Travelers to Costa Rica typically plan a trip for 8 to 10 days when combining both Arenal/La Fortuna and Monteverde with Manuel Antonio. If you're not interested in Manuel Antonio, 6 to 7 days is enough for your Arenal/La Fortuna and Monteverde trip. With less time, it's still possible to see the highlights in as few as 4 or 5 days. For the best itineraries including Arenal/La Fortuna and Monteverde, keep reading below.
Most travelers will find that 7 to 10 days is perfect for a well-paced Italy trip with stops in Venice, Rome, and Florence. If you don't mind a fast-paced journey, you can see the highlights of this route in less time—as few as 5 or 6 days. Travelers with more time can enjoy extra sights and activities at each stop, or explore more of the country—some of our favorite itinerary extensions include Amalfi, Sorrento, or Maiori. Keep reading for more inspiring Venice, Rome, and Florence itineraries.
Nine to 12 days is the most popular trip length for Greece travelers interested in visiting Athens, Naxos, and Santorini, especially when also including Mykonos. If you're only headed to Athens, Naxos, and Santorini, you can enjoy a comfortably-paced trip in 8 to 10 days. Even travelers with limited time can see the highlights in as few as 5 to 7 days. For the best itineraries including Athens, Naxos, and Santorini, keep reading below.
September in Guatemala can be quite wet—with more rainfall than any other time of year—but don't let this put you off visiting. With off-season prices, fewer tourists, Independence Day festivities across the country, and the chance to see baby sea turtles making their way to the Pacific ocean, there's still plenty to see and do. Read on to find out more reasons to visit Guatemala in September.
October may be one of the wettest months of the year in Guatemala, but, with plenty to see and do, and the rains (mostly) limited to the odd afternoon downpour, it's still a great time to visit. The beginning of the month is quite quiet, with fewer visitors and cheaper prices, although it can get quite busy toward the end. Still, October is a month for taking it slow, enjoying delicious Guatemalan coffee, lazing around on Lake Atitlán, and wandering the markets and towns of the Highlands.
November is a pretty magical time of year to visit Guatemala. Marking the end of the rainy season, the weather is warm and dry, the countryside is lush with wildflowers carpeting the hills, and there are plenty of fascinating cultural events and (slightly) fewer tourists than the high season. Arrive on the first of the month for the Giant Kites Festival in Santiago Sacatepéquez or head to the hills to enjoy the horse races and ring in All Saint's Day.
August in Guatemala is hot and humid, with sunny mornings, rainy afternoons, and lots of North American travelers visiting for summer vacation. Not as wet as July or September, it's actually quite a good time to go exploring. Head up to Flores to explore the picturesque island in an ancient volcanic caldera, explore the temples of Tikal, or enjoy hiking the hills in the highlands and around Antigua, which are beautiful and green this time of year.
July is one of the busiest months in Guatemala, with tourists from North America and Europe making the most of their summer breaks. The weather also brightens up a bit in the highlands after a rainy June, with hot sunny days and the odd stormy afternoon, making it the perfect time to explore Antigua and relax on Lake Atitlán. To soak up some culture, head to Cobán for the Fiesta Nacional Indígena, with street fairs, parades, and parties—not to mention a myriad of waterfalls, caves, and lagoons to explore.
June in Guatemala is a relatively quiet month, but one where nature reigns supreme. From the sea turtles nesting on the Pacific Coast to the rains bringing the waterfalls to majestic levels, it's the perfect time to explore the country's natural beauty. Our favorite spots include Semuc Champey and Alta Verapaz, where you can go tubing along rivers through caves lit by candlelight and swim in secluded lagoons. Keep reading to find out more about what to do and where to go.
May is the beginning of the rainy season in Guatemala, with hot humid mornings and downpours in the afternoon, interspersed with occasional tropical storms where lightning illuminates the entire sky, especially over the volcanoes. Although it's the quiet season, it still has plenty of charm and is a great time to get to experience a more authentic side of Guatemala, especially in places like Antigua and Lake Atitlán, which can get quite busy in the high season. Read on to find out more about why May is a great month to visit Guatemala.
Guatemala's climate is as varied as its terrain—from tropical rainforest in the Maya biosphere and the hot and humid coastlines to the temperate highlands. As a general rule, summer is hot and wet, fall is warm and wet, winter is warm and dry, and spring is hot and dry, but with a packed calendar of fascinating cultural events. There's plenty to do and see whatever the weather, and many reasons to visit Guatemala year-round.
This savvy 10-day Iceland tour bypasses the summer crowds in favor of remote road-trip adventures in the west and north. After touring the waterfalls of the Golden Circle, head to the volcanic beaches and rugged cliffs on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, then continue to the far north and the Arctic coast. Discover the fjords of Tröllaskagi, go whale watching in Húsavik, explore the lunar landscapes of Mývatn and more.
Explore three of Colombia's most exciting cities on this nine-day adventure. Start in Bogotá, the sprawling cosmopolitan capital. Tour the colonial streets of the historic center, taste local cuisine, and visit museums. Then, transfer to Medellín to see street art and communal projects and learn about Colombian coffee culture. The adventure ends in tropical Cartagena, where you'll appreciate Spanish forts and architecture, enjoy fresh seafood, and swim in the Caribbean.
The sacred lakes at Gosainkunda, the highest of which is 14,107 feet (4300 m.), are among the most spectacular sights near Kathmandu. Just north of the capital, these lakes are accessible via a reasonably good road to the trailhead. On this nine-day tour you'll travel overland from Kathmandu to Dhunche, then trek steadily upwards to the sparkling blue lakes surrounded by mountains and expansive views.
This multi-country itinerary is aimed at travelers who want to connect with their Jewish heritage and ancestry in Eastern Europe. You'll begin your trip in Vilnius, where you will learn about the Vilna Gaon, continue on to Kaunas to see a gilded synagogue and the medieval old town, and make your way to the powerful Ninth Fort Museum and Monument. On the latter half of your trip, you'll explore Lithuania's historical sites and famous beach town before spending a final day in Tallinn, Estonia.
From the amazing weather to the month-long festivities across the country, December is a great month to visit Guatemala—even if it is also one of the busiest. Still, with plenty of to see and do, including watching masked dancers swinging around upside down from the top of a giant pole and partaking in the Christmas celebrations, which—in typical Guatemalan style—involve plenty of parades, processions, feasting and fireworks, you'll soon forget about the crowds.
April is the hottest—and holiest—month in Guatemala. It's just as well known for its steamy days as it is for Semana Santa, or Holy Week, in the week leading up to Easter. This is a popular time to visit Guatemala, with parades, processions, and colorful carpets adorning the streets, especially in Antigua. After Easter, most travelers head to Lake Atitlán to relax—but to avoid the crowds, we recommend Rio Dulce or Huehuetenango instead. Keep reading to learn more about why April is a popular time to visit Guatemala.
Marking the end of the winter and the beginning of the humid spring, March is one of the hottest months in Guatemala—expect little to no rain, and temperatures sometimes reaching over 90°F. Still, this makes it the perfect time to enjoy Guatemala's many swimming spots, including ancient volcanic lakes, limestone pools, tropical waterfalls, ice-cold rivers, and black sand beaches. Read on to find out more reasons why you should visit Guatemala in March.
Not as hot as the spring months (and not as busy as the holiday season), February is the perfect time to enjoy Guatemala. Warm, dry weather makes exploring tourist hotspots like Antigua and Tikal pleasant, and you won't need to worry about crowds. It's also coffee harvest season in Guatemala, with plenty of related activities on offer, including the Coffee Harvest Festival in Frajianes and coffee farm tours. Keep reading to find out all the other reasons why February is a great time to visit this magical country.
January is one of the best times to visit Guatemala, with warm, dry weather all around. Conditions are perfect for trekking in the highlands, climbing volcanoes, and exploring jungle temples in the Mayan city of Tikal. It's a popular time to visit, so make sure you plan ahead to avoid the crowds—unless you end up joining the tens of thousands of worshippers on their annual pilgrimage to one of the holiest sites in Central America. Read on to find out more about what to do and where to go in Guatemala in January.
This 15-day itinerary combines the highlights of South African travel with the chance to relax on the white sand beaches of Mauritius. You'll arrive in Cape Town, where you'll discover the Cape wine region and explore the city's top scenic and tourist spots including Table Mountain and Robben Island, before traveling to Manyeleti Game Reserve, which shares an open border with Kruger National Park. Over four days, you'll spot the Big Five and other species during game drives or guided walks, and then depart for Johannesburg where you'll catch a flight to Mauritius.
Your first three nights will be in Amman—which offers the perfect blend of modern life among ancient ruins—and you'll discover Amman's ancient temples and Mosques, visit the Seven Sleepers Cave, and take a day trip through Jordan's Eastern Desert to Azraq. You'll then visit the Sahabbab Shrines on your way to the Dead Sea where you'll spend one night. The next two nights will be spent in Petra, where you'll visit the famous temples made of red-colored rock and then take a tour through the Wadi Rum Desert before spending your final night in Aqaba.
This tour takes you from the unique architecture of Antoni Gaudí in Barcelona to the vibrant streets of Madrid, finishing in the historic region of Andalusia in Spain's south. Along the way, visit the cities of Segovia and Toledo, as well as Ronda and the traditional white villages of Grazalema and Zahara de la Sierra, including a hike along the Caminito del Rey. Enjoy a guided visit through the Alhambra in Granada, and ample time to explore Córdoba, Seville, and Cádiz on your own, all while enjoying traditional tapas, local wine, and a flamenco show.
Active types will love this 16-day guided tour through India's spiritual north. The trip kicks off in Delhi followed by a train to Amritsar for some quality Sikh time at the Golden Temple. Next is a drive to the higher-altitude home of the Dalai Lama: McLeod Ganj. Here, you'll soak in several days of Tibetan culture and Himalayan views before circling back to Delhi—slowly—through historic villages and hill stations, culminating with a Hindu ceremony on a holy ghat.
This 10-day tour guides you through Portugal's Jewish heritage, starting in quintessential villages like Marvão and Castelo de Vide, as well as the hillside medieval towns of Monsanto, and Sortelha. Explore the historic sites of Évora and Belmonte, then make your way to the Douro Valley for a wine tasting and a river cruise. End your trip with walking tours in the cities of Porto and Lisbon, plus a visit to the Pena Palace in Sintra and the Portuguese Riviera.
This trip combines small towns of significant Jewish heritage with big cities and tranquil nature. Start by exploring the city of Évora, stopping in the historic villages of Marvão, Castelo de Vide, and Belmonte as you make your way to the scenic Douro Valley for a wine tasting and river cruise. You'll discover Jewish history in Porto and Lisbon, then enjoy a guided tour of the Pena Palace in Sintra and the beautiful Portuguese Riviera along the coast.
Combine ancient Athens with Santorini sunsets on this quick 6-day jaunt through a few of Greece's most stunning sights. After discovering the capital's classical treasures and gastronomic gems, you'll hop over to Santorini to finish your trip with a taste of island life—sailing its rugged coast, exploring whitewashed villages, and sampling local wines.
Experience the incredible Andes mountain range on this eight-day tour of Ecuador. Ride the Devil's Nose vertiginous train track, hike up volcanoes, kayak on a crater lake, and see Inca ruins. You'll also explore several high-altitude cities, including the capital, Quito, and colonial Cuenca. With plentiful guided activities, private transfers, and four to five-star hotels with breakfasts, this trip is the perfect mix of adventure and comfort.
Explore the City of Lights on this exciting gastronomy and culture tour. You will visit all the Parisian highlights, including the Musée du Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, the Opéra Garnier, and more. Additionally, you'll go off the tourist trail at St. Ouen Market and the Parisian Catacombs. Food tours and classes are sprinkled throughout the trip, sweetening the experience even more. You will also get to explore the city's surroundings, with day trips centered around famous chateaus.
Explore the most iconic highlights of Western Bhutan on this six-day itinerary. In the capital of Thimphu, you'll see how ancient traditions coexist with modernity and learn about Bhutanese architecture and history. Then, you'll drive across the spectacular Dochu La pass to the semi-tropical valley of Punakha, the former winter capital of the Kingdom. The tour ends at the emerald-green Paro Valley, where you'll hike up to the famous Tiger's Nest Monastery—a quintessential Bhutanese experience.
This two-week tour focuses mainly on western China and covers some of the most off-the-beaten-path locales in Sichuan province and the Tibetan Plateau. It's an itinerary packed with outdoor adventure as you'll visit high-altitude villages, ancient Buddhist temples, and unspoiled national parks. Excursions to the mountain paradise of Shangri-La, the biological reserve of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, and the peaks of Mount Siguniang are just a few of the many highlights of this unforgettable trip.
Experience the best of the west on this two-week trip from Perth to Adelaide, through the heart of Australia's Red Center to Alice Springs, and onto Darwin in the tropical north. See the outback in style on the iconic Ghan Railway, watching the changing light and landscapes as you cover nearly 2,000 miles in three days. Learn about Aboriginal rock art and uncover tales of World War II in Darwin before making your way back to Perth to enjoy one last amazing Indian Ocean sunset.
Adventurous travelers interested in Bolivia's indigenous communities will love this two-week tour through the country. You'll start in the high-altitude metropolis of La Paz before heading to Lake Titicaca. Boating around the lake's islands, you'll come into contact with native people who will teach you about their ways of life. Continue on a guided trek through some of the most beautiful villages in the Bolivian Andes, then head to Apolobamba National Park in the Amazon rainforest for canoeing, hiking, and birdwatching. You'll have a free day back in La Paz to shop, sightsee, and enjoy Bolivian street food before the trip ends.
Take a luxurious round trip around northern Morocco, where you'll dive into bustling marketplaces, unwind in finely-appointed riads, and discover the magic of the kingdom's Imperial Cities. This trip plan is a great option if it's your first visit to Morocco or if you're interested in combining time here with another destination. You'll travel through time with visits to ancient ruins, medieval relics, and contemporary hot spots.
This grand China adventure kicks off in Hong Kong with day trips around the city plus a jaunt to Macau, known as the "Las Vegas of Asia." Then it's off to Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province, where you'll visit a giant panda breeding center before heading to Zhangjiajie and its famous towering sandstone cliffs. The trip culminates with a boat ride down the Li River in the tranquil southern region of Yangshuo.
Explore the history of the pre-Inca civilizations that inhabited northern Peru on this thrilling 15-day tour. You will start in Lima, the coastal capital. Enjoy a cosmopolitan experience before heading north to Cajamarca to see temples and ancient graves. From here, you'll drive to the Amazonas region to visit mausoleums, mummies, and the ruins of Kuelap. Then, you'll drive to the coast for more archaeological excursions, including Caral, the oldest civilization in the American continent.
Embark on a luxurious, whirlwind journey around Morocco's captivating north. Thanks to a private driver and expert guides, you can optimize your time without feeling rushed. You'll discover Imperial Cities, ancient ruins, and landmarks dedicated to empires past. Relax in swanky accommodations, including luxury riads, and get pampered in a beautiful traditional hammam in Fes.
Buckle up for a luxurious week-long trip around Morocco's iconic Imperial Cities. Your private driver will usher you through from Casablanca to Fes and Marrakech, with incredible stops along the way. Connect to culture and history with a curated spa experience at a hammam and guided tours of UNESCO Heritage Sites, then unwind in swanky riads and five-star hotels.
British Columbia covers a huge territory, stretching from more than 620 miles (1,000 km) of Pacific shoreline to glacier-topped mountains, the rolling hills of Okanagan wine country, and the temperate urban center of Vancouver. While winter brings cold weather and plenty of snow to the interior, British Columbia’s coast is warmed by Pacific Ocean currents, making it temperate year-round. Planning a trip requires some thought into both what region and season to target for a British Columbia visit—this guide outlines your best options.
Starting with visits to synagogues, museums, and monuments in the small towns of Belmonte, Marvão, and Castelo de Vide, this tour takes you through the history of the Jewish communities in Portugal. Along the way, visit the Douro River Valley to taste wine and ride Rabelo boats, then enjoy a guided tour of Sintra and its National Palace of Pena. End in Porto and Lisbon, where you'll explore architecture, culture, and Jewish heritage.
Start your exploration of Portugal's Jewish heritage in the small towns of Évora, Belmonte, Marvão, and Castelo de Vide, where you'll visit synagogues, museums, monuments, and cemeteries, all while learning about the history of the region. On your way to the Douro River Valley for a wine tasting and rabelo boat ride, you'll stop at the house of Sousa Mendes, a Portuguese resister during WWII. End your trip with guided architecture and Jewish heritage tours in Porto and Lisbon.
Discover Portugal's Jewish heritage, starting in the towns of Évora, Belmonte, Marvão, and Castelo de Vide, where you'll explore synagogues, museums, monuments, and old Jewish quarters while hearing stories of the region's history. Visit the house of Sousa Mendes, an unsung hero of the resistance, while you make your way to the picturesque Douro Valley. End your trip in Porto and Lisbon, where you'll enjoy guided tours through the cities, admiring the architecture and learning about the importance of Jewish culture.
This trip explores the Jewish heritage of Portugal, starting with a visit to the medieval town of Óbidos and a tour of the city of Porto. You'll discover unknown Jewish history in the Templar City of Tomar, examining the historic synagogue and heritage museum. You'll end in Lisbon, where visits to synagogues, memorials, and old Jewish quarters in the city expose the turbulent and unique history of the capital.
This 15-day adventure travels across two central Indian states using various modes of transportation for those who like to be on the move. After a city tour in Delhi, you and a guide will head into Madhya Pardesh to visit a vast array of holy towns, bustling bazaars, and cultural treasures. From here, continue to the state of Maharashtra, where you'll take two day trips to UNESCO-listed cave complexes before ending in Mumbai for some urban action along the Arabian Sea.
Spend seven days exploring art and history in three of Italy's most beautiful cities with this luxury itinerary. Start in the north, touring the famous islands of Murano and Burano to watch the master glassblowers and lace makers at work and explore Venice's canals on a private gondola. Head south to see ancient ruins in Rome and Pompeii, then spend three days relaxing in fragrant Sorrento on the elegant Amalfi Coast.
The Chepang Hill Trek is an off-the-beaten-path route that takes you through indigenous Chepang communities of Nepal. These people have their own distinct language, and lead a nomadic life. Enjoy views of Rolwaling, Gauri Shankar, Langtang, Manaslu, the Annapurna range, Dhaulagiri and more while on this easy trek. The trek will be followed by a relaxing jungle safari in Chitwan National Park, where you'll spot all kinds of wild animals.
Experience Cambodia's most enchanting cities on this whistle-stop tour through the Kingdom of Wonder. Your tour begins in Phnom Penh, the capital once known as the Pearl of Asia. After a few days exploring, travel to the sleepy heritage city of Battambang before rounding off your trip with a visit to Siem Reap—gateway to Angkor Wat. Make your way through Cambodia's countryside, ending with a romantic boat trip to a remote Angkorian temple to experience the sunset away from the crowds.
This quick yet action-packed itinerary includes the best adventures in Guatemala's western highlands. Stroll through the well-preserved colonial town of Antigua, bike along epic downhill runs on mountain trails, and camp in front of an active volcano. You'll return from this escape inspired by the rugged beauty of the land and the warmth and welcoming spirit of its people.
Visit two Greek classics during this 5-day tour of some of the country's most beautiful and iconic sites. You'll start in Athens, with a day to experience the Acropolis and the capital's buzzing neighborhoods. End the trip in Santorini with its white-topped cliffs and caldera views, complete with island cruising, wine tasting, and stunning sunsets to spare.
Spend eight days tasting the delights of Morocco's palette as you sample the flavors of the north. Taste your way through food stalls in the Fes medina, take a cooking class with a culinary master, and go wine tasting in Morocco's unique wine region. You'll enjoy luxe accommodations as you learn about the country's cuisine, traditions, and heart.
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