Leading small-group tour operator G Adventures has released its 2018 collection of Classic trips, featuring 34 new itineraries that include tours to Oman and Hawaii. This is the first time the company has offered tours to both destinations.
The award-winning small-group tour operator has experienced an increase in demand for trips to the Middle East in recent years, with 36 percent growth in global bookings to the region between 2016-2017. Its new Highlights of Oman tour is poised to capture that demand. It runs eight days, with departure from and return to Muscat, and costs from $2,299 per person, air separate.
Sofia Montezo, the Europe and Middle East Product Manager for G Adventures, explains that Oman is an excellent option for those who have not yet experienced the Middle East.
“Oman is one of the best kept secrets in this part of the world and is often described as the Switzerland of the Middle East because of its independence,” she said. “We love its beautiful mix of historic culture and modern living, as well as its inviting and friendly people. It’s also a fun destination for adventure. You can swim in mountain wadis, watch turtles nesting on the coast, go off-road dune bashing in the desert, wander through ancient forts and castles, or go hiking in the West Hajar Mountains. It really has something for everyone.”
Similarly responding to growing traveler interest, G Adventures has expanded its offerings in the United States with new tours to the volcanic archipelago of Hawaii. The operator’s first-ever Hawaii program explores The Big Island, Maui, Oahu and Kauai, and is perfect for travelers who may be looking for a more adventurous and cultural experience beyond big bus tours and resort vacations. Included activities may include: a visit to Oahu’s North Shore to watch surfers tackle mega waves, Kualoa Ranch where Jurassic Park was filmed, the natural playgrounds of Kauai, views of Na Pali Coast State Park, an interactive local luau, and exploration of Volcanoes National Park, to list a few.
“Travelers have been asking us for adventures in Hawaii for years. It’s taken some time to develop them in a G Adventures way, but we are incredibly excited to add this new program and show travelers another side of this cultural and natural wonder”, said Laurie Hibbard, U.S. Operations Manager for G Adventures. Her team of Chief Experience Officer guides will lead the small-group adventures around the Hawaiian archipelago.
According to the Hawaii Tourism Authority, the state’s four largest customer markets are the United States, Japan, Canada and Oceania, and visitor spending is well on the rise. In the first half of 2017 travelers spent a total of $8.4 billion in the Hawaiian Islands, or an increase of 8.7 percent compared to the first half of 2016, while total visitor arrivals rose 4.3 percent to 4.6 million compared to a year ago. G Adventures intends to tap into this growth by expanding visitors’ options.
Its three new ‘Classic’ style itineraries range from 8 - 15 days in length, and run from USD $2,799 - $5,899 per person, air separate. Explore details and departure dates on the company’s website, here.
Among G Adventures’ 300 other ‘Classic’ trips, travelers are exposed to the perfect balance between must-see highlights, cultural exchange, insider access and excellent value. Other new Classic tours for 2018 include:
Highlights of Portugal – Wander the hilly streets of coastal Lisbon while gazing at sun-dappled architecture. Enjoy an
evening fado performance and traditional Portuguese dinner. Soak up the history and culture at UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Batalha Monastery, Coimbra University, and the picturesque town of Sintra. Sample port wine and visit cellars in Porto. Priced from $1,299pp for a seven-day trip from Lisbon to Porto with departures from April to December 2018.
Discover Ethiopia – Learn about the different traditions and cultures of the Amhara region, and try your hand at traditional Ethiopian Injera (bread) making. Spend a day in Simien Mountains National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and enjoy guided hiking excursions around Sankaber campsite and the Jinbar waterfalls. Visit the Rock Churches of Lalibela and visit monasteries in Bahir Dar including Ura Kidane Mehret and Azwa Maryam. Priced from $2,299pp for a 10-day trip from Addis Ababa return with departures from June to December 2018.
For details and a listing of all new trips, contact your expert travel advisor or visit: gadventures.com.