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
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: Taste wine in the Hunter Valley, stay overnight at a sheep station and learn techniques from the locals, fossick for gemstones, learn to surf in famous Byron Bay
- Trip Style:
- Yolo
- Trip Type:
- Small Group
- Service Level:
- Basic
- Physical Grading:
- 3
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
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
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
Coast to Coast Road Trip Eastbound (NUFY)
Get out on the road and follow in the footsteps of Jack Kerouac to discover the real America. This ultimate coast-to-coast road trip connects you and your small group of fellow travellers to the iconic cities, natural wonders, national parks and monuments that make this land great. Learn about Navajo culture in the Southwest and what the odds are in Las Vegas. Whether it’s comfortable hotels in the cities or campsites in national parks, you’ll always be close to the action. So slide on your cowboy boots in Texas and your dancing shoes in Nashville and Memphis—it’s time to embrace the spirit of this land by hitting the open road.
Highlights: Strolling the hills of San Francisco, looking for wildlife in Yosemite, breaking a sweat in Death Valley, partying in Las Vegas and New Orleans, marvelling at the Grand Canyon and the cliff dwellings in Mesa Verde, watching bats in flight at Carlsbad Caverns, living history in Washington DC, setting eyes on the skyline of New York City.
- Trip Style:
- Yolo
- Trip Type:
- Small Group
- Service Level:
- Camping
- Physical Grading:
- 2
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
New York to Chicago (NUYC)
The Big Apple, Finger Lakes, a Windy City and some waterfalls that are so famous they don’t need a nickname—welcome to the most jam-packed week-long road trip in America. Experience skyscrapers, music and street life in two of the coolest cities in the US and breathe in the fresh air in upstate New York. We’ll throw in Niagara Falls for good measure. You’ll stay in the heart of the cities, and camping will keep you snug in the region's wild heart. Quick and affordable—how’s that for a great deal?
Highlights: Sightseeing in New York City, getting wet on the Maid of the Mist at Niagara Falls, revelling in the beauty of the Finger Lakes, sampling Chicago-style pizza.
- 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
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
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
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
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
