I traveled to New Zealand during the Fall it did rain on/off and was beautiful, lush green and clear blue skies. It was nice driving in the country and layering is perfect for this time of year. I liked, meet a Farmer, Milford Sound Day (it was a very long day) but worth it, Queenstown had many restaurants to walk too but take a taxi back it is very hilly in this city. Kiwi Park was fun to do and learn about their animals. Māori Village was awesome as well as Waitomo Caves! NZ natives and service staff were very nice and always helpful in all the places we stayed.
Explore the narrow strip of South Island land sandwiched between the mountains and the Tasman Sea that’s home to some of the country’s most beautiful places. Millions of years of natural history are right in front of you in wild limestone rock formations, powerful glaciers, rushing rivers and surf pounded coast, while the much more recent stories of the gold and coal rush can be found in the heritage settlements and in the resolute spirit of the coasters. Take in highlights from Christchurch to Queenstown, Pancake Rocks to craft gin, kayaking to spa soaking. This is a coastal road trip to rival any other.
This extensive 29-day adventure through India takes you from bottom to top, revealing the icons and local secrets of this diverse country. Revel in the tropical climate, warm waters, and lush green landscapes of the south in places like Kochi, Puducherry, and Madurai. Then be dazzled by kaleidoscopic colours, Mughal grandeur, and the overt spirituality of the north in Jaipur and Agra. Travel from Kochi to Delhi and combine the slower delights of Kerala and Tamil Nadu with the rush and jumble of Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan on our longest Original-style India tour.
Bhutan is a unique country nestled between the Himalayas. With pristine landscape and unspoiled culture, a journey across the Himalayan kingdom is a truly remarkable experience.
Bhutan has been successful in preserving its deeply rooted Buddhist traditions while slowly embracing modernity. The kingdom is also exemplary in its environmental protection with swaths of the country’s pristine forest preserved as national parks and reserves.
On this guided tour, arrive in Paro, a picturesque valley dotted with farmhouses and crossed by the turquoise colored Pachu River. Then drive to Thimphu, the capital city, to explore the city’s numerous cultural landmarks. Head to Punakha where you will hike through villages and visit farmhouses.
End the trip with a vigorous hike to the famous Tiger’s Nest Monastery and a nice traditional hot stone bath in a farmhouse afterwards. A fantastic conclusion to your stay in Bhutan.
Excellent trip. Great balance between cycling and sightseeing. Tour leader couldn't be better - great English, very knowledgeable about the culture and history / archaeology - and supported by an excellent team. Jordan is such an amazing country, and seems entirely safe from the nearby conflict in Gaza.
My quibbles with this trip are very minor and I've told explore (update the itinerary please!) but fundamentally I loved this trip. Met lovely people. Saw amazing places and scenery. Food a bit meh but that's not why you go to either Kyrgyzstan or Uzbekistan. I loved the differences between the countries. Kyrgyzstan was unbelievably beautiful and Uzbekistan had amazing buildings.
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Guest House, Hotel, Hut, Resort
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Tashkent, Bishkek, Arslanbob, Os
Tashkent, Bishkek, Arslanbob, Osh, Tashkent, Khiva, Bukhara, Yangikasgan, Karakol, Samarkand, Kochkor, Song Kul Lake, Suusamyr Valley, Toktogul Resevoir, Djalal-Abad
Uncover the best of Japan on a budget, on this 13-day Essentials tour. Staying in a mixture of hostels and guesthouses, you'll take in the sights of Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima and much more. Visit the Imperial Palace in Tokyo and cross the Shibuya Crossing. Hike to the giant bronze Buddha of Kotoku-in in Kamakura, take a dip in an onsen bath in Hakone and cycle the streets of Kyoto. Enjoy a relaxing meditation session, pay your respects at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial and see the iconic red torii gate of Miyajima.
The programme of this 3 days tour to Cappadocia can be found below, and also in the 'Itinerary' tab.
Day 1
Early morning pick up from city hotels and transfer to airport in Istanbul for flight to Cappadocia. Meeting at Kayseri or Nevsehir Airport and transfer to Cappadocia to meet with the group and guide.
Walk through the “Fairy Chimneys” in Devrent Valley, Paşabağ (Monks’) Valley, practice pottery production with the ancient technique in Avanos. Visit to Göreme, the "open-air museum“ holding the earliest churches and chapels carved in fairy chimneys presenting finest examples of frescoes. Uçhisar Castle, the highest point in the region.
Lunch will be during the tour.
Dinner and overnight at a 4* hotel in Cappadocia
Day 2
Departure after breakfast for panoramic view of the Hospital Monastery. Walk into the “wonderland” at Kızılçukur (Red Valley) and the village of Çavuşin with rock-cut dwellings. Underground City of Kaymaklı, rock-cut city beneath the earth up to 8-9 levels where early Christians used to hide from Roman and Byzantine persecution. Explore the rock formations in Çatalkaya. A fantastic overview of the fairy chimneys from Esentepe. Pigeon Valley, greatest collection of pigeon nests in the world
Dinner and overnight at a 4* hotel in Cappadocia
Day 3
Departure after breakfast for a full day tour and visit to Derinkuyu Underground City, walk through the amazing Ihlara Valley. Lunch at Belisırma. Visit to the monasteries at Yaprakhisar and Selime.
Evening transfer to Kayseri or Nevsehir Airport for flight back to Istanbul. Arrive to Istanbul Airport and transfer to hotels
Wonderful trip with Harsha Gayal Perera. Sri Lanka is a very beautiful country. We highly recommend Aitken Spence Travel Agency for the tour guides they work with. Our tour included the visit of the ancient capitals of the country, the most important temples and also focused on the current culture and society. A mixture of nature and history, which allows you to learn a lot from this experience. Our vacation was perfect thanks also to our guide Gayal, who made it unforgettable. Aitken Spencer Travel should be proud to have a person like Gayal. We invite all readers not to worry about choosing Sri Lanka as a travel destination full of history, legends, spirituality, colours, sound and wonderful people. You can trust an expert tour guide like Gayal and you won't run into any challenges. Enjoy this country! ! !
My bucket list item is now crossed off! The trek itself was incredible. The Manaslu region was diverse in climates (warm, dry valleys - to lush rainforest - to snow capped peaks) and there was a tonne of wildlife to see and experience. Definitely more affordable than other companies but still got the 5 star treatment.
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Japan's iconic landmarks and vibrant cities. Delve into a world of culture and tradition with visits to Tokyo's bustling streets, Kyoto's historic temples, and the serene beauty of Mount Fuji. This immersive experience includes guided tours, locally-curated dining, and unique activities like a traditional tea ceremony and a ride on the Shinkansen bullet train. Perfect for culture enthusiasts and adventure seekers, this tour offers a perfect blend of modern excitement and timeless charm. Book now for an authentic Japanese adventure!