Red Centre Experience (OARC)
A great little add-on to a longer Australian adventure, this short-and-sweet journey to the famed Red Centre brings you close to the continent’s vast heart. Watch the sun rise over iconic Uluru, explore the curious domed rock formations of Kata Tjuta and gaze up in astonished awe at the 100-metre-high walls of majestic Kings Canyon while the locals share the secrets of indigenous Australian culture. If you’ve come all the way to Australia, it’d be a shame to go home without coming here first. Regret nothing.
Highlights: Enjoying the sunrise and sunset over iconic Uluru, exploring breathtaking Kings Canyon, hiking the impressive Valley of the Winds in Kata Tjuta, sleeping under the stars of the outback sky.
- Trip Style:
- Yolo
- Trip Type:
- Small Group
- Service Level:
- Camping
- Physical Grading:
- 3
New Zealand—The Bay of Islands (ONBI)
Nature lovers who leave the North Island without stopping in at the Bay of Islands will kick themselves all the way back home (and that’s a looooong flight). This 4-day trip to this outdoorsman’s paradise features ample time hiking the nature trails and makes the most of all that water with plenty of opportunities for swimming, snorkelling, kayaking and sailing. Not enough? A night aboard a houseboat should do the trick. We take care of all the fuss. All you have to do is have the time of your life.
Highlights: Walking amongst giant kauri trees, spending the night anchored in a secluded bay, fishing like the locals, savouring a traditional barbecue in Paihia town
Northern Aboriginal Experience (OANA)
“Dreamtime,” the animist mythology central to indigenous Australian society, is a fascinating ideology that has helped shape the continent. This trip is just the ticket for curious travellers eager to learn more about Aboriginal history, culture and contemporary life straight from the people themselves. Up here in the north, you’ll study ancient traditions, learn how to spear-fish, wander the beaches and lush valleys along the Daintree River and embark on a life-affirming rainforest walk that will bring you closer to the land and the people who inhabit it than you ever thought possible. The dream is real, and it’s waiting for you to join it.
Highlights: Sleeping in a swag under the impressive southern night sky, spearing fish and cooking what you catch with Aboriginals, making your own Aboriginal artwork, learning about life in remote communities with a local host, exploring pristine coastal rainforests.
- Trip Style:
- Yolo
- Trip Type:
- Small Group
- Service Level:
- Basic
- Physical Grading:
- 4
Great Ocean Road West—Melbourne to Adelaide (OAMA)
This might be a quick trip along the Great Ocean Road—but you’ll never feel rushed. Geared towards budget-conscious travellers looking to hit the highlights of the south coast, this itinerary features lots of inclusions at a great price. What’s more, you’ll have lots of options to get active when you head inland to Grampians National Park. Forego the typical coach tour and experience Australia the way it was meant to be explored.
Highlights: Marvelling at the 12 Apostles along the Great Ocean Road, trekking and spotting wildlife in the region's national parks, spotting wildlife in remote saltwater lagoons.
- Trip Style:
- Yolo
- Trip Type:
- Small Group
- Service Level:
- Basic
- Physical Grading:
- 3
Southern Thailand Beach Break (TATSTC)
Escape to the tranquil island of Koh Samet nestled just off the coast in the warm waters of the Gulf of Thailand. Relax and soak up the sun on this beautiful island of powdery white sand and smiles. The island is also home to many different wildlife species including monkeys, hornbills, gibbons and butterflies.
Highlights: Relaxing on the gorgeous golden sands of Ko Samet, Enjoying the famous Thai hospitality, Searching out the islands wildlife including monkeys, and gibbons.
New Zealand—Best of the North Island (ONNI)
Admittedly, we haven’t checked the numbers too closely, but we’re confident that New Zealand ranks among the world’s leading producers of excitement. This quick trip across the North Island jams as many thrills as permissible by law into seven electrifying, activity-packed days. Sea kayak remote waterways to secluded caves and beaches, learn to surf New Zealand's world famous waves, experience Maori culture directly from the Maori themselves and more, all in a breezy week that always feels full and never feels hurried.
Highlights: Surfing world famous waves, kayaking remote coves to discover hidden beaches, discovering a historic Maori village with a local guide, conquering New Zealand's top-rated 1-day trek, dancing the night away in Wellington.
Up Top Down Under—Alice Springs to Darwin (OARD)
Skip the long bus drive and ride the rails through the scenic outback before heading into the remote Kakadu region for three days. Geared towards budget-conscious travellers who want to make the most of their time, this itinerary includes the highlights of the Red Centre and Top End. Here you’ll meet some of the locals, experience the mysteries of Uluru and gain insight into regional Aboriginal and European history.
Highlights: Riding the route of Afghan cameleers on the Ghan Train, gaining insight to Aboriginal art and culture, spotting crocs by boat in Kakadu National Park, discovering secret swimming holes and waterfalls in Litchfield National Park
Halloween in Transylvania (EQHT)
Transylvania. The name itself is enough to send an icy chill down the spine of even the most fearless adventurer. Now imagine being there, in person, when the clock clangs midnight… on Halloween! At odds with its creeptacular reputation, Romania ranks as one of Europe’s most charming and underexplored regions, beguiling visitors with its stunning Gothic architecture, enveloping forests and friendly people. But as idyllic as it is by day, the real fun happens at night—particularly Halloween, when we’ll treat you to a costume party in an authentic castle. Think you’re not afraid of the dark? You will be.
Highlights: Creeping around an authentic Gothic castle at a special Halloween costume party, taking a peak into the ruins of Dracula’s castle, exploring medieval towns including the Old World cities of Brasov and Bucharest, learning the true story of the infamous 'Vlad the Impaler', hiking the gorgeous Transylvanian woods.
- Trip Style:
- Classic
- Trip Type:
- Small Group
- Service Level:
- Standard
- Physical Grading:
- 2
Sydney to Brisbane Experience (OASB)
Think Australia’s out of your league since you’re short on time and cash? Nope! This quick and economical Sydney-to-Brisbane jaunt squeezes tons of excitement into a short time frame at a price that fits any budget. Fish with the locals, learn to surf and sip Australia’s viticultural bounty on the coast, then move inland to the outback to try your hand at gem mining and sheep shearing before overnighting in a teepee at a hippie commune. It’s Oz in a flash for a fraction of the cost.
Highlights: Tasting wine in the Hunter Valley, staying overnight at a sheep station and learning techniques from the locals, fossicking for gemstones, learning to surf in famous Byron Bay
- Trip Style:
- Yolo
- Trip Type:
- Small Group
- Service Level:
- Basic
- Physical Grading:
- 3
Nepal Adventure (ANNA)
From the colours and magic of Kathmandu's markets to the serenity of Himalayan trails, this 10-day adventure offers an intriguing blend of well-paced excursions. The rugged foothills of the Annapurna Range will reward those willing to break a sweat with stunning views of mountain vistas. Experience Nepal from a different perspective as you explore Chitwan National Park from the back of an elephant. With many included activities and options for more, like a soak in the restorative waters of a natural hot spring, you'll come away with a full and real appreciation of this fascinating land.
Highlights: Sightseeing in old Kathmandu and Bhaktapur, Searching for tigers in Chitwan National Park, Trekking the foothills of the Annapurna Range, Marvelling at the mountain landscapes
- Trip Style:
- Classic
- Trip Type:
- Small Group
- Service Level:
- Standard
- Physical Grading:
- 4
Ultimate Cambodian Adventure (ATUC)
No matter where you travel in Cambodia, the past is always present. History, both ancient and modern, is everywhere here; whether you’re cycling in the shadows of the mighty Angkor Wat, wandering the streets of cosmopolitan Phnom Penh or exploring the Irrawaddy in search of river dolphins, you can’t escape the pull of time that shaped—and continues to shape—this arresting land.
Highlights: Strolling through the streets of colonial Phnom Penh and Battambang, learning about recent history of Cambodia with a visit to Tuol Sleng, revelling in the majesty of Angkor Wat, relaxing on golden beaches, experiencing dinner with a local family, exploring the bustle of Bangkok.
- Trip Style:
- Classic
- Trip Type:
- Small Group
- Service Level:
- Standard
- Physical Grading:
- 2
Music, Mountains & Monuments Westbound (NUNN)
Culture vultures, get ready to take flight on an incredible tour of American capitals—business, political and musical. From Manhattan, follow the trail of independence through Philadelphia to Washington, DC. Then drive the stunning Blue Ridge Parkway into the South. Just try to prevent your boots from shufflin' in the music meccas of Memphis, Nashville and New Orleans.
Highlights: Feeling the beat in Memphis, Nashville and New Orleans, driving through the Appalachian Mountains, exploring monuments in Washington, DC, seeing the sites in New York City
Outback to the Red Centre—Adelaide to Alice Springs (OAAR)
Forego the typical coach tour and get off the beaten track from Adelaide to Alice Springs and explore some of the most remote areas on Earth. From Adelaide, hit the Flinders Ranges and cut through the outback to the Red Centre. Here you’ll meet some of the locals, experience the mysteries of Uluru and gain insight into regional Aboriginal and European history. Geared towards budget-conscious travellers looking to hit the outback’s highlights, this itinerary features lots of inclusions at a great price.
Highlights: Bedding down at a traditional sheep station, Living life underground in the historic mining town of Coober Pedy, Learning about dreamtime stories from the Aborigines, Enjoying the sunset over Uluru, Experiencing the Red Centre with an Aboriginal guide, Sleeping in a 'swag' under the stars of the outback sky
- Trip Style:
- Yolo
- Trip Type:
- Small Group
- Service Level:
- Basic
- Physical Grading:
- 3
The Rock, Rail and Kakadu (OARK)
For rugged natural splendour, the Australian outback is where it’s at. This journey into the remote regions of northern and central Australia brings you face-to-face with the land and the intriguing characters and wildlife that call it home. Majestic Uluru, sprawling Kings Canyon and the out-there landscapes of Kakadu National Park await your hiking boots, while the crocodiles and the mysteries of Indigenous Australian culture—as told by the locals themselves—are primed to fascinate. Adventure doesn’t get much more adventurous than this.
Highlights: Witnessing the majesty of Uluru at sunset and sunrise, hiking the Red Centre, stargazing at the impressive southern sky, riding the route of Afghan cameleers on The Ghan Train, learning about Aboriginal dreamtime stories, travelling to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kakadu National Park
- Trip Style:
- Yolo
- Trip Type:
- Small Group
- Service Level:
- Basic
- Physical Grading:
- 3
Southern Thai Delights (ATTS)
For years, travellers have made a beeline for the south of Thailand. This compact 1-week trip offers a convenient but unhurried way to experience the beautiful beaches and laid-back culture for yourself. Centred in the southern hotspots of Koh Samui and Krabi, relax on the beach or get busy on optional excursions—we make it easy to enjoy thrilling jungle treks and kayak excursions. And nothing is more inspiring than savouring a magnificent sunset on the beach—drink in hand, of course.
Highlights: Kayaking along the stunning coastline of Koh Mae Ko, exploring 'The Beach' at beautiful Maya Bay, trekking through the jungle on an optional excursion, relaxing in a tropical paradise.
- Trip Style:
- G-Plus
- Trip Type:
- Small Group
- Service Level:
- Comfort
- Physical Grading:
- 2
New Zealand - North Island Encompassed (ONNE)
New Zealand’s North Island thoroughly engages the body and the spirit, often at the same time. This 10-day trip promises loads of both. Up here, you’ll learn Maori culture (and try your hand at bone-carving) straight from the source while bunking in villages in the bush and pick up some sustainable living tips on a conservation farm. Elsewhere, you’ll sea kayak in a secluded harbour, get a surfing lesson from an expert and camp out in a retro-style caravan. There’s much more, but we’ve gotta leave some surprises, right?
Highlights: Snorkelling in the beautiful Bay of Islands, surfing world famous waves, kayaking remote coves to discover hidden beaches, learning about the Maori culture in a village homestay, conquering New Zealand's top-rated 1-day trek, dancing the night away in Wellington.
Best of Southern India (AHBS)
From steamy Kerala backwaters and spice plantations to incredible temples and searching for tigers in the wild, have your camera ready as you experience the highlights of Southern India. This 2-week adventure offers a great balance of guided excursions and free time to explore on your own. Travelling by train, bus, rickshaw, tuk tuk, bicycle and country boats will bring you closer to the locals and is a fascinating way to gain insight into the peaceful backwaters of Kerala and stunning temples of Tamilnadu.
Highlights: Relaxing in peaceful backwaters, spotting wildlife in beautiful parks, uncovering ancient temples, exploring tea and spice plantations, taking a rickshaw ride through the streets of Madurai.
Down the Ganges (AHGS)
What can you do with 15 days in India? Oh, this and that… Start with whitewater rafting in the foothills of the Himalayas and a visit to the Taj Mahal, a monument that redefines the word ‘monumental'. Next, hunt river dolphins (with your camera, of course), witness the moving burial ceremonies at the ghats of Varanasi and camp out along the shores of the mighty Ganges itself. From bustling New Delhi to gorgeous Agra to colonial Kolkata and all points in between, this is India in a nutshell—a huge, wonderful, brightly-coloured nutshell.
Highlights: Sailing along the Ganges River, Whitewater rafting through exciting rapids, Experiencing the spirituality of India during an evening Aatri, Marvelling at the beauty of the Taj Mahal.
Brisbane to Cairns Experience (OABC)
You can get a sense of just how huge Australia is by looking at a map, but once you’re there, the vastness really hits home. For travellers long on ambition but short on time, this extensive and compact journey up the East Coast of Queensland is nothing short of ideal. Employing a diverse range of transport—yachts, trains, 4x4s and buses—you’ll visit Fraser Island and the Whitsundays, go snorkelling and even spend the night in a teepee and camp out under the stars in an authentic Australian 'swag.' Your time here may not last long, but your memories will last forever.
Highlights: Sleeping under the stars at a remote cattle station, zipping over dunes in a 4x4 on a remote sand island, learning about Aboriginal dreamtime stories, sailing from island to island through the Whitsundays
Classic China Adventure (ACCAD)
If you’ve always been intrigued by the mysteries of the Middle Kingdom’s tremendous past and the promise of its future, then dive into the wonders of China on this exceptional tour. Walk back in time along the Great Wall, stare down the stoic Terracotta Warriors and watch acrobats fly through the Shanghai air. With your accommodation and transportation arranged by our expert guides, this adventure offers up a great combination of must-see highlights and authentic activities to engage your inner explorer. Ready? Let’s go!
Highlights: Learning the history of famed Chinese sites, including the Great Wall and Tiananmen Square, Tasting various regional specialties such as Beijing Duck, Learning about tea production and enjoy a tasting, Practicing tai chi with the locals in Shanghai
- Trip Style:
- Discovery Adventures
- Trip Type:
- Small Group
- Service Level:
- Comfort
- Physical Grading:
- 2
