10 Bucket List Travel Adventures

• Trakai Castle visit (Vilnius)
• Curonian Spit bike tour
• Riga city tour with lunch from the local markets
• Rural Estonia farm stay
• Saaremaa guided village tour
• Kadriorg Palace visit (Tallinn)
• Orientation walk (Helsinki)
• All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

3. Take an expedition through the Galapagos

Get up close and personal in the islands of The Galápagos. It is home to an abundance of incredibly rare wildlife such as flightless cormorants, marine iguanas, and domed giant tortoises. Swim, snorkel, and walk your way through these incredible and isolated islands.

Trip suggestion: National Geographic Adventures 'Galapgaos' small ship cruise

What are the highlights?

• The National Geographic Islander and new National Geographic Endeavour II are each equipped with kayaks, paddleboards, and Zodiacs, allowing for up close exploration.
• Join naturalists on interpretive island walks to learn about Galápagos wildlife, and witness incredible interactions between animals in their natural habitat.
• Meet endangered Galápagos giant tortoises at a National Geographic–supported captive breeding program, and then observe these creatures in the wild.
• Snorkel amid shimmering fish, sea turtles, penguins, and playful sea lions.

5. Active Sri Lanka

Summit Adam's Peak, discover the Knuckles mountain range, and explore Yala National Park on a jeep safari. Looking for some relaxation? Arugam Bay beach is the perfect place to relax right on the coast. Sri Lanka offers some fantastic cultural sights - including Dambulla and Sigariya.

Trip suggestion: On The Go Tours: 'Sri Lanka Tracks & Trails'

What are the highlights?

• Climb to the summit of sacred Adam's Peak (2243m) for sunrise
• Namunukula range - 2 day trek only recently opened up to the public
• Sigiriya Rock Fortress - UNESCO World Heritage Site and location of the world-famous frescoes known as the “Heavenly Maidens” of Sigiriya
• Yala National Park - home to the highest concentration of leopards in the world. Jeep safari in the park.
• Kandy - Temple of the Tooth including Buddha's tooth relic
• Knuckles mountain range - 2 day traversing trek
• Dambulla - Famous cave temple dedicated to the Lord Buddha

6. Adventure through Mongolia & Russia by rail

The Trans-Siberian Railway is the ultimate train ride: taking you by the largest freshwater lake in the world, over the Urals and finally rolling into the historic city of Moscow. By the time your journey ends it will have passed through eight time zones, and travelled over 6,000 miles - one-third of the way around the world.

Trip suggestion: Sundowners Overland 'Trans Mongolian Discovery'

What locations will you visit?: Bejing, through Ulaanbaatar, the Terej National Park and Ger Camp, Listyanka, Irkutsk, Kazan, Moscow, and ending in St Petersburg.

Highlights of the rail journey?: Bejing and the Gobi Desert, Magical Mongolia, Lake Balkal & Siberia, Moscow & Siberia

7. View some of the greatest wildlife in Zambia & Zimbabwe

To get up close to Africa’s wildlife in Zambia and Zimbabwe. Explore two fantastic, iconic rivers—Luangwa and Zambezi. The abundance of hippos in the Luangwa River alone, along with herds of zebra, wildebeest, giraffe, antelope, and even the predators that follow them, create a classic wildlife spectacle in a still remote and wild part of Africa.

Trip suggestion: Zegrahm Expeditions: 'Wildlife Along the Zambezi: Zambia & Zimbabwe'

What are the highlights?

• Visit Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe’s largest game reserve; the waterholes found throughout the park attract large congregations of game and their predators.
• Search for Africa’s highest concentration of leopards in South Luangwa National Park—their rasping calls during night safaris create an otherworldly experience.
• View elephants, hippos, crocodiles, Pel’s fishing owls, and majestic African fish eagles in Mana Pools National Park, located in the heart of the Zambezi Valley.
• Enjoy accommodations in luxury tented camps throughout your tour, each offering raised platforms for optimal wildlife viewing.
• Witness the massive cascade of Victoria Falls, a huge sheet of falling water roughly twice the height of Niagara Falls.

8. Explore the stunning Himalayas

Discover Bhutan and Nepal, two Himalayan countries little touched by the passage of time, and view stunning Tiger's Nest Monastery, stroll through Kathmandu's bazaar and attend a spirited debate between Buddhist nuns.

Trip suggestion: Abercrombie & Kent: 'Bhutan & Nepal: Heart of the Himalaya'

What are the highlights?

• Discover the rich artistic and cultural heritage of Bhutan and Nepal on this journey through the heart of the Himalaya
• Feel the spirit of Bhutan on a pilgrimage hike to the revered Tiger's Nest Monastery, perched high on a sheer rock face
• Learn about the traditions and age-old methods of local farmers on a visit to a farmhouse
• Enjoy a lesson in Nepalese cuisine during a Chef's Table event in the home of a local resident
• Witness a debate among nuns at the Kopan Nunnery, an unforgettable, age-old tradition
• Ride Like a Local when you travel by rickshaw to visit Kathmandu Durbar Square and Teleju Temple

9. Adventure through the foothills of Mount Everest

Explore the greatest mountain scenery in the world exploring Mount Everest, the highest mountain in the world rising on the boarder of Nepal and Tibet.

Trip suggestion: Peregrine 'Everest in Style'

What are the highlights?

• To stay in such excellent mountain lodges as these on an Everest trek is a rare treat. Enjoy luxurious living quarters, incredible views and perhaps even a spa treatment after a day on the trails
• Mount Everest holds a special place in the world of trekking. There's nothing quite like seeing this monumental peak for the first time
• Help Nepal get back on its feet by returning to the country. You'll see Kathmandu has lost none of its legendary allure
• Witness temples rich in symbolism and narrow streets filled with monks, incense, goats and sacred cows, all ringed by iconic Himalayan Mountains
• A breathtaking flight over the Himalaya range gives you the chance to witness some truly world-class mountain scenery

10. Explore South America

Ancient history, mind-boggling landscapes, and several Wonders of the World, South America is a traveller's dream. Explore the cuisine, culture, and natural beauty!

Trip suggestion: G Adventures: 'In search of Iguassu-Buenos Aires to Rio'

What are the highlights?

We would love to plan your unique adventure anywhere in the world! Our Adventure Travel Specialists have more than 25 years experience!

604-736-7447 // kemi@northsouthtravel.com