Escorted Tours 2023-2024

Karnataka Day 1: UK to Mumbai Depart the UK on your overnight flight. Day 2: Mumbai D Upon arrival, you’ll be meet your local guide and transfer to tonight’s hotel to enjoy an afternoon at leisure. Meet your group later at a welcome dinner. Day 3: Mumbai B/L/D Following breakfast, embark on a city tour, including a visit to the historic Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus. From here, a stroll leads to Crawford Market. Next, visit the colossal Gateway of India and board a boat to Elephanta Island. Later, admire the intricately designed Jain Temple before exploring the Hanging Gardens. Next, journey to the beach of Chowpatty, positioned along the “Queen’s Necklace” promenade before continuing to the Museum of Mani Bhavan. Day 4: Mumbai to Aurangabad B/L/D After breakfast, spend the morning at leisure before boarding your train to Aurangabad. Day 5: Aurangabad B/L/D Today, delve into the history of the Ajanta Caves. Granted UNESCO World Heritage status in 1983, the magnificence site dates back to the 2nd century B.C. Day 6: Aurangabad to Bangalore B/L/D After breakfast, explore the monastery-temple-cave complexes of Ellora, the crowning jewel of Kailasa temple and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Later, continue to the airport for your flight to Bangalore.  Day 7: Bangalore B/L/D Discover the cosmopolitan centre of India’s booming technological industry on a morning tour. Visit the distinctive Bull Temple, before wandering through the ‘Garden City’, Lalbagh Botanical Gardens. Later, marvel at a majestic example of Neo-Dravidian architecture with a visit to the regal Vidhana Soudha. Day 8: Bangalore to Hampi via Hubli B/L/D Following breakfast, transfer for your flight to Hubli, before journeying to the ancient village of Hampi. Upon arrival, the rest of the day is at leisure. Day 9: Hampi B/L/D Comprising of ancient monuments and ruined temple complexes, Hampi is a site of archaeological excellence. Beginning at the statue of Lord Genesha, then continue to Hemakuta Hill, before admiring Virupaksha Temple and Achutaraya Temple. After lunch, discover the intricate Yalis engravings which cover the pillars of the Krishna Temple, before marvelling at the Badavi Linga Temple. Day 10: Hampi B/L/D A captivating discovery of ancient ruins continues at the imperial Vittala Temple. Nearby, on the banks of the river, uncover the open pillared pavilion of Purandaradasa Mantap, before marvelling at the Queen’s Bath. After lunch, meander through a variety of landmarks, with visits to the Zenana Enclosure, Lotus Maha, Hazara Rama Temple and the King’s Audience Hall. Day 11: Hampi to Goa B/L/D Journey to Hospet this morning and board a train towards the coastal state of Goa. Day 12: Goa to the UK B Spend the morning relaxing before your return flight, or continue on to your chosen extension. Karnataka, Hampi and India’s Ancient Wonders Tour highlights ✔ Embark on city tours of Mumbai and Bangalore ✔ Meander through the bustling markets of Mumbai ✔ Enjoy a boat ride and tour of Elephanta Island ✔ Explore the remarkable rock-hewn Ajanta Caves ✔ Visit Ellora Caves, the crowning jewel of Kailasa Temple ✔ Discover the ruined temple complexes and monuments of sacred Hampi Journeying to some of the most sacred and mysterious sites in the world, this experience links the bustling city of Mumbai and the astounding Ajanta Caves, to the technological centre of Bangalore and the ancient complex of Hampi. Meal plan: All meals daily Accommodation: Mumbai, 4 H Lemon Tree Aurangabad, 4 H The Fern Residency Bangalore, 4 H Royal Orchid Central Hampi, 4 H Royal Orchid Central Kireeti Goa, 4 H The Fern Kadamba Hotel Flights: London Heathrow to India with Virgin Atlantic Tour pace: Challenging  Aurangabad Hampi Goa Bangalore Mumbai < <    Rail Air Nights 2 2 2 3 1 2 P R I V A T E T O U R U P G R A D E S F R O M £249 No Single Supplement Rooms available with no single supplement. Once sold, single supplement starts from £569 Departures & from prices 10 Apr 23 £2,049 11 Mar 24 £2,099 1 May 23 £1,849 8 Apr 24 £1,999 25 Sep 23 £2,099 29 Apr 24 £1,899 16 Oct 23 £2,099 23 Sep 24 £2,199 27 Nov 23 £2,099 14 Oct 24 £2,199 19 Feb 24 £2,099 25 Nov 24 £2,199 • Upgrade to a Private Tour from £249 • Tipping paid locally £36 Extend your tour Goa beach stay, 4 nights, All-Inclusive 4 H from £199 India’s Golden Triangle, 7 nights, 4 H B&B from £749 23 Hundreds more escorted tours are available on our website www.mercuryholidays.co.uk Southern Asia