Local Living Spain: Barcelona (ESBL)
By turns cool, cosmopolitan and comfortable, Barcelona is that rare breed of world-class city that makes every visitor feel right at home. Our adventure here—with a centrally located apartment as home base—features a diverse array of activities for travellers eager to try something new every day; art and architecture tours for the culturally minded, tapas and cava bars for gastronomists, hiking the hills near Montserrat for outdoorsy types and plenty of nightlife for the night owls.
Highlights: Sharing a rental property with optional day trips and activities, navigating the old Gothic Quarter, sampling the area's gastronomy on a tapas bar crawl, chilling out at the Barceloneta Beach, sampling vibrant Spanish nightlife
- Trip Style:
- Local Living
- Trip Type:
- Small Group
- Service Level:
- Standard
- Physical Grading:
- 1
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
Local Living France: Burgundy Canal Boat (EFBL)
Get a new perspective on France with this canal barge adventure. Each day you'll cruise for 4-5 hours, clearing locks and seeing the world at a pace you'll appreciate. Along the way stop for wine tastings and gastronomic indulgences, cycle along country lanes and hike green valleys. Your houseboat home has only four cabins, so you're sharing the deck and the views with like-minded travellers. With a CEO there to offer advice—and steer!—you'll quickly realize that getting there is half the adventure. Please note that the following is a sample itinerary only and may change due to canal conditions, traffic, weather and other factors. Some departures will run in the opposite direction.
Highlights: Sharing a canal boat with optional day trips and activities, cruising along the lush Saône River, hiking and cycling riverside trails, tasting French gastronomic delights, sampling world-famous Burgundy wines.
- Trip Style:
- Local Living
- Trip Type:
- Small Group
- Service Level:
- Standard
- Physical Grading:
- 2
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
Croatia Sailing Adventure - Split to Dubrovnik (ECVS)
Whether you're looking for relaxed afternoons lazing on the deck of a yacht or time to indulge in the nightlife, this Croatian cruise aims to please. Discover charming villages and stunning scenery as you sail from Split to Dubrovnik on a small yacht. The emphasis is on connecting with the country and culture and you'll fall in love with this region's beauty on hikes to castles and waterfalls. Toss in beach barbecue and snorkelling and you have an incredible and affordable island getaway.
Highlights: Connect with history at Diocletian's Palace in Split, discover secluded islands and deserted beaches, explore Korcula—the birthplace of Marco Polo, wander the forested paradise of Mljet National Park, sail into the ancient port of Dubrovnik—'the Pearl of the Adriatic'
- Trip Style:
- Small Ship Cruising & Sailing
- Trip Type:
- Small Group
- Service Level:
- Standard
- Physical Grading:
- 2
Local Living Spain: Ibiza (ESIL)
Sun-seekers and those looking for the ultimate summer party have always flocked to Ibiza. Get into a Balearic state of mind with this 8-day visit. Hit the hippie market, get active wind surfing or just chill out on the beach or your gorgeous property—it's your call. This villa was once a schoolhouse and is bursting with character. Rooms have private bathrooms but you share the kitchen and living areas with like-minded travellers. With your CEO taking care of the hassles, you'll find your groove in no time.
Highlights: Sharing a rental property with optional day trips and activities, lounging on postcard-worthy beaches, wandering the historic streets of old Ibiza Town, finding hidden coves around the island, dancing to the beats of world-famous DJs, relaxing at your very own luxury villa.
- Trip Style:
- Local Living
- Trip Type:
- Small Group
- Service Level:
- Comfort
- Physical Grading:
- 1
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
Greek Islands Sailing Adventure (Santorini to Santorini) (GVSS)
A yacht adventure is the ideal way to experience what many consider the world’s most beautiful islands—the Greek Islands. Sail aboard our 15m (50-ft.) yachts, with time for hiking, snorkelling and relaxing. Explore ancient archaeological sites and taverna-lined harbours, dine on fresh seafood and don’t forget to try the ouzo! This 10-day round trip from Santorini will give you the chance to explore some of the treasures of the Greek Islands.
Highlights: Sail through the pristine waters of the Greek Islands aboard a yacht, capture the ultimate Greek snapshot on Santorini, wander through whitewashed villages on Paros, enjoy the party on Mykonos, discover Venetian architecture on Naxos
- Trip Style:
- Small Ship Cruising & Sailing
- Trip Type:
- Small Group
- Service Level:
- Standard
- Physical Grading:
- 2
Chicago to San Francisco Road Trip (NUCF)
Remember the country they sing about in 'America the Beautiful'? The one with the spacious skies, gleaming alabaster cities and majestic purple mountains? It’s still out there. Come see it with us. Ideal for wildlife enthusiasts and outdoorsy folk who want to see the country by day and revel downtown by night, this trip takes you across the Great West, from the City of Big Shoulders through Yellowstone and Yosemite and past herds of grazing bison to the City by the Bay. In a word: Perfect.
Highlights: Camping along the Mississippi, hiking the Badlands, witnessing geysers at Yellowstone and presidents at Mt Rushmore, meeting the wildlife of Grand Teton National Park and in Jackson's Million Dollar Cowboy Bar
- Trip Style:
- Yolo
- Trip Type:
- Small Group
- Service Level:
- Camping
- Physical Grading:
- 2
Melbourne to the Red Centre (OAMR)
If you really want to get Down Under and experience Australia’s highlights without feeling rushed, you’ll have to get off the big coaches. Explore Melbourne before hitting the Great Ocean Road and cutting through the outback to the Red Centre. Here you’ll experience the mysteries of Uluru and gain insight into Aboriginal culture. When it comes time to bed down, shake things up with a variety of unique accommodation—from safari tents to underground hostels and even a traditional sheep station.
Highlights: Marvelling at the 12 Apostles along the Great Ocean Road, bedding down at a traditional sheep station, learning about dreamtime stories from the Aborigines, catching the magnificent colours of Uluru at sunset, exploring the Red Centre with a local guide
- Trip Style:
- Yolo
- Trip Type:
- Small Group
- Service Level:
- Basic
- Physical Grading:
- 3
San Francisco to New Orleans Road Trip (NUFO)
Bridging two iconic cities, this is a road trip that features amazing national parks, quirky landmarks and the spirit of America. Learn about Navajo culture, play the odds in Vegas, bask in genuine southern hospitality and get your cowboy on in Texas. Centrally located hotels in the cities and campsites in the wilderness keep you in the heart of the action no matter where you are. With so much heart and soul and so much to see and do on the road to New Orleans, don’t leave your heart in San Francisco because you’re going to need it.
Highlights: Strolling the hills of San Francisco, catching a sunset at the Grand Canyon, marvelling at cliff dwellings in Mesa Verde, feeling the heat in Death Valley, rolling the dice in Las Vegas, searching for wildlife in Yosemite.
- Trip Style:
- Yolo
- Trip Type:
- Small Group
- Service Level:
- Camping
- Physical Grading:
- 2
Colombia Experience (SMCE)
Discover a corner of South America that's been off the tourist map for years without sacrificing your comfort on this fascinating Colombian adventure. You'll visit famous coffee plantations around Armenia and Salento and hit Medellín for museums and big city bustle. Indulge in the beauty of Santa Rosa del Cabal with a hot springs soak and immerse yourself in the colonial charm of Cartagena and the sophistication of Bogotá. This 12-day journey is an intriguing mixture of rural and urban—and culture and coffee.
Highlights: Sipping coffee amidst lush plantation scenery, Soaking in hot springs, Exploring Medellín and lazing on Caribbean beaches, Wandering the cobblestone streets in historic Cartagena.
- Trip Style:
- G-Plus
- Trip Type:
- Small Group
- Service Level:
- Comfort
- Physical Grading:
- 2
