From the first step into Kathmandu’s buzzing streets to the final mountain panoramas above Pokhara, this 15-day Annapurna Circuit journey is a full-throttle Himalayan epic—ancient villages, deep river valleys, and big, breath-stealing altitude. After a warm welcome and orientation in Kathmandu, you push north on a dramatic drive into the Marsyangdi Valley, then trek day by day through pine forests and stone hamlets toward the high country: Chame, Upper Pisang, and on to Manang, where you acclimatize with day hikes to glaciers, monasteries, and jaw-dropping viewpoints.
Then comes the main event: the climb to Thorong La High Camp and the dawn crossing of Thorong La Pass (5,416 m) —one of the world’s legendary high trekking passes—an earned summit moment that’s equal parts grit and glory. You descend into the windswept landscapes of Mustang to reach sacred Muktinath, explore its temples and water spouts, and continue on to Jomsom, where the scenery turns stark, cinematic, and unforgettable. The adventure doesn’t stop when the trekking ends: you roll by jeep and road to lakeside Pokhara for waterfalls, caves, mountain-view stupas, and cultural encounters, before closing with Kathmandu Valley’s iconic spiritual sites—Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, Swayambhunath, and Patan Durbar Square—an ending worthy of the journey.
Experience Iceland at its most dramatic—where waterfalls thunder into mossy canyons, black-sand beaches stretch to the horizon, and glaciers glow blue beneath winter skies. This adventure begins in Reykjavík, a colorful capital packed with Nordic design, cozy cafés, and waterfront landmarks like Harpa and the Sun Voyager—plus skyline views from the tower of Hallgrímskirkja.
From there, head into the legendary Golden Circle to see roaring Gullfoss, the steaming earth of Geysir, and the rift valley at Þingvellir where continents pull apart. Soak and unwind in geothermal warmth, then chase the South Coast’s greatest hits: Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, windswept cliffs and sea stacks, and the otherworldly black sands of Reynisfjara near Vík. The grand finale is the glacier lagoon Jökulsárlón, where icebergs drift toward the ocean and sparkle on Diamond Beach —a true “only in Iceland” moment.
With private transport, a guided flow, and flexible stops for photos and hidden gems, this trip blends iconic sights with the kind of raw, cinematic scenery that feels like another planet.
Trip highlights: Reykjavík • Hallgrímskirkja • Harpa • Sun Voyager • Þingvellir National Park • Geysir • Gullfoss • Sky Lagoon • Seljalandsfoss • Skógafoss • Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach • Vík • Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon • Diamond Beach
Set sail on a Saturday-to-Saturday catamaran cruise from Salerno, tracing the most iconic corners of Southern Italy—cliffside villages, hidden coves, and legendary islands. Your week begins with the postcard-perfect glamour of Positano, then shifts to the colorful calm of Procida and the lush volcanic landscapes of Ischia. Enjoy time in Sorrento and the unmistakable drama of Capri, before a final coastal crescendo: a swim stop at Capo Conca Bay and a memorable evening in Amalfi —then back to Salerno to complete your sailing loop.
After one unforgettable week on the water, step ashore for a guided visit to Pompeii, before continuing north for Italy’s greatest hits— Rome, Florence, and Venice —blending ancient history, Renaissance art, and lagoon charm into one seamless journey.
Trip highlights: Naples • Salerno • Positano • Procida • Ischia • Sorrento • Capri • Capo Conca Bay • Amalfi • Pompeii • Rome • The Vatican • Florence • Venice
Sailing format: Saturday check-in → Saturday check-out (Salerno round-trip)
Mainland format:
Private bus transport or train for transfers
Begin your journey in Tokyo, where neon skylines and quiet shrines coexist in perfect balance. Settle in with guided city walks and unforgettable food experiences—from the lively lanes of Tsukiji Outer Market to the historic streets of Asakusa and the forested calm of Meiji Jingu. Then escape the city for two of Japan’s greatest day trips: the sacred mountain scenery of Nikkō —home to ornate shrines and dramatic waterfalls—and the postcard views of Mount Fuji, with lakeside panoramas and traditional countryside villages.
Next, ride the rails to Kyoto, Japan’s cultural heart, where lantern-lit evenings in Gion and temple-filled days bring the country’s traditions into focus. Step back even further in time on a day trip to Nara, visiting iconic shrines and the monumental Tōdai-ji Great Buddha, before continuing on to Osaka for a livelier, flavor-forward finish—retro neighborhoods, energetic street scenes, and market culture that shows why the city is considered Japan’s kitchen.
To close the journey, travel to Hiroshima for a powerful and unforgettable finale: the moving landscapes of Peace Memorial Park and Museum, paired with the coastal beauty of Miyajima Island and its iconic “floating” torii gate at Itsukushima Shrine —a perfect blend of reflection and wonder before returning home.
Trip highlights: Tokyo • Tsukiji Outer Market • Asakusa & Sensō-ji • Meiji Jingu • Nikkō • Tōshō-gū Shrine • Kegon Falls • Mount Fuji • Lake Kawaguchi • Kyoto • Gion • Fushimi Inari • Kinkaku-ji • Kiyomizu-dera • Nara • Tōdai-ji • Osaka • Kuromon Market • Osaka Castle • Hiroshima • Peace Memorial Park & Museum • Miyajima • Itsukushima Shrine
Travel format: Private transfers for touring days + high-speed rail between cities (Tokyo → Kyoto → Osaka → Hiroshima), then return transfer for departure
Nepal: Everest Base Camp Trek
Join McLellan Adventure Travel for an unforgettable Everest Base Camp experience designed for the best of the Himalayas—big mountain scenery, classic Sherpa villages, and the satisfaction of reaching the foot of the world’s highest peak. To reduce the risk of weather delays in Lukla, round-trip flights between Kathmandu and Lukla are included, adding flexibility and a spectacular start and finish to the adventure.
The journey begins in Kathmandu with an arrival transfer, trip orientation, and welcome dinner. From Lukla, you’ll trek the legendary Khumbu route through Phakding, Namche Bazaar (with acclimatization time), Tengboche, Dingboche(with acclimatization time), Lobuche, and onward to Everest Base Camp, surrounded by dramatic Himalayan views. After reaching base camp, you’ll hike Kala Patthar for sunrise panoramas, then descend back through the Khumbu Valley, return to Lukla, and fly back to Kathmandu. The trip wraps with a full Kathmandu sightseeing day visiting major UNESCO World Heritage sites before departure.
This 10-day journey is designed for adults and middle school students traveling together, blending Italy’s greatest hits with kid-friendly pacing and plenty of breathing room each day to truly and relax each place that you visit.
We begin with three nights in Venice, where the group can adjust to travel while discovering a city unlike any other. After a gentle first evening walk through canals and campi, two full days let us really explore: one focused on the classic highlights around St. Mark’s Square and the Grand Canal, and another venturing by boat to the islands of the lagoon, such as Murano and Burano. Students experience history, art, and everyday life up close—without rushing from sight to sight—while adults enjoy iconic views and a deeper understanding of how Venice worked as a maritime republic.
Next, we travel by high-speed train to Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance, for two nights. A compact walking tour introduces the Duomo, medieval squares, and the Arno River, setting the stage for a day focused on art and views. With a local guide, we visit a carefully chosen set of masterpieces (such as Michelangelo’s David or highlights of the Uffizi), then balance museum time with a visit to artisan neighborhoods or a panoramic overlook above the city.
The trip finishes with three nights in Rome, where ancient, Baroque, and modern Italy meet. Our first afternoon walk takes in famous piazzas and fountains—Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, and Piazza Navona—before we dive into the Colosseum and Roman Forum to imagine life in the ancient empire. On our final full day, we explore the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel with a student-friendly focus, then unwind in one of Rome’s large parks, giving everyone time to relax, reflect, and enjoy the city before departure.
This is a true coast-to-coast crossing of Madeira (approximately 70 miles) —starting on the wild northwest shoreline in Porto Moniz, climbing into the island’s green interior and high mountains, then finishing on the east coast in Machico. The route is famous for its constant elevation change: steep stair-like climbs, long descents, ridge views, forested corridors, and occasional narrow/airy trail sections.
To make it achievable (and enjoyable), this itinerary is paced over 6 hiking days with smart staging, a private guide, and vehicle support (including transfers where needed). Your main luggage is moved separately so you hike with only a light daypack.
Experience the best of Greece in a journey that blends ancient history with island serenity. Begin in Athens, exploring iconic landmarks like the Acropolis. Continue to Corinth, Delphi, and the breathtaking monasteries of Meteora. Then set sail on a week-long private catamaran cruise through the Cyclades Islands, visiting Santorini, Mykonos, and quieter gems like Syros, Kea, and Kythnos. Enjoy sunsets, crystal waters, and charming villages on this unforgettable land-and-sea adventure.
Greece with an optional Turkey extension (Tour Leader: Luke McLellan).
This trip is yet another labor of love, especially with so many moving parts to situate logistically. I anticipate this filling very quickly. For the trip to move forward, 15 travelers are required. Once I receive the required number of deposits, an email confirming the trip will be sent out, and the reservations will be locked down.
The general itinerary for this trip involves 5 days on the Greek mainland visiting Athens, Corinth, Delphi, and Meteora (home of the "Hanging Monasteries"... easily, one of the most amazing and historic places I have ever visited) followed by 7 days on catamarans sailing to a number of Greek islands, including Paros and Mykonos. Each catamaran holds between 8-12 participants, which will take into account friend groups and preferences. These boats will have both a skipper sailing the ship and a personal chef preparing both breakfast and lunch most days. During the evenings groups will enjoy the local cuisine for dinner on the various islands.
At present, I am looking into offering scuba diving to participants who are certified and might assist in coordinating diving lessons with a dive shop in Kansas City for those interested in getting their lifetime certification before heading to Greece.
Unlike previous trips, the deposit structure for Greece is slightly different. In order to secure the catamarans for our dates, a larger non-refundable deposit is necessary. The deposit amount per person is $1,000 and comes off the total price of the trip.
Please look at the detailed itinerary and pricing below. You will likely will have to scroll to the bottom of this newsletter and click a button to see all the details, as this contains a lot of information.
The island itinerary is subject to minor adjustments, but this will be communicated well in advance, as I am still working with the captains of each catamaran to coordinate. However, it should look very close to what is detailed below.
As always, let me know if you have any questions.
Luke McLellan
Immerse yourself in the wonders of Turkey on a one-week journey through Istanbul, Cappadocia, Ephesus, and Pamukkale. Begin in the vibrant city of Istanbul, where East meets West in grand mosques, bustling bazaars, and historic palaces. Then, take in Cappadocia’s surreal landscapes in while you explore its ancient cave dwellings. Walk among the ruins of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world, before unwinding in the thermal pools of Pamukkale. This unforgettable tour blends history, culture, and natural beauty at every turn.