Persian Trilogy 2012

22 days : commences Tashkent 17th April 2012

Follow the western line of the Silk Road between Tashkent and Shiraz.  The Persian Silk Road is an ideal touring style programme for travellers who want to  explore one of central Asia’s great unsung journeys; the influence of Persian culture on the great civilizations of central Asia  Our programme traces the historic trade routes from Uzbekistan to Turkmenistan and Iran where we explore the jewels of ancient Persia.

 Explore More:

Continue with our Anatolia Silk Route group or Caucasus Journey groups

Route:

Uzbekistan: Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara
Turkmenistan: Mary/Merv, Gonor-Tepe
Iran: Mashaad,Tehran, Kashan, Esfahan, Shiraz

Cost:

NZ$8,500 per person based on twin share
Single Room Supplement NZ$750
(Prices subject to change)

Pamir Highway and Trek 2012

20 days : commences Kashgar 31st July 2012

Join us on this adventurous style journey to remote Gorno-Badakshan as we explore the legendary Pamir Highway across Tajikistan’s mountainous heart. Stunning landscapes, high plateaus, local homestay hospitality and a moderate grade five day fully supported trek are highlights on this journey into the headwaters of the mighty Amu Darya River. Our itinerary will take us down the Wakhan corridor along the border with Afghanistan to Ishkashim, Khorug and Dushanbe.

Explore More

Continue with Great Silk Road Itinerary

Commence with independent itinerary in China

Route:

China: Kashgar.
Tajikistan: Dushanbe, Khorug,Tajikistan Whakan, Murghab.4 day trek.
Kyrgyzstan: Sary Tash.

Cost:

NZ$8,900 per person based on twin share.
Single Room supplement NZ$350
(prices subject to change)

Great Silk Road 2012

27 days : commences in Tashkent 21st August 2012

Explore the world’s greatest land trade route from Bukhara and Samarkand to Tashkent, Bishkek, Kashgar,  Turpan, Dunhuang and Xian on this relaxed touring style journey following in the footsteps of Marco Polo.  We complement the stunning ancient cityscapes and diverse cultures along Central Asia’s ‘golden road’ with time to  explore and walk in Kyrgyzstan’s contrastingly green Issykul region.  We feature China’s western regions beyond the shadow of the Great Wall and conclude in Xian.

Explore More:

Join PAMIR HIGHWAY in Kashgar and link to the Great Silk Road journey
Conclude in Kashgar and continue with our INDUS SILK ROUTE itinerary from Kashgar

Route:

Uzbekistan: Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, Ferghana,
Kyrgyzstan: Osh, Bishkek, Issykul Lake, Karakol,Jety Oguz, Kochkar, Tash Rabat
China: Kashgar, Urumqi, Turpan,Jaiyuguan, Dunhuang, Xian..

Cost:

NZ$9,500 per person based on twin share
Single Room supplement NZ$895
(price subject to change)

ACTIVE: Kyrgyzstan Horse Trek

18 days:  9 days trekking  Commences Kashgar 13th July 2012

This moderate trip explores the Tienshan grasslands and Issykul basin summer pastures on horseback.  The trip begins and concludes in Kashgar, China. A few days cultural sightseeing are included but the focus of the trip will be the nomad heritage of the Kyrgyz pastoralists.  The trip involves eight days on horseback with average daily ride stages  of 20km, some homestays in villages and at     summer yurt encampments and tents.

Route:

Kashgar, Tash Rabat, Songkul Lake, Issyk kul.

Cost:

NZ$4900 per person based on twin share.
(prices subject to change)

Active Trip Grades
(click here for Trip Grades)

ACTIVE: Kyrgyzstan Tien Shan Trek

16 days:   8 trek days   Commence Kashgar 6th July 2012

This is a strenuous multi day, multi pass approach to the ice giants of the Tienshan.  The trail climbs and descends forested valleys to cross five sub 4000m passes before reaching Lake Merzbacher at the confluence of the  Inylchek Glaciers.   At the head of the valley a citadel of mighty peaks are crowned by Khan Tengri, Peak Pobeda and host of lesser peaks.   The trip involves some long days, river crossings and sustained ascents but there are also rewarding forested glades and stunning views.

Route:

Kashgar, Naryn, Karakol.

Cost:

NZ$4,900 based on twin share.
(prices subject to change)

Active Trip Grades
(click here for Trip Grades)

China to Nepal Overland 2012

23 days : commences Guilin 15th May 2012

Join us on this touring style journey in beautiful Guilin and explore stunningly authentic southern Guizhou, the heartland of Miao and Dong minorities, before taking a Yangtze Three Gorge cruise and joining the Tibet Express train to Lhasa.     At Lhasa we have time to explore the city and visit key cultural sites before resuming our journey across the Tibet plateau by road to Kathmandu by way of Yamdrok Lake, Gyantze, Shigatse, Xegar and Zhungmu.  In Kathmandu we have time to explore the rich heritage of this fascinating city.

Explore More Continue with independent Pokhara – Chitwan Safari

Route:

Guilin, LongJi Terraces, ZhaoXing, Rongjiang, Kaili, Yangtze cruise, Chongqing, Xining, Lhasa, Gyantse, Shigatse, Xegar, Zhungmu, Kathmandu

Cost:

NZ$8,500 per person based on twin share
Single Room supplement NZ$790
(prices subject to change)

China’s Western Frontiers 2012

20 days : Commences Urumqi on 14th May 2012

Stray from the standard route on this discovery style exploration of China’s stunning forested mountains and grasslands of the Altay and Tienshan prefectures. Our  route will take us to the picturesque Kanas region of Altay World Heritage Area on the China-Mongolia-Siberia border, to the forested slopes and grasslands of the Tienshan and finally to the desert oasis of the Taklimakan.  Along the way we will meet people of    Mongolian, Kazakh, Uyghur, Rus and Han ethnicity.

Explore More:

Continue with independent Beijing and Xian stopovers.

Route:

Urumqi, Kanas, Yining, Narat, Bayinbulak, Taklimakan desert, Khotan, Yarkand, Kashgar, Oytagh Nature Reserve.

Cost:

NZ$6,200 per person based on twin share
Single room supplement NZ$675
(prices subject to change)

Tibet Jangtang Safari 2012

19 days:  Commence Chengdu 21st September 2012

Head off into Tibet’s remote north-western tundra-lands on this adventurous style expedition into the Jangtang region of north western Tibet.  We plan a grand traverse of the vast northern Tibet plateau by  way of the legendary northern grasslands highway.    This will be no ‘romp in the park’, expect to be tested   by the likes of thin air, bad roads, stunning vistas, amazing wildlife, an unrivalled insight into nomadic    lifestyles and that unforgettable horizon-grabbing      expanse of blue sky.

Route:

Chengdu, Amdo, Dayul, Nyima, Gerze, Napuk, Senge Tsangpo, Guge Kingdom, Lhasa.

 Cost:

NZ$7,500 per person twin share
Single Room supplement NZ$400
(prices subject to change)

Discover Yunnan 2012

18 days : Commences Kunming 13 October 2012

Get behind the scenery on this touring style journey to uncover the fascinating cultures and stunning landscapes   of China’s most diverse region.  Follow the historic trade route from the Tibet plateau to tropical Ha Noi by way of Yunnan’s World Heritage cities of Lijiang and Dali, the   stunning terrace fields of Yuanyang and the spectacularly diverse ethnic district of Sapa in Vietnam’s Hoang Lien Son mountains.

Route:

Kunming, Zhogdian, White Terraces, Tiger Leaping Gorge, Lijiang, Dali, YuanYang, Sapa, Ha Noi.

Cost:

NZ$5,900per person based on twin share
Single room supplement NZ$590
(prices subject to change)

ACTIVE: K2 North Face Base Camp

19 days : (11 trekking days) Commencing Kashgar 31st August 2012

This is a strenuous  trip to the heart of the Chinese Karakoram.  This little known and previously closed region now gives relatively easy trekking access to  a region of the world’s greatest peaks and historic routes following the footsteps of Eric Shipton’s 1936 Shaksgam expedition to the remote K2 Glacier. There is a fair stretch of river bed travel but all of the river crossings can be managed easily on the back of a camel.  The trip involves twelve days camping above 3000m.    Aghil pass (4500m) is the only pass and highest point on the trip.

 Route:

Kashgar, Kargilik, Mazar.

Cost:

NZ$5,900 per person based on twin share

Active Trip Grades
(click here for Trip Grades)

ACTIVE: Around Mustagh Ata Trek

15 days :  (8 days trekking ) commences Kashgar 24th August 2012

This is a strenuous trip in the Chinese Pamir that involves nine days trekking at altitudes in excess  of 3000m asl.  This non technical trek makes a semi-circular route across passes and valleys to skirt the north slopes of the strikingly impressive Mustagh Ata massif.  There are passes to cross, rivers to ford, glacier terminals to bypass, pastures to camp in and local shepherds to share a cup of chai with. There are two passes of which Torbulung Pass (4918m) is the highest point on the trek.

 Route:

Kashgar, Karakul Lake, Tashkorgan.

Cost:

NZ$4,500  per person based on twin share
(prices subject to change)

Active Trip Grades
(click here for Trip Grades)

Trans Siberian Rail Journey 2012

23 days:  Commenc in Beijing 16th June 2012

Ride the rails on our grand east to west traverse to Mongolia, Siberia and European Russia on this classic touring style journey from Beijing to St Petersburg.   Commence in Beijing with time to visit the Great Wall and Forbidden City.   Along the way we break the journey at Ulaanbaatar to experience life on the steppe, at Irkutsk for an excursion to beautiful Lake Baikal and at historic Yekaterinburg.   Our Moscow stop over will include the iconic landmarks of Red Square and at St Petersburg we visit the key ‘must see’ heritage sights and museums.

Route:

Ulaanbaatar, Kharkhorin, Irkutsk, Lake Baikal, Yekaterinburg, Moscow.

 Explore More:

Join in Ulaan Baatar from Mongolia North to South itinerary

Cost:

NZ$8,900 per person based on twin share
Single Room supplement NZ$1170 (hotels only)
(prices subject to change)

Altay Explorer 2012

18 days:   Commence UlaanBaatar 5th Augusth 2012

Discover Mongolia and Siberia on this unique discovery style 4×4 tour across Mongolia to the remote Western Bayan Olgii province to Siberia’s strikingly picturesque Altay Republic.   Along the way we visit historic Kharkorin and Tsagann Nuur Volcanic National Park.  In Siberia our route tracks through the forests and peaks of the Chuysky steppe to remote Kurai Chulyshman and Teletskoe Lake in the Altaian Nature Preserve to scenic Chemal before concluding at Novosibirsk.

 Route:

Ulaanbaatar, Kharkhorin, Tsagaan Nuur, Ulaangom, Chibit, Chulyshman valley, Chemal, Baranaul,  Novosibirsk

Cost:

NZ$8,800 per person on twin share basis
Single Room supplement NZ$600
(prices subject to change)

Mongolia North to South 2012

16 days : commences Ulaanbaatar 9th June 2012

Explore Mongolia’s alluring wide open spaces and stunning vistas on this discovery style journey.    Our route will take us to the spectacular fossil fields  of the southern Gobi, to Khongoryn Els National Park then following in the footsteps of Roy Chapman Taylor to Flaming Cliffs fossil sites. On the journey north we visit the National Preserve of Przewalski’s horses.  In the lush grasslands and taiga forests of the north-east we go cross country beyond the standard routes into the valleys of the Kherlen River headwaters to explore the ‘homelands’ of Jingiz Khan.

Explore More:

Continue with  Trans Siberian Rail journey to Moscow
Commence/Conclude with independent Beijing stopover

Route:

Ulaan Baatar, Khongoryn Els National Park, Flaming Cliffs, Yolyn Am, Kharkorin, Kukh Nuur, Dadal.

Cost:

NZ$5,900 per person based on twin share
Single room supplement NZ$250 (hotels only)
(prices subject to change)

Bhutan Jumolhari Trek 2012

19 days : commences Paro 14th April 2012

Explore Bhutan’s diverse natural and cultural heritage on this discovery style journey which includes ten days of cultural touring and eight days fully supported trekking.  The moderate grade Jumolhari trek involves well formed paths, beautiful campsites, stunning mountain-scapes and spectacular Rhododendron forests.  The highest point of the trek is the 4760m Bontley La. The views are described as awe-inspiring.   Our cultural tour will include a mix of both cultural and natural history highlights including the stunning Taktsang (tigers nest) monastery.

Route:

Bhutan: Paro, Thimpu, Punakha, Trongsa, Bumthang, Phobjikha,  Jumolhari Trek

Cost:

NZ$8,500 per person based on twin share
Single Room supplement NZ$960
(prices subject to change)

Active Trip Grades
(click here for Trip Grades)

Bhutan West to East 2012

19 days : Commencing in Paro Bhutan 22nd September 2012

Take an in-depth look at Bhutan’s stunningly diverse natural and cultural heritage on this touring style journey.  We visit the key provincial centres and make easy short and part day walks, excursions to wildlife sanctuaries, nature reserves and monasteries.  At Thimpu we will experience ‘Tsechu’, the   annual religious festival conducted in the ancient courtyard   of the fortress.  At the end of the trip our route takes us across the Assam border to Guwahati.

Explore More:

Continue with Heartland Rajasthan Safari

Route:

Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, Phobjikha, Trongsa, Bumthang, Mongar, Trashigang, Samdrup, Jongkhar, Guwahati.

Cost:

NZ$8,900 per person based on twin share
Single Room supplement NZ$1015
(Prices subject to change)

Kashmir-Leh Pashmina Road 2012

 15 days : commences Delhi 26th August 2012

Join us on this discovery style journey along the historic Pashmina road from picturesque Kashmir to spiritual Ladakh.    A houseboat sojourn on Srinagar’s tranquil Dal Lake will be our first port of call with time to visit the   famous Shalimar gardens and Mohgul era sites before heading up country for a fully supported moderate grade four day trek to TarSar Lake.   Then we are off by road over the Zoji La to cross the Himalaya Mountains and   follow the Indus River upstream to Kargil, Alchi and Leh, the historic capital of Ladakh with its imposing Tibetan style castles and monasteries.

A non-trek option is available.

Route:

Delhi, Srinigar, Lidderwat, Tar Sar Lake, Sonamarg, Kargil, Alchi, Leh

Cost:

NZ$5,500 per person based on twin share
Single room supplement NZ$725
(prices subject to change)

India’s Wild South 2012

17 days : commences Bangalore 28th September 2012

Uncover the secrets of India’s Kerala State with us on this on this touring style journey to explore the natural and cultural heritage of this fascinating region.   We get out and about around the Western Ghats to experience the rich biodiversity, vibrant culture and serene landscapes of enchanting     Kerala’s less well known destinations.

Route:

Bangalore, Mangalore, Thalassery, Calicut, Kochi, Kumarakom, Periyar National Prak,      Eravikulam National Park, Ootacamund,  Nagarhole National Park, Mysore.

Cost:

NZ$6,900 per person based on twin share
Single Room supplement NZ$615
(price subject to change)

Heartland Rajasthan 2012

15 days : Commences Delhi on 15th October 2012

Get a rewarding insight into India’s ‘Land of Palaces  and Princes’ on this touring style journey that highlights Rajasthan’s opulent palaces and imposing forts, natural diversity and fascinating culture.  Colourful bazaars, pink palaces, glistening marble mausoleums and the diverse wildlife at India’s best known tiger reserve, Ranthambore National Park, are combined to make this short journey into Rajasthan’s ‘golden triangle’ a memorable experience.

Explore More:

Join from India’s Wild South or Bhutan West to East journeys

Route:

Delhi, Agra, Ranthambore, Jaipur, Jhodpur, Udaipur, Jaisalmer.

Cost:

NZ$6,900 per person based on twin share
Single Room supplement NZ$1245
(prices subject to change)

Indus Silk Route 2012

19 days : Commence Kashgar 7th September 2012

Join us on this classic journey from the desert oasis   of ancient Kashgar to the heart of the magnificent   Karakoram Mountains.   Follow the footsteps of trade caravans across the lofty Khunjerab Pass to Pakistan’s idyllic kingdom of Hunza then trace the thin ribbon of  the Karakoram highway up the Indus river gorges to Pakistan’s picturesque “Little Tibet” of Baltistan.    Fly from Skardu to Islamabad and conclude in ancient

Explore More

Join from our Great Silk Road itinerary in Kashgar

Route:

China: Kashgar, Tashkorgan
Pakistan: Gulmit, Karimabad,Gilgit, Skardu, Islamabad, Lahore.

Cost:

NZ$4,600 per person based on twin share
(prices subject to change)

Baltistan Safari 2012

14 days :  Commence Islamabad 8th August 2012

Discover the remarkable biodiversity of Baltistan’s Deosai National Wilderness Park on this discovery style safari.  We start at Skardu in Pakistan’s peaceful ‘little Tibet’ and enjoy the natural setting of Deosai’s high  altitude grasslands. We include a moderate grade trek to the spectacular alpine setting of Fairy Meadow and beyond to Nanga Parbat base camp.

Route:

Islamabad, Skardu, Khaplu, Deosai National Park, Astor, Fairy-meadow, Nanga Parbat Base camp.

Cost:

NZ$4,500 per person based on twin share
(prices subject to change)

Active Trip Grades
(click here for Trip Grades)

ACTIVE North Sikkim

15 days:  5 days trekking

This easy combined cultural, sightseeing and trek itinerary explores India’s picturesque Sikkim state.  There is an easy two day trek along the ridge north of Darjeeling with stunning views of Kanchenjunga, village-scapes and tea plantations.  Monasteries, tea plantations, vintage steam trains, and plenty of day and part day walks are included in this comfortable exploration of Sikkim’s charming hill country.

Route:

Kolkata, Darjeeling, Goom, Tumling, Sombaria, Rinchenpong, Pelling, Gantok, Tsomogo Lake.

Cost:

NZ$4,900 based on twin share
Single room supplement NZ$675
(prices subject to change)

Active Trip Grades
(click here for Trip Grades)

ACTIVE: Ladakh Parang La 2012

17days : (7 trekking days) Commences Delhi 11th August 2012

This is a demanding trip at altitudes in excess of 4000m asl in India’s north eastern Zanskar region of Ladakh.  The trail is a traditional trade route between the Spiti region, Changtang and Tibet.  It provides a direct route from the Spiti Valley into the upper Indus valley via Tso Moriri Lake. The route is straight forward but adequate acclimatisation is essential. The 5578m Parang La is said to be the highest trekking pass in India and the trail is steep.  A minor glacier has to be descended, some moraine ‘bashing’ and river crossings are involved but no technical skills are required.

Route:

Delhi, Manali, Kaza, Kibber, Leh.

Cost:

NZ$4,900 per person based on twin share
Single Room supplement NZ$475
(prices subject to change)

Active Trip Grades
(click here for Trip Grades)

ACTIVE: Annapurna Circuit

21 days: (12 days trek)  Commences Kathmandu 2nd November 2012

This strenuous ‘tea house’ trek is one of      Nepal’s best known multi-day treks. The route climbs and descends valleys and ridges by     village paths to circum-navigate the spectacular Annapurna massif.  There are some stiff climbs and a few long days on the trail. The Thorong Pass (5416m) is the highest point of the twelve day trek.  Village rest days, cultural sightseeing and a few ‘post’ trek days wildlife watching at Royal Chitwan National Park are included.

Route

Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan.

Cost

NZ$4,500 per person based on twin share
Single Room supplement NZ$350 (price subject to change)

Active Trip Grades
(click here for Trip Grades)

Mekong Heartland 2012

23 days:  Commence in Kunming 16th April 2012

Savour the Mekong hinterlands with us on this discovery style journey to explore the back roads of Yunnan China, Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia.   Experience the cultural melting pot of Yunnan’s tropical hill country, Sapa’s tribal heritage and the spectacular landscapes of Yuanyang terrace fields and Halong Bay.    Set off on a path less travelled to Laos and slip back in time amongst the hill country tributaries of  the Mekong.   Cruise the Soung Ou River to picturesque Muang Ngoy and spiritual Luang Prabang.  Downstream from Paske visit the 4000   islands, then make our way to Kratie Cambodia and overland to explore the fabulous temples of Ankor.

 Route

Visit Kunming, Yuanyang, Sapa, Ha Noi, Halong Bay, Mai Chau, Vieng Say, Sam Neua, Muang Ngoy, Luang Prabang, Pakse, 4000 Islands, Kratie, Kampong Thom, Siem Reap.

 Cost

NZ$7,500 per person based on twin share
Single room supplement NZ$865
(prices subject to change)

Indo China Empires 2012

24 days : Commences Hanoi 29th October 2012

Experience  Vietnam and Cambodia with us as we sample the rich heritage of these two ancient empires.   Begin this touring style journey in Ha-Noi then head inland to the hill tribe region of Mai Chau to explore     villages and countryside.  We make an overnight junk cruise on stunningly scenic Ha Long bay then head south to the Imperial city of Hue and the World Heritage listed city of Hoi An on the central coast.   From Ho Chi Minh City we embark on a Mekong cruise upstream to Phnom Penh.    Rural Cambodia, Tonle Sap and the  majestic temples of Ankor are highlights of our Cambodia tour.

 Route:

Vietnam: Ha-Noi, Ha Long Bay, Mai Chau, Hur, Da Nang, Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong cruise
Cambodia: Phnom Penhm, Ankor Wat, Siem Reap

Cost:

NZ$7,900 per person based on twin share
Single Room supplement NZ$1530
(prices subject to change)

South East Asia Silk Route 2012

18 days : Commences Yangon 23rd October 2012

Discover Myanmar’s wonderful cultural heritage and stunning scenery on this touring style journey as we trace two historic trade routes to the ancient Burmese kingdom of Pagan.   Follow the Burma Road from Mandalay to the China-Myanmar border and take the WWII Ledo link road across the Kachin hills to Bhamo.  Cruise down the Ayeyarwaddy River to Mandalay by charter boat and explore the “Golden Land” of Myanmar (Burma) with its spectacular archaeological site at Bagan and Inle Lake’s magical floating handcraft villages.

Route:

Yangon, Mandalay, Lashio, Muse , Bhamo, Katha, Bagan, Inle Lake.

Cost:

NZ$6,500 per person based on twin share
Single Room supplement NZ$450
(prices subject to change)

Myanmar Hill Tribes

17 days:  Commences Yangon 5th January 2012

Make a relaxed exploration of the remote Chin Hills  and the picturesque Shan Plateau on this discovery style trek and touring itinerary.    Two easy grade treks are involved including an easy ascent of Mt Victoria in  Nat Ma Taung National Park. Our second trek will be in east Myanmar on the Shan plateau at Pindaya near Inle Lake.   We also tour to the amazing pagoda fields of Bagan, the floating villages at pristine Inle Lake and Yangon (Rangoon) site of the inspiring Shwedagon Pagoda.

Route:

Yangon, Bagan, Kenpellet, Aye Village, Mindat,  Bagan, Pindaya, Inle Lake,

Cost:

NZ$5,500per person based on twin share
Single Room supplement NZ$350
(prices subject to change)

Active Trip Grades
(click here for Trip Grades)

ACTIVE: Vietnam Trek and Ride

15 days:  7 days cycle, 2 trek.  Commence HaNoi 28th October 2012

This moderate mix of active and cultural touring explores the back roads of north Vietnam’s Tonkin hills.  Set out for a six day ride into the tribal districts of the Laos borderlands by less travelled paths. Make a three day trek in the tribal heartland at Sapa and cruise on the picturesque Halong bay.  The cycle tour is vehicle supported and the Sapa village homestay trek will follow graded local paths.

Route

Ha Noi, Nai Chau, Son La, Dien Bien Phu, Lai Chau, Sapa, Halong Bay.

Cost

NZ$4,900based on twin share.
(prices subject to change)

Active Trip Grades
(click here for Trip Grades)

Caucasus Journey 2012

19 days, commences in Baku 10th May 2012

Join us on this touring style journey as we attempt  to untangle the tempestuous history of Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan.  Scenically stunning, culturally diverse, historically interesting and just a tad perverse in relationships with bigger, noisier neighbours the Caucuses have been on our agenda for years.  In May we are off to follow the back roads between Azerbaijan and Sisian.

Commencing at Baku and concluding in Yerevan our  itinerary will trace the trade routes and explore the cultural and religious heritage of this little known region.

Route

Visit  Baku, Gobustan, Sheki,Telavi, Sighnaghi, Tbilisi, Mtskheta, Dilijan,  Lake Sevan, Khor Virap, Sisian, Yerevan.

Cost

NZ$8,550 per person based on twin share
Single Room supplement NZ$730

Anatolia Silk Route 2012

22 days :  commences Istanbul 9th May 2012

Explore scenic Eastern Anatolia with us on this touring style journey as we trace the western-most extension of the Silk Road. We commence at Ankara then wind our way through picturesque mountainscapes to the Black Sea coast where we visit the cliff hugging Sumela monastery and idyllic Ayder.   In the far east there are wildflowers and     stunning volcanic landscapes along the route to historic Ayni and beyond to Ararat and Van.  In south east Anatolia we   include Diyarbakir, Ufra and the biblical village of Harran.      No journey in Anatolia would be complete without a visit to ancient Antioch and spectacular Cappadocia.  We complete   our journey in Istanbul.

Explore More:

Join from Persian Trilogy itinerary

Route:

Istanbul, Ankara, Hattusha, Amasya, Trabzon, Ayder, Kars, Van, Mardin, Sanliurfa, Harran,  Mt Nemrut, Antakya, Cappadocia.

Cost:

NZ$8,900 per person based on twin share
Single Room supplement NZ$1195
(prices subject to change)

Iran: North to South 2012

23 days : Commences Tehran on 28th September 2012

Get behind the headlines as we uncover Iran’s rich   heritage and explore the art, culture and lifestyles of   Persian society today.  This touring style journey will take you away from the standard tourist routes to        explore Kurdistan, the ‘Gulf’ and around the south east.  The itinerary also includes the key sites of cultural and historic interest and provides a chance to get to some less travelled regions in safety and comfort. The programme tours extensively so as to include opportunities to meet people of many ethnic and cultural backgrounds.

Route:

Tehran, Tabriz, Urumiyeh, Sanandaj, Hamadan, Kashan, Esfahan, Shiraz, Yazd, Bam, Kerman, Bandar Abbas.

Cost:

NZ$9,800per prson based on twin share
Single room supplement NZ$915
(prices subject to change)