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
Easter Island (TSCRNB)
Unravel the mystery of Rapa Nui. Explore mythical Easter Island, known around the world for its ancient monolithic stone statues. See the mysterious statues, or Moai, sprinkled throughout the island, tour the volcanoes, beaches and petroglyphs and get to know the unique culture of one of the most remote islands on earth.
Highlights: Exploring the ruins and monolithic heads of the island, Admiring volcanoes and beaches, Searching for prehistoric paintings at the Ana Kai Tangata cavern.
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
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
Beaches & Backwaters (AHBB)
Watch the sunset through the fishing nets of Kochi, stretch out on white sand beaches, drift through the tranquil backwaters and rise at dawn to see the sunrise. This 7-day tour offers a quick introduction to the diversity of South India. Inhale the exotic perfume of cardamom as you stroll through spice gardens and unwind with some yoga in your free time. Meet the locals and spend the night with a local family on a tour that's all about authentic cultural experience.
Highlights: Relaxing in the calm backwaters, experiencing a local homestay, chilling out on quiet beaches, sampling South Indian cuisine.
Atlas Mountain Trek (DCAM)
The Atlas Mountains reward their visitors with a stunning combination of valleys, summits and traditional villages clinging to mountainsides. On this active adventure through one of Morocco's most naturally beautiful regions, you'll experience magnificent views and enjoy meeting local people along the trail. Recount the day’s exploits over home-cooked dinners each night from the comfort of your cozy accommodations. Designed with those who are fit in mind, the challenging but rewarding hikes are taken at a leisurely pace, allowing plenty of time to catch your breath, then the chance to lose it all over again while admiring the stunning views.
Highlights: Enjoying spectacular day walks, relaxing at a family gîte and savouring home-cooked meals, helping with a local village project, wandering ancient medinas and bazaars in Marrakech
Climb Mt Toubkal (DCCT)
Jebel Toubkal, Morocco’s 4,167m-tall peak, has captivated mountaineers for centuries. Our ascent up the rocky giant of North Africa—the tallest in the region—is no picnic, but is accessible to anyone in good shape and hungry for a thrilling high-altitude adventure. Traditional Berber communities line the route on this trip, and you’ll have plenty of time to learn their customs through village visits and overnight camping with hearty home-cooked meals. The views on the way up are spectacular, but nothing compares to what you’ll see (and feel) at the top.
Highlights: Walking in spectacular mountain scenery, tasting delicious local cuisine, camping in the great outdoors.
Winter Toubkal Ascent (DCWT)
Climbing a mountain in the summertime is tough. Climbing one in the winter? That’s for adventurers only. While the climb up Mount Toubkal is the undisputed centrepiece of this week-long escapade in Morocco’s Atlas Mountains, it’s not the only once-in-a-lifetime encounter you’ll have. Beginning in captivating Marrakech, you’ll trek deep into the hills (no prior experience required—promise!), happening upon snowbound Berber communities and some of the most majestic mountainscapes you’ll ever see along the way. Prepare to return home a completely different person than when you left.
Highlights: Walking in snowy mountain scenery, summitting two peaks in the High Atlas Mountains, Experiencing Moroccan village life in winter
Usambara Mountain Cultural Trek (DTUM)
Tucked away in northeastern Tanzania, the Usambaras are among the most biodiverse regions in the world. Covered by a thick canopy of tropical forest, the mountains offer terrain and wildlife uncommon throughout the rest of Africa. Using public transport and your own feet, this adventure will take you deep into the hills to isolated villages to meet the people who make this unique land their home, lodging in basic guesthouses along the route. If you like vigorous exercise, impossibly fresh air, personal contact and jaw-dropping scenery then prepare to fall in love.
Highlights: Trekking through rustic villages and indigenous forests, interacting with the local communities, enjoying the magnificent views in the Usambara Mountains.
Croatia Adventure - Zagreb to Dubrovnik (ECZD)
A trip from Zagreb to Dubrovnik is not your backpacker’s typical European tour—it’s way better. In one week, scramble from historic Zagreb along the Adriatic Coast to stunning Dubrovnik. Along the way you’ll hit the highlights—did we mention Pag and Hvar, along the coastline? But you’ll also discover a Europe too often ignored by travellers. Party in exclusive clubs and wander historic and picture-perfect old lanes. Come away from Europe with more than just great photographs—travel with young and fun travellers and you’ve got friends for life.
Highlights: Making new friends over drinks along the Adriatic, scrambling around medieval fortresses, connecting with the culture in charming old villages, discovering the rich and varied countryside of the Balkans, exploring Diocletian's Palace on a guided tour.
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.
Beijing to Shanghai Adventure (ACBI)
China can be intimidating, what with its Great Wall, Forbidden City and army of Terracotta Warriors. This 8-day trip will wipe away any worries—you'll have an expert CEO leading the way and you'll hit the highlights in the company of other young travellers. Get a mix of modern and historic with plenty of time to enjoy the nightlife. Best of all, you're in control—see the sights you like and skip the ones you don't—so it's an adventure you'll never forget.
Highlights: Trekking along the Great Wall, taking in ancient and modern China, opting to step back into the past with a visit to the Terracotta Warriors in Xi'an, enjoying a night out at karaoke in modern Shanghai.
Local Living Mongolia: Nomadic Life (AMNL)
It was from Mongolia that Ghengis Khan set forth to conquer the world. This unique adventure is your chance to return to this heartland and let its people and scenery capture your heart. Leave Ulaanbaatar and the modern world behind and travel by horseback or oxcart to Terelj National Park for life with nomadic families. You'll live in a ger, take tea with your neighbours, ride horses and learn archery and garment-making skills. It's eight days like you never imagined. Participants should be comfortable around and on horses.
Highlights: Riding your horse across the Mongolian countryside, sleeping in a traditional Mongolian ger, learning traditional crafts and skills from nomadic hosts, competing with Mongolian nomads in archery.
- Trip Style:
- Local Living
- Trip Type:
- Small Group
- Service Level:
- Basic
- Physical Grading:
- 3
Northern Hilltribes & Villages (ATHV)
From the luxury of Bangkok's malls and gleaming highrises, head north to Thailand's hills. Eating and sleeping with the hilltribes will bring you face to face with these colourful cultures. We’ll leave plenty of time for fun in historic Chiang Mai with its night market and delicious cuisine. Our CEOs will help you get off the beaten path—but you'll stay flexible by being able to choose the activities you really want.
Highlights: Experiencing the bustle of Bangkok, exploring the vibrancy of Chiang Mai, trekking through northern hilltribes and meeting the locals, riding on the back of an elephant and floating on a bamboo raft.
- Trip Style:
- Yolo
- Trip Type:
- Small Group
- Service Level:
- Basic
- Physical Grading:
- 3
Cuban Rhythms (CCCR)
For too many people, Cuba is nothing more than a beach resort. That’s crazy; the island practically buzzes with energy and you should do likewise—get moving. Journey through the culture-soaked streets of Trinidad and Old Havana for your fill of drinking and dancing. The music here pours out of open windows. Hit the beach and explore the outdoors then connect with the locals in homestays and make friends for life as you hit the sites with other young people like yourself. Boring? Impossible!
Highlights: Dancing the night away with other young travellers in Old Havana, mingling with the locals at overnight homestays, sampling the local rum and cigars, connecting to the salsa culture on the dance floor, moving those hips to incredible live music, exploring colonial Havana's alleyways, lazing under the Caribbean sun.
Costa Rica on a Shoestring (CRBC)
Hit two of Costa Rica's famed features—volcanoes and beaches—on this exciting trip that isn't too hard on the wallet. Get the adrenaline pumping in La Fortuna, then soak up the hippie spirit of Montezuma and relax on the beach. While you're free to choose your own adventure and optional adrenaline-inducing activities like waterfall rappelling, your accommodation and transportation are included and our expert CEOs will help you make the most of your time. Take a trip that's packed with just the essentials—eight days of maximum Costa Rica at minimum cost.
Highlights: Trying adrenaline sports like whitewater rafting and waterfall rappelling, taking in the views of Arenal Volcano towering over La Fortuna, chilling out on the Pacific, trying to catch some waves.
Moroccan Desert Adventure (DCMD)
Marrakech—whisper it and instantly your mind goes to a place of seduction and spices. Experience it for yourself. This intense 1-week journey through Morocco reveals the secrets of Marrakech and Casablanca and is crammed with all the activities and energy you crave. In the company of other young travellers, dance beside a campfire in the Sahara, go rock climbing in Todra and hang with the hippies in Essaouira. Explore the kasbahs, coast and desert and lose the herd on a trip you’ll never forget.
Highlights: Getting lost in ancient medinas, dodging snake charmers, riding a camel to a desert camp, bargaining in exotic souks, hanging with the hippies of Essaouira, experiencing this land of mystery for yourself.
Budget Egypt (DPGE)
This compact adventure offers maximum Egypt at minimum cost. Stare in amazement at the pyramids and float down the Nile on a felucca. Embrace the culture and meet remarkable people as you dine on traditional fare with a local family in a Nubian village. You'll enjoy basic accommodation and transport to the best sights. Walk through the Valley of the Kings or explore Karnak—it's your call. Don't just dream of Egypt, wake up in the 'Land of the Pharaohs' and open your eyes to adventure.
Highlights: Enjoying a traditional family meal, exploring ancient temples and monuments, bartering in bazaars, sleeping beneath the stars on a felucca, visiting a Nubian village.
Trekking in Transylvania (EATC)
Enter the world of legend and embrace the myth of Count Dracula as you trek through the rugged wilderness of Romania. Ancient border roads and shepherds’ trails will reward active adventurers willing to break a sweat with stunning mountain scenery populated with bears, wolves and lynx. You'll stay in simple guesthouses and travel in small groups with local guides for a truly authentic insight into this wild corner of Europe. From steep dramatic slopes to small one-school, one-pub villages, experience the beauty of the Carpathian Mountains.
Highlights: Visiting 'Dracula's Castle' in Bran, hiking the undiscovered Romanian countryside, marvelling at magnificent Carpathian views, savouring Romanian culture and history.
Costa Blanca Active Adventure (ESPA)
Stunning to look at, a thrill to explore and easily accessible to virtually all of Europe’s major hubs, the Costa Blanca is an all-natural outdoor theme park for adventure-minded travellers. Steel yourself for eight days out and about in the wilderness, canyoning along rivers, crawling along inside caves, cycling through mountain passes and ambling through picturesque fields, valleys and meadows. You’ve never tasted mountain air as clean and crisp as they breathe up here. Convenient, economical, exciting… hits all the basics, doesn’t it? Come discover what you’ve been missing. Bring your friends.
Highlights: Cycling through glorious countryside, learning about local culture and customs, savouring tapas and local wines.
- Trip Style:
- Active
- Trip Type:
- Small Group
- Service Level:
- Basic
- Physical Grading:
- 4
| Trip | Length | Style | Service Level | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Aboriginal Experience (OANA) | 3 days | Yolo | Basic |
From
$510
USD
Promotions Available!
Was
$599
|
| Easter Island (TSCRNB) | 4 days | Classic | Basic |
From
$549
USD
|
| Great Ocean Road West—Melbourne to Adelaide (OAMA) | 5 days | Yolo | Basic |
From
$510
USD
Promotions Available!
Was
$599
|
| Up Top Down Under—Alice Springs to Darwin (OARD) | 6 days | Yolo | Basic |
From
$999
USD
|
| Beaches & Backwaters (AHBB) | 7 days | Yolo | Basic |
From
$649
USD
|
| Atlas Mountain Trek (DCAM) | 7 days | Active | Basic |
From
$649
USD
|
| Climb Mt Toubkal (DCCT) | 7 days | Active | Basic |
From
$649
USD
|
| Winter Toubkal Ascent (DCWT) | 7 days | Active | Basic |
From
$699
USD
|
| Usambara Mountain Cultural Trek (DTUM) | 7 days | Active | Basic |
From
$699
USD
|
| Croatia Adventure - Zagreb to Dubrovnik (ECZD) | 7 days | Yolo | Basic |
From
$699
USD
|
| New Zealand—Best of the North Island (ONNI) | 7 days | Yolo | Basic |
From
$799
USD
|
| Beijing to Shanghai Adventure (ACBI) | 8 days | Yolo | Basic |
From
$999
USD
|
| Local Living Mongolia: Nomadic Life (AMNL) | 8 days | Local Living | Basic |
From
$765
USD
Promotions Available!
Was
$899
|
| Northern Hilltribes & Villages (ATHV) | 8 days | Yolo | Basic |
From
$552
USD
Promotions Available!
Was
$649
|
| Cuban Rhythms (CCCR) | 8 days | Yolo | Basic |
From
$649
USD
|
| Costa Rica on a Shoestring (CRBC) | 8 days | Yolo | Basic |
From
$649
USD
|
| Moroccan Desert Adventure (DCMD) | 8 days | Yolo | Basic |
From
$699
USD
|
| Budget Egypt (DPGE) | 8 days | Yolo | Basic |
From
$599
USD
|
| Trekking in Transylvania (EATC) | 8 days | Active | Basic |
From
$999
USD
|
| Costa Blanca Active Adventure (ESPA) | 8 days | Active | Basic |
From
$765
USD
Promotions Available!
Was
$899
|
