60th Anniversary - The Great Trans Asia Railway Odyssey Westbound

60th Anniversary - The Great Trans Asia Railway Odyssey Westbound

60 Days Starting in Singapore and ending in London

Visiting: Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Kunming, Chengdu, Xining, Lhasa, Lanzhou, Urumqi , Yining, Almaty, Taraz, Turkistan, Aralask, Aktau, Baku, Sheki , Telavi, Tbilisi , Dilijan , Yerevan , Batumi, Kars , Ankara , Istanbul , Veliko Tarnovo, Bucharest, Budapest, Vienna, Paris, London

Tour operator:

Sundowners Overland

Tour code:

SASL

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 15

Physical rating:

High, Active

Age range:

18-90

Special diets catered:

Please advise requests

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Small Group

This tour is no longer available

Tour Overview

Embark on an extraordinary 60th Anniversary journey with "The Great Trans Asia Railway Odyssey Westbound," a rail tour that spans 15 countries from Singapore to London. This epic adventure takes you through the vibrant cities and stunning landscapes of Southeast Asia, China, Central Asia, and Europe. Experience the cultural richness of places like Bangkok, Vientiane, and Lhasa, and marvel at the historical wonders of Tbilisi, Yerevan, and Istanbul. Traverse the scenic routes of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway, cross the Caspian Sea, and explore the ancient Silk Road cities. Conclude your odyssey in the iconic cities of Vienna, Paris, and finally, London. Join us for an unforgettable rail journey that celebrates history, culture, and the spirit of adventure.

Highlights

  • Exploring the calm and cool gardens and private collections of the Prasart Museum in Bangkok.

  • Sightseeing in Vientiane, including the 16th century Pha That Luang and Wat Si Saket.

  • Cruising upstream on the Mekong River to visit the Pak Ou Cave monastery and Kuang Si waterfalls in Luang Prabang.

  • Visiting the enchanting 'Stone Forest' in Kunming, Yunnan Province.

  • Touring the Potala Palace and Norbulingka Palace in Lhasa.

  • Exploring the ancient and holy city of Turkistan, home to the UNESCO site commissioned by Tamerlane.

  • Discovering the unique architecture and history of Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria.

  • Taking a cruise on the Danube River in Budapest for the best vantage point of the city's landmarks.

Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrive Singapore

Location: Singapore

Our Journey begins in the bustling city-state of Singapore. Meet your Tour Leader and fellow travellers this morning for a welcome meeting.

Day 2: To Kuala Lumpur

Location: Kuala Lumpur

Today we head to Johor Bahru Sentral station where we board our first train on the journey to London. Connecting via Gemas we will continue to Kuala Lumpur.

Day 3: To Bangkok

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Location: Bangkok

We continue our journey up the Malay peninsula through lush tropical forest and plantations to the Thai border at Padang Besar where we join the overnight sleeper service to Bangkok.

Day 4: Arrive Bangkok

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Location: Bangkok

With just 30 hours in Thailand's colourful & flamboyant capital today we escape the city this morning to explore the calm and cool gardens and private collections of the Prasart Museum.

Day 5: Bangkok And To Laos

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Location: Bangkok

Our local guide will share some of the classic highlights as well as some less well known aspects of this amazing city before joining our overnight train to Nongkhai and the Laos border.

Day 6: Vientiane

Location: Vientiane

Tree-lined boulevards blend Buddhist temples with French colonial era architecture. Our sightseeing includes the 16th century Pha That Luang and Wat Si Saket. This evening enjoy a sunset stroll along the banks of the Mekong River.

Day 7: Vientiane

Location: Vientiane

A day to further explore Vientiane from the unique Buddha Park with its multitude of Buddhist and Hindu statues, Patuaxi, often called the 'Arc de Triomphe' of Vientiane and Wat Phra Keo with its collections of Lao and Khmer works of art.

Day 8: To Luang Prabang

Location: Luang Prabang

This morning we rejoin the train north to the beautiful UNESCO city of Luang Prabang. The Royal Palace Museum, Wat Mai and Wat Xiengthong highlight the history, culture and architecture of Laos. Enjoy sunset at Wat Prabath before visiting the city's famous night market .

Day 9: Luang Prabang

Location: Luang Prabang

With its headwaters from the Tibetan Plateau, the Mekong River was the main route of trade and conquest for centuries, today we cruise upstream and enjoy the tranquil countryside and visit the Pak Ou Cave monastery. This afternoon we visit the Kuang Si waterfalls.

Day 10: To Kunming

Location: Kunming

This morning we board the train for the recently completed 750km rail link from Luang Prabang to Kunming, China.  The journey will take us through the incredible scenery of northern Laos and southern Yunnan Province.

Day 11: Kunming

Location: Kunming

The climate and relaxed ambience of Kunming is perfectly suited to a leisurely walk, and our sightseeing today will take us through the old alleys to Cuihu Park, with its many bridges and pagodas, and nearby the Yuantong Buddhist Temple.   

Day 12: Kunming

Location: Kunming

Beyond the city we visit the enchanting 'Stone Forest' - these unusual and unique karst stone formations are a highlight of Yunnan Province.

Day 13: To Chengdu

Location: Chengdu

Back aboard the train enjoy some stunning scenery as we travel to Chengdu (Sichuan Province) famous for giant pandas and spicy food.

Day 14: Chengdu And To Xining

Location: Chengdu

This morning we enjoy a tour of the city. Sichuan cuisine is renowned in China and internationally, we sample some of its classic dishes this evening before boarding the overnight train to Xining, Qinghai Province - high on the Tibetan Plateau (2275m).

Day 15: Arrive Xining And To Lhasa

Location: Xining

We arrive into Xining, capital of China's Qinghai Province and a cultural crossroads of the Muslim, Tibetan and Han peoples brought together with the trade of the ancient Silk Road. We enjoy just a brief introduction to the city and province before we board our onward train to the Tibetan plateau and Lhasa.  

Day 16: Arrive Lhasa

Location: Lhasa

Across the 'roof of the world' aboard the Qinghai-Tibet Railway. At an altitude of 4000m and 5072m at its highest point - this is the world's highest railway, this remarkable engineering feat links Tibet and the city of Lhasa to the world - by train.

Day 17: Lhasa

Location: Lhasa

While it is the Potala Palace that dominates the city skyline and our sightseeing, we also visit Norbulingka Palace, the summer residence of the successive Dalai Lamas and Drepang Monastery.

Day 18: Lhasa

Location: Lhasa

Considered the most sacred temple by Tibetans, the Jokhang was awarded UNESCO World Heritage status in 2000. Surrounding the temple, Barkhor Square allows us to see some of the daily life and rituals of the city.  This afternoon we will visit Sera Monastery, once home to over 6000 monks, while today just 600 monks remain in residence.

Day 19: To Lanzhou

Location: Lanzhou

We depart Lhasa and descend from the Tibetan Plateau aboard the overnight train to Lanzhou capital of Gansu Province 

Day 20: Arrive Lanzhou:

Location: Lanzhou

Transfer to our hotel and free time to relax or explore the city.

Day 21: Lanzhou And Depart

Location: Lanzhou

The city's Silk Road history is reflected in the collections in the Gansu Provincial Museum, while across the Yellow River in Baitashan Park the hill-top pagoda provides excellent views to the river and city. This evening we board our overnight train to Xinjiang Province, skirting the northern fringes of the Taklamakan Desert to the city of Urumqi.

Day 22: Arrive Urumqi

Location: Urumqi

Transfer to our hotel and free time to relax or explore the city with your Tour Leader

Day 23: Urumqi And Depart

Location: Urumqi

Bound by the Tien Shan and Altai mountains to the north and the Taklamakan Desert to the south Urumqi is one of the most remote cities in the world and our gateway to Central Asia. The Xinjiang Regional Museum houses one of the most extensive collections of Silk Road artefacts.  Tonight we join the international train for Yining, close to the China/Kazakhstan border.

Day 24: Arrive Yining And To Charyn Canyon

Location: Yining

We cross the Tien Shan mountains through the Dzungarian Gate - through which over many centuries the Silk Road caravans and conquering armies traversed the Tien Shan mountains separating China & Central Asia. We enter into Kazakhstan and head for the Charyn Canyon region. 

Day 25: Charyn Canyon And To Almaty

Location: Almaty

On our way to Almaty we visit the clear waters of Issyk Lake and Charyn Canyon. Part of Charyn National Park the canyon stretches 154 kilometres and is upto 300m in depth. Its many weathered and colourful rock formations are said to be as impressive as those of the Grand Canyon. Onwards to Kazakstan's largest city and  former capital, Almaty is a surprisingly green and relaxed town. 

Day 26: Almaty And To Taraz

Location: Almaty

We explore the city; Panfilov Park, Zenkov Cathedral, State Museum - and ride the cable car to Kok Tobe for panoramic views of the city and surrounding Alatau mountains. This evening we board the overnight train to Taraz.

Day 27: Taraz And To Turkistan

Location: Taraz

Founded by the Sogdians over 2000 years ago, Taraz is one of the oldest cities in Central Asia and was an important trading centre along the Silk Road. We visit the Central History Museum and the mausoleums of some of the significant rulers of Taraz: Karakhan; the Mongul ruler Dautbek Shamansur;  the mysterious Tekturmas and the beautiful noble woman Aisha Bibi: a monument to love and source of many Kazakh legends. 

Day 28: Arrive Turkistan

Location: Turkistan

An ancient and holy city, Turkistan is known as the 'spiritual capital of the Turkic world' and home of the UNESCO World Heritage site commissioned by Tamerlane as a mausoleum for the 11thC Sufi Sheikh, Khoja Akhmet Yassawi. Soaring almost 40m and capped by the largest turquoise tiled dome in Central Asia it is one of the best-preserved buildings of the Timurid period. 

Day 29: Turkistan And To Aralsk

Location: Aralask

A further day in Turkistan before we board the overnight train to Aralsk.

Day 30: Arrive Aralsk

Location: Aralask

The receding Aral Sea has left once thriving ports marooned in the steppe and Aralsk's Old Harbour, museum and surrounding lake-bed lay witness to the environmental tragedy. We travel across the steppe to the Syr-Darya river and the Kokaral Dam built to try and save the Northern (Small) Aral Sea from further depletion.
 
 

Day 31: Aralsk And To Aktau

Location: Aktau

Beyond the city we visit Tastubek on the lake shore and meet some of the fishermen still relying on the diminishing lake for their livelihood. This evening we board and overnight train to Aktau.
 

Day 32: Arrive Aktau

Location: Aktau

Set up as a workers town for the port and petrochemical industry all addresses in Aktau consist of just 3 numbers; City Block Number/Building Number/Apartment Number.  We enjoy an afternoon at leisure. 
 
 

Day 33: Aktau

Location: Aktau

Aktau is our gateway to the unique geological formations of the Mangyshlak Peninsular with its multi coloured rock strata, canyons and strange geological formations such as the Valley of Balls and Sherkala Mountain. Here too the unique 10thC underground mosque of Shakpak-Ata.  
 
 

Day 34: Aktau And Flight To Baku

Location: Baku

An early morning flight takes us across the Caspian Sea to the port town of Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan. After a morning at leisure we start to explore the city in the afternoon with our local guide. Discover the incredible ancient and modern architecture as well as the old walled city. 

Day 35: Baku

Location: Baku

Today we explore the Gobustan and Absheron peninsulas discovering 'mud volcanoes', Zoroastrian Fire Temples, ancient petroglyphs -  and Roman legionnaires graffiti! 

Day 36: To Sheki

Location: Sheki

Today we make our way to Sheki travelling through beautiful landscapes. Sheki is one of the most ancient cities of Azerbaijan and is rightly called the architectural reserve of the country.  The Palace of Sheki Khans is a rare and stunning example of combining the national and palace architecture traditions.  We also visit the workshop of a shabaka maker, a style of window making that has been used inAzerbaijan since the 11th-12th centuries. Tiny glass pieces are assembled by the master with wood elements that fix each other without glue or nails. 

Day 37: Sheki To Telavi

Location: Telavi

Today we cross the border to our next country of Georgia. We start to sample the incredible food and wine of Georgia.We explore Telavi and learn about the traditional wine making of Georgia below ground in qvevri. We enjoy lunch with a local family and take part in a bread baking and churchkhela making master class.
 

Day 38: Telavi To Tbilisi

Location: Tbilisi

We reach the capital, Tbilisi, full of colourful houses in the Old Town. We discover the history and influences that have shaped the city and its architecture, and ride the cable car to the ancient fortress of Narikala offering panoramic views across the city. 
 
 

Day 39: Tbilisi

Location: Tbilisi

Beyond the city we discover the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Georgia's ancient capital, Mtskheta, where Christianity was proclaimed the state religion in the 4th century. We continue along the Georgian Military highway deep into the Caucasus Mountains where we ascend to the Gergeti Trinity Church (2170m) enjoying spectacular views of the surrounding peaks of the High Caucasus. 

Day 40: Tbilisi To Dilijan

Location: Dilijan

Today we journey across the border to Armenia and journey to the idyllic town of Dilijan. We visit Haghpat Monastery nestled in a forested area and sample Haghpat local tea with pastries at Fialetovo village.

Day 41: Dilijan To Yerevan

Location: Yerevan

Leaving Dilijan we visit the Areni wine region which produces some of Aremnia's finest wines. Our sightseeing includes Khor Virap Monastery with its incredible vistas across the Aras river valley towards Mount Ararat; Noravank Monastery and Selim Caravanserai, built  to protect the Silk Road caravans that crossed the Selim Pass (2410m). We descend to Lake Sevan and the village of Noratus, one of the oldest settlements in Armenia and home to some ancient khachkars (headstones).  

Day 42: Yerevan

Location: Yerevan

The vibrant capital city of Yerevan awaits. We enjoy city tour;  Yerevan is a wonderful walking city with wide tree-lined boulevards, pavement cafes, elegant boutiques and abundant public artworks; the open-air Cascade sculpture garden, art gallery and staircase leads us to Freedom Square, home of Yerevan's grand Opera Theatre. Northern Avenue, a new pedestrian thouroughfare leads to Republic Square with its imposing Soviet-era neoclassical buildings. One of Yerevan's highlights is the Matenadaran, home to over 17,000 ancient Armenian manuscripts. Beyond the city we will visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Geghard, a rock-hewn monastery dating from the 4thC and the pagan temple of Garni built in the 1stC in the Greco-Roman, pre-dating Armenia's adoption of Christianity as the state religion in 303. We enjoy a traditional Armenian lunch at the house of a local villager. Returning to Yerevan we visit the 'Ararat' factory for an optional degustation of Armenian brandies.

Day 43: Yerevan And To Batumi

Location: Yerevan

A free morning to enjoy the city with its tree lined boulevards, parks and public art & sculpture before joining the overnight train to Batumi, Georgia's summer playground on the Black Sea. 

Day 44: Arrive Batumi

Location: Batumi

Once a strategic Roman port, today Batumi is a hedonistic Black Sea resort town and the southern gateway to the Caucasus. We visit the beautiful Batumi Botanical Gardens, set on 108 sub-tropical hectares along the Black Sea coast. 

Day 45: To Kars

Location: Kars

The 300km section by road today is the only significant road section on the whole journey from Singapore to London, yet there is a railway line linking Tbilisi with Kars - it is just not yet open to passenger trains. Freight only. This afternoon an optional excursion to Ani, the ruined medieval Armenian city founded in the 5th century and now a significant UNESCO heritage site.

Day 46: To Ankara

Location: Ankara

We join the Dogu Express this morning for the scenic journey across the eastern Anatolian Plateau to Turkey's capital, Ankara.

Day 47: Ankara

Location: Ankara

Without the  the tourist crowds of Istanbul, Ankara offers a more relaxed and authentic Turkish experience. Our sightseeing inludes the citadel and Roman ruins, the Museuem of Anatolian Civilisations and Anitkabir - the mausoleam to Kemal Ataturk, founder of the Turkish Republic  who declared Ankara its capital in 1923. We enjoy discovering the city with our local guide. 

Day 48: To Istanbul

Location: Ankara

For our final train service across the Asian continent we boad the high speed train to Istanbul, the eternal crossroads for East to West and our gateway to Europe and our final leg of this remarkable journey.  

Day 49: Istanbul

Location: Istanbul

And at last to Europe - well, at least at the crossroads between East & West. With only 36 hours before we board our train to Bulgaria we join our local guide to discover the classic sights of Istanbul: Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern and the Grand Bazaar. 

Day 50: Istanbul And To Bulgaria

Location: Istanbul

Our sightseeing today will take in some of the most elegant buildings of the Ottoman period; the Spice Bazaar (1660), Rustem Pasha Mosque (1562), Dolmabahce Palace - once the main administrative centre of the Ottman Empire and the Navy Museum showcasing many Ottoman naval artefacts and vessels.This evening we join the overnight train to Veliko Tarnovo - Bulgaria's historic and cultural capital.

Day 51: Veliko Tarnovo

Location: Veliko Tarnovo

Sited on 3 hills and the Yantra River this charming town rose to strategic and cultural importance during the Middle Ages. Its unique architecture displayed in the many palaces and  mansions, churches and  cathedrals.

Day 52: To Bucharest

Location: Veliko Tarnovo

Enjoy a morning stroll through the beautiful old town before joining the train to  Bucharest, Romania.

Day 53: Bucharest And To Budapest

Location: Bucharest

We discover the wonderful and eclectic architectural mix of Bucarest's old town; the Stavropoleos Monastery and the imposing 1100 room Soviet-era Palace of the Parliament. This evening we join the overnight train to Budapest, Hungary.

Day 54: Budapest

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Location: Budapest

We take the funicular up Castle Hill to Buda's Old Town and Trinity Square, home to 13th-century Matthias Church and the Fishermen’s Bastion with sweeping views over Budapest.

Day 55: Budapest

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Location: Budapest

Our sightseeing continues with a cruise on the Danube River offering the best vantage point for many of the city's landmarks.

Day 56: Vienna

Location: Vienna

We join our train to Vienna, Austria with a free afternoon to explore this beautiful city.  

Day 57: Vienna

Location: Vienna

Our city tour reveals the rich history, cultural influences and elegant architecture of Vienna. The Schonbrunn Palace of the Imperial Hapsburg dynasty highlights the wealth and opulance of the city. 

Day 58: Vienna And To Paris

Location: Vienna

A free day to further discover Vienna with your Tour Leader. This evening we join the overnight train to Paris.

Day 59: Paris

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Location: Paris

Join your tour leader for a walking and metro tour taking in the city's landmarks and the Sunday Bastille market. And being the first Sunday of the month many museums have free entry including the Louvre, Orsay and Piccasso. This evening we will enjoy our farewell dinner to celebrate our remarkable overland adventure from Singapore to London.  

Day 60: To London

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Location: London

Some free time to enjoy an early morning stroll down the Champs Elysees or perhaps explore a different part of the city before boarding our final train: the Eurostar from Paris Gare du Nord to London St Pancras. Our incredible journey complete.
Tour ends on arrival at St Pancras Station, London.

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    43 hotel (twin share), 16 train

  • Additional Services

    Comprehensive schedule of sightseeing with certified Local Guides. You’ll have a generous sprinkling of free time to relax or explore on your own.

  • Airport Transfers at Destination

    All transfers including to and from the airport.

  • Fully Guided

    An experienced Tour Leader accompanies the whole journey to keep your adventure on track. Local Guides are native to each destination and as certified professionals will share their immense knowledge with you. 24/7 support is available in the office and on the ground.

  • Meals

    49 breakfasts, 21 lunches, 37 dinners

What's Not Included

  • Insurance

  • International Travel

Accommodation

3-4* accommodation

2 berth rail where available or twin share of 4 or 6 berth trains

Check out our Q&As

  • Could the itinerary change?

    Please note that while we will endeavour to operate this journey documented on a journey of this length there may be operational reasons why an alternative itinerary will be provided.

  • Are airport transfers included in this tour?

    Yes. All transfers including to and from the airport.

  • Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?

    An experienced Tour Leader accompanies the whole journey to keep your adventure on track. Local Guides are native to each destination and as certified professionals will share their immense knowledge with you. 24/7 support is available in the office and on the ground.

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    Like-minded, well travelled clients who you are sure to forge lasting friendships with as you unlock the wonders of the world together.

  • Can I create a customised journey with Sundowners Overland

    Yes. All of our group tours can be used as a starting point to create your own adventure. Whether travelling alone or in a private group the options are endless. We are happy to work with you to craft a journey that meets your interests and requirements.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1964

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    There are no single supplements on group tours if you are happy to share with fellow travelers. If you craft a custom journey or would prefer private hotel accommodation, a single supplement may apply.

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Comprehensive tour documentation and visa guidelines

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please see full booking conditions for details.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    Contact us to see if an alternative start point applies to your chosen journey.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes, we ensure that all accommodation is of a suitable standard for our journeys.

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    Please see full booking conditions for details

Reviews of this operator

Kevin, New Zealand  

Private Group with Sundowners Overland

02-Aug-2024

In May of 2019 I escorted a group for 3 weeks on the Trans Mongolian Railway from Beijing to St Petersburg in association with Sundowners Overland.    Right from the planning stage everything was taken care of for me, including advice and assistance with advertising content.  Being able to tailor make the trip to suit my group was key to the trip being so successful.  The booking process was easy, the information given to me very detailed and help was only a phone call away. On the journey itself I couldn’t fault the local organisation or our tour leader at all – his concern for the group’s welfare was very genuine.  He even organised pizza to be delivered to us in the train at a stop in what I thought was a pretty remote corner of Siberia. I would without hesitation recommend Sundowners Overland and their product.

Yvonne, Australia  

A journey of discovery

02-Aug-2024

Sundowners Overland takes you on a journey of discovery - a discovery of far flung places, different people, different landscapes and vastly different cultures. It's a journey of discovery - it's for those who want to really engage with people and places outside our normal comfort zone. With Sundowners Overland our horizons are widened and we experience new adventures.

Darryl, New Zealand  

Group Touring

02-Aug-2024

My first trip with a guided tour and it could not have been any better! A big thank you Sundowners

Rabbi Fred, Australia  

Shalom Private Tours

02-Aug-2024

I have nothing but praise for Sundowners Overland.  They've provided the professional expertise and administrative back-up for three private group tours that I've organised, two to the Silk Road (Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and western China) and one to the Caucasus (Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia).  They excelled at putting the itinerary together, ensuring that our specific requirements were catered for and running a relaxed introductory evening prior to the tour at their offices in Queen Street, Melbourne.  They handled the bookings efficiently and expeditiously, providing the best on-the-ground services and local guides and enabling us to tailor every aspect of the tour to our special interests.  There was also no hassle about taking care of personal requests or idiosyncrasies.  No logistical problem was too difficult for them.  Not only were they highly proficient at being travel agents, which any client would expect, but they went beyond the basics to engage seriously with our particular concerns and help us design a program which was very much our own.  All of our Travellers sensed this and it contributed to making these tours among the best we'd ever experienced under our "Shalom Tours" label.  

Elizabeth, Australia  

Silk Road Explorer

02-Aug-2024

The train trip along the Silk Road was magical with so many highlights. Sundowners do it well, use the services of excellent local guides and have the incomparable Kara as a Tour Leader

Nelson, New Zealand  

In safe hands...

02-Aug-2024

Sundowners Overland did not leave anything to chance. The whole trip was very well organised. I would recommend travelling with them in the future. Our English speaking guides were well educated and very caring

Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    CTS demo white label allows you to make 20 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 0 days before the start of the tour.

  • Low Deposit

    CTS demo white label requires a minimum deposit of 55% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.

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