Follow us on the Pekoe Trail that traverses centuries-old paths.

Apart from the stunning sherbet-coloured villages in the backdrop of terraced vineyards, autumn rings in a fascinating scene of grape harvest. The sight that will stay with you forever will be that of local pickers harvesting grapes that go into Cinque Terre’s fortified Sciacchetra; so also their sipping vintage wines. While here, a photography tour will be an added highlight.

Go back in time and celebrate Vijayanagar’s regal splendour of the 15th-17th centuries in Karnataka’s Hampi. Walk its streets of which Britain’s ‘Wanderlust’ magazine quipped: “if rocks had dreams, it would be Hampi”. Don’t just pass by; stop, look and imagine yourself playing different roles – of kings, queens, officers, soldiers. Hampi’s intricately carved temple architecture symbolized by the exquisite stone chariot and the ‘musical pillars’ and the Vijaya Vittala temple complex will leave you spellbound. Top it all with a riverfront seat sipping lemonade, under the shade of a tree at the ‘Mango’ restaurant. Hampi, simply inspires!

The wildest and highest terrain in Oman, the Hajar mountains are rich in plant life compared to other Arab countries. Walk and hike up these mountains to get up close with nature. Stargazing at night in the company of a guide will be enriching. A drive across the mountain range passing deep wadis and small villages where people still live in ancient buildings. Walk up to the abandoned oasis of Birkat al Mouz, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The world-renowned Golden Temple ensures Amritsar is the holiest city for the Sikh community. Seemingly floating on water, non-Sikhs are permitted to walk inside the shrine to view the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy book. Each evening the book is paraded before crowds before being put back to bed. One of the most humbling experiences in India is to take part from the ‘Langar’ – food from the world’s largest free kitchen that serves upto 100,000 vegetarian meals a day, irrespective of faith. Miniature versions of the ‘Langar’ made headlines during Covid where food was provided to hundreds of thousands of people. Amritsar’s old bazaar is famed for its red bangles and saris. The nearby Wagah Border Post that showcases an elaborate ‘Beating Retreat’ ceremony.

Landing into any airport in Kerala is like viewing a coconut-tree top carpet that extends hundreds of miles. The very name of the state comes from the word ‘kera’ (coconut). But that’s only the beginning. Explore the mesmerizing backwaters of Kumarakom at a slow pace aboard a houseboat (a tourism innovation stemming from rice boats used to transport men and material). Get a ‘live’ telecast of the calm-yet-busy rural village life. Walk through an unending spread of tea plantations, interacting with tea leaf-plucking women. Watch how classical dancers (Kathakali, Mohiniyattom) prepare hours before a performance. Savour ‘the world’s best. breakfast*’ – puttu-banana or kadala, or ‘frill’ appams and stew. And before leaving (if you have to), indulge in a range of ‘kasavu’ (gold-lined clothes) products. We are reasonably sure you would go green with envy about life in Kerala – with India’s most advanced quality of life index.

The placid waters of Fujairah’s sea offers an exciting marine world and a wreck nearby. The UNESCO Biosphere of Wadi Wurayah is a sight to behold and delve deep into flora and fauna that are endemic to the Arabian peninsula, and traditional Arabian farming practices.

Come January, and temperatures dip to below freezing points in Ladakh. Rivers get still. Trees and vegetation turn white. This is the ultimate trekker’s winter paradise. These are perfect conditions to walk on the frozen river in the Zanskar valley. A guided ‘Chadar’ trek of ‘moderate difficulty’ (with prior preparation) can provide unforgettable insights into the amazing world of raw nature and its survival instincts. Also a chance to closely observe how mountain life is lived by the community. Summers give you the opportunity for riverside meals while lending a ear to real life experiences from the local community.

The tram with its iconic shape offers an unforgettable experience between Franschhoek and allows you an overview of South Africa’s famed wine estates. The tram stops at numerous vineyards and includes a narration of the history of wine cultivation in the valley.

A visit to the heart of Tuscany includes Siena and San Gimignano on the itinerary. An authentic tour of Siena must leave sufficient time for leisurely paced walks along its cobbled streets and Duomo’s Gothic carved marble facade and pavements. A farmhouse lunch by the countryside paired with local wines will make for a ‘Netflix documentary’-like experience. Once at the village of San Gimignano, climb the 218 steps to reach the Torre Grossa for stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

This is the birthplace of the ‘slow food movement’. Savour the most grassroots gastronomic experience of Italy – rare white truffles from Alba. Indulge in sweet, creamy hazelnuts from the Langhe hills and silky chocolate at cafes in Turin. Gulp Barolo and Barbaresco wines made of Nebbiolo grapes. And you have just started.

Yachts may be the thing in vogue today, but nothing compares to the traditional wooden Dhow, a show-stealer in Dubai. Traditional vessels that are now engine-powered are also decorated with lights and comfort seating. This two-three hour cruise comes with traditional dances*, meals* and is accompanied with a commentary* on the sights and sounds on the way. *Inclusions may vary with individual operators