Asia

Mongolia is one of the world’s least-developed, least-populated countries. If you want to see a night sky so clear that you’ll be reminded that the galaxy is infinite, or to camp on the edge of a vast steppe covered in chive flowers as far as the eye can see, Mongolia is the place. With a population of only 3 million, roughly half of the country’s population is packed into the capital Ulaanbaatar. Outside of that, the population of Mongolia’s largest “cities” remains in the tens of thousands, with a significant number still living a traditional lifestyle as nomadic herders.

Sri Lanka is an island nation in the Indian Ocean separated from India by the Palk Strait. It is “almost” linked to India by a mostly underwater atoll called Adam’s Bridge. It is a very lush, tropical island sitting just north of the equator. There are many reasons to visit Sri Lanka – there is so much to see and do. Even though it is a relatively small country, each region is quite different. The indigenous and colonial history is fascinating. The food is fabulous. The scenery is spectacular and the abundance of wildlife will take you by surprise.

At just 100,000 square km, South Korea is a small country that is easy to get around, and you can see a lot without spending long days on the road. Seoul is a very modern capital city with a population of around 10 million. While there is much to see and do in Seoul, you need to leave the capital to see this wonderful country; traditional villages, UNESCO temples and Buddhas, large and small cities, gorgeous countryside with hills full of native trees and rice paddies on what appears to be every spare piece of flat land.

Japan offers a unique mix of the modern and the traditional. From the hi-tech speed and efficiency of the bullet train, to the serenity of Kyoto’s zen gardens and temples, Japan is a treasure trove of unique experiences. The country, which is roughly the size of Germany consists of thousands of islands, of which Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu and Shikoku are the four largest. Japan’s rugged peaks, rocky coastlines, gorges, lakes, waterfalls and dense forests are stunning. This tour includes the best Japan has to offer, and follows a leisurely pace, beginning and ending in Tokyo.