Wild Frontiers Adventure Travel

Hear someone mention Uzbekistan and you’ll immediately think of the mysteries and legends of the ancient Silk Road – and this small group vacation takes you to its very heart. Along with a band of likeminded travelers and expert guides, you’ll spend ten days exploring the treasures of this extraordinary country and you’re sure to rack up a large collection of memories that will stay with you for a long time to come. Your journey begins in the Uzbek capital Tashkent, where there’s time to acclimatise before hopping on a plane to Nukus. Here, highlights include a visit to the Savitsky Museum, which details the region’s Karakalpakstan culture and early 1900s avantgarde Russian art. Next, ...Read more >

Spanning cultures and continents, Armenia lies at the heart of the Caucasus, its ancient monasteries and candlelit churches standing silent sentinel over centuries of conflict and religious devotion. Watched over by the biblical heights of Mount Ararat, its mountains and forests play host to a stunning collection of ecclesiastical treasures, from the beautiful cathedral at Echmiadzin, to the serene majesty of the Khor Virap and Tatev Monasteries. This incredible journey takes us into the heart of this remarkable country, offering us a chance to discover the very soul of Armenia as we travel from its bustling capital and into the remote fortresses, ancient caravanserais and breathe in the ...Read more >

Explore extraordinary Mayan ruins, dramatic landscapes and native traditions on this Guatemala vacation, Tikal and beyond. An absolute treat of a country, Guatemala is also one of Central America’s less explored places. It’s wonderfully diverse, with a long history expressed in Mayan ruins and colonial towns, lush scenery and dramatic landscapes shaped by volcanoes. Its wealth of history and natural beauty is woven through with a culture still informed by ancient traditions and Mayan lore. Travel into the central highlands to enjoy Antigua, a peaceful colonial town with brightly painted buildings bathed in fresh highland air. Admire the spectacular volcanic landscapes around Lake Atitlan ...Read more >

This Georgia cultural vacation takes you on a journey that is not only as complex and exciting as a Greek myth, but is also to the actual home of many Greek myths. Once known as the Kingdom of Colchis, it was the sought after destination of Jason and the Argonauts, and also the home of Medea. With dramatic backdrops such as the Caucasus Mountains and the Black Sea as well as a culturally rich cast of ethnic groups going back to ancient times, it is truly one of the hidden gems of Europe. This two week vacation takes you on a cultural circuit starting in the charming capital of Tbilisi, which straddles the Mt'k'vari (Kura) River and is nestled in the shadow of the South Caucasus. From here ...Read more >

Gujarat is one of India's most dazzlingly diverse states, home to both a 1600km coastline and one of the world's largest salt deserts. Seasonal marshlands around the Little Rann are a wildlife beacon for wild ass and flamingos, while Gujarat is renowned for some of the finest textiles in India. Its large Jain community underpin both a stunning heritage of white marble temples plus exquisite vegetarian cuisine. This village-focused tour opens up this wondrous state, from the surreal Rann of Kutch and the ancient town of Bhuj to tribal Poshina, the UNESCO World Heritage site of Champaner and the marvellous mountain top Jain temple complex at Shatrunjaya. Kick off in the state capital ...Read more >

Exploring on foot is the perfect way to discover the diverse landscapes of Montenegro, and this walking vacation leads you along mountain trails, through remote valleys and down to lakeside towns. Roughly the same size as Northern Ireland, Montenegro makes up for its diminutive footprint with epic scenery. Home to the deepest canyon in Europe – the 1,300m Tara Canyon – wild and rugged mountains and a picturesque coastline, Montenegro also boasts an impressive history. It was the only country in this region to fend off the advances of the Ottoman Empire, and retains a strong sense of culture and national identity. Montenegro is emerging as an exciting destination for active vacations, but ...Read more >

A land of arid desert and scorched mountains, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia conjures up all the romance and adventure of the golden age of discovery. The only country on the Arabian Peninsula with a foot in both the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf, the birthplace of Islam remains arguably one of the most enigmatic countries on earth to visit.From historic Jeddah with its beautiful Ottoman houses, this astonishing journey takes us deep into the heart of its ancient landscapes, visiting sites that few travelers from beyond the Arab world have ever seen. Blessed with a remarkable cultural heritage, we will visit several of its spectacular World Heritage sites including Nabatean Hegra (aka Mada’in ...Read more >

Far from Machu Picchu and well off the beaten track, the northern highlands of Peru are home to some of the country’s most enthralling and remarkably little-known ancient sites. Here can be found traces not only of the Incan civilization, but also Moche, Chimu and the Chachapoyas cloud warriors. Over 14 days, this small group tour leads you to a series of amazing locations, including colonial Trujillo, where you will see the largest adobe pyramids in the country. In the Chaparrí Mountains you’ll overnight at an eco lodge in a private conservation area where Andean condors, guanacos and spectacled bears can be seen. In Chiclayo, the twin-pyramid complex holds the tomb of the Lord of Sipan ...Read more >

Home to a fascinating variety of vibrant cultures, Togo and Benin are lands of quite extraordinary scope and spectacle, being the spiritual home of voodoo and steeped in the tragedy and horror of the tragic trans-atlantic slave trade. Beginning in Lome, Togo’s lively capital, our journey takes us into the heart of some of West Africa’s most culturally diverse regions and geographically varied landscapes.We’ll explore the tropical forests along the slopes of Mount Klouto and visit the spectacular adobe architecture of the Tamberma and Somba people. We’ll then head north to take in the scenic landscapes around the Atakora Mountains and hike amongst the villages of the Taneka plateau, our ...Read more >

Walking in Bulgaria will take you to new heights, in every sense. Not only does Bulgaria boast the highest mountains on the Balkan Peninsula, Mount Musala, but you'll also discover many of the country's traditional cultural customs alive, well and forming part of a fascinating historical backstory. It's impossible not to be impressed by the wild and untouched nature of Bulgaria and this ten day walking tour does little to discourage the great sense of wonder that you get from breaking new ground. Figuratively, of course. The size of the group has been limited to just 12 like-minded cultural walking enthusiasts which allows you to stay in locally-owned guesthouses and village homestays. ...Read more >

The contrasts of Ethiopia never cease to amaze. While it may be home to the fertile headwaters of the Blue Nile and the striking Simien Mountains which rise to 4,550m, this adventurous tour focuses instead on the arid north-east of the country which counts amongst its treasures the fascinating medieval walled city of Harar as well as the unforgiving Danakil Depression, one of the lowest and hottest places on earth! Along the way our journey will see us encounter the famed ‘hyena man’ of National Geographic fame, take a drive through Awash National Park, where Wilfred Thesiger once explored in the 1930s and reach the shores of Lake Afrera which sits 100m below sea level. In addition we’ll ...Read more >

Enigmatic, edgy and intriguing, Pakistan often makes the headlines for all the wrong reasons. However, it is a land filled with colour and contrast, offering the adventurous traveler a stunning wealth of culture, tradition and natural beauty. This remarkable journey travels through the Indus Valley encompassing everything from Sufi tombs and desert fortresses, to bustling bazaars and lively cities, as we travel from the streets of Karachi and deep into the Punjab. Beginning in Karachi we’ll have a chance to explore one of Pakistan’s most exciting and historic cities, discover the tombs of some of the country’s most revered mystics and poets, visit the UNESCO World Heritage ruins of ...Read more >

This Northern Albania walking vacation explores this wild and undiscovered pocket of Europe on foot. The Albanian Alps, also known locally as the Accursed Mountains, tower over a landscape of valleys, lakes and limestone gorges – walking in this wild and sparsely populated region feels like a true adventure. This eight day walking vacation begins in Shkodër, one of Europe’s most historic cities, before heading to the vast and beautiful Lake Koman, in the Valbonë Valley. Take a boat cruise here to fully appreciate the canyons and narrow passageways that flank the lake, looking a lot like the Norwegian fjords. Enjoy hikes that follow little used trails to pretty mountain villages and lead up ...Read more >

Emerging from the ashes of its war-torn past, Lebanon is a country of captivating contrasts, having lain at the crossroads of religious, historical and social change for over 7,000 years. Blessed with gorgeous coastlines, delicious cuisine and a collection of ancient sites that are the envy of many, today it is emerging once more as one of the most engaging and dynamic countries in the Middle East.This short, but ultimately engrossing, journey takes us from the vibrant streets of its historic capital and deep into landscapes that have been forged over the centuries by Phoenician traders, Roman legions and fierce crusades. Beginning in Beirut we have a chance to enjoy its rich cultural ...Read more >

This Vietnam small group tour is two weeks long, starting in Hanoi and finishing in Ho Chi Minh City, with plenty of diverse and fascinating places to visit in between. Vietnam is 1600km long and traveling from north to south gives us time to explore not only some of its classic sites but also get far off the beaten track. Classic sites on this Vietnam vacation include its great cities of Hanoi, the thousand year old capital, Hue and Hoi An both of which feel like a leap back into the past, and Hoi Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon and which needs little introduction. As well as its great cities, we get a chance to explore the country’s landscape wonders, traveling with a variety ...Read more >

Jointhis magical walking tour which travels far from the resorts and beaches of Turkey’s better known tourist haunts. Here in the country's north-east lies another Turkey, where remote mountain monasteries and ancient Armenian churches cling precariously to landscapes that have lain unchanged for centuries. Across the vast Caucasian steppe, amongst the towering peaks of northeastern Turkey, awaits a world stepped in the blood and history of medieval conquest, where bears and wolves still roam the dark forests and timeless traditions survive and endure amongst mountain strongholds. Beginning amongst the highlands of eastern Anatolia, this spectacular adventure takes us into the heart of a ...Read more >

Prepare for an epic journey through one of India’s highest and most remote regions, Ladakh, and the stunning overland route from Manali to Leh over the steepest mountain pass in the world. Starting in Delhi, you’ll move straight on to Kalka, where you will board the ‘toy train’ to Shimla. It’s a spectacular journey on this historic mountain railway that involves some 100 tunnels and over 800 bridges. McLeod Ganj is the seat of the Tibetan government in exile, and the home of the Dalai Lama. After a day of exploring the hill station it’s onwards to Manali, via the tea gardens of Palampur, and the most thrilling drive in the Himalayas. You’ll be crossing several high altitude mountain ...Read more >

Our Cambodia vacation is a small group tour but one that explores an itinerary off the traditional tourist trail, after having a couple of days in the capital of Phnom Penh. From here we head into the jungles of the Mondulkiri region with stays at eco lodges, Mekong River trips to see Irrawaddy dolphins, spend time in rural Cambodian communities and visit the Elephant Valley Project. We visit some spectacular temples on this trip and, as well as spending the last few days at Siem Reap to see the country’s most famous complex at Angkor Wat, you will have a chance to see lesser known marvels such as Preah Vihear. Clinging to a cliff in the Dangrek Mountains, we walk up to its highest levels ...Read more >

This fascinating fortnight in Laos invites you to become part of a small group tour exploring one of Southeast Asia’s last remaining undiscovered treasures. Although Laos is not exactly off the beaten track it has still managed to retain much of its old-fashioned charm and original cultural heritage. Large modern developments and mass tourist crowds are relatively rare and as such you’ll get to meet local people who are still genuinely interested in sharing their country with wide eyed travelers. Buddhism is as significant to the souls of Laos locals as the Mekong River is to their pockets and this two week tour enables you to get to know both sides of the coin en-route from Luang Prabang ...Read more >

Steeped in Buddhist traditions and infused with a way of life that has remained largely unchanged for centuries, this remarkable journey takes us deep into the heart of the Spiti Valley of northern India. Filled with experiences, this astonishing odyssey begins amongst the quintessentially Indian streets of Delhi, before heading towards the spectacular Himalayan landscapes of Himachal Pradesh. The days that follow are filled with a wealth of cultural encounters, as we take to the rails of Shimla’s famous ‘Toy Train’, visit hill stations and ancient monasteries and experience Spitian rural life as it has endured and adapted for generations. Staying within the local communities we will visit ...Read more >