Valentine’s Day is a reminder to celebrate what you love — and for us, that definitely means travel! Exploring the world sparks joy, creates memories and leaves us with incredible stories.
This month, we’re featuring three very different journeys that have one thing in common: they’re experiences that will take your breath away.
Oktoberfest is just one of many unforgettable moments on this journey through Germany and Austria on our Oktoberfest, Edelweiss and the Black Forest tour. From the fairytale towers of Neuschwanstein Castle to the villages of the Black Forest and the beauty of the Austrian Lakes, this tour blends history, breathtaking scenery, and authentic local experiences - including time to enjoy Munich during the world-famous Oktoberfest!
For nature and animal lovers, our Rwanda Revealed tour offers a rare opportunity to see endangered gorillas and chimpanzees in their natural mountain and rainforest habitats.
Or perhaps an active vacation with sun and scenery is more your travel sweet spot. On our Walking the Algarve and Andalusia tour, you’ll explore Spain and Portugal on a slow-paced holiday that lets you experience local culture on foot.
With so many tours and destinations to fall for, I’m sure you’ll find your perfect match!
Happy travels!
Danny Shay, President
Senior Discovery Tours
Prost! The Oktoberfest Experience in Munich
Clinking beer steins, rousing drinking songs, and thousands of people having a rip-roaring time. That’s Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany’s legendary celebration of beer, culture, and good, old-fashioned fun.
A feast for the senses. Mouthwatering scents drift in the air, carnival rides whirl overhead, oom-pah bands belt out traditional Bavarian tunes, and there are lederhosen and dirndls everywhere.
Epic beer tents. Each tent, run by a different brewery, has its own vibe, from cozy and traditional to enthusiastic and rowdy. Grab a stein of Märzen, the smooth amber brewed for Oktoberfest, and join in the camaraderie. Don’t be shy: learning the traditional songs and raising your stein with a hearty “Prost!” is practically mandatory.
Dive into delicious dishes. Oktoberfest isn’t just about beer – try "hendl" (roast chicken), "schweinshaxe" (pork knuckle), or make your way through a mountain of the best potato pancakes you’ve ever tried. Top it off sweet treat like a "schmalznudel" or a giant gingerbread heart.
Experience the energy. Locals join travellers from all over the world to dance, laugh, and sing together. You might arrive a stranger, but by the end of the night, you’ll feel like part of the festival family.
Tips for first-timers
- Dress the part: Rent or buy a "dirndl" or "lederhosen": wearing traditional attire really adds to the fun!
- Go early: The tents fill up quickly, especially on weekends. Arrive before noon for a better chance at a table.
- Pace yourself: Those one-litre steins can add up fast. Balance beer with food and water.
- Explore beyond the tents: There’s lots to do: try out the rides, games, and smaller beer gardens.
Pack your "dirndl" or "lederhosen" for a wonderful trip that explores the best of Germany and Austria. Our Oktoberfest, Edelweiss and the Black Forest tour starts off in Munich during Oktoberfest, and then hits highlights including Salzburg, Innsbruck, Obergammau, and the famous Neuschwanstein Castle.
Journey Into the Wild: Gorillas & Chimpanzees in Rwanda
If seeing primates in their natural habitat is on your travel bucket list, make a trip to Rwanda your next adventure.
Get face-to-face with mountain gorillas
In the volcanic hills of northern Rwanda, you’ll trek through misty bamboo forests with expert trackers, following forest trails until you spot a gorilla family – truly a once-in-a-lifetime moment.
Silverbacks sit with quiet authority, keeping watch over their group, while mothers cradle their young, and juveniles tumble and play nearby. It’s a quiet, intimate experience: you’ll be close enough to observe gestures and facial expressions, and take in interactions that show their intelligence and strong social bonds.
Travellers find the experience emotional and humbling. A rare privilege that fosters profound appreciation for conservation efforts and the fragile future of these endangered primates.
Tracking chimps in Nyungwe Forest
In Nyungwe Forest, one of Africa’s oldest rainforests, there’s a different primate adventure to be had. Guided by experienced trackers, you follow signs such as broken branches, fresh nests, and footprints to locate chimpanzee troops.
Once found, you may see them eating fruit, grooming one another, or interacting with their group. Some move quickly through the canopy, while others rest, forage, and communicate through calls, gestures, and facial expressions. You’ll quickly see their intelligence, social hierarchy, and strong group dynamics.
These encounters offer an intimate glimpse into a complex ecosystem – and a reminder of the wonder and diversity of nature. You can experience both on our upcoming Rwanda Revealed tour, where we’ll spend 16 days exploring Rwanda’s mountains and rainforests to encounter some of the world’s most extraordinary wildlife up close.
Tips for an unforgettable experience
- Good gear: Bring comfortable hiking shoes, long-sleeve shirts, insect repellent, and waterproof jackets.
- Expect some physical effort: Trails can be steep and muddy, so you’ll need a moderate fitness level to fully enjoy the experience.
- Explore with respect: Keep your distance from wildlife and follow your guide’s instructions: primates are highly sensitive to human contact.
7 Spots You’ll Love in Lagos, Portugal
If you want to experience Portugal’s sun-soaked southern coast, Lagos is your perfect home base for exploring this beautiful area. With a stunning coastline, historic streets, great walking paths, and a beachy, laid-back vibe, Lagos has plenty to offer. Don’t miss these great places:
1. Ponta da Piedade for dramatic cliffs and caves
Marvel at jagged rock formations, hidden grottoes, and turquoise waters. You can see it from the water on a boat tour or explore the trails along the cliff tops for amazing views (and truly stunning sunsets).
2. Praia Dona Ana for the perfect beach vibe
Soft, calm waters and golden sand surrounded by cliffs make this a great spot to swim, snorkel, sunbathe – and then enjoy a tasty porto tonico (white port and tonic) at the charming beach bar.
3. Lagos Old Town for colourful streets and cobblestones
Explore the pastel-hued buildings, quaint cafes, and bustling squares. Check out the Igreja de Santo António for a peek at its baroque beauty, then relax at an outdoor cafe for pasteis de nata (custard tarts) and people watching.
4. Forte da Ponta da Bandeira for a fascinating slice of history
History buffs shouldn’t miss this 17th-century fortress near the harbour for a view into Lagos’ maritime past and unbeatable views over the water.
5. Lagos Marina for dining and sunset views
The marina is lined with excellent restaurants and bars. Enjoy a leisurely seafood feast while watching the sun sink into the Atlantic.
6. Meia Praia for a relaxing beach day
This long, lovely beach is the perfect place to swim, play beach sports, or take a leisurely sunset walk. It’s 4km long, so it’s easy to find a quiet spot, even in high season but you’re also never far from hotels, restaurants and cafes.
7. Kayaking and cave tours for a little aquatic adventure
Explore the coastline up close with a kayak or stand-up paddleboard tour. Paddle through caves, arches, and secluded beaches that are only accessible from the water.
Enjoy Lagos on our 12-day Walking the Algarve and Andalusia tour, your chance to discover Southern Portugal and Spain on foot as we explore two of the Iberian Peninsula’s most captivating regions.
Why Travel With Us? Reason #2
Carefully selected hotels: We personally inspect each property for quality, service and value, prioritizing convenient locations wherever possible for easy access to local amenities. Plus, thanks to our long-standing, trusted relationships with many partner hotels, our travellers can count on exceptionally gracious service.
“Cheers” to Travel
Whether it’s Oktoberfest in Germany or a Portuguese taverna, here’s how you can toast to your companions’ health around the world.
Arabic – في صحتك (Fi sihtak)
Chinese (Mandarin) – 干杯 (Gānbēi)
Czech – Na zdraví
Danish – Skål
French – Santé
German – Prost
Greek – Γεια μας (Yamas)
Hebrew – לחיים (L’chaim)
Hungarian – Egészségedre
Italian – Cin cin
Japanese – 乾杯 (Kanpai)
Korean – 건배 (Geonbae)
Dutch – Proost
Norwegian – Skål
Polish – Na zdrowie
Portuguese – Saúde
Spanish – ¡Salud!
Swedish – Skål
Turkish – Şerefe
Ukrainian – На здоров’я (Na zdorovya)
