Mongolia is a stunningly beautiful country. Miles and miles of vast open vistas, dotted with the occasional ger and nomad herds of animals. The Gobi desert was fascinating, including a visit to the place where the first dinosaur eggs were discovered! We visited many interesting and fabulous places, including several beautiful Buddhist temples. Wherever we went, the people were charming and very hospitable. The Eagle Festival was a spectacle I will never forget, with 120 eagle hunters competing to win the honour of being the champion. Dressed in their finest traditional clothing, riding their sturdy horses at speed, they called their massive golden eagles down from the rocky hillside to land on their arm.
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Ulaanbaatar, Gobi Gurvansaikhan
Ulaanbaatar, Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park, Terelj National Park, Olgii, Khustain Nuruu National Park, Khogno Khan, Karakorum, Arvaikheer, Bayan Gobi, Bayanzag
Capture the spirit of China on this 12-day trip from Shanghai to Beijing. From fast-paced modern cities to the well-preserved remnants of a long and storied history, this adventure reveals the many sides of one of the world’s great cradles of civilisation. It’s important to contrast the big and the bold with quiet moments and real connections. That’s why the tour of the Terracotta Warriors finishes with lunch at a local family home and why time at Shaolin temple, the birthplace of kung fu, is contrasted with boisterous Beijing. Whether you’re scaling the Great Wall or sharing crispy Peking duck with your fellow travellers, this trip is packed with unforgettable moments.
This was my second completely independent trip to China with this tour operator. I worked with Kyle Lee to organize the itineraries and book hotels, guides, internal trains, and more. This year, I chose to visit Chengdu and Chongqing, as well as some areas of interest near these two cities. I was originally supposed to travel with my daughter, but at the last moment, due to a knee issue, she decided not to come (especially since the trip included some hiking and physical effort). So, I embarked on this journey alone.
What can I say? Impeccable organization. Kyle is extremely helpful and exceptional at tailoring itineraries and travel experiences. He is attentive and present, with an incredible ability to craft trips that let you see exactly what you wanted – and even more. The guides were extraordinary. Diana, incredibly friendly and super communicative, managed to show me the most important parts of an immense city like Chongqing in just one day, while still giving me the space to explore certain places on my own when I needed it.
Andy, who assisted me with logistical transfers in Chengdu, accompanied me with charm, elegance, empathy, and a great sense of humor. Even though he was with me for a short time, he left a lasting impression. However, the highest praise goes to Rosa, my main guide in Chengdu, Leshan, and Mount Emei. Calling her a guide feels reductive – she was a friend, a travel companion, and like family. Tireless, incredibly knowledgeable, and always available. Seeing that I was traveling alone, she joined me for dinners and accompanied me well beyond her working hours. We went shopping together, talked with locals (thanks to her interpretation skills), and shared so much culturally, relationally, and personally. She welcomed me into her world, and I welcomed her into mine. I don’t think I’ve ever traveled with a guide so prepared, kind, and open, who introduced me not only to her country but also to such meaningful human connections.
If I could give 10 stars to this company, to Kyle, and to the amazing people I met, I absolutely would. Since I can only give 5 stars, I’ll do that instead – but I’m already thinking about traveling with them again next year!
I recently had the pleasure of touring Beijing with an amazing guide Steven and driver, and I couldn’t have asked for a better experience! From the moment we were picked up, everything was well-organized, smooth, and enjoyable. Our tour guide was incredibly knowledgeable, friendly, and attentive. He shared fascinating insights about Beijing’s history and culture, making each site we visited even more meaningful. Their enthusiasm and storytelling brought places like the Great Wall, Forbidden City, and Temple of Heaven to life. They also gave us great recommendations for local food and hidden gems, which made our trip even more special. The driver was equally fantastic—always punctual, professional, and courteous.
Navigating Beijing’s busy streets can be challenging, but our driver made it feel effortless. The vehicle was clean, comfortable, and well-maintained, making our journey stress-free and enjoyable. Overall, this was an unforgettable experience, thanks to our guide and driver. I highly recommend their services to anyone visiting Beijing.
Steeped in centuries of tradition and full of culinary prowess, Japan is awash with sights to see and histories to uncover. From Kyoto to Tokyo, spend 11 days exploring the heart of Japan, with memories of the Edo era, sobering warfare sites, lush natural landscapes and eclectic neighbourhoods to discover. Be tempted by tempura, savour your sushi and sip some sochu as you discover the endless variety and diversity of Japan with your small group, all headed by a local leader who knows all of the best places to go. What’s stopping you embarking on a cultural escapade to the home of geisha, torii, sake and nori?
The Japan Unrivalled trip was an amazing blend of hitting all the touristy hotspots, finding out of the way gems, learning all about the amazing history, and eating amazing food! Ikimasho!
Say kon'nichiwa to the land of sushi, samurai & sake! In a country where the ancient and the modern collide in truly mesmerising style, you’ll make your way from Osaka to Tokyo, taking in temples, teppanyaki, geishas and gardens, plus miniature deer along the way.
If you want to experience a few (of the many) highlights of Japan, all while staying in comfortable accommodation with like-minded travellers, this Premium adventure from Tokyo to Kyoto is a must! You’ll spend nine days exploring world-class shopping neighbourhoods, geisha districts, hole-in-the-wall eateries, ancient temples and markets with some of the freshest seafood you’ll find. Learn about the history of samurai from a family of contemporary ninjas, try to find snow monkeys bathing in hot springs on the mountain in Yamanouchi, wander through a designated Place of Scenic Beauty in Arashiyama and Japan’s most celebrated landscape garden in Kanazawa and follow the trail at a sacred shrine in Kyoto.
Take your tastebuds on an 11-day culinary journey through Japan’s most delicious hotspots, relishing the flavours of the land of the rising sun. Uncover the secrets of sushi in Tokyo, pick local produce with an expert in Kanazawa, feast on plant-based monastic cuisine in Koya-san, meet local farmers in Uji and go on a food crawl in Osaka. Take part in cooking classes, cooking demonstrations and market visits, feasting on local delights along the way. From temples to tempura, shrines to sashimi, seafood markets to sake breweries, you’ll join a local leader on a food-focused adventure that has all the best Japanese ingredients.
This ten-day, private tour is a harmonious blend of China's unique historical legacies and modern trends. Starting from in Beijing, the modern-day capital of China, this tour will take you to Xian, Guilin and Yangshuo before coming to an end in Shanghai.
See the world-famous Tian'anmen Square in Beijing and explore the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, widely regarded as one of the best portions of this monument. Learn more about the first emperor to rule over China in Xian, home to the Terracotta Army, which have been standing for over two millennia now. Sail down the Li River from Guilin to Yangshuo enjoying picturesque landscapes along the way.
This tour comes to an end in Shanghai, China's financial capital. For more details, please go through the details below.
Japan in a week was incredible! The tour and the people were a blast and created memories ill cherish for the rest of my life! Tokyo and Kyoto were amazing, the Nara Deer park add on is well worth the money and day!
I do wish we spent a little more time in Osaka however
Great trip but with long bumpy off road drives. Accommodation in Gers the first week was very basic, Gers having big gaps for cold air and small animals to enter. Some of the shared showers only had cold water. I slept in my coat a couple of nights in the mountains as only 5 degrees and too cold to face a tepid shower. Food however was a surprise being a non red meat eater, the alternative was chicken with lots of fresh salads, vegetables and some fruits.
Our guide Sara was nice but lacked the skills for a large group. I had no complaints but some of the group had issues which were resolved and avoided at the next stop. Some mis information was given, so we were a little confused.
We managed to arrange with Sara and Explore a trip to the Genghis Khan statue and museum at an extra cost the last day which was worth the detour.
Camel riding in the Gobi was fun and for half hour we paid around £5.
In this 10-day tour of China, we will take you to four culturally significant cities of China. Along the way we will learn about various aspects of Chinese culture and their cuisine.
Explore the bustling byways of cosmopolitan Shanghai, where we will taste and learn to make traditional Shanghai cuisine. In capital Beijing, hike to the top of the Great Wall, as well as learn the traditional processes of Beijing roast duck. Come face to face with Terracotta Warriors on a trip to Xi'an, enjoy the Tang dynasty and dumpling banquet. And in Chengdu, meet the gentle giant panda and learn about the essence of Sichuan cuisine.
You can opt for a private tour or group adventure tour based on your preference. Private trips can be booked for one to 20 travelers. Book a certain departure date, set your own pace, and enjoy personalized services from the tour leader. This is a great idea for families, friends, company employees or social clubs as there is something for everybody.
If you prefer group travel, you can choose from our most adventurous trips, with international groups travelling with participants of all ages from all over the world. In this case, you or your family, friends and colleagues can book this itinerary as a private trip to China for one or more.