In the world’s most beautiful non-beach vacation destinations, you will find beauty in architectural marvels, remarkable heritage, and unique cultural experiences.
Let a landscape bursting with purple fields of lavender in Provence move you and feel the spray of the mighty “smoke that thunders” waterfall in Zimbabwe. Peer through a clouded Peruvian rainforest and wander narrow streets through a picture-perfect alpine village in Austria. Take in the views of Highland lochs or colorful coral reefs and discover one of the Seven Wonders of Nature in Vietnam.
Relive the historical significance of much-loved locations and discover the cultural charm of hidden gems when you embark on a journey to some of the most incredible non-beach vacation regions in the world.
Scottish Highlands • Scotland
The Scottish Highlands paints a picture of towering mountains, shimmering lochs, and expansive moors. The Highlands are rich in folklore and history, where you can walk the haunted halls of Eilean Donan castle and keep an eye out for a kelpie, a mystical water horse hiding in a lonely river.
Gaze upon tints of lush green, deep blues, and earthy tones as you travel along roads that wind through valleys and over mountain passes. Capture the sense of rugged beauty and serene tranquility when visiting iconic locations such as picturesque Loch Ness, where you can take a boat ride and feel the cool, light spray coming off the waters.
Feel the crunch of fallen leaves beneath your feet when walking through woodland in Cairngorms National Park, taking in the giant trees and beautiful Eidart Falls. Explore the narrow gorge of Reelig Glen and enjoy the sweet, earthy scent of heather and pine as it invokes a sense of peace and connection to nature.
Provence • France
Spend time in one of the most stunning regions in Southern France, Provence. The beauty of this area is unparalleled, the lilac-painted landscape having inspired artists for centuries. Take in stunning views from the Valensole Plateau, 300 square miles of golden wheat fields, olive trees, and endless rows of lavender.
The lavender fields provide a sweet, floral aroma, painting the countryside in shades of purple during the summer months. Notice the bright red rocks of the Esterel mountain range as it contrasts with the blue Mediterranean along the French Riviera.
Discover the beauty of Gorges du Verdon, with its dramatic limestone cliffs rising from a deep gorge filled with refreshing turquoise waters. The tranquil scene provides the ideal space for you to enjoy kayaking, hiking, and rock climbing.
Machu Picchu • Peru
Discover the citadel of magnificent Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site set high in the Andes Mountains within a cloud forest of lush vegetation. A combination of mountains, valleys, and diverse habitat that includes high-altitude dwarf forests and the tropical slopes of the Peruvian Yungas makes it a visually stunning environment.
The dry-stone construction of Machu Picchu’s Inca architecture blends seamlessly with the landscape. The main temple, with its U-shaped huayrana and ancient ruins, is boldly yet serenely placed amid a wave of green, towered over by steep mountain tops reaching for a blue sky.
The beauty of Machu Picchu can be experienced from various perspectives, such as the hiking trail of Huayna Picchu, which provides panoramic views of the citadel. Spanning multiple ecosystems, from cloud forests to high-altitude grasslands, the area is filled with more than 400 butterfly species and a wide variety of orchids, creating a colorful natural backdrop.