Explore the vanishing minority cultures and exceptionally scenic mountain country of southern China. The traditions, cultures and visions of ancient China are still accessible to travelers willing to venture deep into rural and mountainous regions. Dong, Miao and other tribes still flourish and protect their distinctive lifestyles, though their survival into the future is in question. On this trip you quickly leave the popular tourist routes and venture through the mountains, forests and valleys that hide and protect these little-known, friendly cultures of China. Your accommodations will be modest but you will not find yourself in traffic jams, smoggy urban expanses or long lines at China’s premier tourist wonders. Expect direct contact with local people in traditional dress, exceptional opportunities for cultural and landscape photography and a full sense of China as it used to be.
Arrive at Gulin’s Liangjiang International Airport in southern China. This major airport is served directly by many airlines from throughout Asia. Depending on your arrival time there may be opportunities to visit sites around the city. Situated on the Li River, the city was founded more than 2300 years ago and the surrounding area now has a population of almost 5 million.
Meals
None
Lodging
Guilin Plaza Hotel or similar
BDay 2River Cruise to Yangshuo
Leaving the big city behind, transfer one hour to a dock on the Li River, and board a boat for a leisurely cruise up the river to Yangshuo. This area is famous for the scenic karst rock formations along the Li River. The iconic landscape adorns the Chinese 20 yuan currency note. You will note fishermen, possibly some using trained cormorants to catch slippery prey. Boatmen ply the river on bamboo rafts, and farmers tend their crops and water buffaloes in fields along the river. Consider an optional evening boat tour to see the fisherman using the cormorants to catch fish.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch
Lodging
Green Lotus Hotel or similar
CDay 3Yangshuo Biking & Light Show
Relative to other cities in China, Yangshuo is a small town, perfect for exploration by bicycle. With a local guide, spend a few hours pedaling through the spectacular scenery of the surrounding countryside, including Moon Hill, a limestone pinnacle with a moon-shaped outcrop (optional climb to the top). Meet the inhabitants of local villages. (If you’re unable to bike, no worries, there will be alternative modes of transport.)
Enjoy a home-cooked lunch in the residence of a local family. In the evening watch the incredible Liusanjiie Light Show, designed and directed by Zhang Yimao who directed the opening ceremony of the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch
Lodging
Green Lotus Hotel or similar
DDay 4Overland to Longsheng
Today travel twisty, scenic mountain roads to the spectacular Longji rice terrace country of Longshen. Longji means “dragon-backed mountain,” imagery suggested by the scaly look of the rice terraces when they are flooded. The steeply and intricately terraced fields remind some people of similar agriculture in the Nepal Himalaya. You will have a chance to walk among the terraces which offer innumerable opportunities for creative photography, especially if local people are tending the fields. Through your guide, you may have a chance to discuss local village life with the people that you meet.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch
Lodging
Lanyuege Hotel or similar
EDay 5Scenic Drive to Sanjiang
Travel north by private van to the lush green forested mountains in the boundary area of Guizhou, Guangxi and Hunan Provinces. This is the homeland of the minority Dong people. Spend time in their villages observing local customs and food preparation. Cross the legendary Feng Yu Qiao (Wind and Rain) covered wooden bridge, the largest in China and perhaps the longest covered bridge in the world. First built in 1591 and also known as the “Luck Bridge” and “Flower Bridge,” it is constructed entirely of wood without any nails. The bridge has been likened to a dragon and it contains both intricate architectural features as well as artistic carvings. It has been refurbished over the centuries but retains ties to ancient designs. Visit the nearby palace and pagodas inspired with centuries of tradition and lore. Stop at the local eco-museum, if time allows.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging
Sangjiang Hotel or similar
FDay 6Mountain Road Travel to Zhaoxing
After an early breakfast, travel four hours through breathtakingly beautiful mountain landscapes of Guizhou Province to isolated Zhaoxing, considered one of the most beautiful of China’s ancient villages. Bridges, drum towers, pagodas, public buildings, and local homes are all constructed of wood in the traditional architectural style of the Dong people. The town is set in a gorgeous valley amidst terraced mountain hillsides. En route to Zhaoxing visit several villages which invite walking in terraced fields. If you feel up for more hiking, finish the trip to Zhaoxing with a two-hour walk from Tang’an via the Dong village of Xia.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging
Local guesthouse
GDay 7Dong villages of Zhaoxing area
There are numerous Dong villages around Zhaoxing to explore with your guide in the morning, including Jilun and Jitan. Jitan is a hike uphill to a village with a beautiful drum tower and many old houses in a very peaceful and serene setting. In the afternoon you may explore more of the area casually on your own schedule and direction.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging
Local guesthouse
HDay 8Mountain hamlets en route to Rongjiang
Today start early in order to reach several remote Dong and Miao minority villages. These high mountain hamlets are nearly self-sufficient as communities. While many young people have left in search of better economic opportunities, the people who remain still dress in traditional indigo-dyed clothing and engage in traditional craft and irrigated terrace farming practices. You may have a chance to observe the indigo dyeing process.
The exit of young people coupled with the policies of the Chinese government to move more people into cities almost certainly means these villages will decline and disappear in the near future.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging
Dongxiangmi Hotel or similar
IDay 9Miao Hilltribe Country to Kaili
Even as it seems you must be as deep into mountainous rural China as possible, today venture still deeper into minority Miao country. Here in the very high mountains, you will meet people who have never been to a Chinese city. They find all they need at the local market which occurs every sixth day. You might be lucky to hit one during the time you are in this general area. Villagers in these areas recognize the interest foreign visitors have in their culture and with the assistance of your guide, it may be possible to organize music or dance demonstrations of folkloric arts. Each village has its own traditions, history, and style of cultural expressions making it well worthwhile to include as many villages as possible on your itinerary to maximize the opportunities for spontaneous encounters.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging
Zongheng Hotel or similar
JDay 10Miao settlements en route to Guiyang
This last day of exploring minority communities takes you to diverse Miao settlements representing Miao tribes known as “Little Flowers”, “Short Skirts,” “Long Skirts,” and Black Dresses” each with their own traditions. You will also visit Matang village, home of the Geija, a little-known, small-population, ethnic group notable for their batik and lace making as well as ornate flared headdresses. In the late afternoon drive to Guiyang, where you will overnight before your onward flight.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging
Jinlushen Hotel or similar
KDay 11Guiyang / Onward
Transfer to the airport for your homeward or connecting flight. Ask about possible extensions in Yunnan, Beijing, Hong Kong or other regions of China.
Meals
Breakfast
Lodging
None
Anticipated plan; actual route and program may vary.
Explore the vanishing minority cultures and exceptionally scenic mountain country of southern China. The traditions, cultures and visions of ancient China are still accessible to travelers willing to venture deep into rural and mountainous regions. Dong, Miao and other tribes still flourish and protect their distinctive lifestyles, though their survival into the future is in question. On this trip you quickly leave the popular tourist routes and venture through the mountains, forests and valleys that hide and protect these little-known, friendly cultures of China. Your accommodations will be modest but you will not find yourself in traffic jams, smoggy urban expanses or long lines at China’s premier tourist wonders. Expect direct contact with local people in traditional dress, exceptional opportunities for cultural and landscape photography and a full sense of China as it used to be.
Arrive at Gulin’s Liangjiang International Airport in southern China. This major airport is served directly by many airlines from throughout Asia. Depending on your arrival time there may be opportunities to visit sites around the city. Situated on the Li River, the city was founded more than 2300 years ago and the surrounding area now has a population of almost 5 million.
Meals
None
Lodging
Guilin Plaza Hotel or similar
BDay 2River Cruise to Yangshuo
Leaving the big city behind, transfer one hour to a dock on the Li River, and board a boat for a leisurely cruise up the river to Yangshuo. This area is famous for the scenic karst rock formations along the Li River. The iconic landscape adorns the Chinese 20 yuan currency note. You will note fishermen, possibly some using trained cormorants to catch slippery prey. Boatmen ply the river on bamboo rafts, and farmers tend their crops and water buffaloes in fields along the river. Consider an optional evening boat tour to see the fisherman using the cormorants to catch fish.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch
Lodging
Green Lotus Hotel or similar
CDay 3Yangshuo Biking & Light Show
Relative to other cities in China, Yangshuo is a small town, perfect for exploration by bicycle. With a local guide, spend a few hours pedaling through the spectacular scenery of the surrounding countryside, including Moon Hill, a limestone pinnacle with a moon-shaped outcrop (optional climb to the top). Meet the inhabitants of local villages. (If you’re unable to bike, no worries, there will be alternative modes of transport.)
Enjoy a home-cooked lunch in the residence of a local family. In the evening watch the incredible Liusanjiie Light Show, designed and directed by Zhang Yimao who directed the opening ceremony of the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch
Lodging
Green Lotus Hotel or similar
DDay 4Overland to Longsheng
Today travel twisty, scenic mountain roads to the spectacular Longji rice terrace country of Longshen. Longji means “dragon-backed mountain,” imagery suggested by the scaly look of the rice terraces when they are flooded. The steeply and intricately terraced fields remind some people of similar agriculture in the Nepal Himalaya. You will have a chance to walk among the terraces which offer innumerable opportunities for creative photography, especially if local people are tending the fields. Through your guide, you may have a chance to discuss local village life with the people that you meet.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch
Lodging
Lanyuege Hotel or similar
EDay 5Scenic Drive to Sanjiang
Travel north by private van to the lush green forested mountains in the boundary area of Guizhou, Guangxi and Hunan Provinces. This is the homeland of the minority Dong people. Spend time in their villages observing local customs and food preparation. Cross the legendary Feng Yu Qiao (Wind and Rain) covered wooden bridge, the largest in China and perhaps the longest covered bridge in the world. First built in 1591 and also known as the “Luck Bridge” and “Flower Bridge,” it is constructed entirely of wood without any nails. The bridge has been likened to a dragon and it contains both intricate architectural features as well as artistic carvings. It has been refurbished over the centuries but retains ties to ancient designs. Visit the nearby palace and pagodas inspired with centuries of tradition and lore. Stop at the local eco-museum, if time allows.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging
Sangjiang Hotel or similar
FDay 6Mountain Road Travel to Zhaoxing
After an early breakfast, travel four hours through breathtakingly beautiful mountain landscapes of Guizhou Province to isolated Zhaoxing, considered one of the most beautiful of China’s ancient villages. Bridges, drum towers, pagodas, public buildings, and local homes are all constructed of wood in the traditional architectural style of the Dong people. The town is set in a gorgeous valley amidst terraced mountain hillsides. En route to Zhaoxing visit several villages which invite walking in terraced fields. If you feel up for more hiking, finish the trip to Zhaoxing with a two-hour walk from Tang’an via the Dong village of Xia.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging
Local guesthouse
GDay 7Dong villages of Zhaoxing area
There are numerous Dong villages around Zhaoxing to explore with your guide in the morning, including Jilun and Jitan. Jitan is a hike uphill to a village with a beautiful drum tower and many old houses in a very peaceful and serene setting. In the afternoon you may explore more of the area casually on your own schedule and direction.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging
Local guesthouse
HDay 8Mountain hamlets en route to Rongjiang
Today start early in order to reach several remote Dong and Miao minority villages. These high mountain hamlets are nearly self-sufficient as communities. While many young people have left in search of better economic opportunities, the people who remain still dress in traditional indigo-dyed clothing and engage in traditional craft and irrigated terrace farming practices. You may have a chance to observe the indigo dyeing process.
The exit of young people coupled with the policies of the Chinese government to move more people into cities almost certainly means these villages will decline and disappear in the near future.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging
Dongxiangmi Hotel or similar
IDay 9Miao Hilltribe Country to Kaili
Even as it seems you must be as deep into mountainous rural China as possible, today venture still deeper into minority Miao country. Here in the very high mountains, you will meet people who have never been to a Chinese city. They find all they need at the local market which occurs every sixth day. You might be lucky to hit one during the time you are in this general area. Villagers in these areas recognize the interest foreign visitors have in their culture and with the assistance of your guide, it may be possible to organize music or dance demonstrations of folkloric arts. Each village has its own traditions, history, and style of cultural expressions making it well worthwhile to include as many villages as possible on your itinerary to maximize the opportunities for spontaneous encounters.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging
Zongheng Hotel or similar
JDay 10Miao settlements en route to Guiyang
This last day of exploring minority communities takes you to diverse Miao settlements representing Miao tribes known as “Little Flowers”, “Short Skirts,” “Long Skirts,” and Black Dresses” each with their own traditions. You will also visit Matang village, home of the Geija, a little-known, small-population, ethnic group notable for their batik and lace making as well as ornate flared headdresses. In the late afternoon drive to Guiyang, where you will overnight before your onward flight.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging
Jinlushen Hotel or similar
KDay 11Guiyang / Onward
Transfer to the airport for your homeward or connecting flight. Ask about possible extensions in Yunnan, Beijing, Hong Kong or other regions of China.
Meals
Breakfast
Lodging
None
Anticipated plan; actual route and program may vary.
Reservations are accepted and confirmed after we receive a non-refundable booking deposit and a Traveler Profile Form signed by each adult on the trip as well as by the guardian for each child on the trip, and if space is available. For most group departures, the booking deposit is $500 per person per trip, though for some trips it may be more, as noted in the trip description.
The minimum booking deposit requirement for custom trips is $800 per person, and this deposit is non-refundable. A trip-planning fee of $250 per itinerary is also charged to cover costs of preparing itinerary proposals for custom trips. This fee is credited to the cost of the trip, but is nonrefundable if you do not take the trip. Custom travel during holiday seasons may require a deposit prior to trip confirmation.
An invoice for the total estimated cost of your itinerary will be sent with your reservation confirmation. For both group departures and custom trips, a second deposit of $1,000 per person is due 120 days prior to departure or at the time of booking for reservations made fewer than 120 days before departure. The balance as shown on your invoice is due 60 days prior to departure regardless of whether extensions or other arrangements are pending. Although we do our best to avoid increasing prices after we receive your deposit, in some cases it may be necessary to adjust pricing even after we receive payment to allow for changes in group size, rooming status, currency exchange rate fluctuations, fuel surcharges and other circumstances attendant to international travel. Late payments may jeopardize confirmation of your itinerary and in some cases may result in additional fees. If we have not received final payment 30 days prior to departure your reservation may be canceled and subject to our Cancellation & Refund Policy stated below.
We accept payments by Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or check drawn on a U.S. bank account. Payment for airfare is required at the time of ticketing. Discounts that may be available for some trips are not available toward bookings made through travel agencies.
Late Signups
Early reservations are encouraged! Some trips and flights fill several months before departure. We can confirm your space on a trip once we receive your deposit and signed Reservation Form. We try, but cannot guarantee, to accept late signups. In the event that we are able to accept reservations fewer than 60 days before a trip departure, additional fees of $500 or more may apply to cover administrative costs necessary to expedite your reservation confirmation and transmit your departure materials. For reservations made fewer than 60 days before departure, full payment will be due at the time of booking.
Itinerary Changes
We understand that circumstances arise that lead you to inquire about changes to your itinerary, and aim to satisfy your requests. Once activities and accommodations have been confirmed, there will be a $50 change fee, in addition to the difference in costs for the services booked. When changes are requested within one week of departure, the change fee is $100. For changes requested after a trip has begun, the change fee is $200.
Cancellations & Refunds
If you must cancel before departure, you may request a refund according to the following schedule. Some trips require additional non-refundable payments as noted in the trip description or in the trip itinerary.
Days Prior to Departure
Cancellation Penalty
90 or more
Non-refundable booking deposit and trip planning fee, if applicable
45-89
30% of total land costs
31-44
75% of total land costs
0-30
100% of total land costs
Please note: cancellation of airfare, other transit, and lodging is subject to the policies of the individual carriers or providers and are not included in the schedule above. Additional cancellation fees are the responsibility of the traveler. We strongly recommend that all travelers purchase travel insurance that includes coverage for trip cancellation or interruption which may reimburse you for cancellation penalties and extra trip expenses should a circumstance covered by the policy force you to cancel or interrupt your trip.
Departure is defined as the date on which travelers will leave their home state, province or city, or the trip departure date as indicated on the trip itinerary, whichever comes first. Cancellation date will be considered the date that we receive written notification of your intent to cancel.
Payments due at the time of cancellation remain the responsibility of the client. No partial refunds are possible for unused hotel rooms, air or land travel, trekking days, or other sight-seeing arrangements included in the land cost.
In the event Journeys International cancels a trip, for any reason, all money for services described in the trip description, less airline ticket cancellation fees, will be refunded.
Air Fares
We can help you to secure air travel arrangements to correspond with land travel booked through Journeys International. We work with an airfare consolidator to assist in booking the flights that suit your needs. Journeys International may charge a ticketing fee for this service. For group departures, if you prefer to fly on dates other than those listed as trip dates, or if you arrive at your destination other than at the group arrival time, then you may incur an additional fee to cover the separate transfer, contingency, and coordination costs which frequently arise from arrival and departure on flights different from our regular bookings. We will let you know about these fees ahead of time, if they apply. If you must change your air routing after ticketing, there is a charge of $50 per change, in addition to change or cancellation charges levied by the airline.
If you decide to make your own flight arrangements, you must provide Journeys International with a complete copy of your itinerary showing departure and arrival flights and times. You should plan to arrange your own air travel if you are using mileage credit or originating outside North America, but please be in touch with our office before you finalize ticketing so that we can help you to coordinate the correct arrival and departure dates and times.
Transfers Between Trips
You may transfer between some trips upon written request. More than 90 days before departure, the deposit transfer fee is $100 per person plus any cancellation fees charged by hotels or ground service providers. Less than 90 days before departure, full cancellation penalties from the original trip apply. In the event that Journeys International cancels a trip, you may transfer the full amount of your land payments to another trip without penalty.
Expenses Covered
Normally, our stated land costs include the cost of all guides, leaders, permits obtained after arrival, lodging accommodations, food and entry fees as specified, and all surface transportation associated with the planned itinerary. We do our best to avoid increasing prices after receipt of your deposit, but, rarely, factors beyond our control might require us to change our prices without prior notice, even after you have signed up.
Expenses Not Covered
Costs not included in the price may include: meals not indicated as included in itineraries; meals prior to arrival in starting cities; transfers, if not arriving or departing on the scheduled group flights; soft drinks, bottled water, and alcoholic beverages; medical expenses, costs of hospitalization, or evacuation from remote areas; laundry; airport departure taxes not included on your airline ticket; accommodations en route to starting cities; visas; airfares; gratuities; and insurance.
If a trip must be extended or an itinerary modified due to weather, road conditions, labor interruption, lack of transportation, political or civil disputes, medical emergency, or other causes beyond our control, then the traveler may incur additional costs that are not included in the trip price. We strongly recommend that all travelers obtain travel insurance to cover these risks.
Group-Sized Pricing & Group Minimums
Many trips are guaranteed to depart at prices published on our website with as few as two participants. However, in some cases it is necessary to adjust prices to reflect smaller group sizes. We do everything we can to make a trip operate as planned even with a single participant. Additional costs for small groups amounts vary from trip to trip. Final decision to cancel a trip due to insufficient signups is made 30 days prior to departure.
Environmental Stewardship
Journeys International believes that we have a responsibility to protect the earth for future generations of travelers. International tourism may be responsible for up to eight percent of annual worldwide emissions of greenhouse gasses. Journeys International advocates that adventure travelers who make environmentally-conscious choices when selecting their destinations and activities should also make the environmentally-conscious choice to offset the carbon footprint of their travel to compensate for their personal contributions to global climate change. Every Journeys International trip invoice includes an optional donation to the Earth Preservation Fund’s carbon offset program to be used to purchase and permanently retire certified carbon credits to offset the carbon footprints of Journeys’ travelers. The Earth Preservation Fund purchases carbon credits that have been certified under a reliable third-party standard. Travelers who choose to make this donation will receive a receipt for 501(c)3 tax deduction. There is no penalty for opting out of this donation.
Pre-Departure Services
We look forward to working with you! After we receive your deposit we will send you a pre-departure information packet containing things like medical and immunization information, visa and other permit forms, a recommendation for travel insurance, packing checklist, reading list, cross-cultural information, and an initial invoice for the balance due. If you would like, we can also book your extended land travel arrangements for before and after your trip. About 2-3 weeks before departure, we will send you a final departure packet including last minute reminders and local contact information for your destination. We send some of our materials by mail, so if you are leaving home before the scheduled trip departure date, please let us know how we can best reach you so that you will receive your materials prior to your departure.
Please call our office at any time if you have questions about your trip or for additional information.
Lodging Accommodations
Lodging accommodations are usually double occupancy in hotel rooms, tents, or other facilities as described or noted in trip itineraries. Please contact our office to discuss pricing and availability of alternative accommodations. We try to honor specific requests for lodging, but in some cases we may have to book and confirm equivalent standard accommodations. If you are traveling alone but would prefer a roommate, then let us know! We are often able to match solo travelers. If a roommate is not available or if you prefer single accommodation, then you must pay the Single Supplement, if one applies. On some trips, it is not possible to guarantee single accommodations.
Fitness to Travel
Good physical and mental health are essential for the enjoyment of Journeys International’s trips. In many cases participants travel in rugged areas remote from modern medical facilities. Good physical conditioning is recommended as preparation for all trips, especially those involving trekking. Most trips require some walking. By paying the booking deposit and signing the Reservation Form, the traveler certifies that he/she is fit for rigorous travel and does not have any physical, mental, or other condition that would create a hazard for him/herself or other travelers. It is essential that any participant with a medical condition requiring regular treatment or which may be affected by vigorous activity, prolonged travel, high altitude, heat, cold, natural phenomena, or particular foods, notify Journeys International in writing prior to booking.
We assume no responsibility for medical care and we cannot guarantee meeting special dietary requirements or vegetarian needs. Participants may be required to furnish a physician’s statement of good health. Journeys International’s or the individual trip leader’s or guide’s judgment shall provide the ultimate determination of an individual’s fitness to embark upon, or to continue, a trip. Journeys International reserves the right to refuse reservations or deny participation prior to departure of anyone whom it deems unsuitable for a trip. Once a trip has been confirmed, medical circumstances will not be considered as exceptions to our cancellation policy. All participants must be covered by a current major medical insurance policy for the duration of their trip. Proof of such coverage may be requested.
Duration 11 Days
The number of days, or duration, in a destination corresponds with the itinerary as published. This is the time period covered by the land cost.
Group Size 2 - 12
The stated range indicates minimum required for guaranteed departure and maximum accepted on the scheduled dates. Exceptions can often be made for private departures.
Comfort Level
Delightful
Basic lodges to 4-star hotels
Activity Level
Active
Walking along hillside and stair-climbing
Why Journeys International
Our purpose is to understand the journey you are on – not just the vacation you want to take – and to help you on your way.
We are here to help you plan the trip that will move you closer to your goals and help you fulfill your dreams.
We are here to help you plan a more inspiring, more provocative, more breathtaking, more transformational adventure.
We say “adventure” and not “trip” because, for us, a trip is just going someplace else, but an adventure is an experience that takes you someplace beyond your comfort zone – and therefore maximizes the potential for wonder, discovery, and potentially transformation.
Why trust Journeys to plan that kind of experience with you?
Journeys is an award-winning industry-leader with more than 40 years in business planning creative and thoughtful adventures in interesting places around the world
Our staff is professional and devoted, with adventure specialists in Ann Arbor and guides in the field who take pride in traveler satisfaction; many stay with us for decades
Our Ecological Code of Ethics has long stood as a model for others, and our Earth Preservation Fund puts our money where our mouth is
We go to the farthest corners of the earth – you’ll see some pretty remote destinations on our list, and if you want to challenge us with something new, we’ll likely be willing (though we’ll make sure you know if we’ve never experienced it firsthand)
We’re real people like you, starting with the real person who will answer the phone, right through the owner, Robin Pollak, who you can talk to any time you want (or even her parents, Joan & Will Weber, who started the company!)
We ask lots of questions and get to know you as well as possible to we can design the best experience for YOU
Your unique itinerary includes sites, accommodations, activities, and meetings with people hand selected for personal goals, passions, interests and abilities
Your personal adventure specialist stays with you from trip planning through departure to answer all your questions – promptly – and make sure every detail is handled so you are well prepared for your trip
Our partners on the ground in your destination will welcome you as a friend of a friend; we’ve been working with many of them for ages
We’re open and clear, and offer a complete picture of what you can expect while traveling. We don’t want to make an easy sale; we want to make an honest one.
24-hour emergency phone support while traveling
We’ll be excited to hear about the trip when you get back, and take all feedback seriously
Our travelers come back again and again, for five, ten, or more adventures — and they trust us enough to send their friends to us, too
We love what we do, and we love sharing our common passion with you.
Match the trip’s intensity to your ability and motivation.
Gentle
Easy walking, with opportunities for low-key physical activity.
Active
Energetic exploration with optional day hikes, leisurely cycling, or light canoeing.
Vigorous
Day-long active excursions and options for demanding activity in varied environments.
Challenging
Strenuous hiking or other intense activity that may be at high altitude or over rough terrain.
Demanding
Multi-day trekking and other activities requiring endurance or strength. Steep trails. No technical expertise necessary.
Comfort Level
Choose accommodations and amenities that fit your personal style
Simple
Our most natural accommodations. Bath facilities often shared, sometimes rustic.
Delightful
Comfortable and especially personal. Small to mid-sized lodges, typically with private bath.
Superior
Lodges and hotels with additional amenities, refined artistry, or extra-special settings.
Deluxe
Exclusive or luxury lodges, hotels, or safari camps with fine dining options.
Uncommon
The most indulgent accommodations arranged specially for private trips.
Single Supplement
The single supplement is applicable if a roommate is not available or if single accommodation is specifically requested. While single accommodation is not available on all trips, we will try and honor this request whenever possible.