Discover spectacular scenery and diverse ecosystems on this whirlwind 6-day tour of the Galapagos Islands. Focusing on three of the archipelago's inhabited islands, you'll hop between them by boat while spotting rare and remarkable wildlife up close. Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, meet giant tortoises in the Santa Cruz highlands, hike the Sierra Negra Volcano, and swim in turquoise waters at Tortuga Bay Beach.
San Sebastián's boutique hotel scene matches its foodie, with some of the best options offering hip downtown locations, delicious Michelin-starred restaurants, unique settings like restored 19th-century villas, and rooftop terraces with outdoor pools. As a bonus, as a laid-back city, some of San Sebastián's best hotels fall into the more affordable mid-range and standard categories. After visiting this Basque hub and searching for the top accommodations, kimkim staff recommends these 13 options.
By staying in boutique lodgings, you'll get a more personalized stay while enjoying amenities like on-site eateries, outdoor pools, and rooftop terraces. Some of the best boutique hotels in Seville offer all the perks right in the city center, so you can stay within walking distance of all the main sites.
Choosing a boutique hotel is an excellent way to experience hints of Madrid's glamorous past. Many of these properties channel the city's history, offer that personal feel, and provide amenities like trendy cocktail bars, cozy fireside lounges, and stylish eateries, plus excellent locations in the city center.
Split is Croatia's second-largest city, complete with a vibrant waterfront promenade, ferry connections to the Dalmatian Islands, and an Old Town nearly enveloped by the 4th-century Diocletian's Palace. In one day, you can explore the city's original Roman cellars, relax on a quiet beach along Marjan Park, discover the Illyrian Kliss Fortress, and nosh on fresh seafood. Enjoy your days meandering the marbled streets or hiking, kayaking, or taking day trips to the islands, national parks, and nearby medieval villages.
Discover two of Italy's most beautiful coastlines on this luxurious weeklong seaside itinerary. The Sicilian city of Syracuse welcomes you first as you stroll its UNESCO-listed Old Town, unwind on its pristine beaches, and marvel at the ancient ruins of its storied past. A quick flight north takes you to the glittering Amalfi Coast, where Sorrento serves as your jumping-off point to explore colorful fishing villages, turquoise waters, and the enchanted island of Capri.
Explore the natural wonders of the Canary Islands on this 9-day itinerary that celebrates the beauty of Spain's remote Atlantic paradise. Your adventure begins in Tenerife, where volcanic mountains, black sand beaches, and ancient woodlands beckon. Continue to the neighboring island of La Gomera to explore its Indigenous culture, see diverse marine life, and discover rare, subtropical rainforests. Return to the mainland to spend a final night in the lively capital of Madrid.
There's a primal beauty to South America's Patagonia region that you'll discover over 18 adventure-filled days. You'll visit all the highlights including the massive glaciers of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field plus the mountains around El Chaltén. Even better, you'll head to Torres del Paine to embark on the famous W circuit trek before venturing to the far south of Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego for even more nature excursions.
Zadar is a vibrant seaside city in Northern Dalmatia with roots dating back to the 9th century BCE. Discover influences from the Romans, Venetians, and Slavs, plus archeological gems, such as the Byzantine St. Donatus Church, and modern creations like the sea organ. But what makes Zadar so special is its location among several of Croatia's best natural environment, including Paklenica's canyons, Kornati's archipelago, Plitvice's waterfalls, and Sjeverni Velebit's craggy peaks.
This quick six-day trip around Egypt starts and ends in Cairo, exploring plenty of ancient wonders in between. In the capital, see highlights such as the Egyptian Museum and Pyramids of Giza before setting sail on a three-day cruise down the Nile, where Aswan and Luxor's ancient sites await, including the Temple of Kom Ombo and Karnak. Disembark and spend your last few hours in Egypt exploring the Valley of the Kings, a burial site for pharaohs and noblemen.
Barcelona's hotels are as varied as the city's many attractions, whether you see it as the city of Gaudí and Picasso or a foodie haven. Choose a place to stay that reflects your favorite aspect of the city's scene with one of our top picks for the best boutique hotels in Barcelona, whether in hip El Born or the grandiose Eixample neighborhoods.
Hvar Island encompasses everything visitors love about Croatia: golden beaches, emerald waters, lavender fields, craggy peaks, ancient towns, and unique cuisine. For these reasons, it's one of the most popular islands. On Hvar, you can hike on medieval trails to scenic vistas, explore villages founded by the Greeks, go wine tasting, kayak to secluded coves, and visit neighboring islands. When hungry, eat a traditional meal cooked in a peka and take advantage of Hvar Town's buzzy nightlife.
With 10 days to spend in Sri Lanka, there are several great ways to structure your trip. Choose a highlights tour to the country's UNESCO World Heritage Sites and ancient temples, explore the great outdoors on an active adventure that includes cycling and whitewater rafting or relax on a laid-back itinerary showcasing quiet beaches and villages. Alternatively, you could combine a week in Sri Lanka with a few days in the island paradise of the Maldives. Read over the following itineraries to learn more about your options.
This short but exciting cruise down the Nile River offers travelers a fantastic introduction to the wonders of ancient Egypt. After exploring Luxor, board a boat for several days of sightseeing along the waterway. You'll explore the awe-inspiring temples of Abu Simbel, wander around the Valley of the Kings, discover the antiquities of Edfu in a horsedrawn carriage, and ride to the archeological ruins of Elephantine Island in a traditional wooden sailing vessel.
Get an inside look at the fascinating culture of Bhutan on this two-week cycling adventure. Closed to foreign visitors until the 1970s, this Buddhist kingdom offers a glimpse into the past with exquisitely preserved traditions, fascinating cultural monuments, and a wide range of natural wonders. You'll traverse this Himalayan landscape on two wheels, visiting the country's top highlights along the way.
With 10 days to spend in Bhutan, your options are plentiful. Explore the country's top attractions, from fortresses to mountain trails, on a highlights tour, or focus more exclusively on outdoor adventure with a trekking itinerary around Bhutan's dramatic landscapes. Bird lovers might opt for a guided adventure around Bhutan's top bird habitats, while travelers with children will love a family-oriented tour that includes whitewater rafting, archery, and hiking. Read on to learn more about the best 10-day itineraries through Bhutan.
Rufous-bellied woodpeckers, spotted nutcrackers, white-bellied herons, hill mynas, sparrow hawks: these are just a few of the rare birds you're likely to spot on this 10-day trip around Bhutan. The itinerary leads you through various avian habitats in the valleys of Thimphu, Punakha, and Paro, stopping to visit temples and cultural monuments along the way. After more than a week of birdwatching, you'll trek to the world-famous Tiger's Nest Monastery to finish the trip.
This 10-day itinerary around Sri Lanka features outdoor activities and cultural attractions for all ages, including a dolphin-watching boat tour, a Sri Lankan cooking class, and multiple Jeep safaris around national parks. Marvel at massive Buddha statues, spot elephants and leopards in the wild, and go snorkeling in the clear waters of Pigeon Island National Park — you'll have plenty to do and see on this lively trip!
Sri Lanka's magnificent coastline has plenty to offer, whether you're in the mood to relax under a palm tree or engage in active pursuits. This 7-day Mirissa and Bentota beach tour provides both. You'll spot blue whales on a whale-watching excursion off the coast of Mirissa and spend a whole day cycling around Galle, exploring a 17th-century Dutch fort, and learning how tea is produced at a tea factory. But the itinerary also features several days to relax on the sandy shores of Bentota and Mirissa, trying water sports, or dozing on a beach blanket.
These 5-day itineraries offer a range of options for a compact trip to Bolivia. It's a solid bet to focus your time and energy on La Paz and the dramatic landscapes that surround it, enjoying a cycling trip down Death Road. Or divide your time between La Paz and Lake Titicaca, learning about Andean history and indigenous culture while exploring the lake's islands by boat. One exciting itinerary leads you deep into the Bolivian Amazon, and another takes you across the border to Chile, combining time in the Atacama Desert with a few days exploring the Uyuni Salt Flats and the lagoons of Bolivia's high desert.
Discover the Bolivian Amazon, where the mountains meet the jungle, on this 5-day adventure. You'll arrive in the rainforest on a canoe, visiting a community-run ecotourism project before going on a guided hike to spot monkeys and macaws in the wilderness. Look for jaguar tracks, frogs, tarantulas, and sharp-toothed caimans on a nocturnal walk, enjoy a traditional meal made by local indigenous group members, and fall asleep to the sounds of the rainforest. Then make the trip to La Paz to catch your flight out.
One of the best ways to explore Sri Lanka is on your own two feet, exploring quiet trails and beautiful landscapes on a guided trekking tour. This weeklong adventure takes you to Horton Plains National Park, Ella Rock, the famed Hill Country, and several other destinations for hiking, canoeing, and appreciating native wildlife. You'll also visit ancient temples and learn about the harvesting and production of tea, adding a cultural element to this outdoorsy itinerary.
This two-week tour of Bhutan and Nepal introduces you to the fascinating cultures and beautiful landscapes of two different countries. Start in Kathmandu, shopping in the vibrant bazaar, then explore the countryside around Pokhara. You'll take in striking views of the snow-capped Himalayas while flying to Bhutan. Then enjoy several days of exploring Bhutan's quiet mountain trails and impressive fortresses, ending with a hike to the iconic Tiger's Nest Monastery.
The Druk Path Trek is one of the most popular treks in mountainous Bhutan. It's easy to understand why: in less than a week, you can hike through forests, camp by a lake, visit monasteries, and see a famous meditation center. This 5-day adventure begins in the Thimphu Valley, leading you through alpine scenery to high mountain passes and glacial lakes. Conveniently, you'll end up back where you started at the end of the trek.
Generations of trekkers have been drawn by Bhutan's mystical landscapes, from snow-capped mountains to fresh lakes to alpine meadows. The Dagala Trek takes you right through the heart of the country's beautiful scenery, offering exquisite views of the Himalayas, the opportunity to sleep under the stars, and the chance to interact with nomadic yak herders. This five-day trip, perfect for outdoor adventurers, makes the most of a short stay in Bhutan.
Korčula isn't just beloved by tourists; it's also a favorite among Croatians. This is because Korčula combines the best of the country with its rich history, incredible scenery, and distinct culture. Enjoy lazing on secluded beaches, wine tasting across the island, kayaking along the shore, wandering the charming streets of medieval towns, eating makaruni (the island's signature pasta), and watching traditional Moreska dances, all in the same day.
With a week to spend in Bhutan, many travelers choose a highlights tour that includes visits to monasteries and the opportunity to do some hiking in the mountains. If you're interested in a more active trip, consider an itinerary that combines outdoor activities—including a rafting trip and a cycling tour—with cultural sightseeing. For even more of an adventure, try a trekking trip through the Himalayas, or go off the beaten path with an itinerary that focuses on the ancient temples and quiet valleys of Western Bhutan. Read on to learn more about your itinerary options.
Explore the majesty of the Himalayas on this energizing 7-day trek. Guided by a professional trekking crew, you'll climb through native forest and flowering alpine meadows, with stunning views of Jomolhari Mountain. Camp at Jangothang, widely considered one of the most beautiful campsites in the entire mountain range, and enjoy meals prepared by the crew's cooking staff. With a one-day break built into the schedule for rest, the trip is carefully planned to allow your body to adjust to the high altitude.
Sun-soaked Amalfi beaches and Rome's ancient splendor are the star attractions of this 8-day Italian itinerary. Start in Sorrento, your base, to explore the glamorous Amalfi Coast's lemon groves and fishing villages. After a magical day spent sailing around Capri, transfer to Rome for the remainder of your stay—leaving you with ample time to soak up the rich history and cosmopolitan energy of the Eternal City. With transport provided by private drivers and concierge train journeys, you'll have the luxury of forgetting about logistics and relaxing into an Italian dream vacation.
Istria is Croatia's largest peninsula, sitting in the country's northwest corner near Italy and Slovenia. Throughout the centuries, it's been ruled by the Venetian Republic, Italy, and the Austrian Empire, to name a few. With so many different cultural influences, you have a unique and scenic landscape filled with olive groves, vineyards, forests with truffles, beaches, Roman ruins, grand villas, fishing ports, national parks, and more.
Set deep in the eastern Himalayas between India and Tibet, Bhutan is a special place where the native people are deeply connected with the land. On this 10-day tour of the country, you'll explore the country's famous landscapes, driving through valleys, farms, and rice paddies, stopping to take photos from high-altitude mountain passes, and visiting Buddhist temples and royal palaces. With a mix of off-the-beaten-path destinations and popular attractions like the Tiger's Nest Monastery, this highlights tour is a great introduction to Bhutan.
Croatia's distinct shape, coastal location, and dynamic history have created a unique and diverse culture. So, whether you're hunting truffles in Istria's countryside with its Italian vibes or castle hopping near Zagreb with its Austro-Hungarian grandeur, there's an abundance of cultural activities to enjoy. Dive deep into the country's culture by meeting with the locals, taking day trips to smaller towns and cities, and eating traditional cuisine.
Never feel rushed on this 18-day luxury grand tour as you're whisked to each destination by a blend of private drivers and concierge train journeys. Start in Naples to explore the clifftop villages of the Amalfi Coast, then head to Rome for ancient history and buzzing nightlife. Taste your way through Tuscany as you tour Chianti's lush countryside and discover Florence's Renaissance splendor before ending your journey of a lifetime among the palaces and canals of Venice.
Croatia is a prime spot for history buffs, with numerous cultural influences from centuries of various rulers and empires. In Zagreb, enjoy "mini Vienna" with grand Austro-Hungarian architecture and museums depicting life from the Bronze Age to the time of Yugoslavia. Head west to Istria for true Italian vibes, or venture south along the coast and visit some of Europe's most historical relics, including Diocletian's Palace in Split and the walled city of Dubrovnik. Even the islands host an abundance of unique rural history!
This relaxed 10-day itinerary around Sri Lanka is a treat for nature lovers. Along the journey, you'll see turtles hatching eggs on the beach, spot rare birds in the wild, hike to incredible vistas, and learn about the spices of Ceylon. There's a cultural element to the trip, too: you'll visit temples, learn to meditate with a Buddhist monk, dine in a Sri Lankan home in a small village, and ride an antique train route established by the British in the 18th century.
From mountainous national parks to rushing rivers to the clear waters of the Indian Ocean, the landscapes featured on this tour around Sri Lanka are paradise for travelers who love the outdoors. On this action-packed itinerary, you'll hike and cycle, try whitewater rafting, and spot elephants in the wild. You'll end up at the beach for a free day of water sports, swimming, and sunbathing before the trip comes to an end.
Ancient rock temples, wild elephants and whales, sloping hills planted with tea: this 10-day tour of Sri Lanka takes you to the country's incredibly diverse highlights. Go on a Jeep safari, taste tea where it's harvested, and scan the ocean's surface for whales. With a mix of cultural sites and outdoor adventures, plus time to relax on the idyllic beaches of Mirissa, this sweeping itinerary has something for everyone.
Croatia is a family- and kid-friendly destination, filled with hiking, paddleboarding, castle hunting, and plenty of beach time. The country's culture works well for families of any age, as it's slow-paced with tasty cuisine and activities that you can adapt to your interest. Discover waterfalls in national parks, go truffle hunting in Istria, or explore one of the numerous islands that dot the Croatian coastline. End each day with ice cream and a sunset.
Experience Italy from north to south in all its glory with this diverse 10-day itinerary that combines the freedom of a road trip with touches of luxury. Tour Milan's magnificent Gothic Duomo, sample Piedmont cuisine in Turin, visit the wine country of the Langhe, and soak up the Renaissance atmosphere of Florence. Your journey ends in vibrant Naples, where you'll step back in time with a tour of ancient Pompeii.
There's a lot travelers can see and do with two weeks to spend in Sri Lanka. Explore the island on a highlights tour that takes you to historic temples and national parks, focus on coastal destinations and UNESCO-listed sites, or opt for an itinerary that includes cycling and boating through Sri Lanka's natural wonders. If you're traveling with children, consider a family-oriented tour, or if you're eager to see the Maldives, combine ten days in Sri Lanka with a few more in the paradise of these nearby coral islands. Learn more about your options by reading over the itineraries below.
National parks, ancient fortresses, gorgeous beaches, and one of the oldest cities in the world: this varied itinerary takes you far and wide to Sri Lanka's most fascinating sights. You'll explore a quiet island and spot dolphins on boat tours, hike to viewpoints for sweeping views over tea plantations, look for leopards during a Jeep safari, and learn about Buddhist principles during guided tours. Whether you're interested in cultural history, colorful wildlife, or the process behind the production of Ceylon tea, this two-week highlights tour has plenty to offer.
With a colorful cultural history and rugged landscapes ideal for outdoor adventures, Sri Lanka is a beautiful destination for a family vacation. This two-week tour around the island features a dolphin-watching tour, multiple safari adventures, a Sri Lankan cooking class, and visits to ancient fortresses. Thanks to the mix of hands-on activities and cultural education, it's an excellent option for travelers of all ages.
Sri Lanka is a paradise for outdoor adventurers with expansive national parks, peaceful reservoirs, and rushing rivers. This 7-day tour, well-suited to families and active travelers of all ages, leads you around the country's natural wonders. Go whitewater rafting on the Kelani River, trek through the Knuckles Mountain Range, look for elusive leopards in Horton Plains National Park, and paddle a canoe through the quiet waters of Samanalawewa—it's all on the agenda.
See the best that Sri Lanka has to offer on this week-long itinerary around the country's cultural monuments and natural wonders. You'll visit historic temples in Kandy and Sigiriya, see the colorful fish market of Negombo, and learn about tea production in Hill Country. The trip features not one but two Jeep safaris in national parks, providing ample opportunities to see elephants, monkeys, and rare birds in their natural habitats.
There's fun for the whole family on this relaxed six-day tour of eastern Spain. Starting in Barcelona, you'll ascend Mount Montjuïc via cable cars, take a sunset sail around the harbor, and wander the cobbled streets of the Gothic Quarter. After a day trip exploring the wonders of surrounding Catalonia, head down the coast to finish your trip in Valencia, where all ages can marvel at underwater wonders in Europe's largest aquarium and sample the city's signature dish of paella.
For a short but sweet trip to Sri Lanka, try one of these 5-day itineraries. You might focus on the country's top highlights, featuring visits to UNESCO-listed temples and a safari in a national park, or you may focus more exclusively on wildlife viewing. Alternatively, cool off on a laid-back tour of Hill Country—excellent for tea lovers—or spend your time exploring the beautiful beaches of the Sri Lankan coastline. Find out more about your options by reading the itineraries below.
The beaches of Sri Lanka have so much to offer. This relaxing 5-day trip takes you around to key coastal destinations, including Tangalle and Mirissa, for snorkeling, swimming, whale-watching, and the chance to observe turtles laying their eggs on the sand at night. You'll also view an incredible variety of birds on a boat tour through Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary and squeeze in some cultural sightseeing at the Dutch-style old city in Galle before catching a flight out from the capital city of Colombo.
Many travelers skip Croatia's vibrant, youthful capital in favor of the coast, but Zagreb perfectly complements any Croatian itinerary. With grandiose Austro-Hungarian architecture, a never-ending calendar of festivals and events, the best coffee scene in the country, and nearby hiking and skiing, there's plenty to see and do in buzzy, authentic Zagreb.
The history of Dubrovnik's walled city runs deep, back to the 7th century CE and Middle Ages, when it was a wealthy and independent republic. Step back in time as you wander the labyrinth of twisting alleyways and take in the views from atop the walls. Explore Gothic churches, 600-year-old synagogues, marble monuments, and a string of local beaches. Excursions along the coast, hikes into the hills, and adventures to small towns all compliment local food, wine, and legendary sunsets.
Starting June 12, 2022, international travelers returning to the US will no longer need to show a negative COVID-19 test result.
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