From the moment I contacted the tour operator, I felt at ease. Their staff responded promptly, demonstrating deep knowledge and genuine passion for every historical site. Our itinerary included Petra, Wadi Rum, the Dead Sea and more—each destination exceeded my expectations. The guide was engaging, patient, and fluent in both English and Arabic; they shared stories of ancient Nabateans, Ottoman heritage, and Bedouin tradition in a way that made me feel connected, not just like a tourist. Accommodations were comfortable, clean, and well‑chosen; meals were authentic Jordanian cuisine, often family‑run restaurants with warm hospitality. Transportation was safe and comfortable, with thoughtful rest stops. The pace was balanced—neither rushed nor sluggish—allowing moments to reflect, take photos, or simply breathe in the beauty. I appreciated their flexibility too: a detour to a local market was welcomed, even though not in the original plan. Overall, the tour operator provided a trip that felt personal, insightful, and deeply moving. I returned home with richer understanding, many fond memories, and a desire to return someday.
During July 2019 I visited the Maldives as a solo traveler. The Island Hopper tour was perfect for my intent to experience the real flavor/culture/people of the country and not the artificial environment of resorts. I arrived and was met by Shaffaf who was the perfect guide/host to hotels, ferries, experiences across 5 islands. I love Maldive island life--even more so after the busy arrival city of Male. I especially love the FREEDOM to set my own itinerary on each island after local representatives warmly welcomed me at each island ferry and presented the options of their island. Diving, snorkeling, fishing, kayaking, visiting the homes of locals, beach time and just sharing hours of lazy conversation with the locals was priceless. After returning to the USA, my heart is still in The Maldives!!
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
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This was to be my third trip to the Himalayas, the last being the Annapurna Circuit in 2006 (before road building started on the circuit). I was looking for something different this time, a remote camping based trek off the beaten track and away from the relatively crowded paths and overstretched teahouses of Annapurna and Everest Base Camp. Manalsu more than met my expectations.
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Japan with Bamba's meticulously crafted travel experience. Explore iconic cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, while delving into cultural treasures such as historic temples, serene gardens, and bustling markets. Savor authentic Japanese cuisine, including sushi-making classes and traditional tea ceremonies. Adventure seekers can hike through picturesque landscapes, visit sacred shrines, and soak in natural hot springs. Ideal for discovering Japan’s rich heritage, stunning scenery, and culinary delights—all in one extraordinary adventure.
We enjoyed our trip to Kyrgyzstan, it was very relaxing and the scenery was amazing. The highlight was the night in the yurt camp which was lovely, very remote and we even had snow overnight. The homestays and meals in local houses were very good too.
DIY picnics by the river were a nice touch.
On the down side, this trip involves a lot of travelling, sometimes on poor roads, which could be broken up better. We arrived early afternoon in some places and because most of the accommodation was on the outskirts of a town, there wasn't really anything to see or do once we arrived. One of our group thought the hotel at Toktogul Reservoir was like the one in 'The Shining'! The swimming pools had been closed for years and everything was just a little dated.
Some of the walks were not that interesting and seemed to be there to fill the time and there was also a lot of litter in many areas which wasn't pleasant.
There were descriptions in the itinerary about various places we didn't actually visit, for example Osh sounded lovely but we didn't even stop there.
Having said all that, we did enjoy the holiday, but there just were not enough highlights to maximise each day.
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!
Excellent experience with our guide and porters. They were able to accommodate quick changes in our plans when some of our members showed symptoms of AMS. They are also some of the fittest people I have ever met and are kind and entertaining at the same time. It was a pleasure to learn about their culture. If you ever get the opportunity, see if you can learn and play Baghchal.
Discover the beauty of Vietnam with an immersive 15-day adventure, starting in Hanoi. Explore the lush landscapes of Sapa and Halong Bay, dig into Vietnamese culture with local culinary delights, and unravel historical treasures in Hue and Hoi An. This adventure includes thrilling activities like trekking, boat cruises, and ancient city tours. Perfect for enthusiasts seeking an authentic Vietnamese experience, this tour offers a harmonious blend of nature, history, and vibrant tradition. Embark on an unforgettable journey today!
A highly enjoyable trip that is superior to other offerings. The most distinct advantage of this tour is walking through Vietnam in a comfortable manner and pace. The tour explores villages in Vietnam that highlight both the rural life and natural beauty in various parts of Vietnam (North, Central, South). The second part of the tour that covers Cambodia adds a cultural element to the entire trip that is somewhat lacking in Vietnam. The entire experience is enhanced by small group sizes.
Explore the ultimate Thai island-hopping adventure, immersing yourself in crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and pristine beaches. This exhilarating Southeast Asia journey offers snorkeling in Koh Tao, exploring lush jungles of Koh Phangan, and experiencing the captivating nightlife of Koh Phi Phi. Unwind in serene beach resorts, discover hidden coves, and savor authentic Thai cuisine. Ideal for adventure seekers and culture enthusiasts, this unforgettable tropical escape promises breathtaking landscapes and a rich cultural experience in Thailand's idyllic islands.
See China's best attractions on this comprehensive 19-day trip around China!
The trip starts in Beijing and ends in Hong Kong. Along the way, stand and be dwarfed by Tiananmen Square, scale the Great Wall, discover ancient Beijing, see the Terracotta Warriors in Xi'an, delight in Chengdu's adorable pandas, roam the laneways of Lijiang, get to know the Naxi and Bai people, wind down in picturesque Dali, stroll in Stone Forest and explore local markets in Kunming, explore the storybook landscapes of Yangshuo, trek through the rice terraces of Longji, experience rural living at a village stay, and sample delicacies in a Hong Kong food market!
This complete tour offers you so many choices and is a great idea for families, friends, company employees or social clubs as there is something for everybody.
Great trip with an excellent tour leader and local guides. The highlight for me was the trek on the Kumano Kodo trail and visiting the Shrines and Temples. Food was great too.