April 2017: Latest trips from Insight Guides
The four holidays outlined below showcase our latest releases. Remember, our local experts are based in destinations around the world so if the trips below don't take your fancy, get in touch today. We'll match you with a local expert in your chosen destination who can plan, organise and book your entire holiday for you. Alternatively, explore more of our suggested itineraries online today.
1. Indonesia
What? Explore the islands of Java, Bali and Lombok, and their diverse cultures and traditions
Which trip? Unforgettable Indonesia: Java, Bali and the Gili Islands
Combine cultural and historical sites with active adventures, including cycling and hiking, as well as a stay on Lombok's most beautiful beaches on this Indonesian odyssey.
Explore the temples of Yogyakarta, including the largest Buddhist complex in the world, Borobudur, and the largest Hindu temple in Indonesia, Prambanan. Visit the sultan's palace, admiring the Javanese Sultanate architecture as you go. Tour the Taman Sari gardens and cycle through the mountainous countryside of Central Java.
Journey east, travelling through Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park, as well as driving, walking and horse riding through dramatic scenery and local villages. Watch as the sun rises behind Mount Bromo and see the murky turquoise sulphur lakes steaming in the morning light. Taste locally-grown coffee before catching the ferry to Bali. Lovina will be your base to visit the temples and volcanos of the island. Spend your spare time relaxing on the black sand beaches that Lovina is famous for. Drive to Ubud where the Tirta Gangga water temple awaits, stopping en route to tour rice terraces and journeying into the forest to the Sacred Monkey Temple. From Ubud travel to the beaches of Gili Trawangan.
End your trip with an optional tour of southern Lombok to discover more Indonesian traditions.
Tourists explore Yogyakarta, Indonesia, in illuminated cars. Photo: Shutterstock
2. Thailand
What? Tour temples and natural wonders in southern Thailand
Which trip? Southern Thailand Explored
Journey from the bustling capital of Thailand, Bangkok, to the picturesque scenery of Phuket stopping off in southern highlights Hua Hin, Chumphon, Khanom and Krabi along the way.
Begin the trip touring temples and palaces in the Phra Nakhon Khiri Historical Park before visiting a traditional Thai village to watch as locals work in the salt fields. Next, explore Khao Sam Roi Yod National Park and its 300 limestone mountains, caves, mangrove swamps and forests. Don't miss Wat Suan Mokkh: a temple made of soil and rocks. Visit the Monkey Sanctuary in Khanom, before crossing into the province of Krabi to discover the delights of its white sandy shores. Traditional boats will transport you through Phang Nga Bay, where limestone rocks rise from the ocean, to explore caves and villages that have been built on stilts in the open water.
3. Thailand
What? Discover temples, Buddhas and traditions in Northern Thailand
Which trip? Northern Thailand Explored
Pagodas, historical parks, river cruises and traditional markets: explore Northern Thailand's highlights on this 7-day trip.
Begin your holiday in the ancient capital of Ayutthaya. Tour the historic wats here, before moving onto the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kamphaeng Phet. Spend a whole day investigating the Sukhothai Historical Park where you can stare in awe at the giant Buddha statue at Wat Sri Chum. Cross rivers on wooden footbridges and discover two Burmese-style temples in the town of Lampang. Opt to take a horse and cart ride along the river; a traditional mode of transport that is still in use here.
Next, visit Koh Kah where you will see the only emerald Buddha outside of Bangkok and the most sacred temple of the north before watching traditional Thai crafts being created. Travel to Chiang Mai to venerate the famous Buddha image at Wat Phra Singh and trek uphill to marvel at the temples built in the mountains. Traditional dinners and Thai performances, elephant camps, orchid farms, village tribes and a cruise on the Mekong River are still to come. Of course, there is also plenty of time to relax by the pool or on the beach too.
Finish your trip at the Golden Triangle where Thailand meets Myanmar and Laos on the Mekong River.
For people wanting to experience Mediterranean life, Sicily is an ideal destination. Photo: Arts Illustrated Studios / Shutterstock
4. Italy
What? Take a trip back in time to the worlds of ancient Greece and Rome
Which trip? Legend and Legacy: A Tour of Sicily
Begin your holiday with a walking tour of Syracuse to discover the Jewish Quarter, the Ortigia Palace and Greek ruins. This will set the tone of this jam-packed itinerary of culture and history. See amphitheatres and tombs in the ancient city of Akragas, Baroque architecture in Noto and taste the chocolate of Modica. Walk it off on a stroll to the old town of Ragusa.
Continue your discovery of ancient Rome and Greece by visiting Piazza Armerina; make time to admire the mosaic floors, which are some of the best in the world of this style. Journey on to Agrigento to tour the valley of the temples and enjoy a drive along the scenic south coast of the island to Selinunte, an ancient Greek city. See salt flats, and windmills turning as the breeze hits the rugged coastline. Journey through towns steeped in history, including Monreal, which is home to one of the best Norman Cathedrals in the world.
Finally, relax on the Aeolian Islands; scuba, snorkel, swim and enjoy local food and wine. The tour ends with a drive up the slopes of Mount Etna and to Taormina to see one last Roman theatre.
Ready to take your trip with Insight Guides?
Insight Guides can help you with holidays in numerous destinations worldwide, from ancient ruins in Peru to tropical beaches in Sri Lanka. If the holidays above haven't covered the countries or activities you want to try next, get in touch. We’ll pair you with the best local expert for your chosen destination, who can plan, organise and book your entire trip for you, from start to finish. What are you waiting for? Submit a trip request today.
