East Coast Encompassed - Sydney to Cairns (OAEC)
Rugged landscapes, crashing surf and indigenous culture stretching back through time and beyond—Australia’s East Coast possesses a truly otherworldly allure. This trip offers you a comprehensive, authentic and wholly affordable experience in one of the country’s most popular regions. Raw thrills and refined pleasures abound out here. In the space of a few days, you’ll sample wines in the Hunter Valley, spend the night in a teepee, snorkel the Great Barrier Reef, catch a few waves, spearfish with local Aborigines, shear a sheep and play a didgeridoo. When people back home ask what you did on your trip, just tell ‘em: “Everything.”
Highlights: Island hopping by yacht through the Whitsunday Islands, overnighting at a traditional sheep station and in a beach teepee, zipping over dunes in a 4x4 on a remote sand island, snorkelling the world's largest reef, spearing fish and savouring lunch with local Aborigines, sleeping in a 'swag' under the impressive southern night sky
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
Most of the Coast—Sydney to Cairns (OASC)
The route up Australia’s East Coast has earned its rep as one of the seemingly endless supply of must-do experiences in the country. The classic Sydney-to-Cairns route introduces you to both sides of modern Australia—the bright lights of the big city and the raw beauty of the outback. You’ll get to try your hand at dozens of atypical activities—everything from sheep-shearing and wine-tasting to yachting and snorkelling. And when you travel in small groups like we do, you really get out there into the wild to meet the locals and experience the land like they do. That amazing new frontier you’ve been looking for? Here it is.
Highlights: Taste wine in the Hunter Valley, sleep under the stars and at a sheep station, bliss out in famous Byron Bay, island hop through the Whitsundays, cool off in remote swimming holes, snorkel the world's largest reef.
New Zealand—South Island Encompassed (ONSE)
Looking to tackle a bundle of different environments all in one go? New Zealand’s South Island has what you need and then some. Action is the common thread throughout this trip that incorporates hiking, kayaking, biking, glacier treks and even bungee jumping across a variety of landscapes, including rainforests, glaciers and some of the most gorgeous coastline you’ll ever see. This trip is exciting even when you’re not moving; accommodations include an authentic bush camp and a wilderness lodge deep in the rainforest itself. Unique? You bet.
Highlights: Explore the trails of Abel Tasman National Park by foot, hike the Franz Josef Glacier Valley, get an adrenaline rush in Queenstown, weave through the remote fiords of the Doubtful Sound by sea kayak, bike while stopping to taste local wine.
- Trip Style:
- Yolo
- Trip Type:
- Small Group
- Service Level:
- Basic
- Physical Grading:
- 3
Yolo Java to Bali (AEKS)
Home to 136 million people, the Indonesian island of Java is the most densely populated region on Earth. But while the teeming rivers of humanity that flow through Jakarta’s streets at rush hour can feel overpowering, there’s still a surprising amount of room to stretch out and explore. Travelling with other young travellers eager to experience this unique place, you’ll make your way from big cities to the calming beaches of Bali, soaking up culture and excitement along the way. And as your expert CEOs will be only too happy to show you, there’s plenty more to taste here than just stellar coffee.
Highlights: Discovering Javanese culture, exploring thriving cities, trekking in the shadow of Mt Bromo, snapping photos of beautiful rice terraces, sipping coffee at plantations, relaxing on sandy beaches.
Beaches & Backwaters (AHBB)
Watch the sunset through the fishing nets of Kochi, stretch out on white sand beaches, drift through the tranquil backwaters and rise at dawn to see the sunrise. This 7-day tour offers a quick introduction to the diversity of South India. Inhale the exotic perfume of cardamom as you stroll through spice gardens and unwind with some yoga in your free time. Meet the locals and spend the night with a local family on a tour that's all about authentic cultural experience.
Highlights: Relaxing in the calm backwaters, experiencing a local homestay, chilling out on quiet beaches, sampling South Indian cuisine.
Bangkok to Bali on a Shoestring (ATBS)
Slurp down rice noodles under the streetlights of Bangkok and wander the paddies and temples of Java—this epic adventure covers the best of South East Asia. Party in chaotic Bangkok, bliss out on stunning beaches and gaze out across the ‘sea of sand’ from Mt Bromo’s summit at sunrise. While this tour includes a knowledgeable CEO, accommodation and a variety of local transport, it also leaves plenty of free time for you to do what you want.
Highlights: Exploring bustling cities, taking in the beautiful scenery, watching the sunrise from Mt Bromo, hiking through rice terraces, sampling java from its namesake island, chilling out on stunning beaches, discovering the cultural side of Indonesia
Bangkok to Singapore on a Shoestring (ATRM)
Bliss out on world-class beaches in exotic southern Thailand before cooling off in the Cameron Highlands of Malaysia. This 2-week tour will introduce you to three diverse nations—and three of the region’s most vibrant cities. Sample street food or hit Bangkok’s clubs with other travellers your own age—so you can be sure to get down with those that’ll keep up. With your hotel and transport arranged by our CEOs, you can concentrate on choosing your own adventure: pack your trip with everything you want and nothing you don't.
Highlights: Exploring the streets of bustling Bangkok, stopping by Penang's Chinese shop houses, glimpsing beautiful green vistas in the the Cameron Highlands, diving into multicultural Kuala Lumpur, visiting three diverse countries in two weeks.
Budget Egypt (DPGE)
This compact adventure offers maximum Egypt at minimum cost. Stare in amazement at the pyramids and float down the Nile on a felucca. Embrace the culture and meet remarkable people as you dine on traditional fare with a local family in a Nubian village. You'll enjoy basic accommodation and transport to the best sights. Walk through the Valley of the Kings or explore Karnak—it's your call. Don't just dream of Egypt, wake up in the 'Land of the Pharaohs' and open your eyes to adventure.
Highlights: Enjoying a traditional family meal, exploring ancient temples and monuments, bartering in bazaars, sleeping beneath the stars on a felucca, visiting a Nubian village.
Best of the West (NUAA)
Skyscrapers, sequoias and impossibly big skies await you in America’s West. This 15-day tour through the urban and natural wonders of California, Arizona and Nevada is perfect for travellers who want to inject a little downtown energy into their out-of-town escapes. In the cities, you’ll traverse the concrete jungle by day with an expert CEO and overnight in centrally located hotels. Elsewhere, you’ll get the chance to marvel at the grandeur of the Grand Canyon and bike in the Yosemite Valley before tucking into a barbecue dinner and camping under the stars. This is no dream; it’s the West like you’ve never seen it before.
Highlights: Stargazing in Los Angeles, marvelling at a Grand Canyon sunset, getting your kicks on Route 66, breaking a sweat in Death Valley, taking a chance in Las Vegas, camping under the stars, hiking in Yosemite, embracing the laidback spirit of California's coast.
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
Camping America's West (NUFF)
Think every trail in the Great American West has been blazed by now? Think again, partner. Spread across 22 glorious days, this trip takes you on an incredible loop from beautiful San Francisco and back again with stops in LA, San Diego, Phoenix and Vegas along the way. In between, you’ll have the chance to take a dip in the Pacific, picnic in Arizona’s Red Rock State Park, raft the Colorado River, hike the Grand Canyon and stretch out under star-filled skies in the region’s top national parks. Three weeks of your life, a memory for all time.
Highlights: Strolling the hills of San Francisco, savouring views of the scenic coastline, learning about Navajo culture, hiking through the best of the West's parks, sipping Napa Valley wine, standing on the rim of the Grand Canyon, playing the odds in Las Vegas.
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
Canyon Country & Coasts (NUFV)
Speckled with national parks, bustling cities, natural treasures and must-see monuments, the Southwest—America’s great wide open—is a living postcard. On this trip, you’ll venture inland from the Pacific Coast of California to the Grand Canyon and Monument Valley, camping outdoors and reconnecting with a side of this great country most rarely see. Paired up with an attentive and knowledgeable CEO, this trip is perfect for nature-minded travellers eager to see the best of the Southwest in a short period of time.
Highlights: Strolling the streets of San Francisco, stargazing in Los Angeles, marvelling at cliff dwellings at Montezuma Castle, peering over the Grand Canyon, hiking the best of the West's national parks.
Natural Wonders of the Pacific Northwest (NUFW)
Come and experience the freedom of the West! Big skies and bison await in Montana while Salt Lake City offers panoramic mountain views. This ultimate adventure offers an incredible combination of wildlife, wilderness and natural wonders. Take a boat tour at the 'Gates of the Mountains' or hike pristine trails in legendary Yosemite and spectacular Glacier National Park. You’ll have plenty of time to explore and you’ll never feel rushed. It’s time to uncover the history of Lewis and Clark while exploring landscapes without limits.
Highlights: hiking in spectacular Glacier National Park, following the footsteps of Lewis and Clark, marvelling at geysers in Yellowstone, searching for wildlife in Yosemite and Grand Teton, driving the 'Loneliest Highway in America'.
Camping Yosemite & Yellowstone (NUSF)
Imagine a land of lava and geysers, bears and bison, mountains and glaciers—now open your eyes to the possibilities of Yosemite and Yellowstone. This ultimate journey through these iconic national parks offers the outdoor enthusiast plenty of time to spot wildlife, soak in the scenery and experience the bubbling, gushing wonder of it all—there is more geothermal activity in Yellowstone than anywhere else in the world. Even when you close your eyes, you can still breathe in the clean park air.
Highlights: Being inspired by wilderness in the Rockies, dancing at the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar, following the footsteps of Lewis and Clark, watching geysers erupt in Yellowstone, strolling San Francisco.
Sin, Surf & Sierras (NUVA)
For the traveller who wants it all, this desert-to-coast journey delivers in spades. Throw caution to the wind in Sin City, Las Vegas, then cleanse those chakras with pristine national park hiking. You’ll drive the legendary Pacific Coast Highway for views that are postcard-perfect and finish in Los Angeles for a final burst of movie star glamour. A private touring van and participation camping offer affordability and flexibility while letting you get to know your fellow travellers and making this a road trip to remember.
Highlights: Hiking in Yosemite National Park, driving along California's beautiful coastline, revelling in the glitz of Las Vegas, breaking a sweat in Death Valley, stargazing in Los Angeles.
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
