Beyond ordinary: the Australian operator redefining luxury travel

The Guardian

04-03-2025

We travel in search of different things. Some of us seek adventure that gets the heart pumping and spirit soaring, while others want to unwind, immerse themselves in what makes a destination unique, and arrive home restored.
In a world where true adventure is increasingly rare, Captain's Choice continues to chart new paths that offer unexpected experiences. Since its launch in 1994, this Australian tour company has curated unique itineraries that are inaccessible to the average tourist.
Whether it's a private jet lunch stopover at Iguazu Falls in South America, a celebration of the historic Kangaroo Route from London to Sydney (you'll hop between eight cities on an itinerary packed with special events), or exclusive access to the feet of the Sphinx (not available to the general public), these experiences impress even the most well-travelled repeat guests.
But where to go first? Let's take a look at three all-inclusive itineraries.
This 16-day journey begins in Cairo, where you'll take an in-depth look at the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx before journeying on to Luxor to explore the tombs of Tutankhamun and Nefertari. A private dinner in front of the Temple of Ramses III sets the exclusive tone that defines the trip.
From Egypt, you'll be whisked away to Kenya's Maasai Mara, where game drives will give you a front-row seat to lounging lions, majestic elephants and other wild animals in their natural habitats. A hot-air balloon ride at dawn offers a unique perspective of the savanna – wildebeest and zebra grazing below – and you'll stay in the sublime surroundings of an upscale wilderness lodge.
The adventure continues in Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park, with a rare trekking opportunity to observe endangered mountain gorillas. Crouching mere metres from these amazing apes is a humbling experience that you'll talk about for years to come. Next up is Zambia, where you'll admire the thundering cascade of Victoria Falls from vantage points including a helicopter.
From there, you'll indulge in a three-night sojourn aboard Rovos Rail's Pride of Africa, a privately chartered train journey that brings to life the romance of yesteryear. The expedition concludes in Cape Town, with a two-day exploration of Table Mountain and the Cape of Good Hope.
For those enchanted by the allure of the east, this 15-day journey is an immersion into the subcontinent's rich culture and history. Staying in accommodation that is positively palatial, and timed to coincide with the Diwali festival in October, the trip begins in Agra, where you'll take in the ethereal beauty of the Taj Mahal at both sunrise and sunset.
In Varanasi, a private aarti ceremony on the Ganges River offers a spiritual experience, complete with the hypnotic rhythms of drums, intoxicating incense and the glow of oil lamps.
The itinerary also includes a visit to Kochi, in Kerala, where you can choose between a cooking class to uncover the secrets of Keralan cuisine, a browse through Mattancherry's antique stores, or an indulgent Ayurvedic treatment. In Jaipur, known as the 'Pink City', a sunrise hot-air balloon flight provides panoramic views of palaces and forts, followed by visits to Amber Fort and the Hawa Mahal, the 'Palace of the Winds'.
The journey culminates with a grand Diwali celebration at the opulent Oberoi Rajvilas, where you'll take part in the festival of lights in regal surroundings.
This 18-day odyssey spans continents and cultures in style – you'll travel from London aboard a Boeing 757-200 with business-class seats that recline into lie-flat beds to ensure you arrive rested and ready for adventure.
You'll first touch down in Ponta Delgada in the Azores, where volcanic landscapes and black-and-white architecture await. In Havana, Cuba, the vibrant streets and colonial edifices tell tales of a bygone era. You'll then choose whether to delve into the world of Cuban cigars or trace the footsteps of Hemingway through the city's historic haunts.
Get ready to journey into the heart of the Amazon aboard a privately chartered river ship from Iquitos, Peru. Navigating remote tributaries, you'll encounter rainforest biodiversity, wildlife and indigenous cultures seldom seen by outsiders. The stark beauty of Chile's Atacama Desert offers an experience of a different kind, with its otherworldly landscapes and clear night skies.
In Salvador, Brazil, the fusion of African and Portuguese influences creates a cultural mosaic showcased through music, dance and cuisine. The final leg includes a three-night stay at Reid's Palace, perched on a spectacular clifftop in Madeira, Portugal. Spend the next few days choosing your own adventure – an off-road jeep expedition, gourmet food tour, wine tasting and/or one of several guided walks. A farewell dinner in an historic military fort caps off this spectacular journey before guests travel – thrilled and invigorated – back to London.
Discover more with Captain's Choice.