Best Luxury Adventure Travel Tours & Trips (2023)

1. Luxuriate in Argentina’s vineyards, glaciers and gauchos

Organic vineyards near Mendoza (Shutterstock)

Pamper yourself in some of Argentina’s most iconic properties as you explore different sides of the country’s character on this indulgent South American holiday with Journey Latin America.

You’ll stay in five star establishments in three of Argentina’s most interesting and beautiful locations. First, a stunning colonial estancia in the wide grasslands of the pampas, the heartland of Argentina’s famous gaucho culture. Next, a luxurious country lodge in Mendoza, with the country’s best wineries close to hand. And finally, a breathtaking hotel in Patagonia, offering incredible views of the vast plains, snow-capped mountains and ancient glaciers.

Your journey begins –and ends – in cosmopolitan Buenos Aires, Latin America’s most sophisticated and European city, where you’ll a visit to Teatro Colón and enjoy dinner at a live tango show.

Trip: Luxury Argentina: Vineyards, Glaciers And Gauchos

Who: Journey Latin America

When: Flexible departures throughout the year

How long: 15 days

How much: From From £7,402 (exc. flights)

2. Explore the Great Barrier Reef in style

Lone yacht near the Great Barrier Reef (Shutterstock)

This luxury 10-day adventure with Cox & Kings Travel is the ultimate tropical Queensland adventure, combining luxury stays on vast outback ranches with a four night private yacht charter around the islands of the Great Barrier Reef.

Your journey begins on a remote cattle station, where you’ll stay in a well-appointed outback lodge, taking in the day-to-day workings of the ranch and exploring the local waterways for freshwater crocodiles and local birds. Next, an adventurous 4x4 transfer will take you across the Atherton Tablelands and down to the Daintree rainforest, where you’ll staytwo nights at the Silky Oaks Lodge, overlooking the Mossman river.

Finally, you’ll board the MV Bahama, a luxury yacht, forfour days of exploring the Great Barrier Reef. You’ll visit the inner and outer ribbon reefs, continental islands, sand cays and serene lagoons, snorkelling with sea turtles, visiting deserted beaches at Snapper Island and exploring the stunning coral reefs.

Trip: Queensland In Style

Who: Cox & Kings Travel

When: Flexible departures through the year

How long: 10 days

How much: From £8,695 (inc. flights)

3. Live like royalty in Rajasthan

Your hotel, the Alila Fort Bishangarh (Alila Hotels and Resorts)

Explore Rajasthan’s most captivating sights and encounter its wildlife superstars on this sophisticated boutique journey through India’s most colourful destination.

You’ll be treated like Mughal royalty during your stay at Alila Fort Bishangarh, a heritage fortress with spectacular views overlooking rural Rajasthan. In Jaipur, you’ll explore the ancient Amber fort, lunching at the magnificent 1135 AD restaurant, before heading to luxury tented accommodation in Nimaj, overlooking a reservoir famous for its abundant bird life.

Finally, you’ll head to Jawai Leopard Camp, a luxury eco-friendly desert camp in the remote Rajasthani wilderness, where leopards roam wild and free.

Trip: Boutique Rajasthan

Who: Cox & Kings Travel

When: Flexible departures throughout the year

How long: 15 days

How much: From £5,825 (exc. flights)

4. All aboard the Eastern & Oriental Express

The bar on board the Eastern and Orient (Belmond.com)

Travel in style through the jungles, rice fields and cities of South-East Asia aboard the luxurious Eastern & Oriental Express.

The Eastern & Oriental Express is the last word in refined elegance, offering fine dining, a piano bar and luxurious observation car. En route, the train will stop for guided tours at the notorious Bridge over the River Kwai and the Malaysian town of Kuala Kangsar, the grand Ubudiah mosque, the Royal Museum of Perak and the Sultan Shah Gallery. Each night you’ll enjoy a gourmet dinner and cocktails.

Your journey ends in Singapore, with three nights in the legendary Raffles Hotel, spiritual home of the Singapore Sling.

Trip: Eastern & Oriental Express

Who: Cox & Kings Travel

When: Flexible departures throughout the year

How long: 10 days

How much: £4,725 (inc. flights)

5. Immerse yourself in traditional Japan

View from a ryokan (Shutterstock)

Experience Japanese hospitality at its attentive best on grand tour of Japan with Audley.

You'll stay in ryokans, traditional Japanese inns, often found in historic buildings and set in gorgeously manicured gardens. With their tatami mat flooring, delicate screen doors and beautifully prepared food, ryokans offer an intimate insight into Japanese culture and its focus on serenity and simple beauty.

Along the way, you’ll also experience the vibrant modernity of Tokyo, walk through the Geisha district of Kyoto with an experienced guide and relax in a hot spring spa in the Japanese Alps

Trip: Deluxe Grand Tour Japan

Who: Audley

When: Flexible departures throughout the year

How long: 23 days

How much: £16,295 (inc. flights)

6. Sri Lanka by seaplane

Castlereagh Bungalow pool (resplendentceylon.com)

If you’re looking for old school adventure and unmatched luxury, you can’t go past this trip of a life time in Sri Lanka – travelling by seaplane and staying in some of the country’s finest accommodation.

It’s journey that will take you through scenic hill country, tropical beaches and the island’s best known national parks. You’ll stay in a luxurious lakeside villa at Ceylon Tea Trails beside Castlereagh reservoir, then the Fortress Resort & Spa in Koggala Lake and finally, the beachside Chena Huts, located on the edge of Yala National Park.

You’ll enjoy two wildlife drives with a safari guide in Yala, known for its high density leopard population. It's also home sloth bears, wild elephants, spotted deer and crocodiles.

Trip: Luxury Sri Lanka By Seaplane

Who: Cox & Kings Travel

When: Flexible departures throughout the year

How long: 14 days

How much: From £5,345 (inc. flights)

7. A five star Antarctica expedition

A cruise ship in Neco Bay (Shutterstock)

Venture to one of the planet’s last wild frontiers on this luxury cruise to Antarctica with Audley.

You'll enjoya five star experience on boardand enjoy the adventurous shore landings you would expect on an expedition. On board you will find full spa facilities as well dedicated hotel staff determined to make your stay on board as comfortable as possible.

A separate expedition team will organise shore landings and excursions on the Antarctic Peninsula and nearby islands such as Peterman, Livingston and Deception, each excursion accompanied by an expert in their field.It’s an adventure without compromise.

Trip: Luxury Antarctica Peninsula cruise

Who: Audley

When: March

How long: 16 days

How much: From £12.495 (inc. flights)

8. A sophisticated safari in southern Tanzania

Your tented room in Jongomero (Jongomero Camp)

Live your Out of Africa fantasies on this sophisticated safari exploring two of Africa’s most remote and unspoiled wilderness areas.

You’ll fly from Dar es Salaam to the Selous Game Reserve, one of the largest wildlife reserves in the world. From your well-appointed base at the Selous Safari Camp, you will go in search of Africa’s most iconic wildlife on boat trips, and safari drives and walks.

A short flight will take you to Ruaha National Park and Jongomero, a luxury safari camp set under shady acacia trees on the banks of the Sand River. It is the only camp in this part of Ruaha, and the dining and living areas provide a comfortable vantage point from which to take in the sights and sounds of the African bush.

Your journey ends beside the blue waters of the Indian Ocean, enjoying the castaway chic of Ras Kutani. You’ll never want to leave.

Trip: Southern Tanzania Safari (Luxury)

Who: Cox & Kings Travel

When: Flexible departures throughout the year

How long: 12 days

How much: From £6,185 (exc. flights)

9. Costa Rica in style

Lodge overlooking Arenal (Dreamstime)

Experience the lush forests and pristine Pacific beaches of Costa Rica on this stylishholiday with Rainbow Tours. Staying in some of Costa Rica’s finest properties and discovering some of its remote and less explored gems, this the perfect trip for those who like to mix adventure with luxury.

You’ll start with a little time relaxing among the coffee plantations and verdant green highlands of Costa Rica's Central Valley, staying in a beautifully restored finca. A scenic flight along the coast and over pristine primary rainforest will take you to your beautiful lodge on the very edge of Corcovado National Park.

After returning to the north, you’ll spend a few days relaxing at a hot springs resort in the shadow of the Arenal Volcano before then heading to the tranquil Pacific waters of the Nicoya Peninsula for a stay at the delightfully boutique Punta Islita.

Trip: Costa Rica in style

Who: Rainbow Tours

When: Flexible departures through the year

How long: 14 days

How much: £4,120 (inc. flights)

More amazing trip ideas:

• Unmissable wildlife experiences around the globe
• 7 of the best Sri Lanka trips, for all budgets
• Visit Colombia with one of these epic tours