South Australia & the East Coast
South Australia & the East Coast
$7449
South Australia & the East Coast
23 Days Starting in Adelaide, Australia and ending in Sydney, Australia
Visiting: Adelaide, Grampians National Park, Halls Gap, Tower Hill, Port Campbell, Great Otway National Park, Mornington Peninsula, Melbourne, Cairns, Mossman Gorge, Cape Tribulation, Port Douglas, Airlie Beach, Byron Bay, Port Macquarie, Blue Mountains, Sydney
Tour operator:
Tour code:
25818
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 16
Age range:
12-
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through South Australia and the East Coast, exploring the diverse landscapes and vibrant cities of Australia. Begin your adventure in Adelaide, then traverse the stunning Great Ocean Road, marveling at the iconic 12 Apostles and the lush Grampians National Park. Discover Melbourne's hidden laneways and vibrant coffee culture before flying to Cairns, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. Experience the natural wonders of the Daintree Rainforest and the Whitsunday Islands, with opportunities for snorkeling and hiking. Continue to Byron Bay for a surf lesson, and explore the majestic Blue Mountains. Conclude your tour in Sydney, where you can enjoy the city's iconic sights and vibrant atmosphere. With a mix of guided activities and free time, this small group tour offers an ideal blend of adventure and relaxation.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Adelaide
Location: Adelaide
Accommodation: The Terrace Hotel Adelaide
Accommodation Name: The Terrace Hotel Adelaide
Arrive at any time. Join your CEO for a welcome meeting.
There are no planned activities during the day, so check into the hotel and explore your surroundings.
ACTIVITY: Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Day 2: Adelaide/Halls Gap
Location: Adelaide, Grampians National Park
Accommodation: Grampians Motel Halls Gap
Accommodation Name: Grampians Motel Halls Gap
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Travel inland to Grampians National Park, known for its sandstone mountain range.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Day 3: Halls Gap
Location: Halls Gap
Accommodation: Grampians Motel Halls Gap
Accommodation Name: Grampians Motel Halls Gap
Meals Included: Breakfast
Trek through the forest, lush with vegetation and wildlife. Visit the culturally significant MacKenzie Falls for a short hike. Walk to the stunning Balconies, then spend the afternoon relaxing with the locals - our resident wild kangaroos and emus.
ACTIVITY: MacKenzie Falls is the only waterway in the region that flows year-round and it is also the most visited waterfall in the Grampians; take a short walk and check out the falls out from a viewing platform. In Spring, see wonderful wildflowers in bloom along the path.
ACTIVITY: Set off from the Reed Lookout overlooking Victoria Valley, and enjoy a short walk with beautiful scenery to the Balconies, formerly called the Jaws of Death. Check out the gorgeous view, but be careful not to lean too far over the edge!
FREE TIME: Spend this afternoon exploring the local area.
Day 4: Halls Gap/Port Campbell
Location: Tower Hill, Port Campbell
Accommodation: Loch Ard Motel
Accommodation Name: Loch Ard Motel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Travel south to the ancient volcanic crater of Tower Hill, with the opportunity to spot some of Australia’s most iconic wildlife. Afterwards, begin your journey along the Great Ocean Road as far as the township of Port Campbell.
ACTIVITY: Visit Tower Hill State Wildlife Reserve west of Warrnambool for a chance to see animals endemic to Australia such as koalas, emus and kangaroos. Learn more about this large volcanic crater and wetland and the role it plays in Indigenous history.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Day 5: Port Campbell
Location: Port Campbell
Accommodation: Loch Ard Motel
Accommodation Name: Loch Ard Motel
Spend the day exploring the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, and surrounding natural attractions. Opt for a walk along any number of short paths available to immerse yourself in nature. If the luck of weather is on your side, round out the day by watching the light become golden over the Twelve Apostles on the drive to Port Campbell.
ACTIVITY: Enjoy an excursion along the Great Ocean Road showcasing some of Australia's most scenic coastal views.
ACTIVITY: Located along the Great Ocean Road, beautiful Loch Ard Gorge shows the process of erosion in action. See offshore stacks and blowholes, and watch short tailed shearwaters soar over the nearby island. This location is a perfect backdrop for a group photo. Get snapping!
ACTIVITY: Stop at a scenic lookout point along the Great Ocean Road and capture the beautiful views over the ocean and the 12 Apostles. Now with only seven formations still standing, these iconic attractions were once limestone caves which eroded to become arches and eventually stacks up to 45m (147 ft) in height.
Day 6: Port Campbell/Mornington Peninsula
Location: Great Otway National Park, Mornington Peninsula
Accommodation: Bay Motel Safety Beach
Accommodation Name: Bay Motel Safety Beach
Spend the day travelling along the Great Ocean Road. Pass world-famous surf beaches, and walk through the rainforest in Great Otway National Park. Travel by ferry across Port Phillip to the Mornington Peninsula.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
ACTIVITY: Take in the beautiful greenery of the Great Otway National Park on a leisurely walk with your CEO.
Day 7: Mornington Peninsula
Location: Mornington Peninsula
Accommodation: Bay Motel Safety Beach
Accommodation Name: Bay Motel Safety Beach
Spend the morning exploring the Mornington Peninsula, including a visit to Cape Schanck. In the afternoon, opt to visit a winery or relax and enjoy yourself at one of the many incredible beaches in the area.
Although fairly small in size, the Mornington Peninsula packs a big punch with the amount of things to do here. Be awed with the stunning coastal scenery while driving through quaint towns and past stunning beaches.
ACTIVITY: Cape Schanck is located at the southern tip of the Mornington Peninsula. Visit the rugged coastline with its cliff faces and rocky outcrops. This area provides visitors with an insight into the area's maritime history and plenty of scenic walks featuring ocean views. The lighthouse was built in 1859 and stands as the second coastal lighthouse in the Australian state of Victoria.
FREE TIME: FULL DAY Get out and explore the stunning Mornington Peninsula.
Day 8: Mornington Peninsula/Melbourne
Location: Mornington Peninsula, Melbourne
Accommodation: Causeway 353 Hotel
Accommodation Name: Causeway 353 Hotel
Continue on to Melbourne but first make a few stops along the way. Stop to see Brighton's brightly coloured bathing boxes, miniature beachfront cabins that are unique to the beaches in Port Phillip Bay.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
ACTIVITY: Stop to check out some of the famous bathing boxes that Port Phillip Bay is known for. These one-room "mini-cabins" are owned by families to store belongings on their favourite beach. Snap some photos of these brightly coloured boxes and breathe in the fresh ocean air.
Day 9: Melbourne
Location: Melbourne
Accommodation: Causeway 353 Hotel
Accommodation Name: Causeway 353 Hotel
Tour Melbourne's iconic laneways and learn more about coffee culture, and pick up some great pointers for your free afternoon of exploration.
FREE TIME: There's lots to see and do - get out there and explore!
ACTIVITY: Discover the small laneways packed with shops, cafés and restaurants that make Melbourne so unique. Grab a delicious barista coffee to-go (which no trip to Melbourne would be complete without!), and set out to experience Melbourne's laneways with an expert local host. Journey through this 'secret city,' seeing local hotspots and incredible street art while learning about the city's history.
Day 10: Melbourne/Cairns
Location: Melbourne, Cairns
Accommodation: Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns
Accommodation Name: Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns
Fly to the oceanside city of Cairns, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef.
TRANSPORT: Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
Day 11: Cairns/Cape Tribulation
Location: Cairns, Mossman Gorge, Cape Tribulation
Accommodation: Cape Tribulation Beach House
Accommodation Name: Cape Tribulation Beach House
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Head north to Cape Tribulation. Stop en route to explore Mossman Gorge and take an interpretive walk through the Daintree Rainforest.
TRANSPORT: Travel 1.5 hrs to Mossman Gorge. Later, continue 2 hrs to Cape Tribulation.
ACTIVITY: Take an interpretive walk through the Daintree Rainforest. Follow an Indigenous guide and learn about bush food, medicinal plants and the lasting relationship of the Kuku Yalanji people with their natural environment. Find out how to make bush soap, watch an ochre painting demonstration and sample some bush tea.
Day 12: Cape Tribulation
Location: Cape Tribulation
Accommodation: Cape Tribulation Beach House
Accommodation Name: Cape Tribulation Beach House
Meals Included: Breakfast
With a free day, opt for a trip to the Great Barrier Reef or to explore Daintree National Park.
FREE TIME: FULL DAY Head out and start exploring.
Day 13: Cape Tribulation/Cairns
Location: Cape Tribulation, Port Douglas, Cairns
Accommodation: Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns
Accommodation Name: Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns
Meals Included: Breakfast
Return to Cairns in the afternoon with free time to explore this laid-back city. En route, stop by Port Douglas and opt to have lunch at a local market.
TRANSPORT: AFTERNOON Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
FREE TIME: AFTERNOON Make the most of a few hours in this city.
Day 14: Cairns/Airlie Beach
Location: Cairns, Airlie Beach
Accommodation: Whitsunday Vista Holiday Apartments
Accommodation Name: Whitsunday Vista Holiday Apartments
Meals Included: Breakfast
Depart early for a full day of travel to reach Airlie Beach, enjoying scenic views along the way.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Day 15: Airlie Beach
Location: Whitsunday Islands
Accommodation: Whitsunday Vista Holiday Apartments
Accommodation Name: Whitsunday Vista Holiday Apartments
Meals Included: Lunch
Spend the day out on the water boating around the Whitsunday Islands, visiting the Great Barrier Reef. Opt to swim or snorkel, and hike to an island lookout over Whitehaven Beach, known for its stunning white sand. Return to Airlie Beach for the night.
ACTIVITY: Enjoy a day out on the water amidst some of the 74 tropical islands that make up the Whitsunday archipelago. Visit Whitehaven Beach, jump overboard for a quick refreshing dip, and make friends with the tropical fish that thrive within Australia's Great Barrier Reef.
ACTIVITY: The Whitsunday Islands are in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef. Spend the day out on a boat cruising through the waters around the islands. Then, when it gets too hot, pull on a mask and snorkel and dive overboard to check out the variety of brightly coloured marine plants, coral and fish that thrive right in these warm tropical waters.
Day 16: Airlie Beach/Byron Bay
Location: Airlie Beach, Byron Bay
Accommodation: Byron Beachcomber
Accommodation Name: Byron Beachcomber
Fly to Brisbane and transfer to Byron Bay for two nights in this "hippie" paradise.
TRANSPORT: Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Day 17: Byron Bay
Location: Byron Bay
Accommodation: Byron Beachcomber
Accommodation Name: Byron Beachcomber
Spend a free morning exploring Byron or opt to prebook a kayaking tour. In the afternoon, you'll head to the beach for a surf lesson with a trained surf instructor. Enjoy a few hours of instruction before hitting the waves for some practice rides.
Pre-book the "Byron Bay Ocean Kayaking" activity on the checkout page ahead of time to include this optional experience on your tour.
ACTIVITY: Hit the beach and get ready to hang ten with a surf lesson from trained surf instructors. Spend some time in the water getting friendly with the waves, practice paddling, then pop up to balance on the wider, softer beginner boards. Too easy.
Day 18: Byron Bay/Port Macquarie
Location: Byron Bay, Port Macquarie
Accommodation: El Paso Motor Inn
Accommodation Name: El Motor Inn Port Macquarie
Spend the morning wandering the town checking out the local shops or having one last coffee on the beach before heading to the coastal township of Port Macquarie, featuring all the beauty of the beach set alongside gorgeous national parks. Enjoy an evening in Port Macquarie.
FREE TIME: MORNING Get out and explore this lazy beach town.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Day 19: Port Macquarie/Blue Mountains
Location: Port Macquarie, Blue Mountains
Accommodation: Leisure Inn Spires
Accommodation Name: Leisure Inn Spires
Meals Included: Breakfast
Travel from Port Macquarie to the Blue Mountains today. These mountains in Australia are best known for their soaring sandstone ridges. As you drive, pass by charming mountain towns, ancient Aboriginal rock art, lush green valleys, and loads of craggy cliffs. It doesn’t matter if the journey is shrouded in clouds or glowing in the sinking sun, you’ll still spot beauty around every turn.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Day 20: Blue Mountains
Location: Blue Mountains
Accommodation: Leisure Inn Spires
Accommodation Name: Leisure Inn Spires
Travel deeper into the majestic Blue Mountains and experience the natural beauty of this World Heritage Area. Explore the landscape around Leura and Katoomba, view the Three Sisters, take a walk in Jamison Valley, and ride on the Scenic Railway, the steepest railway in the world.
ACTIVITY: With charming Leura as your base, explore the major attractions of the Blue Mountains from sightseeing to bushwalking to cafés and more.
ACTIVITY: Take in some amazing lookouts over the Jamison Valley, via the iconic Three Sisters. Descend down the 900 step giant staircase to the valley floor. Walk amongst the beautiful forest to the steepest incline railway in the world — The Katoomba Scenic Railway. Opt to ride its 52-degrees angle or take the Scenic Cableway. If you're keen for more walking, and time permitting, take the 900 stairs back up.
ACTIVITY: This railway is steep and plunges into the rainforest and through the valley. The ride is scenically stunning. At the end, opt to take a rainforest walk or a cable car back to the visitor's centre.
Day 21: Blue Mountains/Sydney
Location: Blue Mountains, Sydney
Accommodation: Rydges Sydney Central
Accommodation Name: Rydges Sydney Central
This morning, leave the Blue Mountains behind and continue onward to Sydney. Once you arrive head out for an orientation walk before taking advantage of some free time to keep exploring. Opt to rent a bike, stroll the botanical gardens, or visit the iconic Opera House.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
ACTIVITY: Discover the highlights of Sydney on an orientation walk with the CEO. They will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.
FREE TIME: EVENING Get out and explore.
Day 22: Sydney
Location: Sydney
Accommodation: Rydges Sydney Central
Accommodation Name: Rydges Sydney Central
Get a feel for the city. Relax seaside at Bondi Beach. Enjoy an optional night out with the group.
FREE TIME: FULL DAY Enjoy a free day to explore one of Australia's most exciting cities.
Day 23: Sydney
Location: Sydney
Depart at any time.
ACTIVITY: Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Hotels/motels (20 nts), rainforest cabin (2 nts). -
Meals
8 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 dinner -
Welcome Moment
Meet your CEO and group for a welcome moment.
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Melbourne Laneways Walk
Enjoy a guided walk through the iconic laneways of Melbourne.
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Brighton Bathing Boxes Visit
Visit the brightly colored bathing boxes at Brighton Beach.
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Rainforest Walk in Great Otway NP
Take a walk through the lush rainforest of Great Otway National Park.
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12 Apostles Visit
Marvel at the stunning 12 Apostles along the Great Ocean Road.
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Loch Ard Gorge Visit
Explore the beautiful Loch Ard Gorge.
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Hike at Grampians NP
Enjoy a hike in the Grampians National Park.
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Tower Hill State Wildlife Reserve Visit
Visit the Tower Hill State Wildlife Reserve to see native Australian wildlife.
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Explore Cape Schanck Lighthouse
Explore the historic Cape Schanck lighthouse and its surroundings.
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Guided Daintree Rainforest Walk
Take a guided walk through the Daintree Rainforest.
What's Not Included
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Tipping and Gratuities
Tipping and gratuities are not included in the tour package.
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International Travel
International travel to and from the tour start and end points is not included.
Accommodation
Enjoy comfortable stays in hotels and motels for 20 nights, with a unique experience in a rainforest cabin for 2 nights, providing a blend of modern amenities and nature immersion.
Transport
Private vehicle, ferry, boat, plane, walking.
Meals Included
8 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 dinner
Group Size
Max 16, avg 12.
Solo Travellers
We believe solo travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and solo travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Meals
Eating is a big part of traveling. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility. Our groups tend to eat together for most meals but there is no obligation to so. Your CEO will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip.
We love checking out what the locals are doing and what makes up their daily routines. In Italy that could be starting the day with an espresso and cornetto standing at the bar in a local café. in Australia it might include an iced coffee and sausage roll by the beach and in Vietnam it could be slurping a steaming bowl of pho sitting on a plastic stool on a busy street corner. Hey, variety is the spice of life!
Mode of Transport
Travel in style with a mix of private vehicles, ferries, boats, planes, and walking, ensuring a seamless and scenic journey across diverse landscapes.
Minimum Age
You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a G Adventures tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.
Important Notes
1. Please be aware that wifi and internet access is not as readily available in Australia as in other parts of the world. There are often additional charges to connect to the internet, and speeds may be slower than what you are used to.
2. Over public holidays in Australia and New Zealand (such as Christmas, New Years Day, Easter, and Anzac Day) there may be some limitations of services and disruptions to schedules. In general our tours still operate effectively over public holidays, but there may be closures of optional activities and restaurants, and slight itinerary adjustments in order to provide all tour inclusions.
3. Please note that this tour combines with other G Adventures tours. As such, the staff and some travel companions on your tour may have previously been traveling together with G Adventures, prior to Day 1 of your tour. Likewise, some staff and travel companions may be continuing together on another G Adventures tour, after your trip concludes.
4. COMBO TRIP
Please note that this trip is a combination of multiple G Adventures tours. As such, the staff and/or particular vehicles operating your tour may change between tour segments. You may also expect some group members to join or leave the tour, between tour segments.
5. ACCOMMODATION NOTE:
Please be aware that properties we stay in with only two stories may not have elevators installed and climbing the stairs with your luggage will be necessary.
Group Leader
This G Adventures group trip is accompanied by one of our group leaders, otherwise known as a Chief Experience Officer (CEO). The CEO will be the group manager, leader and driver - this person is experienced in the routes travelled and will organize and lead the meal preparations and has experience in cooking a variety of local and international dishes for large groups.
As the group coordinator and manager, the aim of the CEO is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. While not being guides in the traditional sense, you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. They will also offer suggestions for things to do and to see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends.
We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting - we think it's the best of both worlds.
What to Take
The max luggage allowance on domestic flights within Australia is 1 checked bag (20 kgs) and 1 carry on (7 kgs) per person.
You will be on the move a lot, so our advice is to pack as lightly as possible.
We recommend using a backpack for your convenience, or a medium-sized suitcase if you prefer. Heavy luggage is not recommended for the health of the CEO, who will take a lead in loading the storage trailer. Due to space in the trailer, we will not be able to accommodate more than one piece of main luggage per person. A good size day-pack (20-35L) is also essential to carry your personal gear for the day, as access to luggage between destinations will be limited. This daypack will be used to carry your personal gear for the day, your lunch and a water bottle.
Spending Money
Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of transportation is used during the tour?
The tour uses a variety of transportation methods including private vehicles, ferries, boats, planes, and walking.
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What types of accommodation are provided on this tour?
Accommodation includes hotels and motels for 20 nights and a rainforest cabin for 2 nights.
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Are there any meals included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour includes 8 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 1 dinner.
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What is the maximum group size for this tour?
The maximum group size for this tour is 16, with an average of 12 participants.
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Is there a minimum age requirement to join the tour?
Yes, you must be 18 to travel unaccompanied. Minors aged 12 and above can join if accompanied by a guardian over 21 years old.
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What should I be aware of regarding internet access during the tour?
Internet access in Australia may not be as readily available as in other parts of the world, with potential additional charges and slower speeds.
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Who will be leading the tour?
The tour is led by a Chief Experience Officer (CEO) who will manage the group, organize activities, and provide general knowledge about the destinations.
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What should I pack for the tour?
It's recommended to pack lightly, with a backpack or medium-sized suitcase, and a day-pack for daily essentials. The luggage allowance on domestic flights is 1 checked bag (20 kgs) and 1 carry-on (7 kgs) per person.
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Is there a single supplement for solo travelers?
No, solo travelers are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex, without a single supplement.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
G Adventures was established in 1990
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Most of our trips do not have a single supplement. This means that the accommodation is on a twin share basis and, if travelling on your own, you will be sharing a room with another G Adventures traveller of the same sex. Some tours have an optional single supplement. An optional service that may be available is called "My Own Room". This service allows solo travellers to request their own room.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
It's extremely difficult if not impossible to join a tour after it has begun. It is possible to leave a tour early however you will be responsible for your own arrangements from the moment you decide to leave the tour. You would also be responsible for all costs associated with joining a tour late or leaving one early. If you feel this may be necessary, please consult us before you book.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
https://www.gadventures.com/travel-with-confidence/
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
https://www.gadventures.com/about-us/core-values/
Reviews of this operator
1 Select your preferred date
Tuesday - Wednesday
May 13, 2025 - Jun 04, 2025Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
G Adventures allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 0 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
G Adventures requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of g adventures charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
Enquire for Extra Savings
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