New Zealand Encompassed (ONNZ)
It dosen’t look so big on the map, but New Zealand is positively massive once you’re there in person. This comprehensive 24-day trip—our longest in this part of the world—delivers the most immersive NZ experience possible. Get close to the land by exploring volcanoes, national parks, sustainable farms, and meet the water up-close on expert-led kayak excursions and during surf lessons. Best of all, you’ll get to explore the magnificent Bay of Islands, home to some of the world’s top fishing. 24 days? You’ll wish it was longer.
Highlights: Learning about the Maori culture, exploring the Bay of Islands, conquering New Zealand's top-rated 1-day trek—the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, hiking Franz Josef Glacier, getting an adrenaline rush in Queenstown, weaving through the remote fjords of the Doubtful Sound by sea kayak, discovering Abel Tasman National Park by foot.
- Trip Style:
- Yolo
- Trip Type:
- Small Group
- Service Level:
- Basic
- Physical Grading:
- 3
Southern Cross Country Westbound (NUCW)
Can one 23-day trip define the elusive essence of a complex nation with centuries of incredible history? Probably not, but it’d be a blast to try, no? Designed specifically for curious travellers with a passion for real experiences and lots of time, this adventure takes you from the busy streets of NYC to the shores of San Francisco Bay, with just about every shade of Americana thrown in along the way: Philly steaks, Lincoln, Music City USA, the French Quarter, Tex-Mex, Yosemite, the Vegas Strip… forget e pluribus unum; America’s real motto is “go big or go home.”
Highlights: Getting wild in San Francisco and Las Vegas, embracing nature in Monument Valley, Yosemite and Mesa Verde, facing America’s history in Washington, DC, feeling the beat in Memphis and Nashville, watching bats at Carlsbad Caverns and the sunset at the Grand Canyon.
- Trip Style:
- Yolo
- Trip Type:
- Small Group
- Service Level:
- Camping
- Physical Grading:
- 2
Thailand, Laos and Vietnam Adventure (ATLV)
From the vibrant cityscape of Bangkok to Halong Bay's magnificent limestone karsts, this trip encompasses the highlights of Indochina. Marvel at the majestic granite peak of Doi Suthep, explore a traditional Hmong village and savour noodles in Chiang Mai. Shop for souvenirs in Ho Chi Minh City and join the locals sipping coffee at a lakeside café in Hanoi. With hotels, transport and a number of included activities arranged by our CEOs, this adventure offers up the perfect combination of must-see highlights and free time.
Highlights: Exploring the canals of Bangkok, floating down the mighty Mekong, visiting majestic caves and stunning limestone karsts, sailing a junk through Halong Bay, shopping in Hoi An, squeezing through the Cu Chi tunnels.
- Trip Style:
- Classic
- Trip Type:
- Small Group
- Service Level:
- Standard
- Physical Grading:
- 2
Best of New Zealand (ONNS)
Compared with their enormous western neighbour, the islands of New Zealand don’t look especially big on the map, but don’t let their small stature deceive you. There is much, much, much to do here, be it biking to old gold mining sites, kayaking remote coves and some of the most breathtaking hiking routes in the whole world. But if you’re short on travel dollars, fear not; this trip squeezes in the very best of both the North and South islands into an affordable, action-packed 21-day itinerary that moves swiftly without ever seeming rushed.
Highlights: Learning about the Maori culture, conquering New Zealand's top-rated 1-day trek—the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, hiking Franz Josef Glacier, getting an adrenaline rush in Queenstown, weaving through the remote fjords of the Doubtful Sound by sea kayak, discovering Abel Tasman National Park by foot
Amazon To The Andes & Galapagos, Western Islands (PA10HA)
Hike the Inca Trail to the Lost City of Machu Picchu, explore the steamy Amazon from the comfort of our intimate G Lodge Amazon and spend seven nights aboard our exclusive G3 vessel, snorkelling the waters of the Galapagos—experience the iconic highlights of South America in one incredible adventure. Our exclusively operated fleet of yachts offers great value—and because we run our own treks, we can ensure the fair treatment of our porters and the quality of food and equipment as you follow the Inca Trail to majestic Machu Picchu.
Highlights: Explore the Sacred Valley, trek the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, spot wildlife in the Amazon, cruise the Galápagos National Park abord the Daphne (G3), snorkel with sea lions and search for sea turtles in secluded bays, land on the seldom-visited Fernandina island.
Highlights Of Ecuador (EF06HB)
Experience the wildlife of the Galapagos and the diversity of the Amazon on this ultimate Ecuadorean adventure. Get to know Ecuador inside out—from the Andes to the islands and miss nothing in between. Explore the jungle by canoe and stay with a local Quichua family for an extraordinary cultural experience. Scour the indigenous handicraft market at Otavalo for special treasures before flying to the Galapagos to spend three nights exploring the islands aboard our comfortable G3. As one of the biggest tour operators in the islands, our exclusively operated fleet of yachts offers great value—there’s no better way to explore the region.
Highlights: Relaxing in Andean hot springs, Spending the night with a local Quichua family, Searching for wildlife in the Amazon jungle, Swimming and snorkelling in the Galapagos Islands, Encountering unique wildlife found nowhere else on the planet, Exploring colonial cities and hiking up volcanoes
Australia South to North - Melbourne to Darwin (OAMD)
You can’t get Down Under through a bus window. If you’re going to get off the tourist track, you’ll have to shake things up a bit—that’s why we’ve turned to trains, 4x4s, buses and boats for this itinerary. From the cobblestones of charming Melbourne, cut through the outback and explore the mysteries of Uluru. Follow your curiosity down the deserted tracks that make Australia so remote and spend 18 days discovering the natural beauty of one of the world’s most awe-inspiring destinations.
Highlights: Bedding down at a traditional sheep station and outside under the outback sky, learning about dreamtime stories from the Aborigines, experiencing a night underground in Coober Pedy, catching the magnificent colours of Uluru, hiking through gorgeous natural rock formations in the Red Centre, riding the route of Afghan cameleers on the Ghan Train, exploring the UNESCO World Heritage site of Kakadu National Park
Backroads of Central America (CRBR)
Take the road less travelled through Central America with other travellers your own age—so you can be sure to get down with other adventurers that’ll keep up. This is one of our most exciting trips, filled with breathtaking scenery—from tropical rainforests alive with jungle melodies to colonial cities bouncing to a decidedly more human beat. You'll blaze your own path as you discover a region of volcanoes, craters, beaches and lush forests. Sticking to budget accommodation and public transport will keep costs down and you rooted in local life.
Highlights: Connecting with your hosts in an Ometepe homestay experience, laughing with the locals during a journey on a chicken bus, blissing out on a stretch of remote Nicaraguan beach, strolling through Antigua's colonial streets, exploring Mayan ruins, hiking through a cloud forest, sampling local cuisine.
London to Prague Adventure (EELP)
Paris, the Swiss Alps, the Italian Riviera, modern Bohemia—you’d be surprised how much of Europe you can pack into 17 days. This excellent whirlwind tour of Europe for younger travellers reads like a greatest-hits compilation of classic Europe experiences: The bustle of busy London, cultural exploration in the French capital, postcard-worthy scenery in Switzerland, trekking in Cinque Terre and a frosty mug of Pilsner in an authentic Czech hospoda at the end of it all.
Highlights: Visiting six countries in 17 days, Exploring the history-filled streets of European capitals, Eating and dancing your way through Western Europe.
Rome to London Adventure (EIRL)
With just 17 days to play with, time is tight on this tour, but the possibilities (and options) are wide open. It begins in Rome, home to more ancient landmarks than you could shake a centurion’s spear at. From there, you’ll explore elegant Prague, cut loose in the clubs of Amsterdam and Berlin, and savour the historical charms of romantic Bruges before the whirlwind drops us off in England. Hang on tight.
Highlights: Discovering medieval towns and frenetic capital cities, partying across Europe, setting eyes on world-famous monuments and museums, embracing a variety of cultures, sampling local food and drink everywhere you go.
East Coast Encompassed - Sydney to Cairns (OAEC)
Rugged landscapes, crashing surf and indigenous culture stretching back through time and beyond—Australia’s East Coast possesses a truly otherworldly allure. This trip offers you a comprehensive, authentic and wholly affordable experience in one of the country’s most popular regions. Raw thrills and refined pleasures abound out here. In the space of a few days, you’ll sample wines in the Hunter Valley, spend the night in a teepee, snorkel the Great Barrier Reef, catch a few waves, spearfish with local Aborigines, shear a sheep and play a didgeridoo. When people back home ask what you did on your trip, just tell ‘em: “Everything.”
Highlights: Island hopping by yacht through the Whitsunday Islands, overnighting at a traditional sheep station and a beach teepee, learning to surf in Byron Bay, zipping over dunes in a 4x4 on a remote sand island, snorkelling the world's largest reef, spearing fish and savouring lunch with local Aborigines, sleeping in a 'swag' under the impressive southern night sky
New Orleans to San Francisco Road Trip (NUNF)
Bats in Texas, aliens in Roswell, pretty much everything else in San Francisco—get off the well-worn tourist trail and really discover the south and west of the United States. After leaving fabulous New Orleans, you'll explore some of the most incredible natural wonders anywhere—the Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, Yosemite—then trade wildlife for the nightlife in Las Vegas. It's the ultimate roadtrip. Now, let's get rolling.
Highlights: Strolling the hills of San Francisco, hiking Yosemite, taking a chance in Las Vegas, savouring the sunset at the Grand Canyon, learning about the Navajo, witnessing bats in flight at Carlsbad Caverns, looking for aliens in Roswell, dancing in New Orleans.
- Trip Style:
- Yolo
- Trip Type:
- Small Group
- Service Level:
- Camping
- Physical Grading:
- 2
New Zealand—South Island Encompassed (ONSE)
Looking to tackle a bundle of different environments all in one go? New Zealand’s South Island has what you need and then some. Action is the common thread throughout this trip that incorporates hiking, kayaking, biking, glacier treks and even bungee jumping across a variety of landscapes, including rainforests, glaciers and some of the most gorgeous coastline you’ll ever see. This trip is exciting even when you’re not moving; accommodations include an authentic bush camp and a wilderness lodge deep in the rainforest itself. Unique? You bet.
Highlights: Explore the trails of Abel Tasman National Park by foot, hike the Franz Josef Glacier Valley, get an adrenaline rush in Queenstown, weave through the remote fiords of the Doubtful Sound by sea kayak, bike while stopping to taste local wine.
- Trip Style:
- Yolo
- Trip Type:
- Small Group
- Service Level:
- Basic
- Physical Grading:
- 3
China Adventure (ACBH)
Explore a side of China you never knew existed on this eye-opening multi-activity adventure. Using rural roads that wind through tiny villages and past seemingly endless rice fields, you’ll get a full dose of this land’s truly incredible history, culture and geography. On two wheels or on foot, you’ll tour the imperial tombs and palaces of the walled city of Xi’an, study curious limestome karst formations, navigate the busy streets of Beijing and relax, secure in the knowledge that your downtime is rightly earned.
Highlights: Exploring Beijing's Forbidden City and hutongs, walking the Great Wall, trekking through rice terraces, cycling old city walls and rural villages, watching kung fu monks
Rajasthan Cycling (AHDA)
Legendary landmarks, secluded villages, every colour you can imagine (and then some)—Rajasthan is a place best viewed up-close. A great opportunity for active travellers to mix some exercise with their exploring, this 15-day journey across northwestern India will work out your shutter-finger as much as your calves. After soaking up the sights in bustling Delhi, you’ll bike to remote communities near scenic Jhadol, visit the famed ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur, spot tigers in Ranthambore and, of course, get some face time with the Taj Mahal. Make your next adventure pedal-powered.
Highlights: Covering the incredible landscape of Rajasthan on two wheels, searching for tigers in Ranthambore National Park, cycling through remote villages, enjoying the rich and varied history of Northern India
Delhi to Kathmandu Yolo Adventure (AHDU)
India is less a place to see than a place to do and this fast-paced 15-day tour ensures you live every moment to the fullest. With other youthful travellers, you'll sail the Ganges, have the opportunity to take a jeep safari in Chitwan National Park and breathe deeply in the Himalayas of Nepal. It's a mix of classics like the Taj Majal, and backpacker faves like Pushkar wrapped up in a riot of colour. And we do the planning but leave the choice of excursions up to you. Don't explore South Asia—live it.
Highlights: Exploring the vibrant streets of urban India, sailing down the Ganges, getting a glimpse of a traditional life in tiny villages, experiencing a jeep safari in Chitwan National Park, marvelling at Nepal's mountain views.
North & South Thailand Highlights (ATTH)
The perfect mix of culture and beach, activities and relaxation, this 15-day adventure hits all the highlights. In the north, ponder the River Kwai, attend a cooking class for the secret to great curry and marvel at the ruins of Ayutthaya. Then hit the beach and unwind—Koh Samui and Krabi await with tropical weather, beach barbecues and thrilling nightlife. Through a combination of flights, boats and overnight trains, you can see a lot and still come away feeling rejuvenated.
Highlights: Stepping back into history at the Bridge on the River Kwai, Enjoying an authentic Khantok dinner in a local Village, Watching the sun set at the Temple of Doi Suthep, Kayaking along the stunning coastline of Koh Mae Ko, Discovering 'The Beach' at beautiful Maya Bay.
Marrakech Express (EEME)
There’s so much to see in Europe; don’t settle for a cramped bus tour. Head south for an adventure as unique as you are. Beginning in London—traveller central—you’ll cross the channel for some French culture before hitting Spain for Moorish history, architecture in Barcelona and a tapas culture that will set you up for the endless nightlife. Best of all, this trip doesn’t fade out—you’ll finish up in Morocco with its mosques, medinas and kasbahs. It’s a European tour with a southern kiss of the exotic.
Highlights: Meeting the ghost of Moorish Spain at the Alhambra, sampling small plates on a tapas bar crawl, dining on a picnic lunch at the foot of the Eiffel Tower, exploring the medinas and kasbahs of Morocco, dodging snake charmers, keeping it real with a small group of like-minded travellers.
- Trip Style:
- Yolo
- Trip Type:
- Small Group
- Service Level:
- Basic
- Physical Grading:
- 2
Croatia and the Balkans (EJBT)
The Balkans rarely come up in conversations about great European travel destinations. We can’t imagine why. Situated on the balmy shores of the Adriatic and home to some of the most wondrous landscapes, monuments and villages you’ll ever see, this part of the world still feels like a well-kept secret. This adventure, geared towards visitors eager to add a little exercise to their travels, showcases the region’s compelling history and scenery by way of outdoor pursuits like kayaking and hiking. You may not know much about Croatia and the Balkans now, but once you’ve been, you’ll be hard pressed to stop talking about them.
Highlights: Picnicking at the source of the River Bosna, Watching locals dive gracefully from the Novy Most bridge, Kayaking to tiny islands in the crystal waters of the Bay of Kotor, Wandering the medieval streets of old Dubrovnik, Hiking to an undersea winery on the Dalmatian island of Hvar, Exploring the ancient Roman palace of Diocletian on a guided tour.
National Parks & Bright Lights (NUNP)
From the Golden Gate Bridge to glowing canyon walls at sunset, this trip captures the beauty of the cities and wilderness of the Western US. It’s perfect for the traveller looking to breathe in the scent of sequoias of Yosemite by day but wanting the comforts of a hotel at night. Prepare yourself for otherworldly ‘hoodoos’ in Bryce Canyon National Park and the desert scenery in Death Valley—the lowest spot on the continent—before taking an optional helicopter ride above the incomparable Grand Canyon. You won’t just visit the West Coast—you’ll live it.
Highlights: Searching for stars in Los Angeles, meeting the Navajo in stunning Monument Valley, marvelling at the Grand Canyon, hiking in the beautiful Bryce Canyon and Zion national parks, rolling the dice in Las Vegas.
- Trip Style:
- Classic
- Trip Type:
- Small Group
- Service Level:
- Standard
- Physical Grading:
- 2
