Our Journeys || Distant Horizons

Bhutan: Walks and Festivals in the Land of the Thunder Dragon

18 September - 3 October, 2023

Isolated by formidable mountain barriers, the tiny kingdom of Bhutan is a beautiful land of strange legends, ancient monastery fortresses and a strong cultural identity. This series of walks in Bhutan will take in many of the major and minor sites. The journey is open to the Alumni of Oxford and Cambridge Universities and their friends and family.

Trip Leader: Mrs Zara Fleming

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Japan’s Hidden Garden Gems

24 September - 8 October, 2023

Travel with Japanese garden expert Hannah Gardner on this far-reaching, two-week itinerary and discover some of Japan’s most compelling gardens and landscapes. This unique journey has been designed by Hannah Gardner for the readers of Gardens Illustrated magazine.

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Along the Golden Road from Samarkand: A Journey through Central Asia

3 - 17 October, 2023

Few landmarks have tantalised the minds of poets, artists and historians more than the legendary cities of Central Asia. The journey through Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan is open to Members of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Association and Alumni of Oxford and Cambridge Universities and their friends and families.

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The Colours of Romance and Heroism in the Palaces and Paintings of Rajasthan

23 October - 5 November, 2023

Rajasthan is a place of exotic enchantment and of great natural beauty. On this unique itinerary enjoy unparalleled access to some of the region’s great private art collections. This journey is open the Alumni of SOAS Specialist Art Courses.

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El Greco and Goya in Milan

28 November - 02 December, 2023

This visit, especially planned by Nirvana Romell, will focus on two highly anticipated exhibitions, featuring the works of the great Spanish Renaissance masters, Francisco Goya and El Greco. The trip is being planned for the Friends of the Whitworth Art Gallery.

Trip Leader: Mrs Nirvana Romell

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‘Along the Golden Road from Samarkand. A Journey through Central Asia’

5 - 19 April 2024

Few landmarks have tantalised the minds of poets, artists and historians more than the legendary cities of Central Asia. The journey through Uzbekistan is open to the Members of the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office Association, the Alumni of Cambridge and Oxford Universities and their friends and family.

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Walks in the Forbidden Kingdom of Mustang

12 August - 28 August, 2024

Locked away, on the edge of the Tibetan plateau, lies the secret, ancient kingdom of Mustang. Enjoy a number of spectacular walks on an endless sea of mountains and discovera world that lives in another time, a world of silence, shadows and spirits. The journey has been organised for the Alumni of Cambridge University but is also open to the Alumni of Oxford University and friends and family.

Trip Leader: Professor Charles Ramble

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Crossing the Ancient Silk Road: Central Asia and China

15 August - 2 September, 2024

The term Silk Road is a modern one, it was of course not a single route but a vast network of roads stretching from Xi’an to the Eastern Mediterranean, linking India, Europe and the Far East. The journey is open to the Alumni of Oxford and Cambridge Universities and their family and friends.

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Exploring Romania: Walks in the Enchanted Land

4 - 14 September 2024

Through a series of walks, discover one of Europe’s most beautiful countries with its dazzling collections of cultural and artistic treasures, signs of a medieval past long since lost elsewhere. The journey is open to the Alumni of Oxford and Cambridge Universities and their family and friends.

Trip Leader: Dr Alex Koller

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Bhutan: Walks and Festivals in the Land of the Thunder Dragon

7 - 22 September, 2024

Isolated by formidable mountain barriers, the tiny kingdom of Bhutan is a beautiful land of strange legends, ancient monastery fortresses and a strong cultural identity. This series of walks in Bhutan will take in many of the major and minor sites.

Trip Leader: Mrs Zara Fleming

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The Balkans Crossroads – Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina

13 - 23 September, 2024

These two countries are the among the least explored areas of Europe, dense with complex history, where the ancient traditions, cuisine and folklore are still part of the everyday life. The journey has been organised for the Alumni of Cambridge University but is also open to the Alumni of Oxford University and their friends and family.

Trip Leader: Mrs Nirvana Romell

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‘Japan: A Cultural Odyssey. The Past, Present and Future’

23 September - 7 October 2024

Examine the fascinating art, culture and history of Japan, from its beginnings during the Nara period, through the rise and fall of the Shoguns into an era of modernisation and economic power. The journey has been organised for the Alumni of Cambridge University and is also open the Alumni of Oxford University and family and friends.

Trip Leader: Professor Jay Lewis

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The Splendours of South India and Sri Lanka

7 - 23 November, 2024

Discover the diverse and fascinating cultures of Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka in South India and explore the serene and splendid island of Sri Lanka with its .its ruined cities, magnificent palaces and wonderful gardens. The journey has been organised for the Alumni of Cambridge University but is also open to the Alumni of Oxford University and family and friends.

Trip Leader: Professor Julius Lipner

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Exploring Indochina: A Journey through Vietnam and Cambodia

10 January - 27 January, 2025

Vietnam and Cambodia share rich cultural tapestries, spectacular landscapes, delicious cuisine and some of Asia’s most wonderful art and architecture. This journey has been specially planned for the Alumni of Cambridge University but is also open to the Alumni of Oxford University and their family and friends.

Trip Leader: Ms Miranda Bruce-Mitford

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