Celebrating it as its most successful launch to date in terms of speed to book and number of bookings, community tourism pioneer, G Adventures, is boosting the offering of its new collection of Geluxe premium active adventures. Designed to have both community and comfort at their core, the 17 new trips in 10 countries bring the total number of Geluxe adventures available to book to 45 itineraries across 26 different countries.
The Geluxe Collection focuses on being physically active in the great outdoors and features one-of-a-kind accommodations and elevated dining experiences incorporating the flavor of a destination. Like all G Adventures trips, it retains its focus on community and culture, unlike any other program of trips currently on the market.
The new locations have been selected to provide these special kinds of experiences travelers are seeking in an elevated manner. The new destinations being announced are Argentina / Chile (Patagonia), Ecuador (Galapagos), Iceland, Ireland, India, Kenya, Portugal, Spain, Tanzania and Turkey, with departures available from October 2024. The maximum group size is 16, with an average of 10-12 people per departure.
Yves Marceau, VP of product for G Adventures, says the new collection of Geluxe trips is hitting a sweet spot for travelers looking to be both active and comfortable while enjoying local experiences in the communities they visit along the way.
“The travelers who are booking these trips are slightly older than our usual demographic, with the majority of travelers being aged above 40. It’s especially appealing to female travelers, a high proportion of whom are traveling solo, showing us there was a niche in the market that wasn’t being fulfilled. We’re also seeing a lot of couples looking to connect with other like-minded travelers. We’re delighted to be able to provide even more Geluxe options around the world, and at the same time give back to more local people and communities with this new style of travel.
“We’ve taken a lot of care with this collection, curating every experience in a way that balances activity and cultural immersion. Meals reflect the history and tell the story of the place and its people, with accommodations unique to the location. Travelers will come away feeling personally rejuvenated and connected to the world around them,” says Marceau.
Highlights on each Geluxe trip include at least one “Your OMG Stay” and one “Your OMG Day” on every trip.
“Your OMG Stay” is a stand-out style of accommodation selected for its impressive history, design, or surrounding experiences. These include stone cottages at Narsingh Bagh in Dholpur, India, a stay at Il Ngwesi, Nanyukia – a Maasai community-owned and operated lodge in Kenya, the Exedra Hotel in Cappadocia, Turkey, which is set amongst ancient caves, and the Luxé Hotel, Guatapé in Colombia with its sweeping views over the Guatapé reservoir.
“Your OMG Day” gives travelers the opportunity to personalize one of their days by picking between two different travel experiences on each trip. Examples include a yoga class on an organic farm in Pushkar, India, a river cruise with port tasting experience in Porto, Portugal, the opportunity to explore the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia in Turkey by e-bike, and a half-day spent horseback riding to scenic viewpoints in Los Glaciares National Park, Patagonia.
The Geluxe Collection was first announced in November 2023 with trips to Botswana, Cambodia, Costa Rica, Egypt, Greece, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Mexico, Morocco, Nepal, Peru, South Africa, Thailand, Vietnam and Zimbabwe. Departures for these trips start in May 2024
Example new trips in The Geluxe Collection that are available to book now include:
- Kenya: Cultural Connections, Mt Kenya & the Maasai Mara – From the majesty of seeing the migration of some of Earth’s most incredible creatures, to the magic of being immersed into the bush of the Maasai Mara, this adventure goes well beyond that. Staying at a Maasai-owned and operated lodge brings travelers straight into authentic Maasai life with hosts who’ve expertly crafted the experience. This welcome to Kenya sets the stage for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, full of animals, heart-pounding moments, and a profound and enduring connection to the country’s gracious people.
- Portugal: Coastal Walks, Vineyards & Villages of the Douro Valley – Walk Portugal’s coastline with its rocky cliffs and sweeping views of the Atlantic. Continuing inland, discover medieval villages and picturesque countryside that are best appreciated on foot, walking alongside fig and olive trees and seeing castles in the distance, and follow trails next to vineyards in the Douro Valley, stopping to savor the wine and delicious regional food before capping off the adventure in Porto.
- Northern India: Riverside Safaris, Ancient Fortresses & the Taj Mahal – Explore, hike, and cycle through India on this 15-day odyssey, wandering the bustling streets of Delhi and exploring Agra and Pushkar with their bold forts and ancient temples. Ranthambore National Park, a real-life fairy tale land, invites travelers to discover elephants roaming freely, peacocks putting on dazzling dance moves, and maybe even a tiger or two.
- Turkey: Istanbul, Cappadocia & Walking the Turquoise Coast – Be whisked into the past with the sights and smells of Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar, and experience the city’s rich history and traditions showcased by iconic landmarks such as the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. Moving inland, explore the dramatic rock formations and underground cities of Cappadocia on foot or by bicycle. Next, visit Ephesus and Pinare before heading to Turkey’s stunning Turquoise Coast for hikes along the Lycian Way and a boat ride to see cliff-side rock tombs along the Dalyan River.
