The trip to Sri Lanka followed by the dhoni cruise in the Maldives was absolutely amazing. So many different experiences and so much variety. I absolutely loved all of it, from temples and elephants to swimming with sharks. The 2 different tour leaders on the 2 parts of the tour were both excellent as were their support staff. They went out of their way to give us a fantastic experience.
Explore leader: for Sri Lanka only satisfactory. Not easy to understand, didn't seem to feel part of the group, didn't join us for meals, a poor communicator (relative to past explore trips)
For the dhoni Maldives cruise: Moosa was excellent in every way.
Looking back at our photos now we've returned to the UK we can't believe the amount we saw and the amazing experiences we had on this tour. Sri Lanka is an amazing beautiful country with some much going on - we only scratched the surface. Our tour leader Cham worked so hard to make sure that we had everything we needed, resolving our problems and sorting out food for our fussy son! His knowledge about Sri Lankan history and wildlife was immense. He even found the best place to buy genuine Sri Lanka cricket shirts for the sporty members of our group. The only thing we'd change was the pace of the second half of the Sri Lanka leg of the trip. The first half gave us time to chill and bond as a group, as well as hang out in the pool at Giritale and play cricket. The second half we moved every night and covered a massive distance, though interesting, this was quite tiring (especially for the kids), so we'd suggest that a two night stop in the middle of this element would resolve this issue easily. This was clear in the notes, however, as was the high chance of not getting the train. The pace did slow considerably for the Maldives element, with a lot of time on our boats travelling between reefs. The snorkelling was quite frankly mind-blowing, and even the more nervous swimmers loved it. The crew were fantastic, and the food was delicious. The guide knew his stuff, and made sure we had great snorkelling experiences. Our only criticism of this part of the trip was that splitting the group when we'd got to know each other and were getting on really well was disappointing. There were larger boats, and we'd have preferred to be on a single boat given how long we spent travelling separately. The crew did what they could to mitigate this by tying the boats together when we moored for snorkels, meals and overnight and that was great. All in all a thoroughly enjoyable trip, and with a few very small tweaks it'd be perfect!
It was a wonderful adventure full of insights, learnings, fun, beauty and a sensory smorgasbord of experiences. I loved the diversity within the cities and villages, the cultures, the activities offered and the modes of transportation. It was well organised and brilliantly led by Giri.
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.
Take a 19-day Premium adventure through South Asia where you’ll discover the Pink City of Jaipur, witness the Mughal splendours of Delhi and Agra, wildlife-spot in Minneriya National Park, soak up the ambience of holy Varanasi, explore the ancient ruins of Habarana, sip tea in Kandy and Nuwara Eliya and taste culinary delights in Colombo. Local leaders will bring the magic of India and Sri Lanka to light, from lavish palaces to vibrant bazaars and the incomparable Taj Mahal. Packed with hotspots and hidden gems, you’ll discover the cultural heart of India and Sri Lanka.
Take a trip like no other with our 14-week expedition that takes you all the way from Peru to Brazil. This no-frills journey is not for the faint hearted and will see you travelling over tough terrains, tackling back to basics camping and cooking in extreme conditions. Along the way you will discover the true South America, taking in the striking landscapes and meeting people who you would not otherwise encounter. As the trip comes to an end relax and unwind afterwards by joining in with a New Year's Eve or Rio Carnival celebration, after all, you have earnt it!
Please note that the accommodation on this trip is predominantly camping, though there may be opportunities to upgrade this locally where rooms are available. Please see the trip inclusions for an approximate percentage of camping and room nights.
Note: From 2025 the itinerary will be extended slightly to 97 days and will include time travelling through both Uruguay and Paraguay
Rio de Janeiro, Lima, Karnataka, Colca Canyon, Buenos Aires, Iguazu Falls, Pantanal, Parati, Cusco, La Paz, Uyuni, Salta, Santiago, San Carlos de Bariloche, Ushuaia
Get ready for an exhilarating adventure through intricate palaces, breathtaking landscapes, and renowned capitals on this tour of India, Nepal, and the UAE. Embark on a magical journey across these three mysterious countries, starting in Delhi, the vibrant capital of India, rich in history as the former home of Mughal rulers. Continue to Agra to marvel at the Taj Mahal, a masterpiece of Indian architecture. Next, explore Bharatpur, where you can spot exotic wildlife and migratory birds in the National Park, before heading to Jaipur, known for its stunning palaces and pink-hued buildings. Return to Delhi to catch your flight to Kathmandu, the cultural heart of Nepal, and witness the awe-inspiring Himalayas. Finally, your adventure concludes in Dubai, a cosmopolitan city where you will explore both traditional and modern landmarks, shop in famous centers, and enjoy its vibrant nightlife. This unforgettable tour of India, Nepal, and the UAE wraps up in the extraordinary city of Dubai.
I recently retired and this was my first big “freedom trip.” I wasn’t looking for luxury. I just wanted something different from the usual cruise trips I took or all-inclusive. India and Dubai? I was totally out of my comfort zone, which made it incredible. Watching the chaos of Delhi traffic from the safety of our coach, standing in front of the Taj Mahal or riding through the desert dunes outside Dubai, it all felt great. The tour gave me structure but didn’t feel hand holding. The guide had patience for all our questions. This trip reminded me that you’re never too old to feel amazed.
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.
