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, a country rich in tradition with wonderful wildlife and spectacular beaches. Your 8-day trip begins in the cultural capital, Kandy, home to the sacred ‘Temple of the Tooth’. Next, you'll enjoy a short 4km trek through the Central Highlands, where you'll see the stunning Knuckles Mountain Range, visit a tea plantation and explore the beautiful town of Nuwara Eliya. Travelling from tea country to leopard country, your next stops are Horton Plains and Yala National Park - where you'll have the opportunity to spot buffalo, sloth and even the elusive leopard if you’re lucky!

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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.

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Days 17-23: Japan’s capitals: A week in Tokyo and Kyoto        

Next, your journey takes you to stunning and gentle Japan, where you’ll spend a week exploring Japan’s capitals. Over seven days, you’ll travel from Tokyo’s cutting-edge cityscapes to the former imperial capital, Kyoto. Discover the deep sense of history, tradition and respect that imbues Japanese culture as you wander around some of Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temples, visit a Japanese tea house and sample some ‘matcha’ green tea before boarding the bullet train to the cultural city of Kyoto. Here, you’ll be enchanted by the wooden townhouses, colourful crafts, painted temples and old-world geishas. Shop in local markets, join a Japanese cooking class and sample Japanese sake (rice wine) on this trip into the heart of Japanese culture.

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Days 24-31: Yasawa Islands, Fiji

Fiji's Yasawa Islands is your next stop, famed for their welcoming, white sands and clear blue waters, the Yasawa Islands Fiji are a top choice for island-hopping. Our 8-day Discover the Yasawa's adventure takes you to two of our favourites, where laidback relaxation, fantastic service and spectacular views mean you'll never want to leave!

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Days 31-38: Cultural New Zealand: North Island road trip   

New Zealand's North Island is your next stop, giving you a chance to learn about Maori culture on a self-drive adventure. Starting in Auckland, you’ll explore in the city before driving north to Paihia, on the shore of the beautiful Bay of Islands. Here, you will visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, where the history of New Zealand was changed forever with a pact between the British and the Maori. Heading south again, you’ll spend a night on the Coromandel Peninsula and walk along its windswept beaches before arriving in Rotorua. Here, you’ll watch the haka at a Maori village, tuck into a delicious hangi feast, visit Hobbiton and admire traditional art in Te Puia. You’ll finish your trip back in Auckland with a new understanding of Maori history.

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Days 38-41: 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.

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Days 41-44: Sanitago

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.

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Days 44-51: 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.

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Day 52: Arrive UK