The most epic tours to mark the longest day of the year
Our longest escorted tours
It’s the summer solstice this weekend, and as countries across Europe and beyond celebrate the longest day of the year, we’re looking at our longest and best-value tours.
As the northern hemisphere marks the longest day of the year, our team of travel experts has been thinking about the best ways to use our time when on holiday. One of the biggest challenges to a memorable holiday are travel times, and with many of the world’s most impressive destinations lying outside of Europe, it’s easy to feel short-changed by longer flight times. So, why not get more for your money and tick multiple destinations off at once?
With that in mind, our team has been looking at which of our tours represent the best value, and they’ve compiled a list of the truly epic tours you need to experience at least once. From the contrasting highlights of the Indian subcontinent to the ancient treasures of South America’s most fascinating countries, these are the tours that will leave a lasting impression for years to come.
1. Oceania Explorer – Australia & New Zealand – 40 days
While we could spend countless days exploring Australia and New Zealand individually, these two Oceanian destinations are best experienced together. With longer travel times and such a wealth of experiences to enjoy, this is a destination which rewards those who fully commit to it. Enter Oceania Explorer, officially our longest escorted tour, which combines our popular Australia Uncovered and New Zealand Odyssey – North to South Islands itineraries.
Spanning 40 days, this is an escape of truly epic scale and promises more wish-list moments than most travellers manage in a lifetime. From the wildlife-rich Great Barrier Reef and the red-rock mesas of the Outback to vast Mount Cook and the fjord-like valleys of Milford Sound, natural wonders will be in no short supply across this tour. With 34 included excursions, you’ll also explore the continent’s finest coastal centres, witness Australia’s most famous landmarks, and soak up New Zealand’s remarkable, shared culture and its rich Māori heritage.
2. South American Explorer – Brazil, Argentina & Peru – 22 days
When it comes to sheer variety of experiences, few places can compare to lively South America. From the energy of Rio de Janeiro to the Incan treasures of the Peruvian Andes, South America rewards curiosity, and each destination is at its most impressive when you take the time to step off the beaten path. To the south, Brazil and Argentina are popular choices and are perfect options for those in search of historic discoveries, immersive cultural experiences or some of the world’s most spectacular natural landscapes.
Though these two countries are worth a visit in their own right, an additional stop in Peru is the ideal choice to take your travel story to the next level. Home to lofty Andean peaks and ancient citadels, Peru is a country which embodies South American culture, with indigenous traditions combining seamlessly with the country’s colonial heritage. With our South American Explorer tour, you’ll spend 22 days soaking up the must-see highlights of all three countries, promising truly remarkable value with 11 guided excursions included.
3. Highlights of India – From the Golden Triangle to Kerala – 21 days
India is one of those countries that demands more than a single visit. Comprising world-famous landmarks across the popular Golden Triangle cities and some of the finest safari destinations in South Asia, India’s northern provinces are home to a truly spectacular range of cultures, styles and landscapes. The country’s tropical south, on the other hand, is more subdued but holds just as many wish-list highlights.
With the subcontinent’s contrasts front of mind, Highlights of India – From the Golden Triangle to Kerala, gives both regions enough time to fully reveal themselves across a 21-day itinerary. Starting amongst the Mughal landmarks, colonial hill stations and tiger-rich parks of the north, this tour then makes ample time to explore Kerala, a region of idyllic backwaters, ancient temples and colourful coastal cities. This tour offers an introduction to both sides of India and, with such a wide variety of experiences, tends to stay with customers long after they return home.
4. Classic Vietnam, Cambodia & Laos – 20 days
Southeast Asia has long been one of the world's most rewarding travel destinations, and Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos rank amongst its most intriguing corners. Despite their close proximity, the three countries couldn’t be more distinct, and offer their own unique cultures, customs and heritages to uncover as you explore. From Vietnam's dramatic modern history and lush coastal vistas to the Buddhist shrines of Cambodia and riverside towns of Laos, the region promises genuine depth for those willing to explore it properly.
Our Classic Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos tour gives customers 20 days to do exactly that. Starting in Hanoi, the itinerary features an overnight cruise on Ha Long Bay, before taking in the ancient Hoi An, the royal city of Hué and the energy of Ho Chi Minh City. You’ll then cross into Cambodia for Phnom Penh and the temples of Angkor Wat and finish the trip amongst the temples and market towns of Laos. It's a richly varied journey through one of the world's great travel regions, with the full breadth of Indochina covered in a single curated tour.
5. National Parks of the Great American West – 18 days
The American West is home to some of the most dramatic landscapes on earth, and individual day trips rarely do the region’s striking natural beauty justice. Stretching from the coastal redwoods of California to the vast red-rock canyons of Utah and Arizona, the USA’s western flank rewards those who commit the time to truly explore it. The variety here is remarkable, and no two parks look alike, making it so easy to keep coming back for more.
Spanning 18 days and taking in 10 national parks, our panoramic tour, National Parks of the Great American West, takes in the region’s finest protected reserves. Beginning in San Francisco, this route moves through the Yosemite, Sequoia and Death Valley National Parks, before crossing into Utah for the Bryce Canyon, Arches and Canyonlands reserves. This tour also makes time for Monument Valley, which has featured in many a Hollywood western, and the iconic Grand Canyon. Las Vegas and Palm Springs offer moments of contrast along the way and promise a few more memorable wish-list moments to crown your time away.
Put the epic in escorted touring with Newmarket Holidays
If you’re looking for a holiday of truly epic proportions, we've got just the thing for you. Across our range of holidays, you’ll find plenty of great-value longer tours, as well as a wide range of Tour Plus extensions, which are perfect for experiencing each destination in more detail.
For more information or to get the ball rolling on your next far-flung adventure, give one of our friendly holiday planners a call today. If you’d prefer something short and sweet, we’ve also got plenty of breaks closer to home, lasting one week or less, and you can browse them all on our dedicated destinations page.
