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Travel is one of life’s greatest adventures. Exploring different countries, discovering new cultures, and making meaningful connections can inspire, spark imagination, satisfy the powerful desire to know what lies beyond our own horizons, and even help you change your life for the better.

If you’re keen to step off the tourist trail and embrace new, authentic experiences, you might want to think about an escorted tour with Cox & Kings. Established in 1758, the world’s longest-running travel company provides high-quality tours that take you to some of the most intriguing hidden wonders on the planet. Step back to ancient civilisations, explore untamed wildernesses, and connect with local cultures.
Whether you’re a solo traveller who doesn’t want to travel alone or a couple looking for a tailor-made holiday, Cox & Kings always provides a personal touch. As one of the most trusted names in travel, you can explore the world with complete peace of mind. Plus, with local guides and fair prices, this is responsible tourism at its best.
Whether you’re after cultural group tours, private itineraries, rail journeys, cruise voyages, family adventures, short breaks, or relaxing getaways, Cox & Kings can help you arrange your perfect holiday. If you have a query you’d like one of their expert holiday consultants to take a look at, you can make an enquiry here* and they’ll be happy to assist you.
So which tours and destinations might be right for you? From myth-steeped South American countries to mysterious Central Asian nations, here are nine unexpected adventures to satisfy your curiosity. You can also browse Cox and Kings’ full range of tours on their website using the button below.
1. Classic Sicily

The Mediterranean’s largest island, Sicily, is home to astonishingly diverse scenery, from scenic beaches to the smouldering Mount Etna. But its culture is considered Sicily’s calling card, and on Cox & Kings’ Classic Sicily tour, you’ll discover what sets Sicily apart from the rest of Italy. Architecture enthusiasts can admire Roman mosaics, Arab-inspired gardens, Greek temples, Norman castles, and baroque palaces.
Plus, on this eight-night tour, you’ll learn about one of Sicily’s most unique cultural traditions: Moor’s Heads (hand-painted head-shaped flowerpots). Visit artist’s studios, listen to local legends, and browse bustling markets to pick up the perfect ceramic souvenir. And then there’s the mouthwatering cuisine, which merges classic Italian flavours with Greek, Spanish, Jewish, Maghrebi, and Arab influences.
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Cox & Kings Classic Sicily*
Syracuse - Noto - Catania - Cefalù - Palermo - Monreale - Segesta - Erice - Agrigento - Valley of the Temples and 3 more
Italy | 7 nights | Flights, Accommodation & Transfers Included
2. Splendours of Egypt

When it comes to ancient history, few countries can compete with Egypt. Home to the last standing of the Seven Ancient Wonders – the Great Pyramid of Giza – it’s a country still steeped in mystery and legend, a land where the past can be felt almost as powerfully as the present. And, on Cox & King’s nine-day Splendour of Egypt tour, you’ll take in many of the most awe-inspiring sights of Upper Egypt.
On the agenda are Cairo, Luxor, the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Karnak, and the Aswan High Dam. Follow the iconic River Nile as it winds south, and the palm groves give way to a vast, desolate desert. It’s here you’ll find lesser-known attractions, like the necropolis of Sakkara and the unique Pyramid of Djoser – Egypt’s oldest. A compelling journey back to the time of one of the world’s greatest civilisations.
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Cox & Kings Splendours of Egypt*
Sakkara - Giza - Luxor - Edfu - Kom Ombo - Aswan - Cairo
Egypt | 8 nights | Flights, Accommodation & Transfers Included
3. Tanzania and Kenya: the Great Migration

For wildlife fans, few spectacles are more exciting than the Great Migration – the annual journey of millions of wildebeests, zebras, and antelopes from the Serengeti to the Masai Mara. On Cox & Kings’ 12-night tour, you’ll enjoy immersive wildlife viewing in Africa’s greatest national parks…though be prepared for some unexpected sights, like elusive tree-climbing lions roaring from acacias in Tarangire!
Tanzania offers the unique scenery and wildlife of the UNESCO-listed Ngorongoro Crater – keep your eyes peeled for leopards in Lerai Forest, and search for the Big Five on Serengeti safaris. And, in Kenya, admire stunning views of Mt Kilimanjaro in Amboseli, enjoy game drives in the iconic Masai Mara, and soak up the culture at Lake Naivasha and the Great Rift Valley. This is the ultimate African adventure.
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Amboseli National Park - Tarangire National Park - Ngorongoro Highlands - Ngorongoro Crater - Serengeti National Park - the Masai Mara - Masai Mara - Lake Naivasha - the UK
Kenya & Tanzania | 12 nights | Flights, Accommodation & Transfers Included
4. Peru and Machu Picchu

Home to Incan kingdoms, colonial cities, and the soaring, snow-capped Andes, Peru is one of the most beautiful and beguiling South American countries – and Cox and Kings’ 16-day Peru tour is a magical way to explore. Not only can you tick off must-see sights, from characterful Cusco and elegant Arequipa to the Colca Canyon and Lake Titicaca, but you’ll also have some far more unexpected adventures.
Take the train to Machu Picchu, arguably the most breathtaking archaeological site in the world, enjoying sensational views of jungle-swathed mountains as you go. Immerse yourself in Incan culture, visiting indigenous villages for traditional weaving demonstrations, and picking up authentic handicrafts from local markets. Then, lose yourself in the historic heart of Lima, the gastronomic capital of Latin America.
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Cox & Kings Train to Machu Picchu (Inti Raymi Festival)*
Lima - Arequipa - Colca Canyon - Lake Titicaca - Train to Cuzco - Cuzco - Cuzco to the Sacred Valley - Machu Picchu - Machu Picchu to Cuzco - Inti Raymi Festival and 1 more
Peru | 15 nights | Flights & Accommodation Included
5. Costa Rica’s Natural Splendours

It may be small, but Costa Rica is one of the world’s most beautiful and biodiverse countries. Tucked between Central America’s Pacific and Caribbean coasts, this is a land of mist-wrapped volcanoes, sultry rainforests, and idyllic, white-sand beaches. If you’re keen to explore stunning natural surroundings and spot fascinating, rare animals, Cox & Kings’ Natural Splendours of Costa Rica tour may be for you.
This 11-day adventure explores the country’s most scenic national parks, from Monteverde to volcanic Arenal. A highlight is visiting Tortuguero to enjoy the magical experience of watching sea turtles hatch, and then scuttle across the sand to the safety of the sea. You’ll also trek through cloud forests, explore vast wetlands, spot tropical birds, and visit local farms to learn about coffee and sugar production.
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Cox & Kings Natural Splendours of Costa Rica*
San José - Tortuguero - La Selva Biological Station - Arenal - Caño Negro - Lake Arenal - Monteverde - Sarchi - London
Costa Rica | 9 nights | Flights, Accommodation & Transfers Included
6. Sri Lanka: the Enchanted Island

Boasting tropical temples, dreamy beaches, mountain forests, and colourful towns, Sri Lanka is known for its wealth of cultural, archaeological, and natural wonders. On Cox & Kings’ 13-night Sri Lanka tour you’ll visit the main attractions, from the verdant tea terraces to the vibrant and historical city of Kandy. But you’ll also venture off the beaten path to discover some of the island’s more intriguing secrets…
Marvel at the towering rock fortress of Sigiriya, spot wildlife in Yala National Park, visit the huge cave temples of Damballa, and cool off in waterfalls after a hot hike. In the central highlands, you can also visit Nuwara Eliya – dubbed ‘Little England’ due to its cool climate and British colonial buildings – and tour tea plantations, learning how fresh leaves are turned into the UK’s (and Sri Lanka’s!) favourite brew.
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Cox & Kings The Enchanted Island*
Colombo - Dambulla - Anuradhapura - Mihintale - Sigiriya - Polonnaruwa - Kandy - Nuwara Eliya - Horton Plains - Ella and 3 more
Sri Lanka | 13 nights | Flights, Accommodation & Transfers Included
7. Uzbekistan’s Silk Road

Uzbekistan has one of the most fascinating histories in the world. From the second century BC until the mid-15th century, it was one of the most important stops on the legendary Silk Road – the network of trading routes that connected Europe to Asia. Over the years, some of the world’s greatest civilisations emerged – and Uzbekistan, the beating heart of the region, boasted an empire that was Roman in scale.
On Cox & Kings’ 12-day Uzbekistan: Heart of Central Asia tour, you’ll dig deep into this country’s glorious past. Discover how traders and conquerors influenced the nation, visit the ancient cities of Bukhara and Samarkand, and admire some of the world’s most impressive Islamic architecture. Tour glittering mausoleums, towering fortresses, and mosaiced mosques, and soak up the inimitably unique culture.
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Cox & Kings Uzbekistan: Heart of Central Asia*
Tashkent - Urgench - Khiva - Bukhara - Shahrisabz - Samarkand
Uzbekistan | 11 nights | Flights, Accommodation & Transfers Included
8. Cambodia and Vietnam

Cambodia and Vietnam are two of Asia’s most captivating countries, and on Cox & Kings’ 17-day Grand Tour of Indochina, you’ll visit many of the must-visit sights. In Vietnam, tour the capital Hanoi, explore elegant Hoi An, soak up the sights and sounds of Ho Chi Minh City, and cruise the scenic Mekong Delta. In Cambodia, visit the capital Phnom Penh, then head to Siem Reap to tour the iconic Angkor temples.
But this is a Cox & Kings tour, so you’ll see much more than the main attractions. In Cambodia, go beyond Angkor Wat to discover Banteay Srei, a rosy-hued temple that’s 25 km from the central complex. This once-secret citadel is a jewel of Khmer art that’s absolutely worth the detour. And, in Vietnam, cruising on the idyllic Lan Ha Bay offers a quieter, less crowded alternative to the touristy Ha Long Bay.
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Cox & Kings Grand Tour of Indochina*
Hanoi - Cruise on Lan Ha Bay - Danang - Hoi An - Hue - Ho Chi Minh City - Mekong Delta - Phnom Penh - Siem Reap - Angkor Temples and 3 more
Vietnam, Cambodia & Laos | 16 nights | Flights, Accommodation & Transfers Included
9. The Grand Tour of India

Colourful, culture-rich, compelling, and chaotic, India is like no other country. If you’ve never visited, an escorted tour is usually the best way to explore India’s diverse cultural influences – and Cox & Kings’ Grand Tour of India ticks off all the most intriguing sights. Over 17 days, visit holy cities, the Taj Mahal, the ‘Blue City’ of Jodhpur, the ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur, and the grand palaces and mirror-like lakes of Udaipur.
You’ll also search for the majestic Bengal tiger, tour traditional villages like Rohet, and visit hallowed Varanasi, where you’ll learn about the religious, geographic, and cultural importance of the Ganges River. Along the way, you can feast on authentic Indian food, tasting many different regional cuisines and dishes. And, if you want to extend your stay, you can travel to the tranquil backwaters of Kerala, too.
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Cox & Kings The Grand Tour of India*
Amritsar - Wagah - Varanasi via Delhi - Varanasi - Delhi - Old & New Delhi - Agra - Fatehpur Silkri - Rathambore - Ranthambore and 5 more
India | 16 nights | Flights, Accommodation & Transfers Included
Final thoughts…
Whether you’re after cultural group tours, private itineraries, rail journeys, cruise voyages, family adventures, short breaks, or relaxing getaways, Cox & Kings can help you arrange your perfect holiday. If you have a query you’d like one of their expert holiday consultants to take a look at, you can make an enquiry here* and they’ll be happy to assist you.
Known for their extraordinary heritage and pioneering spirit, Cox & Kings pride themselves on authentic, award-winning holidays for curious, discerning guests.
Not only do their tours take you to the sights you’ve always dreamed of visiting, but they also take you off the tourist trail, where you’ll find truly authentic experiences. It’s here that you’ll get the chance to try new, exciting activities that can reveal the most fascinating, yet often unexpected, wonders and secrets.
From sipping freshly-picked-and-brewed tea in a Sri Lankan ceremony to spotting baby sea turtles scurry across the sand, it’s often these experiences that stay with you and move you most. Travelling in small groups, with local experts to guide you, you can enjoy total peace of mind, and focus on making special memories to treasure for the rest of your life.
Are you interested in any of these tours? Are there any particular aspects of a tour that particularly intrigue you? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below.