510 Travel Feed

Sandals Jamaica Reopening

Fri, 19 Jun 26 09:54:44 +0000

Greece & Its Islands featuring Classical Greece, Mykonos & Santorini

Fri, 19 Jun 26 04:00:09 +0000

MUST-SEE INCLUSIONS

Explore the grandeur of Olympia, birthplace of the Olympic Games.
Explore Mykonos, the whitewashed jewel of the Cyclades Islands, at your leisure.
Join a local expert to explore Athens and its famed sites.

CULINARY INCLUSIONS

Partake in a private Mediterranean cooking experience followed by a traditional Greek lunch.
Sample the finest wines in Greece with a winery tour and light lunch in Santorini.
Taste olive oil and homemade jams at a local farm in the Peloponnese countryside.

CULTURAL EXPERIENCES

Come to know two breathtaking Byzantine monasteries in Metéora, built over 600 years ago.
Broaden your knowledge of traditional Greek music with an exclusive Greek dance class.
Experience the Delphi Museum with its priceless collection of ancient artifacts.

HOTELS

INCLUDED

Stay:

16 Days
15 Nights

Meals:

14 Breakfasts
3 Lunches
8 Dinners

Shrines of France

Fri, 19 Jun 26 04:00:09 +0000

HOTELS

INCLUDED

Stay:

10 Days
9 Nights

Meals:

8 Breakfasts
Lunches
5 Dinners

Shrines of Ireland

Wed, 17 Jun 26 04:00:17 +0000

MUST-SEE INCLUSIONS

Jump into Ireland’s vibrant capital city, Dublin.
Visit legendary Blarney Castle and kiss the Blarney Stone.

CULTURAL EXPERIENCES

Experience Slea Head Drive, one of the world’s great coastal roads.

HOTELS

INCLUDED

Stay:

10 Days
9 Nights

Meals:

8 Breakfasts
Lunches
6 Dinners

Europe Without the Lines, the Crowds, or the Chaos

Mon, 15 Jun 26 20:38:15 +0000

Europe, Before Everyone Else Remembers

There’s a version of Europe most travelers never meet—not because it’s hidden, but because they go at the wrong time. By the time summer arrives, it’s already disappeared into crowds, noise, and the quiet competition of too many people chasing the same moments.

But just outside that window, something shifts. The same cities feel calmer, more personal, almost as if they’ve exhaled. You still get the landmarks, the history, the atmosphere—but without having to work for it.

And that changes everything.

A Different Pace, A Different Experience

In peak season, Europe moves quickly. Days are structured around reservations, timing, and navigating crowds. It’s exciting, but it’s also demanding.

Off-season travel softens that edge. You can walk into places instead of waiting your turn. You can sit a little longer, wander a little farther, and let the day unfold without constantly checking the time.

It’s not that there’s less to do. It’s that you finally have the space to do it well.

What You Start to Notice

When you’re not rushing, your attention shifts.

You notice the quiet of a morning street before it fills. The rhythm of a neighborhood that isn’t performing for visitors. The kind of moments that don’t make itineraries, but stay with you long after the trip ends.

You stop thinking in highlights and start experiencing places as they are—layered, lived-in, and far more interesting than what fits into a checklist.

Why Timing Quietly Changes Everything

Ask anyone where to go in Europe, and you’ll get endless suggestions. Ask when to go, and the conversation becomes more meaningful.

Because timing reshapes the entire experience.

The same café feels different when you’re not waiting. The same street feels different when it’s not crowded. Even the pace of your own day begins to shift when you’re not adjusting to demand at every step.

It’s a subtle change—until you realize how much more of the destination you’re actually taking in.

The Version Most People Miss

Most travelers don’t choose when they go—they choose when they can go. School calendars, work schedules, привычная travel seasons.

And that’s how this version of Europe gets overlooked.

Not because it isn’t worth experiencing, but because it sits just outside the obvious window. Quietly better, without demanding attention.

Once you’ve seen it this way, though, it’s hard to go back.

Start the Conversation

The best trips don’t begin with booking dates or destinations. They begin with a different question entirely: what kind of experience do you actually want?

Let your travel expert unlock the Europe trip you didn’t know you needed.

Because sometimes the biggest shift isn’t where you go—but choosing to go when everything finally feels just right.

The Cruise Line Breeding “Super Coral” and Other Good News for World Oceans Day

Mon, 15 Jun 26 18:53:04 +0000

The private island for Explora Journeys and MSC Cruises, MSC Ocean Cay Marine Reserve, is at the forefront of a cruise-industry-wide drive to support and sustain the world’s oceans. World Oceans Day is the perfect time to share some of those stories as we reflect that nearly three-quarters of our Earth is covered in oceans. Whether you live on one of the world’s coastlines or cruise, oceans affect us all.

The water dominating the surface of our “Blue Planet,” helps regulate the entire world’s climate and weather by absorbing heat and storing carbon dioxide.

Did you know oceans produce half of the oxygen we breathe, through microscopic marine plants - phytoplankton? The heat and movement of oceans also affect weather patterns, rainfall, and temperatures that affect farming and freshwater supplies far beyond coastal regions.

As a cruise lover, I’m proud that cruising stands up for oceans and our Blue Planet.

The cruise industry has a collective goal of net-zero emissions by 2050. According to the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), every new generation of cruise ship is 20% more energy-efficient than the previous class of ships. So new cruise ships are about more than new design, dining, and entertainment experiences!

If, like me, the more you cruise, the more you fall in love with and want to protect the oceans.

On World Oceans Day, we can learn more about how cruise lines are being part of the solution, the projects they are supporting and spearheading - some of which you, as a cruise guest, can participate in! - and what we as individuals can do to make a difference.

MSC Cruises / Explora Journeys / MSC Foundation

Super Coral Program – Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, Bahamas

WATCH VIDEO ABOVE: Meet the marine biologist helping develop ‘Super Coral.’

The Super Coral Program is one of the cruise industry's most ambitious coral-restoration initiatives. Scientists are identifying and propagating heat-resistant strains of endangered coral to help reefs survive warming oceans. Guests visiting Ocean Cay can see coral nurseries and learn about ongoing restoration efforts.

Mission Blue Partnership

The Mission Blue Partnership is a multi-year collaboration supporting marine protected areas ("Hope Spots"), ocean literacy programs and seagrass restoration projects in the Mediterranean.

“Oceans Day powered by MSC Foundation.”

To celebrate World Oceans Day this year, it has launched “Oceans Day powered by MSC Foundation.” It’s a new onboard program for children and families combining learning, creativity and participation and helping nurture the next generation of ocean ambassadors.

The onboard program is designed around three pillars – celebrating the ocean on every cruise, placing children and families at the center of the experience, and fostering ocean literacy. It draws on the MSC Foundation’s years of collaboration with conservation and education partners, combining lessons from its restoration work at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve in The Bahamas with the expertise of organizations such as Mission Blue and Marevivo to create immersive experiences.

Viking Expeditions

Science Lab Program

Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris were designed as working research vessels with onboard wet and dry laboratories. Scientists sail alongside guests conducting research in polar regions, the Great Lakes and other sensitive ecosystems.

Genomics at Sea Program (GASP)

In partnership with the Scripps Institution of Oceanography and the J. Craig Venter Institute, Viking supports onboard environmental DNA (eDNA) sequencing to study marine biodiversity and monitor ecosystem health through its Genomics at Sea Program.

Fjord Phyto Citizen Science Program

Guests help collect phytoplankton samples for NASA-supported research. Phytoplankton produce roughly half of Earth's oxygen and are critical indicators of ocean health.

Great Lakes Research Partnerships

Viking's expedition ships support freshwater science, biodiversity monitoring and water-quality research throughout the Great Lakes—an important reminder that protecting waterways extends far beyond oceans.

WATCH VIDEO: Highlights of a Great Lakes Cruise on Viking with Scientists and Guest-included Research

HX (formerly Hurtigruten Expeditions)

Citizen Science Program

Widely considered the gold standard in expedition cruise citizen science. Guests can participate in collecting water samples, recording wildlife sightings, monitoring marine debris and supporting climate research.

HX Foundation

Supports projects focused on marine biodiversity, plastic pollution reduction, conservation education and community initiatives in destinations visited by expedition ships.

Ponant

Ponant Science Foundation

Funds scientific research and biodiversity studies and brings researchers on board the fleet in remote marine environments including Antarctica, the Arctic and Pacific islands.

Ponant and the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) recently unveiled new initiatives to protect polar environments. Their enhanced partnership introduces:

The Polar Ocean Image Collection: A collaboration with WHOI and The Ocean Agency, this open-access bank provides non-commercial, media-quality images to scientists, educators, and journalists to raise awareness about rapidly changing cryospheric regions.
AI-enabled Whale Spotter Cameras and autonomous sensors on board ships to study remote sea ice and protect marine wildlife from vessel strikes.

Adelie Penguins, Antarctica image: Alexandre Herbrecht, Studio PONANT / Ocean Image Bank

Royal Caribbean Group

WWF Global Ocean Conservation Partnership

Royal Caribbean Group, the parent company of Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises and Silversea, has a partnership with the renowned World Wildlife Fund supporting sustainable tourism, destination stewardship, responsible seafood sourcing, ocean conservation projects and environmental education.

World Wildlife at Sea

An onboard ocean education program, developed with WWF, helps guests better understand marine ecosystems and conservation challenges.

Celebrity Cruises

Galápagos Conservation Projects

Celebrity's Galápagos operations support a variety of conservation initiatives in partnership with the local community and the Galápagos National Park. Efforts have included giant tortoise restoration, invasive species management and habitat protection.

Cunard

ORCA Marine Mammal Monitoring Program

Passengers and trained volunteers help collect whale, dolphin and porpoise sighting data for the UK marine conservation charity ORCA. Decades of observations have contributed to marine mammal research and protection efforts.

Lindblad Expeditions/ Nat Geo

National Geographic-Lindblad Conservation Fund

Supports marine conservation, scientific research and habitat protection in destinations including Antarctica, Alaska and the Galápagos.

Research and Scientist-in-Residence Programs

Scientists frequently travel aboard Lindblad ships, conducting field research and engaging guests in ongoing conservation projects.

Grosvenor Teacher Fellowship

This program gives pre-K–12 educators the opportunity to sail on board ships to participate in field-based exploration, providing a transformative, real-world experience that teachers can bring back to their classrooms, schools, and communities, improving geographic literacy and awareness.

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings

Coral Reef and Mangrove Restoration Projects

Through destination partnerships and sustainability programs, Norwegian's brands—including Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises—have participated in coral reef, mangrove and coastal restoration initiatives in destinations throughout the Caribbean and elsewhere.

Cruise travel is a choice and a privilege, and we hope cruise travelers will support cruise lines and projects that make a difference to preserve, sustain, and protect the vast oceans that inspire us to travel and sustain the planet.

START YOUR CRUISE TRIP!

Videos and story: Lynn Elmhirst, cruise/ travel journalist

Images courtesy of respective cruise lines or as noted

Scotland's Greatest Summer Spectacle: The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

Mon, 15 Jun 26 18:50:02 +0000

Every August, something remarkable happens on the esplanade of Edinburgh Castle. The ancient fortress, perched atop the craggy remnants of a volcano in the center of Scotland’s capital city, becomes the backdrop for one of the world's most moving and evocative live performances: the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.

Not ‘That’ Kind of Tattoo

Don’t let the name fool you. There’s no ink involved! The word "tattoo" comes from a 17th-century Dutch military phrase “doe den tap toe,” meaning "turn off the taps"—a specific theme played by drummers in towns near barracks, signalling bartenders to stop serving and soldiers to abide by curfew. Scottish mercenaries took the term home, morphing it into referring tomilitary evening ceremonies with displays of music, marching, and pageantry of massed bands of bagpipes and drums played by Scots in full Highland military regalia.

Edinburgh turned the historic tradition of tattoos into an international phenomenon and spectacle that still today takes your breath away – and transports you to ancient Highland Scots culture.

I’ve always been moved by bagpipes and loved how the sight of a kilt or tartan reminded me of my Scottish ancestry.

But you don’t need even one drop of Scottish blood in your family tree to be pulled into another time, life and place at the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.

Goosebumps

It’s the setting as much as the pipes and drums.

As the sun sets over Scotland's capital, the floodlit walls of Edinburgh Castle tower above tiered grandstands on the castle’s ramped esplanade, built specifically for the event. Massive torches flicker in the wind.

The castle isn't merely a backdrop; it's a character in the show, and a virtual time machine for everyone in attendance. Pipes echo off the stone ramparts, and kilts snap around knees. If you know your tartans, in your head, you start naming the clans and regiments represented.

Precision Scottish military bands aren’t the only ones marching across the parade ground. Every year, dancers, drummers, singers, and cultural performers from around the world are invited to Edinburgh to complement Scottish culture with dramatic international color. Think equestrian regiments from North Africa galloping in formation. Or precision rifle drill teams from elite American military units.

Alongside storied projection mapping, lighting effects, lasers, and fireworks that add contemporary showmanship without diminishing the Tattoo’s historic roots.

And just when you think there’s nothing more majestic than massed pipes and drums making the earth vibrate under your feet ….

The Tattoo draws to an end with a lone piper appearing on the battlements next to a single torch that extinguishes as the last note fades into the wind and the hair on the back of your neck rises.

Tattoo Tips for Travelers

The three-week Tattoo is perfectly timed for summer visitors to Scotland. It takes place during Edinburgh's famed August festival season, sharing the city with the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the Edinburgh International Festival, and a host of other cultural events.

By day, explore the medieval Old Town, Georgian New Town, museums, whisky bars, and literary landmarks. By night, join thousands of spectators climbing Castle Hill for the Tattoo.

Travel tips:

Book early. The best seats often sell months in advance. We were lucky to be cruising in Scotland, and the Tattoo was an included shore experience with VIP seating, so our seats had already been secured. A cruise line or a tour operator books blocks of often the best seats in advance; another reason to let someone else take care of your travel details!
Dress for Scottish weather, which can change dramatically even during a single performance! The Tattoo is famously a rain-or-shine event.

In a world overflowing with festivals, the Edinburgh Tattoo remains genuinely unique. Part concert, part military tradition, part deeply meaningful Scottish cultural touchstone, and part theatrical spectacle, it is one of those rare travel experiences that moves you to the point of goosebumps and remains at the top of your memory for years to come.

START YOUR TRIP!

Images: Lynn Elmhirst, cruise/ travel journalist

The Natural Thrills of Costa Rica

Mon, 15 Jun 26 18:49:22 +0000

If you want the focus of your vacation to be an authentic immersion into raw nature, put Costa Rica on your list of outdoor adventure destinations. This Central American country is one of the most biodiverse countries on Earth. In a territory roughly the size of the state of Vermont, it contains nearly 6% of the world’s known species!

Even more amazing is that over 25% of Costa Rica – from its cloud forests and rainforests to volcanoes, mangroves, and coastlines on both the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea – is protected through a network of national parks, wildlife refuges, and conservation areas. A global model for conservation and sustainable tourism through decades of early vision and environmental leadership, including large-scale reforestation and ecotourism initiatives.

Embrace Your Wild Side

Immerse yourself in nature and push your physical limits in adrenaline-fueled expeditions like these:

White Water Rafting on the Pacuare River:

Often ranked among the world’s best rafting rivers, the Pacuare delivers 18 miles of heart-pounding rapids (Class III–IV) in just one day, through a lush, untouched rainforest. Also, with 52 rapids in a single day trip and sights like the towering Huacas waterfall, this is an unforgettable ride packed with natural beauty and pure excitement.

Catching Waves:

Witch’s Rock, located in Santa Rosa National Park, is famous for its powerful A-frame wave that breaks both left and right. Best accessed by boat, this remote surf spot offers consistent conditions, especially when southwest swells meet northeast winds. For those chasing one of the longest left-hand breaks in the world, Pavones is also a must. Tucked along the southern Pacific coast, it delivers legendary rides during Green Season swells.

Mountain Biking:

Explore the rugged beauty of Arenal’s rainforest on two wheels through trails deep within the jungle, zooming through farmlands, river crossings, and mud roads, while even getting to witness epic volcano views and the beautiful Lake Arenal. Whether you're up for short slope casual riding or tackling Arenal 1968's high-intensity downhill tracks with dramatic curves, this region offers challenging terrain and excitement.

Volcano and Cave Exploration:

Costa Rica's most active volcanic region offers a different kind of adrenaline. Hike through steaming fumaroles, bubbling mud pots, and volcanic landscapes before descending into lesser-known lava tube formations and caves created by past eruptions. The terrain combines geology, wildlife, and adventure, with opportunities for rugged backcountry trekking far from the country's more visited attractions.

Extreme Canyoning:

Canyoneering just outside La Fortuna is a full-body adventure through Costa Rica’s wild rainforest terrain. Rappel down waterfalls up to 200 feet in height, scramble up and down rocky cliffs, and leap into pristine deep canyon pools—some cliffs from as high as 40 feet. Prepare for a packed itinerary full of adrenaline-fueled experiences that blend challenges with panoramic scenic views.

Sea Kayaking and Bioluminescence Paddling:

For an adventure that unfolds after dark, paddle through mangrove channels and protected coastal waters in the Gulf of Nicoya, where microscopic organisms create glowing blue trails in the water with every stroke of your paddle. Night kayaking trips combine wildlife spotting, navigation by starlight, and the rare chance to witness one of nature's most remarkable phenomena.

TIP:

Look for reputable, accredited operators for the best advice and experienced guides that ensure you optimize the timing and safety of your adventure for the thrill of a lifetime.

As you’ll hear time and time again in Costa Rica: “Pura Vida!” or “Pure Life!” The unofficial national motto and mindset: the value of spending time outdoors, connecting with nature, prioritizing family and community, simplicity and a positive outlook.

It’s the perfect call to an adventure in the extraordinary embrace of Costa Rica.

START YOUR TRIP!

Images: Visit Costa Rica

Gaudí at 100: Barcelona's Most Famous Architect "Raising the Roof" of the City

Mon, 15 Jun 26 18:41:22 +0000

One hundred years after his death, Antoni Gaudí remains impossible to separate from Barcelona.

The Catalan architect died on June 10, 1926, one of the most defining architects of any era, tragically struck down by a tram. A century later, his extraordinary buildings are not only the city's most recognizable landmarks, but they have also become symbols of Barcelona itself. For most travelers, a first visit to the Catalan regional capital is as much about discovering Gaudí as it is about experiencing Spain.

Celebrating the Centenary: Momentous Milestone for Sagrada Familia

Throughout 2026, Barcelona is hosting a year-long program of events commemorating the architect's life and legacy with exhibitions, concerts, cultural programs, special tours, and commemorative events across the city.

The centrepiece of the anniversary is a milestone in the long story of the Sagrada Família, Gaudí’s masterpiece towering over Barcelona.

The basilica that is the greatest legacy of the architect is still being built. Construction on Sagrada Familia began in 1882. And although Sagrada Familia will not be fully completed until well into the next decade, it has already achieved UNESCO World Heritage designation.

In death, Gaudí remains with his life’s work. He is buried beneath the nave.

The 100th anniversary of his passing was commemorated on June 10, 2026, by the inauguration of the completed Tower of Jesus Christ, now the tallest church tower in the world.

It was a celebration for the ages, with Pope Leo XIV traveling to Barcelona, joining the King and Queen of Spain and other dignitaries for a commemorative Mass celebrating Antoni Gaudí, and inaugurating the Tower of Jesus Christ.

A cross that reaches the sky above Barcelona

The completion of the 172.5-meter (568-foot) tower fulfills one of Gaudí's most ambitious visions.

The Tower of Jesus Christ is the central tower of the Sagrada Família tower grouping, and the last one to be completed. It is surrounded by the four towers of the Evangelists and the tower of the Virgin Mary. It has 12 faces. The tower is topped with a three-dimensional four-armed cross, which itself is 17 meters (55 feet) tall and 13.5 meters (44 feet) wide.

Gaudí wanted the cross to shine both day and night. So it features white enameled ceramic and glass, two shiny materials that reflect the vivid Barcelona sun (and can also stand up to exposure to the elements). Spotlights will ensure the cross continues to be a beacon throughout the nights.

Inside, the church remains one of Europe's most phenomenal interiors. Gaudí designed the soaring columns to resemble a forest canopy, with stained glass creating an ever-changing play of light throughout the day.

The ceremonies were an exceptional tribute to the architect and his dream of building a temple conceived as a ‘great stone Bible,’ where art and architecture share with the world the values that inspired the basilica: faith, culture, nature, spirituality and the pursuit of beauty.

The Architect Who Became Barcelona

Gaudí's significance extends far beyond architecture. His work helped shape modern Catalan identity and became one of the defining expressions of Catalonia's artistic and cultural confidence at the turn of the twentieth century.

Inspired by nature, religion, geometry, and local craftsmanship, he rejected conventional architectural rules and created a style that remains instantly recognizable and completely unique today. Sagrada Familia is just one of seven of his works that have been designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Many cities are known for their architecture. Barcelona is unusual because one architect's vision became inseparable from the city's identity. Gaudí buildings are often the first images travelers associate with Barcelona.

The Essential Gaudí Sites

For first-time visitors to Barcelona, four landmarks form the core of any Gaudí itinerary:

Sagrada Família — Gaudí's unfinished masterpiece and Barcelona's most visited attraction.
Park Güell — A whimsical landscape of colorful mosaics, organic forms, and panoramic city views.
Casa Batlló — The architect's fantasy-like reinterpretation of an urban townhouse.
Casa Milà (La Pedrera) — Famous for its flowing stone façade and sculptural rooftop chimneys.

Together, they showcase the architect's mature style and his extraordinary ability to blur the boundaries between architecture, art, fantasy and nature.

Why Gaudí Still Matters

The anniversary gives us the opportunity to celebrate Gaudí's greatest achievement - the extraordinary, unparalleled Sagrada Familia - AND that his legacy was not that single building. Many destinations have famous architects and landmark structures.

Gaudí created a visual language so distinctive and even other-worldly that it became the visual and cultural identity of an entire city.

Just one hundred years after his death, a 2000-year-old city can’t be imagined without the vision and cultural signature Gaudí imprinted on this Mediterranean coastal city.

START YOUR TRIP!

Top images from video courtesy of Sagrada Familia

Bottom Image and story: Lynn Elmhirst, cruise/ travel journalist and expert

Solo Travellers Save up to $600* per person

Sat, 13 Jun 26 04:00:10 +0000

Solo Travellers save up to CA $600* per person on Collette's expertly planned and guided tours within Canada.

Featured Tours and Departures:

Aurora Adventure: Winter in the Canadian Rockies & The Yukon

2/7/2027 - Save $400
2/21/2027 - Save $400

Charms of Quebec

6/26/2026 - Save $600
7/10/2026 - Save $600
8/14/2026 - Save $600
9/25/2026 - Save $400

Enjoy an additional $50 in savings on small-group Explorations tour when you book through your travel advisor. Plus, save $50 more when you add Air, Collette's industry-leading Travel Protection Plan, Extensions, or Pre/Post night stays.

Contact our travel agency for more details!

This offer is valid for booking through 2026-07-15

Iconic South Africa

Sun, 07 Jun 26 04:00:09 +0000

MUST-SEE INCLUSIONS

Search for the elusive "Big Five" on two full-day safari game drives in Kruger National Park.
Tour the cultural hub of Soweto, including a visit to the Apartheid Museum.
Be whisked away to the top of Table Mountain on an aerial cable car.

CULINARY INCLUSIONS

Enjoy lunch with the locals at a shabeen (pub) in Soweto.
Taste the flavors of Cape Malay cuisine with a cooking experience in Bo-Kaap.
Savor a traditional South African braai (barbecue).

CULTURAL EXPERIENCES

Taste famous South African wines in the Stellenbosch Wine Region.
Get to know a Capetonian family over dinner in their home.

HOTELS

Sandton Towers, Johannesburg
Elephant Walk Tented Camp, Kruger National Park
The Devon Valley Hotel, Stellenbosch
Southern Sun Waterfront, Cape Town

INCLUDED

Stay:

14 Days
13 Nights

Meals:

12 Breakfasts
6 Lunches
7 Dinners

Royalton Vessence Now Open

Sat, 06 Jun 26 13:24:37 +0000

Kenya & Tanzania: Amboseli, The Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater

Sat, 06 Jun 26 04:00:08 +0000

One week. Two countries. A whole lot of wildlife. Start in Kenya's lesser-known Amboseli before crossing into Tanzania where the Serengeti opens up in all its stampeding glory. Descend into Ngorongoro Crater for one of the planet's wildest stages, then head to Tarangire — home to some of the biggest elephant herds in Africa. All with cozy lodges waiting at the end of each day.

Travel Style

Classic

Service Level

Standard

Physical Grading

3 - Average

What's Included

Your G for Good Moment: Mto wa Mbu Community Visit and Lunch, Mto wa Mbu
Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group. Safari drive in Amboseli National Park. Two safari drives in Tarangire National Park. Coffee harvesting tour in Karatu. Scenic safari drive in Ngorongoro Crater. Sunset safari drive in Serengeti. Full-day safari drive in Karatu and Serengeti National Park. Free time in Serengeti National Park. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.

What are the main highlights of this trip?

Safari through Kenya's lesser-known Amboseli in the shadow of Kilimanjaro, Roam the iconic Serengeti in search of wildebeest and prowling lions, Descend into Ngorongoro Crater — one of the largest intact calderas on earth, Spot towering termite mounds and elephant herds in Tarangire National Park, Explore Arusha — the gateway to Tanzania's northern safari circuit

How large will the group be?

Max 14, avg. 10

What meals are included in this trip?

7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 5 dinners

What are the modes of transportation on my trip?

4x4 safari vehicles, private vehicles.

Is there an extra cost for travelling solo?

We believe solo travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and solo travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.

Where will we stay during the trip?

Hotels (4 nts), Comfortable Tented Camp with en suite facilities (2 nts), Lodge (1 nt).

Kenya to Rwanda: The Maasai Mara, Gorillas & Chimps

Fri, 05 Jun 26 04:00:10 +0000

East Africa doesn't do small moments — and this trip proves it. Start in Kenya where safari drives through the Great Rift Valley and Lake Nakuru turn up Big Five sightings before Uganda and Rwanda take things deeper. Trek with chimps and gorillas in their natural habitat, cruise Queen Elizabeth National Park, and soak up landscapes this wild, this vast, and this alive.

Travel Style

Classic

Service Level

Standard

Physical Grading

4 - Demanding

What's Included

Your G for Good Moment: Amani Ya Juu Lunch, Nairobi
Your G for Good Moment: Nyamirambo Women's Centre, Local Lunch, Kigali
Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group. Lake Nakuru sunset safari drive. Maasai Mara village visit and national park safari. Full-day Maasai Mara National Park Safari. Free time in Lake Nakuru National Park. Guest farm stay near Kibale National Park. Chimpanzee trek. Bigodi community lunch. Queen Elizabeth National Park wildlife safari drives. Guided gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Visit to Kigali Genocide Museum. All national park fees and trekking permits. Internal flight between Nairobi and Kampala. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.

What are the main highlights of this trip?

Safari through Lake Nakuru National Park in search of the Big Five, See Kenya's conservation story unfold across its sweeping landscapes, Share lunch with women running a G Adventures-supported craft initiative, Trek deep into the forest to meet a family of mountain gorillas, Set out on foot in Uganda to spot chimps swinging through the canopy, Keep watch for elephants and hippos in Queen Elizabeth National Park

How large will the group be?

Max 14, avg. 8

What meals are included in this trip?

13 breakfasts, 9 lunches, 8 dinners

What are the modes of transportation on my trip?

4x4 safari vehicles, Private van, walking, plane.

Is there an extra cost for travelling solo?

Where will we stay during the trip?

Hotels (3 nts), Lodges (2 nts), Safari Camp Cottages (2 nts), Simple furnished tents/rooms (6 nts).

Tanzania: Kilimanjaro's Lemosho Route & Zanzibar Beaches

Fri, 05 Jun 26 04:00:10 +0000

Thirteen days. One epic climb and a beach at the end of it. Take on Kilimanjaro's scenic Lemosho Route — threading through forests and moorland before high-alpine deserts open up on the way to Uhuru Peak. Then trade mountain air for ocean breeze as Zanzibar's white-sand beaches deliver the kind of finish that makes the hard work feel very, very worth it.

Travel Style

Active

Service Level

Standard

Physical Grading

5 - Challenging

What's Included

Your G for Good Moment: Moshi Women's Cooperative Visit, Moshi
Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group. 8-day guided group trek up Mt Kilimanjaro's Lemosho Route with local guides, cooks and porters. Additional "acclimatization day" during ascent. All permits and fees. Stone Town Orientation Walk. Spice Tour Zanzibar. Free time in Karatu, Serengeti National Park, and Zanzibar. Internal Flight to Zanzibar. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.

What are the main highlights of this trip?

Take the scenic Lemosho Route — Kilimanjaro's most beautiful path to the summit, Camp on the mountain under some of the clearest skies you've ever seen, Stand at Uhuru Peak at sunrise and take in Africa from its highest point, Unwind on Zanzibar's white-sand beaches — you've more than earned it

How large will the group be?

Max 14, avg. 10.

What meals are included in this trip?

12 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 7 dinners

What are the modes of transportation on my trip?

Private minibus, trekking, private vehicles, plane.

Is there an extra cost for travelling solo?

Where will we stay during the trip?

Hotels (5 nts), full-service alpine camping (7 nts).

Tanzania: Kilimanjaro's Machame Route & Zanzibar Shores

Fri, 05 Jun 26 04:00:10 +0000

Eleven days. One legendary climb and a beach waiting at the bottom. The Machame Route — nicknamed the Whiskey Route for good reason — earns its reputation through forest, moorland, and glaciated ice fields on the way to Uhuru Peak. Then Zanzibar steps in with white-sand beaches and ocean breezes to remind you that the best adventures always end well.

Travel Style

Active

Service Level

Standard

Physical Grading

5 - Challenging

What's Included

Your G for Good Moment: Moshi Women's Cooperative Visit, Moshi
Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group. 6-day guided group trek up Mt Kilimanjaro's Machame Route with local guides, cooks and porters. All permits and fees. Stonetown Orientation Walk. Spice Tour Zanzibar. Free time in Zanzibar. Internal Flight to Zanzibar. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.

What are the main highlights of this trip?

Tackle the Machame Route — Kilimanjaro's most scenic and celebrated path, Trek through forest and moorland before glaciers and high-alpine deserts take over, Camp on the mountain and wake up closer to the stars than you've ever been, Stand at Uhuru Peak at sunrise and witness the curvature of the earth, Unwind on Zanzibar's white-sand beaches — you've more than earned it

How large will the group be?

Max 14, avg. 10.

What meals are included in this trip?

10 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 5 dinners

What are the modes of transportation on my trip?

Private minibus, trekking, private vehicles, plane.

Is there an extra cost for travelling solo?

Where will we stay during the trip?

Hotels (5 nts), full-service alpine camping (5 nts).

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Fri, 05 Jun 26 04:00:10 +0000

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Contact your travel advisor for more information!

This offer is valid for booking through 7/31/2026.

East Africa Discovery

Fri, 05 Jun 26 04:00:10 +0000

East Africa doesn't hold back — and twelve days across Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda proves it. Safari the Maasai Mara in search of the Big Five, share stories in a traditional Maasai village, trek with chimps and gorillas in their natural habitat, and cruise Queen Elizabeth National Park spotting elephants and hippos at every turn. Raw, wild, and unforgettable.

Travel Style

Classic

Service Level

Standard

Physical Grading

4 - Demanding

What's Included

Your G for Good Moment: Amani Ya Juu Lunch, Nairobi
Your G for Good Moment: Nyamirambo Women's Centre, Local Lunch, Kigali
Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group. Masai Mara National Reserve entrance and wildlife safari drives. Masai Village Visit. Guest farm stay near Kibale National Park. Chimpanzee trek. Bigodi community lunch. Queen Elizabeth National Park wildlife safari drives. Guided gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Visit to Kigali Genocide Museum. All national park fees and trekking permits. Internal flight between Nairobi and Kampala. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

What are the main highlights of this trip?

Safari the legendary Maasai Mara in search of the Big Five, Step into a traditional Maasai village and share stories with locals, Trek deep into the forest to meet a family of mountain gorillas, Set out on foot in Uganda to spot chimps swinging through the canopy, Cruise Queen Elizabeth National Park spotting elephants and hippos

How large will the group be?

Max 14, avg. 8

What meals are included in this trip?

11 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 6 dinners

What are the modes of transportation on my trip?

7-seat 4x4 safari van, Private van, walking, plane.

Is there an extra cost for travelling solo?

Where will we stay during the trip?

Hotels (5 nts), simple furnished tents/rooms (6 nts).

Croatia & Its Islands Small Ship Cruising on the Adriatic Coast

Fri, 05 Jun 26 04:00:10 +0000

MUST-SEE INCLUSIONS

Tour Zagreb, the capital city of Croatia.
Admire the stunning St. James Cathedral in Šibenik.
Visit Korcula Island, the debated birthplace of Marco Polo.

CULINARY INCLUSIONS

Enjoy Dalmatian delicacies prepared according to traditional recipes.
Experience a captain's welcome dinner upon arrival in Dubrovnik.
Dine on continental cuisine at a favorite local restaurant in Zagreb.

CULTURAL EXPERIENCES

Stand before the breathtaking waterfalls in Krka National Park.
Explore the Old City of Dubrovnik with a local expert.
Deepen your connection to Dalmatia's centuries-old heritage.

HOTELS

INCLUDED

Stay:

12 Days
11 Nights

Meals:

10 Breakfasts
5 Lunches
5 Dinners

Keeping Time: Why a Timepiece is Still the Best Souvenir of Switzerland

Tue, 02 Jun 26 17:30:17 +0000

For more than 400 years, Switzerland has been the world’s watchmaking and time-keeping capital. And unlike many luxury industries in other countries that outsourced production decades ago, the most respected Swiss watch brands are still made in Switzerland — often by hand, often in the same valleys and communities where the craft was born.

That makes a Swiss watch or clock not only an investment in precision timekeeping and prestigious personal style, but also a truly authentic and heirloom-quality memento of a visit to Switzerland.

Now, when it comes to souvenir shopping, I'm firmly in the ‘consumables’ camp: something you can eat or drink or share when you get home. But something useful that also represents timeless craftsmanship and will last forever? That is the kind of souvenir I can get behind. Especially when it's wearable every day!

I know we are bombarded with opportunities to treat ourselves to luxurious Swiss timepieces at every turn: from chic boutiques in shopping centers, on cruise ships, and in airports, to online. But here’s why: actually going to Switzerland and immersing yourself in its horological history and culture – then buying that statement watch from the source! – will give you a lot more satisfaction – and something to talk about! - than a simple store transaction.

The Birth of a ‘Quiet’ Luxury Industry

The story of Swiss watchmaking began almost accidentally in the 16th century. Mechanical clocks and then portable timepieces had been developed in the late mediaeval period in other European countries.

It was when Protestant reformer John Calvin banned the display of jewelry and luxurious ‘excess’ in Geneva that local goldsmiths and jewelers quickly pivoted to an alternative product to save their businesses. Useful and practical watches were the perfect workaround to the restrictions.

Inadvertently, Calvin’s ‘sumptuary laws’ ended up launching Switzerland as the grandfather of the industrialization, precision, artistry, and global standardization of watchmaking. And set the country on the road towards being the undisputed home of the most luxurious and prestigious timekeeping brands.

By the 1700s, watchmaking had spread into the Swiss Jura Mountains, where long winters kept farming families indoors for months at a time. Tiny workshops producing gears, springs, enamel dials, and cases emerged across western Switzerland. Entire villages specialized in microscopic components assembled elsewhere into finished timepieces.

The geography mattered. Swiss watchmaking evolved in relative isolation, encouraging highly specialized expertise and obsessive precision. By the 19th century, Swiss makers dominated international exhibitions and world timing competitions. Railroads, shipping, science, and later aviation and sporting events all required increasingly accurate timekeeping — and Switzerland set the global benchmark.

Watch This!

Made-in-Switzerland marques remain global cultural touchpoints and symbols of success, as much as luxury products such as Rolex, Patek Philippe, Omega, Breitling, and TAG Heuer. Even disruptor Swatch has populist Swiss chic.

A trip to Switzerland lets you actually see how mechanical watches are still made in ‘factory towns’ that are pilgrimage sites for timekeeping fans.

In Switzerland’s ‘Watch Valley’ — the informal name for Switzerland’s watchmaking corridor — you’ll find factory tours and museum experiences tied to legendary brands. Don’t miss the Patek Philippe Museum in Geneva that traces five centuries of horology. Or the UNESCO-listed town of La Chaux-de-Fonds, where urban planning itself reflects the watch industry, with streets and workshops designed to maximize natural light for microscopic watch assembly.

Time Travel

In an era when luxury branding and souvenirs are often disconnected from manufacturing reality, Swiss watches remain the real deal. A ‘Swiss Made’ label carries strict requirements including movement manufacturing, assembly, and inspection inside Switzerland.

You know that treating yourself to a Swiss mechanical watch is not about telling time in an era when your phone has taken over that role. Instead, Swiss watches purchased at their source represent an indelible sense of place alongside engineering, heritage, craftsmanship, and increasingly, permanence in a disposable age.

START YOUR TRIP!

Image: Getty

When Your Overwater Bungalow Sails with You in Tahiti: Paul Gauguin Cruises' Room Tour

Tue, 02 Jun 26 17:27:12 +0000

It’s a tropical vacation fantasy: staying in an overwater bungalow over breathtaking, warm, turquoise waters in the legendary and romantic South Pacific. But what if your overwater bungalow floats with you to a new, incredible destination every day?

That’s one of the best reasons to experience the Islands of Tahiti and French Polynesia with Paul Gauguin Cruises.

The Paul Gauguin IS your floating overwater bungalow in the fabled South Seas. With mesmerizing early morning sail-ins and romantic sunset sailaways from the emerald green cliffs and picturesque lagoons of places you’ve visited in your dreams: Tahiti, Bora Bora, Moorea and beyond.

From an overwater bungalow, you gaze out onto the incredible seas of Polynesia. From your veranda aboard the Paul Gauguin, you gaze onto the thatched roofs, palm-dappled untouched beaches, steep jungles, and vivid colors of the islands and their surrounding seas.

WATCH THE VIDEO: Room Tour aboard the Paul Gauguin.

For over a quarter of a century, the Paul Gauguin has called French Polynesia home. Designed in every respect specifically to sail into the quiet coves and shallow lagoons of the islands of the South Pacific, she is part of the seascape and culture of Tahiti and French Polynesian travel.

Like a cherished heritage inn, she has undergone frequent refurbishments that have maintained her jewel-box charms and quality appointments, with tasteful nods to modern tastes and comforts.

A voyage aboard feels like you’ve traveled not only to the other side of the Pacific, but also to another time: of gracious, slow travel, of voyages of discovery in pristine places, of having time and space and silence to think and appreciate the company of the people you’re traveling with.

It’s a haven of escapism, tropical nature, French Polynesian history, culture, and nautical heritage.

Is there any more evocative holiday that celebrates the romance of exotic travel more than a vacation in an overwater bungalow in the South Pacific? Having sailed aboard the Paul Gauguin in my own, floating overwater bungalow… I think there is.

START YOUR TRIP!

By: Lynn Elmhirst, cruise/ travel journalist and expert

Do You Know Your Mediterranean A, B… Seas?

Tue, 02 Jun 26 17:23:54 +0000

When is the Med… not just the Med? The Mediterranean Sea and its iconic coastal towns, yacht harbors, fishing villages, beaches, cliffs, and cultural touchpoints are on nearly everyone’s list of favorite escapes. But – pop quiz - did you know that the Mediterranean isn’t just one sea?

In reality, it’s a collection of smaller seas that developed independently and were named before the full region was charted by ancient navigators. Ultimately, they were stitched together by ancient trade routes, empire-building, mythology, culture, cuisines, and coastlines. Travel across the Med, and you’re not cruising a single body of water. You’re crossing distinct maritime worlds, each with its own personality, history - even color palette and weather!

How many Mediterranean ‘seas within a sea’ can you name? How many could you point out on a map? There are at least a dozen! Here are the 5 most famous and noteworthy:

1. The Adriatic Sea

Tucked between Italy and the Balkan coast, the Adriatic Sea may be the Mediterranean’s most elegant subsea. Venetian merchants once ruled these waters, leaving behind a trail of bell towers, marble squares and fortified ports from Venice to Dubrovnik. The Adriatic is narrower and calmer than the rest of the Mediterranean, making it ideal for yacht cruising and smaller-ship itineraries. Its eastern coastline, especially along Croatia and Montenegro, is deeply indented with coves, islands, and medieval stone towns.

(Venice Image: Lynn Elmhirst)

2. The Aegean Sea

South and to the east: the unmistakably Greek Aegean Sea (pictured, top, Getty Images). By cruise ship, yacht or ferry, go island-hopping and discover civilizations that shaped the Western world. The Aegean is scattered with thousands of islands, though only a fraction are inhabited. Santorini is the one everyone pictures first, but smaller islands reveal how diverse the Aegean really is. The sea itself tends toward striking cobalt blues against the stark whites of villages under blazing sun.

3. The Ligurian Sea

South of France, another “sea within the Mediterranean Sea” has a glamorous reputation more famous than its name. Did you know the Italian Riviera and the Côte d’Azur are technically on the Ligurian Sea? This is the heart of the chic ‘Mediterranean’ lifestyle, where villages evolved into playgrounds for aristocrats, artists and billionaires. Portofino, Monaco, Cannes, and Saint-Tropez all front these waters. Behind the polished marinas, the Ligurian coast is breathtakingly vertical, with rocky cliffs, terraced hillsides, fishing villages and some of Europe’s most dramatic coastal rail routes. This is also where Mediterranean beach culture as we know it was born.

(Monaco Image: Lynn Elmhirst)

4. The Tyrrhenian Sea

The Tyrrhenian Sea, off Italy’s western coast, is the heart of the cinematic Mediterranean. Rome, Naples, Capri, Sicily, Sardinia, and the Amalfi Coast all face the sea where ancient Greeks and Romans battled. Volcanoes still shape the horizon, and underwater archaeology continues to uncover shipwrecks from empires that once dominated the known world. Travelers crossing the Tyrrhenian quickly understand how deeply Italy’s identity is tied to the sea — from seafood markets in Naples to Stromboli’s volcanic silhouette rising from the water at night.

(Sardinia Image: Getty)

5. The Balearic Sea

Then there’s the Balearic Sea around the Spanish islands of Mallorca/ Majorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera. Your first thoughts may go to Ibiza’s famous party culture, but explore beyond: Menorca preserves quiet coves and prehistoric stone sites; Mallorca combines mountain villages with sophisticated food culture; Ibiza, despite its nightlife fame, has become a serious wellness and luxury destination. All infused with Spanish island culture.

(Mallorca Image: Getty)

Remembering the mosaic of the Mediterranean’s seas is the clue to why we love to return to its shores again and again. From the Straits of Gibraltar on its Western gateway, to Biblical shores at the Eastern end, the Mediterranean reveals worlds of travel appeal.

START YOUR TRIP!

By: Lynn Elmhirst, cruise/ travel journalist and expert.

Images as noted

Holland America Launching Year-Round Cruises in Europe

Tue, 02 Jun 26 17:19:20 +0000

The seasons for cruise and travel are changing – even disappearing altogether! Holland America Line has become the latest cruise line to expand to year-round sailing in Europe, joining the likes of Viking and Windstar to make the coasts of the Mediterranean and beyond a destination for all seasons.

From festive Scandinavian cities to European Christmas markets, Lapland and a more relaxed Mediterranean, new Holland America Line winter voyages bring the season to life with an extended 2027-2028 season sailing through early spring. These itineraries showcase Europe at a different pace, with access to seasonal experiences, regional traditions and a greater mix of destinations across the region With more overnights and late-night stays, the new deployment offers deeper, more immersive ways to explore throughout the year.

The expanded season includes a dozen cruises aboard Nieuw Statendam across the Mediterranean and Northern Europe. The new itineraries add more than 70 additional port days year-over-year, giving guests more time in port along with extended stays and fewer crowds.

The deployment also includes two additional voyages aboard Zuiderdam, further expanding options for guests exploring Europe during the winter season.

Christmas Market Cruises Bring Europe’s Holiday Traditions to Life

Nieuw Statendam’s holiday sailings are designed to immerse guests in Europe at one of its most atmospheric times of year, when city squares glow with lights, markets fill with local artisans and the pace of travel invites deeper exploration. With overnights and extended stays built into each itinerary, guests have the time to experience the traditions, cuisine and rhythms that define the season.

A 13-day Baltic and Scandinavian Christmas Markets: Stockholm cruise sails roundtrip from Rotterdam or Dover, calling at Kiel, the gateway to Hamburg’s well-known Christmas markets, as well as Tallinn and Copenhagen. Overnight stays in Helsinki and Stockholm give guests time to explore festive city centers after dark, when markets and cultural traditions are in full swing. The Helsinki call also offers access to Lapland in the Arctic Circle, referred to by many as the home of Santa Claus.
A second 15-day holiday sailing spans the Christmas season, featuring overnights in Hamburg and Copenhagen. The itinerary also includes a call to Aarhus and scenic cruising of the Elbe River, along with exploration of southern Norway, with calls to Oslo, Kristiansand, Bergen and Stavanger.

Mediterranean Voyages Offer a More Relaxed Way to Explore

Beyond the holiday season, Nieuw Statendam’s winter and early spring sailings shift south to the Mediterranean, where guests can experience the region at a slower pace. With mild temperatures and a rich mix of seasonal experiences, destinations feel local and approachable, offering a fresh perspective on some of Europe’s most-visited cities.

The itineraries span the Western and Eastern Mediterranean as well as the Canary Islands, connecting cultural capitals and coastal towns across Spain, France, Italy and Greece. Voyages include ports such as Valencia, Marseille and Livorno, and Naples for access to Pompeii. Farther east, sailings explore destinations including Mykonos, Rhodes and Kusadasi, along with overnight calls in sought-after destinations allowing for more time ashore.

With a mix of seven- to 14-day voyages, guests can choose shorter, region-focused sailings or combine itineraries for a more expansive journey.

Longer Collectors’ Voyages span up to 24 days and can also be sailed back-to-back, allowing guests to experience a broader mix of the region. Sailings highlight the Mediterranean in a season when the pace is slower, the atmosphere is more intimate and each destination offers a more authentic connection.

Whether you want to escape hot weather, avoid crowds during school holidays, or enjoy seasonal local holiday celebrations, formerly ‘off season’ cruises are increasingly the perfect solution. With all the benefits of cruising: packing once and having your floating hotel bring you into the heart of multiple destinations, and having all the details looked after so all you have to do is be on vacation!

START YOUR TRIP!

Images: Holland America Line

Big Journeys in Smaller Groups

Tue, 02 Jun 26 17:14:45 +0000

Small Groups. Big Adventures.

Today’s travelers are looking for more than a checklist of sights. They want connection, comfort, and a deeper way to experience the world. Small Group Tours are designed for exactly that, offering a more personal way to see the world with fewer travelers, more flexibility, and more meaningful moments along the way.

With over 75 years of experience and more than five million travelers welcomed worldwide, Trafalgar has built its reputation on taking the stress out of travel while bringing people closer to the places they visit. Iconic landmarks, local experiences, and expert Travel Directors come together to create journeys that feel seamless from start to finish.

Now, that experience becomes even more personal with Small Group Tours.

A More Personal Way to Travel

Trafalgar’s Small Group Tours feature a maximum of just 18 guests. With fewer travelers, journeys feel more relaxed, flexible, and immersive. There is more space on the road, more time with local hosts, and a more natural pace throughout each day.

Travel feels less structured and more connected to the destination itself. Conversations are easier, shared moments feel more genuine, and travelers have more room to experience each place without feeling rushed.

You still enjoy fully planned itineraries, carefully selected accommodations, and expert guidance throughout your trip. The difference is a more comfortable rhythm, with the freedom to take things in at your own pace.

Where You Can Go

Trafalgar’s new collection of 21 Small Group Tours is available across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas, including destinations such as Kenya, Portugal, Greece, China, Borneo, South Africa, Costa Rica, and Patagonia.

While the destinations may be familiar, the experience is different. Smaller groups allow for more direct connection with local people, culture, and everyday life in each place.

Experiences That Bring Destinations to Life

Each journey is built around moments that help travelers connect more deeply with the destination.
Highlights include:

Hilltop Villages of Tuscany: Discover Montepulciano with your Travel Director before tasting its celebrated Vino Nobile, one of Tuscany’s most prestigious wines.
Basque Explorer: Meet a local family in Getaria for a hands-on grilling experience with fresh fish and local wine.
Best of China with Yangtze Cruise: Join a local host for a traditional tea ceremony in Beijing and discover China’s tea culture.
Wonders of Patagonia: Dine in Claudia’s Ushuaia home, where personal stories and local history reveal life at the end of the world.

More Ways to Connect

Every Small Group Tour includes signature Be My Guest and MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences. These moments bring travelers closer to local people and communities through shared meals, cultural exchange, and experiences that support local impact.

They add depth to each journey while helping ensure travel benefits the places being visited.

Is a Small Group Tour Right for You?

Small Group Tours are ideal for travelers who want the ease of guided travel with a more intimate experience.

They are a great fit if you:

Prefer smaller, more relaxed group travel
Want more space and time to experience each destination
Enjoy a balance of guided experiences and independent exploration
Are looking for a more immersive way to travel without planning every detail

It is guided travel with a more personal rhythm.

Ready to Experience a Small Group Tour?

Book early to unlock a limited-time introductory offer and secure your preferred departure date. Speak with a travel advisor to find the Small Group journey that best fits your travel style and discover a more personal way to see the world.

The Art of Effortless Exploration

Tue, 02 Jun 26 17:01:57 +0000

On board Viking’s small award-winning ships, enjoy seamless travel with like-minded guests and all-inclusive pricing that includes a shore excursion in every port—with no children, no casinos and no nickel and diming. Unpack once and let them take care of the rest as you spend less time getting to your destinations and more time immersed in them—all while traveling in Viking comfort.

Celebrate the spirit of travel with an unforgettable voyage with Viking. On board their small award-winning ships, enjoy seamless travel with like-minded guests and all-inclusive pricing that includes a shore excursion in every port— with no children, no casinos and no nickel and diming. Unpack once and let Viking take care of the rest as you spend less time getting to your destinations and more time immersed in them—all while traveling in Viking comfort.

There is simply no better way to experience the wonders of the world than from the water. Imagine sailing into the heart of Europe on a serene river voyage, exploring charming towns and cultural gems. Alternatively, picture yourself traveling further to the great cities of the world on a small ocean ship, arriving into harbors you have always dreamed of visiting.

At Viking, they have crafted a fare that includes everything you need – and nothing you do not – without any additional expenses for coffee, wine or onboard meals. There is no charge for Wi-Fi or port taxes and fees, plus we offer one complimentary shore excursion in every port.

Viking’s fleet of modern small ships are designed to evoke a sense of comfort akin to a floating hotel, boasting a serene atmosphere with light-filled spaces and a quiet, understated elegance. With vessels that bring guests closer to their destination, these innovative ships are the right size for the experience – with a signature Scandinavian design that never upstages the destination.

For guests wishing to have the ultimate Viking experience, their suites offer the pinnacle of spaciousness and comfort – a private residence that feels like a “home away from home.” The suite is the base for exploration – a sanctuary that can serve as an escape or a gathering space for fellow travelers. Every Viking Suite in their fleet is spacious, serene and welcoming, with distinct spaces that offer a uniquely home-like feel. Stepping into the sitting area, guests are greeted by a sense of openness and calm as they settle into their private residence. In the bedroom, discover a haven for rest and relaxation. Guests will also find a beautifully appointed bathroom, abundant storage and thoughtful touches throughout.

Wherever guests choose to travel, Viking’s destination-focused voyages offer a singular experience—designed to connect curious travelers more closely with the people, places and stories that have shaped the world.

Explore Longer the Quiet Season Mediterranean

The Mediterranean’s quiet season—fall and winter—is a wonderful time to discover the ancient treasures of Spain, Italy, Greece and beyond. With fewer travelers, guests will have more opportunities for meaningful interactions with locals and can leisurely explore iconic landmarks.

With fewer crowds and a more relaxed atmosphere, take advantage and discover historic landmarks, uncover hidden gems and engage with locals at a more leisurely pace. With fewer travelers, experience the region anew, even as a returning traveler, and enjoy easier access to iconic sites, such as the Acropolis in Athens, the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City and Barcelona’s iconic Basílica de la Sagrada Família. Spend more time at museums, art galleries and historical sites without the high-season crowds, allowing for deeper immersion in the region’s rich history and art.

Additionally, cooler temperatures and milder weather during the “quiet season” make for an enjoyable touring experience. Before temperatures rise in late spring, sightseeing in the fall and winter months is generally pleasant with daytime temperatures ranging from the low 50s to the mid-60s Fahrenheit (10°C to 18°C). For some travelers, these are more comfortable conditions to explore iconic outdoor sites, such as Rome’s famed Colosseum and Athens’ Acropolis, while avoiding the summertime heat.

On a grand journey with Viking, spend more time exploring the Mediterranean in a new perspective without the peak season congestion. With fewer guests on board their small, award-winning ocean ships, you can always enjoy an intimate experience. And, with fewer travelers on shore during the Mediterranean’s quiet season, you can enjoy that same comfort while exploring at a leisurely pace. Plus, Viking Inclusive Value ensures their fares are always all-inclusive with everything you need—and nothing you do not—with no children, no casinos and no nickel and diming.