Renowned tourist destinations abound the world over, and while these places attract millions of visitors every year, many fail to realize that oft-overlooked destinations offer equally rewarding experiences. So with that in mind, here are five Odysseys Unlimited tours to unexpected destinations in West Africa, Central Asia, the Balkans, and South America.

Earlier this year, Geri and Greg Bebernitz embarked on Moroccan Discovery – their fourth tour with Odysseys Unlimited – and Geri documented it all in a series of fascinating posts on her Retirement Adventure Blog.

Many associate Voodoo with witchcraft and “black magic.” However, in West Africa, Voodoo (or, more accurately, Vodun) exists as an ancient aspect of the culture that unifies some 50 million people. Africa’s “Voodoo” is a far cry from Western civilization’s sensationalized version of it; instead, West African Vodun embraces calm and tranquility, a deep connection with nature, and an everlasting respect for the dead.

Croatia has a long and storied history of olive oil production, a tradition carried on by the many small, family-owned olive farms dotting the countryside – farms like Grubić, which we visit on our Pearls of Dalmatia small group tour.