Nothing can truly prepare someone for the emotional impact of encountering a fully-grown silverback gorilla in the wild.  For most, it is a humbling and even spiritual experience. 

UAE and Oman offer an unexpected cornucopia of contrasts that, when taken together, make for an unforgettable vacation experience.

Morocco’s distinctive landscapes and enduring cultural heritage offer an enticing journey into the heart of North Africa.

The eyes capture you first – wide, intense and full of curiosity.  Madagascar’s enchanting lemurs are the island’s most celebrated residents. Ring-tailed, Indri, Western fat-tailed dwarf and red ruffled are just a few of the members this enchanting primate family. 

Exotic yet faintly familiar, Kenya calls to that wild streak deep in the human heart that longs to be out in nature, to be part of something grander than ourselves.  And in no place is that more evident than on the rolling grasslands of the great Masai Mara. 

This ancient desert kingdom weaves spellbinding stories of biblical settings, a mythic city carved from rock, Crusader castles, Lawrence of Arabia and age-old cultures.

The story of Egypt is written on a ribbon of time that tells tales both grand and small, past and present – from the reigns of pharaohs to the farmer who still tends his land with an ox as did his father and his father’s father. Egypt today is also stepping toward the future as it begins to encompass concepts of gender equality.

These Southern African nations represent some of the best remaining opportunities to discover the essence, the spirit of Africa. In these lands of exceptional wildlife and dazzling scenery, one of the last great adventures of Africa – the walking safari – was pioneered.

South Africa is a lion, a grape, a flower, a painting and a smile.  It stands out among African nations for its sheer diversity. 

Few countries in the world can rival Peru for the sheer drama of its archeological sites and the awesome physical beauty of its landscapes. Add distinctive cultures and Peru provides award-worthy adventures.

Panama is well-known as an international business center as well as possessing one of the most famous ditches ever dug – the Panama Canal, yet this small nation is less known for its abundance of natural charms and one truly unexpected feature – square trees!

Born of volcanoes, Guatemala has emerged as the star of Central America and offers diversity enough for everyone from bird watchers, to adventure sport enthusiasts, to history buffs.

Indigenous villages in the inland highlands, a plush cloud forest mountain, the backwater streams of the Amazonian Rainforest, the uniquely remarkable Galapagos Islands.

Costa Rica’s remarkable biodiversity comes wrapped in a rainbow of colors: cloud and rain forest dressed in a hundred shades of green; pristine Pacific beaches of white, beige and black sand; welcoming waterfalls of turquoise and jade; and red and orange from the surrounding volcanoes and romantic sunsets. Its neighbor, Nicaragua, also beckons with smoking volcanoes, lakes, mountains and vast ribbons of rainforest.

Colombia enjoys coastlines on the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea,lush Amazonian jungle, rich colonial towns, ancestral cultures and cosmopolitan cities.

Chile’s long, slender silhouette stretches some 2,653 miles from the tropics of the north down into Patagonia and the icy fingertip of the continent.  The country encompasses such diversity of geology and terrains that it holds a special appeal for nature lovers and adventurers.

One glance at a map of South America and it is immediately evident that Brazil occupies an enormous portion of the continent, with a powerful physical presence that includes thousands of miles of coastline, primeval wilderness and one of the most extensive river systems in the world as well as historic towns and cosmopolitan cities.

Bolivia beckons travelers with a wealth of remarkable experiences for travelers, from taking ride in a traditional reed boat on Lake Titicaca, the largest lake in South America, to cruising along the Salar de Uyuni, the world’s largest salt flat, a primary breeding ground for several species of flamingos.

Trek into the rainforest to discover Mayan ruins, canoe through ancient cave systems, explore barrier reefs, swim with the largest fish in the world… Belize is ripe with opportunities for adventure.

Nature has favored Argentina with some of the most legendary scenery on the South American continent; from the thunderous Iguassu Falls, to the stunning alpine scenery of the Lake District, to the jagged mountains of Patagonia that stretch south to Tierra del Fuego. And, its neighbor, Uruguay, is an often overlooked gem with much to offer from historic vineyards, to enchanting towns, to white sand beaches.

For the uninitiated Southeast Asia will inspire, surpise, frustrate, and excite all of the senses. From the flavours and spice of Northern Thai cuisine to the rich history and culture of Vietnam, the opportunities for exploration and discovery are endless.

Venturing through Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand, the Eastern & Oriental Express traverses the most iconic rail route in Southeast Asia. A luxurious private cabin provides an indulgent sanctuary to relax in, with picture frame windows perfect for watching the scenery unfold.

New Zealand’s two main islands are like fraternal twins with so much in common yet markedly distinct from one another.  

So much of Australia’s boisterous personality is simply over the top, making it all but impossible to single out one feature or location. Even so, this is an expansive country that captivates from the very first encounter.

From robust cities to time-honored villages; from the rich cultural traditions of the central mountain hill tribes to the rice fields of the Mekong Delta, Vietnam today is vibrant, spirited and warmly welcoming.

Thailand offers a kaleidoscope of intriguing images.  It is a land of striking natural beauty, renowned hospitality, robust cuisine and outstanding ruins of ancient kingdoms. 

Most people picture Sri Lanka as an island with pristine beaches and turquoise waters. While that is true, this distinctive island has so much more depth and richness owing to more than 3,000 years of documented history.

Myanmar, still often referred to as Burma, encompasses diverse landscapes – from its Andaman Sea coastline to the snowy peaks of the Eastern Himalayas located on its north shoulder.

Malaysia, the Strait of Malacca, Singapore, South China Sea…these exotic names have fired the imaginations of generations of travelers, luring them to the Far East.

Japan manages to blend old and new so seamlessly that the result is a dynamic and varied destination waiting to be explored.

Indonesia is a country of islands… more than 17,000 islands that encompass a world of cultures, pristine islands, unique and rare wildlife, and adventure activities from exploring cave systems to spectacular diving.

India epitomizes the fundamental reasons we travel – to experience the unfamiliar, to meet and learn from other societies, and to encounter a world far removed from our own.

China is simply too much – too big, too grand, too vast, too busy, too complex – to fit neatly into the space of a few pages. Hong Kong is the flashy metropolis that blends East and West, and Taiwan presents its own unique cultural story.

The reddish-brown Mekong River runs through Cambodia and Laos, where they share a bit of border. Both countries are less traveled than other Southeast Asia nations. 

These high-altitude destinations are bound by geography, spirituality, and something more – an intangible richness of experience that revolves around dramatic landscapes and traditional cultures that date back centuries.

Explore all the history, culture, and delicious food that Savannah has to offer!

Experience the History, culture, and Southern Charm of Charleston

Explore the colonial Spanish architecture and sandy beaches of the oldest city in the US

Savor the food and drink while you experience the Southern Charm of Charleston

Explore Eastern Canada in style. Over the course of two weeks, experience the food and culture of Montreal, the stunning views of St. John’s and Halifax, and the unique retreat at Fogo Island.

Experience the canals of Venice, the history and culture of Florence, and the views of Positano.

To embark on a voyage aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is to become part of its ever-changing history. As the gleaming carriages arrive into the station and the uniformed steward welcomes guests aboard, they’ll know that the journey of a lifetime has begun.

With the richest artistic heritage in the world, jaw-dropping coastlines of the Mediterranean, bustling metropolitan cities filled with UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the world's greatest gastronomic experiences, rolling hills and plentiful vineyards, Italy is the perfect vacation destination for families of all sizes, couples celebrating honeymoons and anniversaries, and groups of adventure-loving friends.

Six islands, each with its own unique personality. Bathed in sunshine, surrounded by the sea, and infused with a legendary spirit, known throughout the world as aloha – which breathes life into all who embrace it.

The rich history, culture, and countryside of Great Britain is unlike anywhere else in the world.

A place that is defined by its heritage, but refreshed with new ideas. A culture deep-rooted in history, but shaped by the people of today. A countryside that is vast and sprawling, yet quickly traveled with modern transportation. Great Britain is a perfect blend of everything that makes for a truly Great getaway.