Escorted Tours 2023-2024

the town has hundreds of temples, the most famous being Brahma Temple, said to be one of the few in the world dedicated to this deity. The town winds around a vast lake where Hindus come and use one of the 52 ghats to enter and bathe in the holy water during religious ceremonies and festivals. After a tour of the city, continue by coach to Jodhpur, arriving in time for dinner at your hotel. Day 8: Jodhpur B/L/D Begin your day-long tour with a visit to the Mehrangarh Fort, a beautiful fort founded in the 15th century, which appears to rise from bluff- coloured sandstone within the hill itself. Later, visit Jaswanth Thada, the traditional cremation ground of the rulers of Jodhpur with grandiose white marble memorials amongst ornamental gardens. Day 9: Jodhpur to Deogarh B/L/D En route to Deogarh visit the world-famous Ranakpur temple complex. The temples are the largest of the Jain cult and form one of the five major pilgrimage sites. There will be a break for lunch in a local restaurant before continuing the journey to Deogarh, arriving in time for dinner. Day 10: Deogarh to Udaipur B/L/D Begin your day with a trip on Deogarh’s metre- gauge train for a journey around the picturesque local area, passing waterfalls and thick jungle, soaking up the ambience of a bygone era. After lunch, you’ll continue on to Udaipur. Day 11: Udaipur B/L/D Affectionately known as ‘The Venice of the East’, magical Udaipur is a city of romance with beautiful lakes and fantastical palaces all bordered by lush, forested hills. This morning you will visit the huge City Palace, lining the eastern shore of Lake Pichola. Next make a stop at the celebrated Jagdish temple whose 79-foot sculpted spire dominates the skyline. Here, appreciate the three-storied temple that is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the Universe. Day 12: Udaipur to Ahmedabad B/L/D Travel to Ahmedabad where you’ll visit Sabarmati Ashram, the former home and retreat of Mahatma Gandhi as well as the Science City, Swaminarayan Temple and Sidi Saiyyed Mosque, famous for its intricately carved ten stone latticework windows. Day 13: Ahmedabad to Mumbai B/L/D This morning board the double decker express train to Mumbai which arrives in the afternoon. The rest of the day is at leisure to relax or explore the surrounding area, before dinner with your group. Day 14: Mumbai B/L/D A full-day tour of Mumbai begins at the iconic Gateway of India, where you will embark on a motorboat ride to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Elephanta Island for the chance to explore the ancient caves. Back in Mumbai, delight in admiring such sites as the grand Jain Temple, before meandering through the Hanging Gardens. Arrive at the beach at Chowpatty before continuing to the museum of Main Bhacan where Mahatma Gandhi stayed during his visits to Mumbai, and finally explore the Kamala Nehru Park. Day 15: Mumbai to the UK B After breakfast, transfer for your return flight, or continue on to your chosen extension. Taj Mahal Scenic rail journey City Palace, Udaipur , Agra Meal plan: All meals daily Accommodation: Delhi, 4 H The Metropolitan and Spa Agra, 5 H Ramada Plaza Agra Jaipur, 4 H Lemon Tree Jodhpur, 4 H The Ummed Jodhpur Deogarh, 4 H Deogarh Palace Udaipur, 4 H Justa Rajputana Ahmedabad, 4 H The Ummed Mumbai, 4 H The Fern Residency Flights: London Heathrow to India with Virgin Atlantic Tour pace: Challenging Extend your tour Mumbai city stay, 3 nights, 4 H Full Board from £289 No Single Supplement Rooms available with no single supplement. Once sold, single supplement starts from £649 Departures & from prices 13 Apr 23 £2,319 7 Mar 24 £2,099 11 May 23 £2,389 21 Mar 24 £2,049 20 Jul 23 £2,319 11 Apr 24 £2,319 31 Aug 23 £2,099 9 May 24 £2,319 7 Sep 23 £1,989 18 Jul 24 £2,319 28 Sep 23 £2,319 29 Aug 24 £1,839 19 Oct 23 £2,259 5 Sep 24 £1,989 26 Oct 23 £2,219 26 Sep 24 £2,319 9 Nov 23 £2,219 17 Oct 24 £2,259 16 Nov 23 £2,219 24 Oct 24 £2,219 25 Jan 24 £2,179 7 Nov 24 £2,219 8 Feb 24 £2,239 14 Nov 24 £2,219 • Solo Group departures available 24 Aug 23 from £1,999 and 22 Aug 24 from £2,099 • Tipping paid locally £45 27 Hundreds more escorted tours are available on our website www.mercuryholidays.co.uk Southern Asia