About Sundowners Overland

We use local suppliers, stay in locally-owned accommodation and visit privately-owned local restaurants during our tours. We encourage our clients to purchase local goods and services to enhance not only their experience but to ensure that we support local businesses. We protect and preserve the natural environments visited and ensure our clients do the same.

All our travellers are provided with accurate pre-trip information on the social, cultural, historical and political background of the countries that they are visiting. As part of this we advise our clients on ways they can maximise their interactions with local people and avoid causing offense.

....less

Sundowners Overland's unique proposition is to see the destination through the eyes of a local.

We work with Local Partners and local communities in all our destinations to provide activities and accommodation. We contract the services of Local Guides and City Ambassadors through our Local Partners. In addition, we partner with local families to provide homestays and Mongolian ger stays which vastly enhance the experience and understanding of the local people for our guests.

Because of the nature and remoteness of our destinations (eg Mongolia, Caucasus) nearly all our suppliers employ only local people and use local sources of food, drinks and other materials.

....less

We no longer privide print brochures, instead sending digital copies to clients.

We advise our clients to travel with refillable water bottles to reduce plastic waste in our destinations. Our Tour Leaders (and the information we provide) advise travellers how to minimise water usage and reduce our environmental impact in the destinations we visit.

On visits to national parks you visit we brief our clients on environmental responsibility - asking them not to take anything away and to be mindful about litter - taking it away from conservation areas if possible, ensuring it is disposed responsibly if not.

We utilise the local transport network by using public trains for most rail travel, restrict the use of private vehicles and air travel, which reduces our carbon footprint.
....less

CATO - Council of Australian Tour Operators
TAANZ - Travel Agents' Association New Zealand ....less

Sundowners Overland has adopted the Covid Safe Travel Protocols released by the Council of Australian Tour Operators (CATO) and the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) to ensure a high level of hygiene and safety on our tours. ....less

Sundowners Overland has been crafting pioneering adventures across Asia since 1964, providing unrivalled expertise and a comprehensive selection of unique journeys and today we are the leading Trans Mongolian Railway, Silk Road and the Caucasus specialists.

Meander across enthralling regions and discover that overlanding is not just a way to travel but a portal to past and present worlds. From golden empires to whispering wilderness, enjoy a rare glimpse of endearing people living extraordinary lives as you cross lyrical landscapes by rail, road and sea.

Follow ancient trails of trade and conquest across Central Asia on the golden Silk Road. And receive a warm welcome among the mountains and monasteries of Europe’s spellbinding Caucasus.

1. 1964 - The ‘Asia Overland’ adventure begins from Australia to London in a couple of 'Combies'

2. 1970's – New adventures beyond the ‘Iron Curtain’ into Eastern Europe & Soviet Russia

3. 1976 - First Trans-Siberian Railway journey from Nakhodka in Russia’s Far East - as Vladivostok remains ‘off limits’

4. 1984-85 Our first journeys into mainland China and Mongolia aboard the Trans Mongolian Railway

5. Late ‘80’s - Soviet Central Asia opens up and our travellers first experience the ‘stan Soviet Republics

6. 1994 - The Trans Kazakhstan Railway opens allowing rail travel from Beijing to Moscow via Kazakhstan & Uzbekistan

7. 1998 – The Torugart Pass opens providing road access through the Tien Shan mountains from China to Kyrgyzstan along the fabled Silk Road

8. Early 2000’s - Our journeys start exploring the Caucasus and new routes around the Caspian Sea

9. 2014 – We celebrated 50 years of Asia Overland with our first journey overland from Singapore to London

10. 2020/22 – the COVID pandemic causes a halt to tour operations that the challenging geopolitics of the region never achieved in over 50 years of continuous operations

11. 2024 will see Sundowners Overland celebrate 60 years of Sharing Asia Overland. Differently.
....less

Sundowners Overland is committed to showing their clients the best of Asia through the eyes of a local. Among our Tour Leaders we have many who are local to the destinations we visit, and also contract the services of Local Guides who are specialists in their region and who educate travellers on the culture, history, social and political background of the places that they visit.

We have been operating tours throughout Asia for 60 years and strive to build on our long-established reputation for having the utmost respect for the places and communities that we visit.
....less

Why travel with Sundowners Overland?

Choosing the right travel partner for your journey is a big decision. It’s not every day you get to unfurl the secrets of the Silk Road or the romance of the Caucasus.

For Sundowners Overland, that’s been our reality for 60 years. We’re powered by a passion for authentic overland travel - journeys that immerse you in exotic cultures while carefully balancing exploration and relaxation.

Our extensive network of travel specialists will help you experience the journey of a lifetime through captivating regions of the world. Our Tour Leaders and Local Guides are certified travel professionals with fantastic English, and share the kind of idiosyncratic insight only a local could.

Unparalleled destinations

From golden empires to whispering wilderness, walk in the audacious footsteps of early explorers along ancient trails of trade and conquest. Enjoy a rare glimpse of endearing people living extraordinary lives and soak up the cinematic scenery as you traverse alluring lands by rail, road and sea. Choose from carefully crafted small group journeys or design your own.

Authentic encounters

The true value of travel comes from the people you meet along the way. Sundowners Overland journeys are crafted to maximise your opportunity to interact with local life, enriching your understanding of cultures and countries far from home.

Moving journeys designed for you

Whether you want action-packed adventure or in-depth discovery, something leisurely or world-class luxury, Sundowners Overland has a Travelstyle that’s right for you.

Small things in great packages

Small group tours ensure an intimate experience. With in-depth sightseeing included, you’ll forge lasting friendships as you unlock the wonders of the world together.

Liberating experiences

Wander off the tourist trail and delve deeper into fascinating regions through unique activities. Flexible journeys let you plan independent activities at each destination.

Peace of mind

Travellers have been enjoying our enchanting experiences for over 55 years. Each journey is carefully planned and carried out by passionate travel specialists, where 24/7 support is available in the office and on the ground.

Single supplements are optional

There are no single supplements on group tours if you are happy to share with fellow travellers. If you’re a sole traveller and would prefer private accommodation, a single supplement may apply. ....less

Sundowners Overland is committed to ensuring that respect for all cultures we encounter is front of mind for all of our travellers. We carefully choose our sightseeing programmes in conjunction with Local Partners to ensure that they are appropriate. ....less