These top travel experiences will transform your perspective in ways you never thought possible. Virtuoso polled its advisors to discover which experiences ranked highest, with over 20k advisors ranking their favorite experiences as they ranked them on their lists of Virtuoso Advisors.
Do not visit Iceland just for its Blue Lagoon; discover its glaciers instead! At certain periods, skiing across vast expanses under cobalt skies is possible and truly memorable experience.
Tango & Wines in Argentina
Tango and wine are two of Argentina’s signature cultural features. Although seemingly dissimilar at first glance, these passions share many commonalities which have helped define national culture while becoming global export products valued by international audiences alike.
At the close of the 19th century in Buenos Aires, Argentine tango first emerged. A combination of African rhythms, flamenco and Cuban habanera dance forms gave birth to its unique sound. Emerging in disreputable environments such as pulperias and brothels, tango was used to portray urban and popular scenes with lyrics that often expressed sordid reality and expression of emotion through realistic yet sometimes quite sad lyrics.
Tango lovers can visit one of Buenos Aires’s many milongas or barrio tango halls to watch locals dance to live orchestra performances and see them interpret music through dancing to express a sense of drama or melancholy in their lives.
Argentina is known for their love of wine, and visitors can sample some of the finest vintages during a trip here. Wine enthusiasts can visit vineyards in Mendoza or explore vibrant Buenos Aires where authentic parrilla (grill) experiences can be tested out while feasting on succulent cuts of beef with a glass of Malbec wine!
For an exciting excursion from Buenos Aires, Iguazu Falls offer stunning waterfalls from both Brazilian and Argentine perspectives – enjoy watching water cascading over this UNESCO World Heritage Site, take a scenic walk among them or even on one of their catwalks such as Devil’s Throat cataract – something not to be missed! Don’t miss this once in a lifetime opportunity!
San Ignacio Lagoon in Mexico
San Ignacio Lagoon has become world renowned as an unforgettable whale encounter destination, as this UNESCO World Heritage Site hosts one of the last significant gray whale populations and offers visitors an immersive wildlife experience unlike any other. Mother whales may encourage their young whales to approach boats for closer interactions – offering visitors the rare chance to observe such an impressive marine animal in its natural environment.
Pachico Mayoral is widely known as the pioneer of whale watching in Baja California. Over four decades ago he encountered an approachable gray whale at the lagoon and used an outstretched hand to gently stroke her barnacle-covered coat, thus creating an interspecies relationship which has since grown into an international phenomenon.
Today, the lagoon has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, United Nations Biosphere Reserve, and Migratory Bird Sanctuary to preserve these magnificent creatures from human interference. Furthermore, it remains one of the few places on Earth where gray whales still breed and calve without interruption, thanks to whaling that almost put an end to them!
On a visit to the lagoon, you’ll have an opportunity to spot an assortment of marine life from playful sea lions and majestic dolphins, to swimming beneath its surface and experiencing its vibrant ecosystem first-hand from another viewpoint.
San Ignacio and Ojo de Liebre are among the premier whale-watching spots, while Magdalena Bay remains popular. Both lagoons tend to be quieter and feature less whale watching boats compared to Magdalena Bay; thus increasing your chance of encountering one friendly whale!
Our week-long Baja trip provides you with an opportunity to visit San Ignacio Lagoon as a UNESCO World Heritage site and witness an abundance of wildlife, from sea lions, birds, sea turtles, rare black rhinocerose and rare black rhinoceros up close! Along the way we’ll visit both San Ignacio Lagoon and Sea of Cortez where blue, fin, humpback, Bryde’s and Sperm whales can be viewed up close in their natural environments!
Pacific Coast Paradise in Baja California
The Pacific coast of Baja Peninsula is an incredible collection of natural wonders, providing travelers with unforgettable experiences. Ranging from beach-side relaxation to thrilling outdoor adventure, this region is sure to inspire every type of traveler. This adventure-ready destination boasts world-class resorts and boutique hotels such as Villa del Faro; while thrill-seekers will delight at mountain climbing opportunities in Sierra de San Pedro Martir Mountains or racing off-road during Baja 1000 race weekend.
Gray whales congregate in Baja California Sur from late-December to early-April, making this region one of the top whale watching spots worldwide. Visitors can witness breaching, spy-hopping, pec slapping and mother-calf interactions; blue, humpback, fin and minke whales also frequent this region.
Baja California’s beautiful beaches and vibrant marine parks make it a paradise for families. Experiences ranging from glass-bottom boat tours of iconic El Arco to playing with playful sea lions at Las Animas Ecolodge provide ample family-oriented attractions that will delight both adults and children.
Baja’s culture is an intricate tapestry, comprising stunning festivals, historic streets, and delectable cuisine. Here, classic Mexican flavors combine with Mediterranean influences for an unparalleled foodie experience – many restaurants in this region have received international renown and should not be missed by food enthusiasts!
Baja’s Ranchero culture is one of the region’s unique features, passed down from generation to generation. Rancheros live and work across Baja to herd animals and grow crops for their livelihoods; visiting one is an unforgettable opportunity to witness this fascinating way of life first-hand.
Baja California offers so much, yet there’s still so much more to discover. From wine tours in Valle de Guadalupe or hikes up Mount Solitude, this remarkable peninsula will leave an indelible mark on your soul – its warm people and vibrant traditions will stay with you long after your departure!
Trans-Siberian Railway
The Trans-Siberian Railway is an unforgettable train journey that will open your eyes to Russia’s immense beauty and rich culture. Spanning 9,289 kilometers, this epic train ride allows you to interact with real Russian people while discovering their beautiful land. Though not your average train journey, planning and preparation must take place beforehand in order to take part in this once-in-a-lifetime experience. But take time and plan for it – it will definitely pay off in spades!
Although many may assume a trip across the world’s longest railway would cost thousands, and is only available to retired bucket listers, it is actually surprising affordable and highly doable. There are multiple ways you can book this once-in-a-lifetime experience and there may even be packages tailored specifically to budget travellers – it all depends on your goals and priorities!
Experience one of the world’s most breathtaking journeys aboard the Trans Siberian Railway from Moscow through to Mongolia and Beijing! Discover some of the most remote and stunning landscapes around – from rolling hills in Russia, lush larch and birch trees that cover Siberia, Mongolia’s vast steppes, up into Beijing’s towering mountains – it truly offers something for everyone on this legendary railroad!
Attractions aside, your journey will offer more than breathtaking scenery; you will get to know some of Russia’s major cities and their histories – including Yekaterinburg with its historic obelisk that marks the exact geographical border between Europe and Asia; Lake Baikal; outpost towns in Siberia – are all await!
Most travellers opt to travel Eastbound from Moscow all the way to Vladivostok; however, starting your trip anywhere between Ulan Ude or Chita in Mongolia or Beijing in China offers equally incredible experiences. Although each route provides unique memories.