Over an immersive 16 days, you'll alternate between adventure and leisure in Costa Rica. Some days will be filled with culture in the capital of San José, others you'll spend whitewater rafting, and others will involve zipline excursions over the jungle canopy. If that's not enough, you'll also visit Costa Rica's largest active volcano and even make time for surf lessons.
Explore many of Costa Rica's off-the-beaten-path destinations on this 16-day self-drive tour. You'll travel to all corners of the country, from the surf town of Puerto Viejo on the Caribbean coast, to Arenal Volcano in the north, and to Pacific beaches and protected areas home to exotic wildlife like scarlet macaws. The final leg of this adventure will be a trip to the far south and the remote and beautiful Osa Peninsula.
This 13-day itinerary allows you to experience the full scope of Costa Rica's wonders. In almost two weeks you'll visit the capital of San José, the tropical jungles at Pacuare, the iconic Arenal volcano, the cloud forests of Monteverde, and many wide and inviting beaches, from the north of the country to the south. There are plenty of activities along the way, from white water rafting to soaring over the cloud forest canopy on a zip-line tour.
Perfect for first-timers, this 13-day itinerary covers an epic variety of landscapes and activities that only New Zealand could offer. Starting in Auckland, you'll head south, passing through glowworm caves, natural mud baths, and famous film sets. Stay a few nights in Wellington before continuing to the South Island for the country's highest peaks, incredible natural wonders (like Milford Sound), and—if you so choose—a range of adrenaline sports to amp up this Kiwi adventure.
Experience Jerusalem's ancient history and the beautiful nature of the Judean Desert on this short and sweet 3-day itinerary. Visit the Tomb of King David and stroll through an open-air market, see the Dead Sea Scrolls, and take in the views from the hilltop Masa fortress. End your trip on the Dead see to experience the rich minerals and world-famous salty water.
Eat and drink your way through the incredible cuisine of Northern Italy on this 7-day tour. Explore the 11th-century university and covered porticos in Bologna, indulge your taste buds with visits to prosciutto and parmesan producers, and stay in a quiet medieval town in the Emilia Romagna countryside. End the trip in the Valpolicella wine region for a full-day wine tour and cooking class.
Dive deep into Israel's history and religion on this packed 9-day itinerary. Walk through the Old City of Jerusalem and see the City of David, visit the lowest place on earth and float on the Dead Sea, explore the Judean desert, and tour ancient religious sites like the Mount of Beatitudes and Megiddo. Round off the tour with stops at Safed to learn about Kabbalah (Jewish Mysticism) and a free day in the beach city of Tel Aviv.
Italy is comprised of 20 different regions, each with its own identity and heritage yet all combined to form the Bel Paese (Beautiful Country) we know and love. While navigating these geographical divisions can be logistically challenging, travelers owe it to themselves see as much of the country as time and budget will allow.
This two-week tour of Jordan covers cultural highlights and lesser-known attractions. Start in Amman and travel the length of the country from the hills of Umm Qais down to Aqaba on the Red Sea. Along the way, you'll discover the ancient city of Petra, camp in Wadi Rum, and float in the Dead Sea. You'll also tour Crusader-era castles, hike in the Dana Biosphere Reserve, and visit the Byzantine mosaics of Madaba.
Led by a local guide, this weeklong bike trip begins in Vietnam's majestic highlands—with views of coffee plantations and misty pine forests—and descends to the South China Sea. This is where you'll ride along the picturesque coast toward the UNESCO-listed ancient trade town of Hoi An while interacting with locals, relaxing on the beach, and dining on fresh seafood for an adventure rarely experienced by tourists.
On this 10-day adventure through Australia, discover four cities, along with several scenic day trips. Begin in Sydney to tour landmarks and areas like The Rocks, Sydney Harbour, and Bondi Beach, along with an excursion to the stunning Blue Mountains region. Then, enjoy a quick day in Cairns for an Indigenous experience, followed by two days in Gold Coast to tour the beaches and enjoy some thrills. The vacation ends in Melbourne to visit the funky pub scene, embark on a wildlife tour of Phillip Island, and take a guided road trip through Great Ocean Road.
From snorkeling with coral sharks to sleeping in a traditional cone-shaped hunt, this week-long itinerary is full of off-the-beaten-path adventures. You'll explore western Flores and the Komodo Archipelago, accompanied by knowledgeable local guides and rangers. Work your way through rugged terrain to secluded caves and remote villages, overnighting in local homes and breaking bread with locals. Then embark on a three-day boat trip through the Komodo archipelago that features jungle hikes, wildlife-viewing walks, and underwater excursions where you'll have the chance to snorkel with colorful fish.
This scenic itinerary starts with a self-guided road trip through exceptional villages, cities, and wine regions in the heart of Provence. Over the course of 9 days, you’ll explore Aix-en-Provence, Arles, Avignon, and the Rhone Valley with visits to a number of UNESCO World Heritage sites as well as hidden gems. Finish the adventure in Paris with a mix of private tours and free time to explore on your own.
This nine-day adventure features the flat plains of Colombia's Llanos Orientales, the alpine tundra of the páramo, and colonial villages in the Andean highlands. Starting and ending your stay in the capital city of Bogotá, you'll alternate your time between venturing off the beaten path to traditional "fincas" of the Colombian savannah in search of native wildlife and wandering the charming streets of picturesque Spanish-era towns. You'll meet locals in Yopal, safari in Encanto de Guanapalo, hike the Eastern Ranges of the Colombian Andes, and visit a 17th-century convent in Villa de Leyva.
Explore North Tropical Queensland on this seven-day tour. Begin in Hamilton Island and snorkel, sea kayak, play a round of golf, or relax. Then, take a cruise to Whitehaven Beach and learn the area's history. Next, journey to Port Douglas to enjoy a leisure day, a Daintree Rainforest tour, and an excursion to the Great Barrier Reef. The trip winds down in Cairns, with plenty of native animal exhibits to visit and a scenic ride up the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway.
Epitomizing laid-back travel, Costa Rica has hundreds of hotels, but only a few make the list for luxury. With the help of local specialists, kimkim has narrowed down the best to these eight unique options that choose quality over quantity, simplicity over opulence. Pick one or more and make your next trip to the land of "pura vida" extra special.
Explore southeast Australia on this combination self-drive and flying tour on this comprehensive 22-day itinerary. Start your trip in quirky Melbourne to explore hidden alleyways and eclectic coffee shops, then pick up a car and explore the coast. Spend a few days in Tasmania, then end your trip in Sydney and the beautiful nature of the Blue Mountains and the Hunter Valley Vineyards.
See the very best of Portugal and western Andalucía with a perfect mix of highlights and the off-the-beaten-track treasures. Start in Porto, then continue down the coast through historic Lisbon to the beautiful beaches of the Algarve. Continue to Seville to soak in Andalucia's culture and gastronomy, then end your trip in metropolitan Madrid for stunning art museums and bustling city avenues.
With diverse jungle scenery, long stretches of coast, and traveler-friendly culture, Costa Rica is one of the best cycling destinations in the world. Kimkim offers a number of unique cross-country cycling trips that can accommodate active travelers of all ages and abilities. Interested? Get your questions answered below.
This educational 11-day itinerary explores a remote area of Australia for an adventure rarely experienced by the average traveler. Starting in Brisbane, you'll journey through a series of distinct small towns in Queensland's outback brimming with pioneer history, stunning scenery, and a mix of activities that run the gamut from cattle herding to bushwalking to touching dinosaur fossils, to name a few.
One region that perfectly encapsulates France's rich culture is Provence. On a self-drive tour, you'll stop in historic cities like Marseille and Aix-en-Provence as well as hilltop villages like Uzès and Moustiers-Sainte-Marie. As an added treat, you'll hike canyons, kayak along the coast, and participate in a cooking class and wine tour.
Discover Colombia's Cauca Valley on this nine-day adventure. Start in modern Cali of the region to take in the food and art scene, and hike the Andes in the Los Farallones area. Along the way, you'll spend three nights on Gorgona Island off Colombia's Pacific Coast where you'll trek through the jungle and snorkel inviting coastal waters.
See the best of Lusaka and Livingstone on this luxurious 5-day itinerary. Start with a night in a gorgeous boutique hotel in Lusaka, then transfer to Lilayi to visit the Elephant Orphanage and go on a game dive. Fly to Livingstone and enjoy two nights in a stunning property located on the beautiful Zambezi River. Enjoy a sunset river cruise and fly over Victoria Falls on an unforgettable helicopter flight.
This adventurous itinerary is perfect for travelers who prefer to explore off the beaten track. Go on game drives in South Luangwa and the remote Luambe National Park, where the small-group accommodations mean you'll enjoy the full park to yourselves. End the trip in the stunning Lower Zambezi National Park in a luxury camp set on the banks of the beautiful Zambezi River.
Visit the Lilayi Elephant Sanctuary, go on a safari game drive, and see Africa's incredible natural landscapes on this 7-day adventure itinerary. You'll see the baby elephants and explore the African bush, then stay in restful and comfortable accommodations at night. Round out your trip with a visit to the Kuanda village to learn about the local people and culture.
This 9-day journey through Sri Lanka (formerly Ceylon) explores fascinating highlights in the Cultural Triangle—home of ancient cities, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and Buddhist relics. With a private driver and guide, you'll take hikes in tea country, spot diverse wildlife in the rainforest, and relax (or surf) on picturesque beaches on the south coast for an adventure to remember.
This exciting 12-day itinerary includes some of China's best cultural and natural wonders. Kick off the trip in cosmopolitan Shanghai where you'll explore its modern waterfront, peaceful gardens, and artsy neighborhoods. Next is Zhangjiajie for a dose of dramatic mountain vistas before you continue to Xi'an to see the Terra Cotta Warriors. Finish with a bullet train to Beijing to experience the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and—on your last full day—the Great Wall of China.
Ireland has a reputation for conviviality, hospitality, and natural beauty. You need only visit charming seaside villages like Kinsale, the emerald green countryside of Cork County, and the lively pubs of Dublin to get a sense of this. On a custom tour, you'll experience these highlights plus many more in just eight days.
Explore the East Coast of Australia at your own pace on this 20-day self-drive tour. Stop in Sydney and the beautiful Gold Coast, learn to surf, and go hiking in the rainforest in Queensland. See unique Australian animals in the many nature preserves and enjoy the sun-soaked beaches on the coast. Snorkle to see the Great Barrier Reef, venture to the Australian outback to visit a sacred site, and go white-water rafting as you experience all Australia has to offer.
Visit the sunny islands of Lanzarote and La Graciosa on this active eight-day adventure. From sweeping ocean views to ancient volcanoes and dreamy beaches, the islands' landscapes will leave you wanting more. Kayak along the coast, go hiking and mountain biking in the north, and explore Cesar Manrique's art in the Jameos del Agua lava caves.
Enjoy a short and sweet getaway to Lanzarote, one of the incredible Canary Islands. Hike through Timanfaya National Park and the rocky northern coast with a private guide and explore art installations in ancient lava caves. Don't worry about the details—from the airport pickup to delicious picnic lunches and a relaxing stay in beautiful Arrecife, everything is taken care of.
Spend four days enjoying nature and the Algarve coast on this relaxed itinerary. Enjoy sweeping views of the coastline from Lagos to Albufeira, taking in stunning rock formations and pristine beaches, stopping to snorkel, swim, and paddleboard as you like. End the trip in Faro after sailing through the Ria Formosa Natural Park, spotting endemic wildlife, exploring islands, and picnicking on Culatra Island.
If you want to see Iceland's top natural highlights, a self-drive tour is by far the most popular option. Travel at your own pace with plenty of changes to head off the main road in search of your own adventures. This tour also includes the Snaefellsnes peninsula which many call "mini-Iceland" as almost every natural phenomenon in Iceland can be found there, albeit on a smaller scale than elsewhere.
Croatia isn't a typical destination, so having an unconventional vacation here without even trying is easy. But if you want to add a little something special to your trip, go beyond the typical hotel stay and try an overnight in one of the country's many unique lodging options. You might find yourself in a lighthouse, a treehouse, a boat, or a plane, but one thing's for sure: your trip will be even more memorable.
Many travelers have heard of Wales, but few have visited its ruggedly beautiful coastline, ancient castles, and national parks. On this seven-day trip, you'll experience these highlights, enjoy delicious regional cuisine, and hike among the peaks of Snowdonia National Park.
This complete nine-day itinerary combines urban exploration in historic cities with stunning rural and coastal excursions for an exciting overview of Portugal. You'll begin in the north in charming Porto and, with a private driver, work your way south to Lisbon, ending your stay in the Algarve in Albufeira. Along the way, you'll explore the golden triangle of Sintra, Cascais, and Estoril outside of Lisbon and spend some time at the end of the world in Lagos, Sagres, and Cabo de São Vicente.
On this nature and culture tour, you'll experience the best of the Southern Alps and French Riviera, famous for their alpine scenery and Mediterranean coastal beauty. Over three days, you'll discover the historic city of Nice, the valleys of Mercantour National Park, ancient petroglyphs, and much more.
This six-day trip to France's famously beautiful Provence region allows you to experience its highlights. On top of touring the area's national parks and vineyards, you'll spend time in historic Marseille, plus travel around the Luberon massif, which is home to ancient hilltop villages. You'll also indulge in outdoor and gourmet excursions all while enjoying the amenities of the lavish hotels in which you'll be residing.
This weeklong adventure splits its time between two of Japan's most important cities with a mix of customizable tours and free time to explore on your own. Start off in Tokyo for a taste of modern Japan with top-notch architecture, animé, modern art, high fashion, and cuisine. Then head to traditional Kyoto for beautiful temples and shrines, ancient gardens, and cultural experiences like tea ceremonies and calligraphy.
With 10 days in Patagonia, there's enough time to tick off the must-see landscapes of Los Glaciares and Torres del Paine National Parks on a highlights tour. You can also focus your time on Argentina, which allows you to include Bariloche on your itinerary, or hit the trails of Chile and spend eight days conquering the epic O Circuit and W Trek. Alternatively, opt for a more leisurely tour featuring a multi-day fjord cruise in Tierra del Fuego.
Covering the highlights of the Dalmatian coast, this adventure combines Croatia's history and attractions with a series of adventures. You'll explore the three main sites of Split, Hvar, and Dubrovnik, as well as go on a day trip to Montenegro.
This route is ideal for those who are short on time but looking to fit in a number of highlights along the Dalmatian Coast. You'll start in the historic port city of Split and visit two of Croatia's most popular islands before ending in the medieval city of Dubrovnik. Along the way, you'll explore ancient Roman ruins, medieval town centers, and dine on fresh seafood.
This quick 5-day itinerary covers the highlights of Southern Dalmatian, starting and ending in the medieval cities of Dubrovnik and Split. You'll explore ancient Roman ruins, enjoy the local wine and cuisine, and take some time to relax and get out into nature on the islands of Korčula and Hvar.
Italy is on the Mt Olympus of global food destinations, and each region within the country has its own delectable specialties. In Rome, you'll find everything from world-class coffee to pizza by the slice, along with the best 'cacio e pepe' around. Check out our list below for everything you should try on your trip—and where to find it.
This 13-day adventure allows you to experience the country from both coasts. It includes a visit to the bustling capital of San José, the lush rainforest of Tortuguero National Park, the towering Arenal Volcano, the cloud forest of Monteverde and the spectacular, remote beaches of Guanacaste. There are plenty of kid-friendly activities along the way, from watching sea turtles hatch on a Caribbean beach to sampling locally produced chocolate to surf lessons in the Pacific.
This 7-day trip to Chapada Diamantina is a bucket list item for those who enjoy hiking. Considered one of the most beautiful crossings in Brazil, the Pati Valley is surrounded by incredible "tepuy" (cliffs), mountains, cascading waterfalls, and stunning natural beauty. Explore the Cachoeirão Waterfall and the Cave of the Castle, and learn about the history and local culture on overnight homestays.
Discover the best of the culture and art in the French Riviera and Provence in 10 days on this incredible self-drive tour. Visit vibrant Nice and Monaco, stroll through hill-top villages of Luberon, and discover the peaceful countryside of Aix-en-Provence. Follow the footsteps of some of the world's greatest artists (Van Gogh, Picasso, and others) and explore the landscapes that inspired them.
This all-encompassing tour of Rajasthan covers the must-see highlights of Delhi, Jaipur, and Agra and features three days of the sprawling Camel Fair in Pushkar held annually every November. Come to Rajasthan for the culture, history, and magnificent architecture, stay for the lively bustling attractions and events of the fair. You'll ride camels in the Thar desert, discover historic Silk Road mansions in Mandawa, and wander ancient abandoned cities, like Kuldhara and Fatehpur Sikri.
This packed 6-day itinerary is perfect if you want to discover the best of Italy but are short on time. Start on the Amalfi Coast for Roman villas and small fishing villages, then head to the beautiful coastal town of Sorrento for a cooking class. Stop to see Pompeii's ruins, then head to Rome for a classic tour of the historic city.
This seven-day getaway trip is a short and sweet solution for travelers who want to relax and explore Italian culture. Start on the Amalfi Coast for small fishing villages and old-timey villas, then head to sunny Sorrento for an authentic cooking class. End your trip in the capital city of Rome to see the world-famous Vatican and other top city landmarks.
Kimkim has handpicked the world’s top local travel specialists so you will have peace of mind and an unforgettable trip that meets your exact requirements.
Kimkim’s local specialists ensure that you will have the best experience based on up-to-date local insights. On top of that, the vast majority of your money will go straight to support and grow local economies.
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