Steppes Travel (or Steppes East as it was then) was founded in 1989 with the objective of creating a travel company where service and knowledge are of the highest priority. We aim to design itineraries, which, while including the highlights of any country, additionally take travellers off the beaten track to see lesser known, but equally interesting places not frequented by large numbers of tourists.

We offer individuals the ability to travel safely in remote areas in the knowledge that one of us has been there before. Furthermore we run a 24-hour emergency service, which ensures that at any time, a member of staff is on call to help resolve a local difficulty. It is our belief that these little details make the difference between a good travel company and an exceptional travel company.

To achieve this we demand a very high calibre of staff who on the one hand, through a combination of upbringing and education, can objectively analyse and appreciate the finest hotels and resorts in the world and yet who will, at a moments notice, disappear off to some far flung remote corner to visit a particular treasure which, for what ever reason, has grabbed their attention. Additionally they must have the intellect and education to absorb the culture and history of a country so that in turn they can produce interesting and stimulating ideas for you the traveller.

We now have a sales staff of 12 in the office all of whom have a wealth of travel experience under their belts and who revisit their own particular areas of expertise each year to refresh their minds and discover new opportunities. Some have now been with us for more than 10 years and have developed a following of clients who trust their judgement and will travel with no one else. We hope you will join those ranks.



Our team are, quite literally, the key to our success. We now have over twenty in the office all of whom have a wealth of travel experience under their belts and who revisit their own particular areas of expertise each year to refresh their minds and discover new opportunities. All of them, through a combination of upbringing and education, can objectively analyse and appreciate the finest hotels and resorts in the world and yet, at a moments notice, will disappear off to some far flung corner to visit a particular treasure which, for whatever reason, has grabbed their attention.

We will tell you about those intimate, friendly hotels and introduce you to charismatic guides - those little extra bits that make your holiday both unique and special. What's more we will telephone you after your trip to see how it was - not even your friends do that!

Some of our staff have now been with us for more than ten years and have developed a following of clients who trust their judgment and will travel with no one else.

Our sales staff will be out of the office for approximately a month a year - more than most other travel companies - refreshing their knowledge and discovering new areas and places to stay.



Not only do we have unrivalled expertise in the office but also in the agents that we work with in different parts of the world. Our aim has always been to find small, privately owned companies who share our ethos and who will handle you, our client, with the same care and attention which we strive to achieve.

During eighteen years we have formed firm friendships with all our partners ensuring that, through their guides and staff, they will show you the quintessential highlights of their country. They will take you off the beaten track, introduce you to friends, sit with you and talk, and above all ensure that you return home with the very best of memories and understanding of their culture.



Each holiday is unique and bespoke allowing you to explore your own interests, select your own style of accommodation and travel at your own pace. You are not beholden to a group itinerary or schedule and all local travel arrangements are made using private guides and drivers wherever possible. As ever, our Specialists' knowledge is always at your disposal.

After an initial discussion with you, one of our specialists will create a unique itinerary for your trip, complete with background information. We are of course delighted to fine tune the itinerary until you are completely satisfied with it. Your trip will be dealt with by the same specialist throughout and you are welcome to call him or her at any time.

For friendly, professional and honest advice call us on 01285 880980

N.B. The Company reserves the right to charge a £50 fee for specific quotations which is refundable upon booking



Accommodation can make the difference between an ordinary trip and a fantastic journey, so our specialists have searched the world for small, unusual hotels, b&b's and lodges that are much more than just a place to sleep. Whether they are former Maharajah palaces, secluded beachfront lodges, rainforest camps or historic merchants' houses, they all share one quality - character.

Another feature of the properties we feature is that our staff have stayed at or visted them and thus know them personally. Call us on 01285 880980 to find out which are our favourite places to stay.



We use whatever means of transport you would like, within reason! However given that our specialist has travelled along that route themselves it is perhaps best to take his or her advice.

By car: Our clients always enjoy private transfers and private transport in air-conditioned vehicles with a driver.

On foot: Whether exploring the alleys of Old Damascus, walking around Petra, following the Ho Chi Minh trail or tracking wildlife on foot, your own feet are often the best way of getting around. You can also someone else's feet and ride by horse, camel, elephant, llama or even ostrich!

Boats: More than just sunset dhow cruises, we have a portfolio of small comfortable cruise ships which visit both interesting and unusual places around the globe. Sail the Swahili coast or cruise around the Galapagos in the romance of the Alta or Isabella, amongst the most luxurious boats in the islands. In the Antarctic we only use small boast whose professional guides and crews offer a very personal approach.

Trains: travelling by train is a relaxing and comfortable way of travelling long distances yet being able to enjoy the scenery en route.



We have competitive contract rates with all the main airlines - in economy, premium economy, business and first class - and can hold flights on our system until you are ready to book.

We are also ATOL bonded. See below.



At Steppes Travel we believe that your safety and holiday enjoyment are very important. Therefore travel insurance is a must whenever you travel abroad. We suggest travel insurance offered by specialist travel insurance brokers Campbell Irvine



This depends on your country of origin and where you are travelling to. We do not organise visas but our specialist will be more than happy to advise you and help where necessary.




Steppes Travel is fully bonded under the Civil Aviation Authority of the UK which fully guarantees your money in the unlikely event of us going out of business before you depart on holiday. For further details of this scheme click on the ATOL icon which will take you to the CAA website.