Top Experiences To Pair With A Cruise

From spotting wildlife from your train to watching life from above on a private helicopter tour, there are many ways in which you can dive into the heart of a destination to ensure you explore its hidden secrets and highlights. With various places to indulge your wanderlust, here are our top tours and experiences to add on-to your next luxury sailing.

Machu Picchu

Peru, South America

Shrouded in mist and mystery, this historical Incan citadel has become a cultural icon for South America. As the most famous archaeological site on the continent, it boasts a colourful heritage stretching back to ancient civilisations. It’s a perfect option for those searching for a South America cruise and stay package.

Situated in southern Peru, Machu Picchu is a great place to visit either before or after a cruise. Though the landmark is nestled far within the Andes Mountains, a cruise holiday is still possible with ports such as Lima available. Most cruise and stay options include a flight and hotel stay in Cusco. From here, tours and routes carve the way through the villages and valleys to the pinnacle of Machu Picchu, offering insight into the local history and culture.

Easter Island

Rapa Nui, South Pacific Ocean

Famous for its moai statues dotted around the landscape, Easter Island is a place of historical and cultural significance. Situated in Rapa Nui National Park, it is one of the most remotely inhabited islands in the world. This makes it an incredible destination to visit on a cruise, as you can view the region from both your ship and on foot.

Easter Island tours include visiting the scenic area of Ahu Akivi where the moai statues face the ocean, and watching the sunrise at Ahu Tongariki behind a line of 15 restored moai. It’s the perfect accompaniment to any South Pacific cruise.

Siem Reap

Cambodia, South East Asia

The fourth-largest province in Cambodia, Siem Reap is best known as the Gateway to Angkor. The temple ruins which reside here are the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Angkor Wat, a complex stretching over 162.6 hectares and the largest religious monument in the world. An Asian cruise offers the chance to explore the temples here,

Tours feature a range of ways to experience the site including witnessing the sunset behind the park from Pre Rup – one of the most popular viewing areas; or wandering the Ta Prohm Temple which is adorned with winding roots that have grown into the stonework.

Mount Fuji

Honshu, Japan

Rising up to the sky at an astounding 3,776m, it’s no surprise that Mount Fuji claims the title of Japan’s highest mountain.

Heading to Hakone National Park is one of the most popular ways to see the natural wonder, as well as the 350-degree-views of Lake Ashi and the Owakudani Valley. However, a more unique tour of Mount Fuji is a panoramic helicopter tour, which combines some of the best views of Tokyo with this sacred mountain.

Rocky Mountaineer

British Columbia, Canada

This iconic rail journey offers gourmet cuisine, vibrant storytelling and impeccable service. Rocky Mountaineer offers a chance to ride in a custom-built railway carriage which has panoramic windows and comfortable seats to sink into during your journey.

Spot wandering wildlife and enjoy the verdant forests that lead into towering peaks above and raging waters below. Passing through the Canadian Rockies and paired with luxury hotel stays, this train is the ultimate in adventure and decadence.

Grand Prix

Monte Carlo, Monaco

A once-in-a-lifetime sporting experience, no race or circuit on the Formula 1 calendar can truly match the excellence, glamour, and challenge of the Monaco Grand Prix.

From Casino Square to the luxurious yachts, Monaco is a circuit of legendary corners full of motoring history. Extremely challenging for both teams and drivers, the narrow circuit through the glamorous streets has fuelled dreams of fans and sportsmen alike for decades. Though this isn’t a tour as such, we felt it’s a fantastic experience.

Iguazu Falls

Argentina-Brazil Border, South America

Situated along the border of both Argentina and Brazil, the Iguazu Falls are the largest system of its kind in the world.

Divided into the upper and lower regions, the falls are a fantastic sight to behold and many tours feature walking the nature trails surrounding the water as well as exploring the canopy views from above. There are several ways you can choose to experience the falls including a safari boat ride or a helicopter tour to explore the many perspectives of this incredible landmark.

Ayers Rock

Uluru, Australia

A sacred place to the Pitjantjatjara Anangu – the Aboriginal people of the area – Ayers Rock is a large sandstone formation which overlooks much of the national park in which it resides. Reaching a height of 863m, it has become an instantly recognisable landmark of the region.

Many people flock to view the rock, particularly at dawn or sunset, when the red sandstone glows in the light. One of the ways you can experience this with the popular Sounds of Silence dinner. Comprising canapes and chilled wine, enjoy outstanding views of Ayers Rock as the sun sets before tucking into an unforgettable dining experience under the night sky.

Hobbiton

Waikato, New Zealand

The movie set used as a significant location for both the Lord of the Rings film trilogy and The Hobbit film series, Hobbiton is an iconic attraction that is a must-see for movie fans.

Its quaint rolling hills and lush pastures are the perfect setting for the fictional world to call home. Tours include a fully-guided experience around the 12-acre set as well as the Green Dragon Inn. Or you can dine on a feast fit for a Hobbit as the sun sets, exploring the set at night with lanterns and chimneys smoking in the darkness.