Recommended Tours: February 2020

At Encounters Travel, we bring the world to you. We offer tours in 38 different countries, from the most famous and popular destinations, to the lesser-known, hidden gems.

Our group tours cover the best that each destination has to offer, showcasing history, culture, and nature, and offering a chance for unforgettable adventures.

With over 100 tour packages on offer, we've picked the best ones to book in February 2020. 

Cairo Boutique Hotel Break Tour

This short Egypt tour is the perfect tour if you have already visited other parts of Egypt or only have a short time to spend in the country. It gives you a good introduction to the chaotic and pulsating capital city of Egypt. Cairo, which is home to 20 million people, is the most populous city on the African continent.

The tour starts with the most obvious attraction- the iconic, world-famous pyramids of Giza. You also visit the imposing Sphinx here. A qualified Egyptologist guide will explain the history and significance of the site to you in detail.

On this tour, you stay in the quaint, award-winning Le Riad Hotel de Charme, a lovely luxury boutique hotel. Staying here gives you a real taste of historical Cairo, as the hotel is found right in the heart of the city's old Islamic city. The narrow streets accommodate mainly foot traffic, and are bustling with traders and shoppers.

The rest of your time in the city is free; you can choose to book one of many optional activities and tours on offer. Cairo offers a wealth of sites to see and experiences to be had.

Bhutan Encounters

Bhutan is one of the world's lesser-known travel destinations. However, this small nation has a wealth to offer. The beautiful landscapes and mysterious, exotic atmosphere combine to provide an intriguing experience. The country employs a "low numbers, high value" tourism policy, and also promotes "Gross National Happiness". Add to this the fascinating Buddhist practices and traditions, as well as the unique and delicious Bhutanese food, and you have a truly unforgettable holiday to look forward to. 

This Bhutan tour covers the best of Bhutan, from the breathtaking Himalayan landscapes to the mountainside temples.

Maldives on a Shoestring

February is a lovely time to visit the island paradise of Maldives, located in the Indian Ocean.

This is a tranquil coastal getaway, ideal for relaxing and experiencing the myriad water-based activities that are on offer. This Maldives tour also gives you a chance to get a taste of the local town life and culture of the islands- enjoy cultural shows, interact with the friendly local people, and even enjoy meals and barbecues with them. Activities on the tour include snorkelling and scuba diving. This is one of the best destinations in the world for these activities, as the marine life here is unparalleled.

Many add-on options are also available in the surrounding islands and resorts.

Discover Turkey

This eight-day Turkey tour showcases the main destinations of the fascinating country of Turkey. It starts in the lively city of Istanbul, where the narrow streets are bursting with history. You visit the main landmarks and cultural sites, and take a cruise on the Bosphorus strait. You then head to Kusadasi on the Mediterranean coast, where you spend two nights. From here, you visit the spectacular archaeological site of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world. You also visit a wine-producing village, as well as a carpet-producing centre, a very important vocation in Turkey. Next, you pay visits to the unique sites of Pamukkale and Cappadocia, both remarkable natural phenomena. See the bright blue and white steps and hot pools at Pamukkale, and strange, otherworldly rock formations at Cappadocia, best viewed from a hot-air balloon. You can add on optional extra nights in Istanbul at the end of the tour, where there is always something new to explore.

Antarctica & Islands

Experience something totally out of the ordinary with a tour to the frozen continent at the bottom of the world. An Antarctic tour is not something many people can say they've done.

Here you will see breathtaking icy landscapes, towering icebergs, and a diversity of wildlife. The tour leaves from the southernmost tip of Argentina, at a place called Ushuaia, where you board a cruise ship. The first stop is at the Falkland Islands, where a variety of penguin species can be seen.

The next stop, South Georgia, is a whaling island that is home to an array of landscapes and wildlife species. You then head into the Antarctic Peninsula itself, where you navigate between ice shelfs and are greeted by enormous icebergs. You are also able to step onto the continent itself, as well as visit Deception Island, which is known for an enormous volcanic crater that forms a natural harbour.

Cambodia Encounters

This is a comprehensive six-day Cambodia tour to give you a taste of the best that the country has to offer. A nation with a tragic and turbulent past, Cambodia has emerged as a top travel destination. Steeped in history and shrouded in mystery, it is home to some of the world's most beautiful and spectacular temples. On this tour, you will visit historical sites and museums that give an insight into the war and violence of the past- a grim, yet fascinating (and important) experience. You visit the world-famous Angkor Wat temple, as well as several other, equally amazing temples. They feature beautiful carvings and sculptures of exquisite detail. Some are crumbling and in ruin, and are slowly becoming one with the surrounding jungle. You also drive through rural Cambodia and stop at a town known for its spider market. These are a local delicacy, which you can sample if you are brave enough...

Lebanon Encounters

One of the lesser-known countries of the Middle East, Lebanon is a gem of a travel destination. The weather is pleasant for most of the year, the natural scenery is spectacular, and the history and culture is extensive and varied. This Lebanon tour includes visits to great ancient cities, archaeological sites, and temples. You will also visit some of Lebanon's best natural sites, which include vast underground cave systems, waterfalls, rock formations, and breathtaking coastlines. Other sites of interest include visiting the place where the celebrated poet Kahlil Gibran was born, as well as paying a visit to the famous cedar trees of Lebanon, which are mentioned in the Old Testament.

Istanbul City Break Tour

This is another short city tour, perfect for when you don't have a long time for a getaway. It provides a wonderful introduction to the amazing city of Istanbul. This storied city is filled with character and culture. It is a historically significant city, and was called Constantinople in the past. It was the site of many important historical events across a range of empires and eras. Istanbul enjoys the unique characteristic of being situated across two continents, Europe and Asia. On this tour, you visit the most important historical landmarks and mosques in the city, and also take a cruise on the Bosphorus strait, the body of water that separates the two continents. You get a chance to browse through the Grand Bazaar, one of the world's biggest covered markets- ideal for picking up souvenirs and gifts.