MT Sobek Staff Picks: Expert Picks for Summer 2024

By: Grace Park

Grace Park is Mountain Travel Sobek's Marketing Coordinator. Her recent travels have taken her to Korea, Israel and Cambodia, where she helped teach Cambodian high school students as part of an international mission. Grace enjoys drinking boba & coffee, eating good food, hosting people at her home, playing board games, and trying out new cafes!

Other Posts by this Author


January 31, 2024 | Adventure Experts

Calling all adventurers! We’re thrilled to present our pick for the top MT Sobek adventures and destinations for Summer 2024. Our list includes seasonality, must-sees, as well as terrain diversity, with trips to excite every avid hiker!

We’ve interviewed with our own staff to see what top trips or trip destinations they are excited about. Share this list with a fellow wanderlust-filled soul and get on a plane for this summer.


Enjoy the list below!


Expert Picks for Summer 2024: Croatia


pnoramic aerial view of historic town of Dubrovnik in Croatia, Europe
Aerial shot of historic town of Dubrovnik in Croatia, Europe

solo female hiker in red hiking rugged trails of the best Croatia hiking tour
Solo female hiker hiking trail in Croatia, Europe

Perfect For: Land and sea adventures!

Submitted By: Mindy T. MT Sobek Director of Custom Travel

Why We Love This: “Having traveled to, and falling in love with Croatia, I am so excited to add this destination to our Custom Travel Offerings!” —Mindy T.


Best Time to Go: Summer to Fall

Best Hotel to Stay In: Ninion Boutique Hotel, Dubrovnik (Link to Google Maps)


Tailor your dream trip to Croatia with MT Sobek!>>



Expert Picks for Summer 2024: Ghana, Togo & Benin Cultural Discovery



Group of men in traditional African robes dancing and singing celebratory songs in Ghana, Africa
group of traditionally robed men singing and dancing with instruments in Ghana, West Africa

Perfect For: Opening doors to mystical worlds of history, ritual, and tradition with warm genuine hospitality!

Submitted By: Amber L. MT Sobek Trip Consultant

Why We Love This: “Having traveled to over 75 countries, this adventure is one of the most life-changing, life-affirming, mind-blowingly awesome experiences of my life! It’s the rare opportunity to visit remote villages, breathtaking cultures, and be welcomed into some of the world’s most undiscovered corners. Rather than “conjured for tourists” or the standard “cultural performances”, every moment felt authentic- and I felt honored to be a part. The color, the sights, the pomp and circumstance, the history… I cannot say which impacted me most. But what I cannot forget are the smiles and warmth of the people who, without exception, welcomed our MT Sobek group into their homes and lives as if we were family visiting from far away… There are no words to describe how visiting West Africa has changed the way I look at my life and at the world. I believe that this trip offers an experience that is unique in the world.

Don’t miss the chance to live this experience!” —Amber L.


Best Time to Go: February, March, July, October, and December

Best Hotel to Stay In: Casa del Papa (Link to Google Maps)


Preview this adventure here>>


Request a free adventure travel catalog from MT Sobek
Request a FREE 2024 Adventure Travel catalog from MT Sobek!

Expert Picks for Summer 2024: Peru Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu Hiking Tour


hikers traveling via the Sacred Valley hiking trail to get to Machu Picchu in Peru
A man wanders through the ruins of the ancient Incan city of Machu Picchu in Peru

Perfect For: You’ve always wanted to see Machu Picchu, and this trip takes you there with unexpected surprises.

Submitted By: Lou L. MT Sobek Trip Consultant

Why We Love This: “I first went to Peru as a backpacker many years ago, but recently had the opportunity to revisit on this MT Sobek trip and was blown away by all the amazing sights, tours, and hiking on this trip that I didn’t even know about the first time around. Cusco is an amazing town to explore, and the Sacred Valley is nothing short of spectacular. Add in the incredibly atmospheric hotels and that mind-blowing hike on the Inca Trail, and I want to go again, and again, and again.” —Lou L.


Best Time to Go: May to October

Best Hotel to Stay In: Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba-Sacred Valley, Peru (Link to Google Maps)


Preview this adventure here>>



Expert Picks for Summer 2024: Iceland Eastern Fjords Hiking Tour


solo hiker on a expedition to see Iceland's Eastern Fjords in Europe
A lone hiker exploring the magical Stórurð valley, East Fjords, Iceland

Perfect For: Perfect for adventure lovers looking for spectacular hiking in a unique area.

Submitted By: Leah R. MT Sobek Program Director for Europe

Why We Love This: “Iceland’s Eastern Fjords are so special. Spectacular scenery and hiking in areas far from the tourist crowds, across and past fjords, mountains, valleys, glaciers, lava fields, farmlands, coastal villages…and then there’s the zodiac boat tour amongst icebergs! But probably what appeals most to me about this trip is the hut-to-hut hiking portion of it. Rustic and isolated, yet comfy—it feels like a true adventure.” —Leah R.


Best Time to Go: June to August

Best Place to Stay In: The mountain huts are simple yet comfortable and scenically situated. They foster a wonderful sense of community within their isolated locations.


Preview this adventure here>>



Expert Picks for Summer 2024: Yellowstone National Park & Grand Teton National Park Hiking Tour


Best US adventure tours include witnessing a bison walking through a field of yellow flowers.
Sight wild buffalo during your visit to Yellowstone National Park in the springtime

Perfect For: A glimpse into rugged America with jaw-dropping massifs, a myriad of wildlife and western vibes that capsulates you.

Submitted By: Jen K. MT Sobek Custom Trips Operations

Why We Love This: “Yellowstone and Grand Teton in one word is simply—grandeur—one of those must-see-to-believe places, with every season offering something unique. The activities are never-ending, to name a few—hiking, rafting, wildlife safaris, and rodeos–getting bored in Wyoming (and Montana) is just not a thing! The culture of the American West and the pride in its people is honestly quite special and is evident in the region. The accommodations are wide ranged, so pairing the right level of adventure with luxury is doable. Not to miss: a day spent exploring the Lamar Valley in Yellowstone and a night at the Jackson Hole Rodeo.” —Jen K.


Best Time to Go: July to September

Best Hotel to Stay In: Four Seasons Resort, Jackson Hole (Link to Google Maps)


Create your personalized tailored getaway to Yellowstone with us>>



Expert Picks for Summer 2024: Idaho Middle Fork of the Salmon River 100-Mile Rafting Tour




Perfect For: This epic backcountry adventure on one of the world’s best river is the ultimate summer adventure – with everything taken care of for you. Rafting, swimming, relaxing in hot springs, indulging in delicious food, and hiking… this trip has it all.

Submitted By: Tara B. MT Sobek Trip Consultant

Why We Love This: “The Middle Fork of the Salmon River is exhilarating and beautiful… a fabulous adventure for families and adults alike. You will leave with a sense of wonder, gratitude and camaraderie like none other. I rafted the Middle Fork with my family as a teenager, and still hold memories of that trip dear to my heart!” —Tara B.


Best Time to Go: Summer

Best Place to Stay near the Middle Fork: Camping on the banks of the Salmon River. All camping spots are on beautiful beaches or plateaus next to the river, with fantastic views every day. All without having to lift a finger!


Preview this adventure here>>



Staff Picks for 2024: Tajikistan Fann Mountain Trekking Tour


Hikers descending on an off the beaten trail in the Tajikistan Fann Mountains
Hikers descending on an off the beaten trail in the Tajikistan Fann Mountains

Request a free adventure travel catalog from MT Sobek
Request a FREE 2024 Adventure Travel catalog from MT Sobek!

Perfect For: Tajikistan is an amazing, undiscovered trekking gem! 93% of the country is mountains.

Submitted By: Julie M. MT Sobek Asia & Middle East Program Director

Why We Love This:  “Tajikistan is an off-the-beaten track, and few know about this destination, yet it boasts stunning alpine mountain scenery, glacial lakes, grassy meadows and over a 100 peaks with several rising over 16,000 feet! Our Fann Mountain Trek features 9 days of hiking coupled with fascinating cultural exploration of former Buddhist and Sogdian roots. And the best part: we are unlikely to see other tourists on our trek!” —Julie M.


Best Time to Go: June through August

Best Hotel to Stay In: Hyatt Regency Dushanbe (Link to Google Maps)


Preview this adventure here>>



Expert Picks for Summer 2024: Slovenia Julian Alps Hiking Tour


group of hikers trekking the scenic great Highlands in Slovenia, near Julian Alps, in Europe
Travelers hiking on a trail along the Dolomite’s dramatic, craggy mountains

Perfect For: A stunningly beautiful part of the world with a rich history and culture that still manages to feel a bit off the beaten path.

Submitted By: Travis W. MT Sobek Program Director for Europe

Why We Love This: “Slovenia is a stunning country with so many unsung pleasures. Many of Western Europe’s mountainous destinations, while spectacular, are packed to the gills with fellow travelers and locals alike. The Julian Alps of Slovenia have the beauty and “Western comforts,” without the crowds.” —Travis W.


Best Time to Go: Late Summer & Early Fall

Best Hotel to Stay In: Hotel Plesnik-Logarska Valley, Slovenia (Link to Google Maps)


Preview this adventure here>>



Expert Picks for Summer 2024: Tanzania Ultimate Serengeti Active Safari Tour



group of black and white zebras grazing in yellow plains in safari in Tanzania, Africa

Perfect For: The perfect balance of wildlife, cultural connection and walking.

Submitted By: Nicole R. MT Sobek Program Director for Africa

Why We Love This: “As a former resident of Tanzania, I cannot recommend this trip enough for people who want to observe the wildlife of Tanzania but also have the bonus of doing a truly once-in-a-lifetime walk across a remote part of the Serengeti. This special place has been designated as a walking area and very few permits are allocated to visit. We are one of the only companies offering this incredible experience in Tanzania at this level of comfort! There is nothing more quintessentially Tanzania than walking across one of the most ancient and legendary wildlife sanctuaries in the world.” —Nicole R.


Best Time to Go: January-March, June-October, and December

Best Hotel to Stay In: MT Sobek Pembezoni Camp (Link to Serengeti Park Tanzania Webpage)


Preview this adventure here>>



Expert Picks for Summer 2024: Italy & Switzerland Heart of Gran Paradiso Hiking Tour


tall solo male traveler embarking on challenging trek that traverses the Graian Alps, a crossroads between Italy and France in Gran Paradiso National Park in Europe
Hiker takes a rest observing a mountain panorama. Mont Blanc Massif, Italian Alps, Val D’Aosta, Italy.


Perfect For: Everything you love about the Alps, without the crowds.

Submitted By: Anne W. MT Sobek Director of Trip Development & Operations

Why We Love This: “If you’ve explored the trails of Mont Blanc and ventured through the stunning landscapes of the Bernese Oberland, Gran Paradiso beckons with a nostalgic embrace of those immersive days spent hiking amidst snow-draped peaks. Experience all the enchanting facets of the Alps you cherish, yet with the added allure of serenity – fewer crowds and more encounters with the charming marmots. Reconnect with the allure of wildflowers and cascading waterfalls as you return to the breathtaking Gran Paradiso National Park in Italy!” —Anne W.


Best Time to Go: July & September

Best Hotel to Stay In: Hostellerie du Paradis (Link to Google Maps)


Preview this adventure here>>



Request a free adventure travel catalog from MT Sobek
Request a FREE 2024 Adventure Travel catalog from MT Sobek!

Further reads…