womens travel groups australia

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Upcoming Tours

Aussie Outback Adventure

5 days  |  Departs: Friday 3 May 2024

Senoritas in Spain and Portugal

24 days  |  Departs: Saturday 4 May 2024

Free & Easy Bali

11 days  |  Departs: Friday 10 May 2024

Italy for First Timers

22 days  |  Departs: Saturday 11 May 2024

Castles, Gardens & Palaces of the United Kingdom

22 days  |  Departs: Monday 20 May 2024

The Soul of South Korea

16 days  |  Departs: Tuesday 21 May 2024

Cook Island Delight

10 days  |  Departs: Tuesday 11 Jun 2024

Spectacular European River Cruise

24 days  |  Departs: Monday 17 Jun 2024

South Australia, Ghan and the Top End

12 days  |  Departs: Sunday 23 Jun 2024

Gems of Ireland and Scotland

21 days  |  Departs: Thursday 1 Aug 2024

Fabulous Free & Easy Fiji

7 days  |  Departs: Monday 5 Aug 2024

Singapore Fling

7 days  |  Departs: Tuesday 13 Aug 2024

Gorgeous Greek Islands with Dubai Stopover - 1 x willing to share available

19 days  |  Departs: Tuesday 27 Aug 2024

Daylesford & Goldfields Track Walk

4 days  |  Departs: Friday 30 Aug 2024

Canada & Alaska Rail Cruise Adventure

20 days  |  Departs: Saturday 31 Aug 2024

Stunning Scandinavia

18 days  |  Departs: Sunday 1 Sep 2024

Small Group Jewels of Southern Italy

22 days  |  Departs: Monday 2 Sep 2024

Southern Africa Safari Splendour - 1 x willing to share available

16 days  |  Departs: Saturday 7 Sep 2024

Medieval Magic of Bulgaria and Romania

20 days  |  Departs: Sunday 8 Sep 2024

Camino Trail Adventure - 1 x willing to share place available

19 days  |  Departs: Sunday 8 Sep 2024

21 days  |  Departs: Monday 9 Sep 2024

Natural Wonders of Iceland

18 days  |  Departs: Thursday 12 Sep 2024

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Phone +61 1300 388 419 Email [email protected]

Adventurous Women® - Travel and Events for Women

Group Travel for Women that helps build friendships, confidence & camaraderie among women as we explore the world together.

We love what we do, we're a small company with heart 'n' soul.. we live it, we breath it and always go the extra mile to ensure your experience is a memorable one!

If it's a genuine experience you're after, you'll find it at Adventurous Women®. You may come along solo, but you'll never feel alone. Most of the women who join us, don't have a travel or adventure buddy, they're from all different backgrounds, relationship statuses and age groups. We encourage you to step outside your comfort zone knowing that you'll be supported, inspired and empowered throughout this journey!

Don't just take our word for it, please read the feedback and see what the ladies that have joined us say.

Sign up to our newsletter , and follow us on Facebook or become a member of one of our private state based Facebook groups to keep in the loop about what's coming up. We also have a club member program where financial members enjoy first notice and huge discounts on our trips and events as well as rewards and other offers.

Recently Added

CAMINO - PORTUGUESE WAY (ESCORTED)

Apr 14th, 2025 From: $4,990.00 per person Easter Special! Join us walking the lesser travelled Portuguese Camino from Porto in Portugal, through to Santiago de Compostela in Spain.… Portugal  

Category: Hikes and Walks International Adventures

SUN, STARS & BEYOND HIKE N TOUR - PERTH

Jun 23rd, 2024 From: $78.00 per person Take a pleasant hike through the She-oaks, the Banksias, the Snotty Gobbles and Marri Trees. Have a good chat over morning tea, then walk up… Western Australia

Category: Hikes and Walks

SRI LANKA ADVENTURE (ESCORTED)

Jan 17th, 2025 From: $5,240.00 per person Sri Lanka has so much to offer as a holiday destination... come with us and you'll see why! Palm fringed beaches, World Heritage Sites,… Sri Lanka  

Category: International Adventures

CHRIS' COOCHI CELEBRATION

Jun 30th, 2024 FREE Join the Adventurous Women Hosts to help celebrate everything Chris. Our amazing Qld AW host, Chris Burt, is hanging up her professional… Queensland

DOLPHIN SANCTUARY AND SHIPS GRAVEYARD KAYAK…

Jun 23rd, 2024 From: $149.00 per person Discover a must-do activity in Adelaide! Spend approximately 3 hours kayaking the Dolphin Sanctuary and Ships Graveyard, then indulge in a… South Australia

Category: Day Trips & Events Water Based Events

DULARCHA NATIONAL PARK - HOME TO THE ABANDONED…

Jun 28th, 2024 From: $44.00 per person Meander through the Dularcha National Park on the Roses Circuit followed by optional coffee and lunch in Mooloolah Queensland

Category: Day Trips & Events Hikes and Walks

SOUTH BRIBIE ISLAND LOOP

Jun 14th, 2024 From: $44.00 per person Don’t waste another glorious day of sunshine, by staying indoors. Come for a relaxing walk on the beach - a world away from the pressures of… Queensland

TREASURES OF MOROCCO (ESCORTED)

Mar 29th, 2025 From: $4,150.00 per person Ever dreamt of escaping on an exotic Moroccan adventure? Join us on an exclusive journey to Morocco, a country filled with contrasts. From… Morocco  

BALI ACTIVE ADVENTURE

Oct 3rd, 2024 From: $2,490.00 per person You might have been to Bali before, but have you seen the adventure side of this wonderful island paradise? Known for its beaches, Bali is so… Indonesia  

ADELAIDE HILLS CYCLING ADVENTURE

Jul 28th, 2024 From: $149.00 per person Join us for a day filled with adventure, chocolate, wine, and the picturesque beauty of the Adelaide Hills! e-Bike available South Australia

Category: Day Trips & Events

URBAN SOCIAL WALK - MUSEUM, ART & SECRET BARS

May 11th, 2024 From: $149.00 per person Join a bunch of friendly, supportive and adventurous women on an afternoon of urban adventuring. Start with a tour through the Perth Museum… Western Australia

Recent Client Reviews See All 1764 Reviews

Meander through the gardens.

5 out of 5 stars Tried my first experience with this group, it was an enjoyable positive experience. The guides were lovely, a very warm friendly bunch of ladies to walk with.

Bindoon, Gingin & Toodyay Op Shop Fun

5 out of 5 stars Great day out. Squirrel was fantastic, good bunch of ladies on tour, loved Op shops in Bindoon and Gin Gin, lunch and 'shopping ' in Toodyay also fun (even with the hot weather).

Highlights of The Bibbulmun Track

5 out of 5 stars Loved this trip. Would do it again

Dolphin Sanctuary and Ships Graveyard Kayak Tour inc Lunch

5 out of 5 stars Wonderful day,great fun...weather was amazing and kayaking on the beautiful calm water was beautiful, thank you for a lovely day

See the world in luxury with women’s travel groups .

Connect with like-minded women, relax, and explore..

Book My Escape

Luxury Group Travel — Curated Especially for Women

If you found your way here to us, one thing’s for sure: you’re an explorer at heart. And you’ve always wanted to experience everything the world has to offer. You dream about luxuriating in spas at the world’s most dazzling destinations. And indulging in once-in-a-lifetime meals. And sinking into a cloudlike bed at a posh hotel after a day of sightseeing.

Pure luxury…

The only problem is — you really don’t want to do it alone.

If you’re longing to journey lavishly around the globe but need some like-minded female travel companions, then you’re in the right place! Luxury Women’s Tours was founded for women exactly like YOU. We empower you to feel safe and secure as you spread your wings into gorgeous, new territories.

Because we believe all women — including you — deserve that extra special trip… the kind that makes you feel like a queen!

We’re More Than Just a Luxury Travel Agency

We’re travel experts who love to travel, but do you want to know what we’re really passionate about? Women’s travel — which is something much more — because solo female travelers have a completely unique set of needs. 

And at the top of that list is safety . 

The world isn’t always safe for women to explore alone. And we’re proud to provide a solution that empowers women to journey to their bucket list destinations alongside each other — safely . 

We want women everywhere to experience the magic that only group travel can bring. Because something inspiring happens when women come together in a group. We encourage each other. We laugh together. We learn from each other. And we grow together.

If you haven’t tried this form of travel before, we invite you to see the magic for yourself!

Explore Our Women’s Group Tours:

Discover the Best of Ireland: 18 Day Tour: 11th May 2024 – 28th May 2024

Escorted Women’s Group Tours

Luxury Bali, Indonesia -May 20th – 28th 2024

Wild borneo: jungle exploration and luxury island bliss- 6th june 2024 – 17th june 2024, southern croatia: 12th june – 24th june 2024, tanzania luxury safari with zanzibar island 07th – 19th august 2024, iceland & greenland: 22nd august – 05th september 2024, canada and alaska- 12th september – 2nd october 2024, treasures of greece: 26th september 2024 -9th october 2024, new zealand’s south island: 2nd october – 11th october 2024, luxury bali, indonesia -20th- 28th october 2024, nepal & bhutan: 21st october – 4th november 2024, the best of vietnam and thailand: 20th november – 10th december 2024, riads of morocco: 9th -25th november 2024, japan’s autumn essence: 16th november- 2nd december 2024, india’s golden retreat: 07th march – 23rd march 2025, japan’s cherry blossoms: 17th march – 02nd april 2025, botswana to zimbabwe: 05th april – 19th april 2025, essential vietnam and cambodia: 8th april 2025 – 27th april 2025, treasures of greece: 5th may 2025 – 19th may 2025, luxury peru with amazon cruise: 30th april – 13th may 2025, essential china with tibet – 10th may 2025 – 28th may 2025, spain and portugal- 15th september – 4th october 2025, turkey: the wonders of anatolia 2nd – 22nd october 2025, uganda up close: 22nd october 2025 – 3rd november 2025, what we’re about.

In all our tours, your ultimate comfort and relaxation are top of mind. With discernment, we only select high-end accommodations, dining, spas, and activities to include in our itineraries — because you deserve to travel the globe in luxury and style.

We believe vacations should be flawless and hassle-free . When you travel with us, you won’t have to worry about endless, time-consuming planning. Our team of travel experts takes care of every single detail — so you can truly unwind, relax, and soak up every second of your trip.

When it comes to group travel, the people are what make it feel the most special. Our signature tours are designed for small groups of women, providing an intimate level of bonding and personal attention that is simply not possible with larger groups. Many of our travelers — who start their journey as strangers — walk away with meaningful , lasting friendships .

Explore Our Destinations:

Explore Tours

South East Asia

French Polynesia

The Pacific

The Maldives

The cook islands, new zealand, your luxury travel experience awaits. until then, follow us to stay connected, latest travel news.

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Canada and Alaska Hidden Gems

Japan – the land of the rising sun.

Check out our ATAS accreditation!

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About Wandering Women

Wandering Women was founded in 2012 by me (Carole Medcalf) after a lifetime of travel. I started travelling when I was 16 and I haven’t stopped (except for Covid). When I travelled I often bought Around -The -World tickets. That meant I got to explore more places and to experience many different cultures and it was a great introduction to the next ‘destination’ trip.

Our partnerships with a wide variety of accommodation, excursion and transport providers globally enable you to experience some of the best parts of each destination – meals, accommodation and experiences chosen for the sole purpose of providing you with the most enjoyable experience possible in each destination. Visit Tours Now With a background and qualifications in Sociology, tour guiding and travel, I have crafted tours to enable other women to join in the best journeys I’ve experienced, combined with new adventures on each tour. My idea was to provide older women travelling solo with the opportunity to have safe travel adventures, to meet other women who wanted to do similar things and to take the hard work out of travelling, thus making it just a fun and enjoyable experience for everyone.

I know a number of women who don’t have a travelling companion but who really want to travel. I’m a mature woman who has travelled solo for many years and I understand how difficult it might seem. I can make it easy and enjoyable for you.

Wandering Women is for women who are 45+ and:

who are on their own but want to explore – just not alone

“Now more than ever do I realise I will never be content with a sedentary life, that I will always be haunted by thoughts of a sun-drenched elsewhere.”

What To Expect On A Wandering Women Tour

• Maximum of 10 on each tour
• Your own ensuite room on every tour
• We include al those ‘hidden’ extras
• Timing allows us to have local experiences as well as take excursions
• Comfortable travel as well as local travel experiences
• Great boutique accommodation that we know you will enjoy
• Exciting activities as well as time to wander
• High quality meals with a focus on local food…..and wine
• Great guides – we have amazing local partners wherever we travel
• NO single supplements

Taking The Worry Out Of Travel

Are you ready...

To meet like - minded women and make new and lifelong friends.

2024 Silo & Tower Art Trail of Southern NSW and ACT – Bookings now open!

2024 The Kimberley – Open for bookings!

2024 East Africa Safari – “Sold out”

2024 Gulf Savannah – The Savannah Way “Sold Out”

2024 “Ultimate NZ North Island” Sold Out

2024 “Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam” departing 2 May “Sold Out”

2024 “Treasures of Tasmania” departing 7 February “SOLD OUT”

Travel australia and the world with girls on tour.

Share incredible travel experiences as you explore historical destinations and tick off your own ‘Bucket List’ here in Australia or overseas.  We’re adding new and exciting Aussie and international tours to our calendar so keep checking. Be inspired by adventurous spirits and like-minded women whilst visiting the wonders of the world and exploring spectacular landscapes. […]

Postcards from Way Out West – May 2021

SATURDAY 1 MAY, 2021 – BRISBANE TO BILOELA I think I speak for everyone when I say that we were all very excited to board our bus today in Brisbane and start our trip throughout Central and South West Outback Queensland.  Several of the group stayed overnight at the Ibis Airport Hotel which was nice […]

Postcards from Japan 2019

For over 30 years now I’ve kept a journal and found it difficult to do so when touring, so in 2010 I began to write ‘Postcards from…..’ for each of the tours I was on which became not only my personal journal but a record for each of the ladies travelling with me to keep […]

Whats our clients has to say about us

Visiting Spain Portugal and Morocco was quite an experience. Loved getting right into the culture of all countries . Staying in a Riad in the heart of the Medina was an unexpected delight as was actually visiting with a nomadic Berber family to see at first hand just how they live. Also the camel ride into the desert riding at sunrise was truly special. Thank you Judy for making this all possible.

I certainly have very fond memories of a most amazing part of our big country. My decision to join 'Girls On Tour' and travel in the Kimberley with Adventure Wild was a wonderful experience and really went well beyond my expectations. Tour operators were amazing people who made the holiday so very special and I would like to thank you for organising and planning everything and the opportunity to travel with a great group of girls. Our time in Broome was full of activities and sightseeing.- well worthwhile....

My eighth trip with Judy and Girls on Tour South America is a once in a lifetime must do trip. Well worked out to adapt to altitude with good service provided by the hotels as required. A marvellous variety of cities and countries topped off by the Iguazu Falls. Good guides. As always Judy provides many little extras and is always there for you.

My recent trip to Italy with ‘Girls on Tour’ was absolutely fantastic – a holiday of a lifetime – extraordinary, memorable, with many ‘OMG how wonderful’ moments, and extremely well organised. Anything worth seeing - we saw; anything worth doing – we did; anything we mentioned to Judy was considered and usually organised with the group.

Thank you so much for a truly wonderful holiday to Turkey and Greece. Our trip was everything I'd hoped it would be: stunning scenery, friendly locals, great travel companions, and it was superbly organised and supervised by an always-cheerful Judy. The only thing I had to do while on tour was to enjoy the experiences: Judy took care of everything.

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Premium Multi-Day Hiking Trips For Women

Unforgettable trekking adventures to all corners of the world, explore the great outdoors with camino women, - by the team at patch adventures, 2024 & 2025 adventures available to book now, baltic snow-hiking trilogy.

13 days, 12 nights

Next Tour Date: 5 December 2024

Vietnam Rural Villages Trek

12 days, 11 nights

Next Tour Date: 4 November 2024

Greek Island Adventure

14 days, 13 nights

Next Tour Date: 20 September 2024

Morocco Hiking Adventure

15 days, 14 nights

Next Tour Date: 2025 dates coming soon

Laos Remote Village Trek

11 days, 10 nights

Next Tour Date: 10 February 2025

Slovenia & Croatia Mountain To Sea

Next Tour Date: 23 August 2024

Kokoda Track & Villages

Next Tour Date: 12 August 2024

Portuguese Camino de Santiago

16 days, 15 nights

Next Tour Date: 13 September 2024

Peaks of the Balkans

Next Tour Date: 16 September 2024

Annapurna Base Camp

20 days, 19 nights

Next Tour Date: 6 May 2024

All-Women Small Group Travel

Memorable multi-day experiences, unique access to international destinations.

Camino Women is an adventure tour company based in Australia providing intimate encounters, fantastic surprises, and insider access for active and energetic women of all ages. We’ll ensure you enjoy the best food and cultural experiences that are difficult to find on any “normal” tour. Our tours are designed by women for women – the same team behind Patch Adventures!

When we say that these tours are hand-picked – we mean it! Rebeca, Lou and Lisa have done all the heavy lifting so that you can simply sign up for a one-of-a-kind adventure and experience a country you probably wouldn’t see otherwise. We guarantee that this will feel less like your standard multi-day tour and more like you organised a trip abroad with your greatest friends. So, what are you waiting for?

Spirit of the Camino

The Scallop Shell is the symbol of the Camino de Santiago; instantly recognisable to any person who has walked this hallowed path. It has now been adopted by many trails world-wide and for that reason, we have created our own version of the Shell to be our symbol.

Patch Adventures

If you have the spirit of adventure and love to try new things then head on over to our sister site and become a Patchie! Patch Adventures have trips to India, Iran, Morocco and many more fascinating destinations for you to explore with like-minded women.

Camino Women is an adventure tour company based in Australia providing intimate encounters, fantastic surprises and insider access for active and energetic women of all ages. We’ll ensure you enjoy the best food and cultural experiences that are difficult to find on any “normal” trip. Our trips are designed by women for women – the same team behind Patch Adventures!

The Scallop Shell is the symbol of the Camino de Santiago; instantly familiar to any person who has walked this hallowed path. It has now been adopted by many trails worldwide… and for that reason, we have created our very own version of the Shell to be our symbol.

Check Out Our Instagram!

caminowomenig

Women-only trekking adventures to the most interesting places. By the team @patchadventures 👇Latest itineraries 🥾 AU +61 482 073107 | NZ +64 980 22918

Has it rained? Yes, it has rained in Portugal! But...

Has it rained? Yes, it has rained in Portugal! But our women have kept going and been rewarded with the magic of the Camino. Thanks for the pics team, keep ‘em coming! ...

Buon Camino! Lots of great pics coming in from ...

Buon Camino! Lots of great pics coming in from Portugal! Click to see the album ...

Katrina is sending through AMAZING photos for ...

Katrina is sending through AMAZING photos for Portugal 🇵🇹!! Culture experiences are in the bag and the walk is just about to start! ...

Hello from Portugal!! Our walkers are pumped up ...

Hello from Portugal!! Our walkers are pumped up and ready to go .. and sending through some great pics! ...

A taste of Nepal! Our sister team Patch Adventures...

A taste of Nepal! Our sister team Patch Adventures is running this trip right now. A nice little taste for our Camino Women who will be headed over someday soon…! Photos by @erinscottcreative ...

Let’s talk about Laos for a second.. as it’s a...

Let’s talk about Laos for a second.. as it’s a bit more controversial than you might think. We ran our first Laos women only trekking trip a couple of months ago. It was incredible. In one area, our group was the FIRST EVER group of Western travellers to pass through. Some people have had concerns about this. Western companies don’t always bring good. They bring rubbish and cultural disruption. This is why in some corners, people thought it was controversial that we were going. There’s a bit of an image of Western travel companies that they think they’re doing a lot of good, but often are not doing as much as they think. Sustainable tourism practices were barely on anyone’s radar 30 years ago, and we can see how much certain places have suffered - Pattaya, Kuta come to mind. This is why for Laos especially - but ALL places that have less Western exposure - we follow a series of protocols when it comes to how we work with local villagers. Firstly, we always make sure to have a local partner on the ground who has a relationship and connection to the place. Second, the local villagers receive training about what they should expect and how they should prepare. Third, we make sure our economic impact is positive. If you put too much money into an area - yes, this is a thing - you can cause people to leave behind traditional ways of life to chase a buck. Nice in the short term, but because travel has ups and downs, this can cause long term destruction of a viable culture. It’s a true balance that needs to be struck because the funds we provide can help to.. - Fund improvements to sanitary conditions - Pay for medical bills - Improve farming equipment Or even just to cover the odds and ends of life. It’s impossible to do perfectly, but with some mindfulness it’s possible to do this very well. And we’ll keep monitoring our impact on Laos in the mean time. ...

So, while the rest of you were going about your ...

So, while the rest of you were going about your normal day - here's a glimpse of what our Caminos in northern Laos have been doing... we are JEA-LOUS!! ...

These ladies have just taken off on our remote ...

These ladies have just taken off on our remote village trek in northern Laos! Very excited and looking forward to seeing more photos from this trip...🪴 ...

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Ultimate Australia

Highlights & Inclusions Itinerary Pricing Information Terms & Conditions

• Explore in a small group of 8-16 travelers (average group size of 13)
• All land transportation and 3 internal flights
• Accommodations for 14 nights
• 29 meals—14 breakfasts, 7 lunches, and 8 dinners
• 17 small group activities
• Services of a local O.A.T. Trip Experience Leader
• Gratuities for local guides, drivers, and luggage porters
• 5% Frequent Traveler Credit toward your next adventure

Travel to Australia to uncover some of the continent's best-kept secrets, unparalleled beauty, and cultural allure. Our small group will get an intimate glimpse of how Aussies and the indigenous people come together to weave an inviting and culturally-rich fabric of life. Meet Australia's original residents to understand the controversial history that still affects the indigenous people, and discover how this group is maintaining ancient traditions while adapting to modern day customs. And, let local Aussies share their laidback lifestyle and daily lives with you as you explore their big cities and small towns.

Equally as diverse as the local culture is Australia's contrasting landscapes. Explore Daintree Rainforest's ecological wonderland, snorkel or swim among schools of colorful fish at the Great Barrier Reef, explore the caves and waterholes of  Uluru  (Ayers Rock), and feel the pulse of Australia's cultural centers—from Melbourne to Sydney. Plus, spend an additional day in Melbourne to experience Mornington Peninsula, where you'll visit a wildlife sanctuary and a local farm, and enjoy an extra day exploring  Uluru's  massive monolith. Join us on our  Ultimate Australia  adventure to truly discover the Land Down Under.

And whenever you’d like, you have the  freedom to explore  more of Australia on your own: Break off from the group for independent discoveries—like venturing to St. Kilda, located near Melbourne, to see penguins on the beach—during free time.

DAY 1 Depart U.S. Fly from the U.S. to Melbourne, Australia.

DAY 2 Cross International Date Line You continue your flight from Los Angeles to Melbourne, losing one day en route as you cross the International Date Line. You regain this day when you fly back to the U.S. at the end of the trip.

DAY 3 Arrive in Melbourne, Australia Destination: Melbourne Accommodations: Somerset on Elizabeth Hotel or similar

Morning: You’ll arrive in Melbourne this morning to begin your Australia adventure. An O.A.T. representative will greet you at the airport and assist with your 30-minute transfer to our hotel.

Around 10am, we’ll check in at our centrally-located hotel where you’ll have about 5.5 hours of free time to settle in and perhaps begin exploring Melbourne. Depending on where we stay, our hotel may feature a gym, pool, and sauna. Typically, our hotel’s air-conditioned rooms feature coffee- and tea-making facilities, cable TV, and a private bathroom.

Lunch: On your own upon arrival at the hotel. You may choose to set off to find a local restaurant that serves regional specialties like emu or balmain bugs—which are similar to lobsters.

Afternoon: With help from our regional office, we have planned a more leisurely day today to give you time to rest after the long flight here and before we begin exploring the city tomorrow. To help you adjust to the time difference, we spend four nights in enticing Melbourne, the capital of Australia's “Garden State” of Victoria, to give you plenty of time to recharge and truly enjoy the city. You'll have the first day free here. You can relax and make use of the hotel’s amenities, visit local shops, or find your own ways to interact with the locals, who are not known for being shy.

Around 3:30pm, we’ll gather for a Welcome Briefing with our Trip Experience Leader and travelers who chose to take our Undiscovered Tasmania: Hobart, Cradle Mountain & Launceston and New! Adelaide & Kangaroo Island: Australian Culture, Charm & Wildlife pre-trip extensions. During this 1-hour briefing, we will introduce ourselves and review our itinerary in more detail (including any changes that may need to occur). Our Trip Experience Leader will also discuss logistics, safety and emergency procedures, and answer any questions we may have.

Then at about 5pm, we'll set off on a 30-minute orientation walk. At this time, our Trip Experience Leader will explain the tram network and point out ATMs, the grocery store, and other helpful locations near the hotel.

Dinner: On your own tonight. Perhaps you'll try one of the restaurants your Trip Experience Leader pointed out on your orientation walk.

Evening: Your evening is free to rest and relax before our explorations begin tomorrow.

Freedom to Explore

Make the most of your explorations in Melbourne on these off-the-beaten path activities. These recommendations are designed by our team of local experts with women travelers in mind.

Take a walk to Queen Victoria Market with your Trip Experience Leader: Peruse the bustling food and gift stalls of the largest open air market in the Southern Hemisphere. With over 17 acres of produce, souvenir, food, and gift stalls to discover, you may also want to consider a special 2-hour foodie tour to really delve into the history and culture of this iconic market—as well as sample an array of its most popular food options. How to get there: A 10- to 15-minute walk with your Trip Experience Leader or a 5-minute taxi ride, about $12 USD one way. Hours: 9:30am-5pm, Thursday-Sunday & Tuesday. Cost: Free. The optional 2-hour market tour is $69 USD per person See the penguins at St. Kilda: Witness the sunset roosting ritual of the Little Penguins, the world’s smallest penguin breed, which can only be found in Australia and New Zealand. Travel like a local and board Melbourne's tram in the Central Business District and journey to the historic St. Kilda pier and breakwater. Here, penguins can be seen every night of the year. Whether their molting, feeding their chicks, or mating, you can catch a glimpse of these furry friends, but from a safe distance—viewing platforms and barriers have been installed to protect the penguins. These penguins are quite shy, so they enjoy moving about at nighttime and cannot be seen during daylight hours. How to get there: A 30- to 40-minute tram ride, about $4 USD one way. Hours: Daily, beginning at sunset. Cost: Free. Discover the Melbourne Museum, a natural and cultural history museum located in the Carlton Gardens in Melbourne—adjacent to the Royal Exhibition Building, The largest museum in the Southern Hemisphere, the Melbourne Museum is also ranked as one of Australia's most popular attractions and is a place where education and history come together in a contemporary setting, It is also home to the Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre—a major exhibition that celebrates the history, culture, achievements and survival of Victoria’s indigenous people. How to get there: A 10-minute taxi ride, about $12 USD one way. Hours: 10am-5pm, daily. Cost: $12 USD per person. DAY 4 Explore Melbourne • Local interaction Destination: Melbourne Meals included: B L D Accommodations: Somerset on Elizabeth Hotel or similar

Activity Note: While riding the trams today, please remember to use caution when getting on and off the cars. They are a unique way to see the city, but mind the steps, which can be steep or difficult for some travelers to navigate.

Breakfast: Served à la carte with traditional Australian options at a local café next to the hotel beginning at 6:30am, featuring hot and cold dishes.

Morning: After yesterday's leisurely start, we set off on foot around 8:45am to explore Melbourne's highlights. Around 9:15am, we’ll start our city tour at the State Library. Then, we'll board the local tram system around 9:30am and ride about 10 minutes to our next stop: St. Patrick's Cathedral. We'll view the intricate stained glass windows and strong, Gothic architecture before continuing on to the Parliament Building. Then, we'll stroll down streets covered in elaborate street murals and meander down narrow laneways and get a true feel for the pulse of the city. Our exploration will then bring us to the neo-Gothic St. Paul’s Cathedral and Flinders Street Railway Station—Australia’s oldest train station—followed by visits to the expansive Federation Square, the cobbled bluestone alley of Degrave Steet, and finally ending at the bar and shop-lined street of Hardware Lane. We'll pause here for lunch.

Lunch: Around 12:30pm at a local restaurant, featuring traditional Australian cuisine.

Afternoon: Following lunch around 1:30pm, we'll depart the restaurant by coach and drive about 15 minutes to the Royal Botanic Gardens. Here, we'll first participate in a walking tour and traditional smoking ceremony that will last around one hour. This tradition is an indigenous custom in which plants are burned to pay respect to the people’s ancestors and the land. Following the ceremony, an indigenous guide will lead us through the 19th-century English garden of more than 8,500 flora species, including cacti, roses, and a variety of herbs. Then, we will sit down with our guide to discuss challenges facing the local indigenous community today. Afterwards around 3:45pm, we'll board our coach and drive about 10 minutes back to the hotel.

Upon arrival to the hotel, you will have about 2 hours of free time. You are free to explore the city further on your own. Melbourne is a city of broad boulevards, green parks, and Victorian architecture, whose growth in the late 19th century was fueled by a gold rush. Public trams running on rails criss-cross the city, as distinctive a symbol of Melbourne as cable cars are of San Francisco. We'll regroup at the hotel around 5:45pm and walk about 15 minutes to a local restaurant.

Dinner: Around 6pm, we'll enjoy a Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant. This is a great chance for you to mingle with your travel companions while savoring a traditional meal.

Evening: We'll return to the hotel around 8pm. The remainder of the evening is free for your own discoveries. You can take some time for yourself, explore the surrounding area, or meet up with fellow travelers to discuss the day.

DAY 5 Melbourne • Local farm visit Destination: Melbourne Meals included: B L Accommodations: Somerset on Elizabeth Hotel or similar

Morning: We'll depart the hotel around 8:45am and head by coach to the Mornington Peninsula to visit a wildlife sanctuary. We arrive around 10am, and we’ll have about 1.5 hours here to learn about the conservation efforts being made. We'll also see the country's array of native wildlife, including koalas and kangaroos.

Around 11:30am, we’ll leave the sanctuary and journey by coach for about 15 minutes to a local farm. A local farmer will greet us and lead us on a brief tour of the farmhouse, which will give us an unique glimpse of rural life and offer an opportunity to discuss their daily routines.

Lunch: Around noon at the farmhouse. Our lunch will feature sandwiches and traditional Aussie meat pies.

Afternoon: At about 12:45pm, we’ll drive about 15 minutes to the tip of the Mornington Peninsula on our coach, where you'll be able to view the vibrant, rainbow-colored bathing boxes that for locals have become tightly-held heirlooms passed down through generations and are still in very high demand. While here, we'll also be able to take in sweeping views of the Australian coast. We'll spend about 45 minutes exploring before boarding our coach around 1:45pm and driving back to our hotel.

Upon arrival around 3pm, you’ll have the rest of the afternoon to explore on your own. You may venture to the coastal neighborhood of St. Kilda, known for its scenic beach, promenade, parks, and garden. Take a boat ride on the Yarra River from Princes Walk, or hop on a tram to the suburb of Fitzroy and stroll along lively Brunswick Street with local artists and musicians. Cross the Yarra to Southbank to shop and dine.

Dinner: On your own—you may choose to venture out into the city in search of a traditional meal. Ask your Trip Experience Leader about the city’s classic Aussie fare, such as meat pies, to try on your own tonight.

Evening: On your own to make independent discoveries. If you choose to explore St. Kilda this evening, you may spot penguins waddling along the shores. Or, you may choose to retire to your room to rest before tomorrow’s early start.

DAY 6 Explore Melbourne Destination: Melbourne Meals included: B D Accommodations: Somerset on Elizabeth Hotel or similar

Morning: During our additional day in Melbourne enjoy free time to make your own independent discoveries. Perhaps you'll venture to Dendy Street Beach in Brighton to soak up the sun and see some more colorful bathing boxes that line the shore. You can also choose to visit Chapel Street precinct where you can shop for souvenirs, snack on local treats like Lamington—a popular Australian cake made with chocolate, jam, and coconut flakes—or you may even just stroll around the area.

Lunch: On your own whenever you’d like. Your Trip Experience Leader can recommend some of their favorite options for lunch. You may want to search for an Aussie-style hamburger, which is similar to a western-style burger except locals add beetroots as a topping.

Afternoon: You’ll have the afternoon to yourself to explore at your own pace. Perhaps you’ll take the opportunity to shop, visit another museum, or simply stroll through the city. Around 6pm, we’ll gather and board a tram that will drive us about 10 minutes to our dinner location.

Dinner: Served at a local restaurant around 6:30pm, featuring your choice of hot and cold appetizers, entrees, and desserts.

Evening: We'll board the tram again around 8pm and ride back to the hotel, arriving around 8:15pm. The remainder of the evening is free. Ask your Trip Experience Leader for recommendations if you’d like to experience this city at night.

DAY 7 Fly to Alice Springs • Controversial Topic: Forced cultural assimilation of indigenous children with Kumalie Riley • Visit Old Telegraph Station Destination: Alice Springs Meals included: B L Accommodations: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Alice Springs or similar

Exclusive O.A.T. Activity: Today’s activities include a conversation with a indigenous Australian elder, Kumalie Riley, about a Controversial Topic: Australia’s decades-long forced assimilation policy, which removed indigenous children from their homes and stripped them of their culture. Although the policy ended in the 1970s, it has had a lasting impact on the health and prosperity of indigenous communities. Read more about this conversation below.

Activity Note: As we journey into the Australian Outback, be prepared for extreme temperatures, which can exceed 100°F during the day and drop dramatically at night.

Breakfast: A continental breakfast will be served at a local café next to the hotel beginning at 6:30am, featuring hot and cold dishes.

Morning: Around 7:30am, we’ll board our coach for the 1-hour transfer to the airport where we’ll catch a nearly 3-hour flight to Alice Springs, located in the Outback. As we fly over Australia’s “red centre,” we’ll see a sprinkling of remote towns, and an arid expanse of red dirt and desert flora from above. A visit here is truly memorable, and during our time in the Outback, our local Trip Experience Leader will provide their expertise on the region to help us see how the geography and culture differ from that of Australia’s big cities.

We arrive around 11am and dive right into our Outback discoveries with a visit to Anzac Hill, a memorial for all Australians who have fought in wars. Offering panoramic views of Alice Springs, we’ll get a bird’s-eye view of the small town and rocky, desert landscape. We’ll spend about 15 minutes here before we board our bus and drive 15 minutes to Alice Springs’s old Telegraph Station, where we’ll enjoy lunch.

Lunch: Around 12:15pm at a café at the Telegraph Station, featuring a selection of sandwiches, coffee, desserts, and other café staples that are made daily on-site.

Afternoon: Afterwards at about 1pm, we’ll enjoy a 30-minute tour of the Telegraph Station. The station marks the European settlement of Alice Springs at the inception of the Overland Telegraph Line, which was established in 1872 to relay messages between Adelaide and Darwin. During our visit, we’ll learn more about the founding of Alice Springs and about the early telegraphers who settled in this rugged region.

After our tour concludes around 1:45pm, we’ll board our motorcoach and drive approximately 15 minutes to Tinkerbee Center, the premier indigenous art and culture center in Alice Springs. This will be our opportunity to learn about Alice Springs’ earliest, non-European inhabitants—and about the discrimination they’ve faced for decades.

Upon arrival, we’ll meet Kumalie Riley—an indigenous elder, artist, and the owner of Tinkerbee Center—who will lead today’s conversation about a Controversial Topic: Australia’s 60-year-long forced assimilation policy that removed indigenous children from their homes, isolated them from their culture, and left lasting scars on the country’s indigenous population.

Kumalie, who is in her 70s, was fortunately not a victim of this forced assimilation. She is, however, old enough to remember it and wise enough to understand how deeply traumatizing it was to her fellow indigenous Australians. Kumalie is passionate about her culture and attempts to keep indigenous traditions alive not only at Tinkerbee Center, but also by teaching her native Arrernte language to both children and adults. However, her greatest achievement may be her involvement in Central Australia’s Grandmother’s Club, a group of eight indigenous grandmothers who tirelessly advocate for survivors of forced assimilation and selflessly support future generations.

Between 1910 and the early 1970s, an estimated 100,000 indigenous children were taken from their parents and either institutionalized or re-homed with white families at the behest of the Australian government. The children often had their names changed, were forced to stop speaking their native languages, and were required to adopt white culture. Nearly 8% of male children and 17% of female children are believed to have been subjected to sexual abuse.

The children affected by these policies are known as the Stolen Generations—and a vast majority suffer from lifelong trauma. The education provided to the stolen children was poor, they often received minimal affection and harsh punishments, and they were rarely given any information about their biological families. Because of their race, the children were never fully accepted by white Australians, and because their cultural identity had been stripped from them, they could no longer relate to their indigenous peers.

Unfortunately, that trauma spread through indigenous communities like a virus. Parents of stolen children routinely turned to alcohol to cope with their losses, and some even resorted to suicide. Descendants of the Stolen Generations, meanwhile, often grow up with parents who are anxious and depressed and never learned healthy parenting skills.

Today, 28% of indigenous children are born to teenage mothers, and 20% of indigenous teens don’t live with either of their parents. Indigenous children are 15 times more likely than white Australians to end up in juvenile detention or under community supervision, and 58% of incarcerated young adults are of indigenous descent.

In 1997, the Australian government released a report titled Bringing Them Home, which detailed the extent of the forced assimilation policies for the first time and included recommendations for reconciliation. The government has been slow to act on those recommendations, however, and did not issue a formal apology to the victims until 2008. Kumalie and other advocates fear that the government is not doing enough to bridge the gap between indigenous and non-indigenous Australians, which could lead to further erosion of indigenous communities.

Kumalie will spend approximately 20 minutes detailing her experiences with victims of the Stolen Generations, and then we’ll have about 40 minutes to ask any questions we might have.

We’ll bid farewell to Kumalie around 3pm and drive approximately 15 minutes to our hotel in Alice Springs. Upon arrival, we’ll check in and receive our room assignments. The hotel’s air-conditioned rooms typically have a balcony, refrigerator, minibar, and private bath. Depending on which hotel we stay at, amenities may include a 24-hour fitness center, pool, sauna, tennis court, and three on-site eateries.

Enjoy the rest of the afternoon to get settled in at the hotel or explore the town as you wish. You may choose to visit the National Pioneer Women’s Hall of Fame where you can trace the history of women’s roles in Australia. We will reconvene around 5pm in the hotel for a 1-hour lesson on how to play the didgeridoo, an indigenous musical wind instrument, with a local musician. The first didgeridoos, played by indigenous people in northern Australia thousands of years ago, were made from fallen eucalyptus branches that had been naturally hollowed out by termites. Today, these instruments are typically made of eucalyptus, bamboo, or agave. During this lesson, we will learn about the differences in contemporary and traditional sounds and techniques. The lesson will end at 6pm, where you have the remainder of the evening free for your own discoveries.

Dinner: On your own around 6pm—you may try one of the hotel’s restaurants or venture into the town center for a local dining experience. Ask your Trip Experience Leader for suggestions.

Evening: You’ll continue enjoying your free time into the evening. Perhaps you’ll take a dip in the hotel pool or enjoy a drink with your small group.

Make the most of your explorations in Alice Springs on these off-the-beaten path activities. These recommendations are designed by our team of local experts with women travelers in mind.

Take a taxi with your Trip Experience Leader to the Todd Mall Markets: Stroll past the various stalls in Alice Spring’s outdoor Todd Mall Market, featuring Aboriginal crafts and art galleries, local food, hand-made jewelry, well-being products, and more. How to get there: A taxi ride with your Trip Experience Leader. Hours: March to May from 9am to 1pm, June to August from 9am to 2pm, September to December from 9am to 1pm—daily. Cost: Free. Admire art at the not-for-profit organization Araluen Arts Centre – Central Craft: Peruse the work of the center’s craft artists in a broad range of disciplines, which include ceramics, woodwork, weaving, jewelry, silk painting, and more. This organization provides advocacy and support, promotion, professional development, and access to studios for these craftspeople. Visitors can explore the Retail Outlet, Gallery, and the artists' studios. How to get there: A 10- to 15-minute taxi ride, about $16 USD one way. Hours: 10am-4pm on Monday-Friday; 11am-3pm on Saturday-Sunday. Cost: Free. Visit the original Royal Flying Doctor Service base in Alice Springs, now an interactive museum: Founded in 1939, the Royal Flying Doctor Service is an important, non-profit organization that provides critical care to people living in the isolated regions of the Outback. Learn about the Flying Doctors’ history as well as its devoted team of pilots, engineers, doctors, and nurses—and the experiences of the patients that have benefited from this unique service. How to get there: A taxi ride from the hotel. Hours: Monday-Saturday from 9:30am-2:30pm; public holidays 1pm-4:30pm. Cost: Around $14 USD DAY 8 Alice Springs • Explore Simpsons Gap & Standley Chasm • Outback barbecue on a family ranch Destination: Alice Springs Meals included: B D Accommodations: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Alice Springs or similar

Breakfast: Served buffet-style at the hotel beginning at 6am, featuring hot plates and cold options like yogurt and granola.

Morning: Around 8:30am, we depart the hotel by coach to drive 30 minutes into the deep Australian Outback. Our first stop, around 9am, brings us to Simpsons Gap, one of the most prominent gaps piercing the West MacDonnell Mountain Range. We will have about an hour to explore this scenic area, where towering red cliffs surrender to an open waterhole, and rust-hued walking paths lead us through large stands of mulga trees and witchetty bushes.

During our visit, we have a discussion with a local indigenous man about the cultural significance this gap has within his community. He will also introduce us to the concept of “Dreamtime” storytelling, as well as the system of “skin groups,” which determines who native Australians can marry. In a group as small as ours, this is a great opportunity to ask questions, and come away from the discussion with an in-depth understanding of this region’s history and culture.

We will board our coach again around 10am to set off for a 1.25-hour transfer to Standley Chasm—a geological formation that has long been associated with native women’s culture. Traditionally, only women were allowed to visit the chasm, where they would collect bush medicines and perform sacred rites. A 10-minute walk will bring us to the dramatic, 262-foot face of the chasm. Along the way, our Trip Experience Leader will explain the cultural significance of this site. Interpretive signage is also available along the path if you would like to read more details.

Lunch: On your own around 11:15pm at the nearby Standley Chasm café.

Afternoon: After lunch around noon, we will board our coach and make the 1-hour drive back to our hotel. Upon arrival, you will have a few hours to rest or explore more of Alice Springs on your own.

We will reconvene in the hotel a little over an hour before sunset—this will vary given the time of year. Your Trip Experience Leader will confirm with our small group what time to meet this afternoon. We will be picked up from the hotel by our hosts, Denise and Geoff Purdie, and driven to their ranch for dinner.

Denise and Geoff have owned the 260-acre bushland ranch since 1990. Though the property is located just 15 minutes from Alice Springs, it is completely independent of the town, with its own water supply and solar panels for energy.

Denise moved to Alice Springs with her family in 1965; Geoff arrived five years later for a temporary visit—and never left. Together, they raised two children in this remote territory and developed a deep appreciation for its beauty. For the past 20 years, Geoff has been conducting video interviews with long-time residents of Central Australia in an effort to preserve its history and traditions—and he and his wife will be eager to share that culture with us during our visit. They will help us spot wildlife, like the kangaroo, in the Outback. Then, we will be shown how to throw a traditional boomerang, and perhaps you will even try your hand at this authentic skill.

As the sun begins to set, we will help prepare dinner alongside our hosts. One of the things we will learn to make is damper, a traditional Australian bread that is typically baked in the ashes of a fire. Our hosts will tell us more about the history of this bread and how it originated from Australia’s bushpeople, called swagmen.

Dinner: We’ll enjoy an authentic Australian barbecue with our hosts around dusk. Lamb chops, beef steak, and sausages are traditional barbecue fare, though the food we consume will depend on what’s in season and locally available, as the Purdies grow much of their ingredients themselves.

As we dine, we’ll have the opportunity to ask our hosts any questions we may have—a luxury made possible by our small group size. Perhaps you’ll inquire about the challenges of living in the Outback, or ask what daily life is like on the ranch. Since Alice Springs is the heart of Australia’s indigenous community, you may wish to ask the Purdies for their opinions on the forced assimilation topic we discussed yesterday.

Evening: After our meal concludes, we’ll have some time to continue our conversation around the firepit. Be sure to look up—the Outback is one of the best places in the world for stargazing. We’ll bid farewell to our hosts around 8:15pm and return to our hotel. The remainder of the evening is yours to do as you please, whether that’s gathering with fellow travelers at the hotel or preparing for our flight tomorrow.

DAY 9 Alice Springs • Overland to Uluru (Ayers Rock) • Sunset Viewing Destination: Yulara/Ayers Rock Meals included: B L Accommodations: Desert Gardens Hotel or similar

Activity Note: Our drive to Yulara will take approximately 7.5 hours, with stops included along the way.

Morning: Around 7:30am, we'll check out of our hotel, board a motorcoach, and begin our journey to Uluru (Ayers Rock). Our transfer today will take approximately 7.5 hours, with stops included along the way. We will make three brief stops this morning, one around 8:30am, one around 10:15am, and the last around 12:30pm. Each stop will allow us to stretch our legs and take in up-close views of the Outback terrain. Following our third stop, we will drive about 15 minutes to our lunch spot.

Lunch: Around 1pm at a local working cattle station in the Outback, featuring traditional cuisine.

Afternoon: We'll continue driving around 2pm, arriving an hour later in the small town of Yulara, just a short drive from Uluru National Park. This accommodation reflects sensitivity toward the environment with its landscaped desert setting and may offer a swimming pool, restaurant, and bar. Each air-conditioned room may feature coffee- and tea-making facilities, in addition to a refrigerator, minibar, and private bath. You'll have about 1.5 hours to settle in before we gather around 4:45pm to embark on a 30-minute guided walk on the trails in Uluru National Park. Around 5:30pm, we'll pause at a panoramic vista for a traditional sunset toast as the last daylight paints the massive monolith of Uluru into a kaleidoscope of colors.

Early European settlers named it Ayers Rock, but it is called Uluru by the Anangu indigenous people who serve as its spiritual caretakers. In spite of—perhaps even in defiance of—the negative effects of European settlement, some 50,000 years of Australian indigenous culture and spirit have strongly endured in art, dance, and music. Uluru is the most fitting symbol of that endurance.

Watching the sun as it sets on Uluru, it's vividly clear just why the local Anangu people attach paramount spiritual significance to it. As the Outback sun descends on the monolith (whose red/orange hue shifts fluidly throughout the day) the rock seems to glow eerily, as if lit from within. It's almost impossible not to feel the ancient spirit of Uluru. A mystical life force? Perhaps. But the Anangu also consider Uluru a literal giver of life, attracting animals in abundance to its waterhole and providing shelter and firewood to visitors. All in a rugged place one might freely describe as "the middle of nowhere."

After our four days in the Northern Territory, we'll surely have a more profound appreciation for a heritage that runs deep in this land and all of Australia. During our explorations, our local expert guide will put things into perspective and help us understand the connection the indigenous people have to this sacred site. Much of the area around Uluru is open for public visitation, but parts of this site are still so important to the Anangu that they remain off-limits.

We'll depart by coach around 7:30pm and head about 30 minutes back to our hotel.

Dinner: On your own—you may choose to grab dinner at the hotel’s restaurant with your fellow travelers to discuss your discoveries thus far and the explorations to come.

Evening: Your evening is free to walk the hotel grounds or take advantage of its amenities.

Make the most of your explorations in Yulara on these off-the-beaten path activities. These recommendations are designed by our team of local experts with women travelers in mind.

Walk to the Gallery of Central Australia with your Trip Experience Leader: During your visit to the Gallery of Central Australia, you’ll have the opportunity to view authentic Aboriginal artwork, learn about each piece’s cultural significance, and witness artists in residents at work. While admission is free, the gallery has authentic pieces of art available for sale, and each purchase supports the local artists and their families who live and work in the Central Desert region. How to get there: Walk with your Trip Experience Leader. Hours: 9am-5pm, daily. Cost: Free. Paint like a local at the Maruku Arts Dot-Painting Workshop: Join local indigenous artists and learn about the meaning behind their dot-paintings and how the traditional symbols depict Tjukurpa, or creation stories. Then, under the expert guidance of an indigenous artist, it’ll be your turn to create your own painting to take home as a memento. Perhaps you'll share with your family and friends at home all you have learned about indigenous creation stories through the symbols on your painting. How to get there: A 5- to 10-minute free shuttle ride. Hours: Morning and afternoon sessions offered daily. Reservations are needed to take a class. Cost: About $53 USD. Ride a camel through the Outback: See the Outback from another perspective—on the back of a camel. You’ll ride through the red dunes and craggy peaks of Uluru National Park just as the early settlers did. Imported in the 19th century, camels remained the primary means of transport until roads and railways were introduced. An estimated 200,000 camels still exist in the Australian Outback today, where only a few are used to explore the desert. So, Saddle up and discover the wonders of the Outback high up atop a camel. How to get there: A 25- to 30-minute drive to the National Park; the transfer is included in the tour price. Hours: Morning and afternoon tours offered daily. Reservations are required. Cost: About $58 USD. DAY 10 Walk around Uluru Destination: Port Douglas Meals included: B D Accommodations: Desert Gardens Hotel or similar

Early Morning: If you wish, you can rise early this morning to revisit Uluru in the light of dawn, which is as dramatic as the views during sunset but seen by far fewer travelers. Timing of this activity will vary depending on sunrise.

Breakfast: Served buffet-style at the hotel beginning at 6am, featuring hot and cold dishes.

Morning: Around 9am, we’ll continue exploring Uluru during a 3.5-hour walking tour. Our small group will walk around the area, as well as near the base of the massive sandstone monolith where our local expert guide will point out the effects of millions of years of erosion by rain and wind. Uluru is the centerpiece of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, which also includes the spectacular rock formations nearby called the Kata Tjuta. Our local guide will give us more insight into the spiritual symbolism of this natural wonder and the history of the indigenous people's rights to the land. Around 12:30pm, we'll depart the park and drive by bus about 30 minutes back to our hotel. You'll have the remainder of the day free for your own discoveries.

Lunch: On your own—perhaps you’ll choose to eat at the hotel’s restaurant. Or, you may choose to seek out traditional bush food at a local restaurant.

Afternoon: The rest of the day is free for you to explore on your own. Perhaps you'll visit the Wintjiri Museum to see artwork displays created by Australia's indigenous people, or you may elect to stroll around the gardens that surround our hotel to see the region's native flora.

Dinner: Served at the hotel around 6pm featuring regional specialties.

Evening: On your own—you may choose to retire to your room this evening to rest, or you may choose to grab a cocktail at the hotel’s bar with your fellow travelers.

DAY 11 Fly to Cairns • Transfer overland to Palm Cove Destination: Palm Cove Meals included: B D Accommodations: Peppers Beach Club or similar

Breakfast: Served buffet-style at the hotel from 6am-10am, featuring hot and cold dishes.

Morning: Enjoy the morning free for your own discoveries. Perhaps you'll explore the Outback from a new vantage point—on the back of a camel. Or, maybe you'll learn more about weapons of the bush from a local indigenous storyteller at the Circle of Sand.

Lunch: On your own—you can grab something in town or at the airport while you wait for your flight.

Afternoon: Around 1:45pm, we depart the hotel and drive for 15 minutes to the airport. Upon arrival, we’ll have some time to check in and relax before our 3-hour flight to Cairns, departing around 3:15pm.

When we arrive in Cairns around 6:15pm, we’ll travel for 30 minutes by coach to our hotel in Palm Cove, which is known for its beachfront. Depending on which hotel we stay at, amenities may include a spa, gym, a swimming pool, and a restaurant. Typically, the hotel’s air-conditioned rooms have wireless Internet access, TV, coffee- and tea-making facilities, safe, and a private bathroom. We'll arrive around 7:15pm.

Dinner: Around 7:15pm, we’ll gather in the hotel’s restaurant for a 2-course barbecue dinner.

Evening: You are free to explore Palm Cove on your own this evening, or make use of the hotel’s many amenities. You may choose to retire to your room to rest before our early start tomorrow.

Make the most of your explorations in Palm Cove on these off-the-beaten path activities. These recommendations are designed by our team of local experts with women travelers in mind.

Walk to Palm Cove Beach with your Trip Experience Leader: Experience the serenity of Palm Cove Beach—where the rainforest meets the Great Barrier Reef. This pristine stretch of palm trees and sand beckons locals and visitors alike. From sunbathing and swimming to kayaking and jet skiing, there is an array of activities to please any beach goer. How to get there: Walk with your Trip Experience Leader. Hours: Daily. Cost: Free. Take a relaxing yoga class: Hartig Yoga offers classes to people of all skill levels. Classes take place in three locations—by the beach, pool, and rooftop. Classes offered can focus on relaxation, invigoration, or strength. But no matter what class you take, you'll be sure to soak in the tropical atmosphere from a unique vantage point. How to get there: A 5- to 10-minute walk. Hours: Various times throughout the day. Your Trip Experience Leader can help you schedule a class. Cost: About $12 USD. Relax with a spa treatment at Peppers Beach Club: Slow down and take a minute to appreciate your naturally picturesque surroundings with these luxury services. How to get there: Located in your hotel. Hours: Daily. Cost: The spa offers a variety of services at different prices; call front desk for details. DAY 12

Cruise to the Great Barrier Reef • Grand Circle Foundation visit: Coral Nurture Program Destination: Palm Cove Meals included: B L Accommodations: Peppers Beach Club or similar

Exclusive O.A.T. Activities: Today’s discoveries at the Great Barrier Reef feature an overview of the Coral Nurture Program, a new initiative dedicated to preserving and implementing long-term stewardship of Australia's coral reefs. This initiative is supported in part by Grand Circle Foundation.

Breakfast: Served buffet-style at the hotel beginning at 6:30am, featuring hot and cold dishes.

Morning: We’ll depart the hotel around 7am and set off for our full-day excursion to the Great Barrier Reef. Driving by coach for about 30 minutes, we'll arrive at the marina around 7:30am. Here, we'll be met by a marine biologist who works for the Coral Nurture Program, a Grand Circle Foundation site that is taking a new approach to the problem of coral bleaching at the reef.

As we'll learn throughout our discoveries today, the rising temperature of the world's oceans paired with an increase in tourism to the Great Barrier Reef has caused much of the coral here to lose its color (a process referred to as "bleaching") and even die. The Coral Nurture Program aims to slow this process by promoting community-led stewardship of the reefs and by planting new coral at the reef using innovative, science-backed techniques. The marine biologist we meet with this morning will accompany us throughout our day at the reef, giving us an ongoing commentary on what we see as we cruise. To start off, he or she will show us a coral fragment that was successfully grown at the North Hastings Reef.

Then, around 8:30am, we'll board our catamaran and set sail to the Outer Reef, where this natural wonder is yours to explore. We linger here for most of the day. Possibly the best description of the Great Barrier Reef comes down to five simple words: “the world's largest living thing.” Its nomination for World Heritage status stated, “The Reef supports the most diverse ecosystem known to man ... an ecosystem which has evolved over millions of years.”

But even facts like these can only hint at the sheer immensity and beauty of the Reef. Our first peek, through diving masks or a semi-submersible vessel, will bring into view its striking appearance. We'll witness tropical fish darting about amid sea fans and anemones swaying with the waves. Our marine biologist will be on hand to interpret the wildlife we see, including the tropical fish and giant clams.

There's no one “right” way to explore the Reef, so we'll be given a choice. You can swim or snorkel among the fish and wide array of corals. Or, if you wish to observe this spectacular underwater world without submerging yourself, you can view parts of the Reef from our semi-submersible vessel. However you do it, you are in a prime spot to experience the nature of the largest coral reef in the world.

Later, we'll visit the Coral Nursery Project, a Grand Circle Foundation site.

Grand Circle Foundation

Coral Nurture Program Partner since: 2021

The Coral Nurture Program is in the process of planting and growing coral to combat the growing issue of coral bleaching in the Great Barrier Reef. The nursery is planted in relatively shallow water (about 18-24 feet in depth), allowing you the chance to observe it from above as you snorkel. Keep your eyes peeled for a special sight: A section of the nursery has been dedicated to Grand Circle Foundation thanks to the generous support of our travelers.

Learn more about the sites we support »

​Lunch: Around noon, we’ll enjoy a buffet lunch onboard the catamaran.

Afternoon: We’ll continue our exploration of the Reef until 3pm, when we sail for about 2 hours back to shore. As we cruise, feel free to ask our marine biologist any questions you may have about the Coral Nurture Program's goals, and its progress so far.

Upon arrival to the arena around 5pm, we transfer 30 minutes back to our hotel in Palm Cove.

Dinner: On your own—you may dine at the hotel’s restaurant this evening, or you may choose to venture out in search of a local restaurant that serves traditional dishes, including John Dory fillets, sweet fish fillets usually baked, grilled, or fried.

Evening: After a long day on the water, you may choose to use your evening to relax and refresh—or experience Palm Cove at night with a recommendation from your Trip Experience Leader.

DAY 13 Controversial Topic: Climate change and human interference in the Daintree Rainforest with Angie and Neil Hewett • Guided Rain Forest Walk • Wildlife Cruise Destination: Palm Cove Meals included: B L D Accommodations: Peppers Beach Club or similar

Exclusive O.A.T. Activity: Today’s activities include a conversation about the Controversial Topic of climate change and human interference in the Daintree Rainforest. Our conversation will be led by Angie and Neil Hewett, who live and operate an eco-tourism lodge within the rainforest. Read more about this experience below.

Morning: We’ll board our coach around 8am for a 2-hour drive to another Australian natural wonder—the Daintree Rainforest.

We tend to think of the Amazon as the most ancient of all rainforests. But at a mere ten million years old, the Amazon is really a grandchild to the Daintree Rainforest. This Australian national park is a unique ecological gem—it is the only place on Earth where the forests are much as they were 100 million years ago. In a riot of moist greenery much like this, the very first species of flowering plants bloomed while dinosaurs were still alive.

Around 10am, we’ll stop at the Heritage Lodge—a rainforest retreat tucked into Daintree’s ferns and palms—for morning tea. After relaxing in this peaceful environment for approximately 15 minutes, we’ll make our way to Cooper Creek Wilderness, a privately owned, nationally accredited preserve that offers eco-friendly tours of the rainforest’s myriad wonders.

At approximately 10:30am, we’ll begin exploring the rainforest alongside two members of the local family that owns the preserve: Neil and Angie Hewett. They'll share a unique perspective that only locals can provide and they'll point out the diversity of flora to us. Our small group size allows us to enjoy up-close views of the forest's splendors, and we may also spot some of the animals that call the rainforest home, including Rufous owls, spotted cuscus, and sugar gliders.

The rainforest has enjoyed protected status since 1988, thanks to the environmental activists (or “greenies”) who campaigned tirelessly to end logging, clearing, and construction in the area. Unfortunately, however, it is still not immune from the detrimental influences of the industrialized world. As we continue to enjoy the splendor of our surroundings, Neil and Angie will open up around 11am about the Controversial Topic of the impact of climate change and urban development on the Daintree Rainforest.

The Hewetts have been stewards of the rainforest for more than 30 years: Neil, his brother Brian, and their mother, Prue, first began exploring the Daintree Rainforest in the late 1980s. Eventually, their love of the land inspired the family to purchase a 160-acre plot on Cooper Creek, which became not only the family homestead, but also an eco-tourism enterprise. Since 1994, the Hewetts have been sharing their first-hand expertise about the Daintree Rainforest with guests from around the world.

Daintree is like a botanical Jurassic Park, hosting plant species so primitive they scarcely differ from their prehistoric ancestors. The lush, dense landscape is but one component of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area of Australia. This region comprises just one-thousandth of the continent's land, yet hosts an impressive range of Australia's native species. A full 40% of its plant species can be found here, as well as a quarter of its reptiles, a fifth of its birds, and a third of its marsupials and frogs. An astounding 633 species of plants, mammals, birds, and reptiles are found nowhere else but the Daintree Rainforest, and many are classified as threatened.

While the majority of the rainforest is protected by UNESCO, certain sections of its lowland forests are still privately owned. Some of this land has already been cleared for agricultural purposes, and other sections have been outfitted with infrastructure like roads and electrical transmission lines. This human interference not only fragments natural habitats, but it could also introduce invasive, non-native plant and animal species to the delicate ecosystem.

In addition to the issues posed by human development, climate change is also a major threat to the future of the Daintree Rainforest. Average annual temperatures in Australia have increased twice as quickly in the last 50 years compared to the 50 years before, and heatwaves are becoming more frequent. Annual rainfall has declined by up to 20% in some regions during that same period. As temperatures continue to rise, experts predict a 10-40% habitat loss for tropical species in Victoria and suggest that at least 90 Australian species could be at risk as climate conditions worsen.

The Hewetts will spend approximately 20 minutes sharing their insights into these threats to the Daintree. They’ll also discuss sustainable practices that could help protect the rainforest for future generations. Afterward, we’ll have approximately 40 minutes to ask any questions we may have.

Around noon, we will depart the forest and drive about an hour to a local restaurant.

Lunch: Around 1:15pm in a local restaurant, featuring regional Australian dishes.

Afternoon: At about 2:15pm, we’ll head back by coach to our hotel, arriving around 3:30pm. Enjoy the remainder of the day on our own—perhaps you’ll choose to take a yoga class by the beach.

Dinner: At the hotel around 6:30pm, featuring a three-course set menu as well as coffee and tea.

Evening: The evening is free to continue exploring Palm Cove on your own.

DAY 14 Fly to Sydney Destination: Sydney Meals included: B D Accommodations: Rydges World Square Sydney or similar

Breakfast: Served buffet-style at the hotel from 6:30am-10:30am, featuring hot and cold dishes.

Morning: Enjoy a couple of hours of free time this morning to relax before we drive about 45 minutes to the Cairns airport, arriving around 12:15pm.

Lunch: On your own—consider picking something up in the morning to bring on the flight.

Afternoon: Around 1:30pm, our flight departs for iconic Sydney. We’ll be in the air for about three hours, and as we fly over the city, make sure to glance out the window to see the Opera House, the Sydney Harbour Bridge, and other landmarks from above. During our explorations here, we'll see the city from a couple of different vantage points as we discover Sydney's highlights on foot and during a harbor cruise.

We arrive in Sydney around 4:30pm and transfer about 45 minutes by coach to our hotel. We’ll arrive at our centrally-located hotel around 5:45pm. Depending on which hotel we stay at, amenities may include an indoor pool, and wireless Internet access throughout the hotel. Typically, each air-conditioned room features TV, coffee- and tea-making facilities, and a private bathroom. We’ll have about 45 minutes to settle into our rooms before we enjoy a 15-minute orientation walk with our Trip Experience Leader around 6:15pm. Then, we'll board our bus and drive about 15 minutes to Spice Alley—a vibrant laneway featuring multiple hawker-style eateries.

Dinner: We'll stop at Spice Alley's eateries around 6:30pm, where you'll have the freedom to choose an included dinner of Asian cuisine.

Evening: You have the evening free to get acquainted with this world-famous city. Experience nightlife in Sydney, take a walk around the neighborhood of the hotel, or get a look at the iconic sites after dusk.

Make the most of your explorations in Sydney on these off-the-beaten path activities. These recommendations are designed by our team of local experts with women travelers in mind.

Take a train to Sydney Harbour Bridge with your Trip Experience Leader: Affectionately known as the “coat hanger” by the locals, the Sydney Harbour Bridge offers spectacular views of the city as you cross this famous Australian site via the pedestrian walkway. How to get there: A train ride with your Trip Experience Leader. Hours: Daily. Cost: Free. Ride the Manly Ferry and see Sydney from the water: Hop aboard the Manly ferry and traverse one of the world’s most scenic harbors as you sail past famous Australian sites such as the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. How to get there: A taxi ride from your hotel. Hours: 30-minute trips, operating daily. Cost: Around $9 USD. Savor High Tea at the Tea Room in the Queen Victoria Building: Whether sipping tea or Champagne, the art of the High Tea has been enjoyed since the 1700s. Preserving both the tradition and style, it is celebrated with great pleasure every day here at Sydney’s Queen Victoria Building Tea Room. The Tea Room offers morning tea and traditional afternoon high tea service tea in luxurious surroundings that celebrate the cultural significance of the historic building’s ballroom. How to get there: A 15-minute walk from the hotel. Hours: Opens 10am, Monday-Sunday. Cost: Tea services range from $12 to $32 USD per person. DAY 15 Tour Sydney Opera House • Sydney Harbour ferry ride • Quarantine Station Destination: Sydney Meals included: B L Accommodations: Rydges World Square Sydney or similar

Play VideoPlay Mute Loaded: 0%Progress: 0% 0:00 Fullscreen Recommended Video : Smart Travels with Rudy Maxa: Sydney Produced by Small World Productions Follow Emmy Award winner Rudy Maxa as he sails to scenic beaches, treks into the Blue Mountains, and samples the cuisine of Sydney.

Share This Video Breakfast: Served buffet-style at the hotel beginning at 6:30am, featuring hot and cold dishes.

Morning: Leaving our hotel by coach around 8am, we head out for a city tour. First, we begin our discoveries around 8:45am with a 1-hour guided tour of the Sydney Opera House, whose distinctive architecture has made it the city's signature attraction. This architectural masterpiece was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007, and you'll see firsthand why it deserves this title. This visually spectacular performance facility boasts four auditoriums that host symphony concerts and theater as well as opera. Following our visit around 10am, we'll walk to Circular Quay where we'll join locals on a 45-minute ferry ride around Sydney Harbour, taking in striking views of the city skyline as we blend into the perpetual bustle of water-borne activity.

Then, around 11am, we disembark our ferry and begin a 1-hour walking tour of Sydney's North Head Quarantine Station. Led by a local guide, we'll delve into the complicated history of this station. From the 1830s until about 1984, migrant ships arriving into Sydney with suspected contagious diseases stopped at the station and offloaded passengers and crew. This practice, called quarantine (derived from the Italian quaranta giorni meaning forty days), began in 14th-century Venice when ships arriving from infected areas were required to sit at anchor for 40 days before coming to shore. The station now serves as a conference center with accommodations. Our tour will conclude around 12:15pm.

Lunch: Around 12:30pm at the station, featuring modern Australian cuisine.

Afternoon: Following lunch around 2pm, we will board our ferry again and ride about 45 minutes back to Circular Quay. Upon arrival to the quay, you have the remainder of the afternoon to explore on your own. If you wish to return to the hotel, there will be a coach to bring you back around 3pm.

Dinner: Ask your Trip Experience Leader for suggestions or discover for yourself an interesting spot for dinner on your own this evening. Perhaps you'll try pan-fried kangaroo or savor a traditional meat pie.

Evening: You are free this evening to continue exploring on your own, catch up with fellow travelers at the hotel, or take an evening to yourself to rest.

DAY 16 Explore Sydney Destination: Sydney Meals included: B D Accommodations: Rydges World Square Sydney or similar

Morning: Today, conclude your Australia travel experience by exploring Sydney on your own. You can relax, visit local shops, return to the seashore to visit any of the several beaches that are accessible by public transportation, or you may choose to take a tour of Sydney Tower, an enormous structure that stands at around 1,000 feet, to take in panoramic views of the city.

Lunch: On your own whenever you’d like. Ask your Trip Experience Leader to suggest a new or unusual restaurant to try today.

Afternoon: Continue exploring on your own this afternoon. Perhaps you’ll go behind the scenes at the Sydney Fish Market, or explore the Art Gallery of NSW (New South Wales)—a museum dedicated to international and Australian fine art.

Our group will gather at the hotel around 5:30pm and walk 15 minutes to a local restaurant.

Dinner: Around 6pm, we'll say goodbye to Australia over a Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant. Our meal will feature three courses of modern Australian and Italian cuisine and a complimentary glass of wine, beer, or soda as well as a tea or coffee.

Evening: We return to the hotel around 8:30pm. You may choose to retire to your room to pack before your flight home tomorrow, or you may set off to find a local bar where you and your fellow travelers can grab a drink and toast to your discoveries.

DAY 17 Return to U.S. • Begin post-trip extension Meals included: B Breakfast: Served buffet-style at the hotel beginning at 6:30am, featuring hot and cold dishes.

Morning: Around 9am, transfer to the airport to catch your flight back home. We’ll arrive at the airport around 9:30am. Or, fly to Auckland or Fiji, if you've chosen to take our New Zealand: Auckland, Queenstown & Milford Sound Cruise or New! Fiji’s Tropical Splendor & Captivating Culture post-trip extensions.

Book this Trip

Upon confirmation of your vacation, we will contact you via the phone number you’ve provided in order to obtain payment information.

An initial deposit of $400 is required to hold a space on the tour at time of booking. This booking is subject to availability. Full payment for land packages is due 45 days prior to departure date. Full payment for land packages inclusive of cruises or safaris are due 90 days prior to departure.

Trip Pricing Information

For further information call 866.464.8879 or email [email protected] .  24/7 booking capability is available via above form.

*Discount and  savings  are subject to change, please call reservations 866.464.8879 for the actual price. The discount is not valid on all itineraries and will be verified at time of booking. The discount is valid for guests who’ve traveled with Gutsy Women Travel within the last five years. Other conditions apply. Every effort has been made to produce this information accurately. We reserve the right to correct errors. All prices are subject to change.

In order to qualify for the GWT Past Traveler Discount of 5% on the land portion of the trip, you must advise the reservation specialist at time of depositing on your trip which GWT trip you traveled on (date/name of departure and year) over the past 5 years. 

We limit our trips to small groups so we suggest you deposit early to guarantee your spot.  View information regarding Air Travel & Transfers here.

This trip will be operated on behalf of Gutsy Women Travel (GWT) clients by OAT. 

Single Room  - one person, traveling solo in single accommodation Double Room  - two people, traveling together in same accommodation  Shared Room  - one person, traveling solo who would like to share with another passenger and pay the per person "Double" price  Air travel arrangements for Gutsy Women's trip participants are made independently as most women are traveling from various gateway cities within or outside North America. Gutsy Women Travel includes a group transfer (if travelers purchase airfare from our operator) or individuals can book private transportation if desired.  For further information and reservations call 866.464.8879 or email  [email protected] .  For online 24/7 booking capability is available via this website. 

Please note:  Every effort has been made to produce this information accurately. We reserve the right to correct errors. All prices are subject to change. Departure dates and prices shown may be updated several times daily, and apply to new bookings only.

©2024 Gutsy Women Travel, LLC

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Women's Travel Groups Australia

Lyn Taylor’s Adventure Travel specialises in  women’s only adventure travel.  

Whether you are looking to indulge and pamper yourself in tropical Bali or Vietnam, dreaming of trekking in the Himalayas of Nepal, Bhutan Tibet, or hungry to experience the richness of culture across South America, Spain, and Africa – if you are a woman looking for a life changing holiday, then you have come to the right place.

We believe that women’s groups form the strongest bonds. We strive to create an atmosphere where women feel comfortable being who they are, and where we celebrate our differences and enjoy our similarities.

Our aim is to help you break out of the daily routine and do something exciting, new, and challenging. Our women’s only adventure travel is the perfect way to savor your own experience. It will spill into the rest of your life, and others lives, long after your return.

Lyn Taylor’s trips are designed for women searching for a unique adventure travel holiday. We’re here to help you choose a delightful trip that is perfect for you and suits your budget. 

"If women are looking for women only adventure travel, then they want a woman to expertly guide them through their holiday, and not just organise the trip and send them off on their own. Let us take you away from the mainstream traffic so that you can experience the true culture of a country. It will be an unforgettable and life-changing experience." - Lyn Taylor

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Celebrate women through travel with our women only trips

Are you dreaming of breaking out of your daily routine? Whether you want to see the fairy-tale façades of Barcelona or the rose-red walls of Petra, our women only journeys are the perfect way to get a big dose of adventure with the support of an all-female group.

Explore the world with like-minded women

Want to see the world, but no one to do it with? Our women only tours let you share your experiences with female travellers from all over the world. As we take you on incredible journeys from the fjords of Norway to the islands of Greece, you’ll find yourself surrounded by a rich atmosphere of support, encouragement, and plenty of laughter. Whether you’re a female solo traveller or a group of friends wanting to connect with like-minded women, our women only travel groups are all about making new friendships and memories to last a lifetime.

Travel with ease with women-led teams

Our women only tours are led by women, for women. You’ll have an expert team of female Travel Directors and Wellbeing Directors by your side, every step of the way. From the ancient temples of Egypt to the lush vineyards of Tuscany, our dedicated team of women will take you to the real heart of every destination you visit. They’ll also take the stress out of travel by planning all the logistics, so you can enjoy those pinch-me moments without worrying about a thing.

Connect with inspiring local women

On most of our women’s only tours, we go beyond the highlights and connect with local women. With visits to inspiring female artisans, entrepreneurs, and trailblazers across the world. Learn about Umbrian weaving in Italy with Marta Cucchia, the woman keeping this ancient tradition alive, visit the village of Demircidere and bake traditional bread with the most liberated women in Turkey, or share a meal with the women of the Iraq al-Amir Women's Association in Jordan.

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All you need to know about Women's Only Tours

What are the benefits of travelling on a women's only tour.

There are dozens of benefits from connecting with other women and forming friendships, to travelling with greater ease, confidence, and support. Many women feel free to be themselves and simply have more fun when travelling on women only tours. And forget about being the third wheel! Many solo women travellers prefer trips for women only, as it’s easier to meet like-minded women, share rooms, and avoid single supplements.

How do I plan a solo trip as a woman?

The easiest way to plan a solo trip as a woman is to first pick out your dream destinations and travel goals. Check out our women’s only tours and speak to our friendly team for inspiration. Then, all you have to do is book your favourite Trafalgar women’s only trip, pick your flights, pack a bag, and you’re on your way to exploring the world with a bunch of incredible women.

What are the best solo travel destinations for women?

There are dozens of destinations around the world that make for great solo trips for women. Scandinavian countries like Denmark, Norway and Sweden consistently rank as some of the world’s safest countries for solo women travellers, while our women only trips take you to more amazing destinations like the UK, Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, Greece, Turkey, Egypt and Jordan… The hardest part is choosing just one trip.

What to pack for a women's only travel adventure?

Every woman’s packing list will be different, but the essentials remain the same. Always bring versatile, comfortable clothing, including a sarong or scarf for extra warmth or when modest dress is appropriate. Other essentials include a small first aid kit and refillable bottles for toiletries. You should also bring security items like a lock for your luggage and portable chargers, so you’re never stuck with a dead battery on your devices.

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WELCOME TO AUSTRALIAN WOMENS TRAVEL 

We specialise in small group tours for women, offering the opportunity to truly experience the local culture, history,

and food of two of the world's best destinations.

With 18 years of experience, we provide the confidence you need to sit back, relax and create lasting memories with  like-minded women.

Phone : 0405 228 560 or Email: [email protected]  

ALL TOURS FOR 2024 BOOKED OUT 

INDIA- RAJASTHAN PLUS 

MAXIMUM 10 TRAVEL PARTICIPANTS 22 Days | February 12- March 5 2025 

DELHI | AGRA | JAPUIR | MANDAWA | PUSHKAR|JODHPUR | RAVLAR KHEMPUR | UDAIPUR | BUNDI | PATAN RANTHANMBORE | ABHANERI  

TOUR ITALY - ANDIAMO ITALIA

MAXIMUM 10 TRAVEL PARTICPANTS  23 Days | May 9 - May 30 2025

ROME | POMPEII|SORRENTO|ORVIETO|ASSISI| SIENA|CHIANTI CLASSICO| TUSCANY|FLORENCE| PISA|

LUCCA|CINQUE TERRE| LAKE COMO |VERONA| VENICE

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                THE AUSTRALIAN WOMENS TRAVEL DIFFERENCE                                SMALL GROUP TRAVEL : WOMEN ONLY TOURS 

With over 18 years experience, personally creating itineraries and running women's travel and tours , plus my own private travel experiences, I can escort you to many places that are never visited by mass market tour groups. Sit back, relax and let me do all the work, while you create your lasting memories.

SMALL GROUP

My small, friendly fully escorted women only tours, are about a fifth of the size of most tour groups. This is travel for women at its best. You are able to see, do and experience things that large tour groups would never be able to do .

PERSONALISED SERVICE

My tours are created exclusively for women, you travel with a maximum of 10 travellers ( plus one or two escorts ), this assures that your needs and questions can be addressed, this is you wonderful holiday and I will do my best to support you to make it a memorable experience.

PRIVATE TOURING AND TRANSFERS

Relax as you travel, your tour includes being picked up from all of our fights and all of our touring with private vans and drivers. 

During my tours I use smaller hotels, right n the heart of where we want to be, so there is no travelling in and out each day. This gives us the freedom and opportunity to really experience a place, to be able to watch the ever changing moods of an area, as the day progresses into night. Larger tour groups, because of their size ( often between 40 - 50 people ), often stay in larger characterless hotels, which require them to travel in and out of their destination each day.

PRE PURCHASED TICKETS

Zip past the queues !! On you tour ( where possible ), all tickets are pre -purchased, no waiting in long lines to visit sights and attractions. 

Being a small group tour, gives us the opportunity to eat in smaller local eateries, experiencing the joy that can bring, rather than large characterless smorgasbords meals, that all start to look the same after a while. Breakfast is included in all my women's travel, tours.

SIGHTSEEING

Whilst we have a daily itinerary as we travel, on my tours there is time for us to be flexible within the itinerary. 

CONTACT US 

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Call us: (910) 742-5324

Sisterhood Travels - Travel Groups for women

If not now, then when, solo trips for women with the sisterhood is your opportunity to travel the world with like-minded females..

Need a Roommate?

We can match you with one of your new Sisters!

Need Help with Airfare?

We can do that for you. We’re happy to help!

Need a Passport?

Here’s all the information you need to get started!

Who are our Sisters?

Well, we’re you! We value old friendships but love making new ones. We’re intellectually curious and love a unique adventure to parts unknown. We might be single, divorced, widowed, or simply have a partner who doesn’t want to travel. Most of all, we’re kind, compassionate women who look forward to cultural immersion, exclusive adventures, lots of laughs , and the magic of Sisterhood.

We at Sisterhood Travels would LOVE to have you join us on any of our incredible, hand-curated tours specifically designed for solo female travel. No ho-hum cookie-cutter trips for our Sisters! With Sisterhood Travels, you’re part of exclusive women-only travel groups, ensuring you’re never alone…unless you prefer little independence from time to time. 85% of our Sisters travel solo in our exclusive groups, many of whom ask us to match them to a roommate!

Be sure to subscribe to our mailing list so that we can keep you posted on what women’s tours we have coming up.

If you’d like to get to know our Sisters, join our Sisterhood Travels private group on Facebook ! You’ll find lots of great information and camaraderie about our group travel for women!

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Wonders of morocco, explore new zealand, thoroughbreds, traditions & trails, turquoise trails through turkey, hong kong & bali, san antonio, sharing is caring.

Our Promise

At Sisterhood Travels, our promise is to be more than a travel company – we are a community committed to enriching every woman’s journey. We embrace diversity with open arms, fostering an inclusive environment where our stories are celebrated. Our dedication to quality, professionalism, and meeting you where you are ensures an unforgettable experience that goes beyond travel. Together, we aim to empower our SIsters by forging lifelong bonds and friendships and embracing their journey with confidence, resilience, and a true sense of Sisterhood.

Benefits of traveling with us

Exclusive experiences, safety and security.

Be the First!!!!

Join our email list and know which women-only trips are coming up next.

Welcome to sisterhood travels.

Sisterhood Travels offers the best solo trips for women. Join our one of our travel groups for women, made up of independent women over 45 year old and have the desire to travel the world with other like-minded women traveling together. We’re an inclusive, diverse bunch, and we hope you’ll join our travel group and see what we’re all about! Feel free to email us at [email protected] or call us at 910-742-5324.

How it All Began

Discover how Stacey Ray, inspired by her late husband Mike, transformed their shared passion for travel into an empowering platform for women across the globe. Having journeyed together through over 80 countries, Stacey & Mike shared an insatiable wanderlust, which continues to inspire the essence of Sisterhood Travel.

SISTERS KNOW BEST

WE MEET AS STRANGERS BUT  LEAVE AS SISTERS!

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EMPOWERING WOMEN TO STOP WAITING ON OTHERS TO SEE THE WORLD

Solo & small group women’s travel.

Sisters Traveling Solo is a travel company dedicated to creating unforgettable experiences and empowering women to explore the world with confidence. Our mission is to create a safe and secure community for solo female travelers. With expertly crafted trips, we offer a unique opportunity for women to explore the world and step outside of their comfort zone. 

At Sisters Traveling Solo, we believe in inspiring women to travel and create memories that will last a lifetime. We provide a platform to discover the world and create meaningful connections with like-minded women. Join us on the journey of a lifetime and explore the world.

SISTERS SUPPORTING WOMEN

We've contributed more than $800,000   in revenue for women-owned businesses in Africa through culturally themed trips.

BUILDING A SISTERHOOD

In three years we've built a Facebook group community of over 100,000 sisters from diverse backgrounds across the globe.

EXPOSING SISTERS TO NEW LAND

To date, we've taken over 500 sisters to more than 25  different countries such as Egypt, Greece and Antarctica.

SUPPORTING BLACK BUSINESSES

We intentionally support other minority owned businesses both domestically and internationally.

EXPLORE BY CONTINENT

EXPLORE AFRICA

EXPLORE ASIA

EXPLORE EUROPE

EXPLORE ANTARCTICA

"I remember reading a post online that discouraged Black women from traveling solo."

This post sparked something in Cole Banks , a Black woman who frequently traveled around the world solo. And with that, Sisters Traveling Solo ™  was born.

Recognitions / Awards

As Featured In

2022 FedEx Champion of Global Entrepreneurship Award 2021 Forbes Next 1,000 List

View our latest trips.

From solo getaways to group trips, we've got a trip that's just right for femaile solo travelers. 

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BUCKET LIST  ADVENTURE

December 2025.

Cross your 7th Continent!

JOIN THE LARGEST SOLO TRAVEL COMMUNITY FOR WOMEN OF COLOR.   

Connect with solo traveling sisters like you who are living their best life on their terms.

COME JOIN THE SISTERHOOD TRAVEL PARTY

Enjoy the perks of sisterhood! Sisters Traveling Solo's main mission is to connect women.  Becoming a member is your first step in becoming apart of our tribe.  

Click below to view all membership perks.

ANNUAL MEETUP - Invitation to our (paid) Membership only semi-annual meetup. Next meetup to take place in 2024. 

DISCOUNTED MERCHANDISE -25% off all branded merchandise. This includes t-shirts, mugs, and more.

Get (1) $100 off trip credit to be used towards any trip taking on or after January 1, 2024) trip payment after the trip deposit has been made.

GOING PLACES!

We haven’t been everywhere but it's on our list.  Check out our latest edition on our top 10 solo friendly destinations.

MEET OUR FOUNDER: COLE BANKS

At Sisters Traveling Solo, we are pioneers in reshaping the landscape of solo travel. Our mission is to inspire, empower, and guide women of color to embrace the transformative power of solo adventures. We believe in breaking down barriers and creating a community where every woman feels confident exploring the world on her terms.

As the driving force behind Sisters Traveling Solo, I am committed to establishing our brand as the undisputed leader in the travel industry. We are not just a travel company; we are a movement, paving the way for a new era of inclusive solo travel experiences. Our innovative approach and unwavering dedication to diversity set us apart as industry leaders.

Sisters Traveling Solo is more than a travel company; it's a community of empowered women shaping the future of solo travel. We curate unique experiences, provide resources for solo travelers, and foster a supportive network that transcends borders. Join us as we redefine the narrative and celebrate the strength, resilience, and beauty of women exploring the world solo. 

WHAT SHE SAID

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JAYES TRAVEL WOMEN

Who run the world girls who travels the world.

Jayes Travel Women tours have been operating since 2010. We want Australian women to have the opportunity to experience the world in a whole new way. We want you to step out of your comfort zone, experience different cultures and meet like-minded women along the journey.

Jayes Travel Women

One of a kind.

Jayes Travel Women (JTW) offers a vast range of long or short tours that suit everyone’s travel dreams! Whether you’re looking for a luxury global tour of multiple countries or a short Australian getaway, JTW caters to all types of travellers and guarantee your trip will be one of a kind!

WHY WOMEN ONLY?

The feedback we receive the most from people looking to come on a Jayes Women tour is generally, “My husband doesn’t want to go there, but I do!” Jayes Travel Women understand it can be hard to travel to different destinations if you don’t have anyone to go with or are nervous about travelling as women only.

Jayes Women takes this stress away by designing fun, fabulous and female-only experiences! Maybe your husband isn’t interested in going on an African safari. Or maybe your family can’t be bothered to take a wellness retreat. Going on a Jayes Travel Women tour will guarantee the people you’re travelling with are just as excited about the tour as you are.

Read about how Jeanette found lifelong friends travelling the world!

Find Out First-Hand How A Jayes Travel Women Tour Can Change Your Outlook On Life!

Jayes Travel Women Blog

On our luxury tours, you’ll be immersed in new cultures and once in a lifetime experiences. JTW tours take you on journeys where you’ll discover new and hidden wonders and deep dive into the local culture of your destination for a truly authentic experience. At the same time, you’ll learn the history behind some of the most visited landmarks across the globe.

Whether you’re a history buff, adventure lover or simply happy to discover new things, JTW luxury tours will have you wishing for more time at each destination!

SHORT GETAWAYS

At Jayes Travel Women, we understand that sometimes all you need is a quick getaway to get you feeling refreshed. Our short getaways range from three, four, five or seven nights duration for domestic or international destinations. From pamper cruises to action-packed shopping trips, walking treks to health and yoga retreats, our short getaways have options for anyone.

They might be quick trips, but we can guarantee you’ll make friends for life on these tours.

SMALL GROUPS ENRICH THE EXPERIENCE

Group numbers on our tours are small, with a maximum of 12, plus tour guides. This means you’re able to have an enriching experience in small, exclusive hotels and amazing restaurants. It also means you have more time to build connections with other people on tour.

TRAVELLING ALONE

We understand that travelling alone can be daunting to a new or seasoned traveller. JTW tours are all about stepping outside of your comfort zone and enjoying new experiences. This is not just about travelling to new destinations. It’s about stepping out of your comfort zone to meet new, like-minded people.

We’re delighted to hear from previous travellers about how grateful they are for the women they met on our tours and how they’ve made lifelong friends.

Take the plunge and make friends for life!

All of our tours come with bonus features including a minimum of two meals per day and return transfers to your door within the Hunter. We also include all tipping, visas and a wonderful long-lunch prior to your tour to meet your fellow travellers. Fully guided tours are designed to give you peace of mind, and we’ve made it easier by picking you up and taking you home to your doorstep.

Upcoming Tours

Our Jayes Travel Women tours are released at the beginning of each year. Keep an eye on our Jayes Travel Women Facebook page or sign up to our newsletter if you’d like to be the first to know! They sell out quickly, so get in early.

UPCOMING TOURS

South australia feb 2022, western australia apr 2022, northern territory july 2022, egypt & jordan coming soon november 2022, usa west coast coming soon may 2023, contact us about travelling with jayes travel women.

We Design Authentic Travel Experiences That Make Your Next Holiday Effortless, Memorable And Unique

Jayes Travel is an award-winning, boutique travel company that has been helping Novocastrians and travellers across NSW make the most of their next adventure.

• 1300 891 100
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• 1/111 Hunter Street, Newcastle NSW 2300

25 hand-picked women-only tours in 2023

We’re all for women-only travel groups and tours, especially those who support women. This is why we are the leading travel company for women travel.

As a for profit company with a social impact mission to empower women through travel , our trips are not just for women, they are also led and focused on women at the destinations we visit. We want to have a positive impact in the travel industry by amplifying the efforts of amazing women.

We employ women, support women-owned businesses and are all for bringing women from all backgrounds together. Magic always happens.

Our guests often come from our Solo Female Travelers community on Facebook which counts more than 272,000 members. Sometimes they like to travel solo independently and other times they prefer to come on a women only tour to meet others or access harder to reach or more expensive destinations.

We’re convinced traveling solo in a group has many benefits and you should try it at least once in your life. This is where solo female travel packages come in. You leave the planning to the pros in women group travel and enjoy the trip!

In this article, you will find an extensive list of women travel groups and companies offering women only tours or specific departures for women traveling together. This list is always changing and updating so come back again before you book your next trip.

• 1 Solo Female Travelers Tours (Our tours!)
• 2 Surf Getaways
• 3 El Camino
• 4 Woander Tours
• 5 Purposeful Nomad
• 6 WanderTours
• 7 Adventures in Good Company
• 8 The Girls’ Guide to Paris
• 10 WHOA – Women High on Adventure
• 11 Wild Women Expeditions
• 12 The Women’s Travel Group
• 13 AdventureWomen
• 14 Explorer Chick
• 15 Sights and Soul Travel
• 16 Femscape Sojourns
• 17 Fit & Fly
• 18 SmarTours
• 19 Road scholar women
• 20 Other women travel groups to look out for
• 21 Why you should join a women travel group

Solo Female Travelers Tours (Our tours!)

Bucket list experiences and unusual places for life changing connections with local women and fellow travelers, great food & wine, fabulous company, culture, nature, wildlife and so much more! Our trips are designed by women, for women and are led by women.

We offer a range of luxury, personally curated experiences that have all the ingredients of a well-deserved vacation and adventure expeditions to unheard of places.

What makes us unique:

• We support local female owned businesses that make a difference and we amplify their efforts at equality. We believe in the power of putting our money where our mouths are and we aim for 100% female powered tours. Other women-only tour companies hire male guides or support businesses fully staffed by men.
• All our tours are female led , without a local female guide, there is no tour. We are not in it for the money, we want to shape the travel industry and provide more employment opportunities to women. We don’t fly in guides from overseas, we 100% trust our local guides.
• Many of our female travel tours are accompanied by a professional photographer to capture unforgettable moments and candid instants that will stay with you. We want you to be in the moment and not experience a trip through your camera.
• No single supplements: Come solo and we’ll pair you with another traveler.

Our destinations

+Hand picked curated experiences where every moment is special and unique. No buses and ticking off boxes, only meaningful connections and moments that will stay with you. Destinations nobody else goes to. Designed by women, for women and led by women. Photographer onboard several trips. Support women at the destinations.

-Limited available as we do not aim to become a massive tour company and keep our groups to a maximum of 10-14 guests only.

Have a look at the highlight videos of some of our trips:

Surf Getaways

As the name of this women travel company indicates, Surf Getaways is an Australian-based company offering surf holidays in various locations around the world.

Founded by a surf instructor with years of experience teaching at a fixed surf school and a surf lover, the company now offers getaways where both newbies and experienced surfers can enjoy a sports-holiday with lots of vitamin C.

Tours are for all levels and some of them allow non-surfing companions to join too.

+Small group, premium and unique experiences all about surfing with very experienced teachers.

-Trip geared towards surfing and less appealing for non-surfers. Destinations are still very Asia-Pacific focused.

Well-established Condé Nast is the publisher of several popular magazines among which Vogue, GQ and Condé Nast Traveler. They also launched a high-end line of women-only tours called Women Who Travel for women traveling together to appreciate the finer things in life.

These tours have a food and cultural focus and are organized by El Camino , curated by the Condé Nast Editors who also run a podcast on female travel and a large Facebook group.

Almost all tours include lots of evening music and dancing, cooking classes and real exposure to the local culture. There is also a trip photographer to take all those candid shots.

El Camino tours are quite different from the majority of other tour companies. They are bold and immersive in the real sense of the word. They feature artists in all areas, from food to crafts to music, and none of the usual touring. No checklist, no museums, no monuments.

+Small group, premium and unique experiences that are just not easy to find on your own. Installment plan. Lots of food and drinks, music and art. In-house photographer taking shots for you.

-Prices are on the high-end of the scale, in fact these are the most expensive of the trips on this list averaging about $300-$600 per day.

Woander Tours

Woander Tours is a great option for when you want to explore on a guided tour, on your own. They offer self-guided audio tours in cities like Edinburgh and Dublin, and give you the tools you need to explore your destination by yourself, but never alone.

In taking one of these tours, you will connect with your destination through the stories you’ll hear, the places you will see, and the people you will meet along the way.

These tours are carefully created to give you a local, unique and authentic experience; they work with local historians, small business owners, guides and travel bloggers to create the best possible itineraries.

The best part? You are in control of your own experience. They simply guide you to their favourite spots, landmarks and hidden gems at your destination. Each tour comes with a printable PDF-guide with directions as well as the audio.

+Connect with local people and experiences, and support local economies. No need to travel with a group or guide if you want to explore on your own time.

-There are limited destinations right now, so we look forward to more guides being released soon. Make sure you remain conscious of your surroundings with headphones in.

Purposeful Nomad

Purposeful Nomad focuses on what the name indicates, making sure that their trips have a positive impact, as they say “responsible, rewarding, safe, sustainable and ethical travel for women, by women”.

Their focus is on women-only, intimate and small group trips that go deeper and do not focus on the main tourist sites but on responsible tourism. Instead, you will learn something new like how to shear an alpaca or cook using traditional methods.

Days are spent at farms, beaches or at local foundations and charities fighting for women’s rights; there are yoga sessions and slow days by the sea. The emphasis of Purposeful Nomad is on slow travel.

+Get exposed to (mostly) women-owned charities and organisations from around the world and relax with lots of free time to simply take it all in. The purpose is to return recharged.

-Experiences tend to shy away from major tourist sites (not bad per se) and may not cover the key tourist attractions. Prices are on the high side.

WanderTours

Started, and almost always led, by Beth in 2008 as a means for her to take other women on some of the places she loves, WanderTours offers a small list of tours for women only (with some exceptions) that feel more like a group of friends getting together than a group tour company.

Beth encourages future guests to friend her on Facebook and get to know her better to decide if they would enjoy going on a trip.

She also hosts the She’s Bold Podcast , in which she shares stories of extraordinary women who inspire in many areas like travel, music, fitness, and more.

+The only women’s adventure travel company that organizes trips to Papua New Guinea giving you a unique opportunity (if pricey). Cozy and friendly, as if you were traveling with a friend.

-On the pricey side but this also includes a portion of the cost devoted to a local charity that usually works with women or children. Group tours are a bit larger than others (up to 16 guests).

Adventures in Good Company

Founded in 1999 by Marian Marbury, Adventures in Good Company focuses on adventure travel for women with emphasis on women of all ages.

Their trips have an outdoor focus and involve various level of activity depending on your choice. There is hiking across Greenland or the villages of Cinque Terre, kayaking in the sea, exploration in the Amazon or multi-sport trips with a bit of everything. Birders can marvel at Guyana and seafarers can sail in Turkey.

Because of the focus on nature, Adventures in Good Company has a strong responsible tourism charter and follows the leave no trace principles. Traveling slowly and being a fully remote team also helps contribute to sustainable travel.

In 2020 Kelly Kimple assumed ownership of the company, bringing fresh energy and a commitment to the vision and philosophy of guiding on which Adventures in Good Company was founded.

+A true outdoor tour company giving you the unique chance to explore the world on foot. Long years of experience. Wide portfolio of trips in the US. Clear audience of older women.

-The website feels a bit 2000s and is clunky and time consuming to navigate and filter due to the amount of trips (calendar view works best). Very US-focused in audience.

The Girls’ Guide to Paris

Founded by Doni, an American living in France, primarily with a focus on the country, The Girls’ Guide to Paris now offers 50+ different trips to destinations around the world with a touch of luxury, a welcome glass of champagne and a default no sharing policy.

You will find holidays ideal for mature women like wine trips, writing retreats, artist-themed itineraries and a wide range of destinations and curated trips to satisfy any craving. All solo travel female packages are mid to high end and prices are offered per room, but you can get a discount if you book with a friend.

Special SFT perk: Mention you heard about them from us and you will receive $100 OFF from any booking.

+Very strong culture, food & wine focus with a long tradition and track record delivering fabulous experiences for mature women.

-Trips are on the expensive side since the positioning is high end. No option for pairing guests to save on accommodation.

Damesly goes beyond typical group tours and focuses on travel, writing and photography workshops and trips of self-discovery where there are elements of coaching, mentorship and business brought together to help you find clarity or direction.

The company is the travel arm of Go Girl Guides and Women’s Travel Fest and has a strong bond in the creative community appealing to women who may work in the field, although open to everyone.

Trips are mid to high end and have a focus on culture and beautiful sites. Destinations are photogenic and perfect for those who love to photograph.

+Like-minded creative community of women with similar passion means you will be among your own. Workshop trips have a skill-building element. Reasonably priced for the mid-high end range of accommodations.

-Prices are on the high side. Guides are most likely foreign and not local. While guests are female, the businesses supported are often not.

WHOA – Women High on Adventure

WHOA is a boutique adventure-focused women travel company founded by Allison and Danielle in 2013 to offer active holidays such as hiking to Everest Base Camp or Kilimanjaro with a sustainable and responsible twist.

Their trips put travelers in touch with local women to facilitate cultural interaction and they are all about empowerment. The company works with small local female-owned businesses instead of bigger ones.

WHOA is all about inclusion and has even launched trips for plus sized women. As they put it “WHOA women find comfort in the uncomfortable. We bask in the sun and dirt. Never afraid to break a nail, a sweat or a stereotype. Adventure is an outlook and it’s how we choose to live.”

There are two types of trips on offer, adventures and expeditions and WHOA can also organise your own private group trip. The majority of the trips have a maximum of 12 to 18 participants.

+Fun and unapologetic with a strong responsible and sustainable tourism focus and women empowerment.

– Small tour company so limited list of tours and all very hardcore active (except for the Oktoberfest which may be tougher on the liver than the legs!). Some trips can be quite large (18 pax for Kilimanjaro). Although guests are female, guides aren’t always female or local.

Wild Women Expeditions

Wild Women Expeditions has been around for over 30 years and focuses on adventure and active trips for women of all ages.

They have wide portfolio of trips to many countries in the world all under the same active common denominator. They also have yoga retreats and safari expeditions.

As they put it “We encourage you to let go and get wild! We value freedom of expression and want to give you the space to maybe see yourself in a new light, outside of your regular responsibilities and everyday roles.”

Wild Women Expeditions also organises private trips for groups and has a couple of trips for teenage girls.

The company focuses on being in the moment so all trips start with a discussion on photography and videography and recommends guests to be in the moment and void constant social media updates. Likewise, they encourage participants not to bring drones.

+Experienced women’s tour company. Wide portfolio with several departures for some of the trips means it is easier to find the right one for you. 7-day risk free cancellation policy and the ability to pay in instalments.

-Slow and clunky website that makes it hard and time-consuming to search and compare. If you are someone who likes to document everything or take lots of photography and videography you may find the trip philosophy to be against it.

The Women’s Travel Group

The Women’s Travel Group was established in 1992 and has a portfolio of women trips that usually include more than one country and cater to an older demographic interested in having a more in-depth conversation about the culture, the politics and the history of a place. As its President, Phyllis Stoller, put it to us, “Our guides are for smart women who bring complicated questions.”

You will find some of the popular destinations as well as more unusual ones like Albania, Georgia or Madagascar.

Accommodation tends to be on the higher end and meals better than average. Emphasis is on culture and food and the itinerary is closed. No shopping stops and no free time. Prices are mostly all inclusive and there are no surprises or hidden costs.

Phyllis continues, “We often have a speaker who talks about the dark side of a country. For example, a human rights worker in Chile under Pinochet; an economic development expert in Albania; a Fistula Doctor in Ethiopia. We like controversy to get the group to talk.”

+More in-depth conversation to truly get under the skin of a place, unique to The Women’s Travel Group. No extras that aren’t included. Packed itinerary gets a lot in.

-Closed itinerary means you need to love the whole (or you can skip some parts). The website is a bit clunky; Information is hard to locate and compare so it might be best to reach out to them directly for the trips you are interested in.

AdventureWomen

Founded in 1982, AdventureWomen runs one of the oldest female travel group trips with a focus on adventure travel for women over the age of 35 who want to step outside of their comfort zone and challenge themselves.

The company was purchased by the current owner Judi Wineland and her two daughters in 2016, and today runs trips to 65 countries. As the company says, they are not a travel company but a relationship one.

In an interview Wineland says, “We’re kind of a tribe of sorts, seeking other like-minded spirits to share our adventures with. So, if you want to make travel experiences really transformational  for  women, it’s probably best if women are driving the ship.”

AdventureWomen has one of the widest portfolios of destinations and a strong and well-established track-record with a guide-ambassador combo per trip, surveys and research into female travel and lots more.

Like most other women travel groups in this list the company is female-owned and works with female-owned businesses. AdventureWomen also organizes private trips for your female group.

+Company with long experience in the industry. Huge array of destinations and a focus on community and relationship.

-Prices are very high for some of the trips considering they are for shared accommodations. Age restriction is both a plus and a minus and you should expect a higher age representation.

Explorer Chick

Explorer Chick is another a female adventure travel company for women traveling together to conquer new heights, and we mean that literally as well as figuratively.

They shy away from luxury and premium tours and instead focus on getting you back in nature and staying in the purest accommodations; tents, yurts and huts.

As they say “We promise hysterical laughing, unladylike behavior, strings of cuss words, and happy exhaustive fatigue on all of our adventures”. Or, as the founder puts it, “we would do cool shit in cool places with cool chicks!”

I think you get the gist of the company’s philosohy!

Besides organizing women only adventure tours, Explorer Chick also offer day trips and long weekend getaways within the US which consist of adventures and hiking trips across the country. They can also organize private departures for any of their advertised tours where men are welcome to join.

+Strong focus on having fun and little tolerance for moaners and complainers who will be removed from the trips.

-Shorter trips are on the expensive side. Dietary needs may not be catered for (in which case you may have to bring your own food). No instalment plans.

Sights and Soul Travel

Sights and Soul Travel is a women travel package company that specializes in high-end women travel tours which include premium experiences and activities, wine and food and upscale hotels and hit the traditional tourist sites.

Expect wine tasting, spas, wellness elements and fine dining built into a more traditional and cultural trip.

Tours have a lot of activities and a packed itinerary so you will get to cover a lot. Because of the type of trip, they are appealing to mother-daughter getaways and the company states that their average guest is above the age of 55.

+Huge array of destinations with a more traditional travel style: buses, cities and main sites. Most of the trips are almost all inclusive.

-The itineraries are packed which can be a Pro and a Con. Prices are on the high-end for a shared accommodation. Groups can be a bit larger than other companies (up to 16 guests)

Femscape Sojourns

Femscape Sojourns was founded in 2018 and is a boutique mother-daughter small group travel company that organizes trips based on the traveler’s age. There are trips for women in their 20s and 30s and for women over 40. The company also has specific mother-daughter trips.

Founded by Tami and Latifah, Femscape Sojourns wants to empower women in the places they visit so they work and support local women-owned businesses. The idea is that travelers preferences change with age and that is why trips are tailored to various age groups.

In keeping with that, the mother-daughter duo escort the group in their age range.

+Small groups of 6-12 women. Unique mother-daughter trips for bonding. Cozy and personalised, hosted by the owners. Some trips have a free day you can customise.

-As the company is relatively new, the range of trips is very limited to Barcelona and Morocco.

Fit & Fly

Fit & Fly takes the idea of a fitness and wellness retreat to the next level with premium & luxury accommodation, local exploration and world class instructors.

Guests start the day with a fitness class and some evenings end with yoga, but the rest of the day is spent exploring the destination. Fitness is at the core of the trips.

+Premium accommodations and renowned fitness instructors flown in for the occasion.

-Very high price, especially for the single rooms. Limited options for solo travelers to share with other as many rooms are for single use or friends booking together.

SmarTours is a US company that specializes in creating exciting international tours at accessible prices. The company focuses and responsible and sustainable travel with groups an average of 23 guests.

SmarTours has an exclusive section of women-only tours, aimed at mature women who want to have a once in a lifetime experience. They inspire and empower women to travel and offer many immersive female-focused experiences in their trips.

Some of their top women-only tour destinations are Jordan, Egypt and Turkey. A few of their amazing female-focused experiences are: a modern Egyptian women lecture and connecting with Jordanian local women.

They also have a FB group where women can find a roommate or connect with fellow female guests before their trip.

+Immersing international trips at very affordable prices. Some trips have no single supplements at all. Exotic and fascinating destinations with mature women-focused experiences.

-Limited destinations for their women-only tours. Limited single room options. There is a single supplement in the majority of the tours. Large groups of up to 23 guests to keep costs down.

Road scholar women

Road scholar is known for its educational trips that are intensely focused on culture, learning and getting deep into the history of a place through lectures and sessions on various topics.

Besides their general trips that are open to anyone, the Road Scholar Women trips are exclusively for women. Some of their itineraries are exclusively women-only and designed with women in mind, whereas others are just women-only departures with the same general program.

+In-depth cultural and historical understanding with lectures led by specialists and experts on various cultural aspects of the country.

-Limited destinations for their women-only tours. Very large groups of 13 to 24 guests means the experience is different than that of a smaller group tour company.

Other women travel groups to look out for

Besides the above women’s tours there are a few other tours for women worth mentioning, as follows:

• Dare to detour offers retreats in the US that are more about self-discovery and taking a break from your daily life to pause, re-frame, rethink, and perhaps find yourself and your path again.
• Women traveling together offer solo traveler tours for women in the US. Trips are usually 6-7 days long and mostly culturally-focused.
• Living Big Travel is not an exclusive women travel group company but rather a custom-tour company that organizes trips for solo travelers so you can reach out to them if you wish to go on an adventure on your own.
• She Hit Refresh is a community which also organizes retreats in Spain and Morocco for women over the age of 30 who want to make a big change and pursue a life of travel. As the founder puts it “[the retreats are] a magical week of exploration, introspection, and inspiration!”
• Adventurous Women is an Australian company who offer tours, day trips, retreats and many memorable experiences throughout Australia. Most of the women who join them come solo and there’s a wide age range. Depending on the kind of adventure you’re into, you can find everything from hiking to water-based trips.
• Diva Destinations is a UK company that specializes in bringing together lesbian & queer women on group holidays. They have group tours in the UK, US, Norway and Portugal.

Why you should join a women travel group

Women want to travel and sometimes, they don’t have the right friend or travel companion to do so. While many choose to travel on their own ( watch our mini-documentary to find out more), many prefer to join a group. Both choices are amazing and rewarding, if you’re still thinking about it, get some inspiration from our solo travel quotes .

Although it sounds like an oxymoron, solo travel tours are a great alternative for inexperienced travelers who prefer the comfort of an organized tour where they can make new friends and gather the courage to go it alone in the future.

Several companies have sprung in recent years to facilitate women traveling together via group trips, hangouts or meet-up groups. Besides our own women only group trips, we also created a sub-group for solo female travelers wanting to swap homes, hangout or host other members of the community in a safe environment.

1 thought on “25 hand-picked women-only tours in 2023”

Hi Abby, thanks for reaching out, we still have available places left on our Sudan tour in January. I have sent you an email from [email protected] with more information about both Sudan and Morocco, and look forward to continue chatting with you 🙂 (If the email doesn’t reach your inbox please check your ‘other’ folders too).

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Home » Blog » 25 hand-picked women-only tours in 2023

Travelling in a group with other women can be a unique experience. Of course, you get all the normal advantages of group travel and tours, such as not having the hassle of planning itineraries etc; but beyond that, travelling with other like-minded women can take group travel to a new level of connections and long-lasting friendships.

Hayley Morris founded Sisterhood Womens Travel in 2005 and she explains why women only travel is gaining popularity. “We provide a supportive, friendly, and encouraging environment where women from all backgrounds turn from strangers to sisters. Although we are based in Melbourne, we can arrange flights from anywhere to join our tours. No age, background, or marital status is excluded – as long as you have a love for adventure, we will help you regain your wings so you can step into a new and confident you!”

Safety and Cost Advantage

Safety is a big factor as we plan travel. Group travel has safety advantages compared to doing the trip solo or even as a twosome. Not only is there safety in numbers, but the group organisers are likely to be very familiar with the different attitudes towards women which vary in different parts of the globe.

In terms of cost, according to Hayley, “Sisterhood Womens Travel offers a willing-to-share option, giving travellers the opportunity to save money and make a new friend in the process. Or, if you’re a first-time traveller and appreciate your space, single rooms are available at an additional cost.”

Itineraries For Women, By Women

There are many things that may interest women more than a mixed group, for instance retail therapy, even if it is in an exotic overseas location. The itineraries for women’s group travel are developed for women, by women. This makes so much more sense when time is limited and you don’t want to spend some of your precious holiday doing activities that you really have little or no interest in.

At a deeper level, somehow women know how to enjoy the journey as much as the destination. They don’t mind long journeys between destinations as it is an opportunity to talk, reflect, and really get to know their fellow travellers in the group.

Conversations will quickly go from just the travel to other areas of life. Group travel is a great way to meet women from other fields of life and learn how they deal with your common challenges and aspirations as women.

Friendships

Making new friends is always a pleasure, and by going on a group travel experience many of us are looking for new friendships and shared experiences.

The new friendships you make are often long-lasting and you may find that your new friends become long-term travel buddies for future travel adventures.

Hayley confirms, “We believe the journey is just as good as the destination, and although we create many tours each year, our passion extends far beyond our hand-crafted itineraries. Since 2005, we have been creating small women-only tours around the world where our focus has been helping you create meaningful relationships through shared experiences.”

“When you join us, you’re more than just a number – you’re a sister. Through your Sisterhood journey, you’ll find a tribe of like-minded women to connect with long after you return home.”

Group Support & Encouragement

Many tourist activities can be adventurous and need a dose of courage to get the full experience. It is great to have a supportive group of other women encouraging you and telling you that “you can do it”. Perhaps you are going white water rafting, or down the Cu Chi tunnels in Vietnam – it would be great to have your cheer leaders there to encourage you and to have your back.

Life Changing

If you open up to the other women in your group the group tour can become a life-changing experience, shifting attitudes, making new friends, getting a new support system, and sharing an exciting experience in an overseas location.

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• Women's Expeditions

Break down the cultural barriers of traditional tourism with our range of all-female adventures.

We believe travel is for everyone. But in some countries, there are things mixed-gender groups just can’t do. What if, as a female traveller in Pakistan, you could head down to a women-only salon, owned by a local woman and run out of her home in a town surrounded by mountains and glaciers? Or you might prefer to learn how to make traditional Indian food at a home-cooking class in Jaipur, a country where in parts women still rarely get the opportunity to work. Relish in powerful moments like heading out on a Morocco tour with M’Goun Valley’s first local female guide.

Our Women’s Expeditions are all about breaking down barriers, fostering discussion and creating immersive local experiences for women that are ordinarily off limits on our regular group departures. They provide local women employment through locally-led experiences, while also supporting women-owned and operated businesses in our supply chain. 

Our range of Women's Expeditions

Morocco: women's expedition, 8 days from 1441.

Join Intrepid on an 8-day female-only adventure in Morocco, hiking through the remote...

Turkey: Women's Expedition

12 days from 4161.

Discover Turkey from a unique perspective on this women-only expedition, travelling...

Jordan: Women's Expedition

8 days from 2979.

On this women-only adventure in Jordan, you’ll explore Petra, one of the Wonders of the...

India: Women's Expedition

12 days from 2170.

Join an all-women group and female leader on an inspiring women’s expedition through...

Pakistan: Women's Expedition

12 days from 4176.

A women’s expedition to Pakistan. Visit Islamabad, drive the Karakoram Highway and...

Nepal: Women's Expedition

13 days from 2405.

Experience the natural beauty and culture of Nepal on a women’s only trip through...

Saudi Arabia: Women's Expedition

12 days from 8795.

Take a women's-only expedition across Saudi Arabia, including Jeddah, Madinah, Alula,...

Tailor-Made trips

Take four or more on an exclusive trip and tailor your itinerary

Create your own Women's Expedition

Got a different destination in mind? If your group are looking for experiences that aren’t open to regular, mixed-gender tour groups, our Tailor-Made team is here to help. Whether it's with your friends, family or social club, we can customise almost every aspect of your perfect adventure.

Enquire with our Tailor-Made team

Why choose Intrepid

Small groups

Our groups are small enough to feel like you’re exploring a destination independently but big enough to create a good social vibe. Our average group size is about 10 women, which we've found is a great number to let you connect with the locals you meet, without feeling like you’re just a face in a crowd. 

Local leaders

The best women to show you the heart of a destination are the ones that live there, which is why we work exclusively with local leaders. On Women's Expeditions, your female leader is not only just a travel expert, but she's also your teacher, travel guru and enthusiastic purveyor of grassroots experiences. 

Real life experiences

What is travel but a search for something that can’t be Googled? We love the highlights, but the real magic for us happens well away from a beaten path. It’s the visit to a women's-only beauty salon or a homecooked feast shared in an Indian woman's home. These are real life experiences you won’t find in a search engine. 

Safety first

As a solo female travelling the world, it's important that you feel safe and comfortable. When you travel with Intrepid, you can rest assured that your safety is our biggest priority – and having the security of a built-in group of new friends and expert local leader means you can relax and enjoy yourself.

Travel solo, together

Got an urge to see the world, but no one to do it with? We provide a ready-made, all-female group and an expert female local leader to help you make the most of your adventure. Plus, you can choose to share a room with a new friend or have your own for a small extra cost.

Sustainable travel

We strive to use travel as a force for good. That’s why we choose to give back to the communities we visit, carbon offset all our trips and take our social and environmental responsibilities seriously. We’re proud to be a certified B Corp.

Hike the Annapurnas with an all-women crew

Enjoy a five-day hike in the stunning Annapurnas, while being completely supported by an all-female crew of leaders, guides, assistants and even porters. It’s not common to find an all-female mountaineering crew anywhere in the world, but it’s particularly rare in Nepal, where employment and empowerment for women is often lacking.

Learn about life for women in Pakistan's Hunza Valley

Join a local female leader as she takes you on a unique journey to Northern Pakistan's Hunza Valley. Visit a carpet-weaving centre run by local women, and then take advantage of an opportunity to be pampered at a one-of-a-kind salon, owned and operated by a local woman at her home.

Take a unique sunrise tour of Jaipur

Take an early morning tour of Jaipur in pink e-rickshaws driven by local female guides who are able to become equity partners in the business. Explore Govind Devji Temple, the wholesale flower market, the Palace of the Winds, Albert Hall and stop at a local chaiwallah for an early morning brew. 

Live the Bedouin life in Wadi Rum

On this Jordan expedition, meet the Bedouin women of Wadi Rum, who are usually reluctant to meet with visitors. Learn what it's like to be a woman in Bedouin culture and experience the ancient art of Henna as your female hosts share their traditional skills and designs that represent good health and prosperity.

Hike the M'Goun Valley

Hike between villages in the untouched backcountry of the M'Goun Valley accompanied by an incredible local guide and your female expedition leader. Admire the beautiful scenery and experience a new part of Amazigh culture in each village, from learning about local agriculture to making the perfect couscous, listening to music and folk tales, and more. 

Intrepid women

Our mission for gender equality

We're empowering women across our business, on our trips and through our work with our not-for-profit, The Intrepid Foundation.

Meet our female local leaders

Our female leaders hope to inspire and empower other local women to follow in their footsteps and chase their dreams. 

Why is Intrepid Travel operating these female-only expeditions?

Cultural and religious factors mean that local interaction in some countries can be challenging and complex for mixed gender groups. While we endeavour to offer interaction with locals and real life experiences wherever possible, in some cases like the male-operated desert camps we stay at in Jordan, it’s not socially acceptable for men to be alone with our female travellers, so the opportunities for interaction are limited. By the same token, most opportunities our group tours have to spend time with local women is in the presence of men in a controlled environment. We see these trips as an exciting opportunity for female travellers go behind closed doors and learn about customs, food, challenges and the lives of other women across the globe.

How are these trips different to other Intrepid Travel adventures?

These are certainly off-track trips, but what sets them apart is cultural, not geographical. In traditionally conservative countries or places where women are not viewed as equal, certain traditions and customs can make genuine cultural interaction difficult. Travelling in an all-female group means women can connect more directly with each other, and travellers can learn more about women and their day-to-day lives. What these trips are  not  about is replicating run-of-the-mill itineraries for women-only ‘girls clubs’ which fuel gender stereotypes and exclusivity.

Will you be adding more countries to your Women's Expeditions in the future?

We chose these destinations because there are a lot of cultural and religious factors that make these countries more complex and therefore the benefit of local interaction is greater. It’s also about the laws in these parts and what is and isn’t acceptable. We’re hoping we can expand our range of female-only trips to even more destinations in the future.

Are men allowed on these expeditions?

We would love to open up these real-life experiences to all of our travellers, but in order to operate in a socially responsible and culturally sensitive manner this is simply not possible – at least not yet. So rather than excluding everyone from this opportunity, we’ve created a range of special departures for our female travellers.

Can you organise a private departure?

Private departures of our female-only trips are definitely possible. Feel free to get in touch with [email protected] and let us know what you’re after, and we’ll to our best to accommodate your needs.

What if I identify as transgender or non-binary?

Everyone should feel comfortable when they travel with Intrepid and we know that many of our travellers are part of the LGBTQI community. It’s important for our travellers to be aware of the local laws and customs in the destinations we visit as some countries have laws that discriminate against LGBTQI people. We recommend you visit Equaldex and/or Smartraveller before you choose your trip for up-to-date advice and information about LGBTQI-related laws. If you have any specific concerns or questions about some of the activities on these trips please contact our bookings team for more information.

If you are a solo traveller booking on a twin share basis you will be paired with another traveller of the same gender as per your passport information. If you have concerns with this arrangement please let us know at the time of booking.

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