Adventures made easy: 24 top hassle-free holidays for 2024

Escorted journeys, or more commonly group tours, can deliver an effortless and efficient overview of a country or continent you’ve never visited before.

They can get you to places where you might be nervous to venture alone or, as an individual traveller, simply can’t get to at all.

Tours and cruises have other advantages too. They’ll save you organisational headaches, they’re convenient and reliable and safe as any travel can be, and you can enjoy a sociable and shared experience if you so choose.

With the Australian dollar still wonky, it does no harm to consider exchange rates either, and pay upfront for a future holiday overseas. And with the world increasingly uncertain, you can rely on a tour company alert to the news, and ready with contingency plans if things go awry.

Beyond all these practicalities, an organised holiday is simply liberating. You won’t have to book a train ticket, find a hotel or even haul a suitcase.

And you’ll also find you’ll have more freedom than ever before to branch out on your own along with two or more stays included in itineraries.

What could be better than putting your frenetic world of pressing problems on hold? This is the chance to indulge in worrying about absolutely nothing – while still having remarkable experiences in the world’s far corners.

Truly, there’s nothing wrong with letting someone else do the planning and thinking. That leaves all your attention turned towards your enjoyment of a Swedish old town, a Polynesian lagoon or an encounter with Ugandan wildlife.

So go on: ride a train, get on a ship, take a walk. Join an escorted journey. Here are 24 fantastic holidays you can book for 2024 (oh, and do note that while there was availability on all of the featured tours at the time of writing, check the listed operator sites for updates).

The trip: Island Trails of the Philippines

The lowdown It’s astonishing that the Philippines is almost on our doorstep yet is so overlooked. This new expedition cruise (starting in Taiwan) shows you why everyone should see this archipelago of peacock waters, verdant islands, glorious coral reefs and the world’s most delightful people. Local culture, Spanish colonial heritage and World War II history add layers of interest, while encounters with endearing, pop-eyed tarsiers are a wildlife highlight.

Don’t miss Taroko Gorge in eastern Taiwan, which gushes with waterfalls and hot springs; pavilions and temples add culture. The twisting access road is hair-raising but wonderful.

Make it happen 16 nights from Keelung, Taiwan, to Manila, departing October 22, 2024. From $14,690 a person, see coralexpeditions.com

The trip: Sunset in Stockholm in the Baltic

The lowdown The Baltic has been a major maritime route since Viking times and is ringed with terrific historic towns. This luxury cruise visits Gdansk, Poland, Kotka, Finland and Tallinn, Estonia and is bookended by the Baltic’s cool, contemporary Nordic capitals. You’ll also explore islands such as Bornholm and Saaremaa: a delight of cruises is discovering worthy destinations you’d probably never otherwise think of visiting.

Don’t miss Klaipeda, Lithuania’s third-largest city, which is one of those pleasant small European towns offering medieval architecture, small but browse-worthy museums and a lively university-student vibe.

Make it happen 10 nights from Copenhagen to Stockholm, departing July 2, 2024. From $11,200 a person, see rssc.com

The trip: Memorials of World War II in France

The lowdown 2024 is the 80th anniversary of the D-Day Landings. This tour begins in England but, once in Normandy, you’ll visit the landing beaches, Peace Memorial Museum, Airborne Museum, Normandy American Cemetery, strategic Allied bridgehead at Arromanche-les-Bains, and Saint-Mere-Eglise, the first French town to be liberated. The journey finishes on a welcome light note at a Parisian cabaret show.

Don’t miss The tour of Paris, on which you’ll discover its unromantic side as you explore the history and buildings associated with the German occupation, French resistance and Allied liberation.

Make it happen Eight days from London to Paris, multiple departures March-June 2024. From $4799 a person, see gocollette.com

The trip: Enchanting Rockies in Canada

The lowdown A ride on the Rocky Mountaineer train takes you into the mountains for a grand opening in Banff. Then head along the Icefields Parkway to Jasper and take in splendid sights such as the Bow River, Athabasca Glacier and Grizzly Bear Valley. After time in the mountain resort of Whistler, the tour crosses by ferry to Vancouver Island for a finale in British Columbia capital Victoria.

Don’t miss Moraine Lake, where the reflections of 10 soaring peaks ripple in the dark-coloured water. Take to a kayak for 360-degree views and absolute serenity.

Make it happen 12 days from Vancouver to Victoria, several departures April-September 2024. From $8195 a person, see travelmarvel.com.au

The trip: Tanzania Luxe Safari Tour

The lowdown Wildlife enthusiasts will be dazzled on this tour to Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater, plus other lesser-well-known national parks such as Tarangire and Lake Manyara. Elephants, giraffes, lions, rhinos, hippos and leopards are among myriad other creatures that will wow you. The scenery is magnificent and luxe lodges provide every comfort.

Don’t miss Tarangire National Park, which doesn’t have a recognisable name but combines a superb assortment of lush river valleys, jagged granite outcrops and stands of striking baobab trees plus herds of grazing animals.

Make it happen Eight days return from Arusha, several departures March-May, July-August and November-December 2024. From $7999 a person, see luxuryescapes.com

The trip: Ionian Crossroads in the Mediterranean

The lowdown Here’s a corker: Croatia, Montenegro, Greece, Malta and Italy linked as you slumber without a care on a luxury cruise ship. Kotor, Corfu, Valletta and Naples all rank among cruising’s most magnificent sail-ins, while towns such as Dubrovnik, Split and Catania ooze history. Visit ancient ruins, castles, cathedrals and World Heritage sites, and feast yourself on scenery.

Don’t miss An excursion from Katakolon to ancient Olympia, in whose ruined temples and stadium the Olympic Games were hosted for a millennium; you can still see the athletes’ starting blocks.

Make it happen 10 days from Valletta to Rome, departing October 16, 2024. From $5500 a person, see oceaniacruises.com

The trip: Indian Pacific in Australia with Journey Beyond

The lowdown Clickety-clack by train from Sydney to Perth and you’ll cross an entire continent and take in our splendid outback in comfort, including the world’s longest stretch of straight track (478 kilometres) across the Nullarbor. Instead of squinting through your windscreen, tuck into a three-course meal and gaze at the Blue Mountains, Flinders Ranges or exhilarating sweep of WA wheat fields.

Don’t miss Leaping off the train for a half-hour in Cook in South Australia’s sun-hammered outback. The almost-abandoned railway service town features atmospheric ruins in a dusty orange landscape.

Make it happen Four day from Sydney to Perth, weekly departures on Wednesdays year-round. From $2430pp, see journeybeyondrail.com.au

The trip: Costa Rica Traverse

The lowdown Those who imagine that escorted tours are for the sedentary and unadventurous should head to top eco-destination Costa Rica and get trekking and biking in the highlands and sea kayaking on the Caribbean coast. This tour, graded challenging, takes you across farmland, cloud forest and mountain peaks. The reward? Spectacular scenery and wildlife and a cultural kick in capital San Jose.

Don’t miss White-water rafting down powerful rapids in the jungle-draped canyons of the Pacuare River, one of the world’s classic white-water experiences. The setting is spectacular.

Make it happen 12 days return from San Jose, departing March 2 and April 6, 2024. From $5340 a person, see worldexpeditions.com

The trip: Imperial Rajasthan in India

The lowdown This tour kicks off with the monuments and markets of Delhi before moving on to Agra. Then you hit the splendid, market-glittering cities and gigantic forts of desert state Rajasthan: Jaipur pretty in pink and palaces, Jaisalmer golden, Jodhpur painted blue and topped by menacing Mehrangarh Fort and lovely lakeside Udaipur.

Don’t miss The Taj Mahal in Agra, although a cliche of travel, won’t disappoint. Seeing this glorious monument at sunrise is a stirring experience sure to make your neck prickle.

Make it happen 13 days return from Delhi, departing October 1 and 21, November 4 and 18 and December 2, 2024. From $7725 a person, see luxurygold.com

The trip: Polynesian Expedition in French Polynesia with Ponant

The lowdown This expedition cruise takes in well-known islands Tahiti and Moorea, but far-flung outposts such as the Marquesas and Fakarava too. Rangiroa is pancake-flat, but wade into the water and you’re amid huge coral heads and kaleidoscopic fish; the adventurous can drift dive through Tiputa Pass amid abundant sharks. Nuku Hiva is jagged, wave-pounded and fringed with black-sand beaches.

Don’t miss Moorea has verdant mountains that rise sheer from an impossibly blue lagoon you’d swear has been Photoshopped. Enjoy a fabulous float with turtles, rays and harmless lemon sharks.

Make it happen 14 nights return from Papeete, departing October 8, 2024. From $15,450 a person. See ponant.com

The trip: Discover Madagascar

The lowdown Madagascar has an exhilarating oddity of landscapes, flora and fauna, showcased on this small-group tour that takes in Andasibe National Park, the highland rainforests of Ranomafana National Park and the barren, lunar-like canyons of Isalo National Park. Lemurs, birds and reptiles such as chameleons are delightful, but so too are the island-nation’s fat and famous boab trees.

Don’t miss The visit to Ambositra, Madagascar’s chief handicraft centre, which has woodcarving on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list. You can see craftspeople at work and bag a distinctive souvenir.

Make it happen 13 days return from Antananarivo, departing April 10, June 19, August 14 and October 2, 2024. From $7295 a person, see bunniktours.com.au

The trip: Enchanting Canyonlands in the US

The lowdown Scottsdale and Sedona in Arizona provide pleasant urban introductions to a tour that focuses on the big four of America’s southwest: Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, Bryce Canyon and the mighty hallelujah landscapes of Zion National Park. A trip into Navajo Tribal Park gives you the background to tribal heritage and Lake Powell offers watery refreshment.

Don’t miss A helicopter ride above the Grand Canyon, on which the whopping size of this five-million-year-old geological cleft is laid out below you, banded in shades of red, purple and orange.

Make it happen Seven days from Phoenix to Salt Lake City, multiple departures until October 2024. From $4635 a person, see insightvacations.com

The trip: Iberian Coast & Bordeaux in Atlantic Europe

The lowdown This multi-nation cruise around Europe’s ragged western edge is dense in wonderful cities both known and perhaps not, such as Valencia with its eye-popping modern architecture, Cartagena with its Roman remains, pastel-painted Porto and the French port of La Rochelle. Lisbon and Bordeaux bring big-city vibes, while Ferrol provides access to the venerable pilgrim town Santiago de Compostela.

Don’t miss St Helier in the quirky British crown dependency of Jersey. Admirers of naturalist and author Gerald Durrell can visit his zoo to encounter dozens of endangered species.

Make it happen 14 days from Barcelona to Dover, departing May 17, 2024. From $12,699 a person, see seabourn.com

The trip: Top End & Kimberley Spectacular in Australia

The lowdown Not a confident outback traveller? This trouble-free tour takes you between great outback icons, from Kakadu to Katherine Gorge, the rugged Kimberley to Broome’s sunset beach. Beyond landscapes, along the way you’ll learn about the World War II bombing of Darwin, the Overland Telegraph, and Indigenous culture and rock art.

Don’t miss The dinner cruise through Katherine Gorge in Nitmiluk National Park. Late afternoon makes the rocks glow red: easy to see how the Jawoyn people believe this is a spiritual place.

Make it happen 13 days from Darwin to Broome, departing May 8 and June 9 and 17, 2024. From $8695 a person, see scenic.com.au

The trip: Best of Cuba

The lowdown Sure, this tour is an encounter with all the expected Cuban delights, from salsa clubs to cigar factories, vintage cars to boozy bars. But it’s long enough to delve into much more, too, in a country rich in history, culture and perplexing politics. Beyond Havana, you’ll visit other brilliant cities such as Trinidad, Santiago and Cienfugos, as well as get into mountains, cocoa plantations and canyons.

Don’t miss A boat float on Guanaroca Lagoon, home to abundant waterbirds including ducks, gannets and cormorants but, most magnificently, a host of strutting flamingos.

Make it happen 15 days return from Havana, multiple departures year-round. From $2352 a person, see intrepidtravel.com

The trip: Male to Darwin in the Indian Ocean

The lowdown Take in 25 ports on an expedition cruise aboard luxe Silver Cloud for Asia, wild and off the beaten track – plus the Kimberley, too. Snorkel in the Maldives and India’s remote Lakshadweep Islands. Check out spice-trading port Cochin and former Andaman Islands penal colony Port Blair, then island-hop down Indonesia for encounters with volcanoes and dragons.

Don’t miss Galle in Sri Lanka, a trading port influenced by the Arabs, Portuguese, Dutch and British. The World Heritage walled old town is surrounded on three sides by the ocean.

Make it happen 32 days from Male to Darwin, departing May 8, 2024. From $36,800 a person, see silversea.com

The trip: Grand Tour of Switzerland

The lowdown Yes, you’ll enjoy Zurich, Lausanne and oh-so-cute Lucerne, but no surprise that the Alps are the constant distraction on this journey through supermodel Switzerland, which is blessed with beauty that simply makes you stare. Tick off stunners such as the Matterhorn and Jungfrau, ride the scenic Bernina Express train and visit Switzerland’s Italian-speaking corner for gorgeous lakes and yet more snow caps.

Don’t miss Gruyeres, where you can visit a factory and see the famous cheese being made, but also wander through one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval fortified towns, topped by a miniature castle.

Make it happen 10 days return from Zurich, multiple departures May-September 2024. From $3749 a person, see cosmostours.com.au

The trip: Northwest Passage in Greenland, Canada and the US

The lowdown At their most extravagant, cruises offer epic journeys you can’t do any other way, and few are more fabled than the Northwest Passage across the icy crown of North America. Follow in the wake of legendary explorers – minus the hardship and frostbite – to see glacier-encrusted fjords, Inuit settlements, abandoned whaling stations and a marvel of creatures such as polar bears, walruses and beluga whales.

Don’t miss You’ll hardly miss the expedition’s grand opening as National Geographic Resolution sails Kangerlussuaq Fjord, lined by hanging glaciers and afloat in icebergs. Sensational.

Make it happen 23 days from Kangerlussuaq to Nome, departs July 22, 2024. From $56,250 a person, see expeditions.com

The trip: Highlights of Singapore and Malaysia

The lowdown From Singapore to historic port Melaka, modern Kuala Lumpur to the tea plantations of the Cameron Highlands and on to colonial-era George Town, you’ll take in the chief sights of mainland Malaysia. But this tour is also a cultural encounter with Chinese calligraphy, Peranakan cuisine and handicrafts, Malay top-spinning and ethnic Orang Asli village life.

Don’t miss Singapore Botanic Gardens is UNESCO-listed and provides a verdant stroll, but its National Orchid Garden is a particular highlight for its multi-coloured, perfumed eruption of dazzling blooms.

Make it happen 12 days from Singapore to Georgetown, several departures March-August and October 2024. From $5895 a person, see trafalgar.com

Five more trips worth considering for 2024

Autumn Elegance in Japan

While the cherry-blossom season in Japan is famous, autumn lasts longer and outdoes it in flamboyance. This new 13-night tour is timed for the colourful explosion across mountainsides and gardens, Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines. The journey takes in castle town Matsumoto, craft town Takayama, and Kanazawa to visit the renowned Kenrokuen Garden. Then it’s on to former capital Kyoto and Hakone National Park, with its splendid views of Mount Fuji From $9538 a person return from Tokyo, six departures in November 2024. See insidejapantours.com

Brazil Natural Wonders

This 11-day small-group luxury journey takes you to Rio de Janeiro and Iguazu Falls, but goes beyond the standard route to delve into Brazilian culture. Sao Paolo has a thriving contemporary arts scene, while UNESCO-listed, colonial-era Salvador de Bahia offers a strong Afro-Brazilian culture, which influences local cuisine, dance and religion. In Rio, guests are taken backstage to see preparations for Carnival costumes and floats. From $20,170 a person between Sao Paulo and Rio, several departures April-September and November 4, 2024. See abercrombiekent.com.au

Remarkable New Zealand

If you really want to indulge while visiting our favourite neighbour, then take a private aircraft for this 12-day tour, on which you’ll see New Zealand’s scenic splendour from above as well as below. The journey takes in classic, super-scenic destinations such as the Bay of Islands and Milford Sound, as well as visiting cities such as newly revived Christchurch and adventure capital Queenstown. And it wouldn’t be New Zealand without a thermal soak in Rotorua. From $14,095 a person return from Auckland, several departures September-November 2024. See aptouring.com.au

Treasures of Turkey

The irrepressible Wendy Wu made her name with China journeys but has branched out with new tours in places from Portugal to India. This 18-day tour provides a satisfyingly thorough overview of Turkey. Starting with three nights in Istanbul, it moves on to Gallipoli and outstanding archaeological sites such as Pergamon and Ephesus. Antalya, Konya and Ankara provide urban distractions, while landscapes aren’t forgotten either, with visits to the startling travertine terraces of Pamukkale and wonderful rock outcrops and caves of Cappadocia. From $9880 a person return from Istanbul, several departures April-May and September-October 2024. See wendywutours.com.au

Gorges of the Ribeira Sacra in Spain

On Foot Holidays, which specialises in self-guided hikes in Europe, has a new nine-day route through north-west Spain’s rugged Galicia region. Ribeira Sacra or “holy riverside” gets its name from vineyards established by medieval monks that still produce wine. The hike starts in Castro de Caldelas and crosses woodland and farmland before you head into the gorges of the Sil and Minho rivers. Walkers stay in rural B&Bs, inns and a former monastery, and have their luggage transferred. From $2227 between Castro de Caldelas and Ourense, flexible departures April-June and September-November 2024. See onfootholidays.co.uk