Grand Asian Caravan
Grand Asian Caravan
Grand Asian Caravan
61 Days Starting in Singapore and ending in London
Visiting: Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Kunming, Chengdu, Xining, Lhasa, Jiayuguan, Urumqi, Almaty, Turkistan, Aralsk, Aktau, Baku, Sheki, Telavi, Tbilisi, Dilijan, Yerevan, Batumi, Kars, Ankara, Istanbul, Veliko Tarnovo, Bucharest, Budapest, Vienna, Paris, London
Tour operator:
Tour code:
GASL
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 15
Age range:
18-90
Interests:
Cultural, Foodie and Wine Tours, Gardens & Nature Tours, History, Rail Tours
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on the Grand Asian Caravan, an extraordinary overland journey from Singapore to London, traversing 16 countries. This epic adventure takes you through the vibrant cities and serene landscapes of Southeast Asia, the cultural heartlands of China, and the vast steppes of Central Asia. Experience the rich tapestry of history and culture in places like Bangkok, Vientiane, and Lhasa, and marvel at the architectural wonders of Baku and Tbilisi. Discover the spiritual heritage of Armenia and the Ottoman elegance of Istanbul. As you journey through Europe, explore the medieval charm of Veliko Tarnovo, the grandeur of Vienna, and the romantic allure of Paris. Conclude your remarkable expedition in London, having traversed continents and cultures, creating memories to last a lifetime. This is not just a tour; it's a once-in-a-lifetime odyssey across the globe.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Singapore
Location: Singapore
Accommodation Name: Hotel
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
Accommodation Name: Hotel
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
Location: Bangkok
Accommodation Name: Overnight Sleeper Train
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
Location: Bangkok
Accommodation Name: Hotel
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
Location: Bangkok
Accommodation Name: Overnight Train
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
Accommodation Name: Hotel
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
Accommodation Name: Hotel
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
Accommodation Name: Hotel
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
Accommodation Name: Hotel
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
Accommodation Name: Hotel
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
Accommodation Name: Hotel
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
Accommodation Name: Hotel
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
Accommodation Name: Hotel
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
Accommodation Name: Overnight Train
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
Accommodation Name: Overnight Train
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
Accommodation Name: Hotel
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
Accommodation Name: Hotel
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
Accommodation Name: Hotel
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: Lhasa To Xining And On To Jiayuguan
Location: Xining
Accommodation Name: Overnight Train
We depart Lhasa and descend from the Tibetan Plateau to Xining where we connect for a train to Jiayuguan, the western frontier of the Great Wall of China.
Day 20: Arrive Jiayuguan
Location: Jiayuguan
Accommodation Name: Hotel
We arrive in the afternoon to this remote town catching glimpses of the Great Wall.
Day 21: Jiayuguan
Location: Jiayuguan
Accommodation Name: Hotel
The Great Wall extends 7300 km and we find ourselves at the western end. We take time to visit Jiayuguan Fort as well as the Great Wall Museum to uncover the secrets of this engineering feat.
Day 22: To Urumqi
Location: Urumqi
Accommodation Name: Overnight Train
A final morning to explore. This afternoon we board our overnight train to Xinjiang Province, skirting the northern fringes of the Taklamakan Desert to the city of Urumqi.
Day 23: Urumqi And Depart
Location: Urumqi
Accommodation Name: Overnight Train
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 Khorgos, close to the China/Kazakhstan border.
Day 24: To Charyn Canyon And Almaty
Location: Almaty
Accommodation Name: Hotel
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 spectacular Charyn Canyon which stretches 154 kilometres and is up to 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 25: Almaty
Location: Almaty
Accommodation Name: Hotel
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.
Day 26: Almaty And To Turkistan
Location: Almaty
Accommodation Name: Overnight Train
Wander the streets of this beautiful city, sitting in the shadow of majestic mountains. This evening we board our next train to Turkistan.
Day 27: Arrive Turkistan
Location: Turkistan
Accommodation Name: Hotel
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 28: Turkistan
Location: Turkistan
Accommodation Name: Overnight Train
We spend the day exploring the splendours of Turkistan including the impressive Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This evening we board the train west to Aralsk.
Day 29: Arrive Aralsk
Location: Aralsk
Accommodation Name: Hotel
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 30: Aralsk
Location: Aralsk
Accommodation Name: Hotel
We learn more about the fascinating history of this region and the impact of the reclining Aral Sea on the people of Aralsk. 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.
Day 31: Aralsk And To Aktau
Location: Aktau
Accommodation Name: Overnight Train
This morning we board the train to Aktau watching the vast steppe stretch out from the window.
Day 32: Arrive Aktau
Location: Aktau
Accommodation Name: Hotel
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
Accommodation Name: Hotel
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.
Late this evening we head to the airport for our flight to Baku.
Day 34: Aktau And Flight To Baku
Location: Baku
Accommodation Name: Hotel
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
Accommodation Name: Hotel
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
Accommodation Name: Hotel
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
Accommodation Name: Hotel
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
Accommodation Name: Hotel
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
Accommodation Name: Hotel
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
Accommodation Name: Hotel
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
Accommodation Name: Hotel
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
Accommodation Name: Hotel
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
Accommodation Name: Overnight Train
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
Accommodation Name: Hotel
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
Accommodation Name: Hotel
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: Kars And To Ani
Location: Kars
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Once a thriving city on the Silk Road, Ani was one of the world's largest cities. Sacked by the Mongols, hit by an earthquake in the 13th century the city subsequently fell off the trade routes. The city may no longer stand but the archaelogical site tells stories of ancient times. Ani is a widely recognized cultural, religious, and national heritage symbol for Armenians sitting just over the border in Turkey.
Day 47: Ankara
Location: Ankara
Accommodation Name: Overnight Train
We join the Dogu Express this morning for the scenic journey across the eastern Anatolian Plateau to Turkey's capital, Ankara.
Day 48: Arrive Ankara
Location: Ankara
Accommodation Name: Hotel
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 49: To Istanbul
Location: Istanbul
Accommodation Name: Hotel
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. 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
Location: Istanbul
Accommodation Name: Hotel
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.
Day 51: Istanbul And To Bulgaria
Location: Istanbul
Accommodation Name: Overnight Train
One final day to explore the captivating city of Istanbul. Eat fresh fish sandwiches by the pier, explore the Roman history of the city or treat yourself to a hammam. This evening we join the overnight train to Veliko Tarnovo - Bulgaria's historic and cultural capital.
Day 52: Veliko Tarnovo
Location: Veliko Tarnovo
Accommodation Name: Hotel
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 53: To Bucharest
Location: Bucharest
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Enjoy a morning stroll through the beautiful old town before joining the train to Bucharest, Romania.
Day 54: Bucharest And To Budapest
Location: Bucharest
Accommodation Name: Overnight Train
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 55: Budapest
Location: Budapest
Accommodation Name: Hotel
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 56: Budapest
Location: Budapest
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Our sightseeing continues with a cruise on the Danube River offering the best vantage point for many of the city's landmarks.
Day 57: To Vienna
Location: Vienna
Accommodation Name: Hotel
We join our train to Vienna, Austria with a free afternoon to explore this beautiful city.
Day 58: Vienna
Location: Vienna
Accommodation Name: Hotel
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 59: Vienna And To Paris
Location: Vienna
Accommodation Name: Overnight Train
A free day to further discover Vienna with your Tour Leader. This evening we join the overnight train to Paris (connecting in Stuttgart).
Day 60: Paris
Location: Paris
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Join your tour leader for a walking and metro tour taking in the city's landmarks. There are so many museums to explore, or wander the streets and the banks of the river. This evening we will enjoy our farewell dinner to celebrate our remarkable overland adventure from Singapore to London.
Day 61: To London
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
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Train Journeys
The tour includes multiple train journeys across Asia and Europe, providing a unique travel experience.
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Guided Tours
Guided tours are included in various cities, offering insights into local culture and history.
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Sightseeing
Sightseeing activities are included in major cities and historical sites throughout the journey.
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Cultural Experiences
The tour includes cultural experiences such as visiting local markets, museums, and historical landmarks.
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Accommodation
Accommodation is provided throughout the tour in various locations.
What's Not Included
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Meals
Meals are not explicitly included in the tour package and may need to be purchased separately.
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Optional Excursions
Optional excursions, such as the visit to Ani, are not included and may incur additional costs.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional activities, and personal shopping are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be arranged separately by the traveler.
Mode of Transport
The tour primarily involves train travel, starting from Singapore and ending in London, with various train connections across multiple countries, including overnight sleeper services.
Accommodation
Accommodation details are not provided in the tour description.
Check out our Q&As
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What is the starting point of the Grand Asian Caravan tour?
The tour begins in Singapore.
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Where does the Grand Asian Caravan tour end?
The tour concludes in London.
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What type of transportation is primarily used during the Grand Asian Caravan tour?
The tour primarily uses train travel to connect various destinations from Singapore to London.
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What is a unique feature of the train journey to Lhasa?
The train journey to Lhasa includes traveling on the Qinghai-Tibet Railway, which is the world's highest railway, reaching altitudes of up to 5072 meters.
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What significant historical site is visited in Turkistan?
In Turkistan, the tour visits the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
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What natural wonder is explored in Kazakhstan during the tour?
The tour explores the Charyn Canyon in Kazakhstan, which is known for its impressive rock formations and is often compared to the Grand Canyon.
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What cultural experience is offered in Georgia?
In Georgia, the tour includes a visit to Telavi where participants can enjoy a wine tasting and take part in a bread baking and churchkhela making master class with a local family.
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What is a highlight of the visit to Vienna?
A highlight of the visit to Vienna is the tour of the Schonbrunn Palace, showcasing the opulence of the Imperial Hapsburg dynasty.
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What is the final activity of the tour in Paris?
The final activity in Paris is a farewell dinner to celebrate the overland adventure from Singapore to London.
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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.
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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.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1964
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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.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Comprehensive tour documentation and visa guidelines
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please see full booking conditions for details.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
Contact us to see if an alternative start point applies to your chosen journey.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes, we ensure that all accommodation is of a suitable standard for our journeys.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
Please see full booking conditions for details
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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.
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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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Terms and Conditions