11 bucket list trips to book this Black Friday

• Experiencing the ages through architecture. From the towering columns of the Pantheon in Rome to the Venetian Gothic Doge’s Palace and the Renaissance Duomo in Florence, you’ll be transported in time as you visit architectural sites that span millennia.
• Living la dolce vita. There’s a chance Italy earned its spot on your travel bucket list for the food alone—and if that’s the case, we can’t say we blame you! We love that this tour combines the art, history, and culture of Italy with a taste of the sweet life. You can join a pasta-making class in Rome, hop aboard a gondola in Venice, and indulge in all the fresh food and local wine your heart desires.

Get the most out of your trip: Trying to break a record for bucket list places to visit on one trip? Add our Sorrento Peninsula extension to cross a few more off your list. We’ll take you to UNESCO-listed Pompeii, a city frozen in time after the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D. Add our Capri: A Day on the Iconic Island excursion to spend the last day of your trip to Italy leisurely exploring the famed resort island.

• Tracking Africa’s Big Five. There’s no denying that a game drive in the Maasai Mara—a 600-square-mile national reserve in southwestern Kenya—is one of the most impressive safari tours you can go on. The sheer abundance of leopards, lions, elephants, warthogs, rhinos—well, you get the idea. You’ll check seeing the Big Five off your bucket list in no time.
• Meeting Kenyan creatives. During this Kenya trip, you’ll also get to meet local artisans at places like Sandstorm Kenya. This company started as a safari tent maker, but now employs dozens of Maasai craftspeople who hand-make beautiful bags from canvas and leather.

Get the most out of your trip: Cross another country off your travel bucket list by adding the Tanzania extension to this tour. Set out on game drives through Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater, tour a coffee plantation, and see why we ranked Tanzania among the best sunset spots in the world.

• Immersing yourself in the Irish countryside. Enjoy breathtaking views of Ireland’s landscapes as you wind around the Iveragh Peninsula along the 112-mile Ring of Kerry. You’ll admire pristine lakes and verdant forests of Killarney National Park, and visit charming villages like Sneem, with its candy-colored storefronts, while you soak in rugged, coastal beauty at every turn. Of course, no trip to Ireland is complete without seeing the mesmerizing Cliffs of Moher. The weathered, west coast cliffs extend for about five miles and are marked by jagged rock formations, abundant birdlife, and jaw-dropping views.

• Beholding the mystery of Stonehenge. Opt in to the pre-tour early arrival for the chance to visit the 4,000-year-old monoliths. On our Stonehenge & Salisbury excursion, you’ll take a scenic drive through the gently rolling countryside to the UNESCO World Heritage Site. After marveling at the monument, you’ll head to the nearby town of Salisbury to peruse its famed Charter Market and visit Salisbury Cathedral, home to one of the four surviving original copies of the Magna Carta.

Get the most out of your trip: If London’s calling, join our pre-tour extension for more time to explore (and rank your favorite chip shops). You’ll have free time to check out chic Notting Hill, peep the art scene in Graffik Gallery, or wander through bustling food markets, like Maltby Street Market or Druid Street Market. Your Tour Director will fill you in on where to go, what to see, and how to navigate the Tube, London’s subway system.

• Comparing some of the country’s best national parks. It’s easy to see why the U.S. national parks are home to some of our most popular local adventure tours. Whether it’s the 800-year-old cliff dwellings at Mesa Verde or the dramatic expanse of ochre rock formations that have long defined Zion, this itinerary is full of jaw-dropping moments. Marvel at the vastness of the Grand Canyon, witness the geothermal wonders of Yellowstone, and relax in the rustic resort town of Jackson with a backdrop of the Teton Range.

• Flying over the Grand Canyon via helicopter. This once-in-a-lifetime excursion offers a unique vantage point of one of the Seven Wonders of the Natural World. “When I woke up on the fifth day of the trip, my first thought was, ‘Today, I’m going to do something I’ll always remember!’” said staffer Katie after joining the excursion. “The Grand Canyon Helicopter Ride was the most thrilling half hour of my tour. I wasn’t alone—every traveler that joined this excursion felt the same way. As we took to the sky, with between four and six travelers in each helicopter, we could see the Colorado River running through the steep walls of the canyon. Having an aerial view of the Grand Canyon made me appreciate its immensity in a way I couldn’t when I was standing on the ground.”

• Adding cultural excursions between park visits. Along with plenty of time spent marveling at some of the most beautiful natural landscapes of the American West, the itinerary includes worthwhile cultural activities. There’s an educational stop at the Explore Navajo Interactive Museum in Arizona, as well as a visit to Santa Fe’s Loretto Chapel to view its miraculous staircase. (The spiral structure lacks a central support pole, making it an innovative feat of woodworking.)

Get the most out of your trip: Like your bucket list trips with a healthy dose of history? Tack the Missoula & Glacier National Park extension onto your trip for a deeper dive into the history of the American West. You’ll learn about early pioneers at Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site before making your way to Glacier National Park. Dubbed the “Crown of the Continent,” the park’s lands are deeply entwined with the history and heritage of several indigenous American tribes.

• Cruising through Norway’s fjords. Glide past sheer cliffs and cascading waterfalls as you sail through some of the world’s most breathtaking natural landscapes. The fresh mountain air and mirror-like waters make this an unforgettable way to experience Scandinavia’s wild beauty, and one of our favorite activities to do during a Scandinavian summer.

• Wandering around Stockholm’s Gamla Stan. Step into the heart of Sweden’s capital as you explore its historic Old Town, or Gamla Stan. The cobblestone streets, colorful medieval facades, and tucked-away cafes, feel like a postcard come to life.

• Soaking up the charm of Copenhagen. From fairytale-inspired statue, The Little Mermaid, to the lively waterfront of Nyhavn, Copenhagen perfectly blends history and hygge. Brightly painted houses, world-class design, and welcoming energy make this city a true Scandinavian gem.

Get the most out of your trip: Extend your Nordic trek to Iceland and see nature’s power come to life among the wild landscapes: gushing waterfalls, glacier-laden volcanoes, and velvety greenery. Between the Golden Circle’s stunning scenery and Reykjavik’s cosmopolitan appeal, there’s much to marvel at in the Land of Fire and Ice.

• Basking in Porto’s old-world charm. Wander through the lively stalls of the central market, marvel at the ornate Stock Exchange Palace, and linger along the colorful Douro riverfront with a glass of local Port wine in hand. For more riverfront views add the Douro River Cruise & Port Wine Cellar Visit excursion. You’ll cruise past old-world bridges, colorful hillside villas, and traditional rabelos (flat-bottomed boats) on your way to tour one of the city’s most prestigious wine cellars.

• Stepping into Portugal’s layered history. As you explore Evora’s hauntingly beautiful Chapel of Bones and admire the grandeur of Lisbon’s Jeronimos Church, you’ll feel connected to centuries of culture.

Get the most out of your trip: Stay a couple more days soaking up all there is to see and do in Lisbon, and enjoy a few more pasteis de nata—the beloved flaky, custard tarts. Don’t miss out on the excursion to Sintra, the former playground of Portuguese royalty known for its colorful villas and impeccably manicured gardens. Get a glimpse into its regal past on a guided tour of the 19th-century, Romanticist Pena Palace.

• Soaring above the Valley of the Kings in a hot-air balloon. Greet the sunrise on our optional, but highly recommended, Nile River Hot-Air Balloon Ride excursion. You’ll soar through the air admiring a bird’s eye view of the Nile River valley below.

• Cruising the Nile by felucca, a traditional Egyptian sailboat. Watch history unfold as you sail past Elephantine Island, once a bustling center of the ivory trade and now dotted with colorful Nubian villages. You’ll glimpse partially excavated ruins, from the Temple of Khnum’s granite step pyramid to a nilometer—a carved stone used to measure water levels to predict the next year’s harvest. Enjoy sweeping views of the pink granite Mausoleum of Aga Khan, a striking monument to enduring love.

Get the most out of your trip: Keep your journey going when you extend your trip across the Sinai Peninsula to Jordan. You’ll wander the rose-red city of Petra, float effortlessly in the Dead Sea, and stand atop Mount Nebo, a place of timeless pilgrimage. In a country celebrated for its warm hospitality, every stop feels like a heartfelt welcome—making this extension the ultimate finale to your adventure.

• Getting up close and personal with the Great Barrier Reef. For many, a trip to Australia wouldn’t be complete without seeing the Great Barrier Reef. And on this itinerary, you’ll get to pick between two ways to see this natural wonder. Climb aboard a glass-bottomed boat to see the corals from above, or grab some snorkeling gear and get in the water. All of it starts, however, with a meeting with a marine biologist, so you can learn about the importance of this fragile ecosystem.

• Admiring New Zealand’s wild beauty. You’ll be guided through Fiordland National Park, full of breathtaking scenery, from beech forests to mirror-like lakes. Take your visit up a notch by signing up for the excursion to Waiheke Island, one of our travelers’ favorites. Not only do you get to sail out to this lush island full of exciting history, colorful flora, and craggy beaches, but there will also be opportunities to sip and sample local wine and olive oils.

Get the most out of your trip: Add a third island paradise (and one of the best islands in the world) to your journey by booking the Fiji extension. We can’t think of a better way to cap off a whirlwind two-week tour down under than with a few days of lounging on immaculate beaches and snorkeling in tropical water.

• Relaxing in thermal waters. Kick off your tour in the most relaxing way possible—with a dip in the revitalizing, mineral-rich waters of the Blue Lagoon. Join the Blue Lagoon Spa Visit excursion on your first day in Reykjavik to soak in the geothermal pools, surrounded by rugged lava fields. Let the warm, healing waters melt away your travel fatigue and prepare you for the adventures ahead.

• Chasing the northern lights. While there’s no guarantee the aurora borealis will make an appearance (we’re at the mercy of Mother Nature, after all), one of our favorite things to do is venture out under the Icelandic night sky in search of the northern lights. Even if you don’t catch a glimpse of the elusive light show, you’ll witness the ethereal beauty of the countryside draped in a blanket of stars.

Get the most out of your trip: If you’re not quite ready to leave this fantasy land, add our West Iceland extension to your tour to explore the country’s dramatic, untamed western region. Here, you’ll discover a land of Viking legends, glittering glaciers, and some of the top-rated waterfalls in Iceland.

• Seeing Thai life in its markets. Whether it’s exploring the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market while sailing on a long-tail boat or absorbing the tingling energy of the Maeklong Railway Market (where vendors set up shop right on the train line,) or immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of the Chiang Mai Night Market—one of our top hidden gems to visit in Thailand. Whether you go to one or several, there's plenty to learn about Thai life and culture at these sensational shopping destinations.

• Connecting with Asian elephants. Thailand tops our list of destinations for responsible wildlife experiences, and one of the most popular moments of our Chiang Mai tours in northern Thailand is the visit to the ChangChill Elephant Sanctuary. Here, you’ll see how this organization provides care and support for Asian elephants—many of whom are rescues. During the visit, you’ll not only learn about the sanctuary’s mission and watch elephants roam the grounds, but you’ll also prepare medicine and food for them while you chat with mahouts, or elephant caretakers. It’s rewarding, educational, and one of the best things to do in Thailand that fully lives up to the hype. Check out our list of all the quintessential Thai experiences you should seek out.

Get the most out of your trip: Add our Cambodia extension to this trip for a chance to explore one of the ultimate bucket list travel destinations—Angkor Wat. This UNESCO-listed complex is the world’s largest religious monument and is a dream-like labyrinth of Buddhist and Hindu temples, towering spires, and hidden courtyards.

• Immersing yourself in Costa Rica’s best national parks. This Costa Rica tour will take you to two preserves guaranteed to leave you in awe. Along the Caribbean coast, you’ll soak in the beauty of the rainforest at Tortuguero National Park. And at Arenal Volcano National Park, you’ll marvel at the exciting ecosystem that orbits a 5,500-foot-tall volcano.

• Learning about nature-first projects—and meeting the people who bring them to life. We love how this itinerary gets you up close and personal with the people who honor Costa Rica’s inspiring commitment to protecting and preserving nature. In La Fortuna, you’ll visit an eco-friendly, carbon-negative ranch that’s considered the first of its kind in the country. And In the Monteverde region, you’ll visit a farm that makes some of the world’s best-tasting coffee.

Get the most out of your trip: If you thought Costa Rica couldn’t get any more extraordinary, add the Manuel Antonio extension to see an astonishing wealth of biodiversity. Manuel Antonio National Park is one of the best things to see in Costa Rica, according to our Costa Rica Travel Guide. Here, you’ll find scenic hiking trails that lead to white-sand beaches, hidden waterfalls, and more species of flora and fauna than you could possibly count. Join the Manuel Antonio Catamaran Cruise excursion to see the biodiversity that extends below the surface of its warm, turquoise waters.