Odysseys Insider: Hidden Gems We’ve Discovered on the Road

Planning is an art form in the world of small group travel. Before we announce a new tour to the world, we spend months crafting and refining every activity, experience, and group meal. And even on our long-running and most popular tours, we’re constantly evaluating each itinerary to make sure our guests enjoy their experience to the fullest.

But sometimes, the most memorable travel moments are those that occur naturally – the unscripted encounters, solo explorations, and spur-of-the-moment decisions that lead to fresh discoveries. We cherish and encourage these happenings, which is why we offer a mixture of guided and free time on all of our small group tours.

In this spirit of lucky finds on the road, we asked a handful of Odysseys employees to share some hidden gems they have stumbled across while traveling the world. Read their answers below. 

Sarlat Market
Sarlat, France | Provincial French Countryside
Angus B., Worldwide Services

The Sarlat market, full of local art

Wherever I go, art is what I try to bring home. Watercolors have been my recent obsession, but you can find wonderful art in old newspapers, simple handmade linocut prints, and even postcards. During my time in Sarlat on Provincial French Countryside, I found a small outdoor market selling local art, so I had to pick up a piece. I have started to carry a sturdy cardboard roll that fits in my luggage. This way I can buy something I love, roll it up, and bring it home to add to my collection or as a gift to family and friends.

Islander Workshop Experience
Edinburgh, Scotland | Scotland: Highlands and Islands
Caity H., Guest Communications

Caity’s handmade Harris Tweed bag

Why just buy a souvenir when you can make one?! Tucked away on Candlemaker Row in the heart of Edinburgh is a one-of-a-kind workshop experience at Islander UK. During our free time in Edinburgh during Scotland: Highlands and Islands, I was able to make my own bespoke handbag using Harris Tweed. This unique fabric is only woven in Scotland’s Outer Hebrides and features patterns inspired by the natural landscapes of the Highlands. It was such a memorable experience and now I get to carry a little piece of Scotland wherever I go!

Saigon food tour via Vespa
Saigon, Vietnam | Journey through Vietnam
Angus B., Worldwide Services

Angus (rear) on the hunt for local cuisine

When in Vietnam, you’ll see Vespas absolutely everywhere. I would never trust myself to drive one, but I will happily be a passenger. During free time in Saigon on Journey through Vietnam, I joined a group Vespa tour that offered the chance to sample a number of different Vietnamese dishes - but one of the best parts of the experience was the mode of transport itself.

By taking a Vespa tour, the sights and sounds of the city are in your face. Weaving through traffic, leaning into turns, and laughing with the expert driver is something I will not experience here in Boston. As night fell on the tour, we visited many small restaurants and stalls, trying wonderful dishes along the way. I learned about the history and culture of Vietnam, saw Saigon’s combination of history and modernity, and enjoyed wonderful food with great company. 

The walls of Óbidos
Óbidos, Portugal | Discovering Portugal
Caitlin C., Human Resources

Caitlin atop the walls

While on tour, we spent some time exploring Óbidos, a charming walled medieval town that felt like a refreshing change of pace from the busy streets of Lisbon. It offered a quieter, more intimate experience, and made it easy to get a real sense of its history as you wandered through its preserved streets and architecture. 

One of my favorite moments was walking along the ancient stone walls that surround the village, with sweeping views of terracotta rooftops and the rolling countryside. It’s a peaceful way to take in Óbidos from above, where history and scenery come together beautifully. And as a bit of a hidden gem, it wasn’t overly crowded—making it easy to enjoy a relaxed, unhurried stroll.

Al Maaden Golf
Marrakech, Morocco | Moroccan Discovery
Robbie V., Marketing

Odysseys employee Robbie V. (left) with Odysseys guests Luke (middle) and Sam (right) at Al Maaden Golf

Golf and travel are my twin passions, and I was lucky enough to combine the two on our Moroccan Discovery tour. During the first few days on tour, Luke, Sam, and I became fast friends while discussing that year’s NFL playoffs. So during our free afternoon in Marrakech, I worked with our tour director Nabil to secure a quick nine holes at a local golf facility.

Al Maaden Golf is a fascinating place – a contemporary, treeless layout surrounding a series of linked rectangular pools and featuring windswept, low-profile golf holes backdropped by the misty peaks of the Atlas Mountains. I don’t remember how we played. But I vividly recall the sense of place I felt, standing on the back bumper of the two-person cart as Luke drove our group down the first hole. As I scanned the fairway for our tee balls, my gaze was drawn skyward by the distant mountains, and I realized this was likely to be the most singular golf experience of my life. To this day, that statement remains true.

Sampling fresh Irish oysters
The Burren, County Clare, Ireland | Enchanting Ireland
Fred B., Product Development

Fresh oysters in Ireland

While exploring County Clare, we happened across a roadside farmer’s market and a stall selling fresh oysters. I love oysters, and had never sampled oysters from Ireland – or really even thought of the fact that they might cultivate them here. I jumped at the opportunity to try a few fresh from the sea, and also got to support the local farmer in the process. They were delicious!

Postcards
30 countries (and counting!)
Angus B., Worldwide Services

Angus in front of his sister’s wall of postcards from his travels

I grew up receiving postcards from all over America from my dad who worked as a truck driver. I still have all those postcards saved in binders. Now that I have the opportunity to travel for work, I buy postcards wherever I go and send them to my nieces and nephews to carry on the tradition. My dad gets his share as well! 

I get to explore a new destination and strike up conversations with shopkeepers. I navigate my way to a local post office to get international stamps. Then the real joy is finding an out-of-the-way place (ideally with a view and a glass of wine) to write down where I am and describe what makes this place special. There is a lost art in handwritten mail – and I am on a mission to revive it! I hope to inspire a love of travel to my nieces and nephews, like my dad’s postcard project inspired in me. 

To discover your own hidden gem on an Odysseys Unlimited small group tour, explore our itineraries here.