Peru: Land of the Inca

Within the mountains of Peru lies a wealth of ancient Inca temples, Spanish colonial towns, and breathtaking Andean vistas. Discover the magnificent capital of Cusco, hike to ruins in the Urubamba Valley, meet artisans and archaeologists, and examine pre-Colombian treasures at the renowned Larco Herrera Museum. Then spend the night among the enchanting ruins of Machu Picchu, excavated by Hiram Bingham with funding from National Geographic more than a century ago.

Trip Highlights

• Watch day break over the mountaintop Inca ruins of Machu Picchu.
• Explore cathedrals in the Inca Empire's capital city of Cusco, stroll colorful markets in the Sacred Valley of the Inca, and discover the towering stones of the Sacsayhuaman Fortress.
• Join archaeologist and National Geographic grantee Peter Frost for talks on the Inca and on his archaeological expeditions in Peru, which have been featured in National Geographic magazine.*
• Attend a private demonstration of traditional Andean weaving techniques by a National Geographic grantee, and hear local musicians play indigenous instruments in a 16th-century monastery.

Itinerary - 8 Days

Day 1 — U.S./Lima, Peru

Depart for Lima, Peru's largest city, founded in the 1500s by conquistador Francisco Pizarro. Transfer to our hotel upon arrival and enjoy an evening to relax. 


Ramada Costa Del Sol Airport Hotel

Day 2 — Cusco/Sacred Valley of the Inca

Fly from Lima to Cusco this morning, and drive into the Sacred Valley of the Inca, stopping for a visit to Awanacancha, a farm where llamas and alpacas are bred. At our lodge and spa, nestled in tropical gardens in the hills just outside of Urubamba, settle into your private bungalow. Before dinner, enjoy a talk by National Geographic grantee Peter Frost*, who has been exploring the Andes for 35 years. In 2001 and 2002, Peter led National Geographic Society-sponsored expeditions into the remote region of Vilcabamba, Peru, finding and exploring the previously unknown Inca and pre-Inca site of Qoriwayrachina (National Geographic magazine, February 2004). 

Hotel Sol y Luna (B,L,D)

Day 3 — Sacred Valley of the Inca

Travel further into the valley to Ollantaytambo this morning. Peter will join us here to explore the massive stone fortress where the Inca won their greatest victory against the conquistadores. Back at the lodge, meet National Geographic grantee Nilda Callañaupa, who has helped preserve and revive traditional Inca textiles. Learn about her ancient craft and watch a weaving demonstration. After a barbecue lunch, witness the delicate dance of paso horses during a presentation of traditional horsemanship, and enjoy a chance to ride these elegant creatures, known for their unusual gait. During a free afternoon, go for a walk or a horseback ride in the hills, visit a local pottery studio, or indulge in the spa. Gather for a captivating performance of folkloric stilt dancing tonight.

Hotel Sol y Luna (B,L,D)

Day 4 — Machu Picchu

An exhilarating morning train ride brings us through the valley and then up steep slopes to magnificent Machu Picchu. Isolated among mountain peaks, Machu Picchu is one of the world's most awe-inspiring sites. The sacred citadel was abandoned by the Inca, reclaimed by the jungle, and lost to history until it was rediscovered by Hiram Bingham in 1911 and excavated with support from the National Geographic Society. Discover the mysteries of the "lost city of the Inca" on a guided walk of the citadel and then check into our incredible lodge overlooking the ruins—the only accommodation adjacent to Machu Picchu. This afternoon, return to the site to explore with a guide; head off on your own to see the Inca Bridge, built on a stone path that the Inca cut into a sheer cliff face; or request a private soak in the hotel’s hot tub, which is hidden in the surrounding cloud forest and has stunning views of the ruins. Watch twilight descend on Machu Picchu after the crowds have disappeared, and soak up the quiet enchantment of this legendary site.

Sanctuary Lodge (B,L,D)

Day 5 — Machu Picchu/Cusco

Before sunrise, hike up to the Sun Gate, the final checkpoint of the Inca Trail, and watch day break over the timeless ruins of Machu Picchu. Spend the rest of this morning wandering through the site on your own. After lunch, board the train and ride back to Cusco. Once the capital of the Inca Empire, Cusco is a city of astonishing charm and beauty. Our home here is an exquisite 16th-century monastery just steps from the city square. Take a stroll in the elegant arcaded courtyard and admire the 16th-century antiques and paintings decorating the halls before a special dinner with opera singers in the vaulted dining room.

Hotel Monasterio (B,L,D)

Day 6 — Cusco

Delve into the legacy of the Inca and the Spanish during a full day of exploration in Cusco. Examine the massive stone boulders that make up the 15th-century Sacsayhuaman fortress, site of one of the bloodiest battles in the Spanish conquest. See the Coricancha, a 17th-century cathedral and convent built atop the ruins of an opulent Inca temple. Then enjoy the afternoon at leisure to stroll around this beautiful city or relax at our historic hotel. This evening, experience the music of the Andes at a presentation of indigenous instruments.


Hotel Monasterio (B,D)

Day 7 — Cusco/Lima

After our flight back to Lima, visit the renowned Larco Herrera Museum to view the world's largest private collection of pre-Columbian art. Catch the changing of the guard at the Plaza Mayor before we gather for a farewell lunch at Casa Aliaga, a lovely colonial home. Later, check into our hotel, perched on the waterfront in the elegant Miraflores district, and take the rest of the day to relax or explore on your own.

Miraflores Park Hotel (B,L)

Day 8 — Lima/U.S.

After breakfast, transfer to the Lima airport for the return flight home.

This information from...National Geographic Expeditions.

Southern Italy and the Amalfi Coast

Venture into southern Italy on an expedition inspired by National Geographic Traveler's September 2011 article "The Towns Italy Forgot." In Puglia, the narrow peninsula that comprises Italy's "heel," discover whitewashed villages surrounded by ancient olive groves. Then visit the rugged landscapes of Basilicata and the famous sassi, or cave dwellings, of Matera. Cap off your adventure by exploring the gorgeous Amalfi Coast and the stunning ruins of Pompeii, Oplontis, and Paestum.

Trip Highlights

• Stay in a unique hotel housed within the carved grottoes of Matera.
• Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Alberobello, dotted with more than 1,500 whimsical beehive dwellings called trulli.
• Hike among the centuries-old olive trees in Puglia, the extraordinary rock churches in Basilicata, and the hillside villages of Amalfi.
• Go on an insider’s tour of Pompeii with a local guide.

Itinerary - 10 Days

Days 1 & 2 — U.S./Bari, Italy

Depart on an overnight flight to Bari, the capital of Italy's picturesque Puglia region. Transfer to our hotel, housed in one of the beautiful masserie, or fortified farmhouses, for which Puglia is so famous. Settle into your room and enjoy free time to explore this fabulous hotel and its waterfront before our welcome reception and dinner this evening.

Torre Coccaro (D)

Day 3 — Valle D'Itria

Spend the day in the Valle D’Itria, traveling through landscapes of brick-red earth, silvery olive trees, and trulli—the fairy-tale-like stone dwellings found in this region. Wander past elegant mansions in the baroque village of Martina Franca. Explore Alberobello, a World Heritage site scattered with more than 1,500 trulli, which offers insight into this mysterious form of architecture that dates back to prehistoric times.

Torre Coccaro (B,L,D)

Day 4 — Lecce

Travel to the town of Lecce, known for its elegant baroque architecture and the Roman amphitheater which remains visible under the present-day piazza. Enjoy free time to explore the town and stop for lunch on your own. Tonight, gather for a wine tasting followed by a feast of Puglia's most typical dishes.

Torre Coccaro (B,D)

Day 5 — Puglia/Basilicata

Visit the archeological site of Egnazia, where digs continue to reveal Bronze Age and Roman ruins. Then take a walk with a local naturalist among the picturesque olive groves that stretch in every direction of Puglia. Some of the groves contain trees that date back a thousand years and are protected by regional law. After lunch, journey to the mountainous region of Basilicata, where our destination is the extraordinary hill town of Matera. This World Heritage site features at its core a cluster of sassi (literally the “stones”), ancient dwellings and caves carved out of the soft rock face by prehistoric settlers and inhabited until the 1950s. Our remarkable hotel lies within these restored grottoes and retains the character and integrity of the original dwellings.

Le Grotte Della Civita (B,L,D)

Day 6 — Matera

Spend a full day soaking up the unique ambience of Matera. Venture down the steep streets that crisscross Barisano and Caveoso, the two districts of Matera's sassi. Visit a house furnished as it would have been when as many as ten people lived with their animals in one or two rooms. Explore the chiese rupestri, or rock churches, some of which still have their original fresco decorations. After lunch on your own, head out on an easy hike along the opposite ridge of the ravine on which Matera is built and discover some of the rock churches that dot the countryside. Our expert Massimo will help travelers improve their photography skills along the way.

Le Grotte Della Civita (B,D)

Day 7 — Paestum/Sorrento

Today, travel west to the ancient Greek archaeological site of Paestum. Explore its magnificent temples before gathering for lunch in an 18th-century manor house right at the site. Continue to the lively and elegant town of Sorrento, perched on the Bay of Naples. Enjoy an evening at leisure to explore the town. 

Imperial Hotel Tramontano (B,L)

Day 8 — Amalfi Coast

A morning drive brings us to the Amalfi Coast, where picturesque towns and villages nestle among cliffs that drop dramatically to the sea. Stop in Amalfi, once one of Italy's four great maritime republics, and see its beautiful Romanesque cathedral. Visit Positano, perched on the cliff face at the water's edge, and enjoy free time to wander the steep streets. Return to Sorrento, and enjoy dinner on your own tonight.

Imperial Hotel Tramontano (B)

Day 9 — Pompeii/Sorrento

Spend the morning in Pompeii, a city frozen in time when Mount Vesuvius erupted in a.d. 79, blanketing the area in a thick layer of ash and debris. The site was only discovered many centuries later, when, in 1748, explorers excavated dwellings, everyday objects, and the bodies of Pompeii’s residents, all remarkably preserved in the volcanic ash. Venture into this splendid and haunting city, see its frescoed villas, and get a rare glimpse of daily life nearly 2,000 years ago. Return to Sorrento for lunch on your own and an afternoon at leisure. Celebrate your journey at a farewell dinner this evening.

Imperial Hotel Tramontano (B,D)

Day 10 — Naples/U.S.

After breakfast, transfer to the Naples airport for return flights home.

This information from...National Geographic Expeditions.

Hungary

Riddled with caves, rolling with wine country, and carpeted with spectacular Alpine scenery, Slovenia and its neighbors, southern Austria and Hungary, are enchanting places to discover on foot. Hike above glacial valleys and through medieval villages, find gorgeous waterfalls, and soak up serene mountain scenery that once figured in World War I battles. Watch the sunset over the Adriatic from the harbor in Piran and from Bled Castle, perched high above Lake Bled. Sample some of region’s best wines and cuisine, and experience the unusual and engaging cultural blend of some of Central Europe’s least discovered landscapes.

Trip Highlights

• Stroll vineyard-striped hillsides and taste wines from Hungary’s Lake Balaton to Goriška Brda in Slovenia.
• Hike Slovenia’s stunning Alpine scenery: from snow-covered peaks and glacially carved valleys to pristine Lake Bohinj.
• Discover medieval history at a floating grain mill and herders’ cone-roofed huts.
• Delve into the otherworldly limestone cathedrals of Škocjan Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Itinerary - 10 Days

Day 1 — Budapest, Hungary

Arrive in Budapest, a city that flanks the Danube River and harbors grand imperial architecture and a vibrant, progressive culture. Transfer to our hotel in the heart of the city before an orientation and welcome dinner.

Hotel Kempinski Corvinus (D)

Day 2 — Lake Balaton

Head southwest to the beech forests and aquamarine waters of Lake Balaton, Central Europe’s largest lake. Set out on a hike in Balaton Uplands National Park and learn about the region’s geology. The mild climate and volcanic soil are perfect for viniculture, and wineries abound. Sample some of the local vintages, then check into our historic lakeside hotel. (4 miles hiking, 2 hours)

Anna Grand Hotel (B,L,D)

Day 3 — Prekmurje, Slovenia/Styria, Austria

Discover northern Slovenia’s distinct Prekmurje cultural region today. Hike the floodplain of the Mura River, known for birdlife such as storks and kingfishers, and visit a floating grain mill, a tradition dating from the fourth century. Stop for lunch at an organic farm and taste distinctively nutty, cold-pressed pumpkin oil—a Slovenian specialty. Cross into Austria’s Styria region, often compared to Tuscany for its rolling hills and vineyards. Gather for a special wine tasting and dinner. (3–4 miles hiking, 2 hours)

Life Medicine Resort Das Kurhaus (B,L,D)

Days 4 & 5 — Logarska Valley, Slovenia

Just across the border in the Slovenian Alps lies the Logarska Dolina, a dazzlingly green glacial valley backed by soaring, ice-capped peaks. Set out on a hike up to the mountain ridge, taking in views of Austria and Slovenia. From our hotel in the valley, watch the sunset paint the rocky peaks in shades of orange and pink. The next day, our destination is the remote glacial cirque of Okreselj, tucked beneath a semicircle of steep mountain walls. A fairytale trail next to a stream leads us to the sparkling Rinka waterfall, the second highest in Slovenia. (Day 4: 4 miles hiking, 3–4 hours; Day 5: 5 miles hiking, 4 hours)

Hotel Plesnik (B,L,D)

Day 6 — Velika Planina/Lake Bohinj

Explore the herding lifestyle of the Velika Planina or Great Highlands. Hike through pasturelands alive with the sound of cowbells, past old herdsmen’s wooden huts with Alpine peaks all around. Pause to taste a bit of locally made cheese. This afternoon, travel west into the Julian Alps to crystal-clear Lake Bohinj and check in to our lakeside hotel. (5 miles hiking, 3–4 hours)

Hotel Jezero (B,L,D)

Day 7 — Lake Bohinj and Lake Bled

The mountains that embrace Lake Bohinj are part of one of Europe’s oldest national parks, Triglav. We’ll hike along Mostnica River here, passing gorges filled with blue-green pools and waterfalls. Picnic in lush meadows beside the lake and discover its secluded beaches. Later, visit 1,000-year-old Bled castle, perched high on a pinnacle above Lake Bled, and witness the panoramic view at sunset. Sit down to dinner in the lively town of Bled tonight. (5 miles hiking, 4 hours)

Hotel Jezero (B,L,D)

Day 8 — Vršič Pass/Sleme/Kobarid

As we traverse the Julian Alps, stop to admire the breathtaking vista from Vršič Pass, built by Russian prisoners of war during World War I. From here, hike to Sleme, identifying dozens of Alpine flowers en route, and picnic by a small glacier lake. End the day in the valley of the jade-colored Soča River, settled in at the countryside villa of one of Slovenia’s best chefs, near the town of Kobarid. (3 miles hiking, 4 hours)

Hiša Franko (B,L,D)

Day 9 — Kobarid/Piran

The Soča River Valley was the setting for the fierce battles of WWI’s Isonzo Front, described in Ernest Hemingway’s A Farewell to Arms. Trace this turbulent history at the Kobarid Museum, then walk to the hidden waterfall of Kozjak. Follow the scenic wine route of the Goriška Brda, stopping to taste local wines, including the native Rebula whites. Continue to the picturesque town of Piran on the Adriatic coast. (1 mile hiking, 1 hour)

Hotel Piran (B,L,D)

Day 10 — Škocjan Caves/Ljubljana

The geological phenomenon known as karst is named for Slovenia’s Kras region. Head there today to discover a landscape of eroded limestone formations, and venture into the otherworldly underground passages of the Škocjan Caves, a World Heritage site. Our adventure ends this afternoon in the delightful capital city of Ljubljana, where a bright and lively mix of cultures thrives along the Ljubljanica River. Transfer to the airport for your flight home, or extend your stay to discover Ljubljana.

Hotel Piran (B,L)

This information from...National Geographic Expeditions.

Japan

Discover Japan’s intriguing contrasts on a journey inspired by National Geographic Traveler’s January/February 2012 article "Japan’s Past Perfect." Explore Kyoto’s iconic temples and ascend to the sacred pilgrimage site of Mount Koya. Step back in time in the age-old villages of Shikoku, then encounter cutting-edge architecture on Naoshima and the bustle of a revitalized Hiroshima.

Trip Highlights

• Immerse yourself in Shikoku’s timeless Iya Valley, dotted with thatched cottages, shrines, and vine bridges.
• Stay at an ancient mountain temple, a traditional rural ryokan, and Benesse House, designed by acclaimed architect Tadao Ando.
• Experience a splendid spectrum of gardens, from Zen rock gardens to the lush moss gardens of Saihoji.
• Participate in a tea ceremony, meet a former geisha, and attend a Buddhist prayer service.

Itinerary - 12 Days

Days 1 & 2 — U.S./Osaka, Japan/Kyoto

Fly to Osaka, cross the international date line, and arrive on Day 2. Transfer to Kyoto and check into our centrally located hotel.

Kyoto Hotel Okura

Day 3 — Kyoto

Kyoto served as an imperial capital for more than a thousand years, and many of the wooden temples and gardens from that era have been collectively designated a World Heritage site by UNESCO. Stroll the elegant Zen rock garden at Ryoanji and iconic Kinkakuji, or “temple of the golden pavilion.” Enjoy a specially arranged visit to Saihoji, also known as Kokedera, or “moss temple,” for the more than 120 species of moss that carpet its beautiful gardens. At tonight’s welcome dinner, meet a former geisha to learn about the geisha lifestyle and enjoy a short performance.

Kyoto Hotel Okura (B,L,D)

Day 4 — Kyoto

Wander through Arashiyama’s atmospheric bamboo grove. Continue to Nijo Castle, built in 1603 and designated a national treasure. Explore the castle’s Ninomaru Palace, known for its beautiful wall paintings and its “nightingale” floors, designed to squeak when stepped upon to warn of intruders. This afternoon, visit an artisanal ceramics workshop and participate in a traditional tea ceremony.

Kyoto Hotel Okura (B,L,D)

Day 5 — Mount Koya

Travel to Mount Koya, headquarters of the Shingon Buddhist sect. Meet a temple priest and wander through the evocative Okuno-in cemetery, where the tombs of more than 200,000 samurai warriors and other dignitaries fill a grove of age-old cedar trees. Venture into Kongobuji, the chief temple of the Mount Koya monastery, and see work by artists of the Kano school of painting. Settle into our simple lodgings at Rengejo-in, the first temple of Shingon Buddhism, and enjoy a traditional Buddhist vegetarian dinner. 

Rengejo-In Monastery (B,L,D)

Day 6 — Mount Koya/Iya Valley

After attending an optional morning prayer ceremony, descend to the shores of the Inland Sea and ferry across to Shikoku, the smallest of Japan’s main islands. In Tokushima, see costumes and floats from the city’s 400-year-old dance festival at the Awa Odori Kaikan museum. Our home for the next two nights in the Iya Valley is a traditional Japanese inn, or ryokan, where inviting on-site hot spring baths offer a chance to relax and refresh. 

Hotel Hikyonoyu (B,L,D)

Day 7 — Iya Valley

Travel along the steep slopes of the Iya ravine to a 300-year-old thatched farmhouse, home to the Chiiori Trust, a unique project that seeks to preserve age-old rural traditions in the valley. Continue to the Okuiya Niju Kazurabashi, twin suspension bridges made of intertwined vines, and hear the legends of their creation. Witness timeless scenes of village life in Ochiai, a community of traditional dwellings, some of which date from the Edo period (ca. 1600-1870). 

Hotel Hikyonoyu (B,L,D)

Day 8 — Shikoku/Naoshima

Travel north to Zentsuji, revered as the birthplace of the Buddhist priest Kobo Daishi and as one of the important stops along Shikoku’s 750-mile and 88-temple pilgrimage route. In Takamatsu, stroll through the tranquil gardens of 17th-century Ritsurin Park. A ferry then brings us to the small island of Naoshima, which has recently emerged as a mecca of contemporary art and architecture. Get a new perspective on nature through inventive art installations at the Benesse House Museum this afternoon and stay in the adjacent hotel, designed by acclaimed architect Tadao Ando. 

Benesse House (B,L,D)

Day 9 — Naoshima/Hiroshima

Wander past the works of Claude Monet and James Turrell at the innovative Chichu Art Museum, built underground but designed to capture natural light and shadow. Also visit a house that is part of the Art House Project, which has transformed some of the island’s older structures into imaginative works of art. Ferry back to Honshu and take the high-speed train to Hiroshima. 

Rihga Royal Hotel Hiroshima (B,L)

Day 10 — Hiroshima

Pay a visit to Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial Park and the Peace Memorial Museum, which documents the atomic explosion that ravaged the city. This afternoon, go on an optional guided visit to Shukkei-en garden or explore this thriving modern metropolis—a testament to Japanese resilience— on your own. 

Rihga Royal Hotel Hiroshima (B,L)

Day 11 — Miyajima/Hiroshima

Set off by ferry for a full-day excursion on Itsukushima Island, popularly called Miyajima. Venture into the 12th-century Itsukushima Shinto Shrine, a World Heritage site built over the water, where a vermillion torii (wooden gateway) appears to float at high tide. Take advantage of free time to go on a hike, visit temples, and stroll through the picturesque town. Back in Hiroshima this evening, gather for a farewell dinner. 

Rihga Royal Hotel Hiroshima (B,D)

This information from...National Geographic Expeditions.

India

Deep in India’s wilderness, the majestic tiger prowls in greater numbers than anywhere else in the world, and rare beasts like greater one-horned rhinoceroses and sloth bears coexist with countless species of birds. On safari with a National Geographic grantee in three national parks—Panna, Bandhavgarh, and Kaziranga—experience some of India’s best wildlife viewing, and track the elusive Bengal tiger.

Trip Highlights

• Spend two days in Bandhavgarh National Park, home to perhaps the greatest density of wild tigers in India.
• Visit Qutb Minar and the magnificent temples of Khajuraho, both UNESCO World Heritage sites.
• Explore India’s wild habitats with Krithi Karanth or Sandesh Kadur, two of National Geographic’s Emerging Explorers.
• Ride an elephant through the grasslands of Kaziranga, where most of the world’s greater one-horned rhinoceroses roam.

Itinerary - 15 Days

Days 1, 2, & 3 — U.S./Delhi, India

Depart on an overnight flight to Delhi and transfer to our hotel upon arrival. The next day, discover the sights of New Delhi, India’s capital city since 1911. See the colonnaded house of the Indian Parliament and the ornate presidential palace, Rashtrapati Bhavan, and pay a visit to the India Gate, a memorial to Indian soldiers killed in World War I. Step into centuries past at the World Heritage sites of Qutb Minar, an early 13th-century red sandstone minaret that rises 238 feet into the air, and Humayun’s Tomb, an impressive example of early Mogul architecture. Stop in at the Okhla Bird Sanctuary, whose residents include striated babblers, white-tailed stonechats, and streaked weavers.

Radisson Blu Plaza Delhi (B,L,D)

Day 4 — Khajuraho/Panna

After breakfast, fly to Khajuraho to visit a stunning group of Hindu and Jain temples that date back a thousand years. Wander through this World Heritage site to examine shrines covered in magnificent sculptures. Continue overland to Panna National Park, a wildlife reserve that links populations of wild animals in the Vindhya Range of Madhya Pradesh.

Pashan Garh (B,L,D)

Day 5 — Panna

Embark on morning and afternoon game drives in the Panna wilderness for an introduction to India’s native deer species, including the sambar, chital, and chousingha; and the nilgai, Asia’s largest antelope. Search for elusive predators such as leopards and dholes (Indian wild dogs) and look for sloth bears perched on rocky escarpments. With luck, we may see our first tiger, as efforts to stablize a small population of tigers in Panna are ongoing. Between drives, relax at our hilltop lodge overlooking a watering hole where animals come to drink. If water levels permit, take a boat ride on the Ken River to see several species of water birds or a large mugger crocodile basking on the river bank.

Pashan Garh (B,L,D)

Days 6, 7, & 8 — Bandhavgarh

Travel to Bandhavgarh National Park, the former hunting preserve of the maharajas of Rewa, which now boasts one of the highest concentrations of wild tigers in India. Spend two days on safari in the park, tracking more than 40 resident tigers and spotting other wildlife: black-faced Hanuman langurs; macaques; wild boar; and a variety of bird species, including Bonelli’s eagles, malabar pied hornbills, and perigrine falcons. See the enormous reclining statue of Lord Vishnu known as Shesh Shaiya, which dates back to the tenth century. During our free time, set out from our lodge on guided nature walks or indulge in an optional spa treatment. In the evenings, take in a traditional dance performance or relax around the bonfire under the stars.

Kings Lodge (B,L,D daily)

Days 9 & 10 — Jabalpur/Kolkata

Take a scenic drive to Jabalpur and board a flight to Kolkata via Delhi. The following day, explore historic Kolkata, the capital of British India from 1772 to 1911 and one of the largest British trading centers in the world. Visit the Writers’ Building, once the headquarters of the British East India Company, and step into St. John’s Church, built in the 18th century. At the Mother House of the Missionaries of Charity, stroll through halls where Mother Teresa lived and worked and visit her tomb. Stop by the Victoria Memorial Hall, Kolkata’s most iconic building, dedicated to Queen Victoria. 

Taj Bengal (B,L,D daily)

Day 11 — Jorhat/Kaziranga National Park

Fly to Jorhat in India’s eastern State of Assam and continue overland to Kaziranga National Park. Check into our lodge, set among bamboo groves and fruit orchards, and get settled in private cottages built on stilts in the local tradition.

Infinity Resort Kaziranga (B,L,D)

Days 12 & 13 — Kaziranga National Park

Stretching along the edge of the Brahmaputra River, Kaziranga National Park is a World Heritage site and one of the last unspoiled wildernesses in eastern India. The park and its environs have been designated a tiger reserve and a BirdLife International Important Bird Area. Explore the varied landscapes by elephant and by 4x4 vehicle, venturing through fields of elephant grass, marshlands, and dense forests to find tigers, greater one-horned rhinoceroses, Asian elephants, water buffalo, and more than 300 species of domestic and migratory birds. Outside the park, experience everyday life in a nearby village, visit a rubber or tea plantation, and watch mahouts bathe their elephants. If you choose, take a boat ride on the Brahmaputra River to search for Ganges river dolphins. Celebrate our last evening with a festive farewell dinner and a traditional dance performance.

Infinity Resort Kaziranga (B,L,D daily)

Days 14 & 15 — Kaziranga/Kolkata/U.S.

After a final morning game drive, fly from Jorhat to Kolkata and check into day rooms. Enjoy time to relax before transferring to the airport for overnight flights home.

Swissôtel Kolkata (B,L,D)

This information from...National Geographic Expeditions.

China

Welcome to China—ancient, intriguing, beautiful, and mind-boggling in its cultural and natural diversity. Get ready for a kaleidoscopic array of experiences: venture into Beijing's Forbidden City and the watchtowers of the Great Wall; excavate an ancient emperor’s tomb with archaeologists in Xi’an; and zoom to the top of Shanghai's most iconic skyscraper. Meet a traditional kite-maker and a martial arts master, and learn how to make shadow puppets on a family adventure that will fascinate every generation.

Trip Highlights

• Visit the Terracotta Warriors Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and create your own Terracotta Warrior under the guidance of a local expert.
• Take a bicycle ride along Xi’an’s old city walls.
• Climb watchtowers on a less-visited part of the Great Wall and have lunch on the observation deck of Shanghai’s iconic Oriental Pearl TV Tower.
• Join local masters to learn Chinese cooking or tai chi, kung fu, or traditional kite-making.

Itinerary - 10 Days

Days 1, 2, & 3 — U.S./Shanghai, China

Cross the international date line and arrive in Shanghai on Day 2. The next day, delve into Shanghai’s old town. Explore the zigzagging paths of Yu Yuan Garden and the bustling market. After a dim sum lunch, learn the secrets of Chinese cuisine with a local chef or join a tai chi master for a lesson. Gather for a fun welcome dinner. 

Equatorial Shanghai Hotel

Day 4 — Shanghai to Xi’an

Today, explore the Shanghai Museum, a cultural treasure chest. Enjoy an illuminating private tour, accompanied by a museum specialist/curator who introduces you and your family to this exquisite collection of bronzes, jade, ceramics, calligraphy, sculpture, painting, furniture, imperial seals and ancient coins, many of them priceless. The specially designed museum building itself (opened in 1996) echoes the shape of an ancient cooking vessel, called a ding. Continue to one of the most iconic and easily recognized landmarks in the Shanghai skyline—the 1,541-foot-high Oriental Pearl, the fifth tallest TV tower in the world. Put your camera setting on “panoramic” for the stunning views of this future-forward city and enjoy a buffet lunch on the Third Observation deck. Return to the Shanghai Pudong Airport this afternoon for your flight to Xi’an in the Shaanxi Province. Transfer to your hotel and enjoy dinner before you check in this evening. 

Westin Xi'an (B,L,D)

Day 5 — Xi’an

Today’s adventures begin at the astounding Terracotta Warriors Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Under the guidance of a Local Expert, a museum clay master, create your very own Terracotta Warrior from the actual clay from the local pits—a unique and memorable souvenir. Continue to Xi’an’s ancient and vibrant Muslim neighborhood, a warren of winding lanes lined with fragrant and overflowing markets. In a local studio, meet master shadow puppeteers who introduce your family to this unique storyelling art form. Choose a shadow puppet and work with a puppet artist to “tell” your own story, carrying on a beautiful and time-honored tradition. Then enjoy dinner at a neighborhood restaurant.

Westin Xi'an (B,L,D)

Day 6 — Xi'an

This morning, visit Xi’an’s old city walls whose earliest foundation dates back to the 7th century. Enjoy a leisurely bicycle ride along the walls, exploring some of the superb watchtowers. Continue to the exquisite Small Wild Goose Pagoda. Explore the beautiful architecture with its graceful curves, arched doorways and delicate paintings. Visit a village in Huxian and meet farmer artists who introduce you to their traditional lifestyle and their artwork. Enjoy a demonstration of their special techniques, and pick up a brush yourself to create your own original folk art painting. Then join chefs in the kitchen of the De Fa Cheng Dumpling Restaurant and learn to create this special dish. Sit down to lunch together and sample a delicious and traditional dumpling banquet. After lunch drive to Xi’an’s southern suburb to the fascinating Shaanxi History Museum, housed in a Tang Dynasty style pavilion. This evening, enjoy a performance showcasing the music and dance of China’s golden age, the Tang Dynasty. Before the show enjoy a delicious dumpling feast featuring nearly one hundred different varieties.

Westin Xi'an (B,L,D)

Day 7 — Xi'an/Beijing

Visit the remarkable Hanyangling tomb museum this morning, the mausoleum of Liu Qi, a Han Dynasty emperor, and a secret Xi’an gem. More than 60,000, two-foot-high terracotta warriors and horses offer a glimpse into another world. Meet local expert archaeologists from the Hanyangling site for a fun and informative training class. Learn how to find and identify the distinct layers of culture from within the soil and how to use the tools of the trade to sift and extract any artifacts from the clay. After lunch, transfer to the airport for your afternoon flight to Beijing and transfer to your hotel for check-in and dinner. 

Renaissance Beijing Capital Hotel (B,L,D)

Days 8, 9, & 10 — Beijing

Encounter the legendary Great Wall, exploring the watchtowers and undulating walkways of the less-crowded Mutianyu section, and swoop back to ground level in a cable car. Then take a lesson in the martial art of Changquan or learn to make a traditional Chinese kite. Visit Tiananmen Square, said to be so vast it can hold a million people, and step back into an era of emperors at the walled Forbidden City, whose many palaces hold nearly 9,000 rooms. Wander the narrow hutongs, or lanes, of Beijing’s traditional neighborhoods, where we'll meet up with our pen pals and their families in a beautiful courtyard. Celebrate our adventures together at a farewell dinner. Depart Beijing the next day for your overnight flight home.

Renaissance Beijing Capital Hotel (B,L,D)

This information from...National Geographic Expeditions