15 Days India Highlights Tour III
Walk Delhi's backstreets with a local youth guide on a Planeterra-supported street kids rehabilitation project, uncover spirituality at Hindu, Buddhist and Sikh temples, observe ancient local ceremonies on the holy Ganges River, go on safari in Ranthambore with local park rangers/naturalists, Enjoy a village stay in a historic heritage hotel.
Walking through Delhi’s markets, you realize that India’s like nothing you’ve ever experienced—its kaleidoscope of culture and colour has burnt itself into your memory. And it’s not just the magnificent forts or treasures like the Taj Mahal that impress—it’s the country’s spirit. Visit the birthplace of Buddhism and Hinduism to gain greater insight into this ancient and complex land. Explore the hidden side of Delhi guided by a former streetkid taking part in the Planeterra-supported New Delhi Streetkids Project. With this new perspective, our expert guides will bring you deep into one of the world’s most culturally and spiritually fascinating places.
- Guided tour of Delhi
- Guided tour of the Taj Majal
- Rickshaw tour Jama Masjid
- Two safari wildlife tours
- City Palace tour
- Palace of the Winds
- Explore Incredible Temples
- Excursion to Sarnath
- Amber Fort
- Ganges River Sunset boat trip
- Yoga class
- Walk through Varanasi
- Arrival transfer
- Kandariya Dance Show
- Village stays
- Experienced/Licenced Tour Guide
- Meet Welcoming Locals
- All Accommodation
- All Transport
- Trip length:
- 15 Days
- Group size:
- Max 16
- Start:
- Delhi
- End:
- Delhi
- Vehicle:
- Train, Minibus, Boat, Plane
- Sleep:
- Comfort Hotels
Itinerary
Day 1 Delhi
Arrive in Delhi at any time, pickup and transfer to your hotel included. There are no planned activities, so check into to the hotel (check-in time is 12.00 midday) and enjoy the city. In the evening you will meet your fellow group members to go over the details of your trip. Check the notice board or ask reception where and what time the group meeting will be held.
Day 2 Delhi (1B)
Take a walk through the backstreets of Delhi with a young adult taking part in the Planeterra-supported New Delhi Streetkids Project. As a former streetkid, your guide will offer a unique insight into the real Delhi and you will visit the projects headquarters. Later, take an orientation walk of Old Delhi, visiting Delhi’s famous Jama Masjid (Great Mosque). We also walk through Chandni Chowk, one of India’s oldest and busiest local markets with is narrow laneways and colorful people it is a reflection of another time and world. We also learn the history of the Sikh religion at the important Gurduwara, which is a Sikh place of worship.
It is estimated that 400,000 children live and work on the streets of Delhi. In most cases, their families are too poor to provide for them, they have run away from abusive home environments or they are orphans. Planeterra’s New Delhi Streetkids Project supports over 5,000 of these street children through strategically placed contact points, shelters and a health post set up by a local partner organization. These youth centers provide clothing, food, healthcare, education, counseling, recreational activities, job skills training and job placements.
Through Planeterra’s partnership with Salaam Baalak Trust, scholarships are made available to young people who once lived and worked on the streets of Delhi. By funding vocational training in trade schools and universities, and making job-placements based on each child’s individual interest, we can help break the cycle of poverty and give these youth the opportunity to create a brighter future.
Many of these adolescents have been fully-trained as tour guides and lead exciting tours through the enchanting inner city streets of Paharganj, the New Delhi railway station, and The Old City. This tour is a unique way for travelers to engage in these children’s lives and the guiding provides an opportunity for them to improve their communication and speaking skills.
Day 3-4 Varanasi (2B)
Fly to Varanasi, the quintessential Indian holy city, where millions of Hindus travel for pilgrimage, to worship, to mourn or to die. in the afternoon, we take boats out onto the sacred Ganges River at sunset, enjoying a candle and flower ceremony accompanied by sitar and tabla playing, and observe an evening Arti ceremony. On Day 4, rise early for a sunrise boat ride along the Ganges to observe the dawn rituals of bathing and burial. After, have breakfast at one of Planeterra's grassroots partners - Open Hand, a vocational training cafe. Open Hand is a social enterprise whose mission is to transform society by providing dignified and meaningful job opportunities to underprivileged people in India. This afternoon take an excursion to Sarnath, where Lord Buddha preached his first sermon.
Sitting on the banks of the River Ganges, we can contemplate what it means to be in Varanasi, the oldest continually inhabited city in the world, dating back thousands of years. The culture of Varanasi is deeply associated with the river Ganges and its religious importance. The city has been a cultural and religious center in northern India for thousands of years.
On this trip you will visit one of Planeterra's Project's grassroots partners -- Open Hand. Open Hand is a social enterprise whose mission is to transform society by providing dignified and meaningful job opportunities to underprivileged people in India. With vocational training cafes around India, and an ethical manufacturing factory in New Delhi, Planeterra has partnered with Open Hand to ethically manufacture tote bags for G Adventures passengers (coming soon!) and to provide fair wages, vocational training, safe housing, counselling, and other social resources to marginalized people in India.
Approx Travel time: Flight to Varanasi 1.5 hours
Day 5 Khajuraho (1B)
Today we catch our flight to Khajuraho. In the afternoon visit the Western Temples, and take a yoga class. In the evening, enjoy a local Kandariya Dance Show.
One of the most popular destinations in India, Khajuraho is home to India’s largest group of medieval Hindu temples. These are famous for their erotic sculptures depicting scenes from the Kama Sutra. Only discovered in the 20th century after being reclaimed by jungle, the Khajuraho group of monuments is today protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Khajuraho was once the religious capital of the Chandela Rajputs, a Hindu dynasty that ruled this part of India from the 10th to the 12th centuries. The Khajuraho temples were built over a span of a hundred years, from 950 to 1050, with the whole area enclosed by a wall with eight gates, each flanked by two golden palm trees. There were originally over 80 Hindu temples, of which only 22 now stand in a reasonable state of preservation, scattered over an area of about 8 sq miles (21 km²).
Learn the history of these world-famous temples on a guided tour and enjoy a taste of a little erotica from the Middle Ages. Optional activities include a nearby seasonal waterfall, and a sound and light show within the temple complex itself.
Approx Travel time: Flight to Khajuraho 1 hour
Day 6 Agra (1B)
Today we travel by private bus and public train to Agra, home of the Taj Mahal. Traveling by train in India is truly a local experience, a great chance to meet locals and to view the countryside as it unfolds in front of you. The rail network is extensive and relatively inexpensive way for people to travel long distances. Indian Railways has the largest rail network in Asia and the world's second largest under one management, transporting 20 million passengers and more than 2 million tonnes of freight daily.
Our train journey terminates in Agra one of the most strategic city of the Mughal Empire. Akbar chose this city on the bank of River Yamuna as his capital and proceeded to build a strong citadel for the purpose.
Approx Travel time: 7 hours (4 hrs drive & 2.5 hrs train)
Days 7 Agra/Ranthambore (1B,1D)
This morning we visit the Taj Mahal and also the great Red Fort. In the afternoon we proceed onwards to Ranthambore.
The Muslim city of Agra is best known as the site of India’s most famous landmark, and testament to love, the Taj Mahal. It was built before the Taj Mahal by Nur Jahan, Queen of Jehangir, for her parents. The first Mughal building to be faced with white marble and where ‘pietra dura’, precious stones inlaid into marble, was first used.
Constructed between 1631 and 1654 by a workforce of 22,000, the Taj Mahal was built by the Muslim Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as a mausoleum for his favorite wife, Arjumand Bano Begum, better known as Mumtaz Mahal. Mumtaz had already borne the emperor fourteen children when she died in childbirth, and it is the romantic origin of the Taj as much as its architectural splendor that has led to its fame worldwide. Actually an integrated complex of many structures, the Taj Mahal is considered the finest example of Mughal architecture, itself a combination of Islamic, Hindu, Persian and Turkish elements.
The Red Fort is one of the largest of the fortified residences built at various strategic points of Mughal Empire; it had over five hundred buildings. Most of the buildings added later use marble as the chief construction material. At the time of Akbar, River Yamuna touched the fort and thus, a number of ghats were built here. Some of these ghats were meant to load and unload goods transported through river and other covered passages were for use by the harem inmates only.
Shahjahan who was responsible for the building of the Taj was kept captive by his own son Aurangzeb in the Red Fort. He did give his father a room with a view of the Taj Mahal, built by him.
In the evening we arrive at Ranthambore, with its 1000 year old fort overlooking the park you will have time to relax and take in your surrondings before heading out on safari on day 8.
Approx Travel time: 5 hours (3 hrs drive & 2 hrs train)
Day 8 Ranthambore National Park (1B,1D)
We enjoy two safari drives into the park exploring its lakes and scrublands in search of wildlife which can include deer, birds and monkeys. If we are lucky, we may even see one of the resident tigers. We also visit the ruined fort and Ganesh temple, which is frequented by many local people to make an offering.
Ranthambore was once the private hunting grounds of the Maharaja of Jaipur and its rich heritage manisfests itself in its many Chatris, forts and and hunting lodges that survive this era and give the park its heritage status. It is one of Rajasthan's last remaining sizeable areas of forest and savannah, that were once part of the great jungles covering central India.
The park has a magnificent diversity of flora and fauna, with over 250 species of birds, 30 species of mammals including the majestic Royal Bengal tiger and 12 species of reptiles. In the park there are 36 Tigers and during our safaris in the sanctuary we will be on the look out for these beautiful but aloof creatures. Apart from the tiger, you can also observe Sloth Bear, Wild Boar, Chinkara, Porcupines and Jackals, Leopard, Jungle Cat, Marsh Crocodile, Sambhar, Chital, Nilgai, Gazzelle, Boars, Mongoose, Indian Hare, Monitor Lizards and a large number of birds. Most of these wild animals can be spotted near the lakes and water holes during the evening.
Days 9-10 Jaipur (2B)
Today after a leisurely breakfast we travel to India's Pink City of Jaipur. Founded in 1728, Jaipur, or The Pink City as it is often called, is unlike any other pre-modern Indian city. The entire town was planned according to the principles of Hindu architectural theory. The city is in fact built in the form of a nine-part mandala known as the Pithapada, which combined with wide streets makes for an unusually airy, orderly atmosphere. The results of this urban planning have so endured to this day, present day population approximately 3 million, is nothing short of miraculous.
Enter the heart of the mandala, on foot or by cycle-rickshaw, and we are in the central palace quarter with its sprawling Hawa Mahal palace complex, formal gardens and a small lake. Built in 1799, the Hawa Mahal, Palace of Winds, was part of the City Palace, an extension of the Zenana or chambers of the harem. Its original intention was to allow royal ladies to observe everyday life in the street below without being seen. Constructed of red and pink sandstone highlighted with white lime, the five-storied facade is peppered with 953 small windows. The breeze, hawa, that comes through the windows keeps it cool even in hot months, and gives the palace its name.
We also visit the ruined city of Amber, former capital of Jaipur state. Founded by the Meenas, Amber was a flourishing settlement as far back as 967 AD. Overlooking the artificial lake south of Amber town stands the Amber Fort/Palace complex, famous for its mixture of Hindu and Muslim architecture. At the bottom of a hill sits Amber Fort, initially a palace complex within the Fort of Amber on top of the hill, today known as Jaigarh fort. The two forts are connected through well-guarded passages, and there is even the option of an elephant ride from the town up to the palace courtyard.
Approx Travel time: 4 hours driving
Day 11 Rawla Jojawar (1B,1D)
This morning we drive to the village of Jojawar where we check into our historic, heritage hotel. The hotel was built in the 18th century and has played host to many elite people during the British Raj. Set amidst the Aravalli hills, this little garrison fort was once a major principality of the Royal house of Marwar. Bestowed with the title of Rao, the nobles looked after this little fiefdom for about two centuries after its construction in the 18th century.
Our stay here offers an opportunity to meet with locals provides fascinating insight into rural village life in India, get into the wilderness of the countryside and also take a chance of taking an optional local train safari through the Aravali Hill ranges.
Approx Travel time: 6 hours driving
Day 12-13 Udaipur (2B)
We continue on to Udaipur, famous for its lakes and Raj-era palaces. Most famous of these, and certainly the most photographed, is the Lake Palace. The Lake Palace is an island-palace where the white marble buildings, now a hotel, entirely cover a small island in Lake Pichola. Originally known as the Jag Niwas, the palace took three years to build and was inaugurated in 1746.
We will do a city walk during which we include a visit to the City Palace, one of the largest royal palaces in India, full of unbelievable treasures. We also visit Jagdish Temple, built in 1651 AD, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the universe.
There are plenty of options for our free time, such as a journey out to the hilltop Monsoon Palace, summer resort of the Maharajas. Sitting atop a hill with a panoramic view of the city’s lakes, it a great place for sunset viewing.
The city’s lakes — Pichola, Fateh Sagar, Udai Sagar and Swaroop Sagar — are considered among the most beautiful in Rajasthan. A boat ride on lake Pichola is a great way to spend a lazy afternoon.
Day 12 Approx Travel time: 4 hours driving
Day 14 Delhi (1B)
Catch a flight back to Delhi where you have the option of joining our CEO for a farewell dinner.
Approx Travel time: 1 hour flight
Day 15 Delhi (1B)
Depart at any time.
Optional Activities
Optional activity prices are subject to change and can fluctuate in relation to the high/low season and the number of people on a specific excursion. Not all excursions listed here may be available, due to season, or weather conditions. As generally not a lot of time is spent in start/end cities, you may want to arrange to arrive early, or stay longer after the trip in order to allow sufficient time to participate in optional activities there.
- Red Fort, Delhi INR 250
- Qutab Minar, Delhi INR 250
- Akbar's Mausoleum, Agra INR 100
- Additional entries to Taj Mahal, Agra INR 750
- Monsoon Palace, Udaipur INR 250
- Cooking Class, Udaipur INR 500
- Raj Mandir Cinema, Jiapur INR 110
- Ram Nagar Fort, Varanasi INR 150
- Sound and Light Show, Khajuraho INR 300
All prices are per person in Indian Rupees (unless stated otherwise), and are subject to change as services are provided by third party operators.
What to bring
CLOTHING
- Shorts
- Long trousers
- Hiking pants/track pants
- Shirts/T-shirts
- Warm clothes for November-February: fleece, jacket, hat and gloves, warm layers
- Waterproof jacket or Umbrella
EQUIPMENT/OTHER
- Passport (with photocopies)
- Travel insurance (with photocopies)
- Airline tickets (with photocopies)
- USD cash
- Credit or debit card (see personal spending money)
- G Adventures vouchers, pre-departure information and dossier
- Any entry visas or vaccination certificates required
- Day pack for daily personal items
- Lock for all bags
- Wet wipes / Moist towelettes
- Alarm clock
- Flashlight
- Sun hat, Sun block, Sunglasses
- Insect Repellent
- Water bottle and Plastic mug for train journeys
- Ear plugs for train journeys or light sleepers
- Small towel and swim wear
- Toiletries (biodegradable)
- Sturdy walking shoes/Sport sandals
- Money belt
- Cover for backpack or plastic bags to keep clothes dry.
- Camera and film
- Reading/writing material
- Binoculars
- Pocketknife
- First-aid kit (should contain lip salve, Aspirin, Band Aids, anti-histamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, re-hydration powder, extra prescription drugs you may be taking).
What is included
TRANSPORT
- Minibus
- Train
- Auto-rickshaws
- Cycle-rickshaws
- Small riverboat
- Plane
- Walking
ACCOMMODATION
- Comfort hotels (14 nights)
MEALS
- 14 Breakfasts, 3 Dinners
- Budget for meals not included: USD500-600
OTHER
- Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout, local guides
Travel insurance is not included but visitors must have it to participate on our trips. All clients must have medical coverage and that we require a minimum coverage of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue.
Trip Info
Preparing for the trip
What should I pack?
Once you’ve confirmed your booking, we send out trip-specific pre-departure information with a general packing list as well as a list of any other special items you may need to bring.
What immunisations do I need?
Immunisations vary from country to country and we strongly recommend you or contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (www.traveldoctor.com.au) to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations. In some places anti-malaria medication may also be required. Some vaccines need to be administered a few weeks before departure, so allow plenty of time. It is also important that you obtain a certificate of vaccination and you must carry this with you on your trip. Please note that in some cases a certificate of vaccination is compulsory in order to obtain a visa.
Do I need to take any medical supplies?
We recommend you carry personal medical items for managing common minor ailments such as colds, diarrhoea, blisters and sore throats etc. Travellers who take regular medication should take an appropriate supply. Asthma sufferers should ensure that they have an adequate supply of their routine medicine, as some major cities have high levels of smog.
How much luggage do I need to take?
As a general rule, the less luggage you bring with you, the better. You’ll probably be buying souvenirs and the like along the way, so leave some space! There will be times when you will be carrying your luggage on and off public transport, so you should consider travelling with a backpack or a soft duffel bag. Suitcases aren’t suitable for these types of holidays. Each airline has specific rules as to luggage allowances, so check directly with them or ask your travel consultant to confirm for you.
Do I need a sleeping bag?
Sometimes. This varies depending on which trip you are booking on, and we will let you know in the info pack that we send to you on confirmation of your booking.
Do I organise my own visa?
Please note that visas for Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia are the responsibility of the individual traveller. The visa requirements for your trip vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. For the most up to date information please check your governments foreign ministry website or with you travel agent as rules do change. It is important that you check for yourself. For most travellers there will probably be an embassy and consulate in the country that you live in.
THAILAND - Most nationalities do not need a visa for Thailand for stays of 30 days or less but if you do they are available on arrival at Bangkok Airport. Please note that as of December 2008, 30 day Thai visas are no longer available at land borders. Only 15 day tourist visas are issued when you enter Thailand overland. If you are staying more than 15 days you will likely require a Thai visa. If you are flying into Thailand one more than one occasion you should request a multiple entry visa.*Please note that certain nationalities (including: Bhutan, China, Cyprus, Czech, Estonia, Hungary, India, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Maldives, Oman, Poland, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Taiwan and Ukraine) may not be able to obtain visa at a land border.
VIETNAM - Visas for Vietnam need to be arranged ahead of time as the processing time varies. Vietnam visas are not available on arrival at land borders. Visas are not available on arrival at airports unless pre-arranged through a reliable online supplier in advance.
Some nationalities don't require a Visa for Vietnam for shorter stays - please contact your Foreign Ministry for up to date entry/exit requirements.
CAMBODIA - Visas can be obtained in advance from your local Embassy. You can also obtain your visa at the Cambodian border for approx. $20 USD* very easily. Please bring two passport photos with you.
*Please have extra USD on hand in case the customs officials charge more at the border crossing.
Please be aware that you will require two clean pages (minimum) in your passport and at least six months validity.
Do I need travel insurance?
It is compulsory that you have comprehensive travel insurance. Domestic government medical insurance and private health schemes will not cover you in most overseas countries. Your policy MUST cover medical costs in case of hospitalisation, emergency travel and repatriation. Once you have paid your deposit or full payment, certain fees will apply if you cancel your holiday. Insurance should therefore be organised at the time of booking to protect yourself against unforeseen circumstances that would require you to cancel before travelling. Your tour guide will need two copies of your policy - the Tour Guide and our Ground Operator will keep one copy each in the unlikely event of an emergency. The copies must show the policy number and the emergency hotline phone number.
Does the tour price included international flights?
The prices quoted on the site do not include international flights.
Where does the tour start?
Tours will always start in a specified hotel and we will let you know exactly when you need to be at that hotel. We can organise airport transfers, if you wish.
Can I book accommodation at the start and/or end of the tour?
Yes. In all cases, we can organise extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour. Just let us know and we’ll organise a quote for you.
What form of transport do we use around the Himalayas and Nepal?
As a general rule, we travel on local transport, mixing with the locals and getting involved. In some places, the best way to explore is on foot, in others we’ll jump on boats, bemos, canoes, camels, tuk-tuks, songthaews… you get the picture. The style of transport will be as varied as it is fun…. we don’t like sealing you up in a 50-seater coach. Sometimes, however, local transport is not practical – you just can’t jump on a No. 96 bus in northern Thailand – so in these instances, we hire our own vehicles.
Where do we meet in Bangkok?
Joining HotelBangkok Centre Hotel 328 Rama IV Road Bangkok +66 (0) 2 238-4980-99
Joining InstructionsWhen arriving at Suvarnabhumi Airport (pronounced 'su wan na poom') in Bangkok proceed to the Arrivals Hall where you can change money into Thai Baht. (You may be approached by nicely dressed, official looking touts offering an expensive limousine service to your hotel; ignore these offers.)
You have three transport options; public bus, the Airport Train & MRT or public taxi. All transportation is located on the ‘ground’ floor.
Public BusThe Airport Bus operates 4 bus routes to downtown for a cost of 150 Baht for the entire route. Bus AE2 goes to Banglamphu and Bus AE4 goes to Hua Lamphong train station. Our hotels are located in both the Bang Lamphu and Hua Lamphong areas.
Private tours and families
Can I organise a private tour?
Of course! If there’s a minimum of two people, pick an existing itinerary and contact us and we can arrange the trip as a private tour. Or if you’re after something a bit different, if you have a minimum of four people for a trip, contact us and we can put together a tailored and personally designed itinerary for you
Booking the trip
Do I need to book online?
No. Whilst this site is designed to make booking as easy as possible, we appreciate that sometimes it’s nice to talk to a human being, so give us a call! We can do the whole booking procedure over the phone.
How do I know if the tour is available?
To see the scheduled departure dates just click the “Check Dates” button on the top right of the page. To ensure the scheduled departure is going ahead send us an email to info@worldlypeople.org and we get back to you within a couple of hours.
How far in advance do I need to book?
There is no guarantee as to when other people will book and hence when the tour will fill up. Our advice is that as soon as you know which one you want to book, don’t delay - put your name down as soon as possible, that way you won’t be disappointed.However, we can usually take bookings for most of our tours right up until the departure date if there are spaces left, so have a look at the availability, and if there’s still space we’ll gladly take your booking
When is final payment on tours due ( for deposit payments )
The final payment is due in full 56 days before the departure of your trip. If you’ve booked your trip within 56 days of the departure date, full payment is needed.
Who travels with us
How fit do I need to be?
Our holidays are fun and can be enjoyed by anyone who is reasonably fit. However, some trips visit remote areas where medical facilities are very limited or non-existent, so you must be in good health. Some trips may include a trekking element, so some pre-trek preparation will be an advantage. There are some other factors to consider: bumpy roads, dust, traffic, delays and unfamiliar customs and cultures may all create additional demands. You will also have to carry your own bags so bear that in mind when deciding if you really need that other pair of shoes.
Is this trip for me?
These trips appeal to people who want the fun, freedom and flexibility of independent travel, but want to make the most of their time and prefer that someone else takes care of the hassles and organisation – queuing for tickets and looking for a hotel at night can be a real drag! These trips are also for people who want to get a deeper understanding of the region they visit - our innovative itineraries and exceptional team leaders make this happen. Or perhaps you are a single traveller and like the safety and companionship of travelling with a few others, sharing the experiences and adventures together.
The majority of travellers are in their 20s and 30s, but if you’re on the ‘other side’ of 40, then that’s great too! Please bear in mind that these trips are designed for travellers and our trips are go, go, go! Essential on your list of things to pack are an open mind, sense of adventure and an easygoing attitude. On these trips you don’t pay for unnecessary extras – that’s why the prices are so good. We include many of the must see sights, but keep plenty of free time aside so you can go on your own way and make your own discoveries. Your lodging will be basic, but clean and comfortable, locally run, and usually reflecting the character of the region. Aside from being a more interesting place to stay than a bland internationally-run hotel, this also helps to keep the cost down. You might spend a night or two in a ‘home stay’, lodge or hacienda - these could be fairly basic, but certainly a real highlight, offering a chance to immerse yourself in the local culture. Many of the tours have several long travelling days, often on local transport, and sometimes on rough roads. The trips are packed with highlights and the pace is fast, so we can see as much as possible - although there’s always time to chill out, enjoy a cold drink and watch the world go by if that’s what you feel like doing.
Is this a typical group tour?
Most travellers consider themselves independent travellers, rather than typical group travellers. This is just as well because these tours are a long way from your typical group tour - freedom and flexibility are fundamental! There are usually around 8 people on a trip (the maximum is 14), and you’ll find that the excellent tour prices offer a real alternative to backpacking. Our travellers want to explore places at a grassroots level, and have a great time while they do this.
Im a single travellers, is that OK?
Most of our travellers are ‘flying solo’ and like the thought of travelling with like-minded souls. Your tour will have a strong social element and you'll almost certainly come home with some new friends. Some of the tours offer single supplement option. You can see these prices under the “Join Tour” drop down menu.
Who will I travel with?
Every group is different, however you'll generally travel with a mix of nationalities from all over the world.
How large are the groups?
The maximum group size is 13 passengers per vehicle or tour guide, with the average being 9.
Cost and Fees
What's included in the tour price?
Please refer to the “what’s included” section on your tour page for the most up to date information.
Will I need additional money?
Visitors are advised to bring some cash as ATMs and banks can be few and far between depending on where we are during the trip. It’s handy to have some extra cash as we do stop by local shops and cafe.
What is a "Trip Kitty"?
The trip kitty is to be paid in cash (in the currency indicated) at the start of your trip. Give it directly to your local leader, who can then pay for items locally throughout your trip, eg. meals. Having a trip kitty also helps us to pass savings onto you.
Can I pay the local payment in local currency?
The local payment needs to be paid in the currency indicated in the itinerary and final invoice. Most tours will have this included in the tour price. Please check the included section above.
How much spending money do I need?
Not a lot! Your accommodation, transport, local leader and some meals are included. Depending on where you are, you'll generally get by on about US$25 a day, covering meals, drinks and souvenirs.
What is the best way to take money with me?
A combination of cash, an ATM card and perhaps a credit card as back-up is good. Travellers cheques are a safe way to carry money, however travellers can find it difficult in some areas to exchange them.
As a general rule, American dollars are accepted throughout the world, but make sure you have small denomination bills, and that they are not ripped or marked, as this may affect your ability to change them. And remember to check with your bank about using your bank cards overseas.
Do I need to tip the local guide?
Your tour guide works hard to ensure you have a great trip, so please don’t hold back if you feel they have earned a tip for their efforts. If you would like to reward your tour guide for his or her services, you can choose to do so individually or make a group presentation at the end of the tour.
Whilst on tour
Can I wash my laundry?
Many of the places we stay have laundry facilities nearby, especially within cities. It is also a good idea to bring some ‘travel wash’, and a travel clothes line, to wash the necessities. This will help you cut down on packing space, and hence the amount you have to lug around with you!
Can I get on the internet whilst on tour?
Internet cafés are plentiful throughout much of the world, particularly in major cities – an internet email address and a webcam/phone account (such as skype) are good ways of staying in touch.
Will my mobile phone work?
Do you really want to take your phone with you? One of the biggest pleasures about getting away is leaving telephones and computers behind! However, if you really do want to take your phone with you, there is a good chance that it will work in most major cities. Check with your service provider before you go if they have a reciprocal agreement with the countries you are travelling to, and make sure you remember to get international roaming turned on.
Can I do a section of the tour and not the whole trip?
Unfortunately it is not possible to just do sections of the tour. Some of the longer tours are made up of smaller tours completed back-to-back, and hence might be possible to book separately. It may be possible to arrange a private charter for you from a section of the tour so please contact us.
Do I need to be able to swim?
Several of our holidays include travel by boat, ship or canoe. It is assumed by us that you can swim, unless you advise us otherwise. If you cannot swim, you must let us know, so we can let your tour leader know. However, swimming is by no means compulsory at any stage in our trips.
Can I bring gifts for people?
If you want to give something to the local people please bring something useful like pens or school books, not lollies. The other thing we insist upon is that gifts are distributed in an organised and responsible manner - either through the headmaster of a school or ask your tour leader what the most beneficial approach is. Some children, and even adults, may ask for things on the street, in villages, etc, and although giving a ‘present’ may give both of you a brief moment of joy, handing things out like this only encourages begging and is destructive in the long term.
How much free time is there?
It is an integral part of all our trips to give you enough free time to explore by yourself. Many of your most memorable experiences will occur when you branch out and do your own thing. We understand that different people have different interests, so we build in free time to make your own discoveries. The framework is in place and the details are taken care of, but on many days, you decide what you want to see and do. After all, you might be thoroughly sick and tired of temples, while another group member just can’t get enough of them. It’s your holiday, so it’s your choice.
Will there be time to explore the cities we start and finish in? Or should I arrange extra time?
With all of our tours, we strongly believe we have well balanced itineraries to enable you to explore all the places you are visiting. There is generally no need to arrive early or leave later. However, there is always more to discover and we can arrange additional accommodation, should you need it.
What standard of accommodation should I expect?
Your lodging will be basic, but clean and comfortable, locally run, and usually reflecting the character of the region. Aside from being a more interesting place to stay than a bland internationally-run hotel, this also helps to keep the cost down and by supporting local businesses you help the local economy. You might also spend a night or two in a ‘home stay’, lodge or hacienda - these could be fairly basic, but will almost certainly end up being one of the highlights, offering a chance to really immerse yourself in the local culture.
What will the food be like?
Experiencing the local flavours is definitely a highlight on our trips. Our local tour guides take you to out of the way places and experience the best and most interesting cuisine of the cultures you visit. The guides’ local knowledge will mean you can decipher menus, get useful tips on what to try, and visit all the most interesting restaurants and markets. There will always be a very strong local influence in the food, which we believe is what travel is all about.
What about if I am a vegetarian? Or if I have a special diet?
No problem at all! The only important thing is that you let us know in advance, so we can inform our local tour guides. That way, they can look out for you and make sure you are looked after in the local restaurants. It is important to realise that in some places your diet might be slightly limited, as meat can form an integral part of the local diet. If in doubt, ask our consultants for their first-hand knowledge of each individual destination.
Are there any long travelling days?
Many of the tours have several long travelling days, often on local transport, and sometimes on rough roads. The trips are packed with highlights and the pace is fast, so we can see as much as possible. Although there’s always time to chill out, enjoy a cold drink and watch the world go by if that’s what you feel like doing. The trip notes for each trip will give you a strong indication of the travelling times for each day.
What will the weather be like?
Check our weather widget on the right side of the page for up to date information on the weather conditions. Otherwise, send us an email and we will let you know how things are at the moment!
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