Vote for where we go next. Join a journey already underway. The world is wide — let's decide together.
The manifest is live. Nominate one destination, vote for any that inspire you, and the most-wanted cities become the next adventure.
Six countries. Four weeks. Select the legs that call to you, choose your activities, and add yourself to each leg's manifest.
From Auckland's urban beaches to the glowing caves of Waitomo, the geothermal fury of Rotorua and Taupo, and the jaw-dropping fiords of the South Island. New Zealand sets the tone for everything that follows.
Fill in your details to join this leg. You'll receive packing notes and a pre-departure briefing.
This leg is almost entirely at sea. Mike Ball Expeditions takes the group to the Cod Hole and Ribbon Reef — some of the best diving on earth. You must be at the dock by 7AM on Day 10. The ship returns early Day 12 for departure.
Open Water certification or above strongly recommended. Check Mike Ball's current requirements before booking.
Tokyo's neon chaos, a Ryokan at the foot of Mt. Fuji, then west to Osaka and Kyoto for Torii gates, whisky distilleries, and the best street food on the planet. Get your JR Rail Pass before leaving the US.
Get your JR Rail Pass before leaving — significantly cheaper outside Japan. International Driving License needed for Mario Kart.
Istanbul is one of the great cities of the world — the Grand Bazaar, Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern, and a Bosphorus at sunset. Day 2 splits between Pamukkale's calcium terraces or Cappadocia's surreal landscape.
US passport holders require an e-Visa (~$50). Apply at the official portal before departure. See the Entry Requirements page.
Munich and Oktoberfest — lederhosen required. Day 2 splits: Neuschwanstein Castle (the real-life Cinderella's Castle) or a Bayern Munich match at the Allianz Arena if the fixture lines up.
US citizens enter Schengen visa-free. Germany + Iceland days count toward your 90-day Schengen total — you're well within limits on this trip.
The final chapter. South Ring Road, Reynisfjara's black sand beach, Svartifoss waterfall, Blue Ice Caves, and the Blue Lagoon. Then home from Reykjavik carrying a story worth telling for the rest of your life.
Pack your warmest gear — Iceland is cold even in September. Ice cave tours require advance booking and proper hiking boots.
Visa and entry requirements for each country on the First Adventure route. Requirements shown are for US passport holders — verify your specific nationality using each official link.
One nomination per traveler, unlimited votes. The most-wanted cities become the next Grand Adventure route. Voting closes on the date below — speak now.
One nomination per traveler, per cycle. Pick somewhere worth crossing an ocean for.
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This isn't a package tour. The Grand Adventure Co. is a fellowship of wanderers — people who travel with curiosity, flexibility, and good humour. Every new member joins through a conversation.
Fill out the form on this page. Your request goes directly to expeditions@grandadventureco.com — a real person reads every one.
We review your submission within 5 business days. If it looks like a good fit, you'll receive an invitation to schedule the interview.
A 30-minute audio/visual conversation over Zoom or Meet. No preparation needed — we want to understand how you travel, not test you. Video preferred, audio-only is fine.
If it's a match, you'll receive a welcome email and your personal passenger account is activated. Your anonymous session on this site becomes linked to your confirmed profile.
Your personal dashboard unlocks: visa deadlines, booking confirmations, deposit schedule, documentation checklist, and direct contact with the trip organiser.
Takes about 3 minutes. The more you share, the better we can match you to the right legs.
What unlocks in your account after confirmation:
Initialising…
This random token tracks your activity on this site (nominations, votes). After your interview is confirmed, it permanently links to your passenger profile — your history carries over.