Intrepid Travel

Highlights

• Explore Central Asia – a fascinating and unique mix of ancient Silk Road culture, post-soviet culture and redefined nations living in post-independence.
• Discover the history of the Silk Road – see the much-photographed Registan in Samarkand (one of the true pinnacles of Islamic architecture), spend time in World Heritage-listed Bukhara (a 6th-century city), visit the UNESCO-protected town of Khiva and explore the sprawling ruins of Mary.
• Be treated to traditional hospitality and get a unique insight into the daily life of locals during a Kyrgyz homestay, a night in a guesthouse in Uzbekistan and the rare chance to stay with a local family in Turkmenistan.
• Marvel at the beautiful natural landscapes in this ever-changing land – see Son-Kol Lake’s flocks of sheep, goats and horses, witness the majesty of the Kyrgyzstans Mountains, visit Issy-Kul Lake, watch the ever-burning flames of ‘The Gates of Hell’ and take in the vast desert of Turkenistan.
• Rub shoulders with locals, bargain in the bazzars and sit down for a homemade plov meal – with your expert leader by the side, you’ll really get into the local insight and learn what’s common and what’s different between these three stans.

Highlights

• Immerse yourself in the communist past and vibrant present of Bucharest, a city often underrated by travellers
• Travel through the scenic Rila Mountains in Bulgaria, mingling with monks at the 10th-century Rila Monastery
• Breathe the crisp air on a hike and take in stunning view in the Pirin Mountain.
• Discover the incredible ancient and modern history of Turkey as you explore thousands of years of history hidden within the remarkable ruins of Ephesus and discover Gallipoli on a guided tour that will teach you about the significant events that took place in this area.
• Taste local fruit wines in one of the best-preserved Greek Ottoman villages in the country. Get to know the friendly locals with a home-made lunch at a local family in Cappadocia.

Highlights

• As a small group, be welcomed into a local village and watch as traditional Baining dancers circle a growing fire and perform dancing rituals – a insight into one of Papua New Guinea’s indigenous cultures.
• Spend time before and after the performance learning more about these traditional customs, sharing meals, stories and laughs with local community members.
• Jump into island life of the Duke of York Islands, marvelling at an active volcano, tucking into a beachside barbecue and experiencing a traditional sing-sing with the villagers.
• Discover how the World Wars played out in the Pacific, by visiting the War Museum in Rabaul and heading underground for a tour of the Japanese tunnels in Kokopo.

Highlights

• Seek out the rare mountain gorilla on a trek through Uganda's steamy forests and spend an unforgettable hour in their presence, with permits included in the price of the trip.
• Explore the Serengeti National Park in depth during three game drives and a night spent camping in the middle of this spectacular wildlife arena.
• Learn about Rwanda's devastating history with a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre, and see what life looks like today with a tour of the city’s most vibrant neighbourhoods.
• Meet members of the Ishasha community for a look at rural life in Uganda, visiting an organic farm and medicine garden and learn how human-wildlife conflict is being tackled with anti-crop raiding techniques
• Get to know the diverse wildlife of Queen Elizabeth National Park on a series of 4x4 game drives and an optional boat cruise around the lake.

Highlights

• Watch the night sky come alive during your night in Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary – there is no light pollution here, so it's the perfect place to stargaze among the mountainous peaks.
• Enjoy a subterranean stay in Coober Pedy, the opal capital of Australia, in underground accommodation that’s cool, comfortable and unique to this part of the South Australian outback.
• Soak up the scenic beauty of the Clare Valley – one of Australia’s most famous wine regions – and sample Rieslings and other fine wines.
• Drive into the remote South Australian Outback and bounce along the famous Oodnadatta Track to William Creek where you can enjoy a cold beer and check out the unique ‘museum’ of memorabilia across the street.
• Take a bushwalk in Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park, then head out on a private tour of Sacred Canyon, where you’ll learn about Aboriginal culture as you listen to the stories and insights from your Adnyamathanha guide. Later, take an optional hike in Wilpena Pound.

Highlights

• See the highlights of the picturesque Tasman Peninsula, including the rock formations of Tasman Arch and Devil’s Kitchen, the Tessellated Pavement and the tragically historic Port Arthur.
• Join a bush tucker experience at piyura kitina (Risdon Cove) and learn about the culturally rich landscape with a palawa (Tasmanian Aboriginal) guide.
• Explore local life in historic Hobart as you browse through Salamanca Market and the local Farmers’ Market and chat directly with the local producers about their locally sourced goods.
• Discover the rugged beauty and delicious flavours of Bruny Island as you sample local delicacies and explore the national parkland where towering cliffs fall away into the crashing sea.
• Visit a fourth-generation family-run orchard to learn about the history of apple farming in Tasmania and try some deliciously fresh and locally produced cider.

Highlights

• Explore the Tunnel Creek cave system and learn about Jandamarra, a First Nations freedom fighter who used the caves to evade police in the late 1800s.
• Take a guided hike through the Wunaamin Miliwundi Ranges Conservation Park to Manning Gorge, where you can swim under a waterfall and see ancient First Nations rock art.
• Spend two nights in a private safari camp in the heart of Purnululu National Park, with glorious views of the Bungle Bungle Range.
• Go inside Cathedral Gorge and wonder at the natural amphitheatre of red rock, hollowed out over millions of years to create this massive acoustic wonder.

Highlights

• Wander the historic streets of Savannah, trying the local food on a walking tour that blends the city’s history with some of its most delicious eats.
• Learn about Charleston's rich and complex past with an expert guide, visiting historic landmarks hearing the stories behind the city.
• Visit Biltmore House and Garden, the United States’ largest home, and perhaps stop for lunch at the on-site winery.
• Taste the real Tennessee during a tour of a whiskey distillery named in honour of the first-known African American master distiller.
• Take a guided tour of Bonaventure Cemetery, where you'll hear stories of the fascinating people interred here among the live oaks dripping with Spanish moss.