Explore Ireland's western coast by combining outdoor activities with luxury accommodation in 5-star castle hotels in County Clare and County Mayo. Your excursion begins with a guided walk through the limestone landscape of the Burren, followed by a cycle across Inishmore, the largest of the Aran Islands, and a surfing lesson. You'll transfer north to hike the hills of Connemara National Park and bike along the country's famous Great Western Greenway.
The eastern end of the Himalaya and their neighboring foothills is one of the least-visited sections of the mountain range, but other travelers' loss is your gain as you explore this corner of India over the course of eight days. You'll experience a mix of Buddhist, Hindu, and Tibetan cultures as you visit tea terraces, monasteries, mountain viewpoints, and more.
Explore northern India over two weeks with this itinerary. You'll start in bustling Delhi before you retreat to mountain serenity in Darjeeling, then continue to historic monasteries and their sacred texts, artifacts, and stories throughout the state of Sikkim. Encounter sacred lakes, hilltop temples, colorful markets, and more before you return to Delhi.
On this trip, you get to truly experience the best of fishing, Norwegian traditions and discover scenic views including the unique fjords. Driving from the capitol Oslo and down south, you will encounter the southern picturesque villages before ending up at historical Boen Manor House for a few day of guided fishing in the Otra River. You'll then head through the Setesdalen and visit Flåm, where you'll enjoy a Næroyfjord Cruise and travel along the historic Flåm Railway, before heading back to Oslo.
This adventure-filled itinerary is perfect for travelers looking for an active two-week vacation. Hike through Petra and explore Wadi Rum, climb over rock bridges, go diving in Aqaba, discover ancient Roman ruins and much more.
Trek through Kawésqar National Park in this 6-day tour of Patagonia, starting in the port city of Puerto Natales with a scenic boat ride across the channel and up the fjord, where you'll view wildlife and ice calving glaciers. Your trek creates a circuit through several fjords, glaciers, and forests, with hikes up to alpine lagoons, preglacial lakes, and atop passes, such as the Indian Pass that was used by a local tribe for nearly 6,000 years. Explore glaciers up close while sleeping soundly under the stars in sturdy tents or on the water in houseboats.
This tour combines Colombia's vibrant cities of Bogotá, Medellín, and Cartagena with trips to colorful villages like Guatapé, a hike to La Pierda Rock, and a beach day on Barú Island. Visit unique sites such as the Salt Cathedral in Zipaquirá, the views atop Monserrate Hill, and the port city of Santa Marta, which is known as the first Spanish settlement in the country. Relax at a 5-star wellness hotel for a day at the spa, and spend an afternoon exploring Cartagena's food scene inspired by the literary works of Gabriel García Márquez.
This 14-day itinerary through Jordan and Israel gives visitors a chance to combine the highlights of Jordan with all of Israel's major attractions, including stops in Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Haifa, and the Galilee. Explore the red dunes of Wadi Rum, go snorkeling in the Gulf of Aqaba, float on the surface of the Dead Sea and more in this complete tour perfect for travelers who want to make the most of their two-week vacation.
This 14-day tour of the Holy Land starts off in Israel and takes you to Bethlehem, the Galilee, and other Biblical sites, before continuing in Jordan, with stops at Bethany Beyond the Jordan, Mount Nebo, and Elijah's Hill. Combine these holy sites with visits to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Petra, a night in the Wadi Rum desert, and a chance to float on the Dead Sea.
This unique two-week journey highlights a region in northern India known for Buddhist sites and outdoor activities. After a night in Delhi, you and your guide will fly to Jammu and Kashmir where you'll acclimatize to the altitude while enjoying Himalayan culture in the town of Leh. Then, begin a series of hikes and scenic transfers to the area's best temples, monasteries, valleys, and wildlife preserves—all while staying in friendly lodges and camps for the ultimate adventure.
In Milan, all you need is a day to experience the highlights, whether it's visiting the Gothic Cathedral or shopping the high streets of the Quadrilatero della Moda. With more time, however, you can venture outside the city for a hike around the famous Lake Como. And with close to a week, there's the added adventure of visiting Turin and the wine-producing region of Piedmont, too.
Spend two to three days in Venice, and you'll be able to experience the city's many highlights and visit a few of the surrounding islands, like Burano and Morano. With up to six days, you can add more local experiences—try a cooking class in a Venetian palace or rowing lessons from a professional gondolier. If you only have 24 hours here, you can still cover the basics: stroll St. Mark's Square, hit the art museums and blown glass galleries, and toast an Aperol spritz as the sun sets over the canals.
Sun, surf, great wine, and incredible vistas: these some of the things that define Cape Town, South Africa. Within 24 hours, you can go beyond the city and travel around the gorgeous Cape Peninsula. Spend 2-3 days here and add a kayak excursion and cable car ride up to iconic Table Mountain. With closer to a week, you can test your mettle on a shark-diving adventure plus enjoy a bit of culture with visits to an African art museum and Robben Island, the prison where Mandela spent 18 years of his life.
Cinque Terre is a collection of five seaside villages on a 2-mile (3 km) stretch of Italy's northwest coast. Known as the Italian Riviera due to its dramatic setting, it takes a mere day to visit each of these gems. Two to three days would allow you to enjoy its beaches and discover the culture via a cooking class. And with four to five days, you could get to know every inch of Cinque Terre on boat trips, hikes of the surrounding mountains, and even make an extra trip to historic Genoa.
Buenos Aires is a romantic Latin American capital whose highlights, like the Presidential Palace, you can see in 24 hours. With three days, you can tour the historic neighborhoods of Palermo and San Telmo, plus visit a cowboy ranch. And if you've got a week here, you can round out the experience with cooking classes and a trip to a charming river town. There are many options because, as Hemingway once described Paris, Buenos Aires is a moveable feast.
January is one of the best times to visit the Galápagos Islands, thanks to the pleasant temperatures and birdwatching opportunities. It is also a great month to experience hiking and underwater adventures, such as snorkeling and diving. Many of the marine species are active during this time, which means you will get to see endemic birds, iguanas, and sea turtles as they make their way upon the land to nest and lay their eggs. Read on to learn why January is an excellent month to visit the Galápagos.
Ready to plan a getaway to Morocco? We’ve got you covered. We sent people all over the country to research destinations. We interviewed experts, analyzed real trips, and did in-depth interviews with travelers. Then we factored in how much time travelers to Morocco typically have—and what they’re most interested in seeing. The result: our top recommendations for itineraries of 5, 7, 10, and 14 days.
Stay deep in the Amazon rainforest of Peru to experience the sights, sounds, and sensations of the world's most diverse ecosystem, which contains at least 10% of the world's known biodiversity. Walk along the treetops of the rainforest, sail around the mirrored Sandoval Lake, take a nighttime walk to encounter nocturnal animals, and more on this 4-day itinerary.
This whirlwind 15-day Colombian itinerary covers everything from culture and heritage to adventure and Caribbean beaches. Start in the reborn metropolis of Medellín, a city whose reputation as a global hotspot is enhanced by its rising culinary and arts scenes. After city life, it's time for a bit of nature as you embark on a two-day rafting journey down the Río Verde. Continue your adventure on the Caribbean coast, where you'll explore Cartagena's Old Town and enjoy a day trip to the nearby Rosario Islands. End your journey in the paradise of Tayrona National Park, with its perfect mix of beaches, jungles, and mountains.
Enjoy the great Norwegian outdoors with a number of exciting activities. You'll start with a few days of cross-country skiing in Hemsedal before heading toward the glacier area of Jostedalsbreen. Here, you'll hike to the Blue Ice Cave, learn about glaciers, and ride a cable car to the top of a fjord. Then, you'll stop in Flam for a scenic fjord cruise and a trip along the Flåm Railway. The trip will end in exciting Oslo.
Explore the beautiful Aysén Region of Chilean Patagonia on this thrilling 4-day adventure. You will be staying in Puyuhuapi, where you will get access to incredible scenery that includes the Puyuhuapi Lake, fjords, glaciers, and forests. You can kayak through glacial channels and hike on mountain roads as you look for unique wildlife like sea lions and cougars. Back at your lodge, you will enjoy spa treatments, locally-grown food, and Chilean wine.
Connect with the incredible nature of Chile on this kayaking and camping adventure through Pumalín Douglas Tompkins National Park, the largest national park in South America. This pristine wilderness, which is home to a diverse array of flora, fauna, and Valdivian forests, extends from the heart of the Andes Mountains to the fjords of the Pacific Coast. Kayak through fjords, visit a sea lion colony, camp under the stars, and more on this six-day itinerary.Be aware that this itinerary includes about five hours of kayaking a day, so good physical condition is required to manage this intermediate level trip. The route can vary slightly due to currents, tide, and weather.
The Great Wall of China is one of the New 7 Wonders of the World and an integral part of China's historical legacy. But rather than see it on a mere day trip, you'll spend a few days hiking various sections of the wall along with an expert guide. During the tour, you'll walk the ramparts along restored sections and gain a deeper understanding of Chinese culture as you chat with villagers and sample local cuisine—you can even camp near the wall if weather permits.
Xian was one of the original historical capitals of China for over 1,000 years. Over five days you'll discover its secrets and highlights, such as the ancient City Walls and of course the thousands of clay statues that comprise the Terracotta Army. You'll cap the adventure with a trip to Luoyang where you'll see thousands of Buddhist rock carvings that date to the 5th century.
Embark on this tour of Lisbon and nearby sites to discover the reasons why people come back to Portugal over and over again. Enjoy new flavors and dishes in Lisbon, visit the unforgettable Chapel of Bones in Évora, explore the incredible palaces of Sintra, and more on this four-day itinerary.
In five days you can experience the highlights of Shanghai plus take a day trip to one of the most romantic cities in the region: Suzhou. First, you'll tour Shanghai's historic gardens and old neighborhoods, like the French Concession quarter, which is now a Bohemian enclave. Then you're off to Suzhou and adjacent Tongli, a town on a canal so beautiful it's known as the "Venice of Asia."
Spend five days touring the monasteries and palaces of one of the most spiritually significant places in Asia: Tibet. You'll arrive in the capital and immediately tour the highlights of the city, such as iconic fortress that overlooks the city, Potala Palace. You'll round out the trip by embarking on a road trip outside of Lhasa to holy lakes and m onasteries founded by the earliest Dalai Lamas.
Spend a quick five days touring the most historic sights of China's capital, like the Forbidden City and Summer Palace. You'll arrive in Beijing and visit Tiananmen Square before heading off for a hike on the Great Wall. Then you'll tour one of the nation's holiest sites, the Temple of Heaven, and cap the trip with a boat ride on the lake at the imperial Summer Palace.
This seven-day trip to China covers three historic and beautiful areas that couldn't be more different. You'll arrive in Beijing, and tour landmarks from its imperial past, like the Forbidden City and Great Wall. Then you're off to the south of the country for river tours amid the limestone mountains of Yangshuo followed by some relaxation in the modern metropolis of Shanghai.
You'll pack an incredible week with the highlights of China's Yunnan province. After arriving in the city of Kunming, you'll transfer to Dali and visit the Stone Forest, a natural marvel of towering limestone rocks. Then you'll tour other historic towns and cities that were once fixtures on the ancient tea trading routes while also visiting incredible natural wonders like Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Black Dragon Pool.
This weeklong tour follows a route from Beijing to Shanghai—two great metropolises of China. You'll land in Beijing and tour ancient royal stomping grounds like the Summer Palace, Temple of Heaven, and Forbidden City. After visiting the Great Wall of China you'll catch a bullet train to Shanghai and tour its most famous neighborhoods plus make a day trip to the ancient water city of Suzhou, known as the "Venice of Asia."
Get ready for an adventure into the very heart of China as you embark on a five-star cruise down the Yangtze River. The journey begins in Beijing, where you'll not only visit the Forbidden City but you'll take a walk on the Great Wall, too. Then you're off to Chongqing where you'll board a riverboat for three days on jade waters flanked by towering cliffs before finishing the trip in Shanghai.
In just a week you'll manage to cover many of the highlight cities of China, from ancient Xi'an to modern Shanghai. This "golden triangle" tour begins in the nation's capital of Beijing, where you'll visit the most incredible landmarks like the Imperial City and the Great Wall of China. Then you're off to Xi'an to see the famous Terracotta Army before finishing the trip in the metropolitan playground of Shanghai.
This 10-day adventure covers the major highlights of Tibet and more. Known as the "Roof of the World," you'll travel from Beijing to Tibet's eastern high-altitude plateau where you'll visit the area's historic and religious capital of Lhasa. After touring the iconic Potara Palace, you'll embark on a road trip through expansive valleys and over high mountain passes, crossing rushing rivers and visiting glassy lakes, on your way to the highlight of it all: Mt. Everest Base Camp.
Over 10 days you'll experience ancient capitals of China like Beijing and Xi'an, which are regarded as the cradles of Chinese civilization. Beyond touring historic sights like Tiananmen Square and the Great Wall, you'll visit the thousands of Terracotta Warriors at Xi'an. Capping this trip is a five-star cruise down the Yangtze River followed by a couple of days in Shanghai, a modern metropolis with limitless options for fun and adventure.
Enjoy a few of the best outdoor highlights of Costa Rica on this nine-day adventure. Do some sightseeing in the capital city, then conquer the rapids on a rafting trip down the Río Pacuare before canyoning, heading out on a nature walk, and soaking in the hot springs around Arenal Volcano. Then, explore the cloud forest of Monteverde on horseback and zipline through the canopy. The trip concludes with surfing, snorkeling, and relaxation on Playa Sámara before returning to San José.
This 14-day itinerary covers the highlights of China and more, beginning in Shanghai before flying to Sichuan province to visit the largest Giant Panda breeding center in the world. After stopping in Tibet's capital of Lhasa for a cultural tour, you'll head to the ancient capital of China, Xi'an and see its historic Terracotta Army. The trip culminates in Beijing with a visit to the Forbidden City and a walk around the most iconic landmark in the country: the Great Wall of China.
This two-week China getaway combines the nation's major tourist draws with cultural exchanges and even a family-friendly trip to an amusement park. It starts in Beijing, where you'll tour the Forbidden City plus take an excursion to the Great Wall. Next, you'll see the famous Terracotta Army of Xi'an, spend time with giant pandas in Chengdu, enjoy a riverboat excursion amid the limestone mountains of Guilin, and cap it all with a tour of modern Shanghai and a trip to Disneyland.
Over 14 days you'll visit the ancient capitals of China, walk the historic Great Wall, see the Terracotta Army of Xi'an, plus take a cruise up the longest river in Asia, the Yangtze. It's a luxurious ride that leads to the Three Gorges Dam, the largest hydroelectric power station in the world. All in all, this itinerary perfectly combines history, culture, and the cradles of Chinese civilization into one adventure.
Spend 10 days walking and hiking Shikoku's 88 Temple Pilgrimage Trail, visiting historic Buddhist temples along the way. You'll see pilgrims, easily identified by their white clothing and walking staff, who spend weeks on the trail visiting all 88 temples. As you explore castles, small villages, and larger communities, sample local specialties and stay in traditional inns or pilgrims' lodgings, you'll get a real taste of Shikoku's unique culture.
On this eco-friendly tour, you will get to swim with wild whale sharks in a protected and responsibly-managed environment. Considered the best place in the world to see the gentle giants, Donsol is also a paradise of soft-sand beaches and magnificent limestone rock formations. Besides seeing whale sharks in their natural habitat, you'll get to snorkel and relax around the islands of Ticao, and float down the amazing Firefly River as bright sparkles alight the surrounding forest.
Few have the privilege of witnessing such a spectacle: the mythical south face of the Aconcagua Mountain. An imposing wall standing 9,843 feet (3000 m) high, there are huge glaciers and rocks that will leave even the most experienced climber breathless. This three-day trek of intermediate difficulty will let us get closer than ever before to the highest mountain in the Americas. Spend two nights in the “Confluencia” Base Camp, which is the route of many of the expeditions seeking to conquer the summit.
The first part of this Tanzania adventure will take you on safari at Tarangire National Park, Serengeti National Park, and Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Here, you'll do game drives, learn about the ecology of the parks, and see the African big five. Then, you'll fly over to the gorgeous Zanzibar archipelago, where you'll spend days swimming in crystal-clear waters and diving around corals.
This 21-day trip is a wonderful fit for photographers looking to see the African landscape and its impressive wildlife. Visit 10 different parks and conservations to find the big five–lions, buffalos, elephants, and leopards. Bask in the shadow of Mt. Kilimanjaro, the highest in Africa, and Mt. Kenya, the second-highest in Africa. Along the way you'll also see the Great Rift Valley and meet local people, making the entire itinerary a "photographer's paradise" and an incredibly memorable trip to Africa.
Embark on a historical and cultural journey through Bosnia, the gem of the Balkans, as you take in a variety of natural wonders, archaeological ruins and cultural traditions. Walk across the famous bridge of Mostar, stand under the ancient trees of the Perućica old-growth forest, try local delicacies in Sarajevo, and more in this ten-day itinerary.
Explore Italy's spectacular Amalfi Coast with an 11-day trip that combines hiking, boating, leisure time and sightseeing. This hiking-centric itinerary revisits those old walking trails, including the legendary, rugged Sentiero degli Dei path, and includes stops on the islands of Capri and Ischia. Every turn along the Amalfi Coast road and pathways is like a postcard, with perfect scenes of bougainvillea, lemon trees, terraced vineyards, and that dazzling blue water beyond—and it's best explored on foot!
Foodies who want to experience the unique flavors of Patagonia will love this seven-day itinerary that pairs plenty of culinary experiences with relaxing sailing expeditions. When you arrive in Bariloche, you will set sail across Nahuel Huapi Lake, sip yerba maté, and learn to cook some of the region's traditional Argentine dishes. After a few days, you will cross the Andes into Chile and explore the German breweries in Puerto Varas before taking a day-trip to nearby Chiloé Island.
Enjoy the best of Iceland's famous Westfjords region on this 10-day summer adventure. Escape the crowds along the packed Golden Circle route and instead travel up the west coast where you'll discover volcanic beaches, colorful fishing villages, rugged sea cliffs, and more. It's a memorable self-drive adventure during which you'll have the freedom to enjoy Iceland's natural wonders at your own pace.
Soak up Moroccan culture on this trip plan that features unique experiences (think a bespoke hammam experience, desert glamping, and hot air balloon ride) and the best of luxury pampering. You'll stay at five-star hotels and riads, where you can relax after days of private guided tours and hands-on cooking workshops. Wander medieval medinas, visit artisan workshops, and discover picturesque towns, ancient ruins, and incredible food.
Spend ten days touring the Imperial Cities of Morroco while relaxing in the lap of luxury. In addition to having a private driver take you around the country and give you insider tips, you'll enjoy private guided tours, cooling classes and incredible experiences like a night of desert glamping and a sunrise hot air balloon. After a day of adventure and exploration, sink into comfort in five-star, richly appointed riads.
