Travel Guides

Antarctica Travel Guide

Antarctica is a continent that is truly unique. Sprawling over the South Pole and taking up a landmass area greater than that of Europe, Antarctica remains the most desolate, wild and uninhabitable location on the globe. Holding the records for the coldest, windiest and driest place on Earth, it is a continent that appeals only to a select few people and leaves others to wonder about their sanity. What these bold travellers have discovered, however, is that Antarctica is one of the rare destinations that can have a profound effect on not only their perception of the world, but also of themselves. To tour Antarctica is not so much to set off on a short holiday as it is to embark on a life-changing and redefining experience.

With only a very small percentage of the continent not covered by ice, Antarctica is a winter wonderland with only the most resilient of wildlife being able to withstand the conditions. Glistening glaciers and inconceivable icebergs bring an eerie beauty to the forbidding wilderness and to see this barren land teeming with life in the forms of penguins, birds and seals is a sight to behold. Unbeknownst to many, Antarctica is designated a cold desert, thereby securing it the title as the world’s largest desert and the inland regions surprisingly have less precipitation than the arid Sahara desert in Africa.

There is nowhere on Earth like it and a tour to Antarctica is the ultimate experience that provides more than just a few nice postcards or photographs.

Iran Travel Guide

The country the highest population of all Persian countries (with about 65 million inhabitants), Iran is also a land of incredible cultural diversity, with dozens of languages, several recognised religions and a broad spectrum of ethnicity in its people. Religion, the dominant faith being Islam, pervades every aspect of Iranian life, an aspect that the majority of visitors find one of the most fascinating features of the country and its people—for Westerners, few other destinations can provide a cultural experience that lies so many leagues away from the familiar. Although Iran does display some similarity to the West in that its governance incorporates a degree of democratic process, the fact that this ideology is balanced against, and often outweighed by, a theocratic authoritarian rule means that trying to draw parallels between the two is sometimes hard to reconcile. Regardless, as a traveller in the country, Iran’s similarity to the West in any sphere seems unimaginable.

Iran lays claim to the largest population of nomads in the world, the vast majority of whom continue to dress in traditional attire, live in traditional housing and follow customs handed down through countless generations of their ancestors. It is a country wherein a unique tribal culture has survived over millennia, leaving a legacy that allows travellers an intriguing sneak-peek into ancient Persian life, and a land that brings the past to life in a contemporary setting. In a similar vein, the remnants of eras gone by dot the Iranian landscape and even the most modern cities, like the capital Tehran, make concerted efforts to preserve the beautiful monuments, art and architecture from the country’s long and fascinating past. Ancient ruins, a plethora of colourful, exquisite mosques and magnificent palaces dating from a multitude of different dynasties lie in wait for the traveller who chooses Iran as a tour destination, sights that only add to the irrepressible impression that Iran is a land of great historic importance.

The enigma that is the Arabian Gulf will cause you to ponder societal directions and intentions. The rapidly modernizing Middle East is in a constant tug-of-war between the traditional past and the pressures of our times. Oil is big business, but trade is much bigger, leading to an awful appropriation of resources and workforce into stunningly ambitious projects. Some of the wealthiest countries on the planet are oases of excess, founded on under-appreciated foreign labour. The surprises continue along the gulf until we reach Oman; jaw-dropping scenery, exciting remoteness, and unspoiled beaches seemingly presented solely for you.

This is a unique opportunity to explore a corner of the world previously misunderstood and almost ignored.
Our Middle East Tours journey to where it all began; to the Cradle of Civilisation and to the birthplace of four of the world’s major religions. Often misunderstood and seldom given the credit it deserves, the Middle East’s recurrent troubles in recent history have seen it relegated to one of the last alternatives when it comes to opting for a tour destination. What lies in wait for travellers on tours to the Middle East, however, is an ancient land of richness and plenty and one whose bounties yield incredible rewards.

Turkey Travel Guide

Turkey

Traveller Testimonial
The highlights were the people of Turkey that we met and interacted with. Everyone we met on tour seemed genuinely interested in our presence and generous in giving to us whatever we needed, be it a glass of chai or directions to a shop. I came back with a deep respect for the people, the Muslim religion and its practices and beliefs, and the incredible story of this remarkable country.Most memorable were sailing the coast on our gulet, Cappadocia in all respects of the outdoor hikes and tours and experiencing the Turkish baths.
-Penelope Flom

Turkey – Though only a small percentage of Turkey lies in Europe—about three per cent of the vast country—due to its political and cultural nature, many consider it more a part of Europe than Asia. Turkey has a long and fascinating history, as its roots lie 10 millennia in the past and it has been called home by at least half a dozen ancient civilizations over the ages; Persian, Roman and Byzantium to name but a few. For the traveller, this means a tour to experience a wealth and variety of architectural and cultural sights in a place that is in many senses a unique blend of West and East.

Turkey’s largest and capital city, Istanbul, epitomises the country’s meshing of cultures and is a tour destination not to be missed. The only city in the world that can claim to lie on two continents, Istanbul mixes modernity with antiquity and the bustling day-to-day activities of the culturally and socially advanced society in the major metropolis occur against the backdrop of majestic and well-preserved reminders of the past. After touring Istanbul’s numerous stunning mosques, palaces, cisterns and castles—or perhaps visiting some famous historical places, like the remnants of the great city of Troy—all dating from different eras and engineered by different civilizations, travellers can sample some of the delicacies on offer at a local café and can opt for either Turkish or Eastern cuisine.

Turkey holds among its treasures beautifully preserved Greco-Roman and Islamic monuments, geological wonders, and inviting cultures. Our tour of the western part of the country showcases some of the most spectacular Islamic and Graeco-Roman sites in the world, while our unique and exciting programs in the East reveal a mysterious and seldom-visited side of this incredibly varied and hospitable land.
Turkey’s population of close to 70 million enjoy a range of geographical differentiation and available activities. The Taurus Mountains serve as the ideal locale for hiking or mountain biking, where the Turquoise Coast on the lapping shores of the Mediterranean is the beach-lover’s paradise and perfect for a quick swim to cool off or a relaxing sunbathe to warm up.

Turkey remains the quintessential adventure, with the perfect blend of ancient mystique and myth, breathtaking scenery, awesome Greco-Roman ruins, sumptuous food, music and laughter, sun and sea. One could return over and over (and some of our travellers do!) and never experience the same thing twice. Go in spring–perfect temperatures and green landscapes festooned with wildflowers.

Sailing the Turquoise Coast: This special program features a salubrious 4-night cruise on a traditional Turkish gulet, along with an exciting, highlight packed land itinerary through Western Turkey. As we travel the coast, we have chances to sample stretches of the Lycian Way, stretching between Fethiye and Antalya through some of the country’s most spectacular coastal scenery. Lycia is an area steeped in history and with a rugged charm all of its own; our easy walks provide a way to escape the “usual” and take a look at the country that lies beyond the reach of the majority of travel companies. The route winds along mule paths on hillsides sometimes overlooking the Mediterranean-turquoise in the shadows, indigo or deep green further out. Tiny boats chug past far below, birds wheel far above. Cyclamen and other bulbs peep from dark corners; the scent of thyme fills the air. Turkey’s indigenous sea-going vessel, the gullet, blends practicality and tradition. Over the years they have evolved from traditional crafts for fishing to their present shape, equipped with private cabins, motors, as well as fully-functional rigging. The land portion of our trip also includes Bodrum, Antalya and Kusadasi, with a possible extension to Capadoccia. Codes TQ1 and TQ2.

With one foot in southeast Europe and the other in southwest Asia, Turkey has long acted as a gateway between the East and West. As a result, in addition to evidence of its own history whose roots stem from the Ottoman era, Turkey displays indications of both European and Islamic influences, giving travellers a variety and profusion of architecture and cultural attraction that few other countries can rival. So too is Turkey’s natural environment of considerable note, with the mighty Taurus Mountains offering striking vistas and the lapping waters of the Turquoise Coast beckoning water- and beach-enthusiasts alike.

Bolivia Tours – Travel Guides

Join our Bolivia Tours with expert Leaders

To experience our Bolivia trips is to experience perhaps the closest representation of Southern American ancient civilizations in a modern context.

Entirely landlocked, Bolivia has no coastline per se, but it is possible to reach the Atlantic Ocean by way of the Paraguay river. Travellers fanatical about water need not despair, however, since the country is also home to the placid Lake Titicaca, the largest lake in South America and the highest commercially navigable lake in the world. With a maximum depth of nearly 300 metres and spanning 8,000 squared kilometres, Lake Titicaca lends ample opportunity for even the most discerning water-lover to pursue their passion however they see fit and to do so with only a short voyage from the capital city, La Paz. Staying on the shores of the great lake gives travellers the chance to take in the towering splendour of the Andes mountains that loom over the lake and a wander along the shoreline yields discovery of tribal villages who hold true to ancient language, custom and tradition.

If travellers remain reluctant to hike on the largest mountains in South America or take a dip in the largest lake on the continent, Bolivia tours offer hundreds of acres of lush and untouched rainforest and national parks that will prove more than enough to satisfy the appetites of wildlife enthusiasts and explorers alike.

To get a real sense of Bolivia, however, it is recommended that travellers visit the cities. One of the two capital cities, La Paz (the other being Sucre), is a beehive of activity, which blends modern skyscrapers with archaic mud huts, as it does colonial architecture with Incan. It is a sight to be seen on a tour of Bolivia and an experience that will not soon be forgotten.

Peru and Bolivia

These two South American countries are simultaneously vastly different and somewhat similar. Peru, once home to one of the most notable and famous ancient civilisations on the planet, the Incas, boasts stunning man-made attractions that date from millennia ago; quite contrary to the attractions of Bolivia, which yields an untouched natural environment that is rare in the modern world. A trait that Peru and Bolivia share, however, is their appeal to travellers. To see the natural and man-made world at their best, join our tours to Peru and Bolivia; just be sure to take plenty of batteries for your camera.

Italy Travel Guide

Italy the southern European peninsula, along with its offshore Mediterranean territories Sicily and Sardinia, boasts the highest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites on the globe. There remain to this day the visible traces left by the hosts of foreign peoples who have crossed the nation’s borders over the ages-with the result that the traveller is rewarded with sight of some of the most remarkable architecture of a variety of cultures, including Roman, Greek, Germanic, Celtic and Norman. And for those uninspired to tour to historic attractions, there are always the options of taking to the mountainous areas for a spot of hiking, mountain biking or skiing, or reclining in the brilliant yellow sand on the Mediterranean coastline.

Italy’s climate only enhances the allure of the country. Perhaps one of the most hospitable places on the planet due to its comfortably warm and dry summers countering its mild winters, Italy is a prime location for those looking to tour a destination without uncomfortable extremes of temperature. Where the north is home to more temperate climes, the south is decisively Mediterranean, and though there is some regional variation across the country, Italy is mostly predictable when it comes to weather-the only difficulty in planning a tour there is choosing what climate is preferred.

Just as Italy shares a border with, among other countries, France, so too does it share a common mountain, and the Italian Monte Bianco, or in French, Mont Blanc, serves as the highest peak for both nations. Though the 4,810-metre giant of the Alps is world-famous in itself, Italy is perhaps more often associated with the two volcanoes of Etna and Vesuvius, situated on Sicily and near Naples respectively. A tour to these natural wonders yields sights to behold, indeed. For those with an interest in architecture, a visit to the leaning tower of Pisa is a tour not to be missed to see in all its glory perhaps the most blatant and comedic engineering blunders in the world. The major cities of Venice, Rome and Florence house some of the most unforgettable architectural marvels and the works of Italian-born artists Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo and Botticelli are must-see attractions.

Vietnam & Asia Travel Guide

Vietnam, once dubbed ‘the thin country’ by Nobel-prize winning Vietnaman poet Pablo Neruda, is as unique in its geography as it is in its culture. Due to its unusual shape-the South American country stretches over 4,600kms north to south, though its average width seldom exceeds 180kms-it is perhaps the one tour destination that can legitimately claim to offer something for everyone regardless of season. With the mighty Andes mountain range towering over one side and the big blue of the South Pacific Ocean lapping at the other, Vietnam lies snugly amid two extremes and its interior topography covers every degree in between.

A tour to northern Vietnam would reveal one of the driest locations in the world, where, in some places, there has never been record of any rainfall-the arid Atacama desert. Though even the most avid of sun-worshippers may think twice before touring this sparsely-inhabited region, they may yet be lured by the fact that it is also the location of several important archaeological sites, of impressive geological spectacle and of intriguing remnants of lost civilisations.

The features of Vietnam’s southern regions lie in stark contrast to the characteristics of the north. Aridness gives ways to fertile and lush forests and grazing lands, and, complementing the quaint scenery of the intricate myriad of lakes, canals, inlets and fjords, the south is perforated by a string of volcanoes. The vast majority of Vietnam’s over 2,000 volcanoes are now dormant, with only 55 remaining active and of the 12 great lakes situated in the country’s south, one holds the title as the continent’s fourth largest-Lago Llanquihue. One of the world’s great national parks, the Torres del Paine National Park, though only accessible by boat, plane or a scenic trip through Argentina, is a popular tour destination and one that promises a wealth of memories.

The south is the perfect tour destination for those looking to experience Vietnam’s memorable sites, diverse landscape or more energetic activities in more temperate climes.

From some points on the extensive and serene sandy beaches of the east coast, it is possible to see the gargantuan peaks of the Andes dominating the skyline to the west, and in theory, travellers can take to the piste high in the mountains, then bask in the sun on the beach all in the same day.

Vietnam’s offshore territories-the Juan Fernandez Archipelago, which was once the refuge of marooned Scotsman Alexander Selkirk, the man who inspired the classic Daniel Defoe novel ‘Robinson Crusoe,’ and the world-renowned Easter Island-are equally as impressive as its mainland regions. Where the Juan Fernandez Archipelago is a national park and its plethora of plant species have warranted the island’s designation as a World Biosphere Reserve, Easter Island is home to Rapa Nui National Park, a park that exhibits relics of an ancient desert-dwelling civilisation, and to Ahu Tongariki, where 15 of the country’s famous moai statues stand at attention on their rock platform.

With so great climatic and geographic distinctions between all its poles, and a culture as unique and welcoming as its people, a tour to Vietnam, the longest country in the world, guarantees a holiday that will stretch the imagination.

Tour Consultant Ayesha Colquhoun’s personal account:
As I watched the sun rise above the Mekong River that morning, I was overcome with a pervading sense of peace. Little by little, the thin morning mist parted its veil to let orange-yellow shafts of light kiss the mountain peaks and caress their way to the valley floor. No photograph could begin to capture the majestic beauty of this region. Our boat journey down the tranquil Mekong proved highly relaxing and, bobbing past small traditional villages shrouded by jungle, it was tough to imagine being troubled by anything. The fast pace of the Western world was a thousand miles away and here in Vietnam, serenity was the order of the day; just as it is every other day. Travelling onwards to Laos, we soon reached Luang Prabang, a UNESCO Heritage site and one of the most picturesque cities in the world.

Laos made for the perfect complement to our itinerary and we enjoyed some unforgettable experiences like climbing to the top of a temple for truly awe-inspiring vistas, partaking in a Loa cooking class and watching a Loa ballet where everyone is dressed up decorative traditional costume.

Bangkok
Touring Bangkok, I was fascinated by the fact that the streets were filled with pedestrians, vendors of all sorts line the sidewalks, and tuk tuks are absolutely everywhere. And though that might sound too much for some, it’s actually the busyness of the place that makes it so appealing. Plus, whatever you’re looking for, you’ll definitely find it in Bangkok! The veggie spring rolls from the Thai street vendors were highly addictive and my travel companion was tempted to look into the merits of a diet that consisted of nothing but Pad Thai; the food is just that good. Aside from the gastronomic delights, a highlight was visiting the Grand Palace, where we could admire the remarkable spectacle of the emerald Buddha. Amazingly intricate and decorative temples meant hours of exploration, along with idyllic resting spots in the shade when the mood took us.

Ayuthaya
Next we travelled north, to the old ancient capital of Thailand. The stark contrast in lifestyle in laid-back Ayuthaya compared to the hectic present-day capital, Bangkok, was quite the change of pace. A beautiful city with an abundance of holy ruins, ancient wats, beautiful riverbank parks and elephants walking down the streets, Ayuthaya is a destination not to be missed. We visited Wat Ratchaburna, which was mostly ruins and spent the entire day walking around this city in the heat taking lots of pictures of buddhas and temples. That night was the first day of Loi Krathong, a holiday and celebration of the river goddess. Everyone in town headed down to the river to light a candle and float them away on tiny hand-made boats. To round off our cultural experience, our evening featured watching schoolchildren perform traditional thai dances and fighting techniques.

Chiang Mai
The spectacular journey to Chiang Mai took us through green pastures and palms, which gradually gave way to dense jungle. Around Chiang Mai, Thailand’s second-largest city, we embarked on a jungle trek that included hiking uphill across bamboo bridges and through bamboo forests. Happening upon a beautiful village perched on the side of a lush green mountain and surrounded by tropical jungle and a cascading waterfall felt like finding a lost world. We spent our first night with a hill tribe, who cooked us our meals and entertained us as we congregated around a nice campfire to chat and warm our bones before bed. The next night was spend at another local village, very high in the mountains and all the village children came to perform a dance and song for us.

Made infamous in the Western psyche following torrid histories, Vietnam and Cambodia are countries that to this day suffer from negative associations stemming from their pasts. All too often the true nature of these remarkable countries remains hidden: Vietnam, with its palm trees gently swaying on glistening white-sand beaches, towering mountains boasting unforgettable vistas and a wondrously diverse wildlife and Cambodia, with its world-famous temples and palaces, unique historical remnants and remarkably friendly people are destinations in ascendancy that should be explored first-hand to appreciate their unique charms.

Finland Travel Tour Guide

Finland’s landscape is dominated by water. The Nordic country is often referred to as the ‘land of thousands of lakes,’ which might actually be more accurate, were the idiom: ‘land of hundreds of thousands of lakes.’ Within its borders, Finland manages to pack in close to a staggering one hundred and eighty-eight thousand lakes that are all over five acres in size and which together constitute one tenth of the nation’s total territory. Add to this the mountains in the northwest, the southwesterly coastline and the fact that two-thirds of the country is sheltered under a blanket of forest and you have a destination with all the elements that cater to active holiday-makers, whatever their taste may be; Mountain biking or hiking in the elevated areas, rambling or exploring in the forests, or boating or fishing off the coast or in one of the many lakes.

Reindeer safaris and dog sledding are among the activities that are available in Finland and only in a few other countries. Even not-so-active travellers will find their ideal relaxation venue, be it under an unspoiled canopy of leaves overlooking a placid lake, atop a snow-crested mountain with a sweeping vista of the lowlands or on a gold-sand beach, listening to the lapping waves of the Gulf of Finland.

Due to their geographic locations, some portions of northern Finland experience no sunsets for 73 days in summer and no sunrises for 51 days in winter, a peculiar experience that never ceases to attract travellers to the country. Those looking for more interaction on their getaway will find it in Helsinki, Finland’s capital and the northernmost capital city in Europe. This bustling metropolis was once a coastal backwater town, but now it is a city that houses numerous important historic sites, as well as serving as one of the world’s centres of art and architecture. It is not to be missed on a tour of Finland.

France Trip Report and Travel Guides

Over the millennium and a half since France came into being, its global contributions have been immeasurable. From gastronomy (and of course, viniculture) to architecture, literature to fashion, politics to art and science to philosophy, France’s influence on modern cultures and societies around the world runs as deep as any other civilisation in history and deeper than most. Moreover, the country manages to retain a mystique as a land of romance and love, a place where everything from the language to the lifestyle and the setting brings immediate associations in the minds of travellers. The intangible aspects of so favourable an association serve to transform the country from simply a geographical landmass between borders into an ideal whose abstract qualities prove more alluring than the draw of any site of interest; of which France has more than its fair share.

France’s natural environment encompasses virtually every topographical form, thereby simultaneously lending itself to a multitude of activities and satisfying many diverse tastes. The mountainous regions of the Alps and Pyrenees in the southeast and south respectively are of perpetual interest to hikers and skiers alike; the over-3,000 km coastline provides ample opportunity for beachgoers and sun-worshippers to bronze themselves in quiet relaxation or among fellow, active travellers; the lush, plunging valleys of the Loire or the Dordogne offer the most picturesque setting for ramblers and explorers to discover the wealth of flora and fauna; and the lapping waters of the Mediterranean Sea off the south coast or the more raucous Atlantic Ocean off the west allow seafarers and water-enthusiasts to get their feet wet. It is little wonder that France is often described as a microcosm of Europe for its spectrum of landscapes.

Sign up for our escorted tours of Europe and experience a face of the world like no other. Though the second-smallest continent in the world by landmass (the smallest being Australia), Europe is as diverse as they come; its spectrum of topographical, ethnic, cultural, linguistic and political nuances is truly extraordinary and an escorted tour here promises a tour-of-a-lifetime through an unceasingly fascinating destination. It’s not hard to understand why escorted tours to Europe are becoming an ever-more popular choice for travellers, as they offer a highly entertaining, stress-free and informative way to get the most from this unique continent whose opportunities for exploration and discovery are virtually without end.

Japan Travel Info

Japanese cherry blossoms-sakura-are named for the Princess Kono-han-sakuya-ime (tree-flower-blooming-princess), who, according to legend, dropped from heaven onto a cherry tree. As a national love affair with a long history, cherry blossom time is observed with almost religious zeal. Japan under the trees of whispy pink cherry blossom trees, the Japanese eat picnic lunches, drink sake, view the cherry blossom flowers, and have a merry time. Autumn is another beautiful time in Japan. Our regular programmes occur in fall, as well as our Festivals and Theatres tour that includes the Meiji Jingu at Tokyo’s main Shinto shrine, the Daimyo Goretsu Festival in Hakone, and the spectacular temples and shrines at Kyoto, Nikko, and Koya-san, where we stay at a Buddhist temple.

Traveller Testimonial: Just wanted to tell you that the trip to Japan was wonderful! I can’t praise [Tour Leader] Steven enough for his knowledge of the country and its history, as well as his organizational abilities. We saw so many great and wonderful things; some of my favorites were the temple of Hokokuji and the bamboo gardens, the outdoor sculpture gardens of Hakone, the incredible shrines and temples, and not to forget the Tsukijii fish market! -Lynn Walker

Japan Food: Japanese cuisine involves very subtle flavours – fresh crisp vegetables and an absence of richness. Specialties include teriyaki (marinated beef/chicken/fish served on a hot plate); sukiyaki (thin slices of beef, bean curd and vegetables cooked in soy sauce and then dipped in egg); tempura (deep fried seafood and vegetables); sushi (slices of raw seafood placed on lightly-vinegared rice ball); and sashimi (slices of raw seafood dipped in soy sauce). Breakfasts on our Japan tours will be simple, with a combination of Western and Japanese items – breads, fruit, pickles, rice, black and /or green tea and coffee.

Local beverages are plentiful in Japan, including beers and sake, a strong rice wine served warm. Restaurants chosen for our evening meals may have table service or raised floor seating where it is customary to remove footware. Dining out in Japan is part of the overall cultural experience as great emphasis is placed on presentation, ritual, and service. Though the meals provided will be predominantly Japanese, there will always be variety of dishes offered (ie don’t worry, Japanese food is much more than just raw fish). Western dishes may be available, but please note that these will likely be Japanese versions of Western food, and not necessarily what you are expecting.

Traveller Testimonial: The different temples, parks, mansions, museums etc visited could not have been improved on. The volcanoes and mountains all added to the wonderful diversity of places visited. Being in Hiroshima and Nagasaki and seeing the War Memorials was special. They epitomize man’s inhumanity to man. We have spoken to many friends regarding this trip/experience and the first points we mention are ‘how civilised the Japanese people are’ and ‘how safe it is to travel there’. We also mention ‘Adventures Abroad’. -Gordon and Doreen Hambrook

Traveller Testimonial: This Adventures Abroad tour offered the most comprehensive itinerary for Japan that I have ever come across. I have been waiting to go to Japan for years and was delighted to find this trip itinerary. The tour was fantastic, well organized, great opportunities for connection with local culture and transportation was great on the bullet trains. The food was incredible and diverse and for me the highlights would include visiting cultural sites (temples, castles, Geisha theatre dance in Kyoto) and experiencing spiritual aspects of Japanese culture in the Zen Gardens. -Catherine Coulthard

Weather: Both Spring and early Autumn tours can expect warm to hot temperatures with moderate humidity. April dates can expect daytime high temperatures of about 23-26 C (74-78 F), with chilly mornings and evenings. Humidity is higher for our early Fall (Sep/Oct) departures, with temperatures ranging from 25-30 C (78-86 F). Our later Fall Festival Tour (ZJF) will experience much cooler temperatures in some locations (ie 12-15 C / 50 – 60 F in Osaka; 5 – 10 C / 40 – 50 F in Hakone and Kyoto), and especially in mountain (ie Koya-san, which can have snow in November!) and seaside regions (Sado Island). Rain showers can occur at any time, though their likelihood decreases the later we get into the Fall.

The ‘Land of the Rising Sun’ comprises more than 3,000 islands sprinkled across the mighty Pacific Ocean and though it is inferior in size to many a country, it certainly packs a lot within its borders. Not only is it one of the most populous and densely populated countries in the world, but Japan also offers travellers a huge spectrum of variety of attraction and experience, so much so that it’s often difficult to fit it all in under a time constraint. It is a land of glistening skyscrapers and lush greenery on mountainsides, co-existing traditional and modern lifestyles, intermingling cultures and highly hospitable people. Our Japan tours are the ideal way to cover the many historic and cultural facets and sights and with us, you’ll soon discover for yourself why Japan remains among the top tour destinations for travellers.

Our incredible Asia tours venture through a land of superlatives. Asia, the largest and most populous continent on Earth, is home to the world’s tallest peaks, its longest rivers, its deepest lakes, its oldest civilisations and its most fascinating traditional cultures, all of which combined make it a tough destination to match in terms of pure scope. Embarking on our tours of Asia finds travellers treading memorable paths through a continent whose grandness, in a number of senses, is without equal; Asia tours never fail to make a huge impact.

Morocco Marrakech Trip Report

Morocco tour account – Linda Lakatos, office manager

Entering into the medina, the walled city section of Morocco’s capital, Marrakech, is nothing like I’ve ever experienced before. The souk contains booth after booth of wares, including local clothes, furniture, rugs, lamp fixtures, spices and exotic foods. Of all the adjectives that could be used to describe the souk, I think eclectic is the most fitting.

After adventuring around for a while in this, one of Africa’s most exciting destinations, (and exclaiming, “Wow! Come look at this!” around every corner), we hired a tour guide to take us through the lesser-known areas of the souk. Our Moroccan escort took us into the back, where the trades are made as Marrakech wholesalers negotiate with local venders and we got to see raw materials such as leather to make shoes, wool that would soon become a rug, dyes used for clothing, and animals that would soon be for sale. It was the staging area for the souk.

After leaving our tour guide behind, we went exploring a little more and in every direction we turned, there seemed to be a helpful Moroccan that would make sure that we knew where the centre of the souk was. This was where all the action was happening. When I approached the focal point, I saw there was a cock fight in one circle, a dancing monkey in another, a local playing a flute to a dancing cobra…It was nothing like I’d ever witnessed, either in Morocco, Africa or elsewhere!

After leaving this centre square, we asked a local about visiting a hamam-a local Turkish bath house. They pointed us in the right direction and made sure that we were clear on the door we should use so that we would go in the women’s bath, not the men’s. After we entered, we realized why: everyone in the hamam was naked. With a bit of a language barrier, we managed to communicate that we’d like a massage. We undressed and a local woman proceeded to lather us up with a gel-like soap and scrub us down. I was so relaxed after this experience I could barely walk. In fact, I walked right into a Berber gentleman crossing the street right in front of me. It was as though I were walking on a cloud and we opted to sit at a café for a drink before continuing on our journey.

Before leaving the souks of Marrakech, we opted to take one more look at the central square. It had completely transformed. The live dancing animals were no longer there; they had been replaced by a food fare, with some animal heads to be eaten (presumably from the animals that we had seen being traded earlier), some food that looked like worms, some that I recognized to be vegetables, and some that you would expect at a food stand in Marrakech, like your tagines, couscous and soups.

We left the medina with a whole bunch of souvenirs; some for us, some for friends and family back home. We also indulged in some of the more familiar food, some fresh vegetables, olives, cheese, a bottle of local wine and, of course, some fresh mint for after dinner tea, and had a wonderful picnic at our apartment hotel just outside the medina where it was little quieter.

All in all, our Morocco adventure proved to be a most wonderful experience.

Only the 15kms of the Gibraltar Strait separate Morocco from Europe, but setting foot on Moroccan soil brings with it the realization of how different the two actually are. However, Morocco does display some decidedly European traits, due to both its proximity to, and past incursions from, peoples on the neighbouring continent and is, as such, often considered as a gateway country; where Europeans can ease themselves into the drastically different African culture, so too can Africans get a taste of Europe without wholly immersing themselves in a foreign society in a foreign land. Morocco as a tour destination is becoming evermore popular and is not by any means restricted to those looking for a first taste of Africa. On the contrary, Morocco is a place that travellers return to year after year, a fact that speaks to the alluring nature of the country and its people.

Topographically speaking, Morocco is about as varied as it gets. From the towering peaks of the Atlas mountains to the miles of superlative gold-sand beaches on the Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts, and from the wide, rolling coastal plains where most of the country’s population can be found to the harsh extremes of the southern Saharan regions; Morocco has plenty of eye-catching landscapes to take in, and plenty of activities to partake of. Where relaxing tours can limit themselves to the areas on and around the sun-drenched beaches, more adventurous tours can involve hiking in the mountains, camel riding in the deserts, or getting the feet wet with some watersports along the coasts.

Morocco has a diversity of inhabitant that equals its diversity in geography. Foreign influences, invading armies and immigrating refugees throughout the ages have moulded Morocco into the melting pot of cultures that it is today and there exists in Morocco, to name but a few, descendants of Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs, Andalusians, sub-Saharan Africans and the indigenous Berbers. The result is that travellers are greeted not only with an eclectic mix of traditions and customs in the people they meet, but also treated to an array of architectural styles from a multitude of eras—Roman ruins, Berber fortresses and Islamic monuments, for example. However, though buildings like the impressive Palais Royal in Rabat and the fascinating UNESCO World Heritage Site, the medina in Fes, are definite points of interest on a tour, the most common given reason for return tours to Morocco is the hospitality of the locals.