Escorted Tours

Safari through Sabah's Wilderness

12 days | Kota Kinabalu to Lahad Datu - 12 days / 11 nights from $14,835.00 per person, 1 Jan - 31 Dec 2024.

Embark on a thrilling expedition through Sabah, starting in Kota Kinabalu and venturing into Mount Kinabalu National Park for a canopy walk. Explore rehabilitation centers in Sandakan for orangutans and sun bears.

Cruise the Kinabatangan River for wildlife sightings before journeying to Danum Valley for rainforest adventures and night safaris. Optional water tubing adds an extra thrill to the journey. Discover the diverse landscapes and vibrant wildlife of Sabah for an unforgettable adventure.

What's Included:

Tailor-made journey

11 nights’ accommodation~

11 breakfasts, 11 lunches, and 10 dinners

Meet & Greet at Kota Kinabalu International Airport

Meet & Greet at Sandakan Airport

English-speaking local guides

Private transfers as per the itinerary

Shared boat transfers as per the itinerary

Private sightseeing in Kota Kinabalu and Sepilok

Shared sightseeing in Kinabatangan and Danum Valley

Entrance fees as per the itinerary

What's Not Included:

Flights from New Zealand to Kota Kinabalu or from Lahud Datu to New Zealand

Flight from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan

Additional night cruises, drives, and walks

Gratuities

~ Accommodations in Sepilok and Kingabatangan are best available

Sarawak Cultural Discovery & Mulu Adventure

6 days | Kuching to Mulu National Park - 6 days / 5 nights from $2,400.00 per person, 1 Jan - 31 Dec 2024.

Embark on a journey through Sarawak, Malaysia's hidden gem in Borneo.

Start in Kuching, where you'll meet rescued orangutans and learn about conservation efforts. Then, explore Sarawak's rich culture at the Sarawak Cultural Village.

Next, head to Bako National Park for diverse wildlife and rainforest trails. Encounter proboscis monkeys and pitcher plants, immersing yourself in nature.

Continue your adventure at Mulu National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its breathtaking caves. Marvel at vast caverns and witness the spectacle of a bat exodus at sunset.

Explore Mulu's rainforest, discovering rare orchids and endemic species. Experience the beauty and magic of Malaysian Borneo in all its glory.

What's Included:

Tailor-made journey
5 nights’ accommodation
5 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 2 dinners
Meet & Greet at Kuching International Airport
Meet & Greet at Mulu Airport
English-speaking local guides
Private transfers in Kuching
Shared transfers in Mulu
Private sightseeing as per the itinerary
Entrance fees as per the itinerary

What's Not Included:

Commercial flight from Kuching to Mulu
Gratuities

Hosted Journey - Fables of the Silk Road

Fables of the Silk Road - Departs September 2025 - Twin share $18,995pp or Single $21,495pp

29 day Small group hosted journey of The Silk Road, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan

Hurry!  The 2024 departure sold out quickly.  Don't miss out - enquire today!

Explore the cultural diversity and wonderful scenery of the ‘Five Stans’ of Central Asia.

This varied landscape is home to traditional villages, ancient towns and glorious cities with time worn trading routes. Vast armies, marauding Mongolian hordes, philosophers, explorers and traders have travelled these roads in times past. Visit Uzbekistan’s architecturally stunning cities of Bukhara, Khiva and Samarkand, see the canyons and lakes of Kazakhstan, the mountains and culture of Kyrgyzstan, the natural way of life in Tajikistan and the ancient desert city of Merv in Turkmenistan.

YOUR JOURNEY AT A GLANCE
• Experience the stunning and diverse landscapes of Kazakhstan
• Visit ancient mosques and Orthodox churches in Kyrgyzstan
• Marvel at the wonderful intricate architecture of Uzbekistan
• Explore Central Asia’s largest oriental bazaar at Payshanba in Khujand, Tajikistan
• Follow in the footsteps of Tamerlane through the mighty cities of Samarkand, Bhukara and Tashkent
• Bask in the opulence of Ashgabat and the history of the Karakum Desert in Turkmenistan.

SPECIAL EXPERIENCES

See the extraordinary Dzhety-Oguz Gorge in Kyrgyzstan
This 37 km long ridge of bright red rocks dotted with waterfalls is a spectacular sight.

Experience traditional cuisine
Enjoy tasting regional specialties made by locals in a yurt.

Chat with exceptional artisans in Fergana
See how the magnificent Khan Atlas silk is produced.

Vibrant markets and bazaars
Spend time exploring the array of fresh food and exquisite handicrafts.

The beautifully preserved medieval town of Khiva
Explore this remarkable town, its magnificent Juma mosque and caravanserai.

World Journeys

Cruise Journeys - See some of the world’s most interesting destinations from another vantage point.  Choose from  luxury ocean liners cruising the Mediterranean, charming river cruisers in the Mekong Delta, small ships in the Galapagos Islands, Amazon or Patagonia, or even river barging through Europe.

Hosted Journeys - Group travel offers a chance to share the trip of a lifetime. Travel is about much more than just ticking off the sights on the well-trodden tourist trail.  It’s about experiencing new cultures, savouring local cuisine, hearing new melodies and meeting fascinating people.  Travelling to some of the world’s most exciting, challenging and exotic countries is all the more achievable in a small group of like-minded people .  People love the conviviality of group travel; there’s company if desired, but also time to explore alone.  Every person brings something to the mix.  With a maximum group size of 18, all tours are guaranteed to depart, so travellers can book with confidence.

Rail Journeys - There’s something refreshingly traditional about travelling by train, particularly if you’re travelling over a long, multi-night route. And the rail journey can be a destination in itself! Dining cars with full-service meals, uniformed wait staff – there’s so much to love about travelling by train. Take a journey on some of the world’s most scenic, most luxurious train trips, many of which offer fascinating off-train excursions. Choose from the Rocky Mountaineer and travel through dramatic Canadian landscape, Rovos Rail in the heart of South Africa, the luxury Maharajah-style trains of India and more.

Small Groups Tours - In some destinations World Journeys offer the chance to travel with a small group which provides you with not only a local guide and travelling companions, but can be a great option for a more cost effective way to travel.  Group sizes vary per destination but generally range from maximums of 6 to 18 travellers.

Wildlife Journeys - There is little that compares to seeing the world’s wildlife in its natural habitat. Search for game in your high-spec 4×4 or on foot with a guide; glide down a riverine delta watching game come to the water to quench their thirst; or experience nature by horseback. Whilst Africa is well known as the safari continent – they also offer wildlife experiences in India, South America, Canada and Alaska.

Culinary Journeys - Some places you go for the museums, some for the scenery and others, for the cuisine and wine! Enjoy exclusive cooking courses and meals at top restaurants in Vietnam; take an historical and culinary tour in Quebec, complete with a gourmet dinner at La Patriarche; or delve into the heart of the maritime history and culture through cooking lessons in beautiful Italian seaside villages such as Portofino and Cinque Terre.

Active Journeys - Almost all World Journeys tours will include walking as you explore your chosen destination. If you are looking for a higher level of activity then their active journeys could see you walking the Camino Real in Spain; sea kayaking in Alaska or a walking safari in South Luangwa National Park in Zambia.

Wellness Experiences - Unplug from the frantic pace of everyday life and take time for yourself to refresh, rejuvenate and revive.  Fly out to a private island where wellbeing and natural delights take centre stage, take a yoga holiday in India, a massage in a wilderness lodge in Alaska or simply retreat to the Maldives and swim among coral atolls with turquoise crystal lagoons.

Cherry Blossom Japan - 17 day hosted tour departs 25 March 2024

Each spring, Japan's landscape is host to fragile pink and white sakura blooming; stunning colour that is celebrated throughout the entire country. Start this journey in bustling Tokyo and see its impressive gardens, go in search of the famous 'snow monkeys' and the alpine 'old town' of Takayama. On to cultural Kyoto and poignant Hiroshima, ending with spectacular views of Mt Fuji from the top of Mt Owakudani. This unique and incredibly scenic country with enchanting culture, wonderful cuisine and gracious people awaits you.

On this journey you will enjoy the following special experiences

 • Enjoy the ultimate sushi-lovers experience in Tokyo - a sushi master will guide us through making sushi rolls and nigiri which we will then enjoy for lunch

• Visit steaming hot springs to see monkeys bathing - visit Yudanaka Onsen to see wild snow monkeys relaxing in the steaming hot springs surrounded by thick forest

• Tour the historic villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama - set in a mountainous region that was cut off from the rest of the world for a long period of time, these villages with their Gassho-style houses subsisted on the cultivation of mulberry trees and the rearing of silkworms. On this tour you'll see the large houses with their steeply pitched thatched roofs, the only examples of their kind in Japan.

17-day Hosted Tour departs 25 March 2024

Price from $19,890 per person ex Auckland (includes flights)

Petra to the Pyramids

25 days | Small group hosted journey by World Journeys - 25 days from $22,598.00 per person, 24 October - 17 November 2024.

Introduction

From floating in the Dead Sea more than 400 metres below sea level, to walking through the Siq for your first glimpse of the soaring facade of the Treasury at Petra.

Wandering the Via Dolorosa to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, standing in front of the mighty pyramids of Giza, sailing the Nile and seeing the glittering treasures from the tomb of Tutankhamun – this exotic journey through the Middle East will also surprise you with some quirky twists in true World Journeys style.

SPECIAL EXPERIENCES

Petra by candlelight
In a night time visit to Petra, walk the entire Siq to the soaring facade of the Treasury, lit with over 1,500 candles. This glittering, spectacular experience is truly a magical way to see the Rose Red City.

Street art tour
Take a step on the wild side and head into the Florentin neighbourhood in the city of Tel Aviv. This lively area is the host for a fascinating tour of graffiti and street art – participate in one of the most thriving street art scenes in the world!

Stay in the iconic Old Winter Palace
Overlooking Luxor temple, this winter retreat for the Egyptian royal family is the epitome of faded, luxurious glamour. Be sure to explore the extensive gardens, sip a cocktail as you watch life alongside the Nile, or take afternoon tea in one of the majestic reception rooms.

Your Journey at a Glance

• Float in the Dead Sea
• Visit Petra and camp overnight in Wadi Rum
• Cross overland into Israel for the wonderful highlights of Jerusalem
• Fly to Cairo
• See the Pyramids, Sphinx, and visit the Cairo Museum
• Visit Abu Simbel and join a luxurious Nile Cruise
• Take in the atmosphere of the Commonwealth cemetery of El Alamein
• A World Journeys host to guide you every step of the way

WELCOME BACK OFFER
Travelled on one of our Hosted Journeys before? We would like to offer you a saving of $400 per couple (or $200 per person) if you book this journey.

This small group hosted journey is guaranteed to depart, regardless of numbers!

Included

• Economy Class airfares ex Auckland
• Airline, border crossing, and airport taxes
• A World Journeys host
• Accommodation in 4 and 5 star hotels, Nile cruise and one night in a tented camp
• Transfers, sightseeing, and entrance fees as per the itinerary
• Meals as indicated
• Gratuities

Not Included

• Items of a personal nature
• Travel insurance (mandatory)
• Visas (required for Jordan and Egypt)
• Optional activities

Bike & Cruise Croatia - 8 days from $1,545 per person

Island Hopping in Dalmatia!

This guided cycling tour in Dalmatia starts on Brac Island and ends in Split, exploring amazing coastlines, medieval towns, old villages and picturesque bays. Highlights include visiting great beaches, vineyards, pine woods, cycling on the historic islands and exploring Mljet National Park. Croatia is a land of beautiful islands, rich history, Mediterranean vegetation and mild climate. The best way to explore it is, without a doubt, by bike.

Premium Ships Premium steel hulled vessels with a traditional, yet modern, look offer accommodation in air-conditioned, spacious en suite cabins with double or twin beds, hair dryer and safety deposit box. Included services: buffet breakfasts, three course lunches OR dinner, Captain's dinner, professional bike guide, daily cabin service, mid-week fresh set of towels and bed linen, luggage handling, unlimited water from the water dispenser, and free Wi-Fi.

Departures:  20, 27 May; 3, 10 Jun; 26 Aug; 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 Sep; 7 Oct 2023

Alaska's Scenic National Parks Self-Drive - 16 days from $13,247pp

• Kenai Fjords • Talkeetna • Denali National Park • Fairbanks • Prince William Sound

From mountain peaks and glaciers to magnificent coastlines and abundant wildlife, this self-drive tour is an ideal mix of unforgettable Alaskan highlights. Starting in Anchorage journey to Seward and the Kenai Peninsula before heading north to the vast interior of Alaska. View incredible scenery of snow-capped mountains, active volcanoes and magnificent coastlines before heading north into the wilderness of Denali National Park's back country.

Other highlights include a bush plane flight over the vast wilderness of Wrangell-St Elias National Park, cruise Prince William Sound and Sheep Mountain Lodge.

Departs daily between late May to mid-September.  Price based on 2023 travel.

Best of East Africa - 14 days from $9,870pp

• Samburu National Reserve • Aberdere National Park • Lake Nakuru National Park • Lake Naivasha • Amboseli National Park • Lake Manyara • Serengeti National Park • Ngorongoro Crater

Follow the call of the wild! Visit savannahs, home to immense herds of wildlife, and meet the traditional peoples with their fascinating cultures. See the world famous Masai Mara with majestic scenery and wildlife, and explore the vast plains of the Serengeti National Park. It is here where one of earth's most natural wildlife cycles takes place - the Great Migration. The safari also takes in the arid landscapes of Samburu National Park, the rift valley lakes of Nakuru and Naivasha and Ngorongoro Crater, the largest intact caldera in the world.

2023 departures: 18 May; 1, 15, 29 Jun; 13, 27 Jul; 10,24 Aug; 7, 21 Sep; 5, 19 Oct; 2, 16, 30 Nov; 14 Dec

4 star, price based on 1 Nov- 13 Dec departures.  $10,718 for other departures. Prices vary seasonally

Rail Journey - Al Andalus 7 days from EUR4,700pp

• Seville • Jerez • Ronda • Granada • Cordoba

The Al Andalus train offers you the privilege of travelling in a palace on wheels. A train that evokes the Belle Epoque, unmatched in terms of comfort, elegance and spaciousness. Its carriages have a long history of luxury and sophistication behind them. Explore the rich scenery, history and gastronomy of Spain on one of the world's most exclusive trains, the 'Al Andalus.'

2023 departures: Sevilla > Malaga 21 May; 4, 18 Jun; 24 Sep; 8, 22 Oct; 5, 19 Nov

Malaga > Sevilla 28 May; 11, 25 Jun; 1, 15, 29 Oct; 12, 26 Nov

Rail Journey - Ancient Silk Road, 17 days from $12,768pp

• Beijing • Xi'an • Dunhuang • Turpan Oasis • Kuche • Kashgar • Urumqi • Shanghai

Discover the legends, culture and natural beauty of the Silk Road on this most remarkable of journeys. Some of the many highlights include visiting the Mongao Grottoes, riding a camel into the Singing Sand Dunes, seeing the Flaming Mountains and passing sections of the lesser-visited Han Great Wall. You will also visit Turpan Oasis - one of the lowest points on earth. The train journey begins at Liuyuan, travelling past the Tianshan (Heavenly) Mountains, then along the edge of the Taklamakan Desert - the second largest in the world after the Sahara. Drive through the Gobi Desert to the Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves, before continuing by train to Kashgar, alive with storybook scenes of merchants haggling over camels, carpets and other goods; imams on donkeys and veiled women in black robes. Fly to Urumqi, a vastly different China where you will experience a Middle Eastern bazaar, nomadic Khazakhs and local Han people. End your journey of a lifetime in the bustling city of Shanghai - symbol of 'tomorrow's China'.

2023 May to Dec daily departures - 4 star from $12,768pp, 5 star from $14,069pp

2024 Jan to Mar daily departures - 4 star from $12,768pp, 5 star from $14,069pp

Rail Journey - Machu Picchu, 6 days from $6,832pp

• Exquisite character luxury hotels • Belmond Hiram Bingham luxury rail journey • Sacred Valley of the Incas • Machu Picchu • Pisac Markets • Ollantaytambo Fortress • Sacsayhuaman • Cuzco

Discover Cuzco and Machu Picchu while staying in stylish historic hotels and enjoying a famous journey on board the luxury Belmond Hiram Bingham train to Machu Picchu. Visit the Land of the Inca in the most luxurious and memorable way possible.

2023 departures are daily, except for the last Thursday of each month.

Rail Journey - Maharajahs' Express Indian Panorama 7 days from US$8,138pp

• Delhi • Jaipur • Ranthambore National Park • Agra • Khajuraho • Varanasi

The Maharajahs' Express offers the highest end of luxury train travel in India, savouring the country's rich heritage on exclusive journeys. Guests board the train to a chorus of live Indian music, while traditionally dressed staff drape garlands around necks and daub foreheads with vermillion - there is even a royal red carpet. A range of Indian and international cuisine is served in two sumptuous restaurants, and the onboard bars offer a selection of exquisite spirits and wine.

2023 departures: 1, 29 Oct; 26 Nov; 24 Dec

2024 departures: 21 Jan; 28 Feb; 17 Mar; 8 Apr; 29 Sep; 27 Oct' 24 Nov; 22 Dec

2025 departures 19 Jan; 16 Feb; 26 Mar; 6 Apr