Down Under's urban intrigue

Australia is a spectacular country with an array of diverse experiences, a melange of amazing culture and warm people. The Australian government’s migration programme has resulted in more than six million people from some 200 countries making Australia their home, bringing with them their cuisine and traditions. Their settlement in certain suburbs have made these precincts more interesting, and have helped shape the major Australian cities into the unique urban landscapes they are today.

In Sydney, head to the inner city suburb of Leichhardt for a taste of Italy. It was once a working class area populated by first and second generation Italian immigrants. ‘Little Italy’ is centred around busy Norton Street and has plenty of Italian cafes, restaurants, bookshops and a movie theatre.

Sydney’s Chinatown is another fascinating area. Located near Town Hall in the city centre, Chinatown is focused around Dixon Street. It’s a pedestrian mall with many Chinese restaurants and grocery stores. Close to Chinatown is Sydney’s Spanish quarter, where you can find several Spanish-style restaurants and bars.

For funky fashions and cheap-eat restaurants serving up everything from North African to Vietnamese choose Newtown, or for fashion boutiques and chic inner city atmosphere with an alternative side try Oxford Street. It leads up to the fashionable suburb of Paddington.

Further out of town the in-place for international cuisine is Cabramatta which has on offer cuisine from a large range of countries including Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia, Thailand, Lebanon, Iraq, Italy, Spain and Turkey.

Melbourne has some intriguing city precincts too. Among these is the bayside suburb of St Kilda with restaurants and bars that attract a distinctly bohemian crowd. The St Kilda Esplanade, which nudges up to a beach and a historic pier, is popular by day, while the restaurant and bar strips really come alive once dusk falls.

The city has its own Chinatown, centered on Little Bourke Street which is home to Australia’s oldest Chinese settlement dating back to the 1850s. Just north of the city centre grid are the suburbs of Carlton and Fitzroy. Carlton is known for its Italian restaurants and cafes which cluster along Lygon Street. Fitzroy revolves around edgy Brunswick Street, with its funky art galleries, alternative bookshops, restaurants, boisterous bars and cool cafes.

Perth suburbs of note include upmarket Subiaco, which offers a pedestrian village experience with a mix of friendly markets, boutiques, antique shops, pubs, restaurants and art galleries. Not far from Perth’s city centre is Fremantle - the best preserved example of a 19th century port streetscape in the world. Back streets reveal old dockworkers’ cottages, and warehouses converted into trendy apartments. Also here are the iconic Fremantle Markets, where you can shop for fashion, home wares, antiques and local produce. Treat yourself to Japanese, Turkish, Indonesian, French, or Vietnamese food too.

In Hobart, the state capital of Tasmania, you can find Salamanca Place. This was once the haunt of sailors, whalers, dock-workers and convict labourers. The old Georgian warehouses here are home to art galleries, theatres, cafes, craft shops and restaurants.

In Queensland’s state capital, Brisbane, the small inner-city enclave of West End is a free-spirited place known for its many ethnic restaurants, cafes, and Asian grocers. Then there’s the Fortitude Valley with its vibrant cafes, trendy fashion outlets, popular nightclubs, live music venues, renovated pubs, great restaurants, and the city’s very own Chinatown.

In South Australia, the suburb of North Adelaide is crammed with Victorian and Edwardian architecture and the streets are lined with restaurants, cafes, bistros, and six popular pubs. Northwest of the city centre is Port Adelaide, a historic seaport which is home to some of the finest colonial buildings and several museums, including the National Railway Museum.

Australia’s capital city, Canberra, is a relaxed culturally-significant place. In addition to the nation’s major museums and art galleries, Canberra hosts around 80 diplomatic missions from around the world in its leafy suburb of Yarralumla. The architecture here is well-worth seeing.

Discover these fascinating suburbs, off the main tourist route. Come and enjoy alluring Australia.

Picturesque Philippines

The Philippines is your ultimate destination for a great vacation. An archipelago of 7,107 islands, it is located between the Philippine Sea in the east, the South China Sea in the west and the Celebes Sea in the south. It lies in the region called the Ring of Fire, characterized by a number of active volcanoes, including the Taal in the middle of Taal Lake, the Mayon in Legaspi City and the dormant Mount Apo in Davao.

Boracay, a butterfly-shaped island at the tip of Panay’s north-eastern coast, is home to White Beach - a 4-km strip of beautiful white sand rated as ‘the finest beach in the world’. On this beautiful island, you could pamper yourself with a luxurious massage at the spa or on the beach, or opt for spa therapy and yoga lessons at Mandala Spa and Villas, located just 5 minutes from the beach. Experience the thrill of the Banana Boat ride, explore the boutique shops around the island, check out the exciting nightlife or simply relax amidst the tropical atmosphere of sun, sea and sand.

Cebu is another fabulous island that boasts of rolling hills and rugged mountain ranges. Experience Mactan, a coral island in the heart of Cebu, home to the most pulsating nightlife in Asia. Easily accessible is Bohol, a unique island blessed with marvellous white beaches, colourful underwater marine life, dense forests, rich wildlife and a fascinating touch of Spanish influence. Visit a manmade mahogany forest and be introduced to the Tarsier – the world’s smallest monkey. Another must-see in Bohol is the famous Chocolate Hills - a collection of over 1,250 uniformly shaped hills between 30 and 50 meters high.

El Nido in the province of Palawan, the island of the Gods, is home to hidden lagoons, a palm forest, orchids and secluded, incredibly romantic resorts. A luxury kayaking safari is the best way to explore the El Nido and Bacuit Bay area. It is one of the most beautiful parts of Asia, where sheer karst rock formations drop down into the deep blue surrounding waters. Stunning white beaches and coves compete with mangroves, jungle, spectacular reefs and corals for attention. Spend your days kayaking, snorkelling, photographing and experiencing the amazing bio-diversity, including rare and unusual marine life, flora and flora.

Another must-see destination is Caluit Island, where you could explore numerous species of exotic African and Palawan endemic flora and fauna at the Games Preserve and Wildlife Sanctuary. Coron Island with its pristine Banol Beach and picturesque Cayangan Lake is truly inviting. Sink your feet into the powdered sugar-like sand. Take a dip in the invigorating Maquinit Hot Springs. Another amazing experience is the Tubbataha Reef, home to one of the best corals in the world. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and diving or snorkelling amidst the colourful corals reefs is a truly breathtaking experience.

The gateway to the Philippines is through Manila, the capital city with a Spanish body but a truly Philippino heart. Check out the old part of the city; take in the picturesque city of Tagaytay and the magnificent Taal Lake with its active island volcano. Shop to your heart’s content...from bargain basement finds to haute couture, Metro Manila is undisputedly a shoppers’ paradise. The shopping malls are one-stop centres where you can shop, dine and check out the recreation facilities. Native arts and crafts are among the best buys, and ready-to-wear clothes, embroidered apparel, women’s accessories, household furnishings and uniquely Filipino souvenirs are tempting.

Be it beaches, wildlife, marine life, shopping, dining or nightlife, the Philippines has it all. Come and experience the islands - a dozen holidays rolled into one.

A city Down Under

Sydney is Australia’s biggest and most cosmopolitan city. Blessed with her own world-renowned harbour, she offers a plethora of exciting nightlife, shopping, attractions and events. In short, Sydney promises to be unlike any other destination you’ve been to.

Sydney possesses a vibrant and unique set of attractions for all ages and interests, but any visit should naturally begin with a tour of the world-famous Opera House, with its magnificent sails, majestic theatres and performance venues where decades of theatrical and musical magic have taken place. Another must-do experience is the BridgeClimb tour, during which you climb the summit of the renowned Harbour Bridge for breathtaking panoramas of the city.

Sydney’s unique quality lies in its harbour, so every trip requires a sightseeing cruise along the waters. Board any of the array of cruises from Circular Quay departing to nearby islands with their own range of attractions. We recommend heading to Taronga Zoo, 12 minutes away from the city and home to over 2,900 exotic and native species. For a unique evening entertainment, board a Showboat for a sensational theatre cabaret and the finest international and Australian cuisine.

Spend a day at Darling Harbour, a festive venue of non-stop activities. There’s a wide array of attractions, including nature and wildlife exhibits. After all that sightseeing, you may like to relax with a day of shopping. Choose from the world-class designer stores to markets where you can pick up extraordinary bargains, quirky one-off souvenirs and many other interesting items.
If you can, do time your trip to coincide with the many annual events in Sydney. From 27 May to 21 June, the Opera House is lit up in a dazzling spectacle of lights, marking the Vivid Sydney event - the city’s new public festival of music, light and ideas, transforming The Rocks and Circular Quay into a spectacular living canvas (For more check out http://www.vividsydney.com/).

Sydney's beautiful Surrounds offer a full spectrum of attractions and experiences that are no less spectacular and rewarding. Visit sparkling waterways, World Heritage-listed national parks, age-old mountains and ravines, cascading waterfalls and some of the most stunning beaches on the planet.

Head to the Blue Mountains to revitalize and rejuvenate your senses. Be charmed by this tranquil region with its stunning views, lush greenery and bracing mountain air. Visit Scenic World, where you can ride the steepest incline railway in the world, and the Jenolan Caves, which are the oldest limestone caves ever discovered. Do stop at Bygone Beauties in Leura with its quaint collection of vintage gifts and teapots.

If you’re a wine connoisseur, the Hunter Valley region is the perfect place. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Brokenback Mountains, this wine country invites you to indulge in a luxurious lifestyle of wine-tasting, gourmet shopping, spa treatments and premier golf courses. An enchanting experience is ride in a hot air balloon as it floats gently above the vineyards.
Port Stephens is where all the fun and adventure is. This is the dolphin capital of Australia; board a cruise from Nelson Bay to see the dolphins playfully frolicking a few feet from you. Home to the largest moving sand dunes in the Southern Hemisphere, Port Stephens is where you can embark on a rugged 4-wheel drive tour.

Wollongong is the perfect place for a relaxing coastal holiday. The best way to get here is to rent a car and drive down from Sydney taking in the scenic views en route. Pause for a photo op moment at the Sea Cliff Bridge, a great viewing platform for spectacular oceanic views. Parasail or tandem-glide from Bald Hill, exhilarating experiences with the added reward of inspiring panoramas of some of the most beautiful coastlines in Australia.

Qantas offers great connections and attractive fares into Sydney and Australia. So plan your holiday to Sydney and its Surrounds now.

Catch the early bird for Singapore!

Early Bird offers for the 2010 FORMULA 1 SINGTEL SINGAPORE GRAND PRIX
Singapore is all set to woo F1 enthusiasts from all over the world with the grand third edition of the Formula One night race on 24–25-26 September, 2010. The SINGAPORE GRAND PRIX was the first Formula One to be held at night, and the first Formula One™ street race in Asia.
The three-day general admission tickets for the 2010 FORMULA 1 SINGTEL SINGAPORE GRAND PRIX are at a tempting early bird price up to 30 April and at the regular price from 1 May till race week.

The early bird phase up to 30 April offers fans an average saving of approximately 15 percent, with the Padang, Turn 3, Esplanade Waterfront and Bay Grandstands offering the best savings at 17 percent. “Over the past two events we’ve learnt that we can make significant savings by planning early,” said Mr Teo Hock Seng, Chairman of Singapore GP Pte Ltd (SGP).
Five grandstand ticket prices lowered compared to last yearFollowing feedback from last year’s ticketholders, Singapore GP has worked hard to ensure that the top-end grandstand tickets are more price-accessible. Working closely with key partners, Singapore GP has been able to leverage cost savings and pass on 14 percent savings to fans for the Pit Grandstand and 8 percent for Turns 1 and 2. The Stamford and Connaught Grandstands offer 11 percent and 19 percent savings respectively.
Remaining grandstands and Zone 4 Walkabout tickets held at 2009 prices The Bay, Padang, Turn 3 and Esplanade Waterfront Grandstands as well as Zone 4 Walkabout tickets have been held at 2009 price levels.
Responding to feedback, Singapore GP will for the first time release a walkabout ticket that allows fans access to Zone 1. This new category of three-day tickets - the Premier Walkabout - allows fans, for example, to watch the action along Republic Boulevard where the cars approach the sweeping right-hander at Turn 5. At Turns 22 and 23, spectators can see first-hand drivers entering the pit lane or heading towards the chequered flag. Zone 1 will be equipped with specially designed bleachers to maximise viewing opportunities. Premier Walkabout ticketholders also have access to the entertainment offerings in the rest of the Circuit Park.
existing Zone 4 Walkabout tickets continue to provide fans the same access as 2009. This year, facilities have been improved to include additional viewing bleachers and more screens to enhance the overall experience.
This year, single-day tickets for the Zone 4 Walkabout will only be introduced once the entertainment offerings have been announced for each day.
As the Circuit Park initial entertainment line-up will only be confirmed in the coming months, fans who want to catch the performances on specific days can then choose to visit when their favourite artistes are performing.
Although single-day walkabout prices are not yet released, it is expected that three-day tickets will offer at least 25 percent savings over individual day tickets. ”The 2010 FORMULA 1 SINGTEL SINGAPORE GRAND PRIX will see a fresh line-up of drivers, new race teams, and the highly-anticipated return of FORMULA ONE legends. Coupled with an exciting line-up of support races and approximately S$5 million dollars worth of entertainment throughout the Circuit Park, fans can expect an even more spectacular event come September,” said Mr. Michael Roche, Executive Director, Singapore GP Pte Ltd.

Grand Prix Dates: 24 – 25 – 26 September 2010
SINGAPORE F1 PACKAGE (Accommodation & Airport Transfer)
Package Validity: 24th – 27th September 2010 (3 nights)
All costs (USD) are per person on twin sharing basis
Albert Court Village/ Landmark Village (Rates valid for bookings before 30 June 10) - 3.5* - USD 500
Fort Canning Lodge - 3.5* - USD 300
Hotel Royal @ Queens (walkable distance to circuit) - 3.5* - USD 475
Peninsula Excelsior (walkable distance to circuit) - 3.5* - USD 475
River View Hotel - 3.5* - USD 478
Grand Park City Hotel (walkable distance to circuit) - 4* - USD 606
Park Hotel Clarke Quay - 4* - USD 546

OPTIONAL - GRAND PRIX TICKET IN SGD (SINGAPORE DOLLARS)
All costs are per person in SGD
Ticket Category ( 3 days)
Early Bird - upto 30 Apr 2010 / Regular Price - 01 May onwards
Pit Grandstand - SGD 1088 / SGD 1288
Turn 1 Grandstand - SGD 1088 / SGD 1288
Turn 2 Grandstand - SGD 1088 / SGD 1288
Turn 3 Grandstand - SGD 988 / SGD 1188
Stamford Grandstand - SGD 798 / SGD 898
Connaught Grandstand - SGD 598 / SGD 698
Padang Grandstand - SGD 498 / SGD 598
Esplanade Waterfront Grandstand - SGD 498 / SGD 598
Bay Grandstand - SGD 248 / SGD 298
Premier Walkabout - SGD 348 / SGD 398
Zone 4 Walkabout - SGD 168 / SGD 188

Ticket Category (Suites *) / Costs (Dedicated Pit Straight / T1/T2/T3 Sky Club suites and Stamford Sky suites are available for group’s bookings of 50 pax.)
Green Room @ T1 / T2 / T3 / Stamford - SGD 3745
Shared Stamford Sky Suite - SGD 6955
Shared Pit Straight Club Suite - SGD 5885
Shared Pit Straight Sky Suite - SGD 7490

For more information on the Singapore Grand Prix - http://www.singaporegp.sg/

Package includes:
• 03 night’s accommodation at hotel (check in on 24 Sep and check out 27 Sep)
• Daily breakfast
• Return airport transfers on private basis

Package does NOT include:
• Airfare, ticket taxes and visa fees
• Meals (unless mentioned)
• F1 tickets
• Transfer to the F1 circuit and back on all 3 days (taking a taxi is much cheaper than a transfer)
• Travel and medical insurance
• Surcharges applicable if any
• Meals not specified above
• Expenses of personal nature
• Tips and porterage
• Anything not mentioned in the inclusions above

NOTES:
• The above rates are valid for Indian nationals residing in India only and for minimum of 02 passengers traveling together at all times
• The above rates are subject to the availability of accommodation, sightseeing tours, airfare and transport at the time of booking. We reserve the right to use alternate accommodation, airfare and transport of an equal or higher standard. If we source a more expensive alternative, we reserve the right to re-quote based on the higher rates.
• Surcharges may be applicable for trade fairs, events, fairs and festivals, public holidays and are not included in the price above. The above rates are subject to change due to the same and hence need to be checked at the time of making the final booking. In case there is a surcharge applicable the above rates are not valid.
• NO REFUND OR EXCHANGE ON FORMULA 1 TICKETS ONCE BOOKED
• NO AMENDMENTS IN THE BOOKING IS ALLOWED
• The above is just a quote and not a booking and the rates are subject to change without prior notice.
• No refunds either in part or full will be made for any unused ground transportation, meals, accommodation or sightseeing tour not taken on the above packages.
• Clients have to take care of own tipping, porterage and any other personal expenses
• The timings and days of operation all the sightseeing tours and excursions are subject to alteration. Changes if any will be intimated at the time of making the booking.
• Normal check in time is 1500 hours and check out time is 1100 hours. Early check in or late check out is never guaranteed and can only be requested for. In case the client would like a guaranteed early check-in or late check out, the room will need to be booked from the previous night or for the next night respectively.
• Bookings once confirmed are subject to 100 percent cancellation charges without any exception.
• Mercury Travels is not responsible in case of any change in the price due to factors not in the control of the organization

Lure of the Black Forest

The Black Forest mountains extend along the Rhine, close to Lake Constance, Switzerland and Alsace. The region is famed for its food and drink, distinctive traditional hats and cuckoo clocks.
The Black Forest, or Schwarzwald to give it its German name, is famous the world over. Deeply rooted in its traditional culture, the Black Forest is an area of mountains and forest 200 kilometres long and up to 60 kilometres wide, which borders France in the west, Switzerland in the south, the Swabian Alb and Lake Constance in the east, and the Kraichgau region in the north.

Climatic, hydrotherapy and other health resorts are dotted all over the Black Forest, whose thermal springs have been prized since Roman times. The Enz, Nagold and Alb rivers and their tributaries have carved deep valleys into the densely wooded sandstone massif of the northern Black Forest region.

A journey through the northern Black Forest takes you through forests of fir and pine and across high plateaus. In the hilly Ortenau region, Riesling, Ruländer, Traminer, Pinot Noir and Spätburgunder grapes grow on the steep vine-clad hills which drop down into the Upper Rhine Valley.

Fairy-tale villages, thermal baths, casinos and pine- and birch-clad mountains beckon travellers to southwestern Germany's Black Forest. Scenic drives and train trips showcase the best of the area. Skiing, hiking, mountain-climbing, boating and ice-skating are popular activities. Baden-Baden's Roman-Irish baths, 19th-century concert hall, casino and fresco-adorned Pump Room are much visited. Gothic masterpiece Freiburg Cathedral and its famous Boys' Choir also draw visitors.

A convenient route for your Black Forest holiday is to begin with Lake Constance with its stunning views of the Swiss Alps. Lake Constance is a centre for water sports, while the town is rich in castles, baroque churches, museums and other attractions.

A three hour train ride from Lake Constance takes you to Freiburg, the heart of the Black Forest. At the centre of the old city is the Münsterplatz, its largest square and the site of the Freiburg Cathedral noted for its towering spire. The town’s picturesque old quarter, has twisting lanes, pretty courtyards, traditional restaurants, quaint bars and open streams known as ‘Bächle’ - which flow through the streets and lanes adding to the charm.

A short 40 minute train ride from Freiburg takes you to Baden-Baden. Located on the western foothills of the Black Forest, on the banks of the Oos River, it is famed as a chic spa resort. One of the most beautiful and important buildings in the town, the Spa Assembly Rooms are Baden-Baden's famous landmark. They are the social heart of Baden-Baden and the scene of glittering galas and balls, grand concerts and broadcast events. Once rejuvenated in the thermal spa, spend the evening at the famously elegant Baden-Baden Casino - the oldest and most traditional casino in all of Europe.

Heidelberg, one of the most beautiful cities in Germany, is an hour’s train ride away. It is home to the famous Heidelberg Castle ruins with its medieval, baroque and Renaissance buildings, and the famed Hiedelberg Tun - the world´s largest wine barrel.

Another one-hour train ride from Heidelberg takes you to Stuttgart, the capital of the Baden-Württemberg state. The Porsche Museum, the Mercedes Benz Museum, a few other lovely museums and art galleries, palaces and castles are some of the famed attractions of the city. The Mercedes-Benz Museum shows around 160 vehicles on permanent display, while the Porsche Museum shows over 80 serial vehicles, prototypes and racing cars. What better way to unwind in the evenings than at any of the beer halls (Bierhalle) around the city!

Vibrant cities, enchanting medieval villages, traditional wine villages and picturesque countryside. Castles, palaces and abbeys that showcase German romanticism. Fun and sport, wellness and relaxation. Germany is indeed a land of a thousand possibilities.

Excitement in Chile

South America is a land of contrasts, from high mountains to some of the the most beautiful beaches in the world. Once known as a dark and mysterious region, it was home to people who built spectacular monuments and knew strange and esoteric secrets that are still undiscovered today. Start your adventure in this exciting continent with a visit to Chile's capital, Santiago. Plan your trip with Mercury Travels and experience a new kind of magic...

CHILE - SANTIAGO (4 nights/5 days)
Day 1 – Arrive Santiago
You are received at Santiago airport and transferred to the hotel by coach. Commence with a half day city tour by coach. The tour starts from the Iglesia San Francisco (San Francisco Church); a brief stopover at the Club Hípico - one of the most beautiful horse racing courses in South America; then downtown past the Palace Cousiño; before a brief halt at the Plaza de la Constitución (The Constitution Square). Continue towards the Plaza de Armas, which houses the Cathedral Church, the City Hall and the National History Museum. Stop at the Cerro Santa Lucía (Santa Lucía Hill), before crossing the Mapocho River to reach the residential areas with its beautiful houses, parks and malls. Visit FABA, a fine lapizlazuli handicraft store. Overnight in Santiago.
Day 2 – Santiago
Enjoy a full day Vina Del Mar and Valparaiso tour by coach. Enjoy the 110 km drive across the beautiful valleys of Curacaví and Casablanca. On arrival at Valparaíso, take in the scenic view of the clusters of houses alongside the hills. Drive along the coastline road to Viña del Mar, also known as the Ciudad Jardín (Spanish for ‘Garden City’), due to its impressive parks, walks and beautiful buildings. One of its key attractions is the exclusive casino founded by Don José Francisco Vergara. Viña del Mar has several beaches like the Reñaca, Las Salinas, Miramar and others. Reñaca is its main beach and has several prestigious restaurants and modern buildings. Return to Santiago in the mid-afternoon. Overnight in Santiago.
Day 3 – Santiago
Today is earmarked for a full day Vinedo tour. Visit the Iglesia de San Francisco (San Francisco Church), before spending an exciting day at a vineyard. A truly memorable experience! Overnight in Santiago.
Day 4 – Santiago
After breakfast, proceed on your full day Isla Negra tour. Isla Negra (Black Island) is a beach named after its dark colored sand, surrounded by pine tree and eucalyptus wood. Stop for a visit to the house of Pablo Neruda, Literature Nobel Prize Winner in 1974, which is now turned into a museum. Spend some time at the El Quisco beach. Proceed south along the coastline, past several beaches such as El Tabo, Las Cruces, San Sebastian and Cartagena. Then take the Autopista del Sol (Highway of the Sun) stopping at Pomaire, a small town famed for its clay pottery and handicrafts. Overnight in Santiago.
Day 5 – Depart Santiago
After breakfast, its time for your transfer to the airport for your return flight back home.

Join the Club!

The memories will stay. The offers may not.

When you choose to holiday with Mercury Travels at an idyllic Club Med resort, you choose a holiday where every little thing has already been taken care of. Where there is so much to do that a few days will not be enough, yet should you so desire, the freedom to do nothing at all. Where the service is attentive yet discreet, the food delectable yet wholesome. Book your All-Inclusive Club Med holiday now. Before the fabulous offers we’ve designed especially for you become a distant memory.

Companion Stays Free* in Bali, Phuket or Cherating Beach
Valid for bookings up to 20 April
Valid for travel up to 30 June
Starting at Rs 28,400** per couple for a 4 nights package

Companion Stays Free* in Beach Villas or Lagoon Suites at Kani, Maldives
Valid for bookings up to 30 April
Valid for travel up to 30 June
Starting at Rs 64,170** per couple for a 3 nights package

Kids Stay Free* at Bintan Island or Mauritius
Valid for bookings up to 30 April
Valid for travel up to 30 June
Starting at Rs 50,380** per couple for a 3 nights package

*All offers are subject to room availability and black out date. Terms and conditions apply.
** Prices vary as per resort chosen and dates of travel. Excludes airfare.

Club Med Premium All-Inclusive package includes:
· Twin-share accommodation
· Sumptuous buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner with free-flow of red and white wine and beverages during lunch and dinner
· Open bar and snacking services – All day drinks and snacks
· Nightly entertainment

Children’s Facilities
· Club Med Baby Welcome for children below 2 years old: Available at most of the Family Resorts, with high levels of quality facilities, nursing equipment and qualified staff to take care of young babies , giving parents a well-deserved break
· Petit Club Med for children 2-3 years old (at extra cost): Open 7 days a week from 9am to 5.30pm and from 7.30pm to 9pm. Petit Club Med is geared towards making your child’s holiday an exciting one of fun activities with children of their age.
· Mini Club Med for children 4 – 10 years old: For children with a passion for activities. Mini Club Med is the perfect outlet for their boundless energy with activities like the Bungy Bounce and Flying Trapeze.
· Junior’s Club Med / Club Med Passworld for children 11 -1 7 years old: Meeting with children in their own age-groups and partaking in activities designed specifically for them takes the pressure off parents who want to unwind at their own pace.

All sports activities with instruction
· Flying Trapeze • Table Tennis
· Circus School • Yoga
· Tennis • Archery
· Golf • Club Med Fitness
· Beach Volleyball • Snorkelling
· Bungy Bounce • Kayak
· Ecotourism • Windsurfing
· Wall Climbing • Sailing
· Badminton • Water aerobics
· Football

Also available (at extra cost)
o Golf
o Spa and beauty treatments
o A range of excursions to experience the local culture
o Scuba diving
o Land transfers

Please note that activities and services vary at each resort. Your Mercury Travels consultant will suggest the Club Med resort that best suits your requirements.

River saga

There is a lot to see and do in the magnificent land that is South America. That is why Mercury Travels has various options for you - live it up in one of the big cities, or wander through the more remote ancient settlements or explore a world that few have seen. Or, just to experience a small slice of the mighty rain forest, drift down the Amazon river and feel the call of a jungle where all life may have begun...

PERU’S POSADA AMAZONAS (2 nights/3 days)

Day 1 – Puerto Maldonado/Posada Amazonas
Upon arrival from Cusco, you are met and taken to the Tambopata river port in Puerto Maldonado. Puerto Maldonado is situated at the confluence of the mighty Madre de Dios and Tambopata rivers. It is a bustling and booming town, known for its gold mining, timber extraction, agriculture and ecotourism. After a brief survey of the town, take the motorized canoe for a two hour ride to Posada Amazonas. The boat ride is your opportunity to see bird species typical of the river or forest edge such as the Black Skimmer, Pied Lapwing, Capped Heron, Jabiru Stork, Roadside Hawk, and several species of kingfishers, swallows and flycatchers.
Posada Amazonas is a comfortable yet unobtrusive 24 room lodge owned jointly by the Rainforest Expeditions and the Local Community of Infierno. After a short briefing on the lodge and the Ecotourism Project, you commence with a visit to the 35 meter scaffolding tower. The scaffolding tower is built so that you can climb safely using the internal staircase with verandahs on each side, and rest on the platforms built at every two meters. From the tower, you get spectacular views of the river and surrounding forest, in addition to observing birds like parrots, toucans and macaws. A video about the forest of Tambopata is played after dinner.
Day 2 – Posada Amazonas
Visit the Tres Chimbadas oxbow lake at dawn. After an early breakfast, travel fifteen minutes from Posada Amazonas by boat and thirty minutes by foot to the lake shore. Take a long, easy canoe ride around the lake while keeping a lookout for giant river otters, turtles, hoatzin and wading birds. Return to the lodge’s trails in time for a visit to a small parakeet clay lick. Dozens, and sometimes hundreds of Blue Headed Parrots, Orange-Cheeked Parrots, Cobalt-winged Parakeets, and sometimes even the rare Rock Parakeet, congregate here on clear days to ingest clay. This congregation creates a riotous and colorful spectacle where the greens, oranges, reds and blues of the parrots dance around the bank as they compete for their beakful of clay. Return to the lodge for lunch, before embarking on an afternoon outing to the community’s Ethnobotanical Center. From this little shop, the community has been registering the uses of medicinal plants from elders, planting, producing and distributing them for over ten years. Hike the trails around the center with one of the residents who will explain the everyday uses of forest resources in medicine, construction, food and fiber. Return to Posada Amazonas for dinner and overnight. After enjoying our popular happy hour and refurbishing your spirits, you may take an optional night walk to look for amphibians and insects.
Day 3 – Depart Posada Amazonas
After an early breakfast, depart by boat back to the city of Puerto Maldonado and onward to the airport.
Please carry the following articles for the stay in the jungle:
Long pants (no jeans), long sleeved shirt, shorts, t-shirts, rain gear, flashlight with extra bulb and batteries, sneakers, hiking boots, shower shoes, binoculars, camera, repellent, personal toiletries, sun glasses, sun block, rubber boots, bathing suit.

Spectacular South America

South America is a kaleidoscopic fusion of pristine beaches, unexplored rainforests, manic metropolises and ancient civilizations. From a culture steeped in rich heritage to sceneries that are simply breathtaking, this land is as alive as the pulsating rhythms of the samba. Brazil leaves you speechless with its unbridled vibrancy and stunning beaches. Peru astonishes you with its potpourri of Pre Inca, Inca, Spanish, Colonial and Republican cultures and the Legendary Lost City of the Incas - Machu Picchu. Chile is sure to overwhelm you with its staggering beauty. Not forgetting Argentina, that has attracted the Portuguese and Spanish conquistadores over the centuries.

Come experience this spectacular land with us. We promise you an experience that stays forever. The Wonders of South America is a suggested holiday itinerary. You can extend your stay with the suggested holiday extensions at Peru’s Posada Amazonas or Chile’s Santiago. Mercury Travels offers customized holidays to South America and other exotic destinations. Come and see South America the way you want you to.

WONDERS OF SOUTH AMERICA
Sao Paulo/Rio de Janeiro/Iguazu/Lima/Cusco/Machu Picchu/Buenos Aires
(12 days/11 nights)
Day 1 – Arrive Sao Paulo
Welcome to Brazil. Upon arrival, you are greeted and transferred to your hotel. Overnight in Sao Paulo.
Day 2 – Sao Paulo/Rio de Janeiro
Cosmopolitan Sao Paulo is known as the city that never sleeps. Proceed in the morning on a half day tour of the city, including a visit to the Sao Paulo Museum of Art and the Butanta Snake Farm. Later in the day, you board the flight to Rio de Janeiro. Upon arrival in Rio de Janeiro, you are received at the airport and transferred to your hotel. A sumptuous dinner and show at Plataforma awaits you. Overnight in Rio de Janeiro.
Day 3 – Rio de Janeiro - Sugar Loaf and Corcovado Tour
After breakfast, its time for the full day Sugar Loaf and Corcovado Tour, including lunch. The tour leaves the hotel, driving along the beautiful beaches of Rio and taking in the lagoon Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas, before reaching the quaint Cosme Velho district. You will ride through Rio’s beautiful architectonic monuments, visit the Metropolitan Cathedral and ascend the peaks of the Corcovado Mountain and Sugar Loaf Mountain using a series of cable car rides. Corcovado Mountain with its Statue of Christ the Redeemer and the Sugar Loaf Mountain known as Rio’s postcard, offer magnificent views of the city bordered by the Atlantic Ocean. Overnight in Rio de Janeiro.
Day 4 – Rio de Janeiro/Iguazu
This morning you are escorted to the airport to board the flight for Iguazu. Upon arrival you are met and transferred to your hotel. Overnight in Iguazu.
Day 5 – Iguazu - Brazilian Falls
The day is earmarked for a full day tour of the Brazilian Falls. Drive through the lush subtropical vegetation of the park en route to the falls. The Iguazu National Park is the most significant remaining rainforest in the southern cone which together with the cataracts has been declared a National Heritage Site by UNESCO. Stroll along the trail descending the canyon for a panoramic view of more than 240 falls. Overnight in Iguazu.
Day 6 – Iguazu/Lima
Goodbye Brazil. Hello Peru. You are transferred to the airport for your flight to Lima. On arrival, you are met and escorted to your hotel. A documentation kit, detailed program explanation and hotel registration assistance is offered. Overnight in Lima.
Day 7 – Lima/Cusco
This morning you are transferred to the airport to board your flight to Cusco. Upon arrival, you are met and escorted to the hotel. The rest of the morning is free to rest and get acclimatized to the altitude. In the afternoon you are taken on a tour of this Imperial City, to soak in the fascinating mixture of the Andean and Spanish cultures. Visit the Santo Domingo Convent, built over the ancient Inca place of worship called the Koricancha or the Temple of the Sun. Stop at the Main Square, to see the Cusco Cathedral and the La Compañía de Jesús Church, which rivals the cathedral in grandeur and prominence. Visit the Sacsayhuaman Fortress, an imposing sample of military Inca architecture. The tour is incomplete without a visit to the archaeological sites of Qenko, Puca-Pucara and Tambomachay, located north east of the city. Overnight in Cusco.
Day 8 – Cusco - Machu Picchu
Today you visit Machu Picchu, also known as The Lost City of the Incas. It is designated as a World Heritage Site and declared one of the wonders of the world. The excursion commences, in the morning, by train. During the journey, enjoy amazing views of the landscapes of the Sacred Valley of Urubamba. Upon arrival at the Aguas Calientes train station, you are assisted in boarding the bus that takes you to the citadel. A professional tour guide will lead you around this historic, mysterious and charming place. Post the guided tour, you can explore the area on your own, relax and meditate. Enjoy a buffet lunch at the Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge, located adjacent to the citadel and part of the Orient-Express Hotels. In the afternoon, you board the train that takes you back to Cusco. On arrival at Poroy Station, you are met and transferred to your hotel. The evening is free for you to enjoy Cusco’s nightlife. Overnight in Cusco.
Day 9 – Cusco - Sacred Valley of the Incas/Pisac/Ollantaytambo
This tour is available on Tuesday, Thursday or Sunday. Drive towards the Sacred Valley of the Incas, taking the direct route to Pisac. Stop en route to view the beautiful Urubamba valley with lush crops dressing the mountains like carpets. On arrival at the colorful market of Pisac, you have time to meet the local craftsmen and purchase their hand-made souvenirs. Proceed to the town of Urubamba for a buffet lunch. Post lunch, visit Ollantaytambo, the attractive town of Inca origin with remarkable channels and stone streets. This town is built on top of original Inca foundations and is the best surviving example of Inca town planning. There are several houses dating back to the Incan time that you can stroll past, in addition to visiting the formidable ruins of the fortress that guarded the valley. Overnight in Cusco.
Day 10 – Cusco/Lima/Buenos Aires
This morning you are transferred to the airport for your flight to Lima. Upon arrival, you are met and taken on a tour of Lima, the City of Kings. Visit the Main Square that houses the Government Palace, the City Hall, the Cathedral and the Archbishop’s Palace. Later, you visit the San Francisco Convent, an architectonic jewel dating back to the 16th century. Return to the airport to take the flight to Buenos Aires. Overnight in Buenos Aires.
Day 11 – Buenos Aires
Take a three hour tour of Buenos Aires and see the Main Square - Plaza de Mayo, surrounded by the Casa Rosada (Presidential Headquarters Office), the Cabildo (Colonial Town Hall) and the Cathedral. Drive through the charming streets of San Telmo; down the colorful roads of La Boca, famous for its multicolor tin houses; and the elegant Barrio Norte on your way to the Recoleta Cemetery, an amazing aboveground cemetery lined with mausoleums and statues. Finally, visit Palermo and its magnificent mansions and parks. The evening is earmarked for dinner and the Tango Show at La Ventana. Overnight in Buenos Aires.
Day 12 – Depart Buenos Aires
The morning is set aside for your half day tour of the Tigre and Delta. Tigre, is the starting point to visit hundreds of islands, as one sails up the Parana River which flows into Rio de la Plata (River Plate) and together with the Sarmiento and Lujan rivers forming a beautiful Delta. At the scheduled time, you are transferred to the airport for your flight back home or you could opt to extend your stay with additional holiday options.