Mercury Holidays introduces five escorted tours including the Balkans and Tunisia

Mercury Holidays has added five tours for 2026 to destinations including the Balkans and Tunisia.

 

The new range of tours, which also include Sri Lanka, India, Italy and Ecuador, aim to go beyond the popular beach resorts to provide immersive, cultural experiences. 

 

The five new trips are a 12-night Journey Through the Balkans; 10-night Wonders of Tunisia: From Carthage to Sahara; seven-night Puglia – Treasures of Southern Italy; 14-night India and Sri Lanka: Forts, Temples and Tigers; and 10-night Ecuador: Andes, Amazon and Volcanoes.

 

The escorted tour operator is offering excursions that range from jeep rides over the Saharan sand dunes to cooking classes in the Ecuadorian Amazon.

 

The itineraries have been introduced in response to increased demand from clients to explore more off-the-beaten-track locations and get a better understanding of the destination, said head of product Michael Priest.

 

He said: “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.”

 

The Journey Through The Balkans starts from £2,239 and offers one departure per month in April, May, June, September, October and November in 2026 and 2027.

 

It incorporates Bulgaria, Serbia, Kosovo and North Macedonia and includes visits to the Roman ruins of Plovdiv, one of Europe’s oldest cities, and the Unesco World Heritage-listed Rila Monastery, and Belgrade.

 

The Wonders of Tunisia: From Carthage to Sahara itinerary, which costs from £1,449, explores beyond the beach locations to see some of the country’s heritage and archaeological treasures.

 

It includes Tunis’ souks, a visit to the ruins of Carthage, a jeep ride over the dunes of the Sahara desert, and takes in the sights such as Sousse and Hammamet. It also offers one departure per month in February, March, September, October and November next year and in 2027.