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Top Classic Discovery trips for 2024


 

Author: Donná - Digital Content Executive at Explore Worldwide
Date Published: 15 January 2024

 

If you're a travel enthusiast yearning to explore new horizons and immerse yourself in diverse cultures, you're in for a treat. Our list of top Classic Discovery trips allows you to discover new destinations in 2024.

Classic Discovery trips? Some may ask, "What is this?"

At Explore, this is one of our most-traveled trip styles that takes you off the beaten tracks and allows you to fully immerse yourself within the local culture and destination you choose to travel to. It gives you a truly remarkable authentic experience. An average group size of only 11 people is guided by an expert tour leader. These tour leaders have expert knowledge about the areas you'll travel to and will make sure your trip is not only safe and comfortable but also unforgettable in all the right ways.

First time traveling with Explore? We've answered some of the most-asked questions about our small group Classic Discovery trips.

Read on to explore the most exciting destinations for cultural discovery in 2024.

1. Costa Rica Wildlife Tour

Costa Rica is a destination that has long been a top choice for wildlife enthusiasts and continues to be a prime destination in 2024. Our 15-day Costa Rica Wildlife tour will have you spotting spectacular wildlife daily, from beautifully colored toucans to slow-moving sloths. With its lush, dense tropical forests, it makes the perfect playground for wildlife lovers. Not only will you have time to explore this incredible "mini Amazon," but you'll also get to visit Costa Rica's pristine beaches along Manuel Antonio National Park. The trip is packed with adventure too, with the opportunity to experience white-water rafting through the forest-covered Pacuare River, or ziplining through the Arenal rainforest and discovering the forest at canopy height.

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2. Classical Sicily

Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean, is a popular destination for various reasons, from rich history and culture to stunning landscapes and delicious cuisine. Our Classical Sicily tour will allow you to experience exactly that. You'll visit Sicily's most famous Classical remains in the Valley of the Temples and witness some of the best-preserved and most extensive mosaics left in Europe at Villa Romana del Casale. Additionally, you'll have the opportunity to explore Mount Etna, one of the most active volcanoes in Europe, and witness its lunar landscape, craters, and lava fields.

Sicily can easily be combined with a trip to Malta on our Malta and Gozo Discovery tour, providing you with two weeks of holiday to explore these Mediterranean islands.

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3. Greek Island Wanderer

Known for their stunning landscapes, crystal-clear waters, sandy beaches, and charming villages, the Greek Islands remain another hotspot destination for 2024. It's the ultimate European summer destination that will leave you sun-kissed with everlasting memories. On our Greek Island Wanderer tour, you'll experience the magic of the Greek Islands as you hop from one island to another. Capture that perfect travel photo as you stand before the backdrop of all the whitewashed churches with their iconic blue-domed roofs in Santorini. Enjoy a coastal walk on Syros Island where you'll pass typical Mediterranean scenery with cypress and olive groves and great sea views. There is also plenty of free time to enjoy the islands as you wish and savor the local Greek food in the many villages.

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4. Explore the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia is home to a rich cultural heritage deeply rooted in Islamic history. From the ancient Nabatean city to the stunning Red Sea coastline and the diverse landscapes of Al Bahah, Saudi Arabia offers a range of natural wonders for outdoor enthusiasts. It's a must-experience destination for 2024, as you'll dive deep into culture and history, encountering something unlike the traditional beach destination. Our 14-day Explore the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia trip will take you to explore these incredible ancient sites and experience not only the deserts but also the mountainous side of Saudi Arabia. Explore Yanbu, an antique port city on the Red Sea, where you'll join a boat trip with some snorkeling opportunities.

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5. Madagascar: The Lost Continent

Madagascar, the fourth-largest island in the world, emerges as a compelling destination for 2024, attracting adventurers and nature enthusiasts alike. For those seeking an unforgettable wildlife experience, our Madagascar Wildlife Tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness rare wildlife, explore diverse ecosystems, and immerse oneself in vibrant Malagasy culture. On foot, you will have the chance to explore Ranomafana National Park in search of lemurs and birdlife. It is the only location in Madagascar where we can see all three species of Bamboo Lemur. A highlight of this trip is Madagascar's Grand Canyon in Isalo National Park, which will leave you mesmerized by this surreal landscape.

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6. Highlights of Morocco

As a top destination for 2024, Morocco offers an immersive journey that transcends time and culture. From the bustling markets of Marrakech to the vast expanse of the desert, this North African gem comprises rich history, colorful architecture, and warm hospitality.

Beginning in the bustling city of Marrakech, our Highlights of Morocco trip takes you on an adventure exploring historic landmarks and vibrant markets. Venture out into the magnificent Sahara Desert, where you'll experience an overnight stay in a traditional Berber desert camp. It's here that you'll capture the best sunset and sunrise over the Sahara Desert. Discover Fes Medina and explore the vibrant markets showcasing traditional crafts.

Alternatively, experience the rich, tantalizing flavours of Moroccan cuisine on our Taste of Morocco tour, where you'll get to participate in some traditional cooking lessons and sample local cuisine.

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7. Contrasts of Mexico

Mexico, brimming with rich culture and flavorful cuisine, continues to captivate travelers as a top destination to visit in 2024. A standout experience in Mexico is the annual Day of the Dead Festival, which attracts travelers from all corners of the world to partake in the celebrations.

Our 15-day Contrasts of Mexico tour offers departures that coincide with the Day of the Dead Festival, providing an opportunity to immerse yourself in the festivities, witness the vibrant parades, and truly experience this authentic cultural celebration. Besides this captivating celebration, the tour includes visits to the ancient Maya ruins, and no trip to Mexico would be complete without indulging in some authentic Mexican tacos and tequila along the way.

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8. Turkey in Depth

Turkey boasts a rich historical heritage with ancient sites like Ephesus, Troy, and Hierapolis, along with iconic landmarks such as the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque in Istanbul. As a top destination in 2024, Turkey offers a perfect blend of history, diverse landscapes, and cultural heritage.

Our Turkey in Depth tour provides a 15-day journey, allowing you to explore iconic historical sites, experience Cappadocia's fairy-tale chimneys, and visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Goreme Open Air Museum. The tour includes a river boat ride for a unique perspective on the rock-cut tombs of ancient Caunos.

Indulge in Turkey's enticing cuisine with our Taste of Turkey tour, featuring a delightful array of flavors influenced by the Middle East, Central Asia, and the Mediterranean. Immerse yourself in the cultural and culinary delights that make Turkey a must-visit destination in 2024.

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9. Inside Vietnam

Vietnam, the gem of Southeast Asia, offers an abundance of experiences, from delicious cuisine to incredible landmarks, making it a top destination for 2024. Join our 14-day Inside Vietnam tour, where you'll cruise along Ha Long Bay and witness its incredible landscapes while enjoying a seafood lunch on board the boat. Enjoy an overnight stay on a train until you arrive in Hué, one of the great cultural and religious centers of Vietnam. Here, you'll get to visit the Imperial Citadel and experience a boat ride along the Perfume River from Hué to the Thien Mu Pagoda Temple.

If Vietnamese food is more of an experience that you are looking for, consider our Taste of Vietnam food 13-day tour, where you'll sample fresh street food, learn to cultivate produce, and enjoy home cooking with a local family.

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Discover new cultures on a Classic Discovery tour

On one of our cultural Classic Discovery vacations you'll get to see the highlights, and get off the beaten track to discover more than the average tourist. Our trips are designed to make sure you experience the culture, history and sights of every destination.
View all Classic Discovery tours

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