Travel is back! In 2022 our travellers booked trips to over 60 different countries: Spain, Italy, Greece, Romania, Serbia, Hungary, Croatia, Bulgaria, Austria, Germany, The Netherlands, Belgium, Georgia, Iceland, Ireland, Denmark, Portugal, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, United Kingdom, France, Switzerland, Slovenia, Montenegro, Albania, Bosnia & Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Malta, Turkey, Egypt, Israel, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Oman, Lebanon, Morocco, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, India, Nepal, Bhutan, Mongolia, Borneo, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Namibia, South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Madagascar, Canada and the Canadian Arctic, Greenland, USA, Cuba, Costa Rica, Colombia, Peru, Bolivia, Argentina, Chile, Antarctica, French Polynesia, Australia and New Zealand.
Where will you be travelling in 2023? Here are forty suggestions, sorted by active, discovery, wildlife and remote trips.
Top 10 active trips
Argentina & Chile
In the deep south of Chile and Argentina lies the stunning region of Patagonia. Home to soaring Andean peaks, rolling hills and endless grasslands, the region is a mecca for walkers and nature lovers alike. Two national parks protect some of the most beautiful landscapes: famous Torres del Paine in Chile and the lesser-known Los Glaciares in Argentina. We walk some of the best trails while also visiting Perito Moreno glacier and the world's southernmost city - Ushuaia. On either end of the tour there is time to explore the Argentine capital of Buenos Aires.
Switzerland
Beneath the peaks of Jungfrau, Eiger and Monch, in Switzerland's Bernese Oberland, are some of the Swiss Alps most scenic hiking trails. Based in Kandersteg we hike the best of them, using cable cars to get us at altitude, and walk among towering cliffs and soaring peaks, glacial valleys and flower-strewn alpine meadows.
Italy
It is the classical Tuscan view of poppy fields and stately cypress trees leading you into a vista of town walls and fortified towers high up on a hill. Enter the town and wander its cobblestones streets, visit its galleries and shops and sit down for a gourmet meal. On this one-week hiking trip you will discover pretty towns, the renaissance cities of Siena and Florence and sample several varieties of Chianti wines. This is La Dolce Vita, Tuscan style.
Croatia
The southern coast of Croatia, the Dalmatian Coast, is known for its beautiful clear waters, plenty of historical towns, myriad islands and great food. This tour lets you discover all of this and more on a ride from Split to Dubrovnik.
Spain
In the south of Spain, in the heart of the Andalusian countryside, amid olive groves and picturesque farmland, lies your cortijo, a converted farmhouse, your base for a week of walking. Explore the rugged hills and limestone peaks of the Sierra de Grazalema and walk the famous El Chorro Gorge on the Caminito del Rey. A sure highlight of the trip will be your visit to beautiful Seville.
France
With ten walking days and 3 rest days this accommodated trek is the ideal way to hike around the Mont Blanc Circuit in France, Italy and Switzerland. As your luggage is transported for you between overnight stops, you carry only a day pack, enabling you to enjoy the scenery to the max. Indulge in amazing alpine views of glacial lakes and mountain vistas while each night you sleep in a comfortable bed and enjoy a great meal.
Portugal
Cycle through lovely fishing villages and along sandy beaches. From Porto, ride along some of the best sections of coastline Portugal has to offer before ending in charming Lisbon.
Norway
Northwest of the Norwegian capital of Oslo, sheer rock walls rise a kilometre up into the sky, farms hang onto impossibly narrow strips of land, while waterfalls tumble down its cliffs. This is Norway's heartland, where Nigardsbreen glacier, the mountains of Jotunheim, lush valleys and three national parks are all within easy striking distance. Explore this spectacular area on foot, allowing you to discover tranquil spots and incredible viewpoints, away from the crowds.
Romania
Transylvania is one of Romania's least disturbed regions, an area of ancient Saxon villages, medieval towns and castles and abundant wildlife. On this trip you will discover all of these on walks through the mountains, forests, canyons and farmland.
New Zealand
New Zealand is a hiker's paradise unlike any on Earth. The famous Tongariro Crossing is one of the finest one-day walks on the planet and that is only the start. Walk the gorgeous coastline of Abel Tasman National Park, trek to Fox Glacier, and hike in to the Hooker Valley in the shadow of Mt. Cook. Top it off with a cruise on Milford Sound and you have a walking holiday in New Zealand that is hard to beat.
Top 10 discovery trips
Iceland
Iceland is raw, restless nature, stunning scenery, wonderful food and great people. Visit the original Geysir, the Viking parliament at Thingvellir and waterfalls like spectacular Gullfoss. Enjoy the beautiful coastline, the icy glaciers and the ever-present volcanoes and mountains and witness the Northern Lights in winter or the endless days of summer in this island paradise.
Baltics
The three Baltic Republics of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania share a common history but each of them is quite different. On this trip you will discover the capitals Tallinn, Riga and Vilnius, along with beautiful old town like Kaunas, beautiful scenery at Lahemaa and the dunes and beaches of the Curonian Spit. Then there are oddities such as crusader castles, the Hill of Crosses and a Soviet ballistic missile launch complex. This tour shows you all the highlights of these three fascinating countries.
Turkey
This tour of Turkey will truly show you why this country is considered the crossroads of culture and history. Starting of in Istanbul, the city of Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, we take you to the Roman city of Ephesus, the travertine terraces of Pamukkale and the castles and sunken ruins of the Mediterranean. After a visit to Konya we discover spectacular Cappadocia, where cave chapels hide Byzantine art and colourful biblical frescoes.
Greece
After a full day in Athens, during which we explore the Acropolis and Plaka, we travel via the Corinth Canal to ancient Corinth, one of the major cities in antiquity. Via the archaeological site of Mycenae we reach Nafplio, with its Venetian fortress, followed by Epidavros with its Theatre of Epidaurus, one of the greatest monuments of ancient Greece.
From Sparta we visit the UNESCO Worldwide Heritage Site of Mystras, originally a a Frankish fortress and home to some beautiful Byzantine churches. After little-known Messene, we visit Pylos Castle with its museum dedicated to underwater archaeology before travelling to Olympia, host to the first Olympic Games and one of the most important religious centres of Ancient Greece.
A holiday in Greece wouldn't be complete without a visit to the fantastic UNESCO Worldwide Heritage Site of Delphi or the monasteries of Meteora. The latter lie perched on top of 400 metre high sandstone cliffs and are a sight to behold. Our adventure tour of Greece ends back in the capital Athens.
Morocco
This tour of Morocco will take you from the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca through all the highlights. The imperial cities of Fez, Marrakesh, Meknes and Rabat all feature on this cultural highlights tour. But we also take you into the Sahara for a desert safari, as well as to the kasbahs, valleys and gorges of the Atlas mountains and beyond. This is one full-on cultural discovery of Morocco!
Egypt
Wherever you go in Egypt, the magnificent desert is all around you. But it is the Nile that is the lifeblood of this dry country, the river that gave us one of the world's oldest civilizations. Witness the pyramids at Giza, the citadel, mosques and museums in Cairo, the towering Pharaonic temples and Valley of the Kings near Luxor and the masterpiece of a temple Ramses II built in Abu Simbel. Join a Nile cruise and visit edifices where time has stood still for centuries. This private journey will show you all the highlights of the Nile Valley. No matter when you travel, Egypt will leave an impression on you.
Jordan
See all the highlights of Jordan, the country made famous by Lawrence of Arabia. Visit the Roman ruins at Jerash, the mosaics at Madaba and the crusader castle at Kerak. Undisputed highlight of your holiday in Jordan will be your explorations of the rose-red city of Petra. But even after Petra there are more surprises: explore Wadi Rum's desert and camp out under the stars, before relaxing with a swim in both the Red and the Dead Sea.
India
The moment you set eyes on the Taj Mahal, you know you are seeing an edifice unlike any other. India is like that - it stirs the soul, it challenges your conceptions, it changes you. It is a spectacular mix of people, traditions and landscapes - from the deserts of the north to the backwaters of Kerala and from the sacred Ganges in Varanasi to the beaches of the south. Temples and shrines are everywhere while fortresses dominate the cities in Rajasthan - all reminders of an ancient history and spirituality. Throw in the tigers of Ranthambore and the elephants of Periyar and you have a journey full of contrasts. One things is for sure: you will remember your journey through this fascinating country long after you've left its shores.
Vietnam
From the Old Quarter of Hanoi to the Central Market in Saigon browsing around the many different markets in Vietnam is an experience to be had. Shop for fresh ingredients and during several cooking classes try your hand at some of the best recipes this country has to offer. Then, feast on your own creations! Vietnam is well known for its delicious food and nowhere will it be fresher than from a street-side stall. Try the ubiquitous phở noodle soups, banh khoai or some fragrant marinated pork. All the while this tour will also take you through some of the best this country has to offer - the Old Quarter of Hanoi, stunning Halong Bay, the Imperial Citadel in Hue, the alleys and streets of Hoi An and pulsating Saigon.
Japan
Steeped in tradition yet ultra-modern, with a culinary history dating back many centuries, Japan is yours to discover. On this best of Japan holiday we will show you what makes this country so unique - from the neon lights in Tokyo to the temples in Kyoto, from ancient castles to historic villages, and, of course, a stay in a traditional inn, a ryokan.
Top 10 wildlife trips
Canadian Arctic
Join us for an expedition cruise along the west coast of Greenland and into the entrance of the North West Passage. Enjoy majestic fjords lined by steep mountains, view the Ilulissat Icefjord and glacier, discover incredible wildlife in Tallurutiup Imanga (Lancaster Sound) and around Devon Island, enjoy
Inuit cultural experiences in Mittimatalik (Pond Inlet) and travel back in time at the graves of the Franklin Expedition on Beechey Island.
Costa Rica
Your naturalist guides will help you discover Costa Rica's wildlife, including howler monkeys, caiman, sloth and green turtles. Explore rainforest, mangroves, lava fields and mysterious cloud forests while staying in the comfort of eco-lodges and hotels
Brazil
This tour of Brazil will show you all the highlights this diverse Latin American nation has to offer. After looking around colonial Salvador we fly to Manaus from where we travel in to the Amazon jungle for a stay at an Amazon Eco Lodge. Here you can fish for Piranha, visit the local Caboclo community or take one of the guided walks into the jungle. Next is another paradise for birds and wildlife, the Pantanal, where you explore on foot and in small boats and are likely to spot armadillo, tapir, capibara and caiman. Another highlight of the trip is your visit to Iguazu Falls, where you will have time to visit both the Brazilian and Argentine side of these amazing waterfalls. Finally, fly to Rio de Janeiro, where you will enjoy amazing views from Corcovado, the hill topped by the immense statue of Christ the Redeemer. You will also visit the funky neighbourhood of Santa Teresa and take a spectacular cable car ride up to Sugar Loaf Mountain.
South Georgia
Explore both the Falkland Islands and South Georgia, a trip sure to appeal to intrepid explorers and nature lovers alike. If you have been to the Antarctic Peninsula but omitted South Georgia on that trip, this is a trip you do not want to miss.
After discovering the Falklands, its myriad bird species and its unique way of life, sail on to South Georgia, resting place of famed explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton. Unlike on regular expedition cruises we spend a full week travelling around this wonderful island, seeing all its wildlife and landscape in depth.
We'll see the breeding beaches of elephant seals and King penguin colonies at Salisbury Plain, St. Andrews Bay and Gold Harbour, visit the whaling stations at Stromness and Grytviken, observe macaroni and gentoo penguins, admire the stunning landscapes and delight in the many species of birds, including Antarctic terns, white-chinned petrels, blue-eyed shags and light-mantled sooty albatrosses.
This is a journey for travellers with a love of exploring the unknown - come and join us on this expedition cruise to the South Atlantic.
Antarctica
Glaciers calving icebergs into pristine bays, penguins by the hundreds in remote rookeries, leopard seal patrolling the waters, whales breaching to spy on your zodiac, hiking to a viewpoint, exploring an old whaling station. These are but some of the experiences that await you on a trip to the Antarctic Peninsula. Camp on the ice, kayak the still waters, witness spectacular sunsets and spectacular landscapes on this journey of a lifetime.
Svalbard
The Svalbard archipelago, of which Spitsbergen is the main island is arguably the best place in the world to see Polar Bear in the wild. In addition this cruise will give you a sense of travelling to your farthest north and show you whaling stations, marvelous scenery of mountains and glaciers, and other wildlife, including whales, reindeer, Arctic foxes, walruses and seals.
Tanzania
Travel on a safari to Tanzania, to the rolling plains of the Serengeti, the wildlife-filled caldera of the Ngorongoro Crater and the lions and baobabs of Tarangire; Tanzania will impress you like few other countries will. This tailor-made luxury safari will take you to three very different parks in northern Tanzania, each with their own scenery and resident wildlife.
Botswana
Botswana's Chobe counts the highest number of elephants in the world. It is the northern end of a huge continuous wilderness area stretching through Moremi to the tranquil Okavango Delta and into the Kalahari Desert. Here animals, including rare species such as rhino and wild dog, roam free, undisturbed by humans. Then there is the surreal Makgadikgadi Salt Pan with its spectacular sunsets and rich birdlife. To top it off, just across the border in Zimbabwe lie the Victoria Falls, one of the largest waterfalls in the world and a staple of any Botswana safari.
India
While Bengal tigers are on the rebound, these majestic cats are still an endangered species. The majority of tigers lives in India and on this wildlife tour we take you to three reserves where your chances of encountering them are the highest. Pench, Kanha and Bandhavgarh National Parks also offer lots of other game and each has a different feel to it. We finish the tour with a visit to Agra where the timeless Taj Mahal will leave you breathless.
Borneo
Come face to face with Borneo's wildlife, including orangutans and proboscis monkeys. Visit famed Sepilok Sanctuary and stay in some of Malaysia's best known jungle lodges, including Borneo Rainforest Lodge in the Danum Valley. The cultural aspect is not overlooked either, with a stay in a longhouse.
Top 10 remote trips
Nicaragua
This adventure tour of Nicaragua shows you all the different facets of this undiscovered country. Step back in time in the capital Managua and the excavated ruins of Leon Viejo, the Pompeii of Nicaragua. Next is Leon itself, with its graceful Spanish colonial architecture, from where you can take a hike on one of the most active volcanoes in Nicaragua, Cerro Negro.
We visit the boiling mud holes of San Jacinto before travelling to the mountainous north of the country where we will stay with a local family to learn about daily life in Nicaragua.
A cloudforest hike in Selva Negra has us discover the rich flora and fauna, after which we travel to the beautiful town of Granada, with its centre dominated by colourful Spanish-colonial architecture. A boat tour on Lake Cocibolca (Lake Nicaragua) is a great way to soak up the views of volcanoes and islands.
We continue to Ometepe island with its stunning volcanoes. It is a great place for walking, soaking up the views, or learning more about local life.
The beaches, charm and unique culture of San Juan del Sur on the Pacific are next. Try your hand at surfing, or, from August to January, witness the arrival of large numbers of Olive Ridley turtles.
Bolivia
Visit Bolivia on this two-week tour, exploring inmense landscapes, a strong indigenous culture and colonial towns. Discover Amboró National Park with its flora and fauna, visit Pre-Columbian archaeological sites, walk around Bolivia’s capital, Sucre and get lost in the streets of picturesque Potosí. Next are the salt flats of the Salar de Uyuni, an unforgettable experience offering wonderful photo opportunities. The markets and plazas of La Paz, and a stay at an eco-lodge on Lake Titicaca’s beautiful Isla del Sol make for a fitting end to a journey through fascinating Bolivia.
Madagascar
Renowned for its unique endemic wildlife including its 70 species of lemur, Madagascar is perhaps less known for its spectacular landscapes and scenery. This trip has you discover the wonderful flora and fauna of this island nation, as well as the amazing rock formations, spectacular canyons and natural swimming holes. Towards the end of our tour we spend a few days relaxing on a stunning beach
Ghana
Three intriguing countries, Benin, Togo and Ghana, are featured on this expedition in to the heart of West Africa. Each has its own history, myriad cultures and landscapes and this tour will give you an introduction to them. In places voodoo still forms an important part of everyday life. You will meet its practioners along with talented local artisans, discover former palaces and engage in either the Voodoo or Akwasidae Festivals.
Oman
Oman is a hidden gem in the Middle East, affected by neither instability nor oil wealth. The country boasts a rich cultural heritage, a fabulous past, traditional charms, and Bedouin values. This one-week tour of Oman shows you all the highlights. From Muscat's Grand Mosque to the dunes at the Wahiba Sands and from spectacular views of the Grand Canyon of Arabia to the cattle market and fort in Nizwa, this holiday will take you deep into the deserts. Drink coffee with a Bedouin family, sail a traditional dhow along the coast and enjoy a swim in the beautiful turquoise pools of the desert oasis of Wadi Bani Khalid.
Saudi Arabia
Visit a country that for centuries has been inaccessible to Westerners. Admire traditional Najdi architecture, visit the largest camel market in the world, and travel through ever-changing desert landscapes to our desert camp in AlUla. The surrounding area is home to spectacular rock-carved monuments dating back two millennia to the time of the frankincense trade road. One of the highlights is Hegra, built by the same civilization that carved out Petra in Jordan, and home to some 130 decorated Nabatean funeral monuments.
In Medina, Islam’s second holiest city and a major pilgrimage site, we view several mosque, including the green dome of the the vast Al-Masjid an-Nabawi (Prophet's Mosque), housing the tomb of the prophet Mohammed.
Journey by high-speed train to Jeddah where we visit a heritage museum and enjoy a guided walk around the old town.
Drive into the Sarawat Mountains, the range that straddles the entire west coast of the Arabian Peninsula and into the forested Al Bahah Region and the well-preserved Marble Village of Dhee Ayn. Spend a day looking around the area, stopping at amazing viewpoints, oases and traditional villages.
Philippines
The Philippines, an island paradise hemmed between the Pacific and the South China Sea, is a country known for its smoldering volcanoes, green rice terraces, golden-sand beaches and wonderful people. Yet there is much more to discover. This two-week tour of the Philippines takes you from the busy capital Manila to the Banaue Rice Terraces, visiting volcanoes, burial caves and colonial cities en-route. You have the chance to walk the rim of Mount Pinatubo before spending a few days on the beach on Bohol Island
Mongolia
Imagine a country so remote you may feel at times like you are the only person on earth in it. Add the stunning scenery of rolling grasslands, rugged mountains, ice-blue lakes, deep forests and the sprawling deserts of the Gobi. Then there are the nomadic people who have a natural affinity with travelers and who will invite you into their gers for a meal or an overnight. That is Mongolia, one of the last wild countries on earth.
Kyrgyzstan
The five stans of Central Asia, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan are at the heart of the historic Silk Road. With landscapes as varied as deserts, steppes and mountain ranges, and cultural influences from nomads to city dwellers, the region appeals to lovers of history, lesser-travelled lands and scenery alike. Get ready for a hugely varied journey into the heart of Asia.
Bhutan
In a land where the Buddhist tradition ensures a respect and reverence for nature, you will find soaring Himalayan peaks rising above deep ravines cloaked in untouched forest. Throughout the land you can visit fortress-like dzongs and monasteries, witness traditional dance festivals and meet the engaging people. Bhutan may not be 'Shangri La', but it's as close as it gets. This two-week cultural journey of Bhutan will take you from the capital Paro and its famous Taktsang 'Tiger's Nest' Monastery across high mountain passes to the Gangtey Valley. You will also travel and walk through the picturesque Haa Valley and the Bumthang and Punakaha regions.
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