June 2017: The latest trips from Insight Guides

Cheetah close up from Hluhluwe - Imfolozi Park, South Africa. Photo: Shutterstock

1. Sardinia

What? Driving tour of the island, through small villages and along the coast

Which trip? From Country to Coast: A Driving Tour of Sardinia

There is no better way to discover the delights of Sardina than on a driving tour. This trip takes you on a journey from the medieval city of Alghero to the coast at Costa Smeralda stopping in numerous picturesque Italian Villages and historical sites en route.

Begin a journey of architectural discovery in Alghero where the buildings date back to the Neolithic period. Find examples of Medieval, Catalan-gothic and Roman throughout this island. You can also discover the prehistoric architecture of Nuraghi, a Unesco world heritage site.

Visit animal reserves located deep in the montane forest, see spectacular views across bays lined with white sand beaches which are filled with blue water and explore the underground cave system that has been formed over time in the limestone rocks at Capo Caccia. Finally, take in the sea air as you relax on the beach and dine on delicious Italian cuisine in some of the most traditional coastal Italian villages.

2. South Africa

What? Local wildlife, people and traditions

Which trip? South Africa's Big Three: Kruger, Zululand and Swaziland 

Start your South African adventure by touring the historic towns of Dullstroom and Lydenburg on your way to Hazyview – the gate of Kruger National Park.

From here you will embark on day trips to discover the scenic sites of Blyde River Canyon, Bourke’s Luck Potholes and Gods Window as well as the majestic wildlife. Spot lions, rhinos, elephants, numerous bird species and unusual vegetation. Choose to venture into the National Park at sunset, when the animals can be more active, or to have an up close encounter with elephants.

After acquainting yourself with the wildlife you will discover the local people's cultures on trips to Swaziland and Zululand. Visit the craft markets to buy locally made baskets and beaded jewellery and visit a traditional hut the locals use as housing. Enjoy a cruise on Lake St Lucia before journeying to Durban past acres of sugar cane fields.

Lion's Head in Cape Town. Photo: Shutterstock

3. South Africa 

What? Mountain biking through the South African countryside

Which trip? Cycling South Africa's Garden Route 

As soon as you touch down you will begin your exploration of the South African countryside by embarking on a yacht trip to Table Mountain for sunset views. Feeling refreshed after an evening of rest, start your active pursuits with a tour up Table Mountain. Hike or catch the cable car to the peak where you will be served tea in the scenic surrounds.

Next journey to the Garden Route where you will spend the rest of the holiday cycling through orchid fields, forests, past waterfalls and along farm tracks. Stop to bathe in rock pools in Klein Karoo and stay in treetop cabins.

In your spare time, relax on the beautiful beaches along the route or kayak through the calm blue waters.

4. Dubai and Abu Dhabi

What? Discover the Arabian deserts and the luxurious cities

Which trip? United Arab Emirates Desert Adventure   

Immerse yourself in the luxury the Middle East affords on this Emirates adventure. Spend hours exploring the Al Maha desert, watch falconry shows and learning about the importance of the birds in the country's history, take a ride over the soft sand dunes, sliding down the slopes, dine alfresco in the dry heat on local cuisine and get active with sand boarding.

Cool off on a day cruise of Musandam Dibba, snorkelling in the deep blue, discovering the underwater world. Spend time enjoying the sites and activities on offer in the city of Dubai before journeying through the desert to Abu Dhabi, stopping at Ferrari world and touring the Sheik Zayed Mosque, the grandest building in Abu Dhabi. 

Choose between more desert adventures, spending a day relaxing in the hotel or continuing to explore the city.

5. Italy

What? Historical sites and ancient worlds 

Which trip? Exploring Vatican City and Assisi 

Arrive in Rome to discover the historical sites of the ancient city. Spend a day on a guided tour of Vatican City, visiting the Vatican Museums, St. Peter's Basilica and the Sistine Chapel before delving back to Roman times on a Forum exploration, learning about the historic city from your tour guide. 

See the iconic Colosseum and Palatine Hill as well as walking along the ancient Roman route of Via Sacra seeing other ancient Basilicas which remain from the days of Roman rule.

Journey to Assisi for an overnight stay, stopping to enjoy the waterfalls of Tivoli and tour the Orvieto Cathedral on the way. Take a tour of the city of Assisi – the highlight is the beautiful stone structure of Eremo Delle Carceri which is surrounded by forest.

Impressive medieval Assisi town. Photo: Shutterstock

6. Sri Lanka

What? Adventure mania in the scenic natural wonders 

Which trip? Sri Lanka for Adventure Lovers 

Begin your Sri Lanka adventure as soon as you step off the flight by jumping straight into a white water rafting trip. Spend days exploring the Belilena Caves and abseiling waterfalls in the Kitulgala region before hiking up Single Tree Hill. This trek is a warm up for the following days trek up Sri Lanks K1 mountain.

Journey to Ella, a town set in the mountains, stopping off at Ella gap and Ravana Ella Falls to see stunning views of the country. From Ella spend a day hiking Little Adams Peak, walking through Paddy fields and tea plantations which stretch as far as the eye can see. An early morning hike will take you to the summit of Monkey Mountain to enjoy the sunrise over the jungle which inhabits the land below. 

Bird watching, waterfall stop offs and lake views are delivered in Gal Oya National Park before heading to knuckles and the Misty Mountain Range to spend a night relaxing in a canvas tent surrounded by tea and rice fields, forests and hills.

Tour one of the numerous Tea plantations, plucking your own leaves to savour and hike through the jungle to the summit of Bathalegala to spot falcons and eagles soaring through the skies.

To complete this adventure spend your final days exploring cave systems and climbing rocks.

Insight Guides covers numerous destinations worldwide so if the latest holidays outlined above don't fit your requirements, there's plenty more to choose from: browse available itineraries online now or talk to a local expert to plan your perfect holiday from scratch