In a previous blog post, we compiled a list of 10 Odysseys travel experiences that engage our five senses. By being mindful of the sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and textures all around us, we can better connect with our surroundings while traveling.

Because immersion is so important to us here at Odysseys, we’ve gathered 10 additional on-tour sites and activities that are sure to spark your senses while on one of our small group tours.

Sight

A blue-footed booby poses for a photo on some of the lava rocks common throughout the Galapagos.

With many endemic species and diverse volcanic topography, the Galapagos Islands rank as a one-of-a-kind travel destination. Engaging your sense of sight is essential on our Machu Picchu to the Galapagos tour to truly absorb this destination, where you have the opportunity to:

• Look for some of the Galapagos’ unique wildlife and 45 native bird species during multiple nature walks
• See the iconic giant Galapagos tortoises at the Fausto Llerena Tortoise Center
• Snorkel at Punta Carrion to look for puffers, yellow-tailed surgeonfish, damselfish, angelfish, parrotfish, white-tipped sharks, rays, and more
• Traverse the natural lava tunnels at our hotel, the Royal Palm Galapagos
• …and more!

Odysseys guests on a float safari in Tortuguero National Park while traveling on the Pre-Tour Option for our Costa Rica’s National Heritage tour.

Another South American option is Costa Rica, with its four distinct regions. We explore three of them on our Costa Rica’s National Heritage small group tour: the Highlands, featuring the legendary Arenal Volcano and the Monteverde cloud forest; Guanacaste Plains, with its pristine beaches; and the Caribbean Lowlands (pre-tour option only), full of lagoons and marshlands. While on tour, we:

• See flora and fauna such as orchids, bromelia, heliconia, butterflies, sloths, bats, 150 species of birds, and more on several nature walks, including in Ecocentro Danaus
• See the “Blood Trees” of Mistico Park and marvel at stunning views of Arenal Volcano from 145-foot-high hanging bridges
• Explore the “green cathedral” of Monteverde, including a visit to its Bat Jungle
• Take a “float safari” on the Tempisque River to look for its abundant bird- and wildlife, including monkeys, iguanas, and crocodiles
• Pre-Tour Option Only – Take two “float safaris” along Tortuguero’s canals to experience some of the 47,000 acres of swamps, lagoons, rivers, and rainforests within the park

Sound

Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls’ Kololo name, Mosi-oa-Tunya (“the smoke that thunders”), is perhaps more fitting than its English one. This massive waterfall – the largest single cascade on earth – drops 300 feet into the Zambezi Gorge, emitting a deep thunderous roar that can be heard from up to 25 miles away. It’s possibly one of the most overwhelmingly powerful auditory experiences one can have. You can be lulled to sleep by the sound of rushing water on our Africa’s Wildlife and Southern Africa Odyssey small group tours, where we spend three nights in the nearby town of Victoria Falls to view the waterfall, look for black rhino on a game drive, watch the sunset on a dinner cruise on the Zambezi River, and visit a local school.

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

For a more regimented treat for your ears, consider our Scotland: Highlands and Islands and Journey through Britain tours, where on select departures you can experience the pomp and circumstance of the Edinburgh Military Tattoo.

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is an annual three-week-long celebration of Scottish culture. Over 220,000 visitors from around the world are drawn to Edinburgh, Scotland, every year to enjoy traditional pipe band performances and international cultural showcases. Backdropped by Edinburgh Castle, the main show involves a military band performance accented by pounding drums and trilling trumpets, trombones, and other wind instruments. To finish off the night, a fantastic display of fireworks illuminates the sky.

Touch

In these two on-tour photos, Odysseys guests help out at a communal rice farm in Luang Prabang, Laos, on our Southeast Asia Odyssey tour.

Those who want a true hands-on experience can try out some of the most ancient and foundational farming practices still in existence at a communal rice farm on our Southeast Asia Odyssey tour. In Luang Prabang, Laos, we are welcome to participate in the tasks rice farmers perform every day – a true immersion into a deep-seated cultural tradition.

At the Iditarod sled dog kennel, an Odysseys guest cuddles with one of the husky puppies who will soon begin training for the great race.

The tactile interaction on our Alaska’s Untamed Wilderness tour is decidedly more cuddly. During our three-night stay in Denali National Park, we visit an Iditarod sled dog kennel to learn about what it takes for both dog and musher to compete in “The Last Great Race on Earth” across 1,000 miles of some of the world’s roughest terrain. While here, we discover the fascinating history of the race while gaining a deeper appreciation for the bond between Alaskans and their beloved sled dogs. And, of course, we have the opportunity to meet the kennel’s husky puppies.

Smell

Spices, nuts, and herbs for sale at a market in Morocco

The warm, inviting smell of Moroccan food and spice markets is unmistakable, and some of the best are located in the ancient heart of the Fez medina, which we explore on our Moroccan Discovery tour. Here, the maze-like streets and alleyways host souks filled with stalls selling both fresh and dried fruits and vegetables, colorful spices and herbs, tasty snacks and meals, and aromatic teas. It’s a true treat for all the senses, but especially for the nose!

Keukenhof Gardens

For a sweeter fragrance, flowers are sure to delight, and what better place to enjoy flowers than at the “Garden of Europe”? Keukenhof – located in the Dutch town of Lisse – is home to over 7,000,000 tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, and more, filling the space with floral aromas galore. Enjoy the perfume of Keukenhof’s flowers on March, April, and May departures of our European Tapestry tour.

Please note: Throughout the springtime season, Keukenhof’s pavilions showcase stunningly beautiful flower displays. However, the blooms you’ll see depends on several factors, including the timing of your visit: From late March to early April, you'll likely see early crocuses, early tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths; from early April to early May, tulips, daffodils, muscari, fritillaria, and late-flowering hyacinths are in bloom; from early May to mid-May, late-flowering tulips, irises, and alliums help end the season on a high note.

Taste

Odysseys guests visit the Marchesi di Barolo winery on our Northern Italy tour.

Sampling local wines is perhaps one of the best ways to “taste” a destination; after all, the terroir of a region dictates the nuances of a wine’s flavor. Many of our tours feature wine tastings at local vineyards, but one of the more renowned stops is at Marchesi di Barolo, the premier vintner of “the king of wines,” on our Northern Italy small group tour. Made from the nebbiolo grape, Barolo is famous for its heady aroma and ability to acquire complexity and depth as it ages.

An example of a Chinese hot pot meal

On the other end of the taste spectrum is the authentic Sichuan food found in Chengdu, China, a UNESCO-recognized City of Gastronomy. Characterized by bold, umami flavors of garlic, fermented bean paste, ginger, and other fresh ingredients combined with iconic tongue-tingling Sichuan peppercorns, Sichuan food ranges from soups and noodles to tofu and street snacks. On our Exploring China small group tour, we spend three nights in Chengdu and have ample opportunity to sample a variety of Sichuan treats – as well as partake in an authentic group hot pot dinner.

Countless memorable experiences await on Odysseys Unlimited’s small group tours. We invite you to explore our offerings and find the trip that best appeals to your senses.