What’s your client’s dream trip? Is it tracking gorillas in Uganda, staying overnight in an Irish castle or dining with geisha in Japan? If any of these mesmerizing experiences align with your client’s vision for their next meaningful journey, you’ll want to explore what members of the United States Tour Operator Association (USTOA) have to offer.
USTOA tour operator members’ expertly crafted once-in-a-lifetime adventures are designed as more than another vacation; they’re designed to leave a lasting impression.
Uganda: Wild & Wonderful
Coming face-to-face with a gorilla in their natural habitat is a rare and unforgettable experience, definitely worthy of a dream trip. During Abercrombie & Kent’s guided 11-day Uganda: Gorillas & Beyond Journey, your clients will track endangered mountain gorillas in the wild; trek the lush, tropical trails of Kibale National Park in search of chimpanzees; cruise up the Nile River to the mist-shrouded Murchison Falls; and set out on game drives in search of tree-climbing lions, elephants, Cape buffalo and Ugandan kob, among a host of other highlights (anyone up for spotting those fearsome Nile crocodiles?).
The accommodations are just as incredible as the wildlife travelers will encounter: the Protea Hotel Entebbe, overlooking Lake Victoria; the Nile Safari Lodge, fronting the southern bank of the Nile River within the Murchison Falls National Park; the Kyaninga Lodge, perched at the edge of an extinct volcano overlooking the Rwenzori Mountains; and the Ishasha Wilderness Camp, set along the Ntungwe River in the remote Southern Ishasha sector of the Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Exploring Japan: Coastal Waters to Mountain Peaks
Alexander + Roberts’ 11-day deep dive into Japan via its From Japan’s Inland Sea to the Alps itinerary has your clients dining with geisha, sampling fine sake and visiting the world-famous Tsukiji Outer Market. During this dream trip, there’s also a hands-on sushi-making class with a Tokyo chef; hearing the colorful stories of Kyoto’s geisha and kabuki traditions on a guided stroll through the historic Gion district; learning about the ancient tenets of Japanese landscape design at Kenrokuen Garden; journeying to the alpine hamlet of Shirakawago, known for its unusual century-old farmhouses; and enjoy the Takayama Spring Festival during the peak cherry blossom season.
The itinerary features visits to several UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Nara, Japan’s ancient capital where Buddhism was first introduced to Japan nearly 1,500 years ago; the Itsukushima Temple, established in the sixth century; and Nijo Castle, whose Nightingale Floor was designed to chirp in warning if would-be assassins penetrated the Shogun’s inner sanctum.
A Culinary Journey Through Greece
Foodies will dive headfirst into culinary delights during Intrepid Travel’s 9-day Greece Real Food Adventure. They’ll discover Greece’s rich culinary history on a journey that blends ancient traditions with local flavors, explore pistachio farms and fish markets in the Saronic Islands and visit olive groves along the Peloponnese coast. Along the way, they’ll meet local producers and home cooks who bring regional dishes and stories to life.
Highlights include a behind-the-scenes visit at a multi-generational family distillery for an intimate ouzo production demo and tasting (unavailable to regular tourists); hands-on farm visits with artisan producers, including tasting honeycomb fresh from the hive at a family apiary; and learning to prepare authentic Greek dishes in a private family kitchen using recipes passed down through generations. There’s also relaxing on the beaches of Kardamyli and marveling at the legacy of ancient Greece at the Theatre of Epidaurus and Mycenae’s Treasury of Atreus.
Ireland’s Landmarks with a Five-Star Touch
While on tour with CIE Tours’ 9-day Irish Supreme, travelers will enjoy the best of Irish hospitality while exploring the country’s top attractions and tasting regional cuisine. They’ll stay in five-star hotels, elegant manor houses and the grand Dromoland Castle—each offering fine dining and spa indulgences along the way.
This dream trip features a falconry demonstration set against the grandeur of Russborough House, a private sheepdog display on the Ring of Kerry and a tasting trail through Cork’s local delicacies. There’s also setting eyes on the Book of Kells, an ornate ninth-century manuscript crafted by scholarly monks; a visit to the Jameson Bow St. Distillery in the historic Smithfield area of Dublin; touring the beautifully restored Kilkenny Castle; and being awed by the beauty of the Cliffs of Moher, soaring 700 ft. above the Atlantic surf.
Timeless Italy: Rome & the Amalfi Coast
On Perillo Tours’ 9-day Rome & Amalfi Coast Experience travelers will explore Rome’s iconic landmarks and the Vatican before heading to the Amalfi Coast for a scenic journey along the Mediterranean. This Italian getaway combines history, culture and stunning views with comfortable, well-located hotels. Highlights include a panoramic driving tour of Imperial Rome, including the Roman Forum, Circus Maximus, an arena for horse races during the Roman Empire, and the Synagogue, as well as a tour of the Colosseum; and visits to Pompeii, Positano, Sorrento, Ravello and Capri.
The accommodations, too, are delightful: In Amalfi, the Luna Convento Hotel—a former 12th-century convent—offers historic charm and modern amenities from its cliffside perch, while in Rome, the Starhotels Michelangelo provides a contemporary stay just steps from the Vatican, featuring stylish rooms, quality service and a convenient base for discovering the Eternal City.
For more information, visit ustoa.com/travel-advisors.
For more immersive experiences from USTOA members, click HERE.
