Highlights

• Bruges - Prague - Vienna - Budapest - Istanbul - Goreme - Cappadocia - Esfahan - Tehran - Lahore - Delhi - Taj Mahal - Agra - Varanasi - Chitwan National Park - Kathmandu - The Himalayas - Bangkok - Ko Samui - Penang - Sumatra - Bali - Kakadu National park - Ayers Rock (Uluru) - Sydney

COMFORT ITINERARY

Europe

Kicking off in London and heading east, we pass through northern France to Belgium, with our first night stop in medieval Bruges. Then on to Germany, visiting the Rhine Valley before arriving in the beautiful city of Prague in the Czech Republic. After a day or two exploring its ancient castles and stunning palaces (not to mention tasting its famous beers) we continue east to Austria and the sophisticated city of Vienna.

Passing lush vineyards and medieval villages, we arrive in Hungary, where the familiar west starts to take on a more Eastern European feel.

Only Bulgaria and the Balken mountains now separate us from Istanbul and Asia!

Turkey & Iran

Istanbul, the gateway between Europe and Asia is a city that has everything. We spend a couple of days in this fascinating city exploring its markets and tasting the local cuisine. A day trip to Gallipoli can be organised for anyone wishing to pay their respects to the men who fell here during the famous WW1 battle.

We leave the city behind and head east into Turkey's mountainous heart. This is wild country, off the tourist trail. It is here that we visit the wonderful lunar landscape of Cappadocia.

Heading east past Erciyas Volcano and onto Mt Nemrut, famous for its giant statues built before Christ. Take an early morning hike up to the summit to see the sunrise over the mountains. We're a long way from civilisation here. After skirting Lake Van we find ourselves at the border town of Dogubeyazit (also affectionately known as Doggy Biscuit!) which is a good excuse for a party as alcohol is prohibited over the border.

Crossing the Iranian border in the North West of the country, we head for the town of Tabriz with its stunning blue mosque and lively bazaars. Journeying south the country becomes a mixture of mountains and salt desert. After the hustle and bustle of Tehran, and depending upon advice from our local operators and the British Foreign Office when we might take a short flight from Tehran to Karachi to avoid this area which can be politically fragile, we then move onto the town of Qom and its holy shrines.

The next city of note is Esfahan, the former capital of Persia. A city known for its abundance of historical buildings and life giving river the Zayandeh-Rood. Replenished from bargain hunting in the city's lavish bazaars we continue south passing through the stunning Zagros mountains.

Pakistan & India

Almost immediately a distinct change takes effect as we leave the Middle East and enter the Indian sub continent.

Pakistan is the site of some of the earliest human settlements, home to ancient civilisations rivalling those of Egypt and Mesopotamia, and the crucible of two of the world's major religions, Hinduism and Buddhism.

Our first taste of Pakistan is to traverse the lonely Baluchistan Desert before reaching the vibrant frontier town of Quetta. From here it's a mountainous climb over the Bolan Pass, along the old silk route to the Indus Valley and onto Pakistan's second city, the bustling Lahore.

Crossing the Indian border in the North West of the country we arrive at Amristar, with its spectacular golden temple and home of the Sikh religion.

The next stop is Delhi - the capital of India.

India's capital is like nowhere else on earth. Home to over 10 million, this chaotic city offers a glimpse of the entire country's diversity.

A short drive south and we visit one of the wonders of the world, and certainly a highlight of any journey, the Taj Mahal.

The holy city of Varanasi on the banks of the river Ganges is one of the oldest living cities in the world. For over 2500 years it has attracted pilgrims eager to wash away their sins in the holy water. Keep your eyes open for floating bodies as the dead are often cast out downstream!

Nepal

Nepal, a medieval mini kingdom, is a mountainous wilderness offering tremendous diversity for such a small country. Its vast forests, rich in wildlife include the Bengal tiger, leopards and even a few Asiatic rhinoceroses!

We then travel to the Chitwan National Park, where it is possible to take an Elephant Back Safari to go in search of the secretive but magnificent Bengal Tiger.

After Chitwan, we visit Kathmandhu, a backpackers' haven and the gateway to The Himalayas. There is also a chance to take a light plane to feast upon the wondrous views of Mount Everest and the surrounding mountains... you can also go White Water Rafting if the occasion takes you.

Chill out with a Sherpa or try some Yak stew! You'e now at the roof of the world!

Thailand & Malaysia

Due to the unpredictability of the next region, there will be a short flight to Bangkok.

Crossing into Thailand we reach the country's capital city, Bangkok. Thailand's sprawling metropolis is often referred to as sin city! It may be hot, crowded and polluted but it' still not to be missed.

Whilst in Bangkok it is possible to make a couple of excursions visiting the 'Khao Yai National Park' and also the famous floating markets where the locals still conduct their daily business afloat!

Still further south we follow the coastal road around the Gulf of Thailand. This is a simply stunning part of the country, palm fringed beaches and crystal clear lagoons abound. We make sure to spend time here relaxing and if we can time it correctly, take in a full moon beach party!

Malaysia is a vibrant and ethnically complex nation. Traversing its west coast we pass yet more stunning coastal scenery visiting the island of Penang, the first British settlement in Malaysia, before continuing south through tropical rain forest to the cooler climates of the Cameron highlands.

Refreshed, we arrive at the futuristic city of Kuala Lumpur. From colonial mansions and the bustle of Chinatown to the modern magnificence of the Twin Towers, Kuala Lumpur is one of the most lively and vibrant cities in Southeast Asia.

At the historic port of Melaka we board the ferry for the short ride across the Selat Melaka to the Indonesian island of Sumatra.

Indonesia

Indonesia is a fascinating country, comprising over 13000 islands, we start at the largest, Sumatra. One of the world's last frontiers, it is an island of lush tropical rainforests, extraordinary flora and fauna, and active volcanoes.

Home to the Sumatran tiger, the island is a haven for nature lovers.

Crossing the short stretch of water to the island of Java, our first stop is the sprawling metropolis Jakarta. Leaving the capital city behind and striking east, Java offers us a diverse experience. From ancient temples and bubbling mud pools to volcanoes and paddy fields, Java is truly an island of contrasts.

In central Java we visit the world famous Borobudur temple. The Buddhist monument built around 788AD, was "discovered" in 1814 buried in volcanic silt. Its restoration now complete it now holds world heritage status.

The impressive volcano Mt Bromo is worth a sunrise climb, before we head onto Bali with exquisite arts, stunning landscape, beautiful beaches and literally thousands of temples, it is a living cultural museum.

Kuta is the island's party town, with an array of pubs, clubs and restaurants catering to the pleasure seeker. Further north the arty town of Ubud surrounded by lush rolling paddy fields offers welcome respite from Kuta' excesses.

The last island we visit before a short flight to Darwin, Australia, is the beautiful island of Bali where the trip will enjoy a few days of tropical tranquility to unwind and prepare ourselves for the final exciting leg to Sydney.

Australia

Darwin, in Australia's Northern Territory, is our first taste of western culture for some time.

A modern, relaxed yet cosmopolitan town with a tropical atmosphere, Darwin serves as a great base to visit the nearby Kakadu National Park, known for its aboriginal rock art and incredible wildlife which includes the huge saltwater crocodile. Here we get our first taste of camping.

To the west is the 180,000 hectare Katherine Gorge National park. The park features 13 interwoven river gorges and can be explored by boat or on foot. (please remember this is crocodile country!)

Travelling south along the Stuart Highway we head towards Australia's heart, the forbidding Outback. The sheer vastness of the Outback makes for an incredible experience. At night we camp under clear starry skies, by day we enjoy endless sunbaked horizons.

After a slight detour to visit the geological wonders that are the Devils Marbles we eventually arrive at Australia's centre, Alice Springs. From here we detour again, this time west to explore the truly awesome Uluru (Ayers Rock) and the Olgas.

Entering South Australia we arrive at one of the states most unusual places, Coober Pedy. This small opal mining town is known for its unique style of underground living where residents escaping the hot outback sun reside in underground cave houses!

Crossing the magnificent Flinders Range, an area steeped in aboriginal dreamtime, we start to leave the harsh desert environment behind as we make our way to the attractive city of Adelaide. With stunning beaches and the world famous Barossa Valley wine making region nearby, we enjoy a glass or two and refresh ourselves before striking east along the Murray River in to the Australia's rural heartland.

Our final leg of the journey brings us to New South Wales. Hugging the Murray river we visit traditional Australian country towns such as Mildura and Cowra as we pass through farming communities and goldfields until crossing the journeys last natural hurdle, the Blue Mountains.

Next stop is our final destination, Sydney.

With its stunning harbour, opera house, harbour bridge and Bondi Beach, Sydney is one of the world's greatest cities. This is a great way to end an unforgettable experience. You can count yourselves as one of the few people ever to cross the entire world overland, you did it. London to Sydney!!