On the western part of the country, the desert state of Rajasthan brims with heritage – beautiful palaces, historic forts, painted regal havelis, and it is, indeed, a resplendent route to journey on. The desert folk with lineages of royalty intermingled with rustic communities have long endured the adversities of the land. Their ways of life evolved in the arid environment — from the cuisine using the desert plant life to clothing helping them stand against dunes, from the folk music that sings of water and wells. to the dance forms that mimic the desert wildlife.
DETAILSCelebrated for its colourful history, fascinating customs, and jaw-dropping landscapes it’s easy to see why Bolivia and travel are a match made in heaven. There are wonderful Incan ruins to be explored, yet the Spanish colonisation can still be strongly felt: the “white city” of Sucre is a UNESCO-listed site. The phenomenal Salt Flats are a photographer’s dream and must-do experience in Bolivia. So too is the monumental Lake Titicaca, the world’s highest navigable body of water at 3,800 metres, its waters reflecting the Andes ranges.
DETAILSFour countries… similar, but different. Nicaragua is the largest of the Central American countries by land size. Colonised on the Pacific coast by the Spanish and on the Atlantic coast by the British. Add an African-Caribbean influence with the indigenous peoples and you have a melting pot of cultures. The country has a growing tourism industry and now is a good time to visit given tourism is in its infancy and you can experience the genuine culture.
DETAILSCentral Asia or "The Stans", is a vast landlocked region of Asia, popular amongst travellers who want to experience one of the world's last great frontier lands. The Silk Road, a network of Eurasian trade routes, played a central role in facilitating economic, cultural, political, and religious interactions between the East and the West. Its brilliant and unique place in human history resulted from the interchange of ideas, innovations and philosophies among those who travelled it..
DETAILSCrete’s natural beauty is equalled only by the richness of its history. The island is the birthplace of the first advanced society on European soil, the Minoans, who ruled over much of the Aegean some 4,000 years ago. You’ll find vestiges of this mysterious civilisation all over Crete, including the famous “Palace of Knossos” and the legend of the labyrinth of King Minos and the slaying of the Minotaur by Theseus to save the kings daughter, Ariadne. At the crossroads of three continents, Crete has been coveted and occupied by consecutive invaders.
DETAILSCentral Asia or "The Stans", is a vast landlocked region of Asia, popular amongst travellers who want to experience one of the world's last great frontier lands. The Silk Road, a network of Eurasian trade routes, played a central role in facilitating economic, cultural, political, and religious interactions between the East and the West. Its brilliant and unique place in human history resulted from the interchange of ideas, innovations and philosophies among those who travelled it.
DETAILSWith scenery to rival Switzerland, a growing reputation for cheese and wine and a surprising number of UNESCO World Heritage sites, it’s little wonder adventurous travellers are increasingly turning to Eastern Europe. Dine in century-old restaurants, wander along cobblestone streets and explore medieval castles – including the one said to have inspired the gothic horror novel Dracula in Transylvania – on our small group tours to Bulgaria and Romania. All without the crowds, or high cost, of Western Europe.
DETAILSAt the crossroads of Asia and Eastern Europe, between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea, the Caucasus is a unique travel destination. Few tourists visit this fascinating region but those who do are struck by its beauty, culture and history. On this trip, you’ll pass snow-capped mountains, glaciers and gorges, dine with local families, and explore rock-hewn villages, mosques, and UNESCO-listed monasteries. Now is the time to visit this fascinating region as it emerges as a destination for more adventurous travellers.
DETAILSDiscover the beauty of Australia’s Kimberley Coast with Coral Expeditions. Our small ship adventure, backed by 30 years of experience from the team Kimberly Coral Expeditions accommodates just 72 guests, ensuring a relaxed atmosphere. Join us for daily excursions in our Xplorer tender boats, where you’ll explore cliffs, waterfalls, and Indigenous rock art. Thrilling experiences await, from Zodiac rides to Montgomery Reef.
DETAILSMadagascar, 400 km off the East coast of Africa, is the world’s fourth largest island (excluding Australia), a fragment of Gondwanaland left behind when the ancient landmass split to form the continents of Africa, India and Australia. The island has been referred to as “natures design laboratory”, because of the many unique creatures and vegetation, some of quite a primitive nature, which are found here. The terrain varies from tropical rainforest to desert, from high stony plateaus to lush green islands with many amazing geological and geographical formations throughout.
DETAILSOur 10 day Kakadu, Arnhem Land, and Tiwi Islands itinerary is a captivating mix of epic landscapes and warm cultural experiences. Experience the changing colours of the Katherine Gorge and the prolific wildlife of the iconic Litchfield and Kakadu National Parks. Visit local indigenous communities in both Arnhem Land and the Tiwi Islands, learning about their unique culture and history. The Top End is a world apart from the rest of Australia – come and feel its wonder first hand.
DETAILSMongolia 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.
DETAILSThe Balkans is a sprawling peninsula which derives its name from the Turkish word meaning ‘a chain of wooded mountains’. Those mountains are the Balkans, a place where farming first reached Europe way back in the Neolithic era. To the west is the Adriatic Sea, with the Mediterranean Sea to the south and the Black Sea to the east. It is perhaps easier to think of the Balkan States as “South-eastern Europe”. Wholly or partially on the peninsula, the region is made up of many fascinating countries. Our tour includes seven of them – Macedonia, Albania, Montenegro, Croatia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Slovenia and Serbia.
DETAILSSicily is billed as perhaps the world’s first true cosmopolitan, multi-racial society. Asians, Africans and Europeans have all ruled this island at various stages. Forget your impression left by The Godfather… Sicily is a friendly, vibrant, bustling island fringed with golden orchards, lush forests and the unforgettable soaring Mount Etna. If you love food, history and quaint villages, you cannot help but fall in love with Sicily – the Mediterranean’s largest island.
DETAILSAt the crossroads of Asia and Eastern Europe, between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea, the Caucasus is a unique travel destination. Few tourists visit this fascinating region but those who do are struck by its beauty, culture and history. On this trip, you’ll pass snow-capped mountains, glaciers and gorges, dine with local families, and explore rock-hewn villages, mosques, and UNESCO-listed monasteries. Now is the time to visit this fascinating region as it emerges as a destination for more adventurous travellers.
DETAILSBrazil is the world’s 5th biggest country in both population and size. It has a diverse natural environment, the most famous being the rainforests of the Amazon Basin, which have a plethora of endemic flora (over 3,500 species) and fauna covering the north and west. Brazil’s people and varied cultures primarily make this country a must-visit destination. While human history dates back 25,000 years with cave paintings found in the protected Serra da Capivara National Park, it is the combination of indigenous, African and Portuguese cultures that make it so vibrant today.
DETAILSDiscover these three wonderful Mediterranean Islands, Corsica, Sardinia and Malta… all with a unique point of difference. Sardinia remains part of Italy but has fiercely retained its own proud culture and unique influences; then there is the laid back, very rustic French governed Corsica, and lastly English speaking Malta, an independent nation which was once a British colony. Each of the islands are relatively small and easy to get around, and all have wonderful food and wine and ancient history, medieval villages, stunning landscapes and that envious relaxed lifestyle.
DETAILSNagaland is one of the least explored regions of India. At the Hornbill Festival in India’s remote Northeast, sixteen local tribes converge to showcase their culture and traditions. The festival is a significant event in the calendar, and its purpose is to preserve, protect, and sustain the rich cultural heritage and diversity of the Naga Tribes. The colours, sounds, music, dance, the region’s natural beauty and the food will amaze you. On this tour, you will also see much of the surrounding countryside, villages, towns and cities.
DETAILSSri 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.
DETAILSFew places on the planet offer a wildlife experience, like the Galapagos Islands. The famous blue and red-footed boobies, the spitting marine and land iguanas, Darwin’s finches, sea turtles, Galapagos giant tortoise, Galapagos penguins, fur seals, pink flamingos hawks and dozens of bird species make it a nature-lovers must-see. Galapagos Islands sit about 1,000 km off the coast of the South American continent and consists of around 20 main islands, most uninhabited. Experience the Galápagos aboard the Lindblad NG Endeavour II, an elegant 96 passenger small ship, well- equipped for up-close exploration.
DETAILSWith its fabulous 3,000-year history, vibrant culture, varied wildlife and fauna, and magnificent scenery embracing every landform from high mountain plateaus to parched deserts, Ethiopia is a destination without peer. Located in the northeast Horn of Africa, Ethiopia is the oldest nation in Africa. A country with one of the richest histories on the African continent, Ethiopia has extraordinary archaeological sites. In the North of the country are the seventeenth century castles and Imperial Compound of Gondar, the monasteries of Lake Tana and the thirteenth century monolithic rock-hewn churches of Lalibela and Eighth Wonder of the World.
DETAILSAt 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.
DETAILSHighlights of this fabulous private tour include a perfect mix of history, culture and wildlife — a chance to explore the landmarks of well-known cities like Mumbai, Jaipur and Ahmedabad, take a safari through the lush forests of Ranthambore in search of tigers, and discover a rare legacy in stone at Aurangabad’s ancient Buddhist rock-cut and frescoed caves. Witness the legacy of Jaipur’s feudal rulers with a sightseeing trail through the ‘pink city’ in Maharashtra and visit the unique 5th Century monolithic rock-cut temple at Ellora and Ajanta’s painted frescoes dating back to the 2nd Century BC.
DETAILSCentral Asia or "The Stans", is a vast landlocked region of Asia, popular amongst travellers who want to experience one of the world's last great frontier lands. The Silk Road, a network of Eurasian trade routes, played a central role in facilitating economic, cultural, political, and religious interactions between the East and the West. Its brilliant and unique place in human history resulted from the interchange of ideas, innovations and philosophies among those who travelled it.
DETAILSAt the crossroads of Asia and Eastern Europe, between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea, the Caucasus is a unique travel destination. Few tourists visit this fascinating region but those who do are struck by its beauty, culture and history. On this trip, you’ll pass snow-capped mountains, glaciers and gorges, dine with local families, and explore rock-hewn villages, mosques, and UNESCO-listed monasteries. Now is the time to visit this fascinating region as it emerges as a destination for more adventurous travellers.
DETAILSTürkiye has a wonderful ancient cultural heritage. The Byzantine Empire was the Eastern Roman Empire of the Middle Ages (with no exact dates being identifiable). Today, we distinguish the Byzantines from the Romans via its Greek influence and Christianity. The country was once the centre of the Ottoman Empire (1299 – 1923), which, during its prime, covered three continents, including much of South Eastern Europe, the Middle East and North Africa. Its capital, Constantinople (now Istanbul), was the centre of commerce and politics between the East and West for hundreds of years.
DETAILSIn conjunction with our local operators, Blue Dot has developed a wonderful tour of this fascinating country, comprising mainly of a cruise on the Luxury MS Darakum, with some quality land components. Over 14 days, you’ll experience the very best that the country has to offer. MS Darakum is the only five star super deluxe Nile cruise operating the long cruise program - Aswan – Cairo. It offers an unforgettable journey while cruising through 7,000 years of history, featuring Moroccan-inspired design, 3 Sundeck levels, and large panoramic windows. The Mövenpick MS Darakum enjoys a private dock in Luxor.
DETAILSPerched at the top of Europe, the Nordic nations of Finland, Sweden, and Norway are a quirky mix of cultures that live amidst some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world. These countries are known to be at the forefront of modern thinking, yet they hold fierce to their cultures and simple ways of life. Their remote location and sparse population make this trio an irresistible destination for travellers seeking tranquillity, tradition and the wild outdoors.
DETAILSDiscover these three wonderful Mediterranean Islands, Corsica, Sardinia and Malta… all with a unique point of difference. Sardinia remains part of Italy but has fiercely retained its own proud culture and unique influences; then there is the laid back, very rustic French governed Corsica, and lastly English speaking Malta, an independent nation which was once a British colony. Each of the islands are relatively small and easy to get around, and all have wonderful food and wine and ancient history, medieval villages, stunning landscapes and that envious relaxed lifestyle.
DETAILSEnjoy the best of Svalbard, a world of endless daylight. A land where polar bear sightings will delight, guillemot cries echo from the sea cliffs, and beluga whales rise from the sea. Explore tundra adorned with wildflowers and search for arctic fox, or discover historic camps of explorers and hunters. Push through pack ice to find walrus and bearded seals, or simply enjoy the breathtakingly beautiful Norwegian fjords. Quark’s newest ship, Ultramarine, is designed to go beyond the familiar and immerse you in the best the region has to offer.
DETAILSCrossing the mighty Nullarbor by road is quite an experience. Vast, forbidding and raw, the land of ‘no trees’ is home to a plethora of limestone caves, soaring sea cliffs, and endless red sand desert... interspersed with indigenous and pioneering history. We’ll drive the world’s longest straight bit of road, known as the 90 Mile Straight, 146.6 km between Balladonia and Caiguna. We are likely to meet a veritable cast of characters along the way, and cross paths with the feral camels, kangaroos and wombats who call this desert home.
DETAILSIceland's spectacular natural landscapes showcase the ancient geothermal forces that have been at work for thousands of years. Iceland is known for its volcanoes, glaciers, lava fields, waterfalls, and hot springs. The island's interior is a cold and uninhabitable combination of sand, mountains, and lava fields. From humble Nordic origins it has become one of Europe’s leading eco-paradises, boasting the largest national park in the European Union - Vatnajökull, where you’ll discover pristine streams full of salmon, glacier trails, five-gaited Icelandic horses, and bubbling pools of mud and sulphur.
DETAILSUganda offers the complete African wildlife experience with the added bonus of the gorillas. There are 10 national parks covering a significant percentage of the countryside. In the North East, you can spot big cats, savannah animals and an amazing variety of birdlife. Down the west side of the country, you’ll see a plethora of elephants, hippos, chimps and mountain gorillas. There are just 880 of these primates left in the wild and you are assured of seeing them in their natural habitat on this tour. Put simply, Uganda offers a wildlife experience second to none.
DETAILSDiscover these three wonderful Mediterranean Islands, Corsica, Sardinia and Malta… all with a unique point of difference. Sardinia remains part of Italy but has fiercely retained its own proud culture and unique influences; then there is the laid back, very rustic French governed Corsica, and lastly English speaking Malta, an independent nation which was once a British colony. Each of the islands are relatively small and easy to get around, and all have wonderful food and wine and ancient history, medieval villages, stunning landscapes and that envious relaxed lifestyle.
DETAILSCrossing the mighty Nullarbor by road is quite an experience. Vast, forbidding and raw, the land of ‘no trees’ is home to a plethora of limestone caves, soaring sea cliffs, and endless red sand desert... interspersed with indigenous and pioneering history. We’ll drive the world’s longest straight bit of road, known as the 90 Mile Straight, 146.6 km between Balladonia and Caiguna. We are likely to meet a veritable cast of characters along the way, and cross paths with the feral camels, kangaroos and wombats who call this desert home.
DETAILSAt the crossroads of Asia and Eastern Europe, between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea, the Caucasus is a unique travel destination. Few tourists visit this fascinating region but those who do are struck by its beauty, culture and history. On this trip, you’ll pass snow-capped mountains, glaciers and gorges, dine with local families, and explore rock-hewn villages, mosques, and UNESCO-listed monasteries. Now is the time to visit this fascinating region as it emerges as a destination for more adventurous travellers.
DETAILSIn the lower elevation landscapes of the Himalayas, the world’s loftiest mountain range lies forested river valleys girded by majestic panoramas. From wildlife sanctuaries teeming with biodiversity to challenging mountain slopes, this region has many experiences to offer. A journey through the Himalayan foothills brings together the region's cultural richness. Learn about India’s freedom movement and the impact of her partition; trace the legacy of Hinduism, Buddhism and Sikhism; dive deep into India’s ancient spiritual wisdom of yoga and meditation; or taste traditional flavours from the kitchens of the mountain folk.
DETAILSJapan 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.
DETAILSOman is an independent sultanate on the Arabian peninsular. Covering a strategic location on the Arabian Sea, Oman was coveted by the great powers which came and went. In the late 1400s the Portuguese occupied much of the territory including the capital, Muscat. Almost 100 years later, The Ottomans drove them out and occupied the region for some 100 years. Oman is not widely travelled to by Westerners, yet offers a rich heritage and stunning natural beauty.
DETAILSMexicans are some of the friendliest people you'll ever meet and they are usually eager to share their wealth of history and abundant culture with travellers from other countries. Our tour of Mexico starts in Mexico City. Then it moves southeast taking in the UNESCO heritage sites of Monte Alban, the greatest of the Zapotec cities, Teotihuacan, the most sacred of the Aztec sites and the Mayan sites of Palenque, Uxmal and Chichen Itza. After travelling through the heartland, we will savour some wonderful Mexican food and music and reach the Yucatan Peninsula on the Caribbean coast.
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