As we’re edging further into the new year, why not try something new and book on one of our Premium Adventures? These fantastic trips come with all the quality of our highly-rated Exodus trips but with the added extra of award-winning named leaders, exceptional included experiences and truly unique premium accommodations. We believe having a unique place to stay that’s as incredible as the adventure itself, really makes all the difference. This is why our teams have gone to great lengths to source some fantastic premium accommodations in the regions we visit, so you get the best of both worlds – incredible by day and incredible by night. Read on to find out more about some of our Premium Adventure’s unique accommodations and why they’re on par with our included experiences!
Unwind in an infinity pool overlooking mountains in Portugal
On our Portugal: Walking & Wine Premium Adventure, you’ll get to discover the Unesco-listed Douro Valley – the premier wine region of Portugal. Beginning in the Douro Valley and ending in the vibrant city of Porto, your adventure takes you on enchanting walks along the Corgo River, through Alvão Natural Park and across the green wine region of Mondim de Basto. En route, you’ll visit the country’s finest ancient wineries, including 18th-century winery, Quinta de Tedo in the centre of the Douro region, Quinta das Escomoeiras, a green wine estate set on the banks of the Tâmega River and the famous port wine cellars in Porto, where you’ll have opportunities to sample glasses of Douro DOC red wines, organic Vinho Verde and enjoy port wine tastings.
On this trip, you’ll also stay at beautiful accommodations along the way that reflect the history and culture of the region, from Neya Hotel, a converted former convent in Porto, to the contemporary 4-star Água Hotels Mondim de Basto set on the banks of the River Tamega. During your trip, we encourage you to take advantage of Água Hotels Mondim de Basto’s state-of-the-art spa which comes complete with a Turkish bath, hot tub, indoor pool and fitness room. The Água Viva Spa also has professional physiotherapists and masseurs, so you can treat yourself to a body wrap, a massage or a body treatment. Located close to the spectacular Arnóia Castle, the hotel also has an incredible outdoor infinity pool and bar which offers sweeping views of the valley and the hotel grounds’ garden.
Spend the night on a traditional houseboat in India
On day 12 of our India’s North & South – Premium Adventure, you’ll enjoy one unforgettable evening on a traditional houseboat floating through the Kerala backwaters. The history of traditional houseboats in this region of India is deeply intertwined with the country’s cultural and economic heritage. Originating centuries ago, these houseboats, known as “kettuvallams”, were crafted from indigenous materials like wood, bamboo, and coir (coconut fibre) and served as a mode of transportation for the local communities in the movement of goods such as rice and spices through its intricate network of waterways. Over time, these boats transformed into comfortable dwellings, and with the advent of tourism, houseboats in Kerala underwent further modifications into luxurious floating accommodations. Today, a cruise on a Kerala houseboat offers a unique glimpse into life in Kerala and allows you to soak up the scenic beauty of the backwaters while experiencing the region’s warm hospitality.
During your day on the boat, you can observe the daily activities of people living beside the backwaters, whether that’s watching kids jumping in the canals, seeing women washing their colourful clothes or observing locals making offerings at little path-side temples. These waterways are also known for their prolific bird population, so you might also get to see kestrels, kingfishers and colourful bee-eaters before the sun sets. In the evening, your houseboat will anchor so you can get a front-row view of the sun setting over nearby paddy fields. Afterwards, your cook onboard will whip up delicious local delicacies, which revolve around an abundance of coconut, rice, tapioca, and spices like black pepper, cloves, cinnamon, and ginger.
Soak up the ambience in Morocco’s colourful riads
Ticking off bucket-list imperial cities and bustling souks in Casablanca, Fez and Marrakech, you’ll also get to explore the country’s iconic landscapes with time set aside in the Sahara Desert and High Atlas Mountains on our Treasures of Morocco – Premium Adventure. Key highlights include a camelback ride in the Sahara Desert, a traditional hammam experience in Imlil and a cooking class in Marrakech – but we also ensure your accommodation during this trip is just as spectacular with evenings in kasbah-style hotels, luxury desert camps and charming traditional riads.
At the turn of the 20th century, as urbanisation and modernisation took hold, many riads in Morocco fell into disrepair or were demolished to make way for more contemporary structures. However, in recent decades, there has been a renewed passion for preserving and restoring these beautiful historic buildings. So, over the years, many riads have been converted into boutique hotels, attracting travellers who seek a more authentic Moroccan experience. The charm of staying in a riad lies in the combination of traditional architecture, intricate design, and the oasis-like atmosphere, so on our Treasures of Morocco – Premium Adventure you’ll spend four nights of the adventure in traditional riads across the country.
On nights two and three, you’ll unwind for the evening in Riad El Yacout. Originally the ancient private residence of a wealthy merchant, this riad is situated in the heart of Fez’s bustling Medina near the Batha Fountain and was lovingly restored by Fassi craftspeople, showcasing spectacular Arab-Andalusian architecture with decorative columns. While on night four, you will explore the orange dunes in the Sahara Desert by day and stay in the desert of Merzouga by night, in either Riad Madu, a cosy family Kasbah, at the foot of the sea of dunes of Erg Chebi, or Riad Chebbi another oasis of tranquillity which comes complete with a pool and stunning garden.
Fall asleep to the sounds of the jungle in the Peruvian Amazon
Our Best of Peru – Premium Adventure, does exactly what it says on the tin – show you the best of Peru. Some of the key highlights include a one-day Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu, spotting Andean Condors in Colca Canyon, visiting the floating islands of Uros and Taquile in Lake Titicaca and enjoying an Andean pachamanca lunch with members of the Chinchero community, while surrounded by the snowy mountains of Salkantay, Verónica and Soray.
Towards the end of this incredible adventure, you’ll also go on a journey deep into the Peruvian Amazon. We ensure you stay in handpicked accommodations throughout your whole trip, but one of our personal favourites has to be the two-night stay you have at the four-star Inkaterra Hacienda Concepción on days 13 and 14. Once the site of a former cacao and rubber plantation, the Inkaterra Hacienda Concepción is set within 819 hectares of natural rainforest and situated between the Tambopata National Reserve and the Madre de Dios River. Boasting 25 private cabanas perched on stilts, each room comes complete with high ceilings and thatched roofs made from fishtail palm leaves. While you’re here, you can even take guided excursions with their local wildlife experts to spot red howler monkeys, giant anteaters and blue and yellow macaws that are commonly found to nest in old palm swamps. On your first day, (day 13), you’ll also be able to take a twilight river cruise, in the hopes of viewing nocturnal creatures such as the kinkajou and the giant leaf frog.
Relax in a sauna in the middle of the Dolomites
Our eight-day Classic Dolomites – Premium Adventure takes you on unforgettable hikes from the traditional village of Villabassa in South Tyrol. Choosing between Level 3 (Moderate) or Level 5 (Challenging) depending on the selected departure, you’ll enjoy walks through Fanes-Sennes and Dolomiti di Sesto National Parks, taking in the magnificent views of Lago di Braies and the Tre Cime di Lavaredo. While a trek to Monte Piana, unveils an open-air museum, that’s dotted with the remains of trench warfare, tunnels and emplacements from the First World War, a stark reminder of how this area was once a strategic frontline between Italy and the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
This Premium Adventure is a centre-based adventure, meaning you’ll spend the duration of your trip at a four-star retreat in Villabassa, Hotel Adler. Once the home of nobleman Stefan von Kurz zum Thurn more than 400 years ago, it is now run by the Pircher family, who pride themselves in showing you the best South Tyrolean hospitality. Their historical walls, tell a centuries-old story, with each room combining traditional elements and timeless furnishings. After a day of exploring the picture-perfect Dolomites, you can unwind in their stube (salon), where the wood panelling dates back to the 16th century, and the roaring fire offers the perfect place to relax with an aperitivo and a good book. You can also take advantage of their pool for a fresh morning dip or visit the hotel’s wellness centre which comes complete with a sauna, steam room and solarium.
If you’re looking to up the ante on your next adventure, why not try our Premium Adventures? To browse our full collection of trips, click here.
