Beyond the Tourist Trail

A vibrant train travels through a narrow market in Thailand, with stalls and colorful umbrellas tightly packed on either side of the railway tracks. Fresh produce, goods, and incredible deals are displayed on the ground and tables, making use of every inch of space around the tracks.
by Makenzie Carden

12 Hidden Gems To Discover On Your Next smarTour

Welcome to a world where travel goes beyond the ordinary! Join us on a smarTour, where our guided journeys redefine the typical tourist experience. We’ll take you beyond the iconic landmarks and introduce you to hidden gems that add a touch of magic to your travel memories. Let these extraordinary destinations inspire your next adventure. And they’re all on sale until Dec 27th!

A curved wooden walkway winds through lush green treetops, leading towards towering mountains under a cloudy sky. The tranquil scene offers nature's best deals: vibrant and serene vistas showcasing the landscape's natural beauty.

1. Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, South Africa

Lose yourself in a world of floral wonders at Kirstenbosch, one of the first botanical gardens in the world dedicated to showcasing a country’s native flora. With over 7,000 plant species, including many rare and endangered varieties, it’s a haven for biodiversity. Explore themed gardens, a fragrance garden designed for the visually impaired, and enjoy breathtaking mountain views.

A breathtaking cave interior featuring numerous stalactites and stalagmites illuminated by warm light creates an atmosphere that feels like discovering hidden deals in nature. The rock structures reflect off a still pool of water, adding to the enchanting landscape.

2. Postojna Caves, Slovenia

Journey over 24,000 years back in time as you venture deep into the Postojna Caves. Carved by the Pivka River, this extraordinary cave system boasts a fascinating network of tunnels, chambers, and passages adorned with intricate stalactite and stalagmite formations. Ride an electric train through the caverns, encounter the unique olm (a blind cave salamander), and marvel at the magical Concert Hall, renowned for its incredible acoustics.

A mountain lion stands on a rocky ledge, surrounded by green foliage. It appears alert, dealing with something in the distance. The sunlight highlights its tawny fur and muscular build.

3. Pumas Rescue Center, Costa Rica

Experience the thrill of encountering rescued pumas up close at this sanctuary, which plays a crucial role in puma rehabilitation and release. Learn about their conservation efforts, observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat, and discover other rescued wildlife like jaguars, monkeys, and sloths. The center also works to educate local communities about the importance of protecting these incredible animals.

A colorful train travels slowly through a narrow market street, with vendors' stalls on either side displaying a variety of goods and exciting deals. The train is passing very close to the merchants' wares, which are arranged near the tracks.

4. Mae Klong Railway Market, Thailand

Witness the spectacle of a train rumbling directly through the middle of this bustling market, built on the historic Maeklong Railway line from 1905. See vendors swiftly pack up their goods and awnings as the train approaches, then seamlessly set up shop again moments later. This unique market offers a vibrant array of fresh produce, seafood, and local delicacies, showcasing a remarkable example of human adaptation to their environment.

Colorful canal street in Burano, Italy, with vibrant red, yellow, and green buildings offering visual deals along a narrow waterway. Small boats are moored along the banks under a clear blue sky.

5. Murano, Italy

Journey to the island of Murano, famed since the 13th century for its exquisite glassmaking artistry. Watch skilled artisans create intricate glass masterpieces using centuries-old techniques passed down through generations. Explore the Glass Museum to delve into the history of Murano glass, once considered a Venetian state secret so valuable that glassmakers were forbidden from leaving the city. Browse the many shops and galleries showcasing stunning glass creations.

A majestic view of the ancient earthen buildings of Ait Benhaddou under a clear blue sky. The fortified village, often featured in travel deals, is surrounded by lush greenery and desert hills, showcasing its iconic reddish-brown architecture against the natural landscape.

6. Aït Benhaddou, Morocco

Step into the world of Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and ancient desert fortress that echoes Morocco’s rich history. The earthen architecture and breathtaking views transport you to a bygone era, while its cinematic charm as a favored filming location (used in productions like Gladiator and Game of Thrones) adds another layer of intrigue. Wander through the narrow alleys and imagine the stories etched in its golden walls.

A panoramic view of the Valley of the Kings in Egypt reveals rugged desert cliffs under a clear blue sky. This captivating landscape offers deals on guided tours to explore ancient burial sites and temple ruins nestled among the arid, rocky terrain.

7. Valley of the Queens, Egypt

Uncover the secrets of ancient Egypt’s royal women in the Valley of the Queens, a necropolis containing almost 80 tombs. Descend into elaborately decorated tombs adorned with colorful hieroglyphs depicting scenes from Egyptian mythology and the afterlife. Learn the stories of powerful queens like Nefertari and don’t miss the impressive mortuary temple of Queen Hatshepsut, a female pharaoh who ruled Egypt for over two decades.

A colorful boat adorned with dragon motifs is docked near the floating Uros Islands on Lake Titicaca, promising unique deals for curious travelers. Traditional reed huts float on the water, surrounded by small boats and a mountainous landscape under a clear blue sky.

8. Uros Islands, Peru

Experience a unique way of life on the floating Uros Islands, constructed entirely from totora reeds. For centuries, the Uros people have lived on these man-made islands, adapting to their unique environment and preserving their traditions. Learn about their fascinating culture and discover how they use totora reeds for everything from building their homes and boats to making handicrafts.

A cityscape of tightly packed blue-hued buildings, some adorned with drying laundry and rooftop tanks, under a bright sky. The image captures the distinct architecture and blue color that characterize this urban setting, revealing the hidden deals woven into its vibrant tapestry.

9. Blue City of Jodhpur, India

Wander through the enchanting blue-washed streets of Jodhpur, a city steeped in history and culture. Explore the majestic Mehrangarh Fort, one of the largest and most well-preserved forts in India, housing palaces, museums, and courtyards. Marvel at the intricate Jaswant Thada cenotaph, and immerse yourself in the vibrant bazaars overflowing with textiles, spices, and handicrafts.

A wide view of the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima in Portugal, showcasing the neoclassical colonnade, a tall bell tower, and a statue in the foreground. With clear skies dotted with clouds, discover travel deals to witness this stunning destination.

10. Fátima, Portugal

Experience the spiritual atmosphere of Fátima, one of the most important Catholic pilgrimage sites in the world, attracting millions of pilgrims each year. Visit the Sanctuary of Fátima, one of the largest Marian shrines globally, witness the Chapel of Apparitions, and learn about the apparitions of the Virgin Mary that occurred here in 1917.

A charming stone house with a tiled roof, surrounded by lush greenery and tall trees under a partly cloudy sky. The lawn in front is well-maintained, adding to the serene setting, offering incredible deals for those seeking tranquility and beauty.

11. Karen Blixen’s Home, Kenya

Step into the world of Karen Blixen, the author of “Out of Africa,” at her beautifully preserved farmhouse in the Ngong Hills. Explore the rooms where she lived and wrote, gaining a glimpse into the life of a European settler in Kenya during the early 20th century. Learn about her life in colonial Kenya, and gain insights into the inspiration behind her famous memoir.

Aerial view of Tihany Abbey with its twin towers, nestled near a calm blue lake fringed by autumn-colored trees. A sailboat glides on the water under a clear blue sky, promising serene deals with nature's beauty.

12. Lake Balaton, Hungary

Explore the “Hungarian Sea,” Central Europe’s largest lake, boasting a unique ecosystem and a fascinating history. This 77 km-long freshwater lake is surprisingly shallow, with an average depth of only 3 meters, making it perfect for swimming and watersports. The northern shore is known for its volcanic hills, vineyards producing world-class wines, and the stunning Balaton Uplands National Park with its protected wetlands and hiking trails. On the southern shore, you’ll find bustling resort towns, long stretches of sandy beaches perfect for sunbathing, and charming villages steeped in tradition.

Ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure? smarTours takes you beyond the ordinary, uncovering hidden gems and crafting unique travel experiences you won’t find anywhere else. And while our “Best Sale Ever” has ended, you can still snag an amazing deal with our Really Good Sale! Enjoy up to 25% off 300+ departures, but don’t wait – this offer disappears on December 27th. Book your dream trip today and discover the world with smarTours!