Recently updated on January 20th, 2020 at 06:42 pm
Make 2016 a year to remember by setting out on an unforgettable journey. From tasting local wine in a remote valley of the Italian Alps to travelling to the home of legendary musicians in America’s Deep South, this is our pick of extraordinary experiences to be found within some of our favourite destinations across the globe.
Iceland
It’s rare that a place can continuously astound you with its extremes of natural beauty. Within this one isolated island travellers are faced with thundering falls, the immense glaciers of placid blue lagoons, the spectacular Vatnajökull glacier – which takes over a staggering eight per cent of Iceland – and dramatic lava formations with towering structures, reflected in a name that translates to dark castles. Visitors soak in therapeutic geothermal waters, while nearby geysers sputter hot water and steam. In 2016, be one of the first to circumnavigate the island with Trafalgar. The new Ultimate Iceland trip encompasses Iceland’s raw and spectacular scenery with cultural insights that connect you with the islanders themselves.
Croatia
Within the cluster of Europe’s Balkan countries, Croatia encompasses a long sun-drenched coastline on the Adriatic Sea, rugged highlands and limestone plains amidst a mountainous interior, and cities of medieval origin displaying their rich history through distinctive Baroque and Austro-Hungarian architecture. Journey through this untamed landscape to the rural village of Osojnik to meet the resident Muhoberac family. Here, visitors dine on authentic local fare that’s been cooked over an open fire and washed down with homemade wine. Local experiences like this are made possible on a journey around Croatia with Trafalgar, including the Croatia and Bosnia Herzegovina itinerary.
Brazil
Rio de Janeiro’s sublime stretches of golden sand, backdrop of forested mountains, and exuberant culture of carnival and samba all make this city irresistible to visitors. A well-known passion of the city’s denizens is their love of sport, which in the coming year will be heightened with the greatly anticipated 2016 Summer Olympic Games. Whether passing through town for the games, carnival, or during the less frenetic months, a trip to Rio promises plenty of opportunities to soak up the upbeat atmosphere. Travel to Rio de Janeiro on a longer South American journey with Trafalgar’s Icons of South America trip, which encompasses the most spectacular sights of Brazil, Peru, Argentina, Uruguay and Chile.
Italy
In an isolated region of northern Italy, Piedmont lies at the foot of the Italian Alps. Situated between the French and Swiss borders, the region entices visitors to stray from Italy’s more famous cities with its glowing reputation for exceptional cuisine and fine wine, as well as its scenic mountain surroundings. Captivating snow-capped peaks frame the forested Aosta Valley, with undulating hills of flourishing vineyards. This is the setting for the 150-year-old Barale Fratelli winery, where guests taste wine that’s made from the region’s celebrated Nebbiolo grapes. Experience authentic rural Italy on Trafalgar’s Secrets of Italy trip.
USA
A journey through America’s Deep South reveals the fascinating culture and history of the region, with music proving one of the biggest draws. Memphis and New Orleans both boast groundbreaking, historically significant music scenes, while Nashville is home to the Country Music Hall of Fame – where John Carter Cash, son of the celebrated Johnny Cash, now joins visitors for a private performance and discussion. Alongside its music scene, New Orleans is famous for its Deep South cuisine. Here, within the city’s French Quarter, the New Orleans School of Cooking takes visiting food lovers on a gastronomic journey while cooking up authentic Creole fare. All of these experiences are encompassed within Trafalgar’s Tastes and Sounds of the South itinerary.
Image credits: Cover photo taken in Iceland © iStock / dennisvdw. A glacial lagoon in Iceland © iStock / simoneesh. Croatia’s Adriatic coast © iStock / Spanic. A view over Rio de Janeiro © iStock / marchello74. The vineyards of Piedmont, Italy © iStock / dp3010. New Orleans by night © iStock / Davel5957.