Recently updated on March 19th, 2024 at 04:26 pm
Are you worried a Trafalgar tour may be too much of a whirlwind? If you prefer life in the slow lane, we have a handful of trips that stop to smell the daisies for a little longer. While we believe each Trafalgar tour is carefully crafted with the perfect amount of time in each destination, every traveler is different. Some will still crave even more time to soak in the local atmosphere, savor hidden gems, and truly connect with the place they’re visiting.
If that sounds like you, then let’s shift down a gear. Embrace the slower side of travel with Trafalgar’s relaxed-pace tours. From our “Explorer” series of curated in-depth city itineraries to special tours that give you more time in favorite destinations, the following tours will allow you to truly immerse yourself in each destination. With these trips you’ll have ample time to wander, explore, and appreciate the unique character of each location. So, slow down, breathe in the fresh air, and discover the magic of travel at a leisurely pace.
Paris Explorer, France
Savor the essence of the City of Lights when you spend eight days exploring Paris. Yes, our Paris Explorer gives you eight (!!) epic days diving deeper and deeper into this fascinating city. Immerse yourself in the art of French cuisine with hands-on cooking classes, learning the secrets behind iconic dishes. Go beyond the postcard views and delve into the hidden corners of Montmartre’s vibrant artists’ quarter. Here you’ll uncover the stories behind the creative spirit.
Trafalgar’s “Explorer” trips help you go beyond the guidebook, allowing you to really get to know what makes the city buzz. By the end you’ll have a favorite café and patisserie, and the staff might even know your order! This slower pace trip is a chance to connect with the soul of Paris. You’ll explore the city’s culture, history, and art more in-depth.
Naturally, your week-long stay includes a handful of special day trips too. Experience the bygone grandeur of the King’s court as you explore the magnificent Palace of Versailles, or choose to join an optional day trip to Giverny House and Gardens of Claude Monet, the renowned impressionist painter.
TAKE A TRIP: Paris Explorer
Greek Island Hopper, Greece
Discover the laid-back charm of the Greek Isles at a leisurely pace. Find yourself on island time with Trafalgar’s Greek Island Hopper, a 10-day relaxed-pace journey. This experience lets you truly immerse yourself in the island lifestyle of Mykonos and Santorini with three nights on each island.
Imagine sipping a leisurely coffee, toes in the sand, as the Aegean Sea shimmers beside you. Explore quaint villages at your own pace, savoring the vibrant culture and mouthwatering cuisine. This tour isn’t just about ticking landmarks off a list. It’s about embracing the “siga-siga” (slowly, slowly) spirit of the islands and connecting with the rhythm of life.
This adventure begins and ends in Athens, where you’ll have ample time to explore ancient wonders before diving into the relaxed island paradise.
GO ON TOUR: Greek Island Hopper
Tastes and Sounds of the South, USA
Jump on the groove train and venture south to flavor town with Tastes and Sounds of the South. This laid-back 10-day culinary and musical adventure shows the great American South shouldn’t be rushed. You’ll have three nights in both Nashville and New Orleans, spending two nights in Memphis, and one in Natchez with this trip, which is one of our favorite relaxed pace tours.
This immersive experience goes beyond just sightseeing; it’s about connecting with the heart and soul of the South. Explore iconic landmarks like Graceland, the birthplace of Rock ‘n’ Roll, and the Grand Ole Opry, the cradle of country music. There’s ample free time built into the itinerary. Use it to wander charming streets, soak up the local atmosphere, and truly connect with the rhythm and soul.
GO ON TOUR: Tastes and Sounds of the South
London Explorer, England
Similar to the Paris Explorer, this London trip gives you eight epic days to explore the capital of Great Britain. Witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace, a spectacle steeped in tradition, and feel the weight of history at Windsor Castle, a royal residence for centuries. Embark on a scenic cruise down the Thames to take in iconic landmarks from a unique perspective, taste local British cheese and find lunch at the bustling Borough Market, and stand on the Greenwich meridian, a geographical reference line that passes through the Royal Observatory.
You’ll have time to savor all these experiences while slowing down and feeling the essence and unique character of old London town. And just like Paris, there’s the chance to join day trips and optional experiences. You’ll venture out to Stonehenge, a prehistoric megalithic stone circle, and can choose to join a day trip to the enchanting Cotswolds, visiting Shakespeare’s Stratford-upon-Avon, with a stop in the university town of Oxford.
RELAXED-PACE TOURS: London Explorer
RELATED BLOG: 13 of the best secret hidden spots to explore around London
Pearls of the Adriatic, Croatia
Set sail on an unhurried aquatic adventure across Croatia. Trafalgar’s Pearls of the Adriatic puts guests in rhythm with the gentle ebb and flow of the Adriatic Sea. This scenic 9-day cruise discovers the timeless beauty of Croatia at a relaxed pace.
Pass from Dubrovnik to Split, making overnight stops as scenic islands scattered like marbles in this small patch of sea. Imagine basking on sun-drenched beaches with crystal-clear water lapping at your toes. Explore charming towns and historical gems like Roman ruins and Venetian remnants at your own leisurely pace.
Visit the untouched paradise of Vis Island, and discover oyster farming in Ston, a seafood tradition dating back to Roman times. With ample free time and optional excursions, you can further tailor your experience to your interests, whether it’s wandering through charming villages, indulging in local delicacies, or simply soaking up the sun on a secluded beach.
GO ON TOUR: Pearls of the Adriatic
Hawaiian Explorer, Hawaii
Say Aloha to paradise! Ditch the rush and feel the spirit of Hawaii with an eight-day Trafalgar adventure. Starting on Oahu island, you’ll spend two nights in Honolulu. Visit the iconic Waikiki Beach and delving into the rich history of Pearl Harbor.
Then, fly to the Big Island of Hawaii. Witness the raw power of nature at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, and relax on the unique black sand of Punalu’u Beach. Here sunbathing sea turtles create a picture-perfect scene! Stroll through a Kona coffee plantation and taste the award-winning beans. And finally, join a traditional Hawaiian luau.
Spend your final two nights on Maui island, where you’ll connect with locals through a Be My Guest experience at O’o Farms, a local sustainable farm in the high country. Then you’ll enjoy a full day at leisure doing as much or as little as you like. Slow down, soak up the sun, and create lasting memories in Hawaii.
TAKE A TRIP: Hawaiian Explorer
Those are our 6 best relaxed pace tours. Have you been on one of them or would you like to join a slower pace tour? Let us know in the comments…