There are few places in the world where ancient tradition and modern life sit together quite like they do in Japan. On this special journey, we explore the country from both land and sea, beginning in the energy and excitement of Tokyo before joining Mitsui Ocean Cruises for an unforgettable eight-night voyage showcasing Japan from […]
Category Archives: E-news
ON TOUR: Turkmenistan – Quietly Remarkable
May 2026 Turkmenistan is often described as the least visited of the Five Stans, yet it has some surprisingly bold and quirky claims to fame Kiwis can relate to. Travelling across this little-visited country, Elaine and the group experienced striking contrasts, from the barren landscapes of the north to the grand capital of Ashgabat and […]
Egypt and Morocco: Ancient Wonders and Vibrant Cities
Few journeys capture the imagination quite like Egypt and Morocco. This Maher tour brings together two extraordinary destinations, combining the ancient wonders of Egypt with the colour, culture and energy of Morocco. In Egypt, travellers experience some of the most remarkable sites of the ancient world. Standing before the Great Pyramids of Giza and the […]
ON TOUR: The People of the Five Stans
May 2026 As Jacky’s journey through the Five Stans draws to a close, one theme stands out above all others: the warmth and generosity of the people they have met along the way. Travelling through this remarkable region has revealed an extraordinary diversity of cultures, traditions and landscapes. From bustling bazaars and ancient Silk Road […]
Real Humans Real Connections: Travel Built on Real Relationships
One of the things people often comment on after travelling with Maher Tours is how personal the experience feels. From the first conversation, you are dealing with real people who know the tours, understand the destinations, and take the time to get to know you. There are no automated responses or chatbots behind the scenes. […]
Linzi Ebbage-Thomas: The magic you won’t find on the brochure
Some tour leaders are exceptionally organised. Some know destinations in remarkable detail. And some have an instinct for people that quietly shapes the entire journey. Linzi Ebbage-Thomas has that instinct. There is a natural magnetism about Linzi, a warmth and sparkle that draws people in, but beneath that sits something deeper. Linzi understands people. She […]
ON TOUR: The Craft Traditions of the Five Stans
April 2026 Travelling through the Five Stans has many highlights, from dramatic mountain landscapes to ancient Silk Road cities, but for Jacky and her group one of the most memorable experiences has been discovering the region’s rich craft traditions. Shopping across Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan is far more than a quick stop in […]
Southern Africa: Where the Scale of the Landscape Changes Everything
Some places feel big in a way that is hard to explain until you are there. The horizon stretches further. Rivers widen into broad, slow-moving systems that carry wildlife to their edges. The sky feels larger, the distances longer, and the sense of space reshapes how you travel through the landscape. Southern Africa is one […]
ON TOUR: Uzbekistan the Architectural Jewel of the Silk Road
April 2026 Uzbekistan is often described as the architectural jewel of the Five Stans, and as Elaine and her group continue their journey along the Silk Road, it’s easy to see why. Travellers come here to experience some of the most remarkable historic cities in Central Asia. Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva were once key stops […]
ON TOUR: Food, Glorious Food!
One of the quiet pleasures of travel is the food. As Jacky and her group journey through Central Asia on our Five Stans Silk Road tour, meals quickly become part of the cultural experience — offering a window into local traditions, ingredients and daily life. In Dushanbe, Tajikistan, the group enjoyed a traditional dinner featuring […]