vacations/Concierge tours

Discover what makes Great Britain truly great as you explore this delightful island from top to bottom. Start in Edinburgh, the Georgian Scottish capital, before heading south to Wales, passing through lovely English countryside and historic cities like York and Liverpool along the way. Then it’s off to the Roman town of Bath and royal London—the perfect finishing touch on this quintessentially British experience.

Itinerary:

September 6: Travel Day: Board the overnight flight to Edinburgh

September 7: Arrival in Edinburgh (D)

Welcome to Scotland! Meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers at tonight’s welcome dinner.

September 8: Sightseeing Tour of Edinburgh (B)

Get to know Edinburgh in all its medieval beauty on a tour led by a local expert.

• View the elegant Georgian-style New Town and the Royal Mile, two UNESCO World Heritage sites
• See the King George statue and Bute House, the official residence of the Scottish Prime Minister
• Pass the Sir Walter Scott monument
• Enter Edinburgh Castle to view the Scottish crown jewels and Stone of Scone

Spend the rest of the day enjoying free time in Edinburgh or add an excursion: Scottish Ceilidh ($129 per person): Enjoy a special evening of Scottish tradition as you witness an authentic ceilidh, an age-old Scottish celebration. Sit down to an included dinner and be serenaded by a band playing Scottish folk tunes while you dine. As the evening winds down, dancers take to the stage to perform a series of traditional dances. Then, cap it all off by joining the company on stage to try the steps for yourself.

September 9: Free day in Edinburgh (B)

Spend a free day in Edinburgh or add an excursion: Stirling Castle & Loch Lomond ($115 per person): Travel through the Scottish countryside to Stirling Castle, dramatically perched high above the surrounding area on the steep cliff Castle Hill. This fortress has played an important role in Scottish history, first to protect the crossing of the nearby River Forth and later as a coronation site for royalty, including Mary, Queen of Scots. Enjoy a guided tour of the castle and grounds, view the iconic Robert the Bruce statue, and enjoy free time for lunch in the town of Stirling. Then, take a scenic drive along the placid lake that is the centerpiece of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, the country’s first national park. Stop along the way to soak up views of the lake and mountains of the Scottish Highlands. Please note: Guided tours of Stirling Castle depart every 30 minutes.

September 10: Newcastle Region via Alnwick (B,D)

En route to Alnwick, stop for photos in Berwick-upon-Tweed, the northernmost town in England. Then, continue along a scenic coastal route to Alnwick for a guided tour of the historic castle and gardens before making your way to the Newcastle region.

Sit down for an included dinner this evening.

September 11: York via Durham (B)

Head to the famed college town of Durham for a sightseeing tour.

• Stroll through the old city along the banks of the River Wear
• Enter the UNESCO-recognized Durham Cathedral, known for its Romanesque style and beautiful Norman architecture

Later, drive through the charming English countryside as you continue on to York.

September 12: Sightseeing tour of York (B)

Embark on a walking tour of this historic walled city with a local guide.

• Enter York Minster, home to largest expanse of medieval stained glass in the world
• See the York Museum Gardens, which occupy ten acres in the city center
• View the Roman wall, the oldest section of the city’s historic fortifications
• Visit the ruins of St. Mary’s Abbey and the King’s Manor

Enjoy a free afternoon in York or add an excursion: Whitby ($125 per person): Transfer across the North York Moors on your way to the charming fishing port of Whitby. Whitby was made famous by its associations with Captain Cook (who served his apprenticeship here) and Bram Stoker’s Dracula (Whitby is where the Transylvanian count first sets foot in the British Isles). You’ll visit Whitby Abbey—the backdrop to Dracula’s killings in the graveyard of St. Mary’s Church—and the 199 steps leading to the port and its small sandy beach. Spend some free time wandering around the port before heading to a restaurant for a fish-and-chips dinner.

September 13: Liverpool via Chester (B, D)

Bid farewell to York this morning as you set out for Liverpool, making a stop in Chester to explore and enjoy free time.

Tonight, sit down for an included dinner with your group.

September 14: Sightseeing tour of Liverpool (B)

Explore the UNESCO-recognized port city of Liverpool this morning with a local as your guide.

• Enter the neo-Gothic Liverpool Cathedral and see the modern Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral
• Pass by the Liverpool Central Library and St George's Hall
• Head to the UNESCO-listed waterfront to see the Royal Liver Building, Cunard Building, and Port of Liverpool Building, known as the Three Graces

Spend a free afternoon in Liverpool or add an excursion: The Beatles: History & Story Museum ($105 per person): Curious about how the Fab Four came to be? This excursion is your opportunity to discover the humble beginnings of the band that achieved global stardom. View special exhibitions, memorabilia, and photographs at the immersive Beatles Story Museum. Then, join a local expert for a guided tour of Liverpool, with special visits to Beatles-specific landmarks such as Penny Lane and Strawberry Fields.

September 15: Cardiff via Stratford-upon-Avon (B)

Drive southeast through the countryside to Stratford-upon-Avon, the town of Shakespeare’s birth. Here, you’ll step inside the Shakespeare family home with your Tour Director.

Continue on to Cardiff, the capital of Wales, and enjoy a free evening.

September 16: Sightseeing tour of Cardiff & transfer to Bath (B, D)

Head out for a sightseeing tour of the largest city in Wales led by your Tour Director.

• View the medieval Cardiff Castle, located in the city center
• Take in views of the beautiful Cardiff Bay

Then, take a scenic drive along the Severn River to the town of Bath. Sit down for an included dinner this evening.

September 17: Sightseeing tour of Bath (B)

On a guided sightseeing tour, get to know the charming city of Bath, named a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1987.

• See the city’s most famous architectural sites, including the Roman Baths, the Royal Crescent, and the Circus
• Enjoy free time for lunch, shopping, or visit the Bath Abbey on your own

Enjoy a free afternoon in Bath or add an excursion: Literary Bath & Afternoon Tea ($129 per person): World-famous for novels that defied gender norms and detailed iconic characters, author Jane Austen was Bath’s most famous resident. Make your way to the Jane Austen Centre, where you’ll enjoy a presentation delivered by a costumed guide. Then, explore this beautifully decorated Georgian townhouse on your own, learning more about the Regency era and how it informed Austen’s work. Once finished, you’ll sit down for a cuppa in the Regency Tea Room, paired with a light lunch. Turn the page on your visit by heading to Persephone Books, an independent publisher that reprints neglected authors—most of whom are women from the mid-20th century. Peruse its collection of novels, short stories, and more (and maybe grab a book for your return flight) before going back to your hotel.

September 18: London via Stonehenge & Salisbury (B)

Travel to London today, stopping on the way to gaze upon the vast monoliths of the UNESCO-protected Stonehenge and visit its new visitor center before heading to the medieval city of Salisbury.

• View the soaring spire of Salisbury Cathedral, then go inside to view one of the original copies of the Magna Carta
• Marvel at Salisbury’s historic architecture and wander through its charming shopping streets 

September 19: Sightseeing tour of London (B, D)

With a local expert leading the way, take a guided tour of the regal landmarks and UNESCO World Heritage sites of the English capital.

• Pass the grand Trafalgar Square and Baroque-style St. Paul’s Cathedral, perched atop Ludgate Hill
• See Westminster Abbey, the setting for royal coronations and weddings
• View icons like Big Ben, the London Eye and the Tower of London
• Stop by Buckingham Palace, where you may catch the Changing of the Guard

Enjoy a free afternoon in London or add an excursion. Then, celebrate your trip at a farewell dinner this evening. Excursion is to Windsor Castle ($125 per person): Led by a Blue Badge Guide, you’ll travel to Windsor for a guided tour of the world’s largest and longest-inhabited castle. Founded by William the Conqueror in 1070, Windsor has been the British Royal Family’s preferred retreat for the past 900 years. Step inside the State Apartments and St. George’s Chapel, where knighting ceremonies of the Most Noble Order of the Garter take place. View the exhibit of royal treasures within the castle. You’ll then have time to stroll through the town of Windsor and have a look at Eton College, a prestigious prep school attended by Princes William and Harry. Please note: When the Windsor Castle excursion falls on a Wednesday, entrance will be replaced by an excursion to Hampton Court. For any departures where the Windsor Castle excursion falls on a Tuesday, the excursion will be moved to another day on tour or cancelled. Additionally, St. George’s Chapel is closed to the public on Sundays.

September 20: Departure

Transfer to the airport for your flight home or extend your stay to continue exploring London.

OR, on the Extension:

September 20: Free Day in London (B)

Enjoy a free day in London or add excursions: Tower of London ($109 per person): nter the Tower of London, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its dark history of treason, imprisonment, and beheadings. With a local Blue Badge Guide leading the way, you’ll explore the nooks and crannies of this royal castle, seeing ancient coin collections, suits of armor, and the glittering Crown Jewels as you go. Explore exhibitions about the Royal Mint and old armaments before watching a live historical reenactment and visiting the White Tower.

and

London Eye & Pub Dinner ($165 per person): Glide through London’s skyline, 450 feet above the River Thames, on the London Eye—the world’s fourth-tallest observation wheel. Settle into an enclosed gondola for a 30-minute ride and take in the view of the city below. (In clear weather, the panorama stretches for 25 miles.) Afterward, take a brief tour of London’s West End before ending your outing with dinner at a local pub.

September 21: Free day in London (B)

Spend a free day in London or add an excursion: A Day in Cambridge ($155 per person): Spend the day getting to know Cambridge, a city famous for its rich culture, intricate Gothic architecture, and prestigious academic legacy. You’ll explore the historic heart of the city with a local guide leading the way. Discover sites such as St Bene’t’s Church, The Eagle pub, the Old Cavendish Laboratory, and the Church of St Mary the Great. You’ll also see many of the local colleges including Corpus Christi College, St Catharine's College, and Gonville and Caius College. Then, head to the world-renowned King's College Chapel, located on the University of Cambridge campus. The rest of the day is yours to shop, eat lunch, and explore more of the local sites such as the Fitzwilliam Museum.

This evening, enjoy a farewell drink as you celebrate your trip with your fellow group members.

September 22: Departure

Transfer to the airport for your flight home today.

*** 21 spots left on this tour ***

For more information on this tour, go to https://groups.goaheadtours.com/tours/gtbg-olive

Kenya is one of the premier places in the world for wildlife spotting. When you join us there on this tour, you’ll realize why. Not only will you enjoy game drives around the legendary Maasai Mara, but you’ll spend time exploring lesser-known locales, too. Among them: Samburu National Reserve, whose rare mix of animals many wildlife enthusiasts only dream of seeing. Kenya has much to offer beyond the animal kingdom, too, which you’ll discover when you stop for lunch at a lush tea farm and visit organizations working to improve the lives of locals. If you can’t resist the call of the wild, extend your stay and explore southern Kenya’s Tsavo National Park.

Itinerary:

October 1: Travel Day: Board the overnight flight to Nairobi

October 2: Arrival in Thessaloniki. Welcome to Kenya! Arrive in Nairobi and transfer to your hotel.

October 3: Kiambethu Tea Farm visit & Sandstorm Kenya. Climb into four-wheel-drive vehicles and set out to discover notable landmarks and local culture in and around Nairobi, Kenya’s bustling capital city.

• Travel to the town of Limuru and visit the tranquil, family-run Kiambethu Farm, which is set within beautiful gardens surrounded by acres of tea plants and an indigenous forest.
• Enjoy a tasting of tea while you hear how it became one of the country’s largest exports.
• Set off on a walk through the surrounding indigenous forest alongside your guide—and keep an eye out for Colobus monkeys, with their distinctive black-and-white coloring and bearded faces.
• Sit down for an included lunch on the farm’s veranda and admire the impressive views of the tea fields and Ngong Hills.
• Visit Sandstorm Kenya, a company that began as a maker of safari tents and now employs 40 Maasai craftspeople who hand-make totes, backpacks, and other styles of bags from locally sourced canvas and leather.
• Tour Sandstorm’s facilities to learn how its bags are made, from the sourcing of materials to the finished product.

Tonight, get to know your Tour Director and fellow travelers at a welcome dinner served with beer or wine.

October 4: Transfer to Samburu & game drive. Journey north to Samburu National Reserve, one of Kenya’s most unique and rewarding safari destinations. This special wildlife conservation haven is known for its abundance of rare animal species, including the Samburu Special Five—the Grevy’s zebra, Somali ostrich, reticulated Giraffe, gerenuk antelope, and beisa oryx. The reserve is also home to elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, and wild dogs.

Enjoy an included lunch, then depart for a game drive through the park and along the Ewaso Nyiro River. As you cruise around the reserve, try to spot the Samburu Special Five.

This evening, sit down for an included dinner served with beer or wine.

October 5: Samburu game drives & village visit. Head back out for a full day of game drives through Samburu National Reserve for another chance to spot the Samburu Special Five and other animals.

After an included lunch and afternoon game drive, visit the Samburu Village located inside the park. Meet with the villagers and gain insight into their culture and way of life.

• Take a walk through the village alongside one of its elders and learn about the villagers’ semi-nomadic lifestyle.
• Enjoy a traditional Samburu dance performance, a type of social ritual dating back hundreds of years for villagers to let off steam, celebrate, and tell of their history and triumphant victories.

Later this evening, sit down with your group for an included dinner served with beer or wine.

October 6: Great Rift Valley via Solid Game Reserve. Make your way to the Great Rift Valley, an enormous area featuring beautiful lakes, expansive plains, and soaring mountains. Along the way, enjoy a game drive through the Solio Game Reserve, a privately owned sanctuary dedicated to rhino conservation. Keep an eye out for some of the ranch’s 200-plus rhinos, as well as other animals that make up the Big Five, and hear about the ranch’s successful black rhino breeding and protection initiatives.

Afterwards, head toward Aberdare for an included lunch. Then, continue on to your lodge.

This evening, sit down for an included dinner served with beer or wine.

October 7: Lake Naivasha Boat Safari. Spend the morning at the vast and ancient Lake Naivasha, which lies at nearly 6,200 feet above sea level and is the highest of the Great Rift Valley’s three best-known lakes. Upon arrival, set out on a boat tour of Lake Naivasha, which is known for its substantial population of hippos and bird species.

Enjoy an included lunch at a local restaurant at Lake Naivasha. Then, head back to your safari lodge, where you’ll relax for the remainder of the day.

Sit down for an included dinner this evening, served with beer or wine.

October 8: Transfer to Maasai Mara & game drive. Continue through the Great Rift Valley as you travel to the Maasai Mara, a nearly 600-square-mile national reserve in southwestern Kenya known for its vast plains and abundant wildlife. The region is also home to the Maasai people, an indigenous tribe of semi-nomadic pastoralists whose livelihood revolves around cattle. The Maasai tribe’s signature—and symbolic—red-and-blue clothing and colorful, beaded jewelry are among many traditions its people have maintained, while other tribes have adopted more modern styles of living.

• Enjoy an included lunch at your tented safari camp.
• Set out on an afternoon game drive, keeping your eyes peeled for leopards, rhinos, Cape buffalo, lions, and elephants—known collectively as the Big Five.
• Admire the Maasai Mara’s rolling hills, swaying savanna grasses, and iconic acacia trees.

Sit down for an included dinner this evening, served with beer or wine.

October 9: Game drives & Maasai Mara Village Visit. Spend the morning relaxing and catching up on sleep, or add an excursion.

Today, get to know the awe-inspiring animals and people of the Maasai Mara.

• Rise before the sun for an early morning game drive—an exhilarating opportunity to spot lions, elephants, and other animals starting their day in search of food.
• Head back to your tented safari camp for an included lunch.
• After lunch, climb aboard a safari vehicle for an afternoon game drive, keeping watch for prides of lions snoozing in the shade, giraffes ambling among leafy trees, and sturdy warthogs trotting through tall grass.

Later, immerse yourself in the Maasai way of life during a visit to a local boma, or Maasai homestead.

• Join male members of the Maasai tribe in their signature adamu, or jumping dance.
• Tour a functioning Maasai boma and discover the tribe’s history and heritage.
• Visit a market where Maasai people sell handiworks and crafts, and learn how money from visitors’ purchases helps sustain the tribe.
• Receive your own Maasai name and learn the meaning behind it.

This evening, sit down for an included dinner served with beer or wine.

October 10: Ubuntu Made Studio, transfer to Nairobi. En route back to Nairobi, stop in the bustling town of Maai Mahiu for a visit to the Ubuntu Life Foundation’s craft workshop for a chance to meet with the talented Maker Mums.

• Hear about the Ubuntu Life Foundation’s mission to provide health and education services and to promote inclusivity of children with special needs across the country.
• Enter the Ubuntu Made Studio to meet the Maker Mums, who craft beautiful items, such as bags and shoes, by hand.
• Learn how the Maai Mahiu community has been empowered by Ubuntu to gain skills and self esteem to start their own businesses for a better future.

Continue to Nairobi and relax in a dayroom before boarding your flight home tonight or early tomorrow morning, or extend your stay to explore southern Kenya.

Extension: Southern Kenya - Situated in southern Kenya, Tsavo is the country’s largest national park. When it comes to spotting animals of all spots and stripes, the vast, unspoiled area delivers in a big way, too. So, ready your binoculars, power on your camera, and prepare to observe elephants, black rhinos, buffalo, Maasai lions, and other majestic creatures in the wild. Along the way, visit a rhino sanctuary to learn how local officials are protecting the magnificent animals from poaching.

October 11: Transfer to Tsavo National Park & Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary. Travel south this morning to Tsavo National Park, Kenya’s largest park. Its impressive expanse is home to large herds of elephants, black rhinos, buffalo, Maasai lions, and many more animals.

• Upon arrival in the park, enjoy an included lunch.
• Following lunch, meet with a naturalist guide to visit the Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary.
• Learn about the sanctuary’s conservation projects and initiatives aimed at stopping the poaching of rhinos and other animals.
• Set out on a game drive to view some of the park’s 200-plus rhinos, as well as elephants, leopards, and many different species of birds.

Sit down this evening for an included dinner served with beer or wine.

October 12: Tsavo West National Park Game Drives. Travel through the vast expanse of savannah in the west side of Tsavo National Park, where you’ll encounter open grasslands, scrublands, woodlands, and the rolling Chyulu Hills. As you make your way through the diverse scenery, keep an eye out for the Big Five and other animals, like the hartebeest and Maasai giraffe.

Enjoy an included lunch before making your way to Mzima Springs, a hangout for hippos and crocs. The springs’ crystal-clear waters flow through the surrounding volcanic rocks.

After freshening up back at the lodge, sit down for an included dinner this evening served with beer or wine.

October 14: Departure. Return to Nairobi today, where you’ll relax in a dayroom before boarding your flight home tonight or early tomorrow morning.

October 14: Travel Day... arrive home today.

*** 6 spots left on this tour ***

For more information on this tour, go to https://groups.goaheadtours.com/tours/keg-olive

Christ the Redeemer. Iguazu Falls. Machu Picchu. You’ll find each in South America—and see each on this sweeping tour. As you samba your way from Brazil to Argentina and tango your way from there to Peru, you’ll sample the places and plates that make those nations special. After venturing to the shores of the Atlantic and Pacific and the summits of the Andes, round out your trip with a rainforest retreat by adding the extension to the Peruvian Amazon.

Itinerary:

January 9: Travel Day: Board the overnight flight to Rio de Janeiro

January 10: Arrival in Rio de Janeiro & Sightseeing Tour (L)

Welcome to Brazil! After touching down, transfer to your hotel and chat with your fellow travelers over a welcome caipirinha—a concoction of cachaca, sugar, and lime honored as the country’s national cocktail. Drinks downed, continue your conversations over a welcome lunch, served with beer or wine, before hitching a cable car ride up Sugarloaf Mountain. Rising close to 1,300 feet above sea level at the entrance of Guanabara Bay, the granite monolith holds celebrity status in the area and internationally. Get ready to meet it up close, then get to know Rio de Janeiro on a guided tour.

• Stop to take in scenic vistas of Botafogo Bay as gleaming vessels bob in the waters of the Rio Yacht Club.
• Continue to the top of the mountain, soaking in panoramic views of the sprawling cityscape, Copacabana Beach, and the South Atlantic Ocean.
• Return to Rio to admire the city’s colonial architecture. You’ll pass the National Library (one of the largest in the world and the largest in Latin America), Municipal Theater, Candelaria Church, and Tiradentes Palace—a whimsical government edifice built during the centennial celebrations of Brazil’s independence.
• Admire the Escadaria Selaron—a colorful staircase that’s evolved into a famous piece of street art—and walk past the Museum of Tomorrow, a jaw-dropping museum dedicated to science and innovation designed by Spanish neofuturistic architect Santiago Calatrava.

January 11: Corcovado & Samba School Visit (B)

This morning, head to the top of Corcovado mountain for a guided tour of Rio’s symbolic peak. Topping out at more than 2,300 feet and crowned by an international icon, it forms a larger-than-life part of the Carioca landscape.

• Hop aboard a cogwheel train, taking in the rainforest landscape of Tijuca National Park—home to waterfalls, caves, and hundreds of species of flora and fauna—as you ride up the mountain.
• Stand in awe of the colossal Christ the Redeemer statue, the art deco sculptural and engineering marvel at the summit, and let your gaze follow its outstretched arms spanning 92 feet.

Afterward, return to Rio’s streets for a backstage look into Carnival culture with visits to a samba school and a barracao—a workshop where artisans craft spectacular, elaborate parade floats and decorations.

As you return to your hotel, look out your window as your bus rolls past the sugar-white arcs of Leblon, Ipanema, and Copacabana beaches. Go for a bit of sunbathing or rest up in anticipation of tomorrow’s travels.

January 12: Flight to Iguazu Falls (B,D)

This morning, say goodbye to Rio and make for the airport, where you’ll board a flight bound for the Argentina-Brazil border. There, between the states of Misiones and Parana, thunder the Iguazu Falls—the object of tomorrow’s guided tour.

Transfer to your hotel and sit down to an included dinner, served with beer or wine, before calling it a night.

January 13: Sightseeing Tour of Iguazu Falls (B)

This morning, get your first glimpse of the famed cascade with a drive through Iguazu National Park. Then, with a local guide leading the way, walk along some of the forested footpaths that crisscross this subtropical paradise and marvel at the panorama unfolding before you.

After, embark on another scenic drive and cross into Argentina to soak up the splendor of Iguazu Falls from the other side of the border.

• Ride through Iguazu National Park aboard an ecological train to see the endless rush of water at La Garganta del Diablo, or the Devil’s Throat. Comprised of 14 falls, this U-shaped cataract measures 269 feet high, 492 feet wide, and 2,297 feet long—making it the largest (and most famous) section of Iguazu.
• Take another train to the upper section of the park—where the San Martin, Dos Hermanas, and Bozzetti falls rumble away—before setting off on a guided walk through the park’s lower reaches. (Teeming plants, thriving wildlife, and Iguazu itself all await you.)

January 14: Flight to Buenos Aires (B)

Bid Brazil farewell and fly to Buenos Aires, Argentina’s sprawling, boisterous capital. Then, once you arrive at your hotel, set out and explore the city at your leisure. Cap your evening with a glass of Mendoza malbec—the quintessential Argentine wine—then rest up for tomorrow’s outing.

January 15: Sightseeing Tour of Buenos Aires (B)

Eclectic architecture. Storied opera houses. Hundreds of parks. In aesthetics and ambiance, Buenos Aires stays true to its European roots, and today, you’ll embark on a guided tour of this cultural mecca.

• Drive past La Recoleta Cemetery, the final resting place of some of Argentina’s beloved icons. Among them: Eva Perón. The former First Lady of Argentina, she championed labor rights and women’s suffrage and has been immortalized on Broadway and the silver screen.
• Roll down 9 de Julio Avenue—a 16-lane behemoth of a street, the widest in the world—to Palermo, a lovely neighborhood packed with parks, gardens, and other attractions.
• Stand in the Plaza de Mayo, Buenos Aires’ main square, and spot key buildings like the Casa Rosada, where the Argentine president works; the Metropolitan Cathedral, with its Neoclassical and Spanish Colonial styling; and the Cabildo, where the town council was formerly based.
• Roll through the historic neighborhood of San Telmo, one of the oldest barrios in the city, before enjoying free time in the colorful streets of La Boca. (Both of these districts played vital roles in the creation of tango, a form of dance you’ll see more of on tonight’s optional excursion.)

Time for a tango? Add the evening’s optional outing to your itinerary to watch experienced dancers put on a show, backed by live music and accompanied by dinner. If you’d rather explore on your own, hit the streets of the central Monserrat neighborhood and see where the night takes you.

January 16: Free Day in Buenos Aires (B, D)

The opposite of the country’s condensed, cosmopolitan capital, the grasslands of the Pampas stretch on and on, nurturing its own culture. Today’s optional excursion will take you to a ranch, or estancia—add it to tuck into empanadas, tour its grounds, and watch gauchos flex their skills.

If you stayed in Buenos Aires (and dove into your Tour Director’s recommendations), you’ll link back up with your groupmates this evening for an included dinner, served with beer or wine.

January 17: Flight to Lima (B)

Use your morning to fly with your group to Lima, then use your afternoon to familiarize yourself with the Peruvian capital. If you’d rather take it easy, relax at your hotel until this evening’s optional excursion. Should you add it to your itinerary, you’ll get to experience a true national treasure—the bold flavors and bright freshness of the country’s cuisine.

January 18: Sightseeing Tour of Lima & Flight to Cuzco (B,D)

With its glimmering skylines and UNESCO-recognized historic quarters, the coastal city of Lima’s more than earned its nickname of the Pearl of the Pacific. This morning, set out on a walking tour with your group to take it all in.

• Head toward the coast, stopping in the buzzy Miraflores district to visit the Parque del Amor—Love Park. Gaze at the mighty Pacific Ocean as you amble down its boardwalk.
• Take in the sight of Huaca Huallamarca, a restored Inca temple in the heart of the San Isidro district, and visit its museum to uncover the significance of this three-tiered adobe pyramid.
• Pause at the Plaza Mayor, the historic cradle and modern center of Lima. Stroll through this manicured plaza, surrounded by gorgeous yolk-yellow buildings, and view a pair of local icons: the Baroque Lima Metropolitan Cathedral and the Neoclassical Municipal Palace.
• Walk over to the Basilica and Convent of San Francisco. Catacombs sprawl out beneath this centuries-old monastery—they were used as a cemetery for almost the entirety of Spanish colonial rule—and if you choose, you’ll head underground to check them out.

Afterward, board a flight out of Lima and descend into the Sacred Valley of the Inca, touching down in Cuzco. Take it easy for the rest of the day: This legendary city is perched some 11,100 feet above sea level, and it’ll take your body some time to acclimate to the thin Andean air.

Tonight, enjoy another helping of Peru’s famed cuisine at an included dinner, served with beer or wine—and a side of Peruvian music and folkloric dance.

January 19: Sightseeing Tour of Cuzco (B)

As the ancient capital of the Inca Empire, Cuzco once ruled over a territory that stretched from the southwestern tip of modern Colombia to the central valleys of present-day Chile. Today, you’ll get to know this UNESCO-recognized city, courtesy of a tour led by a local guide.

• Stroll through a trio of ruins: Kenko, one of the largest huacas, or holy places, in all of Cuzco; Puca Pucara, whose defensive walls glow red at dusk; and the Sacsayhuaman, a citadel that was constructed without the use of mortar.
• View the 26-foot-tall Cristo Blanco, a statue of Jesus Christ sent to the city as a thank-you gift by Palestinian refugees who sheltered there during World War II.
• Cross the UNESCO-listed Plaza de Armas to enter Cuzco Cathedral. Standing on the site of the old Inca temple Kiswarkancha, this Catholic church makes excellent use of Renaissance, late-Gothic, and Baroque styling.
• Walk through the city center and step inside the Church and Convent of Santo Domingo. Established by the invading Spanish in 1534, it stands on the site of—and originally used materials from—Koricancha, the Inca’s most important temple.

Wondering what makes Peruvian food so good? Discover the tricks to this national treasure during an optional evening cooking class and dinner. Or, grab your new friends and go for a walk through the San Blas neighborhood, climbing Calle Siete Borreguitos to the colonial-era Sapantiana Aqueduct.

January 20: The Sacred Valley of the Inca (B, L, D)

Over the centuries, a handful of civilizations have flourished in the valley of the Urubamba River—including the Inca. Some of their most holy sites dot this 60-mile stretch, and with help from a local guide, you’ll discover ancient monuments and modern villages alike.

• Start in Pisac, the southern terminus of the Sacred Valley, and peruse the stalls of the Mercado de Artesanias. Handmade crafts, splashed in an array of colors, pack its stalls; sharpen your haggling skills and score yourself a souvenir before moving on.
• Pause in Urubamba for an included buffet lunch, then continue to Ollantaytambo, a small mountain town with a trove of Inca ruins. In the 16th century, it served as a base of operations for Manco Inca, leader of the resistance to the Spanish conquest of Peru; to this day, visitors can explore Ollantaytambo’s stone defensive walls and still-standing homes.
• Board a scenic train to Aguas Calientes, the town nestled in the jungle foothills beneath Machu Picchu. Settle in and soak up panoramic views of the Sacred Valley’s changing landscapes—rolling green hills, winding rivers, and glimpses of terraced farmland—as you follow the Urubamba River deeper into the Andes.

Once you arrive, sit down for an included dinner, served with beer or wine.

January 21: Sightseeing Tour of Machu Picchu & Train to Cuzco (B, L)

No words can truly do Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, justice—but today, you’ll get to see this UNESCO-protected gem with your own eyes. From Aguas Calientes, climb higher into the Andes and spend the first part of your day exploring one of South America’s most spectacular archaeological sites.

• Begin in the heart of the complex, touring its emerald agricultural terraces and the guardhouse—a spartan hut used by soldiers to guard the approach to Machu Picchu.
• Continue to the Funerary Rock, the symbolic entrance to the citadel’s graveyard; the hulking Main Temple and adjacent Chamber of Ornaments, where priests may have lived; and the Temple of the Three Windows, with its perfectly symmetrical openings.

Use the rest of your morning to roam Machu Picchu at your leisure, then return to Aguas Calientes with your group for an included lunch at a local restaurant. Afterward, catch a train back to the Sacred Valley before busing to your hotel in Cuzco.

January 22: Flight to Lima (B, L)

Kick your day off with a flight back to Lima, then stretch your legs, fill your belly, and celebrate your trip with your groupmates at a farewell lunch, served with beer or wine. While some of your fellow travelers retreat to dayrooms ahead of their flights home, you’ll have the evening to yourself—use it to cross any remaining Lima highlights off your checklist.

January 23: Flight to Iquitos & Rainforest Walk (B, L, D)

Fly to Iquitos—the largest city in the Peruvian Amazon—this morning. After taking a boat to your lodge and sitting down for an included lunch, set out on an invigorating walk through the rainforest reserve surrounding your accommodations. (Follow your naturalist guide’s calls: They’ll help you spot colorful frogs, slow-moving sloths, and other creatures in the thicket.)

This evening, dig into an included dinner, served with beer or wine, before heading to your room for the night.

January 24: Free Morning & Yagua Villager Visit (B, L, D)

Today, spend a free morning relaxing in your Amazon lodge or add an optional outing to take your trip to new heights—literally. Our excursion will take you into the canopy for a bird’s-eye view of the rainforest before stopping at an ethnobotanical garden, where a local shaman will highlight the healing power of native plants.

After an included lunch—and a short river cruise—meet with Yagua villagers for a peek into the customs of this Indigenous Amazonian culture.

• Glide along the Amazon’s winding waterways as a guide helps you spot wildlife—a special treat if you’re an avid birder. Let the sights and sounds of the rainforest set the tone for a truly immersive visit.
• Learn about their way of life and watch a blowgun demonstration to see this age-old hunting technique in action.

This evening, sit down for an included dinner, served with beer or wine.

January 25 - Franciscan Mission Town Visit & Departure (B, L)

This morning, visit the Franciscan mission town of Indiana—a rustic riverside community surrounded by the Amazonian wilds. Founded by missionaries, Indiana has grown beyond its origins to become a cultural and economic hub for nearby villages. As you explore its streets, you’ll see how this town blends traditional Amazonian life with 21st-century commerce, like a bustling local market where vendors sell fresh produce, handmade crafts, and Amazonian delicacies. You’ll also pass by the town’s high school and hospital, both of which serve as important lifelines for the region and offer a glimpse into everyday life in this remote part of the world.

Later, fly to Lima and relax in a dayroom before boarding your late-night or early morning flight home.

January 26: Travel Day

Arrive home today.

*** Space Available on this Tour ***

For more information on this tour, go to https://groups.goaheadtours.com/tours/bsag-olive

Let's explore the off-the-beaten path areas of Tuscany on this private tour of Italy! We will go round trip from Milan and see some of the most beautiful areas and villages in the Tuscan countryside. 

Itinerary:

April 22: Travel Day

Board the overnight flight to Italy

April 23: Arrival in Milan (L); transfer to Alba

Walking tour of Alba

Overnight in Alba

April 24: Cuneo and La Risorseria (B, L)

Tour Cuneo in the morning

Lunch at La Bottera

Aperitivo with wine tasting at La Risorseria on the way back to the hotel

Free time in Alba

Overnight in Alba

April 25: Turin (B, D)

Full day tour in Turin 

Dinner at Eataly

Overnight in Alba

April 26: Lerici via Recco (B, L)

Transfer to Lerici via Recco

Focaccia Lunch at U Giancu

Cooking Class

Overnight in Lerici

April 27: Cinque Terre (B)

Full day tour of Cinque Terre by boat

Overnight in Lerici

April 28: Lucca (B)

Full day tour of Lucca

Overnight in Lerici

April 29: San Miniato (B, L)

Full day excursion to San Miniato

Lunch in San Miniato

Transfer to Bologna

Overnight Bologna

April 30: Bologna (B, L)

Full day guided tour of Bologna

Lunch in Bologna

Overnight Bologna

May 1: Bologna to Milan (B, L)

Visit an "acetaia" (balsamic vinegar production

Lunch

Visit Parmigiana Reggiano production

Transfer to Milan

Overnight Milan

May2: Milan (B)

Visit DaVinci's "The Last Supper"

Free time in Milan

May 3: Depart for home

*** 15 spots left on this tour ***

For more information on this tour, contact Cheryl at cheryl@t2gt.com

Pricing is $4,495 per person double occupancy, or $5,495 for single occupancy; flights not included