Culture
Genuine cultural adventure travel means immersing oneself entirely in a new destination—taking in the sights, scents, sounds, and scenery, and gaining an overwhelming sense of place. Our take on these cultural adventure tours is to explore new lands, meet people of different cultures, and learn about and reconnect with natural elements.
Perhaps you’ll journey to Timbuktu and venture out to meet the nomadic Tuareg tribe, the legendary blue men of the desert. Or, discover the wonders of Persia, one of the oldest civilizations on earth, with its magnificent ruins, glorious mosques, and stupendous citadels. Our cultural adventure tour to the Five ’Stans introduces travelers to intricate Islamic architecture, people, and natural treasures of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan. In India, we wander through sprawling temple complexes and visit fascinating archaeological sites, then set sail for Sri Lanka and Galle. Our Black Sea cultural expedition finds us delving deep into the ruins of Greco-Roman sites, Byzantine basilicas, and Ottoman mosques. And this is just the beginning—our cultural expedition options are many and varied.
Yet, regardless of the destination, each of our cultural adventure travel tours is guided by a superb leader and lecture team; their breadth of knowledge and spirit camaraderie provide you with truly once-in-a-lifetime moments.
The itineraries we offer vary from year to year; below please find our upcoming cultural-focused expeditions.
Africa
Heighten your Africa adventure travel experience with one of the finest bush guides on the continent, Lex Hes. We combine three remarkable countries—Namibia, Botswana, and Zambia—on this Africa expedition, enjoying a staggering array of wildlife, from desert rhino to Thornicroft’s giraffe, via chartered aircraft and 4x4 vehicles. Each Lex Hes tour benefits from his 30 years of experience as a guide at the famous Londolozi Game Reserve and his innate knowledge and instincts about Africa.
Upcoming Departures
Join us as we visit the true Africa—Botswana—where the landscape has remained relatively unscathed and offers vintage Africa adventure travel. Here we find all the major wildlife: elephants, buffalo, lions, hippos, plains antelopes, leopards, cheetahs, and more. Well over half of Africa’s most endangered carnivore, the wild dog, is here.
Upcoming Departures
This comprehensive Namibia tour reveals the country’s tremendous diversity of scenery, culture, and wildlife. Traverse Etosha National Park with stops at productive waterholes to view abundant wildlife—zebras, wildebeest, Damara dik-dik, white and black rhinos, and a wealth of bird species, which in turn attracts a host of predators, from cheetahs and lions to hyenas and jackals. On this Namibia expedition, track desert-adapted elephants in Damaraland and visit a Himba village with local guides.
Upcoming Departures
Spectacular scenery awaits throughout this Madagascar expedition with Mauritius, Reunion, Comoros, and Zanzibar. Our East Africa expedition combines the volcanic peaks of Mauritius and Reunion, the colorful chameleons and pristine coral reefs of Madagascar, and the rugged Comoros Islands. Spend six days on a Madagascar tour as we search for mouse, black, and brown lemurs; 32 species of reptiles; and over 100 species of birds, among them rare endemics such as the Madagascar fish eagle and white-breasted mesite.
Upcoming Departures
Upcoming Departures
None scheduled. Call to inquire.
Upcoming Departures
None scheduled. Call to inquire.
Upcoming Departures
None scheduled. Call to inquire.
Upcoming Departures
None scheduled. Call to inquire.
Upcoming Departures
None scheduled. Call to inquire.
Upcoming Departures
None scheduled. Call to inquire.
Arctic
Join Zegrahm field director, Kevin Clement, on a Lapland expedition in Norway, a nation within a nation with a unique, semi-nomadic culture based on reindeer herding. Our Lapland tour is timed to coincide with excellent views of the fabled Northern Lights as well as the Sami’s annual reindeer migration and festival. Explore by boat, snowshoe, snowmobile, and even by dog sled, as we discover sheltered fjords surrounded by majestic mountain peaks, peaceful valleys, and sleepy fishing hamlets.
Upcoming Departures
Upcoming Departures
None scheduled. Call to inquire.
Asia
Begin your comprehensive China tour in Beijing with a private rickshaw ride through the old quarters of this ancient town. In Xi’an, visit the world-famous army of Terra Cotta Warriors, a highlight of Chinese adventure travel. Wander through the Kashgar Sunday market which attracts traders from all over Central Asia. Then venture farther west for your Kazakhstan expedition and the cultural capital of the region, Tashkent, and enter the forbidden city of Khiva—a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Upcoming Departures
Bhutan adventure travel is the experience of a lifetime. In a country where they’ve adopted the concept of Gross National Happiness and where snowcapped peaks are set off by ornate temples and colorful houses, we journey where few travelers have gone before. Your Himalayas expedition includes nature hikes, interactions with local people, and wildlife viewing—glimpse the Himalayan black bear and the black-necked cranes from Tibet. This is a pilgrimage back in time to places where determined people live close to the heavens and keep their traditions alive.
Upcoming Departures
Visit some of the world’s most remote and exotic locations with comfort and ease during this India and Asia private jet tour. We cover vast distances quickly and effortlessly, visiting kingdoms and domains lost to history and long closed to Western travelers. All told, your Asia and India private jet adventure travels take you to eight far-flung countries.
Upcoming Departures
Journey with us into some of the least-explored regions of Indochina—Myanmar and Laos—where countless regal temples, lovely minority tribes-people, and stunning gardens await. Your in-depth Myanmar and Laos adventure travel experience includes visits to the Shwedagon Pagoda of Yangon at sunset, a truly ethereal sight; the whitewashed Mon Temple in Bagan; the floating gardens of Inle Lake; and more monuments, temples, and markets than imaginable.
Upcoming Departures
For additional exploration of Myanmar’s many charms, we are pleased to announce this new overland adventure led by Asia expert, Gary Wintz. Spend a full week cruising along the Irrawaddy River, with stops at small villages and local markets seldom visited by Westerners, as well as ancient Tagaung, believed to be the first capital of Myanmar. The medieval capital of Mrauk U possesses a rich collection of temples and pagodas second only to Bagan. Make stops in the bustling cities of Yangon and Mandalay to discover stunning architecture and important religious sites.
Upcoming Departures
An area long closed to Western travelers, this White Sea expedition will expose you to sublime beauty, magnificent architecture, and a long and fascinating history. In the fabled Solovetskiy archipelago learn of ancient legends, view archaeological finds that reach back across millennia, stroll through island flora in the botanical gardens, and tour splendid architectural monuments.
Upcoming Departures
This extraordinary Japan expedition blends an array of fascinating wildlife with the exquisite wintertime landscapes of the country. Birders and photographers are in heaven as we visit Arasaki, Kyushu, where nearly 12,000 hooded and white-naped cranes winter each year. We continue on for our snow monkeys expedition, visiting these stirring creatures in Jigokudani in central Honshu, as they soak in the region’s thermal baths.
Upcoming Departures
This fascinating Himalayas adventure travel expedition takes us to spectacular natural wonders and exquisite cultural landmarks. We begin in Delhi, where we visit energetic bazaars, lavish palaces, and stunning British Raj and Mughal architecture. From here, we venture to the picturesque village of Alchi, before exploring Leh’s superb monasteries. Continuing our Himalayas tour, we venture to Palampur, home to one of India’s holiest Sikh temples.
Upcoming Departures
With Zegrahm field director, Kevin Clement, explore the world’s largest intact prairie to search for herds of argali sheep, Siberian ibex, and Mongolian gazelle, as well as the corsac fox, Pallas’s cat, and cinereous vulture. Visit with local families to learn about their traditional nomadic lifestyle that has changed little over the centuries. This is a true expedition traveling well off the beaten path through a diversity of magnificent landscapes, from undulating grasslands to picturesque river valleys. Try fly
Upcoming Departures
- August 20, 2013 - September 8, 2013
- August 2014 (Exact dates TBD)
Upcoming Departures
None scheduled. Call to inquire.
Upcoming Departures
None scheduled. Call to inquire.
Upcoming Departures
None scheduled. Call to inquire.
Upcoming Departures
None scheduled. Call to inquire.
Australia & New Zealand
This Western Australia expedition takes you to The Kimberley, one of the most remote and captivating regions on earth—a land of towering cliffs, plunging waterfalls, ancient cultures, and exotic wildlife. The 100-passenger Caledonian Sky easily navigates the mighty rivers and tiny inlets of the region throughout your Kimberley adventure travels.
Upcoming Departures
Central America
At the crossroads of two continents, Central America is a land of rich biodiversity with an array of colorful, exotic wildlife and a long and significant human history. This Central America expedition reveals the wonders of five countries, including Belize, Honduras, Colombia, Panama, and Costa Rica tours; two oceans; and, during a stunning daylight transit, the Panama Canal.
Upcoming Departures
Europe
Your Iceland and Svalbard adventure travels will reveal a world of abundant wildlife, marine life, and amazing geological landscapes of black basaltic islands, dazzling glaciers, flowering tundra, smoking volcanoes, and bubbling thermal springs. An Iceland tour explores the fabled Golden Circle and offshore volcanic islands that provide a breeding ground for seals and a rest stop for nearly 90 species of migrating birds.
Upcoming Departures
During our in-depth Baltic tour, we sail aboard the 100-passenger Island Sky to eight countries: Sweden, Finland, Russia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, and Denmark. As we explore the Old Towns of Gdansk, Riga, and Tallinn, and tour the World Heritage Site of Visby on our Northern Europe expedition, the history and legends of the region come to life. Our Baltic expedition also includes a visit to the charming villages of Bornholm Island, and the impressive ruins of Hammershus Castle, as well as stunning St.
Upcoming Departures
Larger than life, yet just shy of Cuba’s landmass area, Iceland is a Land of Fire and Ice, natural diversity, and a hardy and hospitable population. Our Iceland adventure travel expedition makes every effort to capture the geological drama of the land, aboard the superb Island Sky, by Zodiac, by snowmobile, and on foot. We start with a Reykjavík tour, followed by the Golden Circle of Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss Waterfall, and the Geysir Center.
Upcoming Departures
Join us for our most in-depth Sicily expedition ever as we delve into one of the most fascinating islands in the Mediterranean. In Malta, visit Valletta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an architectural masterpiece. Follow ancient trade routes aboard the Island Sky, charting a course for the Roman theaters and villas of Taormina, Piazza Amerina, and Lipari. And, of course, no Sicily and Palermo tour is complete without food and wine! We stop at several vineyards, sample olive oil straight from the press, visit local outdoor markets, and savor the best local cuisine.
Upcoming Departures
Our Black Sea expedition features all of the countries rimming this infamous sea—Turkey, Georgia, Russia, Ukraine, Romania, and Bulgaria. In the company of our expert leaders, explore lands with centuries upon centuries of history, rich architecture, contemporary cultures, and stunning landscapes. As we venture forth from Istanbul for our Black Sea tour, we discover four UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Romania’s winding Danube Delta and several archaeological masterpieces. Enjoy a local Georgian dining tradition, visit busy bazaars, and sample regional wines.
Upcoming Departures
Upcoming Departures
None scheduled. Call to inquire.
Upcoming Departures
None scheduled. Call to inquire.
Upcoming Departures
None scheduled. Call to inquire.
Upcoming Departures
None scheduled. Call to inquire.
Upcoming Departures
None scheduled. Call to inquire.
India and Indian Ocean
With more than 5,000 years of human history to its name, India is the perfect setting for adventure travel on a grand scale. Our 19-day India and Delhi tour reveals the dramatic landscapes, varied wildlife, and rich culture of the region, from 1,000-year-old Hindu temples to the increasingly rare Bengal tiger. An in-depth Delhi tour, including sights of both Old and New Delhi, kicks off our India expedition.
Upcoming Departures
Upcoming Departures
None scheduled. Call to inquire.
Upcoming Departures
None scheduled. Call to inquire.
Upcoming Departures
None scheduled. Call to inquire.
Upcoming Departures
None scheduled. Call to inquire.
Upcoming Departures
None scheduled. Call to inquire.
Indonesia
Papua New Guinea adventure travel beckons the explorer in all of us with dramatic landscapes and a wealth of unique cultures. Meet the inhabitants of remote islands on this Melanesia tour and step back in time to view their energetic dances and well-preserved cultural traditions. Learn about the kula ring of trading, which unites far-flung island communities, and the fascinating rituals surrounding the annual yam harvest.
Upcoming Departures
New Guinea is a revelation of exquisite wild beauty, exotic cultures, and incredible underwater vistas. From traditional fishing villages to the mysterious world of the Asmat, discover the beliefs and traditions of ancient cultures that have changed little over the centuries on this Papua expedition. Snorkeling and diving on this voyage is exceptional and includes the Raja Ampat archipelago whose seas, part of the fabled Coral Triangle, are considered to hold the richest variety of marine species on the planet.
Upcoming Departures
Upcoming Departures
None scheduled. Call to inquire.
Upcoming Departures
None scheduled. Call to inquire.
Upcoming Departures
None scheduled. Call to inquire.
Upcoming Departures
None scheduled. Call to inquire.
Middle East
For those seeking an authentic immersion into the art, poetry, architecture, and history of Iran, we offer our Iran: Wonders of Persia expedition. Guided by Middle East expert Gary Wintz, this Iran expedition offers an in-depth view of the turbulent and colorful history of Iran. Formerly Persia, the country’s magnificent ruins and ancient cities, architecturally astounding mosques and citadels, and savory cuisine is sure to leave a lasting impression. We also include a Tehran tour, visiting the Sa’ad Abad Palace-complex and the National Museum of Archaeology.
Upcoming Departures
Upcoming Departures
None scheduled. Call to inquire.
Upcoming Departures
None scheduled. Call to inquire.
Upcoming Departures
None scheduled. Call to inquire.
Upcoming Departures
None scheduled. Call to inquire.
South America
Your Bolivia adventure travels will lead you to a wonderland of astonishing diversity that stretches from the high Andean Altiplano to the lush and wildlife-rich lowlands of the Amazon. Our Bolivia expedition highlights some of the oldest cultures in the New World, the most dramatic landscapes in South America, the largest lake on the continent, and perhaps the greatest variety of flora and fauna on the planet. Begin in La Paz, at over 11,000 feet the highest capital city in the world, before exploring on our Uyuni tour.
Upcoming Departures
This grand adventure along the rugged western coast of South America reveals myriad cultural and natural splendors, with four UNESCO World Heritage Sites on tap. Begin in Quito, Ecuador’s charming capital city, where beautiful colonial architecture is rivaled only by the surrounding peaks of the snow-capped Andes. Board the ship in Guayaquil and voyage southward to discover magical vistas, unique micro-climates, and the prolific wildlife supported by the nutrient-rich Humboldt Current.
Upcoming Departures
Upcoming Departures
None scheduled. Call to inquire.
South Pacific
Book-ended by Fiji and Tahiti tours, this South Pacific journey strings together a dazzling array of palm-fanned islands ringed in waters of incredible hues. From the jungle-draped volcanic mountains of Tonga to the tiny, low-lying atolls you’ll explore as part of the Cook Islands tour, this voyage reveals a world of supreme natural beauty and people proud to share their ceremonial traditions of music and dance. Along the way discover American Samoa’s dramatic Pago Pago Harbor and unique, square-shaped Rose Atoll.
Upcoming Departures
Upcoming Departures
None scheduled. Call to inquire.
Upcoming Departures
None scheduled. Call to inquire.
Upcoming Departures
None scheduled. Call to inquire.