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%.
Duration
2 days26 days
Departures
Tour Types
Countries
Activities
Physical Rating
Accommodations
Simple stays with essential amenities. Typically guesthouses, hostels or hotels rated below 3 stars — clean, no-frills, and great for value-conscious travelers.
Comfortable and reliable 3-star stays. Expect private rooms, en-suite bathrooms, and solid amenities — a great balance between comfort and cost.
Upscale 4-5 star hotels and lodges. Enjoy high-end service, refined comfort, and premium locations — ideal for travelers seeking extra indulgence.
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Price
USD 485USD 7,210
Page 2 of 138 Trips offered by Encounters Travel with 7 Reviews
This Maldivian island-hopping itinerary offers an immersive journey through the local culture and breathtaking marine environment. Kicking off in Hulhumale, you'll quickly settle into island life with easy access to beaches, local cafes, and watersports, with an optional eco-walking tour of Vilimale for early arrivals. The adventure truly begins with a speedboat transfer to Mathiveri, where guided snorkelling introduces you to vibrant house reefs and the impactful work of the Manta Trust. You'll have ample opportunity for further underwater exploration, seeking out diverse fish, turtles, sharks, and even manta rays, all while adhering to responsible snorkelling practices. An afternoon on the stunning, uninhabited Mathiveri Finolhu offers a chance to relax on pristine sands, and evening discussions highlight crucial marine conservation efforts by organisations like Save the Beach.
The journey continues with a transfer to Ukulhas, an island celebrated for its pioneering environmental practices and friendly community. Here, you'll delve into the tradition of Maldivian fishing and engage with locals. A visit to the Olive Ridley Project provides insight into turtle conservation, encouraging you to contribute to their studies by capturing underwater images. Guided house reef snorkelling in Ukulhas promises further turtle encounters. A dedicated free day on Ukulhas allows for a range of activities, from diving and watersports to relaxed sandbank excursions. A highlight for many will be the optional whale shark day trip to South Ari Atoll, offering the chance to snorkel alongside these magnificent creatures, alongside options for serene sunset kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding.
Finally, the itinerary takes you to Rasdhoo, where the underwater adventures continue with exhilarating snorkelling among large schools of reef fish and the renowned black and white-tip reef sharks. Evenings in Rasdhoo are magical, featuring sunset dolphin searches where you can observe these graceful creatures in their natural habitat, learning about their social dynamics and ecological role. The final full day in the Maldives offers a poignant underwater experience at two carefully selected snorkelling sites, aimed at fostering a deep appreciation for the marine environment. The trip concludes with an opportunity to give back through a beach clean-up, followed by a refreshing coconut and an ocean swim. Your Maldivian adventure concludes with an early morning speedboat return to Male and transfer to the airport, with options for late departures to maximise your time
Beach
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
This 8-day budget level tour offers a diverse and captivating journey through the heart of Morocco. Beginning in Casablanca, you'll witness the grandeur of the Hassan II Mosque and soak in the coastal vibes. From there, you'll delve into the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis and savour a traditional lunch in Meknes, immersing yourself in local life. The journey continues to Fes, where you'll spend a day exploring the labyrinthine alleyways of the medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site teeming with history, vibrant souks, and architectural wonders.
Next, prepare for an unforgettable adventure in the Sahara Desert. Ride camels through the mesmerizing Erg Chebbi dunes, witness a breath-taking sunset, and spend a night in an authentic Berber camp under a canopy of stars. Enjoy the warm hospitality, savour local delicacies, and be entertained by traditional music around a campfire. The tour then takes you to the Todra Gorge, a spectacular natural wonder where you can hike amidst towering cliffs and lush oases.
Finally, you'll journey through the High Atlas Mountains, with panoramic views from the Tizi n'Tichka pass, before arriving in Marrakech. Explore the vibrant medina, visit the opulent Bahia Palace, and experience the captivating Djemaa el-Fna square, a whirlwind of sights and sounds. This tour offers a perfect blend of cultural immersion, historical exploration, and natural beauty, promising a truly authentic Moroccan experience.
As this is one of our budget level tours, accommodations will be carefully selected clean and comfortable 3-star properties.
Cultural, religious and historic sites
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
This is our signature Jordan small-group tour, mixing the classic sites of Jerash and Petra with more active hikes in Petra and Wadi Mujib, a Wadi Rum jeep safari and Bedouin experience, a Dead Sea swim, Red Sea visit and much more!
We start by heading out of Amman to discover the northern city of As-Salt where we'll take a walking tour along the Harmony Trail, a local initiative demonstrating the friendship between the local Muslim and Christian populations. We'll then return to the capital city, Amman to explore downtown, including the Citadel and Roman Theatre. We'll also sample some local cuisine with a food tasting experience.
As we begin our journey to the south of the country, we'll make a stop at the Dana Biosphere Reserve, where a short hike takes us around the restored Dana Village in the Dana Biosphere Reserve, Jordan's largest nature reserve. You'll then have some free time in Aqaba to relax, explore the reefs or even take a morning boat trip.
Leaving the coast behind, we turn our focus towards the desert, as we head to the beautiful scenery of Wadi Rum where we'll spend the night in a comfortable Bedouin camp against the towering cliffs. The next morning we take a jeep safari through the sand dunes and past amazing rock bridges before spending some time with a local Bedouin shepherd, learning about their nomadic way of life and how they look after their animals in the desert.
Our next stop is the jewel in Jordans crown, the 'lost' Nabataean City of Petra, which we reach via the lesser known back-route hike. Before embarking on our hike into Petra, we'll explore the small but equally interesting site of Little Petra, or Siq al-Barid. From here we'll take a short jeep ride to the start of the mountail trail which links Little Petra to the Monastery and main site of Petra. The back-route into Petra makes for an interesting and much less crowded way of visiting, and what's more, you'll be rewarded with incredible mountain views towards the Holy Land. Whilst hiking the back-route you'll still have the opportunity to see all of the same monuments visited on the normal route, with the addition of Little Petra and the Monastery.
Time for another change of scenery as we drive along the scenic Dead Sea road this morning, you'll have some great views of the salt-flats at the Southern end of the Dead Sea. Our first stop of the day will be Wadi Mujib, where you'll have a day of adventure, hiking through water, a climbing up small waterfalls, along the famous Siq Trail. After a day of activities, we'll make our way down to our resort right on the banks of the Dead Sea, where you have some free time to swim - or rather float - in its incredibly salty waters and to relax by the hotel pool. Don't forget a newspaper or magazine for your iconic Dead Sea photo!
On our final day of sightseeing, we'll visit the Roman mosaics at Madaba, the amazing views towards Jericho and Israel from Mt. Nebo follow and the amazing Roman site of Jerash, one of the very best preserved in the whole of the Middle East.
City sightseeing
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
The Maldives is rightly known as a tropical paradise and attracts sun worshippers and luxury resort lovers from around the world. However, the Maldives is also fast becoming a great destination for thrill-seeking adventure and water based activities. These include incredible snorkelling and scuba diving, great surfing and windsurfing, sea kayaking safaris and much, much more.
Our Maldives Active Adventure tour takes you by sea plane from the cosmopolitan capital of Male to the local island of Gan and the surrounding atolls and islands in search of water bound adventures. Lammu atoll was also used as the location for the planet Scarif in the recent Star Wars Rogue One film. Activities included are snorkelling and scuba diving, whether that be an introductory dive or certified dive; a kayaking safari stopping at picturesque sandbars and deserted islands; exploring the local island by jeep and bicycle for a up close look at the local culture; and a try at stand up paddle boarding. There's also plenty of free time to add in more of the activities that you enjoy the most, as well as picnics and beach barbecues.
Private tour option
If our scheduled departure dates don’t work for you, or you would prefer not to travel with a group, then we can also run this tour privately for you. Please contact us for more information and prices.
BeachChill out
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
A fascinating introduction to the culture and ancient history of Egypt, this 7 day tour includes the services of a local Egyptologist guide to enhance your experience. Taking in 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 to experience the incredible temples and world famous tombs of the Valley of the Kings. Finishing back in Cairo, you will be able to further explore this incredible city at your leisure, or take an optional extra guided tour, before we explore the backstreets of the Khan-el-Khalili bazaar and Islamic Cairo.
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
This 26-day full circuit of China take in all the major sites and more. An amazing budget china tour that covers Hong Kong, Chengdu, Beijing & Shanghai, along with plenty of off-the-beaten track adventures and activities along the way.
Starting and ending in the dazzling city of Hong Kong, we take you on a budget tour of China beginning with Yangshuo and its towering karst mountains, green fertile fields, and a long list of adventure activities to try out. It's then on to Chengdu for an encounter with the endangered but equally endearing panda bear.
Next we drop in to Xi'an for a shot of China's rich and ancient cultural history, and a visit to the world famous Terracotta Warriors. Continuing on to Dengfeng, home to the iconic Shaolin Temple, it's all out kung fu madness, with a chance to watch and even train with the masters of martial arts. Eventually we reach Beijing, China's bustling capital, and from here we take a trip out to the unmissable Great Wall of China and a night camping on the walls, and also enjoy a spectacular sunset and sunrise.
Heading towards Shanghai we spend a little time in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province amongst the beautiful bamboo forests and crystal clear lagoons, before reaching the world's biggest city. A night out in Shanghai is an experience you'll never forget. We finally work our way back to Hong Kong, stopping off in Fujian en route to sample rural China at its best.
Due to the nature of the way this trip runs, we set a minimum age of 18 and maximum age of 55.
City sightseeing
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hostel, Camping, Guest House, Sleeper Train
Age Range
18-60 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Hong Kong, Xi'an, Dengfeng, Beij
Hong Kong, Xi'an, Dengfeng, Beijing, Moganshan, Shanghai, Yangshuo, Fujian, Chengdu
10% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
This 11-day trip through Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories along with Jordan is the perfect tour for people who want to combine visits to important historical and religious sites with some cultural and scenic experiences as well. The tour has time to explore the buzz of the city and beaches of Tel Aviv while also visiting Tiberias and touring Jerusalem, Bethlehem and Nazareth and many important religious and historical sites and monuments. The tour also includes a visit to Masada Fortress and the Dead Sea where you can bob on top of this remarkably salty Sea, the lowest place on Earth. The tour also visits the famous Sea of Galilee and enjoys a wine tasting experience in the hills of the Golan Heights.
Leaving Israel behind we cross the border into Jordan where we visit some of Jordan's tourist highlights including the Roman Ruins in Jerash, the 'lost city' of Petra, Biblical Mount Nebo and the famous mosaic map of the Holyland in Madaba.
Accommodation is on a 3-4 star basis with upgrades available to deluxe 4-star and 5-star hotels.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Due to continued unrest we have temporarily suspended this tour in Israel. Reservations are still being accepted for later travel dates. Should the situation continue, we will contact you approximately 8 weeks prior to departure to discuss new dates/cancellation options (though you can be assured of a full refund if we are unable to operate the tour).
City sightseeing
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
8-95 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Tel Aviv, Dead Sea, Bethlehem, J
Tel Aviv, Dead Sea, Bethlehem, Jerusalem, Tiberias, Nazareth, Jaffa, Jerash, Petra
This 10-day Greece tour balances some of Greece's most impressive and fascinating ancient sites around Athens, Olympia and Delphi with the spectacular monasteries at Meteora and one of the Mediterranean's most beautiful and interesting islands, Santorini.
We start with a tour of Athens itself, taking in the ancient sites of the Acropolis and some of modern Athens below as well. Next we head west towards Mycenea with several stops and some scenic coastal scenery along the way. Our guide will provide explanations about Greek history and mythology, relating them to the places you're visiting. Its an amazing feeling seeing the actual places where heroes and heroines from mythology played out their stories. Our next stop is the lovely Mediterranean village of Nafplion which nestles at the foot of a cliff overlooked by the ramparts of the Palamidi Fortress. Next we head to Olympia, birthplace of the Olympics and more ancient sites, before we tour the temples and ruins at Delphi on the way. Our final major stop in mainland Greece is then to see the amazing cliiftop monasteries and breathtaking scenery of Meteora, before we head back to Athens.
We take to the ferry next and sail into the Aegean Sea to the volcanic island of Santorini. The island was created in its present form by a huge volcanic eruption over 3,500 years ago that created a large crater which is now filled by the sea forming a huge bay surrounded by steep cliffs and coloured lava pebble beaches. The island is full of small villages with narrow winding alleys and whitewashed buildings that are fascinating to hike through. There are also hot springs, wineries and the remaining active volcano itself to discover. We have a couple of days here to relax and explore the island before returning to Athens to finish our tour.
This is a group tour that runs throughout the year, staying in comfortable hotels at around the 4-star level. We can also arrange the tour privately if you would prefer not to join a group.
Spend ten thrilling days exploring the beautiful and diverse Cape region of South Africa. This part of the country offers memorable experiences for lovers of adventure, culture, history and nature.
The tour begins with free time to explore the Mother City of Cape Town independently, taking your pick of all the famous landmarks and sites. You then travel along the stunning Garden Route, stopping to see and experience the best it has to offer. Knysna, Oudtshoorn, Cape Agulhas, the Bloukrans Bridge, Hermanus, Tsitsikamma - all before a Big 5 safari in Addo Elephant National Park. We then return to Cape Town again.
Exhilarating adventure activities are also available for those brave enough. Bungee jumping, skydiving, sandboarding, shark cage diving... this tour will provide memories for a lifetime!
Accommodation is based in either single, twin or double rooms in deluxe guesthouses or good quality Backpackers where you can stay in shared dorm rooms or private single, twin or doubles. Solo travellers will need to pay a single supplement unless they stay in a shared dorm room. Please confirm with us which level of accommodation you would like.
City sightseeingWalking tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Guest House, Hostel, Hotel
Age Range
14-95 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Cape Town, Eastern Cape, Western
Cape Town, Eastern Cape, Western Cape, Hermanus, Knysna, Tsitsikamma National Park, Addo Elephant National Park
Embark on a captivating 10-day journey through the heart of Turkey with a meticulously crafted itinerary that seamlessly blends ancient cities, stunning coastlines, historical landmarks, and modern Turkish culture. Starting and ending in Istanbul, this adventure offers travelers a comprehensive and diverse exploration of this remarkable country.
The tour commences in Istanbul, a dynamic metropolis where the past and present converge in harmony. Travelers experience the city's cosmopolitan vibrancy alongside its ancient wonders, providing a perfect introduction to Turkey's rich heritage.
The journey then takes a poignant turn as travelers visit the battlefields and memorials of Gallipoli, including the hallowed ground of ANZAC Cove, paying tribute to the historical significance of World War II.
As the tour heads south along the Mediterranean coast, travelers encounter Turkey's ancient treasures. Stops at the legendary sites of Troy, the impressive Pergamum, and the exceptionally well-preserved ruins of Ephesus offer insights into the country's illustrious past.
Arriving in the coastal town of Kusadasi, guests are treated to the charm of Turkish seaside life before embarking on an inland adventure. The surreal calcium travertines at Pamukkale beckon, providing a unique opportunity for a rejuvenating dip in the spa waters. The historic ruins of Hieropolis also await exploration.
Continuing the journey, travelers follow the ancient Spice Route deeper into central Turkey, arriving in Konya, where they delve into the art of Sufi dancing and celebrate the poetry of Rumi, a profound cultural experience.
The tour then unfolds into the captivating landscape of Cappadocia, with a stop at the Sultanhani Caravanserai offering a glimpse into the past. In Cappadocia, guests are enchanted by the mesmerizing rock formations, cave churches, underground cities, and the famous 'fairy chimneys,' which define the region's unique charm.
The tour concludes with a return to Istanbul, with the option for a flight back to the city. Along the way, travelers stop in Ankara, the modern-day capital, where they can explore the city's contemporary attractions.
Throughout the journey, accommodations are carefully selected, offering a mix of 4-star and boutique hotels, ensuring comfort and a taste of local charm. For those seeking more time to explore Istanbul's wonders, additional days can be added at the beginning or end of the tour, providing a comprehensive experience of this magnificent city.
This short 7-day Greece tour provides a great introduction to Athens and some of the surrounding highlights from ancient Greek history as well as getting a taste for the country's spectacular coastal and mountain scenery. We start with a tour of Athens itself, taking in the ancient sites of the Acropolis and some of modern Athens below as well. Next we head west towards Mycenea with several stops and some scenic coastal scenery along the way. Our guide will provide explanations about Greek history and mythology, relating them to the places you're visiting. Its an amazing feeling seeing the actual places where heroes and heroines from mythology played out their stories.
Our next stop is Olympia, birthplace of the Olympics and more ancient sites, before we head back towards Athens with a stop to tour the temples and ruins at Delphi on the way.
This is a group tour that runs weekly all year round, staying in comfortable hotels at around the 4-star level. We can also arrange the tour privately if you would prefer not to join a group.
This 5-day Greece tour is ideal for travellers looking to get a taste for the history and beauty of Greece in a short time and in comfort but on a reasonable budget.
Starting in the Greece's historical capital of Athens, we'll make our way to some of its top attractions, such as the Panathenaic Stadium - the world's only fully-marbled stadium, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Hadrian's Arch, the Parliament, Constitution Square, the National Library and the Acropolis - which is home to a selection of Greece's most significant architectural monuments.
After spending some time in Athens, we'll travel to Delphi, exploring its archaeological site which is home to the last remains of the sanctuaries of Apollo and Athena Pronaia. We'll also travel to the small town of Kalambaka - which is often known as the gateway to Meteora. We spend time exploring the spectacular mountain scenery of Meteora, visiting some of the monasteries which are perched on mountaintops and on the sides of cliffs, some seeming completely inaccessible.
This is a 'seat on coach' departure, shared with other operators. Extensions to the tour are available if you’d like to head into the Aegean Sea to visit a Greek island or two. Please contact us for details.
Our tour in Cambodia was spectacular. We were accompanied by a very knowledgeable tour guide. Expectations were surely met, and exceeded also. Would do it all again. 5 stars.
Countryside and village visits
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers