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Classic Holidays in Asia

Designed to reveal the fabric of the destination

AITO

Explore Our Classic Sample Itineraries

Our thoughtfully designed itineraries ensure you experience the real highlights of your destination, while weaving in unusual moments to make your holiday special. Maybe you’ll see Sigiriya in all her glory and explore her quiet surroundings most travellers miss, spot creatures big and small in the jungle, wander through incense-filled temples, or sleep in a riverside lodge.

As ever, our Travel Team will shape any sample itinerary into your bespoke package.

Sri lankan cook in a class
Foodie/Cultural

Sri Lanka

A Foodie Journey Through Sri Lanka

17 Days
Family

Hanoi

Countryside, Caves & Beach

16 Days
Luxury

Agra

Regal Residences of Rajasthan

16 Days
Lady at the temple indonesia

Bali

Classic Bali & Lombok

14 Days
Culture

Alleppey

Kerala Encompassed

23 Days
Frog in Danum Valley Borneo
Wildlife

Borneo

Slow Paced Borneo

15 Days
Wildlife/Nature

East Coast

Digital Detox in Sri Lanka

18 Days
FloatHouse Kanchanaburi hotel

Bangkok

Countryside, Rivers & Reef by Train

16 Days
Explore Full Itinerary
Sri lankan cook in a class
Foodie/Cultural
17 Days

Sri Lanka

A Foodie Journey Through Sri Lanka

When it comes to ‘foodie destinations’, Sri Lanka flies relatively under the radar – yet it has a fantastic culinary scene. We’ve designed this trip to sample its spices and rich flavours – most of which you’d never taste at home – and trace the island’s multicultural history through its delicious dishes… You’ll also have the chance to learn from great chefs, see the country’s ancient sites and stay in high-end hotels along the way. 

Highlights

Tea Experience

Private cooking demo in the Hill Country, including a “teaology” experience

Ulagalla

A traditional Kamatha farmhouse dinner – up to 15 courses!

Smoke & Bitters

Sipping spice-infused cocktails at a buzzy beach-side restaurant within a coconut grove (recently celebrated as one of the best bars in Asia) 

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Family
16 Days

Hanoi

Countryside, Caves & Beach

Vietnam has an extensive network of domestic flights, so it’s tempting to fly around all over the place and pack loads in. But travelling a little more slowly by train can be hugely rewarding and fun! This holiday includes an overnight journey and two-day trains as you traverse the country from Hanoi to the Central Coast. You’ll stay in some great spots along the way including a luxury beach resort in an idyllic location.  

This trip suggestion works particularly well for families travelling in Spring and Summer since this is the best time to visit Phong Nha Caves and the Central Coast. It avoids the southern part of the country, where the weather is less favourable in the summer months. 

Highlights

Street food tour

Slurp noodles in the hustle and bustle of the capital Hanoi

 

 

Coastal beauty

Enjoy a breathtakingly beautiful beach resort on a remote peninsula in Phu Yen province

 

 

Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park

Adventure in the limestone karst landscape of Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park

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Luxury
16 Days

Agra

Regal Residences of Rajasthan

This is a far cry from the tired old route that almost everyone takes through India’s Golden Triangle. We know that you’re not everyone. Veer off the tourist trail into the heartlands of Rajasthan to feel the true essence of timeless and, yes, incredible India.

You’ll still be able to experience the manic magic of Delhi, the warm pink hues of Japiur and the magnificence of the Taj Mahal. But you’ll also experience so much more by staying in some of the country’s best heritage properties, brought to life by charismatic hosts. You’ll get the best of both worlds – and be amazed that the rest of the world doesn’t seem to be in on the secret. Shhh!

Highlights

Chambal River

Explore magnificent and lesser-visited sites on the banks of the Chambal River

Heritage properties

Experience a flavour of rural and royal Rajasthan in two contrasting rural palaces

Taj Mahal

Admire the marble magnificence of the Taj Mahal

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Lady at the temple indonesia
14 Days

Bali

Classic Bali & Lombok

The neighbouring islands of Bali and Lombok are easily combined. With a range of gorgeous boutique hotels in even its most rural areas, we think Bali is the better of the two for experiencing culture and countryside without compromising on creature comforts.

Lombok, however, has some exceptional beach hotels, and its coastal areas are far less congested than Bali’s southern shoreline.

A holiday combining the exotic sights and sounds of Bali with the idyllic white-sand beaches of Lombok is a winning combination.

Highlights

Bali

Experience the countryside, temples and scenery of Sideman and Ubud

Take a speedboat across the Lombok Strait with a backdrop of dramatic volcanoes

Lombok

Relax on the idyllic Mangsit Beach on the remote northwest coast

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Culture
23 Days

Alleppey

Kerala Encompassed

Gain a great insight into the variety Kerala has to offer as you travel south to north over three weeks. You’ll have the opportunity to stay in different types and styles of accommodation, ranging from tea bungalows to a plantation mansion, houseboat, treehouse and tents, to name a few.

Spend your days among tea and spice plantations, relaxing in rural settings, spotting wildlife, cruising along the Alleppey backwaters, visiting local markets and getting to know the towns that make Kerala tick. Finish on a remote beach to round off your journey through ‘God’s Own Country’.

 

Highlights

Cruise the backwaters

Get a real feel for life on the backwaters as you cruise through the canals on a houseboat for two nights, watching local life pass by

Birdwatching

Wake up on the banks of the river Periyar where you’ll have the chance to spot over 120 species of birds

Safaris

Track elephants and tigers on safaris and boat rides through the Nagarhole National Park

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Frog in Danum Valley Borneo
Wildlife
15 Days

Borneo

Slow Paced Borneo

If you want to immerse yourself in the incredible wildlife and beaches of Borneo but don’t fancy too much road travel or rushing around, then a holiday like this one could be ideal.

Highlights

Kinabatangan River

Drift down the Kinabatangan River, keeping watch for pygmy elephants, rare bird species and primates

Wildlife spotting

Wonder at the incredible rainforest teeming with wildlife in the company of your expert nature guide

Gaya Island

The flexibility to enjoy lazy days relaxing by the pool or active days following nature trails. The choice is yours at Gaya Island

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Wildlife/Nature
18 Days

East Coast

Digital Detox in Sri Lanka

This itinerary idea is perfect if you long to slow down, reconnect, and immerse yourself in Sri Lanka’s beauty. You’ll also veer off the beaten track, staying in gorgeous eco-lodges and homely retreats. Leave life’s constant buzz behind and savour meaningful connections with your companions, locals, and the natural world.

Highlights

Gal Oya National Park

Boat safaris on Sri Lanka’s largest lake, spotting elephants and vibrant birdlife

Knuckles Mountains

Hike hidden trails and discovering a disappearing way of life

Historic Galle

Explore the charming fort and the vibrant local food scene here

Map

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FloatHouse Kanchanaburi hotel
16 Days

Bangkok

Countryside, Rivers & Reef by Train

An overland exploration of North and Central Thailand. Snake through rural communities by rail, stay in riverside lodges in jungles, and relax on pristine beaches.

Highlights

Phrae

Snake through the northern hills towards Phrae Muang Pi Forest Park

Bangkok

Going behind the scenes on Bangkok’s backstreets, including a cooking class in a hidden garden restaurant

Koh Kood

Relaxing on the tropical jungle island, close to the Cambodian border

In Our Travellers’ Words

ETG look outside the box

They always come up with things that no one else seems to, that's why they are so good. They are original and trying their best to show you the real country and people and not the facade. Great listeners, always a smile and a good banter... exceptional service and insight.
Susan
25 July 2025

With ETG, we have visited extraordinary places

... stayed in wondrous hotels, met fascinating everyday people, listened to varied opinions, and learned much about places far away. I couldn't do that on my own.
David
24 October 2024

The best family holiday we have ever been on

This holiday had everything. Great people, food, wildlife, beaches and scenery. Experience Travel Group were exceptional from planning stage to our return home. Holly created the perfect trip for our family.
The Stern Family
22 April 2022

Explore Our Hotels & Villas

Wherever you go, and whatever you do, at the end of every day you can always be sure of a comfortable rest. Every location on our list of hotels is handpicked, and in its own way, shares the history, the hospitality, and the soul of the destination. Below are some examples of the different hotels we use.

Koh Yao - Deluxe

Koyao Island Resort

FloatHouse Kanchanaburi hotel

Kanchanaburi - Eco/Adventure

The FloatHouse River Kwai Resort

Guest looking out at Ahilya Fort

Central India - Deluxe

Ahilya Fort

East Coast - Eco/Adventure

Gal Oya Lodge

GiveBack

Anamaduwa - Adventure

The Mudhouse

Bali views at Surya Shanti, Sideman

Bali - Deluxe

Surya Shanti Sidemen

Central Vietnam - Eco/Adventure

Chay Lap Farmstay

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West Coast Islands, Thailand

Koyao Island Resort

Tranquil, boutique, undiscovered. And what’s not to like about an infinity pool with views over the Andaman sea dotted with fantastical limestone karst islets?

Highlights

Highlights

Thatched villas,

Beachfront pool,

Watersports

Best for

Families

Friends

Couples

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FloatHouse Kanchanaburi hotel

Kanchanaburi, Thailand

The FloatHouse River Kwai Resort

Quality thatched-roof villas and outdoor adventures on a peaceful bend of the River Kwai.

Highlights

Highlights

River villas,

Pristine nature

Best for

Families

Couples

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Guest looking out at Ahilya Fort

Maheshwar, India

Ahilya Fort

Perched high above the ghats of the River Narmada, Ahilya Fort is a rare gem in rural Madhya Pradesh. Once the palace of the legendary Ahilya Bai Holkar, it’s now a boutique retreat rich in history and charm. With panoramic river views, peaceful courtyards, and warm village integration, the fort offers a timeless escape.

Highlights

Highlights

Magical setting,

Maheshwar Ghats right below

Best for

Couples

Solo

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Sri Lanka

Gal Oya Lodge

Gal Oya Lodge is located in the heart of the Gal Oya National Park, not far from Sri Lanka’s most sizable inland body of water, Senanayake Samudraya. This wonderfully serene lake is surrounded by forests teeming with colourful wildlife.

All the teak and mara wooden furnishings have been locally and lovingly handmade and the building’s open-plan architecture maximises the panoramic mountain views.

Highlights

Highlights

Scenic spot,

Sublime swimming pool,

Amazing activities

Best for

Families,

Couples

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GiveBack

Sri Lanka, Puttalam & The North West

The Mudhouse

Tucked away in sixty acres of forest and surrounded by serene lakes, The Mudhouse sits at the foot of the enigmatic Paramakanda Rock Temple. It’s a unique jungle retreat where rustic charm meets immersive adventure.

This eco-lodge offers a one-of-a-kind experience, with beautifully crafted, thatched huts made entirely from natural materials. Thoughtfully designed to blend seamlessly into the lush landscape, each private cluster of huts forms its own mini-village within the jungle, complete with spaces for sleeping, dining, and relaxing.

Highlights

Highlights

Fun local experiences,

Bike rides,

Birdwatching

Best for

Families

Nature nuts

Good to know

Locally run, profits fund social good

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Bali views at Surya Shanti, Sideman

Indonesia, Bali, Sidemen

Surya Shanti Sidemen

Boutique hideaway and authentic Balinese experience in the remote eastern hills.

Highlights

Highlights

Beautiful boutique feel,

Staggering scenery

Best for

Couples

Families

See More

Phong Nha-Ke Bang, Vietnam

Chay Lap Farmstay

A peaceful base for adventure in Phong Nha, Chay Lap Farmstay offers comfort, charm and great food on the edge of Vietnam’s most dramatic caves.

Highlights

Highlights

Gorgeous rural setting,

Close to caves

Best for

Couples