Top 10 New Comfort Tours for 2012

Legend has it that colour film was invented specifically to capture the vibrancy of India. (Okay, we made that up, but still…) This adventure offers a look at the history and heritage of this always surprising land, bringing you to the imperial Mughal cities of Agra and New Delhi, stunning capitals of the former princely states—home to sprawling haveli and Rajput-era palaces—and rural Rajasthan villages and fortified towns untouched by time. And with A/C transport and accommodation throughout, you feel a little like royalty yourself.

The ultimate exploration of Mayan culture for those who want the complete experience but prefer a more comfortable option. Explore the ruins at Copán and Tikal, walk the cobblestone colonial cities of Suchitoto and Antigua and take part in a Mayan tree-planting ceremony after a local lunch on breathtaking Lake Atitlán. From the Caribbean flavour of Livingston to lesser-visited El Salvador, your local CEO will show you the region’s hidden gems and make sure your trip burns brightly in your memory long after you've left this crossroads of Mayan culture.

Two weeks’ travel in wall-to-wall comfort with all of South America as your playground? Sign us up! This top-flight journey through the historical, cultural and natural treasures of this amazing continent is the perfect fit for time-crunched travellers desperate to conquer South America in grand style. Tremble at the incredible power of Iguassu Falls, trek the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu (or stay behind and meet up with the hikers at the top) and paint Rio red with our passionate and knowledgable CEOs. Anything is possible!

It’s difficult to fit all the varied experiences Thailand makes possible into 12 days, but we found a way. The plot of this comfort-focused trip is filled with tales of triumph, tenderness and poignancy; golden monasteries, Thai cooking classes and visits to thriving night markets are tempered with personal contact with gentle Asian elephants at a conservation centre and a sobering journey to Hellfire Pass along the Death Railway, where legions of POWs met a cruel fate in World War II. Prepare to return home a different person.

Machu Picchu stood guard over the Urubamba Valley, waiting for the outside world to find it for over 400 years. Who’s got that kind of time these days? This short-and-sweet tour through Peru explores all the historical and cultural highlights of the region in record time, but we promise you’ll never feel rushed. The plush comfort of your city and Sacred Valley stays will steel you for Machu Picchu and the camping trek up the Inca Trail, and our full-service staff in Cuzco guarantee your dream adventure goes off without the slightest hitch. The ancients approve.

From cosmopolitan cities to ancient capitals and surreal rural scenery, China’s stunning diversity offers adventurous visitors to the Middle Kingdom a chance to explore both its modern allure and ancient past. A rapidly changing country, now is the time to discover its cultural and historical diversity — and do it with a bit of style! Our experienced CEO will lead the way and eliminate the hassle so you're free to explore China's urban and rural highlights and discover something special.

Escape the well-travelled path and journey deep into the beating heart of Africa on this week-long comfort-themed wildlife adventure. On this trip, you’ll explore some of Botswana’s most beautiful and diverse national parks and game reserves, crossing paths with elephants, lions, giraffes and loads of other creatures. And with our specialized 4x4s, comfortable domed tents and—yes—toilets and showers, you’ll barely even notice you’re roughing it in the bush. We can’t take all of the bumps and bounces out of the backroads, but for the unparalleled access to Africa’s natural pleasures, we doubt you’ll complain.

Two wildly divergent—and equally authentic—sides of Africa, one incredible life-changing trip! Designed especially for the comfort-minded traveller, this adventure merges the world-famous wildlife of South Africa with the equally wondrous (and less-explored) natural grace of the fabled Garden Route over 12 extraordinary days. Wildlife excursions in Kruger National Park will bring you closer to the ‘Big 5’ than any nature documentary, and relaxing evenings spent sipping wine and dining in style on the glorious southeastern coast make for a truly unforgettable experience.

The perfect African adventure for those who want to experience all of this region’s diverse pleasures quickly, authentically and comfortably, this 13-day trip has it all—and then some. Unfolding in three flight-assisted stages, this trip will take you from urbane Cape Town to the sprawling wilderness of Kruger National Park, home of the ‘Big 5’ and countless photo ops. From there, jet off to Livingstone, Zambia’s colonial jewel, and feel the awesome roar of Victoria Falls for yourself. Throughout, experienced CEOs will be on hand to draw out the best this magical land has to offer.

Mild temperatures, lush forests and supreme comfort aren’t what many people think of when they hear ‘Africa.’ But then again, most people never explore South Africa’s Western Cape. It’s their loss, really; this trip incorporates an unbeatable combination of beaches, coves, cuisine and accommodation. And there’s plenty of the other Africa on hand, too; the region’s ruggedly beautiful scenery guarantees you’ll get plenty of both the Africa you know—and the one you just fell in love with.