Alternative Cities
One of our core principles is to take you to lesser known but equally wonderful and inspiring places - discovering the hidden aspects of a country. We felt it was about time we highlighted those cities that are often overlooked in favour of their more famous cousins.
These are not the run of the mill destinations offered by most operators, but that is why we love them; undiscovered gems visited only by the more adventurous traveller. Each of our travel experts will design your itinerary using their own "insider knowledge" so that you too can experience the magic of these cities, eat in the best local restaurants and explore their hidden cultural secrets, whatever your interests.
Don't be beholden to the regular tourist trail - travel beyond the ordinary and let our private guides and drivers literally take you off the beaten track.
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Kieran Murphy
Group Managing Director |
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video courtesy of Steppes Travel |
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Movie of the Month
Discover the exhilaration and excitement of the Arctic circle - featured here footage from Alex Mudd ( GM of Steppes Voyages) on his Greenland voyage. Read more about our Polar voyages including the Arctic and Antarctica.
Watch now |
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News
In the papers
Stanley Stewart's article for our dog sledding trip to Longyearbyen was recently featured in The Sunday Times.
Read more
Also in The Sunday Telegraph Anna Murphy recounts her Steppes Travel tour to Mongolia with an insight to this stunning wilderness and nomadic people.
Read more |
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 Salta
Set in the North West of Argentina, Salta is a colonial gem situated in a wonderful and dramatic mountain landscape. Explore archaeological sites, visit the ornate Basilica Cathedral or use Salta as a base and explore Quebrada de Humahuaca a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Read more or contact Emma |
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 Valparaiso
Situated on the coast, just 1½ hours' drive from Santiago and within easy striking distance of the wine lands, Valparaiso has largely been ignored by travellers. The old town is now becoming the chic alternative for Santiago's elite with renovated hotels, galleries and restaurants opening everywhere.
Read more or contact Oliver |
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 Longyearbyen
Lying deep inside the Arctic Circle and one of the world's most northerly settlements. Longyearbyen is the main entry point for travellers coming in search of polar bears, which on Svalbard are more numerous than people! Encircled by towering mountain ranges, it is a bleak but fascinating town.
Read more or contact Alex |
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 Maputo
Maputo is the capital and largest city of Mozambique. The Polana Hotel, with its rambling lines and tall palm trees, is typical of the style of Mediterranean-influenced architecture which graces the city, perfect for a short stay.
Read more or contact Albee |
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 Manaus
Manaus is the Amazon's largest city with over 2 million inhabitants and 900 miles from the ocean, an incongruous pocket of urbanity in the middle of the jungle as well as a major port for ocean vessels. Having flourished during the 19th century rubber boom, it now acts as the starting point for all Amazon voyages up the Rio Negro.
Read more or contact Alex |
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 Fez
The Imperial city of Fez is fascinating, has excellent accommodation and is frequently overlooked by visitors to Morocco. The whitewashed buildings and labyrinthine medina evoke a more ancient feel than Marrakech, while nearby are the superb Roman remains of Volubilis.
Read more or contact Kate |
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 Lalibela
In the heart of the Ethiopian Plateau lies the ancient city of Lalibela. Built in 1200 AD, thirteen rock hewn churches lie below the surface, interlinked by secret passageways and guarded by a devoted priest. Each church is still used as a place of worship and is most spectacular during the Christmas festivals.
Read more or contact Illona |
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 Samarkand
The evocative and infamous city of Samarkand, jewel of the ancient Silk Route, has fired the imagination of travellers over the centuries. Registan Square is the greatest architectural ensemble in Central Asia and today is the unlikely yet perfect setting for theatre and shows.
Read more or contact Paul |
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