Travel Insights

Insights, ideas and itineraries from kimkim's trusted network of Local Travel Specialists and Experts

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Sea lions fighting for space on Peru's Ballestas Islands

Highlights of Peru: Machu Picchu, Inca Train, Nazca Lines & Ballestas Islands - 12 Days

From the Amazon to Machu Picchu, this itinerary takes you to Peru's major highlights. Fly over the Nazca Lines, then spend some time exploring the wildlife-rich Ballestas Islands and the metropolitan city of Lima. Next, journey into the Amazon to spot wildlife from the comfort of an ecolodge. Finally, head to the Inca capital of Cusco and explore the Sacred Valley before your short Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu.

Inca Trail & Amazon Excursion - 12 Days

From bustling cities to remote jungles, this tour of Peru's highlights is perfect for adventurous travelers. Discover Peruvian cuisine and culture in Lima, and continue to Cusco and the Sacred Valley. Explore Inca ruins and colorful textile markets before embarking on a short Inca Trail trek, ending at the famed Machu Picchu ruins. Top it all off with a visit the Amazon, spotting wildlife like macaws, cayman, anaconda, and tapir.

Newars Playing Musical Instrument During Local Festival

Newari Culture in the Kathmandu Valley - 7 Days

The Newars are one of Nepal's many ethnic groups, and are considered to be the indigenous inhabitants of the Kathmandu Valley. On this culturally rich seven-day tour you'll experience the best of Newari culture, architecture, food, festivals, and more. Newari culture can be found in Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur, the three ancient kingdoms of the valley, which you'll get to know well during this enriching tour.

Pikey Peak Trek: Dhap, Jhapre, Pikey Peak, Junbesi, Takasindu - 11 Days

Less trodden than other Nepal teahouse treks, Pikey Peak is the newly opened destination in the Solukhumbu Region and offers some of the best sunrise and sunset views of Everest, Makalu, and Annapurna. This moderate route passes through beautiful Sherpa settlements with a visit to the 19th-century Buddhist Monastery of Thupten Chholing. Good to know: In July and August, locals hold different cleansing rituals, celebrations, and festivals open to the public.

Explore Northern Italy: Trieste, Venice, & More - 6 Days

Breeze through the Friuli Venezia Giulia region for six spectrum-spanning days. Whether you're in the craggy capital city of Trieste, hiking through ancient towns along the Corso Ridge, or gliding over Venetian canals, you're sure to find something to keep you here.

Explore Northern Italy: Trieste, Venice, & More - 7 Days

The Friuli Venezia Giulia region may be small, but it's packed with some of Italy's favorite spots. Spend seven days sauntering through historic architecture, hiking trails, handmade arts, and more as you explore the scenery and culture.

Explore Northern Italy: Trieste, Venice, & More - 8 Days

Get enchanted by eight days in this region of northeastern Italy. You'll stroll the city streets of Trieste before you hike its neighboring Carso Ridge, then switch over to seafaring Venice to see its dramatic landmarks and local artisans at work.

Explore Northern Italy: Trieste, Venice, & More - 9 Days

Petite Friuli Venezia Giulia offers plenty to cover on this nine-day trip. You'll learn about the arts of mosaic construction, glassblowing, lacework, and more as you traverse city streets and ancient mountain roads in Udine, Trieste, and Venice.

Explore Northern Italy: Trieste, Venice, & More - 10 Days

The capital of Friuli Venezia Giulia moved from Udine to Trieste, and so will you on this 10-day trip. Make your way through regional history, artwork, and landscapes to discover this distinctive region and its famous Venetian neighbor.

Explore Northern Italy: Trieste, Venice, & More - 11 Days

The Friuli Venezia Giulia region combines Slovenian, Croatian, Austrian, and Italian influences to create the perfect combination for this 11-day trip. Whether you're enjoying urban cafe culture on the streets of Trieste, lounging on the beaches of Grado, or exploring the Venetian canals, you're sure to learn something new along the way.

Explore Northern Italy: Trieste, Venice, & More - 12 Days

Taste thousands of years of cultural influences on this 12-day tour through northeastern Italy. Sample prosciutto in San Daniele, sip signature white and orange wines in the Friuli countryside, and dine alongside the edges of the canals of Venice as you make your way through the region.

Explore Northern Italy: Trieste, Venice, Milan, & More - 13 Days

The Friuli Venezia Giulia region and its neighbors are a work of art in themselves, but you can explore some of its smaller properties as well on this 13-day trip. Study the art of mosaic-making, visit Roman ruins at Aquileia, and hike the mountain scenery of the Carso Ridge before you leave the region for its neighbors. Then seek out Da Vinci's works in Milan and handmade traditions in Venice before you return home.

Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta in Aquileia

Explore Northern Italy: Trieste, Venice, Milan, Bologna, & More - 14 Days

One of Italy's biggest attractions has always been its food, and you can sample plenty of it over the course of these two weeks. You'll relax by the seaside, walk through former Roman cities, and hike over mountains as you make your way to various tasting and art experiences to satisfy all of your sense.

Explore Northern Italy: Trieste, Venice, Milan, Bologna, & More - 15 Days

Follow the highlights of the Friuli Venezia Giulia region for more than two weeks with this itinerary. The region encapsulates the Italian experience, spanning from the peaks of the Alps through vineyards and down to seaside towns to give you a full panorama of culture, nature, and cuisine.

Australia Highlights: Sydney, Cairns & the Outback - 7 Days

Spend a week in three of Australia's eventful regions—Sydney, Uluru, and Cairns. Go sightseeing in Sydney, from The Rocks to Bondi Beach, then adventure through the stunning Blue Mountains region. Next, get a taste of The Outback in Uluru, where spectacular colors change from sunrise to sunset over Ayers Rock. Then, travel to Cairns to experience the world-famous Great Barrier Reef and an exciting journey across the Kuranda Scenic Railway.

Ghorepani Poon Hill & Ghandruk Trek - 9 Days

Get up close with some of the world’s highest peaks on this moderate trek in the Annapurna Region. This adventure, including a 5-day trek, is a great trip for first-time visitors to Nepal. You'll follow ancient trails that connect local communities as you pass through blooming rhododendron forests and rice paddies, with frequent sightings of snow-covered mountains. At night, sleep in comfortable teahouses located in small villages along the route.

China Cycling Tour from Guizhou to Guangxi - 10 Days

Follow the famous Dragon's Trail cycling route across southern China from rural Guizhou province to Guangxi, near the border with Vietnam. It begins in the mountain villages of the ethnic Dong and Miao peoples and continues until you reach Guilin, an area known for its towering limestone peaks. Along the way, you'll pass spectacular scenery, including traditional villages, expansive rice paddies, and winding rivers.

Best of Greece: Mainland, Santorini & Crete - 14 Days

Travel for two weeks across a wide span of Greece's top attractions, from the clifftops of Meteora to the Cretan seaside. You'll start by winding your way through the many columns of mainland historic attractions like ancient Delphi and Olympia. Go out to sea to Santorini for a taste of the Cyclades, then end your trip in Crete's second-largest city.

Best of Greece: Athens, Tinos, Naxos & Santorini - 10 Days

Mix well-known favorites with some smaller spots on this 10-day itinerary. You'll explore Classical history in Athens and Delphi before heading out to the islands. See the pilgrimage sites on Tinos and ancient sanctuaries on Delos, then continue to Naxos to try out the island's many agricultural products and end your trip cruising through Santorini's volcanic caldera.

Best of Greece: Athens, Mykonos & Santorini - 7 Days

See why Santorini and Mykonos are two of the most popular Greek islands on this itinerary. After an introduction to Athens, you'll sail through these Cycladic spots, visiting glittering beaches, Classical sanctuaries, and stunning views.

View of Pokhara and the mountains beyond

Nepal's Golden Triangle: Kathmandu, Pokhara, & Chitwan - 8 Days

See the best of Nepal's Golden Triangle on this relaxed itinerary that takes you from the streets and shrines of Kathmandu to the lakeside bliss of Pokhara and the wilds of Chitwan National Park. You'll have lots of time to explore Nepal's capital and the gorgeous sacred sites around it. Later, relax by Phewa Lake, gazing up at the incredible views of the Annapurnas. Cap off your trip with a jeep game drive or river safari, meeting a host of Nepalese creatures and possibly spotting a Bengal Tiger along the way!

Camping (optional) on the top of the Pikey Peak

Pikey Peak Trek in the Lower Everest Region - 8 Days

From the top of Pikey Peak in the lower Everest region, enjoy one of the best views in Nepal. A bold statement, indeed, but Edmund Hillary himself claimed it his favorite view of Everest. This trek will take you through a variety of terrain and through villages where you'll stay overnight in local teahouses. You will also have time to explore the eclectic bustle of Kathmandu and learn about the rich traditions of the Newar people.

Iceland: Golden Circle, South Coast, & Westman Islands - 6 Days

Explore the Golden Circle on this well-balanced, self-drive itinerary featuring both popular stops and hidden gems. First, drive to Þingvellir National Park, Geysir geothermal area, and Gullfoss waterfall, followed by a relaxing soak in the Secret Lagoon. Next, head to the South Coast to stunning waterfalls—Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss—and visits to Reynisfjara Beach, Vík, and the otherworldly Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon. Then, explore the glacial areas of Skaftafell, Svartifoss, and Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, followed by a day to discover the lesser-known Westman Islands. Return to Reykjavík for some sightseeing and tour the Reykjanes Peninsula—plus a stop for a final soak in the Blue Lagoon—before your departure flight home.

Visit koalas on your Australian family vacation

Australian Family Holiday: Brisbane & Gold Coast - 7 Days

On this weeklong, family-friendly vacation to Australia, experience two different regions—Brisbane and Gold Coast. Upon landing in Brisbane, do some self-exploration, and take in welcome views together from Mount Coot-Tha. Then, board a relaxing river cruise to mingle with native animals at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, followed by more fauna fun at the Australia Zoo. Next, travel to Gold Coast to join an Aquaduck tour of the city, followed by a free day and an adventure to action-packed Movie World.

Learn all about Colombia's famous coffee and chocolate

Discover Colombia's Coffee Region - 6 Days

Learn all about Colombian coffee and enjoy some of the most exclusive coffee in the world on this six-day tour. You can look forward to many coffee tastings and visits to local Colombian coffee farms where you will interact with local farmers and coffee experts from around the country.

A view of the islands of near Cartagena.

Cartagena and Colombia's Islands - 7 Days

Explore some of the best destinations along Colombia's northern coast on this 7-day adventure that combines a fast-paced urban adventure with the relaxing allure of a tropical island retreat. Tour the colorful Caribbean jewel of Cartegena, then head to a personalized island escape where you can recharge. For travelers who can't choose between an active trip and a secluded getaway, this itinerary offers the best of both worlds.

Best of Lithuania - 7 Days

Come to the Baltic nation of Lithuania, one of the undiscovered gems of Europe. In just seven days you can experience the highlights, from touring the medieval streets of the capital of Vilnius to visiting the ancient castles dotting the countryside. Moreover, you'll take road trips along the Baltic coast, embark on nature tours, and visit Catholic pilgrimage sites.

Meet the camel herders of the Thar Desert.

Explore Rajasthan: Palaces, Forts, and Sand Dunes of Thar - 9 Days

The state of Rajasthan in northern India holds a bounty of breathtaking sites along with some of the country's most welcoming cities. This itinerary lays out a romantic trip that includes tours of ancient palaces, golden fortresses that seem to glow in the hot sun, and shrines and holy sites that seem to rise from the desert sands.

See the best of Colombia all on one trip!

Highlights of Colombia: Medellín, Cartagena & Bogotá - 12 Days

Interested in seeing the very best cities and memorable natural scenery in the beautiful country of Colombia? Begin your trip in Medellín, a city nestled in the Andes mountains, and then head to Cartagena, the jewel of the Caribbean, with its colorful and vibrant culture. Enjoy a night at an island escape before topping it all off with a visit to Bogotá, Colombia's cultural and culinary hub.

Take a thrilling trip across Romania on motorcycle.

Carpathian Mountains Motorcycle Tour - 7 Days

Modern Romania embraces modern innovation while holding firm to tradition. See this charming dichotomy up close on a one-of-a-kind trip that will take you through the heart of the Carpathians and provide you with unmatched views. You'll be able to take your motorcycle along the famous Transalpina and Transfagarasan highways on your way to see storied sites like Bran Castle.

Highlights of Georgia: Tbilisi, Caucasus Mountains, & More - 12 Days

Discover the beauty of Georgia, an under-the-radar gem, on this 12-day tour. Take your time getting to know the unique capital city of Tbilisi before heading further afield to discover the country's historic monasteries and opulent churches, breathtaking mountain views, and thrilling archaeological sites.

Prayer flags waving in the Annapurna region

6 Days in Nepal - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With six days in Nepal, most travelers choose between a week of sightseeing in the Kathmandu and Pokhara valleys, a short and rewarding trek in the Himalayan foothills, or a curiosity-driven adventure in one specific region. If wildlife calls to you, venture into the remote west for an off-the-beaten-path safari; if culture is what you're after, consider a village-to-village hike. Read on for six unique itineraries that are guaranteed to inspire.

Spain Highlights: Madrid & Seville - 5 Days

Take a break from the real world and lose yourself in Spain's rich culture over five brisk days. You'll arrive in Madrid and immerse yourself in history while learning how to prepare a mean Sangria. Then you're off to Seville, the capital of Andalusia, where you'll tour its ancient alcázars and cathedrals, plus enjoy a live flamenco performance you won't soon forget.

Ultimate Southern Spain Road Trip: Madrid to Andalusia - 6 days

This six-day road trip includes stops at some of Spain's most historic locales. It's a celebration of rich Spanish culture as you drive from Madrid to Seville and partake in a cooking class to learn how to prepare traditional Spanish cuisine. Then, you'll drive to Granada and visit one of Europe's most magnificent Moorish palaces, the Alhambra.

Ultimate Southern Spain Road Trip: Madrid to Andalusia - 7 days

In a single week, you can enjoy the road trip of a lifetime. The destination is Spain, and beginning in Madrid, you'll drive south to Seville, the capital of the culturally rich Andalusia region. You'll tour many Moorish landmarks and even take a trip to Granada to see the mother of them all, the 9th-century Alhambra Palace.

Visit Córdoba's Calahorra tower on your road trip of Andalusia

Ultimate Southern Spain Road Trip: Madrid to Andalusia - 8 days

In a little over a week, you can embark on the road trip of a lifetime through Spain. After enjoying a city tour in Madrid, you'll pick up your car and hit the road south to Andalusia, stopping at the ancient Roman city of Córdoba. From there, you'll visit Andalusia's capital of Seville, with its famous Gothic cathedral and Islamic architecture, before the trip culminates in the coastal city of Málaga.

Ultimate Southern Spain Road Trip: Madrid to Andalusia - 9 days

Due to its abundance of natural beauty and historic cities, Spain's southern Andalusia region is perfect for a road trip. This nine-day self-drive adventure begins in Madrid and stops in Toledo, one of Spain's most well-preserved medieval cities. In Andalusia, you'll visit cities like Córdoba and the capital of Seville for tapas tours and visits to Moorish landmarks.

Ultimate Southern Spain Road Trip: Madrid to Andalusia - 10 days

On this 11-day self-drive adventure you'll visit not only the most historic cities in Spain, bust some of the most beautiful countryside in the Andalusia region. From Madrid, you'll travel south into Andalusia and arrive at Seville, a city renowned for its Gothic cathedrals, Moorish palaces, and expansive plazas. You'll also visit other Andalusia gems like Córdoba, the famed white villages, and the mountaintop city of Ronda.

Views of the canyon from atop El Tajo Gorge in Ronda, Spain

Ultimate Southern Spain Road Trip: Madrid to Andalusia - 11 days

A road trip is the best way to see the most historical sites in Spain. This 11-day self-drive adventure begins with city tours in Madrid, and then you'll hop in your car and head south to Toledo, once the capital of the nation in the Middle Ages. You'll continue to Andalusia and marvel at the region's Moorish alcázars and royal palaces while also stopping in historic cities like Córdoba.

Visit the incredibly historic Alhambra Palace in Granada, Spain

Ultimate Southern Spain Road Trip: Madrid to Andalusia - 12 days

Enjoy a road trip through Spain that takes you from Madrid to Málaga through Toledo and the three jewels of Andalusia: Córdoba, Seville, and Granada. Beyond the cities, you'll enjoy cultural excursions like sherry wine tastings and horse competitions. And at each destination, you'll meet a private guide who will reveal the hidden treasures of these historic and beautiful locales.

Watch the sunset over Córdoba's famed Roman bridge

Ultimate Southern Spain Road Trip: Madrid to Andalusia - 13 days

Prepare for a memorable road trip through southern Spain, emphasizing many of the nation's highlights. The adventure begins with city tours of Madrid before hitting the road south, stopping in La Mancha and Córdoba before reaching Seville, the capital of the Andalusia region. You'll visit historic Moorish and medieval landmarks, tour authentic tapas bars, and even hike along the side of a gorge near Ronda.

Ultimate Southern Spain Road Trip: Madrid, La Mancha & Andalusia - 14 days

In two weeks, you can enjoy a road trip that takes you to some of the most historic and beautiful locales in Spain. It begins in Madrid, and from there, you'll travel south through La Mancha into Andalusia and visit Moorish cities like Granada, Ronda, Córdoba, and Málaga. You'll also enjoy wine and sherry excursions, eat delicious tapas, and even witness a traditional equestrian show.

Relax in the courtyard of Córdoba's Mosque-Cathedral

Ultimate Southern Spain Road Trip: Madrid, La Mancha & Andalusia - 15 days

It's almost impossible to design a more comprehensive Spanish holiday than this 15-day road trip. Beginning in Madrid, you'll drive south to historic locales like Toledo and La Mancha on your way to Andalusia, where Moorish history and amazing food await. Besides enjoying wine and tapas tours, you'll visit incredible cities like Seville, Granada, Ronda, and Córdoba.

Ultimate Southern Spain Road Trip: Madrid, La Mancha & Andalusia - 16 days

This comprehensive 16-day road trip includes all the highlights of Spain's Andalusia region, from the capital of Seville to the Moorish palaces of Granada and even the coastal retreat of Málaga, the birthplace of Pablo Picasso. As an added bonus, you'll also visit La Mancha, an arid plateau region home to great wine and historic villages.

Enjoy visiting scenic and historical cities, including Toledo, once the capital of Old Spain

Spain Off-the-Beaten-Path Road Trip: Madrid to La Mancha - 6 days

In less than a week, you can visit some of Spain's most historic cities while touring its lesser-known La Mancha region. This road trip begins in Madrid, followed by a trip to Toledo, once the capital of Old Spain. Before returning to Madrid, you'll hit the road and drive into La Mancha, the protagonist's home in "Don Quixote," enjoying wine tours and stops at the region's famous windmills.

Spain Off-the-Beaten-Path Road Trip: Madrid to La Mancha - 7 days

In a mere week, you can take a road trip through one of the most beautiful yet little-visited areas of Spain: La Mancha. The adventure kicks off straight away as you'll hop in a rental car and drive from Madrid south to medieval towns like Almagro and Villanueva de los Infantes. You'll also stop for a wine tour and visit storybook national parks like Ruidera Lakes.

The Consuegra windmills in Castile-La Mancha, Spain

Spain Off-the-Beaten-Path Road Trip: Madrid to La Mancha - 8 days

In central Spain lies the region of La Mancha, an arid plateau first brought to international attention in the classic novel "Don Quixote." It's a stunning area in real life, and you'll discover its historical towns, castles, and unspoiled national parks on an eight-day self-drive road trip. On top of this, you'll also tour Valdepeñas, one of Spain's most productive wine regions.

Spain Off-the-Beaten-Path Road Trip: Madrid to La Mancha - 9 days

See a different side of Spain on a nine-day road trip that takes you from Madrid to the arid plateau region of La Mancha. This land of Don Quixote is a major wine-producing region, which you'll discover on a tasting excursion. You'll also visit historic medieval towns like Villanueva de los Infantes and the romantic waterfalls of Ruidera Lakes.

Spain Off-the-Beaten-Path Road Trip: Madrid to La Mancha - 10 days

Over 10 days you'll leave the tourist traps and discover the real Spain, the ancient Spain—Don Quixote's Spain. From Madrid, you'll embark on a road trip into the plateau region of La Mancha, famous for its medieval towns, national parks, and vineyards. By the time the adventure ends, you'll have experienced a region that has captivated the world ever since Spain's golden age of literature.

The famous windmills of Consuegra, Spain

Spain Off-the-Beaten-Path Road Trip: Madrid, La Mancha, & Extremadura - 10 days

Get lost in La Mancha on a 10-day road trip in this historic region in central Spain. It begins in Madrid and from there you'll travel south to the arid plateaus famous for being the homeland of the fictional character Don Quixote. Between wine tours and visits to national parks, you'll head to the Extremadura region and tour medieval cities like Cáceres, birthplace of the conquistador Francisco Pizarro.

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