Escorted tours specialist Mercury Holidays has five new culturally immersive itineraries for 2026.
According to ABTA’s 2024 Travel Trends report, over four in 10 UK holidaymakers say living like a local is a key factor when choosing a trip, while Booking.com reports that 73% of global travellers seek more authentic, culturally immersive experiences.
Spanning destinations that include Tunisia, Ecuador, the countries of the Balkans, India and Sri Lanka, and Puglia, the tours reflect the growing demand for more meaningful, experience-rich travel.
Research by the Association of Touring and Adventure Suppliers (ATAS) also shows that “authentic local experiences” is now the top reason consumers book touring holidays, ahead of comfort and convenience.
The new itineraries are:
‘Journey Through the Balkans‘: Explore local life in Bulgaria, Serbia, Kosovo and North Macedonia. From tasting Balkan cuisine in lively markets to visiting Islamic, Orthodox and Catholic landmarks in Belgrade, this 12-night itinerary is steeped in regional diversity. Highlights include Plovdiv’s Roman amphitheatre, Rila Monastery and encounters with communities shaped by centuries of cultural fusion. Prices from £2,239pp, with monthly departures April–November 2026 and 2027.
‘Wonders of Tunisia: From Carthage to Sahara‘: Go beyond the beaches with a journey through souks, Roman ruins and desert landscapes. Travellers will visit Sidi Bou Said’s bohemian cafes, take a Jeep ride through the Sahara, and hear stories of Carthage’s past from local guides. The itinerary uncovers Tunisia’s layered heritage, from Berber to Islamic influences. From £1,449pp with monthly departures February, March, September–November 2026 and 2027.
‘Puglia – Treasures of Southern Italy‘: Designed for those keen to escape the tourist crowds, this seven-night trip explores southern Italy’s unspoiled towns and culinary traditions. Visitors will stroll through the sun-bleached streets of Lecce, taste rustic breads in Altamura, and discover the cave dwellings of Matera – all alongside locals proud to share their regional identity. From £1,199pp with monthly departures April–October 2026 and 2027.
‘India and Sri Lanka: Forts, Temples and Tigers‘: This two-country adventure gives travellers an insider’s view of everyday life, from local markets in Delhi to wildlife sanctuaries in Sri Lanka. As well as seeing icons like the Taj Mahal and Sigiriya, guests will visit rural villages, observe temple rituals and enjoy authentic home-style cuisine. From £2,399pp with monthly departures February, March, May, September–November 2026 and 2027.
‘Ecuador- Andes, Amazon and Volcanoes‘: Incorporating a stay in an Amazon eco-lodge, this tour offers an intimate experience of Ecuador’s Indigenous cultures. Guests will take part in a Kichwa cooking class, explore colourful artisan markets in Otavalo, and learn traditional stories at the Equator Museum. With a blend of urban and jungle life, this trip is all about connection. From £3,199pp with monthly departures in January, March, October and November 2026 and 2027.
Mercury Holidays’ trade partners can access full itineraries, training tools and marketing collateral via the operator’s agent portal, with generous commission and booking incentives available.
