A handful of luxurious thatched villas hidden in native coastal forest. Expansive exterior verandas with private plunge pools. A long arc of fine-grained sand. Waters protected by Bazaruto Archipelago National Park – home to colourful coral reefs and one of the last remaining sustainable dugong populations.From the moment you step down from the helicopter, an atmosphere of tropical languor envelops you. Relax by the beach bar or beneath the hands of an expert masseuse. Or take advantage of the fully-equipped dive centre to explore life beneath the waves.&Beyond Benguerra Island combines tropical landscapes with an array of on-site facilities, so you can get away and still fully explore the Indian Ocean coastline.

Still gleaming after its vast 2019 facelift, &Beyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge is a modern treasure in one of the world’s oldest deserts. It looks and feels like a lodge from the future, all clean lines and cutting-edge design, with massive floor-to-ceiling windows so you always have a view. Such style is the unique feature, especially in a country where accommodation is typically rustic, rather than lavish. The location is perfect, hidden from everything, enveloped by the dunes. This is perfect accommodation if you like the idea of a desert adventure, but you’re not too sure about all the sand and definitely don’t want to be uncomfortable. This desert lodge will ease you in and it comes with the full variety of activities.

Bond travels in style and you will start on a private speedboat down the River Thames, recreating the opening scene from Spectre. Famous sites whizz past and you disembark at Duke’s, for the original Bond martini, shaken not stirred of course. Next up you’re in an Aston Martin DB5 or Rolls Royce, exploring casinos, cemeteries, car parks and scenes from car chases. From tiny wooden pubs to opulent suburbs, you’ll visit more than a dozen James Bond movie locations. There’s even a crocodile submarine from Octopussy. There are so many locations you can make this a one, two or three-day experience. There’s a sublime Kensington townhouse that doubles as Bond’s home, meeting Q at Rules Restaurant, and then the Old War Office building, seen as MI6 headquarters in three movies. And if you really love Bond this travel moment can be extended, with an Aston Martin Vanquish taking you to Blenheim Palace, Stoke Park and the Cotswolds.

Located in the center of Iceland’s capital city, 101 Hotel Reykjavik is a reflection of the city itself: historic, modern, culturally rich, and thoroughly Nordic cool. Occupying a building dating back to the 1930s, the hotel boasts sweeping views of the harbor and a stunning collection of Icelandic art.Your private balcony overlooks the harbor. Daylight filters into every space, reflecting on monochrome decor to illuminate bold modern Icelandic art. The floors emanate warmth from underfloor heating. Take advantage of the hotel’s superb location to explore downtown Reykjavik, then return for dinner at the hotel's restaurant, a trendy hotspot that serves up-scale comfort food next to authentic Icelandic cuisine.

How do you want to spend an evening in New York? Watch the Knicks from ringside? Consider yourself already there, watching on from the best seats. Or maybe it’s the Yankees you desire to support. Is opera your cup of tea? Then it’s where you will be, entranced by the singing and music, and the visual splendor of the spectacle. Prefer a live music concert? A Broadway play? Or reservations at a restaurant you can never get reservations. Just let your personal concierge know what’s calling your heart to New York. They can arrange everything you wish for.

Forget tourist crowds and attractions made for them. This tour will take you to the places where authentic madrileños go.You will sit leisurely in a hip café, listening to the lively chatter of locals taking their coffee break. You will discover traditional artisan shops and meet the people who have been keeping them for decades. You will do what the people here do, after they leave the office and go for their paseo.With this tour, you will feel the pulse of Madrid’s true heart.

There’s nothing quite like gliding over pristine ice, using a minimum of effort to travel great distances. Lace up your skates and experience Sweden’s beautiful landscapes on ice! Explore beautiful lakes around Stockholm or navigate the many islands of the Stockholm archipelago. Revel in the white snowscape of Sweden in winter and the near silence of a cold, sunny day. It’s silent and oh so surreal out here.

One of the world’s few remaining hunter-gatherer tribes, the Hadza have preserved their ancient existence on the plains of north-central Tanzania. Meeting such a community is not a point and shoot the camera type experience. This is a community with no words for day or week. There is little time here. No crops, no livestock, just a community that moves with the seasons and lives by the moon. To come here is a special and moving experience. But you will need to invest time and be prepared to forgo modern comforts and luxuries. What else do you expect meeting a remote hunter-gatherer tribe. But do expect a connection and insight into a lifestyle that has virtually vanished from the world.

A night in nature’s jungle igloo. Pleasant dark furniture and Nordic-style floors. A taste of Scandinavia, complemented by the green glamour of the rainforest itself.The perfect getaway to rest, rejuvenate and relax within nature. Expect cosy evenings and wondrous views. Secluded away within the folds of the valley, the stunning scenery is yours to explore.Camping made comfortable. After all, a bit of style never hurt anyone.

Rich in biodiversity with an abundance of wildlife, the Imbak Canyon’s unspoiled rainforests are a great way to uncover the jungle’s raw personas.Serving as a corridor between Danum Valley and the Maliau Basin, the conservation area itself is as practical as it is pristine, with a number of impressive waterfalls dancing freely within the trees.A sight of true power and might, the majestic Imbak Waterfall sits at 39-metres wide. Feel the unstoppable force of its flow from the rocks. Bask in the sunlight after a refreshing dip in one of its many aquatic pools.

Set sail down the Abel Tasman coastline for a day of delicious delicacies and discovery on an intimate mini-voyage. Passing close to the area’s most sought after sights, you’ll sail at your leisure around Kaiteriteri and Marahau, along an unending collection of beautiful sandy bays. Slowing down and allowing the boat to bob around a little, you can even catch a glimpse of the Tonga Island seal sanctuary. Complement this private cruise with a tasty selection of fresh, local delights. Having eaten your fill of the plentiful food on offer, you can choose to lie back and relax on the sundrenched deck, or go ashore and take a short hike to work off some of those calories.

Abel Tasman offers sublime outdoor experiences on land and water. This travel moment is your chance to enjoy both in one day. Meeting up in Marahau, your guides will tailor an itinerary to your specific strengths and interests. Once comfortably contained in your suitably sized kayak, you’ll venture out into the open water to be wowed by the Astrolabe Islands and a series of tidal bays. On arrival at Observation Beach, you’ll be invited to disembark and take a breather before enjoying a freshly made lunch. Reliably revitalized, it’s time to set off on a hike along the coastline, to beaches, forests and turtle-filled snorkeling spots.

Combine a traditional safari experience with a four-day walking holiday through Kenya’s diverse landscapes.Visited by everyone from Queen Elizabeth II to The Beatles, Aberdare National Park has peaks that soar to over 13,000 feet and moorland inhabited by eland. Steep-sided ravines merge with tumbling waterfalls and bamboo forest to form a habitat for reclusive bongo, rare black rhino, and even lion.After the day’s walk is complete, game drives create further wildlife encounters, while visits to cultural villages delve into the traditional lives of the region’s tribespeople.

Enter into and immerse yourself in the Kuku Yalanji culture. Discover a heritage and a way of life that will take you deep into Australia’s authentic aboriginal wilderness. In the warm, welcoming and capable hands of your aboriginal guide, you’ll be transported along pathways through the forest. Your guide will ask permission from a spirit. Through this and other customs that are integral to tribal life, you’ll get a touching taste of the world’s oldest continuous lifestyle. This is an educational and eye-opening experience packed with hands-on activities, including bushtucker and an Aboriginal art lesson. A day spent with the Kuku Yalanji will change the way you look at this greatly diverse and developing nation.

From 1000 metres above the roar of the Atlantic waves, stepping over the edge of this sandstone monolith takes some guts.Anyone can catch the cable car to the famed flat-topped summit of Table Mountain. Few can say that they’ve abseiled its majestic bulk. No one can say they have abseiled commercially from a higher point.But doing so – and descending more than 100 metres hanging by a rope – is worth it for the views towards Nelson Mandela’s former prison on Robben Island alone.

The UAE’s opulent capital merges rich ancient heritage with modern-day life, in a surrounding sand-scape. With the coast fringed by mangroves and the city soaring with superstructures, Abu Dhabi reveals its lost Arabian world. You’ll discover majestic landmarks and fascinating cultural sights. From presidential palaces to ancient mosques, intricate architectural elements decorate the sandpit. You have the opportunity to step inside the Grand Sheikh Zayed Mosque. This white pearl is filled with marble and gold, and will leave you in complete awe. Uncover Abu Dhabi’s gems by cruising in style like a true Sheikh. If you’re traveling from Dubai, a supercar will be your mode of transport.

Safely watch a volcano erupt all night long! From barely two kilometres away!Acatenango is a stratovolcano that stands nearly 4000m high. Begin near its base and hike through a number of fascinating ecoregions before setting up camp on a high shoulder and waiting for the show to begin.Volcan de Fuego, Acatenango’s neighbor, is one of the most active volcanoes on earth. It erupts 300 - 500 times a day. Watch smoke and debris get shot into the air as your private guides prepare dinner. Once the sun goes down, see fiery red magma erupt from the crater and spill down its steep sides. After a night’s sleep, continue to Acatenango’s summit for an unforgettable sunrise and a gawp down into Fuego’s erupting cone.

Follow the steps of ancient Mayans and explore one of the most impressive burial sites in the region.Enter the mouth of Actun Tunichil Muknal. The ancient Mayans held many sacrificial offerings in this unearthly cave system, and you will swim and squeeze your way between passages to see the evidence.Blood-letting blades, finger bones, and complete skeletons lie untouched after thousands of years. The tour culminates with the “crystal maiden”—the skeleton of a young woman, now encrusted with calcium, whose remains emit a surreal, glittering facade.

Elephants have a majesty all of their own. Demonstrating an incredible intelligence and range of emotions, these gentle giants follow ancient paths undisturbed by the machinations of man or low growl of predator species.Located in the Sundays River region of Eastern Cape Province, Addo boasts a remarkably dense elephant population. However, they are not the only attraction to this park, which is also home to lion, endangered black rhino, and rare Cape buffalo.Picnic surrounded by these lumbering beasts and discover their fascinating lives with the complete freedom a private tour provides.

Spend your night in the Sarawak Chamber, the second largest cave enclosure on the planet. Here there are intricate rock formations and illuminated walls, located in the heart of Gunung Mulu National Park.Your overnight adventure begins with a trek of Mulu’s jungles. Follow your private guide through pristine rainforest, as he tells you all about the park’s fascinating topography. You arrive at Good Luck Cave, but your journey is far from over.The mouth of the cave gives you a stony smile. Its mysterious darkness pulls you in. Tread along the river channel, traverse your way up the bolder slope, and enter an underground lair that takes you back in time. It’s camping with a twist as you enjoy exclusive access to the chamber.

Lose yourself in an enchanting evening atop Blackcomb Mountain, indulging in alpine traditions of rich flavors and warm company.From the lights of Whistler, travel by either snowmobile or heated snowcat through the darkening winter woods to a rustic cabin up the mountain. Breathe in the still evening and watch alpenglow dance on neighboring peaks, before retreating into the firelit warmth. Dig into a feast. First dipping bread and vegetables into a rich fondue of Emmental, gruyère, and wine. Then move on to a savory meat course.Afterward, enjoy more wine and hearty conversation while a local musician serenades your party, before heading back to civilization below.

Many of the best Botswana safari camps are not accessible by road. You need to fly and this is part of the experience. Light aircraft will transfer you from camp to camp, expedited travel that also offers sublime views. Most Botswana safaris are in the style of fly in and fly out. You may share the aircraft with other safari goers, even touch down at a different airstrip. This is brilliant, as you get to experience a new safari landscape without leaving the plane.Travel designers will ensure all your camp transfers are arranged. They take place in the middle of the day, so you don’t lose any valuable safari time on the ground.

Don’t settle for being lectured on history when you can learn through living it. Experience a short but extremely satisfying aerobatic flight over the stunning Tasmanian scenery, in a genuine WWII training plane. Be enraptured by an expertly piloted dip and dive under and over the clouds. Get an aerobatic adrenaline-filled idea of what it was really like to dodge enemy aircraft, knowing that one wrong turn could be your last. With just a cage between you and the blue sky streaming by, prepare to feel the rapid winds whipping against your face and through your hair. Not a mission for the faint-hearted, prepare to have your stomach turned upside down, as you scream and shout into the abyss.

Explore splendid Versailles after the crowds have gone home and the gates are shut.As your insider guide takes you from one sumptuous room to another, she will tell you the story of the palace and the grounds. You will see how king after king enlarged and enriched Versailles, and lived here in faust and magnificence. You will behold all the glories of France as you tour the galleries of historical paintings and sculptures.Your guide will then take you to rooms and passages where other visitors can’t go, to show you the human side and hidden workings of the museum.

Set foot in a realm of unique spaces, forms and lighting. During this private after-hours tour of Casa Milà, you will discover Gaudí’s style and genius. Your expert guide will point out to you the challenges the famous architect had to face, and the solutions he created.Admire the intricate iron work of the balconies. Look up as you climb the stairs, and try to decide whether the roof is inspired by plants or by the undersea world. Stand on the roof by the curious chimneys, and enjoy a glass of Cava as you admire the view over Barcelona.

Have this 19th-century palace all to yourself as you visit it in the after-hours. Built by the Commercial Association of Porto, it displays proudly the wealth and power of Portuguese merchants of that time. Think gold, granite, marble, exotic woods. A huge iron and glass dome, authentic period furniture, sumptuous décor, a dazzling Moorish revival room. This is the summit of 19th-century splendour.Your visit includes an elegant dinner in the palace. And as you sip your Port, you will enjoy a performance of fado, Portugal’s plaintive and passionate song style.

If you want to immerse yourself in the golden holiness of this extraordinary place, this is your opportunity to do it.You will enter the Cathedral of Monreale in the after-hours, when no footfalls or voices disturb the temple’s stillness. You will contemplate walls entirely covered by perfect Byzantine mosaics, and admire the happy combination with Arabic elements such as the saracen arches.You will walk around the hushed cloister drinking in the serenity of this sanctuary. And if you like, spend a moment in recollection before the glorious Christ Pantochrator.

Elaborate paintings peer down from the ceiling. Baroque excesses are sculpted across the walls. Polished wood impresses and the bookshelves extend on and on. In Strahov Monastery there are too many places to look, too many details to discover. Just wait until you see the collection of globes in the historical halls of Strahov Library - a true traveler’s delight!Yet all this magnificence can be lost, especially at the height of Prague’s tourist season. So explore this Baroque masterpiece after hours, on your own, complemented by spiritual tales coming from your guide. This is one of the country’s oldest monasteries and remains a home to monks. And to experience the Premonstratensian spirituality is another highlight.

A 2015 earthquake devastated much of Nepal, including huge sections of Kathmandu. Explore the city’s unique culture and discover how it’s recovering from a disaster that leveled buildings and left nearly 9,000 people dead.Marvel over centuries of history encapsulated in Kathmandu Durbar Square, the ancient home of Malla kings. Visit the temple of a living goddess, the Kumari. Selected according to strict criteria, the Kumari goddess is a prepubescent girl worshipped as a divine figure. Wander Old Freak Street, once a 1960’s hippie enclave.Along the way, your guide will highlight how the sites were impacted by the earthquake, and how its aftershocks can still be felt in the city’s economic and cultural life.

Canada’s largest art museum, the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts stands in the shadow of Mont-Royal in downtown Montreal—a city that is, itself, the artistic heart of the nation.Founded over 150 years ago, the Museum is an ark of Canadian and world creativity. Housing 43,000 works in its heritage collection and with a suite of rotating exhibits, there’s something to impress each of your sensibilities.Explore this impressive collection at your leisure and entirely on your own, with a private after-hours tour. After gaining privileged access to the museum, your private guide will prioritize the exhibits you’re most interested in, as well as providing expert insights to complement the works.

Glide over rippling sand dunes by camel train and prepare majlis as the night sky falls over the desert. Watch birds of prey swoop from the skies, for now, you have entered the Bedouin way of life.Nestled between Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve and the wild surrounding sand-scape, Bedouin heritage invites you to a feast. There are live cooking classes, and Arabic coffee-making illuminated by candlelight. Immerse yourself in this authentic village and its delicacies, like lamb tanoor and thareed. Relax by the fire and engage in astronomy stories. Learn how Bedu’s relied on the universe for navigation. It’s a truly magical travel moment with inspiring desert-nomads.

Familiarize yourself with the essence of Aikido and move in a harmonious spirit.Be mentored by an Aikido master through a morning of practice at a private dojo, to fully understand why this noble martial art promotes peace. Using swift, seamless steps of motion, study the classic Aikido movements of twists and throws. Try out some iconic moves, and see if you can defend yourself without injuring your opponent.

Step out on your balcony and inhale the chill wintry air, as you admire the white slopes of majestic mountains. Then step back inside to enjoy cozy wooden interiors, a crackling fire, and authentic vintage décor in 19th-century Austro-Hungarian style.You will feast on freshly-baked French pastries for breakfast, and can try one of four different restaurants for lunch and dinner. And when you have gone skiing to your heart’s content and want something different, choose from a number of adventures to go on — from dogsledding to an escape game in a yurt located at 2000m.

Go out on your balcony. Breathe the scent of the cypresses as you watch the sun rise over the valley below. You are in Gordes, a stone-carved clifftop village, so beautiful it attracted artists like Marc Chagall and Pol Mara. Now back inside your rooms. Enjoy their warm provençal colours, vintage décor and 18th-century furniture. This ancient house was restored and decorated to savor its most authentic and original features. For food you can choose from a number of excellent restaurants that are just a step away in the village, with wide views over the valley.

Step inside a traditional Ajrakh printing workshop to learn about an ancient indigenous art form that the Khatri community has been producing for centuries. Using hand-carved wooden blocks and natural dyes requires significant skill. It’s hard to apply the right amount of pressure and correct placement onto a piece of fabric.The Khatri community originally migrated from what is now Sindh in Pakistan, and this traditional textile art is being kept alive by families passing it down through generations. Each piece is handcrafted, and the perfectly curated designs and colours are incredible to feast your eyes upon.

With its swamps and trails, Akagera is a prime destination for new safari perspectives. Lions watch on and rhinos trample the bushes. An elephant blows his trunk like a trumpet. Wildlife gathers around the water. First you will explore by boat, crossing the swamps for some very close-up perspectives with the big animals. Then, away from lion country, you’ll walk upon the savannah to gain a new appreciation of antelope and smaller creatures. While Akagera doesn’t have the same volume of wild animals as parks in Kenya or Tanzania, an opportunity to try different activities makes it a very worthy safari destination.

Big game has returned to Rwanda. Elephants roam, lions roar, and black rhinos have a haven away from poachers. Zebra and antelope move in joyous troops, until nightfall, when tense scenes unfold around waterholes. Akagera was decimated during the Rwandan genocide, as parts of this national park became refugee camps. But one of Africa’s great conservation successes has taken place here. Wild animals have been relocated, helping to return Akagera to its former glory. You will go on a full-day big-game safari, tracking Africa’s four-legged giants on game drives with local conservationists. You will get close, follow the conservation story, and feel at home on the wild Rwandan savannah.

Touch the smooth, white stone. Watch consummate masters of sculpture work on the alabaster with traditional tools, and marvel at the pieces they create from it.Ask them about their restoration work, for instance on the 17th-century alabaster ciborium in Potenza. You will see their eyes shine with the passion that is the mark of the true artist.

As you lie face up, gazing at the wealth of stars strewn in the darkness, your host will tell you stories. Not only the astronomical facts and figures but real stories, myths from thousands of years ago.How Queen Berenice sacrificed her beautiful hair to ensure her beloved’s return. Why Castor, Zeus’ son, chose to sacrifice his immortality. What the lovers Sirius and Procyon did to reunite.Sip your champagne or hot chocolate, lie back on your blanket, and travel through the vastness of space and time, in one of the darkest skies in Europe.

This is an experience for those who love the countryside. You will spend time with the farm owners, exploring their property and meeting the animals who live there.As you ride your splendid Lusitano horses over the peaceful fields, you will be introduced to cows, cute goats, and friendly donkeys. And also, to a number of bird species. Lunch will be a picnic under the trees, with crickets chirping about and the breeze rustling in the grass.If your child is too small to ride a tall horse, a docile pony will be prepared for them. And if you want to gallop you can.

Savour a bit of history along with your wines in this 17th-century estate. You will wander extensive gardens and admire baroque fountains. In the manor and chapel, you will discover authentic period interiors. The owners will then give you a tour of the winery, where they still use the ancient marble presses, and let you into their winemaking processes.Taste some of the best wines in this region, then share an elegant lunch with your hosts. And remember to ask them who was Dona Maria.

Explore Ålesund and its islands in the company of your local guide.First, take the underwater tunnels to Giske and Godøy islands. Here you will discover a 12th-century Norman church, stroll through the fishing village of Alnes, and visit a 19th-century lighthouse that is still in operation.In Alesund, you will travel back in time at an open-air museum. The Viking ships are not to be missed. Your guide will then take you to Mount Aksla, to admire the view over the city and the islands. Your discovery of Alesund will end with a tour through the art nouveau houses of the city centre.

Follow your guide into the catacombs of Alexandria. You will see sculpted columns, walls and sarcophagi, and learn to recognize the marks of hellenistic and early Roman influence.Your discovery continues in the Graeco-Roman Museum, and then by Pompey’s pillar, above the ruins of what was once the most magnificent temple in Greek Alexandria. Visit the remains of the 2nd-century Roman amphitheatre, then explore the 15th-century mamluk citadel of Qaitbay. Witnessing these monuments of the past, you will vividly see how “changing empires wane and wax, are founded, flourish and decay”.

Your local host will lead you away from tourists and introduce you to the locals, so you can experience some unique characteristics of the Algarve.You will meet fishermen and market gardeners in the bustle of an open market, discover a family-run salt pond and learn about traditional salt extraction. You will lunch on regional specialties, explore a cork factory and learn about cork harvesting and processing.Discovering firsthand what people grow and produce in a region is a great way to get to know it. And that’s what this tour will help you do.

Accompanied by local fishermen you will venture into a maze of canals, sand dunes, swamps and beaches along the Algarve coast. The sun shines on the water, the wind rustles in the reeds and you feel the peace of nature. You feel its life too. The Ria Formosa is a Natural Park, teeming with wildlife. As you sail, you can spot dozens of bird species.Halfway through the trip, your companions will make a halt and teach you all you want to know about oysters. A very tasty lesson, really.

Breathe in the fresh, briny air. Feel the breeze in your face. And keep a sharp lookout: you may at any moment spot the sleek back of a dolphin.Your private boat crew will take you along the Algarve coast to sight a number of sea creatures. There are whales, common dolphins and bottlenoses, and you could even see a rissos or a striped dolphin.The orca may show its black and white shape, and a hammer shark or a turtle may decide to appear too. And that’s not to mention the seabirds.

Surprise your palate with lesser-known but exquisite Portuguese wines. Your local guide will first explain to you the characteristics of the Algarve wine region and why it’s ideal for growing certain vines. Then, you will explore the vineyards and cellars. And lastly, you will discover four different PDO Algarvian wines.Well, it does not really end there. Afterwards there’s still another tasting, with Porto wine and dark chocolate.

The calm blue waters of the Indian Ocean and sands so white they could be snow. The verdant forests of Shimba Hills National Reserve next to colourful coral reefs that teem with life.Located on Diani Beach, south of Mombasa, Kenyan luxury awaits you at Almanara – an exclusive resort of just seven fully-inclusive villas.Wake to the aroma of freshly-ground coffee. Dine on sumptuous seafood fresh from the water, prepared by your personal chef. Take to the warm waters on a windsurfing rig. Scuba dive among sea turtles. Relax on this pristine stretch of coast and explore marine or savannah wildlife whenever you want.

Watch the panorama expand around you as the cable car takes you higher and higher. The views of the Jungfrau are stunning and you really feel part of the mountains up here.On the way down, you will have a lot of fun sliding down the mountain slopes on your monster scooter. Take your time, appreciate the alpine vistas, and connect to the icons of Switzerland.If the ride whets your appetite, so much the better — a cheese fondue is just the thing to complete your alpine experience.

Eschew the standard Plattekilp Gorge trekking route to the summit of Table Mountain.Instead, take the 3 km India Venster trail. It may not be the easiest way to reach the highest point in Cape Town, but it is one of the most rewarding.Brush past the national park’s unique fynbos flora. Scramble across incredible rock formations. Clamber up sheer rock with the help of specially-implanted metal brackets.Your reward – astonishing views of Cape Town, Table Bay, Lion’s Head peak and the Twelve Apostles.

Here you will enjoy the comfort of modern amenities in the elegance of baroque rooms.Look around and revel in the period charm of your rooms: damask walls, marble fireplaces, wood panelling. There are historic architectural details and original Renaissance frescoes.Then look out of your windows. You will see the boats passing in the Grand Canal and long row of beautiful balconied windows across the waterway.The canal waters reflect dapples of light on your ceilings. Here you really feel you are in the heart of the Queen of the Sea.

Nothing epitomizes luxury more than a stay at Amanemu, located mere steps from the shores of Ago Bay in Ise Shima. Class is embodied by simplicity here, evident through the aesthetics of your private villa. You can experience nature in its purest form, from exploring a pilgrim trail on the UNESCO World Heritage list, to visiting some of the oldest and holiest shrines in the region. Indulge in rituals and traditions at this ryokan retreat. Soak your stress away in a natural hot spring. Feed your body and soul with delicacies from the sea, defined by their freshness and exquisite flavors. This will be a stay to remember for a lifetime.

Fringed by white-sand beaches, tropical palms and offshore reefs, Amanpulo is a hidden paradise reached by sailing across the turquoise Sulu Sea. Dropping the anchor at a local snorkelling spot and falling backwards into a vibrant, untouched underwater world, you are greeted by psychedelic fins and swaying corals. It’s an idyllic afternoon, but it isn’t over yet. Above sea level, your private skipper prepares cocktails and canapes on deck, as the sky mutates the colours of the rainbow. Serenaded by guitar, the sun begins to set across a still water horizon, and you’re sailing to shore for a private moonlight BBQ.

Your exploration of Amasya begins with a wander through old Hittite ruins. The centuries-old remains of Hattusa and Yazilikaya are as eerie as they are remarkable. Discover the tragic beauty of time passing, as you stroll through the crumbling remnants of this old sanctuary.There is much to experience in this exquisite river city. Set against picturesque limestone cliffs, old timber Ottoman houses stand proudly. Their rustic balconies capture the spirit of the past, injecting a mystical ambiance to the air around.A walk along the bank will reward you the quaintest of views. Bask in the fresh mountain air, before venturing into the cliffs above to visit the carved arches and rock cut tombs of the honoured Pontic Kings.

All you can hear are the sounds of birds chirping and the soft paddle of the water as your exclusive cruise floats through the Pacaya Samiria Reserve. The world’s largest protected flooded forest is surrounding you on both sides of the deck. This is how you really appreciate the wild depths of the Amazon. On this private cruise charter, you will enjoy first-class service and gourmet food as you spend your day exploring the Amazon rainforest with expert guides. By sunset time, you’ll be relaxing on the open deck with a drink in hand, appreciating the golden glow filtering through the lush landscape.

As you enter the rainforest after dark, you’ll be overcome by near-deafening nocturnal sounds. To experience the Amazon at night is a completely different experience from the day. Animal activity truly awakens at night and you’ll be guided through the sights and sounds in Inkaterra Ecological Reserve. You’ll be able to spot species that are only seen at night, their glowing eyes watching you as you stare straight back. Your guide will be able to explain the adaptations of nocturnal animals thriving here.It’s a thrilling and unique perspective on the Amazon rainforest and its living creatures.

Experience the Amazon rainforest from both the water and on foot as you track animals along Gamitana Creek. As you wind along the dark water in a canoe, look out for caimans, turtles and brightly coloured birds along the river’s edge. You’ll approach Gamitana Model Farm where you can stretch your legs on a guided walk. You’ll learn about the plant and animal life in the area as well as how to make plantain flour that can be used to make bread. The Amazon’s adaptive and self-sufficient ecosystem will amaze you, especially when a monkey howls from the treetops above.

Just northeast of the bustling city of Jaipur, an stunning, golden-hued palace and fort cascades down from a rocky hilltop. As you approach its main gate, the yellow and pink sandstone structure rises from the rocky outcrop, almost blending into the surrounding arid landscape.Once inside, the white marble and intricately designed courtyards and facades are simply breathtaking. An historian will accompany you to explain the unique blend of Rajput and Mughal architecture, along with the history of this Rajput residence.It’s Great Wall-like fortification extends along the ridge top, offering magnificent views over the city below.

Ride unhindered across the foothills of Africa’s highest peak. Pedal across land inhabited by Amboseli’s legendary elephant herds. Tackle gentle climbs and trickier terrain that leads to phenomenal lookouts. Then enjoy a well-earned breather in close proximity to a multitude of plains species. This is both a Kilimanjaro and safari experience, as you follow the foothills in the presence of zebra, baboons and more.

Enjoy a full day among Amboseli’s large elephant herds, made famous through the world-renowned work of conservationist Cynthia Moss.Fall in love with the multigenerational gentle giants as they wade, splash, and bathe in the park’s swamps.Keep your eyes peeled for the aquatic birds that share this ecosystem. Picnic with unending views of the snows of Mount Kilimanjaro – Africa’s highest peak.

Casco Viejo was settled in 1673, two years after Panama Viejo was ravaged by pirates. Now the city’s old quarter, Casco Viejo is a UNESCO World Heritage Site brimming with life. The neighborhood is the home of grand cathedrals, the country’s National Theatre, and the American Trade Hotel.Stay in the heart of Panama’s most distinctive neighborhood. Feel the mingling of culture at the confluence of North and South America, as well as new and old Panama. Start your day with a cup of Panamanian Geisha, some of the world’s best coffee, at Tiempos coffee shop and, later on, sample fantastic fusion cuisine in The Dining Room, one of Casco Viejo’s best restaurants.

Slither your way through Kalampunian Damit, a small and almost entirely deserted island with one noteworthy inhabitant. Home to a family of sea snakes said to be more poisonous than the cobra, this experience is not for the faint of heart.A thrilling date with the world’s most sly predator. Get up close and personal, as your guide leads you to the sleepy rock crevices where most of the island’s snakes are found.As an experienced “snake catcher”, he may even bring you face to face with the rare reptile itself. You hesitate, but only at first, stroking the serpent with shaky hands that get calmer with each touch.

From a Black Virgin to volcanic sand beaches, from seaside villages to rainforest, you will discover the diversity of Tenerife over the course of one day.Your local guide will reveal to you the history of these islands, as you contemplate the Guanchos monuments in picturesque Candelaria. He will show you the Cathedral and explain the religious importance of this site. Then, you will explore the steep, rocky Anaga mountains and the unique local jungle. Depending on your interests, you can choose to spend more time discovering the towns, or nature. It’s up to you.

A tropical island hideaway. Light and airy beachside villas boasting plunge pool, outdoor shower, and private bar. Verandas vaunting views that stretch uninterrupted from the off-white sands back to mainland Mozambique.Here you can enjoy a huge number of activities on and off the water, from tennis to whale watching. All-inclusive meals demonstrate the complexity of Mozambique’s flavoursome cuisine. A private airstrip and helipad ensures you arrive and depart in style, without wasting time. You need look no further for luxurious seclusion surrounded by pristine landscapes. For escaping the world, especially before and after a safari, this place may be it.

Ecuador’s horses are a unique blend of feisty Spanish style and mountain durability. They can run and run and run, yet they are larger in stature and faster than other South American horses.There are various places you can horse ride in rural Ecuador, either as a short ride or a multi-day expedition. It’s not a great place for beginners. Instead, travel designers can create unique itineraries for experienced horse riders seeking rare adventures.

Traditional shamans continue to operate all over the Andes. There’s a hub of them throughout rural Ecuador and you can do more than just meet one. Travel designers can arrange traditional ceremonies, where you can ward off evil spirits and explore the culture behind shamanism. Note that it’s very rare to have photos of such an experience. This is a travel moment about memories, not Instagram posts.

Open your mind and soul to a sacred offering ceremony delivered by a traditional Andean Shaman. Give thanks to Pachamama or Mother Earth for the life that she gives, as you join the Shaman in chanting and giving offerings of natural elements. The Peruvians believe that this mystical ceremony will bring you closer to nature and rejuvenate your spirit. With an open mind, allow the intensity of the ceremony to afford you a deeper understanding of the traditional culture of the Andes.

Only from the air can you truly appreciate the scale of ancient Angkor and the proud glory of this not to be forgotten civilisation. From a hot air balloon you soar serenely, above famous temples and sprawling rice paddies, across thick forest and out to Angkor’s remote and often unseen outposts. In a helicopter you can fly even further, see even more of Angkor, and touch down besides a jungle-shrouded temple. The hot air balloon is wonderful at dawn or dusk, while the helicopter is an ideal way to see more of Angkor if you’re short on time - do it during the day.

Sunrise comes softly over the plains. Temples glow a soft orange. A monk wanders past. Angkor is a vast complex of wonder and it is very much alive in its ancient state. Here you will find the unmissable icons and celebrated marvels, such as Angkor Wat itself, widely considered to be the world’s largest religious building. There’s the temple from Tomb Raider, but your guide also knows smaller unknown temples equally shrouded in jungle.An Angkor temple safari is about secrets and stories, about discovering the life and times of the Khmer Empire. It’s not just about an Instagram photo next to a marvelous temple, it’s the tale of an empire and all the treasures in between.

Sat at the crossroads of civilisation, the old magic of Ankara calls you in. Enter the vibrant streets of the Turkish capital, and let the city’s ambiance take you on a journey through time. This is a private tour drawing you deep into the heartland of this proud nation.Start at the Museum of Anatolian Civilisations, and uncover the fascinating history of this constantly evolving land. Unearth endearing anecdotes from your local guide, as he leads you through Ankara’s many treasures.Discover the lively culture of this thriving cosmopolis, as you stumble upon enchanting architecture and ancient monuments, including the spectacular Anitkabir. Dedicated to the famed Ataturk himself, this vast hilltop Mausoleum emits so many stories.

Beginning in the foothills, move into the mountains and experience an incredible shifting landscape on your way to Annapurna Base Camp. Share the trail with sheep. Gawk at dozens of silky waterfalls falling from steep mountainsides. Rest next to rushing glacier rivers. Over the course of a week, transition from iridescent foothills to the rocky barrens of glacial valleys. Finally, emerge at the collection of buildings that have served for decades as the launchpad for mountaineers seeking to ascend Annapurna. Enjoy your tea while clouds dance on the mountain’s south face, one of the most treacherous climbs in the world.

See the Himlaya under crisp blue skies, sharp stars, and by the light of your headlamp.With variations that include nearly 5,000 meters of elevation gain and loss, the Annapurna Circuit is widely regarded as one of the world’s best long-distance treks. Move from the tropics to snowy alpine passes, navigating your way around the staggering Annapurna massif.Travel the historic route for 12-21 days along with a private guide who will also act as an interpreter at Hindu villages along the way. Stay in tea house lodges, connect with local culture, and spend your days exploring the heart of the Himalaya.

Every trip to Madagascar involves Antananarivo, the key transport hub. And everyone who simply stops over misses out on a fascinating place.With a private guide you will explore the city’s vibrant centre, including the King’s Palace and Lemur Park. There’s the Queen’s Palace and opportunity to sample authentic Madagascan cuisine.At times you will find a busy city, packed with colour and noise. Yet your guide is an expert and knows how to show authenticity, without making the day too long or intense.

Get acquainted with Guatemala’s abundant wildlife while soaring along an exhilarating zipline.Fly from one elevated platform to another, watching for wild deer running below and exotic birds in the forest around you.Connect with life in the jungle on the Forest Express course, traversing seven zip lines before rappelling down a massive tree. Or drink in expansive views on the faster-paced Canyon Express, which spans two lengthy zip lines suspended 500 feet above a canyon.

The simplicity of the countryside beyond Antigua contrasts nicely with the city’s bouquet of history and culture. Experience true Guatemala in the authentic town of San Pedro las Huertas. Learn how Catholicism integrates into the area at the museum at the Archbishop’s Palace in San Juan del Obispo. Connect with traditional Maya and discover their finest textiles in San Antonio Aguas Calientes.Your private guide will deliver a proper insider’s experience, revealing the charm of rural Guatemala.

The town of Antigua is a melting pot, where Guatemalan culture and history interacts and blends with cultures from all over the world. Feel this convergence in a tangible way at Antigua’s market, where souvenir shopping meets anthropology.Admire with scores of brightly-colored chicken buses, full of locals ferrying their wares. Then wander between stalls and tour every aspect of Antigua’s unique character, one item at a time.Masterful weavings, fresh lemongrass, quirky folk paintings, invigorating spirits, ponderous carvings, colorful clothing—if it’s not here, you can’t find it in Guatemala.

Antigua is a picturesque town of cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and pastel-painted facades. It’s also a melting pot of refined tastes from all over the world. Intrepid gourmands can discover Antigua’s true character on this sensuous tour focused on food and drink. Reveal your tastes to a private guide who will customize a tour to your preferences. Antigua’s highest quality restaurants and watering holes are fairly concentrated in the center of town, so you can walk to make room between stops.Sit outside of the Convento La Merced for proper Guatemalan street food—think rellenitos, enchiladas, and atol blanco—then dip into a dive bar for a mezcal cocktail Then the main course, which could be anything you want, from Guatemalan to Mexican to fusion.

Leave the cobblestone streets of Antigua and explore the surrounding countryside by mountain bike and on foot. Pedal along trails, stopping to visit a macadamia farm and to experience the renowned textiles produced in San Antonio Aguas Calientes.Disembark at the lost city of Ciudad Vieja, which was once a bustling capital, before being buried by a mudslide triggered by volcanic eruption hundreds of years ago. Hike around the site and peaceful forest before continuing on your journey.

Antonio’s iron-wrought gates welcome you to embark upon a culinary journey. Perched on a hillside surrounded by lotus ponds and tropical plants only found in the highlands, the old Spanish style creates an intimate setting for a memorable lunch. From the Chilean sea bass to the succulent pig, there’s no wonder why Antonio’s made it into the Philippines Tatler. This is a great moment to combine with a helicopter tour of nearby Taal Volcano, the thrills followed by laid-back dining.

Much of South African population was born after the apartheid era ended. But the harrowing memories live on in Johannesburg’s Apartheid Museum.The brutalist architecture and chilling segregated entranceways immediately bring to life how the decisions of a white minority government affected all South Africa’s races.Led by an expert historian, your private tour will further highlight the four-decade long fight for racial justice that culminated with the release of Nelson Mandela from prison, and his election as the first democratically-elected president of South Africa.

Surrender to a slower rhythm as your gondola glides on the unfrequented side canals, and you taste local products and Prosecco wine.Lean back and enjoy sights you will see nowhere else in the world. House doors open onto shaded waters, and boats are moored close by. Carved stone bridges lead from alley to alley. Small gardens hang from rooftop terraces.Look attentively, and you will see not only the happy amalgam of Europe and the East in the architecture, but also the incredible details of carefully crafted doorknobs and glass lamps and ironwork.Venice is a world unto itself — and one well worth discovering.

Disappear from civilisation to the isolated volcanic island of Apo. Far from humanity, these rainforests of the sea are brimming with beauty. Hundreds of fish and coral species make up a striking contrast on this coral wonderland. There is no wonder why Apo Island is regularly named as one of the world’s premier dive sites. Float along rolling fields of kaleidoscopic coral, fringing the shallows and its steep ridges. Rainbow reefs and rock-like skeletons almost look alien. Majestical gliding sea turtles swim in abundance and the feeling of weightlessness empowers you to fly towards them. Apo Island is a stunning site and the private aircraft means you can dive the best of it in one comfortable day. Plus you enjoy sublime aerial imagery.

Enter the eco-adventure isle by the resort's private and find paradise hidden from the outside world. Apulit is a seascape for chill-seekers and thrill-seekers alike. Indulge in a plethora of activities. Soak up the views of sprawling white sands lined with coconut palm trees and dramatic limestone cliffs.Facing the azure Taytay Bay are fifty luxurious overwater cottages. Traditionally designed with Filipino architecture combined with minimalist modern interiors, they set the scene for an intimate and calming getaway.  Rappel off 60m limestone cliffs or take relaxing to another level in the spa, it’s up to you how you wish to unwind from the urban grind.

Be spirited away to spellbinding Arashiyama, a folkloric district just outside of Kyoto. Begin at the prolific Tenryuji Temple. Then stroll through a malachite green bamboo grove, which will instantly transport you to another world. There are other adventures to be had. Look for a temple hidden in the hills, and marvel at the myriad of rakkan statues being housed in the remote sanctuary. Slow down your pace as you arrive at the thousand-year-old Togetsukyo Bridge. Drink in the painterly view while standing on this famous “moon crossing bridge”. Afterward, if you are in the mood, why not cruise down the poetic river on a private boat ride?

Discover Arcachon, a seaside resort with white houses and clay-tile roofs and a deserved reputation for producing delicious oysters.Your expert guide will take you on a boat out to Cap Ferret. Here you will see how oysters are harvested out of the cool Atlantic waters. You will learn to class the different oyster sizes, and discover that their flavour varies accordingly.Back on land, learn how to pair oysters, and enjoy more than a sample of the day’s catch.

This was Selinunte. It is silent now. The wind blows from the sea over vast, imposing ruins of temples and streets and houses. These are some of the best-preserved Greek ruins to be found.But in the 4th century BC, this was a thriving metropolis. 30.000 people dwelled in and around its walls, and the city was prosperous and respected. What happened, then? Ask your private guide. You will hear of a long feud with the Carthaginese, of betrayals by Syracuse, of a premeditated destruction that left nothing but ruins.The glories of the world pass. But here the stones remain, and tell you their story.

Somerset Island is a remote uninhabited island high in the Canadian Arctic archipelago. A mesmerizing landscape of ice-hewn sprawls and wide-open vistas, it is ripe for exploration. You can do just that, traveling by ATV (quad bike).Follow your private guide across the open landscape, taking plenty of breaks to learn about the region’s unique flora and fauna. Musk oxen crowd barren tundra. Arctic foxes skulk over flowering mosses and lichen. The pale form of a polar bear moves against the horizon . . . Best get back on the ATV and maintain that distance.

The Arctic is remarkable from every angle. Enormous icebergs calve. Ice sheets are covered in crevisses and nuance, with alpine water tumbling into Arctic abyss. Nature has sculpted an ephemeral paradise here, a landscape where every angle is both different and the same.As the ice melts the view changes. What you see down below will never be seen again. Yet in every direction there is a familiarity, a consistency to the wilderness. You will discover this seemingly endless landscape on an Arctic helicopter flight.Take off from the Ultramarine ship. This brand new ship has two helicopters and on a multi-day cruise itinerary you can experience the Arctic from the different angles of air, sea and land. And to experience the Arctic from the sky is one of the world’s great travel pleasures, an opportunity to gasp at a world on the edge of the world. Guides will tailor the flight so you can explore the Arctic's most impressive landscapes.

Replacing the ice and snow of a regular igloo with insulated wood and electrically-heated glass, these enigmatically engineered planetariums will give you an immersion in the vastness of the space above. Preferentially positioned directly beneath a 360-degree panoramic view, you can simply lay back in warm comfort and let go of all your worldly cares. The vast sky of sparkling stars will serve as a mere backdrop to mother nature’s greatest light show. Be patient and you can be treated to the sudden appearance of the northern lights, tiptoeing and tap dancing their way across the darkness for all to see.

Guests young and old are invited to take up residence in their own little nest-like unit, overlooking the spectacular serenity of an Arctic sky scene. Positioned on the proudly protruding snowy peaks, nothing stands in the way of you and the misty vastness ahead. Lay back on your amply-sized bed in your warm and cozy compartment, and be at one with nature. Raised up on sturdy wooden stilts above the overhanging hillslope, you may feel a sense of floating amongst the frosty clouds, high above the frozen land below.

Beluga whales congregate in open water, stark tundra slips away toward the horizon, and the sun does not set in summer. In this expanse, the Arctic Watch Wilderness Lodge provides shelter from the elements.Connect with the region through the experience and knowledge of the proprietary family—an all-star cast of adventurers and all-around Arctic experts. Hear about their experience 500 miles north of the Arctic Circle in the lodge’s Great Hall, as you enjoy a meal of fresh-caught Arctic Char.Here you can take advantage of ample adventure opportunities, like riding a fat bike or ATV across the frozen tundra in search of polar bears. Or fishing in chilly rivers.

Located as far north as most mere mortals would dare to venture, in Rovaniemi, lie Finland’s Arctic wilderness cabins. Set in a remote circumstance, sufficiently far away from the relative hustle and bustle of the town centre the cabins are still a reassuringly short drive from civilization. With civilization almost visible, you can enjoy the best of both worlds - a seemingly solitary stay in a stylish cabin, close enough to those creature comforts like gourmet coffee and a freshly-pulled pint of the local ale. With spas and saunas accompanying each property as a standard service don’t be in too much of a rush to run back to reality.

Stand on a boat deck watching whales glisten in the sunset. Go on a hike to admire the majestic moose. Birdwatch puffins and brown eagles.Wildlife in Norway, on land and sea, is both abundant and impressive. You can happen on killer whales, humpbacks and dolphins during your boat safari. You can witness the 15-kilo king crab being fished, then feast on a crab meal. You can hike a natural park which is one of the few places where you will see musk oxen. Choose the experiences that most appeal to you, and live your very own wildlife adventures.

Get off the roads and experience Arenal on its own terms.Starting at picturesque Arenal Lake, follow an old trail into the rainforest, navigating slopes and turns until you arrive in Arenal Volcano National Park. Continue cycling around the classic conic volcano until you reach a lookout. Survey the park and see how far you’ve come before taking advantage of gravity on the way back down.

Connect with nature by wandering the Sky Walk, three kilometers of well-maintained trails high in the rainforest.A private naturalist guide will accompany you to explain and identify species of snake, birds, and even more examples of Costa Rica’s abundant wildlife.Cross several suspension bridges, erected to make this elevated hike possible, and to allow you to look down on the jungle below. Along the way, make use of scenic balconies that provide panoramic views featuring cascading waterfalls, Arenal Volcano and Lake.

Tour along hiking trails on the northwest side of Arenal while your guide interprets the impressive sights and sounds of this active volcano and its attendant biodiversity.Marvel at lava rock formations. Spot white-faced capuchin monkeys and parrot snakes. Watch the lava-red sun set over the serene waters of Arenal Lake.Afterward, unwind at Tabacon Resort, a serene retreat that features both natural hot and cold pools, unique to the Arenal area.Drink in the surroundings while you bathe in water heated by Arenal’s volcanic heart.End your day with dinner at the Tucanes Restaurant, which serves up tasteful gastronomical experiences in the resort’s impressive rainforest atmosphere.

Begin your Cappadocia adventure with an alluring stay at the Argos. This is a cave hotel with a timeless concept. Discover the magic captured within its ancient walls, as you stroll through stone rooms full of character and charm.Set against the hilltop village of Uchisar, you will be treated to unrivalled views of the gorgeous valley below. Wake up in rustic lodgings and feel the excitement in the air. Let go of any worries, as you rejuvenate in this mystical retreat.Distinct architecture meets modern design. Make yourself at home among Mother Nature, as the warm staff provide an extra dose of comfort to your stay.

The salacious steps of Ariana Sustainable Luxury Lodge invite you in for a serene stay. A secluded location is amplified by an abundance of privacy. Embark on a sensual journey as East meets West, a collaboration reflected in the design, architecture and tradition of this prestigious estate.Enjoy a leisurely stroll through fruitful vineyards, followed by a glass of wine on the terrace as you take in Cappadocia’s captivating skyline.As the sky darkens, the smell of fresh local ingredients starts filling the air. Sample a contemporary menu laced with Meditarranean flavour, creatively re-designed by an Executive Chef every new season. Savour in the sweetness of the moment, as you treat your taste buds to new pleasures.

Journey deep into astoundingly beautiful and untouched aboriginal lands for an exclusive expedition into Arnhem Land by four-wheel drive. Be guided through some of Australia’s most beautiful backlands and billabongs. You’ll come in contact with spectacular sights and watch live demonstrations of aborigines authentically reenacting the arts and crafts of their ancestors. Driving through a plume of dust in the Mikkinj Valley, forests and floodplains will zoom by your window. Stopping to savour sites such as Injalak Arts Centre, you’ll leave with a greater understanding of what this land’s tricky terrain meant to its indigenous people.

Nestled in the heart of Kyoto’s most enchanting Arashiyama district, tour a museum that opens its doors just for you. In the company of the museum director, walk on the tatami mat and listen to the spellbinding tales surrounding one hundred poems collected over six centuries. Play a card game inspired by these ancient verses to gain a better understanding of Waka poetry. Gaze out at the Katsuragawa River, serene as a painting, and contemplate the beauty of the poems penned by one hundred different poets, including emperors and priests.  The museum can also be rented for private events and performances, perfect for any aspiring cultural host!

Gaze in wonder at the frescoes in the Church of Sao Bento Monastery — theirs is a unique style, inspired by Sumerian, Babylonian and Egyptian ancient art.Discover 19th-century art in the Pinacoteca do Estado, admire the colonial architecture of the Museum of Sacred Art and explore modern art at MAM. In every museum a curator will accompany you, so you can follow the story of art in Sao Paulo and Brazil. If you like, your guide will also take you to discover graffiti paintings and murals. Here an artist can teach you how to paint your own. This tour will be customized according to your art interests and the time you have in Sao Paulo.

Maybe you find art museums a bit disappointing. Maybe you look at those paintings and know they are something extraordinary — but you wish you could tell why.With this tour you have a prominent artist and art professor with you.In the Prado and the Reina Sofia Museums, he will introduce you to masterpieces of Spanish painting. He will gladly answer your questions and tailor a route to meet your interests. These museums are too big for one day, so you need a guide to plan a route around the best stuff. It’s easy to be overwhelmed, but not when an art professor narrates.

Explore the city of Medellin through the eyes of one of Colombia’s best-known artists, Fernando Botero. As you walk through the city with an expert guide, you’ll discover the life and works of this incredibly distinctive artist and sculptor.You’ll visit the Museum of Antioquia where more than 100 of Botero’s paintings are on display and the Plaza de las Esculturas which is home to over 20 of his statues. You’ll come to recognise Botero’s signature style of exaggerated and inflated figures, as well as his political criticisms and humour through his art. It’s a purposeful walking tour of an interesting city, complete with local resident Botero’s artistic flair.

Occupying the idyllic San Blas Islands, the Kuna people are masters of textiles, jewellery, and other traditional art forms. Visit them on their home island of Achutupo, just off Panama’s northern coast, and see how they’ve maintained and developed their traditional artwork, living apart from modern Panamanian society.See both men and women weaving fantastic straw hats and baskets. Examine the fine craftsmanship of jewellery made from bird- and fish-bone, as well as delicate beadery.And, of course, discover the famous Kuna molas, known around their world for their colorful patterns and intricate designs. Learn the process behind creating these beautiful textiles, and peruse the work of various Kuna artists.

Asaba ryokan in Izu might just be your heaven on earth, exemplifying quintessential Japanese hospitality that is shaped by five hundred years of experience.Perfection is found in the ryokan’s surroundings, from crisp green bamboo forest backed by tumbling hills, to a mirror-like pond that reflects the silvery moonlight. Traditions are maintained in every nook and cranny, beginning from the classic architecture that greets every visitor, and extending to a lavish interior that exudes warmth and comfort. Be it through dramatic Noh performance, or savoring a kaiseki experience dressed in your personal yukata, you are bound to find magic here at Asaba.

Weave your way through rows of vendors and men pushing trolleys stacked with produce. You may never have been in such a vibrant and aromatic place before. The perfectly manicured pyramids of colourful spices dominate the shop fronts and the sweet smell of dried fruit and pickled vegetables will have you drooling. This 17th century bazaar covers streets in all directions and is the largest spice market in Asia. Come with an empty stomach as your local guide will ensure that you taste test the best of India’s world-renowned food.

Discover the rugged charm of Asni, a quaint earthen village tucked deep within the foothills of the High Atlas Mountains. Submerged in mountainous landscape, this picturesque little town offers rolling hills and winding paths.

Standing at the base, you’re able to admire the sheer size of the superstructure. It's like a rocket, about to boost into space. Within 60 seconds, you will be on the premium observation deck of the Burj Khalifa. Whether visiting solo, or with a private Guest Ambassador, you will embark upon a momentous journey. The doors slide open and you are greeted by uninterrupted panoramic views of Dubai. You can truly appreciate the exceptional blend of modern city and desert within one glance, from the highest observation deck on the planet. Embrace Dubai by day, and night, as time is of no importance on the 148th floor. You can stay as long as you like with unlimited drinks.

The cosmos has never seemed far from the arid desolation of the Atacama Desert. From the region’s indigenous peoples’ cosmology to the world’s largest radio telescope. From the frequent comparisons between this bizarre landscape and the surface of Mars.Experience this firsthand through a night of private world-class stargazing.Tour the desert with a knowledgeable local. Visit the Alma Observatory and learn of the distant stars and galaxies while seeing them with your own eyes.Walk the quiet splendor of the Path of the Incas trail by the light of the moon and stars. Move through a desertscape occasionally punctuated by Inca-style houses and stone walls. Rest and warm your hands with hot cocoa, while watching the universe unfold.

Moonlight winks in tiny salt crystals in an expansive, barren landscape. By day, succulents and cacti cast welcome shadows and the distance shimmers in the heat. Welcome to the Atacama Desert.This Chilean desert plateau is one of the driest and most unique locations on earth. It’s a prime location for the adventurous photographer. Explore this moonscape with a private photography guide who will show the best subjects and help you frame your masterpiece.If you’re lucky, you might catch one of the world’s great rare occurrences. Every few years, the desert erupts with vibrant colors as flowers bloom in the wake of rain.

Athen’s food scene is a sensory symphony of taste, texture, and traditions. Join a connoisseur on a bespoke food adventure and get to know the essence of Greek cuisine. From succulent seafood to flame-grilled meat skewers, you will find hearty flavors and unparalleled freshness everywhere you turn.Just like the locals do, shop at the central food market for ingredients. Then participate in a cooking class with a chef who will share handy Mediterranean culinary tips.Finally, sit down to enjoy the meal you have prepared. Soak in Greek hospitality that will leave an indelible impression.

If Greece were the cradle of civilization, then Athens is its epicenter. In the company of one of the city’s best guides, walk through archeological sites built by great emperors. Imagine the past come to life. Unravel the captivating Greek mythology as you visit temples dedicated to the omnipotent gods and goddesses.Stroll across the Acropolis. This crown jewel is perched atop a rocky hill, watching over the sprawling city throughout the ages. Spend time in the Acropolis Museum to view an extensive collection dating back to antiquity. This is the quintessence of Athens, cloaked in millennia-old resplendence, and you will delve deep into its layered history.

Contrasting the busy chatter of Marrakech’s streets, Morocco’s rural landscape comes with its own rustic charm. Nestled between the foothills of the High Atlas Mountains, discover remote Berben communities living a still and quiet life.Spend your day exploring these quaint earthen villages, set against dreamy slopes and winding roads. Expect dramatic scenery and friendly locals. Complete the experience with a visit to the local souk. Travelling from village to village, these weekly markets are an essential part of local life.Expect raw cultural exchanges as you interact with local vendors. This is an authentic snippet into rural Morocco, amidst makeshift stalls and modest products.

A series of mountain trails, snaking their way up the Atlas Mountains. Green trees dotting the land, against a screen of creamy rock. A guided hike, guaranteed to give the best of views.Embark on this tantalising trek, an exploration of Morocco that takes you deeper into its heart. Away from the crowds, your hike will be peaceful. An opportunity to truly take in your surroundings, and enjoy the natural scenes of this multifaceted country.Walks can be tailored for all levels of fitness. Discover quaint villages, simple in construction, rich in character. Enjoy mint tea with warm and friendly locals. Gain a taster of Berber life.

This evening, you will attend a film premiere, which includes walking the red carpet and attending a star-studded after-party. Yes, it’s possible. After all, this is Hollywood. And a handful of travel designers know exactly how to source tickets to such events.

Go behind the scenes to uncover the daily routine of sumo wrestlers. Get an exclusive glimpse of the fighters’ morning practice right outside the ring. Witness a reverence for discipline and order, and admire a sheer dedication shown by the men devoted to becoming grandmasters of sumo.After a session of hard work, sit down to a traditional Chanko Nabe brunch with the giants. Savor a warm stew rich in meat, fat, and vegetables, while gaining a deeper understanding of the wrestlers’ day-to-day lives.Hear about the athletes’ long journeys in becoming professional wrestlers in a millennia-old sport, a story that is bound to inspire you.

Begin your journey by land, riding ATVs through the wilds of Costa Rica. Witness the splendor of the jungle and keep an eye out for beautiful tropical birds and other wildlife in the trees overhead.When the forest breaks, you find yourself in the charming beach town of Coyote. Proceed to the shore where your kayaks are waiting.Paddle your way up the Coyote River—one of the most beautiful rivers in the country. Let your heartbeat fall in with the rhythm of paddle strokes as you make your way up the wide river, and listen to the cacophony of life hiding in the jungle on either side.

This is like a highlight reel showcasing the best of Costa Rica’s rainforests.Explore the mountains just north of the famously diverse Manuel Antonio National Park on your ATV. Master the rugged trails, snaking your way through rainforest populated by sloths, monkeys, and toucans.Pass working teak, rice, and papaya plantations, as well as traditional towns, offering a glimpse into the country’s rustic countryside.About halfway, park your ATV for a nature hike that takes advantage of zip lines to cover ground and get the heart pumping. Finally, arrive at San Antonio de Damas, home of waterfalls and hot springs. Cool off in crystal-clear waters.

Experience the thrills of the Cappadocia valleys, aboard a thrifty ride. This is a quad bike adventure guaranteed to get your adrenaline pumping. Let the beauty of the natural landscape sweep you off your feet, as you navigate hidden trails that end with exclusive panoramic views.An invigorating visual feast of rolling hills lay out before you. The wind is refreshing. The speed is exhilarating. These off-the-beaten-paths are yours to explore, on this private tour over picturesque hills and glorious dunes, with fast-paced excitement promised throughout.

Board a private boat and go deep into the majestic beauty of Nærøyfjord and Aurlandsfjord. Then land at Skierdal, and begin to discover the life of local residents.Your guide will take you on a mountainside hike. Admire the views of the fjord from above, and ask her any questions you have about this region. She will be happy to share her love for it with you.Hike on. You will arrive at a Leim farm where you will meet a genial host, and discover friendly goats, cheese making, and delicious local food.

Sit back and let a private guide drive you away from the city lights into the silent tranquility of the Arctic’s desolate but beautiful darkness. Delving into nothingness, in search of the famed northern lights, the stresses and strains of real life will simply float away. The magical multi-coloured lasers of light will appear and astound you, as hot juice and snacks are served in the comfort of your heated car. The length of the tour will depend on the conditions and the willingness of the northern lights to reveal themselves. However, with a few days in the Arctic you will have ample opportunity to see the lights dance.

A massive bridge that leads nowhere. A palace where seven popes lived. And those imposing medieval city walls.Your guide will tell you about Avignon as you wander in and out of the rampart doors and posterns. You will learn why this city was the seat of the papacy for seventy years, and how it only became part of France two centuries ago.Go explore the cathedral, the bridge, the Palace of the Popes. This is the largest gothic building extant, and you will marvel at colorful medieval frescoes in its two chapels.

Villas hide in the jungle within earshot of Iguazu Falls. Myriad tropical birds twitter to break the surrounding serenity. Butterflies and toucans flutter around. Untamed rainforest extends in all directions. This is an epic retreat, hidden from the world on the Argentinian side of the falls. While the setting is otherworldly, Awasi Iguazu is a haven of contemporary style. Close your eyes and the jungle immerses you in sounds. Open them to a private plunge pool and some of remote Argentina’s finest cuisine. This jungle retreat works best if you stay for a few days. Kayak, hike, horseback ride, see the falls, and most preciously, escape the world.

Immerse yourself in the ancient capital of Ayutthaya, a magnificent world of temples, ruins, and history’s lesser-known stories. Arrive by river then transfer to a “kermit” special non-motorized tuk tuk. Ancient temples stand proudly in the historic park. They rise towards the sky, covered in intricate detail that demands closer inspection, yet equally hypnotic from a distance. Magnificent ruins cover the area and you can go fast enough to see it all, but slow enough to take it all in. It's not just about the lost past and old city, this tour will also reveal modern Ayutthaya. Stop near the Muslim quarter and sample some candy floss roti and refuel by trying out local delicacies in the market. Then go back into old Ayutthaya to discover more.

The protected waters of central Mozambique’s Bazaruto archipelago. Individual seafront villas constructed using traditional techniques and materials. The only structures for miles around, minutes from some of the region’s best dive sites.Thatched roofs that disappear into the surrounding coastal vegetation. Contemporary interiors that blend surprisingly well with the verdant surrounds.Enjoy the tranquil surrounds of your private garden and pool. Book a treatment at the African Spa. With its own five-star PADI dive centre, Azura Benguerra is the perfect option for those seeking tranquillity above and below the waves.

This dazzling island is a 50 kilometre helicopter trip from mainland Mozambique, under the protection of Quirimbas National Park. Touch down to nine individual seafront villas rich in natural materials and bathed in light. There’s dappled native forest, plus short sandy footpaths that connect the villas with four beaches.Not many stays can boast a house reef off the main beach – a haven for endangered sea turtles as well as humans. Take advantage of the on-site diving centre and water sports facilities to see it at its best.Alternatively, simply adopt this private island’s relaxed ambience, knowing you’re largely out of reach of the world beyond.

A haven of style and indulgence, this boutique hotel was designed by Parisian duo Gilles & Boissier. There’s crystal everywhere and a lavish attention to detail that can only be New York. That’s unsurprising given the address, just across the street from MoMA. Spread across dozens of stories this hotel mixes spacious suites with soaring public spaces. It’s the hotel you book when you want to show off, in New York. Simply to step inside is to step inside a work of contemporary art.

Sometimes the only way to satisfactorily sample the whole scene is by helicopter. And what better scenery to sample than the steep slopes of New Zealand’s Fiordland. This will be an experience of exhilarating exploration, a thrilling helicopter ride in the hands of one of New Zealand’s legendary pilots. Taking in every terrain, from icy glaciers and green mountains to waterfalls and beaches far below, you’ll dip, dive and glide over the breathtaking beauty of the Backcountry fjords. The superb scenery will say it all, but your knowledgeable guides will be on hand with a creative commentary of all that can be viewed from your privileged position. This is a very flexible helicopter ride and the route can be adapted to take in different glaciers, fjords and beaches.

This travel moment combines two worlds of natural wellness. The cold fresh air of a winter hike along with the soothing warmth of outdoor hot pools.Begin with a private snowshoe tour along Whistler’s historic Medicine Trail. Follow in the footsteps of indigenous healers and other ancient peoples, using broad snowshoes to stay above the deep snow. Along the way, your guide will point out lichens, bark, and coniferous needles that hold medicinal properties and brew fresh healing teas right on the trail.Afterward, reward yourself with a peaceful visit to Whistler’s Scandinave Spa. Soak in outdoor hot pools while gazing out at row upon row of snowy peaks.

After watching a Broadway show you head to the concession area and meet your Broadway host. You feel the sheer excitement of being escorted past the police barricade to the stage door, and brought backstage. Now you meet your guide — one of the show’s cast members! For the next half hour, ask all the questions you have. You will hear everything about the experience of nightly performances, and the inner workings of the show. And don’t be afraid to ask. Here, the magic of story does not vanish once you see its mechanism. The spell of Broadway is far too powerful for that.

Scorched sandstone greets you in Bagan, a plateau of Buddhist peaks rising above the southern banks of the Irrawaddy. Thousands of pagodas and shrines spill out in every direction. At first it’s baffling, such religious abundance punctuated by the odd lonely palm. Even after a full day exploring you will struggle to make sense of Bagan’s scale, how so many exquisite structures have been isolated by time. There are literally thousands and visiting them all would take the best part of a year.It’s destinations like Bagan that illustrate the importance of a good local guide. You will sidestep the tour buses and explore the most famous pagodas when they are quiet. Meeting monks you will savour the spirituality that permeates through walls. Fables and fictions accompany each structure, sometimes told through the monks you meet. Most of the pagodas don’t have names, only numbers, yet their craftsmanship is masterful. And as sunset arrives you will not stand on a famous “sunset” temple. You will be virtually alone on a 12th century masterpiece with an incredible view over the dusty plains.

Colonies of sea lions bask on the rocky shore. Century-old chapels stand proud in sleepy towns. Sunlight radiates off of uncharted islands and dances in the waves as you sit down to dinner on deck. Explore Baja California’s 3,280 kilometers of coastline aboard your own private yacht. Sail this dynamic region with a dedicated captain and crew, prioritizing what you want to experience.Visit migrating humpback whales in a sheltered bay. Paddle through waves in the Sea of Cortez. Snorkel with sea turtles in Cabo Pulmo. With so much to explore around the peninsula, your adventure is limited only by the length of your trip and the scope of your imagination.

See the varied landscapes of Baja California from behind the wheel of a specially outfitted off-road vehicle!Tear along winding trails. Barrel through cactus forests. Throw sand on beaches. Race past picturesque churches, humble ranches, and dry mountains.The peninsula’s arid climate contributes to ideal conditions for off-road racing. Strap in and enjoy the ride.

Treat your taste buds to pure pleasure, as you spoil yourself with a sweet workshop full of classic flavours. Join your local chef in the creation of magic, in this quintessential culinary experience located in the heart of Istanbul.Luscious desserts wait to be crafted. Expect sensory surprises behind each bite. These native treats have travelled far, carrying with them the charms of Turkish culture. Try your hand at their decoration, as you work on timeless local recipes.Pleasant conversation and an intimate setting combine, bringing you a warm and light-hearted class that will long be cherished.

Experience the best of Balinese coffee, on this private tour through Bedugul and Munduk. Enjoy scenic roads and picturesque hills, as you travel to off-the-beaten-track plantations not usually open to visitors.Revel in the fresh air at Eka Karya Botanical Gardens, with its evergreen scenes and impressive orchid collection. Discover the shimmering beauty of Lake Bratan, home to the floating Ulun Danu Temple.Sample world-renowned Luwak coffee, as you sit down for lunch and an extended coffee tasting at a secluded location. Yes, the coffee beans have been partially digested and fermented by civets. And yes, this coffee really is worth the hype. Dig deeper into the history of this flavoursome trade, before venturing to the Munduk Waterfall for a cooling dip.

Explore the fascinating city of Ubud and its luxuriant surroundings. Meet your personal driver and guide, and set off on a guided tour that will open your eyes to the art, architecture and ancient history of Bali. Hear the stories of the rise and fall of different dynasties. Learn how the unique Balinese culture was shaped throughout centuries. Visit temples framed by pavilions and pagodas to experience the pious faith of the people. Revel in views that will stay etched in your memories, from steep jade green gorges flowing with waterfalls to sculpted rice paddies serene as a painting.

The beauty of Balinese dance comes from the passion in each step. Synchronise your body to a traditional and long-loved beat, and discover a dynamic form of movement rooted in emotion.Rehearse angular motions as you sway to a symphony of vibrant sound, in this private class with either a local family or Master Topeng dancer. Each experience comes with its own charm and appreciation for this expressive cultural practice.Engage with lively dance styles that are fun and slowly becoming world-renowned. This is dramatic choreography, made easy to learn. Feel the spirit of the music, as you twirl to an ancient tune. Master the routine and nail your final performance, executed with vigorous energy and graceful control.

Discover the beauty of Bali’s central highlands, on this soulful journey through Tabanan. Arrive at the Puri Anom Tabanan, where you will receive a personal introduction with a member of the royal family.Venture through this ancient palace complex, dressed in the traditional Kamben Wali ensemble and escorted by your new companion. Unravel the tale of this historic castle, as you sit down to a traditional Balinese breakfast together.Enjoy further conversation and authentic exchange, as you head on to Jatiluwih. Enter the old temple and experience Purification, a healing ritual of reflection that will leave you feeling cleansed. Revel in an intimate lunch by the rice fields. Sunset by the sea at Tanah Lot Temple still awaits.

Experience the essence of the Balinese Gods, as you enter the incredible Tirta Empul. This impressive water temple dates back to the 10th century. Present your offerings, as is customary, and then get acquainted with the priest.Revel in the serenity of this sacred space, as he guides you through the rituals. Submit to the feeling of calm that comes as you practise prayer. Submerge yourself in the holy water springs, for an old bathing ritual purifying spirit and soul.Gunung Kawi is next on this private temple tour. Discover a royal complex against a river valley, home to ten rock-carved shrines. Enjoy immersive nature views as you sit down to lunch. The ancient Elephant Cave expects you next.

A guide will take you to remote villages to discover an authentic Balinese way of life. Sit down to a traditional lunch with a Balinese family. Tuck into dishes wafting with the aroma of spices and fresh herbs, made from recipes passed down through the generations. Appreciate a farm-to-table culinary approach that pays tribute to the season, and be inspired by the combination of local flavours and ingredients. Experience first-hand how a typical Balinese family lives and get to know the secret to building a classic house compound. Then go for a short hike. Embrace palm fronds swaying in the breeze, and listen to the rustling across the scenic rice terraces. Cherish a stirring visual symphony in remote Bali.

Begin your tour of Bali’s Eastern treasures at the incredible Tirtagangga. This enchanting open-air water palace resembles a classic fairytale scene. Stroll through quaint fountains and eerie statues, as you take in the ancient ambiance of this remarkable complex.Continue on to Karangasem, and discover the old charms of this stunning region. Explore the royal palace of Puri Agung, a historical compound of rustic temple structures alongside subtle Dutch interior design.Head up towards the mountains, and hike your way through finely sculpted rice terraces. Arrive at the secluded village of Tenganan, home to a community of original Balinese settlers. Witness humbling Hindu traditions among Bali’s oldest inhabitants. Immerse yourself in the story of this unique group’s past.

Drift silently over the South African veld with just a balloon pilot for company, as the sun rises over another magnificent day in Africa. The expansive panoramas of the Blyde River Canyon’s staggered series of verdant yet precipitous cliffs meld into the grasslands of Kruger National Park, against a backdrop of the Drakensberg Mountains.

The air is full of promise as you wait in anticipation. Settled comfortably in your own private basket, the inflated balloon looms overhead, a curve of colour against the sky above. A moment later, and you feel yourself gently lift off the ground.You float effortlessly, rising higher towards a layer of clouds, white and puffy and all too inviting. The sky stretches before you, as the sun starts to rise. The world below feels infinite and far away.You drift through a scene from a dream, soaring over Cappadocia’s famed fairy chimneys. The landscape views do not disappoint, dotted with tranquil valleys and fellow flyers. Sparkling champagne and a bountiful buffet breakfast wait for you upon your descent.

Fly over the legendary Chianti landscape, with its hilltop medieval towns, castles, vineyards, and woods. Looking down from your balloon, the olive groves' shades of silver and green appear as a veil over the silent rolling hills. In the distance you can see Florence, with the majestic Apennine range in the background. To the west, San Gimignano, Certaldo, and Volterra and the sea in the far distance, to the south, Siena and Monte Amiata.Upon descending back to earth from your aerial tour, you will enjoy a breakfast of tasty local products, made perfect by a glass of champagne.

It’s balsamic, not balsamic vinegar. In Modena you get the pure stuff, an unfermented grape juice that’s spent many years aging in small oak barrels. You only need a small drop, a tiny amount of this syrupy liquid gold. Complex flavours hit your palate and the aftertaste lingers on and on. Balsamic is very much misunderstood around the world, mostly because people buy balsamic vinegar, a mix of balsamic and acidic vinegar. At Villa Sandonnino you will tour a farm and cellar with the owner, discovering how pure balsamic is produced. Taste the difference between vintages, including rare 50-year-old balsamic. And find out why the best balsamic can only be bought in Modena, directly from the source.

Discover the rural side of the Philippines by going deeper into the countryside and off the beaten path. Uncover the eighth wonder of the world. The Philippines national cultural treasure is Banaue Rice Terraces and oh my, what an enchanting sight. Exploring Northern Luzon by helicopter is a truly unique and comfortable way to visit remote areas. Fly right through the middle of amphitheatre-like rice terraces, hand-carved over 2000 years ago into the Ifugao mountain range.

Bangkok is hard to avoid, wherever you are going in Thailand or wider Southeast Asia. The city’s streets and attractions can be overwhelming - so many people, so much colour, so much going on everywhere you look.But in a longtail boat Bangkok is far easier to manage. Cruise effortlessly down the Chao Phraya River, alongside temples and skyscrapers, then out into a maze of canals. Soon you’re cruising among traditional stilt houses and rice paddies, then onwards to floating markets and tiny villages. This is a wonderful travel moment for a Bangkok layover, great with your loved ones, and an alternative angle on the big city.

Ian Kittichai is one of Thailand’s most recognisable TV chefs. He started out pushing a food cart through Bangkok. You will like him.He’s your guide on a ebullient culinary journey through Bangkok, the best expert for navigating one of the world’s most existing urban food scenes. You won’t be dining in plush restaurants. With Ian you will be going into the backstreets, into the buzz and excitement of real Thai cuisine.

Elephants stand on the riverbank, using their trunks to toss water onto their backs, where it quickly dries in the sun. Nearby, crocodiles sun themselves on a sandy beach. A sarus crane alights from the shore, pumping its broad wings to soar over tall grass that conceals a tiger. The nearly 1,000 square kilometers of protected wildlife habitat of Baridya National Park are home to an impressive collection of iconic species. Explore the park in a private AWD vehicle, and witness the splendor of wild Nepal. While most of Nepal’s safari tourism is focused in Chitwan, Bardiya creates an off the beaten path surprise with almost as much wildlife.

Oh the Andaman Islands! These tropical islands are the perfect castaway escape, a classic combination of white sand, slow island life and shady palms. Touch down here after mainland India and you’ll feel the serenity of relaxing along the edge of turquoise waters. At Jalakara you'll be staying deep in the rainforest, yet overlooking the ocean. You’ll be surprised at the sense of serenity and seclusion, for this is a side to India very few people realize. So it's easy to spend a few days lounging around, perhaps recollecting all the other experiences you have had in India. Go explore and the coast offers so much. Snorkelling and scuba diving excursions are superb from here. Local guides will take you to different beaches or on island tours. This boutique hotel is quite simply the finest place to stay on the Andaman Islands - lounge, rest, indulge and feel your body unwind.

They say it’s never too early for a little tipple. Here’s an experience to excite any adventurer. Combine a passion for heights, a love of gourmet delights and no objection to a bit of bubbly with breakfast. Ascend on an early morning hot air balloon flight over Barossa Valley. Words do little justice to describe the warm oranges, yellows and reds of a sunrise, which radiates and invigorates all that look upon it. After spending more than a few memorable moments looking down on the valleys of vineyards below, you’ll come in to land.  You’ll then feast upon a mouthwatering meal of locally sourced meats, vegetables and bread. Wash them all down with your well-earned glass of chilled sparkling wine, while you survey the lush vines and sunburnt landscape some more.

Barra Honda National Park protects a cave system that plunges hundreds of meters into the earth. Venture down and visit this strange world of bats and stalactites.The cave systems hold mesmerizing limestone forms, sculpted over millions of years by a combination of rainwater and gravity. Your light throws eerie shadows off the bizarre shapes. Stalactites mark the way as you delve deeper. Sweeping your lamplight around a chamber, don’t be surprised to see dozens of bats roosting in the ceiling, awaiting nightfall—a common sight in this often overlooked ecosystem.

Get off the tourist trail and experience San Jose from the level of individual neighborhoods, or barrios. Locals will show you around their barrios, explain what life is like in San Jose, and share fascinating anecdotes about local history.Sample homemade bread, Costa Rican chocolate, aromatic coffee, and heavenly liqueurs. On this private tour round out your new appreciation for the national character by tasting local flavors.

Alleyways are doused in colour, blues and yellows and greens shimmering in the sun. Energy dominates the streets and it carries you away, into a land of optimism and gregarious culture. La Boca is an unreservedly working class neighborhood, proud of its traditions and history. Steaks sizzle on midday barbecues, couple tango cheek to cheek in parks, and there’s a bohemian atmosphere at all times. This is quite simply the most unmissable Buenos Aires neighbourhood and you’ll spend a day here with a local. Get off the beaten path, be invited into houses, and discover the real La Boca, away from the two most famous sights.

Barton Creek flows through the Maya Mountains, boring a 4.5-mile-long passageway of sculpted limestone, crystal formations, and eerie silence.Paddle your canoe into the cave’s yawning mouth. Turn on your headlamp and illuminate this dark otherworld, where stalactites reach down from high ceilings and the only sounds are made by your paddle dipping into calm water.Your light plays on sparkling crystals as your private guide explains how ancient Maya ventured into these same passages for sacrificial purposes.

Standing a mere 35 kilometers from the Costa Rican border, Volcán Barú is the tallest mountain in Panama. Move into and through the rainforest as the day breaks, hiking ever upward with your private guide. The adventure will take you through six ecoregions and the change in elevation creates an immense temperature variation.Your guide will provide fascinating insights on the ecosystems you travel through, and before you know it, you’ll find yourself at the 3,475-meter summit of this active stratovolcano. 3, 475 meters - that’s right, this isn’t a small volcano. The panoramic view is incredible, encompassing great swaths of the Panamanian isthmus, parts of nearby Costa Rica, and, in good weather, both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

On an uninhabited island dominated by titanic peaks you bathe in Arctic waters. It’s not cold. As icebergs drift by you let yourself drift under, into the waters of a remarkable outdoor spa. Three springs trickle into a pool dammed by stone. The warming water soothes, as mountains and icebergs surround you. The air is icy and silent, yet your body remains warm and settled. Not many people get such an opportunity, to bathe in warm Arctic waters and let everything melt away, all around you. This travel moment is only possible as part of a multi-day cruise on the Ultramarine ship.

Bask in the aura of Borneo’s jungle sauna. An array of outdoor baths, tucked deep within the lowlands of Kinabalu Park.The perfect place to unwind and destress. Rest your mind against tranquil green backdrops, as the rich sulphur minerals rejuvenate your skin. Warm and therapeutic, an aquatic massage will dull down all aches.This is a place of healing. Nourishing for the body, soothing for the soul.

Join a local craftsman in his home, for a light-hearted lesson on the art of Batik. Discover an ancient process that transfers pattern to cloth, through special wax-resist techniques revered highly among the Balinese.Test new skills and practise precision, as you create your own decorative designs. The process can be repeated numerous times. Play around with the dyes and mix classic and contemporary style, producing complex motifs in a variety of colours.Boil the cloth to remove the wax, and then give it one final wash. Revel in the beauty and originality of your new handmade souvenir, in an authentic class that only uses organic supplies.

The tantalising trails of Mount Batur present themselves alluringly. Begin your trek up the volcano’s cone, sharing stories and laughter with your local guide.Discover ruined paths along your way, haunted by the merciless lava flow of past eruptions. This is an invigorating adventure ending in unrivalled views, where a romantic picnic also awaits.Savour in the sweetness of the air, as you make your ascent and reach the top. Enjoy a three-course meal beneath the clouds, against a crater lake backdrop that stretches like a dream. Soak up the sunset alongside dessert, as your private butler pours another well-earned drink.

Receive first-class service on your own privately chartered 54-foot catamaran. It provides the necessary space and setting for a spectacular sail around the Bay of islands.Set in a picturesque stretch of water with a panoramic view of the edge of the Earth, the Bay of Islands is a prime location for tropical sailing. Calmly contemplate the humbling power of nature with a slow, steady glide across seemingly still waters. An impressive variety of water based activities will be made available, such as snorkeling or kayaking. You can proceed at your own pace and feel at peace, with a sailing day that can be adjusted to your interests. It’s even possible to continue overnight, all the way up to Ninety Mile Beach.

Squeeze the best of Bay of Islands sightseeing into a matter of minutes without missing any of the main attractions. It’s all possible with a breathtaking helicopter flight. In a mere 20 minutes, you will be surprised how many marvelous views and stunning scenes you can fit in. With the aim of the flight being to reach the world-famous ‘Hole in the Rock’, you’ll be carried up high into the bright blue sky to look down upon emerald waters and luscious green islands scattered across the bay. Staring out wide-eyed in wonder at the pretty peninsula while your pilot points out sites of note, you’ll even be shown a local township where tribes have lived and thrived until this day.

The Bazaruto Archipelago offers some of the world’s finest and rarest scuba diving. Here there is nobody else in the water other than your guide. 1500 miles of coastline. A multitude of dive sites. Crystal clear waters offering great visibility. Warm shallows inhabited by bright corals, multicoloured fish, and threatened sea turtles. Deeper waters that attract dolphin and big game species, including sailfish, marlin and tuna.Mozambique’s reputation as a premier diving destination is growing rapidly, enticing those in the know from right around the globe. Yet it’s still secret enough. A travel designer will help plan a diving schedule to suit your experience and interests.

Just you, your loved ones, and the sound of the lapping waves. Panoramic views that seem to stretch to infinity.The feel of warm sand between your toes, and a chilled flute of Champagne between your fingers. A menu of freshly-prepared seafood and tropical fruits to enjoy as you lie on the pristine sands or explore your desert island surrounds.You can choose to sail over to the island on a traditional dhow, or take a speed boat and traverse more of the archipelago on route. Reach the islet and it’s all yours for the full day.

Crystal-clear waters that shimmer in the bright sunlight. Long stretches of sand unblemished by anything but the markings of nesting endangered turtles. The vivid greens of native forest, home to some 140 different bird species.Take in the full glory of central Mozambique’s Indian Ocean coastline by hovering above it on a scenic helicopter flight. See how low-lying islands rise out of the azure blue, and discover a landscape few get to truly explore.This scenic helicopter flight is the ultimate overview on the World Heritage marine site and the colours down below are astonishing.

Amazing desert island backdrops. The subtle rise and fall of your multipurpose charter vessel on the gentle swell. The patient wait for a tell-tale tug on the line. The marathon battles with marlin, sailfish, and weighty tuna that follow.The sandy shallows between the islands and islets of Mozambique’s Bazaruto archipelago are attractive spawning grounds for the bait fish on which big game species feed. It makes denizens of the deep regular visitors to the island’s waters, offering excellent opportunities for game fishing amid beautiful surrounds.There are few better big-game fishing spots anywhere on the planet. You will have a private charter and a guide helping you navigate these fishing waters.

You will be enchanted when meeting two Venetian fishermen. And they will be delighted to introduce you to the tools of their trade, take you to the spots where they fish, and tell you all about their profession.Next, a trattoria in Burano and lunch. Then a walk over a passage to the island of Mazzorbo. Here you will discover the Venissa estate, an area of two hectares with a manor house, orchard, vineyards, a barn, stables. It’s an entire rural property hidden behind eighteenth-century walls.There are secrets the lagoon holds, secrets you will discover.

Francis Ford Coppola used to produce films from this quaint house in the heart of Palermo. It’s now a luxurious urban retreat, doused in vintage hues and old-world ambiance. Step inside hallways of antique furnishing. Admire the oodles of art lining each wall. Lounge in the garden and soak up Palermo’s sounds and smells from your balcony. Location is luxury here as you’ll be on the edge of Palermo’s Soho district, surrounded by the city’s hippest selection of bars and restaurants. This isn’t a hotel for families or a quiet stay. Instead, it’s a vintage retreat if you want to savour Buenos Aires at its lively and energetic best.

Hong Kong the country is actually a series of islands, most of them tiny and offering a complete change of pace to the chaos of Hong Kong Island. Step on a private boat at Victoria Harbor and the frenzy of the city seems to disappear almost immediately. Lantua, Cheung Chau and Lamma Islands offer beautiful beaches and easy hikes to green look out points. Each has a traditional village-cum-harbor which immediately presses an impression of heritage and temples rather than skyscrapers. You'll find good street food and sunbathing in all three of these, before returning to Hong Kong Island on your private boat.

You’ll end this day as a true coffee connoisseur. As you tour a coffee growing farm, you’ll be shown the entire cultivation and production process from bean to cup. You’ll begin in the fields where you’ll learn about the crops and the harvesting process. Then, you’ll move onto the mill, where the production and roasting method is explained. Of course, you can’t leave without a tasting and you’ll have the chance to have a sip of the different varieties and grades of beans. Colombian coffee is known for its world class smooth and well-balanced flavour and now, you’ll be an expert in its entire creation.

A date with the world’s smallest bear waits for you at BSBCC, a conservation centre offering sanctuary and care to the great Malayan sun bear.Make the most of the centre’s many observation spots, and spend your afternoon getting to know this modest creature, symbolic of the rising sun itself.Take a tour of the facility, as your bear keeper guide explains the intricate inner workings of animal welfare. If wildlife rehabilitation is a big interest of yours, you can even have the chance for an exclusive chat with a research worker on site.

On the northern Pacific Coast there’s only a thin line dividing marine and terrestrial life. British Columbia’s rich forests are home to an extraordinary concentration of bears, who regularly take advantage of beach buffets after high tide.Search for bears along the beaches of Clayoquot Sound from the safety of a private yacht. Your captain is a knowledgeable local, who knows these bears’ favorite spots to scavenge for crab, starfish, and kelp. The bears tend to be rather tolerant of silent spectators, so you should have plenty of time to watch them sift through debris and navigate the rough terrain.

Lift your face and marvel at the rose windows of the Cathedral. Such perfections of design and colour. And all built by 13th-century artists. You may ask yourself how is it we think ourselves superior to those people.Your guide knows everything about Notre Dame. He will explain to you the meaning of the sculpted images in the west façade portals, tell you how the flying buttresses work to keep this Gothic wonder standing, and why the gargoyles are there. He knows everything — nearly. Because there will always be a mystery about this sacred place. And the history is changing, as Notre Dame recovers from devastating fire.You will find out what happened and what happens next, at this iconic structure.

Central Yangon resembles something from a century ago. The name has changed from Rangoon to Yangon, yet the buildings remain the same and a sense of old-world grandeur lives on. You will have exclusive access to heritage buildings that are normally closed to visitors.Historic townhouses are crumbling slowly yet the slow decay only adds to the charm. For Yangon is no longer a colonial enclave, but the quintessence of modern Myanmar life. Atmospheric street life dazzles, with stalls and food carts spilling their wares beneath ornate balconies. Scents from India and China mingle with dreams of afternoon high tea. It’s the country in a nutshell, a vibrant mix of everything, seemingly frozen in the late 19th century.Religious icons also impress and you watch how sunset bounces off the golden leaf of Shwedagon Pagoda, the country’s modern ode to Buddhism.

From lively wit to bitter tragedy, Irish cultural identity is deeply entwined with its rich theatrical legacy. Dive into the Dublin theatre scene on this exclusive behind-the-curtain experience.Meet with a local stage actor preparing to perform. They’ll share their experience in this exclusive world and regale you with the history that has earned Dublin recognition as a UNESCO City of Literature. Then snag front-row seats for a production. Get absorbed in an old classic or modern satire. Once the curtain falls, discuss the show with your new friend at the cast members’ favorite pub!

Is there more to Pisa than the famous leaning tower? You will find out on this expertly guided tour that goes behind the scenes. Some believe that everything about Pisa is wonderful except the tower. But those who believe this know the inside tricks and secrets. For you can take a photo of the Leaning Tower of Pisa, or you can come and discover a medieval city that will open its heart to those who look a little further. But let’s not kid too much, that leaning tower is fantastic, when you know how to see it without the crowds.

Discover hundreds of tropical bird species during a backstage tour of the Birds Park.Your guide will tell you all about this place, the only one in the world dedicated to the conservation of Atlantic Rainforest birds. You will have access to restricted areas, and witness the passion with which these professionals care for the birds. You will feed parakeets rescued from animal traffickers, toucans, flamingo chicks, and a number of other birds. Your tour will lead you lastly to a butterfly and hummingbird garden, where living jewels flit softly on the flowers, or chase each other at lightning speed among the plants.

Belfast is a confluence of the nation’s religious, political, and cultural heritage. Its history spans several hundred years, and was recently darkened (and brightened in some aspects) by the Troubles. Experience this vibrant and rebounding city on a private tour.Traveling in an iconic black cab, your private guide will provide history and insights regarding the sites that interest you most.See history writ large in murals commemorating the city’s violent clashes of the late 20th century, events also attested to by the notorious Peaceline and Crumlin Jail. You’ll see both sides of the wall. On one side a mural celebrates a hero. Less than a kilometre away the same “hero” is reviled as a terrorist. Continue to the shipyard where the Titanic was built and retreat to another opulent relic that has fared better. Crown Liquor Saloon is a fine pub with fantastic decoration, a good place to recall a beguiling city.

Hundreds of sandy cayes and mangrove islands. Astonishingly clear turquoise water. The world-famous Great Blue Hole.Soar high enough to appreciate the abstract beauty of atolls emerging from shallow seawater and then drop low enough to pick out manatees, sharks, and stingrays swimming around the reef.Absorb the astonishing scale of the second largest barrier reef on earth from a bird’s perspective. A helicopter ride over the Belize Barrier Reef and its almost mythical Blue Hole is an experience like no other.

Surreal brain coral sits below. An easy-going green sea turtle soars alongside you. Yellowtail snapper flit between bubbles streaming from your mouthpiece. This is scuba diving at the Belize Barrier Reef.This resplendent sprawl of the Caribbean Sea’s most colorful, vivacious life amounts to the second largest barrier reef in the world, and has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site.Of course, the only proper way to experience the reef is as its inhabitants do, from beneath the waves. Dive along steep walls and float over spectacular sponge gardens on a private dive that goes where you want.

Belize Barrier Reef stretches nearly 300 kilometers along the side of the country and is protected as a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is the second-largest barrier reef in the world, and home to an abundance of coral, fish, and other marine species.Strap on goggles, flippers, and snorkel, and visit this incredible underwater landscape.On this private tour, choose where you want to snorkel among kilometers of pristine water and idyllic cayes—including Laughing Bird Caye, a long narrow strip of land surrounded by deep channels, and the centerpiece of its eponymous national park.

Pop over to neighboring Guatemala to experience one of the world’s great archeological wonders.Tikal is a sprawling archeological site that speaks to the ancient Mayan empire at its grandest scale—these temples were constructed when the population of Tikal was nearly 100,000.Wander ancient plazas, across ball courts, and among five huge temples. Learn of the fascinating history of these people while the cries of howler monkeys tear the stillness, and evoke the primordial jungle from which this mighty civilization arose.

Bell Island is a small landmass representing a fascinating combination of natural and human history. This is a unique place where seabirds and coastal plants mingle with towering sea cliffs, flooded mines, WWII guns, and abundant fossils.Begin your exploration by arriving in a private Zodiac from St. John’s Bay. Inspect unique geology on a private hike with a paleontologist, who will interpret 500 million years of history written in the island’s rocks.Afterward, venture back to the coast and look out at the landscape, an expanse dotted with icebergs and waterfalls pouring into the ocean. Now, steel yourself for kayaking or snorkeling in chilly water to investigate impressive sea caves.

Just as its name suggests, Bella Vista is a hideaway resort hotel that offers one of the most gorgeous views of the Seto Inland Sea.Go on an escapade that will allow you to disconnect from city life, and recharge in nature’s embrace, with a dash of carefree luxury. There is a sense of unbridled beauty in this region that will mesmerize you. Gaze at the panorama of islands floating on the sapphire blue sea from the comfort of your suite, just as the sun is setting. If the mood strikes, you can charter a yacht to island-hop, or go on a drive that leads to an odyssey of discovery.

Weary traveller, seek refuge in this castle. Its doors will open wide before you, and warm hospitable smiles will welcome you.In the dining halls, dishes from Tuscany and distant Venice will be served for your refreshment. In your beautiful rooms, deep restoring slumber will descend on you.Once rested, happy traveller, you will walk in the olive grove and through the vineyard, touched by the peace of these quiet places. And you will dive into the crystal waters of an enchanted pool.The castle awaits you, daring traveller. Come.

A pioneering mix of luxury and tradition, this boutique hotel captures the soul of South Carolina. It’s smack bang in the heart of downtown Charleston’s historic district and has also been in a meeting point for local society. The sense of 18th-century style blends with 21st-century comfort, the old-world charm meeting contemporary luxury. And from the fourth floor there’s a retractable glass roof open to the sky. This is a history and style wrapped into one. Where else would you stay in Charleston?

The world’s elite travelers have been staying at El Encanto since the 1920s. Its original architecture has now been brought back to life and there’s no more stylish place to stay in Santa Barbara. Gaze across the Pacific from an infinity pool. Bask in balmy West Coast evenings. Absorb the laid-back Californian style. And find out why the celebrities choose to come here. Belmond el Encanto is an elite hideout, an indulgent playground for all who stay.

From lush pastures to dramatic glens, craggy peaks to the wild Atlantic, and the lovely little towns and cottages in between, see the best Ireland has to offer from aboard a vintage train carriage. The Belmond Grand Hibernian is Ireland’s first luxury train, offering several tours across the Emerald Isle ranging from two to six nights in duration. Enjoy freedom of movement through the train, from your well-equipped and comfortable cabin to common areas including lavish dining cars featuring foods sourced from farmers along the way.The itinerary can be completely customisable. There are scheduled trips running from two to six nights, or a private carriage can be chartered for a trip anywhere along Ireland’s railway.

From every window, you see majestic Etna. Hard by, you walk through lemon groves and inhale their fresh citric perfume. The music performed in the neighbouring Greek Theatre wafts gently to your ears. You will sleep soundly in rooms with classic décor, appreciate the traditional ceramics created for the hotel, and savour local dishes that in appearance and taste are works of culinary art.Taormina will be forever in your memory.

Go out on your balcony. Over tiered olive and lemon groves, you look out to the sparkling ocean below. Back inside, your room is airy, elegant and unique. Your eyes rest and rejoice on the furniture antiques and the historical details of this 11th-century palace.You will probably spend a long time in the infinity pool, enjoying the perfect illusion where sky and water meet.

Experience the largest waterfall in the world, as more than simply an adventure. Wake up in the morning and open your ears to Iguazu Falls. See Portuguese colonial furniture, colourful paintings of local fauna and flora, and traditional painted tiles. Have Brazilian barbecue for lunch, and enjoy sustainable rainforest products in the spa.Hotel das Cataratas is not only in the most convenient location for discovering the falls. It’s also a place where you immerse yourself in the best of Brazilian décor, gastronomy and ambience.

It was built as a monastery in the 16th century, but there is nothing monastic about this place now. You will find that out for yourself at your first glimpse of the comfortable, light-filled rooms. Enter, and go on to the window, to the view of the sea, where boats resting in the shade of lush wood-covered slopes.As you sip your favourite drink by the salt-water pool and think of the peaceful, sun-filled days ahead, you will be sure you are in for a lovely time.

Ivy-grown stone walls. Venetian blinds. Flowerpots in the courtyards, where you sip your cocktails in the shade, looking at the charming village and the Tramuntana mountains.You will notice both a rustic and an artsy feel about this place. And it’s no wonder, since the nearby village is Deià, that famous artists’ haunt. The local artistic heritage is celebrated throughout the hotel, and particularly in the scenic Café Mirò. This is a quiet residence blending comfort, natural beauty, local cuisine and an artistic ambience. For many, it’s the quintessence of the island’s appeal.

Music drifts across the lounge from where the pianist sits playing. The crystal chandeliers glint in the sunlight from the hotel’s terraced gardens. Freshly-prepared sandwiches, pastries and cakes tempt from their highly-polished serving tables.Owned by Belmond, the luxury hotel brand that operates the Venice-Simplon Orient Express, Cape Town’s Mount Nelson Hotel leaves nothing to chance. Tiered cake stands boast South African delicacies, while the dedicated tea sommelier can guide you through the 40 different blends available.

As you tour this historic city, your guide will tell you the story of a unique Jewish group. Belmonte’s Sephardic community was the only one in the Iberian Peninsula to survive the persecutions from the Inquisition in the early 16th century.How did they do it? You will discover it as you walk leisurely between ancient stone houses in the historic neighbourhood, and into the Jewish Museum.

Paddle your way through a braided river system, snaking across a surreal landscape of pastel flats and sparse tundra. You’re searching for one of nature’s great spectacles.Each year, beluga whales congregate at the Cunningham River high on remote Somerset Island in Canada’s north. Your private guide will bring you to where ghostly white whales gather and frolic in clear, frigid water. As you watch, learn about these unique creatures. How their beautiful color is an adaptation to their arctic home. How the contours of their body allow them to navigate the often ice-choked waterways.

Relish in an island getaway that blends together art, nature, and architecture. At the avant-garde Benesse House Hotel, you have the freedom to stay in the art museum, park, or at the beach. No matter what you choose, there is art in every space to evoke new emotions, and precipitate inspiration. The remoteness of Naoshima island suggests an Elysian paradise, unspoiled by mass tourism. Explore shrines embedded within rice fields, or sit by the sandy beach for contemplation, watching waves crash to shore. Your stay at the hotel will guarantee a physical rejuvenation. You will also embark on an artistic journey that will renew all your senses. This is breezy island-living at its best.

Trot or gallop along pristine sands. Take in panoramic views across to Bazaruto island, and admire the colourful depths of the Indian Ocean. Breathe in the fresh coastal air. Explore forest trails without effort.These guide-led horseback safaris around Benguerra have no fixed route, meaning each and every one is adapted to meet the interests of the riders. On the way, your guide will impart intriguing details about the flora and fauna that make the island so special.Then on an open stretch of beach you can let the horses gallop onwards and savour the freedom of this island.

Start your day at a local souk, where the newly harvested vegetables allure you with their colour. This is a chance to witness the market culture of Morocco, amidst fresh produce and rows of organic treasure.South of Essaouira, Morocco’s indigenous population thrives. You will be transported to an ecological farm, deep in the land of the Berbers. An authentic Berber kitchen awaits you and the sense of escapism is absolute.Your local hosts will show you how to make flatbread in a classic clay oven, then  steam tasty couscous in a rustic clay pot. Learn the intricacies of preparing a traditional tagine full of flavour and spice, followed by an intimate lunch on the terrace with freshly infused tea.

The towering peaks of the Berchtesgaden Alps attract wisps of cloud in an otherwise blue sky. Your private car traverses a high road, as you peer at peaks across the valley.Here you are, exploring the beauty and complex history of Berchtesgaden on a private tour. Visit the Dokumentationszentrum Obersalzberg museum for the context and background of the region. This was a mountain retreat for Nazi leadership, including Adolf Hitler himself.Then travel along an impressive mountain road to the Kehlsteinhaus, or the Eagle’s Nest. Built in 1938 for Hitler’s 50th birthday, the chalet survived Allied bombings and is now a restaurant with incredible views.

Follow your guide through the streets of Bergen, from foodshop to foodshop. And experience an authentic taste of daily life in the city.On this private tour, away from tourist haunts, you will discover specialties like reindeer sausage and brown cheese. You will taste local fish soup and wild salmon, and try smoked seafood at a family-run business.If you are interested in culinary traditions, tell your guide. You will discover 100 year-old recipes in a restaurant from 1929, and local sweets in a 1908 sweets shop.

Stroll along the seafront at Bryggen, admiring the colourful buildings that have stood here for centuries, hearing stories about the merchants who ruled this place.Then head to the fish market, which has been there for 800 years. Talk about tradition. Try excellent seafood in the restaurants. In the aquarium, you will come close to sea lions and penguins. And if you would like to see the city from above, there’s the funicular to Mount Fløyen. Just tell your guide what interests you, and he will tailor this tour accordingly.

Situated along the banks of the Rhine, Rheingau is one of Germany's most storied wine regions. With over 3,000 hectares of vineyards, the region’s celebrated winemakers are responsible for a disproportionate amount of innovations in the nation’s wine, as well as for producing the majority of Germany’s Riesling.Tour this area and its many distinct wineries on a private excursion.Wind your way through the “German Riviera”, stopping in at revered wineries like Schloss Johannisburg, Schloss Vollrads, and Eberbach Abbey.Taste delectable wines with the winemakers themselves, tour the vineyards, and marvel at the region’s significant cultural heritage, including 800-year-old estates and gothic architecture.

The postcard-perfect town of Banff is located inside a national park. The town’s fabulous natural highlights are easy to explore and a local guide will show you the way. See the Bow River’s wild side at Bow Falls before taking a ride on the Sulphur Mountain Gondola. From the summit, enjoy the stunning panoramic view of many of the park’s world-famous peaks and lakes.Afterward, soak in the comfort and history of Banff Upper Hot Springs, a naturally heated outdoor pool which—of course—features mountain views, before heading into town for a bite at one of many great restaurants. If you feel adventurous, considering roaming onto Mt. Cascade, that towers over Banff Avenue.

The historical Blue City of Jodhpur stands out from the Rajasthan desert plains, as a labyrinth of blue washed buildings with a magnificent palace and fort. Lose yourself amongst the narrow laneways filled with incredibly picturesque wooden doors and strikes of blue around each corner. From the imposing Mehrangarh Fort above the city to the breathtakingly beautiful Jaswant Thada memorial, you will appreciate the diverse and meaningful history of this desert metropolis.

Cork County is a picturesque region with Viking history, maritime industry, and the rolling iridescent hills and pastures that characterize the country. See the country’s greatest hits on this private tour. Explore Ireland’s “real capital”, Cork. Gaze up at the stunning Gothic architecture of Saint Fin Barre’s Cathedral, and out to the waters of Cork Harbour, one of the largest natural harbors on earth.Venture out into the surrounding country to reach Cobh, a city renowned for its maritime achievements and shipbuilding. No Cork tour is complete without a stop at 600-hundred-year-old Blarney Castle, where kissing the Blarney Stone is said to confer the gift of gab.

Derry, or Londonderry, is the only completely walled city in Ireland. As its two names suggest, it’s also a city steeped in discord. Explore the city’s character as well as its 1,500-year history on a private tour.Your local guide will regale you with the story of the first UK City of Culture while showing you Derry’s intact walls, built in the 17th century. Hear the history of sectarian violence between Protestants and Catholics, as told in a series of splendid murals in Bogside, a neighborhood just outside the city walls. Explore the streets, discovering how a history of clashes and partitions has given way to an integrated community.

Quebec’s Eastern Townships are a trove of quaint communities, rolling hills, and decadent cuisine. See this charming part of Canada on a taste-forward tour.Travel the countryside along with your private guide. Meet the curator of the Brome County Historical Museum for a crash course on the region’s rich legacy. Visit the area’s oldest producer of Peking duck on the shores of Brome Lake, before touring the lake itself aboard a private pontoon boat. Sample delicious creations of local artisans, from rich coffee to delectable duck bouchées and fresh blueberries. Conclude the tasting with fine wines and charcuterie at a local winery.

The ancient city of Ephesus waits for your entry and exploration. This is a lost land with a sacred heritage, the host of countless Christian pilgrimages. Begin your tour with a visit to the House of Virgin Mary, a revered shrine adorned with the gifts of past Popes.Your private guide spins the tale of this timeless city, as he leads you to Roman Baths and the famed Odeon Theatre. Rustic old streets and charming terrace houses add to the mystique that hangs in the air.Spot the Domitian Temple and Celcius Library. Feast your eyes over stunning mosaics and aged frescoes. Savour in the sweet taste of discovery, as you wander through this well-preserved haven of history.

Pucon is a beautiful city on the banks of a lake, its skyline dominated by Villarrica Volcano. This is a town best enjoyed out-of-doors, with plenty of opportunities for adventures of all kinds. Explore the lake by kayak or paddleboard. Ride on horseback along nature trails to visit natural hot springs. Travel through the hilly Huerquehue National Park, hiking in temperate rainforest in search of a pudú, the world’s smallest deer.Or go for the region’s big adventure: Villarrica Volcano. A challenging hike will bring you to the edge of an open crater at 2,847m, and allow you to peer into the molten heart of the continent.

Take a stroll through scenic Split, beside a local who knows its oldest secrets. Your private guide reveals the story of the town with warmth and zeal, alongside personal anecdotes that make the cobbled streets feel familiar.Picturesque palaces and cathedrals adorn the town’s historical centre. Climb the old bell tower for an alternate view, as you take in these medieval jewels against a shimmering Adriatic backdrop.The quaint town of Trogir awaits you next. Explore the mighty Klis fortress and amphitheatre of Salona on the way, before basking in the sun with a soothing cold drink along the promenade.

The Burren is a sprawling landscape of glaciated karst that looks like the surface of the moon. With its expanse of limestone pavements, the Burren might at first seem barren, but your private guide will reveal how this unique ecosystem is full of life.Stroll along the unyielding surface, past colorful flowers thriving in long cracks (or grikes) in the limestone, visited by more than twenty species of moths and butterflies. Hear the region’s history and legends, and explore caves and archeological sites, including portal tombs. The Burren is a massive landscape. Many people only visit a selection of main sites along the main route. With a private guide you can discover so much more, away from the main trails, deep into the wilderness. It’s all customised to your interests and how long you want to spend in The Burren.

The capital city is very different to the rest of Mongolia. Explore its eclectic treasures on a flexible city tour. Your guide will craft a route based on your interests. There's the spirituality found in Choijin Lama Temple, the sense of history at the massive Genghis Khan statue outside the city, and evocative tales to read at the National Museum. The State Department Store is an ideal place to finish a Mongolia trip and pick up all manner of souvenirs.

As bells chime softly you wander slowly through a temple complex. It’s early, the sun rising evocatively, the whispers of a new day flicking through one of Indonesia’s most important places. You’re in Borobudur, but soon afterwards you will be exploring more of Yogyakarta.Like Gereja Ayam, a church shaped like a chicken, atop a steep forested path. Then the Water Temple, hidden among a neighbourhood of criss-crossed small streets and hills.And don’t forget Prambanan, a temple that more than deserves its comparisons to Angkor Wat in Cambodia, a unique look at Hindu art and culture on a day so full of heritage and history.

Stroll around the glittering centre of Zurich. You will admire fashionable shops installed in thick-walled medieval buildings, discover secret spots and old history, and sail the calm Lake of Zurich.Your guide will take you next to the biggest waterfall in Europe, where you will witness the might of the roaring Rhine.And to crown it all, you will discover Switzerland's premium wine making region, where there is so much to savour and satisfy.

Touch down in Bhutan and you immediately feel the sense of remoteness. Himalayan peaks provide a majestic backdrop to the formality of local Bhutanese dress. You’ll immediately notice men and women wearing elegant traditional wear on their journeys to the dzongs – the monastic and political centerpieces of local life. Monasteries and temples dot a bucolic valley around Paro, each a memoir to everyday life. Paro’s lanes have an ascetic simplicity, shunning the excesses of commercialism. You’ll spend a full day exploring the area with a guide, both the old city of Paro and its surrounding valley, where the country’s second oldest temple helps introduce the country’s various legends.

The Punakha Valley is home to Bhutan’s holiest and most important icons.Wander into Chimi Lhakhang, a monastery dedicated to Drukpa Kunley, the “Divine Madman.” His name is accompanied by endless legends and the best history lesson comes from local villagers, who love to recount a maverick who taught the dharma 500 years ago. Punakha Dzong is home of sacred relics from centuries past and present. Khamsum Yueley Namgyel Chorten is the treasured temple in the forest, protected by deities that guard each of seven levels. Punakha itself is the country’s old capital but it continues to serve an important purpose today, as the country’s highest monks decamp here from Thimphu during the winter. Strange names and stories will be elaborated upon by your expert guide and the locals themselves.

Wildlife, everywhere. But where is it all? You can see elephant prints in the sand. You can hear the lions roar. You can smell animal presence. But where?Join the San people for a stunning experience in the Namibian bush, learning how to track animals. Your San guide moves barefoot, silently sidestepping clues and tracing an oryx or zebra, or even a leopard.You follow, savouring an intimate insight into both San lifestyle and African wildlife.

Pedal your electrical bicycle out of Barcelona. Head north along wide, white sand beaches, and clear blue-green sea. Then, you will see gentle slopes covered by long rows of vines. Depending on the season, they are dressed in light-green sprouts, heavy with golden and purple grapes, or turned into pure gold. You are in a family-run organic winery. It was established in a 19th century manor, inside a natural park. Here you will discover all about the harvesting and winemaking processes of a prestigious winery. Then, your sommelier will introduce you to three very different wines. Taste them, and enjoy.

Whether in the 24-7 sunshine of the summer months or in the deep snow of winter, bike fanatics can enjoy a radical ride through Rovaniemi. Through fields, up and down slopes and around lakes, this is a sensationally seasonal setting. It will be you and a private guide against the elements of this baron but beautiful landscape. Stopping regularly to rest or to make note of extraordinary sights, this is a mountain biking across landscapes that few people ever explore.

With the breeze in your face and freedom in your heart, you pedal around Barcelona. Your guide will take you to lesser-known neighbourhoods, so you can see locals going on about their lives and get the authentic feel of this lively city.Hungry after all that pedalling? At the food market you will try some typical Catalonian delicacies. And after that, things will get even more tasty. Your guide will take you to a local kitchen, where you learn how to prepare your own tapas.A delicious conclusion to a lovely tour.

With a true blue local to show you around, pedal your way across Singapore and get acquainted with the amazing attractions and interesting sites.This private bike tour will be customized with your preferences in mind. You can cycle along the scenic river lined with towering skyscrapers, or zip through the historical quarters studded with storied sites. Wander off the beaten path to see an authentic side of Singapore. Listen to the stories passed down from the older generations. Check out where the locals hang out, and sample some Singaporean delights. Take your time to discover how the old and the new come together in this country of contrast.

Fit and foodie? Then this is definitely your thing.In this tour, you will bike 36 kilometres over the gentle rolling hills of Andalusia, breathing the countryside scents and the peace of nature. You will pass by white villages, silver-green olive groves, and murmuring rivulets.When you have grown duly hungry, lunch will be waiting. Think typical Andalusian dishes made from local produce, in a shaded terrace open to the breeze. This is a private tour through beautiful landscapes and the exact route can be adapted to your food interests and fitness level.

Paddling down Rio Iguazu you peer into three different countries. Lush jungle dominates the banks and toucans soar high above. You can hear the water rumble but from the kayak it’s all so peaceful. Now on foot you continue, hiking along rutted trails as the roar rises to greet you. Iguazu Falls appears between a gap in the trees and you gleefully walk faster, until more of the spectacle emerges. Little can prepare you for such a moment, face to face with the magnificent falls. Finally on mountain bike, riding downhill away from the falls, into more untamed tracts of wilderness. It’s an active day and Iguazu from all angles.

Biliran is the most extreme canyoneering experience you can find in the Philippines. Plus you’ll have the entire place to yourself! Canyon through the pristine Sampao River, first climbing to the top before reaching the jump-off point. Slide, jump and rappel through several canyons and waterfalls in a serene part of the Philippines. Control and descend yourself down the mother of waterfalls! The majestic Ulan-Ulan Falls is a true treasure of Almeria only for thrill-seekers, and you will be abseiling down its face.

Rise with the sun and step out into a mist-shrouded jungle. As the sun ascends, the mist clears, and the joyful songs of countless birds fill the air.Cayo District is a paradise for birdwatchers—nearly 300 species of bird have been spotted around San Ignacio alone. Stroll along jungle trails, scan the skies from balcony decks, or traipse along riverbanks in search of toucans, orioles, hummingbirds, vultures, and cuckoos. Your guide knows just where to look and will help you spot the best of Belize’s resplendent winged residents.

Slipping the lines from the rugged shores of False Bay as the sun rises over Simon’s Town, your expert team of mariners will lead you into open ocean from among the vistas of Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope, to where large numbers of pelagic birds gather effortlessly on the wing.The birds are attracted by the bounty of Atlantic and tropical marine fish brought here by plankton blooms that form where the cool Benguela and warm Agulhas currents meet.It creates a rare chance to witness open-water birds including skua, petrels, and four species of albatross in their natural habitat.

As Sabah’s largest nature reserve, the Tabin Wildlife Reserve is every bird lover’s dream. Wake to the call of the great Hornbill, taking off on its majestic flight. Sweet chirps while you enjoy breakfast, nature’s choir saying bon appetit.Your private guide leads you through this green paradise, to hidden spots and secret points. Once there, let the rufous woodpecker peck your path. Follow the glow of the hanging parrot. Pursue the song of the black magpie as you listen in to its raspy chatter.Submerged within this sea of flutters, quench your thirst for adventure and give your camera something to really chirp about.

Push almost silently through wetland landscapes. Slide past a carpet of water lilies to the splash of breaching barbel. Relax amid the spectacular vistas found around Vilanculos as your guide leads you through waterways large and small. Seek out darting kingfishers, wading purple gallinules, and tuneful river warblers. From the canoe you can explore the undisturbed world and get up close with a sublime array of birds. The Govuro Wetlands are one of East Africa’s hidden treasures and you will have a day to discover them.

Sail by private catamaran to an isolated bird sanctuary in the Caribbean Sea. Man-O-War Caye is a cluster of mangroves that supports a resplendent population of sea birds.Use binoculars to get a closer look at individual species among the flurry of feathers. Pelicans swallow small fish whole, brown boobies land with signature clumsiness, and the magnificent frigatebird—also known as man-o-war bird (the island’s namesake)—inflates a large red pouch on its chest to attract a mate.From the deck of your catamaran, you will see these birds and more, living in the branches of Belize’s three mangrove species.

Squarks and smells greet you at Genovesa Island, along with the vibrant red colour. 200,000 red-footed boobies occupy the island’s cliffs and they don’t mind visitors. You can walk next to mating rituals and nests, such a rare bird improbably close. You won’t see Galapagos hawks and that is this island’s birdwatching secret. Without predators, it’s a safe home for swallow-tailed gulls, herons, frigatebirds, storm petrels and mockingbirds. Wander the island and admire all their antics, as you also discover lava flows and Darwin Bay Beach. It’s not often you can sunbathe next to hundreds of thousands of rare birds!

Magnificent frigatebirds inflate their red chests. The bigger and brighter the better as they seek to attract a mate. And no other island in the world has a bigger colony.Thousands of these frigatebirds nest and you walk alongside their puffed-up chests. Blue-footed boobies also dominate the trails, their feet a sharp contrast to fluffy white hatchlings. Massive land and marine iguanas wander past and your proximity to wildlife will be surreal. For many Galapagos guides, North Seymour is the most important place in the archipelago. To see so many rare birds in one place is remarkable.

Chilean flamingos paint the landscape in vibrant hues. Rush tyrants and yellow-winged blackbirds soar before guanacos. A myriad of ducks and coots contrast lesser rheas and canasteros.Collon Cura is the most impressive and important birdwatching location in Patagonia. The aquatic landscape is flanked by the pampas, creating a landscape for all manner of birds, big and small. Buzzard eagles and caracaras spread their wings wide. Red-backed hawks swoop down. And now an Andean condor, soaring effortlessly through the valley. You can experience all these and more on a full-day birdwatching tour with your private guide.

San Gerardo de Dota is a sleepy town deep in a remote valley in central Costa Rica. Towering Talamanca mountains, clad in cloud forest, surround the town. And in those trees perch some of the most spectacular birds in the world.This birdwatching hotspot is slowly gaining fame and attention. But for now, the forests are quiet and opportunities are ripe for spotting flame-throated warbler, collared trogon, volcano hummingbird, tufted flycatcher, and many more coveted species.Venture into the cloud forest with a guide who knows just what to look for. If you’re lucky, you might even glimpse a resplendent quetzal, which can be found here year-round.

An icon of Rwanda’s blossoming luxury tourism industry, Bisate Lodge is a seriously high-end lodge located upon the forested slopes of an old volcano. Designed like Rwanda’s traditional palaces, it’s a superb base for gorilla trekking.At Bisate you get a taste of old Rwandan culture along with a level of luxury most visitors do not envisage for East Africa. Like East Africa’s other great safari lodges there’s a premium on unique views, discreet service, and an incredible amount of space. And like all the great lodges, Bisate will completely immerse you in nature. You are in the rainforest here, gazing up at volcanoes. While it’s exclusive and expensive, it’s not only a place to stay, but a moving experience into the gorillas’ world.

India is known for its incredibly diverse mosaic of ethnicities and cultures. Escape city life in Rajasthan for a day and visit a traditional Bishnoi village. This unique sect of Hinduism worships nature and wildlife and their community has enshrined in law the importance of protecting animals and trees. You’ll be welcomed with a traditional ceremony in the village before spending your time engaging with the local Bishnoi community to learn about the way they live and how they strive to be in harmony with the earth.

Tucked away beneath the canopy of Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve, surrounded by national parks and nature reserves, Blancaneaux Lodge is a secluded hideaway in which to recharge and connect with the jungle.Once a private dwelling for the family of filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola, the lodge is now a luxurious wilderness retreat.Listen to the soothing sounds of nearby waterfalls cascading into opal pools. Feel the footfalls of ancient Mayans who once traveled through these forests. Revel in the seclusion and peace of Belize’s protected interior from within your own thatched-roof cottage.

The construction of this magnificent complex started with a fortress, and it’s still called a castle — but you will see it’s actually a palace. This was the king’s favourite residence in the early 16th century, and the political capital of the realm.  Your guide will tell you why Joan of Arc came here, and how the façade ended up having four different styles. He will lead you on to discover hundreds of rooms and dozens of staircases, sumptuous royal apartments, and a Fine Arts Museum with paintings and sculptures by celebrated artists.

If you’re going to do a bungee jump it may as well be the planet’s highest bridge bungee. 216 metres is a monster of a jump and you can be satisfied that nobody else has commercially jumped from higher.

A natural marvel of the Adriatic, the Blue Cave of Biševo boasts tranquil seclusion and beauty. Watch the illuminated blue light dance with the sea, as the refracted sunlight makes the whole tunnel glow.Learn the secret behind this phenomenon, as you soak your hand in tempting silvery waters. The hidden bays and turquoise beaches of Vis await you next. Cool off with a dip, and discover why the island’s coves have been named the most stunning in the world.The Pakleni islands is your final stop before Hvar, an enchanting group of forested islets that add a rich dash of green to the Dalmatian coast. Finally, explore the old town of Hvar, with its picturesque ports and vibrant promenade.

Witness a unique natural phenomenon. Here the waters of two immense rivers flow in the same bed, without mixing. A dark current and a light brown one, running side by side for kilometres.Together, the Negro and Solimões rivers become the Amazon. So when you see the “meeting of the waters”, you will be seeing the birthplace of the largest river on earth.After this, your private boat will take you where you can paddle a canoe in the flooded jungle, or hike if it’s the dry season. And you will discover the famous aquatic plant named after a British queen.

The flats next to Ambergris Caye offer some of the best fishing on earth. Travel by small boat out onto the water and let your expert guides locate the fish—this part won’t be hard. These warm, shallow waters are teeming with bonefish, permit, snook, and other species. There’s plenty for both fly-fishers and spin-casters. Whatever your style, you’re bound to land catch after catch while the boat rocks on azure water, in the sun and the warmth of a glorious Belizean day.

It’s Maradona’s team. It’s the most famous and passionate football club in South America. Riquelme, Tevez, Gago, Caniggia, Batistuta - so many legends call La Boca home and the matchday ambiance is beyond comprehension.There’s a multi-year waiting list for Boca Juniors tickets and the riotous atmosphere is not for tourists. You need tickets and a guide, to navigate the passionate matchday madness.A season-card holder will be your guide and protector for the day. Drink beer and eat barbecue in a nearby parrilla, experience Boca Juniors playing at home (it’s always a 49,000-capacity sell out), and discover football’s most adoring fans.

Explore the paradisiacal archipelago of Bocas del Toro on a private boat. Cruise through a tropical paradise of calm water and densely forested islands before stopping at Playa de las Estrellas, also known as Sea Star Beach.Disembark at this dreamy beach and wade into clear seawater to appreciate the sight of bright orange starfish basking in the shallows.Afterward, lounge in the shade of tall palm trees while the waves lap at your toes at Playa del Drago, and observe scores of sea birds nesting at the beautiful Bird’s Island.

Set out from Bocas del Toro pier in search of dolphins. Aboard a private boat, explore a coastline fringed with dense jungle en route to Laguna Bocatorito, also known as Dolphin Bay. Scan the water until you see it the tell-tale breach of a dorsal fin. Watch as pods of bottlenose dolphins frolic through the bay, swimming alongside your boat. Afterward, venture below the surface and into the realm of the dolphins. Equip yourself with a snorkel and flippers and dip below the waves to explore corals and sea sponges at Coral Keys.

Bocawina National Park is home to lively rainforest, howling monkeys, and unexcavated Mayan ruins.Combine natural beauty and heart-pumping adventure by exploring the park the exciting way: by zip-line and rappel. Move effortlessly around the canopy on a 2.5-mile-long zip-line course that incorporates 14 platforms and the country’s longest zip-line—2,300 feet of high-flying fun.Afterward, cool off by rappelling 100 feet down Bocawina Falls to the inviting pool below.

Admire water lilies blooming on the surface of peaceful ponds. Marvel at the colours and shapes of hundreds of orchid species. Wander from garden to garden, learning from your guide about Indonesian flora and fauna.Then, head for Puncak Pass. At over 1000 metres of altitude, it is much cooler than Jakarta, and a favourite getaway for city dwellers. You will see slopes covered with the light green foliage of tea bushes. Discover the secrets of masterful tea brewing, then enjoy an exquisite lunch of regional delicacies.This is a great way to spend a day if you have a Jakarta layover. Get out of the city and roam the highlands and gardens, far from the noise and smoggy streets.

You’ll be surprised by vibrant colours as you wander the cobblestone back streets of Bogota’s La Candaleria district. Here, vivid colonial architecture intertwined with imaginative street art make for an intoxicating labyrinth of laneways. With a private guide, you’ll delve beyond the bright exteriors and visit some of the neighbourhood’s most historic landmarks. From the intricate interior of the Church of Santa Clara and the imposing Bolivar Square flanked with important political buildings, the historic colonial-era quarter is the true beating heart of the city.And there are many local secrets to discover when you go off the beaten path with your local guide.

Every one of your senses may be overwhelmed as you enter Paloquemao, the largest farmers market in Bogota. Bustling lanes full of friendly vendors and colourful overflowing produce will have your eyes and nose darting around, attempting to absorb everything at once.Yet, this market is ultimately a culinary experience. You’ll be shown around by a local guide, stopping to munch on some of the best local snacks. From tamales to empanadas all washed down with exotic juices and locally roasted Colombian coffee, you’ll quickly discover the classic flavours of Colombia.

Seen from above, Bora Bora and Tupai are a rainbow of fresh blues hues on the dark blue ocean. Tupai has a surprising heart shape — it’s a must-see for lovers, an instantly recognisable image you gasp at from the air. And when your private helicopter flies lower over Bora Bora, you will be struck by the majesty of the extinct volcano, crowned by Mounts Pahia and Otemanu. Bora Bora’s original name means “created by the gods”. You will indeed feel that flying over these atolls is glimpsing the world through God’s eye.

Feel alive and adventurous as you bike along the country roads of the Gironde region. Your guide will take you past vineyards and castles, through woods and medieval villages.Stop to visit Château de la Brède, sitting in a water-filled moat in the middle of a vineyard. Fall in love with the medieval stone houses and narrow streets of St-Emilion and St-Macaire. Visit the beautiful romanesque ruins of Grande-Sauve Abbey.And if you are in top shape, pedal all the way to Blaye, to admire sweeping view over the Gironde estuary.

A large and lavish hut, tucked within the depths of Danum Valley. Submit to the wilderness around, as you experience boarding the jungle way.With untouched rainforest round every turn, let the call of the wildlife guide you. Follow the sounds of the rapid Danum River, to a scene straight out of Tarzan’s backyard. A tropical haven home to Borneo’s most beguiling beasts.The lodge itself is even more dazzling at night, with lantern-style lighting luminating its open verandas. Enjoy a drink with Mother Nature before retiring to your rustic wooden chalet, where more jungle views and a private hot tub awaits.

Visit places where what you see, only hints at what you don’t see. Lost for a thousand years, these Buddhist temples were rediscovered and restored. In Mendut, you will admire a majestic Buddha flanked by bodhisattvas Avalokiteshvara and Vajrapani. In Pawon, you will see sacred images carved on the outer walls. And at Borobudur you will be in the largest Bhuddhist temple in the world. Here there is a square hill of stone terraces and steps, leading to the stupas on the top. Once you come down to earth again, you will go on a horse-drawn carriage tour, discover traditional farms, meet local residents and learn about their traditions and crafts.