Best of · MORNING
Good morning tours fill up weeks ahead and the best ones go first. Below: the 9 to book early, what each includes and where they differ.
Set out from Strahan at 9am aboard a comfortable catamaran for Hells Gates, Sarah Island and the Gordon River. Guides bring convict history, rainforest and conservation to life, with a buffet lunch, onboard commentary and a rainforest boardwalk included.
“The Red Boat had very comfortable seating, good views from all areas, nice lunch, very informative guides.”
Leave Kanazawa Station at 8:00 AM for Shirakawa-go, reaching the UNESCO village before the larger crowds. Guides such as Keita, Yasushi, and Aiko provide lively English commentary, maps, and food tips, then give you about 2.5 hours to explore on your own before the bus returns to Kenrokuen Garden.
“Fantastic tour. Keita was super knowledgeable, friendly and made us feel comfortable. He made the experience feel tailored. We loved the whole tour and would highly recommend this! Beautiful town and gives Switzerland vibes. It’s great this tour starts early as tourists do come in around the arvo. Also just make sure you layer up if you are going in winter as it does get colder than the main Kanazawa areas. I do wish we had a little more time allocated as a few stores had queues. We ran out of time and couldnt check out the inside of the grass hut houses. You must try the higashi beef skewers…”
Start before dawn with pickup from your Luxor hotel or cruise ship, cross to the West Bank, and rise above the Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut Temple. The 30 to 45 minute flight reaches about 1,500 feet, followed by a return transfer and certificate.
“Absolutely loved the entire experience! We moved fast from the hotels to a boat crossing the Nile to the other bank then into a minivan. In my case, we didn't have to wait too long for the convoy to move, please note this is beyond their control Read more”
Ride 12 to 14 km through Chiang Mai’s Old City with an English-speaking guide such as Kitty, Mai, T, or Farm. Visit Tha Phae Gate, Wat Chedi Luang, the Three Kings Monument, and a local market, with snacks, water, bikes, helmets, and temple donations included.
“Bike riding through Chiang Mai was great and Vivi a very good guide. Organization along and crossing the busy roads of Chiang Mai no problem with the support guide coming up from the rear to organize traffic.”
Ride about 12 kilometers through Chiang Mai’s flat Old City with an English-speaking guide such as Kitty, Farm, James, or Gun. Expect temples, Tha Phae Gate, the Three Kings Monument, quiet lanes, a local market, Thai snacks, water, and a small-group pace.
“The biks tour was a fun way to get around town and visit key places. Our guide James (007) spoke clear English and was very knowledgeable in Thai history. Learning and understanding what you are looking at makes the visuals even better. The bikes were in great condition.”
Leave Flores at 3 am for Tikal with a bilingual guide such as Lloyd, Ruben, or Hairo. Watch sunrise from Temple IV, then tour plazas, ball courts, temples, and jungle wildlife before returning by air-conditioned bus. Park and sunrise tickets cost extra.
“Great day with an awesome sunrise. The Guide was good but could go more deeper in to the topics regarding the buildings”
Join Igor for a private 2 to 3 hour walk through central Šibenik, from King Krešimir IV Square to St James Cathedral. Expect local history, architecture, humor, practical tips, bottled water, and a closer look at parts of town large groups often miss.
“We had a perfect tour through the worth seeing old town of Sibenik. Igor is very well informed and knows many exciting anecdotes, he is also very friendly and entertaining. There were only us two with him and we enjoyed the tour fully. He took well over three hours for us and had a lot to tell us about all the epochs. Absolutely recommendable! Defenetly the best way to explore the City! Thank you, Igor.”
Join Charleston Sailing Charters for a private morning sail aboard Mystique, limited to your group of up to six. Your skipper and first mate guide you past the Battery, Ravenel Bridge, Yorktown, and sometimes Fort Sumter, with drinks, shade, a restroom, and chances to spot dolphins.
“Had an amazing time sailing with Rob and Mattie! It was exactly what we hoped for….a beautiful peaceful morning with wonderful brunch by Caviar & Bananas (highly recommend!!). Rob and Mattie took great care of us and made it a very special part of our time in Charleston! If you’re considering booking…do it! You won’t be disappointed!!”
Spend 90 minutes exploring downtown Austin with a local storyteller. See the Warehouse District, Sixth Street, Congress Avenue, the Capitol, and the Driskill Hotel. Guides such as Tyler, Audrey, William, and Jake add personal stories, archive photos, restaurant tips, and live music advice.
“Tyler was incredible. He had factual, antidotal, and valuable information, along with visual aids for the tour.”
Pick an era, or a kind of day.
