51 days in Central America, South America, Africa & Europe Itinerary

Tiny in terms of land area, Costa Rica is astoundingly diverse when it comes to culture and natural attractions. In a country called "Rich Coast", it's no surprise most Costa Rica vacations dedicate at least a few days to picturesque Pacific and Caribbean beaches, ideal for water sports and relaxation. Few small countries offer such a range of landscapes, allowing tourists to observe towering volcanoes while soaking away their worries in a hot spring, or hike into dense rainforests in the morning and surf at a modern resort in the afternoon. A trip to Costa Rica also lets you discover pristine national parks, ensuring plenty of chances to view wildlife from the comfort of eco-friendly lodges packed with amenities even ardent nature lovers secretly desire.

Sparsely populated and largely untamed, Patagonia is equally appealing to photographers, nature lovers, adrenaline seekers, and fans of long road trips through desolate regions far from the noise and pollution of big cities. Many Patagonia vacations start in thriving Neuquen, the region's largest center and a major hub of Argentina's fruit production. Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world, is another important stop on most Patagonia tours, serving as a base for excursions across the region and trips to Antarctica. While its urban centers provide modern comforts, Patagonia's main appeal remains its vast, remote stretches, crossed by a network of paved roads linking old oil boomtowns with ancient forests and nature reserves.

The largest country in South America and the biggest Portuguese-speaking nation in the world, Brazil remains best known for its soccer tradition and annual Carnaval. Most visitors on holiday in Brazil come for the country's outstanding beaches, music, wildlife, and diverse neighborhoods, each one boasting its own distinct character, atmosphere, and way of life. A tour of Brazil reveals a vast land of great natural and human diversity, from its sprawling rainforest wildernesses, to its busy urban centers. There are plenty of things to do in Brazil, from basking on its coastline to chasing the samba scene or catching a picturesque sunset from one of the country's lush mountaintops.

Diverse in landscapes and cultures, Morocco has long been a popular tourist destination, offering many quintessential North African vistas, sounds, and tastes. The ancient medinas of the main cities have retained their look and feel over the centuries, with bustling markets of colorful spice stalls, leather tanning in the streets, and teahouses. The dunes of the Sahara and the peaks of the High Atlas mountains battle for the interest of tourists on holiday in Morocco, with each possessing impressive, picturesque scenery, and hidden-away traditional villages, filled with crafts, carpets, and a rural way of life.

With its young bustling metropolis, networks of cobblestone pedestrianized streets, coastal beach towns, and cities of ancient ruins, Albania will continuously surprise you. As you reach each new major town and discover how completely different it is from the last, your appreciation will deepen for this tucked-away land steeped in history. Travel, eating, and accommodation here is very inexpensive, freeing you from budget concerns and allowing you to travel in the style that you want. Meanwhile, you may find yourself going days without spotting another tourist. While this means that many things will not be customized for visitors (non-English menus, sparse accommodation, and fewer international transportation options), you'll experience the feel of authentic Albania.

Because tourism throughout the whole country is not as popular as in other European countries, much of the natural beauty of Hungary has not been developed or exploited. Visitors today are drawn to the unspoiled picturesque landscape, the capital metropolis surrounded by charming small towns and villages, and the plethora of thermal baths. The country's number of well-preserved archaeological ruins, castles, cathedrals, and medieval towns provide opportunities to those wanting a taste of European history. With the opportunity to explore both time-worn architecture and notable natural surroundings in every region, Hungary provides sightseeing opportunities with the amenities of traditional tourist destinations. 

Once the land of the Vikings, Sweden today combines a long and fascinating history with a propensity for the very modern. The grand Romanesque churches that dot the countryside contrast with the clean, simple lines and partiality for organization the country is known for. With its reverence for the shy, reserved, and considerate, the nation exudes a sensation of being comfortable. Peek into the quiet lives from afar, gather around traditional "fika" coffee with loved ones, or dine on meatballs, herring, and potatoes. Immerse yourself in nature among the forests and trails so respected by their citizens, and take in the latest design and cultural offerings in this modest yet aesthetically savvy country.

Remote and picturesque, Faroe Islands represent a mosaic of green pastures and treeless moors. While on tour of Faroe Islands, you'll find that the sea is never more than a stone's throw away, even when you're deep inland. Traditions remain strong in the self-governing archipelago, known for coastlines made of steep cliffs and deep fjords. Your sightseeing in Faroe Islands options include long walks across the interior, where you'll have to brave shifty weather, and schooner or wooden sloop expeditions to see the fjords.