Travel Insights

Insights, ideas and itineraries from kimkim's trusted network of Local Travel Specialists and Experts

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Portugal's Jewish Heritage: Lisbon, Porto & the Douro Valley - 6 Days

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.

Portugal's Jewish Heritage, Porto & Lisbon - 5 Days

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.

Kick off the trip with an afternoon in Gwalior Fort

Delhi to Mumbai Culture Tour - 15 Days

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.

Unwind in style in Sorrento on Italy's Amalfi Coast

Luxury Venice, Rome & Sorrento - 7 Days

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.

Chepang Hill Trek with Chitwan Safari - 10 Days

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.

Enjoy an mesmerizing Apsara dance performance in Siem Reap

Enchanting Cambodia: Phnom Penh, Battambang & Siem Reap - 8 Days

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.

Antigua & Acatenango Adventure - 5 Days

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.

Aerial view of Oia on the island of Santorini.

Taste of Athens & Santorini - 5 Days

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.

Luxury Food Tour of Northern Morocco - 8 Days

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.

Highlights of Estonia, from Tallinn to Tartu - 5 Days

Discover Estonia on this quick tour around the country. It begins in the capital of Tallinn where you'll amble its historic Old Town, visit Kadriorg Park, and tour the WWI-era Estonian Maritime Museum. Continue to Tartu, a city home to the historic national university, before heading to the seaside village of Haapsalu. You'll also explore Estonia's natural highlights, including Keila Waterfall in Lahemaa National Park, a protected area home to historic manor estates.

Wildlife and Culture in Argentina - 10 Days

Combining city tours and tango performances in Buenos Aires with treks through Tierra del Fuego National Park at the "End of the World", this trip is an excellent blend of nature and culture. The focus is on wildlife sightings, with whale-watching excursions near Peninsula Vales and visits to the largest sea lion and elephant seal colonies in the region. You'll cruise along the famous Beagle Channel and canoe rivers to reach Lapataia Bay, plus visit regional museums and walk with penguins on Martillo Island.

Finish the trip with time to explore Goa's many golden-sand beaches

Best of Karnataka & Goa - 15 Days

This exciting 15-day journey covers the best cultural attractions across two states in South India: Karnataka and Goa. The trip starts with a few days in cosmopolitan Bangalore before you hit the road with a private guide to visit ancient temples, forts, and palaces (spanning several dynasties)—as well as bustling markets and bazaars—as you make your way to Goa for beach time and Goan cuisine along the Arabian Sea.

Wildflowers and Limestone Rock in Ireland

Hike, Bike & Surf Western Ireland - 7 Days

Explore Ireland's western coast by combining outdoor activities with luxury accommodation in 5-star castle hotels in County Clare and County Mayo. Your excursion begins with a guided walk through the limestone landscape of the Burren, followed by a cycle across Inishmore, the largest of the Aran Islands, and a surfing lesson. You'll transfer north to hike the hills of Connemara National Park and bike along the country's famous Great Western Greenway.

Monastery statue in front of the Himalaya

Cultural Northeast India: Darjeeling & Sikkim - 8 Days

The eastern end of the Himalaya and their neighboring foothills is one of the least-visited sections of the mountain range, but other travelers' loss is your gain as you explore this corner of India over the course of eight days. You'll experience a mix of Buddhist, Hindu, and Tibetan cultures as you visit tea terraces, monasteries, mountain viewpoints, and more.

Cultural Northwest India: Darjeeling & Sikkim - 14 Days

Explore northern India over two weeks with this itinerary. You'll start in bustling Delhi before you retreat to mountain serenity in Darjeeling, then continue to historic monasteries and their sacred texts, artifacts, and stories throughout the state of Sikkim. Encounter sacred lakes, hilltop temples, colorful markets, and more before you return to Delhi.

Norway Road Trip: Kragerø, Kristiansand, Evje, Flåm, and Oslo - 8 Days

On this trip, you get to truly experience the best of fishing, Norwegian traditions and discover scenic views including the unique fjords. Driving from the capitol Oslo and down south, you will encounter the southern picturesque villages before ending up at historical Boen Manor House for a few day of guided fishing in the Otra River. You'll then head through the Setesdalen and visit Flåm, where you'll enjoy a Næroyfjord Cruise and travel along the historic Flåm Railway, before heading back to Oslo.

Jordan Adventure Trip: Dana, Petra, Wadi Rum, and Aqaba - 14 Days

This adventure-filled itinerary is perfect for travelers looking for an active two-week vacation. Hike through Petra and explore Wadi Rum, climb over rock bridges, go diving in Aqaba, discover ancient Roman ruins and much more.

Trekking Kawésqar National Park - 6 Days

Trek through Kawésqar National Park in this 6-day tour of Patagonia, starting in the port city of Puerto Natales with a scenic boat ride across the channel and up the fjord, where you'll view wildlife and ice calving glaciers. Your trek creates a circuit through several fjords, glaciers, and forests, with hikes up to alpine lagoons, preglacial lakes, and atop passes, such as the Indian Pass that was used by a local tribe for nearly 6,000 years. Explore glaciers up close while sleeping soundly under the stars in sturdy tents or on the water in houseboats.

Explore Colombia's Cities & Nature - 11 Days

This tour combines Colombia's vibrant cities of Bogotá, Medellín, and Cartagena with trips to colorful villages like Guatapé, a hike to La Pierda Rock, and a beach day on Barú Island. Visit unique sites such as the Salt Cathedral in Zipaquirá, the views atop Monserrate Hill, and the port city of Santa Marta, which is known as the first Spanish settlement in the country. Relax at a 5-star wellness hotel for a day at the spa, and spend an afternoon exploring Cartagena's food scene inspired by the literary works of Gabriel García Márquez.

Highlights of Jordan and Israel: Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Petra, Wadi Rum and More - 14 Days

This 14-day itinerary through Jordan and Israel gives visitors a chance to combine the highlights of Jordan with all of Israel's major attractions, including stops in Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Haifa, and the Galilee. Explore the red dunes of Wadi Rum, go snorkeling in the Gulf of Aqaba, float on the surface of the Dead Sea and more in this complete tour perfect for travelers who want to make the most of their two-week vacation.

Biblical Jordan and Israel: Tel Aviv, Tiberias, Jerusalem, Amman & More - 14 Days

This 14-day tour of the Holy Land starts off in Israel and takes you to Bethlehem, the Galilee, and other Biblical sites, before continuing in Jordan, with stops at Bethany Beyond the Jordan, Mount Nebo, and Elijah's Hill. Combine these holy sites with visits to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Petra, a night in the Wadi Rum desert, and a chance to float on the Dead Sea.

View of Leh from above from Shanti Stupa

India's Last Frontier - 14 Days

This unique two-week journey highlights a region in northern India known for Buddhist sites and outdoor activities. After a night in Delhi, you and your guide will fly to Jammu and Kashmir where you'll acclimatize to the altitude while enjoying Himalayan culture in the town of Leh. Then, begin a series of hikes and scenic transfers to the area's best temples, monasteries, valleys, and wildlife preserves—all while staying in friendly lodges and camps for the ultimate adventure.

How Many Days to Spend in Milan

In Milan, all you need is a day to experience the highlights, whether it's visiting the Gothic Cathedral or shopping the high streets of the Quadrilatero della Moda. With more time, however, you can venture outside the city for a hike around the famous Lake Como. And with close to a week, there's the added adventure of visiting Turin and the wine-producing region of Piedmont, too.

How Many Days to Spend in Venice

Spend two to three days in Venice, and you'll be able to experience the city's many highlights and visit a few of the surrounding islands, like Burano and Morano. With up to six days, you can add more local experiences—try a cooking class in a Venetian palace or rowing lessons from a professional gondolier. If you only have 24 hours here, you can still cover the basics: stroll St. Mark's Square, hit the art museums and blown glass galleries, and toast an Aperol spritz as the sun sets over the canals.

Cape Town is situated between the mountains and the sea

How Many Days to Spend in Cape Town

Sun, surf, great wine, and incredible vistas: these some of the things that define Cape Town, South Africa. Within 24 hours, you can go beyond the city and travel around the gorgeous Cape Peninsula. Spend 2-3 days here and add a kayak excursion and cable car ride up to iconic Table Mountain. With closer to a week, you can test your mettle on a shark-diving adventure plus enjoy a bit of culture with visits to an African art museum and Robben Island, the prison where Mandela spent 18 years of his life.

How Many Days to Spend in the Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is a collection of five seaside villages on a 2-mile (3 km) stretch of Italy's northwest coast. Known as the Italian Riviera due to its dramatic setting, it takes a mere day to visit each of these gems. Two to three days would allow you to enjoy its beaches and discover the culture via a cooking class. And with four to five days, you could get to know every inch of Cinque Terre on boat trips, hikes of the surrounding mountains, and even make an extra trip to historic Genoa.

How Many Days to Spend in Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires is a romantic Latin American capital whose highlights, like the Presidential Palace, you can see in 24 hours. With three days, you can tour the historic neighborhoods of Palermo and San Telmo, plus visit a cowboy ranch. And if you've got a week here, you can round out the experience with cooking classes and a trip to a charming river town. There are many options because, as Hemingway once described Paris, Buenos Aires is a moveable feast.

Galápagos Islands in January: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

January is one of the best times to visit the Galápagos Islands, thanks to the pleasant temperatures and birdwatching opportunities. It is also a great month to experience hiking and underwater adventures, such as snorkeling and diving. Many of the marine species are active during this time, which means you will get to see endemic birds, iguanas, and sea turtles as they make their way upon the land to nest and lay their eggs. Read on to learn why January is an excellent month to visit the Galápagos.

In the Sahara Desert near the oasis town of M'Hamid El Ghizlane

Ultimate Morocco Itineraries: 5, 7, 10, & 14 Days

Ready to plan a getaway to Morocco? We’ve got you covered. We sent people all over the country to research destinations. We interviewed experts, analyzed real trips, and did in-depth interviews with travelers. Then we factored in how much time travelers to Morocco typically have—and what they’re most interested in seeing. The result: our top recommendations for itineraries of 5, 7, 10, and 14 days.

A rainbow of colors during sunset in the Amazon

Discover the Peruvian Amazon - 4 Days

Stay deep in the Amazon rainforest of Peru to experience the sights, sounds, and sensations of the world's most diverse ecosystem, which contains at least 10% of the world's known biodiversity. Walk along the treetops of the rainforest, sail around the mirrored Sandoval Lake, take a nighttime walk to encounter nocturnal animals, and more on this 4-day itinerary.

Stunning views across Guatapé Lake from Peñol Rock, near Medellín.

Diverse Colombia: Nature, Culture & Caribbean Islands - 15 Days

This whirlwind 15-day Colombian itinerary covers everything from culture and heritage to adventure and Caribbean beaches. Start in the reborn metropolis of Medellín, a city whose reputation as a global hotspot is enhanced by its rising culinary and arts scenes. After city life, it's time for a bit of nature as you embark on a two-day rafting journey down the Río Verde. Continue your adventure on the Caribbean coast, where you'll explore Cartagena's Old Town and enjoy a day trip to the nearby Rosario Islands. End your journey in the paradise of Tayrona National Park, with its perfect mix of beaches, jungles, and mountains.

Self-Drive Tour of Norway: Hemsedal, Hjelledalen & Flåm - 10 Days

Enjoy the great Norwegian outdoors with a number of exciting activities. You'll start with a few days of cross-country skiing in Hemsedal before heading toward the glacier area of Jostedalsbreen. Here, you'll hike to the Blue Ice Cave, learn about glaciers, and ride a cable car to the top of a fjord. Then, you'll stop in Flam for a scenic fjord cruise and a trip along the Flåm Railway. The trip will end in exciting Oslo.

Landscapes of Chilean Patagonia: The Aysén Region - 4 Days

Explore the beautiful Aysén Region of Chilean Patagonia on this thrilling 4-day adventure. You will be staying in Puyuhuapi, where you will get access to incredible scenery that includes the Puyuhuapi Lake, fjords, glaciers, and forests. You can kayak through glacial channels and hike on mountain roads as you look for unique wildlife like sea lions and cougars. Back at your lodge, you will enjoy spa treatments, locally-grown food, and Chilean wine.

Reflections in the clear waters of a Chilean fjord

Kayak & Camp in Chile's Pumalín National Park - 6 Days

Connect with the incredible nature of Chile on this kayaking and camping adventure through Pumalín Douglas Tompkins National Park, the largest national park in South America. This pristine wilderness, which is home to a diverse array of flora, fauna, and Valdivian forests, extends from the heart of the Andes Mountains to the fjords of the Pacific Coast. Kayak through fjords, visit a sea lion colony, camp under the stars, and more on this six-day itinerary.Be aware that this itinerary includes about five hours of kayaking a day, so good physical condition is required to manage this intermediate level trip. The route can vary slightly due to currents, tide, and weather.

Hike the Great Wall of China - 5 Days

The Great Wall of China is one of the New 7 Wonders of the World and an integral part of China's historical legacy. But rather than see it on a mere day trip, you'll spend a few days hiking various sections of the wall along with an expert guide. During the tour, you'll walk the ramparts along restored sections and gain a deeper understanding of Chinese culture as you chat with villagers and sample local cuisine—you can even camp near the wall if weather permits.

Highlights of Xi'an - 5 Days

Xian was one of the original historical capitals of China for over 1,000 years. Over five days you'll discover its secrets and highlights, such as the ancient City Walls and of course the thousands of clay statues that comprise the Terracotta Army. You'll cap the adventure with a trip to Luoyang where you'll see thousands of Buddhist rock carvings that date to the 5th century.

Magic of Portugal: Lisbon, Sintra, Évora - 4 Days

Embark on this tour of Lisbon and nearby sites to discover the reasons why people come back to Portugal over and over again. Enjoy new flavors and dishes in Lisbon, visit the unforgettable Chapel of Bones in Évora, explore the incredible palaces of Sintra, and more on this four-day itinerary.

Shanghai & Suzhou Highlights - 5 Days

In five days you can experience the highlights of Shanghai plus take a day trip to one of the most romantic cities in the region: Suzhou. First, you'll tour Shanghai's historic gardens and old neighborhoods, like the French Concession quarter, which is now a Bohemian enclave. Then you're off to Suzhou and adjacent Tongli, a town on a canal so beautiful it's known as the "Venice of Asia."

Discover Holy Tibet - 5 Days

Spend five days touring the monasteries and palaces of one of the most spiritually significant places in Asia: Tibet. You'll arrive in the capital and immediately tour the highlights of the city, such as iconic fortress that overlooks the city, Potala Palace. You'll round out the trip by embarking on a road trip outside of Lhasa to holy lakes and m onasteries founded by the earliest Dalai Lamas.

Best of Beijing - 5 Days

Spend a quick five days touring the most historic sights of China's capital, like the Forbidden City and Summer Palace. You'll arrive in Beijing and visit Tiananmen Square before heading off for a hike on the Great Wall. Then you'll tour one of the nation's holiest sites, the Temple of Heaven, and cap the trip with a boat ride on the lake at the imperial Summer Palace.

Beijing, Guilin, & Shanghai - 7 Days

This seven-day trip to China covers three historic and beautiful areas that couldn't be more different. You'll arrive in Beijing, and tour landmarks from its imperial past, like the Forbidden City and Great Wall. Then you're off to the south of the country for river tours amid the limestone mountains of Yangshuo followed by some relaxation in the modern metropolis of Shanghai.

Explore the Yunnan Province - 7 Days

You'll pack an incredible week with the highlights of China's Yunnan province. After arriving in the city of Kunming, you'll transfer to Dali and visit the Stone Forest, a natural marvel of towering limestone rocks. Then you'll tour other historic towns and cities that were once fixtures on the ancient tea trading routes while also visiting incredible natural wonders like Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Black Dragon Pool.

China's Highlights - 7 Days

This weeklong tour follows a route from Beijing to Shanghai—two great metropolises of China. You'll land in Beijing and tour ancient royal stomping grounds like the Summer Palace, Temple of Heaven, and Forbidden City. After visiting the Great Wall of China you'll catch a bullet train to Shanghai and tour its most famous neighborhoods plus make a day trip to the ancient water city of Suzhou, known as the "Venice of Asia."

Yangtze River Cruise -7 Days

Get ready for an adventure into the very heart of China as you embark on a five-star cruise down the Yangtze River. The journey begins in Beijing, where you'll not only visit the Forbidden City but you'll take a walk on the Great Wall, too. Then you're off to Chongqing where you'll board a riverboat for three days on jade waters flanked by towering cliffs before finishing the trip in Shanghai.

Beijing, Xi'an, Shanghai Tour - 7 days

In just a week you'll manage to cover many of the highlight cities of China, from ancient Xi'an to modern Shanghai. This "golden triangle" tour begins in the nation's capital of Beijing, where you'll visit the most incredible landmarks like the Imperial City and the Great Wall of China. Then you're off to Xi'an to see the famous Terracotta Army before finishing the trip in the metropolitan playground of Shanghai.

Holy Tibet - 10 Days

This 10-day adventure covers the major highlights of Tibet and more. Known as the "Roof of the World," you'll travel from Beijing to Tibet's eastern high-altitude plateau where you'll visit the area's historic and religious capital of Lhasa. After touring the iconic Potara Palace, you'll embark on a road trip through expansive valleys and over high mountain passes, crossing rushing rivers and visiting glassy lakes, on your way to the highlight of it all: Mt. Everest Base Camp.

China's Highlights & Yangtze River Cruise - 10 Days

Over 10 days you'll experience ancient capitals of China like Beijing and Xi'an, which are regarded as the cradles of Chinese civilization. Beyond touring historic sights like Tiananmen Square and the Great Wall, you'll visit the thousands of Terracotta Warriors at Xi'an. Capping this trip is a five-star cruise down the Yangtze River followed by a couple of days in Shanghai, a modern metropolis with limitless options for fun and adventure.

Costa Rican Outdoor Adventure: Arenal, Monteverde & Playa Sámara - 9 Days

Enjoy a few of the best outdoor highlights of Costa Rica on this nine-day adventure. Do some sightseeing in the capital city, then conquer the rapids on a rafting trip down the Río Pacuare before canyoning, heading out on a nature walk, and soaking in the hot springs around Arenal Volcano. Then, explore the cloud forest of Monteverde on horseback and zipline through the canopy. The trip concludes with surfing, snorkeling, and relaxation on Playa Sámara before returning to San José.

Tour of Shanghai, Chengdu, Lhasa, Xi'an, & Beijing - 14 Days

This 14-day itinerary covers the highlights of China and more, beginning in Shanghai before flying to Sichuan province to visit the largest Giant Panda breeding center in the world. After stopping in Tibet's capital of Lhasa for a cultural tour, you'll head to the ancient capital of China, Xi'an and see its historic Terracotta Army. The trip culminates in Beijing with a visit to the Forbidden City and a walk around the most iconic landmark in the country: the Great Wall of China.

Beijing, Xi'an, Chengdu, Guilin & Shanghai Tour - 14 Days

This two-week China getaway combines the nation's major tourist draws with cultural exchanges and even a family-friendly trip to an amusement park. It starts in Beijing, where you'll tour the Forbidden City plus take an excursion to the Great Wall. Next, you'll see the famous Terracotta Army of Xi'an, spend time with giant pandas in Chengdu, enjoy a riverboat excursion amid the limestone mountains of Guilin, and cap it all with a tour of modern Shanghai and a trip to Disneyland.

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