The Long and Short of it

Adventure

a group of boats in a body of water with buildings in the background

Since time is precious, our carefully designed tours ensure that each moment matters – whether your journey spans days or weeks.

From fortnight-long escapes to epic two-month adventures, each of our itineraries are carefully crafted to reveal the real heart of a destination. You’ll see the sights, of course, but also savour the details: local flavours, cultural traditions, wildlife encounters and the landscapes that tie them all together.

Wherever you want to go, and for however long, our expertise ensures your journey fits seamlessly into your life, without compromise.

A perfectly paced holiday doesn’t always need to mean weeks away. For example, our Golden Triangle & Ranthambore tour captures centuries of Indian history and colour in 11 perfectly planned days: from the pink palaces of Jaipur to the regal Taj Mahal bathed in the glow of sunrise. Two nights in Ranthambore add yet another thrilling dimension, with guided game drives offering you the chance to glimpse the iconic, elusive Bengal tiger roaming in its natural habitat.

For those who have more time, our Grand Tour of India stretches to 25 days and spans the country’s full breadth. From the Himalayan foothills and Shimla’s famous toy train to Amritsar’s Golden Temple, it’s a journey of contrasts. We share a home-cooked dinner with a family in Jaipur, learn the secrets of spice plantations in Kerala, and glide along tranquil backwaters by houseboat. With tiger talks, safaris, and even the option of a coastal finale, this is India told in its fullest measure.

If a trip Down Under is on your list, we’ve designed a wonderful range of tours, each created to make the most of every day. In 19 days, our Essential Australia itinerary showcases the wonders of this remarkable country. Gaze across Sydney Harbour, wander Melbourne’s mazy laneways, and witness sacred Uluru glowing red in the Outback sun.

For those seeking a more in-depth experience, our Very Best of Australia tour spans 29 days. An overnight rail voyage on The Ghan reveals the vast Outback in comfort, while time in tropical Queensland allows for deeper exploration of the reef and rainforest.

In addition, our Highlights of Australia & New Zealand itinerary offers 31 days of unforgettable experiences across both countries, from Australia’s iconic landmarks to New Zealand’s dramatic landscapes and rich culture. And for time-rich travellers dreaming of the ultimate adventure, our Australia & New Zealand Combination Tours extend from 50–56 days, pairing all of Australia’s highlights – including a departure that celebrates Christmas in Cairns and New Year in Sydney – with New Zealand’s fjords, mountains, and Maori traditions.

Expertly balancing culture with nature, South Africa brings the focus closer: on wildlife, on history, on a culture alive with rhythm and colour. In just 12 days, In Search of the Big Five puts nature centre stage, with multiple game drives in Kruger National Park and beyond, all in search of a glimpse of the most iconic safari animals in the world. Staying in intimate lodges with a small group, this adventure is all about close encounters and the authentic safari experience.

For a broader sweep, consider the grand circuit that is our 25-day Very Best of South Africa holiday. Kruger’s reserves, Cape Town’s cosmopolitan appeal, a leisurely two-night Blue Train journey, the vineyards of the Cape, and the natural drama of the Garden Route. Both tours are deliberately paced to let the country’s warmth and wonder shine.

For those keen on Eastern discovery, the serene temples and neon skylines of Japan promise endless wonders. You’ll more than scratch the surface of this fascinating country’s culture on our Wonders of Japan 15-day tour, taking in unmissable highlights, from Tokyo’s vibrant districts and Hiroshima’s poignant history to Kyoto’s sacred shrines and a peaceful cruise with Mount Fuji views.

See more and linger for longer on the 20-day Very Best of Japan itinerary, with time in Takayama and the mountain town of Matsumoto, adding new perspectives with Kurashiki’s canals and the majesty of Himeji Castle. Along the way, hands-on encounters – from sushi making to gold-leaf artistry and a traditional tea ceremony – bring you closer to the culture, while a gentler pace allows time to savour each moment in the Land of the Rising Sun.

Vietnam and Cambodia tell their stories through ancient temples, bustling markets, and life along the water. Our two-week Classic Vietnam & Cambodia holiday highlights it all: Hanoi’s Old Quarter, an overnight Lan Ha Bay cruise, the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An, the historic Cu Chi Tunnels, and Angkor Wat in all its sunrise splendour.

For travellers keen on a more leisurely, detailoriented experience, our 22-day Very Best of Vietnam & Cambodia itinerary lingers on the waterways, with a cruise through Ha Long Bay and a journey along the Mekong River, revealing the rhythms of riverside life between villages and cities.

There’s no single way to see the world, only the one that suits your time and spirit. Holidays shouldn’t be measured in days, but in memories, and each Distant Journeys tour reveals the essence of your destination in full. India or South Africa, Japan or Vietnam, Australia or New Zealand… whichever path you take, you’ll discover the world in your own time.

First published 19/03/2026

Last updated: 27/05/2026