Lyndey Milan to lead an exploration of Provence's treats

No one enjoys good food and wine as much as Australian culinary icon Lyndey Milan OAM.

Now she has joined World Expeditions to lead an exclusive trip through the food, wine, art and landscapes of Provence.

World Expeditions has announced Milan as host of a new 11-day small-group journey through one of her favourite parts of the world, the South of France.

Provence: The Art of Living Well with Lyndey Milan will depart in September next year, combining food, wine, travel, culture and, "the pleasure of bringing people together around a table".

For more than four decades, Milan has helped shape the way Australians think about food and wine. 

The former food director of The Australian Women’s Weekly and co-host of Nine’s Fresh, she has presented food and travel television series around the world, authored award-winning cookbooks, judged leading wine and food competitions and hosted culinary journeys internationally.

She was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for services to hospitality, particularly the food and wine industry, and to the community.

“Living well is about enjoyment, feeling glad to be alive and being excited by new discoveries,” Milan said. 

“Provence embodies that beautifully. It’s the people, the weather, the food and wine, the markets, history, culture and villages, but also the relaxed lifestyle. It is such a joyful place.”

The World Expeditions journey explores Provence at a deliberately unhurried pace, travelling from Saint-Rémy-de-Provence (two nights) to Aix-en-Provence (four nights) and hilltop Gordes ( four nights). All delightful destinations, particularly after the August holiday hordes have departed.

Timed for late September, as summer gives way to autumn and les vendanges, the grape harvest, brings the vineyards to life, the itinerary combines food, wine, art, markets and walking.

Food and wine are naturally central. Travellers will shop for seasonal produce at local markets before cooking together in a Provençal home, visit an organic olive estate for a tasting and gourmet picnic among the groves, and enjoy a special visit to Maison AIX, including a tour of the estate and cellar and a tasting of its Provençal rosé.

“But this is not a cooking tour,” Milan said. 

"The journey is about so much more than food. We’ll explore the history and culture of Provence and meet some of the characters who make these communities what they are. It’s that access and those personal connections that make the experience so special. You simply couldn’t replicate it travelling independently.”

Limited to just 16 travellers, the tour departs on September 24, 2027, and costs $13,990 per person twin share.

Cycling tourism booming in south-east Asia

 

A new collection of holiday adventures combines one of the fast-growing destinations for Australians with the growing passion for active tourism.

World Expeditions has expanded its south-east Asia cycling portfolio with the launch of a new range of fully supported cycling adventures through Vietnam to meet demand for immersive active experiences. 

The launch comes amid a sharp rise in interest in south-east Asia travel, with page views on World Expeditions’ website up by 49% for Vietnam, 88% for Thailand and 85% for Indonesia, reflecting growing demand for destinations that are closer to Australia. 

The new Vietnam cycling range includes the 17-day Vietnam Cycle: Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi, the 13-day Ho Chi Minh City to Hue Cycle by e-Bike, the 10-day Ho Chi Minh City to Hoi An Cycle, and the five-day Mai Chau to Pu Luong Cycle.

Each journey follows routes through Vietnam’s coastline, countryside and mountain landscapes, using quieter backroads and minor roads where possible. 

World Expeditions says the new departures represent a shift in the style of cycling product available in south-east Asia, with guaranteed departures, strong availability and flexible options designed to appeal to both experienced cyclists and travellers newer to active adventures. 

E-bikes are available across all departures, broadening accessibility and helping riders manage longer distances and climbs.

“We’re seeing strong momentum in south-east Asia, particularly for active travel experiences that allow people to connect more deeply with local culture and landscapes,” said Sue Badyari, CEO of World Expeditions.

“Cycling is one of the most rewarding ways to experience Vietnam because travellers move through villages, coastlines and rural communities at a slower pace and with greater connection to the places they visit. 

"These new itineraries combine high-quality support, excellent local expertise and reliable guaranteed departures, making them incredibly appealing for both travellers and agents.”

All trips are operated by experienced local cycling crews including guides, mechanics and drivers, with luggage transfers, support vehicles and accommodation throughout. 

Group sizes are capped at a maximum of 16 guests. 

World Expeditions has also highlighted growing interest in active water-based journeys through Vietnam and Cambodia via its On Water Expeditions brand, including the Mekong River Active Explorer from Saigon to Siem Reap, which combines cycling, kayaking and small-boat travel through the Mekong Delta and Cambodia.

The new itineraries are available to book now for 2026 departures via worldexpeditions.com.

Head off the beaten track for a reason

 

Holidays with a purpose are all the rage.

A lot of people want to learn, or gain a new skill, when they travel.

To meet this growing demand, World Expeditions has unveiled a new series of expert-led journeys under its Curated Adventures portfolio, responding to growing interest in "immersive, passion-driven travel experiences led by recognised authorities in their fields".

From photography and food to cultural immersion and wildflower walking, these one-off departures aim to deliver cultural exchange and the opportunity to travel in the company of an expert who opens doors others cannot.

“Special interest travel continues to surge because it offers the ultimate form of personalisation,” says Jaclyn Beagley, manager for Curated Adventures. 

“These journeys are built around passion - photography, food, culture and nature - and led by people who are true experts. Travelling with someone who deeply understands a place transforms the entire experience.”

The new line-up includes three distinctive, small-group departures:

Sri Lanka Food & Photo Adventure with Alan Benson

Celebrated photographer Alan Benson, whose work has featured in books by Luke Nguyen, Kylie Kwong and Jimmy Barnes, leads this immersive exploration of Sri Lanka’s vibrant markets, tea country and wildlife reserves. Travellers can snap stilt fishermen at sunrise, wander spice-scented kitchens and explore lush tea terraces, all while refining their photographic eye. September 13-24 from $5990 per person twin share excluding flights.

Benin and Togo with Richard I’Anson

Award-winning travel photographer Richard I’Anson hosts a visually rich journey through Benin and Togo, two of West Africa’s most culturally compelling destinations. There is a focus on vibrant festivals, traditional ceremonies, daily village life and striking architectural landscapes. January 15-17, 2027, from $9590 per person twin share excluding flights.

Drakensberg Wildflower Trails – Women’s Guided Walking Tour

Timed for peak bloom, this women’s walking adventure explores South Africa’s uKhahlamba-Drakensberg UNESCO World Heritage Site with expert mountain guide Shaen Adey, who has more than 30 years of local knowledge. Flexible day walks traverse alpine meadows and sandstone escarpments alive with seasonal wildflowers and birdlife. Comfortable lodges will provide space to unwind between walks. November 29-December 6 from $5,590 per person twin share excluding flights.

“These journeys are about travelling with curiosity and purpose,” says Beagley. “They offer perspectives and stories that stay with you long after you return home.”

For full itineraries and further information, see worldexpeditions.com/Curated-Adventures.

Book early for Japan, or risk missing out, tour operator advises

Planning to visit tourism magnet Japan in 2026? 

One major travel operator is urging early bookings to avoid the possibility of missing out.

With demand still surging and some departures already full, travellers looking to walk or cycle in Japan in 2026 are being urged to act fast, says World Expeditions..

World Expeditions, a pioneer in active holidays, as launched a special January sale on 15 holidays across Japan - with discounts only available until the end of the month.

The vacation options include walking heritage trails, cultural immersions and supported cycling holidays.

“As the active travel specialists in Japan, we’ve designed our itineraries to suit every style of traveller - from guided cultural walks to independent hikes and multi-day bike tours,” said Sue Badyari, CEO of World Expeditions.

“Some April and May trips have already sold out, and others are nearing capacity. With limited group sizes and strong early interest, this is absolutely the time to book.”

You can check out the trips here: worldexpeditions.com

You can now book for Australia's "next great walk"

 

Bookings are now open for the much-anticipated Ngaro Track, Queensland’s newest multi-day hiking experience on Whitsunday Island. 

World Expeditions is to deliver guided walks along the landmark 32-kilometre trail – the first of its kind in the region.

With first departures starting from May 2026, the World Expeditions Australian Walking Holidays division will provide a fully supported three-day/two-night walk complete with expert guides, all meals and purpose-built infrastructure including two campsites that showcase the natural beauty and cultural significance of the island. 

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Accessed by boat from Airlie Beach or Shute Harbour, the 32-kilometre Ngaro Track, which has been created by the Queensland Government, offers an opportunity to explore the biodiversity and Indigenous heritage of Whitsunday Island, the largest island in the Whitsunday Islands National Park and a key site within the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area.

Walkers will traverse rainforest, vine thickets, rocky headlands, and high lookouts like Whitsunday Craig. The Ngaro Track links iconic Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet. Walkers will enjoy multiple opportunities to take a dip in the ocean along the trail.

The project was developed in close partnership with the Ngaro People, traditional owners of Whitsunday Island. 

Interpretive totem posts carved from local hardwood feature art and stories contributed by Ngaro families, will offer walkers a chance to learn thee knowledge, values and ancestral ties that have been passed down through generations.

“At the heart of what we do is creating journeys that honour and protect the landscapes we explore,” said Michael Buggy, director of World Expeditions Travel Group (WETG) Australasian Operating Companies. 

“The Ngaro Track represents that mission. We’re privileged to work with the traditional owners of Whitsunday Island, the Ngaro People, to help shape this spectacular walk.”

Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell said the multi-day Ngaro Track will open up one of Queensland’s outstanding destinations in a way that respects and protects Country.

“The Ngaro Track will soon become a must-do walking experience for the Whitsunday region, for people to embrace the stunning scenery, learn about cultural connections to the landscape, and leave only footprints behind,” Powell said.

“Showcasing the Whitsundays’ breath-taking landscapes and rich cultural heritage, it’s truly a perfect example of Queensland’s ecotourism potential - and it’s the tip of the iceberg for what’s to come."

The Ngaro Track has been enhanced with two purpose-built, elevated campsites - Bowarri yamba (Moon Camp) and Dhula yamba (Tree Camp) - developed to offer a low-impact, immersive walking experience. 

These facilities feature communal cooking areas and gathering spaces with sweeping views over secluded bays and beaches, marking a significant investment in sustainable visitor infrastructure.

Travellers joining the World Expeditions' guided Ngaro Track walk benefit from a fully supported experience: they walk with just a small pack and arrive to camps already set up with raised camp beds, comfortable tents, pillows and freshly cooked meals (dinner and breakfast), with a picnic lunch served whilst on the track. 

It is priced from A$2195 per person for three days/two nights including boat transfers. Bookings via worldexpeditions.com/ngw.

Independent walkers are also catered for on the newly constructed trail where they carry their own equipment, including tents, sleeping bags, food and cooking supplies. 

To preserve the remote and natural experience of the Ngaro Track, independent walker permits are limited to 15 walkers per section per day. Independent walker bookings for the 2026 season are available now from www.ngarotrack.com.au.

Are you adventurous and fit with six months to spare?

So you are adventurous, fit and have six months to spare?

World Expeditions, the global adventure travel brand, has opened bookings for the 2026 Great Himalaya Trail - The Full Traverse. 

This tour offers trekkers the chance to walk the length of Nepal on what is widely considered the most ambitious guided trek on Earth.

Participants will traverse over 1,700km across the full breadth of Nepal, on the the Great Himalaya Trail (GHT) that connects remote villages, high mountain passes, alpine expanses and culturally diverse regions in one continuous, 150-day expedition.

“This is the ultimate challenge for serious trekkers,” says World Expeditions CEO Sue Badyari. 

“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to immerse yourself in the entirety of Nepal’s Himalayan corridor and very few people in the world have ever completed it.”

The GHT begins near the border of India in the far east, skirting remote valleys in the Kanchenjunga region before continuing through the most iconic trekking zones of Everest, Annapurna, Dolpo and Mustang and finishing at the western frontier near Hilsa, on the border of Tibet.

The trip is fully guided and supported by an expert crew, allowing trekkers to carry only a daypack while navigating remote trails. 

Nights are spent in fully serviced campsites that adhere to World Expeditions’ low-impact trekking ethos: a key point of difference in a region heavily impacted by teahouse overuse.

World Expeditions was the first company to commercially offer the full GHT traverse back in 2011 and remains the only Australian operator to provide a guided expedition of this scale. 

“What makes the GHT so special is not just its length or remoteness, but how it weaves together all of Nepal – its people, its mountains, its language and traditions," says Badyari. "This is trekking as it used to be: raw, remote and deeply moving.” 

In line with its commitment to sustainable travel, World Expeditions ensures local community engagement at every stage of the GHT. 

Treks are staffed by trained Nepali crew who receive above-award wages, proper gear and meals, and access to medical care, as outlined in the company’s Porter Welfare Code of Conduct.

All meals are freshly prepared on trek using local ingredients where possible. Drinking water is purified to avoid plastic waste, and every group is trained in the brand’s ‘Leave No Trace’ principles.

In 2026, the GHT Full Traverse will also feature carbon footprint labelling, as part of World Expeditions’ climate action roadmap – giving travellers visibility of their environmental impact while supporting strategies for emissions reduction.

The challenging trek departs on March 10, 2026, and concludes on August 6, 2026. 

Cost is from $49,390 per person including all meals, guides, safety equipment including high-altitude chamber, medical kit and satellite phone, climbing pack including ice axe, crampons, harness and helmet, all park entrance fees and trekking permits, porters and porter's insurance

If you fancy the challenge, you can book here: https://worldexpeditions.com/Nepal/Trekking-Walking/Great-Himalaya-Trail-The-Full-Traverse

Discover Japan’s roads less travelled - on foot

World Expeditions, which specialises in less-visited locations, has unveiled a new self-guided walking adventure along the remote and rugged Michinoku Coastal Trail in Japan.

This seven-day journey offers travellers an opportunity to explore Japan’s wild north-east - a part of the country still largely untouched by mass tourism. 

World Expeditions promises an experience where “the pace is slower, the landscapes raw, and the cultural encounters refreshingly unfiltered”.

The Michinoku Coastal Trail, stretching over 1,000 kilometres through the scenic Tohoku region, was developed as part of Japan’s reconstruction efforts following the 2011 earthquake and tsunami. 

The trail now stands as a symbol of renewal and resilience. 

World Expeditions’ new itinerary cherry-picks the trail’s most spectacular sections, guiding travellers through coastal shrines, remote fishing villages, forested headlands and hidden bays between Hachinohe and the cliffs of Kitayamazaki.

Unlike Japan’s better-known walking routes, the Michinoku Trail remains largely untouched by over tourism. 

The self-guided trip is designed for experienced walkers who value both independence and support. 

Travellers receive clear daily route notes, reliable local assistance and luggage transfers, ensuring a seamless journey while maintaining the freedom to walk at their own pace. Accommodations are in locally run inns and small hotels, where regional hospitality and fresh seafood meals bring each day to a perfect close.

"This trail offers travellers the chance to connect deeply with nature and local traditions while enjoying the freedom of independent exploration,” says World Expeditions CEO Sue Badyari.

“Importantly, this initiative supports sustainable tourism by directing vital income to communities along the trail - many of which are still recovering from the 2011 tsunami.

“By choosing this walk, our travellers contribute directly to the revitalisation of these quiet coastal towns, helping preserve their heritage and support a resilient future for the people who call this remarkable region home."

View the Michinoku Coastal Trail itinerary

For more information on World Expeditions, visit www.worldexpeditions.com 

So you really want to get off the beaten track?

Fancy exploring countries that are just names on the nightly news for most of us.

Georgia and Armenia are intriguing destinations appealing to adventurous travellers.

With 2025 marking 10 years since the Transcaucasian Trail began taking shape, World Expeditions has unveiled an intriguing sounding experience in the Caucasus mountains.

When completed the Transcaucasian Trail will extend over 3,000km connecting more than 20 National Parks and protected areas along what has been widely touted as "the next big thing in trekking".

World Expeditions was the first operator to offer the option to trek selected sections of the long-distance trail in both Armenia and Georgia.

“Armenia and Georgia are the only two countries on the trail that have been adequately mapped so far, and this occurred back in 2019," says Sue Badyari, CEO of World Expeditions.

"Since then the trail has captured the imagination of active travellers around the world, in spite of - or perhaps due to the fact that it ranks as one of the most inaccessible mountains in the world.

“The inaccessibility of the trail is due to a lack of reliable and detailed data. The best available topographic maps are thought to be decades-old Soviet military maps, while public domain aerial imagery is often of low quality and inconsistent.

"The fact that the region remains relatively unchartered and has subsequently received less media attention only heightens its allure for adventurous travellers.”

The region has preserved a distinct identity and cultural heritage: the earliest evidence of wine-making, more than 8,000 years ago, has been found in Georgia, while Armenia is considered as the first nation to adopt Christianity as its officially religion.

The trek route is home to a number of ethnic groups, with more than 40 indigenous languages spoken across the region it is one of the most linguistically diverse places in the world.

In addition, the Caucasus is a biodiversity hotspot: a quarter of the approximately 6,500 plant species that have been found in the mountains are estimated to exist nowhere else on earth, while the varied native fauna includes the rare Caucasian leopard.

Although the two sections of the Transcaucasian Trail are offered by World Expeditions as separate itineraries, the dates have been especially chosen so keen hikers wishing to tick off both countries in one trip can complete the Armenia segment first and then continue the trail in Georgia.

Transcaucasian Trail Hike features high-altitude grasslands, permanently snow-capped peaks, thick forests and shrubby plateaus.

Armenia - 8 days, departures from May 26; from $3190 per person, including all meals. Flights not included.

Georgia - 10 days, departures from June 19; from $3690 per person, including all meals. Flights not included.

Accommodation ranges from hotels to village guest houses. 

In addition, World Expeditions also offers a two-week Armenia to Georgia by Bike adventure (14 days, $6890 per person, departures from May 14 with an itinerary that starts in Yerevan and finishes in Tbilisi.

For more information and bookings visit worldexpeditions.com

Image: Hiking in Georgia’s Caucasus Mountains (Shutterstock)

Talking Turkiye from a woman’s point of view

If you want to delve into a culture then it pays to take advice from an expert.

World Expeditions will be taking a deep dive into Turkish culture with ‘Wellness, Wine & Wisdom - A Women’s Tour in Turkey with Dilvin Yasa.’

The tour will run from April 22 to May 7, 2025.

The 16-day adventure will combine indulgence in local food and wine, detoxification in traditional Turkish baths (hammams), as will as exploring diverse landscapes on foot and by boat.

Should you wish, you can even learn the art of belly dancing.

The tour will be under the guidance of Dilvin Yasa, a Turkish-Australian journalist, author, and food enthusiast.

Yas travels to Turkiye at least once a year, primarily for culinary exploration.

“If there's one thing I love more than my ancestral homeland of Turkey, it's sharing my top tips on places to go, attractions to see, and dishes to eat with those who have yet to experience the rich tapestry of the country's customs and culture,” she says.

To be able to introduce 'My Turkey' - all those quirky spots I've (literally) spent a lifetime researching - is a dream come true.”

In addition to walking and exploring the region on foot, the group will enjoy spas, and thermal pools, shop for textiles, and enjoy local food and wine.

Highlights of the tour include hot air ballooning in Goreme, private cruises around Kekova Bay and through the gin-clear waters of Kas, as well as quintessential Istanbul experiences including a scenic Bosphorus boat tour and Turkish coffee fortune telling in the winding back streets of old Pera.

Accommodation includes a range of small boutique and traditional hotels.

For bookings or info visit World Expeditions

Walking and eating: an insider look at undiscovered Spain

A couple of decades ago Ben Groundwater and I worked together on the sub-editing desk at a major metropolitan newspaper.

That was in the day when newspapers cared about facts, grammar, accuracy and honesty.

Our job was to turn some appalling drivel into stories that could grace the pages of the paper.

Ben, however, had serious wanderlust and over the past 20 years he has become known as one of Australia's best travel writers - with a serious focus on food.

He's also a tour guide, who has led successful epicurean tours with World Expeditions, including two sold out food trips to San Sebastian and an almost fully booked Japan food tour.

Now he is hosting ‘Picos and Pintxos’, a tour of the Asturias and Basque regions of Northern Spain, in May 2025.

If you fancy sampling the region’s fine wine, cheese and seafood you can combine it with three guided coastal walks, including the Camino del Norte, and three days guided hiking in the Picos de Europa mountain range.

Ben knows his stuff, having lived with his family in San Sebastian.

“I am so excited to share the Basque culinary experiences that were most memorable during my time living in this unique area, along with the beauty of what I consider to be Europe’s most underrated region, Asturias," he says.

“The wilderness we will be hiking through is some of the most spectacular I’ve ever seen, the food in both Asturias and the Basque Country is incredibly good, and each night we will be sleeping in hotels and boutique guesthouses that ooze charm and character.”

This trip will incorporate Ben’s favourite parts of his sell-out San Sebastian tour with World Expeditions, including the market tour, wine tasting and a pintxos tour through San Sebastian's Old Town. 

New elements include a Michelin-starred dining experience at Ayalga in Ribadesella, a guided tour of the Guggenheim museum, and two walks on the ancient pilgrimage path, the Camino del Norte, part of the Camino de Santiago.

This ‘foodie’ trip is not suitable for Vegans or vegetarians, as substitutes at some places are simply not possible.

The tour runs from May 21-June 1 and will cost $6590 per person twin share.

See www.worldexpeditions.com