Escorted tours provider Mercury Holidays has launched five new tours for 2026, to destinations including the Balkans, Sri Lanka, India and Tunisia.
*All details correct at time of publish (30 July 2025)
The new tours aim to immerse travellers deeper in unique cultures and to go beyond the popular beach resorts and tourist destinations.
Commenting on the new launch, Michael Priest, Head of Product, noted: “We’re delighted to be launching our new series of tours that offer the most enriching experiences, memorable ‘wow’ moments and hidden cultural gems.
“These itineraries respond to growing demand for deeper, more authentic journeys, whether that means venturing into the Amazon, exploring ancient ruins or discovering vibrant regional traditions off the beaten path.”
From Jeep rides over Saharan dunes in Tunisia to cooking classes in the Ecuadorian Amazon, here are Mercury Holidays’ newest itineraries.
JOURNEY THROUGH THE BALKANS
A new 12-night tour to Bulgaria, Serbia, Kosovo and North Macedonia offers a fascinating glimpse into the Balkans’ various dynamic cultures. This exciting journey allows adventurers to visit the Roman ruins of Plovdiv, one of the oldest European cities, and the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rila Monastery, embodying the beauty of Balkan history.
Journey Through the Balkans (13 Days / 12 Nights) begins from £2,239pp based on an April 2026 departure. One departure per month in April, May, June, September, October and November 2026 and 2027.
WONDERS OF TUNISIA: FROM CARTHAGE TO SAHARA
This journey goes far beyond the popular beach locations and resorts of the Tunisian coastline; travellers can indulge in the country’s diverse heritage and archaeological treasures. The tour winds through Tunis’ bustling souks before a visit to the captivating ruins of Carthage and an exciting Jeep trip over the vast dunes of the Sahara.
Wonders of Tunisia: From Carthage to the Sahara (11 Days / 10 Nights) begins from £1,449pp, based on a February 2026 departure. One departure per month in February, March, September, October and November 2026 and 2027.
PUGLIA – TREASURES OF SOUTHERN ITALY
With a growing demand for Italian excursions, this new itinerary offers a unique experience of the peninsula by taking travellers to the less visited region of Puglia – an underrated gem filled with historic towns, authentic local cuisine and an entrancing countryside coastline.
Puglia – Treasures of Southern Italy (8 Days / 7 Nights) begins from £1,199pp, based on an April 2026 departure. One departure per month in April, May, June, September and twice in October 2026 and 2027.
INDIA AND SRI LANKA: FORTS, TEMPLES AND TIGERS
Two of the best-selling destinations combined to form a magical 15-day trip for travellers. Clients can visit countless historical sites such as the breathtaking Taj Mahal, named the ‘jewel of Islamic art’ and famous for its magnificent architecture, and the Sigiriya rock fortress, hewn from basalt bedrock to create one of the modern wonders of the world.
India & Sri Lanka: Forts, Temples and Tigers (15 Days / 14 Nights) begins from £2,399pp based on May 2026 and 2027 departures. One departure per month in February, March, May, September, October and November 2026 and 2027.
ECUADOR: ANDES, AMAZON AND VOLCANOES
This new tour highlights the natural beauty and biodiversity of Ecuador. Including a stay in the Amazon, the itinerary offers insight into Indigenous cultures, with a cooking class to learn about the unique cuisine of the Kichwa Otavalo people, and encounters with the rich wildlife of the rainforest.
Ecuador: Andes, Amazon and Volcanoes (11 Days / 10 Nights) begins from £3,199pp based on January 2026 departures. One departure per month in January, March, October and November 2026 and 2027.
For more information, visit mercuryholidays.co.uk or email mercuryholidays@wearelotus.co.uk
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