Encounters Travel is offering 130+ trips and tours with a total of 5+ customer reviews. Tour durations range from 2 to 25 days and offering discounts up to 25%.
This 8-day tour is the perfect way to experience the unique and fascinating destination that is Lebanon. Found on the eastern shore of the Mediterranean, Lebanon is filled with historical and cultural sites and landmarks.
You will visit Tyre and Sidon, great ancient Phoenician cities; Byblos, the world’s oldest continually-inhabited city; and Heliopolis, the Middle East’s best-preserved temple. Lebanon also abounds with natural phenomena and landscapes, and you will visit many fascinating natural sites. These include the Baatara Gorge Waterfall, the Jeita Grotto, the Ksara Caves, and the Barouk Cedar Nature Reserve.
With sites such as the birthplace of Khalil Gibran, and the Lebanon cedar mentioned in the Old Testament, Lebanon provides the ideal combination nature, culture and history.
Accommodation is in 3-4 star boutique style hotels, a deluxe guesthouse in Zahle and one night a monastery in the Qadisha Valley where you may join the monks for morning prayer if you wish.. The itinerary will be adjusted slightly during the winter months to avoid some of the high mountain roads which will be blocked due to snow.
Cultural, religious and historic sites
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Guest House, Resort
Age Range
8-95 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Beirut, Byblos, Qozhaya, Qadisha
Beirut, Byblos, Qozhaya, Qadisha Valley, Ksara, Sidon
This comprehensive 7-day journey through Jordan offers a captivating blend of ancient history, vibrant culture, and stunning natural landscapes. Beginning in the bustling capital of Amman, the tour quickly immerses you in local life with a visit to the historic hilltop town of As-Salt. Here, you'll walk the 'Daily Life Trail', exploring its charming Ottoman-era architecture, bustling souqs along Hammam Street, and engaging with local artisans, all while supporting sustainable community tourism. The day continues with a visit to the significant Baptism Site at Bethany before returning to Amman.
The adventure proceeds north to the magnificent Roman ruins of Jerash, one of the best-preserved examples of Roman provincial urbanism outside Italy. Back in Amman, you'll delve into the capital's rich past at the Citadel and the impressive Roman Theatre, followed by a delightful street food tasting experience in the lively downtown area. An evening visit to the Wild Jordan Centre highlights the country's commitment to conservation and supporting local communities through ecotourism, offering a relaxing end to a day of exploration.
The tour then heads south along the scenic King's Highway, a route steeped in history, stopping at the mosaic city of Madaba, the biblical viewpoint of Mount Nebo, and the imposing Crusader fortress of Shobak Castle. The highlight for many follows: a full day dedicated to exploring the awe-inspiring Nabataean city of Petra. You'll walk through the narrow Siq to marvel at the Treasury, discover ancient tombs carved into sandstone cliffs, and have free time to climb to viewpoints like the Monastery. The experience shifts dramatically as you travel to the spectacular desert landscapes of Wadi Rum for an overnight stay in a traditional Bedouin camp, complete with a jeep safari through the mesmerising 'jebels' and optional desert activities like camel riding or stargazing.
Concluding the journey, you'll travel to the lowest point on Earth, the Dead Sea. Here, you'll have ample time to experience the unique sensation of floating effortlessly in the hyper-saline waters and benefit from the mineral-rich mud. An optional trek through the water-filled canyons of nearby Wadi Mujib offers a final thrill for the adventurous. The tour wraps up with free time back in Amman for last-minute exploration or relaxation before your departure, concluding an unforgettable exploration of Jordan's most treasured sites.
The standard tour price is based on comfortable 3 to 4-star hotels, however, an upgrade to superior grade hotels is also available, which enhances the accommodation used in Amman, Petra and the Dead Sea while the unique stay in Wadi Rum remains consistent across both options.
Cultural, religious and historic sites
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
A 9-day tour exploring both the historical sites and beautiful beaches of Egypt. Visiting all of the main historical sites in Cairo, including the world renowned Egyptian Museum, Great Pyramid and the Giza Plateau, you will then travel south to Luxor with a free day to explore Luxor Temple and the local markets before we then experience the incredible temples and world famous tombs of the Valley of the Kings and the enormous temple complex at Karnak. We then head to the sandy beaches of Hurghada on the Red Sea for a few days where you can enjoy scuba diving, snorkelling, windsurfing and quad biking, sample the delicious local seafood and take a ride on a camel. It is your choice whether to then depart from Hurghada or travel back to Cairo for a final walking tour through the Khan-el-Khalili bazaar.
BeachLocal culture
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
The perfect introduction to Egypt, this tour covers Cairo and the Nile Valley between Aswan and Luxor, starting with the amazing Pyramids and Sphinx at Giza.
From Cairo we take the overnight seater train to Aswan, where we'll take a boat trip to the beautiful island temple of Philae and have the option to visit the huge temples built by Ramses II at Abu Simbel. We'll spend the night in Aswan in an authentic Nubian village.
The next highlight of the tour is a relaxing overnight cruise down the Nile on a traditional felucca sailboat. Our support boat with toilet, shower and kitchen for the crew to prepare your meals will join with you during the day and at night. Sailing on the Nile on a felucca is one of the best ways to see Egypt and it provides a great break between your busy sightseeing. An upgrade to a hotel is available for this night if you'd prefer some more comfort.
After exploring the amazing ancient Pharaonic sites in Luxor, we re-join the overnight train to Cairo. Additional options are then available before you fly home on your final day for a half-day city tour taking in the Egyptian Museum, Citadel and Khan-el-Khalili bazaar, or to learn more about the history of pyramid building at Dashour and Memphis. Extra nights in Cairo and extensions to the Red Sea are also available on request.
Accommodation is at comfortable mid-range hotels including a Nubian style hotel in Aswan and one night on the felucca.
Local cultureCity sightseeing
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Sleeper Train
Age Range
8-95 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Cairo, Luxor, Aswan
Cairo, Luxor, Aswan
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This 11-day northern India tour finishes with two days exploring the Holy City of Varanasi on the banks of the River Ganges, after exploring Agra, home to the Taj Mahal, rural Rajasthan and Jaipur.
This India tour starts in the capital city, Delhi, with tours of both the old and new sides of this bustling city, now home to over 18 million people. We then head south into the arid state of Rajasthan, home to impressive forts and palaces, colourful saris and jewellery, and fascinating Indian history. We firstly visit Agra, home to the incomparable Taj Mahal, the world's most famous monument to love. We continue the tour's theme of mixing unmissable tourist sites with activities and experiences more off the beaten track by taking a Mughal Heritage Walk with a local villager through farmland and homesteads on the opposite bank of the Yamuna River to the Taj Mahal. This tour supports the local community and provides a fascinating insight into village life in Agra as well as providing great views of the Taj not normally seen. We'll also see the Taj Mahal close up at sunrise as the changing morning light brings the building to life in different hues and colours.
Our next stop is the small and remote town of Hinduan where we stay in a converted palace and explore the village and surroundings, getting a real feel for rural Indian life. We'll then visit the Amber Fort, City Palace and the Jantar Mantar Observatory in the 'Pink City' of Jaipur, capital of Rajasthan, as well as exploring its famous craft and produce markets.
After returning to Delhi, we take to India's famous railway network for the journey to Varanasi. One of the world's oldest living cities, Varanasi is also considered one of India's holiest and is an especially auspicious place for Hindus to make a pilgrimage to bathe in the waters of the River Ganges. While in Varanasi, we'll take an early morning boat trip on the river, take part in an evening Aarti ceremony giving candlelit offerings to the river, and visit Sarnath, where the Lord Buddha preached his first sermon.
Another train journey then takes us back to Delhi to finish the India tour (flight upgrades are available if preferred).
The accommodations used on this tour have been carefully selected and include a home-stay style hotel whilst in Delhi, modern properties in Agra and Varanasi, plus heritage hotels in Jaipur and Hinduan.
Cultural, religious and historic sites
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Home-stay
Age Range
8-95 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
New Delhi, Varanasi, Jaipur, Tor
New Delhi, Varanasi, Jaipur, Tordi, Keoladeo National Park, Taj Mahal
A luxury Classic Egyptian tour, offering a higher standard of accommodation and transport to ensure your comfort at all times. We start in Cairo where you can explore the Great Pyramids of Giza including the Step Pyramid and the iconic Sphinx. A short flight takes you to Luxor the next morning where you will experience the incredible temples and world famous tombs of the Valley of the Kings as well as visiting Karnak, Medinat Habu, Queen Hatchepsut and the Colossi of Memnon. Your luxury river boat cruise takes you all the way to Aswan, via the temples of Edfu and Komomo, where we will explore the romantic temples of Philae and the impressive Aswan High Dam, you'll then sail back to Luxor, making a stop along the way to visit Esna Temple. Flying back to Cairo, we then tour the world famous Egyptian Museum, accompanied by a certified Egyptologist, before you are free to explore the bustling markets and souks of this incredible city.
Cultural, religious and historic sites
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Turkey is a truly magical destination. Steeped in history and filled with important ancient sites and historical landmarks, it offers a deeply captivating experience.
This 11-day tour takes you from Istanbul, the grand capital, to many of the country’s best destinations, before ending again in Istanbul.
See the ruins of ancient cities and visit the resting places of important men in history. You explore the unique and bizarre natural landscapes of Cappadocia and Pamukkale.
We then travel down the ancient Silk Road, just as the ancient traders did before returning to modern life feeling as through you had journeyed through time!
City sightseeingLocal culture
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
8-95 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Istanbul, Ankara, Cappadocia, Ko
Istanbul, Ankara, Cappadocia, Konya, Sagalassos, Hierapolis, Ephesus, Pergamum
This tour of Vietnam covers much of what is a diverse and interesting about the north of the country. Starting in Hanaoi, the capital, we have included Sapa for its trekking and minority villages, Ninh Binh region for its limestone peaks which rival those of Halong Bay and of course time exploring spectacular Halong Bay itself.
Your itinerary begins with a city tour of Hanoi before taking the overnight train to Lao Cai and the trekking area of Sapa. We will spend two days exploring the valleys and peaks of this beautiful region while getting to know the local people and their customs. We then return to Lao Cai for the overnight train back to Hanoi for an early breakfast at the hotel before having the rest of the day free to explore this city. After a night back in Hanoi we travel to Hoa Lu, famous for being the country's capital from 968 and 1009 AD. This area is one of stunning natural beauty which you will see best during your boat ride along the Boi River. Next we travel to stunning Halong Bay and spend 2 days cruising on a traditional junk around the limestone outcrops as well as sea kayaking and swimming - this is bound to be one of your tour highlights. Your tour ends back in Hanoi.
This tour combines well with a further exploration of southern Vietnam, a visit to a relaxing beach destination, or an extension into Cambodia to visit Angkor Watt and Tonle Sap.
This is a sample private tour itinerary and we can customise the daily itinerary, duration and accommodation levels and styles as much or as little as you wish.
City sightseeing
Tour Type
Private Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Hut, Sleeper Train
Age Range
8-95 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Hanoi, Lao Cai, Sapa, Ninh Binh
Hanoi, Lao Cai, Sapa, Ninh Binh, Halong Bay, Lan Ha Bay
Embark on an extraordinary 15-day adventure through the heart of Vietnam and Cambodia. This itinerary blends cultural exploration, culinary discovery, and natural wonders, offering an unforgettable travel experience.
Your journey begins in Hanoi, a city of history and flavour. Explore iconic landmarks and take a guided street food tour through the Old Quarter. Next, sail through the breathtaking limestone karsts of Ha Long Bay on an overnight junk boat cruise, with options for kayaking and an onboard cooking class. You'll then travel by sleeper train to Hue, the former imperial capital, and Hoi An, a charming UNESCO-listed ancient town where you'll make and release your own lanterns.
From there, you'll delve into the authentic local life of the Mekong Delta, where you can try your hand at catching fish for your own dinner. The final leg of the journey takes you across the border into Cambodia. First, you will visit the poignant capital of Phnom Penh and then travel to Siem Reap. Here, you'll embark on a full-day exploration of the magnificent temples of Angkor, the majestic heart of the ancient Khmer Empire. This two-week odyssey is a deep and meaningful encounter with two of Southeast Asia’s most captivating nations.
Throughout this journey, your comfort and a commitment to sustainable travel are paramount. Your accommodation includes 4-star hotels, providing a relaxing retreat after a day of exploration. For a truly authentic experience, you'll also spend a night at a sustainable eco-lodge in the Mekong Delta, a night on a traditional junk boat in Ha Long Bay, and another on an overnight sleeper train for a classic travel experience. This trip is designed to not only showcase the region's highlights but also to support local communities, with sustainable tourism elements woven into the itinerary. This two-week odyssey is a deep and meaningful encounter with two of Southeast Asia's most captivating nations
Local culture
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
This 15-day tour takes you on an unforgettable journey through the historic lands of Turkey and Greece. Culture, history, philosophy, mythology, religion, politics, architecture - these two countries were, and still are, both incredibly important and influential in these fields.
You will visit many famous landmarks and sites on your tour, seeing ancient ruins and half-buried civilisations, temples of Greek gods and statues of legendary warriors, iconic buildings and fascinating natural spectacles. Highlights include Istanbul’s Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, the mythical landscape of Cappadocia, the travertines of Pamukkale, Athens with its many attractions, and numerous ancient temples of the Greek gods.
History and legend will become your reality as you traverse these famed lands over two amazing weeks.
