The tribes and markets tour of Orissa and Chhattisgarh was a fascinating and in-depth look at a way of life that continues to exist in this region of India and if you’re lucky enough to have Sanjay as your guide, his incredible knowledge of these tribes makes the trip even more interesting.
Once again, a fantastic tailor-made trip discovering the tribes of India. A genuine new experience in a less-well known part of India. A seamless trip from start to finish with guides and drivers amongst the best we have experienced. Wouldn’t have missed it for the world! Our third tailor-made holiday with Travel The Unknown.
What an incredible trip you planned for us! I cannot tell you how thrilled we were with our tailormade India tour. We travelled for 34 days and every single day was wonderful. Not only did you include everything that we would have wanted to experience, and many additional things that we had no clue about, you planned it in such a way that we had "down time" to be able to relax and think about and savor what we were experiencing. In addition, the choice of many fascinating accommodations gave almost as much exposure to aspects of India as our various tours.
As always Travel The Unknown were exceptional in organising my trip to India. The guides for Meghalaya and the Golden Triangle were friendly, extremely helpful and very informative. The tour was busy but never felt rushed; the combination of Meghalaya and Golden Triangle giving quite a varied perspective of India.
Our trip with Travel the Unknown was excellent; the accommodation very varied and very comfortable, the driver exceptional and the guides very knowledgeable. We were looked after very well and felt extremely safe the whole trip. It was also extremely good value for money.
The animal experience at Tadoba, Pench and Satpura was just wonderful, especially for tiger, jackal and sloth bear interaction.
Outstanding trip, custom made to our desires. Once again, Travel The Unknown did not disappoint, exceeding our expectations. The in-country coordination worked with clock-work precision.
Travel the Unknown and its in-country counterparts in both India and Bhutan were outstanding. The guides were experts on our destinations, friendly and personable, and tried their best to meet all our requests not on the itinerary. Received several calls throughout the trip asking about the tours and if we needed anything. Can't ask for more than that. All hotels and services were excellent I will definitely be traveling with Travel the Unknown again..
I thoroughly enjoyed my tailor made tour of northwestern and central India. Guides and accommodations were excellent and we saw as much of the area as could be packed into two weeks. I look forward to another tour with Travel the Unknown.
Thank you Travel The Unknown for an unforgettable experience.
For our first visit to India we couldn't have chosen any better. Our 'Sacred India' tour will leave us with many wonderful long-lasting memories. Everything worked like clockwork and we had some truly inspiring guides, many of whom had the most impressive knowledge and interest in what they were showing us and were only too keen to pass that on. On top of that, Travel the Unknown chose some lovely places for us to stay.
Another fantastic trip with this company. WE really managed to get off the beaten track and have seen some amazing sights. Well put together. We will travel again with Travel the Unknown
I visited two different parts of the Himalayas in January and one of the regions was rather remote. I was incredibly impressed with the quality of the local agents that Travel the Unknown uses in India. This included their knowledge of the local conditions, excellent and safe drivers with great English and friendly helpful guides where needed. I also knew these agents were tracking my progress throughout the trip to make sure everything was going well. They also stepped in admirably when the local weather conditions suddenly changed. I was also very happy indeed with the way Travel the Unknown co-ordinated the trip planning from start to finish. Also the way that they took total account of what I wanted to experience on this holiday; this is essential for a tailor made trip.
This trip was my first time travelling with Travel The Unknown, but definitely not my last!
The personal service provided enabled us to create our ideal itinerary, combining tailor made and group tours. Rahul's knowledge of the area was invaluable, and his suggestions added hugely to our overall experience. Through Travel the Unknown, we were able to visit the more challenging destination of Nagaland in safety and relative comfort, enjoy experiences as diverse as bathing elephants and mountain biking, and even spend our final few days in a sublime yoga retreat. Overall, an amazing experience.
The Living Root Bridges trip was our first time with Travel the Unknown and we would have no hesitation from booking with them again.
NE India is so different from other parts of India and not many tourists go there so it is really adventurous travel but safe in the knowledge that the places have been checked out before hand by TTU staff or their reps. We had already enjoyed a 3 week group tour in this part of the world with TTU and were keen to explore more without going back to places we had already visited. So, the tailormade tour allowed us to see more and even get to places that you don't find in the guidebooks - yet! We stayed in a tribal village that had never hosted western tourists before; we were the first tourists that TTU had arranged to visit a remote valley (Meshuka) in Arunachal Pradesh that was reminiscent of Tibet or Ladakh. We were treated like celebrities in some places and the locals wanted photos taken with us as much as we did! Take the opportunity now to go to a part of India with TTU that is not yet found in the brochures of most other adventure travel companies.....
This is our second fabulous trip with Travel The Unknown and we were not disappointed. Rajasthan's vibrant colours of turbans and saris, the noise, the spicy aromas, the silence in the hot air balloon over rural Jaipur, the majestic forts and palaces of ancient times, sighting leopards in the wild, all far exceeded our expectations and the heritage homes and hotels we stayed in, whilst being of high standard in every way, still had a friendly family touch. Thanks so much to Rahul and the team for such a memorable trip. Six weeks on and we still can't stop talking about it. I can't wait for the next one!
From start to finish, the whole trip was well planned to our requirements. Everything went smoothly and the guides and drivers looked after our every need. We stayed in an interesting and diverse selection of excellent hotels. Throughout the trip, the company regularly checked that everything was going OK and that we were happy. We felt very looked after. Overall, a wonderful holiday above our expectations. We would use Travel the Unknown again.
Another great trip from Travel the Unknown. I would recommend this company to anyone who wants to move outside the boundaries of the usual tourist itinerary.
I have been on 3 tailor made trips with Travel The Unknown and have found them to be knowledgeable and reliable. We`ve stayed in some wonderful places and have had some unusual and satisfying experiences that go beyond the standard tours.
A fantastic trip to Arunachal Pradesh. Very well organised exactly to our requirements. Superb local guide. Would recommend this trip. Hazel and James.
This trip was very well put together and ticked all the boxes that we had requested. The accommodation throughout the tour was of a high standard and our experiences in the national parks was wonderful spotting many different animals including tigers, leopards, sloth bears, lions, jungle cat plus countless number of birds. Thank you Rahul for tailoring this trip to our requirements.
Thanks for organising such a great trip to NE India Rahul - everything went seamlessly! We loved the fact that we could book an individual tour but still have flexibility with our itinerary once we were there, enabling us to take in the Si Donyi Festival at Daporijo and also be the first guests to stay overnight in a local village hut with our hosts in Papi, which was fantastic. Our guide was super. He had a wealth of knowledge and a great sense of humour! It’s hard to pick a highlight as the whole trip was both fascinating and at times, humbling. We’ll never forget the amazing people, scenery & culture we experienced whilst there and are glad we had the opportunity to visit such an intriguing part of the world. We would certainly consider travelling with you again in the future.
An excellent introduction to South India. The itinerary was varied and interesting and the accommodation and food excellent. The real highlight for me was going to many places that were very much off the beaten track and getting the opportunity to meet local people in their homes, at local markets and cultural events.
Travel The Unknown tailormade our extensive itinerary to meet our specific requirements and we couldn't have been happier. The trip went like clockwork! The individual guides and drivers were excellent and the variety of unique accommodation was outstanding. The rough roads of Ladakh were worth it to experience first-hand the majesty of the towering Himalayas. So much to see in India - need to plan another itinerary!
We went on the Spirit of South India Tour and had a great time on our honeymoon. There was a good variety of places visited and the hotels, drivers and guides were all very good. We would definitely recommend this tour.
I would highly recommend Travel the Unknown to anyone visiting India. The service we received both prior to, during and following our travels was always timely and excellent. We were able to customize our trip to our liking and to enjoy a wide variety of activities. The guides in every location were outstanding! Honestly. Having travelled through much of the world I can truly say that we have never been more impressed with the quality of the guides arranged for us in each location, as well as the service we received. Similarly, the hotels were excellent and allowed us to live very comfortably while, at the same time, enjoy an authentic Indian experience. If you haven`t already booked your trip with Travel the Unknown, then either do so now....or at least give them a chance to show you what they can offer.
This was a very varied and interesting trip to a forgotten part of India. If you like off the beaten track travel it is definitely worth the effort but go with an open mind and keep a smile on your face.
This was my first experience of using Travel the Unknown having enjoyed small group adventure holidays for many years. I was attracted to the company because it seeks out the more unusual and lesser known areas of a country and I was not disappointed by my visit to Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. There is a clear contrast between the people and the scenery of these two regions and we saw very few western tourists particularly in Arunachal Pradesh. The tour was well organised with plenty to see and do.
Thank you for organising our holiday in Kerala. I certainly wouldn`t have had the time or the knowledge to put together such a trip. Munnar was my favourite and the accommodation throughout was excellent.
A really well planned trip. We experienced life in Northeast India in just the way we wanted to. We loved the game reserves and saw a rock python which thrilled our guides as it is even rarer than the tiger! We visited villages and were able to interact with local people and loved the busy markets in Delhi and Calcutta. A special highlight was the Hornbill Festival in Nagaland; shown to us by our very own Naga guide Kezo. Kezo accompanied us for 15 days of our trip and ensured that we had many very special experiences - even taking us to the home of one of his Aunts where we spent a couple of hours sitting by the bonfire chatting.
What an excellent service! Rahul adapted, extended and improved our trip so many times without a qualm and we ended up with the trip of a lifetime. The destinations are unusual and interesting but everything has been checked out by the team and works brilliantly. I can`t wait to do another trip.
The tour was an amazing experience for our first visit to India. The country, its people and its cuisine were friendly,delightful, colourful and exceeded all our expectations. Travel the Unknown have put together a superb unique package that we have no hesitation in recommending to anyone with an interest in food and culture.
Travel The Unknown`s North East India tours have zoned in on the absolute prime attractions, visiting a string of culturally unique, scenically stunning places - and maximising every moment spent there. They`re also to be commended for their integrity, having established excellent relations with local tour operators, sympathetic to the remote communities they visit. Their outstanding guides take great care to respect and protect indigenous lifestyles in these delicate regions.
It was the 200 year old double-decker root bridge I had come to see, After two hours, as we approached the village of Nongkriet, there it was. The roots of a single tree crossed the river on two levels, like a mad piece of macramé crossed with a tangled beard, bits of seaweed and a hairy den of tarantulas. It`s a bridge for hobbits, not humans.
I`m very pleased with the way the trip was arranged for me, it was well organised and went very well. The itinerary was just the right pace to enjoy everything without rushing too much. It was never going to be cheap for 1 person travelling alone but I thought it was very reasonably priced.
I`m sure I could not have found a better operator for the type of complicated Indian tour I wanted to undertake on a limited budget. India is an intimidating country to visit, and I suspect that some operators look down on the first time visitor, or disparage their requirements. Travel the Unknown, by contrast, helped me all the way, and their local guides were superb.
I just took the Food Tour of Kerala and Malabar Coast and it was purely unforgettable. The accommodation was superb as was the food and hospitality. I essentially came back feeling like a baby hippo - that should tell you you NEED to take this tour ASAP!
Anupy is the author of best-selling Indian cookery book - The Indian Slow Cooker - which is available for purchase on Amazon.
The Hornbill Festival was an experience if a lifetime to see the traditional dances, music and games the tribes use in their own village festivals, hence they were so natural and perfect. Even when they left the arena, they never stopped singing, dancing and playing their drums. I was really impressed with the diversity of the costumes, individually owned and cared for. For what I got out of the whole experience, I really thought the tour was exceptional value for money.
Wow, India is incredible and Travel The Unknown put together a trip that really showed the diverse nature of the country and cultures, from the busy capital Delhi to the splendour of the Taj Mahal and then off the main tourist trek with an overnight sleeper train to Varanasi on the Ganges, the Hindu religious capital with bathing , washing and cremations alongside the river - an astonishing experience. We then moved to the forgotten North East corner where there is a tribal culture in an area seemingly cut off from the rest of India. Our destination was the Living Root Bridges which are unique and remote. Just want to go back to India for more...
Neither of us had ever been to India before. This trip was a wonderful introduction. The trip you arranged responded precisely to our request to spend most of our time seeing wild life in National Parks and also provided us with the opportunity to visit Delhi, Agra and Kolkata. The drivers and guides were excellent, the accommodations excellent and they accommodated both my husband`s preference for highly spiced food and my lamentably bland preferences. Thank you!
I have no hesitation in recommending Travel the Unknown to other travellers. This was our first experience and the quality of organisation, service and back up was excellent.
We were 4 women in our 60`s travelling to India, not for the first time, we had all been before, but the trip was so good, well organised and we never felt uneasy, just had a really good time.
I thought I missed the name of this tour when I was looking for wildlife trips, lions in India! Not only was I lucky to see a tigress and her cubs in Kanha, Satpura was also magical, particularly the walking safari. I saw a leopard dragging its kill away. Gir was so different, and yes, I can confirm lions do live in India! Thank you Travel The Unknown for a very different wildlife trip.
The Sacred India/tailormade trip lived up to my expectations, and provided a stimulating and immersive experience of India, notably the Hindu aspects of Indian society. Varanasi was a wonderful experience, the evening Aarti festival, the dawn river trip, and the tour around the alleyways of the old city were outstanding. The Khajuraho temples were beautiful, in a wonderful parkland setting. I was pleased that there were things happening almost all the time. The food was good, especially in Varanasi and the Varanasi guide especially was excellent. He had a real feel for the area and the philosophy of the place
Kolkata is a real eye-opener. The walking tour was a real highlight and our guide was great at showing me places I`d never have found otherwise. The Sunderbans was just beautiful. The guide was very friendly and the boat cruises were relaxing. My cottage was delightful and the food at the Tiger Camp was delicious. A great way to end the trip!
A wonderful trip! Great nature, stunning landscapes and very interesting itinerary. Recommended to anyone looking for spirituality and breathtaking experiences! A big Thank You to our excellent guide who was able to make a huge difference to our trip.
Travel the Unknown put together an Itinerary in North East India - Living Root Bridges for me and a travelling companion. The accommodations, transportation, promptness of drivers, and knowledge of our guide was excellent. Easy booking from office and good pre trip information. Thanks TTU!
We have been on many treks around the world, but nothing so far comes close to the beauty of Ladakh. Our guide always made sure I was doing ok and the horses helped carry the luggage. The family we spent the night with were the warmest I`ve ever met and the experience was humbling. Thank you Travel The Unknown for organising this for us
In your testimonials I recognise all the things that gave me such pleasure on my own trip. Here was India dust & all, with its charm, its ridiculousness, its colour, sense of humour, unexpected delights, & above all its smiling, friendly people. So the heritage forts & palaces are stunning, but they are only an impressive reminder of where the country has come from. It’s everyday life that lets you know what the country is today. Thanks to your company I was able to experience all of this; just what I wanted. I shall be back; why go anywhere else, with anyone else?
It was not easy to organise a trip to North East India because of lack of information. Travel The Unknown has been the solution. We trust on them and they proved they deserved this trust. It has been an incredible and wonderful trip!
I had been studying the Apatani Tribe for quite some time… I’m talking roughly 7 years! Travel The Unknown made my dreams come entirely true. They organized every aspect of my experience in the most minute detail. I have never felt such confidence in an agency nor worked with one more knowledgeable about their destination. Because of them and their kind efforts, I will continue to travel with Travel The Unknown for all future expeditions to this or similar regions. Thanks, Travel The Unknown, for everything!
Gotta say thanks to Travel The Unknown for organising my fascinating trip to a little-known area of the world. The scenery was fantastic, food was amazing, the guide was great and the living bridges were inspiring. An India not many get to see. Thanks again.
The trip to the Caucasus was both illuminating and fun. It was particularly interesting to visit all three countries, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia, to try to understand the area and the problems they face from each country's very different perspective. The scenery in the whole area is breathtaking. The tour introduced us to many local people who were all very hospitable and generous. They welcomed us warmly and joined in our enjoyment of "having a go" at various crafts, eg bread making, felt-making, learning a bit of Georgian script, etc. In each of the three countries, religion is fundamental to their lives and visits to mosques, temples, churches, monasteries and cathedrals were a large feature in the tour. I would highly recommend the tour to anyone who likes an activity-packed holiday in places that are off the beaten track.
Our trip through Uganda was full of truly exciting experiences. Michael guided us wonderfully throughout with deep knowledge and an enthusiasm for wildlife and insights into the history and culture of the people and the country we travelled through. Highlights of course were the chimpanzees in Kibale, gorillas in Bwindi and Mgahinga, and golden monkeys but we experienced so much more that exceeded our expectations from Murchison Falls, through Queen Elizabeth NP, and finally Lake Mburo, along with a constant and, on the final evening, successful search for a Shoebill.
Our trip was truly a trip of a lifetime. Filled with breathtaking wildlife and nature moments throughout; the boat rides were very special, the gorillas fantastic, and Murchison Falls was an outstanding park with our favourite game drive. Our guide was fantastic, showing us all the best spots and answering any questions we had. We would thoroughly recommend to anyone.
We were fortunate to book a private trip to Turkey with Travel the Unknown. All aspects exceeded our expectations: booking the trip, the guides and personalized tours, transport, accommodation and the food! Our tour operator on the ground was the best! She went out of her way to ensure a wonderful and special experience of Turkey and the private gulet cruise.
My Classic Morocco tour organized by Travel the Unknown was expertly planned and executed by Travel, plus its in-country contractor. Our group's guide and driver were thoroughly professional, caring, and so very knowledgable of the country, its customs, and history. The two week tour took me and my travel companions from major cities (including Marrakech, Fes, Rabat, and Casablanca) to the sands of Erg Chebbi and the base of the country's highest mountain, and through the middle and high Atlas Mountains. An exceptional tour and tour organizers very highly recommended.
I have always wanted to go to Uzbekistan and this tour was recommended to me by a friend after Covid cancelled my previous plans. Travel the Unknown was certainly the theme of our Silk Road trip to Uzbekistan, exploring remote regions with extraordinary ancient sites under expert guidance. The archeological finds near Termez were a highlight and it was great to get off the beaten track.
Our trip to Uzbekistan with Travel the Unknown was our first visit to a Central Asian country. Our guide Alisher was excellent in all respects and Sophie was a wonderful tour leader. The local people were incredibly friendly and our visit to Termez and the lack of international tourists there especially made it feel like we were doing what was on the tin, travelling the unknown. As returning clients to Travel the Unknown, the trip was another great success and a hugely interesting experience.
Having travelled with them before in Asia, we were excited to book again with Travel the Unknown for a private trip to Sri Lanka. The booking process was great and more importantly on the trip, our guide Kishor was excellent in every way, he really made the trip for us. We would certainly recommend this company to others and will be looking out for other trips they offer in future.
Travel the Unknown was able to take an abundance of ideas from three experienced travels in my group and synthesize them into a perfect, custom-made adventure, with a wide variety of activities and experiences, led by personable local guides with incredible expertise.
This was the trip of a lifetime for me! We didn’t lack for want of things to see and do and were on the go from morning until early evening (this trip definitely requires one to be able to walk well). Our drivers and guides were all fabulous, on time, and very knowledgeable and accommodating. Thank you for putting together such a wonderful vacation, I will be recommending you to my friends and family!
We went to India for a two week holiday in Dehli, Amritsar, Palampur, Shimla, Varanasi and had a fantastic time. All the local arrangements ( flights, accommodation, guides, drivers) were expertly monitored by the local agents to ensure that we were comfortable at all times. We will certainly travel with this company again.
The Lebanon Explorer visit was a pleasure from start to finish. From a personal and friendly approach to booking to the seamlessly organised and well paced itinerary, the trip was highly memorable. Our guide was always ready to help us to understand the complexities of everyday life in Lebanon as well as providing entertaining information on the rich historical and archaeological sites. For me, the best part was that I didn't feel rushed.
Travel the Unknown is an excellent company to chose for a real travel experience. It was a fabulous holiday where we felt we saw a different side to Turkey and saw sights and had experiences that were once in a lifetime events. I would certainly recommend them to anyone wanting to have new experiences and see the true side of a country.
The Himalayan Silk Road trip was an extremely well organised trip to a stunning part of the world. Very well planned as we gradually gained altitude by starting in Srinagar and heading East to Leh. From arrival in Delhi until our departure two weeks later everything worked without a hitch staying in some excellent hotels. Something interesting to see and do each day and the travel from location to location was relatively easy due to the well maintained roads despite travelling at very high altitude. From Dal Lake and the gardens in Srinagar, the history of the Silk Road, the Monasteries and Temples in Leh and the beauty of the Nubra Valley - picture post card views around so many corners. Would highly recommend this trip.
This itinerary was very well put together as it included a lot which would not be in other tours. Sophie was a very knowledgeable on the history and culture of the regions and was a great person to lead the tour. Some of the hotels were outside walking distance to the towns but provided excellent accommodations and were very high quality. Ultimately, The Himalayan Silk Road with Travel the Unknown is one of the best trips of my life.
Most of my 40 years of travelling across the globe has been independent travelling with the occasional exception. My recent organised tour of Lebanon with Travel The Unknown was excellent a diverse and great trip. It was a great way of seeing such a small and wonderfully diverse country in a short time, a truly great place!! Rahul and his team were responsive, knowledgeable and a real pleasure to do business with them. The local guide was excellent and the driver friendly and helpful. I strongly recommend them if they travel to a country you want to see albeit do not want the effort, hassle and planning to travel independently.
Travel the Unknown is now our travel company of choice. It is really easy to deal with Rahul, the destinations offered are very comprehensive and all aspects of the trips are carefully chosen - itinerary, accommodation, meals etc. Our guides have been superb. They are knowledgeable, helpful, friendly and always happy to suggest tweaks to enhance the experience. The drivers are equally good and willing to go the extra mile - literally too. All in all, a first class company.
This was my third trip with Travel the Unknown and I was just as fully satisfied as on our previous trips. Rahul and his staff are extremely responsive and knowledgeable. Our original itinerary involved areas that were affected by the recent earthquake in Turkey, so the itinerary had to be modified. Rahul accomplished this in a seamless fashion and created a trip that was as interesting, and more varied, than the original one. Kudos for that.
An absolute dream holiday for me!! The tour went smoothly and was so well organized with attention to every detail.....hotels, guides, historical sites, transportation, food and Nile Cruise...Thank you Travel the Unknown for the most memorable adventure to Egypt!!
The itinerary and arrangements for our trip to Uzbekistan were perfect. The local guide, Shovkat, was helpful and knowledgeable and made us feel very welcome.
As a worldwide traveller, explorer & author travelling through COVID times, my trip with Travel The Unknown was a perfect choice for my adventure in Turkey. As a solo booking , I didn’t need the usual tourist bling. I knew what I wanted to see and the company chose the best guide I could have wished for. No fuss. Dealing with my preferences. This company know exactly what they are doing with complete knowledge of their guests, countries and Travel passage. I highly recommend Travel the Unknown.
I have travelled a number of times with Travel the Unknown and will always look at their offering first before even visiting the website of any other tour operator, because I am confident that their trips are well organised, and their itineraries cleverly put together to display the culture as well as the natural beauty and uniqueness of the country visited. They allow me to feel like a traveller not a tourist .
The Danakil Volcano Trip is not for you if you want 5 star luxury and haute cuisine. If you do want an extraordinary experience it is for you. Our guide, drivers and cook were all charming, helpful and knowledgeable and they did everything they could to make it a fantastic trip. Which it most certainly was.
From start to finish this company wanted to have every aspect of our holiday just perfect. When we needed to change our travel to add an additional family member they accommodated this without hassle. The local tour company they booked in Peru were equally fantastic. I cannot fault their attention to every detail. I thoroughly recommend Travel the Unknown and would book again without doubt. Thank you for not just a fantastic holiday but an incredible life experience.
Destinations suited us and we wanted to try a new company. Our drivers were all very good. Always on time, courteous and friendly. The long journey from Odessa to Kiev was very good, especially as it was broken about half way with an interesting trip to the Museum of Strategic Missile Forces which we both enjoyed.
A very well planned trip conducted by good drivers in well kept cars. Excellent commentary and we learnt a lot more than we expected about the countries and cites we visited. Definitely recommended.
It was an amazing trip. We saw so many different areas of Madagascar and had so much variety in our itinerary. We were extremely fortunate to have Alain as our guide. His knowledge of the botany, wildlife, history, peoples, customs etc of Madagascar was exceptional. His love of his country was obvious and he was passionate about sharing his knowledge with us. I will definitely recommend Travel The Unknown's tour of Madagascar to others.
We had an excellent trip to Madagascar. The guide was superb - very, very knowledgeable and personable. All went very well. Madagascar is not for the fainthearted though - very long travelling days on poor roads would discourage some, as would the poverty especially in the country. But the people are friendly, the accommodation and food very good, the scenery very interesting to spectacular and the wildlife(especially the lemurs) are wonderful.
We keep coming back to TTU because you find some really good guides, and we've experienced some bad ones. You need to keep this guide on your books as he really made the trip...having ascertained the areas Janet teaches on, the cyclones, the flooding, and the Rana Plaza disaster, she has come back much more fully briefed. In visiting the sites on the itinerary, he took full account of Janet's knee and how we were managing the heat and humidity to work out how this was best achieved, threw in extra sites once he realised how interested were, and was always willing to stop if folk were threshing rice by the side of the road, unloading fruit or fish at the quay, processing salt, etc. He has built up a good local network, from which we benefitted.
This was our second tailored trip to Iran with Travel the Unknown who kindly arranged for us to have Hamid and Reza as guide and driver again. Highlights in Tehran were the breathtaking Treasury of National Jewels, the serene Negarestan Gardens and the mountain resort of Darband. In Esfahan the Ali Qapu Palace illustrated the beauty of Persian craftmanship. During the trip we met a farmer who sings to his ox to make it draw well-water, lovely lady weavers in Kashan and so many children eager to practice their English lessons on us. For me the outstanding experience of the trip was picking blooms on a rose farm to distil rose-water. Delightful hotels, exquisite cuisine and welcoming people. Thank you.
It was again a hugely successful and enjoyable time for us - thank you for all your suggestions and organisation. This time, we were more keen to experience slightly different things having seen and enthused about architecture and art in mosques, houses and ancient monuments on our first trip. And this is exactly what we did: our guide went to great lengths to research and source our more off-the-tourist-trail requests, such as: shisha smoking, seeing carpet making and wool dying, tutorial on carpet design etc, rose picking and rose water processing, evening at bridge in Isfahan, music museum and concert, picnic in Isfahan square. All an absolute delight and fascinating. Thanks to you too for suggesting going to Darband in Tehran, which we loved, and the trip to Varzaneh and the desert which was one of the highlights. Once again, thank you for setting up another great tour for us.
Just back from my trip through Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan. It was a fantastic trip with many highlights - I was looking forward to the trip but it exceeded my expectations. The scenery in Tajikistan is stunning with some great sites. One of the highlights was the land border crossing into Kyrgyzstan at 4,200m above sea level. The Bradt guide describes it as "undeniably one of the last truly adventurous road trips that can be made in the 21st century" hard to disagree with them. The drive along the border with Afghanistan, along the Pamir highway and visiting the Wakhan corridor were also very memorable. The highlight of the entire trip were the two weeks spent in Kyrgyzstan - it is a really beautiful country with so much to see and do. I had a fantastic guide (Tatiana) and driver (Daniar) I got the opportunity to do many walks as Tatiana also liked walking. Daniar also had a reasonable amount of English so it was like having 2 guides. The vehicle (Toyota Landcruiser) was modern and very comfortable which is important as we did 3,100km. Before departing I was somewhat concerned about the standard of some of the accommodation- while the homestays in Tajikistan were pretty basic but this was the only way of getting to some fantastic remote locations. The standard in Kyrgyzstan was good and one of the highlights was the stay at Reina Kench Farm situated in a great location and the food was some of the best we had on the entire trip - would highly recommend it (Wi-Fi also excellent). The food in Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan was great and very varied. Kyrgyzstan also had some interesting historical sites (Osh, Tash Rabat and Bishkek ) whereas many view it as more of a destination for scenic mountains and valleys. Kazakhstan was very interesting and I would really like to explore the rest of the country as many interesting sites and scenery - the two guides we had were very good. Having spent over 7 weeks in the Stans over the past 12 months I think it is a great area and one I plan to return to. Thanks for your help in organising the trip for me.
Our guide was very helpful and understanding and the driver was careful on very bad roads. The accommodation was better than I expected and I enjoyed the home stays. I found Tajikistan stunning and one of the most interesting countries I have visited. Kyrzygstan was very different and our trip was basically travelling from a to b. but it was a great geographic contrast to Tajikistan. So green after the desert environment on the other side of the Pamirs. I hope to travel with your company again.
This is just to say thank you to you all for arranging everything for us. We didn’t even have to think as you had done all the hard work. There was the one little blip which I think you know about, but hey ho all came right in the end. Me especially would love to do it all again!!!
The trip to Lebanon was first class in every way. In the four full days of the tour, we saw all the main sights in the country and some extras were thrown in. The guide and driver were outstanding. The accommodation was good and the food was absolutely superb.
We are a fairly fussy bunch of travellers, but this was one of our best trips. We were were impressed with the overall organisation, and our young and very capable guide was an excellent ambassador for her beautiful country.
Travel The Unknown proved to be knowledgeable, efficient and flexible. An extensive and packed itinerary ran like clockwork. The quality of accommodation, food, guides and the friendliness of all the people of Central Asia were all surprisingly good and better than anticipated. An excellent trip!
Since 2014, we have used the services of Travel The Unknown to visit Iran, Turkey, Colombia, Gujarat (NW India), Odisha (NE India), Indonesia and in 2019 Southern India. The enjoyment for us while travelling, on mostly tailor-made tours has invariably been enhanced by the efficiency and helpfulness of Travel the Unknown's London team and their chosen local agents.
This is the second time we have travelled with TTU. We were again impressed with all aspects of our trip. From the initial enquiry to the end of our holiday, everything went beautifully. It is very easy to speak to whoever you need to- both at home or in your destination. Everyone is keen to ensure you have the best possible experience. Nothing ever seems too much. What more can you ask for.
I thoroughly enjoyed our trip to southern India. I greatly appreciate Travel the Unknown for arranging private tours at a reasonable price. I love it that we can make decisions along the way about what we do and don't want to do. Thank you for a wonderful and meaningful trip.
Our Cuba tour was unforgettable! Historic Havana, classic cars, vibrant music scene, colonial towns, stunning tobacco country, lovely beaches, comfortable lodging, delicious food and, most importantly, an outstanding guide who introduced us to the complex history of this gorgeous island. The warmth and friendliness of the people was moving, and we came home with valuable new perspectives too.
My husband and I have traveled to many different countries, usually not on tours. After talking to several friends who used Travel the Unknown, we contacted them to arrange a private tour for 2 families. They were extremely helpful and responsive. One example of this was our adding a few things to the tour as they originally had it. Also, during the trip, when we decided together to skip something that was originally planned, our guide was fine with it. When any of us emailed the company with questions, we heard back immediately, taking the 6 hour time difference into consideration. We will definitely book again with Travel the Unknown.
We thoroughly enjoyed our trip to India and Sri Lanka and had some unforgettable experiences from the magnificent Taj Mahal to the slums of Mumbai; watching a leopard chase a squirrel up a tree and women being taught to sew in a women’s cooperative in Udaipur. This was our first "educational guided tour" and our first experience of Travel The Unknown. I thought the whole planning and booking process was excellent, and the actual holiday itself was just as good - in terms of content of activities, pace of the trip and quality of the guides and accommodation. We are already planning our next one....
What a special holiday! There are not many tours where you can spot dozens of rhinos, rub shoulders with former headhunters amid wonderful scenery, see fantastic traditional costumes and dances and be invited into a tribal home for rice wine and snacks all in the space of 2 weeks.
One of the best organised tours we have undertaken. Professionally carried out by some very hard working people. I couldn't recommend this tour and your company enough to anyone thinking about South India.
From first to last, Travel the Unknown really excelled themselves. Everything connected with the trip went smoothly from the advice given by the sales department to the support provided by the local staff once in Bhutan. The itinerary which covered the little visited eastern part of the country as well as the better known west, was well planned and included a good mix of the scenic and the cultural. As repeat business is performance related, I will definitely be booking further trips with them!
I would recommend the 4 Stan trip to anyone who has already enjoyed Uzbekistan and wants to have a varied trip around some of the best that the other countries of Central Asia have to offer... mountain scenery to match the Alps and the Himalayas; vast steppe and desert landscapes; cities both ancient (Silk Road ruins) and modern (vibrant, cosmopolitan with interesting modern architecture and remnants of Soviet & Tsarist past). Lots of travel companies are offering Silk Road trips these days but this is special and so far, one of a kind !
Travel the Unknown organised a brilliant three-location private trip to Colombia, including Bogotá Gold Museum, coffee-country and colonial and Republican Cartagena. Practical arrangements for transport, hotels and guides worked well. It was a delightful tour.
A rich itinerary fulfilled by flexible and eager guides. For such a remote and humble area (not in its nature or culture of course!) the logistics were excellent, including stay options, dietary options, knowledgeable local guides and skillful drivers. If you like unique themed travel destinations and would love to do it under a dependable and organised company, I suggest Travel The Unknown.
A fascinating trip to the old Soviet Central Asia, an extraordinary mixture of cultures, peoples and religions. On the old Silk Road, I followed in the footsteps of Alexander The Great, Tamberlane and Genghiz Khan - all of whom - I am reliably informed - booked through Travel The Unknown.
Loved the Caucasus with Travel the Unknown. I learnt of their ancient history and the current geopolitical significance of the cross roads between West and East. Another first class trip from Travel the Unknown with extremely knowledgeable guides and great hotels.
This is our second time to Iran and I hope one day to go again. The people are warm and friendly and often eager to meet foreigners and learn more. Iran may not be the first country that comes to mind when thinking of a holiday, but if you enjoy something different, have an interest in ancient history amazing sites, or just people, you will not be disappointed.
I was a bit nervous about going to Iran, being a woman on my own. But travelling with Travel The Unknown made it all easier and I had a lovely experience there. I got to see fascinating sights and beautiful places in Iran. We were a small friendly group with a very professional guide and driver. I felt totally relaxed and safe at all times.
We found the entire trip beyond our expectations. The itinerary was well planed and the sights were spectacular. The people of Iran were so gentle and polite and our guide was outstanding. Travel the Unknown made it easy for us from planning the trip to arranging visa and dealing with our circumstances of having to cancel last year just before we were to leave and booking the same trip this year. We look forward to using them again.
Travel the Unknown were very responsive to my personal wishes, and flexible enough to make this a fantastic tour- we covered a lot in a limited time. Guides were pleasant and informative, and the transport was excellent.
We spent a memorable month in Central Asia, travelling through four 'Stans. The long history of ethnic diversity and exchange of cultural ideas make it a fascinating place. The architecture and landscapes were breathtaking and the hospitality and warmth of the people unforgettable.
The Uzbekistan Odyssey was a well constructed and executed tour of Uzbekistan. We saw so much of the country, including towns, cities, deserts and mountains, and experienced the wonderful architecture, the turbulent history and the beautiful arts and crafts of the country. And all that with the background of the romance of the Silk Roads!
The Silk Road trip is the second tailored tour we have made with Travel the Unknown. The itinerary was well-planned and we found every guide knowledgeable and good company. Thank you.
A well-planned trip, allowing us to see some of the amazing rich history of Uzbekistan, and giving us a chance to see some of the excellent craftspeople who still produce gorgeous handmade items.
We asked Travel the Unknown to come up with an unusual trip to 6 counties of the Caucasus and the ex-Soviet Union countries. They did so in a tour that flowed seamlessly the whole 38 days. The most impressive part was when Ukrainian Airlines cancelled our connecting flights from Kiev to Minsk, for 2 consecutive days. We contacted Travel The Unknown that morning and asked them to arrange an overnight train with a sleeping compartment. When arrived in Kiev, we were met at the airport, driven to the train station where tickets where waiting for us. They arranged for our pickup at the station in Minsk, as we left the train, and we went on our planned tours without losing a minute. That is what I call great service!
Enjoyed travelling with Travel the Unknown. They were most helpful and filled in as much as possible on our trip.
We had a really lovely trip to Moldova.Thanks to Travel the Unknown everything worked perfectly and we had no worries about anything.In particular the Moldovan guide and driver were very helpful and friendly.The duration and pace of activity meant we returned to the UK very relaxed.Moldova is not on everybody's list of holiday destinations but we found the whole experience interesting and educational.
I had the pleasure to be on the "Archaeology of Serbia" trip in May, which although only 8 days long was packed with fascinating insights into the complex history of the land. Not (yet) on the main tourist routes, there are many sites dating from stone-age, through Roman times to the many monasteries of the Middle Ages, some of which retain beautiful frescos, despite a turbulent history. The people here are friendly and the food served in hearty portions, plenty for meat lovers and vegetarian alike. I thoroughly recommend visiting Serbia before it becomes mainstream.
Our Classical Iran tour covered all of the wonderful sights in Iran in a logical sequence from South to North. We were well escorted by our great guide and our very capable driver. The pace of the tour was leisurely, while covering most of the key sites and the knowledge about the history of the sites by our guide was great.
We've been fortunate enough to travel a great deal in our lives and only recently (in our 70's) have we come to accept the fact that for some destinations that we have long wanted to visit an organised tour is the best solution. This is exactly what we experienced in Iran and your flexibility and excellent planning made it possible for us to do what would otherwise have been impossible. We still have our eye on Central Asia and your "Stans" tours are at the top of our list.
Many destinations claim to be unique. Papua New Guinea can back this up. The diversity and unique cultures found on this remote island are mind-boggling. If you are looking for a souvenir I would recommend a wood carving from the Sepik region. The locals are master carvers.
A memorable experience in a lovely country. All aspects of the trip were impeccably handled. Highly recommended.
The service provided by Travel The Unknown has been exceptional from the very first enquiry and all through our 34 day tour through India. The itinerary was matched to our requirements and they have detailed knowledge of the areas which allowed them to make additional suggestions to ensure we had an outstanding experience. Would highly recommend them and will definitely use them again in the future !!!!!!!!!!
Everyone at Travel The Unknown worked very hard to make our trip to India very special with a very unique and interesting itinerary. We were able to completely relax and enjoy the excellent wildlife viewing knowing that every detail had been taken care of. Thank you.
This is my fifth visit managed by Travel the Unknown. I will continue to travel with them as they always deliver exactly what I enjoy - I travel alone. Any local input they select is without exception first class. My ideas are followed up, with gentle dissuasion if unrealistic, & time left in my stay is padded out with imagination. I always feel safe, & have a smile on my face for a month after returning home.
We both very much enjoyed our trip including the ballet, the food and the wine. The guide and the driver were very helpful.
Our holiday to Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam with Travel the Unknown was a huge success. We had a fascinating itinerary, well-informed and friendly guides who really looked after us, and lovely accommodation. Every time there was a change of vehicle or guide, the next one was always there and waiting. All stages of the planning and booking process were efficiently done, so all we had to do was enjoy it!
When people say "Why Iran?" say "Why not?". We will never forget all of the amazing sites we saw and the beauty of the countryside but the enduring thing we will take away from this trip is the warmth and friendliness of the people we met. We sat down after an amazing tour around Persepolis and were immediately part of an Iranian picnic. We don't speak Persian, they had little English but we were welcomed like old friends. Not only is Iran the cradle of civilisation it is also the most welcoming place we have ever been.
A thoughtfully organised and fully educative trip into, what was for me, substantially the 'unknown'.
The Cambodia/Indonesia trip was a wonderful experiential journey into another world filled with life, history, myths, legends, spiritual edifices and lovely people.
I traveled solo with Travel The Unknown to Bhutan, the trip was very well planned and managed. Accommodation was top class for the region and the local guide and driver made me feel at home at all stages. I enjoyed being introduced to the local people and trying to understand their culture.
I'm delighted with all the trips that I have arranged through Travel the Unknown for myself and a couple of friends. We've stayed in some wonderful places and have had exceptional encounters with local people. Our guide was very good about checking in with us about what we wanted to do.
Travel the Unknown offered us an excellent itinerary, clearly and competitively priced without any surprises or changes. Staff were very helpful and ensured we had all the necessary information. Will be first port of call for any holiday on their list. Unreservedly recommend.
TTU created a first class tailor made tour for my sister and I. We couldn't have had better service, from the tour guides, the hotel, the cruise and even the transport between places.
We had a fantastic time on our Best of the Caucasus tour. We loved eating with the families in Georgia and visiting the Molovan family in Armenia, definitely highlights of the trip. Our Georgian guide in particular was the best you could possibly have, giving a true insight into the country. He should be recommended for an award!
Thanks to Travel The Unknown, I have a head full of the most incredible memories of a truly remarkable holiday. The organisation, from the arrival in Shiraz, to my driver dropping me off two weeks later at Tehran airport was faultless. The group size and itinerary were perfect. Everything they say about Iranian hospitality myself and the group found to be true, it was quite overwhelming. Men and women would often stop me in the street and personally welcome me to their beautiful country. I have had an interest in Islamic architecture for many years, so when the opportunity arose to visit the country with probably some of the finest examples of the genre, I just had to come to Iran. Many of the mosques and palaces, when seen first hand instead of in books, literally took the breath away. So, thank you David and your excellent company. I would recommend Travel the Unknown to anyone looking for a first rate travel company.
My trip to Kashmir and Ladakh was excellent. It was everything I had hoped it would be. Guides, drivers and hotels well chosen. I will certainly be using Travel the Unknown again.
We had a fantastic holiday. Iran has an incredibly rich past and in many ways presents an enigma today. Travel the Unknown helped us to plan a trip which allowed us to explore its wonders. We experienced ancient Persepolis, beautiful tiled mosques, the stunning Alborz mountains, and the unexpected and genuinely warm welcome of local people. Our brilliant guide, Shima, who made every effort to understand what we were interested in, and to make our trip such a success, commented several times on what a good itinerary we had compared to other tours.
This was probably the best holiday I have ever had. There was so much to see and do and we received the warmest of welcomes everywhere we went. Every aspect of the trip worked out as planned with no delays or changes.
Travel The Unknown were very easy and professional to deal with in planning my trip to Iran. They catered to my needs and customized my solo private trip, and sent me all the required reading material and information I'd need while abroad. I'd definitely recommend and use them again in the future.
The Balkans is a fascinating part of the world to visit with such complex histories. Wonderful scenery, great food, terrific variety of accommodation and especially loved the vineyards and wine tastings! Albania was such a surprise package! So much more than we anticipated and so much to see and do in this small country. Stunning scenery and roads generally better than we expected. Go before the rest of the world discovers this gem.
We have recently returned from a wonderful trip to Iran. The size of the group (12) was just right and staying several nights in each place a bonus. An interesting and varied itinerary and our experience of the welcoming people made for a very memorable holiday. We’d be happy to book with Travel the Unknown again.
I have recently returned from a very comprehensive tour of Iran with 'Travel the Unknown'. I was determined to take the opportunity to visit Iran and given the bad press from the media I was a little concerned if all was to go well. ALL of my fears were dispelled from the totally issue free booking and visa process prior to departure, very close and accurate communication from operations staff (Emily) to the wonderful reception we received in Iran wherever we went, locals smiling and wishing us well!, wanting photos with us and generally showing immense hospitality. Then of course there were the sites, which for their historic value were inspiring, and brought to life by the comprehensive, in depth knowledge of our tour guide. Enjoyed the whole experience and am now faced with the mountain task of editing down my photos, which will also give me the chance to relive the experience again - day by day.
Travel The Unknown provided me with an exceptionally good itinerary for my trip to Iran, the group size was ideal at 12 people, the local guides were very good and ensured my comfort and security. I would recommend Travel the Unknown to anyone interested in travelling to Iran.
Our trip was an amazing mix of the familiar and the exotic. We saw and did so much and came home feeling that we experienced the best of the Phillipines! Everyone we met was so warm and friendly, the tropical island waters were irresistible, and the 2000 year old rice patties of Banauae were breathtaking!
We wanted a holiday with a difference and Travel the Unknown gave us it. From our holiday experience I would recommend not only Iran, but also Travel the Unknown to anyone.
The standard of the tour programme was one of the best I have experienced. It was good to have several nights in one place rather than keep moving on day after day. I came home wanting to book another trip at once!
Loved our trip to Iran! Iran is an amazing country with lots of history, culture, good food and the most welcoming people I have ever come across in my travels! We would like to thank Travel The Unknown for a memorable trip of a lifetime!
An amazing and comprehensive tour of Colombia. This is a beautiful county, go now before it gets too touristy!
We have just returned from a three week trip to Colombia organised on a private basis by Travel the Unknown. This followed our tours with them to both Eastern and Western Turkey in 2015 and to Iran in 2014. We view all three trips as great successes, wherein everything that was promised, was delivered. We will be planning further trips with them.
Excellent trip - off the beaten track, as their name implies, but offering a wonderful overview of the country. Very good organisation - everything went smoothly, prompt replies to any queries.
Our trip to Cuba was well arranged with a thoughtful collection of places and experiences to maximize our understanding of the country. Travel the Unknown arranged accommodations that were unique, giving us wonderful opportunities to experience Cuban family life.
A well-planned itinerary that crammed an impressive amount into 16 days, without ever feeling rushed. Cambodia and Vietnam are both fantastic destinations, offering stunning natural scenery and beautifully preserved historical sites, together with truly delightful and welcoming people. Our guides made our trip extraordinary, weaving their personal histories in to the many insights they gave us of two countries that have experienced such difficult pasts.
Our trip with Travel The Unknown was one of our best trips ever. All went as planned, wonderful guides, perfect hotels - best of all: excellent scheduling of activities and time to rest - balance was just what we needed!! Thank you to all staff involved!
Nobody could have prepared us for how our holiday in Iran would enrich our lives. We had never met such friendly and open people. We never stopped smiling for the whole trip! Thanks to everyone at Travel the Unknown.
I would not hesitate in using Travel the Unknown for any future journeys to off the beaten track destinations.
Was well thought out and the experience was absolutely GREAT!!!!!!
This was our second tailormade trip with Travel the Unknown and we loved our first time travel in Myanmar (Burma). The amazing attractions together with the wonderful and friendly people of Myanmar and the delightful, adaptable guides made it a trip we will never forget.
A journey to Iran with Travel The Unknown is a true experience of many things sights history ancient culture, fascinating people and interesting food. I was impressed that during the journey the company rang to make sure we where happy with everything, hotels and transport, that was wonderful in such a different place in the world that is considered unsafe by most people! But I can assure you it is more safe than any other country I have visited and that is almost most places in the world! We where looked after extremely well!
We were looking for a land tour in the Balkans and contacted Travel The Unknown. The staff were very responsive in setting up a private tour schedule for us that proved to be perfect and reasonable in cost. We have just got back from our travels and can say that it was certainly a good choice The itinerary was varied and interesting and the accommodation well chosen. The quality and price of the food and wine in the region were an added bonus. Our drivers/guides were friendly, helpful and very knowledgeable. They went out of their way to accommodation our interests and preference.s Highly recommended!
Ethiopia is a country everyone should visit. It has the perfect combination of spectacular scenery, stunning architecture, unique wildlife and a wonderful culture. Seeing it with Travel The Unknown means that you see all the highlights but don't miss the details and surprises between. The excellent local guides ensure that you experience its wonders through Ethiopian eyes. An overwhelming, eye opening, awe inspiring, emotional adventure.
There have been so many highlights on our 15-day trip to Colombia: the Salt Cathedral in Zipaquira, Colonial towns of Villa de Leyva and Cartagena, learning about the coffee culture, the wonderfully crazy Carnaval de Negros Y Blancos at Pasto to name a few. The guides were friendly, knowledgeable, and eager to introduce us to the local culture, making this one of the most memorable trips I've ever taken.
The trip was fabulous. I can’t imagine why it wasn’t booked fully immediately when you announced it. There were no major glitches, and really no minor glitches. The electrical grid was down for 13 hours at Traditional Maison area, but that is far beyond the control of Travel the Unknown, and, frankly, it adds to the charm of the experience!!! As for our guide Omar and our driver Mohammad for two weeks, they were the BEST !!!! Smart, bright, great sense of humor, good command of English — everything you could ask for. We highly recommend them, and would request them again, if we go to Morocco. Form & balance: perfect balance between travel, sightseeing and free time. Again, many, many thanks for a GREAT trip. We could not have asked for a better adventure !!!
Our 17-day tour encompassed Elamite architecture, the great Achaemenid palaces at Susa, Persepolis and Pasargadae, the Sasanian reliefs at Bishapur, Firuzabad and Naqsh-e-Rajab, and the highlights of the glorious cities of Yazd, Shiraz and Isfahan. I shan`t forget our evening reading Hafez by the poet`s tomb at sunset, or the bookseller who sang passages of Attar to me. The kindness and friendliness of the people will stay with me for a long time.
Very moving, life-changing experience. Iran is a fascinating, complex place with a long, dramatic history. The itinerary of three days in each significant city (Shiraz, Yazd, Esfahan) follows the chronology of the empires beautifully. Three days in each place gives you time to relax and explore. The hotels are first class and quite spectacular. A small group gives you the chance to respond to group ideas, and also to go to local restaurants, off the beaten track from the large tour groups.
Travel the Unknown organised a really excellent tour, very extensive and covering a huge variety of sites. Travelling in a small minibus was very comfortable and gave us enormous freedom to decide where to stop and for how long. As someone who has always organised their own travel, I was worried that this type of organised tour might be constraining, but I was pleasantly surprised.
Just returned from the Glories of Persia trip. The tour was perfect, the guide, Merhdad, was exceptional. My travelling companions were great, it was good to travel with like minded people. Just loved the way we were treated by the Iranians, coming up to you, out of the blue, and saying "welcome". The whole experience was a real pleasure.
We greatly enjoyed visiting the ancient sites of Western Turkey with an experienced guide and seeing the remains of so many different periods and cultures. The scenery was spectacular and we felt that the tour gave us a wonderful introduction to the country.
Arda, our local guide was absolutely the best. Always a smile, always running (literally) to fulfill every request, treating every member as his personal responsibility, and going way way above and beyond to assist and accommodate. He is a so remarkably knowledgeable, and seemingly found no question beyond his ability to answer & explain. And his English is impeccable. KEEP HIM!!! Very special individual. Andrew is an incredible guide, with such a wealth of information and passion for his subjects. He never tired and made the trip fascinating and exciting due to the perspectives and explanations he shared continuously based upon years of research. Felt very fortunate to be in his presence for 2 weeks in such places that we were able to visit. Same for Hugh. And Hugh`s constant humour was delightful. These two balance each other well, and make a great team
This was my first experience with Travel the Unknown, and it exceeded my expectations. The itinerary was comprehensive, the local guide exceedingly knowledgeable, and hotels carefully selected for convenience and comfort. Staff were readily accessible to answer pre-trip queries, and the visa application efficiently handled.
My trip to Iran was absolutely fantastic and everybody was so friendly and kind. I cannot recommend Travel the Unknown and Iran enough.
Iran is country I have wanted to visit for a long time. All my questions prior to and post booking were answered promptly. The trip itself was superb and the people were warm, friendly and welcoming.
What`s staggering about this journey is the sheer beauty and drama of places which are hardly known to most travellers - from the jaw-dropping granite rock faces of the Anti-Atlas Mountains to the wild shores and tranquil fishing villages of the Atlantic Coast.
We covered many miles and saw some fantastic sites and sights. The special access that our tour leader provided really enhanced the experience for me - I`ll certainly never forget tracking down an inscription in Van with his help - and to see Gobekli Tepe and Nemrut Dag on the same day was marvelous. At the end of the trip, the Zeugma Mosaic Museum was a wonderful surprise - the best mosaics I`ve ever seen, in a truly world-class setting.
Have just returned from a wonderful holiday in Serbia with David Lindo, the Urban Birder, and local wildlife expert, Milan Ruzic. Truly a privilege to have been with leaders whose knowledge of birds - their identification and calls - was quite outstanding; their sense of humour would also take some beating. Serbia - a birdwatching destination with more bonuses than the average City banker.
Travel the Unknown provide good friendly advice and information before travel. They are very approachable and helpful. The accommodation is of a high standard as are the meals. Local guides are knowledgeable and anxious to ensure that travellers have a good and rounded experience.
This was a very exciting itinerary including fantastic historic and prehistoric site visits, as well as visits to wonderful towns, restaurants and markets. The attentiveness of the guide ensured that everything went smoothly, even in very out-of-the way places. It was possible to fall in love with the drama of the landscape, the character of the architecture, the colour, sights and sounds of the towns, the friendliness and honesty of the people - and I did!
The trip in the south was no less than an adventure, way beyond my anticipations. My guide was both helpful and knowledgeable.
Escaping from the comforting embrace of the big travel companies, Travel the Unknown`s `Ethiopia`s Historic North` programme gave us a window into a whole new world. The wildlife, the art, the food and the landscape were all unexpected and deeply memorable. The people were sometimes desperate, sometimes crazy, but nearly always smiling and ready to talk. One to treasure.
A different world and culture which we were privileged to experience. Welcomed by the warmth of locals who wanted to share a little of their time with us...and English is their second language!!!!!!
Charming people organising the trip and acting as guides. An inspirational visit taking us to out of the way places we would never have had the chance to visit. The personal touch Travel the Unknown brings sets them apart.
A great way to travel to some of the more remote and interesting places in the world. It was a very interesting area and we saw a lot that we would never have managed on our own. I would recommend the holiday to others.
I had a lovely time in Turkey. Both of the tours that were part of the package were fabulous, both tour guides were very knowledgeable and made the trips very interesting providing plenty of information, and the places where we went for lunches as part of the trip were superb. David McGuinness is a credit to Travel the Unknown, he goes that `extra mile` to keep customer happy. I`d like to say a huge `thank you` for all the help you gave me organising and planning my trip. I certainly will recommend anyone to use you for planning their `unknown` destination holiday. The emails, telephone calls were all spot on, well done :-) :-)
Simply, a wonderful experience. There`s a special kind of relaxation that`s achieved when you know that you have none of the stress of organizing a trip, driving, navigating, travel, booking, etc. Thanks so much for an excellent experience.
The Lost City trip was amazing. Would recommend this trip to anyone who has a sense of adventure and not afraid to leave their comfort zone. Machu Picchu is nothing like this and the sense of achievement you get when you reach the Lost City is truely outstanding. I am now looking for a similar adventure in another part of the world.
Thank you so very much for organising our trip. It went swimmingly, Dejan is super cool, the house was fab, the people lovely and strange, the rakjia insane. Memories of river swimming, spit roast pigs and lambs, urns of beans and cabbages, gallons of cheap beer and craze-inducing rakia with a massive dose of incomprehensible contemporary Serbian music , a modern take of Balkan brass orchestras, some tiny glimpses into Roma life, and rackety fair rides, along with beautifully grown organic vegetables and perfect skinned youth ...with not so many tourists. Plus a sand blast of the fascinating Balkan history with which the Belgrade fortress bulges, a clean and safe city … I`m a little overstuffed with roast pig but am thirsty as ever to find out more about the Roma and their music. All that history was what I found the most fascinating. Crazy stuff!
Ethiopia really blew me away. The rock-hewn churches were remarkable and I never knew Ethiopia had so much history. It was great to see the gelada baboons in the Simien Mountains. Our guide was always smiling and helpful, and I really enjoyed the coffee ceremonies. I hope to come back again some day.
Thank you for organising our Jordan trip. We both had a fantastic time, everything went very smoothly,and this is the first time I have ever used an ‘organised trip’ but it made everything stress free and enjoyable. Very well organised. The driver Bashir, was absolutely brilliant - very friendly, kind,patient, and informative and really made the trip special and memorable for us and we learnt many things on route that would never have known if it wasn’t for local information. Thank you very much for your support for a wonderful trip!
Great mixture of everything. Of all the places we visited, Byblos is a lovely town with great restaurants. Also, the lunch at the Eco place in the Bekka valley was stunning. While it was expensive, Lebanon is an expensive country and we saw more than we could possibly have seen by ourselves. Best holiday in a long while. Travel The Unknown were flexible and professional to deal with and put together a trip for us that was one of the best holidays in years. Would definitely consider Travel The Unknown again for future trips.
I would recommend Travel The Unknown`s Colombian Odyssey tour for anyone who wants a fairly comprehensive tour of the highlights of Colombia. I would definitely advise an add on to Cartagena, if you haven`t already visited. Colombia is a wonderful place to take a holiday whether you have been to Latin America many times before or even if it is your first trip. Travel The Unknown have definitely chosen the best places to stay and we were very well looked after. If you want a completely tailormade trip, I`m quite sure that the experience would be equally excellent. It`s good to find a smaller company where you get a more personal service and which goes to off beat places or off beat areas of well known but far away places.
Seamless, worry-free travel in a far flung corner of the world. It was the best way to make sure we used our travel time seeing the country, interacting with the people, and tasting the food. I`ve already spent enough time, in queues, on buses, or just generally lost to appreciate a well planned trip.
It is not surprising that UNESCO has added Mexican cuisine to its list of cultural treasures worth preserving. The variety and quality of Oaxacan food is awe inspiring and ranges from street food to creative chefs in top class restaurants. All aspiring young chefs should visit the Sunday market in Tlacolula, a real feast for the eyes and the palette. We have learnt a huge amount on this tour about life in Mexico and the problems of Mexico`s indigenous people.
The hiking was amazing with spectacular scenery and knowledgeable guides. The luxurious but rustic wooden cabins were really welcoming after a long days hiking.
This was a great adventure. Be prepared to get hot and wet but the rewards are worth it. Beautiful scenery and we learnt a lot about the history of Colombia and the local region from our guide. Would recommend Colombia to any travellers. Thanks to Travel the Unknown for organising trip, we had no issues which allowed us to appreciate the country even more. This was one of the best treks I have done. Very enjoyable and some amazing scenery.
David and Rahul, what a great company you run! My tailormade trip to Colombia was just perfect! Your advice and guidance in advance of the trip was excellent. I loved the accommodation in Bogota and Cartagena; quaint and traditional. And the staff were incredibly friendly, welcoming and helpful. Your agent, Russell, was very attentive, and the drivers allocated to transport me were punctual, friendly and helpful! I cannot fault a thing. Thanks so much for planning such smooth-running trip for me. And, naturally, Colombia was the big star; can`t wait to visit again!
This trip was an amazing and very exhilarating experience. We had high hopes of Gobekli Tepe, which were totally fulfilled- it is utterly amazing, but we had not anticipated some of the other gems to be so exceptional as well. We were a small group, which made the trip very personal. Altogether it was a marvellous week, helped by having a caring guide and an excellent driver.
What a great trip this was. Jordan is a magical county, the people friendly, the weather marvellous, the sights, sounds and smells unique. The small group got on well and I will definitely be back on one of your trips again soon.
Thanks for making my trip possible and so successful in such a short time. I loved every single second and the trek to the Lost City is amazing. Would do it again in this precise moment. And Colombia was a pleasant surprise, the country is incredible and really safe against the common stereotypes. It is a place I would be happy to live in, with the good weather, the colours and on particular the music. The food was incredible and freshly cooked. I am normally a fussy eater but I had every single meal almost cleaning the plate every time! Really enjoyed the fresh fruit supplied during the breaks.
The package was excellent considering the very short notice. I was impressed by the efficiency and the great communication.
Having travelled to Mexico on various trips over the years I was surprised to find Oaxaca was so different. Many traditions that have died out elsewhere are still alive and kicking in Oaxaca. And the food is sublime.
The Qadisha Valley is a beautiful and fascinating place. The night in the monastery was a highlight for me although both the other home stay nights were equally enjoyable in their own way. Danielle made me feel particularly welcome and my guides looked after me very well throughout.
Thanks so much for a wonderful trip. The whole trip was fantastic. Our guides throughout were knowledgeable, enthusiastic and friendly. The Humming Bird walk in Manizales was probably the highlight but it`s not easy to choose. We will definitely travel with Travel the Unknown again.
This is the first time I have journeyed with Travel The Unknown. We had a hitch in the itinerary and we contacted David - he was immediately on the phone to sort it out despite the fact we were in Iran. That is what I call serivce and I was very impressed.
Jerash was fascinating, loved the mud at the Dead Sea, Bethany was very interesting. Petra by night... AMMMMMMMMMMMAAAAAAAAAZZZING, candle-lit all the way to the treasury with two musical instruments being played - the sound echoing around the city was truly mesmerizing, a wonderfully mystical experience. Fantastic guide too. Thanks for all your help.
I went on this trip rather than all the other interesting possibilities in the world because I wanted to go to Gobekli Tepe. Being there was all I could have hoped for. It was a stunning experience and I was moved to tears. Thank you so much for the opportunity. Regarding the food, the olives were the best I`ve ever tasted. And the yoghurt is fabulous. Also the cheese and pistachios and apricots. Oh yes, and the watermelon : ) Thanks to David too for being so patient with my endless questions
I am delighted to see that Travel The Unknown have started to run tours to Serbia - it is time that someone did as the country has plenty to offer for all tastes. Looking at their itineraries for both North and South Serbia, it is clear that they manage to visit some of the more out the way places and lesser known sites that few know about. They offer a good degree of variety too, and their tours should give potential visitors a really good taste of this often overlooked destination.
Travel The Unknown provided me with an excellent opportunity to discover the amazing country that is Jordan. Without their organisation and attention to detail I would have never have experienced so much diversity and interest in such a short time. Thanks so much.
I have been extremely well looked after and am grateful to Dejan for showing me his wonderful country.