This eighteen-day itinerary to the Mediterranean Coast and south of France covers it all: food, wine, history, and so much more. Feast on tapas in Barcelona and explore Dali's legacy in Catalan, then hop the border to visit hilltop castles and go wine tasting. Hiking in Europe's biggest gorge and a road trip along Napoleon's route to Grenoble round out this trip.
This exciting five-day itinerary introduces you to some of Sri Lanka's most beloved cultural monuments and natural wonders. Starting at the sacred cave temples of Dambulla, you'll climb the great rock fortress of Sigiriya, observe elephant herds in Minneriya National Park, and relax on the golden beaches of Bentota. The journey ends up in the beautifully preserved fortified port city of Galle, home to a 17th-century Dutch port.
France is known for its world-class wines, picturesque countryside, and varied history. With the help of our local experts, you'll discover both the highlights and hidden treasures of Paris, stroll through romantic hidden villages, and indulge in French gastronomy to your heart's content. In this article, we'll go over how kimkim will help you craft the perfect French adventure.
This eight-day Icelandic road trip takes you to the highlights of the west. Travel to some of the less-visited areas, with only a fraction of the crowds of the Golden Circle and South Coast. Explore the Volcanic Snaefellsnes Peninsula before taking a car ferry past Flatey Island to the remote Westfjords, home to some of the most dramatic landscapes in all of Iceland. Hike along the jagged cliffs at Londrangar to seek out active birdlife, see black-, golden-, and red-sand beaches, and visit the powerful Dynjandi Waterfall. Spend a couple of nights in Isafjordur, a great base for hiking, kayaking, and day trips across the fjord to the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve—only accessible by boat and trail.
This stunning adventure travels to the heart of the Sunnmøre region in northwestern Norway. Start in up-and-coming Oslo and check out this exciting capital before boarding a train that runs along the emerald-green Rauma River. From Åndalsnes, begin the ultimate road trip through mountains, fishing villages, cities, and dramatic fjords with a slew of outdoor activities and national scenic routes, not to mention 11 hairpin turns on the 'Troll's Ladder'.
Explore the scenic peninsulas, waterfalls, lakes, and more on this eight-day tour through Iceland’s west and north regions. This route, especially, allows you to beat the summer crowds headed to the South Coast and Golden Circle, providing more time to hike and take in magnificent viewpoints in destinations like Glymur Falls, Lake Mývatn, Asbyrgi Canyon, and Dettifoss. Absorb the stunning black-sand beaches and small fishing towns in Snaefellsnes Peninsula. Take more time in the Arctic Coast and remote Northeast, and go whale watching in Husavik. End the trip with a tour of the geothermal highlights of the Reykjanes Peninsula.
This scenic loop through Western Norway uses a variety of fun travel modes that beckon you to sit back and enjoy the magnificent scenery. Starting in Oslo, you'll ride a train along an emerald river to get to Ålesund. Spend a night in this art nouveau city before taking a Hurtigruten cruise through stunning fjords to get to Florø—your jumping-off point for fishing islands, outdoor activities, and Viking culture. Finish the adventure in UNESCO-listed Bergen before circling back to Oslo on the Flåm Railway.
This 13-day trip covers some of Norway's best fjords, mountains, villages, and cities in under two weeks. Start in Oslo and check out the capital's new architecture and restaurant scene before traveling west (by train and ferry) to pick up a rental car. From here, drive at your own pace visiting charming towns and stunning fjords while enjoying a variety of activities like hiking, kayaking, and biking. Finish the adventure with a fjordcruise to Bergen—famous for its UNESCO-listed Hanseatic wharf.
This exciting 13-day adventure—between late February to early April—takes you deep into Norway's boreal territory for unique winter-themed activities and few crowds. After a few days in Oslo, it's time to fly to Tromsø, 'Gateway to the Arctic', where you'll experience local culture and a farm in the wilderness. Then, drive to Alta, Karasjok, and the North Cape for UNESCO-listed rock art, Sami culture, dog sledding, and hiking around Europe's northernmost point before circling back along the stunning coast.
Hit the trails to see Myanmar on two wheels. This active 14-day trip takes you through the country's main destinations and lesser-known towns, giving you the chance to discover Myanmar's culture, history, and landscapes at a slow pace. From pointing out major temples to leading you along hidden trails, your local guide is an invaluable resource—and a support vehicle is always on hand if any problems arise. Grab a bicycle and get ready for an adventure!
Forget the typical tour bus holiday: lace up your trekking boots, grab a bike, and bring a sense of adventure to discover the real beauty of Myanmar on this outdoorsy holiday. Spend two weeks exploring the country’s main sites and hidden gems—from U Bein Bridge and the temples of Bagan to a day with elephants in Kalaw—forging a closer connection with the people and culture that make Myanmar so special.
If you've ever wanted to explore art in Barcelona, stroll through Avignon's quiet streets, or go wine tasting in the south of France, this 19-day itinerary is perfect for you. From Salvador Dali's legacy in sunny Catalan to Cathar Castles in Carcassone, you'll see the region's highlights and dig deep into the local culture. End the trip with a road trip north to Lyon along Napoleon's route for a sampling of France's best cuisine.
From the sunny, white-washed homes of Catalan to the snow-capped Alps of Grenoble, this 20-day trip showcases highlights and immerses you into the local culture. Stroll around Barcelona’s Magic Fountain of Montjuic at night, explore Roman ruins in Tarragona, and trace Salvador Dali’s path in Catalan. Drive peaceful country roads in the South of France as you check out the Cathar Castles and road trip along the Napoleon Route.
See it all on this three-week trip to the Mediterranean Coast and the South of France. From tapas in Barcelona and Roman ruins in Tarragona to Cathar Castles and Luberon wine in Carcassone, there's no shortage of history and culinary delights. Drive peaceful country roads, browse markets in Aix-en-Provence, and explore the cuisine of Lyon—France's gastronomic epicenter.
The misty mountains of Sri Lanka's Hill Country take center stage on this invigorating five-day itinerary. Start with touring temples in the historic city of Kandy, then head south on an unforgettable train journey through lush tea estates. After a night in the hilltop village of Nuwara Eliya, explore flora and fauna of Horton Plains National Park before traveling to the west coast for your final night in the laid-back beach town of Negombo.
Perfect for those looking to combine cultural experiences with wildlife safaris, this trip starts in the bustling city of Nairobi where you'll visit a women's cooperative pottery factory, a giraffe conservation center, and an elephant rescue. Next you'll head out into the African bush and stay in luxury tents near the Mara River where you can witness the annual Great Migration under the guidance of the Maasai tribe. Enjoy daily safaris and game drives, viewing animals such as lion, cheetah, antelope, giraffe, hippo, and more.
Expect continuous snowscapes and frequent Northern Lights sightings on this 13-day Arctic itinerary that includes fun modes of transportation. The trip starts in Tromsø where you'll have time to explore the 'Paris of the North' before setting sail on the Hurtigruten towards the dramatic Lofoten Islands. From here, head to Norway's third-largest city and the UNESCO-listed village called Røros for a range of activities. Wrap it up with a night in the exciting capital city—Oslo—to finish the adventure.
This 10-day itinerary offers a quintessential Greek experience, including time in the historic capital, and lazy days sailing around the islands of the Cyclades group. With a charter yacht, you'll cruise to islands large and small, including places where you'll feel as though you've stepped back in time, and others with vibrant dining and shopping scenes. With a mixture of down time and sightseeing activities, you'll feel physically refreshed and mentally stimulated by this luxurious and unforgettable trip.
Zagreb in December shines brightly with trimmed trees, twinkling lights, and bustling Advent markets in the lead up to Christmas and the New Year. Spend three magical days in Croatia's charming capital where you'll immerse yourself in its festive delights as well as spend a full day wandering through snow-laden Plitvice Lakes National Park, a true winter wonderland.
In one week, you can discover just the North Island, just the South Island, or cross over into both. By landing and departing in major cities (like Christchurch, Auckland, and Wellington), each trip ensures you can do some standard sightseeing. In the North Island, hit scenic stops like geothermal Rotorua and Tongariro National Park, while the South Island is home to Aoraki/Mt Cook, Wanaka, and Akaroa. Learn more with our trip ideas below.
Five days may seem short, but allows for an eventful adventure through New Zealand. Since there is not much time, it is ideal to travel within the South Island or the North Island—which budgets for a successful road trip with a few scenic stops. Anchoring the itinerary in a major city like Auckland allows for day trips to go kiwi spotting, wine tasting, and island hopping (if you’re not on the open road). Explore geothermal Rotorua, Aoraki/Mount Cook, the Banks Peninsula, Akaroa, and so much more in the five trip plans that follow.
Discover the culture, heritage, wildlife, and beaches on this Sri Lankan journey. To start, visit the esteemed Dambulla Rock Temple. Then, climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress, followed by a trip to a local village, complete with a nature walk and an authentic meal on a working farm. Next, explore the temples and sights of Kandy and the scenic tea country of Ella. Stop for a safari at Yala National Park and then head to Weligama for an ancient fort tour, some whale watching, and four days of beach bliss.
Explore villages, islands, peninsulas, and coastlines on this weeklong Irish family adventure through Kinsale and Kenmare. Learn about ancient pirate legends, smugglers, and monks of times past, from Charles Fort to the Skellig Islands. Your personal guide will help you to make the most of your journey by sharing ancient myths and legends and introducing you to local characters. Experience an authentic, off the-beaten-track version of Southwest Ireland together.
This ultimate self-driving tour of Ireland is filled with adventures in historic towns and along scenic coastlines. Start in Dublin before exploring the villages of Laragh, the medieval Rock of Cashel in Cork, and the hiking trails in Kinsale. Then, tour Killarney, the Ring of Kerry, and Inch Beach off the Dingle Peninsula. The final leg of the road trip takes you to the must-see Cliffs of Moher, bohemian Galway, and two historic national parks before a final night in Derry.
Explore the cultural and natural highlights of Vietnam on this 17-day trip. Arrive in Hanoi and indulge in a street food walking tour, followed by a day at Pu Luong National Park and dinner with a local host family. Next, explore the beauty of Trang An's caves, followed by an overnight cruise along Halong Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay. Then, trek through Phong Nha National Park and camp overnight before discovering the stunning Tu Lan Cave System. Next is Hue, and another dinner with a local family, as well as a tour of the ancient city. Head to Hoi An for some sightseeing, a free day, and a fishing village tour. The trip concludes in Ho Chi Minh City with a Vespa tour and a day trip to the Mekong Delta.
Six days is enough time for a quick and eventful road trip through a couple of regions of Iceland, but not enough time to drive the full Ring Road. Most trips offer plenty of flexibility to circle back to any sights missed along the way. Tour dozens of destinations among the stunning Icelandic landscapes, from the Golden Circle to the South Coast. Enjoy both warm and cold adventures—with chances to enjoy more winter-forward excursions and sightings of the Northern Lights in the summer—in these five trip plans.
Spend a week in Myanmar, and you can easily tour the highlights of two cities, plus a side trip to one of the country's famed natural areas. Pair Bagan and Yangon, for example, with a trip to the famed Inle Lake. Or, focus on a smaller region, like the tropical Myeik Archipelago or off-the-beaten-path Eastern Myanmar. Ride the "Death Railway," snorkel with whale sharks, take a cooking class in a local home, or cycle to a Buddhist nunnery: learn more in these five unique itineraries.
This 12-day excursion begins surrounded by the forest in Myanmar and ends in the mountains of Thailand. In Myanmar, you'll learn about local crafts and storytelling at the Tanintharyi Museum, then visit villages and plantations making rubber, betel nut, and dried fish. You'll explore the Mergui Archipelago, eventually making your way to the Ranong pier in Thailand. While in Thailand, you'll visit the Seaside Retreat Elephant Camp and the Similan Islands.
Experience the vast marvels of Argentina on this adventure that will take you from vibrant Buenos Aires to majestic Patagonia and the desert plains. In Patagonia, you'll visit some of the largest glaciers in the region. You'll hike through the majestic beauty of the Lake District and then you'll travel to the far north and the colonial city of Salta. From there, you'll set off for a desert road trip, where you'll visit colonial towns and world-famous wine-producing regions.
This exciting itinerary includes the best natural attractions in Argentina's north and south. After taking in the sights in Buenos Aires, you'll head to Patagonia, where you'll experience spectacular glaciers in El Calafate and lakes in Bariloche. Then, from the colonial city of Salta, you'll begin a road trip through rugged gorges, giant salt flats, and colorful deserts in the country's far north.
Even if you have less than a week to explore Myanmar, you can still visit more than one region—just as long as you're prepared to take a few domestic flights. Pair Mandalay with Bagan, or hop between Yangon, Bagan, and the famed Inle Lake. You can also spend your days snorkeling off Ngapali Beach, pedaling through rice paddies on a bike tour of the Shan State, or touring the shrines and pagodas of hidden Myanmar.
With ten days in Myanmar, it's possible to spend ample time in each of the country's three major cities—Yangon, Bagan, and Mandalay—plus day trips. The itineraries below include a wide range of activity and tour options: cooking classes, countryside cycling tours, a cultural visit to a Buddhist nunnery, and a hot air balloon ride over the temples of Bagan. For a multi-country adventure, you can even cross the border and combine five days in Myanmar with five more in Thailand.
You don't have to choose between Myanmar and Thailand: this ten-day itinerary takes you to both. View the magnificent temples of Bagan from above, see the floating gardens of Inle Lake, and go for a river cruise in Myanmar before crossing the border to Thailand, where hot springs, beaches, and impressive cultural sights—like Tiger Cave Temple in Krabi—await.
This exciting itinerary will take you through some of South America's most beautiful landscapes. You'll begin the journey in Santa Cruz and the historic settlement of Samaipata, then continue to high-altitude La Paz. Then enjoy a week of exploring natural wonders, traveling to the Uyuni Salt Flats, seeing flamingos in the wild at Eduardo Avaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve, and crossing over to Chile to see the otherworldly Atacama Desert.
This exciting Kenyan adventure combines three key destinations known for wildlife and culture. You'll transfer to Lake Naivasha from Nairobi to get friendly with non-predatory wildlife. Next, drive to a cultural camp and learn about the distinct Maasai lifestyle. Then continue east to the Mara River, where you'll experience private safaris while searching for elephants, zebras, and lions—best viewed during the Great Migration (July through September).
With countless routes traversing one of Ireland's most treasured peninsulas, Kerry is a walker's paradise. This tour combines the charming Irish towns of Dingle, Killarney, Sneem, and Kenmare with stunning hikes along Slea Head, Kenmare Bay, and the famous Dingle Way. You'll cycle in Killarney National Park, take the ferry to the Blasket Islands, stroll through oak forests, and enjoy views of grassy bogland, dramatic cliff drops, and the picturesque Slieve Mish Mountains.
Enjoy four, scenic regions of Iceland in just over one week. Upon arrival, head to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula to take in your first glimpses of the lava formations, black-sand beaches, and waterfalls that make this region famous. Travel the Golden Circle to discover the tectonic plates meeting, geothermal wonders, and a warm lagoon soak. Ferry to the lesser-known-yet-stunning Westman Islands to visit the sea caves, cliffs, a decorated puffin colony, and more—by boat and foot—followed by additional waterfalls, beaches, and incredible arches and cliffs along the South Coast. Venture into the heart of several glaciers and their accompanying lagoons. Tour Reykjavík and make a few final stops in the Reykjanes Peninsula to close out the trip.
Travelers who enjoy the finer things in life while getting out into nature will love this 12-day luxury safari tour in Kenya. Stay in some of the country's most beautiful and distinctive safari lodges and city accommodation, including the unique Giraffe Manor, where you can get up (very!) close to the beautiful creatures. Meet Maasai people and learn about their lives at the Maji Moto Maasai Cultural Camp. Spot a wide variety of animals and birds at numerous wildlife reserves, including buffalo, wildebeest, zebras, lions, and much more.
This two-week itinerary includes some of the best wildlife encounters and safari experiences that East Africa offers. In Kenya, you'll spend time at the Ol Pejeta Conservancy, home to the only remaining northern white rhinos in the world, and experience cultural immersion with Maasai people while staying in a camp near the Maasai Mara. Then fly across the border to Uganda to spend an incredible day hiking and looking for gentle mountain gorillas in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park.
Enjoy the best natural and cultural experiences that Kenya has to offer in a quick but comprehensive seven-day tour. After a day exploring the attractions of Nairobi, hit the ground running at the Lake Nakuru National Park, one of the finest wildlife areas in the country. Get a close-up experience of local Maasai culture and the Maji Moto Maasai Cultural Camp, an authentic example of how the Maasai people live and work these days. End with a bang, at the world-renowned Maasai Mara Wildlife Reserve, where you'll enjoy several morning and afternoon safari expeditions, for the greatest chances of seeing the Big Five, and much more.
This incredible Croatia highlights itinerary packs a lot into five days and is complete with private transfers to and from your luxury accommodations in Split, Hvar Island, and Dubrovnik. Discover the ancient port city of Split and marvel at Diocletian's Palace, one of the best-preserved Roman buildings in the world on a private food tour of the city. Head to Hvar and see the interior of the island on an exciting half-day excursion from Hvar Town and end your stay with two nights in Dubrovnik where you'll also explore Cavtat and Konavle—the less-frequented gems beyond the "Adriatic Pearl."
Visit the cities and volcanoes of beautiful Ecuador on this 12-day adventure. Start in the nation's capital, exploring its well-preserved colonial center and other cultural highlights. Then, head out on a busy tour through small towns like Cotacachi, enjoying several indigenous markets and villages along the way. You will also check off wondrous volcanoes like Pasachoa and Cotopaxi, as well as the unique paramo ecosystem of Chimborazo. The final leg of the trip takes you to Ecuador's lovely third city, Cuenca, before going full circle and ending in Quito again.
This tour of St. Petersburg gives you a taste of this magnificent city and its compelling stories. The city was founded in 1703 by Peter the Great, and over the centuries it has gained a reputation as one of the most elegant of Europe's cities. Experience St. Petersburg's rich culture and history at its many museums, galleries, and palaces, including the Peter and Paul Fortress, the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, and the "Russian Versailles", Peterhof.
While Portugal is known for its year-round pleasant weather, it still experiences some variations in temperature from season to season. The country's golden beaches and urban attractions draw crowds in the summer months (June to August), making the spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) shoulder seasons an excellent time to travel. Below, you'll find valuable tips to help you plan your trip.
Ireland's great winter hibernation begins this month, as attractions and many hotels and restaurants close down from now until next Easter, temperatures drop back into the single digits and average daily hours of sunshine dwindle. The positives? The Irish combat the winter blues with some great art festivals, and you will have many parts of the country almost to yourself as you explore.
December is all about Christmas in Ireland, with the bigger towns and cities particularly erupting in festive events, markets, and elaborate decorations. The Christmas build-up is special, although the day itself is more of a family celebration. Things get going again for New Year, with Dublin throwing the biggest party of all. The bright lights and events compensate for the weather: it is some of the coldest and wettest weather of the entire year, in fact, and no time to be out exploring the countryside.
The heavens open this month, as the highest rainfall of the year hits Ireland—but fall colors brighten the moors, hills, and forests and the sun still shines some of the time. When it does, the weather can be the most beautiful of any time of year, particularly with hardly any other travelers around. Beware of long hikes in the increasing mud, and be sure to have a 'plan B' available for the likely damp days: great music and arts festivals in Cork and Dublin this month are helpful options.
With a continuation of—and occasional improvement on—the weather of the summer high season, September overall could offer the perfect vacation in Ireland. Air and water temperatures are still some of the year's best, and yet crowds are minimal now as kids are back in school and families have returned home from their summer vacation.
August is the height of the summer season, with sunny, largely dry weather and the year's warmest sea temperatures. Clement conditions make the setting for some great outdoor festivals around Ireland, alongside a spate of outdoor activities that showcase the country at its absolute best, whether that is hiking the Wicklow Way in the east, diving off the coast of Connemara, or sea kayaking along Northern Ireland's stunning seaboard.
July is a sunny and comparatively dry month to visit Ireland. Water temperatures reach their annual maximum, increasing the temptation of activities like kayaking, while the warmest weather of the year makes hiking and cycling very popular now. This is the month when there are school holidays, and is accordingly one of Ireland's busiest periods.
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