Undiscovered Destinations

This 12 day small group vacation places you in amongst three of West Africa’s most culturally diverse nations: Benin, Ghana, and Togo, where an Atlantic shoreline links locations like Accra, Lome and Ouidah, to present travelers with a wide reaching range of exciting and often bewildering experiences. West coast Africa is renowned for its incredible cultural diversity with Portuguese colonial influence in Ghana's Axim, incredible Tamberma architecture in Togo, and Benin’s voodoo heritage providing just a taste of things to come. A visit to the Ouidah voodoo festival in January cannot be underestimated with an intoxicating blend of traditional customs, religious rituals and mesmerising ...Read more >

A distinctly unique island nation separated from the mainland millions of years ago, the biodiversity of Madagascar has developed very differently from the rest of Africa. It is home to countless species found nowhere else on earth, although sadly many are in decline. Our journey takes us to superb private reserves and national parks where essential conservation work is aiming to save the unique flora and fauna that makes Madagascar so special. The adventure commences in the eastern humid forests of Andasibe and Mantadia, one of the best places in Madagascar to see the curious indri, the largest species of lemur with its haunting cry that echoes through the forest. We will visit and take ...Read more >

This two week experience is essential for anyone wishing to encounter a side to Asia that's rarely witnessed by gap year students and backpackers. As part of a small group (max 12 people) you'll be invited into the Kingdom of Bhutan on a vacation that coincides with one of the many festivals held throughout the region. These festivals allow travelers to delve deeper into the culture of Bhutan where the threads of religious heritage are as firmly woven into the fabric of society as the kingdom's quest to rank ever higher on the gross national happiness scale. This small group vacation starts and completes in Paro with a full day to visit the precariously placed Tiger's Nest Monastery ...Read more >

The Guianas comprise the three countries of Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana and when combined they offer a unique tour of South America. Experience the former penal colonies of the Iles du Salut and the Guyana Space Centre in French Guiana, marvel at the spectacular wildlife of Guyana with its pristine rainforest and magnificent Kaieteur Falls, while the striking wooden buildings of Paramaribo, the melting pot of cultures including the Maroon people, and its rich history make Suriname a worthy partner. Fall in love with this off the beaten track area of South America.Read more >

Oman is slowly emerging from its hermit shell, revealing a land of friendly people and dramatic landscapes, peppered with forts. Oman is distinctly Arabic and offers many old-world wonders. Swimming in the turquoise waters of Wadi Bani Khalid and then driving across the dramatic red dunes of Wahiba are both adventures to be remembered forever. Embrace the curious traveler within exploring Bedouin desert culture, visiting ancient tribal forts and mountain mud homes, small plantations and fishing villages. And show your considerate side by staying in locally owned hotels, supporting the green turtle sanctuary at Ras Al Jinz, being guided by local experts who advise on cultural sensitivities ...Read more >

This exciting self-drive adventure showcases barren deserts, towering dunes, rugged coastline home to turtles, and surprising greenery in the form of verdant oases, all of which you can explore at your own pace. From remote mountain villages and vast spectacular canyons to desert forts and castles, impressive mosques and bustling souks. Oman is surprisingly close to Europe and blessed with an agreeable winter climate to complement its awe inspiring landscapes.Read more >

This Bolivia small group tour takes you from the lowlands to the Andes over two weeks, along with expert guides and likeminded fellow travelers. Bolivia is often bypassed in favour of its more famous neighbours, but it has everything you could want from an adventurous South American trip - and what’s more, you won’t have to share the experience with hordes of other tourists. The variety of landscapes in Bolivia is stunning, and over the course of your journey, you’ll visit the barren expanses of the Uyuni Salt flats, the lush rainforests of the Amazon, the soaring mountains of the High Andes and the sweeping dunes of the Siloli Desert. Culture is another important aspect of this tour ...Read more >

The sprawling city of Dhaka is the starting point for this in depth tour of Bangladesh, which follows the river south, by paddle steamer, all the way to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Sundarbans. This world’s largest mangrove forest shelters some 260 bird species – as well as the Bengal tiger. En route, you’ll visit palaces, Hindu temples, mosques, Buddhist monasteries and impressive archaeological sites, giving a unique insight into the past and present culture of Bangladesh, and its spirituality and religion. As well as the big draws, this Bangladesh vacation is packed with lower-key but no less special treats, such as meeting fishermen who used trained otters to round up fish, the ...Read more >

One of Europe’s quirkiest countries, miniscule Moldova is home to the “breakaway republic” of Transdniestr and the autonomous region of Gagauzia – making it extremely hard to define. Dwarfed by its neighbours Ukraine and Romania, Moldova’s historical and contemporary influences stretch from the Ottoman Empire to Russia, creating an intriguing confluence of cultures which can be explored on this Moldova vacation. Few people know about this region’s wine-producing heritage, but this six-day Moldova vacation takes you to vast, subterranean wine cellars and small family-run wineries with the chance to sample some of these superb wines. You can visit cave monasteries, the 16th century fortress at ...Read more >

Somaliland is the country that isn't. Still unrecognised by the rest of the world despite more than twenty years of de facto independence, Somaliland is an exciting nation reverberating with fascinating history and nomadic heritage. Our group tours and tailor made vacations to Somaliland take you to a country that could not be further off the tourist trail, and can rightly be considered to be one of the last true frontiers of African travel. From the modern capital Hargeisa to the ancient port of Berbera, from desert communities to some of the best rock art on the continent, Somaliland has much to offer the intrepid traveler. It's a wonder that more people haven't woken up to the subtle ...Read more >

Neither fully Asian nor European, Azerbaijan is an enigmatic country of medieval architecture, Soviet planning, mud-bubbling volcanoes and “flaming mountains”. This Azerbaijan takes you from the mishmash capital of Baku, with its ancient and very, very modern buildings, to the nearby Absheron Peninsula, with its Temple of the Fire Worshippers and mud volcanoes. Baku sits on the shores of the Caspian Sea, and there will be time to take a boat ride here – across the largest body of inland water in the world. Explore more ancient terrain in Sheki, sitting squarely on Trans-Caucasian trade routes, where caravanserais still stand, and mosques and churches dot the countryside. And in the ...Read more >

This epic 27 day tour of the Pacific Islands takes you to some of the least visited nations on the planet where travelers will be treated to a real tropical adventure, way off the typical tourist trail. Some of the nine islands that you’ll be visiting, including Kosrae and Kiribati, offer an extremely restful experience with the sound of waves all that’s required to induce further relaxation. Others, such as the exploration of Tanna Island, promise a much more dramatic encounter with volcanoes, dense foliage and local villages offering an exciting glimpse at life further afield from Fiji and Somoa. As this tour includes transfers by plane you’ll get to spend lengthy periods on each of ...Read more >

Lebanon was known in the 1960’s as the Switzerland of the Middle East. Today Lebanon has rebuilt itself after a devastating civil war that ended in 1991. This small country extending for only 250km’s North to South and 50 km’s from East to West excels in its diversity of experiences and exceptional sense of hospitality. On our journey we will experience the vibrant city of Beirut, both old and new. However this tour offers much more. Get to grips with the heart of Lebanon as we spend 5 nights out of the big city. We will journey to ancient settlements such as Byblos and Batroun on the shimmering Mediterranean coast, wander through the atmospheric souks of Sidon, and admire the noble emblem ...Read more >

Africa’s largest country really should need no introduction although, for many, it remains way off the radar in terms of tourism and as a general vacation destination, which can only be good news for small guided groups looking for an exciting and educational 12 day Algeria vacation. Set against the cool blues of the Mediterranean, Algiers, the capital, is a great place to start, and an experience in itself with French and Roman influence still in evidence amongst ecclesiastical architecture and ancient ruins that are easily on par with better known European counterparts. French is actually still widely spoken in Algeria so you might want to dust off your A-level text books prior to delving ...Read more >

Georgia is surely to many one of the lesser known nations of Europe and some may not even realise that is actually a part of Europe, especially considering its recent history linked to its vast neighbour. This short historical and cultural tour will give you a flavour into the delights of this fascinating country. Starting in atmospheric Tbilisi, learn of the many diverse cultures that have contributed to the history of the city, from the Persians to Crusaders, Imperial Russia and the Ottomans and wander in the delightful old town. We then weave our way into the dramatic vistas of the High Caucasus at Kazbegi, marvelling at the spectacularly located Gergeti Sameba church and exploring ...Read more >

Lebanon was known in the 1960’s as the Switzerland of the Middle East. Today Lebanon has rebuilt itself after a devastating civil war that ended in 1991. This small country extending for only 250km’s North to South and 50 km’s from East to West excels in its diversity of experiences and exceptional sense of hospitality. This tour is ideal for those limited for time but who still want to travel and get the best experience of a destination. On this short break you will be based in the vibrant city of Beirut, a city where old meets new. We will journey to fascinating ancient settlements such as Byblos and Batroun on the shimmering Mediterranean coast, and also head inland to enjoy the ...Read more >

Due to the war in Ukraine it is not possible to book this trip at present Times have changed since Jules Verne sent Phileas Fogg away on his fictional journey around the world in 80 days. But the desire to discover new places and to experience new cultures is stronger now than ever. On this special tribute to the legendary Phileas we take you on a remarkable journey to explore amazing cities, travel through stunning landscapes and meet lots of friendly people along the way. We’ve replaced steam ships and hot air balloons with comfortable long-distance trains. And with a nod to Phileas we’ve decided to cross the oceans not by plane, but by modern day cargo ships. The tour consists of ...Read more >

This is a unique opportunity to travel on an adventure from the UK by train and ferry to one of Europe’s most exciting destinations – Iceland. The trip commences with a journey on the Eurostar from London through the Channel Tunnel to Brussels. Continue by efficient German ‘ICE’ high-speed train to Cologne and then a connecting intercity service to Hamburg. Stay overnight in Hamburg - a city with something for everyone. Heading north into Denmark, take to discover the emerging cultural powerhouse of Aarhus, a small, compact city, with a population of just 330,000, Aarhus’s attractions are easily explored on foot or bicycle. They include: ARoS, the contemporary art museum whose ...Read more >

Georgia is one of the least known nations of Europe – in fact most people aren’t entirely sure whether it is actually in Europe. Hidden away and often eclipsed by its monumental neighbour, it hides a wealth of diverse secrets. This short break will give you an enticing flavour of this enigmatic nation. In Tbilisi one can marvel at the numerous and diverse cultures that have left their mark on this city, from Ancient Persia and Medieval European crusaders to Imperial Russia and Ottoman Turkey and explore its delightful old city. Take a trip out to the fertile Kakheti Valley in the foothills of the Caucasus range. Here you will visit charming hilltop towns, the magnificent Alaverdi Cathedral ...Read more >

Oman is an intoxicating mix of incredible scenery and fascinating culture in an enigmatic corner of Arabia. On this short break, experience the hustle and bustle of Muscat and then venture into an iconic Arabian landscape in the shape of the magnificent Wahiba Sands. When referring to the Arab world, there’s a differentiation between the Middle East and North Africa, and the Gulf. The latter’s oil-rich states are often characterised by glittering high-rise developments, shopping malls, five-star hotels and industrial quantities of air-conditioning. Indigenous populations are often outnumbered by poorly paid guest workers, and little remains of traditional culture. Oman is an ...Read more >