Bundle up for your exploration of the mysterious Arctic on a once-in-a-lifetime cruise of the far north with Adventure Life. From June until October, small hull-hardened expedition ships navigate under the glow of the Aurora Borealis through the northernmost regions of our planet in search of polar bears, seabirds and other wildlife.

Cross the Arctic circle as you float between ice floes and icebergs along dramatic coastlines and visit quaint villages. Explore the frozen icescapes of Greenland on an Arctic cruise through the Northwest passage or the European islands of Svalbard and Iceland. Day excursions include hikes across glaciers and panga navigations around fjords.

The Norwegian island of Svalbard (Spitsbergen), 400 miles North of Norway and 600 miles south of the North Pole is the land of jagged mountains, fjords, giant glaciers, and the highlight of this region, the polar bear. Trek across the ice and explore the hardy wildlife and expansive landscapes via dinghies on an authentic Arctic expedition.

Embark on a cruise of Alaska exploring wildlife and spectacular small bays and inlets impossible to access on a large cruise ship. Spot bears, moose, birds, and whales from the comfort of your small cruise ship.

Trace the route of great explorers through the northernmost islands of Canada via the Northwest Passage. Experience Inuit culture and witness the rugged wildlife that calls this home, including thousands of seabirds, reindeer, polar bears and more, all as the Aurora Borealis light up the night sky.

Follow in the footsteps of early American explorers along the St. Lawrence River and across the Northwest Passage, yacht along the shores of the temperate rainforests of British Columbia, or watch for polar bears in the Torngat Mountains of Labrador's Coast. Canada offers a vast array of stunning scenery, wildlife and adventure.

From the capital city of Reykjavik, explore Iceland's otherworldly glaciers, fjords, volcanoes & hot springs on a small ship expedition cruise deep into the Arctic. And remnants of the Norse & Viking cultures that were originally established here centuries ago can still be seen even today.

Embark on the adventure of a lifetime to the white continent. Most Antarctica cruises depart from Ushuaia, Argentina. Some flight/cruise combinations, which cut a few day's sailing time off the voyage, start from Punta Arenas, Chile. A few cruises even venture to New Zealand and South Africa.

During the breeding season, the northern tip of South Georgia may have more megafauna per square meter than any other place on earth. Visited on a limited number of cruises to Antarctica, travelers encounter a sea of thousands of black and white King Penguins and albatrosses. Glide silently in sea kayaks spying seals, seabirds, and yes, more penguins.

The remote Falklands are frequently visited on a cruise to Antarctica, though some stay longer and are rewarded by a unique culture that mixes both British and South American traditions with astounding wilderness and landscapes.

Sail along spectacular icebergs and ice-filled fjords and while enjoying the company of seabirds, penguins, seals, and whales. Daily we'll disembark on a Zodiac boat or sea kayak and explore the Antarctica Peninsula shoreline's wildlife together with expert guides.

Begin your Antarctic cruise at the northernmost islands of the Antarctic Peninsula including Elephant, Livingston, Deception & King George Islands where you'll cruise past icebergs, jagged mountains, and incredible wildlife like penguin rookeries, elephant seals and whales.

Most tours of Chilean Patagonia are based out of Punta Arenas as this quaint, frigid, small city has southern Chile's largest airport and is used to access Torres del Paine, flight-cruises to Antarctica, the Straits of Magellan and even several penguin colonies including the Magdelena Penguin Colony and the King Penguin colony. One of our …

Ushuaia is a charming port city that is the gateway to Antarctica and lays claim as the southernmost city in the world and is a bustling center for adventure travel.

South America Cruises and Tours - Specializing in luxury South America cruises, small-ship expeditions, and tours. Our South America tours are customized for your interests like luxury travel, wildlife viewing, active trips like trekking or multisport.

The planet's ultimate wildlife experience. Animals evolved no fear of humans, so we can experience wildlife up close. On a cruise or land based tour, you'll snorkel with penguins, marine iguanas, and playful sea lions. You'll walk alongside giant tortoises and spot Darwin's finches as you ponder evolution.

Spanning both Argentina & Chile, Patagonia's expansive frozen landscapes are punctuated by Torres del Paine, the Fitz Roy Range, and massive glaciers reaching from the highlands down the sea as they crash into the ocean. Launch your trip from Ushuaia, El Calafate, or Punta Arenas. World-class trekking, hiking, & sea kayaking reward the adventurous.

Dance the Tango in Buenos Aires, be awed by Iguazu Falls, trek over glaciers in Patagonia and even embark on a cruise to Antarctica in the world's southernmost city: Ushuaia.

This long strip of land between the towering volcanoes of the Andes and the jagged coast of the Pacific Ocean stretches from the driest desert in the world in the north, to the "End of the World" in Tierra del Fuego. In between are vast expanses of wilderness punctuated by lakes, fjords and the granite spires of Torres del Paine.

Explore Ecuador's towering volcanoes, verdant Amazon rainforest and charming colonial cities before embarking on a remarkable wildlife cruise around the Galapagos Islands.

The Inca rule once spanned from Colombia to Chile based from their glorious capital of Cuzco. The massive stone architecture of the Inca transport visitors back 500 years. Imagine trekking the Inca trail and watching the sun rise over Machu Picchu or floating down a previously impenetrable Amazon tributary.

Bolivia is a world of extremes. Experience the largest, most traditional indigenous population in the Americas and jagged glacier peaked mountains that plunge into some of the least explored regions of the Amazon Rainforest.

Discover the Amazon Rainforest, the most biodiverse place on the planet while staying in a remote eco-lodge, or take a cruise down the Amazon or one of it's tributaries.

Breathe in the essence of Brazil. Feel the rhythm and the sun on your face. Rio is one of life's must-do experiences, and is just the starting point for a Brazil adventure.

Find some of the friendliest, happiest people on the planet that live in a lush, mountainous, tropical paradise. Hike, bike, and raft by day, then sample the nightlife in cosmopolitan cities like Medellin and Bogota. Have to experience the Caribbean colonial vibe of Cartagena.

On a tour of Central America, you'll have the opportunity to explore jungle-clad ancient Mayan ruins, biodiverse rainforest, raging whitewater rivers, and crystal clear waters for snorkeling and sea kayaking. Climb to the top of the temple of the Jaguar in Tikal, Guatemala. Hike the tropical rainforests of Costa Rica's Manuel Antonio …

Go whitewater rafting down pristine rivers, glide through the rainforest canopy on a zip line, relax on the beach or explore one of Costa Rica's many famous ecolodges.

The tropical paradise of Belize has world class snorkeling, sea kayaking, luxury resorts, and jungle lodges. Adventure Life's Belize travel experts will show you the must-see spots.

Discover the massive Maya ruins of Tikal, the colorful colonial city of Antigua, the sacred waters of Lake Atitlan, and dozens of indigenous villages like Chichicastenango where vibrant textiles and traditional foods fill the street markets.

On a trip to Nicaragua with Adventure Life, you can explore cloud forests and rainforests, hike active volcanoes, mingle in traditional artisans' markets, relax on white beaches, and stroll through charming colonial cities.

Go beyond the Panama Canal and discover idyllic Caribbean islands, proud indigenous populations, biodiverse rainforests, colonial ruins and expansive white beaches of Panama.

On Adventure Life's Mexico tours, you'll safely experience diverse cultures and contrasting landscapes and cities of Mexico as few tourists have the opportunity to do - by train through Chiapas, on biking and hiking tours, culinary experiences, trips to Oaxaca, and more!

Take a cruise of the mighty Mississippi River, the Great Lakes, Hawaii, Alaska, or New England and explore the scenic waterways of the United States with Adventure Life.

Follow in the footsteps of early American explorers along the St. Lawrence River and across the Northwest Passage, yacht along the shores of the temperate rainforests of British Columbia, or watch for polar bears in the Torngat Mountains of Labrador's Coast. Canada offers a vast array of stunning scenery, wildlife and adventure.

Embark on a cruise of Alaska exploring wildlife and spectacular small bays and inlets impossible to access on a large cruise ship. Spot bears, moose, birds, and whales from the comfort of your small cruise ship.

Taking a cruise on the mighty Mississippi River is a journey into the heart and soul of America. The Mississippi is known for being one of the longest rivers in the world, starting in Northern Minnesota and flowing down to the Gulf of Mexico. You'll get to know some of America's most culturally influential cities, such as New Orleans, …

A cruise of the Great Lakes may take you to Lake Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie, Ontario, or the Saint Lawrence River that flows between the lakes into the Atlantic Ocean. All lakes are bordered by both the United States and Canada except Lake Michigan, which is only part of the United States. There are many things to do on the largest …

The Columbia River is the largest river in the Pacific Northwest, and with its 485 miles of scenic beauty and rich cultural history, it is one of America's most popular rivers. While on a Columbia River cruise you will explore small river towns and come to appreciate the beauties of the green Pacific Northwest. You can also expect to take walks, …

Cross the Arctic circle as you float between ice floes and icebergs along dramatic coastlines and visit quaint villages. Explore the frozen icescapes of Greenland on an Arctic cruise through the Northwest passage or the European islands of Svalbard and Iceland. Day excursions include hikes across glaciers and panga navigations around fjords.

New England is a region in the northeast of the United States made up of six states, including Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont, being the only one that doesn’t have direct ocean access. Most of our New England cruises will visit the beautiful cities of Boston and Portland, sometimes going up as far …

Take a small ship cruise around the gorgeous U.S. and British Virgin Islands with opportunities to snorkel, relax, soak up the sun, go to National Parks, or meet the locals.

Take a sailboat or small ship cruise to the Caribbean visiting the islands of Grenada, the Grenadines, St. Lucia, and San Maarten. Snorkel, swim and relax on pristine sunny beaches as you meet friendly locals.

Take a gorgeous small ship cruise around Barbados where you will have amazing opportunities to swim, snorkel, explore various caves and relax by the beach.

Set sail for the Bahamas on a small ship sailing cruise. Visit hidden bays, coves, and harbors on some of the hundreds of islands in the Bahamas like the Exumas, an archipelago of 365 cays and islands dotting the Caribbean Sea.

Grenada is a small Caribbean country made of a constellation of small islands and a much larger island where the country's capital, St George’s sits. A Caribbean cruise on a small ship or sailboat is considered the best way to explore the turquoise waters, expansive beaches, rich marine life, and dense culture of the Caribbean. On a …

Get to know the Cuban people as you stroll the colonial rhythm-filled streets of Havana, Cienfuegos and Trinidad. Enjoy snorkeling and relaxing aboard a small sail boat like the Panorama or Panorama II that accommodate only about 50 passengers, or the luxurious small ships Le Ponant and Variety Voyager.

ExploreSanta Lucia, located in theVirgin Islandsisland chain, from the unique vantage point of a small sailboat that allows the boat to access small coves, reefs, and ports that otherwise are impossible to access on a large vessel. Take a tour through the Pigeon Island National Parkor hike the Tet Paul Nature Trail to get to know the geography of …

Saint Martin is a island country located in the Caribbean that is divided between the French Republic and the Kingdom of the Netherlands splitting the territory roughly 60/40. Take a small ship trip with Adventure Life around the Islands with the vantage point of size, allowing the boat to access smaller coves, reefs, and ports that are impossible …

Visit the stunning archipelago of Tobago Cays located in the Southern part of the St. Vincent des Grenadines. Take a long walk on the stunning white sand beaches that are picture perfect for snorkeling, swimming and scuba diving. Visit Baradal:a small island in the Tobago Caysthat offers a getaway from crowds, fantastic beaches, and a beautiful …

The Windward Islands are a group of the larger islands in the Lesser Antilles. These islands include Martinique, Saint Lucia, Grenada, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Dominica, and Trinidad and Tobago. On these islands you'll have opportunities to swim, hike, snorkel, and relax on the many pristine beaches.

Visit the blissful island of Antigua, one of the two major islands that make up the Caribbean nation of Antigua and Barbuda. It is located Southeast of Anguillaand North ofGuadeloupemaking it a part of the Leeward Islands.Take a long walk or read your favorite book on the picturesque beaches of Ffryes and Dickenson Bay.This island has a population …

Cruise to the picturesque island of Saint Kitts locateddirectly South of the island ofGustaviaand West of the islands ofSt Johnand Barbuda. This island and its neighbor Nevis constitute the Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis with the official language of Englishand its currency being the East Caribbean Dollar. Actively adventure through St. Kitts …

The island nation ofCuraçao is located to the North of Venezuela and between the islands ofAruba and Bonairemaking up the centralNetherland Antilles. There are three different official languages in Curaçao, and they consist of English, Dutch, and Papiamento a creole language spoken almost exclusively on the CaribbeanIslands. Tour …

Tour to the blissful island of Guadeloupethat forms an overseas region of France in the Caribbean. This island is located South of the island of Antigua and north of the island of Dominicaand the official language is French but most of the population also speaks Antillean Creole. Be prepared to eat fantastic French-Caribbean fusion cuisines, taste …

The tropical paradise of Belize has world class snorkeling, sea kayaking, luxury resorts, and jungle lodges. Adventure Life's Belize travel experts will show you the must-see spots.

Get ready to explore the beautiful island of St. Vincent des Grenadines, and the surrounding islands by cruise to maximize what it has to offer. You can swim or snorkel along the way, and there's plenty to do with Canouan, a gorgeous little island off the coast of St. Vincent des Grenadines with resorts and coral reefs.

Discover the Mediterranean on a unique small ship European cruise with Adventure Life. Sail the Greek Isles, disembark in cliff-side villages in Italy, and visit European gems unaccessible on large cruise ships.

Experience authentic Greek culture, cuisine, and history as you enjoy a small ship cruise of the Greek Isles. From the bustling capital city of Athens, discover the ruins of ancient Mediterranean civilizations before departing to the sun-kissed shores of Santorini, Mykonos, Naxos, Kythnos, Paros & Antiparos, and Crete.

From the coastal city of Dubrovnik, you can explore the city's thousand-year history and explore the Elaphiti Islands. On the Dalmatian Coast, you can plunge into the cerulean waters of the Adriatic at the scenic seaside cities of Split or Dubrovnik.

Paris? Nice? Oui! Cruise down the Rhine or Rhone rivers discovering some of France's finest scenery or sail to Normandy and Bordeaux. Cruise the French Riviera exploring Nice, Cannes and even sail on to Italy and Spain.

The small archipelago of Malta off the shores of Sicily are a highlight of several of our Mediterranean cruises. With options of sailing around the major destinations of Italy, Greece, and the Balkan states, you'll arrive in charming Malta. In the fortress city of Valletta, you will have opportunities to cook with the instruction of celebrity …

The sun-kissed shores of Italy make for the perfect small ship cruise of Mediterranean Europe. Depart from Civitavecchia by Rome and explore the historic Vatican City, Venice, Sardinia, Sicily, Corsica, Greece, Malta, and even France & Spain. Ruins, monuments, and history come to life on these explorations of Italy!

Start your exploration of Europe on a classic Mediterranean or river cruise from Spain. Discover classic Madrid and Barcelona before embarking on a Mediterranean cruise to Portugal or France. Or, combine your trip to Spain with a river cruise on the Douro River also visiting Portugal.

The history and culture of Eastern Europe radiate on a river cruise of the tranquil and scenic Danube, passing through Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine and Moldova. With opportunities to delve into countries once shrouded by the iron curtain, you'll explore castles, palaces, cities & small towns.

Experience the highlights of Germany, Holland, France, & Switzerland as you cruise the Rhine River in style on a luxury riverboat on the Rhine River. Breathtaking landscapes line the riverbanks as you visit the historic towns of central Europe, where castles, Gothic architecture, cathedrals, and medieval charm characterize the rich culture.

Board one of the many riverboats that cruise the Danube River through Austria, in the heart of central Europe. In the capital city of Vienna, you will see ornate architecture on an impressive scale in the city center and Schönbrunn & Hofburg Palaces. Explore myriad museums and the residences of famous residents like Mozart and Freud. …

Explore historic Hungary on your Danube River cruise of Eastern Europe. The flavor and culture of this country come to life as you enjoy local cuisine and visit such destinations as Gödöllö Palace, Mohacs & Esztergom and the untamed grasslands of Puszta. Biking opportunities and city tours highlight the itinerary.

In the geographic heart of Europe, Germany is a great destination for a classic river cruise, with the Rhine, Danube, Moselle and Main Rivers. Medieval castles keep watch over ancient villages just a short trip from Europe's most modern cities, like Berlin, Munich, and Frankfurt. Cruises also visit Switzerland, Amsterdam, France and Netherlands.

Immerse yourself in culture and history with a European river cruise starting in the Netherlands. Explore Dutch culture in Amsterdam as you tour the Van Gogh Museum, palaces, and iconic landmarks, before embarking down the Rhine River into the heart of Europe in Germany & Switzerland. Biking and hiking highlight tours for active travelers.

The Rhone and Saone Rivers wind through some of the world's most famous wine regions, olive groves, rolling fields of fragrant purple lavender and charming historic towns. Enjoy fine French Provencal cusine andwines of the Cote du Rhone as you roll along the river.Starting in the Alps at Rhone Glacier in Valais, Switzerland, flowing through …

A cruise of the Rhine River will take you to some of the major cultural and historical highlights of scenic Switzerland, home to Zurich (where you will see sites like Grossmünster, St. Peter's, the Old Town, Town Hall, and Fraumünster). Then do some souvenir shopping in Lucerne and learn about the region's history in Basel.

A visit to the capital of Lisbon is the highlight of any European cruise, but venture to Porto and cruise down the Douro River for a glimpse into ancient vineyards and terraced hillsides forgotten in time.

Embark on a luxurious cruise down the Douro River exploring ancient wine regions, terraced hillsides, and sleepy fishing villages of Portugal and Spain. Hike and bike your way through the rolling valleys, sample regional wines from the age-old vineyards, and enjoy walking tours of the charming towns, like Lisbon & Porto.

Zip up your parka & grab your scarf, as you set out to explore Scandinavia. Cruise through the icy waters of the Arctic Ocean, visitingNorway,Finland, Sweden, Iceland, Denmark & Greenland. Upon these frozen countries, distinct ways of life have developed around the glaciers & frigid waters that characterize Scandinavia. One of the …

Norway is your gateway to the Arctic. From Svalbard to the Barents Sea, you'll learn about fascinating Scandinavian culture & how it has developed throughout the centuries. Norway is also a common departure port for cruises that visit Iceland & Greenland and track polar bears and whales across glaciers and around ice floes.

A stop in Denmark is a highlight of many European cruises that also visit the British Isles, Scandinavia, and the Baltic nations. Explore the charming capital of Copenhagen or discover small fishing villages like Skugen and Gudhjem. A Danish cruise is great for foodies, active explorers, or history buffs!

The quintessential African safari destination, Adventure Life's Tanzania safaris include extraordinary guides, charming camps, and remote destinations in the Serengeti's expansive savannas and jungles. Or you can venture up the slopes of legendary Mount Kilimanjaro or just relax on the sun-kissed beaches of Zanzibar.

Spot the Big 5 on Safari in some of Africa's most famous private concessions & national game reserves, like Kruger National Park. Learn about apartheid as you retrace Nelson Mandela's steps on Robben Island and explore the bustling cities of Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Durban. And immerse yourself in the amazing Zulu culture.

With the world's highest density of wild elephants, upscale safari camps, and unique luxury safari river cruises: Botswana is winning over safari-goers in herds. A game drive through the Okavango Delta, a river cruise down the Chobe River, and a visit to Victoria Falls are just a few of the options on an immersive Botswana experience.

Namibia offers a completely unique African Safari experience. Explore the Sand Dunes of Sossusvlei or participate in traditional game drives in Etosha National Park as you track the endangered black rhino on foot. Other highlights include the Palmwag Concession, touring the Skeleton Coast, and witnessing the petrified forest of Khorixas.

Mountain gorillas are the main attraction in Uganda, and our expert guides and trackers will take you through remote villages high in the mountains to track these giant vulnerable beasts. Highlights of a Uganda adventure include explorations of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kyambura Gorge, & the Western Rift Valley.

A trip to Rwanda is an exclusive Adventure Life opportunity unlike any of our other Africa itineraries - Track mountain gorillas in the Parc National Vocans and Queen Elizabeth National Park as we visit game reserves, stroll along Lake Kivu's beaches, and experience unique cultures in mountain villages.

Giant herds of elephant, giraffe, lion, and wild dog sightings await visitors to Hwange National Park. Pair that with a tour to the thundering Victoria Falls, and one can see why Zimbabwe has been a top safari destination for decades. Visit Mana Pools, Gonarezhou, Matusadona, the Zambezi National Parks, or relax on the shores of Lake Kariba.

Known as the 'home of the walking safari', Zambia safaris offer remoteness and a return to true safari adventure. Tour Victoria Falls, the largest waterfall in the world. South Luangwa National Park offers budget or luxury safari bushcamps like Africa safaris from long ago. Visit the large yet remote Kafue National Park to spot herds of antelope.

At the center of tours of Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Zambia, a visit to thundering Victoria Falls is a staple on any African expedition. The largest waterfall in the world, it drops 108 meters and stretches across 1,708 meters. Adventure Life offers itineraries that include Victoria Falls or tour extensions that you can add onto other itineraries.

Explore the Great Pyramids of Egypt and the banks of the Nile river from the deck of your luxurious small ship. Cruise from Luxor to Aswan or vice versa, touring the most significant ruins in Egypt along the way, including the Aswan Dam, the Granite Quarry, the Sphinx, Philae Temple, and of course the Great Pyramid of Giza.

The small country of Morocco on Africa's northern coast makes for a great stop on a luxury cruise of Africa or Europe. Your exploration of this country may include destinations such as the historic imperial cities of Casablanca, Agadir, and Dakhla. Cruises usually then continue on to Spain's Canary Islands.

Discover one of the most remote tropical wilderness paradises on the planet as you explore the pristine reefs snorkeling in the high seas of the Indian Ocean.

The 2700-mile long Mekong River winds from all the way through the Indochina peninsula, passing through Myanmar (Burma), Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. Along the way, you can visit the ruins of Angkor Wat, tour bustling Ho Chi Minh City & Phnom Penh, learn more about the Buddhist way of life, and take in ancient Tonle Sap Lake.

A tour of Thailand will entice you with breathtaking beaches, remote mountain villages and the friendly Thai people. Beachcomb in Phuket, sample Thai cuisine in Bangkok, or raft, bike and hike through the rainforest with Adventure Life. Thailand is a great destination for foodies too, who hope to combine a cultural immersion with authentic cuisine!

Cruise the Mekong River or trek & bike through the mountains as you admire terraced rice paddies and traditional villages that typify Vietnam. In Hanoi, you'll see the One Pillar Pagoda & the 11th-century Temple of Literature. Then it's off to Ho Chi Minh City, where a modern cityscape looks boldly to the future.

Explore the ruins and cultures of Cambodia on a small boat cruise of the Mekong River, visiting the expansive complex at Angkor Wat. Bike through the rural countryside spotting giant Hindu temples, or lounge on the pristine beaches of Sihanoukville. You can also visit Koh Rong Sanloem or the bustling capital city of Phnom Penh.

Get to know the authentic China with Adventure Life. Discover the the Great Wall, the Forbidden City and Terracotta Warriors. Take in modern China visiting the cities of Beijing, Shanghai, and Chengdu.

Split between the ruggedly forested Borneo and the Malay Peninsula, travelers to this diverse country will come across many different cultures, languages, and lifestyles as you explore the numerous sites. From rainforests to golden beaches to modern cities, you will see a bit of everything, stopping in Kuala Lumpur, Mt. Kinabalu, and beach resorts.

Explore the rainforests of Borneo in search of pygmy elephants, orangutans, rhinoceros hornbills, & proboscis monkeys. Or visit Gaya Island Resort for a natural sanctuary with coral reefs that can be explored by kayaking, diving & snorkeling. Nicknamed "Asia's Galapagos" for its stunning biodiversity, our hand-crafted itineraries won't disappoint.

Take a small ship cruise through some of the 18,000 islands that make up Indonesia. Stroll through rice fields in Bali before discovering local markets and historical Hindu temples and pagodas. Snorkeling through the Coral Triangle, relaxing on the beach, swimming in turquoise waters, and visiting historic Jakarta are just a few highlights!

Discover ancient cultures on a luxurious small ship cruise of Japan and neighboring islands. Explore Tokyo, Osaka, and the cultural treasures of Kyoto. Visit the cities of Hiroshima & Nagasaki, rebuilt after the devastating atomic bomb. Japan has been a cultural gem for over one thousand years, and now forms a vital part of world commerce.

Tucked between Vietnam, Thailand, and Myanmar, the narrow country of Laos has so much to offer. Interact with elephants at the Elephant Conservation Center, cruise to the Pak Ou Caves to swim and see over 3,000 Buddha Statues inside, explore the spiritual capital of Luang Prabang, and hike to the three-tier Kuang Si Falls.

Discover the "Land of Gods" as you journey through Bali. Bursting with Hindu culture, Bali is home to an ancient culture that farmed terraced rice paddies and built breathtaking temples like the famous 16th century temple,Tanah Lot. Travel throughout the highlands of Bali taking in the cultural center of Ubud, the rice terraces of …

Intricately carved stone towers, ancient temples, and the trees that have grown over it all make up the sprawling 400-acre religious site at Angkor Wat, where explorers can see one of Cambodia's most popular attractions that served as a major center of art and architecture for the 600-year Khmer Empire.

Experience Australia on a small ship cruise and snorkel the Great Barrier Reef or visit the Northwest Kimberly region's plunging King George waterfalls, deep gorges, Aboriginal rock art, deserted beaches, and a plethora of wildlife. Get a taste of the unique "outback" culture in the Kakadu National Park desert, Cape York, and the Tasmanian islands.

Venture far beyond Auckland on a small ship luxury cruise through New Zealand's most remote, forgotten islands brimming with wildlife. Or embark on an adventure into the Ross Sea, following in the footsteps of great Antarctic explorers.

Fly to the middle of the South Pacific to the ancient civilizations of Easter Island (Rapa Nui), who left giant 100-ton stone Moai for travelers to ponder. Explore the Moai and enjoy traditional islanders' myths, songs and dance.

Sail the idyllic turquoise waters of the French Polynesian islands of Tahiti, Bora Bora, the Tuamotu Atolls, Marquesas and Society Islands on the small cruise ships Paul Gauguin and Caledonian Sky. Along the way, you'll enjoy opportunities to snorkel the reefs, hike through the virgin jungles or simply soak in the sun in a true island paradise.

The Cook Islands call to mind the classic Victorian ideal of paradise. Explore them on board your luxurious small cruise ship with Adventure Life, with opportunities to snorkel the Aitukaki coral reef, hike the dense jungles of the Takitumu Conservation Area, and visit the historic island town of Arutanga, where Polynesian culture comes to life!

The idyllic island nation of Fiji awaits active vacationers looking for a unique getaway. Snorkel or dive nearly every day, discovering colorful coral reefs and a menagerie of tropical fish. Get to know the rest of the South Pacific and authentic Polynesian culture too by combining a Fiji cruise with stops in the Solomon or Cook Islands or Guam.

Small ship cruises to Papua New Guinea reveal a mix of indigenous cultures, rainforests, reefs and beaches found nowhere else on the planet. Discover authentic Melanesian culture on one of our luxury cruises of the South Pacific. Or combine it with another cruise visiting Australia, Indonesia, New Zealand, or the Solomon Islands.