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
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
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.
- Trip Style:
- Active
- Trip Type:
- Small Group
- Service Level:
- Basic
- Physical Grading:
- 4
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
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
Trekking Mont Blanc (EFMB)
Experience the rarified air of Europe as you trek the Alps from France to Italy and Switzerland on this active 10-day adventure. This challenging hiking circuit will reward you with mesmerizing views of glaciers, steep valleys and, of course, Mont Blanc itself. Travel across high passes and through Alpine meadows and recharge at night with delicious mountain cuisine in simple refuges. Challenge yourself to conquer one of the world's premier hiking circuits and uncover the alpine heart of Europe on this incredible journey.
Highlights: Hiking the soul-stirring Mont Blanc massif, witnessing alpine meadows and rocky peaks, conquering windswept cols and steep trails, earning that hearty Savoyard supper
- Trip Style:
- Active
- Trip Type:
- Small Group
- Service Level:
- Basic
- Physical Grading:
- 5
Trekking in the Dolomites (EIDT)
Beloved by mountaineers and nature lovers alike, the Dolomites sit perched atop northern Italy like a rocky crown. This exhilarating trip through the mountains features day treks through some of Italy’s most unbelievable scenery, with plenty of visits to small villages along the way to soak up the unique local Ladin culture and cuisine. Nights are spent in mountain refuges, where your hosts will ply you with hearty home-cooked meals. Eat up; you won’t find tastier mountain-trekking food anywhere else.
Highlights: enjoying magnificent hiking amongst towering peaks, passing by the highest peak in the Dolomites, revelling in the chance to learn about local Ladin language and customs.
- Trip Style:
- Active
- Trip Type:
- Small Group
- Service Level:
- Basic
- Physical Grading:
- 5
Laos & Thailand on a Shoestring (AVRL)
Wander the tranquil monasteries of Luang Prabang and experience the French colonial influence while sipping coffee at a café. Take 12 days to uncover this laid-back corner of South East Asia. While you're free to choose your own adventure, your accommodation and transportation are included and our expert CEOs will help you make the most of your time. Take a slow boat down the Mekong or admire the limestone karsts surrounding Vang Vieng from your pushbike.
Highlights: Exploring vibrant Hanoi, revelling in the shadows of limestone karsts, discovering the serenity of Luang Prabang, floating on the mighty Mekong, experiencing the beauty of scenic northern Thailand, enjoying the bustle of Bangkok.
- Trip Style:
- Yolo
- Trip Type:
- Small Group
- Service Level:
- Basic
- Physical Grading:
- 2
Ethiopia Discovery (DES)
This incredible 12-day adventure through the less-travelled part of Ethiopia offers rugged travellers willing to go without some western conveniences an opportunity to truly interact with various ethnic communities. Explore the enigmatic beehive houses of the Dorze and stop in numerous villages for truly immersive cultural encounters with the Ari, Karo, Murse, Hamer and Dasanech people that few travellers get to experience. Visit two national parks and explore Lake Chamo by boat in search of crocodiles, hippos and bird life. With your expert CEO doing the planning—you're free to soak in the diversity of this remote land and its incredible people.
Highlights: Embarking on a boat trip on Lake Chamo, Uncovering rural culture and traditions, meeting different ethnic groups, staying in traditional lodging, viewing the incredible birdlife of Lake Ziway.
- Trip Style:
- Classic
- Trip Type:
- Small Group
- Service Level:
- Basic
- 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
Mexico Ancient Civilizations (MMC)
From the hustle of modern Mexico City, which preserves its magic from centuries gone by, to the ruins at Chichén Itzá, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, this adventure takes in the cultural and historical highlights. It’s perfect for travellers on a tight budget looking to see as much as possible of this diverse region.
Highlights: Visiting Mayan ruins, dancing the night away in Mexican bars and clubs, bargaining for beautiful textiles and handmade goods at colourful markets, savouring the tasty Mexican food and drink, chilling on the white sand beaches of the Mayan Riviera.
- Trip Style:
- Yolo
- Trip Type:
- Small Group
- Service Level:
- Basic
- Physical Grading:
- 2
China on a Shoestring: Hong Kong to Beijing (ACRC)
Soak in the vibrant pulse of Hong Kong, float down the Yangtze on a Chinese-style riverboat and walk the Great Wall with other others that share your appetite for adventure. Enjoy eighteen days packed with China's major sights and out-of-the way gems with the freedom to choose those that interest you. Cycle along Xian’s ancient city walls and through the stunning rice fields and limestone karsts of Yangzhou. Explore gorgeous scenery straight out of a painting or just relax and take it all in.
Highlights: Exploring Shanghai and Hong Kong's bustling streets and Yangshuo's karst scenery, cruising the Three Gorges of the Yangtse River, discovering history in Xi'an and Beijing, walking along the Great Wall of China.
- Trip Style:
- Yolo
- Trip Type:
- Small Group
- Service Level:
- Basic
- Physical Grading:
- 3
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
Best of Central America (CRBO)
From ancient ruins to active volcanoes, get off the beaten track and discover extraordinary Central America—on a shoestring. Make sure your passport has space because this exciting 32-day trip hits most of Central America as it covers tropical rainforests, volcanoes, colonial cities and all the breathtaking scenery in between. Explore indigenous Mayan villages and soak in the region's incredible culture. Our CEOs will ensure your accommodation and transportation are covered—so you can choose the activities and sights that interest you—the adventure is yours to choose!
Highlights: Bargaining at local markets, exploring a misty cloud forest in Monteverde, taking in breathtaking Ometepe Island, blissing out on a stretch of remote Nicaraguan beach, walking the colonial streets of colourful Granada and Antigua, snorkelling coral reefs, spending the night at Guatemalan and Nicaraguan homestays, exploring Mayan ruins of Copán and Tikal.
- Trip Style:
- Yolo
- Trip Type:
- Small Group
- Service Level:
- Basic
- Physical Grading:
- 3
Central American Journey (JCS)
Escape the resorts and discover something extraordinary in Central America. Visit six countries on this classic adventure and experience mighty ruins, clear Caribbean waters, rainforests and breathtaking scenery along the way. Explore indigenous Mayan villages and meet locals for an immersive experience that few travellers get to know. While you're free to choose your own adventure, 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 all the things you need and nothing you don't—32 days of maximum adventure at minimum cost.
Highlights: Relaxing on white-sand beaches, exploring the ruins of Copán and Tikal, bargaining at the local markets of colourful colonial Antigua and Granada, experiencing an overnight homestay in Guatemala and Nicaragua, interacting with the locals on chicken buses, experiencing the misty Monteverde cloud forest.
- Trip Style:
- Yolo
- Trip Type:
- Small Group
- Service Level:
- Basic
- Physical Grading:
- 3
