Days 1-4: UK to Dubai
Depart the UK from your chosen airport.
Your first stop is the United Arab Emirates where we’ve included our Dubai Stopover. With 3 nights’ accommodation, private transfers and a desert safari adventure complete with traditional Arabian welcome, 3 course BBQ dinner and even a camel ride if you wish – it makes for an immersive start to your big trip!
Relax on the beach or hit the shops, make sure to keep some luggage space for the rest of your adventure though!
Days 5-12: Bangkok to Chiang Mai by train
Welcome to Thailand! We’ve included 10 days in the ‘land of smiles’ for you to explore the cultural capitals of Bangkok and Chiang Mai before heading south for some island hopping.
Begin with 3 nights in Bangkok. Why not head to the Royal Palace to experience true opulence or take a trip down the river to the floating markets, a true Bangkok tradition? Meet the locals as they sell their wares along the riverside; a great opportunity to try some delicious local street food!
From Bangkok, take the train to Chiang Mai, the gateway to the hill tribes. Here you have the opportunity to enjoy some trekking or perhaps bamboo rafting on the river. Your trip ends back in Bangkok where you will connect with a domestic flight to the island of Koh Tao.
Days 12-21: Boutique island hopping – East coast islands
Spend 9 days island hopping round the South-east coast of Thailand on this 9 day boutique adventure. You’ll discover 3 different islands, beginning in the diver’s paradise of Koh Tao. This small, laidback island is the perfect spot to relax, or perhaps learn to dive if you’re not already certified - the vibrant marine life here has to be seen to be believed, so make the most!
Next stop is Koh Phangan, famous for its ‘full moon parties’ but with plenty more to offer besides this. Swim off the beautiful beaches or enjoy a cocktail at your hotel as the sun sets over the ocean.
Your final island is Koh Samui, larger and more populated than the others here you can enjoy lots of bars and restaurants. Why not hire a moped and explore yourself? The Giant Buddha is a must see for tourists to the island.
Days 22-28: Sydney, Blue Mountains & Hunter Valley self-drive
Next stop is Sydney, Australia! Our 7 day Sydney, Blue Mountains & Hunter Valley self-drive gives you 4 days to explore the iconic city of Sydney before taking a short self-drive adventure into the Blue Mountains and the Hunter Valley. With the freedom to explore at your own pace, you’ll cover 3 of the main highlights in this region.
Explore this vibrant city and don’t miss Darling Harbour, Sydney Opera House and Bondi Beach. After a few days, pick up your hire car and head into the Blue Mountains, so-named for the bluish haze that blankets the hills from the many eucalyptus trees. From here, visit the wineries of the Hunter Valley for a day’s wine tasting in this well-known wine region.
If you’d like to extend your stay in Australia ever further, we will create the perfect itinerary. Here are some more Australia trip ideas:
Days 28-34: Santiago & winelands extension
South America is the next continent you will visit, beginning with the Chilean capital Santiago and its surrounds.
With 3 nights in this cosmopolitan capital you’ll have plenty of time to explore, shop in the designer boutiques, sample the local tipple in the Lastarria district and admire the museums and grand architecture as you stroll. From Santiago, you will journey through one of the most important wine valleys in Chile, home of the ‘Huasco’ (Chilean cowboy). You’ll be able to sample award-winning wines and see the vines for yourself as you spend 2 nights in the region. Your final night will be spent in Valparaiso, a port city with colourful clifftop houses.
Days 34-41: Peru: Cuzco, Sacred Valley & the Inca Trail
From Chile, your next stop is Peru. Experience ancient Peru, Cuzco, the Sacred Valley and the Inca Trail on this week-long journey through the county’s historical sites. Enjoy a night in the Sacred Valley before trekking the famous Inca Trail, one of the most popular in the world. As you walk, you’ll pass through beautiful mountain scenery, sub-tropical jungle and cloud-forest taking the path once walked by the! After 3 nights spent camping along the Inca Trail, your reward will be the chance to see sunrise at Machu Picchu, before heading back to Cuzco for a 1 night stay to complete your trip.
