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Pioneering Adventure Travel for 45 Years

Since 1978, we’ve remained dedicated to designing innovative trips to the most fascinating corners of the world. Our adventures offer something for every adventurous spirit—from African safaris to hiking odysseys in the Alps to expedition cruises in Antarctica. We invite you to join us!

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Browse our trips based on your specific interests. Whether you are looking for hiking and trekking adventures, snorkeling excursions, in-depth cultural encounters, or more, we have the trip for you.

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We have more than 200 trips in over 80 countries throughout the world. Check out some of our most popular destinations below or browse our full selection.

Experience Tanzania

Take a classic wildlife safari with skilled trackers in Serengeti National Park or climb Kilimanjaro—the roof of Africa! Enjoy expert guides, exclusive private camps, and luxury lodges.

Join us in the Alps

Experience the Alps the right way with our world-class mountain guides. Hike among soaring peaks, hidden hamlets, and lush valleys—this is the way to see the Alps.

Explore Peru

Savor fine hotels and cultural exploration in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, hike the classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, and trek the spectacular alpine trails of the Cordillera Blanca.

Discover Egypt

Enter a mysterious world of soaring temples in a timeless desert landscape, from the Great Pyramids to Abu Simbel to a luxury cruise on the Nile.

Hike the Himalayas

Be welcomed in tiny villages and mountainside temples, meet red-robed monks, explore colorful markets, and discover a unique Shangri-La kingdom.

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Meticulously planned and artfully executed itineraries, perfectly paced and with the ideal balance of activities, including unique off-the-beaten-path experiences.

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We are committed to environmentally conscious, locally focused travel, offsetting our trips’ carbon emissions and working to preserve the cultures and ecosystems we visit.

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Our Trip Leaders all have an extraordinary knowledge of their destinations, and a passion to share their worlds with you.

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Get inspired for your next journey with our 2024-2025 Catalog of Adventures! With award-winning photography and over 200 journeys around the world, it is truly a Dream Book that will grace your coffee table and feed your wanderlust.

REVIEWS FROM OUR CLIENTS

“Absolutely EVERYTHING about this trip was perfect: itinerary, food, lodgings, trip leaders, educational opportunities. A perfect example of why Wilderness Travel will always be our first choice when planning adventures.”

“We were taught so much beyond the usual viewpoint given to a tourist that I felt I had a much deeper understanding of the culture and history than I would have if traveling with a different company.”

“An incredible variety of activities was packed into the trip, yet we never felt rushed. It would be impossible to do what we did in the same period of time without the expertise of WT guides.”

“I have dreamed of taking this trip for years. Truly this journey exceeded my expectations on all fronts. The wildlife, terrain, people, staff and fellow trip mates made it an adventure to always treasure. I feel blessed and fortunate. Thank you Wilderness Travel. You have my complete confidence.”

“Because of our Trek Leader’s vast experience in the area, we used several trails that aren’t known to many trekkers and we were invited into Sherpa homes, which was wonderful. I had been dreaming of this trip for 30 years and now those dreams are fulfilled.”

“Couldn’t have asked for a more interesting trip and two outstanding guides, accommodations, and meals. This was our fourth trip with Wilderness Travel and one of the best (although we say that about every trip we have been on!)”

“I love Wilderness Travel! You select the best guides, a variety of special places to stay, the food is always plentiful and cultural, and the adventure is top drawer! Thank you for offering trips that expand one’s knowledge of other cultures while making it enjoyable and fun.”

“We are still on a high a month after the trip, having had wonderful guides, camp crew, co-travelers, and the right mix of comfort and authentic experience.”

“WOW! This was an extraordinary trip. It was meticulously planned, but allowed for many spontaneous interactions and delightful surprises. Another WT success story.”

“This was my first trip to India and I cannot imagine a better introduction. Because of the care with which the trip had been planned and organized, I was able to relax, enjoy, and try to fully absorb the experience without spending even a moment concerned about the quotidian details of the trip. What a luxury.”

“Everyone was so thorough and helpful. It was like being whisked around on a magic carpet. Doors opened, every wish fulfilled, amazing service!”

“It was an indescribable, life-affirming experience that I will always cherish. In particular, I wanted to commend your selection of Trip Leaders. Their skill, thoughtfulness, and dedication made the entire trip seem effortless even though the challenge was great.”

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Our Area Specialists know every detail about our adventures around the world. They will be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the journey that’s right for you. Contact us to learn more or book your trip today!

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One planet, countless inspiring experiences Let us start planning your journey today

We design thoughtfully customized travel itineraries.

Everyone at Vaya has lived, worked and traveled extensively in the destinations we offer, developing deep roots along the way. The great friends we've made make all the difference in the quality of experience we provide to our travelers.

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Machu Picchu, the Galapagos, Patagonia, the Amazon & much more

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One of life's rarest and most exhilarating adventures

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Pristine nature, teeming wildlife, civilizations lost & found

Diverse cuisine, stunning landscapes, rich culture, museums & art galleries, each country offering its own unique specialties

Temples, incredible wildlife, ancient cultures, gastronomic delights, each country with endless possibilities

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A world of spectacular possibilities awaits you

Skip the tour bus. Our experts will design a custom trip around you, to match your interests, tastes and budget. We create thoughtfully designed and culturally respectful trips that don't cut corners.

We're experts in creating trips that ensure every member of your tribe gets the most out of the experience.

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We've hunted down the best wine & culinary options in our destinations. A tough job, but someone had to do it.

No trip of ours is complete without the chance to appreciate the region's endemic flora and fauna.

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An intimate, unhurried way to explore remote rivers, fjords and off the beaten track locations.

The coordination was incredible. Every detail was looked after. Flights were well organized. It was so reassuring to be met in a timely manner by welcoming guides at every stop.

Beyond our expectations. The service was terrific. We've never had such a stress free trip. We're very pleased with your services, and have been telling all our patients and friends about you.

We had a fantastic time! Thanks to Vaya for orchestrating every detail so that we could relax and enjoy the trip.

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As a specialized travel company, we focus purely on areas we know first hand and in depth. Our destination experts bring a thoughtful and discerning sensibility to bear in the creation of your trip, listening carefully and asking questions before putting together a personalized journey that is just for you.

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It’s time to see the world.

Don’t you wish travel planning was as easy as dropping a pin on a map? With all of the technology and information at our fingertips, you’d think that it would be. Instead, you spend countless hours scouring the internet for the best hotels, restaurants, and insider tips and, before you know it, you have dozens of tabs open and are no closer to your vacation.

It’s time to put a pin in the old ways and make travel planning easy again. Tell me where in the world you are ready to explore and leave the rest to me.

Helping busy adults conquer the world, one destination at a time. 

Hi there .

I’m Katie MacQueen , your verified travel advisor. No really, I am actually ASTA (American Society of Travel Advisors) verified to ensure that every trip you take is the trip of a lifetime. 

As a Veteran and travel enthusiast, my journey around the world began very early in my career. As a result, I have seen and done some pretty incredible things. I have also experienced first-hand just how challenging and time-consuming travel planning can be, which is why I am here to help you. 

Rather than spending countless hours trying to figure out what the visa requirements are for Cambodia, if there are any Mayan pyramids you can climb in Mexico, or where can you find a camel to ride or bacon for breakfast in Israel, just come to me. 

I am here to be your trusted global guide and to make sure that planning your next vacation fills you with excitement instead of overwhelming.

Chapter & Compass Page-Turning Society

Better Kate Than Never Adventures now has it's own book club - the Chapter & Compass Page-Turning Society! At Chapter & Compass, we believe that reading is a journey in itself. Each month, we'll read a book that inspires a particular journey; some stories will be from people who have already made that journey, some stories will be about travel in general, and some stories will get your mind ready to experience another culture. Join us on this journey by becoming a member of our book club.

How much is your time worth?

My guess is a lot, which means you are not someone who has time to waste. Planning a trip takes time, and mediocre recommendations coupled with information overload will easily overwhelm anyone. Stop wasting time and money when it comes to your hard-earned vacation. 

I am here to work for you. As a qualified and verifed travel advisor, I am your guide through the travel planning process. I will spend time getting to know you, what you like, what you don’t like, what kind of trips you’ve taken in the past, even how you like to spend your Saturday morning! All of these details will help me plan your perfect trip.  

You will never feel abandoned. Unlike some booking engines or large travel agencies, I won’t take your money and run. No matter where in the world you are, 24-hours a day, 7-days a week I am available to help make sure your trip goes right. Before, during and after your vacation, travel support and care is only one click or call away.  

With years of personal and professional experience , I know all of the insider travel tips and tricks that you won’t find on the internet.

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Global expert.

The world is not as big as it seems and crossing items off your travel bucket list is easier than you think.

I’m here to help you make the most of every minute of your trip and the planning process. It’s time to stop going around in circles with dozens of tabs open on your screen. 

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As a member of the American Society of Travel Advisors, you can book with confidence knowing that you have a true professional in your corner. 

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Make an inquiry.

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We will set up a call so I can learn more about you and what your expectations are for your trip.

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Once we have agreed that you like me and I like you, the travel planning magic can begin!

Meticulous Research & Planning

Here is where you leave the heavy lifting to me. I’ll create a custom travel itinerary that is tailored specifically to you. 

There’s nothing left to do but say yes to your trip, and be on your way. See how easy that was?! Once your trip is booked I will regularly check-in to answer any questions and send you some fun surprises to get you ready for your trip. 

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I get it. You want to go everywhere. The world is huge, and it’s hard to decide! Take this quiz and get inspired.

It’s time to start crossing items off your travel bucket list. 

Stop saving pictures on instagram and longingly watching travel movies. the world is waiting for you and getting there is easier than you think. .

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Adventure Travel: What It Really Is and How to Break Into This Lucrative Niche

Imagine riding a quad with your pack of best buddies through the Northern Cape in South Africa when a herd of giraffes running up to 37 miles an hour cuts across the path directly in front of you – whew! Or the adrenaline rush you’ll feel from inside the underwater cage in Cape Town when a massive Great White shark menacingly glides over and peers directly into your eyes just inches away with only a few metal bars between you. Or how about walking, scrambling, wiggling, and climbing your way nearly half a mile into Sudwala Cave when you catch a glimpse of the 160-million-year-old Screaming Monster? 

These are truly unique, unforgettable travel experiences, and they are just a taste of what the adventure travel niche has to offer. But rest assured, there are many adventure travel opportunities that are well-suited for those with a lower thrill-seeking threshold as well.

The adventure tourism market is huge, and it is one of the fastest-growing travel segments. It was valued at $112,227 million in 2020 and is estimated to reach $1,169,095 million by 2028, according to a study conducted by Allied Market Research.

The big question is: Is your travel agency currently selling this lucrative niche? Here is a quick primer on the market and its opportunities, from travel advisors who have established themselves as experts in adventure travel.

What is adventure travel today? Adventure travel means different things to different people. But what these experiences have in common is that they take travelers off the beaten path, empowering them to try new things, challenge themselves, and reconnect to nature and a more primal part of themselves. It is about a mindset more than a particular type of activity.

“Adventure travel is about pushing past your comfort zone and reconnecting with the world,” said Charlotte Barillier, co-owner and travel designer at Roam Travel Company. “I think now, more than ever, it has been about truly disconnecting from our technology and getting back into nature. One of my favorite things about safari is its unique ability to bring you directly to the present moment. I think adventure travel does that for all of us – it is the joy and fulfillment of being fully present.”

Ralph Iantosca, CTA, LS, DS, expedition and safari specialist, named among Condé Nast’s Top Travel Specialists 2020-2022, and owner of Iantosca Travel LLC, shared his perspective: “The category of adventure travel is very vast. A few years ago, I was asked the same question [How do you describe adventure travel?] from a traditional traveler who had never experienced anything besides museums, guides, cities, cruises, shows, etc. The question made me realize that there are so many experiences available, like trekking silverbacks in Volcanoes National Park, climbing Kilimanjaro, diving with great whites in South Africa, kayaking in Antarctica, heli-skiing, diving in the South Pacific, looking at a Japanese Zero that a Kamikaze crashed – the list goes on and on. If you are an advisor who’s never personally experienced anything in the adventure travel arena, or a client that is also a ‘traditional’ type of traveler, the new possibilities are endless.”

Who is the adventure traveler? Again, opinions vary. Iantosca noted that adventure travel has many different demographics. His clients are active, affluent, in their late 40s to early 70s, who can all make the time for this type of travel experience.

Barillier said she is “excited to see clients generally wanting to try new things and explore beyond the normal touristy sites. I think honeymooners have always sought some adventure, but it is fun to see this as a conversation with our retired clientele, as well.”

And Rebecca East, luxury travel advisor at Life:Styled Group, described adventure travelers as: “Quite often it’s couples looking for big ways to experience the ‘wow’ factor for a fun proposal idea or as a memorable honeymoon adventure. Some of our couples are more mature and have put their kids through college and are now looking to explore new places. A change that we’re seeing now is that some families are looking to combine these age groups to spend quality time together as an extended/blended family and looking for new ways to experience life together.”

Where can you send adventure travelers? Our adventure travel experts offered these destinations and activities as possibilities to recommend to your clients:

South Africa – safari, shark cage diving, rhino tagging, quad biking, mountain biking, sand boarding, hiking, biking, caving, conservation walks, bungy jumping, helicopter adventures, river boating, surfing, and scuba diving.

Rwanda – gorilla trekking, canopy walk adventure, safari, volcano hike, chimpanzee tracking, and coffee/tea tasting on a farm in the mountains.

Botswana and Zimbabwe – exploring the Okavango Delta, safari waterways, sunset cruise safari, helicopter over Victoria Falls, guided walks, animal tracking and the Big 5.

Dolomites, Italy – hiking inn to inn via feratta (a route on a mountain face equipped with steel cables, ladders, and other fixed anchors), outdoor rock climbing, boating, biking, skiing, snow shoeing, and ice climbing.

Galapagos – snorkeling, scuba diving, wildlife viewing, swimming with sharks, bird watching, hiking, and surfing.

Antarctica – Zodiac cruises, kayaking, whale watching, hiking, glacier viewing and trekking, wildlife viewing, research expeditions, and undersea polar expeditions.

Peru – hiking the Inca trail, climbing Machu Picchu, Amazon excursions, jungle trekking, dune buggy rides, sand surfing, surfing, and paragliding.

How can you break into adventure travel? For those who are new to adventure travel, Iantosca said: “The key is in understanding the experience. I would start by recommending the advisor should think about their own self-discovery with new, exciting activities they would enjoy that are in their comfort zone. This will open an entirely new business to the advisor. I then personally ask new clients to describe their PERCEPTION of adventure travel. You can learn a lot by being an active listener. If the client shares their fears, it’s easy to transition the conversation to something that would eliminate those immediately and re-engage them into something that is in their comfort level but is still trying something new that piques their interest.

“I like to see if the client is open to new experiences first. I created a form that asks about their personal interests, if they live an active lifestyle, which helps start a really fun path of discovery.” He continued: “Is heli-hiking for everyone? No, of course not, but I know that each of my clients is active, lives a healthy lifestyle, and wants to be a participant … My favorite part of the job is sharing new experiences with clients. I ask them if they can envision themselves doing these things.”

The benefit to you, as a business owner, is that this takes the conversation away from the type of travel that is viewed as a commodity, focusing merely on, for instance, hotel rooms and prices. Instead, it’s all about recommending a complete and authentic experience that is not prefabricated.

Iantosca’s parting advice to other travel advisors who are considering getting into this niche: “Do it, do it now, and don’t look back! Do it right now. There are many great suppliers who would love to work with these agents. Most agents say ‘I don’t have those type of clients,’ but that’s their own fear talking. If they get the right training and are in with the right group, the sky is the limit, and they’ll find themselves on a new career path that is full of unexpected, beautiful surprises at every turn. For example, Virtuoso has the Adventure Travel community – it’s a great place to start if the agent is connected with a Virtuoso agency. I joined Virtuoso specifically for its community of suppliers, relationships, and the opportunity to be associated with and learn this niche, which was the best decision I could have ever made.”

FROM THE SPONSOR: South African Tourism is the national tourism agency responsible for the marketing of South Africa as a preferred leisure and business events destination. From breathtaking beauty to sun-soaked coasts; from wildlife to active adventure; from vibrant urban energy to the incredible warmth and cultural diversity of its people – South Africa is a traveler’s dream. Now, after two years of restricted travel movements, South Africa invites the world to come experience this country filled with rich, authentic, unfiltered experiences and to “Live Again!” South Africa has been reopened for tourism since November 2020 with globally benchmarked health and safety protocols in place, including requiring travelers to have a negative COVID-19 PCR test 72 hours prior to arrival, as well as visitors and locals alike wearing face masks in public. For further information on South African Tourism, visit www.southafrica.net/trade . For the latest travel trade updates, follow @SAtraveltrade on Twitter www.twitter.com/SATravelTrade .

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What Does an adventure-Travel Specialist Do?

Role of an adventure travel specialist.

Depending upon where he or she works, an average day for an adventure-travel specialist might be anything from planning tours in the comfort of an air-conditioned office to leading a safari through southern Africa or a cultural expedition through Mongolia.

Adventure travel is one of the fastest growing areas of specialization within the travel industry. Adventure-travel specialists plan—and may lead—tours of unusual, exotic, remote, or wilderness locations. Almost all adventure travel involves some physical activity that takes place outdoors. Sometimes adventure travel is split into two different categories: soft adventure and hard adventure. Hard adventure requires a fairly high degree of commitment from participants, as well as advanced skills.

A hard-adventure traveler might choose to climb Yosemite’s El Capitan, raft the Talkeetna River in Alaska, or mountain bike through the logging trails in the Columbia River Gorge. Soft-adventure travel, on the other hand, requires much less physical ability and is usually suitable for families. Examples of this kind of travel might be a guided horseback ride through the Rocky Mountains, a Costa Rican wildlife-viewing tour, or a hot-air-balloon ride over Napa Valley, California. Other types of soft adventure might include trips to explore the culture and natural environments of a country or region.

Adventure-travel specialists are the travel professionals who plan, develop, and lead these types of tours. Some work strictly in an office environment, planning trip itineraries; making reservations for transportation, activities, and lodging; and selling tours to travelers. Others, typically called outfitters, work in the field, overseeing the travelers and guiding the tour activities. In some cases, the adventure specialist both plans the logistics of the trip and guides it. For every adventure tour that takes place, numerous plans must be made. Travelers who purchase a tour package expect to have every arrangement handled for them, from the time they arrive at the starting point of the trip. That means that ground transportation, accommodations, and dining must all be planned and reserved. Each day’s activities must also be planned in advance, and arrangements need to be made with adventure outfitters to supply equipment and guides.

The trip planner calls lodges, hotels, or campgrounds to make reservations for the tour group and arranges ground transportation, which may be vans, buses, or jeeps, depending upon the particular trip. He or she also works with the adventure outfitters who will actually lead the tour group through the planned activities and supply the necessary equipment.

Some companies serve as adventure-travel brokers, selling both tours that they have developed and tours that have already been packaged by another company. Travel specialists are responsible for marketing and selling these tours. They give potential customers information about the trips offered, usually over the phone or via email. When a customer decides to purchase a tour package, the travel specialist takes the reservation and completes any necessary paperwork. Depending upon their position in the company and their level of responsibility, adventure travel planners may decide where and how to advertise their tours.

Working as an adventure travel outfitter or guide is very different from working as an adventure travel planner or broker. The duties for these individuals vary enormously, depending upon the type of tours they lead. Adventure tours can take place on land, on water, or in the air. On a land adventure trip, guides may take their tour groups rock climbing, caving, mountain biking, wilderness hiking, horseback riding, or wildlife viewing. They may take them to a variety of cultural sites such as the World Heritage site of Luang Prabang in Laos, Etosha National Park in Namibia, or Machu Picchu or the sandy ruins of Chan Chan in Peru. On a water trip, they may go snorkeling, scuba diving, surfing, kayaking, whitewater rafting, or canoeing. Air adventures include skydiving, parasailing, hang gliding, bungee jumping, and hot air ballooning.

Whatever the nature of the trip, guides are responsible for overseeing the group members’ activities and ensuring their safety. They may demonstrate activities, help with equipment, or assist a group member who is having difficulty. In many cases, where travelers are interested in the scenery, geography, local peoples, wildlife, or history of a location, guides serve as commentators, explaining the unique aspects of the region as the group travels.

Guides are also responsible for helping tour group members in the case of an emergency or unplanned event. Depending upon the nature of their tour, they must be prepared to deal with injuries, dangerous situations, and unusual and unplanned happenings. Essentially, it is the guide’s responsibility to ensure that tour group members have a safe, memorable, and enjoyable trip.

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Adventure Travel Specialists

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Introduction

Adventure travel specialists develop, plan, and lead people on tours of places and activities that are unfamiliar to them. Most adventure travel trips involve physical participation and/or a form of environmental education. A whitewater rafting trip, a mountain climbing expedition, or a safari are just some examples of adventure travel. Organized adventure travel has grown rapidly in popularity over the past few decades. Adventure travel specialists are also known as adventure outfitters, adventure travel guides , <...

Quick Facts

Median Salary

Employment Prospects

Minimum Education Level

Personality Traits

There is very little information available on what adventure travel specialists earn. Those who work in the field may find that they have peak and slack times of the year that correspond to weather conditions or vacation and travel seasons. Specialists, especially those just starting out in this line of work, may find they need to work two or three seasonal jobs in different locations and for d...

Work Environment

Depending on where they work, an average day for adventure travel specialists might be anything from planning tours in the comfort of an air-conditioned office to leading a safari through southern Africa. Tour planners may do the majority of their work in comfortable offices. However, they need to spend some time in the field to better plan adventure tours. How can they recommend an activity wi...

One-half of all U.S. traveling adults, or about 98 million people, have taken an adventure trip in their lifetime, according to the Adventure Travel Report. This indicates that the market for adventure travel is quite large and is likely growing.

According to a 2018 Allied Market Research report, the global market for adventure tourism reached $586.3 billion in 2018. Following c...

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The communication was excellent (what to bring, expect, paperwork, etc). The guides were experienced, dependable, and we trusted them fully to guide us through the class 4+ rapids. The scenery was breathtaking with many opportunities to swim in calm waters. The food exceeded expectations – I was not expecting the best vegan protein meal served with low environmental impact on banana leaves! What an awesome day!!!

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Tatan and Didier did an amazing job and this day trip was the highlight of our trip. Their English was perfect. We started off with a rocky start, the company was going to switch our trip to another rafting trip because they didn’t get enough participants, but we convinced them to take us by partially paying for an additional person and it was worth it. The 6AM pickup is worth it. After getting picked up and driven to the meeting point, we had a nice breakfast then a jeep rode up and down dirt rides where we got to the mules. We hiked down to the river while the mules carried the kayaks and rafts on their backs. The hike is intense and not the easiest. Wear real hiking boots/old sneakers that you don’t mind getting really muddy. The class 4 rapids were a lot of fun. We got to swim in a waterfall and relax in the river. They also took several pics and videos, so we get to remember this forever.

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19 Unique And Fabulous Experiences In Moscow

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Thinking of visiting Russia? When visiting such a famous city, one must, of course, visit the iconic landmarks first. Moscow has plenty of those, most of them in the center of the city, which is very well-planned for tourists. Once you’ve seen the sights that are on most travelers’ lists, it’s time to branch out and visit some of the lesser-known sites, and there are some fascinating places to see and things to do.

I know this list is long, but I just couldn’t help myself. You probably won’t have the time to see them all. But that’s okay. Just scroll through the list and choose what sounds the most interesting to you. Where possible, make sure to book in advance, as things can get crowded, especially during high season.

1. The Red Square, Kremlin, And Surroundings

Red Square (Krasnya Ploshad) is the heart and soul of Russia, and where much of the country’s history has unfolded. This is the most famous landmark in Moscow and indeed the whole country, it’s an absolute must-do! The square is always full of people and has a rather festive atmosphere!

Saint Basil’s Cathedral

This is the famous church with the rainbow-colored, onion-domed roof. The cathedral was commissioned in the 1500s by Ivan the Terrible and according to legend, the Tsar thought it was so beautiful, that he ordered that the architect’s eyes be cut out afterward, so he could never build anything more beautiful! He wasn’t called Ivan the Terrible for no reason!

Lenin’s Mausoleum

The “love-it-or-hate-it” of tourist attractions in Russia. A glass sarcophagus containing the embalmed body of Russian revolutionary, Vladimir Lenin. It may seem a bit bizarre to display the mummy of a person, but it has been there for almost half a century and the 2.5 million visitors who come each year, clearly feel the queuing and thorough body search are worth it, to be in Lenin’s presence.

Pro Tip: no photos and no loud talking are allowed inside the Mausoleum.

Eternal Flame

There is an Eternal Flame in honor of an unknown soldier on the left side of Red Square. The hourly changing of the guards is worth seeing.

The Kremlin is the official residence of the Russian president. You can see it from the outside, or you can take an excursion to one of the museums located inside. This is the biggest active fortress in Europe, and holds a week’s worth of attractions! Once behind the 7,332-feet of walls, there are five squares, four cathedrals, 20 towers, various museums, and the world’s largest bell and cannon to see. Worth a special mention is the Armory Chamber that houses a collection of the famous Faberge Eggs.

Pro Tip: You can only go inside the Kremlin if you are part of a tourist group.

2. Bolshoi Theatre

Bolshoi Theatre translates to “The Big Theatre” in Russian, and the building is home to both the Bolshoi Ballet and Bolshoi Opera — among the oldest and most famous ballet and opera companies in the world.

Pro Tip: It’s hard to get an inexpensive ticket, so if you’re reading well in advance of going to Moscow then try buying tickets on the official website . Last-minute tickets cost around $250 per person. If this is out of your budget, about an hour before a performance, you can try buying a ticket at the entrance from a reseller. Most can speak enough English to negotiate the price.

Tour the Bolshoi Theatre: You can take a group guided tour of the Bolshoi Theatre which focuses on the history and architecture of the theatre and behind the scenes. There’s an English language tour that lasts 2 hours and costs around $300 for a group of up to six.

3. Luxury Shopping At GUM And TSUM

Russia’s main department store, GUM, has a stunning interior that is home to over 100 high-end boutiques, selling a variety of brands: from luxurious Dior to the more affordable Zara. Even if shopping is not on your Moscow to-do list GUM is still worth a visit; the glass-roofed arcade faces Red Square and offers a variety of classy eateries. TSUM, one of the biggest luxury malls in town, is right behind the Bolshoi and GUM. It’s an imposing building with lots of history, and worth a visit just for its design and its glass roof.

4. Christ The Savior Cathedral

This is one of Russia’s most visited cathedrals and is a newer addition to the gorgeous array of Muscovite cathedrals, but don’t let its young age fool you. After perestroika, in the early 90s, the revived Russian Orthodox Church was given permission to build a cathedral on this site. It did the location honors and built the largest temple of the Christian Orthodox Church. The façade is as grand as you’d expect, but it’s the inside that will mesmerize you, with its domes, gold, gorgeous paintings, and decor!

The cathedral is located just a few hundred feet away from the Kremlin and was the site of the infamous Pussy Riot protest against Putin back in 2012.

Pro Tip: Bring a shawl to cover your hair as is the local custom.

5. Gorky Park

Moscow’s premier green space, Gorky Park (Park Gor’kogo) is the city’s biggest and most famous park. There is entertainment on offer here for every taste, from outdoor dancing sessions to yoga classes, volleyball, ping-pong, rollerblading, and bike and boat rental in summer. In winter, half the park turns into a huge ice skating rink. Gorky Park is also home to an open-air movie theater and the Garage Museum of Contemporary Art. There is also Muzeon Art Park, a dynamic contemporary space with a unique collection of 700 sculptures. It is located right in front of Gorky Park.

6. Sparrow Hills Park

If you take a walk from Gorky Park, along the Moscow River embankment, you’ll end up in the city’s other legendary park, Sparrow Hills. Although the park doesn’t offer as many activities as its hip neighbor, it has a great panoramic view of the city

Pro Tip: You can take a free walking tour to all of the above attractions with an English-speaking guide.

7. River Cruising

One of the best ways to experience Moscow, and see all the famous landmarks, but from a different angle, is from the Moscow River. Take a river cruise. Avoid the tourist crowds. There are little nameless old boats that do the cruise, but if you are looking for a more luxurious experience take the Radisson Blu cruise and enjoy the sights with some good food and a glass of wine.

8. Metro Hopping

Inaugurated in the 1930s, the Moscow Metro system is one of the oldest and most beautiful in the world. Started in Stalinist times, each station is a work of art in its own right. I’d recommend touring the stations between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. This way, you’ll be able to properly see it without the crowds. Ideally, I’d recommend taking a tour with a knowledgeable guide with GuruWalk, who will tell you stories of forgotten stations and how the history of the country is interconnected with the metro development. If going by yourself, then I definitely recommend checking out: Mayakovskaya, Ploschad Revolutsii, Kievskaya, Kropotkinskaya, Kurskaya, and Novoslobodskaya stations.

Visit the free Moscow Metro Museum: For real train enthusiasts, located in the southern vestibule of Sportivnaya station is a small free museum. Here you can take a peek into the driver’s cabin, see a collection of metro tokens from different cities, and see different models of a turnstile, traffic lights, escalator, and more.

9. Moscow State University View

In his effort to create a grander Moscow, Stalin had seven skyscrapers built in different parts of town; they’re called the Seven Sisters. The largest of these buildings and the one with the best view is the main building of the Moscow State University. Although this is a little outside the city center, the view is more than worth it.

10. Izmailovsky Market

Mostly known for the city’s largest flea market, the district of Izmaylovo is home to a maze of shops where you can get just about anything, from artisan crafts to traditional fur hats, handcrafted jewelry, fascinating Soviet memorabilia, and antiquities. It’s also one of Moscow’s largest green spaces. There are often no price tags, so be prepared to haggle a bit. Head to one of the market cafes for a warming mulled wine before continuing your shopping spree.

The History of Vodka Museum is found here, and the museum’s restaurant is the perfect place to sample various brands of the national drink.

Once you’ve covered the more touristy spots, Moscow still has plenty to offer, and the places below will also be full of locals! So for some local vibes, I would strongly recommend the spots below!

11. Moscow City

With a completely different vibe, Moscow City (also referred to as Moscow International Business Center) is like a mini Dubai, with lots of impressive tall glass buildings. Here is where you’ll find the best rooftops in towns, like Ruski Restaurant, the highest restaurant both in Moscow City and in Europe. Moscow City is great for crowd-free shopping and the best panoramic views of the city.

12. Tretyakov Gallery

Tretyakov Gallery started as the private collection of the Tretyakov brothers, who were 19th-century philanthropists. They gave their private collection to the government after their deaths. If there is just one museum you visit in Moscow, I recommend this one!

13. Tsaritsyno Museum-Reserve

Tsaritsyno was a residence of Catherine the Great more than two centuries ago. It became derelict during the Soviet era but has now been fully renovated. With its opulently decorated buildings, gardens, meadows, and forests, Tsaritsyno Park is the perfect place for a green respite in Moscow.

14. Kolomenskoye

A 10-minute metro ride from the city center is Kolomenskoe Museum-Reserve, where you can get an idea of what Russia looked like 200 years ago. You’ll find ancient churches (one dating back to the 16th century), the oldest garden in Moscow, and the wonderful fairytale wooden palace of Tsar Alexey Mikhailovich, father of Peter the Great.

15. Ostankino TV Tower

Built in 1967, Ostankino TV Tower was the tallest free-standing construction in the world at the time, it’s still the 8th tallest building in the world and the highest in Europe. It’s also the best observation deck, with a glass floor and 360-degree views. The speedy elevators take you 1,105 feet in next to no time.

Pro Tip: You need to book in advance; entrance is based on specific ticket times and the capacity is limited and only a certain number of tourists are allowed per day. Don’t forget your passport, you’ll need it to get through security.

16. Zaryadye Park

Zaryadye is a newly opened, landscaped urban park so new you won’t find it in a lot of tour guides. The park is near Red Square and is divided into four climatic zones: forest, steppe, tundra, and floodplains, depicting the variety of climatic zones in Russia.

These last three suggestions are a little quirky, but all are really worth checking out.

17. Museum Of Soviet Arcade Games

Release your inner child playing on 66 arcade machines from the Soviet era! What a great way to spend a couple of hours when tired of visiting museums and palaces. The staff speaks excellent English and are happy to explain how the games work.

18. Moscow Rooftop Tour

Take a 1-hour private Moscow rooftop tour with an experienced roofer. I can just about guarantee none of your friends will be able to say they’ve done it! For your comfort, I recommend wearing comfortable shoes. Take your camera, there are some amazing photo opportunities out there!

19. Sanduny Banya

This classical Russian bathhouse opened its doors in 1808 and is famous for combining traditional Russian banya services with luxurious interiors and service. If you enjoy spas and saunas, then you should experience a Russian bathhouse at least once in your life! Go with an open mind and hire a specialist to steam you as it’s meant to be done — by being beaten repeatedly with a besom (a leafy branch)! This is said to improve circulation, but is best done by a professional!

So there you have my list of things to do in Moscow. I could have gone on and on and on, but I didn’t want to try your patience! There are so many things to do in this vibrant city that you’ll definitely need to allocate several days for exploring.

Here are some other reasons to visit Moscow and Russia:

• 7 Reasons To Put Moscow On Your Travel Bucket List
• Russia 30 Years (And 30 Pounds) Ago
• Massive Mysterious Craters Appearing Again In Siberia

Born and raised in Sydney, Australia, before moving to Africa at the age of 21, Sarah Kingdom is a mountain climber and guide, traveler, yoga teacher, trail runner, and mother of two. When she is not climbing or traveling she lives on a cattle ranch in central Zambia. She guides and runs trips regularly in India, Nepal, Tibet, Russia, and Ethiopia, taking climbers up Tanzania’s Mount Kilimanjaro numerous times a year.