Escorted Tours 2023-2024

Day 14: Agra B/L/D Begin your day with a sunrise tour of the Taj Mahal. You’ll return to your hotel for breakfast before visiting the impressive, red sandstone Agra Fort. Day 15: Agra to Lucknow B/L/D Today’s coach ride takes you to Lucknow, India’s former artistic and cultural hub. On arrival, check into your hotel, you are then free to explore. Day 16: Lucknow B/L/D Take a tour of Lucknow, see the Hazratganj Market and the 1857 Memorial Museum. Continue to the Chota Imambara and the Rumi Darwaza. Day 17: Lucknow to Varanasi B/L/D Board a coach to Varanasi. On arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. This evening, tour the ghats and witness a Ganga Aarti ceremony. Day 18: Varanasi B/L/D Today begins with a sunrise boat trip on the Ganges. After breakfast, you’ll spend the afternoon exploring the ancient temples of Sarnath. Day 19: Varanasi to Kolkata B/L/D The morning is free to relax in the hotel or if your guide can arrange for the coach to take you back into central Varanasi. Take an afternoon flight to Kolkata. Day 20: Kolkata B/L/D You’ll begin today’s tour with a trip to visit the grand imperial buildings around Dalhousie Square such as the majestic, white-domed General Post Office. Following lunch, enjoy a fascinating boat trip on the Hooghly river and sail through the two spectacular Howrah and Vidyasagar bridges. Day 21: Kolkata to Cochin B/L/D Fly to Cochin. On arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel and the rest of the day is at leisure. Day 22: Cochin to Alleppey B/L/D Today, board a traditional Houseboat at Alleppey for your journey through the scenic winding backwaters. After an authentic meal, served by your private chef, spend the night on board. Day 23: Alleppey to Thekkady B/L/D Today, enjoy a drive through the spectacular countryside to arrive at the hill station of Thekkady. In the afternoon, choose to relax at the hotel or visit a spice market. This evening, enjoy a traditional Kathakali and Kalaripayattu show. Day 24: Thekkady B/L/D Enjoy a morning boat ride at Periyar Lake. This afternoon relax at the hotel with a 45-minute Ayurvedic massage. Later enjoy dinner at your hotel with two bottles of Indian Beer. Day 25: Thekkady to Munnar B/L/D Travel by coach to Munnar, stopping en route to visit the spice plantation at spice garden. Today, proceed to Munnar for a tour and to learn about the tea plantations owned by the mighty Tata corporation. Day 26: Munnar to Cochin B/L/D After breakfast, enjoy the last few highlights of Munnar before proceeding to Cochin. Arriving late, enjoy the evening at leisure. Day 27: Cochin B/L/D After breakfast, embark on a tour of the city. Marvel at Mattancherry Dutch Palace and St. Francis church. Day 28: Cochin to the UK B After breakfast, transfer for your return flight, or continue on to your chosen extension. Golden Temple, Amritsar Alleppey Backwaters Amber Fort, Jaipur Meal plan: All meals daily Accommodation: Mumbai, 4 H The Fern Residency Amritsar, 5 H Hyatt Regency Amritsar Shimla, 4 H Clarkes Hotel Delhi, 4 H The Metropolitan and Spa Jaipur, 4 H Lemon Tree Agra, 5 H Crystal Sarovar Premiere Lucknow, 4 H Radisson City Centre Varanasi, 4 H Om Vilas Benares Kolkata, 5 H Taj Bengal Cochin, 4 H Holiday Inn Cochin Alleppey, 5 H Houseboats Thekkady, 3 H Abad Green Forest Munnar, 4 H Tea Country Resort Flights: London Heathrow to India with Oman Air Tour pace: Challenging Extend your tour Kerala beach stay, 3 nights, Full Board 3.5 H from £199 or 5 H from £379 No Single Supplement Rooms available with no single supplement. Once sold, single supplement starts from £1,099 Departures & from prices 5 May 23 £3,699 1 Mar 24 £3,599 2 Jun 23 £3,399 29 Mar 24 £3,499 21 Jul 23 £3,299 3 May 24 £3,099 8 Sep 23 £3,199 31 May 24 £2,999 15 Sep 23 £3,099 19 Jul 24 £3,899 6 Oct 23 £3,869 6 Sep 24 £3,199 20 Oct 23 £3,869 13 Sep 24 £3,299 10 Nov 23 £3,699 4 Oct 24 £4,099 24 Nov 23 £3,699 18 Oct 24 £4,099 19 Jan 24 £3,949 8 Nov 24 £3,999 9 Feb 24 £3,949 22 Nov 24 £3,999 • Upgrade to a Private Tour from £719 • Tipping paid locally £84 25 Hundreds more escorted tours are available on our website www.mercuryholidays.co.uk Southern Asia