AROUND THE WORLD: TREKKING, BEACHES & TACOS

When you land in Sri Lanka after your flight, we’ll be at the airport to meet you and take you to the hostel. You’ll have plenty of time to recover from your flight, chill out and meet everyone in your group. In the evening, you will come together for a group welcome dinner where you will go over your upcoming program and get an introduction to culture and language to prepare you for your adventure!

In the morning you will grab breakfast before departing for your transfer to Habarana. On arrival, you’ll check into your homestay and will have the rest of the day at leisure to relax and get to know your fellow travel mates.

After breakfast, you’ll set off to climb the rock fortress packed with historical and archaeological significance. In the past, this site was used as a fortress, a Buddhist monastery and now, a UNESCO World Heritage Site sitting 200 meters in the sky. The most looked forward feature of the fortress is the frescoes. Another fascinating detail is its mirror wall. Every step from the entrance to the top is a marvel on its own, and the interesting surroundings makes the tedious climb to the top easy.

Transfer to Polonnaruwa, the main town of Polonnaruwa District in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka known for the huge lake, Parakrama Samudra built in in 1200. The city is a UNESCO World Heritage site and has many untouched ancient archeological relic sites.

In the afternoon, you’ll visit the 8,889-hectare Minneriya Natonal Park, which is a great place to spot elephant gatherings, monkeys and many species of bird. There are wet-lands which have international importance and are the home for protected animal and plant species. Here, you’ll go on a safari in search of some exciting wildlife!

Set off for Kandy after breakfast. Kandy was the last capital of Sri Lanka and is currently a World Heritage Site. The name "Kandy" conjures visions of splendor and magnificence. Many of the legends, traditions and folklore are still lovingly kept alive. Visit the Kandy town and Bazaar, the arts & crafts center, a gem museum and a lapidary. Relax, explore and be sure to check out the scenic lake, a perfect background for sunrise or sunset. In the evening you will participate in an interactive cooking course with locals to prepare your own dinner.

After breakfast you have time to explore the many sites of Kandy, as today is a free day. Check out the sacred Buddhist site known as Senkadagalapura. Senkadagalapura, was the last capital of the Sinhala kings whose patronage enabled the Dinahala culture to flourish for more than 2,500 years until the occupation of Sri Lanka by the British in 1815. Visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic and the Royal Botanical Gardens.

After breakfast head to Kitulgala, a small town in the west of Sri Lanka where you will participate in an exciting experience of exploring the canyons.

After breakfast enjoy a session of white-water rafting. In the afternoon, head towards Nallathanniya to reach the foot of the Adams peak mountain by local bus. Adams Peak is known locally as Sri Pada and is Sri Lanka´s fourth highest mountain at 2,243 meters. It is one of the island´s most important pilgrimage sites and is situated in the Ratnapura district. The giant footprint at the top is the attraction and is sacred to Buddhists, Hindus, and Muslims. The stair to the top has about 5-6000 steps, and most spend 3-5 hours getting to the top.

Although it is not like climbing Mt. Everest, you should still be prepared for a tough climb. Adams peak is open all year round. The months from January to May is considered the high season and can see thousands of climbers in a day. If travelling in these months you will start the climb at night, to reach the peak at sunrise. From May to December, there are less climbers, and the weather can get rough. Heavy rain and lightning can happen. Less people also means that you might see wild animals on or near the trail, including Elephants and other wild animals. As this period is considered off season the trail lights are not turned on, and most, if not all, of the small shops selling snacks and souvenirs are closed. For these reasons, you will do the trek during daylight instead. For all seasons It is advisable to bring layers of clothing that can keep you both dry and warm. It can get cold at the top.

Sit back and relax as you transfer to Ella by train. Today there are no set plans in the itinerary so you can choose to chill out and relax or go out there and explore.

Please note: We only book first-class train tickets to prioritize comfort and safety. As tickets are released only 30 days before departure and availability is limited, we cannot guarantee ticket confirmation. If train tickets are unavailable, alternative transportation to your destination will be provided using the vehicle designated for your tour.

Today is a free day in Ella, which you can use to hike or see epic sights in the area. The Ravana Ella Falls is another spectacular sight in Ella, the perfect place for a quick dip in the cool waters. Ella’s Rock offers a breathtaking view of the countryside, the walk up to the rock itself is beautiful, passing through rail tracks and tea plantations. Arch Bridge is located almost 3100 feet above the sea level with 99.6ft high When one stands underneath it and looks up there is a beautiful sight of ‘nine skies’ through the nine arches. Little Adam’s Peak is considered a small sripada and is a great place to visit to take in the scenic beauty. From this location Kataragama and the Hambantota beach which are hundreds of kilometers away can also be seen.

Yala National Park is the next stop on your trip! Yala is the largest National Park in Sri Lanka which is the home for wild elephants, wild boars, wild buffaloes, leopards, bears, deer and crocodiles. Large flocks of migratory and indigenous birds are also found here. You’ll have the opportunity to head out on safari to spot some of the park’s wildlife! Keep your eyes open!

Transfer to Mirissa after breakfast. Check into your accommodation and have the rest of the day at leisure to relax and hangout or explore the town!

Spend your days exploring all that Mirissa has to offer. Check out Secret Beach – which feels like a remote island paradise, go to Parrot Rock, which towers over the beach and provides great views or visit the instagrammable spot called Coconut Tree Hill for some great pictures! Sign up for some surf lessons or relax at the trendy cafes and bars, steps from the sand.

Enjoy your final morning in Sri Lanka before heading to the airport to transfer to the Maldives. On arrival to the Maldives, you are met by our local representative who will help you get on the correct transportation to your accommodation.

Enjoy a free day on Dhiffushi with the rest of your travel crew. Choose to sleep in, rent some snorkel gear, or relax on the beach.

Today you have a snorkelling tour to explore the bustling life below the surface! The rest of the day is at leisure to do as you wish.

Transfer to Thulusdhoo via boat. The island is known for its great surf breaks and island vibes. Drop off your bags at your accommodation and head out for a bite to eat or a coffee at one of the nearby cafés. Enjoy the rest of the day as you like.

Take advantage of a 1-hour kayak rental today to discover your surroundings at your own pace. Whether you prefer exploring near the shore or venturing a bit farther out, the choice is yours to make as you enjoy the self-paced rental experience.

Enjoy the free time today. You´re surrounded by ocean, so that´s our suggestion for something to do. Just saying!

Today you will head out for a sandbank and picnic tour. A boat journey across the ocean takes us to an untouched sandbank, ideal for picnics or for merely enjoying time sunbathing, snorkeling or swimming in the clear blue lagoon.

Rise and shine before enjoying your final morning on the island paradise. Today you’ll begin your transfer to the airport as you transfer back to Male. You will then fly to Bangkok. On arrival transfer to your accommodation.

After a tasty breakfast, you’ll head to the Chao Phraya river with your guide to check out the amazing views of the Bangkok skyline. At the river, you´ll get on board a Klang - a traditional Thai longtail boat - for a tour of the river. On the way, you’ll pass through a range of local wooden stilt houses along the river, taking in the atmosphere, the sites, sounds and smells.

Next up is a visit to the majestic Grand Royal Palace which is a massive complex of buildings in the heart of the city. You will end your time with your guide at Pier 9 on Chao Phraya River and can choose to spend the rest of your day exploring nearby temples, shopping or wandering the streets of the bustling city.

During the day you’ll have time to explore on your own. In the evening, your guide will meet you at your accommodation to accompany you to China Town. Here you’ll explore the secrets of this lively neighborhood and will taste dishes that are loved by Thai and Chinese alike. You’ll try the spicy stuff, indulge in the sweet deserts, hear stories about the dishes, and talk to the food sellers. In between, you´ll explore the less-traveled side-streets and hidden alleys for temples, local customs, and the behind-the-scenes of this world-famous foodie haven.

Today is a free day, giving you the opportunity to continue to explore Bangkok. Go shopping, try the food markets and museums or choose to relax. In the evening (around 18:00) you´ll be picked up from your accommodation and transferred to the Northern Bus Terminal where you will board an overnight bus to Mae Sot.

Your local guide will meet you at the bus station in the (very) early morning and take you by songthaew to a simple hotel where you’ll have a few hours to rest, take a shower, and eat breakfast. After breakfast, your next songthaew arrives to start your journey to Umphang. 

After seemingly endless and curvy roads across the mountains, there´s a stop at Umphang town where we’ll take the time to visit one of our favorite places to drink a delicious local coffee or fresh-squeezed juice (we recommend the passion fruit juice!). After this final stop, it´s a relatively short drive to reach the Karen village of Palatha. When you arrive, you’ll be welcomed by your host family and learn about the Karen community and their culture. Each host family will accommodate a small group, and they will prepare a local dinner for you.

Wake up and enjoy a simple breakfast prepared by your host family and then leave into the jungle to begin your search for Thailand’s most iconic and animal: the Asian elephant. Depending on where you find the elephants on the day you visit them, you’ll either have lunch at a waterfall or deeper in the forest. 

After lunch you’ll trek back to Palatha and have some free time to shower before meeting at the village’s handicraft center to experience a live weaving demonstration and learn how the Karen make their handicrafts. You’ll have some time after the weaving demonstration to walk around and we suggest visiting the village’s coffee shop before heading back to your homestay for dinner.

Wake up and enjoy your host’s home cooking as you await your songthaew to take you to today’s adventure. Leave your luggage at the homestay and only bring what you need for tonight’s camping underneath the stars in Umphang National Park. The songthaew will take you to the river where you’ll board a boat to get deeper into the forest. It´s a breathtaking experience to witness the unspoiled natural beauty of Umphang. After the boatride, you´ll be taken to Southeast Asia’s largest waterfall: Thi Lor Su. Here you´ll have lunch and spend a couple of hours taking a refreshing swim and, if the water level permits, cliff jump from the top of the waterfall!

From Thi Lor Su, we’ll trek through the forest for a few hours to reach our campsite before sunset and set up camp next to pristine Ko Tha waterfall.

Wake up to the sounds of nature and breakfast at the campsite before hiking a few hours through dense forest to return to Palatha village. You’ll arrive just before lunch so you can take a shower and freshen up, have a quick lunch, pick-up your luggage, and then hop on the songthaew for the long (and curvy) road back to Mae Sot.

In the morning, you’ll be picked up in a songthaew and driven to the bus station. Please note that breakfast is not included today, so we recommend buying some snacks for the road before boarding the bus. Expect to arrive in Chiang Mai in the late afternoon. Check-in and enjoy rest of the day on your own, exploring the city.

Now´s the time to either relax or go on a little urban adventure. We will hop on a bike for a delightful cycling tour in the early hours of the morning! Pedal through the serene alleys and quiet backroads of the old town, where you´ll get to witness the breathtaking sight of golden temple spires glistening in the dusky light. Plus, you´ll get to learn a bit about the city´s history while you´re at it. You´ll bike to a local night market where you can try some different treats and delicacies. Yum! On the ride back, we´ll pass by some historical landmarks unique to the city. 

Wake up and enjoy your breakfast, and then get ready to experience real Thai cooking with a little of the special Northern Thai flavour You will be picked up between 8:30 and 9:00 for your morning cooking class which will start with a visit to a local market to pick up the ingredients for your dishes. After that, roll up your sleeves and start cooking!

Today you will go to Khao Sok National Park. You will start with transferring to Chiang Mai Airport where you´ll board a local flight to Surat Thani. On arrival, you’ll be transferred Khao Sok National Park. In the late afternoon, meet the group again and follow your expert jungle guide for an evening safari in the park. After a couple of hours, you´ll return to the hostel and enjoy a tasty dinner together.

Today is a full day in Khao Sok National Park. Start the day with a tasty breakfast, and then go on an overnight trip to Cheow Lan Lake. Take a boat ride through incredible scenery to a raft house where you will have lunch. In the afternoon, swim in the emerald waters and go jungle hiking or spend some time kayaking. After a fresh dinner, spend the night in a floating bamboo bungalow. 

Wake up early for a morning mist safari, and look for giant hornbills, monkeys, and gibbons feeding in the trees before breakfast. Check out of your room and relax, swim, or kayak until lunch, after which you´ll take a boat to the Dam.

From here, you´ll continue to your next destination: Krabi. Expect to reach your hostel just before sunset. The remaining time in Thailand you will travel unguided.

Check into your hostel in Krabi by evening and spend the next day doing whatever you feel like. Make plans with the group, or take a day off, exploring or lounging by yourself. 

The day after, you´ll hop on a ferry to your next stop—paradise, Koh Phi Phi! You’ve got 3 days to spend however you like. After all the adventures, maybe you just want to chill on the beach or work on your tan? You can also take a dip and snorkel in the crystal-clear water or rent a kayak and paddle out!

Your adventure´s almost wrapped up, and it’s time to catch the ferry to Phuket. You’ve got the last two days to explore on your own before it’s time to say goodbye to your new travel buddies and head to the airport. Thinking about sticking around Thailand or heading to another spot in Asia? Let us know when you book, and we’ll help you extend your trip!

You fly to Bangkok to have one last night in Thailand before the journey continues to Hawaii.

Bid farewell to Thailand as you transfer yourself to the airport for your flight to the other side of the World! You’ll have plenty of time to sit back, relax, catch up on a book or watch a movie during your flight. Once you arrive in Hawaii you will transfer yourself to your accommodation.

Find out why Honolulu is referred to as Paradise Island. There are plenty of adventures to embark on. Sign up for a surf class, parachute jump on the North Shore, check out life below the surface diving, snorkeling or free diving or explore the island’s lush nature on a hike!

Enjoy your last day in Hawaii before boarding a late-night flight to Los Angeles. You will need to make your own way to the airport for your flight. On arrival to LA the next morning (day 51), you will self-transfer to your accommodation where you can drop off your bags and start exploring!

When you land in Los Angeles you will make your way to your accommodation where you can drop off your bags and begin exploring the city. The rest of the day is free to do as you wish!

52-55 are free time in LA, yours to spend however you want. Choose to wake up extra early for a picturesque sunrise over the beach or just take it easy. In the afternoons, we recommend exploring some of LA’s top highlights. You can check out the famous Hollywood sign perched on the side of a mountain, visit the Hollywood walk of fame, drive down sunset strip, a 1.6 miles through the heart of the City of West Hollywood that was historically the playground to old-guard Hollywood elite like Marilyn Monroe, Clark Gable, and Greta Garbo, or venture to other neighborhoods to explore all the City of Angels has to offer.

Bid farewell to the West Coast of the USA as you transfer yourself to the airport for your flight to the Mexican city of Cancun. Upon arrival, you’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your accommodation.

Spend your first full day exploring the many sites of Cancun. There’s plenty to see and do including checking out the incredible Caribbean beaches, Mayan culture and plenty of local flavor.

Embark on an adventure to the heart of ancient civilization – the Mayan site of Chichén Itzá. Today you need to be up early (approx. 6AM) and will need to walk 10 minutes to get to the pick-up location for the tour. Brave the jungle´s lush terrain as you unearth the mystery of this lost city, protected by UNESCO and now listed as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

After a day exploring ancient sites, today you have a free day to enjoy Cancun. Bask in the sun on the beach or head into the city for some local flavor. There are many things to experience in Cancun!

Pack your bags – you’re departing mainland Mexico and heading to Isla Holbox today! You will transfer via public bus and ferry to the island and will have the rest of the day to explore your new home away from home!

If you’re keen for some underwater exploration, book a snorkeling or diving experience to one of the many diving sites on the island! If you’re there in the right season, you may even spot a whale shark!

Hop on another ferry and transfer to your next stop on your itinerary – Playa del Carmen. Playa del Carmen is a coastal town in Mexico, along the Yucatán Peninsula´s Riviera Maya and is on the the region’s trendiest spots.

Remember your visit is much more than beaches – there’s plenty of culture to immerse in. Take time out to explore the town, indulge in delicious food and get a taste of the local nightlife!

Catch a flight from Cancun to the concrete jungle of NYC, the last stop on your around the world adventure. On arrival you will self-transfer to your accommodation. Then hit the streets running! There is so much to see and do, it is the city that never sleeps after all!

A trip to NYC wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Time Square, but don’t forget to check out China Town, Little Italy, Koreatown and more! New York City is packed full of different cultures and experiences, making each visit unique.

As they say, all good things must come to an end. Today you will bid farewell the strangers who have become good friends over the last months. After all the goodbyes, you´ll transfer yourself to the airport to fly back home, or onwards on your journey!