Beijing to Hanoi overland tour

Trek the Great Wall, Experience the buzz of Beijing, Explore fascinating Xi'an, Visit ultra-modern Shanghai, Wander the dramatic landscapes of Guangxi, Hike along the rice terraces of Longji, Bargain hard in Hong Kong, Meet the hilltribes of Vietnam, Explore the Old Quarter of Hanoi.

Travel through some of the grandest cities and most remote villages of Asia on an awesome adventure from Beijing to Hanoi. Trek along the Great Wall, marvel at China's ancient treasures of Beijing and meet hilltribe people in the misty mountains of Vietnam. This is an incredible adventure from ancient to modern and everything in between.


Highlights

Trek the Great Wall
Experience the buzz of Beijing
Explore fascinating Xi'an
Visit ultra-modern Shanghai
Wander the dramatic landscapes of Guangxi
Hike along the rice terraces of Longji
Meet the hilltribes of Vietnam
Explore the Old Quarter of Hanoi

day-by-day itinerary
Day 1-3: Beijing. Beneath its modern facade, Beijing is awash with ancient sights. Explore the Forbidden City or wander among the shops and restaurants of the traditional hutongs.
Day 4-5: Great Wall. Walk along a remote section of the Great Wall and spend the night in a simple guesthouse nearby.
Day 6-8: Xi'an. Admire the Terracotta Warriors, mingle with the local Hui people or ride a bike around the impressive Ming Dynasty city wall.
Day 9-11: Shanghai. Check out the space-age skyscrapers of Pudong and stroll along the elegant Bund. There is also the option to see the famous Shanghai Acrobats perform gravity-defying feats.
Day 12-15: Yangshuo. Try tai chi, take cooking lessons or cycle along country lanes amid the dramatic limestone peaks of Guangxi province.
Day 16-18: Longji Terraces. Head to the hills and explore the towering rice terraces of Longji Valley, clinging spectacularly to the side of 800m-high slopes.
Day 19-20: Hong Kong. Be prepared for some fast-paced action in Hong Kong. Cruise the harbour, take the cable car to Victoria Peak or check out the local nightlife.
Day 21-24: Kaili. Travel to Kaili, the capital of the south-east Miao Autonomous Prefecture of Guizhou province. Spend time among the rice paddies of rural China, exploring nearby waterfalls and markets, and stay overnight with a local family. Absorb everyday life among the Ming and Qing dynasty relics of the Forest City, Guiyang.
Day 25: Kunming. Bid China goodbye, perhaps with a traditional blind massage or a tasty feast.
Day 26-29: Sapa. Cross the border to Vietnam and discover a strikingly different countryside. Starting at the old French hill station of Sapa, trek through the extraordinary rural mountainscapes that are home to the colourful H'mong, Tay and Dzao people.
Day 30-31: Hanoi. Get back into the fast pace of city life in ambient Hanoi.

small group adventure holiday
This is a 'small group adventure' - on our group trips you'll be with a maximum of 11 like minded travellers and you'll have a group leader with you. Whether you are travelling alone or with friends it's good value, and a great way to meet new people! While itineraries are pre-planned there is some flexibility and you'll have plenty of privacy. This trip will appeal to travellers of all ages who enjoy meeting people from other parts of the world as well as seeing new places! (more)

Because of our small group size, we're able to guarantee departures for all of our trips. Once you have booked and paid your deposit, your trip is guaranteed to go!

This trip allows for plenty of time to explore the culture of two very fascinating yet different countries. Travellers are encouraged to explore with the group and on their own, learn a few words of the language and interact with the locals as much as possible.

All travellers are given a given a responsible travel bag at the beginning of the trip as we have plenty of opportunities to shop at local markets and say no to plastic. We also encourage travellers to eat with a reusable set of chopsticks to avoid the waste of a throwaway pair at every meal.

During our stay in Xi’an, you will have the opportunity to visit Huiling, a Chinese-run charity which provides support and education for young adults with disabilities. Lunch is provided and the students are always very excited to perform some traditional dances and show off their skills.

In the south of China we base ourselves in a small country guesthouse in Chaolong and use bikes as a less polluting and less intrusive means of discovering the Guangxi countryside. We have the chance to meet and learn about the culture of the minority people in this area. In Sapa we put on our trekking boots and follow the tracks to meet the local villagers.

Enquire about this holiday.

Beijing to Bali overland tour in Asia

See the best of Asia on this overland journey through seven countries. Admire iconic sights such as Halong Bay and Angkor Wat, and get off the beaten track, travelling through rural Cambodia and the Cameroon Highlands. Busy markets, tasty cuisine and a clash of cultures makes this an unforgettable adventure.

This is a 'small group adventure' - on our group trips you'll be with a maximum of 11 like minded travellers and you'll have a group leader with you. Whether you are travelling alone or with friends it's good value, and a great way to meet new people! While itineraries are pre-planned there is some flexibility and you'll have plenty of privacy. This trip will appeal to travellers of all ages who enjoy meeting people from other parts of the world as well as seeing new places!


day-by-day itinerary
Day 1-3: Beijing. The energetic buzz of Beijing's modern streets contrasts with the timeless wonder of her ancient sites. Explore the majestic Forbidden City and Summer Palace or wander traditional hutongs full of local shops and restaurants.
Day 4-5: Great Wall. No trip to China is complete without a visit to the Great Wall. Walk along a remote section of the wall and spend the night in a simple guesthouse nearby.
Day 6-8: Xi'an. Meet the local Hui people in the Muslim Quarter, admire the distinctive Great Mosque, or ride a bike around the impressive Ming Dynasty city wall. Don't miss a visit to the famed 2,200 year old Terracotta Warriors.
Day 9-11: Shanghai. Walk along the elegant Bund, check out the space-age skyscrapers of Pudong or go bargain hunting in Yuyuan Bazaar. Perhaps catch a performance by the famous Shanghai Acrobats in the evening.
Day 12-15: Yangshuo. With its smoky horizons, dramatic limestone peaks and lush countryside, Guangxi is one of China's most photogenic regions. We have plenty of time to try tai chi, take cooking lessons or cycle along country lanes.
Day 16-18: Longji Terraces. From our base in a hilltribe village, explore the towering Longji rice terraces on foot. The extensive terraces are an incredible feat of farm engineering and cling spectacularly to the side of 800 m high mountain peaks.
Day 19-20: Hong Kong. Our stay in Hong Kong is short so be prepared for some fast-paced action. Head to the shops and bargain hard, cruise the harbour, take the cable car to Victoria Peak or check out the local nightlife.
Day 21-24: Guiyang/Kaili. Immerse yourself in a world of colourful local dress, traditional architecture and the unique cultures of the Miao people on a three day adventure through the countryside of Guizhou Province. Trek past mountains and markets and spend the night in sleepy villages along the way.
Day 25-26: Kunming. Wander through the bird and flower markets of Kunming or take a day trip out to the otherwordly Stone Forest. Be sure to try some local fruit wine in the evening.
Day 27-29: Sapa Trek. Cross the border to Vietnam and discover a strikingly different countryside to explore. Starting at the old French hill station of Sapa, trek through the extraordinary rural mountainscapes that are home to the colourful H'mong, Tay and Dzao people.
Day 30-31: Hanoi. An overnight train to Hanoi delivers us back to the fast pace of city life. Use free time to wander the tree-lined boulevards, shop for mementos in the Old Quarter or catch a sitting of Hanoi's famous water puppet show.
Day 32-34: Halong Bay and Hanoi. Take an optional walking tour to Ho Chi Minh's mausoleum and One Pillar Pagoda.
Day 35-36: Hue. Explore the sights of Hue, perhaps cycling out to the Royal Tombs of the Nguyen emporers or Imperial Citadel with its Forbidden Purple City.
Day 37-39: Hoi An. Dig the relaxed vibe in Hoi An, strolling around town, exploring its fascinating market or maybe rest on nearby Cua Dai Beach. This is a great stop to have a suit tailored or improve your culinary skills with a cooking lesson.
Day 40-42: Nha Trang. Beautiful white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters await in Nha Trang. Chill out, and consider trying snorkelling or taking a boat trip out to nearby islands.
Day 43-44: Ho Chi Minh City. The air hums with the heady sound of bargaining in the shopping city of Ho Chi Minh, where streets are lined with shops, stalls and vendors with enticing wares. Head underground on an optional tour to explore the famous Cu Chi Tunnels.
Day 45: Phnom Penh. Elegent Phnom Penh is full of fascinating sights, such as the Killing Fieldsd of Choeung Ek and the gorgeous Silver Pagoda.
Day 46: Homestay. Witness everyday Cambodian life and enjoy a traditional-style dinner on a homestay.
Day 47-49: Sihanoukville. Unwind in the tropics in Sihanoukville, a riot of beach, mangrove forests and atmospheric little bars.
Day 50: Phnom Penh. Back in Phnom Penh there is time to hit the Central Market or maybe grab a massage.
Day 51: Kampong Cham. The locals here make their living fishing, and growing tobacco and sesame so it's a good place to get a look at Cambodia's cottage industries. The temples at 'Man Hill' and 'Woman Hill' are well worth a visit.
Day 52-54: Siem Reap/Angkor Wat. Gateway to the awe-inspiring Angkor Wat, Siem Reap also has other attractions: the floating village of Tonle Sap, tasty Khmer restaurants and the Gecko Environment Centre to name a few.
Day 55-58: Bangkok. Explore the mad streets of bustling Bangkok.
Day 59: Overnight Train. Leave the hustle and bustle behind, taking a sleeper train south to Surat Thani.
Day 60-61: Khao Sok National Park. Head to Khao Sok National Park by songthaew. Take a guided walk through the jungle to a small Buddhist temple and stay overnight in rustic bungalows.
Day 62-64: Krabi. Mellow out on pristine beaches, snorkel among colourful reefs or go island-hopping.
Day 65-66: Penang. Chinese temples, colourful bazaars and night markets combine to make a fascinating introduction to Malaysia.
Day 67: Cameron Highlands. Sample the local produce at a tea plantation while enjoying panoramic views.
Day 68-69: Kuala Lumpur. Get a glimpse of the city's Islamic life at the Jamek mosque or head out to Bangsar for a taste of 'KL' nightlife.
Day 70: Melaka. A historic fusion of Chinese, Indian, Malay and European influences, Melaka retains an old-world Asia air. Try a riverboat ride, stop in at a temple or mosque, or climb the steps to St Paul's Church.
Day 71: Singapore. At Newton Circus, indulge in an extensive range of cuisines reflecting the country's multicultural heritage.
Day 72: Jakarta. Check out the traditional sailing schooners of Batavia or visit the cultural theme park, Taman Mini.
Day 73-75: Pangandaran. Get close to local wildlife on a nature walk. Don't miss the bats' sunset flight to the fruit trees on the west beach.
Day 76-78: Yogyakarta. Java's cultural centre is perfect for seeing traditional dance performances or the incredible Borobudur.
Day 79: Seloliman Nature Reserve. Unwind on our peaceful retreat while learning about ecological farming from our volunteer hosts.
Day 80: Mount Bromo. Get in touch with Javanese herbal medicine before our journey to the amazing Tengger Caldera and Mount Bromo.
Day 81-82: Lovina. Greet the sunrise on Mount Bromo. Later, snorkel or go on a dolphin-spotting trip in Lovina.
Day 83: Tirtagangga. Relax amid terraced rice-fields or swim in Raja's Water Palace where pools are fed by underground springs.
Day 84-87: Ubud. Go wild doing a traditional kecak dance to cap of this huge overland adventure. There is plenty of time to explore the cultural heart of Bali, perhaps popping into a gallery or visiting the monkey forest.

This trip allows for plenty of time to explore the culture of 7 very fascinating yet different countries. Travellers are encouraged to explore with the group and on their own, learn a few words of the language and interact with the locals as much as possible. In China, all travellers are given a responsible travel bag at the beginning of the trip as we have plenty of opportunities to shop at local markets and say no to plastic. We also encourage travellers to eat with a reusable set of chopsticks to avoid the waste of a throwaway pair at every meal.

In the south of China we base ourselves in a small country guesthouse in Chaolong and use bikes as a less polluting and less intrusive means of discovering the Guangxi countryside. We have the chance to meet and learn about the culture of the minority people in this area. In Sapa we put on our trekking boots and follow the tracks to meet the local villagers.

This trip includes visits to Friends in Phnom Penh and KOTO in Hanoi – restaurants with training schools set up for less fortunate kids, helping them to gain some practical skills.

In Cambodia, the ruins of Angkor are protected under UNESCO World Heritage listing and as such, part of the money received from entrance tickets contributes to the amazing site’s conservation. Your local guide will also give you plenty of guidance on what is appropriate when visiting the ruins and you will have the chance to interact with many of the local kids.

We actively support Friends of the Asian Elephant, which aims to protect and conserve the welfare of elephants, both domesticated and wild and any contributions by travellers are gratefully accepted.

Our overnight train journeys are a great way to get to know some of the friendly Thai people and your leader will encourage you to practice your Thai or make the most of the opportunity to teach some English to people onboard.

Enquire about this holiday.

Bangkok to Singapore holiday

This trip is a fantastic introduction to 3 of Asia's most dynamic countries that all contrast modern development with traditional beliefs. A key feature of this trip is its introduction to Asian life and immersion into local culture.

Bangkok, Khao Sok, southern Thai islands, Penang, Cameron Highlands, Kuala Lumpur, Melaka, Singapore.



This is a trip that offers all the pleasures of a tropical land - jungle, beaches, bazaars and delicious street food. Get to know the welcoming Thais on sandy beaches and the canals of Bangkok. Meet multicultural Malays in the streets of old Melaka and indulge yourself with a Singapore Sling at the Long Bar of Raffles. Experience the contrasting lifestyles of modern and traditional life in three outstanding countries.

day-by-day itinerary
Day 1-2: Bangkok.There's no shortage of things to do in South-East Asia's most exciting city. Sit down to a pad thai at one of the many night markets, enjoy a traditional Thai massage at Wat Pho, or escape the city heat on a cruise down the Chao Phraya River.
Day 3-4: Khao Sok.An overnight train journey brings us to beautiful Khao Sok National Park, where we stay in the heart of the jungle in rustic bungalows. Enjoy a guided walk and maybe an elephant ride, or trek further afield to a waterfall.
Day 5-7: Krabi. We head to Krabi Province, famous for its unspoilt beaches. Snorkel, swim or take a longtail boat to some of the nearby islands. The surrounding limestone cliffs are sure to tempt any rockclimbers.
Day 8-9: Penang. A charismatic blend of colonial heritage, night markets and religious temples, Penang also offers a wide range of exotic cuisines.
Day 10-11: Kuala Lumpur. The ultra-modern Petronas Towers may dominate the skyline, but KL still retains plenty of old-world charm. Shop for a bargain in one of its gleaming shopping centres, visit the nearby Batu Caves or sample some local treats around Petaling Street.
Day 12-13: Port Dickson. Set sail in a kayak, get a birds-eye view from a flying fox, tackle the ocean on a raft or simply relax and soak up the sun.
Day 14: Melaka. With its colonial architecture and strong Malay, Indian and Chinese influences, Melaka is a true melting pot of cultures. Delve into its long history wandering the ruins of A'Famosa, tuck into a bowl of Nyonya laksa in Chinatown or browse the antique shops on Jonker Street.
Day 15: Singapore. Indulge in the Singaporean pastimes of eating and shopping in Chinatown, Little India or along Orchard Road.

In Southern Thailand travellers begin to get into the truly relaxed spirit of Asia. Staying on beautiful beaches offers the chance to appreciate the stunning natural scenery of this area. In Khao Sok National Park the group stays in simple huts in the jungle and takes a guided walk through the rainforest, learning about flora and fauna of the region.

Throughout Malaysia travellers can experience the multicultural flavours in more ways than one - there's great temples, markets and fantastic restaurants to sample.

The Island Hideaway of Kuala Kangsar is situated in the midst of a large lake in rural Malaysia. Our hosts, Intrepid's long-time friends Asiah and Aziz, offer travellers a fascinating insight into Malaysian life. They introduce groups to traditional food, local eating customs, and even dress everyone in traditional sarongs for the occasion. The environment around their homestay is also beautiful so free time is granted in order to appreciate the local forest and waterfall.

Enquire about this holiday.

Baltic tours, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania & Russia

A fantastic opportunity to visit the Baltic’s highlights; Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia and Russia. We'll explore enchanting medieval towns, atmospheric cities, beautiful scenery and fabulous walking trails in this spectacular region.

We will explore enchanting medieval towns, atmospheric cities, beautiful scenery and the fabulous walking trails which this spectacular region has to offer.


Group size is maximum 15 people. Activities include extensive walking in towns. Accommodation is 13 nights tourist class hotels and 1 night sleeper train, and we use local and private transport - trains and buses. An airport transfer to the hotel on day 1 is included. Meals are included as per the itinerary (B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner) and entrance fees are included for all sites listed as part of the itinerary.

This trip is fully escorted by our tour leader on days 2-15.

day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Vilnius. Arrive and transfer to the hotel.
Day 2: Vilnius. After breakfast we have a walking tour of the delightful old town with its winding streets, narrow alleys and many old churches. The city boasts the largest old quarter in Europe which was constructed over many centuries and as a result is a unique hotchpotch of architectural styles. Rather bizarrely you can also find a statue of the American rock musician Frank Zappa. (B)
Day 3: Klaipeda. After breakfast we take a train to Klaipeda, our base for visiting the Curonian Spit. (B)
Day 4: Klaipeda. Today we have a guided tour of Curonian Spit, an enormous peninsula dominated by impressive sand dunes and forests, split between Russia and Lithuania and recognised by UNESCO as an area of outstanding natural beauty. (B)
Day 5: Riga. Travel by bus to Riga in Latvia. (B)
Day 6: Riga. We have a morning walking tour of Latvia’s cosmopolitan capital city, with the afternoon free to explore further. There is plenty to occupy the eye, and it is easy to see why the old quarter has been recognised as a World Heritage site with a stunning collection of Art Nouveau architecture on offer. (B)
Day 7: Sigulda. After breakfast we have a short bus ride to Sigulda, situated at the edge of a beautiful forested valley with many hiking trails. We have nearly a full day to enjoy the area. (B)
Day 8: Sigulda - Tallinn. In the morning we have time to explore more in the nearby National Park. In the afternoon we transfer by bus to Tallinn. (B)
Day 9: Tallinn. Morning walking tour of the impressive old city. Afternoon is free. (B)
Day 10: Tallinn - St Petersburg. Today we have free time before taking a train or bus to St Petersburg. (B).
Day 11: St Petersburg. Today we have a guided tour of this awe inspiring city. Home to some of the most splendid architecture in the world it is awash with stunning buildings, exceptional museums and opulent palaces. Its numerous canals and waterways have led it to be known as the ‘Venice of the North’. (B)
Day 12: St Petersburg. Free day for further exploration in St. Petersburg before taking the overnight train to Moscow. (B)
Day 13: Moscow. On arrival we enjoy a tour of the city, taking in the Kremlin, Red Square and Tretyakov Gallery.
Day 14: Moscow. Free day in Moscow to take in further highlights of this atmospheric city. Must see sights include the iconic Saint Basil’s Cathedral, synonymous with Moscow’s landscape. (B)
Day 15: Moscow. Tour ends after breakfast. (B)

This tour visits Estonia, a country with a very small tourism industry although this provides a valuable source of income to a wide sector of the community. We visit smaller less tourist frequented towns as well as the major cities. We use local guides and drivers throughout the course of the tour and endeavour to avoid large tourist agencies, arranging as much as we can with local people.

Our use of overnight trains on this tour offers a far more environmentally sustainable way of travel between our destinations where totally environmentally-friendly guided walking tours are scheduled rather than the use of private motor transport.

We use family-run accommodation providing a direct income to local people and our clients are encouraged to use locally-owned restaurants and cafes rather than international or chain establishments.

Our tour leaders advise all clients of our responsible travel policy and give them the necessary guidance on local customs and traditions, reminding them of the need to take nothing but photographs and leave nothing but footprints whilst visiting the nature reserves and historic sites included in the tour.

Enquire about this holiday.

Balkan adventure holiday

Join an adventure; from Hungary's captivating capital through the countryside & intriguing cities of the former Yugoslavia, & on to the stunning medieval towns of the Adriatic coast, this corner of Europe offers travellers something ouside of the norm.

A fascinating journey through the Balkans from the 'Pearl of the Danube' to the 'Pearl of the Adriatic'.


Join us on an adventure like no other. From Hungary's captivating capital to Croatia and the former Yugoslav republics of Serbia, Bosnia-Hercegovina and Montenegro, this little known corner of Europe offers travellers something a little different from the norm. Intriguing cities, beautiful countryside, relaxing coastline and stunning UNESCO World Heritage sites allow us to get a true sense of the region and its people. This will most definitely be a trip to remember!

day-by-day itinerary
Day 1-2: Budapest. Built on the banks of the Danube River, this beautiful city is best seen from the water. Admire the city's architecture and cross the iconic Chain Bridge to get a great view over the castle district.
Day 3-4: Novi Sad. Cross the border into Serbia and explore a city that has been destroyed and rebuilt numerous times. Originally established by the Romans, the hilltop Petrovaradin Citadel offers beautiful views of the city. Perhaps take to the vineyards to sample some local wine.
Day 5-6: Belgrade. Soak up the history of one of Europe's oldest cities and experience a mix of progressive flamboyance and conservative tradition. Stroll through the Bohemian quarter or explore the boulevards to see Orthodox churches vying for space among hip nightclubs.
Day 7-9: Sarajevo/ Mostar. Travel through serene countryside to the capital of Bosnia-Herzegovina. A day trip to Mostar affords an opportunity to see the famous town and bridge, both reduced to rubble during the Yugoslav wars. Since rebuilt, the town is an important symbol of the new Balkans.
Day 9: Ostrog Monastery. We imbibe a healthy dose of mysticism today with a visit to stunning Ostrog Monastery. Mingle with pilgrims on our overnight stay in a simple konak.
Day 10: Ostrog Monastery. Follow the pilgrims up the rocky mountain path and spend the night in humble konaks at a monastery.
Day 11-12: Budva. The Montenegrin Miami is known for its pristine coastline and vibrant nightlife. Hit the beach this afternoon to soak up some sun.
Day 13: Kotor. Hop aboard a bus bound for a perfectly preserved and World Heritage-listed medieval town with charming crooked alleyways to explore.
Days 14-15: Dubrovnik. Walk along the city walls for panoramas of the Adriatic Sea or climb Mt Srd for an aerial perspective.

In the Balkans, our focus is on making a positive impact, providing numerous opportunities for local interaction as we cover so much ground using all means of public transport. You’ll be surprised how much you can learn from a friendly local who strikes up a conversation during your journey.

Your leader and local guides will be able to direct you to many local eateries throughout the trip, helping you discover real local fare, at real local prices (and probably helping you learn some local language at the same time).

On the many guided town tours we use the services of a local guide, helping to bring money into the local community and giving our travellers the benefit of the experience through the eyes of a local Balkan. For a touch of history we sleep overnight in OIstrog in a very non-commercial 'konak' (simple night quarters) close to the Lower Monastery, whereas in Dubrovnik we have the unique opportunity to stay in private apartments run by local families – a very special experience to live as the locals do.

During this trip we have many opportunities to visit the UNESCO World Heritage sights that feature in many of Europe’s destinations, where our entrance fees help maintain and restore these precious icons.

Enquire about this holiday.

Atacama Crossing, La Paz to Santiago

From the wide-open expanses of the Bolivian Altiplano to the verdant valleys of central Chile, this is a 3 week journey of contrasts.

From the wide-open expanses of the Bolivian Altiplano to the verdant valleys of central Chile, this is a 3 week journey of contrasts. Travel through one of the most indigenous and endearing countries in South America to one of the most modern. Take in stark salt flats, multicoloured mountains, two very different capitals and loads in between.


day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Arrive La Paz.
Day 2: La Paz. With streets lined with market stalls and vendors, the pace on the street and the vibrant atmosphere of La Paz is an incredible experience.
Day 3-7: Cochabamba / Sucre. Travel south to Cochabamba, renowned for its spring-like climate. Explore the city then take a night bus to Sucre. Beautiful architecture and good museums are complimented by optional activities such as a visit to see 60 million year old dinosaur footprints.
Day 8-9: Potosí. The highest city of its size in the world, UNESCO declared Potosí a World Heritage Site in recognition of its splendid but tragic history in the mining of silver during the time of Spanish colonization.
Day 10-12: Uyuni / 4x4 Desert Crossing Excursion (2B,2L,2D). A surreal landscape awaits between the Salar de Uyuni and the Atacama Desert (Chile), the driest in the world. Travel by 4X4 and marvel at the contrast of piercing blue skies and blinding white salt on the flat lakebed.
Day 13-15: San Pedro de Atacama. Descending almost 3000 metres, we arrive at the small desert oasis of San Pedro de Atacama. Optional excursions include biking, exploring nearby ruins, horseback riding, or a tour of the Valley of the Moon.
Day 16-19: La Serena / Santiago. Travel south along the coast to the beachside city of La Serena. Relax a while before heading to Santiago on Day 18. Santiago is known equally for its museums and parks and its vineyards and ski resorts. Visit the vibrant Bellavista neighbourhood or go exploring.
Day 20: Depart Santiago.

small group adventure holiday
Typically you will be sharing your experiences with between 4-20 like minded travellers (depending on the trip, operator and how many others are booked on the trip) and you'll have a group leader with you. Whether you are travelling alone or with friends its good value, and a great way to meet new people! While itineraries are pre-planned there is some flexibility and you'll have plenty of privacy. This trip will appeal to travellers of all ages who enjoy meeting new people as well as seeing new places.

how this holiday makes a difference
We ensure minimal social and environmental impact in the places we visit by travelling in small groups (max 12), using local transportation and staying in locally-owned accommodation.

This tour offers travellers the opportunity to visit one of the projects that we support through our non-profit organization, the Planeterra Foundation, developed as a way to give back to the people and places that we visit on our tours. In Sucre you may visit a home for over 50 orphaned children where you will be able to spend time with the children and learn about the programs they offer. Children are provided with food, shelter, education, healthcare and workshops that develop workmanship skills.

On this tour we visit two UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The city of Potosi was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in recognition of its tragic history in the mining of silver during the time of Spanish colonization. The historic city of Sucre , also a UNESCO World Heritage site was the first capital of Bolivia, founded by the Spanish in the first half of the 16th century.

Enquire about this holiday.

Alaska and Yukon classic camping tour

Experience arctic wilderness and the richness of frontier living on a journey to the top of the world. Journey south to the Kenai Peninsula - native Alaskans’ vacation paradise. See the wonder of Portage Glacier Lake, before heading to the fishing capital of the Kenai, Seward.

Alaska, Yukon & the Arctic Circle - the Last Frontier! Refuges of wilderness, wildlife and a diverse array of incomparable scenery; tundra and taiga, snow-capped mountains, pristine rivers, ice-blue lakes and glaciers. Always captivating, often astounding, come explore this truly Great Land!


Food: Whilst our leaders shop for fresh food and organize the daily meals, you are welcome to lend a hand in the 'kitchen' or at the BBQ. Our international groups regularly create and enjoy delicious meals together and on occasion they also sample the local cuisine at nearby restaurants or whilst in the city.

Optional activities: Besides the many included activities and guided day hikes, there are often numerous optional activities from which to choose. Snorkelling, rafting, glacier trekking and even a scenic helicopter flight are just a few examples. Optional activities are not included in the tour price, so you're able to select interesting activities according to your own taste and budget. The tour leader will be happy to answer any questions and organise these activities locally on your behalf. And with our longstanding relationships with local outfitters, we will be sure to get you a preferential rate.

day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Anchorage. Arrive into Anchorage and transfer (not included) to our gateway hotel at your leisure. Rest of day to relax and prepare for your adventure. Meals: Paid locally | Accommodation: Hotel included
Day 2-3: Seward & Kenai Fjords National Park. Journey south to the lush Kenai Peninsula - native Alaskans' vacation paradise. Stare in awe at the ice-blue wonder of Portage Glacier Lake, before heading to the fishing capital of the Kenai, Seward. Embark on an incredible full-day scenic cruise to the Kenai Fjords National Park; gliding past calving glacier, numerous sea bird colonies and perhaps a pod of orcas hunting for salmon. Meals: Paid locally | Accommodation: Cabins included
Day 4-5: Valdez. Then board the Whittierferry across Prince William Sound, where we are greeted with more stunning scenery as we pass by the immense Columbia Glacier. Tucked away at the end of a glacier-carved fjord, Valdez is the most northerly ice-free port in the Western Hemisphere and the terminus of the Alaskan Pipeline. The next day, you may have the opportunity to explore this part of Prince William Sound by sea kayak. Meals: Included | Accommodation: Camping included
Day 6-7: Wrangell St.Elias National Park. On to America's largest national park, Wrangell-St. Elias. With two nights at our lodge in the "bush town" of McCarthy, you will have plenty of time to explore the abandoned copper mining town of Kennicott, hike along the Kennicott and Root glaciers, try your hand at ice-climbing or take a scenic flight past the towering mountains and endless glaciers to experience this vast and rugged wilderness. Meals: Paid locally | Accommodation: Lodge included
Day 8-10: Tok & Kluane National Park. We spend a night in the small community of Tok sitting at 1600 feet high in the mountains, home to the first Alaskan Highway workers built in the 1940's. The Yukon's premier national park, Kluane, beckons next with a lovely waterside campsite along the shoreline of Lake Kluane. Hike up Sheep Mountain or relax by the lake, soaking up the serene beauty. Meals: Included | Accommodation: Camping included
Day 11-12: Whitehorse & Dawson City. Time for two distinct Yukon towns! First we head to Whitehorse and wander the streets of this old frontier capital or go horseback riding with the gang at Sky High Ranch. Then follow the trail of the original Sourdough miners along the Yukon River to the gold rush town of Dawson. Camp along the banks of the mighty Yukon River, and relive history panning for gold or gambling at Diamond Tooth Gertie's Saloon. Meals: Included | Accommodation: Camping included
Day 13-16: Yukon & Inuvik via Dempster Highway. It's still further north along the Dempster Highway into Canada's Northwest Territories and across the Arctic Circle to Inuvik, Canada's northernmost town. Be prepared for some remote and sparse facilities, as we experience first hand, the lifestyle and cultures of the Dene, Metis and Inuvialuit peoples in this frontier town. Take an optional flight to the town of Tuktoyaktuk on the coast of the Arctic Ocean to gain a unique insight into this remote and hardy community. Meals: Included | Accommodation: Camping included
Day 17-18: Dawson City & Alaska Range. Returning south again through Dawson City, the scenic "Top of the World Highway" takes us back into Alaska. Meals: Some paid locally | Accommodation: Hotel & camping included
Day 19-21: Denali National Park. Saving the best for last, Denali National Park - "The Great One" - where nature survives in a timeless state. Home to Mt. McKinley, the tallest peak in North America, grizzly bears, caribou, Dall sheep, marmots and wolves, all roam the park. Activities such as river rafting, dog sled demonstrations and nature trail walks are available. The following two days are free to explore the backcountry, which offers scenic views of the taiga and sub-arctic tundra, superb opportunities to view wildlife, and access to limitless hiking options for all fitness and adventure levels - a perfect finish to an unforgettable journey. Meals: Paid locally | Accommodation: Cabins included
Day 22: Anchorage. Returning to Anchorage in the afternoon, our Alaska-Yukon adventure comes to an end. If you're not flying out tonight, a perfect opportunity for a farewell dinner. Tour ends at 18:00 hrs in Anchorage.

This trip is designed for those who want to explore the rugged natural wilderness of Alaska and Canada’s Yukon and to discover why visitors are so passionate about this beautiful region. We travel in small, intimate groups (maximum of 13 passengers) and have the benefit of a professionally trained local guide who knows the best places in the national parks, national monuments and wilderness areas to respectfully observe wildlife, to enjoy fun, adventurous activities and appreciate the flavours of the local culture.

This is a camping based tour and we utilize state/national/private owned campgrounds. Our group is self sufficient as we provide camping equipment and a portable kitchen. We shop locally and prepare nearly all of our meals (when camping) together. When we overnight in regional hotels (5 nights) and in en-route in rustic cabins (3 nights), we endeavour to stay in a locally owned properties, eat our meals in locally owned restaurants and utilize established local suppliers for activities en route that help support local business and keep money in the community.

We have over 13 years of experience operating small-group adventure tours (13 client maximum) throughout North/Central/South America that foster understanding, appreciation and conservation of the cultures and environments we visit. We are committed to working with our clients and the peoples of our host destinations to ensure direct economic benefits at a community level. Whether we visit Denali, Wrangell-St. Elias, Kenai Fjords National Park or the native community of Inuvik, we aim to operate beyond best practice guidelines and to provide a tour programme that creates a positive impact on the lands that we visit and a lasting impression for those who travel with us.

We achieve this by implementing the following methods:
Working with Local Guides - The tour is led by one of our fully trained local guides. Prior to leading our groups, guides must successfully complete our pre-season intensive training programme which lasts approximately 4 weeks. During this time we support the guides with accommodation, activities and supplemental salary.

Local Arrangements - We utilize private vehicle and local suppliers for accommodation and activities throughout to ensure the economic benefit stays in the local community. This includes working with locally owned sea kayak/glacier-walking/rafting/etc operators and lodging in locally owned hotels/lodges whenever possible.

National Park and National Monument Visits - On this tour, we include visits and entry admission to all national parks and monuments listed in the itinerary. Fees support park upkeep and conservation projects, and we encourage our clients to visit the visitor centres for additional information about the region.

Educating Travellers - Our published traveller’s code of conduct is further promoted by our leaders throughout the tour, and particularly in the first night’s orientation talk. If you would like a copy of our RT policy or traveller’s code of conduct, please contact us prior to your trip or alternatively, download directly from our website.

This includes policies on the following:
Recycling - Established policy to support recycling (and to educate our clients on recycling) on all of our tours in North/Central/South America. We aim to utilize properties that recycle glass and plastics. When this service is not available, we will pack and store recycling in our own containers and drive them to a suitable facility

“Leave No Trace”- Leave No Trace is a national and international campaign designed to assist outdoor enthusiasts about how to reduce their impacts when enjoying the outdoors. Because this trip spends much time exploring the National Parks and "wilderness" areas, familiarizing clients with the "Leave No Trace" ethic will help minimize the impact on the natural environment

Carbon Off-Setting - We partner with Climate Care to encourage clients to off-set domestic/international flights. We are committed to off-set vehicles’ emissions and as such, we match client contributions up to £5,000 per year

Office Based Energy - 100% of our UK corporate headquarters’ power is green (renewable)

Charitable Project Support - We contribute to local charities and projects such as “Tourism Cares for America” (of which we are a founding member), “Friends of Big Bend” and the “Mojave Desert Land Trust”- organizations dedicated to improving and/or expanding national parks.

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Adelaide to Perth tour, Australia

The 10 day Adelaide to Perth travels through the Southern Flinders Ranges and onto the Eyre Peninsula. The tour then crosses the Nullarbor and into Esperance and the South West of Western Australia.

The journey is approximately 3800 kilometres - some days are more driving than others but on average each day will be about 400 - 450 kilometres with activities spread throughout each day.


The key highlights of this tour are:

Southern Flinders Ranges - Camel trek and bush food [tucker] tasting
Mount Wudinna
Swim with sea lions and dolphins (optional)
Learn to surf and sandboard
Cape Le Grande National Park - we travel through up to 9 national or conservation parks on this journey
Albany - the Gap and Natural Bridge
Tree top walk and climb a fire tree lookout
Margaret River and explore Giants Cave
Wardan Aboriginal dream time tour

day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Our adventure begins north from Adelaide. We begin with a trek in the southern flinders ranges followed by a bush tucker lunch! At the end of the first day’s journey we do a sunset tour on Mount Wudinna before our first bush camp next to some Granite rocks on the edge of the Gawler Ranges.
Day 2: Viewing and swimming with dolphins and Australian sea lions. After a short drive we board the MV Investigator for a 4-5 hr cruise (own cost at $120.00 incls GST). It’s a relaxing day viewing and swimming with dolphins and Australian sea lions. Time permitting we head back to Coodlie Park Farm Retreat to view a spectacular sun set at a secluded beach. Our hosts Hassie, Jo and family then conduct a nocturnal spotlighting tour looking for Australia’s National Emblems – kangaroos, wombats and emus.
Day 3: Surf beaches and culture centre. We travel further along the West coast of South Australia, and learn to surf on a remote and isolated Eyre Peninsula beach. We stop off at Ceduna Indigenous Arts and Culture Centre and see indigenous men and women doing traditional art paintings. You can do a coastal walk along some rugged coastline or relax with a book on a remote beach. Later in the afternoon we head for the tiny historical settlement of Fowlers Bay, adjacent to massive sand dunes. We finish off the day with some extreme fun sand boarding.
Day 4: Nullarbor Plain. Leaving Fowlers Bay behind we cross the dingo fence, travel through Yalata Aboriginal lands and drive onto the Nullarbor Plain. In season [June – October] the Southern Right Whales migrate to the Head of the Bight. Up to 100 of these amazing mammals can be seen from the scenic lookouts. Outside of the whale season you will not be disappointed with the spectacular coastline and viewing platforms that showcase the majestic Nullarbor Cliffs. We stop at the famous wombat/camel/kangaroo road sign and call into old Eucla, a telegraph town buried by sand dunes!
Day 5: Nullarbor Plain. We travel through some real outback country and it will certainly give you a sense of the size of the vast and ancient land. The Nullarbor Plain is the largest single piece of rock in the world and beneath this unique landscape is a honey comb cave and lake system.
Day 6: Esperence. We arrive in Esperence (our first bit of civilization for some time) and while we restock supplies you can look around this beautiful seaside port. We set up camp for the next two nights only metres away from a picture postcard beach in the cape le Grand National Park, and the sandy beaches and crystal clear water. A late afternoon hike up the granite formation known as “Frenchman Peak’ rewards you with fantastic views of the bays and islands of the Recherche Archipelago.
Day 7: Swim, boogie board, snorkel, fish or just relax. We have another full day to enjoy this beautiful spot and it’s totally up to you how you want to spend your day. There are some stunning coastal walks, you may like to swim, boogie board, snorkel, fish or just relax while lying on a pure white sandy beach (you might have to share the beach with a local kangaroo or two).
Day 8: Fitzgerald River National Park. We leave early and head for the Fitzgerald River National Park, where we will do one of the many walks on offer. We like to keep today flexible as there are so many great spots to visit, the guide will decide the best route on the day but the group may visit ‘Bluff Knoll’ a 4 hour trek in the Stirling Ranges and Fitzgerald National Park a world recognised biosphere reserve with plenty of beautiful beaches and rugged coastline.
Day 9 Valley of the Giants. The landscape changes dramatically as we head into the heart of the southern Eucalypt forests of W.A. We visit Albany, Frenchman's Bay, the Gap Natural Bridge and Greens Pool. Walk the talk on the tree top walk at the “Valley of the Giants”; a unique structure that takes you up into the canopy of a very ancient and special eucalypts called Red Tingle trees. In the late afternoon we climb one of the giant Karri trees that once used as a fire lookout.
Day 10: Cave formations/Aboriginal centre. As we travel through Augusta, Margaret River we explore some unique cave formations and then visit Wardan Aboriginal Centre for a dreaming tour. On into Busselton Jetty and as we head into Perth after nearly 4000 km it gives you a chance to reflect on the experiences over the last ten action packed days as we head for Western Australia’s capital Perth.

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Vietnam & Cambodia holiday

Combine Vietnam’s highlights with an in depth exploration of the more remote areas in the northern mountains and the Mekong Delta. We end with Asia’s most memorable sight – the temples of Angkor. One of our most popular trips with travellers and tour leaders alike.

Cruise on Halong Bay with a hilltribe adventure, Mekong crossing and Angkor Wat still to come.


This 21-day journey is a perennial favourite – and its easy to see why. Beginning in Vietnam’s elegant capital, Hanoi, we explore the city by cyclo and take the time to get off the beaten track, with an overnight hilltribe stay in Mai Chau and a night aboard our private boat on magical Halong Bay. Journey south to dynamic Saigon, visiting the old imperial capital of Hue and charming Hoi An along the way. From here we travel deep into the Mekong Delta, before embarking on an exhilarating cross-border boat journey to Phnom Penh. Your journey ‘Inside Vietnam & Cambodia’ ends with Asia’s most memorable sight – the breathtaking temples of Angkor.

Price includes: 18 nights hotel accommodation including one night in a basic home-stay Mai Chau (without air - conditioning), 1 overnight boat, 1 overnight train (soft sleeper four-berth shared cabin), flights as specified, all road transport by air-conditioned vehicles (temple touring by tuk-tuk), all sightseeing as specified (excluding entrance fees), Western tour leader (7 or more travellers) and local English-speaking guides throughout, arrival and departure transfers, breakfast daily, 4 lunches and 2 dinners.

day-by-day itinerary
Day 1-4: Ha Noi & Mai Chau. Arrive in Hanoi and transfer to your hotel where you will meet your tour leader and group for a welcome drink and briefing. After a cyclo ride through the colourful Old Quarter, learn all about ‘Uncle Ho’ at his former home and mausoleum. Also visit the ancient Temple of Literature and infamous Hanoi Hilton prison ahead of an evening water puppet performance. Gain an insight into Vietnam’s hilltribes at the fascinating Ethnology Museum before travelling to the beautiful upland valley of Mai Chau, where we stay overnight in a Thai family house. Classic Hotels: Hong Ngoc, Homestay
Day 5-6: Halong Bay & Reunification Express . On our overnight cruise on Halong Bay we take the time to explore some of the many caves and islets, and simply relax on our private boat. Return to Hanoi to board the Reunification Express for our journey south. Classic Hotels: Overnight boat, Overnight train
Day 7-9: Hue & Hoi An. Explore Hue’s historic sites, including the Citadel, elaborate emperors’ tombs and the Thien Mu Pagoda. From here, a spectacular coastal drive brings us to charming Hoi An. Visit traditional houses and temples and the iconic Japanese Bridge on a walking tour, enjoy a sunset cruise on the Thu Bon River and learn about traditional cultivation techniques in the ‘Hoi An local for a day’ experience. In your free time, join a fun cooking class or soak up the wonderful atmosphere while shopping for clothes and artwork. Classic Hotels Huong Giang, Hoi An Trails Resort
Day 10-12: Saigon. Vietnam’s largest city buzzes with youthful energy. Here we stroll along the historic Dong Khoi Street – the former Rue Catinat – visit sites such as the Reunification Palace and War Remnants Museum and travel by speedboat along the Saigon River to the amazing Cu Chi tunnels. Classic Hotel: Metropole
Day 13-14: Mekong Delta. Explore the rivers and canals around Can Tho by boat, visiting local farmhouses and fruit orchards. After an early morning boat trip to the floating markets of Cai Rang we drive to Chau Doc, a fascinating border town. Visit a nearby island inhabited by the Cham people and climb Sam Mountain to watch the sun set over Cambodia. Hotels: Golf Can Tho, Victoria Chau Doc
Day 15-16: Phnom Penh. Like pioneers, we travel to Phnom Penh by boat along the lower Mekong River. In the Cambodian capital, gain an insight into Khmer history with visits to Tuol Sleng and the Killing Fields, and the National Museum. Explore the stately surrounds of the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, and learn about the plight of local street children, and what you can do to help, at the ChildSafe Centre. Does not merge with Inside Cambodia any more. Classic Hotel: Hotel Cambodiana
Day 17-21: Kompong Thom & Siem Reap. Drive north on an ancient Khmer highway to Kompong Thom. Visit local markets selling everything from fresh fruit to fried spiders, explore the pre-Angkorian ruins of Sambor Pre Kuk and enjoy a boat trip in a remote section of Tonle Sap Lake. From our base in Siem Reap, explore the incredible temples of Angkor. Rise before dawn to witness sunrise at Angkor Wat, venture off the tourist trail to remote Boeng Mealea, and immerse yourself in the atmospheric ruins of the tree-covered Ta Prohm. Take a balloon ride above the temples to gain a birds’ eye view of the ancient city and marvel at the artisanship of intricate Banteay Srei. Your journey ends with an airport transfer on day 21. Classic Hotels Kompong Thom Village, Day Inn Angkor Resort

We believe that travel should entail an exchange of knowledge and perspectives, a sharing of wealth, and a genuine appreciation of both Vietnam and Cambodia’s beautiful natural environments. This philosophy underpins the heart and soul of our style of travel. We recognise that poorly planned itineraries or poorly informed tourists contribute less to cross-cultural understanding and less to the livelihoods of local people.

This journey combines two of Asia’s most alluring countries. Commencing in Vietnam we experience wonderful diversity from beautiful Hanoi to industrial Saigon. In Hanoi there is the opportunity to visit Koto’s (know one, teach one) – a not-for-profit restaurant and vocational training centre staffed by disadvantaged young people – to try their infamous Koto smoothie. Travelling west we enjoy the hospitality of the Muong and White Tai minority people in Mai Chau and stay overnight in a traditional family house. Our offices also finance the Loretto Foundation in Saigon (which assists disadvantaged, poor and disabled children through education), and The Fred Hollows Foundation (which provides ophthalmologic services to underprivileged Vietnamese).

In Cambodia we take in riverside Phnom Penh before moving on to the monumental temples of Angkor. Here we have facilitated a very significant donation to the World Monument Fund in Cambodia, a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to the maintenance of a select number of archaeologically precious temples in Angkor. During this journey we actively encourage our travellers to patronise or financially assist numerous not-for-profit organisations in Cambodia including Friends Restaurant in Phnom Penh (which trains and is staffed by disadvantaged young people), Made in Cambodia in Siem Reap (which sells items made by underprivileged Cambodians) and the Sunrise Orphanages in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. Our offices also finance the Angkor Hospital for Children in Siem Reap, which provides health care services to poor Cambodians and through which we sponsor the training of a Cambodian nurse.

On this journey our local guides are trained to share their knowledge of cultural and other local issues in a balanced, informative way; in this journey alone you are likely to meet several local guides from different provinces in Vietnam and areas in Cambodia. They share real experiences from their own lives and insights into their family life, influences and beliefs, thus providing our travellers with a deeper understanding of the places they visit. This is what motivates our guides, not shopping commissions.

Our offices in Vietnam (Saigon, Danang and Hanoi) and in Cambodia (Phnom Penh and Siem Reap) are staffed with local people wherever possible and we have a long term aim of filling management roles with competent local staff. This presence in Vietnam and Cambodia means we are much better able to control the content, the actions of our suppliers, and the style of our small group journey.

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Southern Africa lodge safari

Our lodge style safari starts and ends in Livingstone, Zambia running through Namibia and Botswana. You will experience the diverse cultural, wildlife and scenery of Southern Africa, while staying in comfortable lodges. Experience the splendour of untouched Africa by joining an unforgettable safari.

Our lodge style safari starts and ends in Livingstone, Zambia running through Namibia and Botswana.


You will experience the diverse cultural, wildlife and scenery of Southern Africa, while staying in comfortable lodges. Experience the splendour of untouched Africa by joining an unforgettable safari.

This diverse safari has every aspect an adventurous world traveler would be looking for; wildlife, culture, bush, pictorial cities, local markets, amazing coast and beach scenery. These African memories will last you a lifetime!

Highlights include: Caprivi Strip Wildlife, Cultural experience at Rundu, Etosha National Park, Himba Tribes, Damaraland, Desert Elephants, Swakopmund, Sossusvlei, Waterberg, Bushman Land, Okavango Delta, Khwai River, Magkadigkadi Pans, Chobe National Park, Victoria Falls.

day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Livingstone to Camp Kwando, Botswana. Our tour starts in Livingstone at the Zambezi Waterfront. In the early afternoon we will arrive at our Camp on the Kwando River. Before we have dinner at our Lodge we'll go out on an afternoon game drive Mudumo National Park. Mudumo is home to herds of red lechwe and the occasional sitatunga, while spotted-necked otter, hippo and crocodile are also found in these fertile waterways.
Day 2: Rundu and N'kwazi Lodge, Nambia. Today we are driving west along the Caprivi Strip to the town of Rundu. We make our way to N'Kwazi Lodge and spend a relaxing afternoon in our Lodge on the banks of the Kavango River overlooking Angola. You can do optional activities like a sunset cruise, horse riding or just relax in the pool with a sundowner and listen to calls of Mother Nature. Optional traditional dancing in the evening.
Day 3: Cultural Experience in Rundu, Namibia. On this day you'll have the opportunity for a real Namibian cultural experience. After breakfast we head out to visit a church and a school in Rundu, the closest town to our Lodge, to experience the lifestyle and traditions of the Namibian people. In the afternoon you will have more time for optional activities you missed the day before or have another relaxing afternoon by the pool.
Day 4-5: Etosha National Park, Namibia. After breakfast we leave our Lodge and make our way further west into Namibia and onto Etosha National Park. We spend two nights here, listening to the wild animals at night and going for game drives during to day hoping to spot the 'Big 5'. At night you'll have the opportunity to see the nocturnal animals of Etosha at the floodlit waterholes of the camps and during the day you'll visit the Etosha Pan to view animals like, Lions, cheetah, Elephants, Giraffes and the numerous different types of antelope the park has to offer.
Day 6: Damaraland to Kamanjab, Namibia. We leave Etosha National Park through the Main Gate and drive through to Kamanjab, which is the gateway of the Damaraland. It is a world of incredible mountain scenery, a refuge for the rare desert elephant, black rhino and giraffe, and the home of the Himba people. This afternoon we visit a Himba village, before heading to our destination of the day – Oase.
Day 7: Twyfelfontein, Namibia. Today we drive to Twyfelfontein. We stop en route and walk to see the bushman paintings and etchings in the area. We will also visit the petrified forest, as well as the organ pipes, which are famous landmarks of Damaraland.
Day 8-9: Swakopmund, Namibia. Heading west out of the dry interior of Namibia we make our way to the coastal German town of Swakopmund on the Atlantic Ocean. The next day is spent at your leisure where you can explore this quaint town or participate in some of many optional activities like sand boarding, quad biking or scenic flights, fishing etc.
Day 10: Namib Naukluft National Park and Kuiseb Canyon to Sosssusvlei, Namibia. Today is spent exploring the barren, arid and sometimes rocky landscape of the Namib Naukluft National Park. Once we reach our lodge wen enjoy the evening under the countless stars and just relax.
Day 11: Sossusvlei and Windhoek, Namibia. We visit the world’s highest sand dunes at Sossusvlei. There is the option of taking a shuttle to the dunes instead of walking (optional cost of R95pp transfer from 2x4 parking to Sossusvlei/Dead vlei parking area). At sunrise these red sand dunes, which can reach a height of more than 300m, are absolutely spectacular and provide a fantastic photo opportunity. With luck there may even be water in the vlei (lake). After we’ve had breakfast we head for Namibia’s capital – Windhoek.
Day 12: Waterberg Plateau, Namibia. Today we leave the cold Atlantic coast behind us and drive North East to the Waterberg Plateau close to Otjiwarongo. Once we arrive we go for short hike in the reserve to view the wildlife on the plateau.
Day 13-14: Bushmanland - walking with the bushman, Namibia. Departing from the Waterberg we drive deep into Bushman land and to our lodge for the next two days, Tsumkwe Lodge. The following day we take an 8 hour guided visit to the Ju'/hoan bushmen community and are shown the activities in the village, such as the food being cooked, the beadwork, bows and arrows being made, poison being prepared, etc. Then we take a walk in the vicinity of the village to search for honey or springhare and bush food. Traditional games will be played in the afternoon, ending in traditional dancing.
Day 15-16: Okavango Delta, Botswana. We leave our Lodge in bushman land for Etsha 13, a small village on the western border of the Okavango Delta in Botswana. From here we go in our 4x4 vehicles and take a motorboat transfer us to Guma Lodge, where we spend the night. The next day is spent exploring the network of waterways through thick vegetation in mokoros (traditional dugout canoes) and speedboat viewing the wildlife in the delta.
Day 17-18: Khwai River, Botswana. Heading out of the Okavango Delta we drive onto Maun from where we'll head to our tented Camp in the Khwai Region. Our camp is between Chobe National Park and Moremi National Park. On arrival at the lodge there'll be some time to relax on the pool before we head out on a night drive hoping to spot some of the numerous nocturnal animals in the area like lions, leopards, wild cats etc. The following day is spent on game drives in the Khwai River area viewing the wildlife. This is the premier game viewing area in Southern Africa with huge herds of Elephant, prides of lions, pods of hippos in the river and much more.
Day 19: Planet Baobab, Botswana. We leave the bush behind and travel east towards the Magkadigkadi Pans. If the conditions allow we'll take a drive onto the Pans. After appreciating the wide-open, uninhabited spaces under the endless canopy of blue sky, we head off for our final stop of the day, Planet Baobab. The rest of the afternoon we spend with a hike to the elephant hole and relaxing at Planet Baobab's facilities.
Day 20: Kasane & Chobe National Park, Botswana. Today we drive up north to Chobe National Park. We stop at one of the the Magkadigkadi Pans to have a closer look. After appreciating the wide-open, uninhabited spaces under the endless canopy of blue sky, we step off for our final stop of the day, Toro Lodge. We have game viewing opportunities en route to Kasane and the Chobe area. The Chobe National Park, which is the second largest national park in Botswana and covers 10,566 square km, and has one of the greatest concentrations of game found on the African continent. In the afternoon we go on a sunset cruise on the Chobe River and will have the opportunity to get close up to all that the Chobe Park has to offer from lions, elephants, hippos, crocodiles, birds and much more.
Day 21: Victoria Falls, Zambia. Continuing our trip we leave Botswana via ferry across the Zambezi and drive back to Livingstone in Zambia, the home of Victoria Falls. Your guide will take you through to Victoria Falls (entrance fee on own expense) and you will have the opportunity to take part in several optional activities like White Water rafting, Bungee jumping or Elephant back safaris, etc.
Day 22: Victoria Falls, Zambia. Safari ends after breakfast at the Zambezi Waterfront.

how this holiday makes a difference
On this incredible safari, we pay special attention to the types of lodges used, as well as ensuring an in-depth view of Africa’s unique wildlife, eco-systems and history, by visiting incredible National Parks, World Heritage Sites and cultural villages.

In Nambia for example, the lodges all contribute to responsible tourism in their own way: At Camp Kwando, we visit two local schools bordering the lodge, with the main impetus being the quality of teaching, and that it be maintained at an adequate level. Thus our concern that all the money you pay for these visits is re-injected in schooling material. This project is monitored by Camp Kwando, who track all donations.

At Nkwazi Lodge, they provide ecologically sensitive facilities and operations by utilising solar power as well as contributing to sustainable community development by encouraging guests to visit one of the local villages and attending a church meeting.

At Palmwag, they provide ecologically sensitive soaps and shampoos, which clients are encouraged to use. To decrease water usage, there is no daily exchange of towels & linen if clients stay longer than a night to reduce water wastage; use of eco friendly pool maintenance solutions with water recycling and constant upgrade of drain systems. There is also no collection of firewood from the concession area; all firewood is supplied from local, commercial firewood suppliers. They control all access onto the concession, thereby reducing environmental impact and assist government ministries in annual conservation work & censuses. Palmwag also recruits staff from neighbouring communities only, empowering local communities and uplifting the local economy.

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South America overland tour

This 45 day tour is a cross-continental adventure through South America's most fascinating countries: Peru, Bolivia and Brazil.

Explore Colonial Cuzco, follow the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, observe the Pantanal's magnificent wildlife and listen to the deafening roar of Iguassu Falls. Follow the Southern Cross with us and experience the best Latin America has to offer!


day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Lima.
Day 2: Pisco. The morning is yours to explore Lima before catching a bus to Pisco, an ocean-side city renowned for its local cocktail, the Pisco Sour, and the diverse Ballestas Islands. Spend a night on the town sampling some Peruvian food and local brews.
Day 3-4: Nazca. We take a bus to Nazca, best known for the mysterious Nazca Lines. An optional flight over the desert offers fantastic views. A tour of a Pre-Incan cemetery, complete with pottery, parched bones and 1500 year-old mummies reveals Nazca as the cradle of the ancient Paracas culture. Night bus to Arequipa.
Day 5-7: Arequipa / Chivay / Colca Canyon. At 2325m (7626 ft) above sea level, Peru's second-largest city Arequipa shows off its colonial past, is surrounded by the Andes mountains and lies in the shadow of El Misti Volcano. The next two days are dedicated to the Colca Canyon area and hopefully spotting soaring Andean Condors.
Day 8: Cuzco. Today we fly to Cuzco, a beautiful city offering fantastic Inca ruins, cobblestone streets steeped in history, museums, churches and a terrific atmosphere. The next day will be spent relaxing and exploring this fascinating city.
Day 9: Ollantaytambo. We travel with our local guide through the Sacred Valley, including the picturesque town and ruins of Ollantaytambo. This quaint pueblo is the ideal jump off point for the hike ahead.
Day 10-13: Trail to Machu Picchu (3B,3L,3D). A morning trip to km 82 begins a once in a lifetime journey on the ancient trail of the Incas. Local porters and guides ensure that the trip is worry-free. Fascinating ruins and spectacular mountain scenery fill every day of the hike. On the final day, climb the steps to Intipunku, the 'Sun Gate', to watch the sunrise over Machu Picchu. We return to Cuzco on the afternoon of day 13 by train.
Day 14-16: Cuzco. Relax and explore the sights and sounds of Cuzco. Rafting, horseback riding and mountain biking are all possible options.
Day 17: Puno. We enjoy spectacular views of the countryside on this full day of travel from Cuzco to Puno, through the high Altiplano region.
Day 18-19: Lake Titicaca (B,L,D). We take a boat trip to visit the Uros and Taquile islands, followed by an overnight immersion into Peruvian rural life with a homestay in a small village.
Day 20-21: La Paz. An impressive, scenic journey along the shores of Titicaca to the highest capital city in the world - La Paz, Bolivia. The liveliness and bustle of more than a million Bolivians is sure to impress and provide great memories.
Day 22: Uyuni. Take a full day trip to Uyuni.
Day 23-25: Uyuni / Salt Lakes Excursion (2B,3L,2D). Embark on a journey through the impressive Salar de Uyuni in some of the most isolated and dramatic geography in South America. Spend three days exploring the remote flats by four-wheel-drive vehicles, between piercing blue skies and blinding white salt flats.
Day 26: Potosí. The highest city of its size in the world, UNESCO World Heritage Potosí has had a tumultuous history as a silver mining centre during colonial times. Take an option to descend into a working mine for a close-up look at methods basically unchanged in decades, if not centuries.
Day 27-29: Sucre. Sucre is a lovely, historic town with museums and colonial buildings. The Bolivian seat of government, Sucre, enjoys a milder climate than much of the country. Options here include a visit to see dinosaur tracks!
Day 30-31: Santa Cruz / Puerto Suarez. Fly into Santa Cruz, Bolivia's second largest city, located close to the Cordillera Oriental foothills. We take an overnight train ride to Puerto Suarez, on the border with Brazil.
Day 32-33: Corumbá / Pantanal (2B,2L,2D). We make our way to the immense Pantanal wetlands, famed for its prolific wildlife. A 2–day excursion allows us to marvel at macaws, Jabiru storks, giant otters, caimans and countless other species of fauna that make their homes in this ecological paradise.
Day 34-38: Bonito / Iguassu Falls. Snorkel in crystal clear rivers, or visit caves and waterfalls in Bonito. Cross through the vast cattle ranches of Mato Grosso do Sul en route to magnificent Iguassu Falls. Sit back and soak in the stunning beauty and raw power that is Iguassu, or take a boat tour into the spray of the falls.
Day 39-44: Paraty / Ilha Grande/ Rio de Janeiro. Travel to Paraty and head for Ihla Grande, the island of 100 beaches. Finally, head north to incomparable Rio de Janeiro. Don't forget Copacabana beach!
Day 45: Depart Rio de Janeiro.

Through our commitment to responsible tourism, we ensure minimal social and environmental impact in the places we visit by travelling in small groups, using local transportation and staying in locally-owned hotels. We also work with experienced local guides who are knowledgeable of local culture, history, flora and fauna.

This tour offers several opportunities to visit projects supported by the Planeterra Foundation, a non-profit organization developed as a way to give back to the people and places we visit on our tours.

House of the People of the Sun – a drop-in center for street kids in Cuzco that offers support programs and workshops to teach the children valuable life skills.

Inka Porter Project (IPP) – strives to improve the lives and working conditions of porters in Peru. Through IPP you may have the opportunity to visit a porter community and learn more about how IPP are working to improve the lives of the porters we work with.

Hogar Sucre – is a home for over 50 orphaned children in Sucre, Bolivia. Children are provided with food, shelter, education, healthcare and workshops that develop workmanship skills. A visit to this project will allow you to spend time with the children and learn more about their programs.

Enquire about this holiday.

Silk Road holidays, Central Asia

This unique tour takes you on an epic cultural journey along the Old Silk Road through some of Central Asia’s most spectacular mountains, lively bazaars and ancient towns. Traversing parts of Kyrgyzstan, China, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

This unique tour takes you on an epic cultural journey along the Old Silk Road through some of Central Asia’s most spectacular mountains, lively bazaars and ancient towns.


Traversing parts of Kyrgyzstan, China, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, the route offers adventure and culture in equal measure. Riding horses or walking on a day trek around Son Kul Lake or the ancient caravanserai of Tash Rabat will give you a chance to witness the Tien Shan Mountains at their most beautiful, while wandering through the gargantuan sites of Samarkand or sleepy Bukhara will take you back to the heyday of the Silk Road.

For those with the sense of adventure, an interest in history and culture – and a good amount of energy – it is a trip you will remember for a very long time to come.

day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Depart UK from London Heathrow to Bishkek.
Day 2: Arrive in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, at 01.10 and transfer to the Asia Mountain Hotel or the best available alternative. Breakfast at 10.45 followed by a trip into town to visit the excellent museum and a wander round the Osh bazaar. At about 15.00 we will take a trip up into nearby mountains for late lunch at the fabulous 12 Chimneys open-air restaurant – generally regarded as the best place to eat. Early evening back to town.
Day 3: After breakfast 8-hour drive in converted ex-Soviet Ural to Son Kul Lake, arriving late afternoon. Meet Noorgul and her charming family and ‘check in’ to their nomad yurt camp on the side of this spectacular 3,000m glacial lake. Traditional dinner with vodka toasts. Sleep in Yurts.
Day 4: Son Kul. Free to explore this beautiful region, either on foot or horseback. We will make up some pack lunches and go wandering off for the day. Anyone wanting to can hang out around the camp, watching the nomads go about there traditional life or watch the extraordinarily varied bird life on the lake. There might even be a game of Kok Baru (Buzkashi) to watch in the afternoon. For dinner we will either have delicious fish from the lake or lamb.
Day 5: Around eight in the morning we will drive to the famous Silk Road Caravanserai of Tash Rabat, through one of the most spectacular regions of the Tien Shan, the Mountains of Heaven. Arrive afternoon and settle into the cosy yurts. Dinner with Jergal, the caretaker and his charming family. Sleep in the yurts.
Day 6: Tash Rabat. Having checked out the 11th century caravanserai, we will either walk or ride on a fabulous route (6 hours on horseback, 8 on foot) from the caravanserai on a circuit through the beautiful mountains. Travelling through valleys, across rivers and over a 3,600m pass, - at which point China is only 35kms away – in our opinion in is one of the most spectacular day treks in the region. We will take pack lunch and Nazira, Jergal’s daughter, will show us the way. Those wanting a more laid back day can simply walk among the valley which is lush and green, groaning with horses, yaks and sheep and the nomads who live by them. Traditional dinner again, in the yurts.
Day 7: Drive to the Torogourt Pass and cross into China. Here we will say goodbye – temporarily – to the Ural and transfer to a smart coaster minibus for the 160km journey down to Kashgar. Arriving here we will check into the excellent new international wing of the Chini Barg Hotel – behind which is old British consulate – and have dinner at the hotel’s outdoor Chinese restaurant.
Day 8: Kashgar. Free time to explore this most famous of all Silk Road Oases. In the morning we will take a look at the new town – with all its Communist statues, buildings and memorabilia – before visiting the green-tiled Aba Khoja tomb and the small Silk Road museum. After lunch at a traditional Uyghur home we will have a 3-hour break before heading into the old town, a world barely changed from the heady days of the old Silk Road, echoing that of the Arabian Nights. We will end the day’s tour by having tea on the second floor balcony of one of the old chaikhanas, watching the street market below us. Dinner out at John’s Café.
Day 9: Kashgar and the famous Yakshambe Bazaar, or the Sunday Market. In the morning we will first visit the town’s famous mosque before going the animal market. Here we will spend the morning watching the locals trade everything from woodwork and iron wear to sheep, donkeys, cattle, horse and camels before having lunch at a traditional Uyghur restaurant. In the afternoon we will visit the covered bazaar, believed to be the biggest in Central Asia. Evening out in old town and then the first of two free dinners where clients will be free to choose themselves where they wish to eat – this meal will be at clients expense.
Day 10: Drive out of Kashgar, due west, along the main artery of the Old Silk Road to the Irkishtam Pass. This is a stunning drive through an area of outstanding natural beauty, with multicoloured sedimentary sandstone flanking our route. At the Irkishtam Pass we will cross back into Kyrgyzstan where the Ural, driver and local guide will be waiting. We will then continue on towards Sari Tash along another staggering road, this time with the high Pamirs rising to the south and stay the night with a local family either in their yurt or in their cosy house.
Day 11: The following morning you will rise to views of snowy, Lenin Peak, which at 7134m is the second highest mountain in the Pamirs. After breakfast we will drive on another extraordinary road over the 3554m Tol Dek Pass (though by this stage you might be suffering from beauty fatigue!) and on into the Ferghana Valley and the ancient town of Osh. This Silk Road town is so old it celebrated its 3000th birthday a couple years ago. It is a place steeped in history and claims to have the best bazaar in all Central Asia – something we will check out. Here we will stay with a family in their small and charming guesthouse.
Day 12: After breakfast say goodbye to the Ural again, cross the border into Uzbekistan where we will be picked up and driven through the Ferghana Valley. On the way we will stop in Kokand to check out the Amirs 19th Century Palace before continuing on to the Tajik border. After a pack lunch we will cross into Tajikistan, pick up jeeps and continue on to Khodjent. Here will have a ‘Home Stay’ with traditional Tajik family, having dinner served by them in the local way. For those wishing to there will also be a chance to have a swim in the famous Syr Darya river.
Day 13: After a look around Kokand and Uraturbey we will continue on one of the most spectacular days of the trip as we drive through the Fan Mountains, part of the Pamir Alays, over the Sakiristan Pass, have lunch in a picturesque roadside café and on the ancient town of Panjikent. Once again we will stay with a local family. On both of these last two days there will be plenty of time for photography. In Panjikent there will be a chance for a swim in the town’s municipal pool before having supper at the home.
Day 14: In the morning we will visit the 2,000-year-old ruins of Panjikent. For most this is a real highlight of the trip as we wander freely around this amazing ancient town that was once home to 20,000 people during the early days of the Silk Road. With luck the St. Petersburg Hermitage’s Dr Boris Makasdi or Dr Vladimir Skoda – who have excavated the site for 45 and 30 years respectively – will be there to answer your questions and show us around. We will have lunch and then continue on for the 70km journey back over the border into Uzbekistan and on to Samarkand. Once checked into charming guesthouse we will visit the Registan, famous scene of Tamerlane’s court before going out to dinner at open-air restaurant.
Day 15: Samarkand. All day in this amazing town, wandering freely through the gargantuan sights. In the morning we will visit Tamerlane’s tomb, followed by another, more thorough look at the Registan. After that we will visit the Bibi Khanym mosque and the town’s excellent bazaar before having lunch at good local restaurant. After a rest we will visit Uleg Bek’s observatory and finally take a stroll down the Shah-i-Zindar – the street of the dead. Dinner at local restaurant.
Day 16: After breakfast drive along the Royal Road to Bukhara, stopping during the 4-hour journey for tea and a look at on old caravanserai. Arrive in Bukhara and check into guesthouse superbly located in the Labi Hauz, the 17th century pool and eating area. Afternoon free to wander through the quiet mellow streets. Second free dinner at clients expense.
Day 17: All morning for sightseeing. We will start at the Ismaili Samani mausoleum, continue via the Jama Majid (or the mosque of forty pillars) to the Ark where Connoly and Stoddard – two luckless British officers – met their deaths while playing the Great Game. From here we will visit (and climb if you wish) the Kolan Mineret and the beautiful mosques and madrasses that lie beneath it. En route we will also see silk weaving, knife making and metal engraving. We will then have lunch at the Labi Hauz before once again having a free afternoon for shopping and generally relaxing in this most characterful of the old Silk Road towns. Dinner with traditional dancing in open-air town house.
Day 18: AM Drive to Khiva and check into the converted madrassa in the heart of the old town. After lunch and rest we will have a short sightseeing program to view some of Khiva must colourful and sumptuous sites, including the Kukhna Arc and the Mohammed Khan madrassa. Dinner will be had open-air in the courtyard of the madrassa.
Day 19: More sightseeing of this amazing town with a climb up the Kalta Minor minaret, exploring the Jama Majid mosque with its amazing wooden pillars and the Alloquli Khan Madrassa, Bazaar and caravanserai. After lunch we will transfer to the airport for a 15.45 departure to Tashkent. After checking in and a rest we will go out to dinner at a very nice restaurant by the canal.
Day 20: Early morning flight to UK

In Central Asia we have developed unique relationships with many of the semi-nomadic peoples of the region and through our form of interactive, socially conscience tourism have helped them adapt to the modern, changing world by providing important income opportunities. With Sogan Bai, an eagle hunter from the shores of Lake Issyk Kul, or Noorgul, a shepherdess from the pristine Son Kul, or Nazira and her family at Tash Rabat, we have been responsible for introducing them to the homestay market, helping them to provide good, clean and interesting accommodation which in term allows them to educate their children, improve their standard of living and look after their ill.

The wonderful thing about this kind of interactive tourism is that everyone gains – the nomads financially and us with the wonderful welcome and experience they give us. On our horse treks, we work exclusively with the fine horse-man Anar Bek, who along with his family and members of the local community, ensure that the horses we trek with are well treated, well fed and well looked after. Wherever possible we stay in locally owned accommodation, eat in locally owned establishments and purchase supplies from the local nomads.

When you take one of our trips, we make a contribution to “Climate Care” – an organisation devoted to ‘offsetting’ or ‘neutralising’ harmful greenhouse gas emissions caused by your flight. This is done by funding projects across the world that will reduce greenhouse gases on your behalf through sustainable energy or rainforest restoration. We also support several NGOs around the world, all carefully selected to improve the standard of living for the communities we visit.

Enquire about this holiday.

Mexico & Guatemala overland tours

Spend a month taking an in depth look at the ancient sights, idyllic beaches and wild nightlife of Central America. Get off the beaten track and discover traditional villages, smoking volcanoesm exotic wildlife and whole underwater worlds.

A Central American adventure to remember! Spend a month taking an in depth look at the ancient sights, idyllic beaches and wild nightlife of Central America. Get off the beaten track and discover traditional villages, smoking volcanoes, exotic wildlife and whole underwater worlds.


Highlights: Jungle ruins of Palenque, Chichen Itza pyramids, the Caribbean Sea, living it up in Mexico City, soaking up the sun in Cancun, beachside ruins in Playa del Carmen, underwater worlds in Caye Caulker, traditional life in San Ignacio, ruins of Tikal, markets of Chichicastenango, sunset over Antigua
day-by-day itinerary
Day 1-2: Mexico City. Start exploring in Mexico City's centre where streets are filled with temple ruins and colonial cathedrals.
Day 3-4: Puebla. Get snap happy in Puebla's photogenic market and munch on some mouth-watering Mole Poblano. For the active, head out for a hike around the nearby volcanoes.
Day 5-6: Oaxaca. Ramble around the Zapotec ruins of Monte Alban or try some of Oaxaca's exotic treats in the cafes on the Zocalo.
Day 7-8: San Cristobal de las Casas. Worlds away from the lowland cities, San Cristobal blends a rich indigenous culture with charming cobblestone streets and a bohemian flair.
Day 9-10: Palenque. Climb the Mayan temples of Palenque for views over the jungle.
Day 11-12: Merida. Head to the 'white city', an ideal base to visit the Uxmal Ruins. For fun a bit closer to home, tour the city centre in a horse-drawn caleche.
Day 13-17: Playa del Carmen. Caribbean beaches and Mayan ruins combine in Cancun and 'Playa'. Explore the pyramids of Chichen Itza then head to Playa del Carmen, where snorkelling, swimming or just relaxing on the beach are the order of the day. Why not spend a day in Cancun, a great place to kick back with a margarita.
Day 18-19: Caye Caulker. Swim with the manta rays and spot barracudas in the underwater playground of the Hol Chan Marine Reserve.
Day 20-21: San Ignacio. Walk among the butterflies in specially-made gardens or get an adrenaline fix on a tubing adventure.
Day 22-23: Flores. Travel as the locals do, by canoe, and fall into the laid-back pace of life on Flores. There is an optional visit to Tikal, the highest Mayan structure in the world.
Day 24-25: Rio Dulce. Take a lancha (small motorboat) up the river to visit nearby hot springs, a rubber plantation and the old Spanish fort at Livingston.
Day 26: Antigua. Take an evening stroll along the heritage-listed streets of Antigua or hang out with the locals in Central Park.
Day 27-28: Panajachel. Strike a bargain at the famous Chichicastenango Markets, explore Lake Atitlan by boat or take off on a mountain bike or horse to explore surrounding landscapes.
Day 29-31: Antigua. End a fantastic adventure with an optional day trip to the steaming Pacaya Volcano.

small group adventure holiday
This is a 'small group adventure' - on our group trips you'll be with a maximum of 11 like minded travellers and you'll have a group leader with you. Whether you are travelling alone or with friends it's good value, and a great way to meet new people! While itineraries are pre-planned there is some flexibility and you'll have plenty of privacy. This trip will appeal to travellers of all ages who enjoy meeting people from other parts of the world as well as seeing new places! (more)

Because of our small group size, we're able to guarantee departures for all of our trips. Once you have booked and paid your deposit, your trip is guaranteed to go!

We just can't get enough of the Amazon, not only as a jaw-dropping travel destination but also as a global treasure and this trip will help to ensure that the incredibly Amazon Rainforest is here for us to enjoy for generations to come! Our Amazon Fund will help support on the ground projects by the Foundation's long time partners Greenpeace and WWF. By booking your Latin American adventure with us you're helping us work towards a sustainable future for the Amazon.

This trip gives you plenty of opportunities to get to know the culture and vibrant history of Latin America. There are numerous chances for local interaction as we cover so much ground using all means of public transport. You’ll be surprised how much you can learn from a friendly local who strikes up a conversation during your journey.

Your leader and the occasional local guide will be able to direct you to many local eateries throughout the trip, helping you discover real local fare at real local prices (and probably helping you learn some Spanish at the same time). All travellers are encouraged to explore with the group and on their own, learn a few words of the language and interact with the locals as much as possible.

Local guides are employed to help explain as much as possible about the cultural differences and the historically significant places that we visit. This also allows us to appreciate the importance of preserving and respecting these sites and to help us minimise the impact of our visits.

There are plenty of opportunities to support local merchants in the markets and stalls that we pass along the way. We can purchase traditional handicrafts from local artisans and learn more about the importance of preserving these crafts.

Enquire about this holiday.

Indochina tours

Discover something new every day, travelling from the hidden treasures of Thailand and the laid-back lanes of Laos, to the fabulous vibrance of Vietnam, the engaging charisma of Cambodia and the lazy meandering waters of the Mekong.

This is your opportunity to experience it all, on an awesome adventure through Indochina.



Ride a longtail down Bangkok's khlongs
Explore the ancient temples of Chiang Mai
Cruise down the Mekong River
Swim under a waterfall in Luang Prabang
Visit laid-back Vientiane
Soak up the charm of Hanoi
Be enchanted by beautiful Halong Bay
Experience imperial Hue
Channel the spirits of old traders in Hoi An
Tantalise your tastebuds in Ho Chi Minh City
Ponder Phnom Penh's volatile past
See the incredible temples of Angkor

Discover something new and different every day, as we travel from the hidden treasures of Thailand and the laid-back lanes of Laos, to the fabulous vibrance of Vietnam and the engaging charisma of Cambodia, with the lazy meandering waters of the Mekong never too far away.

day-by-day itinerary
Day 1-2: Bangkok. Escape the clamour of the capital with a boat ride down the khlongs, then temple-hop or hit the shops.
Day 3: Chiang Mai. Climb the 300 steps up to the mountain temple of Doi Suthep (or take the tram) for fine views out over town. Snap up some traditional food at the night bazaar - kao soy is a local specialty.
Day 4: Khong. Explore this remote town on the Thailand and Laos border or sit back and soak up the riverside serenity.
Day 5-6: Mekong River. Watch village life pass by and wave at smiling local children while cruising down the beautiful Mekong River. Call in at the Pak Ou caves, home to thousands of carved Buddha images and figurines along the way.
Day 7-8: Luang Prabang. Get acquainted with the country's history and culture with a visit to the Traditional Arts Museum. The spectacular Kuang Si Falls are the perfect place for an afternoon dip.
Day 9-10: Vientiane. This laid-back capital is easily explored on foot, by bicycle or by jumbo, Laos' answer to the tuk tuk.
Day 11: Homestay. Travel through stunning mountain scenery and enjoy a night as a guest in a village home.
Day 12: Ninh Binh. Enter Vietnam and follow the legendary Ho Chi Minh Trail to the friendly town of Ninh Binh. This area is brimming with picture-perfect sights: emerald green paddy fields, water buffaloes, limestone formations and little village hamlets.
Day 13: Halong Bay. Be enchanted by the ethereal beauty of Halong Bay. Wander into a cave, wallow in the water or unwind with a fresh seafood feast on the deck of the cruise boat.
Day 14-16: Hanoi/Overnight Train. Experience Hanoi's seductive French charm and spend an evening entertained by traditional lacquered water puppets before boarding the Reunification Express to Hue.
Day 17: Hue. Wander the Imperial Citadel, discover the wealth of the former Nguyen Emperors and perhaps pick up a famous 'poem hat'.
Day 18-20: Hoi An. The rich heritage of this port town is evident in the shuttered windows and pitched roofs of the traditional merchant houses. Packed with artisans, tailors and food stalls, this is a great place to engage in some of your own trading.
Day 21-22: Ho Chi Minh City. Browse the Ben Thanh Market for tropical fruit, t-shirts, handicrafts and anything, really - just be sure to bargain.
Day 23-24: Phnom Penh. Learn about Cambodia's violent past at the infamous Killing Fields. Later, appreciate the peace of present-day Phnom Penh with a beer at a bar on breezy Sisowath Quay.
Day 25-27: Siem Reap/Angkor Wat. The enigmatic, eye-popping ruins of Angkor provide ample photo opportunities. Wander through the temple complex and be sure to catch an amazing sunset over Angkor Wat.
Day 28-29: Bangkok. Slurp up spicy specialties or simply shop some more.

This trip allows for plenty of time to explore the culture of two very fascinating yet different countries. Travellers are encouraged to explore with the group and on their own, learn a few words of the language and interact with the locals as much as possible.

We always stay in small scale locally owned accommodation and in Laos we spend a night as guests in the homes of local villagers which provides an economic returns to local communities we visit.

By shopping locally we interact with local craft and trades people and make a positive contribution to the economy. In Luang Prabang we have the opportunity to join local weavers to learn their craft, or learn how to dye your own silk scarf. Individual cooking tuition will create an insight into the Laotian cuisine.

Our slow boat down the Mekong minimizes energy consumption and assists local families making their living on the river. Our small groups keep the impacts to a mimimum while we gently float down the river taking in the spectacular scenery.

In Cambodia we have a chance to visit a Wildlife Conservation and Environmental Education Centre where confiscated animals from the illegal wildlife trade are nursed back to health and kept safe from poachers. A changing exhibition gives visitors an insight into local and global environmental problems and possible solutions.

Enquire about this holiday.

Indochina holiday adventure

We begin our journey in Thailand's infamous Golden Triangle, where the frontiers of Burma, Thailand and Laos meet. From there you'll travel by boat down the Mekong River, through Laos' unspoilt mountains and jungles to the ancient capital Luang Prabang.

After exploring the beautiful temples and colonial architecture of what is acknowledged to be the best preserved city in SE Asia, the itinerary takes you to the contrasting, contemporary capitals of sleepy Vientiane and bustling Phnom Penh, before a 3 day visit to the fabulous, ancient imperial capital of the Khmer empire - Angkor - one of the seven wonders of the modern world.


Highlights include Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Golden Triangle tour, Luang Nam Tha, jungle trek, hill-tribe villages, Nong Khiaw, boat trip on Ou River, temples and colonial architecture of World Heritage Luang Prabang, Ruined Cities of Angkor, Phnom Penh, scenic Cambodian countryside, Sangker River trip, Battambang, local food.

Trip details: Accommodation is in hotels, chalets, eco lodges and guesthouses. Transport is by minibus, boat, local bus, pick-up truck and flight, as per the itinerary. Full board basis, except for lunch & dinner on days 10 & 18. Maximum hiking time is around 5 hrs on day 6.

Travellers not taking up the flight option should join the tour in Chiang Mai on day 2 of the itinerary and leave in Bangkok on day 20. Bangkok to Chiang Mai tickets are included in the price of your tour and will be forwarded to you prior to departure. We offer optional extensions to spend a few days relaxing in Chiang Mai before the tour or a couple of days in Bangkok prior to your departure.

day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Depart London Heathrow Airport.
Day 2: Morning arrival in Bangkok and transfer to Chiang Mai, the cultural and historical capital of Northern Thailand. Afternoon free to relax or explore this charming, friendly city and an evening tour of the famous night-bazaar. (For those wishing to arrive a day or two early in Chiang Mai, various options include spa treatments or a Thai cookery class?)
Day 3: Leisurely morning to recover from your jet-lag by the pool or wander around one of the local markets before an afternoon drive through the mountains to neighbouring Chiang Rai Town, main commercial centre for the infamous ‘Golden Triangle’ region – so called because of it’s former notoriety for warlords and opium cultivation.
Day 4: Day tour of some of the main sites of this far northern region: beginning at the bustling trading town of Mae Sai on the Burmese Border and on to Sob Ruak where Burma, Laos and Thailand meet, for a visit to the unusual Opium Museum, before following the Mekong River via the historic, ruined city of Chiang Saen to our day’s destination, the scenic riverside town of Chiang Khong.
Day 5: Time to cross the Mekong into Laos itself where we’ll begin with a visit to a traditional village of the Lanten people led by our host, the local school teacher, before continuing upcountry with a scenic drive though mountains and dense jungle to the remote town of Luang Nam Tha near the Chinese border. Accommodation at a beautifully situated eco lodge on the banks of the Tha River.
Day 6: Day trip into the surrounding Nam Ha National Protected Area to hike through some of the spectacular scenery and visit some of the local hill-tribe villages to discover the traditional way of life of the area’s ethnic Akha people.
Day 7: Drive across the mountains of Oudom Xai Province to the picturesque village of Nong Khiaw on the banks of the Ou River. Stop-offs to visit a Hmong village and a hill-tribe market on the way and overnight in traditional Lao style wooden chalets set high on the banks overlooking the river.
Day 8: Boat ride down the Ou River, winding through mountains, limestone escarpments and pristine forests to the ancient Lao capital of Luang Prabang.
Day 9-10: Nestled in the mountains, long isolated from the outside world, we’ll discover World Heritage Site, Luang Prabang’s fabulous temples, taste Lao delicacies (and the famous Lao beer!) in riverside cafes and stay in a converted French colonial villa. (Day 9 is a walking tour of the town including the National Museum & former king’s palace, Wat Xiengthong and Phu Si Hill Temple, with day 10 at leisure to explore the handicraft markets, temples or try out the famous herbal saunas.)
Day 11: Day trip through the surrounding hills to visit the spectacular Kuang Si Waterfalls and to discover the fascinating, traditional village life of some of the local peoples.
Day 12: Morning flight to the Lao capital of Vientiane and afternoon tour of some of the city’s fascinating sites; markets, temples and museums.
Day 13: Flight to Phnom Penh and check-in to a small, comfortable, downtown hotel close to the historic riverfront quarter. Afternoon introductory walking tour including the Grand Palace, Silver Pagoda and lively waterfront area.
Day 14: Day tour of some of the sites of Cambodia’s fascinating capital city; the infamous Killing Fields site and the highly moving Khmer Rouge Genocide Museum at Tuol Sleng, the Russian Market and finishing perhaps with sundowners at the famous Foreign Correspondents Club?
Day 15: Up country through Cambodia’s scenic countryside to the small provincial town of Siem Reap in Western Cambodia – our base for the next few days and jumping off point for the nearby Angkor Temple complex. Stops on the way at the famous ‘spider village’ of Skuon, (tasting not compulsory), the rarely visited but well preserved 10th century temple of Kuhananokor and lunch by the Tonle Sap Lake. A dusk visit to the atmospheric ruins of Ta Prom completes our day.
Day 16-17: Angkor – an unforgettable two-day tour of this fabulous site – it’s vast jungle clad temples and mysterious stone carvings: a comprehensive tour of the major sites, plus some lesser known ones, including sunrise and sunset visits. (A detailed itinerary for our Angkor visit is available upon request.)
Day 18: Free morning in Siem Reap: explore the market, checkout the handicraft school or unusual landmines museum before an afternoon trip to some of the more remote Angkor sites such as Banteay Samre and sunset at the little visited Bakong Temple.
Day 19: Spectacular boat journey across the Tonle Sap Lake, past the ‘flooded forest’ and Prek Toal bird sanctuary and on down the Sangker River and it’s floating fishing villages to the town of Battambang. Afternoon to check out the town’s French colonial architecture. (If water levels are low in March and April, this journey will be overland.)
Day 20: Continue on through this little visited region of Cambodia via the hilltop temple of Phnom Sampeu to the Thai border at Pailin -, famed for it’s gemstones and as the Khmer Rouge’s last stronghold - and on to Bangkok for an evening departure for London. (Optional extensions in Bangkok before or after your tour, or a variety of beach and island stays are available.)
Day 21: Morning arrival at London Heathrow airport.

We instigated the visits to a Lanten tribal village close to Huay Xai in N.W. Laos with the assistance of the local schoolteacher who has since set up a small village co-operative stall where local handicrafts can be sold as souvenirs. This has led to an increase of interest amongst the villagers in traditional handicrafts as well as the locally produced mulberry paper the production of which had almost disappeared.

Depending on local conditions, this trip sometimes includes a home stay in the Hmong village of Loung Lao near Luang Prabang. As well as educating our passenger to the ways of life of another lesser-known people of the region, it provides income directly to the owners of the houses in which we stay as well as indirectly for other members of the village. Passengers are encouraged to make purchases from the village shops and from individual crafts-people. Thus completely cutting out 'the middle man' and providing fair trade opportunities for both the vendor and the buyer. On these visits we also take supplies to the village such as equipment for the school and vegetable seeds.

Our passengers are issued with a Staying Healthy in Cambodia leaflet, which was produced by an English doctor who works with The Cambodia Trust. In payment for her time and knowledge in compiling the leaflet we made a donation to the trust, whose aim is to help people with disability regain their mobility, dignity and self-sufficiency, so they can lead full and productive lives as part of the community. We encourage our passengers to make contribution to the rust at www.cambodiatrust.org.uk.

Passengers are taken to a family home just outside Siem Reap to enjoy traditional Khmer food which we purchase then enjoy with the family. This provides a unique insight into the everyday lives of the Cambodian people as well as fostering deeper understanding of the people themselves. It shows our passengers that there is more to Cambodia than stunning temples and a tragic history.

Through regular visits to their sites (and if present souvenir shops) we help sustain local businesses and enterprises, such as the handicraft school for handicapped persons in Siem Reap, to the 'land-mine museum' in Siem Reap where we help support the organizer's mine clearance operations through donations.

Enquire about this holiday.

Budget Central American holiday

Find your paradise somewhere between the blazing Yucatán sun and the cool Guatemalan highlands. Hike active volcanoes, explore ancient ruins in remote jungle or snorkel with nurse sharks in the blue-green waters of the Caribbean.

Playa del Carmen, Tulúm, Caye Caulker, San Ignacio, Flores, Tikal, Rio Dulce, Antigua, Panajachel, Lake Atitlan, Chichicastenango.


Find your paradise somewhere between the blazing Yucatán sun and the cool Guatemalan highlands on this 17-day odyssey. Hike active volcanoes, explore ancient ruins in remote jungle or snorkel with nurse sharks in the blue-green waters of the Caribbean. This tour has something for every type of adventurer.

day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Cancún. Arrive in Cancún at any time.
Day 2-3: Playa del Carmen. Head south to the beach town of Playa del Carmen. This once sleepy village has quickly become a destination among sun worshippers worldwide. Take a ferry to the nearby diving mecca of Cozumel or a short trip down the coast to the Mayan beachside ruins of Tulúm.
Day 4-5: Caye Caulker. Travel south along the coast and catch a boat to Belize’s Caye Caulker. An ideal spot to chill and enjoy the easy-going Caribbean vibe in a beachside bar, Caye Caulker also offers the chance to snorkel with stingrays and nurse sharks at the Hol Chan Marine Reserve.
Day 6-7: San Ignacio. From the town of San Ignacio, there are opportunities abound for exploring Belize’s little known inland scenic beauty. Choose to explore the area by foot, canoe or horse, take a caving trip, or visit the Mountain Pine Ridge area and swim in its inviting pools and rivers.
Day 8-9: Flores, Guatemala. Soak up the laid-back attitude of Flores, on Lake Petén Itzá, before an optional visit to incredible Tikal, one of the largest ruins in the Mayan world.
Day 10-11: Rio Dulce. Meaning “sweet river” in Spanish, dense jungle surrounds Rio Dulce, on the shore of Lake Izabal. Take a lancha down this beautiful river, stopping for a dip in the hot springs on the way to the Garifuna town of Livingston where you will get a taste of Caribbean culture.
Day 12: Antigua. Once the seat of the Spanish colonial government, Antigua was the most important city in all of Central America. Explore this UNESCO-designated World Heritage Site.
Day 13-14: Chichicastenango, Panajachel & Lake Atitlán. Of course, a visit to Guatemala would not be complete without the chance to visit to the famous market of Chichicastenango. We travel to the shores of Guatemala’s Lake Atitlán. Volcanoes and small indigenous villages surround this pristine lake, truly one of the most beautiful spots in Central America.
Day 15-16: Antigua. Climb still-smoking Pacaya Volcano, take a bike tour through the surrounding towns and coffee plantations, or simply enjoy the cafes, shopping, and wandering along the beautiful colonial streets.
Day 17: Depart Antigua.

Through our commitment to responsible tourism we have developed a non-profit organization dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of people and communities around the world through support of international charities, local organizations and community projects in the places that we visit on our tours.

The Cornerstone Foundation is a registered non-profit humanitarian service organization that offers a variety of valuable programs to people in need in the small town of San Ignacio, Belize. The programs offered through the Cornerstone Foundation have constantly been evolving and are based on specific needs within the community.

Through this program seniors, the ill and disabled are supported by a weekly food program whereby food, such as rice, beans and meat, when available, are delivered to their homes. Children whose families cannot afford to provide them with food at lunch are able to participate in Cornerstones’ basic but nutritious lunch feeding program.

HIV infection in Belize is the highest in Central America. This program collaborates closely with other local efforts to raise community awareness of high-risk behaviors, provides support for those who are living with AIDS, and conducts activities to change attitudes and reduce stigmatization.

Supporting the move of local women towards greater independence and self-sufficiency is the focus of this program. Self-esteem building, ending domestic violence, training peer counselors, and teaching job skills are part of this program.

This program serves individuals, families, caregivers, teachers and others, helping to meet the physical, social, emotional, and material needs of the disabled. Belize has minimal information about special needs, limited physical therapy, nearly no equipment, and few professionals trained to work with learning and other disabilities.

Although English is the country's official language, most Belizeans grow up speaking local indigenous languages instead. Cornerstone's Literacy and English Second Language (ESL) classes are offered to children, adults, developmentally disabled students which improves their ability to participate more fully in Belizean society and the economy.

Enquire about this holiday.

Maine whale watching & birdwatching cruises

Enjoy a comfortable, intimate setting - only 12 passengers per cruise, beautiful yacht-style furnished cabins and homemade gourmet food and pastries. Get away from it all and enjoy the splendor and serenity of nature with us.

Come with us on a sea adventure to explore the scenic coasts of Maine, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, with your hosts Captains Rick and Karen. Share our dream of life on the sea on our renovated 90-foot Dutch fishing vessel. Enjoy a comfortable, intimate setting - only 12 passengers per cruise, beautiful yacht-style furnished cabins and homemade gourmet food and pastries. Get away from it all and enjoy the splendor and serenity of nature with us.



We offer eco-tourism cruises that reflect our great reverence for the natural world and its creatures. Join us in photographing and logging the position of whales and seabirds, and listening to and recording whale songs! We share the wildlife information we gather with conservation and research organizations.

Below are the dates of all our cruises in 2009:

Oct 06: Island Hiking Cruise 6 Day US $1500
Jun 01: Mothership Kayaking Cruise 6 Day US $1599
May 27: Photography cruise 4 Day $1199
Jul 1: Expedition, East Coast of Newfoundland 12 Day $4299
Jun 15: Southern coast of Newfoundland Cruise 12 Day $3600
Oct 12: Wines of the Maine Coast 4 Day, US $999
Jul 13: Coastal Labrador Cruise - St Antony to nain12 Day US $4299
Oct 16: Lighthouses of the Maine Coast 6 Day US $1500
Aug 26: Voyage of Discovery, the Cultures of Coastal labrador14 Day US $3999
Aug 10: Northern labrador Polar Bear Expeditions14 Day US $6900
Sep 17: East Maine Expedition, Yarmouth to Maine12 Day US $3000

The Vessel
We invite you to join us aboard this extraordinary vessel. We have drawn from our experience of carrying passengers on a traditional rigged sailing ship to create a custom design for your safety and comfort. The vessel is a combination of several elements: a traditional ketch auxiliary sailing rig, interiors with classic yacht design, a gourmet galley, the strength and integrity of a working fishing vessel and capabilities for off-shore adventure.

Amenities
Intimate Setting - 12 Passengers Aboard Our 90 Foot Vessel
Varnished Woodwork in Galley, Library, Dining Area & Deck Salon
Large Spacious Decks
Spacious, Bright & Open Galley
6 Cosy and comfortable double cabins
Private Head & Shower in Each Cabin
Observation Deck & Teak Steamer Chairs
Two Small Boats for Shore Side Adventures
The below-deck salon is laid out in the typical style of a 19th century pilot schooner, with a warm comfortable wood interior. It was designed for educational films and natural history demonstrations, and can double as an informal classroom. At night, the salon is filled with lantern light, song and stories. Musical instruments are always welcome! Cabins are cozy and comfortable - public areas are spacious! The topside observation decks provides amazing views for birdwatching or stargazing. Relax in one of our classic teak steamer chairs.

Food
Our breads and pastries are homemade from scratch & baked fresh daily. All of our meals are prepared with fresh natural ingredients (some from our own gardens), so we have complete control of the ingredients that go into them! Our goal is to present delicious, healthy, high quality cuisine and all meals are served with a heaping helping of down home hospitality!

We can accommodate special diets with advance notice - Vegetarians and Vegans always welcome, and one of our specialties is vegetarian group charters!

Enquire about this holiday.

Community care support volunteer in South Africa

This amazing project began in 1988 as an informal clinic held under a shade tree. Today the Missionvale Care Centre provides all kinds of health and social welfare programmes to the economically poor in Port Elizabeth’s township of Missionvale.

We place skilled volunteers to work with not instead of local people. Your skills will be matched to specific needs. This project is not suitable for under 21s. Please apply at least 4 months before you wish to volunteer.



We need:
skilled health practitioners
social workers
educators
counsellors

Missionvale is one of Port Elizabeth’s oldest townships with a population of nearly 100,000 people. Unemployment in the township runs at a fairly constant 70% and is accompanied by the deprivations of hunger, alcohol abuse, TB and a high incidence of HIV/AIDS.

HIV/AIDS affects some 60% of the population. The Missionvale Care Centre (MCC) was established by Sister Ethel Normoyle, who began by opening a small clinic under a shade tree. From these modest beginnings, and with much hard work and dedication, the MCC expanded into what is now very much a community within a community, and runs a comprehensive programme of services to the local economically poor.

The main areas of MCC activity include the following, all of which will benefit from volunteers’ input:
• pre-primary and primary classes providing, education, care and nourishment to children;
• a clinic which sees tens of thousands of patients every year – babies, children and adults;
• counselling and support groups for HIV/Aids infected and affected families;
• a detox, nutrition and vitamin therapy programme for HIV/Aids sufferers;
• a nutrition centre caring for hundreds of heads of families;
• self-help projects on literacy and sewing;
• adult training classes to enable parents to provide for their families and reduce dependency;
• a successful community garden & provision of small family plots;
• a clothing warehouse for distribution to families in desperate situations

The latest addition to the MCC’s services is a Resource and Support Centre for those suffering from HIV/AIDS. The centre is expanding the MCC’s care, compassion and sustenance with a trained team of careers who go out into the community to the homes of those too ill to visit the main Centre.

There is also a rudimentary day hospice for patients needing particular care such as re-hydration and rest, and the MCC’s goal is for this new centre to become a haven for people’s individual needs – from palliative care and nutrition, to solace, counselling and education. All the present and future work of the MCC includes elements of education & skills training aimed at making the community more employable and less dependent on charity.

skilled volunteers wanted!
This operator arranges career breaks for skilled volunteers. It is unlikely that we will be able to place volunteers without specific transferrable skills. This project is not suitable for under 21s. We place skilled volunteers to work with not instead of local people. Your skills will be matched to specific needs. Please apply at least 4 months before you wish to volunteer.

Our core values are respect & dignity, responsibility & sustainability, service & partnership, economic transparency. As with all the projects we offer, it is designed to be culturally sustainable and economically transparent, as well as being community-driven.

Respect & dignity – there must be mutual respect for the dignity of volunteers and local people, and by living in a comfortable family home within the local community, you will be able to share and discuss aspects of ordinary daily life.

Responsibility & sustainability - you will be working with the MCC’s staff and local care workers to enhance their own capacity, not replacing any local worker – no volunteer will be placed in isolation – there has to be ongoing and consistent volunteer input.

Service & partnership – we work together with the local Project Management Team in matching the volunteer and their skills to the specific requirements of the project. The professional care and health workers on the project agree together as to how volunteer input can advance the project at the particular time of a volunteer’s placement.

Economic transparency – the price of the placement is paid by you straight to the Project Management Team, not to us – we ensure that at least 80% of the price remains where it is needed most, in the host country, and is used to further enhance this project – 18% of the total price is for the exclusive use of this project.

How your money is spent:
Direct costs (airport transfers, accommodation, half-board, orientation, information packs): 6285 SAR
Project management & supervision in South Africa: 3220 SAR
Administration in South Africa: 500 SAR
Project donation in South Africa: 2750
Recruitment, matching & project development in UK: £175

Enquire about this holiday.

Community building and teaching projects in India

Based in Tamil Nadu at the southernmost tip of the Indian sub-continent, we offer rural projects with some of the poorest rural communities in the country. From the endless deserts of Rajasthan, the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas, the mystical River Ganges to the idyllic beaches of Goa, India will enthral your senses.

Teaching English, building houses and/or sanitation facilities in villages.

Based in Tamil Nadu at the southernmost tip of the Indian sub-continent, we offer rural projects with some of the poorest rural communities in the country. From the endless deserts of Rajasthan, the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas, the mystical River Ganges to the idyllic beaches of Goa, India will enthral your senses.


Think India and you think a country of colour, a deep embedded history of different religions, culture and people. It is this unique diversity which continually attracts people worldwide, and nothing can quite prepare you for the overload of sensual experiences awaiting which leave you somewhat dazzled and bewildered. It is a country of contradictions, yet it remains a compelling location which never fails to surprise and fascinate its visitors. From the awe inspiring Himalayas, to the tranquil backwater ways of Kerala, the mystical Ganges to the far reaching desert, India has everything to offer a visitor. Despite India's great strides forward in economic development, the majority of India's people (70%) are still living in rural areas with much of the 1.1 billion-strong population remains illiterate and underprivileged.

Children born into a poor farming community do not have access to more than a very basic education, and therefore don't have the opportunity to learn the skills they would need to get a well-paid job or develop farming methods, which leads to a poverty cycle that it is hard for communities to address.

building
The core of each project is the building work in the village. This is the most tangible contribution that a projects makes to the community and forms a focus for the group. The key to all our building projects is the partnership between our team and the local community. Aside from the funding, the presence of your team of volunteers can be a great motivator to your new friends in the village as it demonstrates the importance of hard work, showing what can be achieved, even regardless of sex. Initially it can take time for villagers to get used to the idea that volunteers are prepared to work hard - especially girls - and actually want to help with manual labour, so you may find locals trying to do all the work for you. Once you explain that you genuinely want them to teach you the basic skills (e.g. how to mix cement or lay bricks), the partnership will develop, and everyone can get stuck in and work together. There is a range of building activities that you will be able to get involved in. Those less keen on heavy building work usually take up the lighter, but equally important, work such as painting or plastering.

teaching
You'll find a teaching pack designed to help you make the most of your teaching. Aside from the help in the pack, your crew will support you in-country and you will find that your teaching skills develop with each class. The enthusiasm, praise, time and attention that you give individuals can help to increase the confidence they have in themselves and in their abilities. Creative teaching lessons are a great idea as they make learning fun and much more interesting for the pupils!

At what level you get involved in teaching is up to you. Your crew leader will talk to you more about this in your briefing session and if you want to teach, you will be introduced to the Principle of the school during the first week of your project to discuss the schools needs and then be fitted into a timetable for the duration of the project. English is the subject that the school principles are most keen for you to teach and you will be provided with information about their English curriculum. It is possible to take classes in pairs or you can teach classes on your own if you are confident and want to do this. Volunteers will often teach English, but there can be opportunities to teach other subjects after school such as dance, drama or sport! Varied and fun teaching methods give children rewarding lessons where they can learn to think creatively and develop their own confidence and skills. The importance of praise, recognition and appraisal are so important when considering the development of an individual.

Our projects in India are located in Tamil Nadu on the South East coast. We work alongside NGOs who began work in the region as a result of the 2004 Tsunami which badly hit coastal areas here. With the need for immediate disaster relief now passed, together with local NGOs, we now focus on the most underdeveloped communities and their long term needs. Many villages suffer in poverty at the bottom of the caste system and without reliable access to clean drinking water disease is a major problem; similarly many children to not have access to education. Projects are all identified by the communities themselves and are aimed at giving local people the tools to become self-sustainable. Past projects range from digging wells and building water storage and sanitation facilities to improving local educations facilities and building multi-purpose community centres. We have recently re-built and re-roofed several houses in a very poor village where houses previously made of mud were being washed away in the monsoon rains every year resulting in dire conditions for the families expected to live through the annual flood and the disease it brings. Volunteers will also have opportunities to get involved in local schools teaching English and other subjects.

Our projects will really get you under the skin of your chosen destination; you will be fully integrated into the heart of a rural village where you will live, work, eat, drink and generally become part of the community. Everything we do is in partnership with our village hosts, living and working as part of a team of volunteers. You will make a very tangible contribution to the lives of those who have welcomed you into their lives by building basic infrastructure that will benefit the community for generations to come.

All of our projects are selected for their long-term benefits to the host community. Our focus on youth development incorporates health, education and sports and our community building and teaching projects build vital facilities such as schools, classrooms, clinics, toilet blocks, water tanks, community centres etc. We research each project to ensure it meets our strict criteria including an assessment of the need, benefits and long term-sustainability of the project itself, together with levels of community involvement, risk assessments, health and safety requirements, logistical practicality and living arrangements. We always work in close partnerships with village chiefs, village development committees and other NGOs as well as local, national and international charities to ensure that we gain as much local knowledge, expertise and support as possible. The projects are always initiated, owned and led by the village, community or local partner organisation to ensure the long-term support and involvement of the local people which also secures the sustainability, staffing and maintenance of the project long after we have left.

Our projects are very environmentally and culturally sensitive respecting local traditions, languages and religions. We live as the locals do as far as is possible, adapting to local conditions and employing local staff from within the village; these include cooks, carpenters, mason, engineers and local labourers to work alongside our UK crew on all of our projects. All accommodation is locally owned and hosted by a local family, we source all food, materials and supplies nearby to contribute as much as possible to the local economy. We minimise the use of valuable resources such as water and firewood to reduce the environmental impact of our projects, bucket showers are used for washing and towels are not provided. We operate small group projects with a maximum of 16 per group to ensure that volunteers are welcomed into each community ensuring that our presence isn’t overwhelming. We also provide comprehensive and accurate pre-departure information together with full orientations and responsible travel briefings to increase cultural sensitivity. We offset the CO2 emissions for every flight made by our staff and encourage all volunteers to do the same.

To describe this form of travel as ‘low impact’ belies the incredibly positive and tangible difference that you will make; your contribution will be highly valued as the community will benefit from an improved standard of living as a result of your decision to travel there.

Enquire about this holiday.

Coach rugby abroad, Ghana

Rugby in Ghana is an emerging sport, with many Ghanaians now discovering its attractions. This is a great opportunity for anyone passionate about rugby to get involved in its development in a country where it is in its infancy.

Rugby in Ghana is an emerging sport, with many Ghanaians now discovering its attractions. It is a sport well suited to Ghana as it combines athleticism, awareness and speed - all of which Ghanaians seem to possess in abundance. But up until now it is a sport which has barely penetrated Africa, other than in the far south of the continent.


the project
Volunteers in Ghana will have the chance to coach rugby in schools in and around Cape Coast. We are working alongside George Avoola Ladipo, the coach of the Junior National Rugby team, to help develop the sport in the whole Cape Coast Region. George is a qualified coach and is very happy to pass on some of his coaching skills and experience to willing volunteers who are prepared to help him in his quest to bring Rugby to this sports-mad country!

Training sessions at the rugby placements can sometimes have as many as 50 children, so any help volunteers can provide George is very welcome. Even if volunteers assist simply with setting up drills and general organisation it will give George the opportunity to focus more on the individual aspects of the game. Once you become more confident you can get more involved in the sport coaching side of things and even lead sessions if you wish. Volunteers working on our rugby project in Ghana will shadow George on a daily basis, helping with all elements of coaching within a selection of schools in the area. You will help with fitness training, ball work, skills sessions and explaining the rules to children who are much more familiar with football! You also assist with the organisation of rugby matches between the various schools and help with the development of a league system.

This is a great opportunity for anyone passionate about rugby to get involved in its development in a country where it is in its infancy. You will be able to pass your enthusiasm for Rugby on to a new generation of youngsters and - who knows - in a few years time you may even find that you have been coaching members of the first national Ghanaian Rugby team!

volunteer travel - what's it all about?
Are you are looking for an adventurous trip with a purpose, or on a gap year or career break? If you want to make a difference in some of the world’s most important conservation areas - and in community projects - then volunteer trips are for you! Volunteers tend to have a sense of adventure, and come from a range of different backgrounds and from all over the world.

You will be working with local youngsters introducing them to rugby alongside some passionate Ghanaian rugby players. Football is the main sport in Ghana but the introduction of rugby has proved popular. The local staff struggle to find locals with any experience to coach rugby so volunteers are welcomed to assist developing the sport. You don’t need to be an experienced coach but you need to be able to pass on your enthusiasm for the sport to some eager local students. You will find yourself to be a popular member of the community working on this project as well as giving local youngsters a real chance to participate in a new sport.

We take seriously our responsibilities towards the communities we work with in Ghana. We have full time staff on the ground that will meet you from the airport, give you an induction on arrival and support you from our local office throughout your stay. They are mainly local people who we pay a good local wage and can give you all the information and support you will need during your stay. They have been trained by us to work with visiting volunteers.

In Ghana you will be staying with a local family. We pay the family where you will be staying. This means that the money goes directly into the local economy. The meals you eat, the chairs you sit on have all probably been made in the town where you will be staying. Living in Ghana will give you an opportunity to be a real part of the local community. Most of the money that you spend during your time at the placement will be at grassroots level going into local Ghanaian businesses. Our organisation is environmentally responsible. We recycle at our offices and offset our carbon emissions from staff flying to our destinations around the world. We believe that actions like this can be the first step towards preserving the planet for future generations.

Enquire about this holiday.

Bird watching day tours in Andalucia

This is an ideal day tour especially with younger children in mind. Enjoy a full days quality birding around the very best sites on Andalucia's southern coast with expert local guides with intimate knowledge of the area and up-to-date information on the whereabouts of current species.

Andalucia really has a special magic all of it's own. The whole of this region has such a wonderful warm Mediterranean climate which is extremely rich in bird life. Enjoy a full days quality birding around the very best sites on Andalucia's southern coast with expert local guides with intimate knowledge of the area and up-to-date information on the whereabouts of current species.

Tour normally runs 9am - 6pm, meeting at La Barca de Vejer. The vehicle takes a maximum of 8 passengers, and we stop for lunch at a typical local Spanish venta (restaurant) which costs 8 Euros per head extra. This is great Andalucian cooking - 3 courses - with wine or soft drinks included!

Tour 1: Birding on the Strait of Gibraltar
If you'd like to specialise in raptors for a day tour then we'll take you to where Booted and Short-toed Eagles hunt. We can visit the haunts of Black shouldered Kite, Spanish Imperial Eagle, Long-legged Buzzard, Osprey, Bald Ibis (re-introduction prog.) Marsh or Montagu's Harrier, Peregrine Falcon, Merlin, Lesser Kestrel. If you would like to see an amazing variety of waders, terns and gulls then we can look for Collared Pratincoles, Green Sandpipers, Caspian Terns, Audouin's Gulls, to name but a few or all sorts of wonderful passerines, from Orphean Warblers, Rufous Bush Robin, Rock and Cirl Buntings, to Blue Rock Thrush and Tawny Pipit as well as Black-eared Wheatear

Tour 2: 'Culture and Vultures' - The Safari Tour
Andalucia has a rich variety of wildlife, history and culture from the Phoenicians to the Spanish Civil War. Gaze over the the 'Pillars of Hercules' and learn about ancient civilisations. This general nature and history day tour gives clients a real "day to remember". Lizards, Bee-eaters, Preying mantis, all kinds of butterflies, Griffon Vultures, Roe and Red Deer and Iberian black pigs are just some of the creatures waiting to be found and perhaps we'll have a chance to watch the cork-oak harvest in the huge Alcornocales forest during summer. We will see some of the spectacular geology of the area, as Africa still pushes northwards against Europe! We can also visit some minor Roman ruins, Moorish lime kilns and water cisterns as well as the option to visit the larger Roman ruins of the ancient city of Baleo Claudia opposite the Moroccan coast.

how this holiday makes a difference
We are members of national and international organisations such a theBritish Trust for Ornithology (BTO) and the Sociedad Española de Ornitologia(SEO).
We also assist biologists and naturalists with hands-onemergency work in Andalucia, from the rescue and evacuation of Flamingo chicks through drought, to the monitoring of pollution in the Coto Doñana.Andalucian Guides is committed to conservation and environmental protection.

Our guides are active members of Los Amigos de la laguna de La Janda, a Huge agricultural area in southern Cadiz province, that was once one of thebiggest lakes and wetlands in Europe and has been drained since the middle of the last century. We hope to recover a substantial piece of this land andreturn it to it's natural state to encourage wildlife to return to this richarea.

We campaign through fund - raising, publicity, and through promotion ofpublic awareness as to the importance of such an area on the bird migrationroute to and from Africa, and through actively campaigning to the variousgovernments to have the area known as La Janda given some sort of protective status.
We are currently engaged in a new programme of ornithological study with the Dep. of Biology, Cadiz University, collating data on the lateral migration of sea-birds and their movements from the Atlantic ocean to the Mediterranean sea.

Enquire about this holiday.

Bahia luxury beach resort in Brazil

The eco resort enjoys a privileged location. Close to ecological reserves of Atlantic Rain Forest, lagoons, beaches where sea turtles lay their eggs, and areas for the observation of humpback whales and coral reefs.

Our Bahia luxury beach resort in Brazil provides in all aspects the sensation of well-being and direct contact with nature.


It also offers comfort and services of unquestionable quality, satisfying the most demanding tastes. The facilities offered by the eco resort ensure the satisfaction of its guests.

Its high level of service, 70% of which is provided by a local workforce, is the result of not only continuous training, but, above all, of the fundamental education that the Garcia D'Ávila Foundation provides to the community and neighboring districts. In this atmosphere, you have the opportunity to be in direct contact with nature, surrounded by happy people who work for your well-being at the hotel.

The moments experienced here with family bring high quality of life. Stress is forgotten and it is possible to remember that the small pleasures of life are the most important.
special things to do and see from our Bahia luxury beach resort in Brazil
Turtles/Tamar Project: Visit the national headquarters of the project for the protection of sea turtles in Brazil – TAMAR/IBAMA and learn a little more about this project, which plays an important role in the protection of several sea turtle species.

Sapiranga Natural Reserve: Go on an adventure in the tropical rainforest, on trails through the secondary Atlantic Rainforest of the Sapiranga Natural Reserve. Those who are a bit bolder can challenge gravity by going down the breathtaking tirolesa (zip lining). In addition to getting to know the local fauna and flora better, it is also possible to take a relaxing dip in the river.

Ruins of the Garcia D’Ávila Castle: The visit to the Castle, one of the oldest Portuguese constructions of the country, is a true journey back to the beginning of the history of Brazil. Begun in the 16th century, the Garcia D'Ávila Castle is the only feudal building of the Americas.

Canoeing in the Lagoon: Go on an adventure in double kayaks, sailing in the fresh and calm waters of the Timeantube lagoon surrounded by aquatic plants.

Hike to the Mouth of the Pojuca River: Enjoy this absolutely unique hike along the beach and see the area where sea turtles lay their eggs (from September though March). Visit the mouth of the Pojuca River, the southern boundary of the resort, where the river meets the ocean in an incomparable spectacle of beauty.

Bird Watching: While you sail along the Timeantube Lagoon, one of our natural reserves, admire a true explosion of colors and sounds provided by several species of birds that live along the resort.

Diving: Crystal clear waters bordered by 12 kilometers of beach, the rich marine fauna and flora and climate that favors underwater visibility, the resort is, without a doubt, a perfect place to dive. Natural pools, such as those of Papa Gente, that are formed during low tide are ideal for snorkelling. But it's also possible to dive in sites as deep as 35 meters (scuba diving) to see a true underwater spectacle of rich beauty come to light.
rooms, food and facilities
All of the accommodations at our Bahia luxury beach resort in Brazil have a terrace with sea view and are equipped with air conditioning, telephone, minibar, safe, cable TV, hair dryer and internet access (master plus has high speed connection). All the other categories are dial up connection (standard, standard plus, master and presidential suite and suite deluxe).

The hotel has 8 swimming pools, amphitheatre, 4 illuminated tennis courts, illuminated soccer field, 3 game rooms, beach volleyball court, toys room, kids club, baby pantry, nautical base, travel agency, boutique, jewelry shop, thalasso spa, 3 restaurants, 2 bars, convention room with 200-people capacity, parking lot, transfers, infirmary, business center, laundry service, sports and leisure activities.

Spa: Spa facilities include massage, shiatsu, lymphatic drainage, stone massage, reiki, reflexology, facials and biolifting, thalassotherapy, pilates and saunas.

Family friendly: Our beach resort in Brazil is the ideal place for all the family leisure and the strengthening of affective bonds. A large children´s program and the existence of a place conceived particularly for them – the Clube Careta Careta – allow parents and the little ones to enjoy of unique moments, together or separated, from 9 a.m until bedtime. The children from 4 years to 12 years old are divided by ages, into an intense program of adventures, learning, relaxing and socialization under the orientation of monitors and biologists. The activities range from gymkhanas, ecological tours, treasure hunting and art workshops, among others.

Baby friendly: The hotel´s special attention towards children and babies begins with facilities such as cradles, baby strollers, nanny’s team, toy room and baby kitchen for the under 4 year olds.

Disabled access: The hotels have 1 disabled apartment and ramps all over the hotel that helps the wheel chair access. We do not have elevators.

Enquire about this holiday.

Ashanti Drumming tour, Ghana

Drumming is a vital part of Ghana's heritage and professional drummers are in demand for traditional drumming and dancing performances at christenings, weddings, funerals, religious events and festivals. These same drummers will teach you their repertoire at a cultural centre in Hoehoe, close to Lake Volta and the scenic Avatime Hills on the Togo border.



day-by-day itinerary
Day 1-2: Arrival and transfer to hotel. Orientation on health, customs and behaviour, geography, currency, and culture of Ghana – how to interpret what you see and hear, how to behave and interact; tour of Accra, Ghana's capital.
Day 3-4: Transfer to Hoehoe via Akosombo dam. Here you will stay in garden chalets in learn traditional drumming, dancing and song.
Day 5: Wli Falls visit - Ghana's highest waterfalls (optional day trip).
Day 6: Hoehoe cultural centre.
Day 7: Tafi Atome monkey village (optional day trip).
Day 8: Hoehoe cultural centre.
Day 9: Mount Afadjato - climb the 884 metre Mount Afadjato (optional day trip).
Day 10: Hoehoe cultural centre.
Day 11: Return to Accra to shop or relax on the beach before return flight.

how this holiday makes a difference
The Volta Region is blessed with a rich culture and tremendous scenery, with lakes, mountains, forests and waterfalls. You will be resident there for eight days to experience the rhythm of the community and learn from drumming and dancing professionals. You can study intensively or take day trips to see the surrounding area - or a bit of both, ideal if you are are family with different interests. The tours allow visitors to appreciate the skills of the indigenous artists and craftspeople, and to interact with them as guests learning from the artists.

Art and Music courses, Greece

This programme is open to participants who want to explore the creative side of themselves in a supportive and inspiring environment. The courses range from music and singing to dance, digital photography and painting.

The Arts and Music Programme, a new addition this year to a Holistic Centre of 30 years' standing, is open to participants who want to explore the creative side of themselves in a supportive and inspiring environment. The courses range from music and singing to dance, digital photography and painting. All tutors have vast experience in their field, and all are committed both to their art and to the people who take their course.



Courses convene for up to three hours every weekday morning. They include group and individual exercises and feedback sessions, all in varying scenic locations and in the spirit of camaraderie and fun. Their pace and content are determined by the participants themselves. Participants in this new programme are an integral part of all the Centre's community events and they can all join in its activities, including the early morning yoga.
courses
In addition to the programme listed below, all sessions include morning yoga plus 'A Taste of Greece' activities (e.g. Greek wine-tasting, cooking, dancing and much more) and a selection of other one-off events from our holistic programme.

Dancing the Rainbow & A Revolution in Blue with Lani O’Hanlon
From £745 (14 days) ex flights. Departs: 16 May 2009
Wk 1: Dancing the Rainbow - A unique, colourful way of working with a yoga-based, organic movement-mindfulness and creativity that arises naturally from within. Explore subtle energies, the chakras and colour therapy. Discover more about who you are through therapeutic colour-music-sound and movement.
Wk 2: A Revolution in Blue - In this course participants will be given the freedom to explore their own soulful/creative process in a gentle and supportive way. With an embodied and subtle approach to movement, voicework, writing and the secret ingredient - Colour.
Lani O'Hanlon is a movement-voice-colour therapy teacher with a background in the creative arts and holistic studies. She is co-creator of the international Dancing the Rainbow training school.

Free the Spirit with Hazel Carey
From £595 (8 days) ex flights. Departs: 30 May 2009
This course will help participants open up to their inherent creativity by finding the mutual note that draws them into the field of their potential. The imagination is a healing force and Hazel will guide participants through a variety of creative arts including: Bodywork, Movement into African Dance, Voicework into Singing and Theatre, Poetry and Elements of Psychosynthesis to playfully and gracefully free your spirit.
Hazel Carey, an international voice and movement teacher and psychosynthesis counsellor, works with visualisation, African dance, Qi Gong and voicework.

Digital Music Workshop with Colin Williams and Carly Head
From £595 (8 days) & from £875 (14 days) ex flights. Departs: 06 Jun (8 days) & 13 Jun (14 days) 2009
Engage directly in the creation of your own recorded piece of music which will be supplied to you on a CD. Whether it's playing the keyboard, developing your instrument and percussion skills, or writing and recording you own vocal tracks these workshops promise to be an unforgettable experience. No previous experience is required.
Colin and Carly have much experience in the field of creative digital music making. They currently run a recording studio in Bristol.

Free your Creativity with Ilene Sawka
From £975 (14 days) ex flights. Departs: 28 Jun 2009
Discover what can make the difference in your communication and in your enjoyment of life. Move, dance, write, paint, sing, improvise, speak... surprise yourself! Dare and share; be inspired by and trust in your innate abilities and gifts. Step out of your comfort zone... and like it there! We will train the artist's right brain which is longing to be called into play and given a larger arena in which to expand.
Ilene Sawka facilitates creativity workshops for top Swedish managers and politicians using an array of original forms and techniques. She is also a Qi Gong teacher.

The Artist’s Way with Ilene Sawka
From £1045 (14 days) ex flights. Departs: 12 Jul 2009
Move, dance, write, paint, sing, improvise, speak, surprise yourself, dare and share, be inspired.
Ilene Sawka facilitates creativity workshops for top Swedish managers and politicians using an array of original forms and techniques. She is also a Qi Gong teacher.

5 Rhythms & Love Your Body, Love Yourself with Jo Hardy
From £1145 (14 days) ex flights. Departs: 26 Jul 2009
Wk 1: 5 Rhythms - Through dancing the 5 Rhythms and sharing our stories, we will learn to change our patterns, and touch a more ecstatic experience of our bodies.
Wk 2: Love Your Body, Love Yourself - During this workshop we will gently investigate our relationship to our body and learn to more deeply accept it as it is, with kindness and pleasure. Through dancing the 5 Rhythms, sharing our stories and massage, we will see more clearly what we are doing, learn to change it and, through the dance, touch a more ecstatic experience of our bodies.
Jo is an accredited 5 Rhythms teacher, psychotherapist and supervisor with 18 years experience. She has been a trainer at the Karuna Institute for many years in Contemplative Psychotherapy.

Anyone Can Sing with Arhlene Allan
From £1145 (14 days) ex flights. Departs: 09 Aug 2009
This course is a journey through various styles of music, from pop to musicals, ballads, jazz, gospel and classical, involving breath control, vocal exercises and relaxation techniques.
Since graduation from the Royal Academy of Music, Arhlene has played a number of roles in West End Theatre, Opera, Film and Television and has performed with the likes of Luciano Pavarotti.

Soul Aerobics & Mindful Movement with Beverley Drumm
From £1045 (14 days) ex flights. Departs: 23 Aug 2009
Wk 1: Soul Aerobics - This Nia Technique course provides holistic conditioning for the body, mind, emotions and spirit by blending soulful music with the expressiveness of dance, the grounded precision and power of martial arts and the body-mind awareness of yoga and other techniques.
Wk 2: Mindful Movement - A Nia Technique course with daily classes in integrated movement, blending dance, yoga, martial arts and bodywork. We will explore ways you can empower yourself to make choices and move mindfully, bringing new-found confidence, creativity and focus to your fitness regime and life.
Passionate about dance, Beverley has been practising Nia, an holistic, high-energy approach to body-mind-spirit fitness, since 2001. She delights in sharing the joy of movement as a path to wellness, awareness and expanded potential.

Digital Photography & Watercolour with Kel Portman
From £995 (14 days) ex flights. Departs: 06 Sep 2009
Wk 1: Digital Photography – This course won’t confuse you with technical jargon, rather you will be encouraged to look at ideas and approaches to help you take better photographs using as subjects the dramatic island landscape, still life, the unique architecture and the inhabitants of Skyros, Participants will need their own digital camera to work with and will explore the language of photography, image construction, design and composition, lighting, selection of colour, illustration and narrative.
Wk 2: Watercolour - We’ll investigate aspects of Ideas Generation, Composition and Materials Control, embracing an itinerary that is a mix of looking, painting, drawing, poetry and easy strolls - aiming to arrive at outstanding scenic locations where you’ll be guided through a range of techniques using media such as watercolour, charcoal, pastel and ink.
Kel Portman is an artist, photographer and printmaker and former senior lecturer with the university of the Arts.

The Creative Detox with Mandy Wheeler
From £645 (8 days) ex flights. Departs: 19 Sep 2009
In this session participants will explore ideas about creativity, looking for the attitudes and assumptions that limit imaginative thinking. Then, when they've tweaked their mindset, they can let rip with their unfettered, non-judgmental creativity.
Mandy Wheeler, writer, script doctor and radio producer, is the founder of Punch It Up, a workshop company specialising in confidence enhancing creativity workshops.

Tell an Outrageous Lie with Mandy Wheeler
From £625 (8 days) ex flights. Departs: 26 Sep 2009
Tell An Outrageous Lie is a based on the popular book of the same name that invites people to look more closely at the world and to ponder the mass of stories that run through everyday life. It will help participants to give their imagination a shove using a bundle of intriguing, mischievous prompts to get them writing, drawing, telling stories, making movies or wherever the creative mood takes them.
Mandy Wheeler, writer, script doctor and radio producer, is the founder of Punch It Up, a workshop company specialising in confidence enhancing creativity workshops.

Enquire about this holiday.

Arctic diving, photography & wildlife expedition

For the experienced dry-suit diver, the submarine ecosystems of the far north present a wild & undiscovered realm. This is a challenging & ever changing world of blue sculpted ice, Arctic marine wildlife & the chance to dive where few have dived before.

The Arctic's vast and remote expanse, demands access and exploration by water. Your vessel is no longer a means of transport, but your base camp; sustaining and protecting you, whilst at the same time taking you deeper into one of the wildest and most hostile places on the planet. The Arctic instills a strong sense of detachment from the routine of modern urban life.


For the experienced dry-suit diver, the submarine ecosystems of the far north present a wild and undiscovered realm. This is a challenging and ever changing world of blue sculpted ice and Arctic marine wildlife; dive where few have dived before.


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Arctic scuba diving & natural history expedition

Our passion for polar wildlife above and below water areas has encouraged us to develop voyages which combine natural history expeditions on ice-strengthened vessels, with a scuba diving experience that takes place within a vast expanse of remote and isolated wilderness.

For the experienced drysuit diver, the submarine ecosystems of the far north present a wild and undiscovered realm. This is an ever changing world of blue sculpted ice, Arctic marine life and the chance to dive where few have dived before. The combination of sunlight, sea water and the often extraordinary formations of ice cause an overwhelming, ever-changing spectre of underwater colours, with a fantastic variety of shades and brilliance. We may observe typical marine life such as sea squirts, squat lobsters, many species of star fish, spider crabs, soft corals, anemones, peacock worms and dogfish.

Diving in the Arctic environment means not only ice but huge kelp forests and kelp walls, with sea snails, crabs, sea butterflies, a variety of Arctic fish, shrubby horse-tails, jelly-fish and sea hedgehogs. In Spitsbergen we may dive with seals. This expedition does not involve cutting holes in the ice to dive. Dives are conducted from the expedition vessel's compliment of zodiacs, whilst others are from the shore or from ice shells. This will vary from shallow ice diving near or under the ice-floes (approx. 30 feet) to shore diving, whereby we dive to approximately 30 to 60 feet.

For both divers and non-divers, this voyage provides a unique opportunity to see and learn more about nature than on a purely land based expedition. Each day you will have the opportunity to share experiences with those who have been exploring above and below the ice. You will also have the chance to see photographs and video footage from the experts and other passengers. To enhance your understanding, there will be a programme of inspiring evening lectures about the wildlife, ecology and conservation of the Arctic. You can also refer to the onboard library of Arctic natural history guides and reference books.

The above water voyage focuses on the spectacular fjords and islands of North Spitsbergen, which offer spectacular numbers of birds and chance encounters with walruses, Reindeer, ringed and bearded seals and hopefully polar bears. Our aim is to reach the Hinlopen Strait and the island of Nordaustlandet, the most northerly of the major Spitsbergen islands. Ringed at times by high mountains and shimmering glaciers, these northern bays and fjords offer outstanding Arctic landscapes that are likely to leave deep and lasting impression.

Enquire about this holiday.

Archaeology volunteering in Peru

Whilst living the lifestyle of the local Peruvian people, you can gain hands-on experience in a range of archaeological and historically-related work and help with local community projects

When the Spanish conquistadors discovered Peru in the 16th Century, the land had been ruled for roughly three centuries by the Inca people. During their rule the Incas gained control of an area about one million square kilometres in size, ranging from Ecuador to central Chile. The vast Inca Empire had its administrative, political and military centre in the city of Cuzco.



The year 1533 saw an end to the Inca Empire when the Spanish captured Cuzco. Despite years of Spanish rule, Peru has managed to retain a rich Incan legacy which can be seen throughout the country; the majestic ruins of Machu Picchu and the Inca capital city of Cuzco are amongst the most fascinating Inca sites. Our project is a great choice if you are interested in archaeology and the history of the Inca civilisation, and don't mind getting your hands dirty! Whilst living the lifestyle of the local Peruvian people, you can gain hands-on experience in a range of archaeological and historically-related work and help with local community projects.


the project
All project volunteers are based in Huyro in the La Convencion province. Huyro is about a three hour journey from our main office in the Sacred Valley and has an Internet cafe and some small shops. The work that volunteers are involved in consists of three main areas: archaeology, community work and expeditions.

Volunteers usually spend one day a week working alongside Peruvian experts on archaeological excavations at the newly discovered site of Cochapata. After hiking up to the ruins this work involves clearing and preserving ancient Inca walls and terracing systems in order to understand the Inca people more thoroughly. Volunteers are also helping to map the ruins and there are opportunities to explore ruins that are well off the beaten track as well as remote communities. You may even discover some new ruins yourself. One day a week is also usually spent clearing a section of an original Inca road.

Community meetings in Huyro have been held since August 2006 and have always been very well attended. They are promoted by us in order to discuss our work and the ways in which we can have a positive impact on the local community. The meetings have produced plenty of very useful information and, with the involvement of local leaders we have been given plenty of work for our volunteers to be involved in.
a day in a life of a volunteer
Volunteers live in a community house close to the centre of Huyro with a family of our staff who cook and look after them. It is here and also in nearby Patabamba that volunteers are involved in community work. This work ranges from painting a classroom at a local school to organising educational materials for the local teachers and arranging sports competitions and games with the village children.

We are aiming to become self sufficient in the future at our volunteer house and all volunteers are expected to help out with activities like looking after crops, harvesting tomatoes, feeding the chickens and ducks, helping to maintain the out-buildings and taking turns with the washing up after dinner or lunch!

Volunteers also take part in regular expeditions to some of the lesser known Inca sites in the area, or take part in a trek to look for new ruins. These expeditions may sometimes involve camping out for a night or two and add another exciting dimension to the Inca project work.

You will be working with our staff in and around Huyro on a mix of community and archaeology based projects. Since we set up the programme volunteers have worked closely with the local community on renovation and painting of the community centre. With the local government archaeologists we have uncovered a site they would not have had the resources to work on without the volunteers we have working there. It is an amazing place to live and work.

We take seriously our responsibilities towards the communities we work with in Peru. We have full time staff on the ground that will meet you from the airport, give you an induction on arrival and support you from our local office throughout your stay. They are mainly local people who we pay a good local wage and can give you all the information and support you will need during your stay. They have been trained by us to work with visiting volunteers.

In Peru you will be staying in a house with other volunteers in Huyro. The house is on the edge of the village and was rebuilt by our organisation with the assistance of local builders. This meant that the money went directly into the local economy. The meals you eat as well as the chairs you sit on have all been made locally. We try as much as we can to support local suppliers. Living in Peru will give you an opportunity to be a part of the local community. Most of the money that you spend in Huyro will be at grassroots level going into local Peruvian businesses. Our organisation is environmentally responsible. We recycle at our offices and offset our carbon emissions from staff flying to our destinations around the world. We believe that actions like this can be the first step towards preserving the planet for future generations.

Enquire about this holiday.

Algonquin Park yoga & holistic retreat

This is one of Canada's model ecotourism destinations - clean, green and dedicated to sustainability. Located on the edge of Algonquin Provincial Park, one of the oldest and largest canoe parks in North America, the landscape affords us many opportunities.

Our scheduled retreats are all inclusive three-four day retreats for adults that take place at the nature retreat, at the South River entrance to Ontario's Algonquin Park. This is one of Canada's model ecotourism destinations - clean, green and dedicated to sustainability. Located on the edge of Algonquin Provincial Park, one of the oldest and largest canoe parks in North America, the landscape affords us many opportunities.


Ecotourism principles and practices which respect the land ensure long term sustainability. Our solar-powered facility is a natural safe place for guests to enjoy the comforts of home. Our environmentally-friendly off-the-grid facility has gained international recognition for teaching and demonstrating ecological principles of design. In addition, our environmental ethics and no-trace camping practices leave the areas we travel through in the same or better condition than before we arrived.

Quest for Balance CA $747 (4 days) ex flights 2009: 25 June, 09 July, 31 July, 04 September
This is a spectacular setting for an introduction to sea kayaking along with the added value of yoga and gentle awareness exercises. Learn the basics of safely handling a sea kayak as well as bracing, rescues and scenic paddling. This is a welcoming place for paddlers and yoga enthusiasts looking to get their feet wet and try new things. This retreat is all inclusive: including sea kayaking, yoga instructors, delicious meals, three nights accommodation and four days of paddling, yoga and more.

Shamanism retreat CA $447 (3 days) ex flights 2009: 06 March, 01 May, 19 June, 11 September
The focus of this retreat is learning and practicing the Shamanic Journey for the purpose of problem solving and restoring spiritual health and power for oneself and others. Percussion instruments have historically been used in indigenous cultures as doorways into the spiritual world. Aided by the beat of a drum participants are invited to enter into an altered state of consciousness to explore hidden worlds traveled by our ancient ancestors. Each participant will have the opportunity to discover their own power animal or other spiritual teacher. Through connecting with spiritual allies, participants tap into infinite wisdom, which is otherwise difficult to achieve in ordinary reality.

Art retreat CA $697 (4 days) ex flights 2009: 18 September
Join us to Retrace the steps of renowned Canadian artist, Tom Thomson, in the northwest corner of Algonquin Park and discover first hand the evocative landscape that inspired him. Art Retreat participants are encouraged to unleash their creative spirit through a guided process of experimentation with watercolour paint, pencils and chalk. The program encourages artists and non-artists to make discoveries through a spontaneous and expressive approach to art making. This art retreat is all inclusive: including all necessary material, art facilitators, delicious meals, three nights at the Edge and four days of painting, canoeing and more.

Other courses are available including womens retreats and a retreat for pregnant women. Please make an enquiry for more information.
how this holiday makes a difference
Our environmentally-friendly off-the-grid facility has gained international recognition for teaching and demonstrating ecological principles of design. In addition, our environmental ethics and no-trace camping practices leave the areas we travel through in the same or better condition than before we arrived. We even sort our waste so that plastics and paper are recycled, and food waste is composted upon return from our adventures.

Join us and we'll escort you into Algonquin Park in style. We maintain the lowest guide to guest ratio in the industry (usually 1:4), so you can be confident you are in the care of qualified, enthusiastic friendly faces who know Algonquin Park.

We believe that our guides should be fairly compensated, and will share their experience, passion, knowledge and teaching skills to ensure each trip is a memorable one.

We make socially responsible purchasing decisions, support organic produce providers and freshly prepare gourmet meals. We contribute to the ongoing conservation of local natural areas, use sustainable environmentally friendly technologies and practices of operation and live closer to and in respectful harmony with the natural world.

Enquire about this holiday.

Yoga holiday in Malta

Come for some fun in the sun and enjoy this fascinating island on your healthy holiday. With an interesting mix of Mediterranean and North African cultures, this place is steeped in history, beauty and sunlight.

You'll be staying on a beautiful island in the Mediterranean. A secret gem, you'll be taking in the stunning scenery, the friendly people, the fresh local produce and the sun sparkling off the sea.


Time is slower here and you'll soon become acquainted with Gozo Time. Your host and teacher is resident on the island and there is no better person to show you around and share their love with the place. Malta gets the most sunshine in the whole of Europe and whether you want to lounge by the pool with a book and a bottle of suntan lotion, or put on your sun hat and explore the many faces of the island, we are on hand, all the time to help you make the most of your holiday.

You'll practice yoga twice a day in our underground yoga studio. It's peaceful, quiet and air-conditioned and perfect to focus on your practice. There is also a meditation session once a day. Included in your package are private airport transfers which include your passage across the sea from Malta to Gozo. Included in the week are 2 evening meals, one of which is a 3 course meal in a local restaurant, a guided hike along the rugged and isolated coast with a professional hiking company, and a sunset yoga class held at the breathtaking Azure Window. What you will bring home with you is a thoroughly stretched and relaxed body, a calm and clear mind and some great memories. What you will remember most is the quality of service, with your host organising fun trips to beaches, blue lagoons and fascinating local festivals.

Activities

Snorkelling: There's great snorkelling in Malta and Gozo, with the clearest and warmest waters in the Med and abundant with life.
Diving: With caves, caverns, swim-throughs and wrecks this is a divers mecca and with warm waters and good conditions its a perfect place to learn.
Rock climbing: There is a great range of climbs available on Gozo, from bolted routes to Deep Water Soloing.
Hiking & biking: There are many great trails around the island.

Accommodation
You'll be staying in self-catering apartments in a holiday village. Each has its own balcony or terrace which looks down to the beautiful pool which is surrounded by palm trees. The apartments are designed in the traditional Gozitan style and are simply furnished. They are large, with a kitchen and living space, a large bedroom and a bathroom. Outside of the busiest summer season we have the place mostly to ourselves. The pool is beautiful and the sun sets right behind the centre. There is a little deli across the lane where you buy fresh cheese, bread and local fruit and vegetables. At night there are no lights around the pool and you can sit peacefully and watch the stars.

We work with local companies to support this tiny community on Gozo, Malta. We offer peaceful, relaxing yoga holidays in a beautiful environment sensitive to local culture. The accommodation is locally owned and run and during your week, guests will meet many of the friendly locals who dwell in this place. The accommodation uses a solar panel heating system to heat the water. On arrival customers are briefed on waste management, we recycle glass and paper and are instructed on energy management, ie turning lights out, unplugging appliances etc.

We use local produce in our food, as do all the local restaurants and shops in support the local economy. During the week we organise several outings including a guided hike, led by a local experienced and insured guide. He will show you animal and plant life endemic to this island. On two of the nights, we take you to a couple of local family run restaurants where you will enjoy the home-cooked local food. We organise other nature tours including snorkelling, diving and sea-kayaking to take you off the beaten path and to places in nature people rarely go.

Family values and traditions are held in high regard here and small villages and communities join together for various festivals during most parts of the year. We provide local information for you to get the most out of the island and to understand and to join in with the local cultural activities.

Gozo is a small, proud island which is immaculately clean, safe and friendly. We encourage guests to respect the place, eat the local produce, keep it clean and go out and meet the friendly locals. As a company we donate 10% of our annual profit to Tsunami affected regions. We operate as a paperless office and have strict recycling policies.

For every guest who attends one of our yoga holidays, we will plant a tree in a new forest we've started in Niger, Africa to conquer desertification. Guests will receive a certificate and will have the opportunity to learn more about the project and to monitor their tree, which will be named after them.

As of September 2008, we off-set the carbon emissions for return flights within Europe, and we off-set the emissions for the outward flight of any Europe to Asia flights if the guest offset the return journey. Guests will also receive a certificate for this.

There is little recycling on the island but we provide special recycling bags to all our guest. At the end of the week our teacher and host collects all the bags and brings them to a company who transports them to Malta to be recycled.

Enquire about this holiday.

Yoga holiday in Italy

Your yoga holiday in Italy will be a truly unforgettable experience, a real break to unwind, relax, and physically, mentally and spiritually recharge.

Yoga holidays and retreats in the medieval village of Casperia. Time to relax and recharge your mind, body and soul.


Join us for a yoga holiday where you can join in with group yoga classes or have one-to-one yoga tuition. Or simply enjoy a retreat from the world at the beautifully restored Casa Latini – where you can choose from a large selection of holistic treatments, explore the mountains and villages or take part in numerous activities, from horse-riding to hot springs. Your holiday will be an unforgettable experience, a real break to unwind, relax, and physically, mentally and spiritually recharge.

Most of our rooms are ensuite or have private bathrooms and all are self-catering. Prices include accommodation and breakfast at our lounge-café, fresh linen and towels, one yoga class daily (Friday through Tuesday), a guided walk in the Sabina mountains, all-week use of bicycles and yoga mats.

The holiday will be a unique experience where you can choose to:

Practice yoga and tune into yourself within the harmony and peaceful atmosphere of this superb location
Spend the day revitilising your body and self at open air roman baths and wild hot springs
Relax and recharge, your mind body and soul by choosing from a large selection of holistic treatments
Enjoy the friendly and social atmosphere during meals out to excellent Italian restaurants
See the beautiful Sabina countryside on horseback
Swim in fresh mountain waters swimming pools or discover unspoilt mountains streams where you can spend hot afternoon bathing and resting surrounded by nature
Cycle and discover the beauty of Sabina hilltop towns, mountains and countryside
Relax and enjoy afternoon tea or a good cappuccino in local village cafes, and enjoy the atmosphere of an authentic Italian village
Take a walk across the mountains or valleys, or visit the other neighboring ancient villages and stop for lunch enjoying the local cuisine
Our yoga classes are suitable for beginners as well as more practiced yogis. We practise Friday through Tuesday once a day with some classes outdoors in spectacular surroundings; while when we choose to practice yoga indoors, we use our own restored and professionally designed 40 square metre studio which has a fresh water spring and ancient cave as a bathroom. Classes last 90 minutes.

For those who would like the opportunity to practice more yoga, extra classes of Hatha yoga or meditation are optionally available throughout the week with Lucy Bremner or guest yoga teachers.

Individual yoga lessons are also available: one-to-one tuition in Asana, Pranayama, Meditation and Relaxation.

Your yoga class includes:
Asanas (Physical Movements)
Pranayama (Breathing practices)
Meditation (Stilling and Calming of the mind & inner self)
Relaxation (Complete mind, body Relaxation)

Enquire about this holiday.

Walking in Andalucia

A week long walking tour in the beautiful Axarquia. Stay in a white hillside village near Nerja, enjoy spectacular views and spend relaxing evenings enjoying the local restaurants.

Share the love of walking and enjoy great company on our walking holidays in beautiful Andalucia – Spain’s southernmost region.


Our holidays are all about finding the hidden Spain and the fun and stimulation of walking with a group of like-minded people! Singles are particularly welcome. People who have been before have told us they enjoyed the activities and the relaxed atmosphere very much.

The walks are well organised and people like all the historical and local information that is provided. The wining and dining are superb. You stay in a lovely authentic village house and the accommodation is very comfortable.

Andalucia is a lovely walking area and we make sure that you take full advantage of that. For many of our guests, the best aspect of the holiday is the excellent company of the group members and in particular, the great company of Gill & Dave, the tour leaders, who always go out of their way to include everyone in the walking and social activities. A holiday you will always remember.

day-by-day itinerary
If you are a group of 6 or more, contact us for a tailor made itinerary. Day 1: Welcome to Andalucia. We will meet you at Malaga Airport and transfer you to your house in Torrox Pueblo by private transport. After settling into your accommodation, you will join the other guests for a welcome lunch followed by an orientation tour and introduction to the history of village.
Day 2: Comares. Our first day's walking takes us via an old mule track to the hill top village of Comares in the beautiful Axarquia region. Comares is the highest village in the Axarquia region and the walk takes us round the outskirts of the village with breathtaking sea and mountain views. The whole area is rich in fruit trees. Velez Malaga is a major centre for the growing and export of mangoes and avocados. During the walk, there will be a wide range of other trees including almonds, pomegranates, oranges and olives. Flowers in April to June are spectacular including a wide variety of orchids. Eagles, kites and Griffon Vultures have also been seen in this high terrain. The walk finishes with a tour through the village and the opportunity to purchase some of the local muscatel raisins, figs, honey and almonds depending upon season. Walking time: 5 hours • Height Gain: 2200 ft • Grade: moderate
Day 3: Casa de la Mina. We take a 20 min drive due north of Torrox and offer 2 alternative walks - the choice is yours. For those who want a more challenging walk, there is a steep climb up a track that then follows a dry river bed for about an hour. For those who prefer a more leisurely walk, we will drive you up the steeper part in our 4x4 drive. At the top end of the track there are wonderful views of the valley from a height of 980m. The walk is then on an excellent track, fairly flat, with stunning views across the Almijara. We walk for about 30 mins to the Casa de la Mina - a delightful stop for refreshments with beautiful views and good opportunities for taking photos. We then descend, at times quite steeply, towards the now disused Fabrica de la Luz where we meet the river. The descent takes about an hour to a wonderful picnic spot beside a waterfall. It may be necessary to cross the river a couple of times so weatherproof boots or spare socks are useful. Sticks would be useful for the ascent. • Walking time: 4½ hours • Distance: 12 km • Grade: moderate
Day 4: El Canuelo. This walk starts behind the village of Periana and involves a gradual ascecnt with stunning views of Lake Vinuela. It is a great walk for wild flowers and birds and in January and February beautiful almond blossom. At the start we walk upwards to an old railway track. It is an easy walk but you are rewarded with 360o views including that of Maroma, which is the highest mountain in Axarquia (2068 m). This is part of the Sierra Tejeda. We continue walking through to the Ventas de Zafarraya – a spectacular pass through the mountain chain. We then head down to the village of El Canuelo where we have a stop for refreshment. The restaurant also has a swimming pool and we can relax and enjoy the views of Lake Vinuela below. There is then a leisurely walk down mainly tarmac road back to the cars. Walking time: 5 hours • Distance: 12 km • Grade: easy.
Day 5: Rest day. Dave & Gill will be happy to provide information and help you to plan your own day out - others have enjoyed a trip to Nerja and its caves, or into the vibrant, historic city of Malaga, including the famous Picasso Museum. In the evening, BBQ / Meal at D&G's finca, a rural delight.
Day 6: Lost villages of Acebuchal. This is a circular walk along a shaded river bed for part of its length with a short steep climb up to a good track for the return journey. The villages of Acebuchal, Bajo and Arriba were deserted in the 1950s when the villages were cleared in post Civil War guerrilla fighting. Our guide for this walk is steeped in the history of the area and we promise an entertaining and lively day. The Junta de Andalucia are now financing the restoration of the villages to encourage rural tourism run by local people. We finish the day at the Cortijo of Maria and her friends where they prepare a 9 course meal comprising typical local home made dishes and wines. Situated on a hilltop with views down to Nerja and the mountains, there is a swimming pool for the use of guests (fabulous on hot days after a long walk). Walking time: 4 hours • Grade: easy
Day 7: Canillas de Albaida. This walk takes us up a river valley with a steep climb up a small goat track before returning back down along gentle quarry road. The walk starts from the now disused Fabrica de la Luz which used to provide electricity for the area before the Spanish National grid was formed. The walk takes us through many walnut groves and in the spring fields of bright red poppies delight the eye. We pass a huge cave which was once used by the local honey maker and is now home to a herd of goats and climb to a height of 3,500 feet with superb views over the magnificent Sierra Almijara. Walking time: 5 hours • Length: 12 km • Grade: moderate
Day 8: Adios! After breakfast we transfer you to Malaga Airport.

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