Our travelers have spoken, and four destinations have emerged as the favorites: Italy, Japan, The Galapagos, and South Africa. Each of these remarkable countries offers something truly special, but what makes them extraordinary is how you experience them. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning to rediscover a beloved destination, Our expert local guides take you deeper through our four signature travel styles: hiking, biking, cultural immersion, and wildlife encounters.
Let’s explore what makes each destination so captivating and how you can experience them the Exodus way.
Italy: Where Every Corner Tells a Story
From alpine lakes to Mediterranean shores, from medieval hill towns to vibrant coastal villages, Italy’s extraordinary diversity captivates at every turn. Dramatic cliffs plunge into azure waters, volcanic islands rise dramatically from the sea, and lush valleys yield centuries-old vineyards and olive groves. Here, art, history, and culinary traditions intertwine effortlessly with daily life, turning simple pleasures—like a perfect espresso or an evening passeggiata—into unforgettable memories. Step beyond the postcard views and tourist crowds, and you’ll discover a place where proper living remains an uncompromised art and where each region jealously guards its distinct identity through dialect, cuisine, and tradition.
Our Walking the Amalfi Coast Tour introduces you to Europe’s most dramatic coastline through pathways known primarily to locals. Staying in a family-run hotel in tranquil Bomerano, away from tourist crowds, you’ll hikek the legendary Path of the Gods, enjoying stunning Mediterranean vistas. With more than 20 years guiding experience in the region, Exodus expertly balances iconic landmarks like Mount Vesuvius and Pompeii with intimate local encounters, from visits with artisan producers to memorable meals in family homes.
For something equally enchanting but distinctly different, our Cycling in Sicily Tour reveals the beauty of the Mediterranean’s largest island, combining coastline, culture, and cuisine in one enchanting journey. Pedal through UNESCO-listed baroque towns such as Ragusa, Modica, and Noto, explore breathtaking spots like Cavagrande del Cassibile canyon, and savor refreshing dips in crystal-clear waters. Throughout, you’ll enjoy regional culinary delights and exquisite wines, guided by local experts passionate about sharing their island’s hidden gems.
Japan: Where Tradition Meets Innovation
Japan practices the art of useful paradox. It’s a place where efficiency becomes poetry, where minimalism creates abundance, where ancient and futuristic aren’t opposites but partners in a fascinating dialogue. Its diverse landscapes include snow-capped volcanic peaks, misty bamboo forests, and immaculately tended rice paddies. Visitors often fall into the trap of seeing only geishas and gadgets. They miss how Japan finds harmony through contrasts—the precisely imperfect ceramics that embody wabi-sabi philosophy, the technological innovations designed to protect traditional ways of life, the meticulous attention to seasons that transforms limitations into celebrations.
Our Ancient and Modern Japan Tour captures the country’s fascinating duality through a recently refreshed itinerary. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of Kyoto’s shrines and gardens, wander lantern-lit streets in Gion, and explore samurai heritage in Kanazawa. Reflect in Hiroshima’s poignant Peace Memorial Park, then marvel at the speed and efficiency of Japan’s bullet train en route to Tokyo’s futuristic cityscape.
Our Highlights of Japan Tour distills Japan’s essence into eight remarkable days, ideal for travelers short on time but eager for depth. From Tokyo’s vibrant streets to Kyoto’s rich heritage, you’ll explore iconic cities and stunning UNESCO World Heritage sites in Nikko. Traveling in small groups allows early morning access to popular spots before the crowds, along with unique culinary experiences highlighting local specialties you won’t find in standard guidebooks.
Galapagos: Where Evolution Shows Its Work
The Galapagos Islands float like a living laboratory in splendid isolation, nearly 1,000km from Ecuador’s mainland. Its landscapes shift dramatically from island to island: black lava fields, white sand beaches, misty highlands, and turquoise bays provide diverse habitats for highly specialized wildlife found nowhere else on Earth. With unparalleled natural experiences across an archipelago of volcanic islands, The Galapagos transforms visitors from mere observers to witnesses of evolutionary processes still unfolding.
Our Island Hopping in the Galapagos Tour reveals four distinct islands (Santa Cruz, San Cristóbal, Floreana, and Isabela) through a balanced mix of activities. You’ll snorkel with sea lions at Isla Lobos, perhaps spotting sharks gliding beneath you, trek across otherworldly lava fields, and visit pirate caves in Floreana’s highlands where giant tortoises roam. Through a combination of land and water exploration, you’ll understand the islands’ ecosystems comprehensively while traveling in small groups that minimize environmental impact.
For a more extensive experience, our Highlights of Ecuador and the Galapagos Tour combines the islands with mainland treasures for a complete immersion in this remarkable corner of South America. Begin in colonial Quito before exploring Cotopaxi National Park beneath its iconic volcano and spending two nights in the Amazon Rainforest with expert local guides. Then fly to the Galapagos, where white sand beaches and crystal waters teem with wildlife. This thoughtfully structured journey provides context that enhances your appreciation of the islands’ evolutionary significance, while ensuring sustainable practices protect these fragile environments for future generations.
South Africa: Where Wildlife and Wonder Converge
South Africa presents breathtaking contrasts, from vibrant cities to awe-inspiring natural wonders, from pristine beaches to vast savannas teeming with wildlife. Its diverse terrain encompasses the iconic Table Mountain towering over Cape Town, the rugged mountains of the Drakensberg, and the expansive wilderness of Kruger National Park. What makes South Africa extraordinary is this remarkable diversity compressed into one country. Its landscapes, wildlife, and cultural heritage create a multifaceted destination where every day brings new discoveries and unexpected delights.
Our South Africa Safari: Kruger & Coast Tour goes beyond the classic safari, scouring both land and water for unforgettable wildlife encounters. You’ll search for lions, elephants, and more on multiple game drives and walks in Kruger and Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Parks, cruise the hippo and crocodile-filled waters of Lake St Lucia, and kayak and snorkel in the wildlife-rich waters of Kosi Bay. What makes this journey special is our expert guides, whose deep knowledge of local wildlife and keen eye for spotting elusive creatures ensure you don’t just see animals—you understand their behaviors, habitats, and the conservation challenges they face.
For a more comprehensive exploration, our Cape Town to Johannesburg Tour combines wildlife viewing with diverse cultural and scenic experiences. This epic journey explores three countries, including game drives in Kruger National Park, walks in the spectacular Drakensberg mountains, wine tasting in renowned vineyards, and visits to the mountain kingdoms of Eswatini (Swaziland) and Lesotho. Traveling in a small group allows for authentic cultural connections and flexibility to adapt to unexpected wildlife sightings or local events—opportunities that larger tours simply can’t offer.
As our travelers keep telling us through their votes and their return visits, these four destinations offer inexhaustible opportunities for discovery. Even if you’ve visited before, an Exodus journey reveals new perspectives, hidden corners, and deeper understanding.
Which will you choose for your next adventure?