Your top tours: The most popular Trip Finder adventures of 2019

1. Trekking the mountain trails of Lebanon

The Cedars of Lebanon (Shutterstock)

Wanderlust readers have always been ahead of the curve, so it’s no surprise that months before everyone else was waking up to the charms of Lebanon, you lot were booking this one-week walk along the Lebanon Mountain Trail with KE Adventure Travel.

The trip cherry-picks the best bits of the 470km trail, linking an intricate web of ancient, interconnected tracks and footpaths. It winds its way through a number of national reserves, (home to jackals, hyenas and wolves), past the early Maronite troglodyte monasteries in the Qadisha Valley and Roman ruins at Baalbek.

The food is excellent, too – a delicious mix of Turkish, Arab and Mediterranean cuisine.

Trip:Mountain Trails of Lebanon

Who: KE Adventure Travel

Type: Small group

When: May to Nov

How long: Nine days

How much: From £1,185 (exc. flights)

2. Cycling Lake Constance

Reichenau Island in Lake Constance (Shutterstock)

This classic cycle tour around Lake Constance with BSpoke Tours has been a real hit on Trip finder. Passing through three countries – Germany, Austria and Switzerland – it combines breathtaking scenery, fascinating history and just the right amount of short break European cardio.

Surrounded by vineyards, orchards and beaches with views of the stunning alps, Lake Constance is the perfect short break destination for those who want to get active, but indulge in good food and great wine, as well.

Swim in the lake, visit medieval castles. Take a ride a traditional lake steamer. Where else can you enjoy apple strudel in Austria for lunch and tuck into fondue in Switzerland for dinner?

Trip:Lake Constance, Three Countries On Two Wheels Self-Guided Cycling Tour

Who: BSpoke Tours

Type: Self-guided

When: Mar to Oct

How long: Six nights

How much: £775 (exc. flights)

3. Touring classic Iran

Persepolis in Iran (Shutterstock)

Wanderlust readers are more open-minded and adventurous than most. That’s probably why this classic tour of Iran with Evaneos is one of the most popular holidays on Trip Finder.

This tour is the perfect introduction to this fascinating and misunderstood country, visiting the most important cities of Iran as well as its most important UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

From the blue-domed mosques of Isfahan to the ancient ruins of Persepolis, you’ll experience Iran’s incredible history. But more importantly, you also meet the country’s greatest asset: its incredibly hospitable people.

Trip:Iran: Classic Tour

Who:Evaneos

Type: Tailor-made

When: Flexible departures throughout the year

How long: 10 days

How much: From £1,690 (exc. flights)

4. Watching bears and birds in Finland

A brown bear in Finland (Shutterstock)

Wanderlusters love their wildlife. And untouched wildernesses. So this bird and bear watching tour in the timeless forests of Finland with Magnetic North is a real hit on Trip Finder.

Meeting brown bears in their natural environment is an unforgettable experience. Guests stay in a purpose built Bear Hide Cabin, waking up to the sound of bears cracking through the undergrowth outside. Floor-to-ceiling windows, stylish Nordic interior and views across lakes, fells, and forests – it doesn’t get any better than this.

There are plenty more activities on offer. Spend your days paddling across crystal clear lakes to hidden away beaches and enjoying gentle hikes through old pine forests. This is nature at its very best.

Trip: Bear & Bird Watching In Finland

Who:Magnetic North

Type: Tailor-made

When: Flexible departures throughout the year

How long: Seven days

How much: From £2,300 (exc. flights)

5. Exploring the wide open roads of Patagonia

Highway crossing Patagonia leading towards Mount Fitzroy (Shutterstock)

Patagonia is always one of the most popular destinations on Trip Finder and this self-drive holiday with Journey Latin America the most popular trip.

It showcases three contrasting regions of Patagonia in Argentina and Chile while giving you the independence to stop at any time and simply soak up the jaw dropping scenery – what’s not to love?

It’s a route that takes in Argentina’s glorious lake district and Los Glaciares National Park as well as Torres del Paine National Park in Chile – incredible landscapes to explore at your leisure and preferred speed, but with the security of knowing your accommodation is booked for you at the end of a day on the road.

Trip: Self-Drive Patagonia: The Open Road To Torres Del Paine

Type: Self-guided

When: Flexible departures throughout the year

How long: 20 days

How much: From £5,230 (exc. flights)

6. Going wild in Borneo

A baby orangutan in Borneo (Shutterstock)

Every year, Borneo tops the list of most searched for destinations on Trip Finder. It’s wild and remote, with incredible wildlife and a few creature comforts thrown in as well well – just what Wanderlusters are looking for. Like this trip through Sarawak with Intrepid.

It’s easy to see why it’s so popular. You’ll see orangutans swinging through the rainforest treetops in Semenggoh, weave through the vast Mulu cave systems and spend a night in an Iban homestay.

After following the Headhunters’ Trail in Sarawak, and wandering along Kuching’s riverside promenade, you’ll get time to wind down and relax the on golden-sand beaches in Labuan.Perfect.

Trip:Wild Sarawak

Who:Intrepid

Type: Small group

When: Regular departures throughout the year

How long: 10 days

How much: From £1,170 (exc. flights)

7. Discovering Georgia with Dario Ghirlanda

Ushguli village in Georgia (Shutterstock)

One of the first indications we had that Georgia was set to become one of the hot destinations of 2019 was the popularity of this trip through Georgia, with guide Dario Ghirlanda, on Trip Finder.

The combination of an incredible, relatively undiscovered destination, led by a Wanderlust World Guide Award winner, proved irresistible.

It helps, of course, that Georgia delivers. Known as the pearl of the Caucasus, it is a magical mix cultures and religion, history and nature, all served up with extraordinary hospitality and sumptuous food and wine. Book now.

Trip:Discover Georgia with Dario Ghirlanda

Who:Wanderlust Journeys

Type: Small group

When: July

How long: 11 days

How much: From £1,895 (exc. flights)

8. Experiencing the voodoo vibes of West Africa

Traditional wooden canoe in Ghana (Shutterstock)

Here’s a trip hardcore Wanderlusters loved: an overland journey through West Africa with Dragoman. You won’t find an awful lot of wildlife or tourist infrastructure, but if it’s African music, culture and chaos you’re after, you’ll get it by the bucket load.

Travelling through Ghana, Togo and Benin, this is Africa at its rawest – and most exhilarating. You’ll enjoy great tribal homestays, cool hill hikes to see butterflies, wonderful palm-fringed beaches and boat trips to stilt villages.

There’s fascinating history, both indigenous tribal and unwanted in the form of the Slave Trade, plus a national park with lions and elephants.

Trip:Voodoo & Vibes Of West Africa

Who:Dragoman

Type: Overland

When: Jan & Dec

How long: 21 days

How much: From £1,280 + $US580 kitty (exc. flights)

9. Riding the Trains Siberian in luxury

Lake Baikal in summer (Shutterstock)

The legendary Trans Siberian rail journey across Russia is on most Wanderlusters’ bucket lists, and it seems the majority of you think that if you’re going to do it, you may as well do it in style.

Regent Holidays’ rail journey abroad the Tsar’s Gold Private Train is by far the most popular Trans Sib option on Trip Finder.

Travelling from Moscow to Beijing, this journey delivers three of the world’s largest countries directly to your stylish compartment. Lean back and enjoy the dramatic changes of scenery and savour some of Europe and Asia’s most dramatic and beautiful landscapes, experiencing Russia, Mongolia and China in pure style.

Go on. Spoil yourself.

Trip:Trans-Siberian Tour On The Tsar’s Gold Private Train Moscow To Beijing

Who:Regent Holidays

Type: Tailor-made

When: May to Sep

How long: 16 days

How much: From £4,230 (exc. flights)

10. Spotting leopards in Sri Lanka

Leopard in the wild in Sri Lanka (Shutterstock)

Any doubts about Sri Lanka being back on the travel map is quickly dispelled by the popularity of this five-day leopard safari in Yala National Park with Wildlife Trails.

With a bargain beach holiday Bentota package tagged on the end, it remains Trip Finder’s most popular Sir Lankan trip. It includes five half-day jeep safaris and one full day drive inside Yala National Park, so your chances of multiple, breathtaking leopard encounters are truly maximised.

There’s also a substantial elephant population along with spotted deer, sambar, wild buffalo, sloth bear, jackal, mongoose and crocodiles. Birdwatchers are in for a treat as well, with over 120 bird species calling the park home.

Trip:Sri Lankan Leopard Safari At Yala; Five Days

Who: Wildlife Trails

Type: Small group

When: Flexible departures throughout the year

How long: Five days

How much: From £840 (exc. flights)

11. Discovering the real Japan

Mount Fuji (Shutterstock)

If you’re going to visit Japan, you may as well go with the experts. Well, that’s what Wanderlusters think, judging by the popularity of this classic tour of the country with InsideJapan Tours.

All the big sites are included, including Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima and Osaka, as well as a remarkable 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

There’s a real focus on cultural experiences, with plenty of opportunities to ride the famous Shinkansen bullet train, enjoy traditional Japanese hospitality at an authentic ryokan inn, watch a geisha tea ceremony in Kyoto, and wander through Tokyo’s famous Tsukiji Fish Market.

Trip:Best of Japan: 14 Nights

Who:InsideJapan Tours

Type: Tailor-made/self-guided

When: Flexible departures throughout the year

How long: 15 days

How much: From £3,160 (exc. flights)

More fabulous trips to consider:

9 fantastic destinations where your pound will go further in 2020

7 wildlife tours inspired by the BBC’s Seven Worlds, One Planet

15 of the best slow travel trips to book whenever you’re ready

9 extraordinary tours to Africa’s unlikeliest destinations

1. Discover voodoo and beaches in Benin, Togo and Ghana

Voodoo dolls at the Akodessewa Voodoo Fetish Market in Togo (Shutterstock)

Uncover three of West Africa’s most intriguing nations on this action-packed tour of Benin, Togo and Ghana with Intrepid.

From Ouidah, Lome and Togoville, where voodoo still forms an important part of everyday life, to the museums of Accra and pristine shores of Anomabo Beach, this is a snapshot of African life, but not as you know it.

You’ll rub shoulders with the King of Ashanti at the Akwasidae Festival, watch voodoo ceremonies in Ouidah, cross Lake Togo and discovery the history and incredible beaches of Ghana. Your journey concludes with a visit to St George’s Castle and a sobering reflection on the history of slavery.

Trip:Benin, Togo & Ghana Expedition

Who:Intrepid

Type: Small group

When: Jan, Feb, Aug, Oct & Nov

How long: 11 days

How much: From £1,625 (exc. flights)

2. Conquer the Sahara’s final frontier in Chad

Camels belonging to the Tubu nomads in northern Chad (Shutterstock)

Travel to the remote Tibesti Mountains and meet the extraordinary Tuba people on this adventurous small group tour of northern Chad with Undiscovered Destinations.

Long out of bounds, and still home to traditions unchanged since the days of trans-Saharan trade, this is a unique opportunity go where few have gone before. You’ll travel deep into breathtaking landscapes of the Tibesti, home to volcanic peaks and some of the most isolated settlements on earth.

You’ll meet the Tubu, a fiercely independent people adept at living in harsh conditions, who will introduce you to their lives and show you ancient rock carvings as old as time. With virtually no facilities outside of the capital, you’ll spend your nights camping, immersing yourself completely in the desert experience.

This is a groundbreaking trip for true Sahara enthusiasts.

Trip:Chad: Peaks Of The Tibesti

Who:Undiscovered Destinations

Type: Small group

When: Nov

How long: 22 days

How much: From £6,395 (exc. flights)

3. Experience volcanos and gorillas in the heart of Africa

A baby gorilla in Virunga National Park (Shutterstock)

Head deep into the heart of central Africa and discover a world of primal landscapes and epic wildlife on this small group tour through Rwanda, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo with Wild Frontiers.

This remarkable trip will take you through some of the most beautiful and emotive landscapes on the African continent, as you go in search of gorillas, bubbling lava lakes and a people whose lives and traditions have withstood imperialism.

Along the way you’ll cross beautiful Lake Kivu, visit the lowland gorillas of DR Congo’s Kahuzi-Biega National Park and climb to the summit of one of the most active volcanoes in the world. A truly unique adventure in this incredible part of the continent.

Trip:Gorillas In Africa’s Midst

Who:Wild Frontiers

Type: Small group

When: Nov

How long: 13 days

How much: From £5,895 (exc. flights)

4. Uncover an incredible lost world in northern Sudan

Meroe pyramids at sunrise (Shutterstock)

Discover one of the world’s greatest – and least known – archaeological sites on this journey through the ancient Nubian pyramids of north Sudan with Peregrine.

It’s a journey that will introduce you to the remnants of one of the world’s greatest empires, from the Nubian pyramids and tombs etched with Meroitic symbols to the 3,300-year-old temple at the foot of Jebel Barkal.

You’ll also encounter modern Sudan in souks, chai houses and a night in a Bisharin nomad camp. You’ll bear witness to an incredible display of faith and celebration as whirling dervishes from the Sufi community twirl, dance and worship outside the tomb of Hamed el-Nil at sunset.

Trip:Ancient Sudan Experience

Who:Peregrine

Type: Small group

When: Nov to Feb

How long: Eight days

How much: From £2,555 (exc. flights)

5. Enjoy the Art Deco charm and untouched beaches of Eritrea

Italian colonial Art Deco Cinema in Asmara (Dreamstime)

Discover the charms of a little-visited part of the Horn of Africa on this small group tour of Eritrea with Undiscovered Destinations.

Your journey begins in charming capital of Asmara, famed for the incredible Art Deco buildings and pleasant high-altitude climate. You will have plenty of time to kick back in the city’s Italian-style cafes and bars before heading north to Keren, for the Monday camel market.

Next, Eritrea’s untouched Red Sea coast awaits, along with the exotic city of Massawa. Add in excursions to Decamhere and historic Qohaito, and you have a truly unique trip through a truly exciting part of Africa.

Trip:Eritrea Discovery

Who:Undiscovered Destinations

Type: Small group

When: Feb, Apr, Oct, Nov & Dec

How long: 10 days

How much: From £2,745 (exc. flights)

6. Take it easy in chilled-out West Africa

A Bearded Barbet in Gambia (Shutterstock)

Walk through slow-paced colonial towns, see prolific birdlife and explore some of the region’s finest national parks on this relaxed adventure through Senegal and The Gambia with Explore.

Travelling through tropical Anglo-influenced Gambia and exotic Francophile Senegal, you’ll compare the colonial imprints in this beautiful region of West African, visiting the UNESCO-listed Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary and exploring theGambia River by boat, including excursions by traditional pirogues into the mangroves in search of birds, wildlife and traditional villages.

Trip:Senegal & The Gambia

Who:Explore

Type: Small group

When: Oct to Apr

How long: 13 days

How much: From £1,575 (exc. flights)

7. Explore the best bits of Sierra Leone

A chimpanzee in Sierra Leone (Shutterstock)

Discover a country long off the radar on this tailor made tour of Sierra Leone with Rainbow Tours.

Your itinerary is designed to showcase the very best of Sierra Leone, from the bustling capital of Freetown to the sweeping white beaches of Tokeh. An excursion to Bunce Island offers a poignant insight into the country’s history and a visit to Tacugama Chimpanzee Society reveals the good work going on there.

On Tiwai Island, you’ll encounter a dazzling array of birds and other wildlife, including a night walk in search of Hammerhead bats. Finally, you’ll head to the Banana Islands for glamping at the Bafa Resort and the chance to indulge in some snorkelling, swimming and a boat trip around one of the islands.

Trip:Sierra Leone Made Simple

Who:Rainbow Tours

Type: Tailor-made

When: Flexible departures throughout the year

How long: 10 days

How much: From £2,795 (inc. flights)

8. Discover undiscovered São Tomé

Colonial waterfront in Sao Tome (Shutterstock)

Join Kathleen Becker, the author of the Bradt Travel Guide for São Tomé and Príncipe, for a unique insider’s tour of this charming, largely undiscovered island with Explore.

Described as an enchanting blend of African, Portuguese and Caribbean cultures, you will visit secluded beaches, swim in crystal clear waters and hike in pristine rainforests, all the while on the lookout for an abundant array of wildlife, birds and plants.

A boat trip along the wild west coast of the island will lead to hidden waterfalls and incredible rock formations, while there are opportunities to visit colonial plantation houses and sample some of the best coffee and chocolate in the world. Combine this with gaining an insight into its turbulent history and the only thing left to do will be to get into the laid-back Santomean way of life and enjoy this paradise island

Trip:São Tomé With Kathleen Becker

Who:Explore

Type: Small group

When: Nov

How long: 10 days

How much: From £1,775 (exc. flights)

9. Travel through a country that doesn’t officially exist

Laas Geel cave paintings in Somaliland (Shutterstock)

Here’s one for your travel bucket list: a seven-day adventure through Somaliland, a self-declared African country that doesn’t officially exist with Undiscovered Destinations. (Currently, its internationally recognised as an autonomous state of Somalia.)

Perched on the Horn of Africa and bordered by the Red Sea, Somaliland is a land of proud traditions born out of its largely nomadic heritage. It avoided the madness that engulfed its notorious neighbour and welcomes visitors with incredible hospitality.

After discovering the charms of the capital Hargeisa, you’ll head to Baligubadle where you’ll meet local nomadic communities and learn about the challenges they face in this parched corner of the continent. After visiting the eastern towns of Arabsiyo and Gabiley (or Gebiley), you’ll travel to the spectacular rock art site of Laas Geel before heading to the coastal city of Berbera, with its colonial architecture and stunning scenery.

Trip:Somaliland Uncovered

Who:Undiscovered Destinations

Type: Small group

When: Mar & Nov

How long: Seven days

How much: From £1,695 (exc. flights)

This article was first published in November 2019. Consult and follow the UK Foreign Office’s travel advice (or your country’s equivalent) before booking your trip.

More on undiscovered Africa:

Is Zakouma National Park in Chad one of Africa’s best?

Dark Secrets: Voodoo in Benin

Rwanda: Back on the radar

12 of the best multi-country trips to book now

1. Fly through Central America

Chichen Itza Tzompantli (Shutterstock)

Mexico, Belize & Guatemala

Whizz through Central America without missing its best bits on Intrepid’s 13-day Guatemala to Mexico adventure. You’ll travel from the cobblestone streets of Antigua, through blissed-out Belize and along the Yucatan Peninsula to the beachside delights of Playa del Carmen.

Highlights include climbing stone temples amongst the jungle canopy in Tikal, chilling out island-style in Caye Caulker and sinking your feet into white sands and clear waters in Tulum.

From volcano studded Antigua to the chilled out charm of Mexico’s coast – this tour delivers a slice of action, a dose of history and culture, and some well-deserved relaxation.

Trip:Guatemala to Mexico

Who:Intrepid

When: Regular departures throughout the year

How long: 13 days

How much: From £977 (exc. flights)

2. Overland from Europe to Asia

Dusk in Beijing (Shutterstock)

Turkey, Georgia, Armenia, Iran, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan & China

Join Oasis Overland on this ultimate expedition following in the footsteps of Alexander the Great and Marco Polo across Europe and Central Asia.

This challenging expedition follows ancient trading routes through some of the oldest cities in the world. You’ll travel through lands steeped in history and legend, experiencing vast and varied landscapes and unique cultures on an unforgettable journey following the Silk Road.

Trip:Istanbul To Beijing

Who:Oasis Overland

When: Departures Apr

How long: 15 weeks

How much: From £4,950 (exc. flights)

3. Visit a trio of cracking capitals

Tallinn, Estonia (Shutterstock)

Lithuania, Latvia & Estonia

Be enchanted by Eastern Europe on Regent Holidays’ 10-day Baltic Capital Cities tour. Visit the baroque buildings and soaring spires of Vilnius’s UNESCO-listed Old Town – the largest in Europe.

Head to Riga to explore its medieval and art nouveau architecture and Soviet-style central market, and finish off your trip in Tallinn, a charming maze of cobbled streets, 14th century churches and a bustling town hall square.

Trip:Classic Baltics Group Tour

Who:Regent Holidays

When: Departures May to Sep

How long: Eight days

How much: From £995 (exc. flights)

4. Trek, tour and beach bask

Jaipur, Rajasthan (Shutterstock)

Nepal, India & Maldives

Spend an epic month cutting through Asia on World Expeditions’ 29-day Summit to Sea trip. Marvel at Kathmandu’s Durbar Square before trekking amid villages below the Annapurnas.

Then change tempo: fly to India to explore Delhi, the ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur and Agra’s Taj Mahal. Finally, zip to the Maldives to board a dhoni sailboat and cruise between paradise isles! Bliss.

Trip:Summit to Sea

Who:World Expeditions

When: Departures Mar to Apr & Oct to Dec

How long: 29 days

How much: From £3,260 (exc. flights)

5. See Europe, old and new

Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia (Shutterstock)

Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Montenegro, Serbia, Macedonia & Kosovo

Cram in seven countries on Explore’s 16-day Former Yugoslavia Rail Adventure.

Walk around big Balkans cities including Ljubljana, Sarajevo, Belgrade, Dubrovnik, then escape to wild beauties like Plitvice National Park and Lake Ohrid. Also, enjoy the ever-changing train carriage views.

Trip:Former Yugoslavia Rail Adventure

Who:Explore

When: Departures May to Jul & Sep

How long: 16 days

How much: £2,060 (exc. flights)

6. Roam Africa’s wild west

Ghana, Africa (Shutterstock)

Ghana, Togo & Benin

Join Dragoman for a loop linking three little-known nations on its 21-day West Africa between Accra and Accra overland trip.

In Ghana, sleep out at Lake Volta and visit the slave trade ruin of Fort Prinzenstein. In Togo, hike in the Mont Klouto region and peer into Togoville’s Vodun culture. In Benin, visit Tata Somba villages, the stilt town of Ganvie and the lions of Pendjari National Park.

Trip:Voodoo & Vibes Of West Africa

Who:Dragoman

When: Departures Jan & Dec

How long: 21 days

How much: From £1,088 (exc. flights and €580 kitty)

7. Gorge on glorious wildlife

Macaws gather at a clay lick in the Peruvian Amazon (Shutterstock)

Galapagos & Peru

Witness nature at its very best on Journey Latin America’s Peru and Galapagos wildlife tour.

After arriving in Cusco, you’ll head into the Peruvian Amazon, where you’ll spending a week viewing wildlife and exploring the jungle. You’ll stay in Refugio Amazonas, a popular and well respected lodge in the Tambopata region.

Then switch to a week cruising Ecuador’s isles: spot giant tortoises, seals, boobies and bubbling volcanoes.

Trip:Wildlife Peru and Galapagos

Who:Journey Latin America

When: Departures throughout the year

How long: 14 days

How much: From £4,851 (inc. flights)

8. Have a mini Arctic odyssey

Northern Lights (Shutterstock)

Sweden, Finland & Norway

Aurora Zone’s eight day Three Countries – The Grand Aurora Tour offers an abundance of winter wonderland.

Stay at Sweden’s ICEHOTEL before racing through Finnish Lapland in a husky sled to look for the northern lights.

Be trendy in Norway’s Tromsø – ‘the Paris of the North’ – and learn the ways of the Sámi people, meet reindeer, rev a snowmobile through the Norwegian wilds and warm up in a sauna. Round off your adventure with one final hunt for the aurora.

Trip:The Grand Aurora Tour

Who:Aurora Zone

When: Departures Jan to Mar

How long: Nine days

How much: From £3,550 (inc. flights)

9. See lesser-visited South America

The Devil’s Island in Îles du Salu, French Guiana (Shutterstock)

Northern Brazil, Suriname, French Guiana & Guyana

Bypass the tourists by heading to the continent’s little-visited north on Journey Latin America’s 18-day Trailblazing the Guianas trip.

Kicking off in the northern Brazilian town of Boa Vista, you’ll cross the Takutu River into Guyana. Here you’ll look for jaguars and harpy eagles on safari, before exploring Dutch-influenced Paramaribo and cruising to the former penal colony of Îles du Salut (Salvation Islands).

Trip:Trailblazing the Guianas

Who:Journey Latin America

When: Departures Oct

How long: 18 days

How much: From £4,402 (exc. flights)

10. Pedal through the Alps

Lake Constance (Shutterstock)

Germany, Austria & Switzerland

Hop on an e-bike to glide past postcard-pretty villages, fairy tale castles, cherry orchards and gothic cathedrals with ease.

B’Spoke Tours’ self-guided Lake Constance Cycling tour ticks off three countries – Austria, Switzerland, Germany. It also ticks off some of Europe’s most breathtaking mountain scenery, observed from traffic-free, low-stress, lakeside cycle paths.

Trip:Constance: Three countries on three wheels

Who:B’Spoke Tours

When: Flexible departures throughout the year

How long: Seven days

How much: From £715 (exc. flights)

11. Traverse the Silk Road

Samarkand, Uzbekistan (Shutterstock)

China, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Iran and Turkey

Cover a legendary thoroughfare as you join Wild Frontiers on a Great Silk Road Adventure.

On this huge 48-day trip you’ll tick off no fewer than 15 UNESCO sites, including China’s Tiananmen Square and Terracotta Army, Istanbul’s Blue Mosque and Turkmenistan’s ancient city of Merv.

Gawp at Tehran’s Golestan Palace before a trip to Samarkand in Uzbekistan captures your whole trip in one city: a melting pot of Asian culture.

Trip: The Great Silk Road Adventure

Who:Wild Frontiers

When: Departures May & Sep

How long: 48 days

How much: From £10,595

12. Marvel at Mayan magic

Caye Caulker in Belize (Shutterstock)

Escape the resorts and discover something extraordinary in Central America on this 32-day trip through the region with G Adventures.

You’ll visit six countries, experiencing mighty ruins, clear Caribbean waters, Pacific waves, rainforests, and breathtaking scenery along the way.

Expect Indigenous Mayan villages, hot springs and ruins and immersive adventures that few travellers get to experience.

Trip:Central American Journey

Who:G Adventures

When: Regular departures throughout the year

How long: 32 days

How much: From £1,387 (exc. flights)

More incredible trips:

20 Silk Road adventures you’ll never forget

South America trip planner – where should you go?

9 countries that are back on the travel map

9 trips with 2018’s top tour guides

1: Cut an epic overlanding slice through west Africa

Sunset in Sierra Leone, West Africa (Dreamstime)

Join Gold Award-winning guide Julie Gabbott as she navigates and drives travellers across West Africa on Dragoman’s Dakar and Accra via Togo and Benin tour. Try and spot the elusive pygmy hippo on Tiwai Island in Sierra Leone, spy lions and elephants in Benin’s Pendjari NP, visit the Great Mosque of Touba in Senegal and tread Butterfly Mountain in Togo. And that’s just barely scratching the surface on this 70-day epic, which can also be broken up into three shorter trips for who prefer short- to long-haul…

Who: Dragoman (01728 861133)

When: 12 Nov 2018; 28 Jan 2019 (reverse journey)

How long: 70 days

2: See a spectacular wilderness in Argentina

Fitz Roy Mountain, Patagonia, Argentina (Dreamstime)

Soak up the South American outdoors in Patagonia with Silver Award-winner Neil Rabjohn on G Adventures’ End of the Earth tour. Marvel at Andean peaks en route to Los Glaciares NP, spying twisting rock formations emerging from ice fields and fine views of Fitz Roy Mountain. Float up close to the toothpaste-blue Perito Moreno glacier and trek grasslands and snowy peaks in Torres del Paine NP. Climax in Ushuaia, overlooking the waters that separate you and Antarctica.

Who:G Adventures (0344 272 2060)

When: From Mar 2019

How long: 14 days

3: Go on detective in Doyle’s Devon, England

The Holy Trinity Church, Devon (Dreamstime)

Follow in the footsteps of Sherlock Holmes with Top UK guide Alex Graeme on Unique Devon Tours’ The Hound of the Baskervilles Tour. Trace the origins of Arthur Conan Doyle’s book, including the eerie Holy Trinity Church, the resting place of Richard Cabell III – the inspiration for its antagonist. Then swap gentle Devon lanes for Dartmoor and the Bronze Age settlement of Grimspound, before finishing as the story does, deep in the mysterious, treacherous bog (Fox Tor Mire).

Who: Unique Devon Tours (01803 812556)

When: Year round

How long: 1 day

4: Meander the Mekong in Cambodia and Vietnam

Mekong River, Vietnam (Dreamstime)

Float one of the world’s great waterways with Highly Commended guide Phauk Kimhoun on G Adventures’ Mekong River Adventure – Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh trip. Float past pagodas, paddy fields and old colonial houses as you drift this watery slice of South- East Asia. See Cai Be’s floating market, glimpse Vinh Trang and Kien An Cung pagodas and see the sun set from Sam Mountain, then head for Cambodia and its storied capital, Phnom Penh.

Who: G Adventures (0344 272 2060)

When: 2019 dates still to be announced.

How long: 5 days

5: Tread the Tuscan peaks in Italy

Guided trek through the Tuscan peaks (Exodus)

Follow Highly Commended guide Sara Bull’s lead on Exodus’ Walking trip. Take on a number of trails, treading past craggy peaks and slope-clinging villages, spying buzzards and eagles as you summit Pania della Croce (1,858m). Take a break to visit fortified Lucca and the pastel-coloured buildings of the Cinque Terre, before rejoining the trail among the wild flowers and lofty forests of Appennino Tosco-Emiliano NP, topping Tuscany’s highest peak, Mount Prado (2,054m).

Who:Exodus (020 3811 4352)

When: Selected dates Apr–Oct 2019

How long: 8 days

6: Spy wonderful wildlife in Tanzania and Kenya

An elephant in Kenya (Dreamstime)

Join Top Safari Guide Garth Hovell on Abercrombie & Kent’s Great Migration Safari Escorted Tour and see East Africa’s rich wildlife. Stays in camps and lodges will put you nose to snout with the lions, leopards and elephants of Kenya’s Amboseli NP and the acacia-shaded zebra and buffalo of Tanzania’s Tarangire NP. Visit the lush Ngorogoro Crater, then climax with a glimpse of wildlife’s supreme spectacle – spying the Great Migration in the savannahs of Serengeti NP and at Masai Mara Game Reserve.

Who:Abercrombie & Kent(01242 547892)

When: Jan–Apr and Jul–Oct

How long: 13 nights

7: Be wowed by Darwin’s archipelago in Ecuador

Blue-footed boobies and an iguana in the Galápagos (Dreamstime)

Soak up the wildlife on Galakiwi’s Galápagos Adventure Tour with Top Conservation Guide Pablo Valladares island hopping the archipelago to spy sea lions and blue-footed boobies on San Cristóbal and basking marine iguanas on Floreana, then visiting the Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre on Isabela. Scale Sierra Negra and tread the lava fields of Volcan Chico, then finish by swapping boots for a snorkel to glide among Galápagos penguins.

Who: Galakiwi (+593 5252 1770)

When: 16 Nov and 14 Dec 2018

How long: 10 days

8: Visit the cradle of civilisation in Greece

Ruins of the Parthenon on the Greek acropolis (Dreamstime)

Let Highly Commended guide Gabo Candal bring the past and present into focus on G Adventures’ Best of Greece tour. Spy Athens’ iconic Acropolis, then embark on a greatest hits tour of ancient Greece: the mountaintop monasteries of Meteora, the Temple of Apollo, the cobbles of Nafplio. Finish by hopping to Crete to spy Chania’s Old Town and hike the rugged Samariá Gorge NP, before boating to the blue-domed buildings of Santorini. Bliss.

Who:G Adventures(0344 272 2060)

When: 5 May 2019

How long: 15 days

9: See sandy icons galore in Jordan and Egypt

Allow Highly Commended guide Ashraf Masoud to uncloak a pair of dynasties on Abercrombie & Kent’s Petra, Pyramids and Nile Cruise Escorted Tour. Explore Jordan’s antiquities, from the ‘City of Mosaics’, Madaba, to the rose-red wonder of Petra, before crossing into Egypt, where a cruise down the Nile, passing the Luxor Temple and the Valley of the Kings, gives way to Aswan’s temples of Abu Simbel and the pyramids on Cairo’s fringes.

Who:Abercrombie & Kent (01242 386468)

When: Year round

How long: 13 nights

Know when you want to travel but don’t know where? Got an activity you long to try but not sure how? Try visiting Wanderlust’s Trip Finder.

5 of the world’s strangest markets

1: Akodessewa Fetish Market, Togo

The world’s most famous Voodoo fetish market is held in the Togolese capital of Lomé.
The site is strewn with dismembered animal parts, including the heads of hyenas, monkeys, leopards and alligators. Hippopotamus skulls, whale vertebrae, boa constrictor skin and powdered chameleon are also available for purchase.

Voodoo practitioners come here to stock up on supplies for rituals and ceremonies. The market’s also visited by those seeking advice from a Voodoo fetish priest on anything from illness to relationship and financial problems.

Vodun (meaning ‘spirit’), another name for Voodoo, originated in West Africa and has a strong following in Togo and neighbouring Benin. Like Haitian Vodou, the religion focuses on spirit worship. Vodun talismans or fetishes are thought to contain some of the divine power that runs through every living being, reviving those who use them.

2: Skuon Spider Market, Cambodia

The market town of Skuon, also known as Spiderville or Spider Town, has been filled with tarantulas for decades. Eating spiders became commonplace in the region during the famine of the 1970s. Locals deep-fry them, soak them in chilli oil and use them in fermenting rice wine.

For generations, local men have hunted palm-sized Thai zebra tarantulas in the surrounding jungles. Hawkers visit local villages and the nearby Phnom Penh to sell the creepy crawlies. The spiders have been used in traditional medicine and are believed by locals to be good for the lungs.

3: The Maeklong Railway Market, Thailand

The Maeklong Railway market is located in Samut Songkhram province, around an hour south-west of Bangkok. The market existed before the railway, selling mainly fish. In 1905, a railway line was built to help deliver produce to the capital. The town’s market owners decided not to move, so the two parties learned to co-exist.

The market and railway line now occupy a small and congested alley, filled with fresh fruit, vegetables, seafood and clothing. Visitors come to witness market vendors pulling away their umbrella stalls as the train approaches. Goods displayed near the tracks are rolled back on wheeled tables. After the train passes, the market resumes activity.

4: Witches Market, Bolivia

The Witches Market in La Paz is most famous for selling dried llama fetuses, which are buried beneath Bolivian houses for good luck. Market stalls line the cobbled streets of Calle Linares in the old city, with vendors selling ingredients used in rituals.

Among the items sold are folk remedies, Bolivian armadillos, dried frogs and phallic candles. An armadillo over the door is said to warn off thieves, while a dried frog with a cigarette in its mouth brings prosperity.

Yatiris, also known as witch doctors, are medical practitioners and community healers. They read fortunes and are believed to cure illness. They also cast spells to help fix locals’ personal problems.

5: Ka Faroshi Bird Market, Afghanistan

In Afghanistan, it’s common for people to keep birds as pets. Kabul’s Ka Faroshi Bird Market sells a wide range, including canaries, budana, finches and doves.

Known colloquially as the ‘alley of straw sellers’, the market was once a place for buying and selling horse feed. The dusty lane is now filled with songbirds, usually kept in bamboo-woven cages.

The market’s ‘fighting birds’ are also, sadly, popular among locals, who place bets on them. There are hundreds for sale here, from large fighting partridges to smaller fighting quails.

Main image: Traditional talismans at Witches Market, Bolivia (Dreamstime)

8 trips to take for cultural adventures

1. Mongolia

Travel wild landscapes

Journey across the forgotten lands of Genghis Khan on Intrepid Travel’s Wild Mongolia trip. On this 15-day tour you’ll stay in traditional ger tents, watch monks conducting their daily ceremonies, experience nomadic life at a homestay, and enjoy traditional dance and throat singing.

The tour kicks off in the diverse city of Ulaanbaatar, a fusion of traditional and modern day life. Here, explore palaces and monasteries before heading to Mongolia’s largest river, the Selenge. Next, soak up the beauty of Khovsgol Lake, often described as Mongolia’s most scenic destination, and soothe any sore muscles in the renowned hot springs of Tsenkher. Visit the ancient capital of Karakoram, home to Mongolia’s first Buddhist centre, before heading back to Ulaanbaatar with its contrasting mix of Soviet buildings and ger districts.

Who: Intrepid Travel
When: Selected dates May-August 2014
How long: 15 days
How much: from £1,795 (excl flights)

2. Burma

Get off the beaten track

Duck Burma’s ‘traveller gold-rush’ on Mountain Kingdoms’ Undiscovered Burma tour. Travel south via Golden Rock (a precariously balanced boulder), visit rural villages, fascinating markets and get up close and personal with a 170-metre reclining Buddha. In central Burma visit the 2,478 stupa-filled ‘forest of temples’, relax at Inle Lake and get an insight into the Shan people of Mandalay.

Who: Mountain Kingdoms
When: 31 Oct 2013, 6 Feb 2014
How long: 18 days
How much: From £3,575 (incl flights)

3. Ghana and Togo

Walking west Africa

Immerse yourself in local life on Explore’s Ghana and Togo on Foot walking tour. In Ghana you’ll visit cocoa farming villages and primeval rainforests, and trek on the world’s highest canopy bridge. In Togo wander from village to village discovering the remote Atakora Mountains where people live in fortifi ed mud dwellings reminiscent of medieval castles. While there, browse the colourful markets and enjoy a fire dance.

Who: Explore
When: Various departures: Nov-Dec 2013, Feb 14, Apr 14
How long: 14 days
How much: from £2,475 (incl flights)

4. South Sudan

Explore a new frontier

Score bragging points by being among the first to experience the world’s newest country on Undiscovered Destination’s South Sudan Explorer trip. As you visit this raw country, you can watch the Mundari people test themselves in a wrestling ceremony and visit the cattle-herding Toposa in Boya.

Who: Undiscovered Destinations
When: 12 January 2014
How long: 9 days
How much: from £2,675 (excl flights)

5. Guatemala

Give something back

Have a South American adventure while helping out the local community on Rainbow Tour’s Responsible Travel in Guatemala. See Maya ruins at Tikal, join coffee farmers at work in Antigua and hike to the Pascual Abaj ritual site for the chance to see a Shaman perform.

Who: Rainbow Tours
When: Year round
How long: 8 days
How much: from £2,775 (incl flights)

6. India

Get on the spice trail

Get an authentic taste of Southern India’s relaxed vibe and unique cuisine on Village Way’s Spirit of the South. Cook in spice gardens, explore Mothakkara’s plantations and Kerala’s backwaters, and learn from the locals you’ll meet on the way.

Who: Village Ways
When: Flexible departures from Dec 2013
How long: 15 nights
How much: from £1,157 (excl flights)

7. Japan

Follow a sacred path

Fall back in time and walk the ancient Kumano Kodo route on Inside Japan’s Pilgrim’s Paths. See spiritual Japan at its most atmospheric as you discover hidden shrines and temples, stay in lodgings on sacred Mount Koya and go on a twilight wander through Okunoin Cemetery.

Who: Inside Japan
When: Year round
How long: 14 nights
How much: from £2,120 (excl flights)

8. Vietnam and China

Discover tribal lands

Tribal insights await on Wild Frontiers’ Across The Tribal Heartland’s. First visit Vietnam’s northern and southern tribes, before moving into China to see the rice terraces of the Hani and Yi people as well as Asia’s largest cave.

When: 13 Oct 2013, 12 Oct 2014
How long: 15 days
How much: from £2,195 (excl flights)