Italy: Sicily

Sicily is located at the toe of Italy’s boot and is the largest island in the Mediterranean and home to the highest active volcano in the world. Its strategic post between Europe and Africa is key to its turbulent past as most ancient empires flexed their muscles here including the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines and Arabs. Traces of these cultures are deliciously reflected in the varied cuisine across the island. Getting around is easy if you hire a car. The toll road is wide with many tunnels as it was carved through the mountains but beware in the villages where the roads are narrow and aggressive drivers abound using their indicators and full beam to pressurise you to move out of the way so that they can overtake on impossibly dangerous corners. There is much to see and do from swimming in the warm Mediterranean waters along the rugged coastline to exploring ancient ruins and archaeological sites to gourmet restaurants for fine food and wine and of course, not forgetting the dramatic excitement of a visit to Mount Etna. There will never be a dull moment.

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Italy: Aeolian Islands

The stunning Aeolian Archipelago with its eight different volcanic islands (sometimes referred to as the Lipari Islands) is located north east off the coast of Sicily, Italy and was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2000. Named after the demigod of the winds Aeolus, the islands have a population of circa 15k (2019). In summer the population swells to 200,000 when Island hoppers can discover their unique charms. Panarea becomes a jetset playground and overflows with beauty and wealth and super yachts. The smouldering volcanos of Vulcano and Stromboli offer exciting walks to view the crater rims. Lipari has a sizeable town with the highlight being the scenic coastal footpath. Salina allows you to climb the Monte Fossa delle Felci and to enjoy a glass of sweet Malvasia wine afterwards. Filicuudi is linked to spartan conical Alicudi, where the only form of land transport are donkeys....

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South America

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South America Nestled between the Caribbean, the South Pacific, and the South Atlantic Oceans, South America is the wilder of the Americas and a continent of superlatives. Go Wild

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Cambodia: Siem Reap & Angkor Wat

Siem Reap, a resort town in northwestern Cambodia, is the gateway to the ruins of Angkor, the seat of the Khmer kingdom from the 9th–15th centuries. Angkor’s vast complex of intricate stone buildings includes preserved Angkor Wat, the main temple, which is pictured on Cambodia’s flag. Giant, mysterious faces are carved into the Bayon Temple at Angkor Thom.

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Vietnam: Day 16 – Day 18 – Mekong Delta Cycle

The Mekong Delta in southern Vietnam is a vast maze of rivers, swamps and islands, home to floating markets, Khmer pagodas and villages surrounded by rice paddies. Boats are the main means of transportation, and tours of the region often start in nearby Ho Chi Minh City (formerly known as Saigon) or Can Tho, a bustling town in the heart of the delta.

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Lesotho

Lesotho is called the “Kingdom of the Sky”. The Sani Pass is a gravel track connecting South Africa with the mountain kingdom of Lesotho. Rising 1332 metres to an altitude of 2876m in just 9 kilometres it has 1:3 gradients and numerous tight hairpins. It’s the most dramatic 4×4 drive in South Africa.

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