When you travel, it’s not just where you go, it’s who you go with. And if sailing to Antarctica wasn’t attraction enough, how about making the voyage with one of Australia’s legendary singer-songwriters Paul Kelly on board.
Paul Kelly, who will be performing, will also be joined on Chimu Adventures exclusive Antarctic charter next January by special guests Ben Quilty, Andrew Denton, and Jennifer Byrne.
Paul Kelly
Songs in the South is a 21-day voyage departing January 8, 2024 onboard Chimu’s polar vessel, the Ocean Endeavour. This immersive journey will depart from Ushuaia, then crossing the famous Drake Passage before discovering the magnificent South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic peninsula itself.
Guests will then explore South Georgia, renowned for its significance to Sir Ernest Shackleton’s ill-fated Endurance expedition and the world’s largest king penguin colony, then visiting the Falkland Islands, known for its rugged beauty and unique birdlife.
This unique adventure will also have a focus on the arts. Guests will be joined onboard by incredible special guests, all renowned and accomplished in their creative field, who will inspire, educate, and entertain as travellers discover the beauty and wonder of Antarctica together.
Paul Kelly is one of Australia’s most beloved singer-songwriters who needs no introduction. Kelly’s songs dig deep into Australia: how it feels, looks, tastes, sounds. In the 40 years since releasing his first album, the human condition has been his special subject and he’s thrilled to be joining Chimu on this journey, which will include an exclusive performance onboard the Ocean Endeavour, available only to Chimu travellers.
Ben Quilty
Ben Quilty is an acclaimed Australian artist, renowned both here and internationally. His bold and evocative work is designed to challenge assumptions and has been featured in major public, corporate and private collections including the National Gallery of Australia, Art Gallery of New South Wales, Art Gallery of South Australia, National Gallery of Victoria and QAGOMA. Quilty will also be running a two-part art workshop onboard.
Andrew Denton and Jennifer Byrne are considered one of the most creative Australian television and radio forces and have a true passion for Antarctica, travelling many times to the continent with Chimu Adventures. Andrew is a multi-Logie award-winning television presenter, having presented some of Australia’s most loved programs of the past few decades.
Andrew Denton and Jennifer Byrne
Jennifer Byrne is a celebrated Australian journalist and broadcaster and has become one of Australia’s most respected and recognisable media personalities. Now on their 4th visit to Antarctica with Chimu, Denton and Byrne look forward to sharing their knowledge and love for the continent with their fellow passengers.
“At Chimu we have had the privilege of working with some of Australia’s best-known personalities over the years, but nothing compares to this trip. In January ’24 we will be ticking off the all-star locations of Antarctica, being the Falkland Islands, South Georgia and the Antarctic Peninsula, all while we travel and are entertained by living Australian legends! This is set to be an unparalleled journey.” Said Chad Carey, Chimu’s Managing Director.
Cabins are on sale now, but selling quickly, with high levels of interest anticipated for this expedition. Learn more or book now – Songs in the South.
See giant tortoises up close in the highlands of Santa Cruz
If the last years’ travel restrictions have left you with a pent-up sense of adventure, our friends at KimKim travel have curated a trip to Ecuador in South America that will blow those cobwebs away.
Horse-riding, hiking, cycling, snorkelling and, of course, sight-seeing are all on the menu in this 10-day trip that takes in the Ecuadorian Andes and the natural wonders of Galapagos islands.
There are plenty of variations for tailor-made tours run by local operators, but if you are footloose and fit, this is a great taster for what could be the trip of a lifetime.
Day 1: Arrive in Quito
Welcome to Quito, the capital ofEcuador! Arrive at the Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO), where your driver will meet you for the one-hour transfer to your accommodation in the city center. You’ll get a short introduction to Quito’s history and a quick briefing on the next day’s activities.
The entire city of Quito is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, standing at an altitude of 9,350 feet (2,850 m). It welcomes visitors with its picturesque plazas situated between mountain peaks. The city has an abundance of market stands, shamanistic healers, fourth-generation hat makers, and a vibrant and sophisticated culinary and nightlife scene.
Day 2: Transfer to Baños via Quilotoa Lagoon
Join your driver/guide as you journey into the western Ecuadorian Andes, where you’ll visit the picturesque Quilotoa Lagoon. This spectacular crater lake was formed centuries ago by a massive volcanic eruption. Walk along the crater’s rim to take in splendid views or hike down a path to the edge of the turquoise waters. If you’re looking for a less adventurous trek, mules are available to rent for the return uphill hike. Afterward, get back on the road and continue to Baños, where you’ll settle into the night’s accommodations.
Ecuador’s capital Quito with the Cotapaxi volcano in the background
Enjoy the vistas of Quilotoa Lagoon in the Ecuadorian Andes
Take a scenic drive along the “Avenue of Waterfalls” to El Pailón del Diablo
Pinnacle Rock in the Galápagos Islands
See Humboldt penguins in the wild on Tintoreras Islet
Marine iguanas sunbathing on a rock
See giant tortoises up close in the highlands of Santa Cruz
A Last glimpse of Ecuador
Mangroves along the coast of Isabella Island
Day 3: Follow the Avenue of Waterfalls to Cotopaxi
Driving south from Baños this morning, you’ll follow the Avenue of Waterfalls, a 31-mile (61 km) stretch of spectacular jungle and mountain scenery dotted with countless dramatic cascades. Skirt the Pastaza River on its way through the scenic valley of the same name to reach the village of Rio Verde, where you will stop to visit the well-known El Pailón del Diablo (the Devil’s Cauldron) waterfall. Your journey then continues toward Cotopaxi where you’ll get settled in for the night in a cozy hacienda.
Quito & Cotapaxi
Quilotoa Lagoon
Saddle up for a ride through Cotopaxi National Park
Avenue of Waterfalls
Penguin
Galapagos
Giant tortoise
Isabella Island
Iguanas
Baltra Island
Day 4: Explore Cotopaxi National Park on Horseback, Transfer to Quito
Rise early this morning to mount up for an epic horseback ride through Cotopaxi National Park. Setting out from your hacienda, you’ll be met with sweeping views of the páramo (typical Andean landscape) and the snowcapped peak of Cotopaxi. Gallop across windswept plains and explore the area’s native forests before returning to the hacienda, where you’ll have the option of sitting down to lunch before getting back on the road and heading north to Quito.
Day 5: Fly to the Galápagos, Arrive on San Cristóbal Island
The next phase of your adventure begins today as you transfer to the Mariscal Sucre International Airport and catch a flight to the Galápagos Islands.
After checking in to your hotel in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, visit the local Interpretation Center with your guide to learn everything about the history and future of the Galápagos. Afterward, you’ll take a short walk to Tijeretas Hill, where you can spot frigate birds nesting and spectacular views over the island. End the day with a stop at La Lobería, a scenic beach that hosts a thriving colony of sea lions. As evening falls, return to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno.
Day 6: Fly to Isabella Island, Explore Tintoreras Islet
In the early morning, you’ll head to the airport to board a short flight to Isabela Island. Upon arrival, make your way to the Flamingo Lagoon or the Giant Tortoise Breeding Station to learn about the local wildlife.
After lunch, join a group tour to visit the Tintoreras Islet for a short hike and some snorkeling. Here you can see Humboldt penguins, marine iguanas, sea lions, and sharks, which rest in the natural channels formed by lava flows. Snorkel in the turquoise water and spot different fish, sea turtles, rays, and penguins. The rest of your evening is free, with an overnight stay on Isabela Island in Puerta Villamil.
Day 7: Rappelling & Biking on Isabella Island
Your guide will pick you up early this morning for an excursion to Los Trillizos Volcano, a fantastic spot to try your hand at the sport of rappelling. Descend 493 feet (150 m) into the dormant volcano to explore the interior of this magical island from a unique perspective.
Return to the hotel for lunch, then head back out in the afternoon for a biking adventure that takes you to the top of the island and on to scenic highlights like Cave Sucre, Mango Viewpoint, and Campo Duro. At the latter, you can stop to observe the island’s giant tortoises in their natural habitat.
Day 8: Speedboat to Santa Cruz Island, Visit the Charles Darwin Station
Get an early start this morning to take the public speedboat to Santa Cruz Island, roughly 2.5 hours away. Meet your guide at the dock, then head to the highlands to see giant tortoises in the wild. Enjoy lunch at a local farm, then continue to Puerto Ayora to check in to your hotel.
In the afternoon, you’ll head to the Charles Darwin Station, where scientists from all over the world meet and work together on environmental projects such as water analysis, animal protection, and the effects of tourism on nature. Here you can pay a memorable visit to the turtle rearing station, where the animals are raised before being released into the wild. Keep an eye out for the many basking land iguanas that live around the station!
Day 9: Day Trip to an Uninhabited Island
Today, you’ll travel by yacht to an uninhabited island near Santa Cruz. Depending on the weather, scheduling, and permissions granted by the national park, you’ll visit one of the following islands: Santa Fé, South Plazas, Bartolomé, or North Seymour.
Each island is unique, offering spectacular scenery and opportunities to see rare wildlife. Santa Fé and South Plazas are home to endemic land iguanas, while Bartolomé is known for its beautiful lava flows. On North Seymour, look for frigate birds and blue-footed boobies. In the evening, return to Puerto Ayora to enjoy some free time.
Day 10: Transfer to Baltra Island & Depart
If there is enough free time before your transfer to the airport, do some last-minute souvenir shopping or take a last stroll through Puerto Ayora. At the designated time, your driver will pick you up at your hotel and take you to the Itabaca Channel, which you will cross on a ferry. For the last part of your trip to the airport, take the public shuttle bus to the terminal, where your program ends with your return flight to the mainland and onward connection. Safe travels!
More Great 10-Day Ecuador Itineraries
Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Ecuador? Check out these other 10-day Ecuador itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights. Or start planning your trip to Ecuador by chatting with a local specialist who can help organize your great adventure.
NB: Mildrover.com has not receive any sponsorship for promoting this trip – we just think it looks pretty awesome.
The spectacular scenery of Alaska attracts many cruise ships in summer but in 2024, nature lovers can join the first-ever winter cruises to Alaska when the spectacular, snowy scenery shines in all its majestic glory.
The historic, adventure voyages aboard an UnCruise Adventures’ 84-guest adventure ship, Safari Endeavour, have been coupled with a week of snow and ice activities in Canada’s famous Rocky Mountains – including sleigh and sled rides, snowshoeing and ice walks – as part of an exciting, new, all-inclusive package offered by Australian small ship cruising specialists, Cruise Traveller.
Savings of A$1680 per couple are available for bookings made by March 31, 2023, while bookings made before February 5, 2023, include the bonus of a low cruise deposit of just A$200 per person instead of A$750. There are six winter departures from January to March, 2024.
Cruise Traveller’s new, 18-night fly, cruise and stay package – ‘Ski and Sea Alaska 2024’ – begins with a flight from Sydney, Brisbane or Melbourne to Calgary in the Rocky Mountains to begin a week-long winter adventure in the Rockies in all their snowy splendour.
The Rockies tour includes three nights in Banff, two in Jasper and two at the famous Chateau Lake Louise, which overlooks the beautiful, frozen lake. Included activities feature a snowshoe tour through a pine forest, a gondola ride offering breathtaking views across the snowy peaks, snow sled rides, a horse-drawn sleigh ride and a canyon ice walk.
Guests then fly to Seattle for a one-night’s stay and then on to Juneau in Alaska. The highlight of the holiday is a seven-night, round-trip Alaskan wilderness cruise from Juneau aboard UnCruise Adventures’ expedition ship, Safari Endeavour, which boasts a dining room, bars, library and gym.
There is also complimentary use of onboard kayaks plus hydrophones for listening to sounds below the water. The cruise takes in stunning fjords and Alaska’s iconic Glacier Bay which guests can enjoy in pristine silence, with Safari Endeavour the only ship in the region.
During the Alaskan voyage, an array of winter adventures are available including iceskating, snowshoeing, downhill skiing and cross-country skiing. And if guests are lucky, the magnificent Northern Lights might be seen overhead.
Adding to the experience, fares include explorations ashore and onboard beverages so guests can toast the breathtaking scenery. After the cruise, guests fly from Juneau to Vancouver for a three-night stay before the flight back to Australia.
‘Ski and Sea Alaska 2024’ highlights
18 night fly/cruise/stay package – six departures available from January-March, 2024
Flight to Calgary and back from Vancouver ex Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne
Week in the Rockies including three nights in Banff, two in Jasper and two at Lake Louise including winter adventure activities
Flights from Calgary to Juneau with a night in Seattle enroute
Seven-night Alaska cruise, round-trip from Juneau, including Zodiac and shore adventures and onboard beverages
Flight from Juneau to Vancouver with three nights in Vancouver before the flight home
The all-inclusive, fly, cruise and stay package is available from A$18,995 per person, twin-share – a saving of A$840 per person for bookings made with Cruise Traveller by March 31, 2023.
For bookings made before February 5, 2023, a cruise deposit of only A$200 is required. There are six winter departures from January to March, 2024.
My co-pilot on this project Sue Williams and I both travel a lot and love it but we don’t travel together as often as we’d like. She takes a lot of trips as part of travel writing for the Sydney Morning Herald and Age travel pages. I tend to travel for research for my writing projects. So when we do take a trip together, we want it to be fantastic.
One of our best ever was a pre-Covid adventure in Cambodia which took us from Siem Reep (Angkor Wat) and from there on a long road trip to the capital, Phnom Penh. Not being familiar with the country, we contacted a travel company called Kim Kim and asked them to put together an itinerary that included everything we wanted to see and none of the parts that we didn’t.
They were amazing, adding in sights we hadn’t even thought of and checking out parts of the trip that we wanted but their clients had never done before.
Kim Kim is a global tour company that curates trips from local service providers in the countries where the operate. For seasoned travellers, as well as providing a great introduction to different lands and cultures, they are perfect for “second bite” tours, where you want to go back to places you’ve been to but just got a taste and want more.
By the way, while most of the following is a straight lift from their publicity people, we haven’t received any payment or incentive for running this material. We just think they’re pretty good at what they do and would happily go with them again.
This is a tour they are offering to Vietnam (a country I have visited many times) but, like us, you could contact them and say “more of this and less of that, please,” and end up with the Vietnam vacation of your dreams.
Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi, Optional Activities
Chao ban! Welcome to Hanoi! The capital of Vietnam has a long and storied history dating way back to 3000 BCE when the area was first inhabited. In the intervening millennia, both Hanoi and the country have seen dynasties rise and fall, the arrival of colonial rule, liberation, and devastating wars. Yet despite the turmoil and changing times, Vietnam has retained its cultural heritage—and one of the best places to see it on full display is in Hanoi.
Upon arrival at the airport, a driver will pick you up and take you to your hotel. You can take the rest of the day to explore Hanoi on a self-guided tour. Hit the streets of the Old Quarter and browse the silk shops on Hang Gai Street. Tuck into some Vietnamese street food staples like pho (noodle soup), banh mi (baguette sandwich), or bun cha (grilled pork with rice noodles). Later, perhaps head to a rooftop bar in the trendy Tay Ho district for a sundowner complimented by views over West Lake.
Day 2: Guided Walking Tour of Hanoi & Water Puppet Show
Leave the hotel at 8 am on a full-day guided tour to see Hanoi’s historic landmarks and experience the city like a local. It starts with a ride to historic Ba Dinh Square, where president Ho Chi Minh proclaimed the independence of Vietnam in 1945. Then head over to Lenin Garden, a park presided over by a bronze statue of Vladimir Lenin. This is an excellent place to people-watch, as the area is a popular local hangout.
Mai Chau Valley
The 11th century Temple of Literature, in Hanoi
The ancient water wheels of Pu Luong, still in use today
Local life in Pu Luong
Hike the mountains of Sapa
A family in the rice fields near Sapa
Hill tribe women at Bac Ha Market
Ha Long Bay
Hoi An’s riverfront
Village life around Hoi An
Street food feast in Saigon
The waterways of the Mekong
City Hall, Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
From there, your guide will lead you down Hanoi’s alleyways, lined with family-owned shops that have been around for generations. Continue to the 11th-century Temple of Literature, an impressive architectural landmark that was Vietnam’s first-ever national university. To this day, students still pray at its altars for academic success. Next is the Museum of Ethnology, which preserves the cultural heritage of the 54 different ethnic groups in Vietnam. Afterward, stop for lunch at a local restaurant.
Now that you’ve refueled continue to Hanoi’s charming Old Quarter to explore its warren of backstreets. This will lead to Nha Chung Street, an area with food stalls and vendors. Here, you’ll visit a historic French-colonial home for afternoon tea. Your host has lived in the neighborhood all his life and has many stories about this remarkable city and its past. End the day with one of Vietnam’s more unique theatrical performances: a water puppet show. This cultural expression dates back over 1,000 years, originating in the Red River Delta rice fields. Afterward, return to your hotel.
Day 3: Transfer to Mai Chau, Xa Linh Village & Nature Hike
In the morning, a driver will pick you up for the four-hour ride west from Hanoi to the gorgeous Mai Chau Valley. Located in Hoa Binh Province, Mai Chau is famous for its mountain vistas and fertile valleys dotted with traditional stilt houses. The White Thai ethnic group primarily inhabits the villages here; however, you’ll continue another 45 minutes to the village of Xa Linh, which is home to the Hmong hill tribe.
When you arrive in Xa Linh, you’ll unwind with a delicious home-cooked lunch. This will fortify you for the subsequent two-hour hike along mountain trails. Enjoy breathtaking scenery and views of lush green hills, rice paddies, and traditional villages. During the trek, you’ll stop at a local primary school to chat with the kids (donations to the school are welcome). Another treat is a visit to Pa Co Market, a weekly hill tribe market. There are great items here, including hand-woven batiks and embroideries by the Hmong people. In the late afternoon, you’ll return to Mai Chau village, where you’ll overnight.
Day 4: Transfer to Pu Luong Nature Reserve, Hiking & Rafting
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast in the village, then hop in the car for the 1.5-hour drive south from Mai Chau to Pu Luong. This nature reserve is home to the ethnic Thai people and, like Mai Chau, is known for its forested mountains and green valleys dotted with terraced rice paddies and traditional villages. Upon arrival, you’ll check in to your resort and have some time to unwind before lunch.
After a delicious lunch amid spectacular views, it will be time to hit the trail again. You’ll hike to hillside villages and meet the locals while learning about cultural traditions dating back centuries. Continue across a suspension bridge over the Cham River and stop at traditional wooden con nuoc (water wheels). Your guide will explain the mechanics of how these ancient yet efficient machines lift water from the river and distribute it through bamboo chutes to elevated farmland.
Then you’ll arrive at a local fisherman’s house, where you have a short rest before hopping on a traditional bamboo raft for a ride down the river. The guide will teach you how to paddle and steer as you float along the calm waters, enjoying the mountain and valley views along the banks. When you reach the wooden Tan Lap Bridge, you’ll disembark and transfer to a local resort in time for dinner.
Day 5: Pu Luong Valley Hike, Return to Hanoi
Wake up early and embark on a scenic three-hour hike deeper into the valley. During this 2.4-mile (4 km) excursion, you’ll follow nature paths down to the base of mountains as you cross rivers, pass rice paddies, and stroll through local villages. At the end of the hike, you’ll stop at a local house for a home-cooked lunch. Afterward, you’ll meet your driver for the four-hour ride back to Hanoi.
Day 6: Transfer to Sapa & Village Hike
Leave Hanoi behind today as a driver picks you up at the hotel for the ride north to the highland area of Sapa, which is known for its soaring mountains and endless terraces of green rice paddies. The drive takes around six hours, and you’ll check in to your hotel on arrival. Unwind after your long journey on a walk around the town’s steep streets. Breathe in the cool alpine air, stop for a cup of Vietnamese coffee, and browse the handicrafts sold by local Hmong women in colorful handmade attire.
Finish the day on a hike (or drive) between rural villages outside of town, which is a great excuse to meet locals from the ethnic hill tribes. The first leg of the trip will take you about a mile (2 km) from your hotel along hilly roads to the village of Cat Cat. Nestled amid terraced rice paddies and sitting on streams that converge into a romantic waterfall, this traditional village home to the Black Hmong ethnic tribe is high in the running for the most beautiful town in the country.
After touring Cat Cat, continue on a dirt trail through the mountains along a narrow river amid terraced fields and vegetable patches on the way to Y Linh Ho village, another slice of rural Vietnamese paradise denoted by golden fields and bamboo homes. The area is populated by the Dao people, an ethnic tribe who adorn themselves with handmade indigo-blue clothing decorated with batik flower patterns. Here, you’ll stop by the river for a rest and to snap photos. Then, hike back to the main road, where a car will be waiting to return you to Sapa.
Day 7: Hike to Sapa Villages
This morning, you’ll head out on a full-day tour to visit some of the isolated villages around Sapa. Start with a 5-mile (8 km) drive to the O Quy Ho Pass in the Hoang Lien Son Mountains, where you’ll stop to snap photos and admire views of Mount Fansipan and the Sin Chai Valley. From there, pass forests and waterfalls as you make your way to Ban Khoang commune, home to the Black Hmong and Red Dao ethnic groups.
Take a guided walk to learn about rural life here, then drive to the Ta Giang Phinh Valley, where the Black Hmong people live in riverside hamlets. Enjoy lunch by the water and a two-hour walk through wild and unspoiled nature. As you hike, you’ll spot locals plowing the fields, harvesting crops, and selling handicrafts in village markets. Later in the afternoon, your driver will take you back to Sapa.
Day 8: Visit Bac Ha Market, Return to Hanoi
Your driver will pick you up this morning for the three-hour drive through mountain roads to the weekly Bac Ha Market. The long trip is well worth it, as Bac Ha is the region’s largest and most colorful market. Every Sunday morning, various ethnic groups, like the Flower Hmong, Phu La, Black Dzao, Tay, and Nung minorities, gather to buy and sell local products.
You can find everything here, from fresh produce and embroidery to livestock such as chickens, pigs, horses, and buffalo. It’s also a great place to mingle with locals, as it is packed with folks who’ve traveled long distances to meet friends and enjoy some rice wine at the end of a long week. After lunch at the market, you’ll drive back to Hanoi.
Day 9: Bus to Ha Long Bay, Swim, Kayak & Masterclass Cooking Lesson
Wake up early and board a shuttle bus for the four-hour drive east to the coast and Ha Long Bay. Located on the Gulf of Tonkin, over 1,000 karst islets rise above jade waters and resemble the spine of some mythological creature (“ha long” actually translates to “descending dragon”). The unique beauty of this region is unlike anywhere else and thus has been bestowed with UNESCO World Heritage status.
Upon arrival at the marina, you’ll board a multi-level cruise ship for an overnight tour. After settling into your cabin, head up to the deck, where a delicious seafood lunch awaits. Then you can spend hours relaxing on the sun deck as the ship sails across glassy emerald waters to the most secluded corners of the bay. Later that afternoon, you’ll stop at a secret cove for a swim and a kayak trip to explore hidden beaches and grottoes.
Return to the ship just in time to participate in a cooking masterclass offered by the onboard expert chef. During the workshop, you’ll learn to make traditional specialties like nem (Vietnamese fried spring rolls) and enjoy them for dinner afterward. Spend the remainder of the evening relaxing, or head out on a small boat for a bit of night fishing with the locals.
Day 10: Cruise Ha Long Bay, Transfer to Hoi An
Wake up early and head to the deck to catch the sunrise gilding the bay waters. Then sit down and enjoy breakfast in the open air as you cruise around towering karst islets. The rest of the morning is yours to relax and enjoy the views or partake in one or two more optional activities, like kayaking around Ha Long’s famous floating villages. Then sit down to an early lunch before disembarking at the marina and catching the shuttle bus back to Hanoi.
Upon arrival in Hanoi, you’ll transfer to the airport by car and catch a 1.5-hour flight south to Da Nang. A driver will meet you at the airport for a one-hour drive down to Hoi An. Sitting on the Thu Bon River, this historic city was a major trading port with the West from the 15th through the 19th centuries, attracting merchants from around the globe. Its international legacy is represented in the assortment of architectural styles in Hoi An’s Ancient Town. Upon arrival, you’ll check in to your hotel and have the rest of the day to explore on your own.
Day 11: Cycle to an Organic Farm, Cooking Lesson & Hoi An Walking Tour
Spend the first half of the day exploring the Hoi An countryside by bike. A guide will pick you up in the morning and drive you just outside the city to a riverfront village where you’ll pick up the bicycle. Then, embark on a roughly 4-mile (6 km) journey through unspoiled countryside dotted with coconut forests, rice paddies, and fish farms. Your first stop is at Thanh Dong, a 107,640 square foot (10,000 sq m) organic farm tended to by 10 or so local families. Stroll around the vegetable garden and participate in activities like sowing seeds and picking vegetables.
Next, hop in a Vietnamese circular basket boat (called a thung chai) for a ride along the Do River to a popular waterfront restaurant, where you’ll have lunch. As you float down the water, you’ll spot farmers in conical hats picking rice in green paddies as fishermen cast nets out on the water. After eating, head back toward Hoi An and stop at one last local village for a cooking class, during which you’ll prepare traditional Vietnamese dishes.
Upon arrival back in Hoi An, you’ll head out to discover this historic city. During a three-hour guided tour of the Ancient Town, you’ll see firsthand the remarkable diversity of architecture here. One example is the arched Japanese Covered Bridge; another is the Assembly Hall of the Chaozhou Chinese Congregation. You’ll also browse local markets, which sell fine textiles like silk. You may even want to get a custom suit fit, as Hoi An is famous for its tailoring.
Day 12: Transfer to Ho Chi Minh City, Vespa Street Food Tour
In the morning, your driver will pick you up for the one-hour ride north to the airport in Da Nang, where you’ll catch a 1.5-hour flight south to Ho Chi Minh City. This southern metropolis is fascinating in that it has managed to preserve its cultural roots while maintaining a modern edge, as evidenced by its soaring new skyscrapers. Upon arrival, you’ll transfer to your hotel, settle in and get ready for an evening tour.
As night falls, you’ll discover Ho Chi Minh City in the most exciting and delicious way possible: on a moped food tour. Meet your guide at the hotel and hop on a vintage Vespa. Then hit the road on a mouthwatering exploration of the city after dark. The first stop is at a bakery to try fresh bread rolls before heading to a vintage coffee shop tucked in a back alley. And that’s just to start.
Continue zipping along the city’s bustling streets to an old apartment complex that comes alive at night with hundreds of food and drink stalls. After sampling a few savory tidbits, you’ll visit a 50-year-old dessert shop to try homemade sweet soups. Your guide will lead you to an off-the-beaten-path restaurant for multiple courses starring the freshest seafood in the city. End the night at a cozy bar tucked away in a quiet alley as you sample local beers and craft cocktails while chatting with friendly locals. Feel free to cut loose, as a taxi will be waiting to take you back to your hotel.
Day 13: Mekong Delta Day Tour & Optional Countryside Bike Tour
Leave your hotel at 8 am on a 1.5-hour drive out of the city to the waterfront hub of Ben Tre. From here, you’ll embark on a full-day tour around the Mekong River Delta. At the pier, leave the car and hop in a motorboat, where you’ll take off down the Ben Tre River, a tributary of the Mekong.
Your first stop will be at the famous Cai Be floating market, where local vendors ply the waters selling everything from fresh produce to flowers right from their boats. Then, leave the main waterways and venture down smaller canals for a peaceful and relaxing ride. You’ll pass fish farms and see locals milling about along the banks as you go. The next stop will be at An Binh, an islet famous in the area for its fruit orchards.
Enjoy lunch at a local heritage house and follow that with a stroll around the orchards as you sip a cup of tea. Continue touring the village here, stopping at a workshop that makes artisanal items from local products like rice paper and coconut candy. Should you choose, you can embark on an optional bicycle ride. You’ll pass schools, traditional homes, pagodas, and beautiful countryside as you ride along the village pathways. Then, visit brick kilns to see how the locals create beautiful clay pottery. Afterward, you’ll meet a car for the ride back to the city.
Day 14: Morning Ho Chi Minh Highlights Tour, Depart
This may be your last morning in Vietnam, but the adventure isn’t over yet. After breakfast, you’ll meet your guide for a half-day guided tour of Ho Chi Minh City’s highlights. You’ll see historic 19th-century landmarks like Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office. Then visit the Presidential Palace, which was the headquarters of the Saigon government until it fell to the Viet Cong in 1975. Continue to the War Remnants Museum for a look at the American War through the eyes of the Vietnamese.
After a break to enjoy the city’s street coffee culture, it will be time to depart. Your driver will transfer you to the airport in Ho Chi Minh City, where you’ll catch your flight home. See you soon!
Chao ban! Welcome to Hanoi! The capital of Vietnam has a long and storied history dating way back to 3000 BCE when the area was first inhabited. In the intervening millennia, both Hanoi and the country have seen dynasties rise and fall, the arrival of colonial rule, liberation, and devastating wars. Yet despite the turmoil and changing times, Vietnam has retained its cultural heritage—and one of the best places to see it on full display is in Hanoi.
Upon arrival at the airport, a driver will pick you up and take you to your hotel. You can take the rest of the day to explore Hanoi on a self-guided tour. Hit the streets of the Old Quarter and browse the silk shops on Hang Gai Street. Tuck into some Vietnamese street food staples like pho (noodle soup), banh mi (baguette sandwich), or bun cha (grilled pork with rice noodles). Later, perhaps head to a rooftop bar in the trendy Tay Ho district for a sundowner complimented by views over West Lake.
Day 2: Guided Walking Tour of Hanoi & Water Puppet Show
Leave the hotel at 8 am on a full-day guided tour to see Hanoi’s historic landmarks and experience the city like a local. It starts with a ride to historic Ba Dinh Square, where president Ho Chi Minh proclaimed the independence of Vietnam in 1945. Then head over to Lenin Garden, a park presided over by a bronze statue of Vladimir Lenin. This is an excellent place to people-watch, as the area is a popular local hangout.
From there, your guide will lead you down Hanoi’s alleyways, lined with family-owned shops that have been around for generations. Continue to the 11th-century Temple of Literature, an impressive architectural landmark that was Vietnam’s first-ever national university. To this day, students still pray at its altars for academic success. Next is the Museum of Ethnology, which preserves the cultural heritage of the 54 different ethnic groups in Vietnam. Afterward, stop for lunch at a local restaurant.
Now that you’ve refueled continue to Hanoi’s charming Old Quarter to explore its warren of backstreets. This will lead to Nha Chung Street, an area with food stalls and vendors. Here, you’ll visit a historic French-colonial home for afternoon tea. Your host has lived in the neighborhood all his life and has many stories about this remarkable city and its past. End the day with one of Vietnam’s more unique theatrical performances: a water puppet show. This cultural expression dates back over 1,000 years, originating in the Red River Delta rice fields. Afterward, return to your hotel.
Day 3: Transfer to Mai Chau, Xa Linh Village & Nature Hike
In the morning, a driver will pick you up for the four-hour ride west from Hanoi to the gorgeous Mai Chau Valley. Located in Hoa Binh Province, Mai Chau is famous for its mountain vistas and fertile valleys dotted with traditional stilt houses. The White Thai ethnic group primarily inhabits the villages here; however, you’ll continue another 45 minutes to the village of Xa Linh, which is home to the Hmong hill tribe.
When you arrive in Xa Linh, you’ll unwind with a delicious home-cooked lunch. This will fortify you for the subsequent two-hour hike along mountain trails. Enjoy breathtaking scenery and views of lush green hills, rice paddies, and traditional villages. During the trek, you’ll stop at a local primary school to chat with the kids (donations to the school are welcome). Another treat is a visit to Pa Co Market, a weekly hill tribe market. There are great items here, including hand-woven batiks and embroideries by the Hmong people. In the late afternoon, you’ll return to Mai Chau village, where you’ll overnight.
Day 4: Transfer to Pu Luong Nature Reserve, Hiking & Rafting
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast in the village, then hop in the car for the 1.5-hour drive south from Mai Chau to Pu Luong. This nature reserve is home to the ethnic Thai people and, like Mai Chau, is known for its forested mountains and green valleys dotted with terraced rice paddies and traditional villages. Upon arrival, you’ll check in to your resort and have some time to unwind before lunch.
After a delicious lunch amid spectacular views, it will be time to hit the trail again. You’ll hike to hillside villages and meet the locals while learning about cultural traditions dating back centuries. Continue across a suspension bridge over the Cham River and stop at traditional wooden con nuoc (water wheels). Your guide will explain the mechanics of how these ancient yet efficient machines lift water from the river and distribute it through bamboo chutes to elevated farmland.
Then you’ll arrive at a local fisherman’s house, where you have a short rest before hopping on a traditional bamboo raft for a ride down the river. The guide will teach you how to paddle and steer as you float along the calm waters, enjoying the mountain and valley views along the banks. When you reach the wooden Tan Lap Bridge, you’ll disembark and transfer to a local resort in time for dinner.
Day 5: Pu Luong Valley Hike, Return to Hanoi
Wake up early and embark on a scenic three-hour hike deeper into the valley. During this 2.4-mile (4 km) excursion, you’ll follow nature paths down to the base of mountains as you cross rivers, pass rice paddies, and stroll through local villages. At the end of the hike, you’ll stop at a local house for a home-cooked lunch. Afterward, you’ll meet your driver for the four-hour ride back to Hanoi.
Day 6: Transfer to Sapa & Village Hike
Leave Hanoi behind today as a driver picks you up at the hotel for the ride north to the highland area of Sapa, which is known for its soaring mountains and endless terraces of green rice paddies. The drive takes around six hours, and you’ll check in to your hotel on arrival. Unwind after your long journey on a walk around the town’s steep streets. Breathe in the cool alpine air, stop for a cup of Vietnamese coffee, and browse the handicrafts sold by local Hmong women in colorful handmade attire.
Finish the day on a hike (or drive) between rural villages outside of town, which is a great excuse to meet locals from the ethnic hill tribes. The first leg of the trip will take you about a mile (2 km) from your hotel along hilly roads to the village of Cat Cat. Nestled amid terraced rice paddies and sitting on streams that converge into a romantic waterfall, this traditional village home to the Black Hmong ethnic tribe is high in the running for the most beautiful town in the country.
After touring Cat Cat, continue on a dirt trail through the mountains along a narrow river amid terraced fields and vegetable patches on the way to Y Linh Ho village, another slice of rural Vietnamese paradise denoted by golden fields and bamboo homes. The area is populated by the Dao people, an ethnic tribe who adorn themselves with handmade indigo-blue clothing decorated with batik flower patterns. Here, you’ll stop by the river for a rest and to snap photos. Then, hike back to the main road, where a car will be waiting to return you to Sapa.
Day 7: Hike to Sapa Villages
This morning, you’ll head out on a full-day tour to visit some of the isolated villages around Sapa. Start with a 5-mile (8 km) drive to the O Quy Ho Pass in the Hoang Lien Son Mountains, where you’ll stop to snap photos and admire views of Mount Fansipan and the Sin Chai Valley. From there, pass forests and waterfalls as you make your way to Ban Khoang commune, home to the Black Hmong and Red Dao ethnic groups.
Take a guided walk to learn about rural life here, then drive to the Ta Giang Phinh Valley, where the Black Hmong people live in riverside hamlets. Enjoy lunch by the water and a two-hour walk through wild and unspoiled nature. As you hike, you’ll spot locals plowing the fields, harvesting crops, and selling handicrafts in village markets. Later in the afternoon, your driver will take you back to Sapa.
Day 8: Visit Bac Ha Market, Return to Hanoi
Your driver will pick you up this morning for the three-hour drive through mountain roads to the weekly Bac Ha Market. The long trip is well worth it, as Bac Ha is the region’s largest and most colorful market. Every Sunday morning, various ethnic groups, like the Flower Hmong, Phu La, Black Dzao, Tay, and Nung minorities, gather to buy and sell local products.
You can find everything here, from fresh produce and embroidery to livestock such as chickens, pigs, horses, and buffalo. It’s also a great place to mingle with locals, as it is packed with folks who’ve traveled long distances to meet friends and enjoy some rice wine at the end of a long week. After lunch at the market, you’ll drive back to Hanoi.
Day 9: Bus to Ha Long Bay, Swim, Kayak & Masterclass Cooking Lesson
Wake up early and board a shuttle bus for the four-hour drive east to the coast and Ha Long Bay. Located on the Gulf of Tonkin, over 1,000 karst islets rise above jade waters and resemble the spine of some mythological creature (“ha long” actually translates to “descending dragon”). The unique beauty of this region is unlike anywhere else and thus has been bestowed with UNESCO World Heritage status.
Upon arrival at the marina, you’ll board a multi-level cruise ship for an overnight tour. After settling into your cabin, head up to the deck, where a delicious seafood lunch awaits. Then you can spend hours relaxing on the sun deck as the ship sails across glassy emerald waters to the most secluded corners of the bay. Later that afternoon, you’ll stop at a secret cove for a swim and a kayak trip to explore hidden beaches and grottoes.
Return to the ship just in time to participate in a cooking masterclass offered by the onboard expert chef. During the workshop, you’ll learn to make traditional specialties like nem (Vietnamese fried spring rolls) and enjoy them for dinner afterward. Spend the remainder of the evening relaxing, or head out on a small boat for a bit of night fishing with the locals.
Day 10: Cruise Ha Long Bay, Transfer to Hoi An
Wake up early and head to the deck to catch the sunrise gilding the bay waters. Then sit down and enjoy breakfast in the open air as you cruise around towering karst islets. The rest of the morning is yours to relax and enjoy the views or partake in one or two more optional activities, like kayaking around Ha Long’s famous floating villages. Then sit down to an early lunch before disembarking at the marina and catching the shuttle bus back to Hanoi.
Upon arrival in Hanoi, you’ll transfer to the airport by car and catch a 1.5-hour flight south to Da Nang. A driver will meet you at the airport for a one-hour drive down to Hoi An. Sitting on the Thu Bon River, this historic city was a major trading port with the West from the 15th through the 19th centuries, attracting merchants from around the globe. Its international legacy is represented in the assortment of architectural styles in Hoi An’s Ancient Town. Upon arrival, you’ll check in to your hotel and have the rest of the day to explore on your own.
Day 11: Cycle to an Organic Farm, Cooking Lesson & Hoi An Walking Tour
Spend the first half of the day exploring the Hoi An countryside by bike. A guide will pick you up in the morning and drive you just outside the city to a riverfront village where you’ll pick up the bicycle. Then, embark on a roughly 4-mile (6 km) journey through unspoiled countryside dotted with coconut forests, rice paddies, and fish farms. Your first stop is at Thanh Dong, a 107,640 square foot (10,000 sq m) organic farm tended to by 10 or so local families. Stroll around the vegetable garden and participate in activities like sowing seeds and picking vegetables.
Next, hop in a Vietnamese circular basket boat (called a thung chai) for a ride along the Do River to a popular waterfront restaurant, where you’ll have lunch. As you float down the water, you’ll spot farmers in conical hats picking rice in green paddies as fishermen cast nets out on the water. After eating, head back toward Hoi An and stop at one last local village for a cooking class, during which you’ll prepare traditional Vietnamese dishes.
Upon arrival back in Hoi An, you’ll head out to discover this historic city. During a three-hour guided tour of the Ancient Town, you’ll see firsthand the remarkable diversity of architecture here. One example is the arched Japanese Covered Bridge; another is the Assembly Hall of the Chaozhou Chinese Congregation. You’ll also browse local markets, which sell fine textiles like silk. You may even want to get a custom suit fit, as Hoi An is famous for its tailoring.
Day 12: Transfer to Ho Chi Minh City, Vespa Street Food Tour
In the morning, your driver will pick you up for the one-hour ride north to the airport in Da Nang, where you’ll catch a 1.5-hour flight south to Ho Chi Minh City. This southern metropolis is fascinating in that it has managed to preserve its cultural roots while maintaining a modern edge, as evidenced by its soaring new skyscrapers. Upon arrival, you’ll transfer to your hotel, settle in and get ready for an evening tour.
As night falls, you’ll discover Ho Chi Minh City in the most exciting and delicious way possible: on a moped food tour. Meet your guide at the hotel and hop on a vintage Vespa. Then hit the road on a mouthwatering exploration of the city after dark. The first stop is at a bakery to try fresh bread rolls before heading to a vintage coffee shop tucked in a back alley. And that’s just to start.
Continue zipping along the city’s bustling streets to an old apartment complex that comes alive at night with hundreds of food and drink stalls. After sampling a few savory tidbits, you’ll visit a 50-year-old dessert shop to try homemade sweet soups. Your guide will lead you to an off-the-beaten-path restaurant for multiple courses starring the freshest seafood in the city. End the night at a cozy bar tucked away in a quiet alley as you sample local beers and craft cocktails while chatting with friendly locals. Feel free to cut loose, as a taxi will be waiting to take you back to your hotel.
Day 13: Mekong Delta Day Tour & Optional Countryside Bike Tour
Leave your hotel at 8 am on a 1.5-hour drive out of the city to the waterfront hub of Ben Tre. From here, you’ll embark on a full-day tour around the Mekong River Delta. At the pier, leave the car and hop in a motorboat, where you’ll take off down the Ben Tre River, a tributary of the Mekong.
Your first stop will be at the famous Cai Be floating market, where local vendors ply the waters selling everything from fresh produce to flowers right from their boats. Then, leave the main waterways and venture down smaller canals for a peaceful and relaxing ride. You’ll pass fish farms and see locals milling about along the banks as you go. The next stop will be at An Binh, an islet famous in the area for its fruit orchards.
Enjoy lunch at a local heritage house and follow that with a stroll around the orchards as you sip a cup of tea. Continue touring the village here, stopping at a workshop that makes artisanal items from local products like rice paper and coconut candy. Should you choose, you can embark on an optional bicycle ride. You’ll pass schools, traditional homes, pagodas, and beautiful countryside as you ride along the village pathways. Then, visit brick kilns to see how the locals create beautiful clay pottery. Afterward, you’ll meet a car for the ride back to the city.
Day 14: Morning Ho Chi Minh Highlights Tour, Depart
This may be your last morning in Vietnam, but the adventure isn’t over yet. After breakfast, you’ll meet your guide for a half-day guided tour of Ho Chi Minh City’s highlights. You’ll see historic 19th-century landmarks like Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office. Then visit the Presidential Palace, which was the headquarters of the Saigon government until it fell to the Viet Cong in 1975. Continue to the War Remnants Museum for a look at the American War through the eyes of the Vietnamese.
After a break to enjoy the city’s street coffee culture, it will be time to depart. Your driver will transfer you to the airport in Ho Chi Minh City, where you’ll catch your flight home. See you soon!
A rare opportunity to visit to the vibrant modern community of the Tiwi Islands, taking in the vast Kimberley coast and its ancient rock art galleries dating back over 40,000 years, has been announced in Coral Expeditions cruises for 2023 and 2024.
Boutique cruise ship Coral Discoverer – carrying fewer than 70 guests – will set sail across the Josef Bonaparte Gulf and arrive for a hosted visit with the local community and co-operative gallery at Munupi Arts Centre, where guests can purchase art at the source, participate in workshops, and enjoy an intimate cultural performance.
The newly launched 10-night Art and Culture of the Kimberley and Tiwi Islands expeditions will depart 28 August 2023 Broome to Darwin and 8 September 2023 Darwin to Broome. In 2024 it will depart Broome to Darwin on 26 August and Darwin to Broome 6 September.
On this journey Coral Discoverer will traverse the coastline to discover natural cave galleries scattered through the escarpment, revealing hidden Wandjina and Gwion Gwion paintings from early contact times.
Guests will experience the majestic landscape and powerful natural forces of the Kimberley, on shore excursions to the King George Falls and the tidal phenomena of the Horizontal Waterfalls and Montgomery Reef.
Expert guides and special artists on board will share their knowledge along the way.
Kimberley Rock Art
Coral Discoverer off the Kimberley coast
Guided tour at Swift Bay
Sunset drinks on board
Screen printing
Tiwi Island Fishermen
Careening Bay Boab Tree
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Arts and crafts on Tiwi Island
A welcome dance on Tiwi Island
Painted pots and shells, Tiwi Island
Landing on Jar Island
A big saltie watches with interest
Expedition highlights include new additions alongside the major highlights of the classic Kimberley voyage we have become renowned for:
Visit Munupi Arts and Tiwi Design centres to discover both traditional and contemporary Tiwi art where you can purchase directly from the source
Enjoy a hosted walk on country in the company of a local Tiwi guide and enjoy a traditional dance performance
Gain valuable historical and cultural insights from our expert expedition team and local guides
Partake in onboard art workshops under the guidance of a special guest artist and learn the skills of lino cutting, paper printing + more
Walk among ancient Indigenous rock art galleries at Swift Bay, Bigge Island, Wollaston Bay and Vansittart Bay and learn about Wandjina and Gwion Gwion art history
Enjoy wilderness cruising on our Xplorer vessels through the pristine marine sanctuary of the Lacapedes to spot rare seabirds, mating turtles and juvenile sharks and rays in the protected marine nursery
Enjoy the thrill of a zodiac ride through the rapids of the Horizontal Waterfall at Talbot Bay and be amazed tidal phenomena of Montgomery Reef as it emerges from the ocean depths on the lowering tide
Coral Expeditions Commercial Director Jeff Gillies says the new cultural expedition is of significant value to not only the travellers on board but the communities they visit.
“Our voyages have always made strong connections with remote communities and have proven to be extremely valuable both in terms of sharing of knowledge and culture and the economic value our guests bring to remote communities,” Mr Gillies says.
“Our guests are prone to engage deeply with the experience and from recent experience, many will purchase art from the source leaving an immediate and ongoing legacy for the community”.
“We recently explored the Tiwi Islands on a charter voyage and received guests feedback that was overwhelmingly positive, so we feel a need to offer this as a more regular product for our guests. This is the nature of expedition cruising – to discover and share new adventures”
For more information about Coral Expeditions’ Art and Culture of the Kimberley and Tiwi Islands click here
Tuscany and the Amalfi coast – both in Italy – were the two most popular walking destinations this year for independent Australian and NZ travellers who booked self-guided hikes with Europe walking holiday company, On Foot Holidays.
To give us Antipodean amblers a bit of a boost, On Foot Holidays is offering a special saving when two walks are booked as part of the one European holiday.
Australians and New Zealanders will save 10 per cent on the cheaper hike when two walks like On Foot Holidays’ walking holidays in Tuscany and on the Amalfi Coast are booked at the same time for the same group in the one European trip.
Hikers can pair walks from the 34 baggage-free, self-guided walks On Foot Holidays offers in 11 countries across Europe. On each walk, hikers select their own start dates from those available and stay at a different B&B inn each night, with their luggage transferred ahead each day so all they need to carry is a day pack.
“Experiencing places on foot and on your own really immerses adventure travellers in a destination,” said On Foot Holidays Director Simon Scutt. “This way, you can truly feel a place slowly, authentically and sustainably from the ground instead of just glancing at sweeping scenery from a coach or train,” Mr Scutt said.
On Foot Holidays’ self-guided walks in romantic Tuscany and on the spectacular Amalfi Coast – the two most popular products for Australian and Kiwi guests in 2022 – are ideal as a pairing, combining two of Italy’s finest and most renowned landscapes.
On Foot Holidays’ six-night Amalfi Coast route takes walkers along quiet, medieval pathways high above the sea, through quaint fishing towns such as Praiano, Positano and Sant’ Agata and past secluded beaches on the San Costanzo Peninsula, finishing at Sorrento. Including six nights’ accommodation, all breakfasts, daily luggage transfers and track notes, the walk costs £1090 per person, twin-share (approximately A$1963 depending on exchange rates). Link to walk – Self-guided walking holiday on Amalfi Coast with On Foot Holidays
Meanwhile, On Foot’s seven-night Southern Tuscany hike from Siena to Montepulciano takes in Renaissance hill-top towns, mysterious abbeys, ancient thermal baths and picture-postcard hills dotted with classic olive and cypress trees and rustic wineries.
Including seven nights’ accommodation, all breakfasts, one evening meal, one picnic, daily luggage transfers and track notes, the walk costs £972 per person, twin-share (approximately A$1750 depending on exchange rates), including the special 10 per cent saving as the second walk booked as part of the same European trip. Link to walk – A self-guided walking holiday in Southern Tuscany with On Foot Holidays
Walkers can easily use trains to travel between Tuscany and the Amalfi Coast.
The Hogwarts Express, aka the Jacobite train, runs from Fort William to Mallaig daily, choc full of Harry Potter fans.
Many years ago I wrote a piece for the Sydney Morning Herald travel pages about “set-jetting” – a then relatively new trend where travellers would seek out the locations where their favourite movies, TV shows and, in that case, crime novels were set.
Since then it has become even bigger business with fans travelling thousands of kilometres to the places where their favourite films and TV shows were shot.
One example that we recently covered here on Mild Rover features Hobbiton in New Zealand. Meanwhile Visit Scotland has taken that cue and made the most of the many movies and TV shows – from Harry Potter to Outlander – set or filmed there.
Click on the picture to view a ride on the “Hogwarts Express”, filmed from the driver’s cabin
If it’s movies that take your fancy, a brand new 52-page downloadable book called Set in Scotland, features more than 150 films that have been shot entirely or partially in Scotland – such as (bits of) Braveheart (1995), Skyfall (2012), Avengers: Infinity War (2018), Avengers: Endgame (2019) and The Batman (2022) – and details more than 100 film locations.
And there’s plenty of TV shows too with the latest, the new Lord of the Rings TV series, Rings of Power also being shot in Scotland.
There’s a lot to cherry pick from the locations, if you happen to be passing close by. But a day-by-day self-drive tour guide to Outlander locations gives a glamorous structure to visits for those who want to venture off the typical tourist trails and meander around the country’s villages, small towns and big cities.
This handy guide has all the location information you’ll ever need to plot out a blockbuster, screen-themed trip to Scotland for 2023.
And if you are interested in revisiting my years-old trip around the pages of crime novels and their locations, you will find Scenes of the Crimes here.
Portrait of actor Alan Cummings in the V&A Dundee Tartan exhibition
Scotland’s Tourism spruikers are ramping up their efforts to get more people over there in 2023 – and you have to admit there’s a lot on offer.
From January through to December there are plenty of reasons why Scotland should be at the top of any travel plans.
Start the year with Burns Night Celebrations across the country, watch the blooming of bluebells, snowdrops, and fresh fauna, welcoming new wildlife in spring, before gearing up for a festival extravaganza in the summer months.
Then comes the turning of the leaves casting a golden blanket over the landscapes before winter rolls round again and the year closes with the sound of fireworks and revelry at Hogmanay celebrations far and wide.
For a more peaceful sojourn, there are cabins aplenty with views that are out of this world, lush green forests and spectacular waterfalls spraying mists that are reinvigoratingly cool, and intimate gigs where revellers can dance the night away.
So, whether seeking adventure or tranquillity, shopping or feasting – or a taste of it all – trvellers to Scotland will find a world of choices and can expect a warm welcome awaiting them!
There are many reasons to make Scotland the place to be in 2023! The list below is just a selection of some of the major openings, news updates and events to look forward to in the year ahead.
Celtic Connections 30th Anniversary, January 2023
Over its 30-year history, the Glasgow -based music festival Celtic Connections has gained a global reputations for brining together Scottish, Irish (and other Celtic sounds) with World music from a surprising range of global musical influences.
Its 30th anniversary in January 2023 is a huge moment for the festival as it recognises and celebrates its advancements and achievements of the last thirty years with an ambitious and eclectic programme of music showcased from Thursday 19th January to Sunday 5th February 2023. The full programme can be viewed here: www.celticconnections.com
V&A Dundee – Tartan, April 2023
In its fifth anniversary year, V&A Dundee will offer a radical new look at one of the world’s best-known fabrics through its flagship exhibition: Tartan.
The first major exhibition curated entirely by V&A Dundee, with consultant curator Jonathan Faiers of the University of Southampton, will celebrate the global story of a unique pattern which has connected communities worldwide, expressed tradition, revolt and diversity, and inspired playful and provocative design.
It is a complex, rich, and sometimes painful history unequalled by any other cloth or pattern. Tartan is a textile which is adored and derided, inspiring great works of art and design, and representative of unity and dissent, tradition and rebellion.
Moreover, V&A Dundee, the first V&A museum in the world outside London, will celebrate its fifth anniversary in September 2023. Fans of the TV series Succession will have seen inside the V&A Dundee in the scene where patriarch Logan Roy has his 70th birthday party and one of his sons tells him he has bought him a “Scottish kickball team”.
For more information about the real going on in V&A Dundee and to book, visit: www.vam.ac.uk/dundee
Scottish Crannog Centre, Spring 2023
Scotland’s dwellings aren’t all ruined castles and picturesque whitewashed cottages. A couple of thousand years ago, some Scots lived in crannogs – thatch-roofed circular houses built on timber piles over lakes.
The Scottish Crannog Centre is currently building a new museum located at the site of Dalerb on the North side of Loch Tay in Perthshire which is set to open in (northern) spring 2023.
its aim is to be the most sustainable museum in Scotland. The new visitor centre will showcase internationally significant archaeological collections, an Iron Age-inspired village of craft and technology demonstrations, and the first of three expert-led, but community-built, crannogs. For more information, visit www.crannog.co.uk.
Tall Ships Races, July 2023
Fans of the TV detective series Shetland and sail enthusiast alike will be excited to learn that the islands will once again host the Tall Ships Races from Wednesday 26th July to Friday 29th July in Lerwick.
The Tall Ships Races is an annual race series that has been arranged by Sail Training International since 1956 and in summer 2023 the town of Lerwick will welcome the fleet for four days of celebrations, sharing culture and international friendships.
The full event programme is currently under development and is set to be published in March 2023. For more information and to keep up to date, visit www.tallshipslerwick.com
2023 UCI Cycling World Championships, August 2023
The biggest cycling event in the world comes to Scotland in 2023! The world’s greatest riders will come together in Glasgow and across Scotland to compete at the highest level, make history and show the world the power of the bike.
Across 11 days of events, competitors will compete for over 200 rainbow jerseys and World Champions will be crowned in events covering everything from BMX to Mountain Biking, Indoor Cycling to Road Cycling, Para-Cycling and much, much more.
With Scotland’s beautiful bike-ready landscapes, legendary cycling centres and epic arenas ready to welcome competitors and visitors from all over the world, there’s never been a better time to plan a cycling trip to Scotland. This event isn’t just for elite riders, it’s an opportunity for everyone to ride their bike! For more information, please visit www.cyclingworldchamps.com
The Scottish National Gallery, Summer 2023
The transformative project to deliver an inspiring new space for Scotland’s renowned collection of Scottish art is set be completed in 2023. From summer next year, visitors can enjoy and appreciate a brand-new suite of world-class galleries at the Scottish National Gallery in Edinburgh.
The Scottish National Gallery Project will create a beautiful space for Scotland’s art right in the heart of Edinburgh, with striking displays drawn from the National Galleries of Scotland’s broad-ranging collection alongside special loans from other leading arts institutions.
Opening in 2023, Dundreggan Rewilding Centre will be Trees for Life’s flagship rewilding estate, a unique place rich in natural and cultural heritage where real change is happening, restoring Scotland’s landscape. The new wild landscape and its ancient connections to Gaelic culture will encourage people to ‘rewild’ themselves by connecting with nature and exploring the heritage of the Highlands. Dundreggan Rewilding Centre will become a gateway for people to experience rewilding in ways that are best suited to them; from a casual visit while passing through, to immersive experiences, encouraging the idea that we can work with nature rather than against it.
Second City knows the score
Scotland is awash with top-class golf courses, most of which aren’t owned by Donald Trump, but if you can’t get to them, a Topgolf facility has opened in Glasgow.
Borrow clubs for free – or bring your own _ and take aim at the giant outfield targets using high-tech balls which automatically keep score. Enjoy climate-controlled hitting bays for year-round practice, relax in the sports bar or refuel in the onsite restaurant. One question – do they count air swings?
For even more golfing fun in the city, Golf It! the Royal and Ancient’s brand-new golf concept will open in Glasgow in summer 2023. The vast new indoor and outdoor attraction is a new innovation and marks a significant financial investment by The R&A aimed at making golf more accessible and inclusive.
The facility will feature a range of new golf formats including a twist on pitch and putt, adventure golf and community putting greens plus a double decker floodlit driving range and a new look nine-hole course for all the family to play.
The Japanese town of Kinosaki, 160km north of Osaka, is renowned for having numerous unique and charming onsens (hot baths).
But there’s a lot more to the town than lying around, pruning in Kinosaki Onsen, however delightful that may sound. Here are 10 ways you can enjoy the town like a local.
1. Walk the backroads of Kinosaki: All visitors are familiar with the main willow-lined canal street, but some of Kinosaki’s less-travelled roads provide beautiful views as well. Visitors can stroll down Kiyamachi Street and see gorgeous cherry blossom trees in the beginning of April. Be sure to trek up to the hidden views at Yu no Yama Park and the red torii gates at Benten Shrine in Benten Park as well.
2. Relax at a cosy café: Kinosaki Onsen is full of modern, stylish cafés that can help you relax even more during your stay. One of these cafés is OFF. Kinosaki, which first opened in 2018 and became an instant hit with locals and tourists alike. Stop here for a lunch plate with all local and organic ingredients or a scrumptious dessert.
3. Pray at Shisho Shrine: Visit Shisho Shrine, the guardian shrine of Kinosaki Onsen that is said to house the deity that protects the hot spring town and its people. During the warmer months, worshippers have the opportunity to cleanse themselves in a flower-filled chozuya (water pavilion) before paying their respects to the enshrined gods while appreciating the colourful blooms floating alongside their hands.
4. Collect hot spring stamps: Guests participate in a “stamp rally,” as it’s known in Japanese, by purchasing a pamphlet with a map and hopping to stamp collection sections at various accommodations in town. You will find a special stamp for the pamphlet at each bathhouse. Some inns offer prizes for completing this hot spring pilgrimage.
5. Enjoy some local sweets and snacks: Kinosaki’s streets offer many different types of sweets and snacks. For sweets, some local favourites include creamy cheese tarts from Yuagari, limited edition strawberry daifuku from Minatoya, and ice cream from Itaya. At Tajimagyu Delica Chaya, try a Tajima gyuman, a bun filled with Tajima beef, or a kaniman, a bun filled with crab.
6. Soak in the town’s footbaths: Within Kinosaki Onsen, there are 5 footbaths located throughout town: outside of Satono-yu, outside of Yanagi-yu, near Ichino-yu, near the Ropeway, and outside of the Kinosaki Literature Museum. Free to use, these footbaths are perfect for refreshing tired feet.
7. See the fish markets: As Kinosaki Onsen is close to the Sea of Japan, fishermen sell their catches to the fish markets and eateries in town. The area is especially known for winter snow crab. One shop named Okesho Fish Market was established in 1925 when the grandmother of the current owner began selling fish to support her family. Choose from any one of the fresh fish on sale on the first floor and Okesho will prepare and serve it to you upstairs.
8. Hike up Mt. Daishi: Mt. Daishi presents a hiking course through the lush forest in the back of town with a dense tree canopy and little stone guardians. Visitors can hike 15 minutes up halfway to Onsenji Temple, or 45 minutes all the way to the top of the mountain. The hot springs in town below provide a great place to rest afterwards.
9. Bike to the Genbudo Caves:Rent a bicycle from the SOZORO Kinosaki Information Center, located right across the street from Kinosaki Onsen Station. Ride across and then along the Maruyama River to reach the Genbudo Caves in about 20 minutes. Genbudo is a sight to behold, with 5 caves made of columnar joints that formed over 1.6 million years ago.
10. Explore one of the nearby towns: Kinosaki Onsen has much to offer, but you can also visit one of the nearby towns. The area is home to Izushi, the historic castle town; Takeno, the retro beach town; Toyooka, a downtown hub home to bag-making and the Oriental White Stork; Kannabe, the green highlands; and Tanto, the quiet countryside.
There are so many places and activities in Italy and especially Rome that have the word “iconic” attached to them that the word is almost rendered redundant.
And there are few modes of transport that are so quintessentially Italian than motor scooters – whether it’s Vespas or Lambrettas.
So at this point we’ll let the PRs for the Anantara Palazzo Naiadi Rome Hotel take the handlebars to steer us through their “Eat, Pray Love” experience.
Zip through Rome’s labyrinth of passages and alleyways in an iconic Vespa sidecar as part of the hotel’s “Eat, Pray & Love” Signature Experience where discerning travellers can traverse Rome’s colourful districts and explore the city’s artistic charm and tantalising flavours.
From the vibrant Trastevere to the elegant Trevi, every district in Rome has its own appeal and the Eat, Pray & Love Signature Experience provides three hours of active and meaningful immersion into the city’s community, culture and local experiences.
Guests can indulge in the best artisanal pastries at Biscotteria Innocenti, savour award-winning vegan chocolate at Grezzo Raw Chocolate, marvel at the iconic Moses sculpture by Michelangelo at San Pietro in Vincoli, witness the rare craftsmanship of handmade globes and hourglasses at Polvere del Tempo and observe the original crypt of the virgin martyr Saint Cecilia at Santa Cecilia Church.
All tours are guided by the hotel’s knowledgeable Streetwise Guru to ensure that guests truly experience the sights, sounds and spirituality of a city that changes continuously.
Located in the city centre in one of the most enviable locations, Anantara Palazzo Naiadi Rome is the perfect base for a day of exploration. Fronting the Piazza della Repubblica, the hotel is within walking distance of iconic sites such as the Fori Imperiali, Via Veneto, Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps. After a day of immersion, guests can return to an evening of rooftop relaxation overlooking the Eternal City.
With 238 rooms and suites spread across two wings and four floors, guests can choose from a variety of accommodations each with its own unique characteristics, whether an open-plan design with a mezzanine, a stunning balcony overlooking the piazza, or a serene rooftop terrace.
The Eat, Pray & Love Signature Experience is €300 for two passengers by golf cart, €140 per person for a Vespa sidecar, €148 per person (for up to three passengers) for a private Mercedes E Class and €300 for two people on foot. The experience must be booked at least 48 hours in advance to ensure availability and includes private transfers.
