Madrid is a city that lends itself to any budget, providing plenty of genuinely incredible hotels in the standard category. One thing will love about these hotels is that they preserve the city's amazing history. In fact, one of the best historical standard hotels in Madrid is over 400 years old. Plus, you'll find our picks throughout the city center, so you'll be within walking distance of nearly all the sites.
In just five days, you can still explore the best of south, north, central, and coastal Wales. For a more well-rounded Welsh tour, you can visit up to four destinations, while a more focused vacation allows for time in two areas. Choose between cultural exploration and castle visits from Cardiff to Caernarfon or hiking and good eats from the Brecon Beacons to the Pembrokeshire Coast. There's even time to cross into England for beer tastings and culinary tours.
This trip covers the best of Wales from the south, central, and north destinations. Begin by exploring a historic abbey before discovering the Brecon Beacons. Then, get acquainted with the fantastic castles in Central Wales. Next, tour the northern coast, ride an iconic railway, and visit a Middle Age castle before discovering the history of Conwy and ending with a toast at a craft beer experience in Chester, England.
This quick-yet-eventful trip takes you from the south to the north coast of Wales, with a delicious ending in England. Start with a culinary and cultural tour in Cardiff and stop in quaint Hay-on-Wye before discovering the stunning Brecon Beacons. Take a wildlife tour of the Gower Coast, a ghost walk in Tenby, visit Caldey Island, and get to know Italian-inspired Portmeirion. Next, tour the famed Caernarfon Castle, take the Llangollen Railway, and land in Manchester, England, for two craft beer and food tour experiences.
Hike through the stunning Pembrokeshire Coast for a beautiful, off-the-beaten-path view of Wales, where you'll spend the first few days anchored in Fishguard. Explore the coastal town and hike to see the fantastic vistas of Dinas Island and the curved beach of Pwll Gylog. Next, trek through the volcanic landscape of Pwll Deri, and visit the port town of Goodwick before hiking around cliffs in Trefin and the coastal plateau of Whitesands. Finally, land in St Davids for a last hike to Solva and a boat trip.
This 12-day exploration of the heart of Mexico will take you to its most historic locales. This includes stops at the 16th-century cities of Morelia and Querétaro, where you'll enjoy horseback riding through the rugged Guanajuato mountains. Then immerse yourself in the region's culture with visits to indigenous workshops, tours of coffee plantations, and outings to the most incredible sights in Puebla and Oaxaca.
Mix vibrant cities, stunning landscapes, and a dash of gastronomy for the ultimate 11-day Portuguese adventure. From the cobblestone alleys of Porto to the golden beaches of the Algarve, you'll wind your way south with an itinerary full of curated excursions. Sip world-class wines in the Douro Valley, browse the Baroque library of Coimbra, experience live fado music in Lisbon, and admire 2,000-year-old Roman ruins in Évora.
From touring ancient castles to sampling local whisky to walking along serene beaches, there's plenty to do on a five-day trip to Scotland. You can keep things basic with a three-stop tour that takes you from the beautiful city of Edinburgh to the mountainous region of Glencoe. Or, make the most of your stay by visiting five destinations, including the Highland capital of Inverness and the coastal village of John O'Groats.
This 5-day tour of Scotland is designed for history and whisky enthusiasts. Begin with a private walking tour in Edinburgh. Next, a driver accompanies you to the Highlands to enjoy your first toast at Dalwhinnie Distillery and a tour of the renowned Culloden Battlefield, followed by more distillery stops in Dufftown. Then, embark on the Skye & Raasay Whisky Trail—accompanied by stunning scenery—a beautiful architecture tour of Glasgow, and a final historical stop in Bannockburn.
This five-day road trip through scenic Scotland gives you a great taste of the highlights. Begin in Edinburgh to do some sightseeing between Old Town and New Town before heading into Stirling and the Highlands to visit plenty of small towns, castles, abbeys, and historic sites. Then, head to Inverness, home of Loch Ness, and board the Jacobite Train—popularly known as the "Hogwarts Express." The grand finale is a visit to the majestic Glen Coe mountains.
Ten days in Scotland is a great amount of time to delve into the country's diverse beauty and deep history. Opt for a fast-paced self-drive tour and explore the dramatic Isle of Skye and the bustling cities of Edinburgh and Glasgow on a highlights tour. Or, embrace serene landscapes as you island-hop through Oban, Mull, and Skye. Leisurely travelers will love exploring by train, while those eager to see it all can whizz around on an itinerary featuring the North Coast 500.
Take a scenic, 10-day journey through Scotland by train. Begin with two days of sightseeing in Glasgow before boarding your first train to the Highlands. Stop in Stirling en route to Inverness, home to Culloden Battlefield, Urquhart Castle, and the famed Loch Ness. Then, it's on to the stunning Isle of Skye to take in the dramatic coastline and mountain scenery. Finally, board the Jacobite Train to reach Edinburgh to experience the best of the Scottish capital city.
This eventful 10-day trip through Scotland invites you to experience it all! Start in Edinburgh to sightsee and take a delicious local food tour before heading to Aberdeen to explore Dundee and visit a historic golf course in St Andrews. Next, spend time in Inverness and the Isle of Skye, visiting historic sites, distilleries, and castles. Then, transfer to Glencoe to walk the beautiful scenery, cruise around Loch Katrine in a famed steamship, and embark on a memorable architecture tour in Glasgow.
A two-week trip to England transports you back in time, putting you in touch with the country's rich history and culture. With 14 days to explore, you can travel at a quicker pace to approximately six destinations—like London, Oxford, the Cotswolds, and the Lake District. Or, you can move slower to visit fewer places and spend more quality time in cities like Liverpool and Manchester. Plus, thanks to their proximity, you can cross into Wales or France if you'd like to make the most out of your Eurotrip.
This action-packed, two-week tour spans from England to France. Start by enjoying the best of London—from Buckingham Palace to high tea to a private tour of the Tower of London—along with day trips to the southeast coast and countryside. Then, head to Paris to explore the Eiffel Tower at night, cruise the Seine, and have a Euro-Disney adventure. Finally, end the trip in Lyon with a tour of the city center, delicious Lyonnaise eats, and a visit to the Beaujolais wine region for a farewell toast.
This two-week outdoor adventure takes you from England to Wales and back to England. Begin with sightseeing tours in London and Oxford before spending three days discovering the charming Cotswolds by car, bike, and horse. Then, venture into Wales to visit the stunning castles and northern coastline. Return to England's Ambleside for scenic adventures in the Lake District before visiting Cambridge for punting and an excavation tour.
This two-week tour of England has it all: big-city highlights, countryside tours, and small-town sights. The first leg takes you to famed London, followed by stops in historic Oxford and Shakespeare's Stratford-upon-Avon. Next, stroll the charming Cotswolds, Regency-era Bath, and the "second city" of Birmingham. Finally, head to The Beatles' hometown of Liverpool and foodie-centric Manchester, along with visits to quaint Chester, the beautiful Lake District, and cathedral-laced York.
Portugal's gastronomy and history intertwine on this lively 11-day itinerary. A series of guided excursions and private transfers will start you off—from wine tasting in the Douro Valley to cruising the canals of Aveiro and exploring Porto by vintage car. Then it's time to switch to a rental car and head south toward the Algarve, where you'll explore spectacular beaches and charming villages at your own pace.
Three weeks in Spain gives you enough time to see the main highlights of several regions and dive deeper into the regional culture. Hop the high-speed trains to hit the main cities, such as Barcelona, Madrid, Seville, and Granada plan your trip around food and wine as you explore the regional culinary scene; or combine the top venues and experiences of Spain and Portugal. Read on for unique itineraries spanning the best of the Iberian Peninsula.
Get to know the real Portugal on this immersive 11-day itinerary that blends culture, cuisine, and coastline. Savor world-class food and wine in Porto, then head south to discover Lisbon's authentic neighborhoods and traditional music. After a busy week of day trips and excursions, you'll trade the city for the coast and settle into a slower pace of life on the golden beaches of the Algarve.
With two weeks in Cambodia, travelers have a wealth of options. Go on a classic tour of the highlights, such as Angkor, Phnom Penh, Botum Sakor National Park, and Kon Rong, or opt for an active rural adventure with cycling, kayaking, and exploration by tuk-tuk. Travelers keen to compare Cambodia and Laos can enjoy a journey that begins in Luang Prabang and ends in Angkor. And those with a social conscience can opt for a "feel good" adventure spanning community arts projects to an elephant care center.
This 14-day overland adventure explores the highlights of two distinct countries, from the ethnic villages, spectacular waterfalls, and bucolic "4,000 Islands" of the Mekong River in Laos to Cambodia's "floating villages" and the great temple complex of Angkor. You'll explore these wonders by riverboat, bicycle, and tuk-tuk, all the while immersing yourself in these countries' ancient and colorful cultures.
Contribute to the betterment of Cambodian society on this feel-good 14-day active adventure that engages you with community projects, from an art school in Phnom Penh and an elephant-care project to restaurants that train young disadvantaged Cambodians for brighter futures. Along the way, you'll hike to waterfalls in the mountains, cycle to countryside villages, explore Angkor's temples by tuk-tuk, and visit the "floating villages" of Tonlé Sap Lake by boat.
Combining equal parts history, culture, and gastronomy, this nine-day itinerary is the perfect introduction to Portugal. Start in the captivating city of Évora before moving on to Porto and Lisbon—discovering the plentiful highlights and hidden corners in between. Marvel at the ancient ruins of Templo Romano, refine your palate with a day of wine tasting in the Douro Valley, get lost in the medieval walls of Óbidos, and save room for an unforgettable food tour through Lisbon's most authentic neighborhoods.
This 10-day itinerary is ideal for travelers seeking the splendor of Cambodian history, wildlife, and culture. Exploring by pedicab, you'll begin in Phnom Penh for the Royal Palace and National Museum before kayaking the Mekong River in search of Irrawaddy dolphins, then visiting the "floating villages" of Tonlé Sap Lake by boat. Finish your adventure in Siem Reap as you explore the magnificent temples of Angkor by tuk-tuk, accompanied by a local expert.
This itinerary covers a wide range of must-see places and unique excursions for an authentic taste of Cambodian history and culture. Over 10 days, you'll marvel at exploring Angkor's temples before visiting Tonlé Sap Lake's "floating villages" and spending two nights in Phnom Penh. From here, bicycle the countryside, explore the seafood markets around Kampot, and head to the seaside resort of Kep, where you'll complete the adventure.
With 10 days to explore Cambodia, you can combine several distinct locations. For example, opt for an itinerary that combines roaming Angkor's root-riddled ruins, boating Tonlé Sap Lake's "floating villages," and kayaking the Mekong in search of dolphins. Or explore Angkor's temples plus the Royal Palace and National Museum of Phnom Penh, cycle the countryside around Kampot, and relax on Rabbit Island. Then, there's an itinerary that combines some of the above with time spent among Asian elephants in the cool highlands.
Experience many of the quintessential highlights of Angkor and eastern Cambodia, from the temples of Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom to the floating villages of Tonlé Sap, the wild elephants of Mondulkiri, and the endangered freshwater dolphins of the Mekong River. Along with a mix of outdoor activities and cultural tours, you'll visit a silk farm, Cham and Phnong indigenous villages, plus pepper and coffee plantations for a well-rounded and fulfilling adventure to remember.
This 9-day itinerary combines the culture and cuisine of Portugal's two largest cities with the rural countryside and golden beaches of the Algarve. Immerse yourself in Porto's thriving gastronomy scene with a food tour and cooking class, then head into the vineyards of the Douro Valley for a day of wine tasting and river cruising. Transfer south to Lisbon to tour the capital's streets by tuk-tuk, then continue to the Algarve to hike coastal trails and explore hidden beaches by catamaran.
Seven days in Scotland gives you ample time to see its historic cities, breathtaking mountains, magnificent castles, and stunning coastlines. How you spend your week depends on just how adventurous you want to be. You can visit three to four destinations from Edinburgh into the Highlands or take an active trip to two natural areas like Cairngorms or Craignure.
Madrid is a city filled with a fascinating and varied history. To make your travels into Spain's past a bit more unique, you can stay at one of Madrid's historic hotels. We love this lodging category because you'll find several options for mid-range budgets while still getting those unique perks, like historical buildings, boutique properties, on-site eateries, and outdoor pools.
If you want to elevate your trip to Spain, Madrid is an excellent city for luxury, 5-star hotels with a unique history. Many of the best historic luxury hotels in Madrid are full of stories from the past and offer perks like elegant rooftop terraces, on-site gourmet restaurants, and full-service spas. We also love our picks because they're all walkable to nearly all the main sites, with many of them either on the Gran Vía or just steps away from the city's famous boulevard.
Independent adventurers will love this nine-day itinerary that takes you off the beaten path to discover Portugal's unspoiled countryside and medieval villages. After getting to know the colorful capital of Lisbon, you'll hit the road and head north—winding through the sweeping Alentejo and its whitewashed hilltop towns. Continue through the lush wine country of the Douro Valley, then end your journey in Porto, where you'll tour the city on foot and toast your travels with a tasting of its famous port wine.
Twelve days of ancient temples, mountain tea estates, and tropical beaches await on this luxurious Sri Lankan escape. Sit back as your private driver whisks you through the island's natural wonders and historical monuments in style, from the Cultural Triangle to the Hill Country and on to the wildlife haven of Yala National Park. End your trip with a Champagne toast and some blissful free time on the palm-fringed beaches of Tangalle.
Madrid is a city full of fascinating history, and many hotels maintain glimpses of its past. What makes the best historical hotels in Madrid so great is the location in the city's core, meaning you'll be within walking distance of nearly all the historical sites, like Plaza Mayor, Gran Vía, Puerta del Sol, and the charming Literary Quarter with its traditional taverns.
With an impressive skyline mixing old and new, a rooftop terrace in Madrid allows you to view the city's history from above. Some of the best rooftop hotels in Madrid offer those incredible views with a few other perks, such as bars, lounges, sundecks, events, and even swimming pools.
One week in Cambodia is enough time to explore Angkor or Phnom Penh, plus the highlights of one other region. Cycling enthusiasts can explore the Angkor temples, ricefields, and villages around Battambang by bicycle. Nature lovers can look for wildlife while hiking and kayaking in Botum Sakor and Cardomom national parks. Or combine Phnom Penh with Battambang, the Angkor temples, and the floating villages of Tonlé Sap Lake for a more-rounded itinerary.
Perfect for active travelers who enjoy cycling, this 7-day tour of Cambodia winds at an easy pace past the most majestic temples of Angkor and through the rice fields and idyllic countryside around Battambang. You'll learn about local culture and lifestyle, savor traditional Khmer cooking, and enjoy a performance of ancient Apsara dancing.
This 13-day adventure covers the highlights of two of southern Mexico's most historic and naturally beautiful states: Chiapas & Yucatán. In the former, you'll tour natural wonders like Sumidero Canyon and the Agua Azul waterfalls. In the latter, you'll visit its most famous archeological sites, like Palenque and Uxmal, while also enjoying the white-sand beaches of Holbox Island and Playa del Carmen.
The Caribbean side of Mexico isn't known as the western Riviera for nothing—this stunning section of coast is lined with white-sand beaches home to towering hotels overlooking turquoise waters. More than that, it's filled with ancient Maya ruins, fairy-tale cenotes, and unspoiled nature reserves. You'll see all this and more as you spend 13 days on a self-drive tour around the region's natural highlights and resort towns—from Tulum to Playa del Carmen to Holbox Island.
Over 13 days, you'll visit some of Mexico's most naturally beautiful and culturally rich areas. Experience the food, culture, and history of Mexico City, hike the pyramids of Teotihuacán, then immerse yourself in indigenous culture on the Yucatán Peninsula. You'll also go off the tourist trail in Baja, California, with a boat tour of Isla Espíritu Santo, hikes through desert mountains, and snorkeling at Cabo Pulmo.
A great thing about Mexico is that its cultural highlights also make for some of the most fun activities. You'll experience many such adventures over 13 days as you tour the historic center of Mexico City, hike the pyramids of Teotihuacán, and visit colorful neighborhoods like Xochimilco. Then you're off to the famous Yucatán Peninsula to tour the ruins of ancient Maya cities, participate in indigenous cultural exchanges, and enjoy beach time on the Caribbean coast and the Holbox Island.
In 13 days, you can enjoy a packed itinerary that includes in-depth explorations of two or even three regions in Mexico. Enjoy the history, food, and Aztec ruins of Mexico City, then discover the wonders of Chiapas, like its cascading waterfalls, majestic river canyons, and highland colonial towns. Even after all that, you'll still have time to explore the length and breadth of the mythical Yucatán Peninsula, as rich in ancient Maya ruins as it is abundant in postcard Caribbean beaches.
You can cover some serious ground with two weeks in Indonesia, exploring up to three different islands, or basing yourself on one or two islands for more in-depth cultural, historical, and culinary experiences. For example, explore the wilds of Kalimantan and the Derawan Islands or pair Java and Bali for a smaller radius. From experiencing ancient village traditions and hiking the jungles of Sulawesi to honeymooning in Bali—your options are plentiful.
With 15 days in Morocco, you'll have time to see many different regions and get an authentic taste of what the country offers. Explore Morocco's four imperial cities, relax in a "hammam" (traditional bath), or ride a camel through the Sahara Desert. There's also the opportunity for trekking in the Atlas mountains, hot air balloon rides, and visits to historic sites. Travelers who'd prefer to cool off by the beach can skip the desert and opt for an alternative route along the Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts.
Explore the wilds of southern Cambodia on this week-long active itinerary. With boat trips, stand-up paddleboarding, hiking, and kayaking galore, you'll experience the best of culture and nature. Start from Phnom Penh and visit the Phnom Da temple, a pepper farm, plus wildlife-rich Botum Sakor National Park and Cardamom National Park.
Exploring by bicycle, boat, and "bamboo train" are a few of the ways you'll experience the enchantment of Cambodia on this week-long adventure focusing on history, architecture, culture, and cuisine. Start in Phnom Penh, with the markets, "killing fields," and a sunset Mekong River cruise. Then head to Tonlé Sap Lake and Battambang for insights into local life. Finish with two nights in Siem Reap, where you’ll explore the Angkor temples and watch the sunrise over Angkor Wat.
To make the most of a five-day trip to Cambodia, it's best to focus on one city or region—you'll save time and avoid spreading yourself too thin. On these three unique itineraries focused on Siem Reap and the Angkor UNESCO World Heritage Site, you'll be pleasantly surprised by how diverse the sights and activities can be as you cycle past ancient temples, plant rice with local farmers, and kayak among the floating villages of Tonlé Sap lake.
This 5-day itinerary is the perfect introduction to Siem Reap—the gateway to the world-famous Angkor UNESCO World Heritage Site. The lively city will be your base for excursions to Angkor by "remork" and bicycle, and into the countryside to live like a local for a day. Plus, you'll get to meet Cambodia's landmine-sniffing HeroRATS and witness an exciting Cambodian circus.
This relaxed yet active 5-day itinerary explores the area around Angkor and Siem Reap. Basing yourself in Siem Reap for four nights, you'll experience the many fascinating Hindu and Buddhist temples of Angkor Wat and neighboring temple complexes by "remork" and bicycle. Then take to the waters of Tonlé Sap lake and kayak the wetlands to visit the floating villages and spot some of this biosphere reserve's many colorful bird species.
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