Recommended touring holidays in Asia and South & Central America

With so many fascinating destinations around the world, sometimes a holiday to just one location just doesn’t cut it. That’s why embarking on a tour is such a fabulous way to see the world – it’s a chance to hop on a private coach and enjoy an easy-going yet active adventure, immersing yourself in new cultures with like-minded travellers and discovering a place totally different from your own.

We’ve collated some recommended tours from our favourite destination in Asia and South & Central America, voyaging through dynamic cities, jaw-dropping rainforests, ancient towns and picturesque hikes to give you a truly humbling experience. Have a read of our carefully curated list, and then give our travel experts a call to add a personal touch to your next exciting getaway.

South & Central America tours

For those hoping for an adventure that will leave them speechless, South & Central America has the perfect backdrop. From the soaring Andean peaks and Amazonian rainforest, to the fascinating Incan ruins, elusive wildlife and dazzling beaches, this destination is brimming with excitement and stunning natural beauty. Our selection of tours encapsulate the allurement of South & Central America, ideal for those hoping for an active holiday.

Costa Rica Adventure

Where: This Costa Rican trip takes you to the usual highlights – San Jose, Arenal and Monteverde – as well as a few locations of the beaten track, including Tortuguero and La Virgen.

What: 16 days of stunning scenery and fun experiences makes this one of our most adventurous escorted tours. Along the way, you’ll explore rugged volcanoes, unwind on golden beaches, discover Manuel Antonio National Park, zip line in Monteverde, and trek the Sarapiqui Rainforest.

The best bits: One of our favourite highlights is the scenic hike through Tortuguero. A place so remote that you need to travel by tractor, private van and a boat to get there, this gorgeous reserve is characterised by its beautiful beaches and lagoons, home to leatherback and green turtles. Venture on this tour in hatching season, and you may have the amazing opportunity to see baby turtles hatch and make their journey to the sea.

More information: Costa Rica Adventure

Costa Rica Quest

Where: This wonderful tour takes you through some of Costa Rica’s most beautiful locations, including the impressive Arenal Volcano, San Jose, Monteverde, and Quepos.

What: This eight-night tour is full of fun activities, giving you the chance to see Costa Rica in a nutshell should you fancy a shorter tour. White water rafting, horse riding and visiting La Fortuna’s hot springs is matched perfectly with a touch of relaxation in the small surf town of Quepos.

The best bits: Exploring Santa Elena Cloud Forest is a magical experience. Embark on a guided tour through this luscious forest, where an atmospheric ‘cloud’ of mist continuously hovers over the towering canopy, and the likes of pumas, spider monkeys and sloths build their home.

More information and to book: Costa Rica Quest

The Inca Trail

Where: Starting and ending in Cusco, the Inca Trail treks to the iconic Incan citadel, Machu Picchu.

What: The Inca Trail is truly iconic, and something that’s on the top of every adventurous traveller’s bucket list. Our tours ensure that you can a personalised experience, detailing the trail’s history and taking you to some of the best gems during your seven-day trip. There’s even the chance to discover Sacred Valley, and Huchuy Qosco – an indigenous village.

The best bits: Of course, Machu Picchu is the main highlight. The views from this renowned landmark are simply breath-taking, and you’ll have some time at leisure to explore the citadel and its phenomenal views yourself. There’s also the opportunity to visit the Inca Bridge.

More information: The Inca Trail

Absolute Peru

Where: Starting and ending in the vibrant capital of Lima, this trip takes you to the Inca Trail, over the Nazca Lines, and to the Amazon jungle.

What: This 21-day tour is your chance to discover Peru’s fascinating culture, history and geography. This is a very active escorted tour, with plenty of tiring but extremely rewarding hikes. After hiking incredible trails and exploring the ‘City of Kings’, rest your legs with a dip in the thermal pools in the Colca Canyon, and take a sensational boat trip across Lake Titicaca.

The best bits: The Amazon Jungle is brimming with dramatic scenery, offering an incredible backdrop for an once-in-a-lifetime jungle trek. Staying in Tambopata Rainforest Area – which holds the world record for most bird sightings in one area – and exploring the jungle with local guides is an opportunity you won’t forget.

More information: Absolute Peru

Far East & Asia tours

Asia is a continent that never fails to intrigue. Whether it’s the adventurous excursions, the ultra-modern cities, the vibrant local lifestyle or the captivating culture, touring this vast destination is to go on a journey brimming with eye-opening moments, amazing food, and friendly faces. We’ve carefully curated a selection of tours that truly embody the enviable charm of Asia & the Far East.

Delhi to Kathmandu Adventure

Where: Journeying from India to Nepal, this tour starts in Delhi, ends in Kathmandu, and stops by Varanasi, Agra and Chitwan National Park along the way.

What: The classic attractions are included on this trip, including ‘Pink City’ Jaipur and the Taj Mahal, but we’ll also take you to a few other off the beaten track places that we think shouldn’t go amiss. Venture around Lumbini – the birthplace of Buddha, Nepal’s capital city Kathmandu, and the sensational mountain region of Pokhara.

The best bits: The holy city of Varanasi is stupendous, and well worth visiting. Millions of Hindus travel here every year as a pilgrimage, giving the city a lovely spiritual vibe. Here, you’ll take an orientation walk, as well as being blessed with sunrise and sunset boat trips on the famous Ganges River. We’d recommend visiting the temple dedicated to the Hindu monkey god Hanuman – the exterior is exemplary.

More information: Delhi to Kathmandu Adventure

Golden Triangle

Where: Most of your trip will be spent exploring Delhi and Jaipur – the ‘Pink City’.

What: Maybe you’re hoping to delve into India’s interesting culture, but you only have a week to play with. If that’s the case, we’re certain you’ll enjoy this quick journey through some of the most famous parts of the country, including Agra to see the magnificent Taj Mahal, and the brilliant Amber Fort in Jaipur.

The best bits: The guided tour through the lively backstreets of Delhi is a truly stunning way to discover the local lifestyle and truly get an insight into India beyond the usual hot spots. A young adult guide from the New Delhi Streetkids Project will take you to places that are lesser-known to other travellers – making this a very insightful excursion you won’t want to miss.

More information: Golden Triangle

China Express

Where: This quick insight into China travels from Beijing to Shanghai.

What: If you’re hoping to experience China’s cultural and natural beauty but you’re on a tight schedule, this tour is the perfect way to see some of the country’s best attractions. Walk along the Great Wall, discover two of China’s most exciting contemporary cities – Beijing and Shanghai – and discover the Terracotta Warriors.

The best bits: Though the country’s modern cityscapes are amazing, we love exploring the historical city of Suzhou. Once the capital of Wu culture, the city blends modernity with classic Chinese charm, with the wonderful gardens adding another must-see to your holiday.

More information: China Express

China Family Adventure

Where: Beijing to Hong Kong with Chengdu in between

What: 14 day tour for adventurous families, see some familiar sights e.g. Terracotta Warriors, the Great Wall and the Forbidden City, but also off the beaten track e.g. rural beauty of Yangshuo and the Temple of Heaven.

The best bits: We’re sure both children and adults alike will love to see majestic pandas up close – and this epic tour gives you the chance to do just that. Head along to the panda breeding centre in Chengdu to see these amazing creatures, learning all about China’s conservation efforts and finding out more about China’s most well-loved animal.

More information: China Family Adventure

Vietnam Family Adventure

Where: This epic tour takes you from bustling Hanoi to colourful Ho Chi Minh City.

What: An adventure full of culture, fun activities, delicious food and local insights makes this a brilliant tour for active families looking to experience a unique destination. Take the kids on a cultural journey, with excursions including a cruise along Halong Bay, the Imperial Citadel, and a cyclo tour of the Old Quarter.

The best bits: A cruise along the Mekong River will get every family member’s hearts in a flutter, with beautiful emerald hills paving the way as you sail through small, traditional villages and end with a delicious dinner with a local family.

More information: Vietnam Family Adventure

Mekong River Encompassed Ho Cho Minh City to Siem Reap

Where: This awesome journey takes you from Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City to Cambodia’s Siem Reap.

What: The winding Mekong River is the main journey you’ll take on this 10 day tour, travelling from Vietnam to Cambodia to discover both fascinating destinations. You’ll visit spectacular pagodas, explore the Cu Chi Tunnels, see the harrowing Killing Fields and take a cycle tour through Phnom Penh during your holiday.

The best bits: One of the best things about visiting the Far East, is the ability to immerse yourself in a destination that’s completely new. What could be better than living like a local and discovering a unique culture? That’s why we love that this tour with the Mekong River cruise taking place aboard a classic riverboat, the Tuom Tiou II, adding an extra touch of tradition.

More information: Mekong River Encompassed Ho Cho Minh City to Siem Reap