Embark on an unparalleled journey through the Maldives, where ultimate island hopping, marine conservation, and snorkelling adventures await. This meticulously crafted cruise itinerary is ideal for couples, solo travellers, and families who share a deep appreciation for the ocean and responsible travel. Discover the unique charm and natural splendour of the local islands of Dhangethi, Dhigurah, and Gulhi, both above and below the captivating surface.
Dive into the crystal-clear waters to snorkel alongside majestic whale sharks, gaining incredible insights from a Maldives Whale Shark Research Project (MWSRP) coordinator who will be on board. You'll have the invaluable opportunity to assist in data collection, help identify individual sharks, and even take underwater measurements. Engage with the local NGO Save the Beach, visit a vital coral nursery, and learn first-hand about local initiatives to regenerate coral reefs and how you can contribute to these crucial efforts.
With your expert local tour leader, delve into the ecological importance of seagrass in sea turtle conservation. You'll also enjoy an invigorating tropical forest walk, explore pristine deserted sandbank islands, participate in rewarding beach cleans, witness breathtaking sunrises and sunsets, and, of course, completely unwind as you sail away your worries on the charming MV Felicity gulet.
Your knowledgeable tour leader will also immerse you in all things Maldivian, from guided tours of local islands and villages to sampling delicious afternoon tea snacks known as 'hedhikaa', and experiencing an authentic Maldivian theme night featuring a traditional 'Bodu Beru' musical drumming and dance performance.
Our primary goal is to maximise your chances of incredible marine life encounters. To ensure this, we will adapt the itinerary flexibly, taking into account prevailing conditions, weather forecasts, and the presence of marine life.
This cruise operates with a minimum of 6 and a maximum of 12 passengers, with limited departures throughout the year. Early booking is recommended
Sailing, yachting and motor boating
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Visit the mystical Shangri-La, the land of yaks and snow, of monks, monasteries and stupas. Explore Buddhist monasteries, including Drepung and Sera. Take a trip to the Jokhang Temple as well as Tashi Lhunpo, Phalkor, Yungbulakang and Thandruk monasteries. Explore the Kumbum Stupa, a three-dimensional mandala that portrays the Buddhist cosmos.
Enjoy the panoramic views of the soaring peaks of Mount Everest, Cho Oyu and Shisapangma from the Roof of the World. Stroll through the ancient Bharkhor, an area of narrow streets and bustling markets, and explore Potala Palace, once the abode of the Dalai Lama.
Get the chance to observe the socio-cultural life of the Tibetan people. See the Rongbas with their yaks and the popular street performances being carried out in its towns and cities. See pilgrims as they circumambulate holy Buddhist sites. Learn more about this once forbidden kingdom, where people have still preserved centuries-old practices.
Cultural, religious and historic sites
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
More than a simple trip, our fifteen days in Nepal and Tibet were an unforgettable experience and a wonderful discovery. A very big thank you goes to this local tour operator and its Managing Director, Mr. Kaum Bahadur Subedi, who provided us with expert drivers (absolutely essential on the roads of Nepal) and guides with great expertise and experience. I want to especially mention Rem Raj Gurung who introduced us to the wonderful temples of Kathmandu, now all restored after the 2015 earthquake. A very useful exercise for me also who had visited those temples in the past.
Even more exciting was traveling across the Tibetan plateau. We entered from the border with Nepal - which in itself is an adventure - and we traveled the long way that leads to Lasha, crossing a powerful and unforgettable landscape. Along the plateau we had the Himalayas on the right with its snowy peaks (we also went to admire the north face of Everest with a half-day detour) and on the left another long chain of mountains that outlined a landscape that is hard to find the words to describe.
And then the unforgettable discovery for me, thanks to the guide that Mr Kaum made available to us for Tibet, a profound expert on the religiosity of the Tibetans. The discovery of a people who still live in a deep connection with their past and traditions: in religion, in clothing, in language. But I also found a genuine willingness towards foreigners. And we were among the few Westerners to visit the country.
We also have a beautiful memory of Lasha, a modern city that lives with a past whose strength still seems very alive.
Sightseeing ToursAdventure
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Guest House
Age Range
5-79 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Everest Base Camp trek, Kathmand
Everest Base Camp trek, Kathmandu, Lhasa, Shigatse, Rongbuk
A fantastic trip, we visited a lot of amazing monasteries and very interesting cultures, and its possible to arrive to Everest North Base Camp by vehicle!
Bhutan is an immensely beautiful country and this trip really does cover the essence of it. You will get to see beautiful views of Himalaya mountains, you will visit a number of unique monasteries, historical fortresses and natural sights. The sequence of the visited places is well chosen, with the hiking trip to the Tiger´s nest the day before your departure. A cap is a must and some prior hiking training is an advantage. The food was very fine, with the hosts able to prepare a vegetarian option. Guide and driver both excellent. This really has been, without exaggeration, one of our best holiday trips. People were friendly, hospitable and the places we visited were magical, with no, or only a very few tourists.
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!!
CruiseWalking tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
A holiday full of once in a lifetime experiences. Lovely traditional boat, crew and tour leader worked very hard to make it a great holiday. Food was great and the twice daily snorkelling trips were amazing
Active and outdoorWildlife
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Uncover the magic of Sri Lanka on this 8-day adventure, starting and ending in Colombo. Step back in time at the cave temples of Dambulla and the ancient city of Polonnaruwa. Climb the striking Sigiriya Rock Fortress and enjoy a village-style cookery demo in Kayanwala. In Kandy, visit the revered Temple of the Tooth and a local tea factory before a scenic train journey winds through lush plantations to Nuwara Eliya. Spot elephants and other wildlife on safari in Udawalawe National Park, then round off the trip with a lively tour of Colombo’s colonial landmarks and colourful city streets.
Cultural, religious and historic sites
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Resort
Age Range
18-80 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Colombo, Dambulla, Kandy, Nuwara
Colombo, Dambulla, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Udawalawe National Park
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Excellent tour especially for the price. I've never felt so welcome, Sri Lankans are one of the friendliest people! Very good mix of activities too and while it is a shorter tour it packs so much.
City sightseeing
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
This 8-day adventure through Bhutan is a captivating journey through a land where ancient traditions meet modern aspirations. From the moment you arrive at Paro International Airport, often hailed as the world's most beautiful, you'll be immersed in a realm of breathtaking landscapes and vibrant culture.
Explore historic fortresses like Paro Dzong and Ta Dzong, now a museum housing exquisite artifacts. Discover the art of incense making, hike to the iconic Tiger's Nest monastery perched on a cliff, and witness the unique Takin, Bhutan's national animal. Journey over high mountain passes, visit sacred temples, and wander through bustling markets in the capital city of Thimphu.
But this tour offers more than just sightseeing. You'll experience authentic Bhutanese life with a homestay in the Phobjikha Valley, sharing meals and stories with a local family. You'll witness the resilience of Bhutanese architecture at the ruined Wangdue Phodrang Dzong and perhaps even catch the excitement of an archery tournament.
This is a journey that will awaken your senses, challenge your body, and nourish your soul. It's an opportunity to connect with a culture that values happiness and harmony, leaving you with memories that will last a lifetime.
We've carefully selected some of our departure dates to coincide with Bhutan's vibrant tsechus – religious festivals that bring the dzongs (fortresses) to life with colorful masked dances, lively processions, and unique cultural performances. These festivals offer a rare glimpse into Bhutan's spiritual heart and are a truly unforgettable experience.
To ensure you fully immerse yourself in these captivating celebrations, we may adjust the itinerary slightly on these special departure dates. This allows us to maximize your time at the festivals and also takes into account the limited accommodation availability during these popular events.
Flights to Bhutan are available with Druk Air, the national airline, with convenient connections from Singapore, Bangkok, Delhi, Kolkata, and Kathmandu.
Want to extend your adventure beyond Bhutan? We offer a range of options to combine this tour with time in Nepal and/or India:
- Temples, Dzongs and Taj - This tour combines our Bhutan Encounters tour with an exploration of the Kathmandu Valley in Nepal and time visiting Delhi and Agra (including the Taj Mahal) in India.
- Himalayan Kingdoms - This tour add times in Nepal before and after our Bhutan Encounters Tour
Walking tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers