Yosemite Park & Napa Valley (NUVF)
The perfect blend of wildlife, active excursions and the charm of wine country, this week-long journey from Las Vegas to San Francisco packs a punch. Explore Yosemite—famous for its waterfalls and fantastic landscapes—and paddle the Russian River in Sonoma wine country. These diverse areas offer plenty of options and our nimble touring van makes the most of sites. Camping keeps you close to the land while offering great value, so you’ll have money left to sip or slurp you way through Napa Valley.
Highlights: Sipping wine in Napa Valley, hiking the trails of Yosemite, revelling in the bright lights of Las Vegas, breaking a sweat in Death Valley, strolling the hills of San Francisco.
- Trip Style:
- Yolo
- Trip Type:
- Small Group
- Service Level:
- Camping
- Physical Grading:
- 2
Yosemite Active Adventure (NUYA)
California is no stranger to flashbulbs, but some of her incredible sights just can’t be framed by a photograph. On this active trip, you’ll meet some of the best of them face to face. Heading out of San Francisco, the wide open spaces of Yosemite National Park beckon you for a trip that has it all - rafting, hiking, mountain biking and backpacking. The backdrop of the spectacular granite cliffs and towering sequoias of Yosemite surrounds you as you roll out your tent to camp in the middle of the park itself. Nature: ready when you are.
Highlights: Sleeping out under the stars in Yosemite National Park, rafting the rapids and churning waters of the American River, trekking overnight into the high sierra of Yosemite
- Trip Style:
- Active
- Trip Type:
- Small Group
- Service Level:
- Camping
- Physical Grading:
- 4
Yellowstone Active Escape (NUYE)
For the active traveller who loves the outdoors, there is simply no bigger playground than Yellowstone National Park. Imagine biking in Jackson Hole Valley, kayaking Yellowstone Lake and hiking the upper Geyser Basin to Old Faithful. Hike at Jenny Lake, explore Teton National Park and experience wilderness in a whole new way on a Wildlife Float Trip. The days are full, but with nights in comfortable hotels and lodges in or near the parks, you’ll be rested—and inspired—for the next adventure.
Highlights: Exploring amazing geysers and hot springs of Yellowstone by foot, understanding the volcanic forces that helped forge the Rockies, spotting wildlife in Grand Teton National Park, saddling up to a real cowboy bar, taking in some of the world's greatest vistas
- Trip Style:
- Active
- Trip Type:
- Small Group
- Service Level:
- Comfort
- Physical Grading:
- 3
Western Express Southbound (NUPS)
From ghost towns and the Grand Canyon to roadside burger joints and the cosmopolitan streets of San Francisco, this region is loaded with the intriguing and the incredible. Best of all, the San Francisco to Los Angeles itinerary is structured so that those short on time can experience the region's best. At the sites—like the atmospheric mining town of Laughlin—you’ll get great pictures and a greater appreciation of what you’re seeing. Best of all, national park entrances fees are included—so you can explore Yosemite and still try your luck in Las Vegas.
Highlights: Basking in big city lights in Los Angeles, Las Vegas and San Francisco, hiking through Yosemite, sweating buckets in Death Valley, driving Route 66, reliving the Wild West at the ghost town of Calico.
- Trip Style:
- Classic
- Trip Type:
- Small Group
- Service Level:
- Standard
- Physical Grading:
- 2
Volunteer China - Pandas (ACZJ)
This unique itinerary introduces the highlights of the Middle Kingdom — from the historic gems of modern Beijing to the ancient walls of Xi'an and cosmopolitan glitter of contemporary Shanghai while allowing you to give back to the community at the same time. From the palaces and temples of Beijing venture to the countryside to experience the grandeur of the Great Wall and work with intellectually challenged youth at a unique organic farm centre designed to offer employment opportunities and training to intellectually challenged people. In Xi'an witness the world-famous Terracotta Warriors, in Chengdu indulge in the culinary spice that is Sichuan cuisine and volunteer at the largest panda reserve in the world to help ensure these distinctly Chinese icons are around for future generations to admire.
Highlights: Volunteering at a rural organic farm and working with the local community, coming face-to-face with pandas at the Bifengxia Panda Center, exploring the bustling markets and streets of China's biggest cities, hiking along the Great Wall, standing in the middle of Tiananmen Square and meeting the Terracotta Warriors
- Trip Style:
- Classic
- Trip Type:
- Small Group
- Service Level:
- Standard
- Physical Grading:
- 2
Uzbekistan Discovered (AUUK)
From the remarkable mosques and architecture of Tashkent to the ancient capital of Khiva, follow the legendary Silk Road through the exotic best of Uzbekistan. Indulge in steamy marble hammams, roam the twisting lanes of ancient bazaars and explore the monuments and minarets of Samarkand. Your CEO will lead the way, taking care of the hassles and leaving you free to explore a land rich in culture and history. For a great taste of enigmatic Uzbekistan, this 12-day adventure serves up only the best.
Highlights: Discovering ancient cities of the Silk Road, sipping hot drinks in tiny Khiva teahouses, bargaining at colourful bazaars, admiring the fountains and madrassas of the Registan, staying in a traditional yurt.
- Trip Style:
- Classic
- Trip Type:
- Small Group
- Service Level:
- Standard
- Physical Grading:
- 2
Trekking Roraima (SVTR)
Journey into a land that time forgot and conquer the pre-Cambrian tabletop summit of Mount Roraima. The stunning mountain is sacred to the region's indigenous people and is said to have inspired Arthur Conan Doyle’s 'The Lost World'. Take time to explore the unique flora and fauna—some of which is completely unique to the mountain. The trek itself takes six days start to finish but this 2-week adventure also includes canoe trips in Canaima National Park and a thrilling trek to Angel Falls. If you're fit and want to get off the beaten track, this adventure will take you to new heights.
Highlights: Conquering the summit of Roraima Mountain, exploring Canaima National Park, witnessing the power of Angel Falls, discovering a 'lost world' amidst tabletop mountains.
- Trip Style:
- Active
- Trip Type:
- Small Group
- Service Level:
- Standard
- Physical Grading:
- 4
Trans Mongolian Express (ACTM)
From the Great Wall of China to the Hermitage in St Petersburg, travel halfway around the world in three incredible weeks. Board one of the world’s great trains and ride the rails on this once-in-a-lifetime trip across the grassy steppes of Mongolia and through the taiga forests of Siberia. Share train carriages with locals, overnight in Mongolian ger tents and in cozy Russian homestays. Not only does this trip provide the perfect blend of comfortable accommodations and plenty of activities, but also free time to explore this fascinating region at your own pace.
Highlights: Exploring the courtyards of the Forbidden City and walking along the Great Wall of China, riding the rails through Mongolia's grassy steppe and Siberia's taiga forest, staying in a local village on Lake Baikal, admiring the grand structure of Moscow's Kremlin and Red Square, marvelling at the rich art collection in the Hermitage.
- Trip Style:
- Classic
- Trip Type:
- Small Group
- Service Level:
- Standard
- Physical Grading:
- 2
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
Thailand Volunteer & Hilltribe Trek (ATVJ)
Experience the diversity of Thailand on an adventure that includes hilltribe trekking in the North, beach time in the South and life-changing volunteer projects on a pristine Andaman island. You’ll make a difference in the lives of disadvantaged children as you pitch in at the local school, and after a rewarding day, you can really immerse yourself in the island lifestyle as nights are spent in a beachside homestay. Then trade the beach for the hills and a chance to trek to resilient hilltribe villages.
Highlights: Giving back through volunteering with a school and community projects, experiencing local life in a homestay, blissing out in Khao Sok National Park, visiting a community tourism project on Koh Pra Thong, trekking small hilltribe villages and fields
- Trip Style:
- Classic
- Trip Type:
- Small Group
- Service Level:
- Basic
- Physical Grading:
- 3
Thailand and Laos Adventure (ATBH)
From the energy of Bangkok to the calm of Laos, this trip is a study in contrasts. Visit temples in Chiang Mai then spend the evening exploring the night market. Sail the Mekong into the heart and soul of Laos. An experienced CEO will make sure you get the most out of your tour, but will leave plenty of time for you to do your own thing. We utilize many forms of transport—both public and private—to keep travel time short so we can maximize time spent exploring the history and culture of this unforgettable region.
Highlights: Exploring Bangkok's canals, discovering Buddhist temples, floating down the mighty Mekong, getting wet in the spray of waterfalls.
- Trip Style:
- Classic
- Trip Type:
- Small Group
- Service Level:
- Standard
- Physical Grading:
- 2
Tanzania Camping Adventure (DTWE)
Witness big game on open savannah and experience the stunning beauty of the Great Rift Valley. Led by a certified safari guide, you'll journey to Tanzania in search of phenomenal wildlife in its natural habitat. Full-service camping will bring you closer to the region’s animals and is an economical way to gain insight into local cultures in a short amount of time. Our small safari vehicles minimize drive times and improve your chances of snapping that perfect shot of one of the elusive Big Five.
Highlights: Exploring Tanzania's best game parks, meeting the Masai, savouring traditional cuisine in a local village
- Trip Style:
- Classic
- Trip Type:
- Small Group
- Service Level:
- Camping
- Physical Grading:
- 2
Southwestern Deserts & Pacific Forests (NUAS)
If fun had a mailing address, it would be on the Pacific Coast. A veritable greatest-hits compilation of West Coast Americana, this trip incorporates four diverse urban hotspots—LA, San Francisco, Vegas and Seattle—with the full-on natural majesty of the region’s famed deserts, canyons and forests. Roam the Strips (Sunset and Vegas) in search of nocturnal thrills, then flee to the rawest nature America can offer: Yosemite, the Grand Canyon and the lush forests of the Pacific Northwest. Come sample the coast with the most.
Highlights: Gazing up at redwoods and peering down into the Grand Canyon, inhaling fresh forest air in the Pacific Northwest, rolling the dice in Las Vegas, breaking a sweat in Death Valley, getting funky in San Francisco, hiking in Yosemite, driving along the spectacular coasts of California and Oregon.
- Trip Style:
- Yolo
- Trip Type:
- Small Group
- Service Level:
- Camping
- Physical Grading:
- 2
Southern Explorer (SSR)
From natural wonders to some of the region’s most vibrant cities, experience the riches of South America on this comprehensive adventure that takes you from Chile to Argentina and Brazil. Enjoy the perfect combination of guided excursions and free time to explore the beauty of some of the world’s most breathtaking wonders—northern Patagonia and Iguassu Falls. Sip wine in Santiago, learn to tango in Buenos Aires and live it up in beachside Rio. Travel days are well paced and include short flights, allowing you the time to really experience the region’s highlights—in comfort and style.
Highlights: Appreciating the beauty of the Lake District's volcanoes, marvelling at Iguassu Falls, sipping caipirinhas on a Brazilian beach, experiencing a traditional family barbecue.
- Trip Style:
- G-Plus
- Trip Type:
- Small Group
- Service Level:
- Comfort
- Physical Grading:
- 2
Southern Discovery (SSB)
From the wineries of Santiago to the pristine beauty of Patagonia and the cosmopolitan flair of Buenos Aires, experience the riches of South America. Enjoy a taste of wilderness with hiking opportunities in Chile's Lake District and Argentine Patagonia before cleansing your palate for a wine tasting at a Santiago vineyard. Travel days are well paced and include short flights, allowing you the time to really experience the region’s highlights—in comfort and style. As an introduction to Chile and Argentina, this trip offers the perfect combination of guided excursions and free time to explore at your own pace.
Highlights: Wandering the streets and sampling the wines in Santiago, Soaking in the stunning natural beauty of the Lake District's volcanoes and waterways, Experiencing the sophistication of Buenos Aires.
- Trip Style:
- G-Plus
- Trip Type:
- Small Group
- Service Level:
- Comfort
- Physical Grading:
- 2
Rockies Roundup (NCRK)
The scenery and wildlife around Banff and Jasper are incomparable and this 9-day adventure assures your experience is up to the same standards. Scamper across the Columbia Icefields and dip your toe in the emerald waters of Lake Louise—yes, it really does look like a postcard. Then put on your cowboy hat and enjoy a 2-night stay at a Kananaskis ranch—horseback riding and sumptuous western cuisine await. With mountain lodges and a good chance of spotting elk and bears, this is one heck of a trip.
Highlights: Enjoying one of the most scenic drives in the world along the Icefields Parkway, Taking a thrilling ice walk on the Athabasca Glacier, Impressing your friends back home with your photographs of alpine scenery and wildlife, Living like a cowboy at a western guest ranch.
- Trip Style:
- G-Plus
- Trip Type:
- Small Group
- Service Level:
- Comfort
- Physical Grading:
- 2
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
Quebec and Ontario Explorer (NCQO)
From sugar shack maple syrup to Niagara vineyard wines of note, and French food to French fries, this 1-week trip serves up the best of central Canada. Get a hit of urban decadence in Montreal, Toronto and Ottawa and a soothing wilderness stay in lakeside cottages in Algonquin Provincial Park. You'll travel in comfortable vehicles with a local CEO there to lead the way—so you're spending your time appreciating the magnificent sites instead of figuring out how to get to them.
Highlights: Embracing the ethnic diversity of Toronto and Montreal, Witnessing how Canadian maple syrup gets from trees to your pancakes, Appreciating the evening call of the loon beside a campfire in Algonquin Provincial Park while staying in lakeside cottages, Visiting Ontario's award-winning wine region.
- Trip Style:
- G-Plus
- Trip Type:
- Small Group
- Service Level:
- Comfort
- Physical Grading:
- 2
Peru Hike, Bike & Raft (PHB)
Raise your heart rate as you hike, bike and paddle through Peru’s Andes Mountains and into the jungle below. If you’re an active adventurer looking for a challenge, then this is the trip for you. Some of the best rafting in Latin America will leave you gasping for breath, and by the time you’ve got it back, hiking the Inca Trail to the cloud forest citadel of Machu Picchu will take it away again. Downhill biking on a descent into the Manu Cloud Forest is an exhilarating highlight, and the exciting optional activities ensure that the thrills never end.
Highlights: Rafting on the whitewaters of the tough Apurimac River, climbing the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, mountain biking into the natural splendour of Manu Cloud Forest, devouring seafood in Lima.
- Trip Style:
- Active
- Trip Type:
- Small Group
- Service Level:
- Standard
- Physical Grading:
- 4
Pacific Coast Highway & the Northwest (NUFS)
The echoes of psychedelia and grunge—the counter-cultural soundtracks to two successive generations—still reverberate across the Pacific Northwest. But if you think this part of America is all cramped clubs and coffee shops, think again. Designed for those as equally comfortable in an urban setting as they are with the outdoors, this trip provides ample opportunity to explore the natural wonders—redwoods, volcanoes and boundless wilderness—for those on a tight schedule. Bookended by hotel stays in San Fran and Seattle, you’ll get a taste of the nightlife, too.
Highlights: Driving along the Pacific coastline, gazing up at giant sequoias, playing in sand dunes, hiking in national parks, strolling in San Francisco, discovering the wonder of Mt St Helens, sipping coffee in Seattle.
- Trip Style:
- Yolo
- Trip Type:
- Small Group
- Service Level:
- Camping
- Physical Grading:
- 2
