Custom Tour Design by Ralph Velasco - Continental DRIFTER®

Embark on a uniquely tailored adventure where you can leverage my 17+ years of expertise in custom tour design, yet still enjoy the freedom of independent travel.

Mexico's Copper Canyon

Journey deep into Mexico’s breathtaking Copper Canyon aboard the iconic El Chepe train. Experience vibrant local culture, stunning landscapes, and meaningful encounters with the Tarahumara people.

Seeking the Northern Lights in LAPLAND

Visit Lapland—a truly enchanting place where the sky is painted with delicate hues and the spirits of old are said to speak through the people who live there.

FRANCE’s Magical Dordogne

Experience an unforgettable stay in a private 11th-century castle on 270 acres with pool. Walnut oil and caviar tastings, prehistoric caves, village walks, great food.

Northern SPAIN’s Basque Country & La Rioja

Join Continental DRIFTER® Experiences for a culinary adventure in Northern Spain. Plus, wine and olive oil tasting, tapa tours, lunch at a gastronomic society and more.

Northern PORTUGAL:
Porto & the Douro Valley

Tour Porto, the gem of Portugal, including port wine tastings, historic walks, and more. Take the train through the Douro Valley to walk the vineyards + boat rides.

Wildlife Safari in TANZANIA & ZANZIBAR

Discover stunning wildlife, vibrant cultures, and rich history along Africa’s east coast and the Indian Ocean. Discover hidden gems and savor exotic culinary delights.

Treasures of ARMENIA & GEORGIA

Embark on an extraordinary and once-in-a-lifetime journey to the Republics of Georgia and Armenia, nestled in the captivating Caucasus region of western Asia.

The Colors and
Culture of INDIA

Visit Delhi, Agra (home of Taj Mahal), Jaipur, Jodhpur. The incredible Pushkar camel fair is also on the agenda, plus 4- & 5-star hotels, amazing food, great photography.

VIETNAM:
North to South

Explore Vietnam’s natural beauty, cultural diversity, and delicious cuisine. From Hanoi to Ha Long Bay, Saigon to the Mekong Delta, there’s something for everyone.

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 26 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Ben Eisenstein 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We took the Antarctica air/cruise with Antarctica 21 through Ralph Velasco at The Continental Drifter. The trip was amazing. We flew over the Drake Passage and then cruised the Antarctic peninsula. Not only was there spectacular scenery, we saw close up many kinds of penguins, five kinds of seals, whales and sea birds. The food was excellent onboard and the crew was fantastic. There was a good ratio of crew to passengers. I highly recommend this trip!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Kathy Gazzolo 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Wow is the first word that I can think of from my trip to Antarctica.  Penguins, seals, and whales oh my!  The sights and sounds were breathing in every direction.  The crew on board were excellent going above and beyond to make this trip memorable and  a once in a lifetime experience.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Bill White 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I really enjoyed the entire process, and trip from continental Drifter, and Ralph.  Very well planned and thought out.  Everything was taken care of. Simple. The Dailey trips and excursions were all terrific. Great venue and accommodations. I highly recommend their travel experience.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   John Rayburn 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My kind of travel. Ralph does excellent work in finding unique places for his trips. He does the hard work and we get to enjoy ourselves. Have travelled with Ralph on many trips and always a great adventure. You won't be disapointed
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Mary Madden 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Ralph Velasco is a wonderful tour leader. He personally develops interesting and entertaining itineraries and then takes care of everything. You just show up ready to enjoy. I recently look a trip with Ralph and his company Continental Drifter to the Copper Canyon in Mexico riding on the iconic El Chepe train. A wonderful surprise every day. Copper Canyon is an incredible site up behold. Gorgeous views. I loved this trip and am planning my next trip soon with Continental Drifter
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Patrick P 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I've been on multiple tours with Ralph, first to Cuba and most recently in Portugal.  Ralph keeps the groups small (6-12 people) and researches these places extensively. He handled all the details, so I could enjoy the trip and make the most of my vacation time. The pace of the trips are the perfect mix of covering a lot while keeping a relaxed pace. All the people on my tours were repeat customers, which speaks highly of these trips.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Neil Kristianson 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Always a top-notch experience! We've been on several trips with Ralph over the years starting with Egypt in 2010. The thing we like most about Ralph's trips is the people. He always has the coolest clients to travel with. We've made several new friends while traveling across Europe. Plus, he puts a lot of thought into each trip to make sure we get the most from our time away. But it's not a death march either. He builds in relaxation time so we never feel rushed or like we're trying to see EVERYTHING in a week. The favorite moments come chilling at a street-side cafe while chatting with other travels. Highly, highly, highly recommend.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Ann Walker 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My husband & I have enjoyed traveling with Ralph on two wonderful trips to Northern Spain & Cambodia. We love the itineraries he plans & especially the small group experiences. If you love to travel you will truly enjoy a trip with Ralph. He is the best!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Kathleen Schrank 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. "I know you hear this all the time, but this is the best trip I've ever taken." Cuba
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Deb Helms 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We went to Cambodia in November/December 2023. Well planned and led trip that taught us so much about Cambodia. The people of Cambodia are so welcoming and friendly! Ralph Velasco did a great job of leading us throughout and providing us with unique experiences.

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RALPH VELASCO

Traveler, Photographer, Wanderer, Wonderer

Live some of the Continental DRIFTER® Experiences!

I carefully craft these once-in-a-lifetime custom tours to introduce you to incredible parts of the world. Each trip is meticulously planned in advance, ensuring a seamless experience with a perfect balance of scheduled activities and free time to explore on your own, creating life-long memories to share with your friends and family.

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