Going on the trip of a lifetime can put your whole world into perspective, coming home with a suitcase full of new memories – and a new lease of life. If that sounds like you coming back from your travels, then we reckon you’re a Memory Maker (if you’re not sure, then take our quiz here). Here are 12 life-affirming, unique experiences that do just that and help you Tour Passionately, from flamenco dancing in Spain to ziplining through Costa Rica’s jungle.
12 Unique Experiences with Trafalgar
An Evening of Portuguese Fado Music and Dinner
Fado is the expressive national song of Portugal, often called the soul of their identity – no trip to Portugal is complete without hearing it. The music is melancholic, but emotional. On Best of Portugal, you’ll visit one of the famed local Fado houses for an unforgettable performance and savor a typical Portuguese meal, with drinks included. A vocalist (fadista) is accompanied by a 12-string guitarra portuguesa or other stringed instruments like a viola.
Discover Lakota Culture through Song and Dance
On National Park Wonders you’ll meet Stephen Yellowhawk for a truly one-of-a-kind experience. A South Dakota performer, Stephen has been sharing his passion for dance, and determination to promote his Native American culture, for over 20 years. Raised by his grandparents from the Lakota tribe and Onondaga Iroquois tribe, Stephen will share his family and tribal history, culture, and traditions with you – the native songs and dances he shares will stay with you.
Feel the sizzle of Flamenco with a Three-Course Dinner
Feel the fire of flamenco dancing in Seville on Best of Spain, where we’re taking you to the best show in town. You’ll experience the magic, rhythm and passion of flamenco firsthand, all while enjoying a three-course dinner of Andalusian specialties. This is an evening you won’t forget.
Spot Local Arctic Fauna
Immerse yourself in nature in Finland’s Arctic Circle as you join a Local Specialist in the Ranua Arctic Wildlife Park on Nordic Adventure. More than 50 species of Nordic animals live in their natural habitat here, and your guide will introduce you to the unique wildlife of Northern Scandinavia. It’s home to Finland’s only polar bear, as well as wolves, lynxes, brown bears, arctic fox, reindeer and more.
Step Back in Time with the Vikings
As unique experiences go, discovering a historic Viking settlement is an exceptional one that you’ll see on Scenic Scandinavia and its Fjords. Just outside Stavanger lies the Hafrsfjord, a large Viking settlement, where houses from the iron age have been rebuilt on the original site. Step back in time as you take a guided visit, even trying some Viking snacks. Then embrace your inner King Arthur as you head to the monument Sverd i Fjell (Swords in Rock), made of Viking swords found across the country to form three swords fixed into the ground symbol symbolizing peace, unity and freedom.
Witness the Tango in its Home Country
On Impressions of South America, in Buenos Aires you have the chance to watch some of the city’s most talented tango dancers. Dive into culture as you watch the fiery, precise steps of this historic dance at El Viejo Almacen in the neighborhood of San Telmo – the most classic house of tango, putting on shows since 1969 and preserving the architecture and atmosphere of tango culture.
See Delhi through Local Eyes
This isn’t like any other walking tour – on Golden Triangle and the Tigers of Ranthambore, you’ll take the Delhi City Walk tour explores lesser-known attractions around Paharganj and New Delhi Railway Station, guided by a teenager at the Salaam Baalak Trust who once lived and worked on the streets of Delhi. This personal tour gives you a real look at the city through a local’s eyes.
Explore Tierra Del Fuego National Park’s Natural Beauty
Marvel at the beauty of Mother Nature in Tierra Del Fuego National Park on Wonders of Patagonia. Your Local Specialist will take you deep into the park’s natural splendor, passing by beautiful waterfalls, forests and snow-capped mountains in which the wildlife of this area find sanctuary. If you have a keen eye, you might even spot red foxes, condors, eagles and beavers.
Taste Heart of Palm
One of the most unique experiences you’ll have on this already jam-packed tour, on Monkeys, Jungles and Volcanoes you’ll meet the Tico family at their palm plantation where you’ll get to try the delicate heart of palm. In the middle of the tropical Costa Rican rainforest, on this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® experience you’ll taste something entirely new, all while supporting locals.
Zipline through Monteverde Cloud Forest
If you thought gliding up the rainforest on our Costa Rice Nature Adventure would be one of the most unique experiences, just wait until you have to get back down – on the Sky Trek, a series of 10 ziplines reaching up to 524 feet (160 meters) with distances of up to 2,500 feet (762 meters). You’ll fly through the forest, getting an adrenaline rush and a 360° perspective of the lush landscape.
Lose yourself in a Traditional Luau
You’ll be immersed in local Hawaiian culture on Hawaii Four Island Adventure as you witness the lively tradition of the Hawaiian Luau. Under the hala tress and a canopy of stars, listen to heart-pumping drums, watch Polynesian dancing, listen to the sound of the conch shell and feast on delicious island food right on Keauhou Bay on the Kona coast. You’ll be lost in the moment.
See the Heights of Mount Fuji
Prepare to feel dwarfed by the incredible Mount Fuji on Classic Japan. You’ll travel from the bustle of Tokyo to this celebrated UNESCO-listed site, where you can admire views of the iconic mountain and countryside from its 5th station – a magnificent vantage point at 2,300 meters.
Love the sound of these unique experiences? Discover how to Tour Differently with Trafalgar.