Silk Road Odyssey
Silk Road Odyssey
Silk Road Odyssey
61 Days Starting in London, United Kingdom and ending in Singapore
Visiting: London, Paris, Budapest, Bucharest, Istanbul, Ankara, Kars, Gyumri , Yerevan, Dilijan, Tbilisi, Baku, Caspian Sea, Aktau, Aralsk, Turkistan, Almaty, Charyn Canyon, Urumqi, Jiayuguan, Lhasa, Xining, Chengdu, Kunming, Luang Prabang, Vientiane, Bangkok, George Town, Singapore
Tour operator:
Tour code:
SOLS
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 15
Age range:
18-90
Interests:
Cultural, Foodie and Wine Tours, Gardens & Nature Tours, History, Rail Tours
Activities:
Tour Overview
Following in the footsteps of our 60th Anniversary journey we continue the epic adventure of an overland journey from London to Singapore. This truly momentous overland journey traverses nearly half the globe from Central London to the tip of the Malay Peninsula by train as well as a Caspian Sea crossing by ferry. For transcontinental travellers, overland adventurers and rail travel enthusiasts alike this is a unique journey.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: London And To Paris
Location: London
Meals Included: Lunch
The adventure begins! Meet your Tour Leader and fellow travellers this morning for a welcome meeting and lunch before a stroll to St. Pancras to board the Eurostar to Paris.
Day 2: Paris And To Budapest
Location: Paris
Accommodation Name: sleeper train
Join your Tour Leader for a walking and metro city tour taking in some of the Parisian highlights:Â From Notre Dame and via the Louvre, Tuileries gardens, Place de la Concorde, Champs Elysee, Arc de Triomphe and Eiffel Tower. This afternoon we board the TGV to Stuttgart connecting with the overnight sleeper to Budapest, Hungary.
Day 3: Budapest
Location: Budapest
Morning arrival into the Hungarian capital, Budapest - our sightseeing includes the funicular rail up Castle Hill to Buda's Old Town and Trinity Square, home of the 13th-century Matthias Church and Fishermen’s Bastion, with sweeping views over the city.
Day 4: Budapest And To Bucharest
Location: Budapest
Accommodation Name: sleeper train
Our sightseeing continues with a cruise on the Danube River which offers the very best vantage point for many of the city's landmarks. This evening we board the overnight sleeper service to Bucharest, Romania.
Day 5: Arrive Bucharest
Location: Bucharest
This afternoon we discover the wonderful and eclectic architectural mix of Bucharest's old town; the Stavropoleos Monastery and the imposing 1100 room Soviet-era Palace of the Parliament.
Day 6: To Istanbul
Location: Istanbul
Accommodation Name: train
This morning we board the 'Bosfor' train for the very scenic journey through Romania and Bulgaria to Istanbul; gateway to Asia and our onward adventures through Turkey & the Caucasus.
Day 7: Arrive Istanbul
Location: Istanbul
Accommodation Name: hotel
Early check in at our hotel and time to refresh before an afternoon discovering the some of the most elegant buildings of the Ottoman period; the Spice Bazaar (1660), and the Yilidz Palace.
Day 8: Istanbul
Location: Istanbul
Today we discover the classic sites of Istanbul; Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern, Grand Bazaar and Rustem Pasha Mosque.
Day 9: Istanbul
Location: Istanbul
A free day to enjoy and explore the city at your own pace; perhaps take a Bosphorus cruise, discover the Topkapi Palace or explore the Grand Bazaar.Â
Day 10: To Ankara And On To Kars
Location: Ankara
Accommodation Name: sleeper train
Leaving continental Europe we commence our journey across Asia, first aboard the high speed rail service to Ankara. Declared Turkey’s new capital in 1923 by Kemal Ataturk, today this historic city is Turkey’s cosmopolitan centre for the performing arts. This evening we connect with the overnight 'Dogu Express' across the Anatolian plateau to the ancient eastern city of Kars.
Day 11: Arrive Kars
Location: Kars
Relax on board and enjoy the incredible scenery unfold as we travel across the Anatolian Plateau and through the gorges of the Euphrates River towards the mountains of the Caucasus.
Day 12: Kars And Ani
Location: Kars
Once the capital of Bagratid Armenia (928), Kars fell under the rule of the Georgians, Mongols, Persians, Ottomans and Russians during periods of its long history. In 968 the Armenian capital was moved to Ani, which grew to became one of the world's most significant cities, and is recognized today as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Day 13: Kars To Gyumri
Location: Gyumri
The recently opened (2017) rail line between Kars (Turkey) and Tbilisi (Georgia) is only presently only carrying freight traffic and our road 'detour' takes us across the Turkey border into Georgia then onto Armenia border and our hotel in Gyumri.
Day 14: Gyumri And To Yerevan
Location: Gyumri
Accommodation Name: sleeper train
Today we explore Gyumri in the morning with a possiblility to visit a crafts workshop. We then drive to Yerevan and have time to explore Aruch Cathedral and Caravanserai as well as Zvartnots temple which is set against a mountain backdrop.Â
Day 15: Yerevan
Location: Yerevan
Meals Included: Dinner
Yerevan is a wonderful walking city and we take the time this morning to explore the wide tree-lined boulevards, pavement cafes, elegant boutiques and abundant public artworks; the open-air Cascade sculpture garden, art gallery and staircase leads us to Freedom Square, home of Yerevan's grand Opera Theatre. Northern Avenue, a new pedestrian thouroughfare leads to Republic Square with its imposing Soviet-era neoclassical buildings: Government House, the National History Museum and National Gallery. You will have an afternoon at leisure. This evening we enjoy an introduction to the unique food & wine of Armenia.
Day 16: Yerevan
Location: Yerevan
Meals Included: Lunch
One of Yerevan's highlights is the Matenadaran, home to over 17,000 ancient Armenian manuscripts. Beyond the city we will visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Geghard, a rock-hewn monastery dating from the 4thC and the pagan temple of Garni built in the 1stC in the Greco-Roman, pre-dating Armenia's adoption of Christianity as the state religion in 303. We enjoy a traditional Armenian lunch at the house of a local villager.Â
Day 17: Yerevan And To Dilijan
Location: Dilijan
Leaving Yerevan we visit the Areni wine region which produces some of Armenia's finest wines. Our sightseeing includes Khor Virap Monastery with its incredible vistas across the Aras river valley towards Mount Ararat; Noravank Monastery and Selim Caravanserai, built to protect the Silk Road caravans that crossed the Selim Pass (2410m). We descend to Lake Sevan and the village of Noratus, one of the oldest settlements in Armenia and home to some ancient khachkars (headstones). Â
Day 18: To Tbilisi
Location: Tbilisi
Meals Included: Dinner
Dilijan is set amongst cool, green hills and along the cobbled streets of the old town local craftsmen still employ traditional techniques to create local wares. We leave Dilijan towards the Georgian border, visiting the 10th century UNESCO World Heritage site of Haghpat Monastery enroute to Tbilisi. This evening we enjoy a stroll through this enchanting city before dinner - our introduction to the unique food and wines of Georgia. Â
Day 19: Tbilisi
Location: Tbilisi
Beyond the city we discover Jvari Monastery. We continue along the Georgian Military highway deep into the Caucasus Mountains where we ascend to the Gergeti Trinity Church (2170m) enjoying spectacular views of the surrounding peaks of the high Caucasus.Â
Day 20: Tbilisi And To Baku
Location: Tbilisi
Today we have morning sightseeing of the Old Town in Tbilisi and in the afternoon we fly to Baku.Â
Day 21: Baku
Location: Baku
Meals Included: Breakfast
Baku celebrates its historic and contemporary civic architecture and following a late breakfast we explore the medieval walled city which contains the Shirvanshah's Palace and Maiden Tower, and also the unique contemporary city landmarks of the Heydar Aliyev Centre and the 'three pronged' Flame Towers.
Day 22: Baku
Location: Baku
Beyond the city we will explore the Gobustan and Absheron peninsulas discovering 'mud volcanoes', Zoroastrian Fire Temples, ancient petroglyphs -Â and Roman legionnaires graffiti!Â
Day 23: Across The Caspian Sea
Location: Caspian Sea
Accommodation Name: freighter ferry
Today we cross the Caspian Sea on board a freighter ferry. The world's largest inland body of water, the Caspian Sea is bounded by Kazakhstan, Russia, Azerbaijan, Iran and Turkmenistan. Europe's longest river, the Volga, is its primary water source, creating a vast sea/lake stretching 1,200 km from north to south and with an average width of 320 km and a surface area equal in size to Japan.
Day 24: Arrive Aktau
Location: Aktau
On arrival into Kazakhstan we spend the rest of the day at leisure.Â
Day 25: Aktau
Location: Aktau
Aktau is our gateway to the unique geological formations of the Mangyshlak Peninsula with its multi coloured rock strata, canyons and strange geological formations such as the Valley of Balls and Sherkala Mountain. Here too the unique 10thC underground mosque of Shakpak-Ata. Â
Day 26: Aktau
Location: Aktau
Today we further explore the unique geography & geology of the Mangystau region visiting the salt flats of Tuzbair and the beautiful chalk-white formations of the Boszhira canyon, an ancient dried up seabed.
Day 27: To Aralsk
Location: Aralsk
Accommodation Name: train
Leaving the Caspian Sea we board the train for Aralsk, crossing the vast Kazakh Steppe to the (former) shores of the Aral Sea.
Day 28: Aralsk
Location: Aralsk
The receding Aral Sea has left once thriving ports marooned in the steppe and Aralsk's Old Harbour, museum and surrounding lake-bed lay witness to the environmental tragedy.Â
Day 29: Aralsk
Location: Aralsk
Today as we follow wheel tracks across the former seabed to the abandoned fishing village of Aqespe, where camels and livestock roam amongst the salt bush and sea shells, the environmental loss is starkly apparent.
Day 30: To Turkistan
Location: Turkistan
Accommodation Name: train
Our train journey today follows the Syr-Darya river to the heart of Central Asia and one of the 'undiscovered' archaeological highlights of the Silk Road, Turkistan.
Day 31: Turkistan And To Almaty
Location: Turkistan
Accommodation Name: sleeper train
An ancient and holy city, Turkistan is known as the 'spiritual capital of the Turkic world' and home of the UNESCO World Heritage site commissioned by Tamerlane as a mausoleum for the 11thC Sufi Sheikh, Khoja Akhmet Yassawi. Soaring almost 40m and capped by the largest turquoise tiled dome in Central Asia it is one of the best-preserved buildings of the Timurid period. This evening we board the overnight train to Almaty.
Day 32: Arrive Almaty
Location: Almaty
We arrive in the late afternoon to the cheerful city of Almaty, scenically positioned in the shadow of the mighty Tien Shan mountains. This will be our home for the next couple of nights.
Day 33: Almaty
Location: Almaty
Kazakstan's largest city and former capital, Almaty is a surprisingly green and relaxed town. We explore the city; Panfilov Park, Zenkov Cathedral, State Museum - and ride the cable car to Kok Tobe for panoramic views of the city and surrounding Alatau mountains.
Day 34: Charyn Canyon And To Zharkent
Location: Charyn Canyon
Beyond the city we travel to the Tien Shan mountains to explore Charyn Canyon, part of Charyn National Park the canyon stretches 154 kilometres and is upto 300m in depth. Its many weathered and colourful rock formations are said to be as impressive as those of the Grand Canyon. We travel on to Zharkent, a town close to the Chinese border.Â
Day 35: Zharkent And To Urumqi
Location: Urumqi
Accommodation Name: sleeper train
We spend the morning in Zharkent exploring the pagoda style Mosque, Orthodox Church and local Market.
We then travel east through the Tien Shan mountains at the 'Dzungarian Gate' - through which Silk Road caravans and conquering armies traversed the mountains separating China & Central Asia. We take the overnight train from the border town of Khorgos to Urumqi.Â
Day 36: Arrive Urumqi
Location: Urumqi
Bounded by the Tien Shan and Altai mountains to the north and the Taklamakan Desert to the south Urumqi is one of the most remote cities in the world and our gateway to China and Tibet. The Xinjiang Regional Museum houses one of the most extensive collections of Silk Road artefacts.
Day 37: To Jiayuguan
Location: Jiayuguan
Accommodation Name: train
To Jiayuguan
Day 38: Jiayuguan
Location: Jiayuguan
The Great Wall extends 7300 km and we find ourselves at the western end. We take time to visit Jiayuguan Fort as well as the Great Wall Museum to uncover the secrets of this engineering feat.Â
Day 39: To Lhasa
Location: Lhasa
Accommodation Name: sleeper train
A final morning to explore before we board the train to Xining, and connect with the overnight train to Lhasa, Tibet.
Day 40: Arrive Lhasa
Location: Lhasa
Across the 'roof of the world' aboard the Qinghai-Tibet Railway. At an altitude of 4000m and 5072m at its highest point - this is the world's highest railway, this remarkable engineering feat links Tibet and the city of Lhasa to the world - by train.
Day 41: Lhasa
Location: Lhasa
While it is the Potala Palace that dominates the city skyline and our sightseeing, we also visit Norbulingka Palace, the summer residence of the successive Dalai Lamas and Drepang Monastery.
Day 42: Lhasa
Location: Lhasa
Considered the most sacred temple by Tibetans, the Jokhang was awarded UNESCO World Heritage status in 2000. Surrounding the temple, Barkhor Square allows us to see some of the daily life and rituals of the city. This afternoon we will visit Sera Monastery, once home to over 6000 monks, while today just 600 monks remain in residence.
Day 43: Lhasa
Location: Lhasa
Accommodation Name: sleeper train
Founded in 1409, Ganden Monastery lies 40km north east of Lhasa and is one of the 'great three' monasteries (the others being Sera and Drepung). It lies in a natural amphitheatre with dramatic views of the surrounding valleys. Afternoon at leisure.
Day 44: Depart Lhasa To Xining
Location: Xining
Accommodation Name: train
This morning we board the train for ourovernight journey from the Tibetan plateau to Xining.
Day 45: Xining And To Chengdu
Location: Chengdu
Meals Included: Dinner
Sichuan cuisine is renowned in China and internationally, we sample some of its classic dishes this evening.Â
Day 46: Chengdu
Location: Chengdu
We spend time discovering the sights of Chengdu before venturing beyond the city to visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Leshan Giant Buddha, a 71m Tang dynasty statue which is the largest and tallest stone Buddha in the world. Â
Day 47: To Kunming
Location: Kunming
Accommodation Name: train
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, if time permits we may visit the ancient Dujiangyan Irrigation System, originally constructed over 2250 years ago for flood control and irrigation, it is still in use today. After, we board our train south enjoying some stunning scenery as we travel to Yunnan Province and its capital, Kunming.
Day 48: Kunming
Location: Kunming
The climate and relaxed ambience of Kunming is perfectly suited to a leisurely walk, and our sightseeing today will take us through the old alleys to Cuihu Park, with its many bridges and pagodas, and nearby the Yuantong Buddhist Temple. Â
Day 49: Kunming
Location: Kunming
Beyond the city we visit the enchanting 'Stone Forest' - these unusual and unique karst stone formations are a highlight of Yunnan Province.
Day 50: To Luang Prabang
Location: Luang Prabang
Accommodation Name: train
This morning we board the train for the recently completed 750km rail link from Kunming to Luang Prabang, Laos. The journey takes us through the incredible scenery of southern Yunnan Province.
Day 51: Luang Prabang
Location: Luang Prabang
The former royal capital is located on the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers and known for is many Buddhist temples and monasteries. Afternoon at leisure.
Day 52: Luang Prabang
Location: Luang Prabang
We enjoy a full day sightseeing in this UNESCO World Heritage city and discover its rich cultural, religious and spirtual traditions which are reflected in the architecture of the city's temples and pagodas including the beautiful Wat Xieng Thong and Wat Mai.
Day 53: Luang Prabang And To Vientiane
Location: Luang Prabang
Accommodation Name: train
Enjoy a day to relax and enjoy this beautiful city at your own pace. Early birds will catch saffron-robed monks on their daily alms procession, explore the old town or climb the 300+ steps up Phousi Hill to Wat Chomsi with panoramic views across the city to the Mekong river. This evening we take the new high speed train to Vientiane
Day 54: Vientiane
Location: Vientiane
Tree-lined boulevards blend Buddhist temples with French colonial era architecture. Our sightseeing includes the 16th century Pha That Luang and Wat Si Saket.
Day 55: Vientiane And To Bangkok
Location: Vientiane
Accommodation Name: sleeper train
A day to further explore Vientiane before we join the international 'shuttle' train across the Friendship Bridge into Thailand and then aboard the overnight sleeper train to Bangkok
Day 56: Arrive Bangkok
Location: Bangkok
With just 30 hours in Thailand's fun & flamboyant capital, our local guide will share some of the classic highlights as well as some less well known aspects of this amazing city. We start this morning outside of the city exploring the calm and cool gardens and private collections of the Prasart Museum.
Day 57: Bangkok And To Penang
Location: Bangkok
Accommodation Name: sleeper train
Meals Included: Breakfast
A day in the city visiting Wat Arun, Wat Pho where you will also be treated to a massage, before joining our overnight train south to the Kra Isthmus and Malay Peninsula.
Day 58: Arrive George Town, Penang
Location: George Town
We awake to the scenery of southern Thailand arriving at the border for formalities before joining the Malaysian rail service to Butterworth and ferry to George Town, Penang.
Day 59: George Town, Penang
Location: George Town
The colourful and historic port of George Town was added to the UNESCO world heritage list in 2008, our city tour takes us through the old town unravelling its multicultural influences gained of 500 years as a key trading hub on the Straits of Malacca. The diverse cultures best experienced through its renowned street food. This evening we will celebrate the end of the tour with our group and marvel over all we have experienced along the way.Â
Day 60: To Singapore
Location: Singapore
A long, but perhaps fitting final day in our 60 day rail adventure from London To Singapore - aboard the train from Butterworth via Gemas and Johor Bahru Sentral to Singapore. Our incredible trans-continental rail adventure reaches its final destination.Â
Note: Accommodation will be included for this final evening due to the late arrival into Singapore.Â
Day 61: Journey Ends
Location: Singapore
Our tour ends this morning.Â
What's Included
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Eurostar to Paris
The tour includes a Eurostar journey from London to Paris.
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TGV to Stuttgart
The tour includes a TGV journey to Stuttgart.
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Overnight sleeper to Budapest
The tour includes an overnight sleeper train to Budapest.
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Danube River Cruise
The tour includes a cruise on the Danube River in Budapest.
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Bosfor Train to Istanbul
The tour includes a journey on the 'Bosfor' train to Istanbul.
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Dogu Express to Kars
The tour includes an overnight journey on the 'Dogu Express' to Kars.
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Overnight train to Yerevan
The tour includes an overnight train journey to Yerevan.
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Overnight train to Almaty
The tour includes an overnight train journey to Almaty.
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Qinghai-Tibet Railway
The tour includes a journey on the Qinghai-Tibet Railway to Lhasa.
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High-speed train to Vientiane
The tour includes a high-speed train journey to Vientiane.
What's Not Included
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Meals
Meals are not explicitly included in the tour package.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs and additional activities are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be arranged separately.
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Visa Fees
Visa fees for the countries visited are not included in the tour package.
Mode of Transport
The tour involves extensive train travel, including the Eurostar, TGV, overnight sleeper trains, and high-speed rail services, covering a vast journey from London to Singapore.
Accommodation
Accommodation details are not provided in the tour description.
Check out our Q&As
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What is the starting point of the Silk Road Odyssey tour?
The tour begins in London.
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Where does the Silk Road Odyssey tour end?
The tour concludes in Singapore.
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What type of transportation is primarily used during the Silk Road Odyssey tour?
The tour primarily uses trains, including the Eurostar, TGV, and various overnight sleeper trains, as well as a freighter ferry across the Caspian Sea.
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What significant historical sites are visited in Istanbul during the tour?
In Istanbul, the tour visits Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern, the Grand Bazaar, the Spice Bazaar, Rustem Pasha Mosque, Dolmabahce Palace, and the Navy Museum.
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What unique geographical features are explored in Kazakhstan during the tour?
In Kazakhstan, the tour explores the Mangyshlak Peninsula with its multi-colored rock strata, canyons, the Valley of Balls, Sherkala Mountain, and the Boszhira canyon.
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What is a highlight of the visit to Lhasa on the Silk Road Odyssey tour?
A highlight in Lhasa is visiting the Potala Palace, Norbulingka Palace, and Drepung Monastery.
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What cultural experiences are included in Yerevan during the tour?
In Yerevan, the tour includes a city tour with visits to the Cascade sculpture garden, Freedom Square, and an introduction to Armenian food and wine.
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What is the significance of the visit to Jiayuguan on the tour?
Jiayuguan is significant for being at the western end of the Great Wall of China, where the tour visits Jiayuguan Fort and the Great Wall Museum.
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What is a notable activity in Luang Prabang during the tour?
In Luang Prabang, participants can witness the daily alms procession of saffron-robed monks and explore the old town or climb Phousi Hill for panoramic views.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Like-minded, well travelled clients who you are sure to forge lasting friendships with as you unlock the wonders of the world together.
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Can I create a customised journey with Sundowners Overland
Yes. All of our group tours can be used as a starting point to create your own adventure. Whether travelling alone or in a private group the options are endless. We are happy to work with you to craft a journey that meets your interests and requirements.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1964
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
There are no single supplements on group tours if you are happy to share with fellow travelers. If you craft a custom journey or would prefer private hotel accommodation, a single supplement may apply.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Comprehensive tour documentation and visa guidelines
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please see full booking conditions for details.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
Contact us to see if an alternative start point applies to your chosen journey.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes, we ensure that all accommodation is of a suitable standard for our journeys.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
Please see full booking conditions for details
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of sundowners overland charges.
Up to 75 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 44 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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