5 Incredible Experiences Worth Planning Ahead For
Sian Pages – Travel Planner
When looking ahead and planning for our future travels, there are many places you could go and experience something truly magnificent.
Here are my top 5 Asian trips, based on what clients are currently asking for.
Japan by Rail
An epic rail journey across Japan’s three main islands – Kushu, Honshu and Hokkaido – for the ultimate insight into a country like no other! Travelling from South to North on local trains, express trains and the famous ‘shinkansen’ (bullet trains that travel up to 320 kilometres per hour), this unique itinerary encompasses all of Japan’s key highlights and many lesser-known places too.
Best of all are the chances along the way to get ‘hands on’ with Japan’s unique cuisine, from baking traditional momili manju buns to preparing your own sushi – plus sampling traditional Nikka whiskies and the famous Sapporo beers of course!
Explore the Extraordinary ‘Five Stans’
A fascinating journey straight from the golden age of exploration, this extraordinary tour encompasses the ‘five Stans’. Crossing glorious mountains, stark desert and the vast steppe of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, you’ll discover the unique culture of the area, from the intricate architecture and innovative ideas of the ancient Silk Road, to the influence of the Soviet era.
In each new ‘Stan’ you’ll delve into the national psyche, exploring both cities and sites as well as the incredible culture.
Unmissable experiences include meeting traditional eagle hunters, spending the night in an authentic yurt camp and a visit to a stud fam of the famous Akhal Tekes.
Great Walls and Warriors in China
The big highlights of China – the Great Wall, Zian’s Terracotta Warriors, cruising the majestic Yangtze and the bright lights of modern Shanghai – are all sensational, but on a this visit to this kaleidoscopic country, why not get off the beaten track and explore its two most fascinating and picturesque provinces: Yunnan and Sichuan.
Walk in Yunnan’s UNESCO-listed Stone Forest, explore the jaw-dropping 3,000 metre-deep Tiger Leaping Gorge, soak up the views of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and wander among the dramatic limestone karst scenery of Wulong.
Plus, you’ll get to dine on delicious local cuisine along the way, including authentic Sichuan hotpot!
A Historic Journey Through Central Asia
This tour explores three nations with a rich and complex shared history but numerous charms of their own.
With plenty of dramatic landscapes to feast your eyes on as you go, the delights of Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan come from their perfect balance of enigmatic, old world allure and vibrant, modern sensibilities, plus their wonderfully friendly locals.
Experiencing traditional life in the mountains of Azerbaijan, sampling the delicious food and wine of Georgia and discovering the beauty of Armenia’s spectacularly located churches and monasteries are just some of the reasons to visit this captivating region.
Adventure in the Footsteps of Genghis Khan
The size of Western Europe but with a population of just over 3 million, Mongolia is renowned for it’s magnificent landscapes; from the snow-capped mountains of the North, to the Gobi Desert in the South, with vast rolling steppe-lands stretching in between.
This adventurous journey takes in the Gobi’s dramatic ‘Flaming Cliff’ mountains, Genghis Khan’s 13th century capital at Kharkhorin and the serene monastery of Erdene Zuu, plus the pristine beauty of Lake Khoysgol in the North.
Next steps
If you’d like to discuss your future travel plans you have in mind, get in contact with our in-house travel consultant, Sian Pages, on sian.pages@notjusttravel.com.
Sian will be more than happy to spend time talking you through your options; remembering her service is delivered at no cost to clients and professional connections of Longhurst.
Happy Adventures!
