12th September 2017: Think you've tried every travel experience going? Then think again as we've sourced our top ten fascinating experiences for you here.
Many of these experiences are exclusive to escorted tours, which are a great way for like-minded people to explore and discover some of the most sensational parts of the world and experience a true sense of adventure, while being safe in the knowledge that they're looked after by an experienced and friendly tour guide.
Have you been lucky enough to try any? Tell us which one is your favourite or which one you'd love to do.
1. Private Tour of Graceland from Elvis' Close Friend in Tennessee
Two of life's greatest pleasures; music and food; are at the forefront on this sensual journey through the American heartland. Start in Chicago, a great food city, also known for its jazz and blues. Move south to the musical meccas of Nashville and Memphis. Then head down through the Mississippi Delta and on to zesty New Orleans. Meet Elvis' close friend, George Klein, for a private tour of Graceland with personal insights into the 'King', before sitting down to a private dinner on the grounds. Relax and enjoy this fascinating journey through the heart of a nation's musical and culinary heritage.
Ask us about our Sumptuous Soul of America tour here
Find out more about escorted touring here
2. Sunset Camel-Back Safari in Jaisalmer, India
What better way to watch the sunset than on the outskirts of Jaisalmer, India's 'Golden City'? With Jaisalmer's ancient yellow stone architecture and the infamous Jaisalmer Fort dominating the skyline, you'll be captivated by the view as the sun sets across the horizon and over its impressive sand dunes. Travelling on camel back, this experience is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Ask us about our Classic Rajasthan tour here
Find out more about escorted touring here
3. Private Guided Tour of St. Peters Basilica & Dine Inside the Vatican After Hours, Rome
Upon arrival you're fast-tracked through a special VIP entrance of the Vatican Museums with a local expert. Admire the Papal art collection and enter the Sistine Chapel and admire Michelangelo's masterpiece on its ceiling. After the museums close their doors to the public, the tour culminates with a special invitation from a curator of the Ethnological Museum to share their immense knowledge of the collection. Dine in the evening at the Vatican in refined elegance among its priceless treasures at a private VIP Celebration Dinner.
Ask us about our Italian Escapade tour here
Find out more about escorted touring here
4. Sapporo Snow Festival and Snow Monkeys, Japan
The incredible Sapporo Snow Festival takes place across just seven days where incredibly detailed snow sculptures are showcased, many of which are illuminated and some of which can reach up to 25m in height. Spread across three sites, you'll not only get the opportunity to see the amazing snow and ice sculpture designs along with the chance for the more adventurous types to snow-raft or slide down a giant snow slide. Then, travel to the natural habitat of the fascinating snow monkeys, Jigokudani, where you'll witness these glorious creatures bathing and keeping themselves warm in the nearby hot springs.
Ask us about our Japanese Winter Wonderland tour here
Find out more about escorted touring here
5. Overnight Stay at the Fo Guang Shan Monastery, Taiwan
Visit the sensational Fo Guang Shan Monastery in Taiwan where you be taken aback by the sheer grandeur of this spiritual haven. Take the time to explore its surrounding gardens before joining the practising monks here for prayers. Then, stay overnight at this incredible site and take the time to immerse yourself in this most peaceful and enlightening space.
Ask us about our Taiwan: The Beautiful Island tour here
Find out more about escorted touring here
6. Overnight Ship Stay in Fiordland National Park, New Zealand
Cruise to West Arm and continue by coach over Wilmot Pass to Deep Cove, where you’ll board the Fiordland Navigator, designed to reflect New Zealand’s heritage as a coastal trading scow. Then, that afternoon, cruise the unspoilt wilderness of Milford Sound and see rare wildlife as the stunning scenes of smooth fiord waters and steep green banks unfold. As evening approaches, the vessel anchors in a hidden arm of the sound, where you spend an enchanting night as the sun sets between the fiords.
Ask us about our Great New Zealand Discovery tour here
Find out more about escorted touring here
7. Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Sidecar Tour, Canadian Rockies
Arguably there’s no better way to experience the wide open roads and epic scenery of Canada than by cruising in a sidecar of a Harley-Davidson. Be in awe of the sensational surroundings of the breathtakingly beautiful lakes, rivers and mountains of Jasper National Park. Here, it’s just you and the open road.
Ask us about our Rockies Odyssey & Alaska tour here
Find out more about escorted touring here
Photo by Jasper Tourism
8. Sunset Performance of the Whirling Dervishes, Sudan
The Whirling Dervishes perform a beautiful display of dance in which the aim is to express emotion, achieve the wisdom and love of God through consistent spinning/whirling. Originating in Turkey in the Islamic sect of Sufism, this emotive performance is a must see and commands your utmost attention. Follow this with a Nuba wrestling experience where you’ll witness native Nuba opponents as they try and slam one another to the ground. This historic practise is relatively recreational and is said to be the most watch sport in Sudan after football.
Ask us about our Treasures of Ancient Nubia tour here
Find out more about escorted touring here
9. Visit Pandas at Dujiangyan Panda Conservation Centre, China
Visit one of the world’s finest panda conservation centres where you’ll gain a real insight into the hard work that goes into caring for and boosting the population of this endangered species. The pandas here are kept in conditions very close to their natural habitat. A must for any conservationist.
Ask us about our China Adventure tour here
Find out more about escorted touring here
10. Meet a Champion Dog-Sled Team, Alaska
Enjoy a scenic journey on the George Parks Highway to meet the champion dog team of four-time Iditarod winner, Martin Buser and learn about the challenges of competing in the 1,049-mile (1,688 km) dogsled race.
Ask us about our Jewels of Alaska tour here
Find out more about escorted touring here
Want to Know More about Escorted Touring?
Want to experience one of these amazing exclusive experiences for yourself? See what once-in-a-lifetime opportunities you can discover as part of an escorted tour by getting in touch with my staff, who are always more than happy to talk about their experiences on escorted tours. They can advise you on the right destination and tour company to suit you. Just call your local shop to find out more. Click below to find out more.