Two of a Kind

It’s not always the landmarks we visit that stay with us, but the moments we experience along the way – the people we meet, the traditions we discover and the sense of wonder that comes from seeing somewhere new. After an extraordinary journey, it can be tempting to return to the same place. But why follow the obvious path when you could discover somewhere completely different – a destination that offers many of the same qualities, but in new and unexpected ways?

Think about what you loved most about your last journey. Was it the warmth of its people, the richness of its traditions, the thrill of seeing wildlife up close, or simply the feeling of being somewhere completely different? These are the experiences that can inspire your next adventure.

If you were fascinated by India’s enduring traditions, from the vibrant colours and bustle of its bazaars to the rituals and customs woven into everyday life, it’s easy to see how Uzbekistan’s equally rich living heritage would appeal.

Our Very Best of Uzbekistan tour traverses Uzbekistan’s storied Silk Road, passing beneath turquoise-domed madrassahs adorned with intricate tilework. Here, we are invited into bazaars where artisans sell handwoven silk and carpets, suzani embroidery and hand-painted ceramics, using techniques passed down through generations. Come evening, traditional folklore is brought to life in a display of storytelling, dance and music that has enchanted audiences for centuries.

And if you still find yourself smiling at the memories of conversations shared over fragrant meals with new friends during your time in India, you’ll find a familiar warmth in the people of Uzbekistan, where hospitality has long been regarded as sacred. Here, we are welcomed with freshly baked bread, tea, and warm conversations – a reminder that some of the most memorable moments of a journey come from the people we meet and the traditions they share with us.

If the sheer scale of Australia’s landscapes, from its rugged coastlines to its vast outback, and the chance to encounter its native wildlife gave you a thrilling sense of adventure, you’ll find the same excitement in South Africa, where wide-open grasslands, barren deserts and jagged mountain ranges create an ever-changing backdrop.

On our Very Best of South Africa tour, we travel the spectacular Garden Route, the Indian Ocean shimmering before us, each twist and turn revealing a new stretch of dramatic coastline. From the sweeping views of the Outeniqua Pass to the golden grasslands of Kruger National Park, South Africa’s natural beauty is wonderfully diverse. As dusk falls in Kruger, listen for the distant calls of lions across the bush, while each game drive brings the possibility of encountering one of Africa’s iconic Big Five.

Over in Asia, the sense of stillness and contemplation that makes Japan so appealing can also be found in Sri Lanka, with its own gentle rhythm and moments of calm.

During our Very Best of Sri Lanka tour, peaceful temple gardens, sacred shrines, and timeless traditions invite us to slow down and really appreciate the moment. Standing in the Dambulla Cave Temple, we experience a sense of calm washing over us. Then, beneath the mighty Sigiriya Rock Fortress, we pause once more to take in the sheer scale of this ancient citadel rising dramatically from the landscape.

During an evening ceremony at the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy, we watch incense rise as we listen to the rhythmic beat of ceremonial drums, taking in the atmosphere of this sacred setting. It’s a place where the pace of life feels slower, giving us time to pause, reflect and appreciate the moment.

If exploring Costa Rica’s rainforests and searching for wildlife sparked your sense of adventure, Borneo offers that same thrill of discovery in an even wilder and more remote setting.

Borneo’s rainforest is one of the world’s most biodiverse environments, filled with colour and the sounds of birdsong. During our 17-day Very Best of Borneo tour, we head into the rainforest in search of wild orangutans and endangered proboscis monkeys among a canopy of towering trees and twisting vines. Then, we cruise along the Kinabatangan River, watching for pygmy elephants moving through the undergrowth along the riverbank.

Life’s greatest journeys don’t always end when we return home. They stay with us, inspiring where we go next and encouraging us to discover more of the world. So, as you plan your next adventure, think about the moments that have stayed with you – you may find they lead you somewhere completely unexpected.