This is the magical month in Chile when spring transitions to the summer season making for some stunning weather all the way from north to south. The first half of the month is still quiet—ideal for outdoor activities in the Lake District and Patagonia—and then things start bustling around the holidays, especially Valparaiso, which puts on a big New Years Bash. Find out what to do and where to go with this December guide.
Mendoza, Argentina is renowned throughout the world for its wine. But there's more to this beautiful region, located at the edge of the Andes, than sipping and swirling. Go sightseeing in the city, soak in thermal pools, bike through the vineyards, or venture to Aconcagua, the highest mountain in the western hemisphere.
Spend 10 days in Chile, and you'll be glad you did: it's enough to experience some of the famously long coastline, go wine tasting, and even venture down to the wilds of Patagonia. Or, choose to dive deep into a region—spend your entire trip in the Atacama Desert or tackle a multiday trek in Torres del Paine. Add a week to do it all, but if you're short on time, a few days is all you need to check out the colorful capital city and its surrounds.
With 10 to 14 days in Argentina, you can spend time getting to know two main regions, plus Buenos Aires, one of the world's great cities. Hear the mammoth Iguazú Falls roar in the north, or visit the western city of Mendoza—ground zero for wine lovers. Those with more time should consider spending much of it in the wilds of Patagonia, and those with less than a week should stick to the capital and surrounds.
Iguazú National Park is the home of Argentina's greatest natural attraction: the spectacular series of cascades known as Iguazú Falls. Among the largest waterfall systems on the planet, they're a highlight of any visit to South America. Travelers can experience Iguazú many ways, from jungle trekking and bird-watching to photography and boating adventures on the river. Read on for more information and expert advice.
This festive eight-day itinerary offers visitors an intimate look into one of Mexico's biggest holidays, the Day of the Dead. You'll begin your tour at the end of October in Mexico City, discovering the history behind the tradition before exploring the canals of Xochimilco and the ruins of Teotihuacán. You'll end your stay in Oaxaca, where you will celebrate like a local: join in processions, visit cemeteries, and marvel at elaborately decorated altars in honor of the deceased.
This family-friendly itinerary of southern Mexico combines cultural activities with plenty of natural exploration. The first half of your trip will see you exploring Chiapas' Sumidero Canyon, el Chiflón and Misol-Ha waterfalls, and the impressive ruins of Palenque. From there, you will head to colonial-era Campeche where you will pick up your rental car and tour the Yucatán: from modern Mayan communities to ancient ruins, from refreshing cenotes to the white sands of Holbox Island.
Step out of modern life and onto a cruise around the Lesser Sunda Islands. You'll spend two weeks lounging on deserted beaches, visiting wooden stilt-house villages, hiking volcanoes, and more. The best part? You'll be traveling from Lombok to Flores via Sumbawa and the Komodo Archipelago in style, aboard a traditional Indonesian boat.
This two-week itinerary will take you from East Java to Bali with stops at sites both famous and less-frequented. Tour multiple Javanese temples, including Borobodur and Prambanan; trek up to the tops of Bromo, Kawah Ijen, and Batur volcanoes; and stroll through terraced rice fields and coffee plantations as you explore these two lush islands.
Explore the southwestern corner of Ireland on this 8-day guided hike of the Beara Peninsula, one of Ireland's "toes". Few roads cross this massive landscape, and those which do wind in hairpin turns through the rocky mountains. Follow trails between historic and natural landmarks, notably Bere Island, Dursey Sound, and Gleninchaquin Valley. Learn about local lore, from the prehistoric stone circles to the ancient tales of the Hag of Beara and Four Children of Lír.
Enjoy Rio's natural beauty during two days of adrenaline-filled adventure. Start with a hike to Pedra Bonita to get a panoramic view of the city, then hang-glide from the top. The next day, take a train to the top of Corcovado mountain to see the statue of Christ the Redeemer and mountain bike to the bottom before hiking Sugarloaf to take in views of Guanabara Bay.
Lace up your shoes and get ready for two days of adventure in Rio de Janeiro, enjoying the region's stunning natural beauty and mild climate to hit the trails. On your first day hike to Pedra do Telégrafo to take see views of the surrounding mountains and take the iconic daring photo with the hanging rock. On the second day hike to Pedra da Gávea, where you'll see local wildlife and panoramic views of the city and coast.
This short 6-day tour offers the perfect combination of history, natural beauty, and memorable cultural experiences. You'll visit Kiev's most popular attractions as well as those less frequented hidden gems. Discover what it was like to be part of medieval Kiev, the city-state that did so much to shape the modern nation of Ukraine.
Make the most of your time in Chengdu in Southwest China on this 4-day itinerary. See the Giant Leshan Buddha and Mt. Emei Buddhist sites, then wander through the historic city to see local life and catch a performance at the Sichuan Opera. End your trip with a visit to the Panda Research Base to see the famous animals up-close.
Cycle the historic Ring of Kerry on this 8-day biking tour, staying at night in cozy B&Bs. Trace the coastline of the Iveragh Peninsula, explore Killarney National Park, and visit the historic villages of Sneem and Kenmare. See 6th-century ruins on Skellig and Valentia Islands, and enjoy sweeping views of the wild Atlantic Ocean. You'll cycle along quiet country roads, take in the serene countryside, and hear local stories and legends in the neighborhood pub.
Sip, swish, repeat: wine travel is better than ever, and in these four destinations, there's much more to it than tastings and tours. Help with the grape harvest in Slovenia, take a seaplane to a secluded island winery in New Zealand, and bike through the vineyards of Argentina—find out more from our local specialists in the interview below.
Travel through New Zealand's beautiful South Island, getting to know its cultural hotspots, famous landscapes and public gardens, and sprawling vineyards along the way. Over 12 days, you'll enjoy the cafes and fine art of Nelson, spend two days sipping wine in Marlborough, hike near beautiful Lake Wanaka and the famous Milford Sound, and more.
Immerse yourself in the culture and nature of western Ireland on this 8-day hiking trip. Enjoy hearty Irish pub meals, spend your days hiking on the rocky cliffs and wind-swept moors, and spend the night in comfortable accommodations in town. See medieval and prehistoric ruins and hear stories of bygone eras as you explore Mayo County's highlights: iconic Croagh Patrick, beautiful Clew Bay, and the stunning views of Killary Fjord.
Hike, swim, cycle, and snorkel around two of Indonesia's islands, Bali and Nusa Penida, on this active 10-day itinerary! You'll start on Bali with walks through rice paddies and temples, a bicycle tour, hikes into a volcanic caldera, a sunrise trek to a mountaintop, and a thrilling whitewater rafting trip down the Telaga Waja River. Then catch a boat out to Nusa Penida for three days of snorkeling and relaxing on the beach.
Explore the culture, countryside, and coastline of the "Island of the Gods" with this eight-day itinerary. Drive around the southeastern corner of the island through rice fields, temples, villages, the Monkey Forest, a volcanic caldera, and more before ending your trip on the beach.
Explore the beautiful landscape of the famous "Kerry Gold" butter on this 8-day hiking tour. See County Kerry and the Dingle Peninsula on a series of stunning day hikes, returning to town in the evening for a hot meal and a hearty pint at the neighborhood pub. Discover medieval monastery ruins, nesting bird colonies, and mountainous peninsulas carved deep with steep inlets.
Embark on a week-long culinary journey through Bologna, Tuscany, and Rome, savoring the best in Italy's regional produce and wine. Treat your taste buds to Parmigiano Reggiano and prosciutto in Parma, then head to Florence for, culture, Chianti, and Bistecca alla Fiorentina. A masterclass in the perfect Pizza Romana and aperitivo in the shadow of the Pantheon completes your small but perfectly formed trip.
This eight-day trip is perfect for travelers who want a packed itinerary but don't have much time. Explore Bologna's culinary delights, from Parmeggiano Reggiano cheese to local prosciutto, then head to Florence to see pieces by top Renaissance artists like Michelangelo and Machiavelli. In Tuscany, visit medieval villages, sip on full-bodied Chianti, and relax in sun-filled plazas overlooking rolling hills. End the trip in Rome to see the Sistine Chapel, the Colosseum, and try your hand at making the perfect pizza.
If sitting on a Tuscan hillside with a glass of Chianti, kneading fresh pizza dough, and seeing the Sistine Chapel sound like a good way to spend nine days, look no farther than this itinerary. Start in Bologna to see the 11th-century university and stuff yourself full of Parmeggiano cheese and Ragu alla Bolognese. Continue to Florence to say hi to "David," and finish in Rome with a visit to the Galleria Borghese and the Colosseum before becoming best friends with your perfectly handmade Italian pizza.
Savor the highlights of Emilia-Romagna, Tuscany, and Lazio with this foodie trip that begins in Bologna for the best in regional cheese and prosciutto. Then, it's off to explore Florence's Renaissance gems and sample artisan olive oil and focaccia. Sip Chianti and tour hilltop towns laden with vineyards before perfecting your pizza-making skills in Rome, where you'll step back in time to explore the city's extraordinary ancient ruins and taste the perfect gelato.
Eat like royalty, drink like a Roman, and explore Italy's top cultural and historic sites on this packed 11-day trip. Start in Bologna and explore the 11th-century university and the covered porticos which line the streets. Indulge your taste buds with the local Parmigiano Reggiano and mortadella, then continue to Florence to see the iconic Duomo and Galleria dell'Accademia, which houses Michelangelo's 'David'. Pair handmade chocolate Foccacia with a glass of chilled Prosecco and the rolling Tuscan countryside for a perfect afternoon delight. End in Rome to see the Galleria Borghese & Sistine Chapel and spend lazy afternoons trying every single flavor of gelato.
Is twelve days enough time to try every single gelato flavor? Likely not—but you can try your best with this food-centric tour of Italy. Start in Bologna, where artisanal cheese, cured ham, and medieval architecture dominate the scene. Then, head to Florence and visit a perfect Tuscan winery before soaking in the sunshine of the Amalfi Coast. End your trip in Rome, with nightlife, the iconic city highlights, and plenty of pizza.
If you like eating and think thirteen is a lucky number, then we've got the trip for you! Start in Venice, the "City of Water", and explore the Grand Canal with a ride on a gondola. Sample Parmigiano-Reggiano, local prosciutto, and explore medieval architecture in Bologna, then head to Tuscany to see Renaissance-era art in Florence and spend a sunny afternoon with a glass of local Chianti. Explore the steep cliffside wineries, turquoise water, and lemon groves of the Amalfi Coast before ending your trip in metropolitan Rome at the Galleria Borghese & Sistine Chapel, and exploring bohemian Trastevere in a full-day food & wine tour.
Indulge in a 14-day culinary odyssey across Italy's foodie hotspots. Begin in Venice with local cicchetti, and venture to Bologna for 11th-century architecture and the best parmigiano and prosciutto. Admire Florence's Renaissance masterpieces and savor Tuscan Chianti with traditional farm-to-table fare. Conclude your trip in Rome and the Amalfi Coast, where you'll master the art of Neapolitan pizza and savor the Eternal City's famous street food and pasta dishes.
This 15-day itinerary is our most comprehensive culinary tour through Italy, from a Venice street food excursion to wine tasting in Tuscany's medieval vineyards. You'll visit Bologna for medieval churches, aged cheese, and cured Parma ham, spend four days relaxing on the sunny Amalfi Coast, and end your trip in Rome, where the Vatican City, Colosseum, and the perfect cappuccino await.
Chile's rugged landscapes lure active travelers from all over the world. Thrill-seekers go whitewater rafting in the Lakes Region, sandboarding in the Atacama Desert, and paragliding high above Iquique. Down-to-earth alternatives include horseback riding on the beach and cycling in Pan De Azúcar National Park.
December attracts Christmas and New Year visitors looking to spend the holidays in Croatia's festive towns and cities. This is a great month to hit the uncrowded slopes, sip hot chocolate while wandering Advent markets, and welcome in the New Year with a live performance.
Take advantage of the late fall colors in November, a month offering dramatic contrasts between sky and changing foliage, fewer crowds, cheaper accommodation, and world-class wines and truffles. There's even a fun race featuring cycling and wine in the Istrian Peninsula. Read on to learn more.
October is an ideal time of year to visit Croatia: fewer crowds and colorful fall landscapes. Though the days are slightly shorter and the weather is a little cooler, the Adriatic is still warm enough for watersports. Let this monthly guide help you find the best places to visit and things to do.
Outside the height of peak season, September makes for a great time to visit Croatia. The crowds have lessened somewhat, the weather is not blazingly hot, and the Adriatic is still warm enough to go swimming. Let this monthly guide help you find the best places to visit and things to do.
August is the last full month of Croatia's lively peak season. The weather is hot, perfect for beach days and sailing ventures, and the party scene continues to go strong. Read on to learn more about visiting Croatia in August.
Without a doubt, July is Croatia's most popular month. The weather is sunny, the Adriatic Sea is warm, and there are a host of fun and lively cultural and musical events that take place throughout the month and all over the country. This monthly guide will tell you what to do and where to go.
June marks the beginning of the summer high season as crowds start to head to the coast, particularly to Dubrovnik. As the sun and sea are inviting, now is a good time for outdoor activities and watersports, though price bargains have all but disappeared. Read on for more tips on where to go and what to expect in Croatia this month.
May offers the perfect time to visit Croatia. The weather is sunny with little rain, and the Adriatic is just about warm enough to swim. There's still a month before the foreign tourist onslaught, and shoulder season bargains still apply. Read this monthly guide to learn more.
Spring is well underway in April, offering plenty of sunny days, blossoming flowers, and festivals—with the entire country coming out for Easter festivities. Tourist numbers are low, and prices for accommodation and flights remain attractive, making this an ideal time to sightsee less crowded popular attractions as well as take advantage of outdoor activities. Find out what to do and where to go with this April guide.
One way to really get under Italy's skin is to swap the run-of-the-mill hotel experience for something more unusual. Drift off in a "floated" in Venice, sleep troglodyte-style in the "Sassi" (cave dwellings) of Matera, cuddle up in an igloo in the Alps, or stay in a monastery on the fringes of Rome—we've got you covered with this list.
Rome is a city where you can fully embrace la dolce vita, especially if you opt to stay in style and intimacy in one of its boutique hotels. Whether it's a chic and central escape near the Spanish Steps or a historic palace overlooking the Fountain of the Four Rivers, we've sought out places that skillfully bring together history, design, entrancing views, and tempting food.
Discover the best of Central and Western Ukraine on this two-week adventure. Featuring a combination of popular sites and off-the-beaten-track destinations, you will begin in the capital of Kiev, fly to Odessa on the Black Sea, and end your stay in Lviv. You'll explore medieval castles, stroll along extravagant boulevards, and hike to hilltop fortresses, ensuring a fascinating trip through one of Europe’s hidden gems.
February is the last full month of winter in Croatia, offering snowy adventures and massive festivals—as well as fewer tourists and lower prices. A predominantly Catholic country, Croatia gets into festive spirits around Lent and Carnival, kicking off the coming of spring with Mardi Gras celebrations across the country.
Spend three relaxing days in Sfântu Gheorghe on the Danube River Delta, where the views are stunning and the biodiversity is rich. Start in Bucharest, then head to the Black Sea. Go bird watching, try your hand at catching one of the more than 200 species of fish, and enjoy peace and quiet on the beach.
This 8-day tour to Beijing, Xian, and Shanghai shows off China's highlights at a relaxed and comfortable pace. Start in Beijing to see Tiananmen Square and the Great Wall of China, then continue to Xi'an to see the Muslim Quarter and the Terracotta Warriors. End your trip in metropolitan Shanghai to see the modern Bund waterfront, ancient Yu Gardens, and historic French Concession.
This unique 5-day tour highlights three of the best things about Romania: castles, medieval cities, and food. Dine on traditional Romanian, Hungarian, and German cuisine in small village inns. Discover walled cities, ancient castles, and remote nature and forests. A highlight of the trip is a visit to Bran Castle—legendary home of the mythical Dracula.
This incredible expedition takes you to and through some of the world's most extreme —and beautiful—landscapes. Start in the dusty town of Uyuni, visit the famous train cemetery, and stay in a hotel made mostly from salt. Spot unique Andean wildlife in the Eduardo Avaroa Reserve and experience the wild Mars-like landscapes of the Salvador Dali Desert.
Trek for 3 days in the Apolobamba National Park between villages on a "PachaTrek" to experience life and nature in the high Andes. Accompanied by your local guide, learn about traditional medicine, sacred sites, and indigenous farming methods. Stay the night in comfortable lodges and enjoy delicious home-cooked meals.
Spend 8 days exploring history, nature, and culture on this tour of Transylvania and Bucovina. Start in Bucharest to the Parliament Palace and the Old City center. Continue to the countryside, visiting medieval castles, small villages, and seeing the beautiful landscapes along the way. End the trip with a real treat—a visit to Bran Castle, legendary home of the mythical Dracula.
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