Go from Machu Picchu to the Amazon on this 8-day itinerary. Explore the colorful textile markets, small towns, and Inca ruins in the Sacred Valley before traveling east to Puerto Maldonado, your launch point to the rainforest. Spend three days viewing wildlife, like the giant river otter, river cayman, and vibrant parrot species, while enjoying a comfortable stay at an eco-lodge.
Northern Greece stretches across more cultures and terrains than any other region in the country. This 10-day itinerary starts off in the second largest city, Thessaloniki—a magnetic place that breathes history and character, offering some of the best food and wine in the country. From here, you'll go hiking and river rafting on the mainland and then ferry to Corfu island for beaches, kayaking, and a Jeep safari toward ancient monasteries.
Experience the romance of Crete—Greece's largest island—with this 9-day itinerary. You'll use the coastal city of Chania, with its medieval architecture and postcard-perfect Venetian port as your base of exploration. Check out local markets, visit a traditional village, and enjoy a Cretan feast with after-dinner dancing. Then, hike the Samaria Gorge before wrapping up with relaxation on pink-sand beaches.
Live like a local in Greece's idyllic Argolic Gulf with this active 8-day itinerary. You'll explore Athens for a few days and even hop onboard a fishing boat with an expert fisherman before you head to seaside Nafplio, home to winding streets and a historic water fortress. Explore this beautiful area of mainland Greece via foot, bicycle, and kayak, then get hands-on in an olive grove and try shepherding for a day.
Athens was made for strolling, as you'll find out in this itinerary. The neighborhoods of Monastiraki, Syntagma, Plaka, and Makrygianni hide petite pedestrian streets and neoclassical homes overflowing with floral balconies. You'll see street art with an artist, be schooled by a chef, and take a sunset visit to the Temple of Poseidon. Step back into history with day trips to Delphi and Mycenae before departing.
Hit three major hotspots on this eight-day tour of some of Greece's most iconic sites. Start in Athens before hopping a ferry to glamorous Mykonos. Here you'll explore beaches, boardwalks, and nightlife under the island's famous windmills. End the trip in Santorini with its classic white-topped cliffs and caldera views, complete with island cruising, wine tasting, and sunsets to spare.
Experience Costa Rica's cuisine on this eight-day itinerary that will have you visiting food stalls at San José's Mercado Central, trying your hand at traditional recipes in a cooking class, and sampling coffee at a plantation. You'll also have time to relax and experience the jungles and beaches the country is known for.
From Lima to Machu Picchu, this one-week highlights tour is perfect for travelers with a thirst for adventure. Explore the bohemian neighborhoods and food scene of Lima, then continue to Cusco—the ancient Incan capital. Spend several days in the Sacred Valley discovering colorful textile markets and monolithic ruins, then walk the Inca trail to arrive at Machu Picchu.
Spend 10 days getting to know the diverse wildlife of Costa Rica's rainforests, with plenty of adrenaline-pumping activities, too. You'll zip-line through the rainforest, hike to waterfalls, and mountain bike on a volcano, with opportunities for kayaking and relaxing in hot springs.
This 8-day adventure combines river rafting in the heart of the rainforest with two of Colombia's cities. Start with a night in Cocorná, before heading to the jungle for three days of hiking, swimming, and paddling. Then, on to Medellín and Cartagena for the second half of your trip—here, you'll explore the culture and romance of each city, and enjoy a relaxing beach day on the Caribbean sea.
This fast-paced 6-day trip highlights the best of Morocco, including Fes, the desert, and Marrakech. Start in medieval Fes and work your way south. Traverse the Middle Atlas mountain range into the Sahara Desert, crossing back through the High Atlas mountains, and finishing in bustling Marrakech.
A perfect balance of culture, adventure, and relaxation, this quick 5-day itinerary features highlights of the imperial city of Marrakech, hiking in the foothills of the High Atlas mountains, and relaxing in the coastal town of Essaouira. You'll roam exotic souks in ancient medinas, share a meal with a local Berber family, and explore centuries-old seafront fortifications.
Get up close to some of the world’s highest peaks on this moderate trek in the Annapurna Region. This 7-day adventure, including an easy to moderate 4-day trek, is a great trip for first-time visitors to Nepal. You'll follow ancient trails that connect local communities as you pass through blooming rhododendron forests and rice paddies, with frequent sightings of snow-covered mountains. At night, sleep in comfortable teahouses located in small villages along the route.
Explore Morocco's cities with this 5-day itinerary. Featuring the historic cities of Fes, Meknes, Rabat, and Marrakech, as well as the hillside town of Chefchaouen and the coastal city of Casablanca. You'll walk the streets of medieval medinas, shop souks and bazaars, roam ancient Roman ruins, and marvel at the artistic details of Morocco's finest buildings.
Discover the best of Morocco with this 10-day loop, featuring the imperial cities of Rabat, Meknes, Fes, and Marrakech, as well as several days in the desert. You'll navigate the streets of ancient medinas, ride a camel over shifting sands in the Sahara, explore mud-brick cities in desert towns, and cross the high rocky peaks of the Atlas mountains.
This 10-day itinerary features a perfect mix of culture, history, adventure, and relaxation. Explore imperial cities, mountain villages, desert landscapes, and coastal ramparts. Begin in northern Morocco in Tangier and Chefchaouen before working your way south to Fes, through the desert, and over the Atlas Mountains to Marrakech and Essaouira.
This whirlwind five-day itinerary highlights the best of Morocco, including Fes, the Desert, and Marrakesh. Start in the imperial city of Fes and make your way south, traversing the Middle Atlas mountain range into the Sahara Desert. Cross up and over the High Atlas mountains before ending your trip in bustling Marrakesh.
Interested in a unique honeymoon? Consider a 10-day tour that combines Peru's highlights with a romantic twist. Stroll Lima's bohemian seaside neighborhoods and shop at a local mercado before your Peruvian cooking class. Enjoy a wine-tasting at Tacama Vineyard, visit the colorful textile markets of Cusco, and zip-line over the Sacred Valley—all before capping off your trip with a guided visit to the iconic Machu Picchu.
If you have an adventurer's heart, this 8-day excursion of Peru's rivers and ruins is perfect for you. Start in Lima and enjoy a diverse mix of architecture, world-renowned restaurants, and eclectic neighborhoods. Continue to Cusco—the capital of the ancient Inca empire—and explore narrow cobblestone streets, colorful markets, and the monolithic ruins left by the Killke and Inca. Spend three days rafting Class III and IV rapids and camping on remote canyon beaches. Explore the living Inca village of Ollantaytambo and the Machu Picchu ruins—the iconic 15th-century royal Inca citadel.
This itinerary highlights one of Colombia's beloved ecological gems: the Caño Cristales. During certain months, the Guayabero River turns shades of rainbow colors in a vibrant natural display. Enjoy swimming holes and waterfalls before flying back to Bogotá, checking out a salt mine cathedral, and visiting Villa de Leyva, one of Colombia's most charming Spanish colonial villages.
This self-drive tour is ideal for families who love animals and exploring the outdoors. You'll spot plenty of the country's adorable mammals like sloths and monkeys, as well as rare species of birds, reptiles, amphibians, and tropical fish. Along the way, stay at unique eco-lodges
On this 8-day adventure, experience every facet of Costa Rica's culture, from food to national museums, native people, and even wildlife. Starting and ending in San José, the itinerary includes a visit to a coffee plantation, immersing with one of the country's last indigenous tribes, and opportunities to explore by land and sea.
On the 12-day version of this itinerary, you'll trek from Lukla to Namche Bazaar—a famous trading village between Tibet and Nepal. Continue from village to village, enjoying views of Ama Dablam, the "Matterhorn of Nepal." You'll learn about Sherpa culture along the way, culminating with the Buddhist monastery at Tengboche, and finally Dingboche before returning to Pokhara.
Nepal's many cultural attractions have roots in Hindu and Buddhist traditions that go back thousands of years. This itinerary starts with several day-trips from Kathmandu before you head to the jungle. Balance the sacred pilgrimage sites and monuments with outdoor activities: hike in Nagarkot, paraglide in Pokhara, and ride an elephant in Chitwan National Park.
In just 4 days, you'll explore the famous cultural sites of the Kathmandu Valley and top it off with an early morning flight with views of Mount Everest. This trip provides the perfect balance for getting the best of Kathmandu's nature and culture for those with limited time.
One of the most popular short treks in Nepal, this route to Nagarkot is ideal for beginners of all ages. You'll make your way through oak, pine, and rhododendron forests and learn about village life while taking in views of the Kathmandu Valley and snow-capped Himalayan peaks in Nagarkot. Wake up to a sunrise view over Mount Everest before enjoying more time in Kathmandu.
The 8-day version of this Nepal adventure takes you up to Namche Bazaar, a traditional Sherpa village and unofficial capital of the Khumbu region. Visit Sagarmatha National Park—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—along with alpine forest, Buddhist sites, and, of course, panoramic snow-capped views of the Himalayan peaks.
Visit Namche Bazaar, a traditional Sherpa village and unofficial capital of the Khumbu region on this fast-paced trip. During 4 comfortable days of trekking, you'll pass through Sagarmatha National Park, through alpine forests, and visit ancient Buddhist sites. The adventure ends with a helicopter tour of the snow-capped Himalaya, including a stop at the base of Mount Everest.
This trek fulfills a section of the popular and rugged trail towards Everest Base Camp. Starting from Lukla, you'll climb through the forested Dudh Kosi valley to reach Namche Bazaar, a famous trading village between Tibet and Nepal. You'll learn about Sherpa culture along the way, culminating with the holy village of Tengboche.
This tour combines two great Nepal experiences: Chitwan National Park in the subtropical lowlands and the Ghandruk Trek in the Annapurna foothills. Chitwan has a wide variety of wildlife including tigers, rhinos, elephants and many bird species. The Ghandruk trek is suitable for every level—beginners, families, and older age groups alike—and includes overnight stays in Gurung villages.
This 4-day tour lets you experience the best of Nepal in a short amount of time. Fly via helicopter to get into and out of the Everest region and stay in luxury lodges on the trail—it's a memorable way to visit Everest Basecamp and get a taste of trekking in Nepal.
Essaouira has been here almost as long as the sea that laps its coast. Here, ancient city walls stand defiant, their sandstone providing a contrasting backdrop to the vivid blues and whites of the harbor. Not quite a beach town, Essaouira is still Morocco's respite from the frenetic pace of Marrakesh. There's lots to see and do, so let's get started.
Camel rides along the dunes, nights spent under the stars in Bedouin tents, villages carved into canyon walls, and ancient kasbahs still standing as fortresses along old trading routes: Morocco's desert is built for adventure, and this guide illuminates the regional highlights.
Discover the beauty of Morocco with this exciting five-day itinerary. Begin and end in Marrakesh, visiting the rocky peaks of the High Atlas mountains and the colossal dunes of the Sahara. You'll wander medieval medinas and souks, marvel at palaces and mosques, and explore ancient kasbahs and desert towns.
This 10-day adventure allows you to experience Costa Rica from both coasts. Visit San José, check out Tortuguero National Park, marvel at Arenal Volcano, and lounge on the remote beaches of Guanacaste. Enjoy plenty of activities along the way: watch sea turtles hatch on a Caribbean beach, sample locally produced chocolate, or take a surf lesson in the Pacific.
Almost anything you need for your trek, you can find in Kathmandu. There are hundreds of small shops packed with equipment lining the streets of Thamel, the main trekkers' hub. You can buy or rent anything you're missing or don't want to pack—from down sleeping bags and jackets to trekking poles, water bottles, and sunglasses.
Phaplu is a gateway village in the lower Solu Khumbu, serving as the starting off point for a number of treks. It also has one of the only domestic airports in the region. There are a number of short treks nearby, such as Pikey Peak, and you can also trek from her to the upper Everest region.
Costa Rica's dry season is from November to April. But May signals the beginning of the rainy season, and it's then that the rivers rise—making it the best time for aquatic adventurers of every skill level to hit the country's rivers in search of whitewater.
Packing for a trip to Nepal? You may know what to bring in your backpack and suitcase, but have you prepped your smartphone? Whether you're trekking or immersing yourself in culture, download these 10 helpful apps, ranging from off-line maps to a mountain identifier to an English-Nepali dictionary.
The singular mountain region of Meteora, in central Greece, is justifiably a UNESCO World Heritage Site—but it's also a center for adventure activities. Use this comprehensive insider's guide to plan your ideal Meteora itinerary.
You’ve visited the Acropolis, the Parthenon, and the Ancient Agora—now it’s time to experience Athens like a local. We’ve made it easy by selecting the best places and local experiences, from neighborhoods little visited by tourists to open-air cinemas that offer a classic Athenian night out.
Athens is a vast, modern city brimming with antiquities. What do you do if you only have a day to spend? Here we've curated the best options that combine the popular highlights with a slice of local life.
From the wildlife-friendly shores of Río Tambopata to the remote cloud forest city of Chachapoyas, Peru is full of gems best accessed via the open road. Rent some wheels and check out these suggestions for do-it-yourself adventures to mountains, rainforests, empty beaches, and other off-the-grid Peruvian destinations.
This adventurous itinerary checks off four of Costa Rica’s key regions. Raft down some of the world’s best rapids, head to Arenal for hikes and hot springs, and lounge on the Pacific beaches of Manuel Antonio National Park. End your journey on the remote Osa Peninsula, where rainforests, wildlife, and a near-empty coastline await.
This romantic itinerary is ideal for adventurous couples with more than a week to spend. Together, you'll bask in Costa Rica's biodiversity, take a whitewater rafting trip down the Río Pacuare, and go on multiple day hikes. Relax on Pacific beaches, soak in natural hot springs, and check into some of the country's best luxury resorts throughout your memorable stay.
Costa Rica offers an array of adventures, from city to cloud forest to sea. This ten-day itinerary includes hiking near an active volcano, some of the world’s best bird-watching, and snorkeling with sea turtles. Travelers will get to know the culture of local villages as well as that of San José, Costa Rica’s dynamic capital.
This 5-day itinerary offers a nice balance of historical and modern cities in northern Morocco. Start and end in modern Casablanca before exploring Rabat and "the blue city" of Chefchaoeun in the Rif mountains. Continue south to Meknes, Roman ruins at Volubilis, and immerse yourself in the culture capital of medieval Fes.
Dive deep into the Cretan lifestyle—specifically the far west region of Chania—with this unique 9-day itinerary. You'll experience loads of culture and scenery as you explore the island's historic villages, food scene, and archaeological ruins, complete with walking tours, cooking lessons, and guided day trips both through the city and surrounding countryside.
Nepal is divided into three main geographical regions—the Himalaya in the north, the central hilly region, and the Terai (or jungle region) in the south. To help you decide where to go, we've broken these regions up into smaller, popular sub-regions which can be combined in numerous ways. There's an enormous amount of cultural diversity and natural beauty almost everywhere you turn, making it easy to find the perfect combination no matter how many days you have in Nepal.
The Everest and Annapurna regions are the two most popular areas for trekking, but there are a number of other regions that hold some of the best treks in Nepal. Both regions are best visited in spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November), though winter treks (December-February) are possible on some routes in these areas. Summer/monsoon (June-August) trekking in these regions isn't recommended, as the trails can get quite wet and slippery and mountain views obscured.
