April to June

Spring arrives gradually in Italy and by April the country is stretching into warmer, longer days without the intense summer heat. It’s an ideal time for a city break in Rome, Florence and Venice where sightseeing is a pleasure and the architecture is framed by blue skies and bright sunshine. In many places, wisteria drapes itself over doorways and gardens are in full, beautiful bloom.

In Tuscany and Umbria, the rolling landscapes are at their picture-perfect best and the vineyards are just beginning to stir. Down south, Puglia and the Amalfi Coast are warming up nicely – days are warm enough for coastal walks and crisp early swims, but the beaches (and restaurants) are still blissfully uncrowded. In Puglia, it’s a particularly lovely time to explore the whitewashed towns of the Valle d’Itria and stay in a converted masseria, before the summer crowds arrive.

Spring is also a fantastic time to visit for food lovers. Italy’s delicious spring produce starts to appear on menus be it artichokes in Rome (often served crispy and golden), wild asparagus shaved into pastas in Tuscany, and fresh pecorino paired with broad beans across the countryside. Along the Amalfi Coast, the lemons are at their most fragrant and you’ll find them in everything from desserts to icy limoncello.

July and August

Summer brings heat, energy and a little chaos, particularly in the big cities. Rome and Florence can feel intensely hot (and busy), so if culture is your priority, it’s not necessarily the easiest time to travel. The big sights tend to have long queues and you’ll have to book far in advance for the best restaurants, but, if you’re prepared to start early and spend long afternoons near the water, summer in Italy is hard to beat.

If you are travelling during the peak summer months, head to the coast. The Amalfi Coast, Cinque Terre and the islands of Capri and Ischia are in full swing: the beach clubs are buzzing, boats criss-cross the coastline, and long, languid lunches stretch into the evening, accompanied by an Aperol or two. Further south, Sicily is all about long beach days followed by balmy evenings in baroque towns like Noto and Ragusa that revolve around food, wine and a gentle passeggiata.

In the north, Lake Como and Lake Garda offer a slightly calmer, more refined take on summer. Days are spent drifting between towns and villages by boat and swimming in the clear, cool water, whilst evenings tend to be slower and more understated than the coast – think aperitivo by the water in Bellagio or Sirmione, with those mountains brooding in the background.

But, if you’d prefer to escape the heat altogether, head north to the Dolomites. In summer, the mountains swap skis for hiking trails, wildflower meadows and crystal-clear alpine lakes. Days are crisp and clear, perfect for walking between rifugios (mountain huts) and stopping for long, hearty lunches with a view.

August is also peak holiday season for Italians themselves (Ferragosto), and many city businesses close as locals escape to the sea or countryside. Hotels and resorts are therefore busy and can be more expensive, so planning ahead for travel now is key.

September and October

As Autumn arrives the heat subsides, the crowds thin, and the country settles into a slower, more relaxed pace. It’s one of the best times to visit if you want a bit of everything: good weather, fewer people, and generally, a more laidback feel.

At the coast, the water is still warm enough for swimming well into September (particularly in the south). It’s also a lovely time to visit regions like Puglia and Sicily, where the heat has eased but the sea is still warm and the pace feels noticeably more relaxed.

In Tuscany and Piedmont, it’s harvest season (the vendemmia) and there’s a buzz in the air as the vineyards fill with activity. Grapes are picked and wine estates open their doors for tastings and long, fabulous lunches. By October, white truffle season begins in Piedmont, with markets and festivals centred around Alba drawing food lovers from across the world. The menus also start to shift too, towards those rich, deep, classically-Italian autumnal flavours.

Italy’s cities also become far more manageable in autumn. Rome, Florence and Milan still feel lively and it’s a great time to wander the galleries, neighbourhood trattorias and quieter backstreets, and then spend some time in the countryside.

November to March

Winter in Italy doesn’t have the obvious allure of the heady summer months, but it has its own kind of magic. Cities like Venice, Florence and Rome feel more local and certainly more atmospheric with mist swirling over the canals and far fewer crowds in galleries and shops.

Up north, the Dolomites and Italian Alps come into their own as world-class ski destinations, with dramatic scenery and excellent food to match. Meanwhile, regions like Sicily, Naples and the Amalfi Coast enjoy milder winters, making them a good option if you’re chasing a hit of winter sunshine without the summer crowds.

Some coastal areas and smaller towns, particularly along the Amalfi Coast, Cinque Terre and parts of Puglia, wind down significantly in winter, with many hotels and restaurants closing for the season. Ferries run less frequently and the atmosphere can feel a little quiet. The trade-off, however, is a far more local, authentic experience, especially in the cities, where life carries on much as normal. It’s also one of the best times for food. We’re talking truffles in Piedmont, hearty pastas, rich ragùs and bold red wines – the perfect fuel for cold winter days.

So, when is the best time to visit Italy?

Our top tip would be to visit Italy in April to June or September to October. The weather is balmy and pleasant and there are far fewer crowds to contend with. But actually, Italy isn’t really about picking the ‘perfect’ time and instead choosing what suits you, be it sun-drenched beaches and hot summer days, harvest-season feasts, or misty winter mornings in a near-empty piazza.

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1. Stand inside the Colosseum in Rome

Rome doesn’t do subtle, and nowhere proves it quite like the Colosseum. Smack bang in the centre of the ancient city, this vast amphitheatre is the symbol of Rome and even more incredible in the flesh – all towering arches, sky-high stone tiers, underground chambers and that enormous arena floor. To think that crowds of 50,000-plus once gathered here for gladiator fights and exotic animal hunts is both thrilling and slightly chilling, and a reminder of how spectacularly dramatic the Romans once were.

Top tip: Book an early entry slot (less crowds) and include special access to the underground section, where the gladiators and animals were held – it’s by far the most fascinating part of the Colosseum.

2. Go truffle hunting in Piedmont

If you follow your appetite through Italy, it will eventually lead you to Piedmont. Come autumn, the Langhe hills fill with truffle hunters and their expertly trained dogs sniffing out the region’s prized white gems. Join a local trifolao for an early morning hunt and you might catch one being unearthed from soil, before making its way onto a plate of tajarin pasta come dinner. Add a glass of Barolo, a hazelnut gianduja dessert and perhaps a plate of agnolotti, and you’ll be in food nirvana.

Top tip: Truffle season runs from October to November, when Alba hosts its famous truffle fair and the region’s restaurants are at their most indulgent.

3. Take a gondola along the canals of Venice

It might not be under the radar, but nothing feels quite as Venetian as drifting along the city’s canals in a gondola. The sleek black boats have been navigating the waterways for centuries, steered by gondoliers who will take you past faded palaces and under the low stone bridges. Float into the quieter side canals, where washing sways above the water and neighbours chatter through their shuttered windows for a peek into everyday life.

Top tip: Gondola rides are cheaper and far quieter away from St Mark’s. Try boarding near the Rialto or in Dorsoduro for a more atmospheric experience.

4. Drive the Amalfi Coast

If ever there were a place to hire a vintage Alfa Romeo and drive with the windows down, it’s the Amalfi Coast. Twisting dramatically alongside tumbling lemon groves and the sparkling sea, the road from Sorrento to Salerno is one of the most beautiful in the world. Pull over in Positano for a cocktail at Franco’s Bar, then continue along the coast for a seafood lunch at Lo Scoglio in nearby Nerano. Later, cool off with a swim at Fiordo di Furore and a scoop of lemon gelato before the sun sets.

Top tip: If driving yourself feels daunting, hire a driver for the day. They know exactly where to stop for the best photos and where to find the prettiest swimming spots.

5. Stay in Masseria in Puglia

Scattered among Puglia’s ancient olive groves and sun-bleached fields are masserie (or fortified farmhouses), many of which have been transformed into stylish countryside retreats. Here, it’s all about breakfast beneath pergolas, dips in shady pools and long lunches of burrata, grilled organic vegetables and seafood. When you’re not horizontal by the pool, explore the whitewashed towns of Ostuni and Locorotondo, wander the trulli of Alberobello or detour to Matera where entire neighbourhoods are carved into rock.

Top tip: Some of the best masserie are hidden in the depths of the countryside so hiring a car is definitely the best way to get around.

6. Hike between the villages in Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre might look like it’s fallen straight off the front of a postcard, but the real magic happens on the winding paths between the villages. Old mule tracks, they criss-cross terraces of vines, clinging vertiginously to the cliffs with nothing but the bright Ligurian Sea below. Today, the tracks link the five villages of Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore, rewarding those who wander with sea views and the occasional harbourside trattoria for a well-earned plate of pasta.

Top tip: The famous Sentiero Azzurro is the classic route, but the tiny vineyard paths above the villages are often even more beautiful and much quieter.

7. Road-trip through Italy

Follow the roads south of Florence, and Tuscany appears before your eyes in a picture-perfect banquet of vineyards and olive groves, idyllic, cypress-lined lanes and honey-coloured hill towns. There are highlights to hit – Montepulciano, Pienza and Montalcino spring to mind – but the trick is to stop when something catches your eye: a tiny enoteca serving Brunello by the glass or a bakery selling fresh slabs of schiacciata.

Top tip: Many of Tuscany’s vineyards offer cooking classes alongside tastings – perfect for the designated driver (and for the others to enjoy with a glass of Chianti).

8. Explore the ruins of Pompeii beneath Mount Vesuvius

When Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79AD the Roman city of Pompeii was buried under ash, preserving everything from bakeries and bathhouses to painted frescoes and cheeky, graffiti-ed walls. Today, you can wander along stone streets worn smooth by chariot wheels, past once-elegant villas and courtyards, and spot election slogans and love notes still scratched into the walls. And of course, it’s all watched over by the brooding figure of Mount Vesuvius, ever-present in the background…

Top tip: Pompeii is enormous so hire a guide or focus on one section properly, rather than trying to see everything in one go.

9. Take a boat across Lake Como

If you’re going to visit Lake Como, you may as well do it properly: sunglasses on, scarf tied and skimming across the water in a polished wooden Riva speedboat. The glamorous shoreline has long been a playground for Hollywood’s best movers and shakers and you can spend the day peering at the grand villas and their wedding-cake-tiered gardens, before cruising into Bellagio or Varenna for lunch on the shore.

Top tip: Ask your captain to swing past Villa del Balbianello. It’s one of the most spectacular and has starred in everything from Star Wars to James Bond – and you can even wander in the gardens.

10. Climb the dome of Florence’s Duomo

Florence has no shortage of masterpieces, but none quite top the scale of Brunelleschi’s extraordinary dome. Climb the narrow staircases that spiral up through the structure itself, squeezing past aged brickwork and vast, intricate frescoes, until you emerge at the top… and take a deep breath. Florence from up here spreads out in a terracotta maze in every direction, church towers punctuating the city and the Tuscan hills rolling beyond.

Top tip: Book your climb in advance. Daily visitor numbers are limited and the best slots disappear quickly.

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Casa Monti

Rome

Tucked away in Monti, one of Rome’s oldest districts, don’t be fooled by the cream façade and traditional green shutters of Casa Monti. Inside, it’s a maximalist jewel box of bohemian treasures and seriously-stylish furnishings. There are 36 rooms, full of artfully clashing patterns, a Susanne Kauffman spa on the fifth floor, and an elegant ristorante helmed by Sicilian-born chef Umberto Tuccio. Step outside and you’re straight into the neighbourhood and the pick of the city’s independent boutiques and galleries.

Passalacqua

Lake Como

A former 18th-century villa high above Lake Como, Passalacqua feels less hotel and more like you’ve been handed the keys to someone’s very glamorous home. The De Santis family have spent years restoring it, filling the place with frescoes and Murano chandeliers and just 24 rooms that are all completely different. There are hidden tunnels running down to the water (useful if you’re feeling theatrical), breakfast can appear wherever you happen to be — the rose garden, the terrace or somewhere in between — and Beppe the boatman is usually nearby if the lake starts calling.

Masseria Torre Coccaro

Puglia

Reached by a twisting, olive-tree-lined driveway that is so Italian it’s almost a cliché, the fortified farmhouse of Torre Coccaro is beautiful – and beautifully straightforward. Whitewashed buildings, thick stone walls, and cool interiors provide the funky farm chic, whilst breakfast and dinner are whatever is in season nearby. Experience-wise, take the yacht to the beach club just down the coast, hire a bike and peddle through the fields, or visit the Mozarella Palace (really) nearby for the ultimate in cheese tasting.

Forestis Dolomites

The Dolomites

High above the absurdly-beautiful Puster Valley, on a site once chosen for its purer-than-pure mountain air, Forestis is all about the setting (and maybe the spa). Glass walls make the snow-hued peaks feel as if they are in the room with you and the pale-wood interiors are deliberately simple so there’s nothing in the way of a good view. In the spa, everything draws from the landscape, from treatments built around local pine to plunges in fresh spring water. And at 1,800 metres above sea level with your head in the clouds, it’s hard not to feel better.

Aman Venice

Venice

Set within a 16th-century palazzo that seems to float on the Grand Canal, Aman Venice is sumptuous, romantic and improbably calm for somewhere so central. 6,000-square-metres of Venetian splendour, much of the palace has been left untouched — priceless frescoed ceilings, vast salons and gilded detail — and Aman’s trademark understated smarts only add to the magic (and work incredibly well). But what really sets it apart is the space: rare private gardens stretch all the way to the water, and there’s a sense that you’re ever so slightly removed from the city, even as the buzz carries on just beyond the doors.

Relais San Maurizio

Piedmont

Once a working monastery, Relais San Maurizio is less about devotion, and more idyllic countryside escape of the indulgent kind. The rolling, green-hilled setting, deep in Piedmont’s wine country, is a spectacular welcome, but the hotel certainly holds its own too: cellars turned into spas and saunas of old Barolo barrels, a heated outdoor pool with views of the vineyards in every direction, and – most importantly – a Michelin-starred restaurant that showcases the best of the region’s outstanding produce, white truffles included.

Villa Bordoni

Tuscany

Sitting just above the village of Greve, with vineyards rolling out in every direction and just high enough to feel away from the everyday, Villa Bordoni is location perfection. The beautifully-decorated, family-owned country house is mere minutes from Chianti’s standout producers, several hill towns, including Panzano and Montefioralle, and even Florence is an easy 50-minute drive away. Although whatever you do, make sure you’re back for dinner – the restaurant has become a destination in itself, mostly for the legendary bistecca Fiorentina.

Reschio Hotel

Perugia

Once a crumbling castle and a smattering of farmhouses, Resechio is today one of the most exquisite estates in Perugia. Restored by the Bolza family over several decades, each piece of furniture was carefully sourced, piece by piece, and each room filled with aeons-old antiques and beautifully textured linens. Outside, it’s vast: olive groves, forests, lakes, galloping Andalusian horses – and miles and miles of pure silence to disappear into when the mood takes you.

Le Sirenuse

Amalfi Coast

The Amalfi lifestyle has always been about long lunches and a strong disregard for time – and there’s nowhere better to live it out than at Le Sireneuse. Fire-engine red and built into the cliffs above Positano, it’s the prima donna of the coast and one of the few hotels still run by the original owners. There’s a mosaic-tiled pool overlooking the sea, terraces draped in bougainvillaea, and for those lingering lunches, it has to be Aldo’s, where ceviche, pasta and something cold in a glass tend to stretch well into the afternoon… Just as well then, that it’s also the place to be for a lemon-scented aperitivo.

Borgo Egnazia

Puglia

You might be forgiven for thinking that Borgo Egnazia has been here forever with its maze of honey-hued stone, piazzas and tucked-away pools. But actually, it’s all been carefully crafted to echo a traditional Puglian village – albeit one with a Michelin-starred restaurant, a championship golf course and two beach clubs with private stretches of sand. So far, so fabulous – and when you add the blissful interiors, all floaty white linen and creamy beige, and a spa menu of treatments based on ancient Italian rituals, it really is one of the best places to stay in the country.

Borgo Santo Pietro

Tuscany

With its manicured gardens and clipped hedges, flawless, pale stone buildings and soft-as-a-feather fabrics, Borgo Santo Pietro is very, very good at being beautiful. But what really stands out is that everything traces back to the land. The kitchen garden and dairy farm supplies the Michelin-starred restaurant (and you can even join in the morning vegetable forage!) and the fragrant herbs are infused into heavenly spa treatments, making it that outstanding combination of polished and fabulous – and totally real.

Il Sereno

Lake Como

Designed by Patricia Urquiola and built directly into the cliff (and, in parts, over the water), Il Sereno does things very differently. Chandeliers and antiques are replaced by clean lines, natural materials and long glass walls that open straight onto the lake, whilst rooms are all about space and light, each with its own private terrace. There’s a sleek pool set at the water’s edge, a small stretch of beach for slipping straight into the lake, and a seriously good restaurant that draws as much attention as the modernist design.

Villa Cora

Florence

Built in the 19th century by Baron Oppenheim as an extravagant gesture for his wife, Villa Cora is grand with a capital G. Surrounded by rose-scented gardens, it’s all frescoed ceilings, gilded mirrors, elaborate stucco and more than slightly eccentric interiors. Rooms are just as over-the-top – the ones on the first floor are even protected by the Italian government as historically important – while outside, there’s something you won’t find elsewhere in Florence: a large heated pool, set among the gardens and very welcome in the height of summer.

Monaci delle Terre Nere

Sicily

Set on the lava-strewn slopes of Mount Etna, Monaci first made a name for itself as a theatrical destination restaurant, Locanda Nerello, leveraging produce from 62 acres of vineyards, olive groves, and clementine trees. It was a trailblazer of the farm-to-fork philosophy and today, you’ll find lavish breakfasts of organic fruit drizzled with black bee honey and eggs from the estate’s chickens, whilst dinner might bring Cinisara beef tartare or creamy carnaroli risotto – and always accompanied by sweeping views and refined Etna wine.

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Here are nine key questions to ask before you decide who to trust with your safari of a lifetime.

Does it cost more to use a safari planner?

The short answer is no, using a safari planner doesn’t cost more than booking directly. Safari planners earn a commission from lodges and suppliers (not you!), meaning their expertise, advice and itinerary designs are included in the price you pay. In some cases, they can even access better rates or added value and services that aren’t available publicly.

What you’re really paying for is not just booking but the thinking behind the trip that has been honed from years of research: how it flows, where to spend time, and what to prioritise. A good planner will know where to go to escape the crowds and the secret seasons that you might not even have thought about travelling in – and that’s where they will quickly prove their worth.

What does a safari planner actually do?

A safari planner designs, books and manages your entire trip from start to finish. This includes recommending destinations and regions across Africa, selecting lodges, arranging internal flights and transfers, coordinating timings, and troubleshooting anything that comes up before or during your trip. They can also act as a point of contact if anything changes while you’re already travelling, from flight delays to last-minute lodge adjustments and help to resolve any issues quickly and seamlessly.

A good planner will take time to understand your wants and dreams and will tailor everything to your interests, budget and travel style. Really, they are both designer and a fixer, subtly making sure everything works exactly as it should and often before you even realise there was something to think about.

What’s the difference between a safari planner and a tour operator?

A safari planner creates tailor-made, personalised trips, while a tour operator most often sells pre-packaged itineraries.

Tour operators usually offer fixed departures or set routes, whereas safari planners build trips from scratch around your preferences. Some companies do both, but the key difference is the flexibility on offer (in terms of dates and the length of the safari) and the level of personalisation.

If you want something that feels considered and personalised to you rather than off-the-shelf, a safari planner is usually the better fit, especially in a destination like Africa where small decisions can make a big difference to the overall experience.

Should I use a safari planner based in Africa or at home?

Both can work, but the best planners often combine on-the-ground expertise with international support. Being closer to the destination can mean better relationships with lodges, more up-to-date insight on conditions, and quicker on-the-ground support if anything changes. Meanwhile, planners based in your home country can offer easier communication, aligned time zones, and a better understanding of your expectations.

Many of the strongest safari companies blend both with teams on the ground and abroad, giving you the benefit of local knowledge alongside seamless, accessible service.

How do safari planners make money?

Safari planners earn commission from the lodges, camps and suppliers they book. This commission is built into the pricing structure of most safari properties, so you’re not paying any extra for using a planner. Some may also apply a transparent planning fee, particularly if the itinerary is complex and involves lots of destinations and regions.

This means their incentives are aligned with creating a great experience and not simply making a quick sale.

Will I get better lodges or access through a planner?

Often, yes, especially when it comes to availability, combinations and added extras. Safari planners can access a wide network of properties and know how to piece them together in a way that works both geographically and seasonally. They may also be able to secure preferred rooms, guides or small added benefits as a result of their relationships.

Even more importantly, travel planners know what not to combine! Often this is just as valuable in a destination where distances, seasons and wildlife patterns all play a role in creating a perfect – and nuanced – overall picture.

How do I know if a safari planner is reputable?

Look for a combination of experience, transparency and third-party validation. This can include independent reviews, industry recognition, clear communication, and a willingness to explain why they are making a certain decision and how their pricing works.

Reputable planners are often recognised through industry awards, like the Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards, as well as strong client feedback and repeat bookings. These signals help indicate a track record of delivering high-quality trips, not just marketing well.

A reputable planner should also ask thoughtful questions about your trip, not just send endless options. Trust is built early and is often in how well they listen, rather than how quickly they sell. And lastly, always trust your gut feeling!

How personalised will my safari itinerary be?

A good safari itinerary should be built around you, not adapted from a template. While planners may start with their favourite tried-and-tested routes, the details (pace, properties, and experiences) should reflect your interests, whether that’s wildlife, landscapes, culture or simply time to switch off and enjoy a little R&R.

The difference is often subtle but important: the trip should feel like it fits you, rather than the other way around.

How do independent reviewers categorise safari planners?

Independent reviewers often group safari planners based on their scope, expertise and approach. For example, African Safari Mag outlines a useful framework that includes continental master planners, boutique advisors and specialised interest planners. Each offers a different style of planning, depending on how broad or niche their focus is.

Timbuktu is listed within the continental planners category, reflecting our wide destination coverage and on-the-ground expertise in building trips across multiple regions in Africa, not just one.

Ultimately, choosing a safari planner is a personal decision. You’re trusting someone to shape a trip that, for many, is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The right planner will take the time to understand what matters to you, guide you with confidence, and take care of the details you didn’t even know to consider.

Ask the right questions, trust your instincts, and you’ll find that the planning process becomes part of the experience itself: thoughtful, collaborative, and incredibly exciting, right from the moment you start.

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So here we go, four book-bound trips inspired by some of our favourite books of all time.

Botswana

Inspired by The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith

If you’ve ever wished you could spend an afternoon drinking red bush tea on a veranda with Precious Ramotswe, the unflappable, ‘traditionally-built’ heroine of Alexander McCall Smith’s much-loved series, this is the trip for you. It’s Botswana-in-slow-motion and a love letter to McCall Smith’s calm, observant world, where the point isn’t really about where you’re going (although Botswana does happen to be one of the most beautiful countries on the continent), but who you meet along the way.

The journey begins in dusty, delightful Maun with slow mornings wandering the markets and sipping coffees with local guides. Then, it’s off to the lunar-like Makgadikgadi Pans where the horizon dissolves and all that’s expected is to sit very still and master the deeply pleasurable business of paying attention. With Jack’s Camp or San Camp as your stylish base, you’ll spend time with the Xu’hoasi Bushmen, learning to read tracks in the sand and listening to stories that have been handed down for generations. In fact, there’s a great deal of Mma Ramotswe in their slow, attentive, conversation-led way of seeing the world…

You’ll finish in the iconic Okavango Delta, gliding slowly through the lily-filled waterways by mokoro and exploring the landscape on foot, following the sights, sounds and smells of the bush without a single engine in earshot. There are no plot twists here and certainly no heart-pounding reveals… just moments that Mma Ramotswe herself would be proud of.

Botswana

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South Africa

Inspired by Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela

If any book can change the way you read the world, it’s probably Long Walk to Freedom. Nelson Mandela’s memoir is the story of a country grappling with itself and his account of the long, costly road to a free South Africa is reflective and thoughtful – and this South Africa journey is designed to be travelled in precisely that spirit.

You’ll touch down in Johannesburg and head for The Saxon Hotel, where Mandela himself stayed to write the book. The next few days will be spent unpicking the history of the city with a private guide, exploring the extraordinary Apartheid Museum, Constitution Hill and Liliesleaf Farm, before a walking tour of Soweto led by people who lived it.

In Cape Town, the highlight is a privately guided Robben Island visit with former prison guard Christo Brand, before a few nights at the spectacular Silo Hotel, suspended above the Zeitz MOCAA contemporary art museum. From the bath, you can see Table Mountain and from the rooftop, you can look across the harbour to Robben Island, the place you stood that very morning, glittering in the distance.

The trip ends in the Cape Winelands, at either Babylonstoren – gardens, gourmet picnics and fabulous countryside living – or Delaire Graff for a little glitz and the best views in the region. Days are for long lunches, big skies and perhaps some big conversations, too… You’ll have plenty to think about, and absolutely the right setting in which to do it.

South Africa

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India

Inspired by Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert

If we had to guess, few books have inspired as many one way tickets as Elizabeth Gilbert’s Eat Pray Love. India was the inspiration for the ‘Pray’ chapter of her famous memoir and our trip shares the same impulse: a leisurely pace and time to actually pay attention.

We begin in Delhi, easing into the colour and chaos of India with peaceful ambles in the Lodhi Gardens and flavour-filled feasts in the kitchens and spice markets of Chandni Chowk. Then, you’ll retreat into the Himalayan calm of Ananda, one of the country’s most iconic wellness retreats for yoga, Ayurvedic pummellings and multi-colour sunsets that go perfectly with a side of mango lassi.

In Udaipur, home for a few nights is RAAS Devigarh, an 18th-century white marble palace half an hour out of the city, with carved arches, restored frescoes and shady courtyards and a rooftop infinity pool that looks straight out across the Aravalli Hills. Days here are meditative and wonderful – think sunrise yoga on the rooftop, long lunches in cool courtyards and cooking lessons in the regional Mewari cuisine. Then, it’s to Kerala, where you’ll drift through the backwaters on a private houseboat, eat improbably good fish curry and master the art of doing very little indeed.

This is a trip that means something different to everyone who takes it, but almost everyone comes home with a slightly clearer idea of what actually matters.

India

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Kenya

Inspired by Out of Africa by Karen Blixen (Isak Dinesen)

‘I had a farm in Africa, at the foot of the Ngong Hills…’ Karen Blixen’s opening line has launched a thousand daydreams (and possibly as many safaris), and her memoir Out of Africa is still one of the most romantic travelogues ever written. Our Kenya-in-Karen’s-footsteps journey is a love letter to the landscapes she writes about, with a very necessary dash of this modern, complicated, and utterly brilliant country.

You’ll start your trip in Nairobi, Kenya’s fast-moving capital city, more specifically in the Karen Blixen Suite at Giraffe Manor (her actual dressing table is in the room – and there’s usually an actual giraffe at the window, too!). Then, trade the city for Laikipia, a wide, wonderful and often overlooked part of the country that’s famous for walking safaris, horse riding, camel trekking and proper conversations about conservation.

Finish at Angama Mara, suspended high above the Great Rift Valley in the Masai Mara, and enjoy a picnic inspired by the famous Robert Redford on-the-kopje scene, complete with a checked blanket, sparkling wine, polished silver, and a view to the seemingly never-ending horizon.

If books are an escape from the hum-drum or everyday, what better way to actually do that than embarking on the trip of a lifetime? From the soul-soothing Himalayas to African landscapes that stir the spirit, these four trips will certainly work some magic.

Kenya

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The Cape Winelands

South Africa

With scenery to knock your socks off, South Africa’s Cape Winelands are made up of dozens of world-class, grape-adorned vineyards, which produce everything from Shiraz to Chenin and a little Pinotage (a South African speciality), too. When you’re not sampling, explore the pretty towns of Franschhoek and Stellenbosch and discover some of the best restaurants in the country, from vineyard picnics to long, lazy lunches accompanied by the local vintages.

Our favourite trip

Bookend your sojourn into the Winelands with the staggering views at Victoria Falls, a safari in the Kruger, and some city thrills in ever-beautiful Cape Town.

Cape Winelands

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Mendoza

Argentina

Laid out like a blanket of green at the feet of the Andes, Mendoza is the birthplace of the world-famous Malbec, and its picturesque wine valleys are just the place to sample it. Vineyards stretch across the desert foothills, fed by snowmelt from the Andes, while high-altitude areas like the Uco Valley are producing some of Argentina’s most exciting wines. Between tastings, expect mountain views that seem to go on forever and plenty of opportunity to pair your Malbec with Argentina’s legendary steaks.

Our favourite trip

Along with wine tastings galore, this trip explores all the highlights of Argentina including Iguazu Falls and some time for adventure in Patagonia on foot, boat, or horseback.

Mendoza

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The Chilean Wine Valleys

Chile

Sitting pretty beneath the Andes, Chile’s wine region is simply idyllic with a whole host of varietals to sip and savour from valley to valley. From the Maipo Valley, known for its elegant Cabernet Sauvignon, to the sun-soaked Colchagua Valley, famous for rich reds and Chile’s signature Carménère, there’s plenty to explore. Oh, and the scenery doesn’t hurt either – the vineyards are usually framed by mountains on one side and the glittering Pacific Ocean on the other.

Our favourite trip

Combine a few idyllic days in the Wine Valleys with the starkly striking Atacama Desert and wild and wonderful explorations of the mysterious Easter Island.

The Wine Valleys

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Hemel-en-Aarde Valley

South Africa

Just inland from the seaside town of Hermanus lies the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. The name is Afrikaans for “Heaven and Earth”, which feels very fitting once you lay eyes on the vineyards rolling over the gentle hills, the rugged mountain slopes looming in the background. The cool sea breezes make the region ideal for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, and many of the boutique estates here are stylish and relaxed with fabulous restaurants to try out, too — perfect for long, languid afternoons before heading back to Hermanus for sunset by the sea.

Hermanus

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Japan

Although best known for its infamous sake, Japan’s wine scene is small but seriously exciting. A day trip away from Tokyo, the mountainous Yamanashi region is the heart of the country’s wine industry and known for crisp, delicate Koshu wines made from a unique grape that has been grown in Japan for centuries. Further afield, Nagano, tucked near the Japanese Alps, produces elegant high-altitude Merlot and Chardonnay, while the cool northern island of Hokkaido is gaining attention for its emerging cold-climate wines.

Our favourite trip

Get to grips with Hokkaido’s emerging wine scene on this fabulous adventure – and with a few days in Tokyo in the beginning, you can start your sampling immediately!

Hokkaido

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We’re talking about puma tracking in Patagonia, sleeping out under the stars in Botswana’s ancient Tsodilo Hills, or watching Emperor penguin chicks waddle across the Antarctic ice… The kind of experiences that make travel truly magic.

Save critically-endangered African rhino

South Africa

Enjoy a backstage pass to the conservation of black and white rhino (and beyond) in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. After black rhinos were reintroduced into Kwandwe Private Game Reserve in 2000, the region has grown into a crucial stronghold for one of Africa’s most threatened species. This experience is hands-on and deeply humbling with the chance to join rangers and vets as they track rhinos through the bush, before assisting with vital procedures like notching, fitting tracking collars and collecting data.

Eastern Cape

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Cruise beside the orcas of Shiretoko

Japan

In many ways, the waters off Shiretoko National Park constitute one of the last truly untouched marine ecosystems of the Northern Hemisphere. It’s here you can set sail just off the coast of Rausu, keeping your eyes peeled for the sleek, black dorsal fin of an orca slicing through the glassy sea. Watch in fascination as these piebald predators hunt in tight-knit family groups, surrounded by drift ice and plunging, snow-capped peaks. As you go, keep one eye on the shoreline for the brown bears that roam the landscape.

Shiretoko Peninsula

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See the first steps of the Emperor penguins

Antarctica

Deep in Antarctica’s frozen wilderness, Emperor penguins endure one of the harshest breeding cycles on the planet. Eggs are balanced on the feet of males throughout winter to keep them safe and warm and, by spring, downy, peeping chicks emerge, ready to take their first steps onto the ice. Leave your luxury camp behind on a scenic flight to Atka Bay, where you can watch this enthralling and endearing spectacle play out before you.

Antarctica

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Trek to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery

Bhutan

Embark on a vertiginous trek from Paro Valley to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery – a journey that will take you through fragrant pine forests draped in prayer flags, incense drifting on the breeze and anticipation building. Eventually, you’ll round the final bend to see this sacred monastery seemingly suspended between earth and sky.

Paro

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Meet the pangolins of Gorongosa

Mozambique

Despite its shy demeanor and curious, armour-like exterior, the pangolin is one of the most trafficked mammals in the world. Happily, groundbreaking work is being done for pangolins in Gorongosa National Park, where guests have the opportunity to join researchers as they track rehabilitated individuals, learning all about how they’re monitored and protected. Life changing to say the least.

Gorongosa

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Spy snow leopards in the Himalayas

India

Embark on an adventure in the dramatic valleys of the Western Himalayas, your eyes scanning every cliff for the ghostly, camouflaged figure of a stealthy snow leopard. Led by expert local trackers, you’ll use every clue and gut feeling in pursuit of a sighting. Until finally, you may just see a pale shape moving across a ridge, almost invisible against the rock and snow. The experience is staggering and altogether dreamlike.

Western Himalayas

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Take part in puma conservation

Chile

On the windswept pampas bordering Torres del Paine National Park, Estancia Cerro Guido has turned conservation travel on its head. You’ll learn all about how the coexistence of pumas and livestock works, and the significant strides being made in the protection of pumas as a keystone species in Patagonia. Led by expert trackers and researchers, venture into puma territory in search of these elusive cats – sightings are among the best in the world.

Estancia Cerro Guido

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Sleep in the sacred Tsodilo Hills

Botswana

Only possible during a stay at Nxamaseri Island Lodge, a sleepout amongst the sacred Tsodilo Hills is truly once-in-a-lifetime. Spend an evening of storytelling around the fire with San Bushmen, fall asleep under an unbelievably clear sky, and watch dawn break from one of Botswana’s highest points. The hills are also home to over 4,500 rock paintings, which provide insight into the San people’s lives from thousands of years ago.

Nxamaseri Island Lodge

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From the most magical moments spent in the company of wildlife to ancient strongholds of spirituality and culture, these experiences are some of the most unique on Earth. And they’ll simultaneously quench and refuel your wanderlust.

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October to November

If Nepal had a greatest hits album, this would be it. The monsoon rains have scrubbed the air clean, leaving incredibly blue skies and Himalayan views so sharp they look almost unreal. Temperatures in Kathmandu hover around a pleasant 20 to 24°C during the day, dropping a little at night but only enough to need a light layer. The trekking trails are in pristine condition, the wildlife is visible, and the entire country hums with a post-monsoon optimism.

This time of year is also festival season, and Nepal doesn’t do them by halves. Dashain arrives in late September or early October – a 15-day celebration that slows the country to a gentler rhythm as families reunite, kites fill the skies, and blessings are exchanged. Then comes Tihar in October or November, the Festival of Lights, when houses throughout the old towns of Patan and Bhaktapur are decorated with oil lamps and intricate rangoli designs, and singing groups go door-to-door in scenes that feel lifted from another century.

The catch? Everyone knows this is prime time. Expect premium prices, well-populated trails, and the need to book luxury lodges a good eight to 12 months ahead. If you’re the sort of traveller who likes having Everest Base Camp to yourself, this isn’t your moment. But if you want the country at its most spectacular and don’t mind sharing the view with a few fellow admirers, there’s simply no better time to visit Nepal.

Nepal

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December to February

Here’s a secret that seasoned Nepal hands guard jealously: winter delivers the clearest mountain views of the entire year. Once the morning valley fog burns off, the Himalayas reveal themselves with an almost startling clarity. Crowds thin dramatically, prices drop by 20–30%, and you’ll find yourself with significantly more elbow room at viewpoints and on trails.

The trade-off is obvious: it’s cold. Kathmandu enjoys mild enough days (15–20°C) but nights require proper layers, and January frost isn’t unusual. Up at altitude, conditions become genuinely challenging – Everest Base Camp averages -17°C in January, and many teahouses above 4,000 metres close entirely. High-altitude trekking in winter is strictly for the experienced and well-equipped.

But here’s where it gets interesting. While the mountains turn inhospitable, the lowland jungles of Chitwan and Bardia come into their own. Temperatures are comfortable, and come late January, the annual grass cutting begins, transforming what was impenetrable elephant grass into cropped meadows where wildlife becomes dramatically visible. February and March offer some of the best tiger sighting odds of the year so if a Royal bengal has been on your bucket list, this is when to come looking.

One caveat, however: Kathmandu’s air quality deteriorates significantly in winter, with pollution levels regularly hitting the ‘unhealthy’ category. Consider limiting your time in the capital in favour of Dhulikhel’s cleaner air or heading straight to the mountains or jungles.

Chitwan National Park

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March to May

Spring transforms Nepal’s hillsides into something rather magical. The rhododendrons – Nepal’s national flower – burst into bloom across the middle hills, painting entire mountainsides in a riot of crimson, pink, and white. The effect is particularly spectacular along the Annapurna trails in late March and April, where you’ll find yourself walking through mystical forests and fields.

Temperatures warm progressively and it’s pleasant in March but properly warm by May. Trekking conditions are excellent, with the Thorong La Pass on the Annapurna Circuit reliably open and the days are long enough for comfortable hiking. There’s also a particular energy in the Everest region during April and May. This is summit season and Base Camp buzzes with expedition teams preparing for their attempts on the world’s highest peak. Even if you’re not planning to go higher than the standard trekking route, there’s something exciting about being in the vicinity of such ambitious adventures.

The main drawback is visibility. Haze and dust from the lower elevations can obscure views from Kathmandu and Pokhara, though conditions improve once you’re above 3,000 metres. By late May, pre-monsoon showers begin to arrive, and the Terai lowlands become uncomfortably hot – safaris are still possible but require early morning starts and a tolerance for temperatures exceeding 40°C.

Holi in March brings a frenzy of colour and energy to the streets, and Buddha Jayanti in May sees thousands of pilgrims converging on Lumbini, Buddha’s birthplace, and Boudhanath Stupa in Kathmandu.

Lumbini

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June to September

There’s no polite way to say this: the monsoon is not Nepal’s finest hour. 80% of the annual rainfall arrives between June and September, with Pokhara alone receiving a staggering 940mm in July. Roads become impassable, domestic flights face frequent cancellations, mountain views disappear behind persistent cloud, and leeches emerge on lower-elevation trails with gusto. Most lodges reduce operations or close entirely, making a visit mostly illogical.

The exception is Upper Mustang, the former Kingdom of Lo. This restricted region lies in the Himalayan rain shadow, receiving less than 300mm of rain annually. While the rest of Nepal dissolves into soggy chaos, Upper Mustang remains trekable, offering Tibetan-influenced landscapes, ancient monasteries, and an almost complete absence of other tourists. If you’re determined to visit Nepal in summer and are willing to invest in the necessary permits, this is your route.

Otherwise, save your travels for elsewhere.

Mustang

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The practical bits

Lukla flights: If you’re trekking to Everest, know that flights to Lukla are notoriously unreliable – roughly 50% experience delays even in peak season. Build in buffer days, and consider pre-arranging helicopter backup for tight itineraries.

Insurance: Travel insurance is mandatory for trekking permits. Ensure your policy covers your maximum altitude (6,000m for most treks) and helicopter evacuation to at least $100,000.

Festivals to plan around: Dashain and Tihar offer unforgettable cultural immersion, but expect some areas can be busy, whilst others close – although all tourist services like flights and hotels remain open. Maha Shivaratri in February transforms Pashupatinath Temple into an extraordinary spectacle of devotees and sadhus. Arrive at 2am if you want to catch the full experience.

Everest

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So, when should you go?

For the complete Nepal experience – mountains, wildlife, culture, the lot – mid-October to mid-November remains the gold standard. But there’s a strong case for February and March with their crystal-clear mountain views, prime safari conditions, thinned crowds, and the satisfaction of knowing you’ve timed it very cleverly.

Whichever time of year you choose, what remains constant is Nepal’s capacity to deliver experiences that have the ability change you. It might be watching the sun rise over Everest from Kala Patthar, locking eyes with a tiger in Bardia’s riverine forest, or simply sitting in a temple courtyard as the evening prayers begin and the smell of incense drifts through the golden light…

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Trek through the Himalayas in style

For many, trekking in Nepal is the highlight of a stay, but if paper thin mattresses and cold-water showers come to mind, we’re here to tell you that it doesn’t have to be that way! Mountain Lodges of Nepal operates 15 purpose-built lodges across the Everest and Annapurna regions, each a day’s walk apart and all with ‘proper’ beds, piping-hot showers and crackling fires that will warm your bons! The Everest Base Camp route takes 12-16 days, topping out at a lung-squeezing 5,545 metres, while the gentler Annapurna trek offers similar mountain magic over 6-10 days at lower altitudes – perfect for those who’d rather not gasp quite so dramatically.

What makes it special isn’t just the comfort, however, but the little moments in between: stopping at Tengboche Monastery to listen to the Tibetan horns ring across the valley, or the smiles of the Sherpa guides who know these peaks intimately. The mountains have a way of stripping things back and by day three, you’ll have forgotten about emails entirely.

Top tip: October to November and March to May offer the clearest skies and most stable weather. Book lodges well in advance during peak season.

Nepal

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Breakfast with Everest

If two weeks of walking sounds like a lot, there’s another way to meet the world’s highest mountain – by helicopter. Departing Kathmandu at dawn, you’ll trade the city bustle for terraced hillsides, then watch as the Himalayan wall materialises on the horizon. Most tours land at Kala Patthar (5,545 metres) for photographs with Everest’s black pyramid looming behind, before descending to Hotel Everest View for what might be the most dramatic breakfast setting on Earth.

At 3,880 metres, the hotel holds the Guinness World Record as the world’s highest hotel and the view from your table of Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam arrayed before you is exquisite. The experience takes around three hours, which seems impossible given its profound effect on your sense of scale.

Top tip: Early morning flights offer the best visibility and calmest conditions, while private charters (around $4,500-6,000) guarantee your landing spots.

Everest

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Wander the sacred temples of Kathmandu Valley

The Kathmandu Valley is home to seven UNESCO World Heritage monument groups, equalling more concentrated heritage per square kilometre than almost anywhere on the planet. You could spend weeks exploring, but five sites deserve particular attention…

At Pashupatinath, Hinduism’s holiest temple outside India, cremation pyres burn continuously along the sacred Bagmati River while sadhus daubed in ash meditate nearby in a confronting, but beautiful scene. Boudhanath Stupa, all whitewashed dome and all-seeing Buddha eyes, draws maroon-robed monks who circumambulate while spinning prayer wheels at dusk. Swayambhunath (the “Monkey Temple”) requires climbing 365 steps through troops of sacred macaques, rewarding you with valley-wide panoramas. And traffic-free Bhaktapur preserves a medieval atmosphere where the five-tiered Nyatapola Temple has survived two major earthquakes through its sheer architectural brilliance.

Top tip: Visit Pashupatinath for the evening aarti ceremony at 6:45pm, when the riverbank transforms into a theatre of fire, music and devotion.

Kathmandu Valley

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Search for rhinos in Chitwan National Park

Drop to the south of Nepal to the Terai lowlands and you’ll find sal forests prowled by Bengal tigers and grasslands where one-horned rhinoceros graze like prehistoric lawn ornaments. Chitwan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to 694 rhinos (the world’s second-largest population) and some seriously impressive birdlife, with records of over 500 species.

Days begin with dawn jeep safaris through the skyscraper elephant grass, the alarm calls of spotted deer signalling predators nearby. Canoe safaris on the Rapti River will reveal gharial crocodiles basking on sandbanks (the park’s breeding centre has released nearly 2,000 back into the wild), while walking safaris offer a more intimate perspective on the land. Meghauli Serai by Taj sets the standard for luxury, with private plunge pools facing the jungle and naturalists who can identify birds by their calls alone.

Top tip: October to March offers the best wildlife viewing and most comfortable temperatures. The grass is cut in January, dramatically improving visibility.

Chitwan National Park

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Track Bengal tigers in Bardia

Follow the serious wildlife enthusiasts and skip Chitwan for Bardia National Park to find the best tiger sightings. It’s harder to reach (a one-hour flight to Nepalgunj, then two hours by road), but that remoteness translates to Nepal’s most prolific tiger sightings and a true wilderness feel.

Since 2011, Bardia’s tiger population has increased sevenfold, earning Nepal the prestigious TX2 Award for doubling its national tiger population. Unlike anywhere else in Nepal, Bardia offers walking safaris where tigers can be encountered on foot, the expert naturalists following fresh pugmarks through ancient forests while your heart hammers in your chest. Tiger Tops Karnali Lodge, a place that runs almost entirely on solar power, offers vintage Land Rovers and guides whose families have explored these forests for generations.

Top tip: February to May is prime tiger season – it’s hot, but animals concentrate around water sources. Allow at least three nights for a decent chance of spotting your stripes.

Bardia National Park

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Find serenity at Lumbini

In the flat Terai plains near the Indian border, a sacred garden marks the exact spot where Siddhartha Gautama, Buddha, was born in 623 BC. It’s one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the Buddhist world, yet it remains incredibly uncrowded.

The Maya Devi Temple protects the marker stone where Queen Maya Devi gave birth, while the Ashoka Pillar (erected by the Mauryan Emperor in 249 BC) provides historical proof of the site’s authenticity. Beyond the sacred garden, 32 international monasteries represent Buddhist traditions from Thailand to Germany, each with distinctive architecture and active monastic communities. The atmosphere is one of tranquillity – prayer flags fluttering, monks padding softly between temples – and the chaos of Nepal feels very far away indeed.

Top tip: The new Gautam Buddha International Airport makes Lumbini far more accessible and it’s now just a 30-minute transfer from Bhairahawa.

Lumbini

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Journey to the Forbidden Kingdom of Upper Mustang

Closed to foreigners until 1992 and still requiring a special permit ($500 for ten days), Upper Mustang feels less like Nepal and more like stepping into medieval Tibet. The landscape is lunar: wind-sculpted cliffs in ochre and rust, prayer flags snapping in the constant wind, ancient cave dwellings carved into impossible rock faces.

The walled city of Lo Manthang, home to around 1,100 people in 180 mud-brick houses, showcases Tibetan Buddhist culture in its purest form, with four ancient monasteries continuing traditions established when Guru Rinpoche first brought Buddhism here in the 8th century. Shinta Mani Mustang, designed by Bill Bensley and reopened in 2023, brings a spot of luxury to the remote region, with 29 suites with floor-to-ceiling Himalayan views, traditional Amchi (Tibetan medicine) consultations, and ‘Adventure Butlers’ to guide your private treks.

Top tip: Time your visit for the Tiji Festival (May 13-15, 2026), when three days of masked dances transform the royal palace courtyard.

Mustang

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Embark on a whitewater rafting adventure

Nepal’s rivers drop from glacial sources above 8,000 metres to the plains of the Ganges below 100 metres – a vertical descent that creates some of the world’s finest whitewater. The Karnali River, Nepal’s longest, offers a 10-day expedition through Class IV-V rapids, remote gorges and riverside camps on white sandy beaches, finishing at Bardia National Park. A highlight is the Sun Koshi, traversing 272 kilometres from the Tibetan border through a ‘Jungle Corridor’ of non-stop whitewater.

This isn’t your average rafting trip. Multi-day expeditions mean campfire dinners under the stars and alfresco sleeping, but quality operators provide gourmet meals, professional safety kayakers and all the kit – you just need to paddle (and occasionally hold on tight).

Top tip: October to November and March to May offer optimal water levels. The Karnali can be combined with a Bardia safari for the ultimate adventure-wildlife combo.

Nepal

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Feast on Nepal’s extraordinary cuisine

Nepali food deserves far more attention than it ever receives. Yes, there’s dal bhat (the national dish of lentils, rice and vegetables that fuels every trekker), but dig deeper and you’ll discover Newari feasts, Tibetan momos and regional variations that reflect the country’s diversity.

For the full experience, Krishnarpan at Dwarika’s Hotel offers six to 22 course tasting menus where waiters in traditional dress present laden dishes from different communities. Guests remove shoes to sit at low tables, and the meal is a cultural journey as well as a taste explosion. At the other end of the spectrum, Kathmandu’s street food scene delivers steamy momo shops making 10,000 dumplings daily and Bhaktapur’s legendary juju dhau (the ‘King of Yogurt’). Cooking classes include rickshaw rides through Asan Bazaar’s spice-scented chaos, where sacks of turmeric and chili overflow beside vendors selling momo masala.

Top tip: The Pavilions Himalayas in Pokhara offers outstanding farm-to-table dining with Annapurna views – the perfect way to refuel after (or before) adventure.

The Dwarika's

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Soar above Pokhara’s lakes and peaks

Pokhara – Nepal’s adventure capital – sits at the base of the Annapurna massif, with sacred Machapuchare (the “Fishtail Mountain”) rising impossibly above Phewa Lake. And the best way to appreciate this geography? From the air.

A tandem paraglide from Sarangkot will launch you into the thermal currents alongside circling hawks, with 20-60 minutes of silent soaring and views that stretch from the lake’s mirror surface to snow-capped peaks. On strong thermal days, pilots reach altitudes of 2,900+ metres – far higher than your starting point. For something more sedate, there are also sunrise hot air balloon flights, while ultralight aircraft provide open-cockpit journeys into Annapurna’s passes, bringing you within 100 feet of snow-covered peaks. It’ll feel like you could wipe snow off the mountains with your hand…

Top tip: Book paragliding for mid-morning when thermals are strongest. Standard flights cost $90-140; splurge on the longer ‘high flight’ for maximum altitude and airtime.

Pokhara

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From the sacred to the adrenaline-fuelled, the ancient to the luxurious, this small Himalayan kingdom delivers experiences that genuinely shift your perspective. Whether you’re tracking tigers through pristine jungle, watching cremation fires along a holy river, or simply sitting in silence as the sun hits Everest’s summit, Nepal has a way of making everything else feel rather small. So dust off your passport and say hello to your next great adventure.

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The best places to stay in Nepal fall into four neat categories: heritage hotels in the Kathmandu Valley, eco-luxe jungle lodges in Chitwan, mountain-view retreats in the Pokhara and Annapurna region, and remote design-led escapes in Mustang and the Everest region.

Whether you’re after rescued Newari woodwork, one-horned rhinos, an infinity pool with Annapurna in the frame, or a Bill Bensley-designed lodge at 2,800 metres, here are our ten favourites, what they’re best for and why we keep sending people their way.

Heritage hotels in the Kathmandu Valley

Most Nepal trips begin and end in the Kathmandu Valley, and the very best heritage hotels in Kathmandu lean into the city’s medieval Newari heritage. From rescued woodwork to UNESCO-listed neighbourhoods on your doorstep, these are the three we keep coming back to.

The Dwarika’s

Location: Kathmandu, near the Pashupatinath Temple
Style: Living homage to 13th-century Newari craftsmanship
Best for: Heritage hotels in Kathmandu, culture-led first nights

In 1952, a man named Dwarika Das Shrestha watched a group of workmen preparing to burn a pile of historic, 13th-century woodwork from a demolished building in Kathmandu. He bought it on the spot, and then spent the next 30 years rescuing more carved pillars, doorways, and window frames from across the valley to create what is now the 76-roomed Dwarika’s Hotel – a living homage to Nepali culture.

“At The Dwarika’s, you’ll feel like you’ve stumbled across a 15th-century Newari palace (with exceptionally good plumbing), complete with handloomed blankets and antiques as far as the eye can see.”
– Carola Fresno, Latin America & Asia travel specialist

There’s also a Japanese restaurant serving matcha ice cream and a tranquil pool flanked by stone dragons, but the highlight is Krishnarpan restaurant that serves iconic Nepali dishes from all over the country in ceremonial feasts at low-slung tables.

The Dwarika's

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Nepali Ghar Hotel

Location: Thamel, Kathmandu – five minutes from the Garden of Dreams
Style: Restored Rana-era townhouse with 200-year-old wing
Best for: A boutique base in the thick of Thamel

In the thick of Thamel’s buzz, boutique Nepali Ghar is refined to a tee. Once the home of a Brigadier Colonel during the Rana regime, the 200-year-old Seto Ghar wing is a lesson in character with its neoclassical arches and yellow-green cornices, and the 61 rooms blend heritage with modern comforts including pillowtop beds, Netflix and soundproof windows.

“But really, it’s the details that stick: lemongrass diffusers and brass basins in the bathrooms, a team that remembers your name from the moment you arrive, and a rooftop serving Nepali and Mediterranean dishes with temple-studded views.”
– Carola Fresno, Latin America & Asia travel specialist

Its location is also incredibly handy for the Garden of Dreams (five minutes) and Durbar Square (ten), with a meditation hall for when Thamel gets too much.

Nepali Ghar Hotel

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The Nanee

Location: Bhaktapur, three minutes from Durbar Square
Style: Vaastu-designed ‘Museum of Life’ with open courtyard
Best for: Slow travel, design buffs, immersive Newari food

The owners would rather you didn’t call The Nanee a hotel, and actually a “Museum of Life” is indeed a more apt term! Set in medieval Bhaktapur, a three-minute walk from the UNESCO-listed Durbar Square, The Nanee has no perimeter wall: the courtyard is shared with the local community, and that’s entirely the point. The 18 rooms follow ancient Vaastu principles – there are no TVs, although tablets are available if you’re desperate – and the design takes its inspiration from the town’s iconic Nyatapola Temple.

“It’s worth staying for the food alone: local ladies cook lentil pancakes on clay stoves in the Bara Shop, while the Chef’s Table is 10 courses of immersive Nepali cuisine with an entertaining running commentary.”
– Carola Fresno, Latin America & Asia travel specialist

The Nanee

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Luxury jungle lodges in Chitwan National Park

Nepal does safaris on top of everything else. Chitwan National Park sits in the lowland Terai region – a world away from the peaks – and offers some of the best one-horned rhino sightings on the continent, along with sloth bears, gharials, and (for the very lucky) Bengal tigers. For luxury jungle lodges in Chitwan, there’s really only one address we’d point you to.

Barahi Jungle Lodge

Location: Chitwan National Park – 100 metres from the park boundary, across the Rapti River
Style: Eco-luxe thatched cottages across 12 hectares
Best for: First-time Nepal safari, families, bush-and-mountain combinations

Ultra-smart, eco-luxe Barahi Jungle Lodge is just 100 metres from Chitwan’s boundary, separated only by the gentle flow of the Rapti River. Sprawled across 12 glorious, emerald hectares, the thatched cottages are the Flintstones with a luxury twist, including hand-crafted bathtubs and private balconies with views over the tangled jungle scenery. There’s a magnificent, Ayurvedic spa for shoulder-loosening massages, but the experiences are what you’re really here for: jeep safaris – beginning with a river boat at dawn – to spy one-horned rhinos and Bengal tigers, treks to thundering waterfalls and local Tharu villages, and sundowners at the confluence of two rivers as jungle sounds fill the air.

Barahi Jungle Lodge

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Luxury hotels in Pokhara and the Annapurna region

Pokhara is Nepal’s adventure capital and the gateway to the Annapurna massif – and you certainly don’t have to be a hardened trekker to enjoy the views from one of its luxury lodges. Ranging from a lakeside eco-resort to a high-altitude trekkers’ base reached only on foot, with two ridge-top hideaways in between, they make up our favourite Pokhara hotels and Annapurna region lodges.

Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge

Location: Ridge above the Pokhara Valley, 1,000 feet up, 30 minutes from town
Style: Stone-built cottages arranged like a traditional Nepali village
Best for: Annapurna views without lacing up the boots; post-trek recovery

Opened in 1998 by Sir Edmund Hillary, the visionary behind Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge was Lt Col. Jimmy Roberts (visit his namesake library for a good read), a Gurkha officer who pioneered trekking tourism in Nepal. He spotted the ridge on which the lodge sits while organising the Royal Trek for King Charles in 1980 – and the rest is history.

“Arranged like a traditional Nepali village, the 18 stone bungalows are a staggering 1,000 feet above the Pokhara Valley with views of Machapuchare, Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, and Manaslu – and there are no TVs to distract you.”
– Carola Fresno, Latin America & Asia travel specialist

The swimming pool, ingeniously sited to reflect the snow-capped peaks, has earned international recognition and floating in it while gazing at the Annapurnas is exactly as good as it sounds.

Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge

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The Pavilions Himalayas

Location: Pokhara – Farm and lakeview properties, reached by dawn paddle across Phewa Lake
Style: Solar-powered eco-resort with private villas
Best for: Wellness, sustainability, and 8,000-metre vistas

Asia’s Leading Green Resort for 10 years running, The Pavilions is Nepal’s first self-sustainable luxury eco-resort. It runs on solar power, harvests rainwater, and converts waste to biogas and yet, it’s nothing less than luxurious with a capital L – think private villas with jacuzzi tubs, a spa stocked with custom Himalayan botanicals, and an infinity pool that gazes over the rice paddies below. The property itself is split into two, with either Farm or Lakeview rooms (reached by a dawn paddle across Phewa Lake), though both offer farm-to-table dining from the organic gardens, daily yoga, and spectacular 8,000-metre vistas of Mount Manaslu. The hotel takes its community work seriously too – 50 to 70% of profits are ploughed back into local projects including schools and training programmes.

The Pavilions Himalayas The Farm

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Ghandruk Lodge

Location: Ghandruk village, high in the Annapurna mountains
Style: Restored 19th-century Gurung house with modern wing
Best for: Comfort-loving trekkers, Annapurna Base Camp itineraries

Proof you can trek the Himalayas without roughing it, Ghandruk Lodge is built around a 19th-century Gurung house high in the Annapurna mountains. In the modern bedroom wing, you’ll find 18 en-suite rooms – each the perfect post-trek respite with their immaculate showers, thick blankets, and hot water bottles – and the views of Annapurna South, Machapuchare, and Gangapurna are well worth the journey up. Activities are focused on hiking and walking, always led by knowledgeable local guides, but if you have a moment to hang up your boots, Ghandruk town is a fascinating place to explore. For many years, it was a major recruiting centre for Gurkhah regiments and many of the retired soldiers still live in the slate-roofed houses.

Ghandruk Lodge

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Landruk Lodge

Location: Landruk village, across the valley from Ghandruk
Style: Green-and-white bungalows facing the Annapurna range
Best for: Trekkers wanting quieter trails and honey-hunting stories

Across the valley from Ghandruk, reached by suspension bridge and a trail of stone steps through a flourishing rhododendron forest, are the green and white bungalows of Landruk Lodge. The 12 pretty rooms, terrace and dining areas are all orientated to face the peaks and the views are sublime – mist-swirled valleys, green, carpeted slopes and the mighty Annapurna’s snaking into the distance.

“The real draw is Landruk’s honey hunters, Gurung men who scale sheer cliffs on bamboo ladders to harvest honeycomb from the world’s largest honeybee, twice yearly in spring and autumn. Amazing to witness!”
– Carola Fresno, Latin America & Asia travel specialist

But even without the spectacle, dawn lighting up the Himalayas earns every step.

Landruk Lodge

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Remote retreats in Mustang and the Everest Region

For travellers willing to fly an extra leg (or two), Nepal’s most evocative luxury hotels sit in the country’s furthest corners – high above Jomsom in the Kingdom of Mustang, and tucked into the Everest Region. These are not casual additions: they require helicopter or small-plane transfers and a minimum-stay commitment, but they reward the effort tenfold.

Shinti Mani Mustang

Location: Hillside above Jomsom, in the Kingdom of Mustang (the “Forbidden Kingdom”)
Style: Bill Bensley-designed all-inclusive mountain hotel
Best for: Design-led adventurers, wellness-meets-trekking, five-night-plus stays

Perched high in the mystical Kingdom of Mustang, just where the Kali Gandaki carves through dramatic, wind-sculpted cliffs, Shinta Mani Mustang is Bill Bensley at his most theatrical. From the outside it’s all fortress-like lines and earthy textures, but step inside and you’ll find saffron-hued textiles and tiger shaped rugs, floral-carved wood and yak-fur sofas, all set off by a serene rooftop terrace for cocktails and Himalayan sunsets. The 29 suites have floor-to-ceiling windows facing the Nilgiri range and the whole stay is all-inclusive on a minimum five-night basis.

“In between treks, pay a visit to Tsewang Gyurme Gurung, an 11th-generation practitioner of Tibetan medicine or ‘amchi’ based at the lodge. They’ll create a personalised wellness program using Himalayan plant and ancient, herb-based therapies for you.”
– Carola Fresno, Latin America & Asia travel specialist

Shinta Mani Mustang

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The Happy House

Location: Phaplu village, Everest Region – 45 minutes by helicopter from Kathmandu
Style: Restored traditional Sherpa home with hand-painted Thangka frescoes
Best for: Sherpa heritage, off-grid retreat, pre or post-Everest trek rest

Built in 1973 by an Italian count whose Everest expedition required 6,000 porters to carry his mountaineering kit and with a name coined by none other than Sir Edmund Hillary, who enjoyed staying during his return visits to Nepal, there are few properties in the world with a backstory quite like this one. Located in the teeny tiny village of Phaplu (45 minutes by helicopter from Kathmandu) and 2,500 metres above sea level, it’s actually a traditional Sherpa home, beautifully restored into a 10-room guest house. Inside, every wall is hand-painted with Buddhist Thangka frescoes by a Sherpa master and the roaring log fires and burning juniper, quiet meditation spaces, cosy treatment room and pretty garden complete with fluttering prayer flags all add up to make a place that is quite simply, heaven.

The Happy House

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Frequently asked questions about staying in Nepal

Where should I base myself for a first-time trip to Nepal?

For most first-time visitors, we’d pair Kathmandu with one mountain destination and one jungle stop. The Dwarika’s in Kathmandu, Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge for Annapurna views, and Barahi Jungle Lodge in Chitwan is a classic three-stop itinerary that covers heritage, mountains, and wildlife without ever requiring you to lace up those trekking boots.

Do I have to trek to stay at properties in the Annapurna region?

Not at all. Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge and The Pavilions Himalayas both offer Annapurna views without any trekking required – you can drive (or paddle) right up to the door. Ghandruk and Landruk Lodge sit deeper in the mountains and do require some walking to reach, but they’re luxurious post-trek bases rather than rustic teahouses.

Which is the best heritage hotel in Kathmandu?

The Dwarika’s is the headline act – a 76-room living museum of rescued 13th-century Newari woodwork, with one of the best Nepali restaurants in the country attached. Nepali Ghar is a more boutique alternative in the heart of Thamel, and The Nanee in Bhaktapur is the choice for travellers wanting a slower, more immersive Newari town experience.

What’s the best lodge in Nepal for a honeymoon?

For sheer atmosphere, it’s hard to beat The Happy House in the Everest Region – it’s remote, intimate, and steeped in Sherpa heritage. Shinta Mani Mustang offers a more design-forward, adventure-laced experience. And for a softer landing with mountain views, Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge has been quietly hosting honeymooners since 1998.

Can you do a luxury safari in Nepal?

Yes. Chitwan National Park is the answer and Barahi Jungle Lodge is our personal pick. Expect dawn jeep safaris, river boat transfers, and the chance to spot one-horned rhinos, sloth bears, gharial crocodiles, and (with patience and luck) Bengal tigers. It pairs beautifully with a stay in Kathmandu and a mountain-view property in Pokhara.

How do you get to remote properties like The Happy House or Shinta Mani Mustang?

Both require an additional flight from Kathmandu. The Happy House is reached by a 45-minute helicopter transfer to Phaplu. Shinta Mani Mustang is accessed via a flight to Jomsom (with transfers included in the all-inclusive rate), often combined with helicopter or fixed-wing options. Both require a minimum stay – typically five nights for Shinta Mani Mustang – and are best planned with plenty of buffer for mountain weather.

When is the best time to stay at trekking lodges in Nepal?

October to November and March to May are the best time to visit with clear skies, comfortable temperatures, and reliable flight access to mountain airstrips. Properties like Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge typically close for the monsoon between mid-June and September. Winter (December to February) is cold but quiet, with crisp views; but the monsoon is best avoided unless you’re heading to Mustang, which sits in the rain shadow.

Are these properties suitable for families?

For the most part, they are. Barahi Jungle Lodge is particularly family-friendly with its jeep safaris and river activities, and The Pavilions Himalayas has space, pools, and a gentle pace. The Kathmandu hotels work well for older children interested in culture and food, while remote properties like The Happy House and Shinta Mani Mustang are better suited to couples or seasoned-traveller families given the altitude and transfer logistics.

From rescued woodwork in Kathmandu to a Bensley-designed mountain hut above Jomsom, Nepal’s hospitality scene matches its landscape for ambition and authenticity. Whether you’re soaking up a heritage hotel’s rescued woodwork or floating in an infinity pool with Manaslu in your sightline, you’ll find that Nepal does accommodation with the same thoughtful intensity it brings to everything else.

Whatever shape your Nepal trip takes, we can help you piece together the best places to stay along the way — get in touch and we’ll start planning.

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