Dragoman, the world's leading overland operator, has just previewed its latest brochure, due late October, with new destinations (Uruguay, Bolivian Amazon), new itineraries (Nepal, Colombia, Bhutan) and a return to West Africa. With over 400 trips in 56 countries, here's what's new and exciting for 2016.

Uruguay: Brand new destination for 2016

Having pioneered overland travel in South America since 1984, Uruguay is a brand new destination for Dragoman. "Unlike other South American destinations, Uruguay is little visited yet all the better for it," says Anki Nordin, America's Destination Manager. "The country also boasts the largest colonial fort in South America in Santa Teresa National Park, the town of Fray Bentos (yes, as in the pies) - the El Anglo Museum is a candidate for UNESCO World Heritage listing, the hauntingly beautiful Cabo Polonia, a moon sliver peninsula home to sea lions, the UNESCO Heritage Site of Colonia del Sacramento and ancient vineyards," she says.

How to get there? Andes and Amazon between Iguacu Falls and Buenos Aires, 15 days from £650 per person plus kitty of US$335.

Bolivian Amazon: New trip to rarely visited area with untouched eco system

The Bolivian Amazon is a rarely visited but a completely untouched eco-system, with caiman, monkeys and birdlife in multitudes. This new trip takes in all the highlights of Bolivia (Lake Titicaca, Salar de Uyuni etc.) but explores much further, to include the remote city of Rurrenabaque, gateway to the Amazon, the  colonial city of Sucre, the mysterious pre-Inca ruins of Tiwanaku, an estancia stay to learn about Uruguay's gauchos and a homestay in the village of Livichuco.

How to get there? La Paz to Cuzco, 20 days from £950 per person plus kitty of US$450.

Bhutan: Compressed

Two years ago, Dragoman became the first mainstream overland operator to offer trips in Bhutan with its 22 day Kolkata to Kathmandu via Bhutan trip. For 2016, Dragoman have created a much more 'Bhutan focussed' trip, the 10 of the 15 day Kolkata to Paro trip exploring the Land of the Thunder Dragons. Starting in Kolkata, taking in Darjeeling en route, the trip then crosses into the Himalayan mountain kingdom. Climb to the iconic Tigers' Nest Monastery, stroll around the charming town of Paro, visit markets and see traditional artisans at work in Bhutan's capital, Thimphu. You'll visit impressive dzongs, enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the Eastern Himalaya ranges, hike through the lush green valleys and discover the unique Buddhist culture of the Land of the Thunder Dragons.

How to get there? Kolkata to Paro, 15 days from £2,200 per person plus kitty from US$80.

Nepal Heritage Tour: A brand new trip to remote villages

Following the devastating earthquake in April 2015, Nepal is once again open for business. Dragoman has created a brand new trip, visiting places no other operator does, places where tourists can get truly off the tourist trail, stay with villagers and help to further rebuild rural communities.

The majority of the13 day trip is spent in remote or little-visited hillside communities far from the usual tourist trail, such as a two night stay in an old manor house in the historic village of Nuwakot, an eco-lodge in between the foothills of Annapurna and Manaslu where passengers will also help support the local school and maintaining the village water system, as well as going trekking to neighbouring areas. The trip also visits the little known town of Bandipur, once a commercial centre along the trade route to Tibet. Bandipur is a beautiful town and a fantastic example of traditional Newari culture, completely untouched by modernisation. The trip also visits some of Nepal's highlights such as Kathmandu, Pokhara and Chitwan National Park, making it the perfect trip for those who have never been to Nepal as well as returning fans, whilst helping local communities.

How to get there?  Heritage Nepal Overland, 13 days from trip £880 per person (including kitty),

Colombia: New itinerary to focus on the 'Wild' side

For 2016, Dragoman has completely revamped its Colombia trip to focus instead on the country's 'wilder'  side. Out is Cali, Medellin and Guatape, replaced by San Gil, the outdoor adventure capital of Colombia, Villa de Leypa, 'the most authentic town in South America - it's not changed since the 1600's - and Salento, home to the world's biggest palm trees (60metres and counting). A stay at a coffee plantation in Manizales, Tayrona National Park, the San Bernardo islands and Cartagena remain, understandably, untouched.

How to get there? Cartegena to Quito or v.v. , 19 days from £840 plus kitty of US$530 per person.

West Africa: We're back!

After a two year hiatus, Dragoman is delighted to reinstate its groundbreaking West Africa programme, with trips to Benin, Cote D'Ivoire, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Senegal, Sierra Leone, the Gambia and Togo.

How to get there? Travel the whole of West Africa, Dakar to Accra including Togo and Benin, 70 days from £3,560 per person, kitty from US$1,730. The most popular West Africa trip is the 21 day Accra to Accra trip (which includes Togo and Benin), £1,070 per person, kitty from US$430.   To view Dragoman's West Africa trips, click here.

For bookings, contact Dragoman on 01728 861133 or visit http://www.dragoman.com/

About Dragoman

Dragoman has been pioneering travel since 1981. Based in Suffolk, UK, it is the world's leading overland travel operator,  specialising in the America's, Africa and Asia. It offers over 400 trips to 56 countries, ranging from 6 to 235 days in duration. It was the first overland operator to offer trips which cover the entire Silk Route, Istanbul to Beijing, offers an Alaska to Ushuaia trip and was the first major overland operator to journey through Burma, Bhutan and more. In the past 5 years, Dragoman tour leaders have won Gold and Silver in Wanderlust magazine's World Guide Awards and its leaders remain the most comprehensively trained in the overland travel market.