As part of their commitment to empowering women through exploration and cultural immersion, Alpaca Expeditions, a Peru-based travel organization, offers the Women-Only Salkantay & Sacred Valley, a 7-Day Tour to Machu Picchu. This multi-day hiking experience, led by only female guides and porters, is limited to women travelers as it follows the Salkantay.
It’s an off the beaten trek through an ever-changing landscape of stunning panoramic vistas of valleys, mountain peaks, waterfalls, and streams, stopping at places such as Pisac, a town on the Urubamba River known for having one of the best archaeological complexes in Peru and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Machu Picchu. This unique mix of culture, scenery, glamping, and experiences centered on Perusivan traditions also includes Peruvian wine tasting, a cooking class, the weaving women’s collective, and a coffee tour.
It’s an alternative trek, and participants won’t see many other hikers or groups on the trail, adding to the intimacy of the experience in the vastness of the Andes mountains.
The trip is a mix of glamping and tent camping. Guests will enjoy two nights in glass cabañas with stunning views of the snow-capped Salkantay mountain range. For a unique experience, one night is spent in the Lord of the Rings-inspired Hobbit Houses exclusive to Alpaca Expeditions. Hot tubs, showers, and a nearby glacial-fed river complement the mystical Hobbit House experience.
Two nights are tent camping, one within the Salkantay Mountains and the second at an exclusive campsite overlooking the ruins of Machu Picchu at Llactapata. The final night is at a hotel in the mountain village of Aguas Calientes (Spanish for hot springs), at the foot of Machu Picchu.
Sacred Vally and Salkantay Ultimate Hiking Tour to Machu Picchu–7 days is $995 per person. Group size is 8-12. Custom tours with groups of 6 or more are available. Dates are available May – October 2025.
Fairbanks, Alaska, is a land of captivating contrasts, offering truly unforgettable experiences. Chase the aurora borealis, celebrate the summer solstice under 24 hours of daylight, and explore the rugged beauty of the Alaskan wilderness. Discover 25 compelling reasons to visit Fairbanks in 2025, from relaxing in a natural hot spring to embarking on epic dog mushing adventures and much more.
1. Mesmerizing Northern Lights Watch in awe as the northern lights dance across Fairbanks’ clear, dark skies. From August 21 to April 21, during Aurora Season, this natural phenomenon creates an unforgettable experience. Fairbanks’ location under the Auroral Oval offers prime viewing opportunities, making it a world-renowned destination for aurora seekers.
2. Amazing Alaska Native Events Immerse yourself in the rich culture and traditions of Alaska Native peoples. Participate in cultural events, witness traditional dances, and learn about the unique heritage of Interior Alaska’s first inhabitants.
3. Rich Gold Rush History Step into the gold rush era in Fairbanks! Pan for gold and keep your treasures. Or join the community during the annual Golden Days, a vibrant celebration of the city’s gold rush heritage.
4. Easy Access via Air, Road, Rail and Cruise Fairbanks is easily accessible by air through Fairbanks International Airport including new summer seasonal routes from Salt Lake City and Portland, by road, by rail on the Alaska Railroad, and via cruise ship tours that include land excursions to Fairbanks.
5. An Iconic Historic Park Visit the centrally located Pioneer Park to experience museums, historic buildings and family-friendly attractions. Take a leisurely walk through Alaska’s colorful history, all in one location.
6. Alaska’s State Sport of Dog Mushing Visit a dog kennel, learn about the training of these incredible athletes, and perhaps even take a dog sled ride. Cheer on mushers and their dog teams as they race across challenging snowy terrain. These world-renowned sled dog races showcase the spirit and endurance of Alaska’s dog sledding tradition.
7. Relaxing Natural Hot Springs Unwind in the soothing waters of Chena Hot Springs. These mineral-rich waters offer a rejuvenating retreat from your adventures. Relax and rejuvenate surrounded by stunning natural scenery, and perhaps even catch a glimpse of the northern lights while you soak.
8. Locally Made Art and Gifts Find unique treasures and support local artists by exploring Fairbanks’ art galleries, markets and shops that feature Alaskan-made goods. Discover handcrafted jewelry, pottery, paintings, housewares and other Alaskan-made goods.
9. It’s Christmas All Year Visit nearby North Pole, where the spirit of Christmas lives year-round. Explore the Santa Claus House to browse holiday-inspired gifts, snap a photo with Santa and enjoy the festive atmosphere. Explore Silver Bell Square, a new multi-use plaza next to the store.
10. A Vibrant Downtown Explore Fairbanks’ revitalized downtown, with its unique shops, restaurants and cultural attractions. Discover local art, enjoy delicious cuisine and experience the friendly atmosphere of this northern city.
11. A Chance to Cross the Arctic Circle Fairbanks provides easy access to Alaska’s Arctic. Journey by road or air to stand at this symbolic boundary. Capture a photo at the Arctic Circle sign and experience the unique landscapes and phenomena of the far north.
12. Abundant Local Flavors and Libations Savor the unique flavors of Fairbanks at local eateries, breweries and distilleries. From restaurants using locally sourced ingredients to a variety of small-batch breweries and distilleries, enjoy a taste of Alaska’s culinary delights.
13. Stellar Solstice Celebrations Celebrate the summer and winter solstices in Fairbanks. The Summer Solstice is a time of festivals and revelry under the Midnight Sun, while the Winter Solstice marks the return of the light.
14. Larger Than Life Ice Sculptures Experience the magic of ice art, from delicate carvings to towering structures. Be amazed by elaborate sculptures and frozen masterpieces at the annual World Ice Art Championships held in Fairbanks. Explore two ice museums open year-round.
15. Historic Sites and Museums Delve into Fairbanks’ history at various museums and historic sites. Learn about the area’s natural history, cultural heritage and the stories of the people who shaped this unique region.
16. Endless Daylight Experience the magic of Midnight Sun Season, when the sun barely dips below the horizon. For 70 straight days between mid-May and late July, the skies in Fairbanks don’t truly get dark. Take advantage of the extended days to explore, adventure, and soak up the midnight sun.
17. A New Home for Alaska’s Transportation History The Fountainhead Transportation Museum, opening in fall 2025, is a state-of-the-art museum celebrating Alaska’s history of innovation with over 135 vintage cars, rare aircraft, and cultural treasures. Explore immersive exhibits and stunning restorations in a must-see destination for history and transportation enthusiasts that will combine the existing Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum and Pioneer Air Museum into one new location.
18. Festivals, Fairs and Events Galore Fairbanks is home to numerous festivals and events throughout the year, from rousing street fairs that take over downtown to week-long celebrations and everything in between. Experience the vibrant community spirit and enjoy a variety of entertainment.
19. Unforgettable Adventures to Denali Fairbanks serves as the basecamp to Denali National Park. Enjoy ranger-led programs, hiking trails for all skill levels and scenic bus tours into the heart of the park. Witness the grandeur of Denali and immerse yourself in the pristine Alaskan wilderness.
20. Pristine Waterways for Fishing and Floating Explore the clear waters of local rivers and lakes. Dip a line for fishing in the summer or ice fishing in the winter. Take a scenic riverboat trip, a leisurely float or paddle a kayak and immerse yourself in the natural beauty.
21. Epic Outdoor Winter Adventures Embrace the winter wonderland with exciting outdoor activities. Enjoy snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, ice fishing, dog mushing and other thrilling winter adventures in the Fairbanks area. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned athlete, the serene landscapes provide the perfect backdrop.
22. Beautiful Flora and Fauna Discover the diverse plant and animal life of Interior Alaska. Observe wildlife such as moose, caribou and cranes, and explore the ecosystems of the boreal forest and tundra. Explore the stunning variety of plants and flowers at a local botanical garden.
23. Reindeer Make Great Friends Get up close with reindeer and learn about their unique adaptations to Arctic life. These enchanting animals offer a memorable connection to Alaska’s wildlife and culture. From quick meet and greets to walks through the boreal forest, spending time with reindeer is a must on your Fairbanks visit!
24. A Tranquil Refuge on the Edge of Town Wander trails through forests and wetlands at Creamer’s Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge. Located just minutes from downtown, stroll through the boreal forest while keeping an eye out for migratory birds and other local wildlife in their natural habitat.
25. Robust Performing Arts Scene Enjoy a variety of performances, from theater productions to musical concerts. Performing arts venues in Fairbanks range from traditional theaters and concert halls to an open-air venue in a meadow and everything in between.
Explore Fairbanks is a non-profit marketing and management organization whose mission is to be an economic driver in the Fairbanks region by marketing to potential visitors, optimizing the visitor experience, and advocating for a thriving year-round visitor industry. Explore Fairbanks markets Fairbanks as a year-round destination by promoting local events, attractions and activities to independent travelers, group tour operators, travel agents, meeting planners and the media as well as by developing public policy and infrastructure to achieve marketing objectives. Find out more at explorefairbanks.com.
As we approach the end of the year, it is clear that 2025 will mark a significant evolution in how luxury travelers experience destinations worldwide. Luxury travel company Zicasso analyzed data from approximately 100,000 trip requests, mined thousands of verified Zicasso reviews, and performed a detailed survey of its key in-country travel specialists to determine next year’s biggest trends for planning and booking travel, as well as top interests, activities, and destinations.
Tajines in a pottery shop in Morocco. Courtesy of Wikimedia. Eb0la.
From observing how luxury travelers are pioneering new approaches to destination immersion to seeing the transformation of traditional seasonal travel patterns globally, Zicasso has identified how sophisticated travelers are reshaping the luxury travel landscape.
Topline conclusions from Zicasso’s 2025 report include:
The Global Shift to Spring Travel
Spring has emerged as the new peak travel season, with May leading the charge as the most requested month worldwide. Nearly half (49.3%) of 2025 bookings are now concentrated in spring, signaling a significant shift away from traditional travel timing.
Deep Cultural Immersion Defines Luxury
Luxury travelers are fundamentally changing how they explore destinations, with single-destination immersion becoming the primary approach worldwide. This trend is evidenced by longer average stays of 13.5 days and an average booking window of 188 days. The emphasis on cultural authenticity has become a key driver of booking success, with 76.3% of travel specialists reporting it as a priority for successful trips.
Extended Seasons and Regional Evolution
Traditional travel seasons are transforming across the globe. From Croatia extending its season through October to Thailand seeing increased bookings in September and October, and demand for year-round African safaris over the traditional seasonal behaviors, destinations are adapting to the shifting preferences of sophisticated travelers. This change demonstrates luxury travelers are increasingly seeking optimized experiences over conventional timing.
Authentic Experiences Drive Destination Choice
From private wine tastings in Europe to artisan workshops in Asia, luxury travel is increasingly defined by authentic, hands-on experiences. This trend underscores a desire for meaningful, culturally rich moments—reflected in the 76.3% of bookings prioritizing authentic experiences.
Next up we have Dortmunder Weihnachtsmarkt, situated in the beautiful city of Dortmund. Being one of the markets on the list that has more than one hashtag variation, this popular market is one of the largest in Germany. With the opportunity to ice skate hand in hand or watch a spectacular live performance with your loved one, this market serves the perfect romantic scene. It would be a disservice not to speak on the market’s most famous feature—its dazzling Christmas tree. It stands more than 45 meters tall and is coined as one of the largest in the world, making a stunning proposal spot.
Frankfurt’s Christmas Market attracts more than 3 million visitors per year, and it certainly doesn’t disappoint. It is a traditional winter market full of festivities, with Christmas carols and church bells ringing, located in the scenic old town centre, decorated with thousands of lights, ribbons, and bells. For a perfect proposal, the balcony of St. Nicholas Church overlooking the market is ideal—offering breathtaking views of the festive lights and perfect for those looking for a more private, intimate setting to pop the question with it being outside the market.
Up next is Cranger Weihnachtszauber, situated in Herne. The market spans across 30,000 metres of land and is home to more than 100 attractions, shows, and live acts, so it’s safe to say you’re in for a treat no matter what day you go. For those looking to propose, why not take it on the ice? With a beautifully illuminated ice rink, it creates the perfect magical backdrop, and one your loved one will definitely not forget.
Nürnberger Christkindlesmarkt takes place during Advent in the Hauptmarkt, the central square in Nuremberg’s old town. Reaped with history and activities for all, from live performances to adventure tours, it’s perfect for families, couples, and friends. The perfect proposal spot here is the balcony of the Frauenkirche (Church of Our Lady). This balcony overlooks the market and exudes timeless historical charm.
For the month of October, you might as well start calling Kentucky’s third-largest city “Boo-ling Green,” because this is a destination that truly gets goosebumps when it sees October 31 approach on the calendar. That makes perfect sense, considering that Bowling Green is the hometown of filmmaker John Carpenter, who created classic horror flicks like “Halloween.”
It’s not all about gore and goblins, mayhem and monsters, though. There are plenty of family-friendly ways to celebrate all the things that go bump in the night. And around here, the creatures that get the most seasonal attention aren’t bats … they’re the rare white squirrels that populate the city. The rodents, which are particularly active now because they’re stocking up on snacks for the winter, look like tiny ghosts already jittery from the trick-or-treating sugar rush.
Here are all the ways you can get into the Halloween spirit in Bowling Green:
JOHN CARPENTER EXPERIENCE
John Carpenter, a filmmaker and composer who grew up in Bowling Green, is widely considered one of the masters of the horror-film genre. His most notable films include “Halloween,” “The Fog,” “The Thing,” “Christine,” “They Live” and “Village of the Damned.” Though he was born in New York state, Carpenter moved to Bowling Green when he was just 5 years old. He became obsessed with cinema shortly thereafter, and he made his first short horror film before he entered high school. Carpenter began college at Western Kentucky University, where his father chaired the music department, then left to pursue his career in California. Though none of his films were shot in his hometown, the people and places around Bowling Green remained influential to his filmmaking.
Fans of his films may already feel like they know sites around the city, though those places are a lot less creepy in broad daylight and without the foreboding music. (Fun fact: Carpenter wrote his own scores.) Horror fans can pick up a brochure called the Reel Sites, Real Scary Driving Tour at the visitor center (or download your own PDF here) and take a self-guided trip to 17 spots that were meaningful or inspirational to Carpenter or mentioned in his movies.
ATTRACTIONS
Skeleton’s Lair Scream Park:Open on weekends through early November, this popular attraction is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. The park is located – appropriately enough – on Cemetery Road and features haunted woods, a haunted hayride, a two-story haunted house and a 3D haunted maze. It’s staffed by live actors but also offers plenty of pyrotechnics and special effects, all adding to the fear factor.
Lost River Cave: This attraction offers a glimpse into the darker side of Bowling Green … because it’s one of Kentucky’s famous caves, and the only one that’s explored by boat. Though tours take place year-round, at this time of year you can participate in a special nighttime tour called “Lost Tales of the Underground,” on which guides blend history and fun as they share the cave’s ghost stories. The tour takes place nightly from October 21 through 31 and costs $35 per person. Even if you’re afraid of the dark, you can still explore the exterior of the cave, walking along the Scarecrow Trail and voting for your favorite of the scarecrows that have been crafted by members of the community. They come in all shapes and sizes and can be viewed from dawn to dusk each day through October 27. There’s no admission fee for that family-friendly experience.
HAUNTED SITES
Old Richardsville Road Bridge: Located just off Highway 185, the bridge dates to the late 1800s and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It’s also on locals’ list of Most Haunted Places. As the story goes, a young woman either jumped off, drove off or was pushed off the bridge – that part of the tale is unclear – and died at the site. It’s said that if you drive onto the bridge at night and shift your car into neutral, some unseen force will push your vehicle to the other side of the bridge.
Local legend claims it’s the young woman, trying to safely escort travelers across so they don’t suffer the same fate that she did. Many brave souls have tested the theory over the years, and some have even sprinkled baby powder on their bumper before driving onto the bridge. They report seeing a handprint in the powder when they reach the other side.
TOURS
Hilltop History and Haunts Tour: This 90-minute walking tour explores the campus of Western Kentucky University, which is situated on “The Hilltop.” The university has such a reputation for ghostly encounters that it has been featured on the television show “Ghost Hunters.” The tour is led by former WKU professor Dr. Tamela W. Smith, who describes a variety of mysterious phenomena, focusing not only on the university but also the history of “The Hill” and what may have happened there to result in all the spiritual activity. The tour is intended for guests ages 16 and older and is offered on Friday, Saturday and Monday nights at 8 p.m. A special Halloween version that includes the opportunity to use paranormal investigation equipment is scheduled for at 11 p.m. on October 31. As an added bonus, WKU is a great place to see those aforementioned white squirrels.
UnSeen Bowling Green Tours: This company focuses on the city’s histories, mysteries, scandals and ghost stories, and is offering three fall-themed tours that run throughout the month of October. The “Murders and Misdemeanors” walking tour focuses on Bowling Green’s dark side and reveals a variety of bone-chilling tales. Tickets are $24 per person.
DINING
Bowling Green’s chefs and bartenders have been busy at their bubbling cauldrons, creating all kinds of eats, sweets and liquid treats to soothe the howling in your stomach. Some lean into the creep factor, and others are simply celebrating fall.
For example, at Rafferty’srestaurant you can order a slab of sweet potato pie that’s heavy on the butter, brown sugar and pecans. And though you might think that makes it a dessert, they serve it as a side dish! At Mary Jane’s Chocolates in the town square, they’re coating crisp, tart Granny Smiths in sweet and sticky caramel and hoping that a tricked-out apple a day does indeed keep the doctor away.
Over atLost River Pizza Co., though, their Killer Garlic Knots are brushed with enough garlic butter to keep away all the vampires.
Speaking of Dracula and his buddies, at Toro, the mad scientists behind the bar are busy concocting El Vampiro, a decidedly devilish drink made with tequila, orange liqueur, blackberry puree, honey-infused simple syrup, lemon juice and black salt.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Boos & Brews at The Capitol: You missed it this year, but note it for the future: If you’re interested in a big-screen scream, The Capitol performing arts center provided the perfect venue to watch a double feature of John Carpenter’s “Halloween” and “Halloween II” last Friday night. White Squirrel Brewery(yes, even businesses around here are obsessed with the little spectral creatures) served some of its beer, and we hear that the audience members tried their best not to spill any when they jumped out of their seats. And … the theater itself is reported to be haunted, with plenty of stories of ghostly footsteps and apparitions to keep your spine tingling.
Downtown BGKY Harvest Festival:This free, family-friendly event will be held on Saturday, October 19 in the heart of downtown Bowling Green. In addition to kid’s activities, live music, craft vendors, and food trucks, the event is home to Downtown BGKY’s annual “pumpkin drops.” There are no tricks but plenty of treats at this fall-themed, scare-free street festival.
Boogeyman Ball: On October 26, White Squirrel will open its downtown brewery for a costume party and contest that features live (not dead) music and some wicked cocktails. There’s a $20 cover charge for the event, which runs from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m.
The highly anticipated Aurora Season in Fairbanks begins on August 21, once again offering visitors and locals alike the opportunity to witness the awe-inspiring northern lights. Spanning August 21 to April 21, this eight-month viewing period allows countless opportunities to experience the aurora borealis in all its glory.
Aurora Season in Fairbanks is consistent each year due to the area’s prime location under the Auroral Oval, where aurora activity is concentrated. This advantageous position ensures that Fairbanks remains one of the best places on Earth to view the northern lights, regardless of the solar cycle.
The solar cycle, which spans approximately 11 years, influences the level of activity on the sun’s surface, including sunspots. These sunspots are closely tied to aurora activity. During the solar maximum, when sunspot activity peaks, there is an increase in aurora displays at lower latitudes, such as the northern part of the Lower 48. Conversely, during the solar minimum, when sunspot activity is low, aurora visibility is generally confined to areas under the Auroral Oval, such as Fairbanks.
Fairbanks’ location under the Auroral Oval means that any aurora activity, even at the lowest levels, is visible here, making Fairbanks a top destination for aurora viewing.
Explore Fairbanks invites travelers from around the world to experience the magic of Aurora Season. With the return of the aurora borealis, visitors can expect unforgettable experiences, from guided aurora tours to cozy accommodations offering prime viewing opportunities.
Whether you’re a seasoned aurora chaser or a first-time visitor, Fairbanks offers the perfect backdrop for witnessing one of nature’s most spectacular phenomena. Plan your visit today and prepare to be captivated by the northern lights in Fairbanks, Alaska.
About Explore Fairbanks
Explore Fairbanks is a non-profit marketing and management organization whose mission is to be an economic driver in the Fairbanks region by marketing to potential visitors, optimizing the visitor experience and advocating for a thriving year-round visitor industry. Explore Fairbanks markets Fairbanks as a year-round destination by promoting local events, attractions and activities to independent travellers, group tour operators, travel agents, meeting planners and the media as well as by developing public policy and infrastructure to achieve marketing objectives. Find out more at explorefairbanks.com
Ever wonder which cruise lines are mot popular when it comes to hash tags? Don’t bother to count because BacanaPlay did the work for you by analyzing hashtag numbers on Instagram and Googlesearch counts of world-famous cruises to find the most Instagram-famous cruises. The initial list of cruise lines was determined using their popularity on major travel platforms and ranked according to Instagram hashtag amount. The possible summer destinations were then determined, and the cruise price for a week trip for 1 was calculated using data from each cruise website.
Royal Caribbean tops the ranking of the most Instagram-famous cruises with 1.9 million hashtags on Instagram. It is also the most searched-for cruise on Google, with 7.4 million searches. A 7-day cruise to summer destinations like the Bahamas, Bermuda, or Latin America will cost $1,183.33 on average.
Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point.
Disney Cruise ranks 2nd as the most Instagram-famous cruise, with 1.6 million hashtags on Instagram. The price of a 7-day cruise is, however, quite costly with average $3,457.67 especially in summer, because of the Halloween and other themed cruises.
Lido Marketplace Carnival Venezia.
The 3rd most instagram-famous cruise is Carnival Cruisewith 1.2 million hashtags on Instagram. Although both Instagram hashtags and Google searches are high in number, the average cost of a 7-day cruise is really low at $650.00.
MSC Cruise, priced at $646.00, almost the same as previous, ranks 4th as the most instagram-famous cruise. The instagram hashtag count drops significantly for MSC Cruises reaching only 561K.
The 5th spot is reserved by Celebrity Cruise as the most Instagram-famous cruise with 466K hashtags. A 7-day cruise to one of the Summer destinations like the Caribbean, Bahamas, or Mexico can be enjoyed for only $866.67 a person.
Princess Cruise ranks 6th on the list of the most Instagram-famous cruises in the world, with 435K hashtags on Instagram. Aside from being the 6th, it also offers the cheapest option for a 7-day cruise at $533.33 on average.
The 7th most Instagram-famous cruise in the world is Norwegian Cruise Line, with 428K hashtags on Instagram. A surprising contrast was observed when it came to Google searches. Despite being tagged 428K times on Instagram, it was searched 5.7 million times on Google, making it the second most searched cruise after Royal Caribbean.
Costa Cruise secures the 8th spot of the most Instagram-famous cruises with 218K Instagram hashtags. Despite being 8th on the list with Instagram hashtags, the number of Google searches are the lowest on the list at 165K.
Holland America secures 9th place on the list of the most Instagram-famous cruises with 201K hashtags on Instagram. Summer destinations such as the Caribbean, Mexico, and Europe can be enjoyed at $1,382.18 for a week’s trip.
Finally, Seabourn Cruise Line, with 20K hashtags on Instagram, rounds up the ranking of the most Instagram-famous cruises. Despite its lower social media presence, it offers a 7-day cruise averaging $3,681.67, the highest of all the listed.
Where can you travel the Erie Canal on a boat pulled by a horse? What is Wapakoneta, and what does it have to do with Neil Armstrong? Where can you eat ice cream at a stop on the Underground Railroad?
Find these answers and more in Little Ohio: Small-Town Destinations. Author and blogger Jane Simon Ammeson traveled across the state to discover where to eat, stay, play, and shop in more than 90 charming small towns. Organized by region, Little Ohio offers fellow road trippers an easy-to-use guide of must-see attractions. Full-color images showcase unmissable museums, quaint Main Streets, historic sites, and more.
From wineries to chocolate shops, old mills to Amish villages, riverboats to covered bridges, Little Ohio has everything you need for a day, weekend, or week full of fun. No matter where you are in the Buckeye State, there’s always something to explore!
Jane Simon Ammeson, a freelance writer and photographer who specializes in travel, food, and personalities, is author of many books, including Lincoln Road Trip, which won the Bronze Award for Best Travel Book in the Lowell Thomas Journalism Competition and America’s Femme Fatale.
Luxury travel company Zicasso is proud to announce an exclusive new itinerary celebrating the 60th anniversary of Japan’s Shinkansen bullet train system. This 10-day rail cruise not only highlights this engineering marvel but also Japan’s commitment to harmonizing tradition with modernity, offering deep insight into both the country’s proud history and its forward-thinking innovations.
The Itsukushima Shrine in Hiroshima. Juliana Barquero/Unsplash
The Shinkansen bullet train system, inaugurated in November 1964, epitomizes Japan’s technological prowess in the post-war era. As a symbol of innovation, it reshaped Japan’s urban and rural dynamics by drastically reducing travel times and setting global standards for speed, safety, and punctuality. On Zicasso’s new Japan Tour by Bullet Train, travelers can experience this seamless fusion of cutting-edge technology and timeless tradition.
The Kinkaku-ji temple in Kyoto.Brian Tan/Zicasso
From the bustling streets of Tokyo to the tranquil gardens of Kyoto, the poignant history of Hiroshima, and the southern charm of Kagoshima, each stop is meticulously curated to immerse travelers in the essence of Japan’s heritage and innovation, all accessible by the iconic and efficient bullet train system.
Sengan-en garden in Kagoshima.Brian Tan/Zicasso
Pricing for this 10-day Itinerary starts at $6,995 per person.
Arrival in Tokyo’s Eclectic Charm: Begin this journey with a private transfer to a historic hotel near Tokyo Station, blending European elegance with Japanese simplicity.
Discover Tokyo’s Diversity: Explore the Meiji Shrine’s cedar forest, Tsukiji Market’s seafood stalls, and Harajuku’s street fashion. Experience the vibrant neon cityscape of Akihabara.
Enjoy the Shinkansen to Kyoto & More: Board the sleek Shinkansen, witness the solitary cone of Mount Fuji and explore Gion’s teahouses in Kyoto.
Explore Stone Paths and Zen Beauty: Take a rickshaw ride through the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, visit the Golden Pavilion, and meditate at Ryōan-ji’s rock garden.
Visit the Torii Gates and Railway Museum: Wander through Fushimi Inari Shrine’s Torii gates and experience the Shinkansen simulator at the Kyoto Railway Museum.
Hiroshima:
Travel to Hiroshima and Discover Local Flavor: Reflect at the Peace Memorial Museum and enjoy local okonomiyaki pancakes along the regenerated riverside.
Traverse the Captivating Miyajima Island: Visit the Otorii Gate and Itsukushima Shrine, and stroll Hiroshima’s waterfront cafes and shops.
Follow Hello Kitty to Kagoshima: Travel aboard the Hello Kitty Shinkansen, visit the Sengan-en villa, and admire the Sakurajima volcano.
Relax with a Slower Pace of Exploration: Kayak beside Sakurajima, taste sweet potato liquor at a shōchū distillery, and rejuvenate in hot springs.
Kagoshima:
Depart for Home: Reflect on your journey at an onsen in Kirishima before flying back to Tokyo for your departure.
This unique rail cruise invites travelers to celebrate six decades of high-speed innovation while discovering Japan’s cultural treasures with Zicasso’s signature personalized service. Each stop along the itinerary is thoughtfully designed to provide an immersive and unforgettable adventure.
Priced at $6,995 per person, this 10-day Tour of Japan celebrating 60 years of the Shinkansen Bullet Train as described includes premium accommodations, meals as listed, guided tours, train tickets, and all ground transfers (international airfare is not included). As with all Zicasso itineraries, this itinerary can be completely customized to an individual traveler’s interests or needs.
