Now is the perfect time to plan, so here are some of our favourite bespoke experiences which we can arrange to pair with the cruise of your choice...
India's Golden Triangle
However many images you have seen of the Taj Mahal, set within a vast Mughal garden next to the Yamuna river in Agra, nothing prepares you for the beauty of this extraordinary white marble mausoleum when you see it in the flesh. Visit on a journey around India's Golden Triangle, including the colourful city of New Delhi and the legendary 'Pink City' of Jaipur, staying in luxurious Oberoi hotels throughout, and accompanied by expert guides. An easy add-on for cruises to and from Mumbai, or as a stopover on the way to the Far East.
Peru and Machu Picchu
Visiting the breath-taking ruins of Machu Picchu has to be one of the ultimate travel experiences. It will be the highlight of your exploration of the Inca civilisation of Peru, with time in the Sacred Valley and the charming city of Cusco, once the foremost city of the Inca Empire. Staying at Belmond properties including the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge, the only hotel located at the entrance to Machu Picchu, this tour can be done in combination with many South American cruises, and works especially well in combination with a visit to the Galapagos Islands, or sailings from/to Lima.
The Maasai Mara
A luxury safari is on most people's bucket list, and a four-night trip, staying high above the floor of the Great Rift Valley on the Mara Game Reserve, is a superb way to do it. Reached from Nairobi (which has good connections with a number of common embarkation/disembarkation ports), stay at the remarkable Angama Mara where you can choose between activities including hot air ballooning, walking safaris and cultural visits to Maasai villages. We've worked with a trusted local expert for many years to ensure that arrangements are perfect for you.
Angkor Wat
Once lost in the jungles of northern Cambodia, Angkor Wat, built in the early 12th century, is the largest religious monument in the world. Nearby, the highly decorated Bayon temple at Angkor Thom is a must-see. These are just two of a vast complex of ruins which shed light on the might of the Khmer kingdom and its cultural, religious and symbolic values. We can arrange a private guide to help you to visit away from the thronging crowds and find the perfect luxury hotel to serve as your base, and this is an essential add-on to a Mekong river cruise.
Petra
Your first glimpse of the stunning Treasury, the most famous façade of Petra, the Rose Red City, won't disappoint. This iconic structure, hewn from the rock, is just one of the many wonders of the vast archaeological site. Your private overland tour of Jordan includes a 'Petra by Night' tour plus a full day exploring the site, along with visits to Mount Nebo and Madaba, a two-night stay at the luxurious Fairmont Amman Hotel with a city tour of Jordan's absorbing capital, and a visit to the magnificent Greco-Roman city of Jerash. Combine with an ocean cruise from Aqaba.
Rovos Rail and Victoria Falls
Cruising out of Cape Town to explore West Africa or the exotic Indian Ocean is wonderful, but better still when combined with the Victorian charm of Rovos Rail. The two-night journey from Cape Town to Pretoria takes you through spectacular mountain ranges, scenic winelands and historic towns and villages. Travelling on through Botswana into Zimbabwe you end in Victoria Falls, visiting the 'Smoke that Thunders'. The rail journey operates on multiple dates and in both directions so, providing you've some flexibility, it's a great addition to an African cruise.
