This itinerary mixes the outdoors, culture, and history to create the perfect vacation in Sri Lanka. Witness history in the form of colonial landmarks and marvel at the country's beauty on visits to highland tea plantations and mountain waterfalls. After touring the Sigiriya rock fortress and Japanese Peace Pagoda, end the trip by visiting buildings designed by Geoffrey Bawa, one of the most famous architects in Asia.
This grand surfing adventure takes you to the best breaks in Sri Lanka—plus, it throws in a few cultural highlights along the way. After visiting historic forts and pagodas in Galle, you'll take a scenic road trip to Arugam Bay, the most famous surf destination in the country. Spend a few days enjoying its point breaks before heading to Weligama, another surf mecca, where you'll ride reef and sand breaks while making new friends.
Bird-watching enthusiasts and photographers won't want to miss this thrilling six-day itinerary! After a day and night exploring the capital city of Quito, jet off to the Galápagos Islands for hiking, boating, and wildlife spotting. Snap photos of blue-footed boobies, get up close with giant tortoises, ride a speedboat and a yacht to various islands, and see unforgettable landscapes before returning to Ecuador's mainland.
Discover the best of Northern Ecuador on this diverse six-day itinerary. Offering a mix of outdoor adventures and cultural excursions, the trip starts and ends in Quito, where you'll get to know the capital city on a guided tour. The journey also features kayaking on San Pablo Lake, visits to Andean towns, shopping in the famous Otavalo Market, a hike around a stunning lagoon, a coffee farm, and more.
Learn to dance salsa, cruise around colorful streets on a bicycle, and sample Ecuadorian craft beers on this lively six-day exploration of Quito. Though the itinerary features a classic city tour and time to explore the historic center, this urban adventure also takes you off the beaten path to taste locally produced chocolates, hike around a crater, and learn about agave cultivation in the Ecuadorian Andes.
This nearly two-week adventure in Ireland is perfect for couples seeking more luxury during a road trip. Your scenic route meanders through several western counties—Clare, Cork, Galway, Kerry, and Leitrim—where you'll partake in activities that range from hiking at a national park to horseback riding on a beach. Of course, there'll also be opportunities to relax at a spa. Start and end the trip with free time to explore Dublin, perhaps with a tour of Trinity College to see the Book of Kells.
This eight-day adventure will take you to Sri Lanka's must-see highlights. Learn about Negombo's colonial past, climb Sigiriya's rock fortress, wander through Dambulla's cave temples, and explore the famous Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy. Then take a scenic train ride and transfer to Nuwara Eliya, where you'll learn about tea production and enjoy spectacular views. Look for elephants, monkeys, and other wildlife at Udawalawe National Park, then relax in Tangalle and keep an eye out for sea turtles.
There's no need to choose between cultural exploration and outdoor thrills on a trip to Ecuador—this six-day itinerary offers both! Base yourself in Quito as you get to know the capital city, day-tripping to Papallacta to soak in thermal waters. Then ride a cable car high into the mountains to hike Rucu Pichincha Volcano. Finish the trip with a trek to the summit of a volcanic mountain and a brief exploration of Cotopaxi National Park.
Offering a mix of culture, nature, and adventure, this six-day journey around Ecuador takes you from the busy streets of Quito to the snow-capped peaks of Cotopaxi National Park. Stand on the line of the equator and learn to cook Ecuadorian dishes, then venture into the Mindo Cloud Forest for an unforgettable hike. Spend the last full day of the trip on a horseback excursion around the volcanoes and lagoons of Cotopaxi.
Discover eastern Canada's natural and historical treasures on this self-drive tour. Touchdown in Montréal, where French-soaked history and food tours await, before driving to UNESCO-listed Québec City. You'll enjoy a day trip to the tranquil Île d'Orléans and continue to Mont-Tremblant, a nature-lover's paradise. Here, you'll traverse forested bike trails and soak in Scandinavian spas beneath the stars.
Travel by train through eastern Canada's iconic cities on this seven-day tour. Along the way, you'll delve into the country's food and culture, tasting poutine on a Montréal food tour, wandering the UNESCO-listed walls of Old Québec, and exploring world-class museums. Other highlights include a cruise on Ottawa's famous Rideau Canal, visiting Toronto's iconic CN Tower, and a trip to mighty Niagara Falls.
Experience Canada's rich history and nature on this compact five-day tour, which takes you from Toronto to Montréal by train. Dine with panoramic city views at Toronto's iconic CN Tower and take a day trip to mighty Niagara Falls before embarking on a scenic train journey to Montréal. Here, you'll learn about the city's history on walking tours, explore leafy Mount Royal, and sample typical Canadian cuisine on a food tour.
Spend a week in and around Vancouver, where you'll find something for everyone on this well-balanced, self-drive trip. Start in Vancouver to visit Granville Island and cross the Capilano Suspension Bridge. Traverse the Strait of Georgia to Vancouver Island to explore Victoria with its gardens and totems. Hike along Ucluelet's shores after a whale watching trip off Tofino's coast. Return to Vancouver and finish your trip with a dip in Harrison Hot Springs' healing mineral waters.
Take in the variety of landscapes, architecture, and activities Thailand offers on this 13-day itinerary. Start in bustling Bangkok to explore its busy street, night markets, and sacred temples before visiting the ancient city of Ayutthaya. Then head to the coast for swimming, snorkeling, long-boat tours, and even rock climbing at several of the country's best beaches across Phuket, Railay, and the Phi Phi Islands.
Get in touch with nature as you spend a week exploring British Columbia on this self-drive tour. Reach new heights at Grouse Mountain's summit for extraordinary views of Vancouver, the sea, and the mountains. Go ziplining above the treetops near Whistler and observe black bears in the alpine mountains. Go whale watching off Tofino's coast. Then make your way through the old-growth forests of Vancouver Island to Victoria, where you'll finish your journey with a visit to the famed Butchart Gardens.
Adventure, history, and nature await on this 11-day itinerary covering Ireland's eastern coast into Northern Ireland. Start your journey with a road trip from Dublin to Londonderry / Derry, stopping at places like Cooley Peninsula and Belfast. The second part of the trip is all about hiking, so lace up your walking shoes and immerse yourself in the verdant and breathtaking natural beauty of the Wicklow Mountains.
See some of the most beautiful mountains and lakes in the Canadian Rockies by train on this superb week-long trip. Explore Vancouver's key sights before riding the rails past Cascade Mountain to the shores of Lake Kamloops. Cross the Rockies to the mountain town of Banff and spend some time discovering the wilds of Banff National Park. Follow the Icefields Parkway to the old-world charm of Jasper, then settle into your cabin and travel back to Vancouver in style by overnight train.
This eight-day itinerary will take you on an exciting journey around Sri Lanka's most revered cultural sites and natural wonders. Start by ticking off two phenomenal UNESCO World Heritage Sites at the rock fortress Sigiriya and Kandy's Temple of the Tooth Relic. Head out on an evening Jeep safari in the Kaudulla National Park to spot majestic elephants, then head into the Hill Country to discover the process of Ceylon tea making from tea bush to teapot in Nuwara Eliya.
In 13 days, you can experience the highlights of five or six cities, like those of Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, Hiroshima, and Osaka, on a history-focused tour by train or swap out Hakone and add Nagoya and Kobe to discover modern and traditional Japan. Slow the pace down and eat sushi at Tsukiji Market, see Mount Fuji from Lake Kawaguchi, and pay your respects in Hiroshima. Alternatively, follow a pilgrimage trail on Shikoku Island to discover some of Japan's most prestigious temples.
Get away from the crowds and soak up Colombia's culture and nature on this 13-day itinerary. Start in the capital, Bogotá, where you'll visit the city's historic center and top cultural attractions. Stargaze in the Tatacoa Desert, tour a local coffee farm, and enjoy a horseback ride to famous archaeological sites in and around Saint Augstín. Embark on a challenging hike through Farallones de Cali National Park and finish the adventure with a visit to an artisanal winery.
Given Thailand's size, choose just one or two destinations for a six-day trip. First-timers can enjoy city sites and island vibes in Bangkok and Phuket or replace the beaches of Phuket with Northern Thai cuisine and ornate temples in Chiang Rai. History enthusiasts will appreciate a deep dive into Kanchanaburi and see sights like the bridge on the River Kwai. Sunseekers can indulge in island life for five nights on Ko Mak and Ko Kood, while couples can celebrate with romantic experiences on a honeymoon escape to Bangkok and Ko Lanta island.
Get a taste of Québec's food and culture on this compact five-day tour. Touchdown in Québec City, where you'll explore its UNESCO-listed Old Town and art galleries before day-tripping to the Ile d'Orléans, a mecca for history fans and food lovers. Enjoy a scenic train journey to Montréal to feast on Canadian cuisine, soak up fine art, and admire panoramic city views from Montréal's observation wheel.
Discover South Africa's beautiful landscapes and wild animals on this 11-day adventure. Begin in Cape Town and tour the city and surrounding peninsula. You'll have the chance to swim with sharks or go whale watching and visit wineries. Next, head to Kruger National Park for wildlife safaris, moving on to Johannesburg before enjoying a few relaxing days at Thonga Beach Lodge. There, you can see wild sea turtles laying their eggs, and scuba dive and snorkel in the Indian Ocean.
This 14-day family adventure takes you to some of Croatia's standout destinations, with a few off-the-beaten-track surprises along the way. Start on the island of Hvar to see the colorful caves of nearby Vis, kayak to the Pakleni Islands, and play on Zlatni Rat Beach. Then, it's off to Trogir for hiking through Plitvice Lakes National Park and rafting down the Cetina River. Climb the ancient walls of Dubrovnik, hop around the Elafiti Islands, and enjoy an authentic Croatian meal in the Konavle Valley.
Immerse yourself in Thai culture with this comprehensive 15-day tour. You'll discover everything from Bangkok street food to war history on the River Khwae and remote hill tribe villages. Tour the UNESCO-listed ruins of ancient Ayutthaya and Sukhothai, then continue north for jungles dotted with hot springs, hill-top temples, and caves. The adventure ends in the stupa-studded city of Chiang Mai.
Immerse your family in the many charms of Croatia with this 14-day tour. Start in the city of Zagreb with visits to historical museums and the vibrant energy of Dolac Market. Then, head to Rovinj, where you'll visit Roman ruins in nearby Pula and take a private boat to the Rovinj Archipelago for swimming and snorkeling. Enjoy the peaceful greenery and wildlife of Plitvice Lakes National Park, rent paddleboards on Zlatni Rat Beach, and tour historic Dubrovnik and the nearby Elafiti Islands.
Embark on a cycling odyssey through Sri Lanka that will take you to some of this island nation's most stunning locales. Over six days, you'll ride all over, from the highland heart of the country down to the lowland coasts. Along the way, you'll pass all manner of landmarks—both natural and man-made—which include forests, fishing villages, golden beaches, ancient temples, colonial fortresses, and more.
Colombia's dynamic cities and eclectic flavors are ready to be discovered on this 13-day tour by boat, air, car, and bicycle. Taste tropical fruits and inventive dishes from local chefs and see picturesque Monserrate Hill in Bogotá. Learn dance steps in Cali and join locals for buzzing nightlife at a Medellín fonda. Soak up the sun on the Rosario Islands and end your adventure cruising around the Caribbean shores of Cartagena.
Find a mix of thrills, beauty, and relaxation on this 15-day itinerary across several regions of Thailand. Start in the capital, Bangkok, for a taste of contemporary Thai culture before visiting ancient temples in Ayutthaya and learning about the infamous Death Railway near Kanchanaburi. Meet elephants, monks, and plenty of temples in Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai, and spend a few days relaxing and snorkeling off the white beaches of Phuket.
Spend five days in western Canada, starting in Vancouver, where you'll visit museums, historic landmarks, and trendy neighborhoods. Then, take the scenic Sea-to-Sky Highway to the picturesque village of Whistler. Hike, bike, ski, or take the Peak 2 Peak Gondola to enjoy the outdoors before returning to Vancouver and touring Victoria, the capital of British Columbia.
December may be winter in the Azores, but with mild temperatures in the high 50s (Fahrenheit) to low 60s and a mix of rainy and sunny days, it's a great time for active travelers to explore the lush landscapes of São Miguel and Terceira. Accommodation prices will be near their lowest, and trails and restaurants will be much quieter than in summer. Pack a swimsuit for the natural hot pools and some rain gear, and you'll find December is an excellent time for an authentic travel experience in the Azores.
November is the tail end of fall in the Azores and offers a mix of sunny days, spots of rain, and cooler nights. Nature enthusiasts will love hiking through the lush landscapes, while those looking for a relaxing vacation can head for the natural hot springs dotted across São Miguel. While less frequent, some days in early November are still warm enough to soak up the sun at the beach and enjoy a refreshing swim.
Cheaper accommodations and lingering summer temperatures make October a great time to visit. You can look forward to days in the mid to high 60s (Fahrenheit), with an occasional day of rain. Those looking for a relaxing vacation can spend their time between the beach and the hot springs, while nature enthusiasts will love hiking the lush forests and quiet coastal trails.
August is one of the most popular times to visit the Azores, and for good reason. With daytime highs around 78ºF (25ºC) and ocean temperatures warming up to 74ºF (23ºC), you can spend your days soaking up the sun at the beach and whale watching in calm ocean waters. Mornings are perfect for hikes through the lush jungle, while pleasant evenings are ideal for wandering the cobblestone streets of Ponta Delgada and Angra do Heroísmo.
July is the most popular and one of the best months to visit the Azores. Summer is in full swing, and temperatures range from the mid-60s (Fahrenheit) to the mid-70s. Top that with limited rainfall, light winds, and 14 hours of daylight, and you'll have plenty of time to hike, kayak, and swim your way around the islands. Accommodation prices will be higher than in winter, but as the Azores rarely get crowded, you can enjoy quiet beaches and empty trails if you head away from the main tourist spots.
Pleasant temperatures in the high 60s (Fahrenheit) and minimal days of rain make June a great time to visit the Azores for those looking to spend time at the beach and hiking. Ferries and planes will be on their frequent summer schedule, making it easy to island hop, and as the Azores rarely gets packed, you can still enjoy quiet beaches and empty trails.
With pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds than in July and August, September is one of the best times to visit the Azores. Sea temperatures are perfect for swimming and snorkeling, and calm oceans are ideal for spotting the last of the migrating whales passing through. Expect the occasional rain shower, but you can enjoy the lush landscapes the Azores are known for in return.
May is a great time to visit the Azores to take advantage of the quiet trails and warming temperatures. With the winter rains receding and the islands lush and green, you can enjoy plenty of sunny days ideal for hiking, whale watching, and island hopping. Accommodation prices will still be lower than in the busy summer months, except during Santo Cristo, when thousands of visitors arrive in Ponta Delgada to participate in a large festival and procession.
April marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring in the Azores, making it an ideal time to visit if you're looking to hike, whale watch, and soak in the hot springs. Expect a mix of sunny days in the 60s (Fahrenheit), with the occasional rain shower and cloudy day. Accommodation prices are still lower than in the busy summer months, and activities and businesses on the western islands of Flores and Corvo are beginning to open up.
With spring just around the corner and the winter rains easing, March is a beautiful time to visit the Azores. Pleasant temperatures are ideal for hiking, and cooler evenings are perfect for relaxing in São Miguel's natural hot springs. Wildlife lovers will have the chance to spot migrating whales and resident dolphins, and cheaper accommodations are great for budget-conscious travelers.
After the rains of January, February is a great month to hike the lush landscapes of the Azores and relax in scenic hot springs dotted around São Miguel Island. Temperatures hover in the high 50s (Fahrenheit), and as February is considered offseason, you'll find the trails and towns crowd-free. You'll want to be prepared for the occasional rain shower, but in return, you can take advantage of the cheaper accommodations and deserted beaches.
January is a great month to visit the Azores for nature enthusiasts and hearty adventurers. Towns and trails will be at their quietest, and once pricey accommodations can be yours for a fraction of the cost. Cooler temperatures are perfect for soaking in the picturesque hot springs on São Miguel and hiking Terceira's lush trails.
Embark on a guided six-day road trip through the most scenic areas of South Africa. This holiday may be brisk but it doesn't skimp on the adventure, as you'll enjoy the cultural highlights of Cape Town before hitting the road on the world-famous Garden Route. Capping this unforgettable journey are cave tours and wildlife safaris to spend time with African elephants in Addo National Park.
With 10 days in Croatia, you can explore the family-friendly beaches and enchanting Old Towns of the Dalmatian Coast on a highlights tour or opt for an island-hopping trip of Hvar, Korčula, and Vis that's perfect for older children and teens. If you're looking to spend your evenings in charming small towns while ticking off bucket list day trips to Dubrovnik and Plitvice Lakes National Park, a family adventure to Trogir, Stari Grad, and Cavtat will delight parents and children alike.
Spend 12 days exploring the best of Japan, including its most important cities. Start with a visit to Osaka's brightly-lit city center before exploring Kyoto's traditional historic neighborhoods and quiet temples. Learn about World War II history in Hiroshima, then hop on a plane to enjoy Okinawa's stunning beaches. End the trip in the exciting capital of Tokyo, one of the world's busiest and most futuristic cities.
In a week, you can cover three to five destinations, opting for an adventurous itinerary for the whole family that encompasses an ATV excursion in Split, a visit to Krka National Park, and a day at a local farm from Dubrovnik. Swap out city exploration for active tours such as sailing, kayaking, hiking, cycling, and swimming to and around Hvar Island. Families looking for a culture and history-focused trip will relish visiting one of Zagreb's many museums and exploring the Istrian Peninsula.
Get ready for a packed three-week adventure to some of the greatest locales in Africa. Your multi-country journey begins in Zimbabwe at Victoria Falls—the largest waterfall in the world—followed by camping in Botswana's Chobe National Park. Then enjoy the highlights of beautiful South Africa, including wine tours, scenic road trips, wildlife safaris, mountain biking, caving, hikes up Table Mountain, sunset boat cruises, and much more.
Get ready for three weeks of safaris and road trips throughout southern Africa. It begins in Namibia, where you'll hit the road on the famous Skeleton Coast, visit iconic red deserts, and enjoy game drives in Indigenous conservation areas. Next up is South Africa, where you'll tour Cape Town, walk with penguins on the beach, go on wine and food tours, and enjoy multiple safaris in the legendary Kruger National Park.
Over nearly two weeks, you'll enjoy the best southern Africa has to offer on this adventurous itinerary. It begins with wine tours and sunset cruises around the magnificent coast of Cape Town, after which you'll jet off to Victoria Falls, the largest waterfall in the world. Embark on safaris in Botswana's Chobe National Park and the Okavango Delta wetlands, then wrap up the trip with more wildlife adventures in South Africa's Kruger National Park.
The shoulder seasons of late spring (April to May) and early fall (September) are the best times to visit Albania and enjoy outdoor activities, the Albanian Riviera, and archaeological sites. The weather is pleasant, and you'll avoid the summer holiday rush as well as the scorching summer heat and cold winter weather. Albania also hosts various cultural, music, and culinary events from spring through fall, making it a festive time to visit.
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