• 25th Aug – 8th Sept 2012
• Escorted by Michele Cohen, a high altitude expert leader
• Luxury mountain lodges (no camping!) and finest 5 star hotels
• Soak in outdoor hot-tubs under the stars
• Gourmet Andean cuisine
• Hike through stunning mountain scenery on the Salkantay Inca Trail
• Guided tours of Machu Picchu, Cuzco sights, Sacred Valley and Lima
• Alternative dates and itineraries can be arranged

Contact Michele Cohen at 604-733-1010 or at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

CLICK HERE FOR FULL ITINERARY

The Annapurna and Everest regions of Nepal have been a ‘must see' destination for the intrepid trekker for over forty years. Up until now, trekking in these spectacular mountain environments involved either camping or staying at basic tea houses. Now it is possible to trek in these famous valleys while staying at comfortable lodges with all the modern conveniences of a city hotel. Our luxury lodges all offer spacious rooms which are pleasantly decorated and with running hot and cold water in an attached bathroom. Best of all, each lodge has been carefully sited to present a magnificent panorama of the Himalaya or surrounding valley from the lodge itself.

What's Included

• An English-speaking local leader
• Kathmandu Airport transfers
• Internal flights and all land transport involved in the itinerary
• 5-star hotel accommodation in Kathmandu and luxury lodge accommodation on trek
• Guided sightseeing tour of Kathmandu
• All meals throughout the trip
• Once on trek the group will be assisted by porters and experienced Sherpa guides

 Contact Michele Cohen at 604-733-1010 or at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Arriving in the North Island city of Auckland, we transfer to volcanic Rotorua and take on the exciting Tongariro Crossing, the 'best 1-day hike in New Zealand'. Then, taking a ferry to South Island, we trek to Nydia Bay in the beautiful Marlborough Sounds area and also walk part of the stunning Abel Tasman Coastal Track. Driving down the West Coast, we visit the Pancake Rocks at Punakaiki and hike on the ice of Fox Glacier. Then, looping inland via Wanaka, we reach the gateway to the amazing Fiordland at Te Anau. Here, we make short and scenic hikes on the Kepler and Routeburn tracks and also have the option of a cruise on Milford Sound. Making our way back north to Christchurch, we have included a day hike to the Mueller Hut below Mount Cook and another to a 2000 metre summit above Lake Tekapo, for those final, unforgettable views of the Southern Alps. This comprehensive tour promises the very best of New Zealand! 

What's Included

• A local leader
• A single timed transfer from airport to hotel in Auckland on day 1 of the itinerary A single timed transfer from hotel to airport in Christchurch on day 19 of the itinerary All land and sea transport involved in the itinerary
• including the inter-island ferry from Wellington to Picton 18 nights hotel and lodge accommodation
• All National Park Fees
• All meals from breakfast on day 2 to breakfast on day 19
 
 

Contact Michele Cohen at 604-733-1010 or at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  

Following scenic park trails we discover some of the most spectacular scenery in North America: from glaciers and rivers, to deserts and canyons, hot springs and waterfalls. Join us as we see the geysers of Yellowstone National Park and hike along the shores of dramatic glacial lakes. This walking tour is dedicated to those wishing to explore on foot some of the most diverse scenery in North America. Walks are graded moderate with some strenuous options. You are expected to participate in camp chores, such as the preparation of meals. 

Trip Highlights

Yellowstone NP - Thorough exploration of spectacular scenery and mud volcanoes.
Grand Teton NP - Soaring peaks and glacial lakes.
Dinosaur National Monument - Uncovering America's jurrassic past
Moab - Adventure centre with many optional activities on offer.
Arches NP - Picturesque rockscape.
Canyonlands NP - Rock Hoodoos and Canyons.
Salt Lake City - Mormon Capital of Utah.

Contact Michele Cohen at 604-733-1010 or at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Our trek begins in the farmlands and plantations of the western side of the mountain. We climb through shrub forest onto the Shira plateau with fine views opening out over the Great Rift Valley and Mt. Meru. Here we explore the pinnacles of Shira Cathedral before pressing on in the shadow of the northern icefields of Kibo crater itself. From Moir Hut we take an acclimatisation walk to Lent Hills for further stunning views over the surrounding plains. Walking beneath the glaciers of the western breach we reach Lava Tower with a further optional hike to the ruined hut at Arrow glacier.

A dramatic trek takes us down into the Great Barranco Valley and up the Barranco Wall to the last water point of Karanga Valley. Climbing further into a lunar landscape we reach our final ascent camp at Barafu. Our summit attempt takes us up the steep southern side of Kibo Crater to Stella Point on the crater rim before we make our final approach around the rim to Uhuru Peak. Our descent takes a more direct route on the south side down through the forest to Millennium camp and Mweka Gate.

Contact Michele Cohen at 604-733-1010 or at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  

Precision. You strive for it at work. Hope for it in a mechanic. But for a vacation? Precision permeates the Swiss Alps. The way the mountains cut into the sky. The snow perfectly crowns each cap. Glacial lakes shimmer precisely. The people are direct. Friendly, but direct. Your accommodations are perfect, especially the personal touches and Matterhorn views at the Riffelalp Resort. Even the cable cars, gondolas and funiculars always arrive on schedule. When you come to the Swiss Alps, prepare to be pampered, awestruck and exhilarated, precisely. 

Trip Highlights

• Heart-pumping hikes reveal quintessential Switzerland, including stunning views of the Matterhorn
• Trek from high mountain passes to wildflower-strewn meadows with soft-eyed dairy cows
• Jaw-dropping panoramic vistas of Gornergletscher, a glacier with bright blue pools and deep crevasses
• Feast on fondue paired with regional wines
• Riffelalp Resort, the epitome of luxury

Departing from Interlaken




Contact Michele Cohen at 604-733-1010 or at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Following in the footsteps of countless pilgrims since the 9th Century, we follow the legendary route to Santiago de Compostela – the resting place of Saint James. We walk along the most scenic section between Burgos and Santiago: across the high plains of the Castilian Meseta and into the Galicia mountains. We discover Gothic cathedrals, visit disused gold mines and climb to the Iron Cross (1,482m) along the way. On walks between Burgos to Santiago there will be an accompanying support vehicle carrying luggage and allowing you to hop on the bus whenever you prefer. The walks are graded as moderate. 

Trip Highlights

Leon - Stunning cathedral and one of the great historic towns on the camino
O Cebreiro - Beautiful village and the gateway into Galicia
Santiago De Compostela - Lively historic town and “holy shrine” of the pilgrims

Contact Michele Cohen at 604-733-1010 or at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

That whole "time flies" theory just doesn't work in Patagonia. Imagine traveling slowly on a small ferry through a tremendous fjord on Lake Argentino Lake heading toward Upsala Glacier. Time is moving so slowly but you can't possibly take in the scenery fast enough. The Andes are so windswept they almost look like petrified ocean waves, white caps and all. The lake is bouncing a clear blue sky back up at you. Framing everything perfectly. It's like time freezes in Patagonia even though you're having fun. 

Trip Highlights

• Hike in the shadow of the Fitz Roy's jagged granite spires
• Unforgettable boat rides among icebergs and fjords
• Sip yerba mate, the local beverage, like Patagonian cowboys
• Ice-trek on Perito Moreno Glacier
• Empanada-making with a local chef

Departing from El Calafate.





Contact Michele Cohen at 604-733-1010 or at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

It’s unlike anywhere else. Raw and simple one minute, bustling and friendly the next. In one breath dramatic and tranquil. A sail among the limestone peaks in Halong Bay. Footpaths that snake through secluded rice paddies. A quiet nod from villagers leading buffalo to water. Touching the ethereal ruins of Angkor with your own hands. It’s a journey full of color and intrigue. Every meal is a metaphor for the region’s complex culture. Every hotel offers soothing comforts. Temples that defy centuries. Smiles that bridge oceans. And local guides that open doors long closed.

Trip Highlights

• Cambodia’s thrilling Angkor Wat ruins
• An insider's perspective from our two local guides, longtime Backroads friends
• Hoi An: beautifully preserved and a delight to explore
• Cruise and kayak on gorgeous Halong Bay
• Indulge in some of Asia’s freshest and tastiest cuisine

Departing from Hanoi



Contact Michele Cohen at 604-733-1010 or at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

This amazing trip was recently arranged and led by Michele Cohen. Please contact us to find out about future trips.

Known as 'The Roof of Africa', Ethiopia is a land of surprises, with superb trekking and a rich cultural heritage. From the capital, Addis Ababa, we fly north to Gondar, with its astonishing array of medieval churches and castles.  The real journey begins a few hours drive away, where we enter into the spectacular Simien Mountains, which comprise several high plateau bounded by gigantic eroded precipices. Seven days of trekking lead us through a land of natural wonders and of rare wildlife, including the Simien Red Fox, the striking Gelada Baboon and the majestic Lammergeyer. Passing several villages, notable for their carefully tended farmland and friendly people, the trek reaches its climax at the summit of Ras Dashen , 4533m, where the views extend northwards to Eritrea.

Contact Michele Cohen at 604-733-1010 or at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

CLICK HERE FOR FULL ITINERARY