Take the road less travelled through the Middle East, Antarctica, South America and more
The incredible Iguazu Falls in Brazil. Picture: Brazil Tourism
EUROPE – tick. North America – tick. And South-East Asia – tick.
If this looks like your travel list, it is time to broaden your horizons and visit the countries and regions less travelled. Take yourself out of the comfort zone and experience some truly diverse cultures, along the way treating yourself to some splendid hidden scenery. From the deserts of the Middle East to the midnight sun in Greenland, there is bound to be an out-of-the-square travel destination which is right up your alley.
Here are five deals that are less likely to jump to mind but just as worthy of a visit as any of the more common holiday destinations.
MIDDLE EAST
Traverse a section of the ancient Silk Road on a 21-day overland journey from Uzbekistan to Iran. Visit the renowned cities of Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara and Merv where you will gain a rich sense of the intricate history, before crossing the awesome expanses of both the Karakum desert and the high mountain passes that link Central Asia and Persia. The trip coincides with the amazing Sunday camel market at Ashghabat before taking the dramatic mountainous drive across the Kopet Dag Mountains to Iran. See spectacular scenery ranging from snow clad mountains to deserts, oasis towns and ancient cities that reveal a deep history.
The 21-day tour from World Expeditions is priced from $5590 a person, which includes accommodation, some meals, transport and guides. Airfares are not included. There are various tour dates from April to November 2010.
SOUTH AMERICA
Discover South America on an amazing 35-day adventure where you will enjoy the colourful hustle and bustle of local markets, explore mystical ruins and marvel at spectacular mountain passes. On tour, you will visit the countries of Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, Argentina and Brazil. Each day will truly reveal a new experience. Travelling in the comfort and companionship of a small group, you will visit the must-see sights and many others that are off the standard tourist tracks.
Highlights include venturing into the mighty Amazon, feeling the thunder of Iguazu Falls and visiting cultural hot spots Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires. You will also see Peru’s spectacular Inca city of Machu Picchu – an intensely spiritual place that will take your breath away. The tour allows you to enjoy the views of Machu Picchu without the crowds so you can soak up the tranquil atmosphere. Be amazed as you revel in a rich cultural climate unique from other parts of the world.
Bunnik Tours is offering the 35-day tour from $12,799 a person, which includes return airfares from Australia, eight internal flights within South America, accommodation, expert guides, most meals and sightseeing. Tours depart from April 2010 to March 2011.
Call: 1300 664 170
CENTRAL AMERICA
Central America is the answer for anyone looking for a truly diverse travel experience. This 29-day tour features three of the most stunning countries in the region – Panama, Costa Rica and Guatemala – as well as a visit to one of the most striking cities in the Americas, Colombia’s Cartagena. Starting in Cartagena, on the shores of the Caribbean, you will tour the town’s eclectic architecture and visit the Xenu Gold Museum, the Church of San Pedro Claver and San Felipe de Barajas Castle. Then it is on to Panama City and a cruise through the Panama Canal, one of the world’s greatest engineering masterpieces.
Volcanoes and spectacular wildlife will greet you in Costa Rica, were you will cruise rivers and hike through rainforests. The tour concludes in Guatemala, where the stunning colonial city of Antigua, magnificent Lake Atitlan, the fabulous Chichicastenango markets and Tikal, the greatest of all the Mayan archeological sites, are among the highlights.
The Travel Directors’ 29-day tour departing Australia on March 24, 2010, is priced from $15,947 a person, twin share. Prices include all flights, accommodation, most meals and sightseeing.
Call: 1300 856 661
HIGH ARCTIC
Take a tour to one of the world’s least visited yet most beautiful regions, featuring stunning glaciers, mountains, fjords, geysers and icebergs. The 20-day escorted adventure to the High Arctic takes in Greenland, Iceland and Denmark. Not only will you witness majestic scenery, you will encounter ancient civilisations and cultures.
In Iceland, visit the capital of Reykyjavik, the geologically fascinating Thingvellir National Park, the stunning Gullfoss Waterfall and the Great Geyser area. Continue through majestic mountain ranges and narrow passes en-route to Lake Myvatyn and then witness volcanic activity and boiling mud pools and lava flows from the Krafjla crater. You will then move on to Greenland where you will view the astonishing Equip Glacier and take a four-day visit to the iceberg town of Ilulissat, home to the midnight sun which reflects on the gigantic icebergs, creating an unforgettable sight.
Prices for the 20-day tour start from $19,377 a person, twin share. The Travel Directors’ tour departs Australia on July 14, 2010. International and domestic flights, accommodation, transport, most meals and sightseeing are included in the tour cost.
Call: 1300 856 661
Posted in Pleasure Travel | 
Tags: Antarctica, Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Denmark, Ecuador, Greenland, Guatemala, Iceland, Iran, Middle East, Panama, Peru, Silk Road, Uzbekistan