Discover the remarkable side of Asia
Asia Small Group Tours
Based In Australia - 12 Guests Per Tour - Incredible Itineraries
Established in 2017, Remarkable East specialises in small group touring, but not as you know it. With more than two decades of experience exploring Asia, we create bespoke itineraries for discerning travellers looking for a real adventure. Based in Australia, our team uses our on-the-ground experience and first-hand knowledge to carefully curate experiences that are innovative and authentic. With just twelve guests per trip, Remarkable East is redefining small group touring.
Theme Japan Cultural Tour
Dates Sun 11 Oct - Thu 22 Oct 2026
Duration 13 Days - 12 Nights
Group Size Maximum 12 Guests
Meals 10 Breakfasts - 2 Dinners
Accommodation Overall standard of 4-star throughout the journey
Tour Code REJP
Explore the quieter regions South Japan, combining regional culture, art, historic towns and volcanic landscapes through a well paced overland journey. Beginning and ending in Osaka, the itinerary travels across the Seto Inland Sea through Naoshima, Shikoku and Kyushu while avoiding the crowds of Japan’s main tourist route.
Offbeat experiences include the contemporary art museums of Naoshima Island, the preserved streets of Ozu and the atmosphere of Matsuyama’s historic Dogo Onsen district. In Beppu, steaming geothermal landscapes reflect Japan’s long standing bathing culture, while Nagasaki offers a deeper look into Japan’s international trading history and wartime past.
Further south, continue to Kagoshima, where daily life unfolds beneath the active volcano Sakurajima. Ferry crossings, coastal scenery and regional cuisine provide a different perspective on Japan beyond its larger cities, while rail and overland travel allow the changing landscapes to become part of the experience.
Accommodation throughout the tour includes quality hotels and carefully selected regional properties chosen for their comfort and character. With a maximum of just 12 guests, the smaller group size allows for a more relaxed pace and easier local interaction. Designed for Australian travellers seeking a deeper connection with Japan, this tour balances culture, scenery, food and slower regional travel across one of the country’s lesser explored regions.
Theme Sri Lanka Cultural Tour
Dates Mon 27 Jul - Sat 8 Aug 2026 | Mon 21 Sep - Sat 3 Oct 2026
Duration 13 Days - 12 Nights
Group Size Maximum 12 Guests
Meals 12 Breakfasts - 1 Lunches - 12 Dinners
Accommodation Overall standard of 4-star throughout the journey
Tour Code RESL
Travel through the cultural heart of Sri Lanka, with hill country and wildlife regions across 13 well paced days. Beginning in Negombo and travelling through Sigiriya, Kandy, Haputale and Galle, the adventure connects ancient cities, tea covered hills, national parks and coastal towns through scenic overland travel and local experiences.
Each day combines major cultural sites with smaller encounters that offer insight into daily life across Sri Lanka. Climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress, explore the cave temples of Dambulla and travel through village communities by bicycle and tuk tuk. A full day safari in Wilpattu National Park provides opportunities to spot elephants, crocodiles and the elusive Sri Lankan leopard.
Travelling south into the hill country, landscapes shift from dry plains to tea plantations, cooler mountain air and winding railway lines. Board one of Sri Lanka’s most scenic train journeys before arriving in Haputale, where tea estates and local cafés overlook the surrounding highlands, before arriving to the southern coast and the historic streets of Galle Fort.
Accommodation throughout the tour includes heritage style hotels, boutique properties and locally run stays selected for their comfort and character. With a maximum of 12 guests, the smaller group size allows for greater flexibility, local interaction and a more relaxed pace. Designed for Australian travellers, our Sri Lanka small group tour balances cultural depth, wildlife, regional food and meaningful local experiences across one of Asia’s most varied island destinations.
Theme India Walking Tour
Dates Tue 17 Nov - Tue 1 Dec 2026
Duration 15 Days - 14 Nights
Group Size Maximum 12 Guests
Meals 14 Breakfasts - 3 Lunches - 14 Dinners
Accommodation Overall standard of around 4-star throughout the journey
Tour Code REIW
Walking the hills of Sikkim and West Bengal offers a close look at one of India’s most culturally layered and naturally striking regions. This 15-day journey links Kolkata with the Indian Himalaya, combining village paths, forest trails and rural backroads. Travelling in November - the region’s wildflower season - means clear air, bright conditions and hillsides dotted with colour.
From Kalimpong’s terraced farms and haat markets to the monasteries and Lepcha settlements of West Sikkim, each walk reveals local life, diverse communities and landscapes shaped by agriculture, altitude and long-standing traditions. Your hosts bring deep regional knowledge, adding insight into history, culture and everyday rhythms.
The journey continues south through Sikkim to the dramatic ridge of Tarey Bhir, then on to Darjeeling’s bazaars, steep laneways and historic tea plantations. Days on foot are balanced with time in heritage hotels, farm stays and tea estate bungalows, including two nights at Glenburn with walks along the River Rungeet.
Clear November weather also provides excellent views of Khangchendzonga and the wider Himalayan range. With experienced hosts, comfortable logistics and varied terrain, this special interest tour suits travellers seeking an active holiday with cultural depth, good food and access to places well beyond typical tourist routes. Designed with Australian travellers in mind, our annual India walking tour is not to be missed.
Theme Japan Cycling Tour
Dates Thu 22 Oct - Thu 29 Oct 2026
Duration 8 Days - 7 Nights
Group Size Maximum 12 Guests
Meals 7 Breakfasts - 7 Lunches - 7 Dinners
Accommodation Overall standard of 3.5 to 4-star throughout the journey
Tour Code REJC
Ride through one of Japan’s most scenic coastal regions on this 8-day journey across the islands of the Seto Inland Sea. Beginning in Osaka and travelling to Onomichi, the route follows quiet cycling lanes, ferry crossings and island backroads linking Honshu and Shikoku through one of the country’s most distinctive maritime regions.
Each day combines steady riding with time to explore fishing villages, small towns, galleries and local industries that continue to shape life across Setouchi. From the citrus farms of Osakikamijima to the landmark bridges of the Shimanami Kaido, the approximately 300km route reveals a changing mix of coastal scenery, open water and rural island landscapes.
Beyond the cycling, the journey also offers insight into the slower pace of life found across many of the inland sea islands. Spend evenings soaking in seaside onsens, wandering local neighbourhoods and enjoying meals centred around fresh seafood, seasonal produce and regional cooking traditions.
Accommodation throughout the tour includes traditional ryokans, restored wooden houses and comfortable locally run properties chosen for their setting and character. With experienced hosts leading the rides and a support vehicle throughout the journey, our special interest Japan cycling tour is designed for Australian travellers seeking active days, cultural depth and access to parts of Japan that remain largely overlooked by broader itineraries.
“Everything just works. Accommodation, tours, plane and train connections, good knowledgeable local guides and amazing, caring and careful drivers. You don’t use a tour operator six times if the price and service is not exceptional.”
Terry,
January 2026
Why Travel With Remarkable East
Genuinely Small Groups
Our tours are intentionally limited to just 12 travellers, creating a more personal experience and allowing access to places, accommodation and experiences that larger groups with big buses simply cannot reach.
Based In Australia
Remarkable East is part of the Unbound Travel Group, an Australian owned travel company that has been creating journeys across Asia for two decades, supported by local teams and trusted partners throughout the region.
Expertly Crafted Journeys
Our itineraries are shaped by decades of destination expertise and extensive research. We focus on distinctive routes, meaningful experiences and lesser visited regions, consistently earning outstanding feedback.
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![An Indian woman applying a traditional ceremonial mark to a Caucasian woman with white hair, who is smiling and holding a smartphone, outdoors with a stone wall in the background.]()
Engaging Activities
Experience a destination beyond the surface through authentic encounters with locals. Join paper-making workshops, take part in grassroots NGO initiatives, or explore on guided walking tours. These activities offer real insight into daily life, traditions, and community stories.
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![Mount Fuji with a snow-capped peak, a high-speed train on a track, pink flowers in the foreground, and a clear blue sky.]()
Unique Transport
Travel differently with unique modes of transport that bring you closer to local life. Ride overnight ferries, hop on regional trains, or use smaller vehicles that reach places big tour buses can't. Our journeys offer flexibility, deeper access, and a more personal view of the landscape.
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![Three people hiking in a lush green landscape with hills in the background.]()
Insightful Guides
Gain a deeper understanding of each place with insightful local guides who know their destinations inside out. Their lived experience, personal stories, and connections provide context you won’t find in guidebooks, turning each stop into a meaningful and memorable encounter.
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![Japanese street food stall with red paper lanterns, illuminated signs, and pictures of takoyaki octopus balls and okonomiyaki pancakes.]()
Culinary Treasures
Enjoy real street food and authentic regional cuisine, watch meals prepared using traditional methods, and sample dishes where locals eat. It’s not just about dining - it’s about experiencing culture through every bite, offering a true taste of a destination from a different perspective.
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![A group of women standing barefoot inside a grand, ornate building with a high, decorated ceiling, arched windows, and black-and-white checkered floor.]()
Smaller Groups
With a maximum of 12 guests, our take on small group touring allows easier access to places larger groups can’t reach. It’s a more flexible, personal way to travel - ideal for exploring tucked-away spots, connecting with locals, and enjoying a shared experience without the crowds.
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![Natural hot spring with reddish water, steam rising, surrounded by rocks and green plants, and a building in the background on a sunny day.]()
Incredible Itineraries
Our itineraries blend iconic highlights with off-the-beaten-track destinations, offering the best of both worlds. Carefully curated by our in-house travel experts, skip the crowds and discover lesser-known places that reveal a richer, more authentic side of each country you visit.
Remarkable East Travel FAQs
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At Remarkable East, we believe small group touring should be just that: small.
As such, the group size for all of our small group tours are capped at a maximum of 12 people, ensuring a more intimate and personalized experience.
This way, we’re able to get around with ease, utilise local transport and visit more off-the-beaten-track destinations. This tour is a great opportunity to connect with like-minded travellers, and you may even leave with lifelong friendships. -
All of our small group tours to Asia include shared airport transfers, all accommodation, breakfasts, all transport, a dedicated trip leader, and a range of expert local guides. Depending on the region, additional extras that may be included are outlined in each itinerary, such as speciality lunches or dinners, internal flights and entry to relevant landmarks or experiences.
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Our guests come from all over the world, but share a love of travel. Small group touring suits guests who value a balance of structure and flexibility, and who enjoy meaningful experiences over fast-paced sightseeing. It’s ideal for those who prefer not to travel alone but also want to avoid the crowds and rigidity of large tours.
People who enjoy cultural immersion, local interactions, and a slower, more thoughtful approach to travel often find small group touring rewarding. It’s also well suited to open-minded, considerate travellers who appreciate shared experiences, like group meals or guided walks, but value having personal time and space too.
Whether you’re a solo traveller, a couple, or a group of friends, if you’re curious, adaptable, and interested in the world beyond the typical tourist trail, small group touring is a great compromise between the intimacy of private experiences, and the convenience of group travel.
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We certainly do! Due to the nature of accommodation, like many other tour operators, our pricing is based on per person, twin share - or two people sharing a room.
Without another person to share the cost, a solo traveller will often pay the full rate for that room, or be charged double by a tour operator.
However, at Remarkable East, we try to reduce the cost of this burden by keeping our solo supplements as low as possible. If you would like to learn more about this or potentially source another solo traveller to bunk with, please contact us at [email protected] -
If we’re strictly talking about weather, the best months to visit Asia depend on the specific region, as the continent spans a wide range of climates. However, in general:
October to March is considered the most favourable period for much of Asia, particularly:
South Asia (India, Sri Lanka, Nepal): Cooler, dry weather makes this peak travel season.
South East Asia (Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar): These months offer pleasant temperatures and less rain.
East Asia (Japan, China, South Korea): Autumn (October-November) and spring (March-May) are ideal for mild weather and seasonal highlights like cherry blossoms or fall foliage.
Exceptions to note:
Northern Asia (parts of China, Mongolia, Siberia): Best visited in summer (June to August) when temperatures are more manageable.
Indonesia and the Philippines: Dry season varies, but generally April to October is preferred.
The Himalaya: For trekking in Nepal, India or Bhutan, spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) are ideal.
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With over two decades of operating tours from Australia, we know Asia well. While our primary base in in Melbourne, we also have regional offices for our operations staff in the following locations:
- Delhi, India
- Hanoi, Vietnam
- Colombo, Sri Lanka -
We certainly do! In fact, private touring with custom-made itineraries is an area we’re particularly passionate about. To explore more of Asia on your terms, please visit us at Asia Unbound, India Unbound or Sri Lanka Unbound to learn more.
2026 Asia Tour Departures
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Ceylon Cultural Treasures | Mon 21 Sep - Sat 3 Oct 2026
Travel through the cultural heartland of Sri Lanka, beginning in Negombo before exploring the ancient sites of Sigiriya and Dambulla, the wildlife of Wilpattu National Park and the historic city of Kandy. Continue south into the tea growing highlands around Haputale before finishing among the colonial streets, fortifications and coastal atmosphere of Galle and Colombo.
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Japanese Hidden Gems | Sun 11 Oct - Thu 22 Oct 2026
Journey through some of the lesser visited regions in Southern Japan, travelling from Osaka across the Seto Inland Sea to Naoshima, Shikoku and Kyushu. Along the way visit contemporary art museums, historic castle towns, traditional hot spring communities, preserved merchant districts and regional cities including Matsuyama, Ozu, Beppu, Nagasaki and Kagoshima.
Cycling The Setouchi | Thu 22 Oct - Thu 29 Oct 2026Cycle through the island landscapes of the Seto Inland Sea on an eight day journey linking quiet fishing communities, rural roads and coastal towns. Combining around 300km of riding with ferry crossings, local food, traditional accommodation and time to explore island life, the tour follows some of Japan's most scenic cycling routes while remaining accessible to recreational riders.
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Hills Of Sikkim | Tue 17 Nov - Tue 1 Dec 2026
Explore the Himalayan foothills of West Bengal and Sikkim on an India walking tour that combines culture, history and mountain landscapes. Beginning in Kolkata, the tour continues through Kalimpong, Rinchenpong, Uttarey and Darjeeling, with village walks, monastery visits, tea estates and opportunities to engage with local communities while staying in a mix of heritage properties and boutique lodges.
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We are currently developing our 2027 small group touring programme, with a range of new departures planned across Asia. Upcoming journeys are expected to include island hopping through the Philippines, hiking trails and mountain landscapes in Taiwan, wildlife focused adventures in Borneo and a selection of new cultural and active itineraries designed for curious travellers. Additional destinations and departure dates will be announced over the coming months as the collection continues to grow.
Go to Asia. Everything is different, yet everything is familiar. The people are kind, the food is rich, and the land surprises you at every turn.
Anthony Bourdain