There were 6 highlights on the trip.
- Guwahati
- living tree bridges
- Hornbill Festival
- Kaziranga NP
- Majuli island
- Longwa head hunters village.
Each were excellent.
The accommodation and food were generally much better than I expected. Most meals were included. All were good except for a couple of 'locally' prepared meals. The choice of restaurants and hotels were as good as could be expected considering where we were.
Our guide Sanjeev was very professional and organised. If there were any issues they were kept behind the scenes.
This is a trip for the experienced traveller. I would suggest that there are other parts of India to visit before putting Assam on the list. The reason I give is because of the distances between each of the highlights. Long days, some of them uncomfortable. Our 2 drivers did an excellent job looking after us given the driving. However the highlights made up for the travelling at least as far as I was concerned. There aren't many trips to this part of India and is very much off the Western tourist trail with no MacDonalds in sight, which, for me, is a huge bonus
The rolling steppe of Central Asia makes way to stark desert; across this vast landscape, nomadic ger camps are peppered, camels and goats are herded on horseback, fermented mare’s milk is the tipple of choice, dunes sing and the first intact dinosaur eggs were found. Genghis Khan went forth from here to conquer the biggest land empire in history and, to this day, Buddhist and Animist traditions mix. In July, all over the country, people unite to compete in wrestling, archery, horse racing and ankle-bone flicking during the Naadam Festival but traditions can be witnessed throughout the year. We travel through steppe, mountain and the Gobi Desert exploring the nature and culture of this fascinating, yet little known, country.
This itinerary is for departures starting in Ulaanbaatar on 9 July 2026. For a departure on 30 June 2026, click here for an alternative itinerary.
Wanna raise your stein at the world’s best beer fest? This trip serves up golden brews and a nice lil' taste of Europe before the main event. Think canal cruises in Amsterdam, Belgian bites in Brussels, old-meets-new vibes in Frankfurt - and then 3 unforgettable days soaking up the Oktoberfest magic in Munich. Lederhosen? Optional. Good times? Fully guaranteed.
Celebrate this New Year in the enchanting city of Tallinn on a 4-day winter break. Explore the picturesque medieval Old Town and learn about its history on a walking tour. Marvel at the Great Guild Hall, walk the Old city walls, see Toompea Castle and more.
It’s the most wonderful time of year, particularly when its set in some of Central Europe’s prettiest and most historic cities. Get in the Christmas spirit exploring festive markets in cities decorated in full Christmas splendour, browsing local handicrafts from traditional wooden stalls, sampling delicious regional specialties and taking in endless winter scenes along the way. Indulge your senses in intoxicating Budapest, browse Austrian handicrafts hopping between Graz’s 14 charming markets, and be immersed in spectacular winter scenery in Ljubljana and fairy-tale like Lake Bled. Finish up in Zagreb, which transforms into a magical illuminated wonderland for its month-long Advent festival.
Ready for the most wonderful time of the year? Jump on board for one of Europe's most festive destinations, Germany, for this Contiki trip that takes in Christmas markets in six different cities. Fill your stocking with traditional and handmade gifts from local market stalls while sipping steaming mulled wine, nibbling on gingerbread and exploring cobbled streets, Bavarian beer halls and gothic architecture, and soak up the nostalgic yuletide atmosphere and old-world charm of dancing lights, Christmas trees and guaranteed good vibes on this 7-day celebration of all things Christmas.
Experience the vibrant energy of Rio de Janeiro's world-famous Carnival with an unforgettable guided tour by Bamba. Immerse yourself in iconic parades, dazzling samba shows, and authentic street parties. Uncover hidden gems with expert local guides, enjoy stunning city views from Sugarloaf Mountain, and relax on the beautiful Copacabana beach. Perfect for culture enthusiasts, this adventure promises an exhilarating blend of music, dance, and breathtaking sights in one of Brazil’s most captivating cities. Join the ultimate Carnival celebration now!
This unique 9-day Egypt tour starts in Egypt’s capital city of Cairo, before we head to the scenic cities of Aswan and Luxor. The tour is set to fall in line with the Sun Festival held at Abu Simbel’s Temples twice yearly.
Abu Simbel was built by King Ramses II (c.1279-1213 B.C.E.). He wanted its internal chamber to light up twice a year – the first time on 22 February, on the anniversary of his ascension to the throne and the second time on his birthday on 22 October.
In the early 1960’s, the entire temple complex was moved to higher ground when the Aswan Dam caused Lake Nasser to rise and inundate the area. The two temples were dismantled and raised over 60 meters up the sandstone cliff where they were reassembled, in the exact same relationship to each other and the sun, and covered with an artificial mountain.
Now, every year, the temple faces east, and at the solstices – twice a year – the dawn sunlight is aligned to light the entire length of the temple entrance corridor, lighting up three of the four statues at the end of the corridor. Only the statue of Ptah, the god of darkness, remains in darkness.
Once we arrive in Cairo, we’ll explore the Great Pyramids and the towering Giza Sphinx, before we make our way to Aswan to explore the island-based Philae Temple and the Aswan Dam.
Our trip to Abu Simbel starts early, as we aim to be at the monument before sunrise. It will be busy, but it's very organised and everyone will have a chance to go inside to see this magnificent spectacle.
After witnessing this unique experience, we’ll head back to Aswan as we set sail on a traditional felucca sailboat for a peaceful cruise on the tranquil waters of the Nile River, as we head to Luxor. A support boat will join us every now and then, which includes a welcome toilet, showers and a massage deck. An alternative upgrade to an extra night in the hotel in Aswan is available if you prefer.
En-route to Luxor, we’ll stop to visit the Kom Ombo and Edfu Temples and once we arrive, we’ll visit the towering Karnak Temple, the tombs at the Valley of the Kings and Queen Hatchepsut Temple. You’ll also have some free time to explore the busy markets or relax at the hotel pool before we head back to Cairo. As an additional extra, you can add a visit to the Red Sea, please contact us for details as extensions are easily arranged from Luxor to Hurghada, and then back to Cairo from there.
Take your place at the famed mask dance performances at the Thimphu Tshechu Festival, whilst discovering the best of Bhutan. Hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery, see the world's biggest Buddha Dordenma statue and explore the Punakha Valley before
sitting back to watch the unique and colourful displays of traditional culture performed at the city's most popular event.
CHRISTMAS TOUR: Make your way to magical Morocco this Christmas, a short hop from Europe but worlds apart. An exotic land of spices, ancient Kasbahs, rolling Saharan sands, verdant valleys and bustling souks. Ride camels in the Sahara Desert, explore Marrakech, and spend Christmas surrounded by towering Dades Gorge!
Combine a tour of the famous Golden Triangle with the vibrant Festival of Light, Diwali. Celebrate the victory of light over darkness as India illuminates with colourful lights, lanterns and liveliness aplenty.
Celebrate Vietnam's enchanting Full Moon Festival (aka the Mid-Autumn Festival) in the picturesque riverside town of Hoi An, on this special 8 day tour which also takes in the highlights of Hanoi, heavenly Halong Bay and imperial Hue. Festivities are at their best in Hoi An where we'll enjoy the wonderful spectacle of thousands of lanterns being released into the night sky or cast adrift down the river.
I have just returned from this wonderful adventure and wish it hadn't ended. The sights, sounds and colours will stay with me for ever and I would like to go back to India and Nepal again one day.
