2 1 3 2 3 Departures & from prices 6 Jun 23 £2,169 5 Mar 24 £2,549 19 Sep 23 £2,099 4 Jun 24 £2,299 10 Oct 23 £2,249 17 Sep 24 £2,099 7 Nov 23 £2,299 8 Oct 24 £2,349 23 Jan 24 £1,899 5 Nov 24 £2,449 30 Jan 24 £1,999 • Upgrade to a Private Tour from £199 • Tipping paid locally £72 P R I V A T E T O U R U P G R A D E S F R O M £199 Extend your tour Delhi city stay, 2 nights, 5 H B&B from £159 Tigers of Ranthambore*, 4 nights, 4 H Full Board from £389 *2 nights in Delhi No Single Supplement Rooms available with no single supplement. Once sold, single supplement starts from £449 21 Hundreds more escorted tours are available on our website www.mercuryholidays.co.uk Southern Asia