Recently updated on August 13th, 2023 at 12:24 pm
With over 300 trips across seven continents and over 70 countries, you can be sure you’ll find some pretty impressive experiences when you tour with Trafalgar. Our trips are all handcrafted by our passionate team to bring you exclusive access, unmissable icons, privileged local access, and the one-of-a-kind experiences that Trafalgar is known for. If you’re ready to Tour Differently, here are 13 extraordinary Trafalgar experiences to add to your bucket list.
1. Spend a royal night at Ashford Castle
You’ll walk in the footsteps of princes, presidents and the famous Guinness family when you experience our Stays With Stories at the iconic Ashford Castle in Ireland. Set on a magnificent 350-acre estate, a rich history lines the walls of this 800-year-old castle. Guests will get a truly royal experience here, with warm Irish hospitality and five-star luxury.
Even your entrance will be spectacular. You’ll board ‘The Isle of Innisfree’ on an exclusive cruise across the glistening waters of Lough Corrib. As you sail away, your Local Specialist Captain Patrick will share local stories and knowledge. On arrival, a piper will escort you over the grand drawbridge to the regal Ashford Castle. You’ll have time to explore the spectacular grounds and rooms, and in the evening you’ll dine like kings and queens at a lavish dining experience.
GET INSPIRED BY: Iconic Ireland and Ashford Castle
2. See the wonders of Patagonia
Patagonia is one of the world’s most remarkable final frontiers. When you tour with Trafalgar, you’ll get to see Patagonia in all its glory. Spread across both Chile and Argentina, we’ll take you on an unforgettable journey to the end of the earth. Marvel at giant glaciers like the Perito Moreno Glacier in Los Glaciares National Park. Or stretch your legs on scenic hiking trails like the famous ‘W’ trail in Torres del Paine National Park.
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Cruise down the Rio Serrano and marvel at the electric blue waters of the Laguna Amarga caldera. Spot the incredible wildlife of Ushuaia and Tierra del Fuego National Park and explore a prehistoric cave. Or meet the locals and discover the amazing cultures of the region… And this is just scratching the surface of what our extraordinary Patagonia tours have to offer!
GET INSPIRED BY: Wonders of Patagonia
3. Meet members of the ancient Himba tribe in Namibia
Trafalgar travel is all about leaving a positive impact on the communities we visit, and this is one of our most enriching experiences. On our journey through Namibia, we’ll meet members of the Himba community, thought to be the last semi-nomadic people in Namibia. You’ll learn about their incredible hunter-gatherer traditions that have been in place for thousands of years, and get an insight into the daily life of the Himba community. Your visit here will also help to preserve their customs and traditions. Trafalgar donates funds to a community trust used for food, medicine and other essentials.
GET INSPIRED BY: Namibia Adventure
4. Sleep (almost) under the stars on Rottnest Island
If you’re dreaming of a luxury beach escape, we’ve got the perfect experience for you. When you tour Western Australia with Trafalgar, we’ll take you sailing across the glittering Indian Ocean to the white sandy shores of Rottnest Island, the ultimate beach paradise.
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We’ll spend the night at Discovery Rottnest Island, a sustainable glamping experience with luxury eco-tents set on the gorgeous Pinky Beach. With direct beach access, stunning views across the Basin, a resort pool and Pinky’s Beach Club, this is the perfect place to reconnect with nature. You’ll unwind in private luxury and make some truly special memories.
5. Discover the treasures of the Canadian Arctic
You’re in for an unforgettable journey when you tour the Canadian Arctic with Trafalgar. We’ll take you far north to Manitoba, a province set directly below the Auroral Oval, making it one of the top three places in the world to see the spectacular Northern Lights. You’ll meet a Local Specialist photographer to help you capture this natural spectacle and spend your nights watching the sky for the mysterious dancing lights.
Visit Manitoba Conservation’s Polar Bear Holding Facility, ride a Tundra Buggy across the frozen Churchill River, and learn how to trek on snowshoes. You’ll also discover the incredible survival skills of the indigenous Inuit people at the Itsanitaq Museum. Or meet a Local Specialist dog sledding expert to learn about the traditions of the Métis people – and of course, enjoy a thrilling dog-sled ride.
6. Become immersed in the traditional culture of Japan
Japan is home to some ancient cultures, and we’ll take you on a deep dive through these incredible traditions. If you’re feeling crafty, you can learn about gold leaf painting in Kanazawa. Or see how local artisans make Japanese Washi paper in the World Heritage-listed village of Gokayama. For the ultimate foodie experiences, you can sample the famous Hiroshima style okonomiyaki. Or learn how to make sushi in Tokyo, and savour Japanese sake in Takayama Old Town.
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Discover the old-world traditions of the samurai or learn how to dress up in a traditional kimono. We’ll even take you to the mountain hot springs village of Kotohira for one of Trafalgar’s Stays With Stories in a traditional ryokan. See the breathtaking views from a nearby shrine or enjoy a relaxing soak in the onsen bath. There really are endless cultural wonders to explore in Japan.
GET INSPIRED BY: Splendours of Japan with Hiroshima
7. Embark on the ultimate East African safari adventure
The Masai Mara, the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater… These are just a few of the iconic places you’ll visit on an East African tour with Trafalgar. This bucket list adventure has got to be one of the most remarkable experiences in the world, and you’ll discover the spectacular landscapes, abundant wildlife, and amazing cultures and cuisines of Kenya and Tanzania.
One day you’ll be on a game drive to spot leopards, elephants and zebras, and the next you’ll be visiting a Masai village to learn more about this colourful community. Go cruising across great lakes like Lake Naivasha in search of hippos, or breathe in the rich aromas of the coffee plantations in Arusha. See tree-climbing lions, picnic in an ancient crater, and sleep on the edge of Africa’s largest lake, Lake Victoria.
GET INSPIRED BY: African Safari Adventure
8. Explore the extraordinary fjords of Norway
There are few Trafalgar travel experiences more incredible than exploring the fjords of Norway. We’ll take you on the Flåm Railway, one of the world’s most scenic train journeys to Sognefjord, famed as the ‘King of the Fjords’. You’ll get to soak it all up with one of Trafalgar’s Stays With Stories at the Sognefjord Hotel, beautifully located on the edge of the Sognefjord. The views are absolutely stunning but it doesn’t stop there.
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We’ll also take you to the breathtaking Geirangerfjord, where snowy peaks and lush landscapes surround the deep blue waters. You’ll also spend the night here with another incredible Stays With Stories experience at Hotel Havila Geiranger. If you just can’t get enough, you even have the option to take a cruise along the UNESCO-listed Næroy Fjord. This one is famed for its soaring mountains, waterfalls and tiny gorgeous villages.
GET INSPIRED BY: Scenic Scandinavia and its Fjords
9. Enjoy a traditional Costa Rican lunch on a real working ranch
One of our favourite Trafalgar experiences in Costa Rica is sharing a traditional BBQ lunch with Don Alberto and Doña Ana Quintana. You’ll meet them on their Hacienda Pozo Azul, a 2,000-acre working ranch near Serapiquí. Not only will you get to taste delicious local flavours, but you’ll also learn how the passionate Quintana family built their eco-friendly hacienda.
It’s an inspiring story as they were also able to develop a sustainable income for their local community. You’ll also learn about the Hacienda’s organic farm production with everything from vanilla and pepper to fruits and medicinal plants.
GET INSPIRED BY: Costa Rica Adventure
10. Meet the adorable panda bears of China
If you love cute and cuddly creatures, you can’t miss visiting the pandas of Chengdu. When you tour China with Trafalgar, we’ll take you to the amazing non-profit Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. Your local guide will show you around the facility and you’ll see the gorgeous pandas playing in the trees and ‘helping’ their keepers with chores.
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You’ll also learn about the ground-breaking work done by the facility to help protect the endangered Giant Pandas. There are less than 2,000 Giant Pandas remaining in the world, and your visit will help continue the crucial work of the facility and improve the Giant Panda’s population levels.
GET INSPIRED BY: Best of China with Yangtze Cruise
11. Soak up the beauty of Hvar in Croatia
So you’ve heard of the Greek Islands, but what about the beautiful Croatian Islands? We’ll take you cruising along the Adriatic to see some of these hidden gems, including the gorgeous island of Hvar. Join a Local Specialist to see the ancient Old Town and the 16th-century cathedral built by renowned Venetian architect, Sanmicheli. Or meet some of the locals over a traditional lunch cooked under an iron bell with locally-grown ingredients.
Go hiking along the rocky coastline, or dive into the bright blue waters of the Adriatic. You could even take a scenic drive to the UNESCO-listed Stari Grad, one of Europe’s oldest settlements. Or meet the owners of a local wine cellar and sample their delicious wines paired with prsut, cheese, fish pate and fresh bread.
GET INSPIRED BY: Highlights of Austria, Slovenia and Croatia
12. Enjoy a traditional Navajo cookout in Monument Valley
The Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park in the United States is one of the most mesmerising places in the world. You’ll marvel at vast red landscapes where sandstone buttes and rock formations tower to over 300 metres tall. Named the ‘Valley Between the Rocks’ by the indigenous Navajo people, you’ll also get to know more about the sacred meaning and history behind Monument Valley.
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The Navajo people have lived here for centuries and you’ll meet some local Native Americans during a Navajo Cookout on the valley floor. Tuck into delicious native specialities, hear moving stories and witness a traditional performance of song and dance.
GET INSPIRED BY: Scenic Parks Explorer
13. See the mysterious Nazca Lines in Peru
Found in southern Peru, the Nazca Lines are one of the world’s greatest mysteries, inspiring countless theories over the years. Carved into the desert sands, these pre-Columbian geoglyphs spread over a distance of 1,000 square kilometres. There are over 10,000 lines forming shapes like plants and animals, some of which stretch for more than nine kilometres.
Intrigued yet? The best way to see these enigmatic designs is from the air. We’ll take you soaring through the skies on a scenic flight to see these enormous patterns for yourself. You’ll also learn some of the theories explaining this man-made marvel. If you’re after more Peruvian treasures, be sure to also visit Machu Picchu, one of the most iconic ancient wonders.
GET INSPIRED BY: Land of the Incas
What are the most remarkable experiences you’ve enjoyed on our Trafalgar tours? Let us know in the comments below!