FUTURE PLANS

Danish chef René Redzepi has described Georgia as home to “one of the last great undiscovered food cultures of Europe”, and the hospitality-trend forecaster af&co recently named it ‘Cuisine of the Year.’ We have designed a culinary expedition to experience the diverse cuisine of this intriguing country including gastronomic feasts and immersion into Georgia’s superb wine culture. Known since ancient time as ‘The Land of the Golden Fleece’, archaeological finds date the region’s wine industry to 6000 BCE with 8000 vintages made. Today, Georgia is at the forefront of traditional organic wine making methods with more than 500 grape varieties.

Led by Michael Bustamante, one of the world’s leading experts on Cuban history and politics, this expedition tells the story of Cuba’s modern history. Taking in the country’s dazzling highlights, we trace Castro’s revolution and its rise to power. We also look at Cuban socialism from a contemporary viewpoint. By speaking with ordinary Cuban’s throughout our 16-day journey, we examine where Cuba is today relative to the socialist utopia promised by the revolution.

With over 1000 distinct cultural groups and 800 different languages, PNG is the most culturally diverse country on the planet. Join archaeologist Ben Shaw as we discover the ancient trading routes that link these cultures, venturing to three of the country’s most fascinating regions – the Sepik River, the Highlands and the Coral Sea. Visit remote tribal villages, witness a Kula Ring ceremony and gain exclusive access to archaeological digs.

Led by renowned archaeologist Dr John Tidmarsh, this expedition explores the incredible story of Alexander the Great’s conquest of Persia. Taking in the iconic sites of Iran, our journey traces the route of Alexander and his army, visiting some of the key battlegrounds and exploring the remains of the great cities he spared and those he destroyed. Throughout the expedition we are joined by leading Iranian archaeologists and academics who give us exclusive access to their dig sites and rare insight into the history. The expedition culminates in a search for one of Alexander’s legendary cities – Alexandria in Carmania.

This expedition explores the high culture of Morocco, taking in the stunning highlights of the country with an in-depth focus on its unique architecture, design, art and gastronomy. Exploring the bustling souks of the Imperial Cities, whitewashed medinas of the coast and jaw-dropping mountain scenery of the interior, we stay in some of Morocco’s most character-filled and iconic riads and hotels. Meeting with some of the country’s key cultural figures, we will see first-hand how the distinctive elements of Moroccan culture have inspired people around the world, including famed visitors such as Yves Saint Laurent and Matisse.

David Livingstone was likely the first westerner to lay eyes on the Okavango Delta in 1849, and ever since, this incredible jewel of the Kalahari has captivated all those who journey there. Today it is widely known for its extraordinary biodiversity and as one of the greatest freshwater environments on earth. Join famed BBC wildlife cameraman Greg Nelson on this one-of-a-kind expedition that wades deep into the story of the Okavango, exploring remote parts of the delta and learning camera and video skills from one of the best.

A journey to the hill stations and national parks of northern India following the story of Jim Corbett, a British hunter, tracker and naturalist who successfully hunted a number of man-eating tigers and leopards.  Later in life, Corbett was a passionate promoter of India’s natural heritage and the need to conserve forests and their wildlife. His famed books recounting his hunts provide our roadmap, as we go in search of the legend and perhaps even a tiger or two along the way.

For thousand of years, the rich spiritual, cultural and economic life of the Burmese people has centred on its waterways. This expedition brings together two of the country’s most fascinating journeys on water – a luxury cruise on the Irrawaddy River and a sailing adventure to the Mergui Archipelago, one of the planets most unspoiled and least-visited marine environments, where we spend time with the seafaring Moken (sea gypsy) people.

In the dead heart of the Sahara, the world’s largest desert, there’s a place called the Tenere. The Tenere takes its name from the Tuareg word for ‘nothing’ – a nothing the size of France. It’s no wonder the locals call this place ‘The Land of Fear’. On this 4×4 adventure, we attend the annual Camel Festival in Timia, meet the silversmith and sword makers of the Aiir Mountains and explore ancient ghost fortresses and ruined cities. We walk with the great salt caravans, witnessing the largest conglomeration of camel caravans in the world as they load their salt and travel across ancient trade routes.