Cultural Tours & Trips 2020
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DEPARTURE DATES
Style
Style
Small Group Tour Small groups are usually defined as between 10 and 24 travelers, often less. If you're the kind of person who enjoys more intimate experiences and personal service this is a good choice. All else being equal you will pay a premium for this style vs a larger group tour.
Private Guided Private tours give you the undivided attention of a guide, and often involve special access to sites and unique experiences not available to larger groups. This is a great option for families, couples, and small friend groups. Expect to pay a bit more for the extra service.
Self Guided Tour A travel company plans your itinerary and arranges all the logistics including lodging, local activities, and transportantion. You have the flexibility of a solo trip while still getting the convience and time savings of expert planning. Get 90% of the benefits of a tour, without a guide.
Group Tour Groups are between 25-60 people, typically ~30-40. Usually there will be many opportunities to split off and enjoy meals and excursions in smaller groups. This is the most economical way to travel, saving up to 40% versus booking the same itinerary yourself.
River Cruise These vessels are smaller than most ocean cruisers, limiting which amenties are available. Passenger counts can vary. One of the biggest advantages of a river cruise is the ability to dock at smaller ports and local villages.
Small Ship Cruise Small ship cruises usually have a max passenger count of 500. The primary purpose of these trips is to spend time off the vessel in local ports (e.g. Mediterranean) or experiencing nature (e.g Galapagos or Antarctica). Cabins can vary from budget to luxury.
Large Ship Cruise This is the "floating city" experience, with multiple ways to enjoy your vacation aboard the ship as much as on land. Ships are multiple floors, provide several activities, culinary, and shopping options. They often make fewer stops and have less time available for shore excursions.
Retreats Similar to a self guided tour but staying in one location only with activities and day outings included as a part of the stay.
Price
Duration Dropdown
Travelers Age
Lodging Level
Lodging Level
Camping Typically involves most nights sleeping in tents (sometimes permanent tented sites) or in rustic cabins and lodges.
Basic - 2 star You'll stay in no-frills, but clean and comfortable, hotels or guesthouses. A 'Basic' trip might also involve a few nights of camping.
Value - 3 star Mid-range budget with accommodations ranging from comfortable lodges, guesthouses, and homestays to three star hotels.
Premium - 4 star 3 to 4 star western hotel equivalents. While not all lodging will be 'luxury' they will be quite comfortable by western standards.
Luxury - 5 star The highest level of comfort and service. All accomodations are in four or five star hotels, boutique lodges or high-end homestays.
Physical Level
Physical Level
Very Easy Minimal walking - motor vehicles available for all major parts of trip.
Easy Normal generally flat walking in urban or suburban environments.
Moderate Walking or physical activity half to most of day - no carrying equipment.
Strenuous All or most of day hiking or biking, hills included.
Extreme Very challenging all day hiking and backpacking carrying significant equipment.
Theme
Attractions & Cities Visited
Activities & Interests
Travel Style
Travel Style
Flexible schedule A lot of free time, with very few inclusions. Ideal for independent and/or low-key travelers and cruisers.
Full schedule For those looking to maximize their sight seeing time. You thrive on a packed day’s schedule from 8 am to 6pm, with some (but limited) free time. Most activities and meals included.
Balanced schedule You will have solid amounts of both free time and structured time with some activities and meals included.
Flight & Transport Inclusions
Solo Friendly
Solo Friendly
Good for Singles Trips that specifically cater to travelers looking to meet other singles.
No Single Supplement Trips where single supplement is usually not required for solo travelers.
Supplier (Company)
Countries Visited
Continents Visited
Rivers & Seas Visitied
Stride Gives Back Stride Gives Back This trip visits a destination impacted by climate change. When you opt in to the Travelstride Gives Back program, we will donate 10% of our net revenue to organizations that help mitigate climate change in these destinations and across the globe. Learn more
Enchanting Europe
- Villandry: Return to 17th-century France and join the de Montferrier family on their farm near the famous Château de Villandry for a traditional three-course Tourangelle Be My Guest dinner paired with local wines.
- Madrid: Visit the Prado Museum in Madrid, where you'll have time to admire its extraordinary collection of European art dating from the 12th to early 20th centuries.
- Provence: The scents of France are yours to enjoy at Fragonard, a famous French perfumery that has been creating perfumes since the 1920s.
- Paris: Explore the iconic sights and streets of Paris on an orientation drive this evening.
- Amboise: See the Royal Château beside the Loire River.
- Biarritz: Appreciate the prestigious history of Biarritz as you explore the city's charming streets.
- Pamplona: Spend time exploring this city, known for its annual Running with the Bulls festival.
- Madrid: See the highlights of the city with your Local Specialist. Visit the Old Town, travelling along the elegant Paseo de la Castellana, past the Cibeles fountain, Cervantes Monument and Royal Palace.
- Barcelona: With your Local Specialist, see Las Ramblas and the elegant Passeig de Gràcia to take in some of the city's finest Modernist architecture. Journey past the beautiful façades of the Eixample district to see Gaudi's extraordinary masterpiece, the mesmerising Sagrada Família.
- Monaco City: See the cathedral where Prince Rainier and Princess Grace were married.
- Pisa: During an orientation, your Travel Director will show you the baptistery, cathedral and the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa.
- Florence: Join a Local Specialist to view the multi-coloured marble cathedral, bell tower and baptistery, adorned by Ghiberti's Gates of Paradise. Visit the political heart of the city, Signoria Square.
- Passignano Sul Trasimeno: Stroll along the medieval streets of this scenic lakeside city.
- Vatican: Visit Vatican City and tour St. Peter's Basilica with a Local Specialist. Witness the early genius of Michelangelo as you take in the Pietà.
- Rome: Experience Rome through the eyes of a local, as a passionate Roman guides you past the city's most iconic sites.
- London: See London's iconic sites with a Local Specialist.
- Explore London, Paris, Madrid, Barcelona, Florence and Rome with a Local Specialist
- Discover Bordeaux, Biarritz, Pamplona, French Riviera, Monaco, Pisa and Passignano sul Trasimeno
- Visit the Prado Museum in Madrid, the Fragonard Perfumery in Grasse and St. Peter's Basilica in Rome
- View the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, Château Amboise, the Leaning Tower in Pisa and the ancient sites of Rome
- See the Somme Battlefields in France
Italian Concerto
- Florence: The Pazzi and de Medici feud is brought to light in this visit to the 12th-century Castle of Trebbio where you will enjoy a traditional Tuscan Be My Guest buffet, explore the cellars, and indulge in olive oil and wine tasting.
- Rome: During an orientation with your Travel Director see the medieval buildings, Renaissance palaces and Baroque churches scattered throughout the city.
- Vatican: Visit Vatican City and tour St. Peter's Basilica with a Local Specialist. Witness the early genius of Michelangelo as you take in the Pietà.
- Rome: Discover ancient treasures of Rome with a passionate local. See Circus Maximus and the Ancient Forum, and stand beside the Colosseum, which bears witness to the limitless courage of the gladiators.
- Monte Cassino: View the abbey on Monte Cassino, founded by Saint Benedict in 529.
- Pompeii: Walk with a Local Specialist through the cobbled streets of this ill-fated town, frozen in time since the 1st century.
- Capri: Join a Local Specialist on a walk through elegant Capri to gain insight into the island's local culture and historic landmarks.
- Positano: Drive along the Amalfi Coast to visit this seaside town. See the pastel rainbow of colourful houses precariously stacked upon one another as if cascading from the hilltop to the water.
- Tuscany: View the stunning landscape of Tuscany on your drive today.
- Florence: Join a Local Specialist to view the multi-coloured marble cathedral, bell tower and baptistery, adorned by Ghiberti's Gates of Paradise. Visit the political heart of the city, Signoria Square.
- Florence: See the area around Santa Croce Basilica, famous for the quality of its luxury goods, and witness a gold and leatherwork demonstration.
- Venice: Learn about the history and ancient skill of Venetian glassblowing, playing your role in ensuring the survival of this traditional craft through your visit.
- Explore Rome, Pompeii, Capri and Florence with a Local Specialist
- Discover Amalfi Town and Venice
- Visit St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, the ruins of Pompeii, the Commonwealth War Cemetery in Cassino and a glassblowing factory in Venice
- View the ancient sites in Rome, the Benedictine Abbey in Cassino, the Duomo in Florence and St. Mark's Basilica in Venice
- Scenic Cruise to the Isle of Capri and by private launch to St. Mark's Square in Venice
Spectacular Canadian Rockies (Verandah)
- Vancouver: Visit Maan Farms for an immersive and delicious peek at local farming. Learn how Maan Farms began producing cole crops, but soon shifted to growing the strawberries, raspberries and blueberries for which they became famous. From one small berry stand, Maan Farms has grown into a place with something for everyone. Enjoy a local Indian lunch with an experience on the farm (seasonal) ranging from U-pick during berry season, behind the scenes winery tour or fall pumpkin patch exploration.
- Vancouver: Embark on a morning tour of Vancouver's historic neighbourhoods with your Travel Director. Savour the smells of freshly steamed Siopao in Chinatown and admire the Victorian Facades of Gastown as you make your way to the leafy sanctuary of Stanley Park to view First Nations totem poles.
- Victoria: Enjoy some sightseeing around Victoria and bask in some of its wonderful sights. Take a leisurely stroll along the Inner Harbour where you will have the chance to watch street buskers perform. Take a look at the Parliament Buildings erected in 1897 with its beautiful orderly gardens. Or venture to Victoria's unique shopping areas in Market Square.
- Victoria: This lush and expansive garden is a must-see oasis, which has been growing in Victoria, BC for over 100 years.
- Mount Robson: Take a visit to one of the world's crown jewels at Mount Robson and admire one of the finest views in the Rocky Mountains.
- Jasper: Take time to enjoy the wonders of Jasper National Park. Hop on mountain bikes and travel along the park's network of trails or embark on a hike through river-cut canyons. You could also try out white water rafting along routes taken by early explorers.
- Jasper: Enjoy a guided walk around Maligne Canyon. Admire this incredible natural landmark as you cross six bridges built across various points of this breath-taking canyon.
- Maligne Lake: Enjoy a scenic cruise around Maligne Lake where you'll discover world-famous Spirit Island and get great photo opportunities with beautiful mountain views.
- Icefields Parkway: Drive on one of the most scenic drives in North America through mountains, glaciers and lakes on the Icefields Parkway.
- Athabasca Glacier: Enjoy the picturesque waterfall on your visit to Athabasca Falls.
- Columbia Icefield: Explore nature on the Columbia Icefield Adventure. Travel on a massive Ice Explorer and view one of the largest non-polar ice fields in the world, the Athabathsca Glacier.
- Lake Louise: See the turquoise waters of Lake Louise and the Victoria Glacier with its scenic mountain backdrop.
- Banff: Take a guided tour around Banff and discover the big sites as well as a few local spots.
- Vancouver: Discover the diverse living cultures of the Northwest Coast at The Bill Reid Gallery, the only public Gallery in Canada dedicated to contemporary Indigenous Northwest Coast Art. Established by the Bill Reid Foundation in 2008 to celebrate the Haida master artist, Bill Reid (1920 - 1998), the Gallery honors him with an in-house collection, special exhibitions and programs that build bridges between Indigenous and settler populations. Learn about Reid’s work as an acclaimed master goldsmith, carver, sculptor, writer, broadcaster, mentor and community activist while viewing his art.
- Explore Vancouver, Victoria, Jasper National Park, Banff National Park, Columbia Icefield Adventure
- Visit Mt Robson Visitor Center, Maligne Canyon during a guided walk
- View Lake Louise, Stanley Park Totem Poles, Athabasca Falls, Mount Robson, Bow Falls & Surprise Corner
- Scenic Drive along Icefields Parkway
- Kamloops: In Kamloops, enjoy a Stays With Stories experience at The South Thompson Inn. Once home to a thoroughbred racing stable, this riverfront property still has the original brick manor and carriage houses.
Colours of Rajasthan with Mumbai (and Nepal)
- Jaipur: Savour dinner with a local family at their home in Jaipur.
- Delhi: Take a rickshaw ride through Old Delhi.
- Jaipur: Visit a local market in Jaipur.
- Travel on a metre-gauge train in the countryside.
- Udaipur: Visit a local market in Udaipur.
- Mumbai: Visit a Dhobi Ghat in Mumbai.
- Bhaktapur: Observe the skills of a master pottery at a pottery workshop in Bhaktapur.
- Jama Masjid: Admire the red sandstone and marble details of Jama Masjid during your visit to one of the largest mosques in the country.
- Delhi: Visit Agrasen Ki Baoli and take in the arched niches of this citybound step well.
- Delhi: See Old Delhi's Red Fort.
- New Delhi: During your orientation of New Delhi, visit Humayun's Tomb, and see India Gate and the Qutub Minar complex.
- Taj Mahal: View the Taj Mahal, known as one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world's heritage.
- Agra: See the imposing gate to the Jama Masjid and gain insight into life in Fatehpur Sikri, now a deserted ''ghost town.''
- Agra: Inside Agra’s red sandstone fortress, witness the fairytale palaces, audiences halls and mosques of the Mughal rulers.
- Ranthambore National Park: Tour Ranthambore National Park for a chance to glimpse the resident animals and birdlife.
- Jaipur: Learn the traditional art of block-printing with a Local Specialist.
- Jaipur: During an orientation of Jaipur, visit the Amber Fort, City Palace and Jantar Mantar Observatory.
- Udaipur: Enjoy an evening cruise on Lake Pichola at the heart of Udaipur.
- Udaipur: Visit the City Palace complex, a testimony to the Rajput passion for art and architecture.
- Udaipur: Stroll through Saheliyon Ki Bari, also known as Garden of the Maidens. Admire the exquisite design of its fountains, pavilions and lotus pools.
- Mumbai: Cruise across Mumbai Harbour to visit the cave temples of Elephanta Island.
- Mumbai: Start your visit of Mumbai at the Gateway of India. Continue past the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus and Churchgate Station, and take time to explore the Mani Bhavan museum.
- Kathmandu: Tour Kathmandu's Durbar Square and see the Royal Palace.
- Kathmandu: Visit sacred Swayambhunath, known as the Monkey Temple for its mischievous inhabitants.
- Patan: See Patan's Durbar Square, and enjoy a visit to the Krishna Temple and Golden Temple.
- Bhaktapur: Visit Bhaktapur's Durbar Square and stroll along the characteristic streets of this cultural centre.
- Delhi: On a walking tour with a guide from the Salaam Baalak Trust which cares for the street children of Delhi.
- Patan: Visit the Tibetan Refugee Centre which features the Jawalakhel Handicraft Centre.
- Explore Kathmandu, Patan, Bhaktapur, Delhi, Jaipur, Udaipur and Mumbai
- Visit the shrine of Swayambhunath near Patan, the UNESCO-listed city of Bhaktapur, Jama Masjid, Raj Ghat, Humayun's Tomb, Qutub Minar in Delhi, the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort in Agra, Ranthambore National Park, the Amber Fort and City Palace in Jaipur, the City Palace and Garden of the Maids in Udaipur and Mani Bhavan in Mumbai
- View the temples of Kathmandu and Patan, and the Palace of Winds in Jaipur
- See the Red Fort, Parliament House and India Gate in Delhi, the Gateway of India and Chhatrapati Shivaji historic railway station in Mumbai
- Scenic Cruise across Mumbai Harbour to Elephanta Island
- Deogarh: Stay in a beautifully maintained heritage resort in Deogarh, which was once a magnificent fort.
Land of the Incas (Galapagos East Cruise)
- Sacred Valley: Connect with Locals over a Be My Guest experience lunch, learn about the culture surrounding the production of Giant White Corn. Our hosts will demonstrate the differences between traditional farming techniques and the newer technologies used today.
- Sacred Valley: We'll Dive into Culture and meet a Quechua Shaman who will perform a ceremony welcoming you to Peru.
- Cusco: Enjoy the flavours of chicha, a Peruvian corn beer. Hear about how chicha is brewed by the local indigenous women and its history dating back to the time of the Incas as a favourite drink of the Andes. Learn about the two types of chicha, alcoholic sour chicha de jora made from fermented jora corn and the non-alcoholic, sweet chicha morada.
- Lake Titicaca: Visit the home of Víctor Coila and his wife Mariluz, and their two daughters, Luz Mery and Carla Mercedes. Join the family to try quinoa bread, potatoes with cheese, and chaco - a sauce made with a kind of clay used in cooking and medicine.
- Paracas: Stop at the Regional Museum of Ica where we'll explore the centuries-old cultures of the Paracas and Nazca.
- Paracas: Visit Bodega El Catador to learn about and taste the finest pisco in the country.
- Nazca: Take to the skies on your Peru tour to see the iconic Nazca Lines, archaeological enigmas scratched in the ground 500 B.C. and A.D. 500. Gaze down in awe of these massive designs and patterns you can only view from above. Your private flight will show you many of the lines, complete with their names and a bit of history. From above, you’ll observe the different types: straight, geometric (such as triangles, rectangles, trapezoids, spirals, arrows, zigzags, and wavy lines), and pictorial (including a spider, hummingbird, cactus plant, monkey, whale, llama, duck, flower, tree, lizard, dog, and even a mysterious humanoid figure). Some of the animal geoglyphs are up to 1,200 feet long! You’ll also learn why the Nazca culture created these lines in the desert plains of the Rio Grande de Nazca River basin and how the Nazca people were able to carve out such massive designs.
- Lima: Join a local specialist for a gentle hike to explore jungle trails that snake between the roots of towering trees for an immersive introduction to the rich ecosystems of the rainforest. Here in the Amazon, you’ll find a staggering 540 bird species, 362 ant species (a world record you have to see to believe) and over 100 mammal species that have been registered within Inkaterra’s ecological reserve.
- Lima: Under the cloak of night, cruise the Madre de Dios River at night in search of wildlife that roams the riverbanks under darkness. Keep on the lookout for the likes of nightjars, owls, capybaras and caimans as you learn about the curious behavior and characteristics of this nocturnal world.
- Lima: Take in the highlights of Lima, the 'City of the Kings,' including a panoramic view of the ancient districts. Join a local specialist for a visit to the UNESCO-listed Historic Center. Learn how before it was destroyed by earthquakes in the mid-18th century, observing how the historic buildings display a collaboration between local craftspeople and others from the Old World. Then drive along the coastline as you learn more about the fascinating history of Peru's capital city.
- Cusco: Climb the exhilarating Inkaterra Canopy Walkway for an unforgettable opportunity to observe the rainforest from its rooftop. Follow a sophisticated network of seven suspension bridges originally designed for scientific research strung between eight treetop observation platforms over 30 meters (100 feet) above the forest floor. This half-day, medium difficulty exploration is an immersive and colorful way to experience the jungle stretching out beneath you.
- Sandoval Lake: Embark on a half-day hike on a boardwalk jungle trail to Lake Sandoval, a glassy ox-bow lake tucked inside the protected Tambopata National Reserve. Board a dug-out canoe to paddle through eerie mangroves and glide out onto the palm-flanked lake, home to thousands of bird species as well as anacondas, black caimans, yellow spotted side-neck turtles, red howler monkeys and two endangered (and elusive) families of giant river otters.
- Sacred Valley: Discover the Amazon’s otherworldly realm of aguajales rainforest swampland on a gentle hike along a –200 meter (656 feet) walkway through this diverse ecosystem. Learn how vegetation has adapted to this atmospheric natural habitat and the exotic species of amphibians, reptiles, snakes, birds and mammals that are drawn here.
- Sacred Valley: Boldly venture out at night to discover some of the strange species that come alive under deep darkness in the Amazon. Wildlife activity greatly differs between day and night, as some creatures curl up and sleep while others employ ingenious adaption mechanisms to emerge. Enjoy a gentle, quiet stroll as your senses heighten to the mysterious nocturnal sounds of birds, mammals, insects, and amphibians wandering close by.
- Machu Picchu: Learn how to prepare an authentic Ceviche and pour the perfect Pisco sour.
- Cusco: Visit the mystical Incan stronghold of Ollantaytambo with a Local Specialist. These famous ruins are a massive Inca fortress made of large stone terraces stretching out across a hillside. Walk among the stone platforms, the sun temple of six monoliths and the Princess Baths fountain ― the Baño de la Nusta at the base of the ruins flowing from carved stone into a pool. Over your exploration, learn how the old town is an Inca-era grid of cobblestoned streets and adobe buildings.
- Machu Picchu: Soak in every moment of your Machu Picchu tour in style as you descend to the Lost City in the clouds aboard the Vistadome train. Travelling the Inca Trail, you’ll traverse dramatic landscapes with a panoramic view of the soaring peaks, river, and ruins. Sit back and relax as you enjoy this multi-sensory journey complete with background music, an informative audio commentary highlighting interesting sites, and an included light snack.
- Machu Picchu: Take a shuttle to the top of the mountain where you’ll meet your local specialist for a guided hike of Machu Picchu. You’ll learn about Machu Picchu’s history and the use of each section of including ceremonial, storage, agriculture, temples, astronomical, and observatory as well as the possible reasons why the Incas left Machu Picchu.
- Machu Picchu: The ruins of Machu Picchu beckon yet again and we enjoy one final opportunity to reconnect with its story. Journey to take in the ruins at sunrise spending some time on your own to explore the hill-top fortress. Soak in every moment at this iconic site, making stops at points of interest while your guide shares their insights on the archaeological sites.
- Cusco: Join your Local Specialist for a guided walk through Cusco's colonial centre, including the nearby 13th century Incan settlement of Koricancha. Here in Cusco’s Golden Temple of the Sun dedicated to the Sun God Inti, view the trapezoidal and irregular shapes and rounded edges. Note how the stones fit together and were built simply by placing them on top of each other without using any mortar. This staggered placement also enables them to withstand earthquakes.
- Cusco: Begin your day at the ruins of the UNESCO-listed Sacsayhuamán fortress overlooking Cusco. With zig zagging walls and ruins of giant stones, see how the shape and harmony of the landscape is similar to Machu Picchu. Stroll through this Incan architecture of sacred buildings such as residential buildings, towers, shrines, warehouses, roads and aqueducts. And while you may not be able to take in the grand scale, the complex design is based on the shape of the head of a puma, a sacred animal in Inca spirituality.
- Sillustani: Enjoy lunch alfresco next to Lake Umayo on your way to Sillustani, a pre-Incan burial ground on the shores of Lake Umayo. Join a local specialist and explore its towering chullpas (above ground tombs) that cast long shadows across the landscape. Then cruise the deep blue waters of South America's largest lake - Lake Titicaca, the birthplace of the sun - through floating islands made of entirely reeds by the Uros Indians.
- Lake Titicaca: We cruise the deep blue waters of Lake Titicaca with a Local Specialist, discovering its floating islands constructed from reeds by the Uros Indians
- Paracas: Explore Paracas, a town on Peru’s west coast known for its beautiful beaches. Named after the Paracas people who were fishermen and farmers of beans, maize and red peppers, Paracas is now the gateway to the Paracas National Reserve. In this pristine desert you’ll find colonies of sea lions and sea birds. With an afternoon at leisure, explore Paracas Bay where restaurants and shops line the boardwalk and fishermen’s boats gather at the docks.
- Nazca: Take to the skies on your Peru tour to see the iconic Nazca Lines, archaeological enigmas scratched in the ground 500 B.C. and A.D. 500. Gaze down in awe of these massive designs and patterns you can only view from above. Your private flight will show you many of the lines, complete with their names and a bit of history. From above, you’ll observe the different types: straight, geometric (such as triangles, rectangles, trapezoids, spirals, arrows, zigzags, and wavy lines), and pictorial (including a spider, hummingbird, cactus plant, monkey, whale, llama, duck, flower, tree, lizard, dog, and even a mysterious humanoid figure). Some of the animal geoglyphs are up to 1,200 feet long! You’ll also learn why the Nazca culture created these lines in the desert plains of the Rio Grande de Nazca River basin and how the Nazca people were able to carve out such massive designs.
- Ballestas Islands: Connect with nature, cruising around the uninhabited Ballestas Islands, a "mini-Galapagos" teeming with wildlife. See the mysterious Candelabra in Pisco Bay. Gaze up where birds including the guanay cormorant, Peruvian booby and Peruvian pelican cruise above. Colonies of sea lions gather on rocky isles, barking as they welcome you to their home. Smaller gray or tan South American fur seals lounge on rocky shores shaded by the cliffs. Even Humboldt penguins - who only populate the coast of Peru and northern Chile – waddle along the shore.
- Lake Titicaca: Arrive at Taquile Island, where we'll embark on a private tour to gain insights into the tradition of Textile Art for which the local villagers-men and women-are renowned. Learn more about the culture of the people living on the island and enjoy a traditional lunch.
- Explore Lima and Cusco with a Local Specialist, Learn about Giant White Corn, watch a local Marinera dance performance
- Visit the outdoor market at Pisac, Ollantaytambo, two visits to Machu Picchu, Sacsayhuaman, the Uros Islands and Lake Titicaca, enjoy a Casona San Marcos Experience
- See the other-wordly Nazca Lines from the air
- Scenic Cruise around Lake Titicaca and the Ballestas Islands
- Scenic Drive through the Sacred Valley
- Scenic Train Ride to Machu Picchu aboard the Vistadome train
- Sacred Valley: Aranwa Sacred Valley Hotel & Wellness is built along the Vilcanota riverbank, on the lands of an old 17th-century colonial hacienda.
Canada's Rockies (Stampede)
- Jasper: Dive into everything you wanted to know about Jasper and Jasper National Park joining Pieter van Loon or Joost Tijssen of Jasper Theater Productions. Enjoy stories about Jasper, hear facts about Jasper and understand why so many people fall in love with this special town. Your hosts are professionally schooled actors and drama teachers, both born and raised in The Netherlands, and fell in love with the Canadian Rockies and Jasper on a visit in 2015. It was love at first sight and they’ve been sharing their love of Jasper ever since.
- Canmore: Lace up those skates, hit the ice and learn about being a real hockey player.
- Lake Louise: Walk the shoreline of Lake Louise learning about its turquoise waters while taking in the Victoria Glacier and scenic mountain backdrop.
- Icefields Parkway: Drive on one of the most scenic drives in North America through mountains, glaciers and lakes on the Icefields Parkway.
- Athabasca Glacier: Enjoy the picturesque waterfall on your visit to Athabasca Falls.
- Maligne Lake: Enjoy a scenic cruise around Maligne Lake where you'll discover world-famous Spirit Island and get great photo opportunities with beautiful mountain views.
- Maligne Canyon: Take a guided walk through Maligne Canyon for some incredible photo ops along this scenic trail into the depths of Jasper National Park.
- Columbia Icefield: Explore nature on the Columbia Icefield Adventure. Travel on a massive Ice Explorer and view one of the largest non-polar ice fields in the world, the Athabathsca Glacier.
- Banff National Park of Canada: View one of the largest lakes in Banff National Park, Bow Lake. As one of the many lakes that line the Icefields Parkway, this is a beautiful and scenic stop with dazzling glacial waters.
- Banff: Take a guided tour around Banff and discover the big sites as well as a few local spots.
- Banff National Park of Canada: Sip tea and engage in rich stories and history with your Cree guide who will bring the buffalo to life and help you see them through their eyes. Gain insight on how buffalo were so important to our survival, the interconnected relationship we have and the teachings of the Buffalo around the sacred contract we hold and how you may have become a part of that sacred contract.
- Explore Columbia Icefield Adventure
- Visit Jasper National Park, Maligne Canyon, Banff National Park, Lunch at Maligne Lake Chalet with a local, Canmore with Hockey experience, Storytelling with a First Nations Cree Guide
- Scenic Drive along the Icefields Parkway
- Scenic Cruise on Maligne Lake to Spirit Island
- View Lake Louise, Athabasca Falls, Bow Lake, Bow Falls, Surprise Corner
Grand South America (Small Groups)

- Lima: If you are travelling on a Founder's Collection departure you will meet Dr. Canseco – a local politician who comes from a long lineage of Peruvian politicians and has started his own party in Peru. Visit his beautiful home for lunch and hear about his family's history and his own successful career.
- Sacred Valley: Learn from locals about the process of salt mining.The cascading salt terraces along this scenic canyon have been harvested using an evaporation technique since the times of the Incas and has been passed down by local families, who still harvest salt from it today to sell to the local market.
- Sacred Valley: A local shaman will perform a welcoming ceremony to the Sacred Valley and the mystical Andes Mountains that surround it.
- Ollantaytambo: Join a local expert and visit the ruins of Ollantaytambo. See the magnificent views of the ruins on the side of the cliffs above the Urubamba river.
- Machu Picchu: Experience Machu Picchu with a Local Expert. You’ll learn about Machu Picchu’s history and the use of each section of including ceremonial, storage, agriculture, temples, astronomical, and observatory as well as the possible reasons why the Incas left Machu Picchu.
- Sacred Valley: Travel back to the Sacred Valley by train, offering you great views with panoramic windows and an outdoor observation carriage.
- Visit the village of Lamay for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER ® Experience with the locals. First stop at the guinea pig sheds to learn more about the animals and how this traditional activity evolved into a business opportunity in Lamay. Your immersive visit is organized by “La Base Lamay,” an initiative that involves locals from the village and nearby communities in tourism activities to generate fair and higher income. At a traditional chichería bar frequented by locals, learn about making “chicha de jora” (a traditional corn beer) and taste a healthy snack, called “picante”.
- Cusco: Join your Local Expert for a visit to the ruins of Sacsayhuman, on of the most important Incan sites and a UNESCO Cultural Heritage Site. You'll also visit Korikancha, also known as the Temple of the Sun, and the beautiful colonial neighborhood of San Blas and the magnificent Cathedral at Plaza de Armas which took 100 years to complete.
- Puno: Enjoy a picnic lunch on the shores of Lake Umayo before visiting the archeological site of Sillustani. Explore the stone burial towers 'chullpas' that have dotted the shores since pre-Inca times.
- Lake Titicaca: Visit the Uros Floating Islands to learn about the lifestyle and customs of the local people and enjoy lunch with this community that bundles reeds from the lake to build floating platforms, houses and canoes.
- Santiago: Meet a Local Expert for an in-depth city exploration. Start out at the heart of the city, seeing the Chilean University, San Francisco Church and the Santa Lucia Hill. Then visit the Plaza de Armas and the cathedral. Cross the Mapocho river to the bohemian Bellavista district on the way to San Cristobal Hill, where you will have the best views of Santiago and the Andes Mountains.
- Santiago: Visit Kingston Family Winery, a small boutique winery located in Casablanca Valley for an introduction to and tasting of their exquisite wines.
- Valparaiso: From Santiago, head west towards Valparaíso. Pass by the main square where you can see the monument honoring the 1879 Naval Battle of Iquique. Declared a World Heritage by UNESCO, Valparaíso offers unique ocean landscapes with colorful neighborhoods, picturesque cobblestone streets, and old cable cars.
- Buenos Aires: Take a tour of this historical and prestigious opera house and explore the Main Hall, Foyer, Bustos Gallery and the Golden Hall.
- Iguassu Falls: Head to the Argentinean side of Iguassu Falls and view the unfathomable Devil's Throat.
- Iguassu Falls: Join a local expert for a spectacular walk past thundering curtains of water and misty rainbows on the Brazilian side of the falls. Explore the base of the falls and see the impressive panoramic view of San Martin Island.
- Iguassu Falls: See several native birds in their natural habitat. One of the largest bird parks in Latin America, The Bird Park is an integrated conservation center for birds of the Atlantic Forest and his home to 120 species of birds.
- Rio de Janeiro: Experience sightseeing with a Local Expert and a cable car journey to the lofty heights of Sugarloaf Mountain.
- Rio de Janeiro: Visit this beautiful library that was built in the heart of Rio by the Portuguese monarchy.
- Rio de Janeiro: Visit the Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil, one of the most important cultural centers in the country. Admire the Art Deco design by Francisco Joaquim Bethencourt da Silva.
- Rio de Janeiro: Take a train ride up Corcovado Hill through the Tijuca National Forest to the open arms of Christ the Redeemer and magnificent views over the legendary bay.
- Optional - Lima: Take a guided visit of the Monastery and its catacombs.
- Optional - Lima: Visit the historic Torre de Tagle Palace and the Central Reserve Bank museum.
- Optional - Machu Picchu: Visit a working tea plantation.
- Optional - Machu Picchu: View the world's largest private collection of indigenous orchids around your hotel surrounded by the Cloud Forest.
- Optional - Machu Picchu: Embark on a twilight nature walk where your guide will point out medicinal plants, sacred Pre-Inca pictographs, and an enchanting waterfall in the Cloud Forest.
- Optional - Machu Picchu: Seize the opportunity to return to Machu Picchu a second time on this Personalize Your Day option. After exploring the ancient Inca citadel with your Local Expert earlier in the day, you can personalize your experience and create and savour your own moment at this enigmatic fortress.
- Optional - Cusco: Visit the ruins of Tambo Machay and enjoy a leisurely 3.7 mile (6 km) downhill walk back to Cusco as you pass the ruins of Puca Pucara and Quenguo.
- Optional - Cusco: Return to Cusco by vehicle and visit San Blas church and the surroundings of this fascinating artsy neighbourhood of Cusco. After San Blas, continue to San Pedro market for some local shopping and insight into Peruvian produce.
- Optional - Buenos Aires: Meet the local gauchos and learn about the traditions of these South American Cowboys on a horseback ride.
- Optional - Buenos Aires: Explore the beautiful ranch on a leisurely walk, learning all about the gaucho lifestyle.
- Lima: Visit the home of local artist Victor Delfin, known for his monumental El Beso sculpture at his workshop in the city's trendy Barranco district.
- Cusco: Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you meet Nilda Callañaupa Alvarez, a Quechua scholar, director of the Center for Traditional Textiles of Cusco. Learn about her mission to preserve traditional weaving techniques.
- Cusco: Savour a Pachamanca feast in the Sacred valley. This traditional way to slow cook local vegetables and meats using hot stones and clay pots underground is a communal rite in the Sacred Valley that dates back to pre-historic times. It is a way to celebrate and show gratitude to Pachamama, "Mother Earth".
- Lake Titicaca: Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience a you as you meet a local family on Amantani Island. Home to about 4,000 inhabitants, you'll discover how the traditions and language of the Inca culture are being kept alive on this remote location not commonly visited by tourists.
- Ipanema: Meet Local Expert Cecelo, a local guitarist, music aficionado, and studio owner from Ipanema. Join him on a walking tour of Ipanema, the birthplace of Bossa Nova in the 1950s. Enjoy the sounds and sights of the place that inspired this new genre of samba music. After your tour, head back to your hotel where Cecelo will play you some Bossa Nova classics over a caipirinha cocktail.
Best of Morocco
- Fes: Enjoy a speciality Be My Guest dinner of delicious Moroccan cuisine served with wine at a traditional riad in Fes.
- Fes: Visit a traditional tannery and dye-pit for a fascinating glimpse into an ancient practice.
- Marrakesh: Visit a Moroccan pharmacy to learn about local healing creams and cosmetics made from regional ingredients.
- Explore Fes and Marrakesh with a Local Specialist
- Discover Rabat, Meknès, Erfoud, Ouarzazate, Essaouira and Casablanca
- Visit a traditional tannery and dye-pit in Fes, Midelt, Tafilalt Oasis, Bahia Palace and a Moroccan pharmacy in Marrakesh
- View the Royal Palace in Rabat, the Ziz Valley near Tinghir, the Todra Gorge, Aït Ben Haddou and the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca
- Dades Valley: Promising paradise in the middle of the Atlas Mountains, the African-styled Xaluca Dades is surrounded by a spectacular mountainscape with panoramic views of the Dades Valley and its Berber villages.
Majestic Alaska (7 Days, Verandah)
- Fairbanks: To conclude your day, enjoy a special visit to the home of Dave Monson, a local Dog Mushing celebrity to learn about the sport of Dog Mushing in Alaska. Join him and his dogs for a Be My Guest dinner experience.
- Denali National Park: Board the Deluxe Motorcoach and head to Denali National Park. Once there late this afternoon they'll experience a “Welcome to SubArctic” Presentation by a Local Specialist to learn about the Flora and Fauna of Denali National Park.
- Denali National Park: Join a specialist for a Denali Natural History Tour and learn about the Alaskan natives that once lived in Denali National Park and the first ascent of Denali, North America's highest peak.
- Fairbanks: Pan for gold with Fairbanks’ own Gold Daughters and learn the process of panning for gold as well as ice age fossils and cool minerals.
- Denali National Park: Travel aboard a Dome Railcar on the Alaska Railroad to the Golden Heart City of Fairbanks. Enjoy a spectacular journey over swift-rushing streams, towards Denali National Park and Preserve.
- Fairbanks: Board the Riverboat Discovery for a scenic cruise where you will hear tales of the Gold Rush boom and visit a recreated Athabascan village.
- Fairbanks: Enjoy a visit to Big Delta State Historical Park where you can explore the rich history of Alaska.
- Valdez: Discover the rich history and heritage as you visit the Valdez Museum.
- Valdez: Enjoy a cruise across Prince William Sound where you will have the chance to spot sea lions, otters and seals.
- Seward: In Seward, board a day boat and cruise into Kenai Fjords National Park. Lunch is included on board as you watch for playful sea critters and spectacular glaciers.
- Anchorage: Make Travel Matter on a visit of the Alaska Native Heritage Center and learn about the culture and heritage of the Indigenous people of Alaska.
- Valdez: Take a guided tour of a Musk Ox Farm and learn how this non-profit organization promotes sustainable agriculture.
- Anchorage: The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center is a wildlife rehabilitation center where a local guide teaches you about the animals here.
- Explore Valdez, Seward, Denali National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park
- Visit Anchorage, Fairbanks, Denali National Park, Valdez, Seward, Alaska Native Heritage Center, Wrangell St Elias Visitor Center, Valdez Museum, Musk Ox Farm, Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
- View Historic Rika Roadhouse, Big Delta State Historical Park, Alaska Range, Wrangell St. Elias National Park, Mt. Denali
- Scenic Drive along the Scenic Seward Byway
- Scenic Cruise through Prince William Sound, Kenai Fjords National Park
- Iconic Train journey through Alaska's wilderness aboard the Alaska Railroad
Majestic Japan (Small Groups)

- Osaka: Explore the fascinating Osaka Castle, a famous landmark that was pivotal in the reunification of Japan during the 16th century. Marvel at the variety of cultural artefacts showcasing the history of Osaka.
- Osaka: Visit the top of the Floating Garden Observatory in the Umeda Sky Building for incredible city views.
- Experience travelling like a local as you ride the high-speed bullet train. Catch views of snow capped mountains and quaint Japanese towns as you journey between each city. This feat of modern engineering brings new joy to train rides.
- Hiroshima: Spend some quiet moments in the emotive Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and see the A-Bomb Dome, the only structure left standing.
- Kyoto: Wander around the famous Giouji Temple, where the bamboo trees and green groves inspire relaxation. This tiny temple with the thatched roof entrance is a sanctuary and one of the most scenic temples you’ll see in the city.
- Kyoto: Join your Travel Concierge for an orientation of Gion neighbourhood, known as Kyoto's geisha district. See well-preserved wooden machiya houses and perhaps experience the electric ambiance of a local bar or restaurant.
- Kyoto: Visit the stunning Zen Buddhist temple of Kinkaku-ji, with its glittering Golden Pavilion and hear about its intriguing history. Then, explore the vibrant Gion neighbourhood, where you may spot a Geisha or two.
- Tokyo: Take a sightseeing tour of Tokyo with your Travel Concierge to spot many places of interest in this bustling capital city.
- Matsushima Bay: Take in views of the many pine clad islets in Matsushima Bay on a private cruise. Hear about the many haikus featuring the bay describing it as a place of love and wonder.
- Matsushima Bay: Meet the owner of a traditional Japanese inn set in the dazzling Matsushima Bay, which has inspired poetry over the centuries. Hear more about her life and local traditions in the pine covered islands as you cruise between them.
- Hirosaki: Learn about the meticulous care and nurturing of cherry blossom trees from a specialised cherry blossom doctor who ensures that each one, from sapling to mature tree, is healthy and thriving during the beautiful season each April.
- Tsugaru han Neputa Village: See the colourful decorations, which take a year to create, being prepared for the summer Neputa Festival by local craftsmen. Witness a private musical performance of Tsugaru Shamisen and Taiko, a traditional style of Japanese guitar and drumming.
- Oirase Gorge: Take a gentle walk along the Oirase Gorge in the Hachimantai National Park. Each season brings its own colour palette while unique rock formations and the burbling river is a pleasure to follow.
- Tokyo: Pay a visit to the Sensō-ji Temple, the oldest temple in Tokyo and the site of a large late spring festival, which many international visitors attend. This significant place of worship is dedicated to Kannon Bosatsu, the Bodhisattva of compassion.
- Tokyo: Wander down one of Japan's oldest shopping streets, Nakamise Street, which dates back to the 17th century. If you're feeling peckish, visit Kappabashi, the back street that is also known as the foodie hub of Tokyo.
- Optional - Mt Fuji: Visit the Itchiku Kubota Art Museum, where you’ll enjoy its unique architecture, wander the serene gardens and marvel at its collection of beautiful kimonos.
- Optional - Mt Fuji: Ride the Kachi-Kachi Ropeway cable car to fully embrace the breathtaking views of the lake and the mountain.
- Optional - Tokyo: Participate in a private sushi-making class in Tokyo and discover why it takes ten years to perfect this 2000-year-old Japanese art from a master sushi chef. Afterwards, enjoy a freshly prepared Highlight Lunch where you can marvel at his culinary brilliance.
- Optional - Tokyo: Join a Local Expert and head to the Omotesando and Harajuku neighbourhoods known for their fashion, art and design before indulging in lunch.
- Hiroshima: Experience a truly poignant travel moment, as you meet a survivor of the 1945 Hiroshima atomic bomb, which destroyed most of the city during World War II and changed world history forever.
Canada's Rockies (GoldLeaf)
- Jasper: Dive into everything you wanted to know about Jasper and Jasper National Park joining Pieter van Loon or Joost Tijssen of Jasper Theater Productions. Enjoy stories about Jasper, hear facts about Jasper and understand why so many people fall in love with this special town. Your hosts are professionally schooled actors and drama teachers, both born and raised in The Netherlands, and fell in love with the Canadian Rockies and Jasper on a visit in 2015. It was love at first sight and they’ve been sharing their love of Jasper ever since.
- Canmore: Lace up those skates, hit the ice and learn about being a real hockey player.
- Lake Louise: Walk the shoreline of Lake Louise learning about its turquoise waters while taking in the Victoria Glacier and scenic mountain backdrop.
- Icefields Parkway: Drive on one of the most scenic drives in North America through mountains, glaciers and lakes on the Icefields Parkway.
- Athabasca Glacier: Enjoy the picturesque waterfall on your visit to Athabasca Falls.
- Maligne Lake: Enjoy a scenic cruise around Maligne Lake where you'll discover world-famous Spirit Island and get great photo opportunities with beautiful mountain views.
- Maligne Canyon: Take a guided walk through Maligne Canyon for some incredible photo ops along this scenic trail into the depths of Jasper National Park.
- Columbia Icefield: Explore nature on the Columbia Icefield Adventure. Travel on a massive Ice Explorer and view one of the largest non-polar ice fields in the world, the Athabathsca Glacier.
- Banff National Park of Canada: View one of the largest lakes in Banff National Park, Bow Lake. As one of the many lakes that line the Icefields Parkway, this is a beautiful and scenic stop with dazzling glacial waters.
- Banff: Take a guided tour around Banff and discover the big sites as well as a few local spots.
- Banff National Park of Canada: Sip tea and engage in rich stories and history with your Cree guide who will bring the buffalo to life and help you see them through their eyes. Gain insight on how buffalo were so important to our survival, the interconnected relationship we have and the teachings of the Buffalo around the sacred contract we hold and how you may have become a part of that sacred contract.
- Explore Columbia Icefield Adventure
- Visit Jasper National Park, Maligne Canyon, Banff National Park, Lunch at Maligne Lake Chalet with a local, Canmore with Hockey experience, Storytelling with a First Nations Cree Guide
- Scenic Drive along the Icefields Parkway
- Scenic Cruise on Maligne Lake to Spirit Island
- View Lake Louise, Athabasca Falls, Bow Lake, Bow Falls, Surprise Corner
Inspiring Australia (Small Groups)

- Daintree Rainforest: Join your Local Expert for an insightful exploration in the oldest tropical rainforest on earth. Learn about the close relationship the indigenous Kuku Yalanji people have with the land here, which they've been connected to for thousands of years. The experience reduces inequalities for indigenous people & preserves local traditions, protects natural culturally sensitive sites and promotes cultural vibrancy. This experience creates employment opportunities for local Kuku Yalanji people who are proud to share and preserve their land and culture.
- Kata Tjuta: Join your Travel Concierge for a guided walk through the sacred Walpa Gorge, which is a refuge from the hot desert sun for a variety of flora and fauna. Admire the change in colour on the gorge walls and spot the odd wallaby.
- Uluru: Arrive at the Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park in the afternoon in time to see the sun slipping behind the majestic rock. See the vibrant colours of the landscape lit up as you sip on sparkling wine.
- Uluru: Watch the sunrise over Uluru as you are enchanted by the magical 'Field of Light' art installation by Artist Bruce Munro.
- Uluru: Visit the Mutitjulu Waterhole, home to the Anangu’s wanampi, an ancestral water snake.
- Uluru: Learn about the strong connection shared over millennia between the Anangu and this ancient land on a visit to the Uluṟu-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre.
- Uluru: Watch as the sun rises behind the majestic Uluṟu and it is cast in glowing red hues. The rest of the morning is yours to enjoy at leisure, basking in the warm sun of this remote stretch of sacred land.
- Curtin Springs: Visit Curtin Springs Station and learn about the legacy of the Severin family and their wrangling heritage.
- Rise with the sun and embark on a vigorous 6-kilometre Rim Walk at Kings Canyon. Ascend the canyon for awe-inspiring views from Cotterill's Lookout and marvel at the many sandstone domes, naturally created in weird and wonderful shapes.
- Hunter Valley: Marvel at the vastness of untouched landscape on your journey northwards to the Hunter Valley. After miles of pristine natural terrain, the neat rows of vineyards will appear, whetting your appetite for what's to come.
- Sydney: Step on board a luxurious cruiser and sail around the glistening Sydney harbour while you savour a delicious lunch with a strong focus on local produce and wines.
- Optional - Great Barrier Reef: Dive into one of the seven wonders of the natural world. The Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef and one of the most complex ecosystems we have. See incredible aquatic life beneath the surface as you swim.
- Optional - Kuranda: Board your SkyRail cable car to ascend through rainforest to reach the mountain village of Kuranda. Take time to explore the vibrant local markets before returning to Cairns via the Kuranda Scenic Railway.
- Optional - Alice Springs: Visit the Royal Flying Doctor Service Tourist Facility and learn how this non-profit organisation is saving lives in the outback.
- Optional - Alice Springs: Visit the School of the Air and learn about the technology used to teach children in these remote areas.
- Sydney: Embark on a behind the scenes VIP tour of the famous Sydney Opera House and uncover its intriguing secrets. Afterward, enjoy an unforgettable Celebration Dinner at creative chef Peter Gilmore's Bennelong restaurant, set in the building's iconic sails.
Ultimate Southern France (Bordeaux, Small Groups, ...

- Monaco City: Join your Travel Concierge for guided sightseeing of glamourous Monaco. See the Grand Prix circuit – famous for hosting the annual Formula One Monaco Grand Prix – explore the old town, and admire the Royal Palace where the Grimaldi family lives. Wander along the yacht-filled harbour and see the cathedral, which houses the tombs of the late Prince Rainier and Princess Grace.
- Nice: Join a Local Expert to take a walk through the charming streets of Old Nice and see the Opera, the antique market, and the St. Reparate Cathedral.
- French Riviera: Join a Local Expert to visit the opulent Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild and its gardens. Built by the passionate art collector Madame Ephrussi, she gathered the best from each era including delicate pieces of furniture once belonging to Marie Antoinette.
- Saint-Tropez: Take in the best of Saint-Tropez as a Local Expert guides you through the remains of the ancient landmark Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption and its colourful bell tower. Afterward, taste the local Saint-Tropez tart pastry in the bakery where it was first created in the 1950s.
- Cassis: Board your private cruise through the Calanques National Park to admire the towering limestone cliffs and the long, narrow and deep fjord-like inlets.
- Lourmarin: Visit the tree lined avenues of Lourmarin and explore the lively market featuring crafts, clothing and local delicacies.
- Provence: Take a seat in your chauffeured Citroen 2CV and embark on a drive through the hilly countryside passing fields of lavender.
- Les Baux-de-Provence: See the fantastic light and sound show in an abandoned limestone quarry and a nod to an ever-changing selection of great artists including Klimt, Gaugin, or Bosch in the past.
- Carcassonne: Carcassonne represents one of the biggest and best-preserved fortified cities in Europe, with 53 watchtowers and 1.5 miles of ramparts open to the public. Explore this real-life Magic Kingdom with a Local Expert and uncover its rich history, dating back to the pre-Roman period.
- Cite de Carcassone: Admire flora and fauna, rural vistas and lush vineyards on this gentle 1.5-hour cruise. Built in the late 17th century as a shipping short cut between the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, the Canal du Midi is one of Europe’s oldest canals still in operation.
- Optional - Chateau La Coste: On this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience sample the estate’s organic wines and visit their one-of-a-kind contemporary wine cellar. In 2009, the wines of Château La Coste were labeled "Organic Agriculture", a label which recognizes respect for the land as well as the methods, in perfect harmony with nature.
- Optional - Chateau La Coste: Join a Local Expert for a relaxed walk among olive groves and woods to discover the installations created by the best modern artists and architects.
- Optional - Bordeaux: Take a relaxing bike tour around the City of Bordeaux. Enjoy a beautiful loop of the Garonne river, pass through the Chartrons district and stop in the picturesque park Jardin Public. See the Palais Gallien and the grand shopping centrer, Glace des Grands Hommes.
- Optional - Bordeaux: Join a Local Expert to discover the best sights in Bordeaux. See the beautiful Gothic cathedral, the famous Water Mirror, the stunning neoclassic theatre and the modern architecture of the Cité du Vin.
- Avignon: In the quiet streets of Avignon you will be taken to the quaint Oratory Chapel, opened specially for you, to enjoy an intimate private concert with a local singer.
Scenic Scandinavia and its Fjords (Women Only)
- Bergen: Enjoy a Be My Guest dinner with the fifth-generation Øvre-Eide family on their livestock farm in Norway, which has been a working farm since the 1500s.
- Lom: In Lom you'll have an opportunity to visit Lomskyrkja, one of the biggest and most beautiful stave churches in Norway, dating back to the 12th century.
- Flam: Take a ride on one of the most exciting train journeys in the world, past mountains and waterfalls through the scenic Norwegian countryside to Flåm.
- Stockholm: With your Local Specialist, visit Gamla Stan to see the cathedral where Swedish kings have been coronated and wander the narrow streets of the Old Town.
- Oslo: With your Local Specialist, see Akershus Castle, Oslo Harbour and the Royal Palace.
- Lillehammer: Travel through the legendary Gudbrandsdalen and admire the dramatic geography of the valley.
- Geiranger: Fjords, lakes and forests create a picturesque setting for your travels to Geiranger.
- Bergen: Explore this Wooden City led by your Travel Director and hear about the seafaring traditions of this beautiful harbourside town.
- Stavanger: Admire the raw Norwegian landscape as your travels continue from the port of Kristiansand to Stavanger, one of the country's oldest settlements.
- Odense: Admire the fairytale charm of historic Odense, birthplace of Hans Christian Andersen.
- Copenhagen: With your Local Specialist, view Christiansborg Palace and the cathedral where the Crown Prince of Denmark married Princess Mary. You'll also see Rosenborg Castle, Amalienborg Palace, the Renaissance Stock Exchange and the unusual Rundertaarn, which is the oldest functioning Observatory in Europe.
- Explore Copenhagen, Oslo and Stockholm with a Local Specialist
- Discover Odense, Stavanger, Bergen, Sognefjord, Geirangerfjord and Lillehammer
- Visit the Stave Church in Lom, Vigeland Sculpture Park in Oslo and Stockholm's City Hall
- View the Little Mermaid in Copenhagen and Haakon's Hall in Bergen
- See Hamar Olympic ice arena and Oslo's Royal Palace
- Scenic Train Ride through the Norwegian countryside to Flåm
- Geiranger: Stay right at the edge of Geirangerfjord at the Havila Geiranger hotel, the spectacular jewel in the crown of the Norwegian fjords and one of the most beautifully located hotels in the world.
- Sognefjord: Step into nature at Sognefjord Hotel, located on a peninsula stretching out into the magnificent Sognefjord, and soak up the breath-taking lake water views.
- Randers: Hotel Randers is one of the oldest hotels in the area, with its original artwork and VIP-rich guestbook.
Land of the Incas (Peruvian Amazon + Galapagos No ...
- Sacred Valley: Connect with Locals over a Be My Guest experience lunch, learn about the culture surrounding the production of Giant White Corn. Our hosts will demonstrate the differences between traditional farming techniques and the newer technologies used today.
- Sacred Valley: We'll Dive into Culture and meet a Quechua Shaman who will perform a ceremony welcoming you to Peru.
- Cusco: Enjoy the flavours of chicha, a Peruvian corn beer. Hear about how chicha is brewed by the local indigenous women and its history dating back to the time of the Incas as a favourite drink of the Andes. Learn about the two types of chicha, alcoholic sour chicha de jora made from fermented jora corn and the non-alcoholic, sweet chicha morada.
- Lake Titicaca: Visit the home of Víctor Coila and his wife Mariluz, and their two daughters, Luz Mery and Carla Mercedes. Join the family to try quinoa bread, potatoes with cheese, and chaco - a sauce made with a kind of clay used in cooking and medicine.
- Paracas: Stop at the Regional Museum of Ica where we'll explore the centuries-old cultures of the Paracas and Nazca.
- Paracas: Visit Bodega El Catador to learn about and taste the finest pisco in the country.
- Nazca: Take to the skies on your Peru tour to see the iconic Nazca Lines, archaeological enigmas scratched in the ground 500 B.C. and A.D. 500. Gaze down in awe of these massive designs and patterns you can only view from above. Your private flight will show you many of the lines, complete with their names and a bit of history. From above, you’ll observe the different types: straight, geometric (such as triangles, rectangles, trapezoids, spirals, arrows, zigzags, and wavy lines), and pictorial (including a spider, hummingbird, cactus plant, monkey, whale, llama, duck, flower, tree, lizard, dog, and even a mysterious humanoid figure). Some of the animal geoglyphs are up to 1,200 feet long! You’ll also learn why the Nazca culture created these lines in the desert plains of the Rio Grande de Nazca River basin and how the Nazca people were able to carve out such massive designs.
- Lima: Join a local specialist for a gentle hike to explore jungle trails that snake between the roots of towering trees for an immersive introduction to the rich ecosystems of the rainforest. Here in the Amazon, you’ll find a staggering 540 bird species, 362 ant species (a world record you have to see to believe) and over 100 mammal species that have been registered within Inkaterra’s ecological reserve.
- Lima: Under the cloak of night, cruise the Madre de Dios River at night in search of wildlife that roams the riverbanks under darkness. Keep on the lookout for the likes of nightjars, owls, capybaras and caimans as you learn about the curious behavior and characteristics of this nocturnal world.
- Lima: Take in the highlights of Lima, the 'City of the Kings,' including a panoramic view of the ancient districts. Join a local specialist for a visit to the UNESCO-listed Historic Center. Learn how before it was destroyed by earthquakes in the mid-18th century, observing how the historic buildings display a collaboration between local craftspeople and others from the Old World. Then drive along the coastline as you learn more about the fascinating history of Peru's capital city.
- Cusco: Climb the exhilarating Inkaterra Canopy Walkway for an unforgettable opportunity to observe the rainforest from its rooftop. Follow a sophisticated network of seven suspension bridges originally designed for scientific research strung between eight treetop observation platforms over 30 meters (100 feet) above the forest floor. This half-day, medium difficulty exploration is an immersive and colorful way to experience the jungle stretching out beneath you.
- Sandoval Lake: Embark on a half-day hike on a boardwalk jungle trail to Lake Sandoval, a glassy ox-bow lake tucked inside the protected Tambopata National Reserve. Board a dug-out canoe to paddle through eerie mangroves and glide out onto the palm-flanked lake, home to thousands of bird species as well as anacondas, black caimans, yellow spotted side-neck turtles, red howler monkeys and two endangered (and elusive) families of giant river otters.
- Sacred Valley: Discover the Amazon’s otherworldly realm of aguajales rainforest swampland on a gentle hike along a –200 meter (656 feet) walkway through this diverse ecosystem. Learn how vegetation has adapted to this atmospheric natural habitat and the exotic species of amphibians, reptiles, snakes, birds and mammals that are drawn here.
- Sacred Valley: Boldly venture out at night to discover some of the strange species that come alive under deep darkness in the Amazon. Wildlife activity greatly differs between day and night, as some creatures curl up and sleep while others employ ingenious adaption mechanisms to emerge. Enjoy a gentle, quiet stroll as your senses heighten to the mysterious nocturnal sounds of birds, mammals, insects, and amphibians wandering close by.
- Machu Picchu: Learn how to prepare an authentic Ceviche and pour the perfect Pisco sour.
- Cusco: Visit the mystical Incan stronghold of Ollantaytambo with a Local Specialist. These famous ruins are a massive Inca fortress made of large stone terraces stretching out across a hillside. Walk among the stone platforms, the sun temple of six monoliths and the Princess Baths fountain ― the Baño de la Nusta at the base of the ruins flowing from carved stone into a pool. Over your exploration, learn how the old town is an Inca-era grid of cobblestoned streets and adobe buildings.
- Machu Picchu: Soak in every moment of your Machu Picchu tour in style as you descend to the Lost City in the clouds aboard the Vistadome train. Travelling the Inca Trail, you’ll traverse dramatic landscapes with a panoramic view of the soaring peaks, river, and ruins. Sit back and relax as you enjoy this multi-sensory journey complete with background music, an informative audio commentary highlighting interesting sites, and an included light snack.
- Machu Picchu: Take a shuttle to the top of the mountain where you’ll meet your local specialist for a guided hike of Machu Picchu. You’ll learn about Machu Picchu’s history and the use of each section of including ceremonial, storage, agriculture, temples, astronomical, and observatory as well as the possible reasons why the Incas left Machu Picchu.
- Machu Picchu: The ruins of Machu Picchu beckon yet again and we enjoy one final opportunity to reconnect with its story. Journey to take in the ruins at sunrise spending some time on your own to explore the hill-top fortress. Soak in every moment at this iconic site, making stops at points of interest while your guide shares their insights on the archaeological sites.
- Cusco: Join your Local Specialist for a guided walk through Cusco's colonial centre, including the nearby 13th century Incan settlement of Koricancha. Here in Cusco’s Golden Temple of the Sun dedicated to the Sun God Inti, view the trapezoidal and irregular shapes and rounded edges. Note how the stones fit together and were built simply by placing them on top of each other without using any mortar. This staggered placement also enables them to withstand earthquakes.
- Cusco: Begin your day at the ruins of the UNESCO-listed Sacsayhuamán fortress overlooking Cusco. With zig zagging walls and ruins of giant stones, see how the shape and harmony of the landscape is similar to Machu Picchu. Stroll through this Incan architecture of sacred buildings such as residential buildings, towers, shrines, warehouses, roads and aqueducts. And while you may not be able to take in the grand scale, the complex design is based on the shape of the head of a puma, a sacred animal in Inca spirituality.
- Sillustani: Enjoy lunch alfresco next to Lake Umayo on your way to Sillustani, a pre-Incan burial ground on the shores of Lake Umayo. Join a local specialist and explore its towering chullpas (above ground tombs) that cast long shadows across the landscape. Then cruise the deep blue waters of South America's largest lake - Lake Titicaca, the birthplace of the sun - through floating islands made of entirely reeds by the Uros Indians.
- Lake Titicaca: We cruise the deep blue waters of Lake Titicaca with a Local Specialist, discovering its floating islands constructed from reeds by the Uros Indians
- Paracas: Explore Paracas, a town on Peru’s west coast known for its beautiful beaches. Named after the Paracas people who were fishermen and farmers of beans, maize and red peppers, Paracas is now the gateway to the Paracas National Reserve. In this pristine desert you’ll find colonies of sea lions and sea birds. With an afternoon at leisure, explore Paracas Bay where restaurants and shops line the boardwalk and fishermen’s boats gather at the docks.
- Nazca: Take to the skies on your Peru tour to see the iconic Nazca Lines, archaeological enigmas scratched in the ground 500 B.C. and A.D. 500. Gaze down in awe of these massive designs and patterns you can only view from above. Your private flight will show you many of the lines, complete with their names and a bit of history. From above, you’ll observe the different types: straight, geometric (such as triangles, rectangles, trapezoids, spirals, arrows, zigzags, and wavy lines), and pictorial (including a spider, hummingbird, cactus plant, monkey, whale, llama, duck, flower, tree, lizard, dog, and even a mysterious humanoid figure). Some of the animal geoglyphs are up to 1,200 feet long! You’ll also learn why the Nazca culture created these lines in the desert plains of the Rio Grande de Nazca River basin and how the Nazca people were able to carve out such massive designs.
- Ballestas Islands: Connect with nature, cruising around the uninhabited Ballestas Islands, a "mini-Galapagos" teeming with wildlife. See the mysterious Candelabra in Pisco Bay. Gaze up where birds including the guanay cormorant, Peruvian booby and Peruvian pelican cruise above. Colonies of sea lions gather on rocky isles, barking as they welcome you to their home. Smaller gray or tan South American fur seals lounge on rocky shores shaded by the cliffs. Even Humboldt penguins - who only populate the coast of Peru and northern Chile – waddle along the shore.
- Puerto Maldonado: Take a short boat ride to an uninhabited river island, where you can see the striking contrast of vegetation within the transition rainforest. Walk through jungle trails on this floodplain which provides the island with an ecosystem rich in birdlife, including the Amazonian umbrellabird, one of the most sought-after species by birdwatchers.
- Lake Titicaca: Arrive at Taquile Island, where we'll embark on a private tour to gain insights into the tradition of Textile Art for which the local villagers-men and women-are renowned. Learn more about the culture of the people living on the island and enjoy a traditional lunch.
- Amazon Rainforest: Visit an organic bio-orchard to discover many of the rainforest’s tropical plants up-close, with a chance to learn about their many intriguing medicinal uses by indigenous communities.
- Amazon Rainforest: Explore a 30 hectare Palmetum, a collection of 19 Amazonian palms in a plot reserved for rainforest restoration and conservation.
- Explore Lima and Cusco with a Local Specialist, Learn about Giant White Corn, watch a local Marinera dance performance
- Visit the outdoor market at Pisac, Ollantaytambo, two visits to Machu Picchu, Sacsayhuaman, the Uros Islands and Lake Titicaca, enjoy a Casona San Marcos Experience
- See the other-wordly Nazca Lines from the air
- Scenic Cruise around Lake Titicaca and the Ballestas Islands
- Scenic Drive through the Sacred Valley
- Scenic Train Ride to Machu Picchu aboard the Vistadome train
- Sacred Valley: Aranwa Sacred Valley Hotel & Wellness is built along the Vilcanota riverbank, on the lands of an old 17th-century colonial hacienda.
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Top Cultural Attractions & Experiences
Top Cultural Experiences
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28,997 Cultural Tour Reviews - Summary 96% Recommend
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