1. Inside Vietnam
NEW:
Our most popular video by an O.A.T. traveler—created by Drew Jones, 2-time traveler from Oakland, CA:
- 20-day O.A.T. Small Group Adventure
- Unique Artistic Experiences: Experience an exclusive water puppetry demonstration at a local puppet master's home in Hanoi, learning manipulation techniques of this 1,000-year-old art form; visit a ceramic workshop in Bat Trang where generations of artisans guide you in making your own pieces; explore the ancient Japanese covered bridge in Hoi An with its intricate temple and statuary; observe the elaborate craftsmanship of Hakone Yosegi Zaiku wooden handicrafts from fourth-generation woodworkers.
2. Japan's Cultural Treasures
NEW:
Our most popular video by an O.A.T. traveler—created by David & Ellen Lin, 15-time travelers from Savoy, IL:
- 15-day O.A.T. Small Group Adventure
- Unique Artistic Experiences: Join an interactive taiko drumming lesson in Tokyo to learn patterns and rhythms that have resonated throughout Japanese history; create gilded postcards with expert guidance at Kanazawa's gold leaf workshop; wander through Kenrokuen Garden, one of Japan's most treasured landscape masterpieces; experience authentic Samurai Kenbu Theater performances that combine swordplay with dance and poetry, even trying traditional techniques yourself; witness a geisha dance performance in Hakone while learning about this revered tradition; create traditional washi paper postcards from mulberry bark during the optional Gokayama village tour.
3. Kenya & Tanzania Safari: Masai Mara to the Serengeti
Our most popular video by an O.A.T. traveler—created by Robert Solymossy, 9-time traveler from Arlington, VA:
- 19-day O.A.T. Small Group Adventure
- Unique Artistic Experiences: Watch Maasai women shape, paint, and kiln-fire traditional beadwork at the Kobe Tough ceramic workshop in Nairobi; witness the artistry of traditional dress during A Day in the Life of a Maasai village, where color choices and accessories reveal age, location, and social position; explore Nairobi National Museum's diverse artistic displays; visit Arusha's Shanga workshop where artisans with physical disabilities create unique handcrafts.
4. Costa Rica: Pura Vida & Rainforest Discoveries
NEW:
Our most popular slideshow by an O.A.T. traveler—created by Gail Vick, 17-time traveler from Evansville, WI:
- 14-day O.A.T. Small Group Adventure
- Unique Artistic Experiences: Learn about the role that mascaras—traditional Costa Rican masks—play in local culture, before trying our hand at this local craft. Most notably, these expressive visages are worn during the annual masquerade that takes place each year on October 31. An expert artisan will show us some examples of their craft, and guide us through the steps as we try making some mascaras of our own.
5. New! Soul of India: The Colorful South
NEW:
Our most popular slideshow by an O.A.T. traveler—created by Carolann MacGregor, 12-time traveler from Boston, MA:
- 18-day O.A.T. Small Group Adventure
- Unique Artistic Experiences: Marvel at the seventh-century monolithic Shore Temple of Mahabalipuram, carved from a single boulder; witness a mesmerizing Kathakali performance in Cochin where dancers tell stories through elaborate costumes and gestures without dialogue; participate in a henna ceremony with intricate natural dye patterns; observe the artistic heritage of village textile work throughout rural South India.
6. Back Roads of Iberia: Spanish Paradores & Portuguese Pousadas
NEW:
Our most popular slideshow by an O.A.T. traveler—created by Sherry Jordan, 14-time traveler from Culver City, CA:
- 16-day O.A.T. Small Group Adventure
- Unique Artistic Experiences: Paint your own azulejos ceramic tiles in Azeitão, continuing a tradition introduced by the Moors; explore the macabre artistic Capela dos Ossos in Évora with its walls of elaborately arranged human skeletons; witness Mérida's remarkably preserved 6,000-seat Roman theater adorned with ancient sculptures; experience an authentic flamenco demonstration in Toledo showcasing the passionate rhythms of cante and baile.
7. New! Discover Thailand: Bangkok to Chiang Rai
NEW:
Our most popular slideshow by an O.A.T. traveler—created by Jack Rosenfield, 16-time traveler from Littleton, CO:
- 16-day O.A.T. Small Group Adventure
- Unique Artistic Experiences: Witness the pinnacle of Thai architectural artistry at Bangkok's Grand Palace with its ornate gilded spires and ceremonial halls; observe the unique neck ring craftsmanship of Karen hill tribe women in Chiang Mai; explore Chiang Rai's White Temple, a contemporary artistic masterpiece featuring unconventional Buddhist art alongside pop culture references; discover elaborately decorated Buddhist temples throughout the journey, each showcasing distinctive artistic styles.
8. Morocco Sahara Odyssey
NEW:
Our most popular slideshow by an O.A.T. traveler—created by David Fong, 19-time traveler from Foster City, CA:
- 16-day O.A.T. Small Group Adventure
- Unique Artistic Experiences:: Explore Fez's ancient medina where artisans maintain centuries-old traditions in leatherwork, metalwork, and textile production; participate in a henna ceremony with the women of Imik Simik Association, learning about this intricate body art tradition; experience the living theater of Marrakesh's Djemaa El Fna square, where storytellers, musicians, and performers create an ever-changing artistic tapestry each evening.
9. Machu Picchu & the Galápagos
Our most popular video by an O.A.T. traveler—created by Tom & Mary Dudzinski, 5-time travelers from Denver, CO:
- 17-day O.A.T. Small Group Adventure with 4 nights aboard the privately chartered, 16-passenger Galápagos Small Ship.
- Unique Artistic Experiences: View pre-Columbian artifacts at Lima's Larco Museum, housed in an 18th-century viceroy's mansion; watch local women in Huayllarcocha demonstrate traditional weaving using natural dyes from plants and insects; be moved by the Sinamune Disabled Children's Orchestra performance in Quito.
10. Ancient Egypt & the Nile River
NEW:
Our most popular slideshow by an O.A.T. traveler—created by Ronald Locatelli, 10-time traveler from Castro Valley, CA:
- 16-day O.A.T. Small Group Adventure with 7 nights aboard the privately charted, 75-passenger Nefertiti Small Ship.
- Unique Artistic Experiences: Explore thousands of years of artistic mastery at Cairo's Grand Egyptian Museum, housing treasures from every dynastic period; examine the intricately carved hieroglyphics at the Temples of Karnak and Luxor; discover Dendera Temple's astronomical ceiling adorned with vultures and zodiac symbols; compare the artistic influences of Coptic Christianity at the Hanging Church with the Islamic artistic traditions of Sultan Hassan Mosque; experience a traditional Nubian show featuring mesmerizing tanura dancers with multi-tiered spinning skirts.
