Days 1-2 St PetersburgBegin the odyssey in Russia's extravagantly beautiful cultural capital. Stroll through its leafy parks, visit one of its quirky museums or even follow in the footsteps of Rasputin on a walking tour of the city. Days 3-4 MoscowOrthodox churches stand proudly alongside Soviet icons and chic modern boutiques in the nation's capital. Be transported back in time at the Kremlin and don't miss the eccentric Cathedral. Days 5-7 Trans-Siberian RailwaySip tea as the lush taiga rolls by - it's all in a day's work on this journey along the world's most famous train line. Days 8-10 Lake Baikal/IrkutskWander through the streets of Irkutsk and explore the city's interesting mix of traditional Siberian and communist-era architecture and visit Lake Baikal, the worlds deepest lake. Days 11-12 Ulan UdeDiscover the striking city of Ulan Ude with its unique mix of indigenous and Russian cultures. From here, venture on into the old stomping grounds of the fearsome Genghis Khan. Days 13-16 Ulaanbaatar/Nomad CampWitness the old and new faces of Ulaanbaatar - make time to see the Winter Palace of the last emperor and the recently restored Gandan monastery. Days 17-19 BeijingExplore the many sights and sounds of China's impressive capital. Days 20-21 Great WallNo trip to China is complete without a visit to the Great Wall. Walk along a remote section of the structure and spend the night in a simple guesthouse nearby. Days 22-24 Xi'anMeet the local Hui people in the Muslim Quarter, admire the distinctive Great Mosque or ride a bike around the impressive Ming dynasty city wall. Don't miss a visit to the famed 2,200-year-old Terracotta Warriors. Days 25-27 ShanghaiWalk along the elegant Bund, check out the space-age skyscrapers of Pudong or go bargain-hunting in Yuyuan Bazaar. Perhaps catch a performance by the famous Shanghai Acrobats in the evening. Days 28-31 YangshuoWith its smoky horizons, dramatic limestone peaks and lush countryside, Guangxi is one of China's most photogenic regions. There's plenty of time to try tai chi, take cooking lessons or cycle along country lanes. Days 32-34 Longji TerracesFrom an ethnic minority village, explore the towering and extensive Longji rice terraces on foot. Marvel at this incredible feat of farm engineering. Days 35-36 Hong KongThe stay in Hong Kong is short so be prepared for some fast-paced action. Head to the shops and bargain hard, cruise the harbour, take a cable car to Victoria Peak or check out the local nightlife. Days 37-39 KunmingWander through the bird and flower markets or take a day trip out to the otherwordly Stone Forest. Be sure to try some local fruit wine in the evening. Days 40-41 JianshuiBid China goodbye, perhaps with a traditional blind massage or a tasty feast. Days 42-45 SapaCross the border to Vietnam and discover a different world. Starting at the old French hill station of Sapa, trek through the extraordinary rural mountainscapes that are home to the colourful H'mong, Tay and Dzao people. Days 46-47 HanoiReturn to the fast pace of city life on overnight train to Hanoi. Use free time to wander the tree-lined boulevards, shop for mementos in the Old Quarter or catch a sitting of Hanoi's famous water puppet show. Day 48 Halong BayCruise the sparkling waters of Halong Bay, feast on a sumptuous seafood lunch and perhaps cool off with an afternoon swim. Days 49-50 HanoiTake an optional walking tour to Ho Chi Minh's mausoleum and the One Pillar Pagoda. Days 51-52 HueExplore the sights of Hue - perhaps cycle out to the royal tombs of the Nguyen emporers or visit the Imperial Citadel with its Forbidden Purple City. Days 53-55 Hoi AnDig the relaxed vibe in Hoi An with a stroll around town, an exploration of its fascinating market or maybe a rest on nearby Cua Dai Beach. This is a great stop to have a suit tailored or improve your culinary skills with a cooking lesson. Days 56-58 Nha TrangBeautiful white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters await in Nha Trang. Chill out and consider a snorkelling excursion or a boat trip to the nearby islands. Days 59-60 Ho Chi Minh CityThe air hums with the heady sound of bargaining in the shopping city of Ho Chi Minh, where streets are lined with enticing wares. Head underground on an optional tour to explore the famous Cu Chi Tunnels. Day 61 Phnom PenhElegant Phnom Penh is full of fascinating sights including the gorgeous Silver Pagoda and the sobering Killing Fields of Choeung Ek. Day 62 HomestayWitness everyday Cambodian life and enjoy a traditional-style dinner on a homestay. Days 63-65 SihanoukvilleUnwind in the tropics in Sihanoukville, a riot of beaches, mangrove forests and atmospheric little bars. Day 66 Phnom PenhBack in Phnom Penh there is time to hit the Central Market or maybe indulge in a massage. Day 67 Kompong ChamThe locals here make their living fishing and farming so it's a good place to get a look at Cambodia's cottage industries. The temples at 'Man Hill' and 'Woman Hill' are well worth a visit. Days 68-70 Siem Reap/Angkor WatGateway to the awe-inspiring Angkor Wat, Siem Reap has other highlights including the floating village of Tonle Sap, tasty Khmer restaurants and the Gecko Environment Centre. Days 71-74 BangkokExplore the hectic streets of bustling Bangkok or take to the river for a longtail boat cruise. Day 75 Overnight TrainLeave the hustle and bustle behind and take a sleeper train south to Surat Thani. Days 76-77 Khao Sok National ParkHead to Khao Sok National Park by songthaew. Take a guided walk through the jungle to a small Buddhist temple and stay overnight in rustic bungalows. Days 78-80 KrabiMellow out on pristine beaches, snorkel among colourful reefs or go island-hopping. Days 81-82 PenangChinese temples, colourful bazaars and night markets combine to make a fascinating introduction to Malaysia. Days 83-84 Kuala LumpurGet a glimpse of the city's Islamic life at the Masjid Jamek or head out to Bangsar for a taste of 'KL' nightlife. Days 85-86 MelakaWith its colonial architecture and strong Malay, Indian and Chinese influences, Melaka is a true melting pot of cultures. Delve into its long history wandering the ruins of A'Famosa, tuck into a bowl of Nyonya laksa in Chinatown or browse the antique shops on Jonker Street. Day 87 SingaporeAt Newton Circus, indulge in an extensive range of cuisines reflecting the country's multicultural heritage. Day 88 JakartaDiscover the capital of Indonesia - a city with a diverse culture and cosmopolitan flavour. Once known as Batavia under Dutch rule, the Old Town still boasts some interesting colonial-era architecture. Days 89-91 PangandaranGet close to local wildlife on a nature walk. Don't miss the sunset on the west beach - fruit bats taking off overhead make this a delightfully eerie experience. Days 92-94 YogyakartaJava's cultural centre is perfect for seeing traditional dance performances or the incredible Borobudur. Day 95 Seloliman Nature ReserveUnwind on this peaceful retreat while learning about ecological farming from volunteer hosts. Day 96 Mount BromoGet in touch with Javanese herbal medicine before our journey to the amazing Tengger Caldera and Mount Bromo. Days 97-98 LovinaGreet the sunrise on Mount Bromo. Free time in Lovina means there are ample opportunities to swim, snorkel or go dolphin spotting. Day 99 Tirta GanggaRelax amid terraced rice fields or swim in Raja's Water Palace, where pools are fed by underground springs. Days 100-102 UbudGo wild with a traditional kecak dance to cap off this adventurous odyssey. There is also plenty of time to explore the cultural heart of Bali - perhaps pop into a gallery, visit the monkey forest or sip a cocktail or two.
|
 "Click for link to larger image.")
