Always More to See: Top 10 Most Popular Optional Extensions

Posted on 4/1/2025 04:00:00 AM in Trending Topics

Each of our adventures include optional extensions—either before the main itinerary begins or before returning to the U.S. By extending your adventure, you can enhance your value by lowering per-day costs, and maximize your discoveries—often in truly unique destinations not seen on the main itinerary, and in an even smaller group. Here are 10 of the most popular destinations that O.A.T. travelers add onto their main trips through pre- and post-trip extensions.

1.

Azerbaijan: Baku & Shaki Pre-Trip Extension

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Neither Europe nor Asia, Azerbaijan is the link between the most influential empires of the world. From ancient mosques to grand palaces and gaseous mud volcanoes, there's much to discover in this multi-faceted land and former Soviet republic nestled between the Caspian Sea and Caucasus Mountains. Begin your travels to Georgia & Armenia with an exploration of this "country at a crossroads.

2.

Highlights of Kyrgyzstan & Kazakhstan Post-Trip Extension

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Following your Silk Road adventure, journey to Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan, two Turkic states nestled in the heart of Central Asia’s rugged mountain ranges. Witness nomadic tribes and untouched alpine lakes, explore the post-Soviet cities of Bishkek and Almaty, and discover a coalescence of cultures thriving in a series of European- and Asian-inspired villages and towns.

3.

Borneo's Rain Forests & Orangutans Pre-Trip Extension

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Before your adventure in Java & Bali, discover exotic Borneo, traveling by riverboat to an Indonesian national park that is home to orangutans—a primate closely related to humans. Here we also have chances to observe many other kinds of wildlife, and to meet the charming people of this tropical island.

4.

Madagascar: Tropical Rainforests & Ring-tailed Lemurs Post-Trip Extension

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Dubbed the "eighth continent" by ecologists, the seemingly boundless spectrum of Madagascar's biodiversity defies even the wildest imagination. After your South Africa & Namibia adventure, join expert naturalist guides in tracking utterly unique animals—from dancing lemurs to cat-sized chameleons and the world's rarest duck—through rainforests that date back millions of years. Begin your Madagascar adventure—a NEW destination for O.A.T.—in the multicultural capital city of Antananarivo and then make your way to the lush and verdant greenery of Andasibe to experience the extraordinary nature of the planet's oldest island..

5.

Bhutan: The Last Shangri-La Pre-Trip Extension

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Become one of the privileged few to venture to the remote kingdom of Bhutan. The kingdom cautiously controls tourism to protect its legacy as one of the world’s top ten biodiversity hotspots. Before your Nepal travel, here is a unique opportunity to experience a magical, mystical world of elaborate temple-fortresses, ancient customs, and mind-boggling Himalayan scenery.

6.

Uganda: The Pearl of Africa Revealed Pre-Trip Extension

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Once known as the "Pearl of the British Empire in East Africa," Uganda is now widely considered one of the most beautiful countries on the continent. Before your Rwanda adventure, tour the dynamic Ugandan city of Entebbe, enjoy a sunset boat cruise on Lake Victoria, take a bush walk in search of endangered white rhinos, go on a bird-viewing canoe safari ride, and witness the splendor of Murchison Falls, where the Nile River explodes through a narrow gorge to create the most powerful rush of water in the world.

7.

South Korea: Seoul Pre-Trip Extension

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Before Mongolia & the Gobi Desert, explore the modern, yet deeply traditional, capital city of Seoul, South Korea. From the serenity of the mighty Han to the traditional teahouses and bustling city streets, this vast metropolis is brimming with discoveries. Experience traditional food markets, explore ancient palaces, and learn about the Korean Peninsula's controversial history at the Demilitarized Zone (or "DMZ"), the 160-mile long stretch of no-man's land that separates communist North Korea from the capitalist South.

8.

Poland: Krakow, Auschwitz & Warsaw Pre-Trip Extension

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Before The Baltic Capitals, discover two of Poland’s historic and cultural epicenters—Krakow and Warsaw. Explore the centuries-old streets of Krakow, whose Old Town was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978 and features a number of historic landmarks, Experience an emotional tour of the Auschwitz concentration camp of World War II, and venture through Warsaw, Poland’s energetic capital city. Once described as the "Paris of the East", the city was destroyed several times during the war but withstood with perseverance and was always rebuilt.

9.

Barcelona, Spain Post-Trip Extension

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Following your Iberian Voyage, journey to a land where medieval charms mingle with avant-garde grandeur, traditional culture meets modern sensibilities, and everyday life exists within a work of art. This is Barcelona, the gateway to Spain’s lively Catalonia region and a treasure trove of architectural and historic gems. Explore the city’s narrow streets and grand boulevards, discover Antoni Gaudi’s unmistakable influence, and immerse yourself in the unconventional spirit that makes Barcelona so unforgettable.

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Customize your Small Ship Adventure by adding our Barcelona, Spain optional extension. Preview both the main itinerary and optional extensions in this video.

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