Beginning in tech-mecca Tokyo and finishing in Kyoto, this 12-day trip will introduce you to iconic landmarks and the lesser-known cities through Japan’s central and western reaches. Ride the scenic ropeway in Hakone, stay with a local family in Hagi and see the floating torii gate of Miyajima Island. Wander through Takayama’s Hida Folk Village, visit the Peace Park in Hiroshima and join your local leader on an walk through the historic Gion District in Kyoto.
Go behind the scenes of Vietnam’s hotspots with this ten-day small-group adventure. From the fast-paced hub of Ho Chi Minh City to the charming capital of Hanoi, you’ll see naturally beautiful landscapes and history-soaked monuments, tucking into all the deliciously local cuisine in between. Traverse the country from South to North like a local and paddle through the waterways of the Mekong Delta, explore villages in a tuk-tuk, cruise through the World Heritage-listed waters of Ha Long Bay, wander the car-free streets of Hoi An on foot and discover the imperial icons of Hue from the back of a motorbike. With the guidance of your expert local leader, you’ll discover secrets to this Southeast Asian gem that you simply won’t find in a guidebook.
This tour operator organized a cultural, spiritual and community immersion for me, my husband, my adult daughter and her boyfriend for 16 days in late February/early March of 2023. It was the most exciting trip I’ve taken. This is saying a lot considering I have spent a lifetime of travel, both personal and professional, focusing on Latin America.
Everything ran smoothly, even with chaotic settings and complex logistics. A big part of this was by providing us with amazing guides, starting with Jahel Amaru, who met us at the La Paz airport to whisk us across the altiplano to Oruro for its truly spectacular Carnival. Jahel is knowledgeable, patient, down-to-earth, smart patient, funny, and an extremely enjoyable person to spend time with. She guided us through the hectic Oruro Carnaval during its culminating weekend - with boundless energy and contagious enthusiasm. We had the time of our lives cheering on the colorful characters as they paraded and danced thanks to Jahel knowing exactly where to go, when, and providing invaluable context.
Community tourism (where visitors are connected with everyday Bolivians to learn about their lives) - has started to blossom in Bolivia, and this company is one of its pioneers. We got to experience it in Potosi, where we had another excellent guide, Marlene Quispe. She took us through Cerro Rico mine, which was the world’s leading supplier of silver. Marlene has close ties to mining: her brothers, parents and even she has worked there. As we ventured deeper into the earth, we learned from her about the mining process and cooperatives involved with it. She also introduced us to one of the mine's “tios” (“uncles” who are believed to protect miners), to whom she made an offering as she explained his importance.
Marlene took us to the Quechua community of Phuto Phuto, one of several in the rural district Cabanias that welcomes visitors as part of its community tourism program. Families take turns showing visitors their homes and traditions, including cooking huts with steaming pots, whose contents you later share for lunch. Marlene and one of the family members we met then led us on a beautiful hike to a spot where they invited us to participate in a ritual offering to Pacha Mama (Mother Earth). It was an incredible day I will always remember.
Another wonderful community tourism experience was in the majestic Cordillera Real (Central Andean range), where we appreciated both the nature and culture of the region by staying near the town of Tuni with the multi-generational Quispe family (not related to Marlene). Family members share with guests Aymara traditions like placing fishing nets, spinning yarn, making quinoa flour, and shearing alpaca fleece. Patriarch Jaime is a charismatic host and a certified mountain guide who along with his adult son Denys, also a certified mountain guide, have expertise leading visitors of different ages and abilities. We loved staying with them!
There are a few other places that stood out on our trip:
Hostal Las Olas in Copacabana on the shore of Lake Titicaca with gorgeous, artistic “cabins” and lovely views
Templo del Retiro Espiritual Cruz Andina (the Andean Cross Spiritual Retreat Center), in Tiwanaku steps from the ruins and owned by spiritual and cultural guide Rosse Mary Vargas Vilela. It’s filled with cats and crystals and offers delicious vegetarian meals. This is not a stop for everyone, but worth visiting or staying in if you are interested in mindfulness, ancient healing, and/or new age spirituality.
Just returned from.this Mongolia trip. It was a wonderful holiday. Mongolia is vast and fascinating. The holiday was made more enjoyable and informative by our guide MG. The Eagle Festival was unbelievable. 120 eagle hunters with their beautiful Golden Eagles.
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, Khustain Nuruu Nati
Ulaanbaatar, Khustain Nuruu National Park, Ugii Lake, Erdene Zuu Monastery, Olgii, Terelj National Park, Dalanzadgad, Bayanzag, Khongoryn Els, Bayan Gobi, Arvaikheer, Kharkhorin
Fantastic trip the organisation was brilliant from start to finish (including booking arrangements). A very well thought out and well planned holiday. It hit all the buttons!
Raise a margarita to the beauty and culture of Mexico on this adventure. Discover Maya history at the incredible Chichen Itza ruins and visit Indigenous communities near the charming San Cristobal de las Casas. Indulge in a traditional pibil feast (slow roasted pork) with a Maya family and learn about Zapotec culture over lunch in a local home. Stroll the charming streets of Merida, be charmed by the alebrijes of Oaxaca and chill out on the beaches of Playa del Carmen. From museums and ruins to canyons and waterfalls, this journey will give you a taste of Mexico’s best.
There’s a reason this trip was the one that started it all and remains one of the most popular. On this 13-day adventure, you'll discover Northern Thailand, experience the metropolis of bustling Bangkok, trek among the hillside villages, drift down the River Kwai in Kanchanaburi, see the historic temples of the Siam Kingdom and venture into Golden Triangle. With unbeatable hospitality, bustling local markets, serene mountains and rivers and plenty chance to make your own discoveries, come along and see why this trip was, and still is, a benchmark for all our adventures.
Itinerary was fascinating, food and cultural experiences were wonderful, all local people interactions were friendly and hospitable, tour leader was excellent, Morocco is a wonderful country. A bit too much windshield time between sites but this can't be avoided. The hotels, riads, and gites were fun and authentic. Loved this trip.
Explore some of the highlights of Senegal on this 7-day discover Senegal guided tour that includes bustling Dakar, quaint St Louis and Djoudj National Bird Park, among other wonders!
See some of Senegal’s gems including Pink Lake, a rare phenomenon located only an hour from Dakar, where the high concentration of salt and microorganisms gives the water a uniquely pink color. A twenty minute ferry ride takes you to Goree Island, where the tranquil atmosphere and pastel colored houses betray Goree’s infamous past. Explore Dakar itself on a city tour that shows off the main highlights including the presidential palace and the most significant neighbourhoods. Pick up some handmade souvenirs and treasures to bring home from the local craft markets. If you are near Dakar on Sunday you may schedule a few hours to visit Abbaye de Keur Moussa, a Benedictine monastery built in the early 1900s and where Sunday mass is celebrated accompanied by traditional African musical instruments such as koras, balafons and soft drums.
This is an excellent choice for traveller's wanting to learn more about Senegal and see some of the highlights. Please find more information in the itinerary and what's included sections.
