Travel-Learn Program

Bridging the Americas and dividing two oceans, Costa Rica and Panama are small, neighboring nations brimming with wonders. At this tropical crossroads, waterfalls cascade from misty mountains into winding jungle rivers, where the canopies are alive with a wild symphony of roaring howler monkeys and squawking scarlet macaws. It’s easy to see how Costa Rica’s pristine beauty inspired the popular greeting, pura vida—or “pure life.” Then, amid Panama’s lush wilderness, stands an astonishing triumph of human ingenuity: the monumental lock system of the Panama Canal.

Mystical and spiritual, chaotic, and confounding, India overflows with riches. Staying at excellent hotels, your small group travels the classic Golden Triangle on this 17-day tour. After Old and New Delhi’s important sights, discovery of Jaipur, the “pink city,” includes dinner in a Rajasthan family’s home. Search for the elusive Bengal tiger in Ranthambore National Park and meet Meena tribespeople in Gadoli. In Agra, encounter the awe-inspiring Taj Mahal and take an Indian cooking lesson. Experience life in Hinduism’s holiest city, Varanasi, and visit Sarnath, one of Buddhism’s holiest sites. Absorb Nepal’s beauty on an optional 6-day/4-night post-tour extension.

Experience paradise on Earth as you cruise the idyllic islands and motus of French Polynesia. Tahiti and its celebrated neighbors—Mo’orea, Ra’iatea, Taha’a, Bora Bora and Huahine—distill the essence and allure of the South Pacific. Explore French Polynesia’s spectacular history, rich culture and unique topography on a luxury itinerary that includes a seven-night cruise aboard the small ship Star Breeze. Choose optional excursions at an additional cost to curate your own adventure.

Glimpse a world primeval on this singular 14-day safari through some of Southern Africa’s great wildlife sanctuaries. The small group adventure begins with sightseeing in Johannesburg’s renowned Soweto District. Experience Zimbabwe’s spectacular Victoria Falls and enjoy a “Sundowner” Zambezi cruise. Taking a game drive, search for the elusive black rhino. In Botswana’s Chobe National Park, encounter abundant wildlife on sensational boat safaris and game drives. A tour highlight follows: unparalleled game viewing with three nights in Zambia’s exceptional South Luangwa National Park at the intimate, award-winning Mfuwe Lodge. Discover South Africa’s beautiful Cape Town with an optional 4-day/3-night post-tour extension.

Discover Apulia, Italy’s rustic, sun-kissed southern region. From your base of Polignano a Mare, tour ancient villages, cerulean seaports and storied landmarks. Savor Mediterranean meals amid olive groves and family vineyards. From Locorotondo to Alberobello, Ostuni to Trani, you’ll relish Apulia’s charms, landmarks and heart-warming traditions. This small-group journey features a first-class hotel and an extensive meal plan with wine at dinner. No single supplement!

Sail through millennia of history on a beautiful, seven-night Eastern Mediterranean cruise aboard the acclaimed new Emerald Azzurra. Journey from Cyprus, one of the world’s best-kept secrets, to the legendary Greek island of Rhodes and Turkey’s pristine Turquoise Coast, where you will board private glass-bottom boats for a fascinating perspective on the submerged ruins of an ancient city. With experts guiding you through the extraordinary history of this less-traveled region, you’ll be enriched by this in-depth look at the rise and fall of ancient empires—from the Mycenaeans, Phoenicians, Greeks, and Lycians to the Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans—and the historical interplay of Christianity and Islam. An optional prelude is available in Istanbul, one of the world’s most splendid cities with its ancient mosques and palaces, and the otherworldly landscapes of Turkey’s Cappadocia region.

Unlock the secrets of one of the most storied civilizations of the Middle Ages on this deluxe, eight-night cruise through the Strait of Gibraltar, featuring Portugal’s breathtaking Algarve coast and the Iberian Peninsula. Visit seven spectacular ports—Lisbon; Portimão; Seville; Tangier; Malaga; Valencia; and Barcelona. Excursions are included in Lagos; Seville; Tangier; Granada; Valencia; and Barcelona. Cross two continents, explore Moorish landmarks, see world-renowned architecture and savor the flavors of this remarkable region.

A truly fascinating land of rich traditions and dizzying modernity is revealed on this well-crafted 13-day small group tour. See highlights of amazing Tokyo and cultural capital Kyoto, engage in local life, and head off the beaten path to alluring historic destinations. Japan’s pastoral side dazzles with magnificent Mt. Fuji and a cruise on Ashi Lake. Overnight in a traditional ryokan inn and travel by express train to lovely Takayama in the Japanese Alps. A traditional tea ceremony and a cooking class offer hands-on Japanese cultural experiences. Explore culturally rich Kanazawa. Discover Hiroshima reborn with an optional 3-day/2-night post-tour extension.

Step into a world where medieval charm meets modern sophistication, where every cobblestone street tells a story, and every vineyard whispers secrets of centuries past. This is Dordogne, a captivating region in the heart of southwest France overflowing with history, architecture and enchanting beauty. This customized itinerary provides an idyllic setting for authentic cultural and culinary experiences, from exploring medieval towns and ancient castles to dining at Michelin-starred restaurants, partaking in vineyard tours and tastings and joining hands-on cooking demonstrations.

This voyage in the heart of the Mediterranean explores four islands that, despite their differences, share a history of successive waves of civilizations that have washed over them from prehistoric times to the present. Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Byzantines, French, and Italians—all have left their mark on the language, art, architecture, and cuisine of Elba, Corsica, Sardinia, and Sicily.