For travelers seeking truly life-changing trips, the world’s most extraordinary experiences aren’t as out of reach as they might seem. Finding the most ecologically responsible way to track endangered species in East African rainforests and understanding what to do (and what not to do) when meeting geishas in Kyoto is easy when you travel with United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA) tour operators. You gain access to a world of travel experts who’ve devoted their lives to building cultural bridges through thoughtful, responsible travel.
With the help of these cultural ambassadors, trail leaders, and administrative experts who work together to design and execute itineraries that push beyond the typical, overseeing every intricate detail, you can focus on the transformative power of each moment. Plus, there is peace of mind knowing the investment made into your trip is backed by USTOA’s $1 Million Travelers Assistance Program. To help you experience the extraordinary, we selected five adventures to inspire your next dream trip.
Jungle lodges, starlit feasts, and responsible safaris in East Africa
Gorilla Forest Lodge, An A&K Sanctuary
Courtesy of Abercrombie & Kent
Welcome to Uganda, where the mighty Nile River snakes along the banks of prehistoric rainforests, harboring some of the most diverse and spectacular wildlife on the planet, including hippos, elephants, and tree-climbing lions, as well as the endangered, majestic mountain gorillas. Traveling with Abercrombie & Kent on their 11-day “Uganda: Gorillas & Beyond expedition,” you’ll have the rare opportunity to come face-to-face with these magnificent creatures. You can venture from the depths of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to the mighty mists of Murchison Falls.
Following USTOA’s values, Abercrombie & Kent designed this itinerary to explore these wilds with a minimal footprint and introduce its guests to the Uganda that exists beyond the safari. While staying at a range of remote wilderness camps and lush river lodges, you’ll get to taste some of the best in Ugandan cuisine, thanks to an open-air culinary lesson hosted by a local chef. At a visit to Uganda Nursing School Bwindi and Hospital, learn how the school and its students are working toward a better, healthier future.
A leader in luxury travel for six decades, Abercrombie & Kent has supported local communities since it was founded, establishing A&K Philanthropy in 1982. Every trip helps support initiatives that give back, while bringing travelers on boundary-pushing adventures around the world in style. You can customize your vacation to suit you, with the support of local guides and Abercrombie & Kent’s 60 offices in 35 countries across all seven continents.
Discover Kyoto’s “geisha district”
See Japanese temples.
Courtesy of Alexander+Roberts
History reveals itself differently in Japan, from the ancient capital of Nara, where deer roam freely among shrines dating back 1,500 years, to the theatrical traditions of kabuki that continue to thrive in the heart of Kyoto. Helping you access and understand these cultural conventions, Alexander+Roberts’ 11-day journey “From Japan’s Inland Sea to the Alps” opens doors that would otherwise remain closed to casual visitors.
On this tour, you’ll head to Kyoto’s historic Gion District to enjoy a private dining experience with geishas-in-training known as maiko; visit one of Japan’s most sacred shrines, Kasuga Taisha, in the ancient city of Nara; and even learn how to make top-level sushi from a chef in Tokyo. As you participate in these authentic cultural exchanges, your guide will lead you through Japan’s complex cultural norms while exploring a side of Japan that may not always be in glossy brochures. On a visit to Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial Park and the Peace Memorial Museum, explore the resilience of those who survived the devastation of the atomic bomb dropped on the city during World War II.
Thoughtful, instructive, and inclusive of 17 meals throughout your trip, this itinerary through Japan is just the beginning of the wide world of travel that awaits with Alexander+Roberts. The tour operator boasts nearly eight decades of experience, spanning more than 85 countries and six continents. Each tour, capped at 16 guests, delivers ambitious and uncompromising experiences. Focusing on sustainability, heritage preservation, and cultural encounters, Alexander+Roberts represents the core tenets of USTOA, delivering on a promise of dependability, responsibility, and incomparable experiences you’ll remember for the rest of your life.
Taste traditional ouzo, farmer’s cheeses, and more in Greece
A farm host walks travelers through one of Greece’s greenest olive orchards.
Courtesy of Intrepid Travel
With a diverse history spanning four millennia, Greece deserves its place among the world’s greatest purveyors of cuisine, from the rustic island farms of Aegina to the modern tavernas of Athens. Recognizing just how epic this cuisine is, Intrepid Travel offers hungry travelers a markedly delicious holiday that introduces them to these ancient flavors and brings them to the farms, distilleries, dairies, and apiaries where families work to keep traditions alive.
Traveling from the capital to the beaches of Kardamyli and back, the nine-day “Greece Real Food Adventure” extends far beyond the touristy tavernas to the rural regions many travelers often miss, introducing you to local families eager to share their traditions. When you’re not tasting wines or taking cooking classes, you’ll also have plenty of time to explore the ancient ruins, unwind on the picturesque beaches, and add on optional experiences like sea kayaking and monastery tours.
Tasting olive and olive oil
Courtesy of Intrepid Travel
As a USTOA tour operator, Intrepid Travel is defined by a commitment to social responsibility, offering tours that weave a detailed tapestry of each destination through a blend of storytelling, social engagement, and curiosity. It’s also a certified B Corporation, and the tour operator founded the nonprofit The Intrepid Foundation in 2002, distributing over $2.6 million to 54 local community partners across 39 countries in 2024 alone.
Stay in Ireland’s historic Dromoland Castle Hotel
Dromoland Castle Hotel
Courtesy of CIE Tours
Ireland’s proud history of warm, welcoming village pubs and hearty, rustic cuisine complements a refined side that merits exploration as well. While many of its castles, gardens, and galleries were once reserved for the gentry, CIE Tours’ Irish Supreme adventure welcomes everyone to places where Irish history lives on in fairytale architecture, manicured hedgerows, and memorable meals rooted in tradition and crafted with care.
This is Ireland at its finest—an exclusive small-group experience featuring overnights in some of the country’s most iconic five-star accommodations, including a stay at the majestic Dromoland Castle. Set within the grand, 15th-century halls that once housed the O’Brien Clan, Dromoland places you at the heart of living history with championship golf courses, a world-class spa, and fine dining.
Beyond the castles, you’ll enjoy immersive experiences that bring Irish culture to life. Bake scones at Ballyknocken Cookery School, located on a scenic County Wicklow farm owned by celebrity chef Catherine Fulvio. Tour Russborough House, a Georgian treasure filled with centuries of fine art, then step outside for a thrilling falconry demonstration as birds of prey soar just overhead.
Ireland, with CIE Tours, offers elegant dining.
Courtesy of CIE Tours
CIE Tours stands as a testament to the exceptional standards set by USTOA member tours in providing the ultimate in guided travel experiences. Founded in 1932, CIE Tours intentionally specializes in just seven European countries, each with a range of itineraries so that you can land on exactly what interests you the most. The “All-In Inclusive Advantage” includes nearly all costs up front—covering experiences, accommodations, most meals, and more—so there are no surprise expenses. In addition to guided vacations like this one, CIE Tours offers a variety of ways to explore Ireland, such as private driver, self-drive, and walking and hiking itineraries. In keeping with USTOA’s commitment to sustainable travel, the tour operator prioritizes low-impact, responsible tourism.
Sail Italy’s coastline, from Positano to Capri
The Amalfi Coast seems to glimmer at night.
Courtesy of Perillo Tours
From Rome’s artistic masterpieces to the ruins of Pompeii and the stunning coastal views along the Amalfi Coast, it’s no surprise that southern Italy remains one of the world’s most popular destinations, offering one iconic attraction after another. Perillo Tours designed its nine-day “Rome & Amalfi Coast Experience” to make the colors and flavors truly pop in this awe-inspiring part of the world. Think historically significant stays, including a 12th-century convent-turned-stylish hotel and transportation from Amalfi to Positano as it was meant to be—by sailboat.
Amalfi
Courtesy of Perillo Tours
As with many USTOA tour operators, your holiday with Perillo Tours will be led by passionate, knowledgeable locals who’ll deepen your understanding of each stop, whether it’s delving into art history to fully appreciate Michelangelo’s work at the Sistine Chapel, sharing stories of the artists and musicians who once visited the Villa Rufolo, or hand-selecting the restaurants in which you’ll dine along the way. With their help, you can side-step the tourist traps, line up the limoncello, and enjoy this beautiful region to its fullest.
Traveling with USTOA tour operator members makes a difference
The fundamental truth at the heart of each of these adventures is that the world’s most meaningful experiences often require personal connections and expertise that can take decades to foster. USTOA members leverage their network and experience to serve as bridges to the kinds of cultural experiences that make travel most unforgettable. What’s more, USTOA’s $1 Million Travelers Assistance Program provides extra peace of mind to embolden you to venture even further into the unknown.
To learn more about these tours and many other expertly planned trips that include once-in-a-lifetime experiences, highly skilled guides with local expertise, 24/7 service, and more, visit USTOA.
