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Exceptional Tailor-Made Journeys
We think of 'journeys' as travel experiences that are out of the ordinary and off the beaten track. Destination specialists at Vita Brevis Travel can tailor-make the adventure of a lifetime for you.
It may be on your bucket list. It could be just for a week or two, or last for several months, stretching out to be more like (or actually be) a sabbatical. It may involve multi-destinations within one country, one archipelago, one continent or take you around the globe.
Planning, local knowledge, attention to detail and organisation are the key to success when booking such an adventure,
and that's where we come in. We will help you (together with our global network of on-the-ground experts) plan your trip of a lifetime, and be on hand if you need any support whilst you're away. Think of us as your own private travel concierge.
We feature a few inspiring journeys and adventures below, but you've probably already got your own ideas roughly mapped out in your head. If so, let's get everything started! Please give us a call and to chat through what you're looking for.
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Our tailor-made holidays in Peru let you experience the country's rich history and modern vibrancy, from fascinating Lima to ancient Inca ruins to modern fusion cuisine. Highlights of Peru takes you deep into the Peruvian Amazon before discovering the mystical magic of the Sacred Valley and ascending to the Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu. Your Peruvian adventure finishes in fascinating Cuzco. All our tailor-made tours can be adjusted to suit you, but to get an idea of what you can achieve in just 9 nights, see our suggested tour capturing the Highlights of Peru
If you're undecided about where to go in South America, see more ideas for Tailor-Made Adventures in South America
Discover magical Myanmar on this tailor-made tour, taking in the glittering pagodas of Yangon, gliding along the Irrawaddy River in style aboard the superb Sanctuary Ananda from Mandalay to Bagan via Pakokku, gazing across the myriad temples of the sublimely beautiful Bagan valley, before venturing on to mystical Lake Inle. Your journey is enriched by private guides and the lovely, smiling indigenous peoples. Find out more about our 11 night Highlights of Myanmar Tailor-Made Tour
Our tailor-made Rwanda tours offer the unique opportunity to track chimpanzee and colobus monkey in Nyungwe Forest with expert guides, relax on the shores of spectacular Lake Kivu, enjoy a cuppa at Gisakura Tea Plantation and learn about Rwanda's tragic history in Kigali, Rwanda's capital. The final highlight will be gorilla trekking in the forests of Volcanoes National Park to watch a family of endangered mountain gorilla eat, groom and play. Nothing quite compares to meeting a mountain gorilla! See our suggestion for an 8 Night Highlights of Rwanda Tour
Our tailor-made holidays in Oman enable you to experience the country's rich history and modern vibrancy, from your beach sanctuary near bustling Muscat to a luxury clifftop hideaway in the mighty Al Hajar mountains, visiting ancient Nizwa and Jabrin castle, and enjoying the peace and serenity of the vast Omani desert from the comfort of your luxury desert refuge in the Wahiba Sands. You'll return home with a deeper understanding of this remarkably friendly gem of a destination in the Arabian Gulf - and, of course, we can easily extend the duration of your trip if you would like to spend more time on the beach at the start or finish (or both) of your holiday. See our suggestion for a 7 Night Highlights of Oman Adventure
Indochina: Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam
There is so much to explore, discover and enjoy in this trio of remarkable countries and our experts in the UK (supported by our teams 'on the ground' in Indochina) will carefully tailor-make the perfect itinerary for you. No doubt it will include a visit to Siem Reap in Cambodia to marvel at Angkor Wat (perhaps arriving aboard Aqua Mekong and then staying at Raffles Grand Hotel D'Angkor) and may include a visit to the islands off Cambodia's south coast (where better to stay than Song Saa Private Island?). Laos is still well off the beaten track and all the better for it (and we love the luxury tented camp at Rosewood Luang Prabang), whilst Vietnam is a treasure trove of culture and blessed with amazing beaches. Perhaps include a stay at the all-spa-inclusive Fusion Maia beach resort near Hoi An, one of the country's wonderful UNESCO World Heritage sites. So much to choose from!
Discover the island's ancient culture, glorious beaches and tea plantations. Safari in one of the many wildlife parks, perhaps staying at Cinnamon Wild in Yala National Park on the south coast, before venturing west along the coast to Cape Weligama to go whale watching, en route to Galle for a night or two in colonial elegance at Tamarind Hill. Head up to the tea plantations (staying at Ceylon Tea Trails before travelling further north via Kandy (staying at Kings Pavilion). Then on to Vil Uyana near Sigiriya Rock in the Cultural Triangle. All around you, wherever you go, you will be immersed in an ancient civilisation brimming with fascinating heritage and sacred sites. Shall we start planning with you? For a bit of inspiration, take a look at our our suggestion for a 13 Night Luxury Tailor-Made Tour of Sri Lanka's Highlights or review our list of some of the best places to stay around the island
Fly to Delhi and stay at the best authentic, characterful boutique hideaway (Haveli Dharampura) or a 5* colonial classic (The Imperial) before venturing on to the Taj Mahal, staying at Oberoi Amarvilas for opulent luxury or 4* Trident Agra. From there, it's a 4 hour drive to Jaipur (stay at Rajmahal Palace Jaipur), stopping at magical Fatehpur Sikri en route. Rajasthan has so much to offer and everything depends on your preferences, your budget and how much time you have. If you want to safari, there are the tigers of Ranthambore at Sher Bagh and the leopards at Jawai Camp and, of course, there's romantic Udaipur (Oberoi Udaivilas), the Golden City of Jaisalmer (Suryagar) in the Thar Desert, and the lovely walled city of Jodhpur where the chicest address in town is Raas Jodhpur. Please get in touch of you would like to discuss a holiday with our India specialists or take a look at our suggestion for a 9 night Tailor-Made Holiday in Rajasthan
The Maasai Mara is a large game reserve in Kenya, bordering Tanzania's Serengeti National Park. It's globally famous for its lions, leopards and cheetahs, and the annual migration of zebra, Thomson's gazelle, and wildebeest to and from the Serengeti every year in July and October, known as the Great Migration. Where to stay? All depends on your preferences and dates, but there are a handful of fantastic choices in both the Maasai Mara and Serengeti. For the former, we might recommend the contemporary luxury of Angama Mara or the superb Sanctuary Olonana on the Mara River, whilst for Serengeti a more traditional lodge like Klein's Camp may suit. And a stay on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater, teeming with wildlife, is a must - perhaps at Entamanu Ngorongoro. Of course, all come with outstanding guides and trackers, superb service, delicious food, and game-rich surroundings. See our suggested 12 Night Classic East Africa Safari. Time to get the binoculars out?
Exceptional safari starting with a visit to the magnificent Victoria Falls, staying at Sindabezi Island Camp - an amazing private island in the Zambezi. Then on to Botswana's Chobe National Park for the start of your immersive safari adventure, staying at luxurious Chobe Chilwero Lodge with its commanding views over the Chobe River and surrounding flood plain. A short flight then takes you in to the Okavango Delta to Stanley's Camp before heading on to the 'predator capital of Africa' - Moremi Game Reserve - for your last 3 nights at Chief's Camp. Review our suggested 11 Night Classic Botswana Safari
Amankora is the collective name for 5 luxury Aman Lodges sprinkled across the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan. With your own driver/guide and staying in Aman Lodges throughout the country, this enchanting tour takes you deep into Bhutan’s alluring culture, traditions and identity, and enables you to discover its majestic scenery and extraordinary architecture. With Aman, meaning ‘peace’ in Sanskrit, and kora, meaning ‘circular pilgrimage’ in Dzongkha, the Bhutanese language, Amankora perfectly describes the experience that awaits you in the magical and mystical Kingdom of Bhutan. Explore Bhutan with Amankora
There’s colonial splendour, Chinese temples and exuberant Little India to relish in Malaysia’s capital, Kuala Lumpur. Classic Malaysian experiences also include the ancient rainforest and jungle wilderness of Taman Negara National Park and the lush tea plantations and refreshing waterfalls of the Cameron Highlands. Plus Georgetown in Penang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. And, of course, you’ll be sipping cocktails as the sun sets over a pristine private beach on Langkawi Island. Have a look at our suggested 14 night luxury tailor-made Highlights of Malaysia tour
It’s a statement that's rarely true, but there really is nowhere else in the world like Madagascar. Five per cent of the world's known animal and plant species are found here; and only here. It's the lemurs that steal the limelight, but beneath the forest canopy you’ll also find fossa, fanaloka and thousands more unique animals. And these aren’t the only attractions. Madagascar holidays offer deserted white sand beaches to relax on, an Indian Ocean to dive in to and a melting pot of Malayo-Polynesian, African and European cultures to discover. Accommodation varies from rough and ready in the jungle to super-lux on the beach (such as Miavana on a tiny, private off-shore island), and we can blend the perfect combination for you on a tailor-made Madagascar adventure. Have a look at our suggested 13 Night Classic Madagascar Holiday
Enjoy the sights and sounds of Mexico City, the nearby Teotihuacán pyramids, the ancient capital of the Zapotec people at Monte Albán near Oaxana, explore San Cristóbal and view the spectacular Sumidero Canyon, discover the Mayan ruins at Palenque, heading on to Mérida (the 'Paris of the New World') and then to the famous Mayan pyramids of Chichén Itzá. Your final destination is a tranquil hideaway on a glorious beach on the Riviera Maya. Explore Mexico - past and present - with our 14 night Highlights of Mexico Tailor-Made Tour
From the cobbled streets of Quito, with its remarkably well preserved colonial architecture, to the extraordinary Galapagos Islands, spectacular discoveries await you on this luxury adventure in Ecuador. Explore the Galapagos aboard the finest vessel in the region with your experience enriched by expert naturalists as each day brings a new island and some of the rarest creatures on earth. Back on land, relax into rural hacienda life in the Ecuadorean Andes and stroll though Otavalo - Latin America’s most famous market - browsing for colourful fabrics and Panama hats. Find out more about our Luxury 12 Night Tour of Ecuador & The Galapagos
For further inspiration in South America, see more ideas for Tailor-Made Adventures in South America
Discover Japan
In many ways, Japan is at once delightfully archaic and mind-bogglingly cutting edge. Japan lays claim to 200,000 years of history, so why not let our highly qualified team in Japan help you understand this exotic and mesmerising destination. Whether you want to enjoy Spring blossom and the ancient imperial city of Kyoto (stay riverside at The Suiran), or to mix Tokyo (we love Mandarin Oriental) with Mount Fuji (maybe staying nearby in Hakone National Park at luxury ryokan Gora Kadan) and stunning Okinawa, or any other of the multitude of variations and choices on offer in this extraordinary and diverse land, we can help. Whether you want to go for a week or a month, why not let our experts tailor-make the perfect trip for you? Please contact us by email or phone to start the ball rolling...
South Africa
This vast, diverse country has so much to explore and enjoy. Your journey can take many different routes and incorporate any number of ingredients that interest you. Perhaps start by spending a few days in Cape Town (see our selection of the Best Boutique Hotels in and around Cape Town), followed by a couple of nights in epicurean Franschhoek at Leeu House, before embarking on the famous Garden Route up the east coast. Enjoy some kayaking in Plettenberg Bay before venturing to Kwandwe Private Game Reserve, in the heart of unspoilt Eastern Cape province, for a world-class Big Five safari experience in 22,000 hectares of malaria-free pristine private wilderness. The Wild Coast around Durban is truly spectacular, as is the Kruger National Park in the north east. So, that covers the eastern side! Why not combine your SA adventure with a stop at the Victoria Falls (staying at Tongabezi Lodge), or the Okavango Delta in Botswana?
Kick off your stay with a couple of nights at Four Seasons Beijing and visit the Forbidden City and a stretch of The Great Wall of China before embarking on your tailor-made itinerary in China with expert guides, if you wish, to show you around at each of your destinations. These could include a stay at Banyan Tree Yangshuo after a Li River cruise from Guilin to see the iconic limestone karsts; the Terracotta Warriors in Xian from Sofitel Xian; cruise the Yangzi River aboard luxurious Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer or enjoy the company of Giant Panda's, staying at Ritz Carlton Chengdu. We can discuss all options with you before tailor-making the perfect itinerary. For ideas, please see our Highlights of China Tailor-Made Tour
Costa Rica: Coast to Coast
Sandwiched between Panama and Nicaragua, and straddling the heart of Central America with the Caribbean lapping its east coast and the mighty Pacific pounding its west, Costa Rica is a great eco-adventure destination. Perhaps kick off on the Caribbean coast with a couple of days on the beach before plunging in to Tortuguero National Park. Central Costa Rica is covered in jungle, sprinkled with volcanoes and full of eco-lodges (including the luxury award winning Nayara Springs beside Arenal volcano and the amazing riverside Pacuare Lodge) offering everything from canopy zip-wire, white water rafting, guided walks and kayaking. When you get to the Pacific Coast, there's a more laid-back scene with numerous gorgeous beach villages and coastal hideaways like Hotel Punta Islita. Time to start planning?
Latin America: Ocean to Ocean
This coast-to-coast adventure takes a minimum of 21 nights and kicks off in vibrant Rio de Janeiro, before heading south to the thunderous Iguazú Falls (perhaps stay at Hotel Das Cataratas), unquestionably one of the great natural wonders of the world. Then onwards to hip, sophisticated and cosmopolitan Buenos Aires. After you've had your fill of the metropolis, it's north west to experience the indigenous culture of Bolivia before moving on to marvel at the peerless Inca architecture in Cusco, Peru. Next stop is the Lost City of Machu Picchu (maybe stay 'up top' at Sanctuary Lodge) and on to Lake Titicaca (perhaps stay lakeside at Titilaka), fringed by snow-capped Andean peaks. This journey introduces you to South America's fascinating history, diverse cultures, scenery and ways of life. It can, of course, be extended and amended to suit your preferences. Maybe travel on to the Galapagos Islands?
Silk Route
The origins of the Silk Route stretch back to 207 BC when silk was first produced in China and transported for trade. It became a network of trading routes running through Asia, the Middle East and on to Europe, whilst also branching off into India and Russia. Today, you can follow in the footsteps of Marco Polo and join the route from any number of different start points now that both China and Russia are more accessible. We generally recommend starting in Beijing and ending in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, spanning the width of China and Kyrgyzstan en route. As well as long car journeys, this trip does involve several flights. You may also take a few train journeys, depending on where you visit and your personal preferences. Feeling intrepid?
Aussie Odyssey
You could spend a months in Australia and still only scratch the surface, so picking the key places to visit that interest you most is vital. And our experts would be delighted to help you plan your adventure down under! To get your imagination fired up, we thought you might be interested to know three of our top picks for inclusion in your odyssey. A visit to Uluru (Ayers Rock) in the spiritual heartland (and also in the centre of the country) is on most people's local bucket list and you can't do better than staying at Longitude 131° - the epitome of glamping. We also recommend staying at Southern Ocean Lodge on Kangaroo Island - often referred to as Australia's Galapagos - which is a short hop from Adelaide, before heading on to the east coast for some sub-tropical luxury on Lord Howe Island, staying at Capella Lodge.
Highlights of Cuba
This Cuba tour is perfect for first time visitors looking to discover the island's main highlights - but you’ll also dig deeper, with walks and private excursions to help you to really understand how this country ticks. Standard duration is 15 nights but can easily be adjusted to suit you.
The trip begins in Havana, Cuba's inimitable capital, with its faded grandeur and pulsating rhythms. Head west to stroll around Viñales, a fertile valley with limestone mountains in the tobacco-growing region. After a visit to forested Las Terrazas, an eco-experiment that really works, you’ll visit three of the country’s contrasting cities, Cienfuegos, colonial Trinidad and Santa Clara, each with a story to tell. There’s time to absorb it all at the end of your adventure on a sugar-white beach on one of the loveliest Caribbean cays: Santa María.
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