Round the world discovery: sacred sites & ancient civilisations

Day 1: Depart UK

Depart the UK from your chosen airport.

Days 2-9: Sri Lankan Splendours

Your round the world adventure begins in Sri Lanka. Explore the scenic splendours of Sri Lanka on this week long itinerary through the country. Start in Sigiriya, where you'll climb the steps to the top of Lion Rock for endless views over the jungle before looking for elephants in Minneriya National Park. Head south to the cultural city of Kandy, where you'll admire the temples and try your hand at cooking up some delicious Sri Lankan dishes. 

Next, hop on the scenic train through the tea plantations to Ella, where you'll gaze up at waterfalls and hike through the hills. Finish your trip in Weligama, where golden sands and sea view sunsets await - the perfect ending to your time in Sri Lanka.

Image

Days 9-16: India’s far north: Amritsar, Dharamsala and Shimla

Welcome to India! This trip whisks you away from the traditional tourist trail, taking you far north of Delhi. You'll spend one unforgettable week exploring a trio of very different Indian cities, experiencing distinct cultures, lifestyles and landscapes. First, you’ll visit Amritsar, home of the Golden Temple and the centre of the Sikh faith, as well as the fascinating Indian-Pakistan border ceremony. Next, you’ll head to Dharamsala, in the foothills of the Himalayas, the spiritual home of the exiled Dalai Lama. Afterwards, you’ll explore the charming colonial toy-town of Shimla. From fast-paced and busy to peaceful and quiet, this is a great introduction to some of India’s top spots.

Image

Days 17 - 27: Cities and culture: highlights of Japan

Next, your journey takes you to stunning and gentle Japan, where you’ll spend ten days exploring the highlights of Japan. Spend a week exploring the contrasts of Japan including the modern capital of Tokyo, the cultural heart of Kyoto and the historic charm of Takayama. Discover the deep sense of history, tradition and respect that imbues Japanese culture as you wander round some of Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temples. Why not visit a Japanese tea house and sample some ‘matcha’ green tea before hopping on the bullet train to explore the country further. Admire Mount Fuji from Hakone, sip rice wine in the quaint streets of Takayama and stay in a traditional ryokan with its own onsen. Finish your trip in Kyoto, you’ll be enchanted by wooden townhouses, colourful crafts, beautifully painted temples and old-world geishas. Get a taste of culture, history and cuisine on this 10 day journey through the highlights of the country!

Image

Days 27 - 35: Yasawa Islands, Fiji

Fiji's Yasawa Islands is your next stop, Famed for their welcoming locals, pure white sands and turquoise waters, the Yasawa Islands in Fiji are one of the best places in the world to go island hopping. On this week long trip in Fiji, you'll start at Blue Lagoon Resort, where you can spend your days swimming in the clear lagoon, snorkelling with colourful fish and paddleboarding along the shore. Spend the rest of the week at Octopus Resort, nestled amongst the palm trees on one of the Yasawas' finest beaches and famous for it's house reef. Snorkel amongst the pretty coral, learn to dive and enjoy sunset cocktails each night - after all, you're on island time now. This trip through the Yasawa Islands is a great way to discover Fiji in a week.

Image

Days 36 - 43: Cultural New Zealand: North Island road trip

Discover the Maori culture and spectacular coastlines of the North Island on this short self-drive in New Zealand. Starting in Auckland, you’ll explore the city and visit the scenic Waiheke Island, spending the day sipping wine in pretty vineyards and strolling along golden beaches. Hike forest trails and kayak along the spectacular scenery of Cathedral Cove before finishing in Rotorua. This geothermal hub has so much to offer - spend your time tucking into a traditional Maori feast, watching bubbling geysers, bathing in hot pools and gazing out over the shimmering water of Lake Taupo. This week-long self drive is perfect for travellers short on time, combining some of the North Island’s best highlights into one memorable trip.

Image

Days 44 - 49: Express Victoria road trip 

Explore Melbourne and Victoria on this express road trip. Begin in Melbourne, where you can enjoy spicy dim sum, discover the Laneways and soak up the Australia's most eclectic city. Drive south to the Mornington Peninsula to sip crisp wines, snorkel with rays and embrace the vineyard life. Finish in Apollo Bay, where you'll gaze over the Twelve Apostles at sunrise, feast on fresh seafood and drive along the iconic Great Ocean Road. Short but sweet, this road trip hits all the highlights.

Image

Days 49 - 52: Visit Uluru & the Red Centre

Visit Uluru, one of the most important cultural sites in the whole of Australia. Spend a few days exploring this fascinating region with our 4-day stopover package inclusive of accommodation, transfers and touring. Learn more about Aboriginal history from local tribes still residing in the area and take a walk around the base of this iconic landmark as part of your Red Centre adventure!

Uluru is Australia’s most famous natural landmark, the rock itself is enormous reaching a height of some 348 meters above the surrounding plain. A stopover here is a truly amazing and an unforgettable experience.

Image

Days 52 - 55: Sydney Stopover

We have included our 3 night Sydney Stopover package to help you explore the city. One of the most famous cities in the world, Sydney is a must do on your round the world itinerary. From iconic landmarks to beautiful beaches Sydney has something for everybody. Take a walk to Darling Harbour, cruise around the Sydney Opera House, visit kangaroos in Sydney Zoo and spend a day trying to surf on the stunning Bondi Beach.

Image

Days 55 - 58: Santiago

Welcome to South America! We have included our Santiago Stopover package to help you explore the city. Looked over by the snow-capped peaks of the Andes, this package is the perfect introduction to Santiago and all it has to offer. During your time here, we have included a half day city tour where you will visit the Alameda Bernardo O’Higgins, Santiago’s main avenue and the Government Palace, also known as La Moneda.

Image

Days 58 - 65: Ancient Peru: Cusco, Sacred Valley & the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Last stop, Ancient Peru! Spend a night in the Sacred Valley before trekking the famous Inca Trail to Machu Picchu! Walk in the footsteps of the Incas before watching the sunrise at Machu Picchu, one of Peru’s most important historical sites. This trip explores some of the most important historical sites in Peru and can be fully tailored to fit you.

The Inca Trail is by far the most famous trek in Peru and is classed as one of the top 5 treks in the world. On the Inca trail, you will pass through beautiful mountain scenery, sub-tropical jungle, cloud-forest and see plenty of Inca relics such as Inca paving stones, ruins and tunnels. This 4-day trek takes you along the final, and most spectacular part of the trail – ending at Machu Picchu in time for the sunrise on the final day.

Image

Day 66: Arrive UK