Asia and the Orient

This program traverses this expanse, from Ulaanbaatar to St Petersburg; from the Mongolian Steppes to Siberian taiga and tundra; over the Ural Mountains that divide Asia and Europe to the waterways of Golden Ring. Our program uses two of the great rail journeys of the world; the Trans Mongolian Express and the Trans Siberian Express.

The Silk Road is an ancient trade route linking China and Imperial Rome through Central Asia. Few areas in the world remain as unexplored or offer such richness in terms of ancient and modern history, culture, and scenic diversity as Central Asia. Our itinerary explores the Silk Road through remote deserts and mountainous environments as we visit key sites between Xi’an and Bukhara.

Mongolia is a relatively unexplored country for travellers but it has many diverse landscapes to explore, and interesting cultures to become acquainted with all existing in a country with few cities and towns but with extensive rural lands that remain the precinct of nomadic herders.

During our Dinosaur Odyssey study program, we will visit two of the most exciting dinosaur sites in China – Zigong Dinosaur Museum. Your program leader will take us to behind-the-scenes places, field studies in the Sichuan Province and Dinosaur Valley, and in the Yunnan Province. Go behind-the-scenes places, field studies at the dig sites, with first-hand experience at  palaeontological dinosaur digs.

An unhurried ocean of calm in a crowded continent, Bhutan is scenically magnificent. Centuries of Buddhist tradition inherited from Tibet, have shaped this land with art, dance, music, and even medicine shaped by religion. The Bhutanese will welcome you to share their distinctive culture, unpolluted environment, and colourful festivals.

The focus of this tour is urban – the reality for the majority of the country’s inhabitants. Tokyo, with its 33 million people, is where trends unfold before our very eyes.  This megalopolis concentrates more functions than most world capitals: politics, finance, culture, academy, and business are all found here.  We get to know contemporary Japan, visiting the Manga cartoon hub of Nakano, and Akihabara, also known as Electric Town.

An out-of-this-world trip to the Indian countryside.

Follow in the footsteps of the 17th century Japanese poet, Matsuo Basho. Beginning in Tokyo and ending in the ancient capital of Kyoto, Basho’s travelogue is considered to be one of the great works of Japanese literature. One of Basho’s famous poems is about viewing Sado Island in the Sea of Japan, so our journey will include a ferry trip across to this interesting island.

Visitors to Myanmar find a country that is fascinating, full of old world charm, culture, beautiful scenic destinations, and some of the warmest and most welcoming people found anywhere in the world.

Bounded by the majestic Himalayan ranges in the north and edged by an endless stretch of golden beaches, India is a vivid kaleidoscope of landscapes, magnificent historical sites, royal cities, colourful people, and rich culture.

Bounded by the majestic Himalayan ranges in the north and edged by an endless stretch of golden beaches, India is a vivid kaleidoscope of landscapes, magnificent historical sites, royal cities, colourful people and rich culture. Its ancient monuments are the backdrop for the world’s largest democracy

Harbin, located in the north-east of China, is now home to one of the four biggest ice and snow festivals in the world. Harbin is one of China’s most popular winter destinations. The Harbin Ice and Snow festival began in 1963, each year the cith has sought to create a festival that exceeds the artistic creativity of the previous festival. Harbin is called “Ice City,” and the winters are bitterly cold, but the conditions are just right for the ice festival.

The centre of the island offers rolling hills, year round cool climate and former British colonial hill stations complete with Tudor hotels, rose gardens and the oldest golf course in Asia.  Scattered around the country are National Parks filled with game. The world’s first game reserves were founded in Sri Lanka over 2,000 years ago.

During this program we encounter history from ancient periods; religions such as Buddhism and Shintoism; the philosophy of the people through visits to world renowned temples and shrines; and old towns full of ancient legends. Together we will share some traditions which the Japanese have inherited. A variety of sites including UNESCO World Heritages, has been chosen for this tour, all filled with clues to understand the essence of Japan.

This Odyssey is designed for the adventurous traveller, a traveller who is prepared for a range of accommodation styles, for walking excursions and some long travel days in 3 Central Asian countries. The program combines experiences with great scenery, ancient and modern histories, family visits and lifestyles that differ dramatically.

We explore the country’s astonishing scenery and monuments. Tajikistan is the smallest of the 5 ‘Stans and is also the most mountainous. On our tour we encounter many ranges and mountain chains where we reach well over 3,000 metres above sea level while crossing passes.

20 Nights in Japan.

An out-of-this-world trip to the Indian countryside.

This is a wonderful program focussed on the art and archaeology, designed to take you chronologically through Myanmar’s history.  From Yangon to Pyay, where the 4th-9th century walled city has received Unesco World Heritage status, on to Bagan’s 10th-13th century pagodas, to Mandalay’s last royal dynasty and the 18th-19th century colonial era returning to Yangon for the colonial heritage and modern art scene.

Held annually on the first full moon of the lunar calendar, the Lantern Festival is one of the most fascinating festivities around the globe. The Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival is part of this spectacular Festival. Our 2014 Taiwan Lantern Festival program includes Taipei and its Sky Lantern Festival and its impressive Taipei 101 Tower.

Explore historic and present day Japan. Journey by rail to regions and great cities to learn about their historical significance.