Team Wanderlust | 28 December 2022
The world's top new trips for 2023
From indigenous experiences in Canada and historic tours of Spain, to Everest Base Camp treks and polar sailing adventures, there's truly something for everyone...
From indigenous experiences in Canada and historic tours of Spain, to Everest Base Camp treks and polar sailing adventures, there's truly something for everyone...
Ribeira Sacra (Shutterstock)
Experience this iconic pilgrimage route as a rail odyssey - a great option for people who don’t have the fitness or 30 days spare to do this section of the journey on foot. The trip starts in the Biscay hills, and criss-crosses some of Spain’s most dazzling landscapes, from the vast plains of the central region to the rivers and steep slopes of Ribeira Sacra and green Galicia, finishing in the UNESCO World Heritage city of Santiago de Compostela. En route, stay in distinctive hotels and enjoy excellent regional cuisine while staying in four other fascinating and architecturally rich cities. Among them Bilbao, home to the Guggenheim; Burgos, the birthplace of El Cid; boozy, bar-laden Leon, where its most emblematic building was designed by Antonio Gaudi; and the little-known gem of Montforte de Lemos built around a fortress, which now houses the stunning Parador where you’ll stay.
Who? Inn Travel
When? Flexible between 15 March 2023 - 30 November 2023
How long? Nine nights
How much: From £1,095pp. International travel is extra.
Climb to Everest Base Camp (Shutterstock)
This trek led by triple Everest summiteer, Pertemba Sherpa, will reach Everest Base Camp exactly 70 years after Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay reached the summit on the 29 May 1953. Scenically spectacular at every step, the ascent to Everest Base Camp from Lukla is gradual with side treks to picturesque villages and two acclimatisation days to aid adjustment to the thinner mountain air. By staying in traditional tea houses, hearty meals and a warm welcome are assured, plus trekkers will also be giving back to the local Sherpa communities of the Khumbu. On the boulder strewn glacier below the terrifying Khumbu ice-fall, there will be the chance to meet any expeditions and climbers still at base camp and to celebrate this historic occasion at the place where it all began.
Who? Mountain Kingdoms
When? 18 May 2023
How long? 18 nights
How much? from: £2,750 land only, £3,700 with flights
Jajce (Shutterstock)
Weave your way through the history and landscapes of this intriguing destination, once in the news for all the wrong reasons, but now forging a way in sustainable tourism. On this small group tour from Sarajevo you’ll experience good food, gripping stories and stunning landscapes, go off-road in search of wild horses in the foothills of Mount Cincar, explore the off-the-beaten-path town of Jajce – the birthplace of Yugoslavia and home to centuries-old architecture, and step inside Josip Tito’s bunker – a preserved underground nuclear shelter from the Yugoslav era that only recently opened to visitors.
Who? Intrepid Travel
When? Departures begin June 2023
How long? Eight days
How much? £1,165pp
Galle Fort in Sri Lanka (Shutterstock)
Walk two gentle sections of the brand new 300km ‘Pekoe Trail’ through Sri Lanka’s beautiful hill country with local guides on this bespoke exploratory trip. Begin your journey in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Galle Fort before searching for whales and dolphins off the coastline. From here head to a working tea plantation where you will stay before embarking on two days of guided walking along the newly designated Pekoe Trail through Ella, Demodara and the surrounding tea country. Then head to lesser visited Gal Oya National Park for a nature-fix. Here, embark on a boat safari where you can see wild elephants swimming in the reservoir. Round off the trip exploring magnificent Sigiriya before returning to Colombo.
Who? Experience Travel
When? Flexible
How long? 16 days
How much? From £4,000pp
Coastal wolf in BC (Shutterstock)
The thrilling three-day private experience is wolf-focused, with two nights camping in the traditional territory of the Tlatlasikwala First Nation in British Columbia. You’ll travel with their indigenous guides, looking for sea (or coastal) wolves by boat and on land. Smaller than their grey wolf cousins and with noticeably red-tinted coats, these wolves are only found between the coastlines and islands of Southwestern Alaska and Vancouver Island and have adapted to a diet of around 90% seafood. You may fall asleep, or wake, to the sound of howls between pack members, spot their tracks across the beaches, and wait patiently for them to slip out from the dense forest to forage along the beaches.
Who? Audley Travel
When? Selected dates between May through August
How long? Two nights as part of a tailormade trip
How much? A nine-day tailormade trip to Canada, including two nights on the wolf tour as well as two nights in Port Hardy and three nights in Vancouver costs from £5,280 pp and includes flights, transfers, accommodation and excursions.
Hanok house in Jeonju (Shutterstock)
This bespoke trip combines the current interest in all things Korea and takes it that next level to include train travel across the country, combining visits to K-pop and K-drama locations with plenty of traditional culture and good food. Explore Seoul’s upcoming neighbourhoods and then head to the UNESCO ‘city of gastronomy’, Jenoju which is also known for its hanok village. The cultural adventure then heads to the beachside city of Busan, for coastal temples and bamboo forests. High speed train takes the trip to the off-radar, east coast city of Gangneung, nestled between mountains and sea and home to temples, markets, beach side cafes and the location of the latest BTS album cover.
Who? InsideAsia
When? Flexible
How long? 12 nights
How much? £3,348pp excl international flights
Burgo de Osma (Shutterstock)
Still relatively unknown to UK travellers, this group of unique historic hotels are hidden among hundred-year-old parks, preserved 12th century monasteries and ancient convent ruins, yet their facilities include some of northern Spain's finest thermal spas. This self-drive holiday combines world class spa treatments and delicious food with scenic routes and visits to the region's towns and cities - to discover spectacular cathedrals, medieval castles and sandy beaches. Travel along the coast to Santander, stay in Castilla Terma Baineario de Solares – the first spa in Cantabria. Drive inland to San Bernardo, for a stay at the Castilla Termal Monasterio de Valbuena within the walls of the best-preserved Cistercian monastery in Europe. Enjoy two nights in Olmedo at the Castilla Termal Balneario de Olmedo, above the ruins of the old Sancti Spiritus convent before a final stay near the historic town of El Brugo de Osma at Castilla Termal Burgo de Osma.
Who? Wexas
When? Flexible
How long? Eight nights
How much? From £1,360 pp for six nights half board and two nights bed and breakfast accommodation, car hire and unlimited access to thermal pools in each hotel.
Sao Tome and Principe (Shutterstock)
Arriving on São Tomé & Principé has the instant feel of stepping back in time, like a genuine frontier of a world less travelled. The islands’ motto is ‘leve-leve’, which translates to ‘slow-slow’, which is why you ideally need to allow time to fully appreciate this seldom visited and unique archipelago. Explore pristin rainforests, mountains and beautiful beaches on a mix of included experiences and free time for your own exploration. Accommodation is a mix of small eco-style hotels on São Tomé with a more luxurious experience on the smaller island of Principé.
Who? Archipelago Choice
When? Flexible
How long? 19 nights
How much? From £5,450
Sloth in Costa Rica (Shutterstock)
Costa Rica is renowned for having proportionately more protected land than any other country, making it perfect for nature tourism. This trip takes in the country’s mountains, rainforest and the Caribbean and Pacific coastlines but certain dates are also designated as Citizen Science Departures. These special departures offer you the opportunity to be involved in the collection of freshwater samples during the trip. The environmental DNA information derived from this sample will contribute directly to the eBioAtlas; the world’s largest repository of flora and fauna species data, contributing to the conservation and restoration of biodiversity both locally and globally.
Who? Exodus Travels
When? Several dates throughout 2023
How long? 14 nights
How much? £3.299 excl flights
Nova Scotia (Shutterstock)
Enjoy a week-long self-drive holiday through Nova Scotia, from the historical splendour of Halifax to the stunning scenery of the Cape Breton Highlands National Park with its countless hiking trails and plenty of wildlife. Tiny fishing villages, local galleries, distilleries and quirky museums hug the beautiful coast and the breath-taking Cabot Trail is regarded as one of North America’s most scenic drives.
Who? Discover the World
When? Flexible, may to September
How long? Six nights
How much? From £975pp
Peneda-Geres (Shutterstock)
Discover the untamed beauty of Peneda-Geres, northern Portugal's only National Park on this self-guided week-long trip. Taking its name from two main granite massifs – the Serra de Peneda and the Serra do Gers – the park combines deep valleys, high peaks and mixed forests and is also home to rare species of frogs and salamanders. Follow shepherd trails, pilgrim routes and Roman roads from one remote mountain village to the next, weaving through hills, forests and terraced vineyards with views over crystal clear lakes and mountain ranges. Top it off with a night in Porto, where wine tasting has been arranged to finish the trip in style.
Who? Macs Adventure
When? Flexible
How long? Seven nights
How much? From £880 pp including 7 nights accommodation on a b&b basis, 5 picnic lunches, wine tasting in Porto, a detailed information pack, maps and GPS tracks,
Hustai National Park (Shutterstock)
This fossil-hunting and birdwatching tour to Mongolia’s Gobi Desert, includes a visit to Hustai National Park, home of Przewalski’s Horse and the secretive Pallas’s Cat. The tour follows in the footsteps of legendary explorer and palaeontologist Roy Chapman Andrews, who led the first fossil-hunting expeditions to Mongolia’s Gobi Desert in the 1920s. Andrews’s expeditions not only discovered the very first dinosaur eggs, but also opened the world’s eyes to the wonderful variety and abundance of fossils exposed in the deserts of central Asia. On this tour you search out both the surviving (birds) and extinct members of the dinosaur lineage by combining visits to two key fossil localities (the Tugrigiin Shiree and the Flaming Cliffs) with birdwatching in the region’s deserts and mountains. There will also be the chance to look for the rare Pallas’s Cat in Hustai National Park.
Who? Naturetrek
When? 20 May 2023
How long? 15 nights
How much? £5,695
Meteora Monasteries (Shutterstock)
The Greek mainland is a treasure trove of historic sites and rural village hospitality waiting to be discovered. This new tour takes travellers on a different kind of odyssey into the mountains of central Greece. A guaranteed small group tour of just 15 people this holiday combines rides on the narrow gauge train to Milies and a journey on the Kalavrita rack railway with visiting “must-see '' historic sites such as the Meteora Monasteries and landmarks at Delphi, Olympia and Athens.
Who? Ffestiniog Travel
When? 3 May 2023
How long? 12 nights
How much? From £3,175pp including flights and rail travel
Polar bear in Greenland (Shutterstock)
This a true high latitude adventure, sailing and exploring the northwest coast of Iceland and the east coast of Greenland. See mountains that rise almost vertically from the sea, ice-choked fjords, icebergs, narwhals, and polar bears. The expedition runs in two directions (Iceland to Greenland and Greenland to Iceland). Sailing between Isafjordur in Iceland across the Denmark Strait and exploring the southern stretches of the Blosseville coast south to the Angmagssalik area and Kulusuk. En route are spectacular areas such as Nansen fjord, Kangerdlugssuaq fjord, Nigertuluk and Kangertigtivatsiaq fjords. Each night will be in a secure anchorage with opportunities to explore ashore and on the RIB.
Who? Rubicon 3 Adventure
When? 3-21 July and 25 July-11 August 2023
How long? 18 nights
How much? £5,499 pp including expert sailing instruction throughout
Paddling down the Mekong Delta (Shutterstock)
On this overland journey you’ll get to enjoy the picture postcard scenery of Southeast Asian, from southern Vietnam to the temples of Angkor in Cambodia. Travel through the Mekong Delta to see colourful markets, flooded forests, and a way of life that centres around agriculture and fishing. Cross the Cambodian border, travel to the fishing village of Kep and explore this little-visited region of Cambodia, with visits to a pepper farm, fish market, national park, and the riverside town of Kampot. Next is a short stay in Phnom Penh, with its European architecture, promenade along the Mekong, and thriving foodie scene. Drive to the provincial capital of Battambang, a town surrounded by countryside and monuments. Finally take a private boat across Lake Tonle Sap to Siem Reap, and end with two days exploring the Temples of Angkor.
Who? Bamboo Travel
When? Flexible, October to May
How long? 16 nights
How much? From £3,999
Big Bend National Park (Shutterstock)
On Saturday 14 October 2023, an annular (ring-shaped) eclipse will sweep across the USA from Oregon to Texas. The coastal Texas town of Corpus Christi will be one of the best places to catch the action where the 'annular phase' (the period of the eclipse itself) will last for around five minutes. Make the eclipse a highlight of a 19-day Texas self-drive itinerary with many of the Lone Star State's must-visit attractions including edgy Austin, cowboy country, Space Center Houston, magnificent Big Bend National Park and Odessa Meteor Crater. Also explore the story of JFK at the fascinating Sixth Floor Museum 60 years after the fateful November day.
Who? Bon Voyage
When? 14 October 2023
How long? 19 nights
How much? £2,995 pp including flights and car hire
San Cristobal de las Casas (Shutterstock)
Designed to show a lesser-seen side to Mexico, the new 11-day tour encourages travellers to leave the resorts of Cancún behind and embark on a small group adventure taking them from the cobblestoned streets of colonial towns to the deep jungles of Mexico. Visiting ancient ruins at Chichén Itzá, exploring high mountain valley towns such as San Cristobal de las Casas where they'll meet Indigenous Mayan communities, taking boat rides across lakes to spend the night with locals and, of course, tucking into delicious local dishes is all on the agenda.
Who? G Adventures
When? Year-round
How long? 10 nights
How much? From £999 excl flights
Okavango Delta (Shutterstock)
If a true African safari experience is what you are after, Botswana will deliver, and this mobile safari holiday allows you to experience the heart of the wilderness without the high cost of boutique game lodges. The country limits tourist numbers in national parks, resulting in one of the most exclusive, wildlife-dense safari experiences in the world. Those who are up for adventure will be rewarded with the simplicity and serenity of the trip: rise early to spot leopards hunting on the open plains and herds of elephants coming out to drink, before returning in the evening for a campfire under the starry skies. You end the trip at the spectacular Victoria Falls
Who? Llama Travel
When? Weekly from March to November
How long? 14 days
How much? From £4,849 including flights from UK
Snowmobiles in Norway (Shutterstock)
Explore Sami culture and history and learn to drive a reindeer sled on a break at the recently built Arctic Wilderness Lodge, the newest luxury hotel in Northern Norway combined with a stay in an ice room at the Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel. The Arctic Wilderness Lodge combines modern Scandinavia design and natural wood interiors with stunning river views. Activities include a morning spent with Sami guides, learning to drive a reindeer sled and time to learn about their culture and history, from the cosy setting of a traditional Sami tent. There is also a thrilling Northern Lights hunt led by an expert guide and a snowmobile safari. Move on to the Sorrisniva Igloo hotel, built from scratch each year with teams of ice artists flown in to carve everything from the beds to the cocktail glasses out of ice. Here, the final night is spent on ice snuggled under reindeer fur in a private ice room.
When? Flexible
How long? Three nights
How much: From £2,185 pp including flights, transfers, meals and activities
Ani in Turkey (Shutterstock)
This guided, small-group tour combines Istanbul and the Mediterranean coast with Turkey's far less explored Eastern region. Highlights include the abandoned city of Ani on the Armenian border with its stunning medieval churches and palaces; Nuh'un Gemisi National Park, once believed to be the remnants of Noah's Ark; and what according to archaeologists are the oldest known man-made structures on Earth: dating back 10,000 years, Göbekli Tepe predates both the pyramids and Stonehenge by several millennia, and nearby Karahantepe – which only opened to the public in 2021 – is deemed to be another 1,000 years older.
Who? Cachet Travel
When? 4 – 19 July 2023
How long? 15 nights
How much? £3,945 pp including flights
Walking on the coast in Menorca (Shutterstock)
Menorca is celebrating its 30th anniversary as a designated UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and here is a way to explore its unspoiled north coast while walking from inn to inn. Walking is mostly on a self-guided basis and is enriched with local hosts, guided cultural visits and some special places to stay along the way. Remarkably, Menorca also has the largest concentration of archaeological sites anywhere in the world - the origins of a culture which has since been influenced by Romans, Moors, medieval Spanish kingdoms and even the British. Plus, in recent years, the island has become a bit of a foodie haven with a Designation of Origin for its artisan cheese and for its gin.
Who? Pura Aventura
When? Flexible departures between March-Jun; September-November.
How long? Eight nights
How much? From £1,950pp. International travel is extra
Tobermory waterfront (Shutterstock)
Leave the car behind and experience a different pace of life on enchanting and dramatic Scottish islands, linked by travelling the length of the fabulously scenic West Highland Line. This tour enables you to experience three contrasting Scottish islands without the need to drive. What’s more, it includes memorable train journeys on the West Highland Line, often acclaimed as the most scenic rail journey in the world. From the atmospheric island of Iona, to the colourful harbour village of Tobermory and the dramatic Isle of Skye, with glorious trips through the heart of the westerly Scottish Highlands, this week is a feast for the senses.
Who? McKinlay Kidd
When? April to October
How long? Seven nights
How much? From £1,475 pp, including rail travel to and from Glasgow
Huanuco Pampa (Shutterstock)
Uncover the remote and remarkable Inca trails of northern Peru that are every bit as significant and special as their more famous counterpart. And, while Machu Picchu receives more than a million visitors a year, other equally incredible spots receive almost no visitors. This trekking expedition with a local leader and traditional llama caravan hikes storied paths that few overseas travellers have ever trod, visiting archaeological sites like Huanuco Pampa and Caral Supe (the oldest civilisation in the Americas) along the way, and meeting with locals. The network of roads and trails is considered one of the world’s greatest engineering marvels. This trip also aims to help preserve the cultural heritage of the region and reactivate the tourism economy in the Peruvian Andes.
Who? Intrepid Travel
When? 25 June 2023, 23 July 2023 & 13 August 2023.
How long? 12 days
How much? £2,925pp excluding international flights
Lofoten Islands (Shutterstock)
Take a slow tailormade journey through Norway’s Arctic Circle by boat and train through the wild and magnificent landscape of Norway’s Arctic Circle, renowned for its seascapes, reindeer herds, colourful fishing villages and Northern Lights. You travel from Trondheim, ancient capital of Norway, across the Arctic Circle by train and continuing by boat to the Lofoten Islands before venturing further north on the Hurtigruten boat to Tromsø, the Arctic Capital.
Who? Expressions Holidays
When? Flexible
How long? Nine nights
How much? From £2,160 pp
Person doing yoga in Ella (Shutterstock)
Do you desperately need to recharge? Well, this itinerary is designed to improve health, inner strength and mental peace through immersion in nature and local communities. Mindful practices such as yoga, birding, forest bathing, plucking and hand rolling tea; cooking and wild bathing, volunteering and giving to others result in a boost to your physical and mental health. You stay in hotels closely entwined in the local community where they are based and operate to benefit them.
Who? Travel Gallery
When? Flexible
How long? 15 nights
How much? From £3,060 pp excluding flights
Great Pyramids of Giza (Shutterstock)
Combine two of the great historic and scenic highlights of the Middle East on one stunning journey. Cherished moments will include coming face-to-face with the Great Pyramid of Giza; embarking on one of the most elite cruises on the Nile through the timeless scenery of Upper Egypt; exploring the ‘rose-red’ city of ancient Petra by candlelight; following in the footsteps of Lawrence of Arabia in the red desert of Wadi Rum; and floating cork-like on the saline waters of the Dead Sea!
Who? Corinthian Travel
When? Flexible
How long? 11 nights
How much? From £3,195 pp excluding flights
Nakasendo Trail (Shutterstock)
This trip delves deeper into the philosophical concepts behind Japanese culture allowing for a greater understanding and enjoyment of this incredible country. Designed around concepts such as Wabi-sabi (acceptance of transience and imperfection) with a Kintsugi Master in Tokyo, Zen (Buddhist understanding and meditation) with a priest in a Kyoto temple, Shinrinyoku (Forest bathing) walking through ancient forests of the Nakasendo samurai route, Hadaka no Tsukiai (Naked communion) in the ryokan hot spring baths on the Izu Peninsula and Kizuna (The bond that connects people) with a stay in a little place called Ayabe in rural Kyoto prefecture and a stay in a traditional Kominka farmhouse soaking up village life, home cooking and tea ceremony.
Who? InsideJapan
When? Flexible self-guided
How long? 13 nights
How much? £3,100pp excl international flights
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