As with all O.A.T. trips, single supplements are free, but limited, so solo travelers are encouraged to reserve early.
BOSTON – Alan E. Lewis, Chairman and CEO of Overseas Adventure Travel, the leader in small groups on the road less traveled for Americans over 50, announced that O.A.T. will launch five new land adventures in Asia in 2017. New trips include “Chiang Rai to Malacca: Thailand & Malaysia Unveiled”; “South Korea & Japan”; India’s “Sikkim & Bhutan”; “China’s Inner Mongolia and Shanxi” and “The Stans of Central Asia.” As with all O.A.T. trips, single supplements are free, but limited, so solo travelers are encouraged to reserve early.
“We are excited to offer new itineraries that connect travelers with Asia’s diverse people and myriad cultures through visits to cities and villages, homes and schools, temples and monasteries, and other places where locals, and not tourists, convene,” said Lewis. “Whether meeting with a shaman in Sikkim, taking part in a candlelight meditation service at a Buddhist monastery in Japan, or spending the night in a traditional ger, or round tent, in Inner Mongolia, our new itineraries offer rich, cultural experiences at an excellent value.”
- Chiang Rai to Malacca: Thailand & Malaysia Unveiled
Thailand: Bangkok – Chiang Rai – Chiang Mai – Krabi – Trang – Malaysia: Penang – Cameron Highlands – Kuala Lumpu
Select Highlights:
From the hill tribes of Northern Thailand to the glittering cityscapes of Malaysia, travelers will be introduced a vast spectrum of distinct Southeast Asian cultures with activities that include a tribal village visit, almsgiving with Buddhist monks; preparing lunch with locals on an island village; home-hosted dinner; island school visit, and more.
- South Korea & Japan: Temples, Shrines & Seaside Treasures
South Korea: Seoul – Daegu – Gyeongju – Japan: Tokyo – Toba – Kyoto
Select Highlights:
On this adventure, travelers explore ancient kingdoms and modern cities—from South Korea’s Seoul to the lakeside resort of Gyeongju and from Imperial Japan’s glittering Tokyo, maritime Toba, and temple-filled Kyoto. Some highlights include: lunch with “sea women” who make their living free-diving for pearls; Korea’s Demilitarized Zone; making traditional Hwamunseok mats in Ganghwa village; dinner and candlelight meditation with Buddhist monks and overnight in their communal living quarters; UNESCO site and temple visits; and Japan’s bullet train ride.
- India’s Sikkim & Bhutan: Hidden Kingdom of the Himalayas
India: Delhi – Martam – Darjeeling – Bhutan: Thimphu – Gangtey – Punakha – Paro
Select Highlights:
In Sikkim, meet shaman, share meal with village leader and family, visit school and organic farm; sunrise yoga; and monk-led morning meditation and discussion on Buddha’s teachings; Darjeeling tea estate visit; ride steam-powered “toy train” (UNESCO); in Bhutan, Tiger’s Nest Monastery, cultural performance, traditional hot stone bath, and more.
- China’s Inner Mongolia and Shanxi: Hidden Gems of the North
Beijing – Xilamuren Grassland – Hohhot – Datong – Pingyao – Xian – Hong Kong
Meet Mongolian family and spend the day as a herdsman; overnight in traditional ger; visits to Yungang Grottoes, Hanging Monastery and temples; cook and share lunch with villagers in Ma Jia Bao village; visit Xian’s Muslin Quarter; sampan boat ride, and more.
- The Stans of Central Asia: Turkmenistan & Uzbekistan
Ashgabat, Turkmenistan – Uzbekistan: Khiva – Bukhara – Samarkand – Tashkent
Select Highlights:
Family-hosted meals; UNESCO site visits, golden stallion farm tour; Silk Road desert drives, discussions with Bedouins and artisans; Samarkand bread making, market and bazaar visits, and more.
Photo caption: Travelers visit the “Tiger’s Nest” Monastery in Parom, Bhutan as part of Overseas Adventure Travel’s “India’s Sikkim & Bhutan: Hidden Kingdoms of the Himalayas”–one of five new small group adventures to Asia in 2017. (PRNewsFoto/Overseas Adventure Travel)
Vicky is the co-founder of TravelDailyNews Media Network where she is the Editor-in Chief. She is also responsible for the daily operation and the financial policy. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Tourism Business Administration from the Technical University of Athens and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales. She has many years of both academic and industrial experience within the travel industry. She has written/edited numerous articles in various tourism magazines.
