From Provence to Lyon, Burgundy to Paris, bask in the history and art, culture and cuisine that marks these cherished spots. Begin in Aix-en-Provence, “City of Fountains,” then continue on to Arles and Roman-influenced Nimes. In Avignon enjoy a Provençal cooking class. Visit Les Beaux to see Carrieres de Lumiere, a multimedia art exhibit.  In Lyon, explore the ruins of the Gallo-Roman theater and view jaw-dropping street art. Embark on a cruise over pristine Lake Annecy, before making your way to the Burgundy wine region. Travel to historic Dijon, known for its rich history and culture. Lastly, spend two wonderful nights exploring Paris, the city of love.

Journey into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and join a carefully curated program. Meet developers in the old city of Jeddah, visit the UNESCO site of Riad Aljima, and the well-preserved Nabataean tombs, considered more extensive than Petra. Marvel at the open-air library of Jabal Ikmah where thousands of pre-Islamic inscriptions line the cliffs.  With special permission we experience Medina, the Kingdom’s second holiest city considered the cradle of Islamic culture and civilization. In Riyadh see the UNESCO-listed site of At-Turaif in Diriyah. In Dammam (the headquarters of the country’s oil company ARAMCO) visit the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture, an arts center developed by Saudi Aramco incorporating a museum, library, cinema, auditorium, and lecture halls. Join an optional post-trip extension to Bahrain.

Experience the vibrant contrasts of South Korea, where ancient traditions blend with modern innovation. Stroll through peaceful hanok villages surrounded by the colors of autumn and explore the dynamic streets of Seoul. Delve into the nation’s rich history with visits to royal palaces, traditional neighborhoods, and the Demilitarized Zone, where the story of North and South Korea unfolds. Journey to Jeju Island, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, to admire its volcanic landscapes and coastal beauty. Meet the Haenyeo, the remarkable women free-divers. Enjoy authentic cultural experiences—sip tea with a Buddhist monk, try your hand at Korean cooking, and share tea in a village home.

The romantic Douro River winds through northern Portugal, creating a landscape of sculpted hills and terraced vineyards. Begin your journey exploring the Spanish cities of Madrid and Salamanca. Then embark on a 7-night cruise aboard the Ama Vida from picturesque, medieval Barca d’Alva to Porto, a delightful mosaic of scarlet and gold architecture. Taste locally produced olives, almonds, breads and cheeses, and of course, port–the famous sweet, fortified wine the area is known for. Along the way, you’ll learn about the Alto Douro’s winemaking history, witness beautiful Portuguese tile artwork and explore charming villages . Madrid and Lisbon extensions are available.

Venturing to Antarctica is an expedition like no other–a chance to explore wonderlands of sculpted snow and ice where whales swim, penguins flock and albatross soar. Cruise the Drake Passage one way, and then bypass the Drake on the way back on a 2-hour flight. Travel with a team of experts aboard the National Geographic Explorer, the definitive expedition ship. Venture into channels and coves framed by towering peaks. Watch for whales off the bow; Zodiac cruise around enormous icebergs; and hike or kayak. Plus, get top shots with the help of a National Geographic Photography Expert.

Take a voyage to the extraordinary Galápagos Islands on this 10-day adventure, experiencing one of the world’s richest marine ecosystems, with exceptional volcanic landscapes and wildlife not found anywhere else on Earth. Enjoy two nights in then fly to North Seymour Island and embark on the La Pinta, an exclusively chartered, first-class small ship. Each day, disembark by Zodiac boat to discover the natural splendor of six distinctly unique islands. Enjoy nature walks, snorkeling and kayaking excursions, and glass-bottom boat rides. Encounter the beloved blue-footed boobies, be awed by primeval-looking iguanas, and swim with playful sea lions.

On this relaxed 11-day small group exploration, discover Costa Rica’s staggering biodiversity.  See towering Irazú Volcano and tour the Doka Coffee Estate. In Carrizal, admire the wondrous orchids then travel to the Arenal region for spectacular views of Arenal Volcano. Meet local schoolchildren and visit a remarkable biological reserve.  Take a sky walk high above the rainforest floor and explore Monteverde’s amazingly diverse cloud forest.  Spending three nights at a Guanacaste beachfront resort, take a Tempisque River float safari. 

Experience the natural beauty and fascinating cultures in Cambodia and Vietnam on this 15-day adventure. Enjoy seven nights aboard the small ship Jayavarman, as you cruise through Tonle Lake and down the storied Mekong River from Siem Reap to Ho Chi Minh City. The cruise is augmented by deluxe hotel stays for an additional five nights. Explore the beautiful ruins of Angkor Thom, Ta Prohm and Angkor Wat, all part of a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit Phnom Penh, once known as the "Paris of the East," and Ho Chi Minh City, a nexus of history, culture and culinary delights. Observe unique wildlife species and beautiful riverscapes along the Mekong.

Tour cosmopolitan Auckland and cruise its glittering harbor.  Experience Maori culture in geothermal Rotorua.  In Hawke’s Bay, sample an acclaimed winery’s offerings, then discover Napier’s Art Deco architecture.  Visit Wellington’s celebrated national museum.  After touring historic Christchurch, ride the breathtaking TranzAlpine train.  Encounter the spectacular Franz Josef Glacier and see kiwi birds.  In Fiordland National Park, cruise through stunning Doubtful Sound.

A truly fascinating land of rich traditions and dizzying modernity is revealed on this well-crafted 13-day small group tour.  See highlights of amazing Tokyo and cultural capital Kyoto, engage in local life, and head off the beaten path to alluring historic destinations. Japan’s pastoral side dazzles with magnificent Mt. Fuji.  Overnight in a traditional ryokan inn and travel by express train to lovely Takayama.  A traditional tea ceremony and a cooking class offer hands-on Japanese cultural experiences.  Explore culturally rich Kanazawa.  Discover Hiroshima reborn with an optional 3-day/2-night post-tour extension.