11 Best Adventure Holidays in 2023

The perfect way to get your mind, body, and soul in shape is with one of these best adventure holidays! When you feel alive, it’s the best feeling in the world. Whether you’re hiking in the woods or scaling a mountain peak, adventure trips make us feel like we’re living our best life.

The activities below range from a variety of full-day to multiple-day excursions and the holidays are spread across the globe. Depending on your budget, desired destination, and vacation goals, you’ll find something that fits your needs.

Whether you’re looking to take some time off from the daily grind, explore new cultures, or learn more about yourself, adventure tours are the perfect option. Since the international borders are finally open after the pandemic, it’s never been easier to get away from it all.


Why would I take an adventure trip?

On an adventure holiday, you’re not just seeing new places and meeting new people. Adventure trips are about pushing yourself to new limits and doing things you never thought possible. 

Intrepid travelers today are looking for vacations that push the limits of their comfort and expertise—above all else, provide them with an unforgettable travel experience. With these top travel destinations and bucket list-worthy experiences, you may never want to come home! Get excited, and plan your next adventure trip.


Best adventure holidays

1. Nairobi: 8-day best-of-Kenya wildlife safari

Best for African nature and animal lovers

We’ve got just the thing—a trip on an exciting safari through Kenya’s fantastic wildlife sanctuaries with multiple destinations at four nature reserves where you’ll see some of the planet’s most iconic animals in their natural habitats. You don’t need to worry about transportation or food since this adventure trip is all-inclusive.

Location

Nairobi, Kenya

Continent

Africa

Price

USD 4,800

Included

  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Visit the Amboseli National Park, Lake Naivasha National Park, Lake Nakuru, and Maasai Mara National Reserve
  • Seven nights of accommodation
  • Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included
  • Professional tour guide

Tour Length

Eight days


2. Kampala: 15-Day Ugandan safari with pickup and drop-off

One-of-a-kind safari experience

If you’ve ever wanted to explore the true African wilderness or get a glimpse into the lives of animals in the wild, there’s no better time than now. This tour offers a unique opportunity to experience real Africa in its natural state over 15 days. Lions, gorillas, chimpanzees, rhinos, giraffes, hartebeest, hyenas, and crocodiles are waiting to be found! 

You can expect to leave this in-depth tour having seen a plethora of true African wildlife on six game drives, tracked primates on two occasions, trekked through six national parks, taken two boat cruises, hiked multiple hills and through jungles, explored caves and hot springs, interacted with three African tribes, and a stop to the equator!

Location

Entebbe, Uganda

Continent

Africa

Price

USD 20,700

Included

  • Chimpanzees and gorilla pass
  • Boat cruise on the Kazinga channel and in the Murchison Falls National Park
  • Interaction with the Karamojong, Batwa, and Bush men communities
  • Visit the Semliki Hot Springs, Amabere Caves, plains of Pian-Upe, Kapchorwa coffee plantations, and the equator
  • Multiple opportunities to hike like to waterfalls and the foot of Mount Elgon, to walk, and to bicycle
  • Multiple game drives
  • Visit these national parks: Kibale, Kidepo Valley, Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth, Bwindi Impenetrable, and Lake Mburo.
  • Park entrance fees
  • 15 nights of accommodation
  • All meals are included
  • Transportation with tour guide, including airport transfers

Tour Length

15 days


3. Bucharest: 12 days private guided tour of Romania

Best for castle lovers

Have you ever dreamt of a romantic trip through Romania’s medieval sites and wild countryside? This tour guides you through a rich sensory experience from medieval sites like Dracula’s castle, to Romania’s wild countryside, and educates you on the nation’s rich history. 

You will explore more than 10 castles and fortresses, eight churches and monasteries, four museums including the International Museum of Painted Eggs by artist Lucia Condrea, 11 cities and villages, sample the local cuisine at every stop, and hike on four occasions like to the Berca Mud Volcanoes. You also have the opportunity to customize the private 12-day tour. 

Location

Bucharest, Romania

Continent

Europe

Price

USD 3,000

Included

  • Hotel pick-up and drop-off
  • Meals and accommodations are not included.
  • Tour churches and monasteries like Voronet (aka. Sistine Chapel of the East), Curtea de Arges, Densus, Biertan Fortified Church, Surdesti Wooden Church, Brasov Black Church, Prejmer fortified church, Merry cemetery, and Snagov monastery
  • Explore castles like Hunyade, Poenari, Corvin, Barsana, Humor, Sucevita, Moldovita, Rupea fortress, Bran castle (Dracula’s castle), and Peles castle
  • Visit museums like Sighet Memorial museum, Lucia Condrea painted egg museum, and Nicolae Popa museum
  • Stay and/or tour cities like Bucharest, Sibiu, Sarmisegetusa Regia, Alba Iulia, Cluj Napoca, Sighetul Marmatiei (Maramures), Ciocanesti, Gura Humorului, Sighisoara, Viscri, Brasov
  • Hike the Turda gorge, Turda salt mines, Bicaz gorges, and Berca Mud Volcanoes (“muddy volcanoes”)
  • Private car with internet access
  • Flexibility with daily itinerary
  • Licensed private English-speaking tour guide

Tour Length

12 days


4. 6-Day Galápagos Adventure Tour on 4 Islands

Perfect for evolution enthusiasts

For six days, you’ll explore the incredible diversity of the Galápagos Islands off the coast of Ecuador with your small tour group. You’ll trek up a dormant volcano at the Cerro Mesa Reserve, snorkel in secret coves, kayak through shallow waters, swim in ocean pools, and explore the main island of San Cristobal and an uninhabited island. 

Embark on an extraordinary trip to find evolutionarily unique animals such as the blue-footed booby, giant tortoise, marine iguanas, and sea lions. You’re able to modify the tour itinery like additional options to hike to Frigate bird hill viewpoint, water activities on Tijeretas Bay, or a visit to the San Cristobal Interpretation Center.

Location

San Cristobal, Galápagos Islands, Ecuador

Continent

South America

Price

USD 2,073

Included

  • Five nights accommodation
  • Four days of breakfast and lunch
  • Trekking, snorkeling, and transportation by speed boat on the islands
  • English and Spanish-speaking tour and wildlife guides
  • Private round-trip transportation on the islands and to your hotel
  • Tour size is limited to 10 people
  • Complimentary use of snorkel equipment

Tour Length

Six days


5. Vegas to San Francisco: American Southwest Parks 11-Day Tour

Best for families and outdoor adventurers

This adventure tour starts in the American wild west and ends in the Golden Gate city with multiple destinations along the route. The beauty of this tour is that you can customize it any way you like—whether staying in hotels or camping, and it is family-friendly. 

Nearly every day on the journey leads you to a new national park. You’ll explore seven national parks, tour a Navajo Indian reservation, travel through four states, experience multiple scenic excursions, spend one night on the Las Vegas strip and get a guided city tour of San Francisco. You’ll visit iconic landmarks with fantastic scenery, excellent hiking trails, and breathtaking views. 

Location

Las Vegas, Nevada, USA

Continent

North America

Price

USD 2,500

Included

  • Hotel or camping site accommodation
  • Visit National parks like Grand Canyon, Zion, Arches, Canyonlands, Bryce, Death Valley, and Yosemite
  • States you’ll travel through: Arizona, Nevada, Utah, and California
  • Instagrammable moments at Route 66, a Navajo trading post, Emerald pools, hoodoos, sandstone cliffs, Delicate Arch, Horseshoe Bend, Zabriskie Point, Artist’s Palette, Badwater Basin Salt Flats, Devil’s Golf Course and Mesquite Sand Dunes
  • Park admission fees to Grand Canyon, Zion, Arches, Canyonlands, Bryce, and Death Valley
  • Air-conditioned transportation
  • City tour of San Fransisco
  • Private Jeep tour of Monument Valley in the Navajo reservation with native American guide

Not Included

  • Sleeping bag
  • Travel insurance
  • Additional $215/person fee for the camping option: covers 9 breakfasts, 9 lunches, 7 dinners, and one-night accommodation in Las Vegas

Optional

  • $75-$80/person: visit Antelope Canyon
  • Helicopter ride over the south rim of the Grand Canyon
  • Slick Rock sunset Hummer ride
  • Canyoneering
  • Lodge upgrade to single or shared (two-person) accommodation

Tour Length

11 days


6. Las Vegas: 7-Day Utah & Arizona National Park Tour

Best American Wild West tour

Step into the land of the indigenous Navajo nation by embarking on a camping trip across the Monument Valley and two states. This small group tour will travel through five national parks, pass two major rivers, a private guide tour through the Navajo reservation, and camp under starry skies in the American wild west. 

No two places are alike in this breathtaking tour, from majestic red cliffs and deep canyons to sweeping vistas and emerald-colored water. End the camping trip in Sin City with a party-ride limousine down the Las Vegas strip.

Location

Las Vegas, Nevada, USA

Continent

North America

Price

USD 1,500

Included

  • National parks you’ll visit: Grand Canyon, Zion, Bryce, Arches, and Canyonlands
  • Some sights you’ll see: birthplace of historic Route 66, Navajo trading post, Emerald pools, hoodoos, and sandstone cliffs
  • Rivers you’ll encounter: Colorado river and Green river
  • English-speaking tour guides
  • Park entries and private transportation
  • Six nights camping, including equipment
  • Navajo reservation jeep tour with indigenous Native American guide
  • Limo ride on Las Vegas strip
  • Maximum tour group size: 14 persons

Not Included

  • Sleeping bag
  • Travel insurance
  • Additional fee: $80 per person for camping, six light breakfasts, seven sandwich-style lunches, and four evening meals

Optional

  • $75-$80/person: visit Antelope Canyon
  • Helicopter ride over the south rim of the Grand Canyon
  • $90/person: Moab sunset Hummer ride
  • Lodge upgrade to single or shared (two-person) accommodation

Tour Length

Seven days


7. Canadian Rockies 7-Day National Parks Group Tour

Magnificent scenery and unique wildlife

If you love hiking, alpine mountains, and national parks, then this is the tour for you! The seven-day tour begins in Washington state, USA, then you’re transported to Canada for the remainder of the tour. You’ll visit eight Canadian cities, four national parks, four glaciers, three alpine lakes, one hot spring, and three mountains within this mountain range.

You’ll have time to hike, trek, and explore the stunning and diverse landscapes that make up the Canadian Rockies, a natural wonderland. Hotel accommodation and transportation are included!

Location

Seattle, Washington, USA

Continent

North America

Price

USD 2,300

Included

  • Canadian city destinations: Kamloops, Bridal Falls, Alberta, Banff, Lake Louise, Vancouver, Whistler, and Clearwater
  • American city destination: Seattle
  • Park stops: Bridal Veil Falls Provincial Park, Yoho National Park, Glacier National Park, Banff National Park, and Jasper National Park
  • Glaciers you’ll see: Plain-of-Six-Glaciers, Bow Glacier, Athabasca Glacier, and Columbia Icefield
  • Alpine lakes, hot springs, and rivers you’ll see: Lake Louise, Moraine Lake in the Valley of the Ten Peaks, Peyto lake, Miette hot springs, North Thompson River, and Vancouver waterfront
  • Mountains you’ll visit: Blackcomb Mountains, Mount Robson, and Whistler Mountain
  • Six nights of three-star hotel accommodation
  • Maximum group size: 14 persons

Optional

  • Book a private tour by purchasing five seats
  • $50 fee: 7 lunches included per person
  • Helicopter flight over the Columbia Icefield
  • Rent crampons and trek onto the Athabasca glacier

Tour Length

Seven days


8. Reykjavik: Lava Cave, Hot Springs, and Waterfalls Tour

Editor’s choice for best adventure holidays

This multi-destination trip on the western side of Iceland is unforgettable. The day-long tour starts in the historic Borgarfjörður region where you’ll see your first waterfall of many on the trip and the Deildartunguhver Geothermal Area. 

Your bus then drives to Hraunfossar, a massive waterfall formation that flows from the ancient Hallmundarhraun lava field in the Langjökull glacier. 

The tour gets even better with a visit to the colorful Viðgelmir caves. Lava formations of all shapes and sizes emerge from the depths of the earth and are filled with a variety of colors. It is one of Iceland’s most breathtaking views.

The tour ends with a trip to Snorralaug, a historic hot spring, written about by Snorri Sturluson, a 12th-century Icelandic poet.

Location

Reykjavik, Iceland

Continent

Europe

Price

USD 160

Included

  • Admission to Viðgelmir Lava Cave
  • Geothermal sites you’ll tour: Snorralaug hot spring and Deildartunguhver Geothermal Area
  • Waterfalls you’ll see: great Hraunfossar (900 meters wide) and Glanni Waterfall
  • Bus pick-up and drop-off at Reykjavik
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi on the bus
  • English-speaking tour guides

Tour Length

10 hours


9. Thamel: All-Inclusive 12-Day Everest Base Camp Trek

Best for the extreme athlete

The cold-weather hike takes you through different high mountain passes towards the world’s highest peak, Everest base camp. Getting to the base camp is the goal so expect to climb 5-9 hours a day for 11 days straight with experienced sherpa guides! 

All flights, meals, accommodation, entrance fees, and permits are included in this adventurous journey. Along the way, you will also learn about Nepal’s history, culture, traditions, and rich biodiversity. 

Location

Kathmandu, Nepal

Continent

Asia

Price

USD 1,350

Included

  • Airport and hotel shuttles
  • Round-trip flights between Kathmandu and Lukla
  • Trek destinations: Lukla, Phakding, Namche Bazar, Tengboche, Dingboche, Lobuche, Gorakshep, Everest Base Camp, Kalapather, Pheriche, 
  • Entrance fees, trekking permits, taxes
  • All meals are included
  • Shared room accommodation (up to 2-people)
  • Certified hiking guide
  • Everest trek certificate upon trip completion
  • First aid kit
  • Rain protection and sleeping bags

Not included

  • Nepal entry visa
  • Luggage porter (hire for an extra fee)

Recommended purchase

  • Travel insurance

Tour Length

12 days


10. Manaus: 3/4/5 Day Amazon Survival Trip

Best for survivalists

This tour is for those who love nature and quite literally want to be left alone to survive in it for 3, 4, or 5 days! You’ll be guided deep into the Amazon rainforest of Brasil for an all-inclusive experience of primitive camping, meals, and fishing, along with several excursions. 

Activities include canoe treks through the flooded rainforest and river canals, night trekking to find cayman (small reptiles, related to alligators) and piranha, and a visit to the floating village in Catalao to meet the largest freshwater fish. The Giant Arapaima Gigas can reach up to 10 feet long and weigh up to 400 pounds!

Location

Manaus, Amazonas, Brasil

Continent

South America

Price

USD 500

Included

  • Local tribe visit
  • Interact with the in the floating village in Catalao
  • Meeting point of the Solimões River and Rio Negro
  • Night trek to find caymans, monkeys, and more
  • Spearfishing and swimming 
  • Sunrise canoe trip
  • All meals and sleeping accommodation (hammocks with mosquito nets) are included
  • Hotel and lodge transfers and drop-off
  • Portuguese or English-speaking guides

Tour Length

3 to 5 days


11. Syracuse: Etna Volcano & Zafferana Etnea Private Tour

Best active volcano tour

Climb to Mount Etna, the highest volcano in Europe and one of its most active volcanoes. You’ll be rewarded with panoramic sea views, the impressive Silvestri craters, and the thrill of being on an active volcano. Before beginning the trek, you can visit the lava-formed caves in Rifugio Sapienza.

The basic mountain trek is 2,000 meters; however, there is an optional “Etna high altitude” trek that comes at an additional cost, depending on the distance: €30 for 2500 meters; €65 for 3000 meters. With the upgrade, you can take the Etna Cableway and/or 4×4 vehicles to the Philosopher’s Tower.

Included in the full-day tour is a visit to the “City of Honey” in Zafferana Etnea where you can sample local produce and learn about the history of honey in this Sicilian village.

Location

Syracuse, Sicily, Italy

Continent

Europe

Price

USD 360 per group

Included

  • Group size: 3 persons maximum
  • Visit the caves in Rifugio Sapienza
  • Trek to the top of Mount Etna and Silvestri craters
  • Visit the Zafferana Etnea village on the Ionian Sea
  • Transportation to and from the hotel with private driver
  • Sample Sicilian honey

Not Included

  • “Etna high altitude” upgrade
  • Food and drinks

Tour length

Seven hours


Enjoying the best adventure holidays

They are for people who want to try something new and feel alive again. If you’ve been thinking about going on an adventure holiday but are nervous about it, don’t be! You’ll have so much fun meeting other people from all over the world and experiencing new cultures, food, and sights that you’ll never forget!

Adventure trips allow you to experience life in another location – in a different country or even another destination such as Asia or Africa, where there are many more exciting things to see than what’s available at home. You’ll experience something new every day—from hiking through a rainforest to exploring a cave by candlelight, from kayaking through turquoise waterfalls to canoeing down raging rivers.

Many different types of vacations are available, so it isn’t easy to choose! You can go on your adventure trip as a family, group, or solo—there’s no limit. 

Travel adventure is always waiting around the corner. Go beyond the usual if you’re seeking an escape into a different culture or an opportunity to get off the beaten path. Travel doesn’t just start at a particular destination; it begins with you and your intuitive nature to explore. 

Adventure holidays are a great way to get outside your comfort zone and can be life-changing. 


Which of these adventure tours is your favorite?

It’s fun to get away from your usual routine, explore new places, meet new people, and make new friends. It can be stressful to stay at home at all times, so why not go on adventure tours? You’ll be active, which can do wonders for your mood. You’ll also get to see things you may have never seen! And it’s not just about seeing magnificent sights—you’ll learn new things too.

If you’re an adventure traveler, you’ve probably got a bucket list of travel experiences you can’t wait to experience. Which adventure holiday tour would you like to try soon? Let me know what they are below! 

If you want to take a walk on the macabre side, then check out this blog on dark tourism destinations.

If you are in the mood for more family-friendly fun, check out these guides below:

Disclosure: Some of the links in this article may be affiliate links, which can compensate me at no cost if you purchase a paid plan. Thank you if you do. This site is not intended to provide financial advice and is for entertainment only. Read our affiliate disclosure in our privacy policy.

Ingrid
Ingrid

Swedish-American mom, wife, travel vlogger & property manager. I like drawing on my iPad at cafes when I have a moment alone, and the idea of hiking and nordic skiing!

Articles: 240

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *