A concentrated three-week round-the-world trip, designed for those who want to taste the fascinating diversity of our planet without spending a whole year on it! A few stopovers well selected for the diversity of landscapes, atmospheres and activities offer you discoveries and surprises so different from each other: Japan and its cities combining tradition and modernism, Australia with its infinite wide open spaces, Polynesia for images of paradise on Earth, and finally Canada with its charming cities and bewitching forests....
Japan: Tokyo – Kyoto
Rich in a thousand-year-old culture at the opposite end of the spectrum from ours, the "land of the rising sun" leaves no one indifferent! A megalopolis in perpetual movement, Tokyo takes you on a fascinating and confusing whirlwind, between avant-garde and traditions. Under the guidance of an expatriate living in Tokyo for many years, you will make a privileged discovery of the gigantic metropolis. A renowned chef takes you to the market to collect the ingredients you use to prepare, under his guidance, your first Japanese dishes. You can also enjoy the subtle pleasures of the''onsen'', a traditional hot water bath. Finally, you fly over Tokyo at night by helicopter. In Kyoto, the spiritual and cultural heart of Japan's provincial atmosphere, you visit the most fabulous Zen gardens and ancient palaces, and participate in a traditional tea tasting (''chanoyu'') while getting lost in the old districts of Pontocho or Gion. You are invited to an exceptional dinner with a''maïko'' (apprentice gheisa), to enjoy a delicious'kaiseki' cooking meal
Australia: Sydney- ULURU
You start your stay in Australia by discovering the city of Sydney, its surroundings and its region. The city has many assets to seduce the traveller. You visit the Rocks district, cross Harbour Bridge to Bradley's Head, from where you have a magnificent view of Sydney and its bay, then continue north to the seaside resort of Manly. With its pretty beach, it is the meeting place for surfers! You continue your discovery through the Palm Beach Peninsula, a posh area around Sydney. In the heart of the bay, the Sydney Opera House is the city's undisputed landmark. Then head for Ku-ring-gai National Park. Here you will discover rock carvings dating back more than 5000 years before heading to West Head, where you will have a breathtaking view of Broken Bay to the north and Pittwater to the south. Early in the morning, you leave Sydney for the Blue Mountains. On the way, you visit a wildlife park to meet some of Australia's iconic animals such as kangaroos, koala and kookaburra. The Blue Mountains region is rich in history and legends; the most famous site is of course Uluru (or Ayer's Rock): various hikes await you in the area.
French Polynesia: Maupiti – HIVA OA
Your first stop in French Polynesia is Maupiti Island, often considered one of the most beautiful islands in the South Seas. You spend half a day or a full day with a Polynesian fisherman. You immerse yourself in the spectacular manta rays. Your journey continues in the Marquesas Archipelago: it is impossible to talk about the island of Hiva Oa without mentioning Paul Gauguin and, more recently, Jacques Brel. These two mythical figures have finished their days and are buried on the island with its tormented relief, called the''Garden of the Marquesas'' for the fertility of its soils. The island is also dotted with archaeological sites. Other activities are still possible during your stay in the paradisiacal universe of Polynesia, such as a flight over''l'île-coeur'', the atoll of Tupai, which can only be admired and discovered by visitors from the sky, an underwater scooter trip in the Bora-Bora lagoon that allows you to safely admire the coral reefs, a sea trip to meet dolphins in Tahiti, or a stay at Brando, the new hotel installed on the private island acquired by Marlon Brando in 1966 (exclusive accommodation of a very high standard).
Canada: Vancouver - Victoria
Surrounded by the ocean and mountains, Vancouver is a vibrant metropolis with a vibrant cultural and social life. Among the city's countless landmarks, Robson Square, Gastown, the former rehabilitated industrial area, the Vancouver Art Gallery... You enjoy the colourful shops of Chinatown, the sunsets on English Bay beach. You stroll around the upscale Kitsilano district.... With more than 8,000 aquatic organisms, the Vancouver Aquarium has a solid reputation. And don't miss the opportunity to visit the famous Lions' Gate (bridge), another Vancouver landmark. Only thirty minutes by boat from the city, Granville Island is a peaceful retreat for nature lovers. For even more variety, you can fly over the city or all of Vancouver Island by float plane, take a city tour by sea kayak, or rent a small boat to sail as you please. Your stay in British Columbia continues with a visit to the city of Victoria, and the scenic route along Juan de Fuca Strait, Beacon Hill Park, Thunderbird Park, as well as the inland port dominated by Parliament and the famous Empress Hotel... You can fly over the city and the Strait of Juan de Fuca by seaplane, go to sea by catamaran to observe the killer whales...