7 top-reviewed trips to popular destinations you should book this Black Friday
Ready to embark on a journey to a fantasy destination? These top-rated tours have left an indelible mark on so many travelers, and they visit some of the most popular destinations among seasoned globetrotters and first-time adventurers. The best part? They’re all on sale during the first week of our Black Friday Event. Talk about getting the best Black Friday travel deals! So whether you want to slurp ramen in Japan, explore castles in Scotland, or cruise down the Nile in Egypt, now’s the time to unlock serious savings on these popular trips.
1. A Week in Italy: Venice, Florence & Rome
What you’ll love about this tour:
When you join us on our A Week in Italy: Venice, Florence & Rome tour, you’ll get a taste of three of Italy’s most iconic cities in one week. It’s the ideal time frame to get to know the history, art, culture, and cuisine of this popular tourist destination without spending too much time away from home.
Highlights of this tour:
- Immersing yourself in Renaissance culture. Stroll through Florence’s UNESCO-listed historic center, widely regarded as the birthplace of the Renaissance, and marvel at the city’s exquisite architecture. If you’re feeling adventurous, climb the stairs of Giotto’s Campanile, an ivory-colored bell tower, to snap a photo of the iconic rose-hued Duomo set against the golden Florentine skyline.
- Following in the footsteps of ancient Romans in the Eternal City. The entire historic center of Rome, with its legendary ruins, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Meander past the Arch of Constantine, into the Colosseum, and through the Forum, and dream about what life was like in the city more than 2,000 years ago.
What our travelers are saying:
“Each city offered its own unique experience and vibe,” said traveler Eular. “Venice literally transported travelers to a destination of unimaginable beauty and joy. Florence was the epitome of the Renaissance, with its colorful landscape and architecture. The energy of Florence was extraordinary, yet inviting. Rome was the city of kings and legends—simply breathtaking. We ended in the perfect place, the Amalfi Coast, which is one of the most beautiful places in Europe.”
2. Japan: Kyoto, the Japanese Alps & Tokyo
What you’ll love about this tour:
Our Japan: Kyoto, the Japanese Alps & Tokyo will take you through neon-washed cities, into scenic mountain villages, on speeding bullet trains, and to tranquil Zen gardens. While you’re there, slurp a steaming bowl of ramen in Tokyo or snack your way through the food stalls of Kyoto’s Nishiki Market to see why Japan is one of the most popular destinations for the best food in the world.
Highlights of this tour:
- Exploring the shrines and temples of Kyoto. Japan’s spiritual center is home to thousands of shrines and temples. Here, you’ll sip matcha and join a guided meditation session in a Buddhist temple, stroll through the thousands of red Torii gates of the Fushimi Inari Shinto shrine, and admire the elegant and serene Kinkaku-ji Golden Pavilion.
- Embracing the harmony of Tokyo. Tokyo is a place where ancient serenity meets futuristic modernity, and around every corner, you’ll find sacred temples nestled between soaring skyscrapers. Stroll through the colorful Harajuku neighborhood, Tokyo’s center for fashion and the birthplace of kawaii (cute) culture, and visit Senso-ji, the oldest temple in Japan, adorned with its iconic red lantern.
What our travelers are saying:
“Fantastic trip and tour of Japan,” said traveler Leslie. “We enjoyed our group of fellow travelers as well as our Tour Director Kei and all the knowledgeable local guides. We enjoyed the varied cities we stayed in, and the accommodations were always nice—great food, too! We felt like there was a good mix of planned tours with an adequate amount of free time. But whatever you do, don’t miss the extension to Okinawa.”
3. Egypt & Nile River Cruise
What you’ll love about this tour:
When you join us on our Egypt & Nile River Cruise, you’ll have an Egyptologist as your Tour Director. You’ll get to see popular tourist destinations, like the Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx, under the guidance of a true expert. Then, you’ll board a boat and cruise down the Nile to discover the otherworldly beauty and crucial role of Africa’s longest river.
Highlights of this tour:
- Soaring over the Valley of Kings in a hot-air balloon. If you’re looking for creative trip ideas, you’ve come to the right place. How many travel itineraries offer a bird’s-eye view of ancient ruins? When you join us on this tour, you’ll have the option to purchase a sunrise hot-air balloon excursion and enjoy breathtaking views of hidden tombs, ancient temples, and the glittering Nile.
- Haggling for artisan goods at Egypt’s bazaars and traditional shops. With stops at markets and shops specializing in perfume oil and papyrus, you’ll have ample time to hone your haggling skills on tour. It may take some practice to get used to bargaining for your souvenirs, but it’s a fun way to immerse yourself in the local culture.
What our travelers are saying:
“My husband and I chose Egypt for our honeymoon, and it was the best decision,” said traveler Carolyn. “Our tour guide, Hala, made us feel special and even arranged a celebration for us one of the nights. Egypt has always fascinated me, and Hala was amazing when it came to explaining the history, landmarks, and people involved in each stop. The weather was super warm, but we were able to find enough shade to still see all the sites and stay as cool as possible. When I got home, so many of my friends and family expressed interest in going to Egypt because our pictures were so beautiful. Seeing things in person that I had only read about in history books was something I cannot put into words.”
4. Sicily for Solo Travelers
What you’ll love about this tour:
From sunbaked cities and rustic cuisine to shimmering seascapes and towering volcanoes, there’s so much to love about our Sicily for Solo Travelers tour. It’s no wonder that the luminous island is one of our top solo travel destinations.
Highlights of this tour:
- Learning to craft an authentic Sicilian meal in Syracuse. Join a professional chef for a hands-on cooking lesson, during which you’ll learn everything you need to know about Sicilian cuisine and its fresh, local ingredients. Afterward, you and your fellow travelers will sit down to enjoy the meal paired with local wine.
- Visiting the Greek Theater of Taormina. The theater was carved into a hillside in the third century B.C. and offers arresting views of the Ionian Sea and Mount Etna. It also happens to be one of our favorite White Lotus filming locations to visit on tour.
What our travelers are saying:
“All I can say is if you’re on the fence about this trip—go! It exceeded my expectations,” said traveler Elizabeth. “Our Tour Director kept everything moving along, and our driver did a great job on those curvy roads. The local guides we had at each site made this trip especially memorable—you’d never have that experience if you went on your own… I’ve never taken a tour (let alone a Solo Tour) in my adult life, but making friends was easy. All the breakfasts and many of the dinners were included, and when they weren’t, it was easy to find a group to have dinner with. Our hotels were all four-star resorts—the Taormina and Syracuse hotels were especially nice. I did one of the add-on excursions to Segesta and really enjoyed it. I’m glad to have met our wonderful group of solo travelers and am already thinking about a 2024 trip.”
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5. Croatia & Slovenia: The Old-World Adriatic
What you’ll love about this tour:
Recently, Croatia has become one of the most popular tourist destinations, thanks in part to shows like Game of Thrones, which filmed some of its most riveting scenes in the Mediterranean country. When you join us on our Croatia & Slovenia: The Old-World Adriatic tour, you’ll explore ancient fortresses, hilltop cities, and soaring walls that wind their way along the Dalmatian Coast.
Highlights of this tour:
- Walking the walls of Dubrovnik. You won’t find any shortage of reasons to visit Dubrovnik, but walking the city’s massive, centuries-old walls during your free time is one of our favorites. You’ll enjoy panoramic views of the azure Adriatic Sea and the terracotta rooftops of Dubrovnik’s Old Town.
- Seeing Plitvice Lakes National Park up close. The terraced lakes and cascading waterfalls of Plitvice Lakes National Park make it one of the most popular places to travel to in Croatia. The park’s 16 multi-hued lakes are separated by natural dams made of travertine stone. Jewel-toned water pours from the lakes in a series of cataracts that flow through the area’s lush greenery. The largest waterfall, Veliki Slap, is the tallest in Croatia and one of our favorite reasons to visit Plitvice Lakes.
What our travelers are saying:
“This tour makes you feel like you’re in a fairytale!” said traveler Sunny. “Gorgeous towns and villages in both Croatia and Slovenia, beautiful Plitvice Lakes, our day-long forays into Montenegro and Bosnia-Herzegovina, and our time in Lake Bled, along with our day in the Julian Alps, all added up to an amazing, long-awaited adventure.”
6. Highlights of Scotland & Ireland: Edinburgh to Dublin
What you’ll love about this tour:
You’ll experience the rich history and natural beauty of these two countries as you explore the best of their major cities and pristine countryside on our Highlights of Scotland & Ireland: Edinburgh to Dublin tour. Sample the whisky, delight in traditional music and dance, and get to know the locals with one of our coziest travel itineraries.
Highlights of this tour:
- Stepping back in time in Scotland. Get to know historic Scotland as you visit the Crown Jewels and Stone of Scone at Edinburgh Castle, wander through medieval Glasgow Cathedral, and explore Stirling Castle, the former home of King James VI. Speaking of time travel, you might even recognize many of these popular places as Outlander filming locations.
- Soaking up the scenery in Ireland. From the vibrant streets of the Temple Bar district in Dublin to the soaring Cliffs of Moher, Ireland astounds with its postcard-worthy sites. Drink in the lush scenery, warm, welcoming culture—and the fortifying dark beer as you traverse the Emerald Isle.
What our travelers are saying:
“We all had numerous opportunities to ‘sample’ these two beautiful countries, including four major cities,” said traveler Kathryn. “We also experienced the gorgeously green countryside filled with lovely visits to castles and saw cottages adorned in summer flowers.”
7. Grand Tour of Thailand: Bangkok, Chiang Mai & Phuket
What you’ll love about this tour:
If you love travel itineraries full of immersive, hands-on experiences, our Grand Tour of Thailand: Bangkok, Chiang Mai & Phuket might be exactly what you’re looking for. You’ll learn about tea production while wandering through the emerald terraces of an oolong tea plantation, canoe through hidden sea caves, and try your hand at making authentic Thai dishes in an expert-led cooking lesson. Of course, you’ll also spend time exploring Thailand’s opulent temples, pristine beaches, and lively floating markets.
Highlights of this tour:
- Exploring Bangkok’s Grand Palace complex. The sprawling Grand Palace complex was built in 1782 for the king of Siam and comprises over 100 buildings. Here, you’ll wander through immaculate gardens and ornate, gilded temples, including Wat Phra Kaew, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. The temple is named for the large, seated Buddha within, which was carved from a single piece of jade.
- Preparing food for the elephants at ChangChill sanctuary. The organization is one of our top destinations for responsible wildlife experiences because it works with World Animal Protection to provide a safe and healthy environment for the elephants in its care. You’ll learn about the elephants, watch them roam free, see them bathe, and assist the mahouts, or elephant caretakers, with preparing food for the gentle giants.
What our travelers are saying:
“This tour exceeded my expectations ,” said traveler Jeffery. “Our Thailand Tour Director, Bond, was exceptional! He did such a wonderful job with our itinerary, keeping everyone on track, etc. He is a rock star. I very much enjoyed all the stops on the tour. It’s very difficult to pick a single ‘best’ as we enjoyed most everything: elephants, temples, food, floating market. I was incredibly surprised with the monk chat and learned so much!”
Ready to join us on one of our top-reviewed tours? Check out our week one Black Friday travel deals for the biggest savings of the year!
