Our favourite easy-to-book (and take) trips of 2026
SOURCE:Sydney Morning Herald|BY:Brian Johnston
Want to explore the world this year without having to do the heavy-duty planning? Here are 26 great escorted tours and cruises for 2026 that offer travel sans the hassles.
Have you ever fancied coming face to face with a capuchin monkey in Costa Rica? Admiring the stunning high mountains of Georgia or Poland? Exploring Nordic or Indian cuisine, or imagined meeting the locals in Papua New Guinea or Peru?
Then make 2026 your year for doing something you’ve always dreamed about, but never dared to do.
Escorted tours and cruises will get you there and make it happen. They take the edge off risk, provide security and sociability, and propel you to places you might otherwise consider too complicated or remote.
The majestic Gergeti Trinity Church in Georgia’s Caucasus Mountains.iStock
You benefit from expert guides and like-minded travel companions. But most of all, escorted tours simply make your travel life easy.
Not a tour person?
Well, hang about a minute and adjust your assumptions before you miss out. Escorted tours have changed enormously over the years, and among the astonishing variety there’s bound to be something that suits you. Enjoy an overview tour or focus on a particular region. Get cultural, relax on a cruise, hike the mountains, plunge into the rainforest.
If you think tours are for the timid, you’re missing out. Tours take you to all kinds of places and are full of pleasant surprises and adventure. Here are 26 escorted tours for 2026 that might inspire you to live the dream.
Egypt Uncovered with Inspiring Vacations
Traditional Egyptian felucca sailing boats dot the Nile River at Aswan.
The lowdown You can’t count yourself a true traveller until you’ve seen Egypt and the extraordinary monuments that have been wowing visitors for millennia. This tour takes in all the major ancient sites but allows a taste of the Red Sea and the vibrant Mediterranean city of Alexandria too.
Don’t miss The newly opened Grand Egyptian Museum at the pyramids outside Cairo, which displays astonishing antiquities, including the gold mask and all the other objects unearthed from the tomb of Tutankhamun.
Make it happen 16 days return from Cairo, several departures April-November, 2026. From $8995 a person. See
The Australian-owned and operated luxury yacht Scenic Eclipse explores the Antarctic in style.
The lowdown Perhaps the ultimate organised adventure takes you to the Earth’s edge and an encounter with the outsized glaciers, icebergs and teeming wildlife of the Antarctic Peninsula. Even better when you’re aboard an ultra-luxury Discovery Yacht which offers comfort and some of the best cuisine at sea.
Don’t miss A helicopter excursion to Snow Hill Island, one of only two places hosting emperor penguin colonies on the Antarctic Peninsula. While you’ll see other penguin species on this expedition, these gentle giants are particularly marvellous.
Make it happen 16 days return from Buenos Aires, departs December 3 and 22, 2026. From $32,625 a person. Seescenic.com.au
Outback Adventure with Luxury Escapes
Dawn lights up a track and eucalyptus at the base of Uluru, Northern Territory.iStock
The lowdown Who hasn’t dreamed of traversing our entire continent, yet who isn’t daunted by the outback? Remove the uncertainty and tick off the bucket list on this escorted journey to all the big names: Coober Pedy, Alice Springs, Kata Tjuta, King’s Canyon and Kakadu.
Don’t miss You’ll have to rise at the crack of dawn for sunrise over Uluru during a guided walk that leads you to Mutitjulu Waterhole. Not difficult to feel why this landscape is sacred to the Anangu people.
Make it happen 15 days between Adelaide and Darwin, departures June-August, 2026. From $7890 a person. Seeluxuryescapes.com
Peru Explorer with Bunnik Tours
The Cruz Del Condor viewpoint, Colca Canyon.iStock
The lowdown Good tours take you to places you’ve never considered or even heard about. This journey proves that Peru is so much more than just Cusco and Machu Picchu, fabulous as they are. You’ll also visit the Amazon rainforest, Lake Titicaca, stupendous Colca Canyon and the volcanic landscapes of Arequipa.
Don’t miss The Colca Valley for its spectacular scenery and magnificent Andean condors. The valley also has a rich cultural heritage that includes mysterious Hanging Tombs, ancient farming terraces, picturesque villages and Spanish-era churches.
Make it happen 20 days between Lima and Arequipa, departures April-October, 2026. From $14,295 a person. Seebunniktours.com.au
Monaco F1 Race Weekend with Explora Journeys
Trackside thrills … Monaco F1 Race Weekend.Explora Journeys
The lowdown Escorted tours and cruises can provide special access to events, and few are as special as the Grand Prix de Monaco. On this cruise, you’ll dock in Monte Carlo’s prestigious port aboard Explora I and enjoy the thrills of race weekend, including exclusive access to the F1 Paddock Club for behind-the-scenes insights.
Don’t miss This microstate is full of other glamorous sights, not least the princely palace and bling-laden casino, a short walk from the harbour. Coastal, clifftop paths through manicured gardens are wonderful.
Make it happen Five nights return from Monaco, departs June 3, 2026. From $21,500 a person. S_ee_ explorajourneys.com
Chobe & Okavango Explorer with APT
Spotted from the air, an elephant traverses a section of the spectacularly sodden Okavango Delta, Botswana.iStock
The lowdown Yet to visit Africa? APT has a new Africa program headlined by three Botswana itineraries that highlight the Okavango Delta, one of the continent’s most wildlife-rich environments. You won’t be roughing it, however, but rather pampering yourself in a luxurious tented safari camp.
Don’t miss Chobe National Park for Africa’s greatest concentration of elephants and its many waterways that allow you to admire creatures such as hippos, puku (a wetland antelope) and abundant bird species. Giraffes, leopards, lions and buffalo are among other wildlife.
Make it happen Seven days between Kasane and Maun, departs April 8, 2026. From $15,695 a person. Seeaptouring.com
Spirit of the American Southwest with Collette
Sunrise paints a technicolour masterpiece across Monument Valley, Arizona, US.iStock
The lowdown What has always made America great is its majestic national parks and stunning desert landscapes. Admire iconic sights such as Monument Valley and Canyon de Chelly, learn more about the region’s pre-Columbian history and peoples, and enjoy the urban buzz of Sedona and Santa Fe.
Don’t miss The optional excursion to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, which adds another stirring landscape to your list that you can admire from scenic viewpoints with plunging outlooks to the Colorado River below.
Make it happen 10 days between Santa Fe and Scottsdale, departures May-November, 2026. From $7449 a person. Seegocollette.com
Secrets of South-West China with Wendy Wu Tours
Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the world’s deepest and most spectacular river canyons.iStock
The lowdown If you’ve only done the obvious in China – Beijing, Shanghai, Xian – time to branch out and discover this giant nation’s extraordinary diversity. Yunnan and Sichuan provinces are highly scenic, with magnificent landscapes from Jade Dragon Snow Mountain to the curious Stone Forest and Tiger Leaping Gorge.
Don’t miss Jiuzhaigou National Park, one of China’s most eye-catching scenic areas thanks to its Tibetan villages and mountain-cupped lakes and waterfalls in startling mineral-induced colours of blue and green.
Make it happen 17 days between Kunming and Chengdu, departs April 8, May 20 and October 15, 2026. From $7980 a person. Seewendywutours.com.au
Remote Indonesia & Papua New Guinea with Seabourn
Home of the original bungee … Pentecost, Vanuatu.Getty Images
The lowdown Think cruising is about tame holidays to Queensland? Not on luxury expedition ship Seabourn Pursuit, which will take you into the remote crannies of our near neighbours for encounters with locals and wildlife you can’t experience any other way, accompanied by an expedition team of experts in marine biology and other sciences.
Don’t miss Lush, mountainous Pentecost Island in Vanuatu, inhabited mostly by farmers and fishermen. Your visit ashore allows you to see the seasonal land diving ritual that inspired bungy-jumping.
Make it happen 16 days between Lautoka and Darwin, departs May 8, 2026. From $20,099 a person. Seeseabourn.com
Enchanting Aitutaki & Rarotonga Escape with My Holiday Centre
Aitutaki, part of the Cook Islands in the South Pacific, boasts one of the world’s most beautiful tropical lagoons.
The lowdown Admit it, there are times we don’t want adventure or movement or earnest sightseeing. If you feel the need for a trouble-free, indulgent do-nothing holiday, then the Cook Islands are for you: beaches, lagoons and tropical relaxation served up in a hassle-free package that includes flights, transfers, tours and much more.
Don’t miss Aitutaki, even more laid-back than main island Rarotonga, whose low-key attractions include a giant clam nursery, historic coral-block churches, and ancient sacred sites. It also has one of the Pacific’s most astonishingly beautiful lagoons.
Make it happen Seven nights return from Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney or Perth, for travel before November 2026. From $5299 a person. Seemyholidaycentre.com.au
Transcaucasian Trail Hike Georgia with World Expeditions
Gergeti Trinity Church, near the village of Gergeti, in Georgia, is renowned for its spectacular setting.iStock
The lowdown One of the world’s newest mountain-trekking routes is over 3000 kilometres long and takes you through the Caucasus and some 20 national parks. While that might be a bit much, this section in Georgia is magnificent, with permanently snowcapped peaks, high-altitude grasslands and outstanding biodiversity.
Don’t miss The tour isn’t just about scenery. Visit UNESCO-listed Ushguli village, the Silk Road cave town of Uplistsikhe, and Georgian capital Tbilisi, which has a picturesque old town and magnificent valley setting.
Make it happen 11 days return from Tbilisi, departures June-September, 2026. From $4090 a person. Seeworldexpeditions.com
Tropical Sparkle & Holiday Cheer with Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Harbour views from the Shirley Heights lookout in Antigua, Caribbean.iStock
The lowdown Nothing wrong with the overview cruise, and if you’d like a taster of the Caribbean without the hassle of schlepping around a dozen countries yourself, then indulge yourself on luxury ship Seven Seas Splendor as it sails to Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, the British Virgin Islands and several micronations.
Don’t miss British-influenced, strung with reefs, pretty with colourful architecture, topped by dramatic scenery and rich in maritime history, Antigua is the quintessential Caribbean island nation for the perfect day ashore.
Make it happen 17 nights return from Galveston, departs December 11, 2026. From $16,700 a person. Seerssc.com
Kenya and Tanzania Adventure with Travelmarvel
Mount Kilimanjaro provides a dramatic backdrop for a majestic Masai giraffe in Amboseli National Park, Kenya.iStock
The lowdown Travelmarvel’s new small-group tours focus on local and insider experiences and a personal style of exploration. There’s no better way to see the great wildlife spectacle of East Africa and iconic landscapes such as Mount Kilimanjaro, Maasai Mara, Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater.
Don’t miss Olduvai Gorge, one of the world’s most significant archaeological sites, which has yielded fossils and artefacts from our early human ancestors. The day finishes at accommodation set on a coffee plantation with views of Oldeani volcano.
Make it happen 14 days between Nairobi and Kilimanjaro, departures June-October, 2026. From $17,495 a person. Seetravelmarvel.com
Culinary Nordic Trail with Adventure World
Traditional Danish Smørrebrød at Copenhagen’s Torvehallerne food market.Adventure World
The lowdown If you’re the been-there, done-that type then choose a focused tour that gives you new insights into familiar destinations. This tour visits Copenhagen and Oslo to highlight Nordic cuisine as you explore the culinary scene on guided tours and with tastings in food halls, markets and restaurants.
Don’t miss A wander through the markets and visits to local eateries in Copenhagen to sample Danish specialties such as artisanal cheeses, traditional open-faced rye bread smorrebrod, organic hot dogs, craft beers and gourmet organic chocolate.
Make it happen Seven days between Copenhagen and Oslo, departures year-round in 2026. From $3529 a person. Seeadventureworld.com
Best of Thailand and Vietnam with Celebrity Cruises
Traditional boats, beaches and a limestone cliff for a quintessential tropical Thai setting.iStock
The lowdown Enjoy all the variety of Asia on this cruise, which takes in the big-city bustle of Hong Kong and Hanoi, small-scale cultural charms of former Vietnamese capital Hue, and laid-back island escape Ko Samui. You’ll also have several days at sea during which to relax and enjoy the pleasures of Celebrity Millennium.
Don’t miss An excursion to Ho Chi Minh City, which blends French colonial influences with contemporary thrust, plenty of history and the world’s best street food.
Make it happen 14 nights between Hong Kong and Singapore, departs November 12, 2026. From $3782 a person. Seecelebritycruises.com
Road Trip to Oktoberfest with Contiki
Inside a beer tent at the Oktoberfest in Munich.
The lowdown If you think escorted tours are for retirees then it’s time to take a look at Contiki, which designs trips for 18-35 year olds. Bring your own Lederhosen and enjoy three days at one of the world’s most legendary festivals in Munich – and take time to soak up the sights of Amsterdam, Brussels and Frankfurt as well.
Don’t miss Dinkelsbuehl on the Romantic Road, the cutest lunch stop ever thanks to its cobbled streets, medieval half-timbered houses and fairy-tale feel.
Make it happen Eight days between London and Munich, departs September 14 and 20, 2026. From $2185 a person. Seecontiki.com
Ten more easy-does-it trips worth taking in 2026
Seiganto-ji Temple and Nachi waterfall, a short walk on the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route.
**Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage with Walk Japan
**Discover Japan’s more contemplative side on a tour with a maximum of 12 participants. This nine-day guided walk along a Buddhist and Shinto pilgrim route near Osaka takes you through stunning landscapes, leafy rural Japan, and history over a thousand years in the making. From JPY580,000 ($5750) a person, departures March-November, 2026. Seewalkjapan.com
**From Egypt to Saudi Arabia with Emerald Cruises
**This 11-day cruise on luxury yacht Emerald Azzurra takes you to several World Heritage sites: the ancient city of Petra and Wadi Rum in Jordan, Luxor in Egypt for its stupendous ancient temples and tombs, and historic district Al-Balad in Jeddah in Saudi Arabia. From $9680 a person, departs November 20, 2026. See emeraldcruises.com.au
**Hidden Greece with Tauck
**Among Tauck’s new European land journeys for 2026 is this 12-day wander through less-visited northern and mountainous regions of Greece, including second city Thessaloniki, the Museum of Royal Tombs in Vergina, Meteora’s mountaintop monasteries, and wineries in the Peloponnese. The tour finishes in Crete. From $13,590 a person, departures April-October, 2026. See tauck.com.au
**Costa Rica Nature Adventure with Trafalgar
**If nature rather than culture is your thing, then this delightful eight-day exploration of eco-friendly Costa Rica and its national parks is for you. Wildlife-spot in wetlands, learn about cocoa cultivation, enjoy local culture and cuisine, and explore the wonders of the high cloud forest. From $4158 a person, departures year-round in 2026. See trafalgar.com
**Pieniny and Tatra Mountains Hike with UTracks
**Look beyond the European Alps and avoid crowds and high prices in Poland’s mountains, where you still get majestic scenery and rural charm. Hike lush valleys and dramatic gorges, discover Niedzica Castle and wooden village churches, and round off the experience in UNESCO-listed Krakow. From $1590 a person, departures May-September, 2026. See utracks.com
**India: A Feast for the Senses with Abercrombie & Kent
**Among A&K’s culinary-inspired journeys is this 10-day itinerary from Mumbai to Delhi by way of Rajasthan and Agra. You don’t only see superb palaces and monuments but explore the region’s flavours and culinary experiences, from street food to cutting-edge restaurants. From $15,580 a person, departures February-March and October-December, 2026. See abercrombiekent.com
**Broome to Darwin with Silversea
**Take 10 days to explore one of our most remote and spectacular outback corners on a luxury expedition cruise that gets you into the Kimberley’s crannies in considerable comfort. Excursions by Zodiac or even helicopter take you to waterfalls, gorges, Indigenous rock sites and reefs teeming with marine life. From $17,730 a person, departs July 14, 2026. See silversea.com
**Best of Sri Lanka with Intrepid Travel
**Sri Lanka is eclipsed by big cousin India but has its own distinctive history, culture and cuisine in a more manageable format. This immersive 15-day trip covers the highlights, from ancient Buddhist caves to ruined cities, tea plantations, beaches and villages. From $3168 a person, departures year-round in 2026. Seeintrepidtravel.com
**Southern Spectacular with AAT Kings
**This 10-day jaunt return from Christchurch showcases New Zealand’s magnificence. Among highlights are Milford Sound, Franz Josef Glacier and Aoraki or Mount Cook, but you’ll also see lesser-known wonders such as Pancake Rocks. The TranzAlpine train ride through the Southern Alps is superb. From $5972 a person, departures January-April and September-December, 2026. Seeaatkings.com
**Pharaohs & Pyramids with Viking
**Hands down one of the world’s greatest spectacles is the ancient Egyptian civilisation that unfolds along the Nile. This 12-day river cruise takes you from pyramids to tombs and showcases the beauty of desert and rural landscapes. The Islamic monuments of Cairo are a brilliant bonus. From $10,595 a person, departures March-May, September and December, 2026. Seevikingrivercruises.com.au
