Local Living Iceland: South (ELIL)
It’s impossible not to fall in love with Iceland once you lay eyes on it for the first time, and nature enthusiasts, active hikers and shutterbugs will fall especially hard for this trip. This Local Living experience introduces you to the unique populace of this tiny island nation as they lead you around their exotic, volcano-forged homeland, dotted with hot springs, calving glaciers, crystal-clear rivers and crashing waterfalls. Active options include everything from snorkelling between tectonic plates and whale watching tours to whitewater canoeing trips and ATV excursions, so come prepared to do all sorts of everything.
Highlights: Sharing an old farmhouse with optional day trips and activities, exploring Iceland's geothermal features, chilling out on the peaceful property with hot tubs and a sauna, touring Reykjavik by bicycle, getting to know friendly Icelandic people
- Trip Style:
- Local Living
- Trip Type:
- Small Group
- Service Level:
- Standard
- Physical Grading:
- 2
Northern Spain by Bike (ESSB)
Encounter the beauty of Catalunya's countryside and its rustic towns on this compact and active bike tour. Designed for the weekend cyclist, this itinerary is challenging enough to get the heart pumping but comfortable enough that you can still appreciate the crystal-clear streams, ancient walled cities and stunning Mediterranean coastlines of the Pyrenees. Journey across volcanic landscape to ancient towns where you can recharge with culinary delicacies before winding down on the beaches of the Costa Brava. Experience the beauty of Catalunya and cycle through its heart!
Highlights: Cycling through glorious countryside, Learning about Catalan culture and customs, Savouring tapas and local wines.
- Trip Style:
- Active
- Trip Type:
- Small Group
- Service Level:
- Standard
- 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
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
Canadian Rockies Trail (NCRC)
Stunning scenery and wildlife abound in Western Canada. Do the region justice with comfort level accommodation, including a guest ranch stay, and stunning drives—the Sea to Sky Highway and the Icefields Parkway. This 12-day trip offers fresh air in Jasper, Banff and Wells Gray, a whale watching tour off Victoria and a river safari through Grizzly Bear Valley. Whether you're enjoying an ice walk on a glacier or strolling down Victoria's charming downtown core, you're going to want to bring your camera.
Highlights: Cruising scenic roads from the Pacific Coast to Rocky Mountain heights, Heading to sea to spot killer whales, Searching for grizzly and black bears at the blue river, Feeling downhome during a cowboy guest ranch stay, Taking an ice walk on an active glacier.
- 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
Alaska Active Escape (NUAE)
Alaska—so raw, vast and far-out it may as well be its very own planet. This adventure lets hardy travellers explore an exotic foreign world without ever leaving Earth, affording visitors a hands-on appreciation for the land (and sea and air) via kayaking, whitewater rafting, hiking and wildlife spotting. Trek the Kenai Peninsula, get an all-access look at the Alaskan Sealife Center and experience the rugged frontier spirit of Anchorage by day, then tuck yourself away in a cozy hotel by night.
Highlights: Paddling among towering peaks and icebergs in the Alaskan wilderness, hiking among a glacial icefield, learning about the local wildlife, experiencing the views and isolation of the Kenai, riding the whitewater on a rafting adventure, lodging with tremendous mountain views
- Trip Style:
- Active
- Trip Type:
- Small Group
- Service Level:
- Comfort
- Physical Grading:
- 3
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
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
USA Hike, Bike & Raft (NUSA)
America’s national parks are a gift to the world. We wrapped up four of our favourites, mixed in some high-energy outdoor thrills and put a nice little Sin City bow on them, just for you. Here, you’ll hike among the hoodoos in Bryce Canyon, refresh yourself with a river swim in Zion, marvel at the sandstone formations of Arches NP, raft the Colorado River and gape at the awesome majesty of the Grand Canyon. Add in a little R&R (yeah, right) in Las Vegas to top it all off and you’ve got yourself the perfect mix of outdoor adrenaline and downtown glitz.
Highlights: Exploring four of the United States' national parks and monuments, mountain biking in Moab, rafting the mighty Colorado River, canyoneering in impressive Zion National Park
- Trip Style:
- Active
- Trip Type:
- Small Group
- Service Level:
- Camping
- Physical Grading:
- 4
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
Coast to Coast Camping Westbound (NUYF)
Yellowstone, the Badlands and Niagara Falls—once you’ve escaped the city limits, the US is a country defined by incredible wilderness. This affordable cross-country adventure keeps you on the ground between New York City, Chicago and San Francisco so you can experience what lies in between. Days feature magnificent sites like Yosemite and Old Faithful, while evenings offer experiences like cooking over a fire and camping in the great outdoors—imagine waking up beside the Mississippi. Travel coast to coast and embrace the soul of this great land.
Highlights: Exploring the New York City and San Francisco, getting wet on the Maid of the Mist, feeling like a cowboy in Jackson, camping beside the Mississippi River, meeting the presidents at Mount Rushmore, hiking in beautiful national parks.
- Trip Style:
- Yolo
- Trip Type:
- Small Group
- Service Level:
- Camping
- 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
Kakadu Adventure (OAKA)
Get remote and head into the last frontiers of Australia—Kakadu and Litchfield National Parks. Featuring lots of inclusions at a great price, this itinerary is geared towards budget-conscious travellers who want to make the most of their time in Kakadu. Take in the region’s ancient landscapes, spectacular waterfalls, pristine rock pools and magnificent gorges and meet some of the locals. Round out your experience with a guided exploration of the regions ancient art, gaining insight to Aboriginal culture.
Highlights: Exploring remote areas of the Northern Territory, discovering secret watering holes and waterfalls, spotting crocs by boat, viewing sites where Crocodile Dundee was filmed.
- Trip Style:
- Yolo
- Trip Type:
- Small Group
- Service Level:
- Camping
- Physical Grading:
- 3
Australia South to North - Melbourne to Darwin (OAMD)
You can’t get Down Under through a bus window. If you’re going to get off the tourist track, you’ll have to shake things up a bit—that’s why we’ve turned to trains, 4x4s, buses and boats for this itinerary. From the cobblestones of charming Melbourne, cut through the outback and explore the mysteries of Uluru. Follow your curiosity down the deserted tracks that make Australia so remote and spend 18 days discovering the natural beauty of one of the world’s most awe-inspiring destinations.
Highlights: Bedding down at a traditional sheep station and outside under the outback sky, learning about dreamtime stories from the Aborigines, experiencing a night underground in Coober Pedy, catching the magnificent colours of Uluru, hiking through gorgeous natural rock formations in the Red Centre, riding the route of Afghan cameleers on the Ghan Train, exploring the UNESCO World Heritage site of Kakadu National Park
- Trip Style:
- Yolo
- Trip Type:
- Small Group
- Service Level:
- Basic
- Physical Grading:
- 3
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
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
Outback to The Great Ocean Road in Style (OAOG)
The outback...in comfort? Oh, it's possible. This G-Plus trip offers travellers the chance to explore the exotic extremes of contemporary Australia, from its busy big cities like Melbourne to the natural beauty of the outback and its massive rock formations. Visit vineyards in Australia’s booming wine regions, learn about the historic mining industry that shaped the nation while fossicking for gemstones. Visit fabled Uluru and learn about Aboriginal history. All Australia. All amazing. All yours.
Highlights: Exploring the famous Red Centre and witnessing the majesty of Uluru, Fossicking for gems and exploring a mine, Tasting some of Australia's best wines, Experiencing the wilderness of Australia's national parks.
- 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
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
