Our proposed itinerary is here to give you a rough idea of where we will be going and what we will be doing during this expedition. This itinerary is the ideal route we would like to take providing all political situations are acceptable during the time of our travels. Obviously things can change so we have provided you with an alternative route which we would follow in the event of any problems. Either way it is always an adventure!
Week 1 & 2 – UK, FRANCE, GERMANY, CZECH REPUBLIC, AUSTRIA, HUNGARY, ROMANIA & BULGARIA
Usually everyone heading east just transits straight through Europe in a mad rush to reach Istanbul and enter Asia. We however think there are quite a few worthwhile stops along the way and in order to really soak up the changes each new country offers us we stop off in a few of the more interesting European locations.
Germany offers us a chance to familiarize ourselves with our truck before we reach Prague in the Czech Republic and lose ourselves amongst the stone palaces and cobbled streets.
Austria’s capital Vienna is a great day out before we reach Hungary and start to notice a change as Western Europe begins to fade.
A goulash in Budapest is a tasty treat before following the Danube River through to Romania where we visit Dracula’s Castle, perched high in the Transylvanian mountains. Bucharest a worthwhile stop before we enter Bulgaria and visit the stunning town of Veliko Turnovo and the Bacho Kiro caves. Crossing over the rolling green foothills of the Balkans we now head for Turkey.
Week 3, 4 & 5 - TURKEY
Istanbul, the city that separates Europe from Asia has it all, and you will revel in the history and culture it offers. Take a boat trip up the Bosphorous, marvel at the Aya Sofya and explore the opulent Topkapi Palace. At the end of the day soak your aches away in the Turkish baths and tantalise your taste buds with Turkish delights!
The battlefields of Gallipoli are our next stop where we pay tribute to the thousands of Aussies, Kiwis, Brits and Turks who lost their lives here in 1915. A truly moving experience.(Our April departure expedition includes Dawn Service on Anzac Day)
Historic Troy, the great ruins of Ephesus and the Roman Baths at Pammukale are real highlights on the journey down to the magnificent Turquoise coast. Here we camp on the beautiful lagoon of Oludeniz where Greek ghost towns and overgrown Roman amphitheaters hide in the surrounding forests which are best explored on foot. Saklikent gorge is only a moped ride away and skydiving and mountain biking are popular activities here for those who enjoy adrenalin!
Further down the coast we find Olympos with it's eternal flames glowing amidst the pine clad mountainsides that sweep down to its fine beaches. Inland on the plateau we reach the fairy-tale wonderland of Cappadocia with spectacular canyons, ancient caves and underground cities carved into the geologically diverse land. Belly dancing is a big affair up here and so is the local drink 'Raki', be warned!
Further South you have the option of climbing up mount Nemrut Dagi to marvel at the huge stone heads that have lay there motionless for thousands of years!
Skirting Lake Van we head for the border town of Dogubeyazit (more affectionately known as 'Doggy Biscuit'). Here in the shadow of Mt Ararat we camp beneath the fabulous Ishak Pasha Palace. We have a good excuse to have a party as alcohol is prohibited for the next two weeks once we enter Iran.
Please note. Due to lack of Western Infrastructure from Eastern Turkey and throughout Iran and Pakistan, the expedition becomes more challenging – at times it will be hot, humid and our living conditions very basic – this is actually one of the highlights as it takes a bit of an effort to get through and the sense of ‘real travelling’ as opposed to ‘being on holiday’ is at it’s peak! With the right attitude these countries, along with being the most challenging, are always ultimately the most interesting and often will make up the majority of your travelling tales when the expedition is completed. They truly are a unique and fascinating experience but not for the faint-hearted!
Week 6 & 7 - IRAN
It is unlikely we will encounter a friendlier, more welcoming race of people on our entire journey so enjoy the Iranian hospitality!
Our first taste of Iran is the fantastic pizza parlours in the lively town of Tabriz. Also famous for it’s famous Blue Mosque this town is rich in history too. We continue on into the countryside where and reach Babak Castle where it is possible to hike up to the impressive ancient fortress.
Our journey now takes us on to one of the world’s largest bodies of fresh-water, the Caspian Sea, famous for it’s sought-after caviar and (unbelievably) it’s long grain rice growing in the surrounding paddy fields.
Further south we climb into verdant green mountains and spend a couple of days in the quaint town of Masuleh, from where it is possible to explore the areas natural beauty on foot.
Back on the Iranian plateau we head for Esfahan, Iran's masterpiece. The impressive city square is full of intricately decorated mosaic Mosques, leisurely tea-shops and lavish carpet emporiums. Plenty of bargains can be found in the myriad of bazaars that lead off from the square and the city's gorgeous bridges deserve all the time you can spare.
The Zagros mountains provide a stunning backdrop on our trip to the intriguing ruins of Persepolis. Once the summer capital of the Persian Empire, this is the site where Alexander the Great famously conquered the Persian armies stronghold.
We continue on to the small town of Yazd with its famous wind-towers before heading east and desert camping our way towards the Pakistan border.
Week 8 - PAKISTAN
Well worth exploring and richly rewarding we enter the fabulous land of Pakistan! This is a country of huge contrasts and our first two days will be enjoyed passing through the Balochistan desert and its barren magnificence. Two lane highways are a thing of the past and the main roads are now ever deteriorating single-track corrugations.
The first town we reach is Quetta, a splendid melting pot of different cultures, a frontier town with vibrant markets and fantastic restaurants! A good place to re-charge as cold beer is again available.
A couple of days north we find the ‘wild-west’ town of Peshawar where the unique public markets offer a vast selection of guns and hash! This is also the place (circumstances permitting) we undertake a journey up to the Afghan border via the Khyber Pass.
The bustling metropolis’ of Islamabad and Lahore offer us a peek into Pakistani big city life and you have a chance to explore the museums, mosques, restaurants and nightclubs before leaving this amazing country.
Week 9 & 10 - INDIA
Every day at the close of the India Pakistan border the guards from both sides put on an amazing show as they parade up and down kicking their legs unbelievably high into the air and face off against each other in a mark of independence and honour. This will be our first taste of India!
Close by is Amritsar, home of the Sikh religion with their spectacular Golden Temple as the centrepiece.
A days drive away we reach Dharamsala, exile home of the Dalai Lama. Amongst the cobbled streets filled with the chants of Buddhist monks are wonderful art galleries and a sobering museum dedicated to the plight of the Tibetans after the invasion by China.
Delhi is a city that you have to see for yourself in order to believe that such a place can exist. The streets are a slow moving mass of every conceivable mode of transport, with the sacred cows having right of way over everyone! Delhi is the ultimate in hustle and bustle and facing the unrelenting throng of people is an experience you won’t forget in a hurry! Braving this city does have it's rewards with great textile markets, wonderful monuments and amazing temples.
Moving south we reach the 'Pink City', Jaipur. With a magnificent red castle as it’s focal point this beautiful town exudes an energy all it's own. Camels and rickshaws weave their way through the narrow streets of the old city and an array of spicy smells attack your senses as you wander the back streets in search of that perfect curry.
Our next stop is a definate highlight, Agra and the Taj Mahal. This monument to love is spectacular and will keep your camera clicking all day.
Heading east we reach Varanasi on the banks of the Ganges River where you have the option of an early morning boat trip that will definately open your eyes. Dead bodies float by as the multitudes flock down to this Holy river to wash away their sins each morning. On shore the funeral pyres known as 'Ghats' burn away as stray dogs fight over any piece of meat that comes their way. An unbelievable sight!
Week 11, 12 & 13 - NEPAL and 2 week break
Nepal is a breath of fresh air with a lot less people and a lot more open spaces. At our first stop you have the option of exploring Royal Chitwan National Park on elephant back allowing you to get up close to the rhinos, sloth bears and tigers that inhabit the park.
Heading north we reach Pokhara at the foothills of the Himalayas. This mellow little town is situated around a beautiful sheltered lake and surrounded by snow capped mountains. A great place to relax and/or gear up for a trek into the stunning Annapurna range.
The tourist mecca of Kathmandu is our next stop. Travellers swap stories in the lively bars and the Everest Steak House serves up delicious fillets of beef which are a welcome change from the buffalo steaks we have endured throughout India! The old town is steeped in history and the smell of incense wafts through the air as you marvel at the Pagodas and Temples adorning the squares.
Kathmandu is also the start of our 2 week break. We have introduced a break here for several reasons. Kathmandu is roughly the halfway mark on our expedition and a break is always welcome at this point. The break also allows you to undertake the very popular Everest Base Camp trek or the Annapurna Circuit trek. Those who dont want to do the trekking find this a good place to relax or go off tiger spotting in the National Parks. Furthermore, should we be delayed somehow before reaching Nepal the break then provides us with enough time to obtain our Chinese visas comfortably and meet our extremely rigid China entry date.
It is important to note that the 2 week break is not included in the price of the expedition but Nepal is very cheap so your break need not be expensive.
At our last stop in Nepal you will have a chance to brave a bungy jump from a suspension bridge far above a raging river!
A rough road now leads us to Tibet.
Week 14, 15 & 16 - TIBET AND CHINA
After a laborious permit war with Chinese customs & immigration we now enter the fabulous land of Tibet. Our first stop is definitely our 'biggest' reason to stop, Mt Everest! A snaking rough track makes it possible for us to drive up to base camp and the Tibetan side offers us a stunning view of the north face. You can also send a letter from the world's highest post box and visit the world's highest Buddhist monastery, Rongphu.
Joining back up with the Friendship Highway we continue on to Shigatse where you have the chance to visit the marvelous Tashilhunpo Monastery.
From Shigatse we travel along one of the world's most spectacular roads visiting the distinctly Tibetan town of Gyantse where the Pelkhor Chode monastery houses Tibet’s largest stupa, Kumbum Chorten, with 9 tiers, 108 chapels and excellent murals. The beautiful Yamdrok-Tso Lake is a fantastic sight en-route to Lhasa.
As we enter the spiritual home of Tibet, Lhasa, we are filled with a sense of awe as this Holy city rises out of a barren wilderness of stone and sand to be crowned by the Potala Palace, home of the Dalai Lamas. Tibet’s holiest shrine, the golden roofed Jokhang Temple, is also a spectacular sight in the town. Norbulingka, the former summer palace of the Dalai Lama and Drepung Monastery are also great places to visit.
We now head east winding our way through the Himalayas along one of the world's most scenic roads. Along the way we get to visit some traditional Himalayan villages and experience the beauty of bush camping on the roof of the world!
As we descend out of the Himalayas the varied terrain of Tibetan peaks and tropical rainforests makes this area an alluring destination where the town of Lijiang lies nestled in a beautiful valley, luring us in with its cobbled streets and Chinese lanterns. The nearby villages and temples can be explored by bicycle and the more adventurous have the option of a 2 day hike through the beautiful Tiger Leaping Gorge.
Next we visit the laid back town of Dali which is situated on the lovely Lake Erhai Hu and is a good place to relax with good restaurants and cheap chinese beer.
Vast tracts of jungle, tropical vegetation and thickly forested mountains - home to elephants, bears, snakes, cats, rare birds and even tigers - now lead us south as we explore this last stretch of China.
Week 17 - LAOS
We now enter an enchanted land where you have the option of boarding a boat at Nong Khiaw which takes you through spectacular mountain scenery down to our first stop, Luang Prabang. This architectural wonder is a must see, full of temples and tradition as well as wonderful markets.
Vang Vieng is our next stop and is a vibey little town set amongst awesome natural beauty. Outdoor activities abound with caving, climbing, kayaking and tubing being popular outings.
The large market at Tha Khaek is an interesting stop on our journey To Vietnam where you can buy everything from live frogs to dried beetles!
Week 18 & 19 - VIETNAM
Please Note. That Vietnamese bureaucracy prohibits the entry of foreign vehicles into the country so this section of the Expedition (Vietnam) will be conducted on Local Transport while our vehicle transits through to the Cambodia/Vietnam Border to meet you. Vietnam is such a truly mystical country we definitely don’t want you to miss it!
Our first stop in Vietnam is the old capital, Hue, home to the splendid tombs of the Nguyen emporers as well as beautiful pagodas and the remains of the old citadel.
The picturesque river town of Hoi An is also worth exploring with it’s amazing architecture and nearby villages specialising in pottery and wood-carvings.
Further south we encounter the emerald waters and unspoiled beaches around Nha Trang and Mui Ne before delving into the chaos of Ho Chi Minh City.
Before leaving we have the chance to hop aboard a boat in the Mekong Delta and explore the floating markets and stilted villages that occupy the region.
Week 20 - CAMBODIA
Having only recently opened it's borders to tourism, Cambodia is fresh and exciting. Our first stop is Phnom Penh, a compact little town spectacularly located on the confluence of three rivers. Riverside restaurants serve up steamy dishes and the Royal Palaces and silver pagoda are great day outings. The sobering 'Killing Fields' and Tuol Sleng Museum are a stark reminder of this country’s recent history under the brutal regime of Pol Pot.
Leaving the capital we travel through lush jungle vegetation to reach one of the most inspiring sites in the world, Angkor Wat. These temples are monumental constructions with Angkor Wat being the largest religious building in the world. The intricacy of the carvings is incredible and the site is well worth 2 days exploration. Truly amazing!
Week 21 & 22 - THAILAND
Our first stop here is Bangkok, a modern metropolis with a deservedly infamous reputation. Noisy, polluted, hot and humid with a booming sex industry that puts Amsterdam to shame, this city is a must see!
Close by we can visit the actual site of the 'Bridge on the river Kwai' and get a good insight into what really happened here during the war.
Heading south we hug the coast on the sliver of land called the Isthmus of Kra before catching a ferry across to the stunning island of Ko Samui. Here you can either put your feet up for a few days or you have the option of easily visiting the smaller islands of Ko Pha-Ngan and Ko Tao. The islands have some of the worlds finest beaches and the numerous great dive spots will take you into a technicoloured underwater world filled with exotic fish and coral gardens.
Week 23 & 24 - MALAYSIA and SINGAPORE
Sticking to the western part of the Malaysian peninsula our first visit is to the futuristic city of Kuala Lumpur with the Islamic-style Petronas Towers dominating the view. The city's Chinatown market is a remnant of the past and contrasts the initial feel of the place. You will even find a British colonial atmosphere lingering amongst some of the architecture and some interesting museums hold the city's history within their doors.
Further south we visit the port town of Melaka where we have the time to visit the maritime museums and discover what the place was like 400 years ago when it was an important stop on the spice route.
Singapore is our last stop on the Asian continent and is a distinctly clean and modern island. With an abundance of fine dining options and shopping malls this is the place to treat yourself before catching the ferry over to Indonesia. It is also here that you will say goodbye to your Asian expedition vehicle as we will be using local transport in Indonesia.
Week 25 & 26 - INDONESIA
After a couple of days ferry ride where you have the option of obtaining your own private cabin or roughing it with the rest of the passengers the ferry drops us off in Jakarta on the island of Java where all the good and bad of Indonesia is on display in this capital city as migrants from all the areas islands flock here seeking their fortunes.
Moving out of the bustle we head for the beautiful Pancuk Pass with it's fresh air and green tea plantations.
Yogyakarta is an artistic town where we can put our feet up for a while and explore the monument of Borobudur, a gem in this area ranking along with the likes of Angkor Wat.
The road east is littered with ruins and history and takes us to the town of Surabaya, a port town where we catch our next ferry to Bali.
This small island is famous for it's beautiful beaches and bountiful nightlife. The west is a stunning area of extinct volcanos, craters and lakes. We base ourselves in the south on a fantastic beach from where the whole island can be explored by motorbike.
From Bali we now fly to Darwin.
Week 27 & 28 - AUSTRALIA
We meet our Australian expedition vehicle in Darwin in the Northern Territory. This surprisingly modern town has some great pubs and the area offers good wreck diving and superb fishing trips.
Kakadu National Park is close by and is a marvel of wildlife and aboriginal rock art. The park is great for trekking with a variety of landscapes and is probably here that we get to see our first kangaroo and a boat trip down the Yellow River will get you up close to the infamous saltwater crocodiles.
Katherine gorge is also a beautiful sight where 13 gorges are separated by rapids offering great boat and canoe trips through fantastic scenery.
On our route south we have a chance to wet our whistles at NT’s oldest bar, the Daly Waters Pub. This is a real Aussie outback hangout where you are bound to bump into a character or two.
Joining up with the Stuart highway again we now head south into a barren red desert, the real outback, where camping is fantastic.
Our desert journey is broken up by the Devils Marbles, huge boulders in piles out in the middle of nowhere, and Alice Springs, bang in the centre of Oz, is a good place to replenish stocks and visit some of the town’s sights which give us a much better understanding of the remoteness of this outpost. There is actually a radio station that broadcasts school lessons so children in remote areas can learn.
We now continue on to Australia’s icon, the Uluru - Kata Tjuta National Park, better known as Ayers Rock and the Olgas. The world’s biggest monolith, Ayers Rock is an awesome spectacle, as are the smaller collection of red rocks known as the Olgas.
Further south we visit the small opal mining town of Coober Peady before heading east towards the Blue Mountains and our final destination, Sydney.
The Opera House, harbour, bridge and Bondi Beach make this a great end to an unforgettable expedition, LONDON TO SYDNEY!
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