Transformative Strenuous Tours & Trip Packages

Transformative Strenuous Tours & Trips

536 Transformative trips. Tours from 209 tour companies. 684 reviews. 4.8/5 avg rating.

51 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
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Strenuous
Cinque Terre Magnifica Hiking Tour
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5/5 Excellent
75 reviews
Group Tour
Why we love them
They offer a unique way to enjoy a classic destination by combining active travel with authentic cultural experiences.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Cinque Terre

Highlights

  • Portofino, with its tall colored houses and exclusive small harbor
  • Parco Naturale Regionale di Portofino: Villas and Flowers
  • Abbey of San Fruttuoso
  • Oil, pesto, and many other Ligurian delicacies
  • Panoramic wine tasting
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Themes

Cultural, Hiking & Walking, Local Immersion & Homestays, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Transformative

What travelers are saying

"Great routes, guides, hotels and bikes!"

Trip dates & details
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Tibet: Beijing to Kathmandu Overland
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4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Beijing, Chengdu, Kathmandu, Lhasa, Potala Palace, Shigatse, Tibet

Highlights

  • Like everything else it does, China’s ancient history is on a grand scale – see it first-hand, with time to explore and walk the epic Great Wall’s Mutianyu section.
  • Sit back and relax on one of the world’s greatest train journeys – a marathon 45-hour ride to the literal Roof of the World, passing by incredibly mountainous and remote terrain, and the occasional grazing yak!
  • Immerse yourself in Tibetan culture, from the spiritual side – explored on monastery visits, pilgrim trails and a monk-led meditation session – to traditional daily life, experienced at a momo-making class and Tibetan family home.
  • Climb phenomenal mountain passes and thrilling peaks on your scenic overland journey to see the mightiest of them all – Mt Everest – and visit the world’s highest monastery on your way!
  • With a Tibetan leader by your side, it’s a great opportunity to gain true local insight and understanding of the Tibetan culture and the modern life on the plateau .

Themes

Cultural, High Adventure, Local Immersion & Homestays, Transformative

What travelers are saying

"We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information. It seems Micol knew many of the staff of the venues we visited, including the pasta making class we attended. Our group of 11 travelers was extremely compatible, which greatly added to the fun and enjoyment."

Trip dates & details
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Inca Empire
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4.8/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’ve partnered with well-known names like National Geographic and the Jane Goodall Institute to offer unique experiences unavailable elsewhere.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Cusco, Inca Trail, Lake Titicaca, La Paz, Lima, Machu Picchu, Ollantaytambo, Puno, Sacred Valley, Urubamba

Highlights

  • Trek the inca trail to machu picchu
  • Explore the pre-incan ruins of tiahuanaco
  • Witness life on lake titicaca
  • Soak in the views and culture of the sacred valley

Themes

Cultural, Transformative, Trekking & Expeditions

What travelers are saying

"The tour had an excellent itinerary and activities, giving a broad overview of Peru - we loved it. Accommodations (with one exception) were great, and all had an included breakfast buffet. The tour's included activities (e.g. cooking class, pisco tour and tasting, potato park, boat tour of Isla Ballestas) were terrific. Appreciated the two included flights which saved a lot of driving time. Logistics were handled, and everything was smooth and easy (thanks to our CEO, Mary Chu!)."

Trip dates & details
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Highlights of Sabah & Mt Kinabalu
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4.8/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’ve partnered with well-known names like National Geographic and the Jane Goodall Institute to offer unique experiences unavailable elsewhere.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Himalayas, Kota Kinabalu, Mount Kinabalu

Highlights

  • Gather local ingredients and take a cooking demonstration
  • Enjoy a river safari
  • Visit an orangutan rehabilitation centre
  • Watch the sunrise from the summit of mt kinabalu
  • Spot wildlife in an oxbow lake

Themes

Cultural, Hiking & Walking, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Transformative

What travelers are saying

"The tour had an excellent itinerary and activities, giving a broad overview of Peru - we loved it. Accommodations (with one exception) were great, and all had an included breakfast buffet. The tour's included activities (e.g. cooking class, pisco tour and tasting, potato park, boat tour of Isla Ballestas) were terrific. Appreciated the two included flights which saved a lot of driving time. Logistics were handled, and everything was smooth and easy (thanks to our CEO, Mary Chu!)."

Trip dates & details
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Nepal Adventure
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4.8/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’ve partnered with well-known names like National Geographic and the Jane Goodall Institute to offer unique experiences unavailable elsewhere.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Bar, Bhaktapur, Chitwan National Park, Durbar Square, Kathmandu, Pokhara

Highlights

  • Explore the sights in old kathmandu and bhaktapur
  • Search for tigers in chitwan national park
  • Trek the foothills of the annapurna range
  • Marvel at the mountain landscapes

Themes

Cultural, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Transformative, Trekking & Expeditions

What travelers are saying

"The tour had an excellent itinerary and activities, giving a broad overview of Peru - we loved it. Accommodations (with one exception) were great, and all had an included breakfast buffet. The tour's included activities (e.g. cooking class, pisco tour and tasting, potato park, boat tour of Isla Ballestas) were terrific. Appreciated the two included flights which saved a lot of driving time. Logistics were handled, and everything was smooth and easy (thanks to our CEO, Mary Chu!)."

Trip dates & details
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Kalavryta biking
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5/5 Excellent
5 reviews
Private Guided
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Acropolis, Athens

Highlights

  • Athens city introduction
  • 2 day Mount Helmos fir forest & backroads guided biking tours in Kalavryta/Peloponnese
  • Visit picturesque villages during your ride & connect with local communities
  • Visit Agia Lavra, one of the most important monasteries in Greece
  • Enjoy local homemade food served up in traditional tavernas

Themes

Cultural, Cycling & Biking, High Adventure, Transformative

What travelers are saying

"Dimitris was everything we could have looked for in a travel agent. Following the parameters we laid out for him, he provided us with the absolute best options for our travels. He was both honest and patient with us, and made sure we took as much time as we needed to finalize a trip that felt right for our group. Dimitris informed us on everything that was going on throughout our booking and travel process, so there were no surprises along the way. He answered every question we had and made sure we were prepared when we arrived in Athens. Andreas went above and beyond in his role as our skipper for the week. He was patient and thoughtful with our group, and put so much effort into making sure we had the best trip possible. We felt very safe and protected throughout all of our travels, and were taken to some of the most incredible place – places that weren’t even on our initial itinerary. Andreas’ expertise in his craft and his companionate demeanor are the reasons our trip was as fantastic as it was. He exceeded all of our expectations and genuinely made this trip one of the best of our lives. Thank you, Dimitris and Andreas, for giving us a week we will never forget! We can honestly say we would not have had the same experience if it wasn't for all of your help and consideration."

Trip dates & details
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Health Safety

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Paros Naxos Watersports Adventure
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
5/5 Excellent
5 reviews
Private Guided
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Highlights

  • Family friendly watersports-based holiday to the most ‘active’ islands in Greece
  • Windsurfing & SUP lessons for all levels
  • Guided walks to secret corners of the island
  • Optional activities such as coastal biking and day cruise to nearby islands
  • Handpicked tavernas serving home made delicious food

Themes

Family Friendly, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Transformative

What travelers are saying

"Dimitris was everything we could have looked for in a travel agent. Following the parameters we laid out for him, he provided us with the absolute best options for our travels. He was both honest and patient with us, and made sure we took as much time as we needed to finalize a trip that felt right for our group. Dimitris informed us on everything that was going on throughout our booking and travel process, so there were no surprises along the way. He answered every question we had and made sure we were prepared when we arrived in Athens. Andreas went above and beyond in his role as our skipper for the week. He was patient and thoughtful with our group, and put so much effort into making sure we had the best trip possible. We felt very safe and protected throughout all of our travels, and were taken to some of the most incredible place – places that weren’t even on our initial itinerary. Andreas’ expertise in his craft and his companionate demeanor are the reasons our trip was as fantastic as it was. He exceeded all of our expectations and genuinely made this trip one of the best of our lives. Thank you, Dimitris and Andreas, for giving us a week we will never forget! We can honestly say we would not have had the same experience if it wasn't for all of your help and consideration."

Trip dates & details
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Health Safety

More
Adventurous Mysterious Places’ Expedition in India
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Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Himalayas, Jaipur, Rajasthan

Highlights

  • Trekking for 8 days
  • Forts Visit
  • Village Tourism
  • ½ day Visit to Jaipur Palaces
  • Daily delicious meals
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Themes

Cultural, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Transformative, Trekking & Expeditions

Trip dates & details
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Transformative Reviews & Ratings

4.8/5  Excellent
684  Reviews
See all Transformative tour reviews
Excellent
1,188
Great
316
Average
1
Disappointing
2
Terrible
10
T

Tour-the COVID tour

May 2020

Written on

How to not go tour Morocco

I booked with G Adventures over a year prior to the tour. The primary reason was the 100% guaranteed departures and 24 hour communication. 1 week before I was to lea...

S

Selfish and Lacking Integrity

Apr 2020

Written on

Its my money not yours. No service means no pay!

I am so fully disheartened and disgusted by the handling of G Adventures with this crisis. We paid over 7,000 for our honeymoon tour in Morocco. It was fully paid fo...

E

Emma

Oct 2015

Written on

Extremely well organised, great mixture between organised

Extremely well organised, great mixture between organised and free time. Great travelling by train

J

John

Oct 2015

Written on

The format of the trip enabled two

The format of the trip enabled two significant factors to coincide to make the entire experience overwhelmingly positive. 1. Our trip guide - Yuri Awanohara, made th...

F

Fenella

Oct 2015

Written on

Great introduction to the country. Variety of

Great introduction to the country. Variety of activities and all well planned by guide Yuri

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Transformative Tour Selection Trips

  • Transformative travel may sound like a lofty term, but it really is one of the best ways to describe certain tours. Keep an open mind!
  • These kinds of tours are often challenging emotionally. You may find yourself in the midst of poverty, or learn about some devastating effects on local wildlife due to human activity.
  • Discovering and learning about different cultural perspectives is a key component of transformative travel. Ask a lot of questions and listen closely - you may be surprised as your perspective begins to shift.
  • Being out in nature is another key component on transformative tours. Reconnect with your soul on a fundamental level through outdoor meditation and invigorating activity.
  • The world today is very individual focused. Particularly younger people are used to maintaining their own world from their palm - across social media platforms and other apps. Transformative travel will present you with the unique opportunity to challenge this way of life and participate in a community atmosphere off the internet - both with your tour companions and with the people you meet.

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