10 Exciting New Adventure Tours We're Looking Forward to in 2023

With more borders reopening compared to last year—when many countries, particularly in Asia, were still largely inaccessible due to the pandemic—2023 is set to be a remarkable year for travel. As a result, numerous companies are launching an array of new and thrilling itineraries around the globe.

While many travelers might enjoy the freedom of exploring solo, there are numerous advantages to joining an organized tour group. One significant benefit is the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals without the hassle of managing all the details. Tour operators typically handle accommodations, excursions, and often include some meals, providing unique access to experiences and locations that might be hard to navigate independently.

We’ve selected 10 land-based adventures, all debuting in 2023, that you should consider for your travels this year. Whether you’re eager to experience breathtaking outdoor scenery, seek adrenaline-pumping activities, or want to delve deeper into local cultures, these global tours are definitely worth noting. Not only are these journeys rewarding for travelers, but each also aims to reduce environmental impact and foster meaningful connections with local and Indigenous communities.

Adventure Life’s Explore Aysen and Patagonia National Park

The Aysen region of Chile is among the most remote areas in South America. This seven-day expedition allows travelers to fully immerse themselves in the breathtaking natural beauty of Patagonia National Park. Highlights of the itinerary include kayaking to the Marble Caves of Lake General Carrera, trekking on the vast ice of the majestic Exploradores Glacier, rafting the thrilling rapids of the Baker River, and hiking into protected lands to observe wildlife and enjoy panoramic views.

During the journey, guests will be accommodated at the Mallin Colorado Ecolodge, which offers stunning views of Lake General Carrera and rustic cabin-style lodging. Trip prices start at $4,140 per person, covering everything except gratuities and flights. Multiple departures are available through April, as well as again from October to December.

Country Walkers’ Norway: Bergen & the Fjords

On this weeklong journey, travelers will trek along Norway’s stunning fjords, scale mountaintops, and wander through picturesque valleys, covering no more than six miles each day, while visiting castles, gardens, and historic villages.

This tour was crafted by a founding member of the company’s Sustainable Travel Committee, highlighting its commitment to sustainability. When not hiking, the itinerary utilizes public transportation (local trains and ferries) to minimize reliance on continuous van support, featuring excellent locally-owned hotels (such as Hotel Ullensvang and Fretheim Hotel) that prioritize eco-friendly practices. Most meals are enjoyed at local restaurants and farms, focusing on hyper-local cuisine. Itineraries begin at $5,848 per person, with options for pre- and post-tour extensions to Oslo and Bergen. Departures are available in June, July, August, and September.

Contiki’s Garden Route and Addo Tour

This year, Contiki (which focuses on trips for travelers aged 18 to 35) has introduced an eight-day Garden Route and Addo Tour in South Africa, offering the chance to experience one of Africa’s most famous road trips while observing diverse wildlife, exploring beautiful beaches, and discovering urban life in South Africa. The itinerary features a visit to the natural limestone wonder of Cango Caves, a private dinner in Oudtshoorn—the world’s ostrich capital, a thrilling game drive in Addo Elephant National Park, a township tour in Knysna, and a hike through Tsitsikamma National Park.

Participants will also learn about the vibrant Xhosa culture (the second largest ethnic group in South Africa, following the Zulus) and visit the South African Shark Conservancy, concluding with a lively evening in Stellenbosch, known for its agriculture, including wine tasting and food markets. The tour, starting at $1,356 per person, covers all accommodations, in-country transportation, numerous activities, and some meals. Departures are scheduled for May, June, July, September, October, November, and December.

All of Contiki’s trips are carbon neutral (which means they offset carbon emissions from transfers, accommodations, and meals), and the company aims to achieve net zero status by 2050.

Trafalgar’s National Parks and Native Trails of the Dakotas

Trafalgar has just introduced a North Dakota and South Dakota tour for 2023, designed to give travelers a deeper insight into Native American history and culture.

The itinerary begins in Rapid City with a presentation from a Lakota tribe member, offering insights into Native American culture through traditional dance and song. This is followed by an excursion through Badlands National Park, including a traditional lunch while learning about the Oglala Lakota Village's history. Travelers will spend a day at Mount Rushmore and enjoy lunch at the Rosebud Indian Reservation, home to the Sicangu Lakota Oyate Nation. During a hands-on Be My Guest experience—part of every Trafalgar tour—visitors will see the Lakota Youth Development Center to learn about their mission to reclaim language, culture, and spirituality on a guided Indigenous plant walk. Tours start at $2,594 per person, with dates available between May and September.

REI’s New River Gorge National Park Hiking and Camping

For those eager to hike in West Virginia's newest national park, New River Gorge, but prefer someone else to handle the planning and cooking, REI Adventures offers a four-day tour. This includes hiking to breathtaking views like Grandview Overlook and Endless Wall, as well as kayaking and rafting on the winding New River, topped off by roasting marshmallows for s'mores at the campsite. Guests will sleep in tents on elevated platforms and have access to hot indoor and outdoor showers. Trips start at $2,299 per person, with departures from May to September.

Abercrombie & Kent’s Kenya SMytouri in Style

Abercrombie & Kent’s latest luxury sMytouri adventure kicks off at the Ol Pejeta Conservancy, a 90,000-acre private reserve in Kenya, home to the Big Five (lions, leopards, buffalo, rhinos, and elephants). Guests can enjoy guided bush walks, interact with the dogs of an anti-poaching unit, and embark on nighttime game drives. In this biodiverse area, travelers might also see the world's last northern white rhinos in a heavily protected enclosure. Afterward, guests will fly to the Maasai Mara Game Reserve, where they can observe hippos in shallow waters and crocodiles basking on the shore. Opportunities to visit a local Maasai village for lunch and participate in a bead-making workshop with tribal members are also included. Departures are available year-round, with prices starting at $7,495 per person.

Wilderness Scotland’s Low Carbon Adventure in the Scottish Highlands

On this distinctive five-day private tour crafted by Wilderness founder Paul Easto, participants experience a blend of traditional walking adventures with low-carbon travel. The itinerary includes sustainable culinary experiences, rewilding projects, and wildlife conservation activities. Travelers will navigate by foot, e-bike, train, and electric vehicles, staying in accommodations such as a rustic mountain bunkhouse accessible only on foot and sustainable luxury hotels. Tours are available year-round, starting at $2,400 per person.

Exodus Travels’ Vietnam Adventure

Exodus Travels has introduced a unique collection of Citizen Science departures in collaboration with NatureMetrics, a company dedicated to measuring biodiversity to support climate advocacy efforts.

One notable option is a 14-day journey through Vietnam, encompassing Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) and stunning natural landscapes like the Mekong Delta. Key highlights include cruising among the limestone cliffs of Ha Long Bay, strolling through the historic streets of Hoi An (a UNESCO World Heritage site), exploring the Cu Chi war tunnels, and visiting Hanoi's Old Quarter. Guests on two designated citizen science departures will assist with water sampling for biodiversity assessments on May 7 and September 24, 2023. Itineraries begin at $1,999 per person.

Black Tomato’s Sea of Cortez Adventure

In 2023, premium tour operator Black Tomato has crafted an 11-day family-focused itinerary to the Sea of Cortez in Mexico, emphasizing conservation education for children. This trip is part of the brand’s Field Trip initiative, which aims to provide enriching experiences for kids aged 12 and older.

A new adventure includes a hands-on opportunity with the nonprofit Coral Reef Restoration Project, where participants can help build and maintain coral racks and snorkel to observe the coral gardens, witnessing the positive effects of their efforts firsthand.

Other highlights include a private boat excursion to connect with a local whale shark researcher and a dedicated naturalist guide for a snorkeling adventure with whale sharks and at Espiritu Santo Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Participants will learn about the sharks' ecological roles as well as their mating and migration patterns while swimming among them in the clear turquoise waters. Following a picnic lunch on a secluded beach, guests will visit a nearby sea lion colony, where they can snorkel with these playful animals. This journey also features three nights aboard a private Turkish-style sailboat known as a gulet (a traditional two-masted wooden vessel). Itineraries are available year-round, starting at $7,320 per person.

Explore Worldwide’s Highlights of Lebanon Tour

Lebanon offers a captivating mix of well-preserved Roman ruins, ancient castles, historic churches and mosques, vibrant nightlife, and mountainous landscapes perfect for hiking and skiing, making it an endlessly intriguing destination.

Explore Worldwide’s journey through Lebanon features highlights such as a visit to the Cedars of God, a 1,000-year-old forest that overlooks the Qadisha Valley, exploring coastal cities like Byblos and Batroun, discovering Roman ruins in Beirut, and learning about the local wine industry at vineyards. Departures are available from April to December, with prices starting at $1,870 per person.