Geckos Adventure Tours

Relax for four days on a tropical beach escape on Ghana's Gold Coast. Swim in warm tropical waters or just relax on the palm-fringed beach. Chill out in Tropical Paradise with this extension trip. Enjoy the tranquility, sandy beach, laid-back lifestyle and delicious seafood of Kokrobite Beach after your adventure around the remoter climes of West Africa.

The Sinai is a place of awesome beauty where rugged beaches, lapped by the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Aqaba, form a picturesque frame for the jagged mountains of the peninsula. Along the coast are several havens for travellers seeking a few days of R&R after a busy trip through the Nile Valley. Dahab, known for its crystal-clear waters, is one of the most popular destinations for younger travellers. Here you can spend lazy afternoons sipping cool fruit juices, playing backgammon with friends or the locals, while the ocean gently laps the shoreline. In the evening, there are numerous cheap restaurants to choose from and you can enjoy a fabulous seafood banquet for just a few dollars. For some, Dahab also offers the chance to head out on a day dive. It has some of the best diving in the region and the underwater life is truly spectacular. About 15 metres from the shore the reef suddenly drops away, exposing some of the most beautiful coral in the world. ...

Combine the fantastic wildlife of Chobe National Park with the stunning scenery of Okavango Delta and Victoria Falls to make this one of the best trips on offer. We travel from Pretoria to Khama Rhino Sanctuary, where we experience our first taste of the African wildlife. There is a chance to learn more about this community based conservation effort through local site guides, as well as enjoy an optional night drive which may well be the highlight of your visit. Travelling along the back roads of Botswana we arrive at Okavango Delta, where we explore the most spectacular floodplain in the world using traditional mokoros (dug-out canoes) and on foot. The birdlife is prolific and the sunsets are simply spectacular. Travelling past Makgadikgadi Pan we continue to Chobe National Park and spending a day game viewing in open four-wheel drive vehicles and on boats. We watch large herds of elephant play in the river, hippo relaxing at the water's edge, antelope frolicking through the ...

HIGHLIGHTS: Istanbul - Gallipoli - Anzac Cove - Selcuk - Pamukkale - Fethiye - Turquoise Coast - Antalya

Day 1 Istanbul. Our trip starts today in Istanbul - a trove of treasures waiting to be discovered. If you have not pre-booked an arrival transfer you will find taxis available on arrival at Istanbul Airport. Make sure you agree the price before you set off into town. Our hotel is located within walking distance of all the main sights, so if arriving early there is time to soak up the atmosphere and explore on foot. There are no formal activities planned for today, so you may arrive at any time. We recommend arriving early so you can pay a visit to the exotic Spice Market and the famous Grand Bazaar. This evening we meet our tour guide and fellow travel companions at a Welcome meeting (details will be posted on the hotel noticeboard). Your tour guide will collect your local payment of EUR150 at this meeting. We can then join our tour guide for an introduction to some fabulous Turkish cuisine in a street side cafe (optional).

Day 2 Istanbul. Today our guide shows us the treasures of the Old Town including the iconic Blue Mosque and the Hippodrome. In your free time in the afternoon, you may wish to also visit the Aya Sofya or the Topkapi Palace (optional). Istanbul is the only city in the world to be situated on two continents and offers a plethora of great eating spots and lively night venues. Our tour guide knows all the best places, so tonight is sure to be a fitting finale to our amazing trip.

Day 3 Istanbul - Gallipoli - Canakkale. This morning we head for Gallipoli, a place of immense significance to Australians and New Zealanders. It is a spot of pilgrimage and reverence and the calm lapping waters belie the murderous campaign that took place here. This now serene site, located at Turkey's most westerly point, played a crucial role in 1915 for Allied forces in the First World War that included other Commonwealth and British troops, as well as the French and Turkish. We spend time visiting the battlefields, monuments and cemeteries before driving to our hotel in Canakkale in the afternoon. (Approx 5.30 hours driving time)

Day 4 Canakkale - Ayvalik. For those who wish, there is the possibility of organising an optional excursion to Troy, where we can explore the ancient walls, climb around the ruins and gaze across the Troad (the Plains of Troy) towards the waters of the Dardanelles and the hills of the Gallipoli Peninsula. We then take a local bus to Ayvalik, a charming seaside town with colourful and old Ottoman - Greek houses, cobblestone streets and lively caFes. We can enjoy an orientation walk through the old part of town and perhaps taste some olive oil for which the place is famous for. A drink at a harbourside bar is a great way to enjoy the sunset. (Approx 3.30 driving time)

Day 5 Ayvalik - Selcuk. After breakfast we take a local bus to SelCuk, our base to explore one of the greatest Greco - Roman sites in the world - Ephesus. It is a full and exciting day. Ephesus, founded by Ionian Greeks in the 11th century BC and brought to full flower under Roman rule, was always an important religious centre. We can walk the marble streets once trodden by Antony and Cleopatra and marvel at the gymnasium, baths and the wonderfully restored Library of Celsus. Close by is the last home of the Virgin Mary who, as legend has it, came here accompanied by St John and lived out her days in this beautiful spot. We spend the night in SelCuk. (Approx driving time 4 hours) Day 6 Selcuk - Pamukkale. After breakfast we take a local bus to Pamukkale, with its spectacular natural pools, shelves and ridges. It was formed by a spring with high calcium bicarbonate content, which cascaded over the edge of the cliffs, leaving calcium deposits. There is also the chance to visit the ancient city of Hierapolis, known for its abundance of temples and religious structures. (Approx driving time 3.30 hours) Day 7 Pamukkale - Fethiye. Today we head for the coast and take a local bus to OlUdeniz, described as 'the Eden bestowed by God to the world'. The three - kiLometre - long beach has the appearance of a natural lagoon with warm lapping water. There is plenty of time to enjoy a swim before transferring to our hotel in Fethiye. (Aprox 4 hours driving time)

Day 8 - 9 Southern Coast Cruising. Today we drive to Ucagiz and board our boat for our memorable voyage along the Turquoise Coast, which offers some of the most stunning coastal scenery in the world. We cruise to the sunken cities around Kekova Island from where remains of mysterious civilisations can be viewed just below the surface of the water. We also walk up to nearby Simena Castle, which offers spectacular views of the surrounding bays and islands. There are also numerous Lycian rock tombs to be explored. We spend our time on the beautiful azure waters of the Mediterranean Sea where we can swim and explore the natural and historical sites along the way. At night we indulge in unforgettable feasts before being lulled to sleep by sultry Mediterranean breezes. (Approx driving time - 3.30 hours)

Day 10 Antalya. We disembark our boat in UCagiz this morning, after breakfast. Today we will make our way to Antalya, en route we will drive to Olympos and see the flames of Chimera before driving on to the ruins of ancient Lycian city of Phaselis. Founded in the 7th Century BC, Phaselis flourished as a commercial trading centre where anything could be bought and sold, including citizenships for 100 drachmas The Phaselians were more concerned about preserving the affluence of their commerce than with staking any political independence, so they pragmatically accepted any conquerors that came their way. The city thrived until the 12th Century when it was superceded in importance by the nearby ports of Antalya and Alanya. The beauty of Phaselis is in its picture postcard setting. It is built around three small bays, each with its own beach, surrounded by frAgrant woods and mountains. We continue to Antalya and will arrive in the late afternoon. Antalya will be our base for the night. (Approx driving time - 2.30 hours)

Day 11 Antalya. Your trip ends after breakfast in Antalya. Additional accommodation can be booked should you wish to further explore the delights of Antalya - enquire at time of booking. Alternatively you may wish to book a transfer to take you to Antalya airport for an onward flight.

HIGHLIGHTS: Ushuaia - Beagle Channel - Falkland Islands - South Georgia - South Orkney Islands - Shetland Islands - Antarctic Peninsula

March in the footsteps of the world's great explorers as you discover Antarctica by ship and on foot. On this unforgettable journey you'll learn what life was like during Sir Ernest Shackleton's perilous voyages on South Georgia and we'll also have time to explore the charming British town of Stanley in the Falkland Islands. Over 19 extraordinary days you will learn about the history, geology and wildlife of this majestic continent from on-board experts.

Day 1: Ushuaia Ushuaia is the southernmost city in the world, and it represents the start of our journey. You are free to arrive at any time over the course of the day. Arrival Transfers: Please note an arrival transfer from the airport is included in your voyage fare. Please advise of your flight details to assure this picks you up at the correct time. Full details will be sent with your final joining instructions. Accommodation: If you arrive earlier or wish to extend your stay and need accommodation please ask Peregrine or your agent for details and costs.

Day 2: Ushuaia - Embarkation day We’ll embark in the late afternoon, and set sail down the historic Beagle Channel. All eyes on deck for spotting seabirds, seals and dolphins – all of which might approach our vessel!

Day 3: At Sea Out here, you’ll learn to identify the different types of birds that glide alongside the ship. You also have the option to watch illustrated presentations by the Expedition Team. These presentations will prepare you for your many shore landings, Zodiac cruises and kayaking expeditions over the course of the voyage.

Day 4-5: Falkland Islands After we arrive at this infamous archipelago, you’ll get the first chance to see an abundance of wildlife. It’s also time to wave goodbye to the last permanent human inhabitants you’ll see during the voyage! Enjoy a visit to Stanley, which was a British outpost and still possesses a unique, rugged charm. You’ll also start meeting some of the wildlife you can expect to see further south.

Day 6-7: At Sea Our staff will be on hand to point out the exciting moment where we cross into Antarctic waters. It’s hard to tell exactly when this will be, as there is no discernable visual difference. But the official definition is when the ship crosses the Antarctic Convergence, otherwise known as the Antarctic Polar Front.

Day 8-11: South Georgia This remote outpost has long been a centre for exploratory and commercial expeditions; however it is doubtful we will meet any other people here at this time. Most of the original inhabitants of this island came to hunt whales and elephant seals, which led to a steep decline in the wild population. But thankfully, this practice has since stopped however we will still see many remnants of the period, including several abandoned whaling stations and other outposts of this forgotten era. You’ll also get a chance to see one of the most significant historic relics here - the grave of the great explorer, Sir Ernest Shackleton. Most people, though, will remember South Georgia for the captivating range of wildlife it attracts. Expect to see rookeries housing thousands of King Penguins, sooty albatross breeding and fur seals jostling for domination over their slice of territory.

Day 12-13: At Sea Today we begin the journey towards Antarctica, and there’s bound to be a sense of excitement in the air. Learn from the best as the onboard team presents daily seminars, which also give you a great chance mix with your fellow shipmates.

Day 14-17: South Shetland Islands and Antarctica Prepare for mixed emotions as we finally arrive on this breathtaking continent. A sense of reverence and awe abounds, as the reality of where you are begins to unfold. We will spend our time here engaging in a range of activities, including hiking up a glacier, visiting a research station, or meeting the penguin colonies. Other options include exploring in a kayak or even camping on the continent, while some will be content to simply kick back on the banks of the ocean and take in the magnificent scenery around them. One thing’s for sure, keep your batteries charged and your camera handy at all times. This is the moment you’ve been waiting for!

Day 18-19: Drake Passage People often refer to the Drake Passage in two distinct ways. The first is the Drake Shake, where the ride gets quite bumpy and the second is the Drake Lake, where the surface is completely calm. We can’t guarantee either, but what we will say is that you will likely use the last two days of your voyage to recount the experiences you have had and prepare to head back to reality.

Day 20: Ushuaia Our trip ends after breakfast on board the ship. You can then be transferred to the airport for your homeward flight. Transfers: If you are extending your stay and would like a transfer from Ushuaia to the airport please contact Peregrine or your agent.

The hidden treasures discovered by the ancient silk traders 2000 years ago can be rediscovered on this epic journey along the Silk Route from Turkey to China. We cross countries that see few tourists as we start the journey in Turkey and move our way through to Asia, firstly crossing into a country full of contrasts, Iran. From here the journey takes us to the ancient ruins of Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. We follow the trading route through to the pristine hills of Kazakhstan before crossing into China. We overland from remote western villages of China along the Silk Road through to the ancient capital of Xian where the Silk Route originally began, before we complete our epic adventure in the proud capital, Beijing.