Sundowners Overland Private Groups

PRIVATE GROUP JOURNEYS

Mongolia | China | Kyrgyzstan | Uzbekistan | Turkmenistan | Iran

Tajikistan | Kazakhstan | Georgia | Armenia | Azerbaijan | and many more Your Group. Your Journey. Tailored for You.

Sharing Asia Overland. Differently.

Sundowners Overland has been crafting pioneering adventures across Asia since 1964, providing unrivalled expertise and a comprehensive selection of unique journeys and today we are the leading Silk Road, Caucasus and Trans Mongolian specialists. Follow ancient trails of trade and conquest across Central Asia on the golden Silk Road. And receive a warm welcome among the mountains and monasteries of Europe’s spellbinding Caucasus. and discover the cultural contrasts of Russia, Mongolia and China as you glide along the renowned Trans Siberian Railway.

Private Groups offer an immersive experience into our destinations and are all created on the foundation of 60 years of knowledge and experience of Sundowners Overland.

"I have awesome memories from every place I visited. Highly recommended. Some people have asked would I do it again - my answer is 'yes'."

Karen Cowie, Western Australia - Private Great Rail Explorer

1964 The ‘Asia Overland’ adventure begins from Australia to London in a couple of 'Combies'

1970s New adventures beyond the ‘Iron Curtain’ into Eastern Europe and Soviet Russia

1976 First Trans-Siberian Railway journey from Nakhodka in Russia’s Far East, Vladivostok remains closed

1984-85 Our first journeys into mainland China and Mongolia aboard the Trans Mongolian Railway

Late 80s Soviet Central Asia opens up and our travellers first experience the ‘stan Soviet Republics

1994 The Trans Kazakhstan Railway opens allowing travel from Beijing to Moscow via Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan

1998 The Torugart Pass opens road access through the Tien Shan mountains from China to Kyrgyzstan along the fabled Silk Road

Early 2000s Our journeys start exploring the Caucasus and new routes around the Caspian Sea

2014 We celebrated 50 years of Asia Overland with our first journey overland from Singapore to London

2021-22 the COVID pandemic halts touring in a way that the challenging geopolitics of the region have never achieved in over 50 years of continuous operations

2024 will see Sundowners Overland celebrate 60 years of Sharing Asia Overland. Differently.

OUR DIFFERENCE

Freedom & Flexibility

Designing your journey with Sundowners Overland gives you the flexibility to tailor every aspect of the tour. From your itinerary to accommodation styles as well as sightseeing options, all can be curated to create your own bespoke journey. Working together with your personal Private Groups Manager you can bring to life the journey of your dreams.

In 2019 I asked Sundowners to plan and organize a group tour itinerary for me on the Trans Siberian. The tour they suggested and we went with was 26 days and included a Tour Escort from day one. The itinerary was filled with unique experiences, must see sights, amazing meals, the Naadam Festival opening ceremony and so much more than I could have imagined or even knew was available. The group were delighted every day. Our tour escort was simply amazing, he dealt with every situation that presented itself in such a professional, respectful and caring manner. Would I do this again? In a heartbeat I would. Thank you

Tracy Lynch - helloworld Travel Nelson

Unparalleled destinations

Engage in exotic cultures and endless adventure as you travel overland. Let your imagination run wild as you create your own adventure.

Authentic encounters

The true value of travel comes from the people you meet along the way. Sundowners Overland journeys are crafted to maximise your opportunity to interact with local life, enriching your understanding of cultures and countries afar.

Peace of mind

Travellers have been enjoying our enchanting experiences for 60 years. Each journey is carefully planned and carried out by passionate travel specialists, where 24/7 support is available in the office and on the ground.

Single supplements are optional

You choose whether or not to make single supplements optional or compulsory for your group.

OUR REGIONS

Silk Road & Central Asia

Not a single track, but a tangle of ancient threads with which the world was woven.

The Silk Road is not a single trade route but a tangle of golden threads connecting East to West. Adventure into ancient lands, where enlightened merchants and bold rulers influenced the development of the modern world.

Uzbekistan is without doubt the jewel in the crown of Central Asia. Shimmering gold and turquoise minarets emerge from the desert. Turkmenistan brings glittering Ashgabat and ancient Merv while Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan offer vast mountainscapes and rugged lands. Consider visiting the architecture and history of Persia in Iran or the friendly faces and unique landscapes of Pakistan, sure to delight all travellers.

"The train trip along the Silk Road was magical with so many highlights. Sundowners Overland do it well, use the services of excellent local guides and have the incomparable Kara as a Tour Leader."

Elizabeth Harris, Queensland - Private Great Rail Explorer

Mongolia & Beyond

Writers, artists and adventurers alike have hailed it as the world’s greatest train journey. We agree.

Roll along the world’s longest railway and discover that the road less travelled isn’t a road at all. Unlock the mysteries of Imperial Russia, Siberian civilisations and Soviet influence, then swing southwards into the wild heart of Mongolia, and east into exotic China. If you want a journey that immerses you in cultures, countries and customs afar, then you’re on the right tracks.

I escorted a group for 3 weeks on the Trans Mongolian Railway from Beijing to St Petersburg. Right from the planning stage everything was taken care of for me, including advice and assistance with advertising content. Being able to tailor make the trip to suit my group was key to the trip being so successful. The booking process was easy, the information given to me very detailed and help was only a phone call away. I would without hesitation recommend Sundowners Overland and their product.

Kevin Crequer – World Travellers Ashburton

The Caucasus

Unearth archaeological treasures in sensational surroundings and enjoy exceptional hospitality of the local people.

The three spellbinding countries of the Caucasus; Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan sit on the crossroads of East and West, Islam and Christianity.

This strategic geography has rippled across the region in vacillating borders and empires for centuries. Sprinkled among rugged mountain peaks, encounter enchanting villages, cultures and customs that time forgot.

"I spent a fantastic 2 weeks with Sandy from Sundowners exploring the fascinating region of the Caucaus.From soaring peaks to verdant valleys, castles, forts and Caravanserai , this region has it all. The faded Tzar grandeur in Tbilisi is a juxtaposition with the modernist buildings in Baku. We spent nights spent in jazz venues sipping organic wine and days exploring ancient monuments."

Rhonda Paice, Managing Director, Williamstown Travel

CREATING YOUR JOURNEY Themes

For those who have a specific interest we can define the essence of your journey further by focusing on a certain festival, adding a culinary theme to your time away or choosing to travel at a certain time of the year.

Understanding what was the first inspiration for your journey is one of the aspects we find most fulfilling at Sundowners Overland. Be it a long held aspiration to visit a certain city, family history, an interest in a specific culture or craft or simply a desire to roam the natural landscapes, we will work with you to create your ideal journey. We know that the details are important and will engage with our Local Partners to ensure that we find the right experiences and guides to cater to your group's needs.

"I recently had the pleasure of doing the Trans Mongolian with Naadam Festival which fulfilled a long held dream of visiting Russia, as the tour concluded in St Petersburg. Thank you Sundowners for a wonderful itinerary, our fabulous guide and my great travelling companions."

Sue Gilligan, Nelson NZ - Private Trans Mongolian with Naadam

Festivals and Events

Plan your journey to experience one of the many festivals that happen in our regions.

The popular Naadam Festival in Mongolia provides the perfect opportunity to explore more of this fascinating country. For those wishing to venture further into the wilderness there is also a Golden Eagle Festival. Japan is well known for its abundance of festivals which go beyond the well known cherry blossoms. Uzbekistan will inspire with a Silks and Spices Festival or visit Kyrgyzstan for the Shyrdagy Festival, a celebration of traditional felt carpet making.

Active Adventures

Popular with hiking groups and those who are interested in exploring the outdoors. We can create a journey through the mountains of the Caucasus, the Tien Shan or along the shores of Lake Baikal. Nature calls and our destinations are full of forests, hills and trails waiting to be explored.

Cultural Tours

Many of our Private Groups use one of our Sundowners Overland journeys as a starting point when planning their journey. Use one of our existing itineraries or tweak to suit your interests, we are here to help make it the journey that inspires you.

Culinary Tours

Tempt your tastebuds with a journey that delves deeper to discover the culinary highlights of our destinations. Discover the wine and cheese, watermelons and pomegranates of the Caucasus, the fragrant spices that infuse the dishes of Iran or learn to cook dumplings with locals in Mongolia. We can arrange visits to local markets or an immersive experience with local families to help with the preparation of national dishes. Of course this always leads to an enjoyable meal together with them in their homes.

Faith Tours

With such a rich religious history throughout our regions there are multiple opportunities to explore these destinations and delve further into the religious cross overs and witness the sites of religious history. The whole territory is scattered with vast numbers of churches, monasteries, synagogues, temples and mosques. With possibilities to join congregations or make new connections this is sure to be a rewarding experience.

Photography Tours

The glittering domes of Russia, the ancient architecture of Uzbekistan, the natural beauty of wild Mongolia or the vast steppe of Central Asia. All these and more inspire even the most amateur of photographers. Add in the advantages of travelling in a small group with the opportunity to interact with the local people and the perfect journey from behind the lens is created.

Winter Wonderlands

Experience unforgettable winter experiences such as dog-sledding, snowmobiling, troikia rides and ice skating. With fewer tourists around it is a wonderful opportunity to truly experience these destinations. Thankfully central heating is abundant too!

I have nothing but praise for Sundowners Overland. They've provided the professional expertise and administrative back-up for three private group tours that I've organised, two to the Silk Road and one to the Caucasus.

They excelled at putting the itinerary together, ensuring that our specific requirements were catered for and running a relaxed introductory evening prior to the tour at their offices in Melbourne. They handled the bookings efficiently and expeditiously, providing the best on-the-ground services and local guides and enabling us to tailor every aspect of the tour to our special interests.

There was also no hassle about taking care of personal requests or idiosyncrasies. No logistical problem was too difficult for them. Not only were they highly proficient at being travel agents, which any client would expect, but they went beyond the basics to engage seriously with our particular concerns and help us design a program which was very much our own. All of our Travellers sensed this and it contributed to making these tours among the best we'd ever experienced under our "Shalom Tours" label.

Rabbi Fred Morgan, Shalom Tours

CREATING YOUR JOURNEY Activity & Service Levels

Whether you want action-packed adventure or in-depth discovery, something leisurely or world-class luxury, Sundowners Overland can create the standard and pace of journey to meet your needs.

Activity Levels

Sundowners Overland’s journeys are suitable for almost anyone with a reasonable level of fitness and a sense of adventure, regardless of age. Journeys are graded on a scale of 1–5, where 1 is leisurely, and 5 is more demanding.

Our most popular activity level (3) is well suited to anyone in good health with a passion for travel. Journeys offer a full and exciting schedule of sightseeing and travel, so when you put your feet up at the end of the day, it is with a satisfied sense of accomplishment. For those wanting something more challenging we can take you into the beautiful mountains of the Caucasus or Central Asia for some hiking, let your imagination take you as far as you wish to venture

Service Levels

We can tailor the service level associated with your journey to find the appropriate level of accommodation and inclusions. You can also mix and match; upgrade your choice of hotels at the start or end of the journey, upgrade on the trains for certain sectors. Everything is customisable.

Traveller

When planning a custom journey, a more economical range of accommodation and transfers are available.

Classic

Our benchmark service level. Centrally located 3-4 star hotels with private facilities and transfers. Train travel in 4-berth compartments, optional 2-berth upgrades (or twin use of a 4-berth) may be available. Gers and yurts are multi-share with shared bathrooms, as may some guesthouses.

Premium

Centrally located 4-star hotels with superior facilities, 2-berth train travel (or twin use of 4-berth), twin share ger and yurt accommodation, transfers and porterage are included.

Private Groups Manager

Plan your journey under the expert guidance of Sandi, who has been part of Sundowners Overland since 1993. As our Private Groups Manager Sandi Hoggan will help you to curate the experience of a lifetime.

"Family camping holidays when I was a child were followed by hiking, kayaking and rock-climbing exploits as a teenager. My love of adventure was ingrained in me and has directed my work and life ever since.

After realising that working in a big city law firm was not suited to my nature, I began studying an Associate Diploma of Business (Travel and Tourism) and my first role was a Junior Travel consultant in a local independent Travel Agency where I first became aware of adventure travel - I was intrigued.

Over the next few years I worked at some high profile wholesale tour companies and travelled at every opportunity. Trekking in Kashmir, cycling in Rajasthan and visiting the Mountain Gorillas in Rwanda were some of my favourite experiences.

In 1993 I found my way to Sundowners Overland where I joined a small team and began learning about overland travel, the Trans Siberian Railway and the Silk Road.

I enjoyed working in a small team where we all shared a passion for the region and a personal love of overland travel. Initially I spent most of my time as a Travel Advisor and looked after bookings for all of Sundowners Overland‘s journeys, dealing with both Travel Agents as well as the individual travellers directly.

After a number of years working in this role I reduced my hours in order to spend more time at home to raise my family. During my part time tenure I moved to a support role, working with a variety of teams including the Travel Advisors, administration and finance.

Working across the various areas of the business gave me a complete understanding of the tour creation and operation process, from the initial concept and planning, marketing and promotion, processing reservations and providing visa support through to arranging Tour Leaders, booking accommodation and organising a variety of transport services on the ground for each tour. Eventually the needs of my family increased and after fifteen enjoyable years I reluctantly departed Sundowners Overland for part-time work closer to home.

My passion for travel never wavered and when my children had grown I was thrilled to be given the opportunity to rejoin Sundowners Overland, returning to the industry I love and continuing to work for a company who provide journeys through some of the most captivating regions of the world.

The breadth of my prior experience gives me a complete understanding of all aspects of designing and operating a tour so looking after Private Group projects is a perfect fit. I have personally travelled on the Trans Siberian Railway via Mongolia, visited Irkutsk and Lake Baikal, Moscow and St Petersburg as well as many popular locations in China. I have also had the good-fortune to explore Georgia and Armenia and I have attended the Golden Eagle Festival in North-Western Mongolia.

One of my greatest pleasures working with Private Group Tours is that no two projects are ever the same; I have worked with a small party of friends sharing the adventure of the Trans Siberian Railway with a retired tour leader, created many exclusive tours for Travel Agents to promote to their own client base as well as coordinated a bespoke tour for a large group of travellers inspired to explore the history of their faith in the lesser known regions of the world. Whether your Private Group idea is big, small or anywhere in between, I look forward to working with you to design the journey that is just right fit for you."

“When in the initial planning process for our upcoming private, women-only ‘5 Golden Stans’ tour it was critical for us to work with a team of experts who have intimate knowledge of the destinations that we wanted to include. Having not yet travelled to these parts I had lots of questions and it was the fact that Jaymz from Sundowners Overland was willing to travel and sit down across a table, one on one and answer all of my questions that sealed the deal. After making the decision to book with them I have been extremely happy with the prompt and thorough service provided by Sandi and the rest of the team. I’m very excited to be travelling to these ancient lands in such good hands.”

Judy Polkinghorne, Founder Girls On Tour Australia

OUR PEOPLE Working Together

We are committed to ensuring that the journey we create together is tailored to your needs. Your journey starts with our Private Groups Manager and continues when you are on the ground with an extended network of people who can support you every step of the way. Our passionate indestination team includes Tour Leaders, City Ambassadors, Local Guides, and Local Partners.

Tour Leaders

Tour Leaders are organisers and master negotiators, chosen for their experience, personal qualities and passion for our style of travel. They will help you discover sights, navigate border crossings, and understand cultural nuances with ease. They’ll be with you every step of the way to ensure your exhilarating journey stays on track. If you have a special interest group we can also look to match a Tour Leader to your personal needs.

Local Guides

Local Guides are certified travel professionals who enhance your sightseeing with historical and cultural knowledge. They are included on all Group Tours and can be arranged for Custom Journeys. Being native to each destination, they offer the kind of authentic insight only a local could.

City Ambassadors

City Ambassadors are available in most cities along the way for those times when your group doesn’t need a Local Guide. They live in and love the city you’re exploring and know the destination better than anyone. They will help you unlock hidden treasures beyond the iconic sights and give you an authentic taste of life along your route.

Local Partners

Our Local Partners specialise in a range of travel and tourism services; from accommodation and transfers to sightseeing and unique experiences and many of them have been our trusted partners for over 20 years. They keep busy behind the scenes to ensure your journey is memorable for all the right reasons.

Marketing & Promotion

We recognise that making a Private Group successful takes planning and promotion and the team at Sundowners Overland can help in many ways to ensure that your journey is a success.

From the first stages of planning your Private Groups Manager will discuss what marketing collateral you need, outside of the standard customised journey itineraries and comprehensive pre-departure kits that will accompany your journey.

Client Information Nights

We are happy to host an evening online or in person of inspiration for your group. The team are always on hand to answer questions and are well travelled to all of our destinations. Alternatively we can create a customised presentation for you to deliver to your prospective clients.

Social Marketing Collateral

We have a plethora of images available should you wish to create your own promotional materials. As standard we can provide Facebook and Instagram tiles to promote your journey.

Large format promotion

Our team can provide window displays, large scale posters or other large scale graphics to promote your journey.

Co-funded marketing support

Discuss your marketing needs with your Private Groups Manager so that we can ensure that there is ample promotion of your journey in the right channels for your target audience.

Flyers and Regional Inspiration

We typically find that our Private Groups work well when their marketing is accompanied with a promotional flyer. This can be customised to be dual branded with an agency or travelling group and we can use a combination of your own images or ones from our database if you haven’t travelled to the region previously. Your Private Groups Manager will then work to design a custom map for your journey as well as including all of the fine print you require.

Regional Inspiration Guides are also available for each of our destinations to provide further information on why to consider adding in a country or region to your itinerary.

Itineraries and Pre-Departure Kits

Every Private Group will receive a customised itinerary to share with clients and includes detailed information of daily activities and inclusions. This can include any additional information about the tour that is unique to your travelling group.

CREATING YOUR JOURNEY Journey Checklist

We want to find the right journey to meet your needs and have devised two ways to plan your journey for your group:

Closed Group – 6 or more clients wishing to travel on one of our published group itineraries on a date of their choosing. Subject to operational viability (rail schedules, availability of personnel, border schedules etc).

Private Group – 6 or more clients wishing to tailor make a journey either following one of our journeys or creating a customised itinerary. Both options can also choose hotels standards, tour inclusions or be tailored to a particular interest of the group. This offers the ultimate flexibility and will be designed with you and the Private Groups Manager.

To ignite your planning here are a few questions to consider when designing your Private Group Journey.

Is your group interested in a Closed or Private group journey?

What is the anticipated group size?

What month and year would your group like to travel?

Please advise if there are any highlights you would like to include in group’s itinerary.

Please advise us of your preferred hotel standard.

Please advise us of your preferred train standard (2 or 4 berth for overnight travel).

Will your group members require single supplements?

Will your group members require any pre-tour accomodation and touring options to be provided?

Will your group members require assistance with flights?

Will you be accompanying the group as a Tour Leader?

Do you wish Sundowners Overland to assist with marketing collateral?

CREATING YOUR JOURNEY

Timelines

Sundowners Overland will be with you every step of the way as you create and depart on your Private Group Journey. Typically we find that the planning can take anywhere from between 6-18 months for a Private Group allowing time for the itinerary to be created, marketing and pre-tour formalities to take place.

Opening

Initial conversation to determine region, duration, potential group size, theme or particular interests. We will then finalise the itinerary, hotel and train standard, level of inclusion, tour leader and tour host or representative accompanying the group.

Promotional Flyer

We discuss requirements for a promotional flyer; this can be created by us or images can be provided. We offer special experiences or activities that can make the journey unique to you.

Promoting the journey

Share flyer and tour information with potential interested parties. We can assist with any questions and manage enquiry from interested parties.

Managing the booking

We process tour bookings, book any pre and post tour accommodation and transfers. Ex Australia airfares and travel insurance can be provided.

120 Days from departure

Visa support will be provided if destinations require visas

100 Days from departure

Final payment due. We discuss preferred rooming arrangements

90 Days from departure

Tour manifest finalised

30 Days from departure

Journey documents provided

CREATING YOUR JOURNEY Pricing

The following questions are for your consideration and to assist your planning when costing your journey:

What is the minimum and maximum group size?

Is the itinerary finalised in terms of hotel and train standards, sightseeing inclusions, meals and special experiences?

What is the minimum and maximum group size?

Should the single supplement be optional?

Is a Sundowners Overland Tour Leader required?

Will the group have a member acting as a tour host?

Is an FOC place required for the group organiser and, if so, should this be based on a single or shared room?

YOUR JOURNEY

Testimonials

We would like to share some testimonials from the organisers of Private Groups with Sundowners Overland.

My first encounter with Sundowners Overland and Russia/the USSR dates back to 1980; 40-years, which is incredibly difficult to believe. In that time one has witnessed tremendous changes in all areas of the former Soviet Union, now Russia, and indeed in neighbouring China and Mongolia as well. Staff at Sundowners Melbourne Office helped us organise a private group tour by rail from Shanghai through to St Petersburg.

It is easy to attest that, in terms of logistics and operations, the journey itself and the preparation for such a trip were close to flawless. Our group of 20 was impressed with the help and support afforded to us by all Sundowners Staff Members plus their operators in China, Mongolia and Russia. All were amazed and delighted with all elements of our trip.

A overland journey such as this - by rail, across such a vast area - remains not only one of immense interest, but a fantastic, funfilled adventure. Well done Sundowners! Well done all!

Trish Burt, Trans Mongolian Railway

In June 2019 a group of 20 friends travelled with Sundowners from Beijing to St Petersburg on the railway.

Sundowners helped us put this together. Myself and a friend in Sydney worked carefully with Sundowners over a period of about 6 months to get the itinerary as we wanted it and within a budget we could all afford.

The trip was simply amazing. We had a fantastic time. For me the train was one of the highlights. Playing card games and scrabble in the compartments with other members of the group. Meeting the local Russians travelling on the train. All the stops we made. Ulaanbator and the staying in the ger in the national park. Lake Baikal and its funny little round seals. Crossing the steppes. The most wonderful and historical city of Ekaterinburg and the charming Arabian nights city of Kazan. The most beautiful city of St Petersburg and the amazing Red Square and St Basil’s Cathedral in Moscow.

It couldn’t have been organised better. Such a memorable trip. Thank you Sundowners

Rosemary - Travel Counsellors, Trans Mongolian Railway

My first trip with a guided tour and it could not have been any better! A big thank you Sundowners .

Darryl Kerr, NZ - Private Trans Mongolian

Great Journey. Great sights. Great Tour Leader

Douglas Kinvi, New Zealand - Private Trans Mongolian

“From the first consultation to the final documentation, I could not have been more impressed.”

Our first group with Sundowners Overland was in 2016 on the Trans-Mongolian.

The hardest thing about creating a group is getting enough people to be enthusiastic and Sundowners presentation in our office was sensational. They provided posters, flyers and a PowerPoint presentation that even made the staff want to go!

Our agency did not want a generic trip that could be shelf bought, we wanted something that set us apart.

Sundowners listened to my specifics and came back with workable solutions. They were able to suggest off the beaten track ideas to enhance the trip. This is because everyone working at Sundowners has personal first hand experience in the destinations they sell. It makes a huge difference to speak to someone who has actually “been there and done that”.

They have a dedicated groups department and you will be assigned someone who will work on your file from beginning to end. Communication is a breeze and speedy.

In July 2020, this will be my third group with Sundowners on the Trans-Mongolian and we are making plans for a Caucasus trip in the future.

Rhonda Paice, Managing Director Williamstown Travel

Next Steps

We hope that these pages have inspired you to create your own tailored journey either for you and your travelling companions or as a Travel Agent to market these extraordinary regions to your clients.

We look forward to creating your journey with you. Spend some time looking through journeys on our website and reading about some of the possible festivals and events of the countries that we visit.

Please do consider the checklist of ideas and then contact your Private Groups Manager so that we can walk through your timelines, group size and inspiration.

Sandi Hoggan - Private

Groups Manager

privategroups@sundownersoverland.com

+61 3 9672 5386

sundownersoverland.com