May boasts fantastic warm sunny weather and little rain. The waters are just about warm enough for swimming, and spring flowers are at full bloom. Shoulder season bargains still apply. And while visitors are now flocking to the isles in larger number, you’re still ahead of the summer crowds. It all adds up to perhaps the most perfect month of the year, especially if you want to visit the most popular destinations.
April is a fabulous month to visit the Greek islands. The weather is delightfully sunny and has warmed sufficiently for sunbathing, while the seas are just about warm enough for short dips. Wildflowers are in bloom and Easter festivities add their own magical color. Shoulder-season prices still offer a bargain, many bars and nightclubs have reopened, and while this is the cusp of tourist season, the crowds haven’t yet arrived.
Enjoy 9 days of sun and sea on a private sailboat as you cruise around some of Croatia's most popular—as well as more remote—Adriatic islands. From Split, you'll chart a course to quiet Vis Island for two nights before continuing to the untouched paradise of Lastovo, the saltwater lakes of Mljet National Park, fortified Korčula, picturesque Hvar, and rugged Brač. You'll swim and snorkel secluded bays, dine on fresh seafood and drink local wine, and drop anchor to visit frozen-in-time island villages.
Spend 11 days exploring the best of Croatia's attractions from the charming capital of Zagreb and the castle-laden hills of Zagorje down to the ancient coastal city of Split and the nearby stuck-in-time Šolta Island. You'll venture across the romantic countryside of Istria to discover Roman ruins, Venetian-style architecture, and medieval hilltop towns before moving on to stroll the wooden boardwalks of the famous Plitvice Lakes National Park. The trip culminates with a tour along the Dalmatian coast to end in Split, stopping first to visit underrated Šibenik and trendy Zadar.
Explore Croatia's top cities and cultural sights on this 10-day Best of Croatia tour. Start in Zagreb, the country's capital, before moving on to explore the Roman ruins, Venetian-style architecture, and medieval hilltop towns of the Istrian Peninsula. After spending a night in stunning Plitvice Lakes National Park, you'll work your way down the Adriatic coast to visit Zadar, Šibenik, and Split, as well as enjoy a fun day of sailing to the quaint island of Šolta.
Experience Croatia's charming capital and coastal cities, medieval hilltop towns, and peaceful islands with this complete 9-day itinerary. You'll discover the best attractions starting from Zagreb as you venture throughout the Istrian Peninsula, through stunning Plitvice Lakes National Park, and down the Dalmatian coast to end in historic Split. Explore Pula's famed Roman Arena, wander amid the Roman and Byzantine ruins of Brijuni National Park, and listen to the music of Zadar's sea organ.
Enjoy eight days of cultural exploration around Croatia. You'll begin in the colorful capital of Zagreb, tour the romantic landscape of Istria, visit Plitvice Lakes National Park, and venture along the Dalmatian coast from Zadar to Split. Along the way, explore ancient Roman ruins in Pula and Split, sip Istrian wine and eat truffle-infused dishes in Motovun, catch an unforgettable sunset in Zadar, and admire Šibenik's architectural masterpiece, the grand Cathedral of St. James.
From the flavors of Lima’s food scene, to the colors of the Sacred Valley’s handwoven textiles, to the sounds of the Amazon’s many residents, this expedition will take you through the many facets of Peru. You'll work with partners selected specifically for their social responsibility and minimal environmental impact as you explore.
Spend 14 days exploring some of the far corners and favorite cities of Vietnam. You'll not only explore Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City but also trek through the mountainous northwest, visiting ethnic minority villages. Cruise through limestone formations to Cat Ba island and along the Mekong river to see what life is like across the country.
This 7-day getaway is a short and sweet solution for travelers looking to discover the best of Croatia from cultural attractions to breathtaking scenery. Start in the country's lively capital for museums, art galleries, and historical buildings, then head to the Istrian Peninsula to explore Pula's Roman ruins, Rovnij's network of medieval streets, and the stunning hilltop towns of Grožnjan and Motovun. End your trip discovering the ancient coastal cities of Dalmatia from the unforgettable sunsets of Zadar and the impressive fortresses of Šibenik to Split's famous Diocletian's Palace.
Gear up for an epic trip in Patagonia! Spend some time in Buenos Aires, then travel south to Tiera del Fuego; you'll discover the best of Patagonia as you trek across a glacier, march with penguins, hike incredible mountains, spot wildlife, and enjoy the best of Argentina's National Parks, cuisine, and culture.
Explore the best of Jordan in this relaxed tour through the country's landmarks and highlights: visit the capital city of Amman, float in the Dead Sea, and spend two nights at the UNESCO Heritage Site of Petra, discovering its back roads. You'll also spend the night in Wadi Rum and stop at a number of incredible historical gems as you travel through this incredibly rich country in the Middle East.
This eight-day Chilean adventure begins in the capital, Santiago. Explore the city and surrounding region, including the neighboring cities of Viña del Mar and Valparaíso. Next, hop on a flight to Easter Island. This Chilean territory, formed of volcanic rock, is 2.5 million years old. As you tour this ancient Polynesian destination, explore the many moai figures, beaches, volcanoes, and significant archaeological sites.
Begin your adventure in the capital of Santiago. Experience the city's culture and culinary delights on a full-day walking tour. Next, head to the coast to immerse yourself in the artsy vibe of Valparaíso before heading out to the Casablanca Valley to taste some of Chile's world-renowned wines. Then, travel south to Punta Arenas to explore the rugged beauty and unforgettable landscapes of Chilean Patagonia. Take a boat out to Magdalena Island, and get a close-up look at the 150,000 strong penguin colony. Then you'll embark on a trek into the famed Torres del Paine National Park, a Patagonian Mecca for hikers. Finally, you'll tour lakes and rivers before finishing with a boat trip to Glacier Grey.
This 7-day itinerary of Jordan whisks you through the country's highlights, including the unmissable Petra, Wadi Rum, Roman ruins, Byzantine mosaics, and Crusader castles. You'll have lots of time to float in the famous Dead Sea, and can take advantage of opportunities to personalize your trip with a smattering of unique options!
Discover Argentina during its low season from April to September. In this tour of the country's northwest region, you'll explore lively Buenos Aires, then you'll be treated to breathtaking scenery, winetasting, amazing waterfalls, and ancient indigenous culture. Valleys, canyons, salt flats, forests and high country entice you to experience nature, tradition, and history.
This two-week trip takes you to the heart of highland Bolivia. Due to its rugged landscapes, remote location, and the well-defined character of its indigenous communities, it's a place that has long resisted outside influences. You'll have plenty of chances to interact with Quechua and Aymara natives as you tour the famous silver mine of Potosí, explore the islands of Lake Titicaca, spot flamingos standing in colorful lagoons, and walk around the awe-inspiring landscapes of the Salt Flats of Uyuni.
Greek winter recedes into the March shoulder season, when visitor numbers begin an uptick yet prices remain attractive. Some restaurants and hotels are reopening, yet the islands are still free of the tourist swarm. The first bloom of spring flowers brightens the islands as the weather starts to warm up, with plenty of crystal-clear sunny days—time to pack the T-shirts and shorts with your cold-weather clothing.
February is Carnival time, and a good time to witness the celebration of Lent—an important part of Greek culture. This winter month is still low season in Greece, with few visitors, a subdued nightlife and cold, often gray, weather but fewer rainy days. Prices are still at their lowest, and this is one of the best months of the year to experience the Greek Islands like a local, forsaking the beaches to experience the culture at its most authentic.
September heralds the start of spring at Iguazú Falls. As the days get longer, temperatures warm up and the river level starts to rise as the dry season ends—it's a perfect time for hiking, boating, and bird-watching in the national parks, especially as there aren't too many crowds around. Find out more about what to expect with this monthly guide to Iguazú in September.
August is a great time of year to visit Iguazú Falls: the weather is sunny and dry, crowds are minimal, and some hotels discount their rates. It's winter in the southern hemisphere, so days are short—but there's still plenty of time to hike, boat, and bird-watch in the jungle. Learn how to make the most of your time with this monthly guide to August at Iguazú.
With clear skies and comfortable weather, June is an excellent time to visit Iguazú. Hike along the waterfalls' edge on a series of catwalks, raft on the river, or trek along quiet forest paths, spotting butterflies and capuchin monkeys in the wild: with relatively few crowds visiting, you'll enjoy peace and quiet in the parks. Learn more about what to expect with this monthly guide.
Plan wisely if you're considering visiting Iguazú in July: during the second half of the month, the region is packed with Brazilian and Argentine tourists on vacation. Luckily, the weather is generally sunny, dry, and comfortable throughout the month, whether you're battling crowds on the hiking trail or enjoying views of the cascades in relative peace. Read on for more about what to expect at Iguazú in July with this monthly guide.
Discover Croatia's southern Dalmatian coast on this quick 4-day itinerary focusing on Dubrovnik. Deep dive into Dubrovnik's storied past on a walking tour of the historic city, taking in baroque and renaissance architecture and monuments as you wind your way through narrow medieval streets and alleys. You'll also kayak the Adriatic Sea to explore nearby Lokrum island and ride the vineyard-covered Konavle wine region on a fun bike tour.
Enjoy 10 days of sun and sea on a private sailboat as you cruise to and between some of Croatia's most popular—as well as more remote—Adriatic islands. From Split, you'll chart a course to quiet Vis Island for two nights before continuing to the untouched paradise of Lastovo, the saltwater lakes of Mljet National Park, fortified Korčula, picturesque Hvar, and rugged Brač. You'll swim and snorkel secluded bays, dine on fresh-caught seafood and drink local wine, and drop anchor to visit frozen-in-time island villages.
With a week to sail along Croatia's Dalmatian Coast, you'll tick off islands and stop in famous ports from the comfort of your own private sailboat. Hoist anchor in historic Split and set out toward Dubrovnik, stopping to explore four charming and diverse islands along the way: Brac, Hvar, Korcula, and Mljet. This trip promises a memorable week connecting with the coast, eating fresh seafood, and exploring some of the Adriatic's most enchanting islands.
Cover the highlights of Croatia in this one-week itinerary. Starting in Zagreb, the capital, you'll make your way south to Dubrovnik, stopping at two of the country's most popular parks, Plitvice Lakes and Krka, as you make your way to the ancient port city of Split. Spend a couple of days relaxing in Korčula before heading overland through wine country on the Pelješac Peninsula to end your stay in the medieval town of Dubrovnik.
Spend a week exploring Croatia's top highlights on this packed itinerary, from the lively capital of Zagreb to medieval Dubrovnik. Follow winding boardwalks through lush woods and glassy travertine lakes in Plitvice and Krka National Parks and ride a ferry to the coastal city of Split, dotted with impressive Roman ruins. You'll discover Hvar and its nearby Pakleni Islands on back-to-back kayaking and cycling excursions and cap off your trip touring the "Pearl of the Adriatic."
Discover the hidden gems of Croatia with this 10-day tour of the Dalmatian coast, featuring time spent in the popular and historic coastal cities of Dubrovnik and Split. You'll explore the peaceful island hamlets and idyllic wooded setting of Koločep, the raw beauty of the Pelješac peninsula, and Mljet, the greenest Adriatic island. You'll hike, bike, swim and sail quiet islands, ancient cities, and sparkling seas.
Set out to explore the hidden gems of Croatia on this extensive two-week itinerary from the romantic vine-covered hills and Venetian-style coastline of Istria to the ancient coastal cities of Dalmatia. From Zagreb, you'll immerse yourself in the Istrian Peninsula exploring medieval hilltop towns, seeking out prized white truffles, and dining on fresh-caught seafood in top-rated restaurants before experiencing the delights of the Dalmatian coast. You'll take in an unforgettable sunset in Zadar, discover cascading waterfalls and emerald-green lakes in Plitvice Lakes, sail in and around the nearly-barren islands of the Kornati, and enjoy views over the Adriatic and historic saltpans from a parapet walkway in Ston.
On this 13-day tour of Croatia, you will explore some of the country's lesser-visited treasures, featuring the barren islands in the Kvarner Gulf and forgotten villages on the Pelješac peninsula. From Zagreb, you'll immerse yourself in the castle-laden hills of the Zagorje, then on to discover the Kvarner Islands of Rab, Goli Otok, and Pag. Once in historic Zadar, you'll sail amid the Kornati archipelago, trek karst landscapes in Paklenica National Park, visit the abandoned village of Nakovana and the fortressed town of Korčula, before ending your stay in medieval Dubrovnik.
This weeklong itinerary is perfect for adventurous families looking to explore the Dalmatian coastline through fun, sporty activities. Starting and ending in Split, you'll spend time exploring the historic city and paddling the Marjan Peninsula before taking the day to hike, climb, swim, and jump your way down the Cetina River. Next, you'll set sail to swim and snorkel around Brac Island as you make your way to Hvar Island in time to paddle amid the Pakleni archipelago and join a cycling tour of the island's dynamic island terrain.
Designed for active travelers, this route explores the beautiful nature of Croatia in addition to some of its cultural highlights. Beginning in the capital of Zagreb, you'll visit Plitvice Lakes before hiking through the rugged mountains of Paklenica National Park. Then, take time to swim, rappel, and cliff jump your way down the Cetina River, followed by kayaking, cycling, and hiking Hvar and Korčula islands as well as the rugged Pelješac Peninsula, ending the tour with three nights in the "Adriatic Pearl" of Dubrovnik.
Immerse yourself in Croatia's stunning beauty and historic cities on this classic 16-day itinerary, beginning in dynamic Zagreb and ending in famous Dubrovnik. You'll cover the length of the country as well as spend time exploring the bucolic hills of the Zagorje, the travertine lakes of Plitvice, the coastal cities of Zadar, Šibenik, and Split, and the islands of Hvar, Korčula, and Trogir. Discover Roman ruins, medieval fortressed towns dotted with ornate baroque and Renaissance buildings, and enjoy a day visiting the Montenegro coast.
Discover Croatia on this classic 15-day route starting in the charming capital of Zagreb. You'll tour the castle-laden hills of the Zagorje and discover cascading waterfalls in Plitvice Lakes before visiting the coastal cities of Zadar, Šibenik, and Split. You'll hike, kayak, swim, and cycle your way across Hvar and Korčula islands and the Pelješac Peninsula, drive to Montenegro for a scenic day trip, and end your stay in Dubrovnik, the "Pearl of the Adriatic."
Spend 16 days riding on two wheels as you explore Guatemala's lively towns and unrivaled natural splendor; you'll traverse from Antigua to the sparkling waters of Lake Atitlan, then ascend the country's highest mountains in Huehuetenango. You'll return from this action-packed escape inspired by both the rugged beauty of the land as well as the warmth and loveliness of the Guatemalan people, not to mention the new friends you'll make on the trails.
Though the nights are a little longer and the days cooler, December kicks off La Calendale Christmas season in Provence brightening spirits. Every village, town, and city gets a festive makeover of twinkling lights, lively window displays, and bustling Christmas markets. Plus, it's time to hit the slopes of the Southern Alps now that the ski season is underway.
Summer is a distant memory with cooling temperatures and changing foliage. The vineyards of Provence transform into a blaze of gold, bronze, and red while towns and villages celebrate the "primeur" tastings of the season’s harvest from months earlier. And with the Toussaint holidays, you can expect reduced hours at major sites and attractions.
Even though it’s the rainiest month of the year, it’s still Provence. That means the showers are short and heavy, leaving you time to enjoy the bouts of sunshine. Plus, the Mediterranean Sea is pleasant enough to entice beachgoers and harvest festivals are plenty. Let this monthly guide help you find the best places to visit and things to do.
July is undoubtedly the busiest time of the year and for good reason, as the weather is beach-perfect, the festival season is in full swing, and Provence's famous lavender fields are blooming. This is also the month of France's biggest holiday, Bastille Day, with celebrations all over the region. Read on for more tips on where to go and what to expect in Provence this month.
There’s a welcome change in the air as August’s chaos turns into September’s calm. Temperatures taper off as the month progresses and the holidaymakers migrate home. Plus, the vineyard's darkened vines bear grapes ready for the picking: it’s the start of the vendange (grape harvest) season!
If you can’t beat the crowds, you might as well don your party hat (or swimsuit!) and join in the revelry. August sees plenty of festivals, the French join tourists on their holidays, and the extensive coastline teem with beachgoers and traffic. To avoid disappointment, book activities and restaurants in advance and read on as this guide will tell you what to do and where to go.
Despite the heat, soaring prices, and crowds, June offers sublime beach-perfect weather tempting the first bathers into the sea. Not to mention a chock-full roster of festivals and events, including the popular Fête de la Musique. Read this monthly guide to learn more.
Hands down May is one of the loveliest months of the year to visit Provence as the warm weather draws in the sun-seekers looking to enjoy the beaches along the French Riviera, as well as partake in the host of activities on offer everywhere else. With so much to do and so much to see let this monthly guide help you plan your Provençal adventure.
April transitions to Provence's shoulder season when visitor numbers increase, yet there are still bargains to be had. The weather is warm during the day and though there are plenty of April showers, they're short and give way to clear blue skies that characterize the south coast. Wildflowers and trees bloom inviting skiers to trade in their ski boots for hiking gear and Arles' marks the start of the bullfighting season with its Easter Feria.
There's something for everyone in March: winter sports on the slopes of the Southern Alps, white water rafting along the Ubaye River, and the cultural delights of Nice's Vieille Ville (Old Town). Spring is here and with that comes warmer weather, blooming flowers, and lively parties for Carnaval.
February in Provence offers much to the intrepid traveler, no matter the interest. Snowy adventures on the highest peaks of the Southern Alps, blossoming yellow mimosa trees along the southern coast, and festivals to welcome in the spring season pop up in places like Menton and Tourrettes-sur-Loup. Find out what to do and where to go with this February guide.
The Mediterranean coast remains quiet with near-empty beaches offering a serene environment in a part of France that is crazy busy the rest of the year. Meanwhile, the Provençal Christmas season continues seeing plenty of food and wine festivals, among others, there's the much-sought-after black truffle. Hit the slopes of any of the stellar resorts, shop the winter sales, and discover cultural delights within Lourmarin's Château walls.
In just under two weeks, you can easily tour Greece’s capital, mainland, and islands. Make your way from Athens to the Cycladic islands to Crete at a slower pace, or pack in guided historical tours or adventurous activities as you hop through the same destinations. You can also elect to explore one specific region, such as Crete or the Greek mainland, where you can discover unique villages and get a feel for the area’s history and culture. Read on for some great itineraries that make the most of a 12-day trip.
With twelve days in Greece, you can dig deep into one region, like the mainland or the Cyclades, and still have time to explore the iconic sights and flavor of Athens. There are myriad ways to divide up your days depending on your desired pace and preferences: hop around an island chain; devote more time in fewer destinations through a historical lens; or hit the road to discover villages, towns, and unique ruins. See some options below.
