Best Luxury Adventures for Active Travelers

By: Bryan Shelmon

Bryan Shelmon is a travel writer, living the digital nomad lifestyle as of the past 5+ years to immerse himself into the travel industry. Bryan has traveled to regions including the Americas, the Caribbean, Europe, and Southeast Asia. While traveling, he enjoys daily writing sessions with his favorite chai latte, attending local cultural events, and working on CULTURE art inspired by new places.

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December 30, 2023 | Adventure Experts, Pro Tips

We’re thrilled to welcome all new and returning intrepid travelers seeking a new luxury adventure to cross of their bucket list. Our luxury trips curate one-of-a-kind experiences. You’ll get a taste of nature and culture with a personalized touch to ensure your tour is everything you dreamed of—and more!

Want to explore the ‘End of the Earth?’ See exotic wildlife? Uncover mysteries of forgotten civilizations? MT Sobek has you covered! Here are the best luxury adventures led by our expert guides.


Best Luxury Adventures for Active Travelers


1. Private African Safari Adventure in Botswana


A group of elephants from Africa walking through a waterhole at sunset.

We all have memories of flipping through those yellow National Geographic magazines and seeing exciting photos of roaring lions creeping in the brush and elephant herds bathing in ponds. But what if you can see them in person? Explore Africa’s many safaris that put you up close and in person to some of the world’s most thrilling wildlife.


Female and male travelers enjoying sundowners at Okavango Delta, Botswana, Africa

Botswana is one of the top destinations in Africa to spot wildlife. It’s home to sites like the Moremi Game Reserve and Chobe National Park, where the Big Five await you. These protected areas preserve populations of lions, elephants, rhinos, cheetahs, leopards, crocodiles, hundreds of bird species, and much more.


Group of safari travelers on a game drive to see leopards in Botswana, Africa

Skip the crowded van tours that only offer a chance at seeing animals—and even fighting for a great shot if you happen to see something exciting. Our Botswana Classic Private Adventure tour bring a taste of luxury to the safari experience. Travel with your favorite companions to share the special moment of seeing your favorite animals. We enrich the experience with luxury accommodations so you can wake up refreshed and ready for another day of exploring these vast lands, literally crawling with wildlife you won’t find anywhere else!


View the Botswana Classic Private Adventure itinerary>>



2. Get the Royal Treatment in India’s Land of Kings


enjoy a cruise in Udaipur during your visit to India - a must-do! in Asia

Royalty is the ultimate luxury, and India rolls out the red carpet for active travelers who are adventurous enough to experience it. Plan a journey into the Rajasthan state, nicknamed the ‘Land of Kings,’ where you’ll get a glimpse into the country’s wealth.


Exploring the colorful "Pink City", Jaipur, in India, Asia

Wealth is more than material riches, and our India Royal Rajasthan Cultural Discovery Tour spotlights the vast cultural riches this region of India is known for. It’s where you’ll discover landmarks like the historic Jaisalmer Fort, the City Palace in Jaipur, and the myriad shades of blue defining the architecture in Jodhpur, nicknamed the Blue City. And no trip to India is complete without seeing one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World, the Taj Mahal.


Our tour experience fully immerses you in the culture unseen by the average visitor. You’ll get to dine traditional cuisines with a local Rajput family and interact with village people who live in the Thar Desert. From stays at the luxury Manvar Desert Camp to five-star hotel stays in former palaces like Ajit Bhawan and Fateh Bagh, you’ll truly feel like royalty by the end of the trip.


Preview the India Royal Rajasthan Cultural Discovery itinerary>>



3. Discover the Origin of Evolution in the Galápagos Islands


Enjoy the ultimate luxury experience on a Galapagos Luxury Cruise, where you can relax in a jacuzzi on the deck.

Get ready for a sea-faring adventure to the Galápagos Islands. This group of remote islands off the coast of South America is said to be the origin of evolution. And thanks to its isolation, it’s filled with endemic plants and wildlife waiting to be explored. Few sparely explored locations on Earth exist, but these islands are full of new discoveries.

Walk in the steps of the legendary Charles Darwin while exploring the island chain. Nowhere else on Earth will you encounter the Galapagos giant tortoises, Darwin’s Finches, the Flightless Cormorant, and other species of iguanas, sea lions, and more. Keep it old school with a hand-written journal documenting all the rare animal species you encounter—like Darwin did to create his Evolution of Species book. Or explore like modern-day travelers with camera equipment to capture sights unseen by most people.


A luxurious white boat is floating in the Galapagos ocean.

Travel Solo in Good Company to the Galapagos Islands

Join our Ecuador Galapagos Luxury Wildlife Adventure tour for a guided excursion to the different islands. You’ll make stops on Santa Cruz, Fernandina, and other islands in the chain on board our luxury Alya catamaran boat for up to 16 passengers. Bring a swimsuit because these waters are more than welcoming, and you’ll get to experience snorkeling and kayaking.


Preview our Ecuador Galapagos Luxury Wildlife Adventure trip itinerary>>



4. Travel Through Time to Ancient Egypt


Three camels in front of the pyramids in giza, egypt.

Turn back the clocks in one of the world’s most enchanting countries. Explore the lives of forgotten Pharaohs, uncover buried tombs, and dust off the sands to a world of mystery in Egypt. From experiencing the Great Pyramids of Egypt, one of the most iconic Seven Wonders of the World, to the multi-sensory thrill of exploring Cairo, Egypt will be an experience you won’t forget.

Experience the best of Egypt packaged into one excursion when you embark with us on our Egypt Pyramids, Temples, & Nile Multi-Adventure Tour. Our multi-tour experiences combine many of your favorite activities in one—cultural immersion, boat rides, and more. Cruise the lifeline of Egypt along the Nile River on a luxury riverboat. Tour the site of the Great Pyramids and Sphinx and other famous pyramids dotting the Valley of the Pharaohs. Delve into the history of one of Egypt’s most famous pharaohs when exploring the Tomb of King Tut.


Two women posing in front of the sphinx in Egypt on a cultural discovery group tour

Our luxury accommodations at the Four Seasons Hotel Cairo and Nile Ritz Carlton will definitely make you feel like a modern-day pharaoh.


Preview our Egypt Multi-Adventure trip itinerary>>


Request a free adventure travel catalog from MT Sobek
Request a free adventure travel catalog from MT Sobek!

5. Uncover Mysteries of Inca Civilization in Machu Picchu


Discovering Ollantaytambo - old Inca fortress and town the hills of the Sacred Valley (Valle Sagrado) in the Andes mountains of Peru South America

Many questions remain unanswered about the lost Incan Civilization. How did they mysteriously disappear? How did they achieve such monumental architectural and engineering feats? And what was the main purpose of Machu Picchu? These questions—and many more—have inspired adventurous explorers for generations seeking answers that have puzzled the world since they were first discovered. Now is your chance to attempt to piece together the mysteries of the Incas during a trip to Peru.


A male solo traveler wanders through the ruins of the ancient Incan city of Machu Picchu in Peru

Our Peru Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu Hiking Tour takes you to the highs and lows of the Inca civilization and experience the wonders left behind in these revered lands. Descend upon Peru’s Sacred Valley to discover village-life traditions passed down for centuries. You’ll see traditional farming techniques still used today, witness colorful landscapes, and even interact with charming llamas. Later, ascend to the city above the clouds via the Inca Trail, where you’ll see the legendary Machu Picchu site.

Expert guides help provide more context to the narrative of the Incas and Machu Picchu to give a better appreciation of the mountain-top citadel.


Preview our Peru Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu Hiking trip itinerary>>



6. Journey to the End of the World in Patagonia


Hikers can witness autumn colorful leaves foliage in Patagonia, Chile & Argentina in March

Looking for a place where nature takes precedence over civilization? Patagonia is one such place that’s only reserved for the most daring. It’s famous for otherworldly landscapes set between glaciers and volcanoes. A place where you’ll experience ever-changing weather with unpredictable wind and encountering a range of seasons within a single hike. And wildlife that ranges from big cats lurking in high elevations to whales and penguins residing near the southernmost tip of South America.

Patagonia is a call into the wild for many adventurers. Our Argentina & Chile Patagonia Luxury Hiking Tour takes off the edge so you can witness the true beauty of this breath-taking region. We take guests on scenic hikes to see the iconic peaks of Cerro Torre, Torres del Paine, and Mount Fitz Roy. Gallop on horseback through the Patagonia steppe. And bundle up for an excursion through Los Glaciares National Park to see the Perito Moreno Glacier.


A living room with a fireplace and a view of the mountains in Patagonia, near El Chalten

No need for tents on this outdoor adventure. We’ll unwind every day in luxury hotels designed to give you warmth, comfort, and stunning views of Patagonia.


Preview our Argentina & Chile Patagonia Luxury Hiking trip itinerary>>



7. Scenic European Pilgrimage in Portugal & Spain


Port wine and traditional sweet pastries with a view in Portugal's foodie capital, Porto

European travel is always in high demand. Give yourself a new way to experience two of the continent’s most popular destinations with a scenic hiking tour. Follow the trail of the iconic Camino de Santiago. It’s a stretch of 383 miles along the coasts of Portugal and Spain.


A group of pilgrims walking the Camino de Santiago trail along vineyards in Spain

The El Camino hiking route takes active travelers on a spiritual journey. It originated as a pilgrimage for Christians en route to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, the shrine of apostle St. James the Great. Today, it attracts hikers of all faiths pursuing spiritual awakenings, personal growth, or those simply tagging along for the stunning coastal sights. Whatever your motivation, it’s a hike that teaches you that the journey is as much the experience as the destination.

Traditionally, the hike takes approximately 30 days to complete. Our Portugal & Spain El Camino Portugues Hiking Tour fits the best of the trek within 11 days. Each day is filled with hiking upwards of 13 miles each day. We’ll explore UNESCO World Heritage cities like Lisbon and Porto, dine in Portugal’s foodie hotspot of Oporto, and visit historic temples in Spain en route to our final destination.

Register for this tour for a special opportunity to join the MT Sobek President on this exciting adventure in 2024!


Preview our Portugal & Spain El Camino Portugues Hiking tour>>


Want to discover more luxury adventure travel tours like these? Click here to download our FREE MT Sobek 2024 Adventure Catalog and start planning your next adventure today!


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