Zicasso’s Trips of a Lifetime Series - Part 2

Dreamy and surreal embody the ancient wonders of Australia and the dramatic nature of New Zealand. A trip of a lifetime in Australia and New Zealand plunges you into the dynamic beauty and cultural significance Down Under, where heritage transcends tens of thousands of years. “Both countries offer unique indigenous culture,” David, a travel specialist for Australia and New Zealand, says. “Aboriginal in Australia, Maori in New Zealand--history [dates] back 50,000 years in Australia with spectacular scenery ranging from the desert Outback to the tropical Great Barrier Reef, and New Zealand’s spectacular rugged Alpine regions.”

David’s Oceania Trip of Lifetime: Best Australia and New Zealand Tour, is the prime way to truly experience the mixture of culture, history, and immersive scenery in a new way. The landscape of Australia encompasses the rich jungle terrain of Daintree National Park and offers a peaceful respite amongst the radiant sunshine of Uluru at the Red Centre, with the diversity of the biospheres giving way to intimate connections to the ancient local cultures.

Beyond heritage, Oceania flows with incredible wine and food, as well as inspiring wildlife experiences with koalas nibbling on eucalyptus, kangaroos hopping across open plains, and the birds of New Zealand from the famous flightless kiwis to the remarkable eight-foot wingspan of the albatross.

Immersive travel does not just take you to the mainstream cities of a country and instead can bring the ultimate thrill of discovery and adventure with a combination of the traditional and the uncommon. A travel specialist who understands the importance of traveling easily and safely with experienced local guides will make this vacation possible.

Related: Australia Tours & Vacations | Australia Travel Guide | New Zealand Tours & Vacations | New Zealand Travel Guide

The mixture of the natural world and the unique history of the Inca empire represent two distinct perspectives that come near the mythological in their intensity and drama. Many visit countries like Ecuador and Peru for the fascinating view of endemic wildlife and the culture of the Inca woven into the fabric of the Andes.

Designed by a travel expert, the Exceptional Galapagos and Peru Tour of a Lifetime displays the captivating complexities of the island ecosystems and network of massive stone ruins. Over 18 days, the Galapagos islands will capture your imagination with sea turtles and images of sea lions as you snorkel in clear-blue waters while the majestic ambiance of Machu Picchu leads to floating islands and high-altitude lakeshores of Lake Titicaca in Peru.

“A combination trip to Peru and the Galapagos permits you to experience a whole host of emotions and experiences in one trip,” says Paul, who created this trip for our Zicasso travelers.

The Galapagos embodies mother nature’s ability to connect you to the intricate and intimate details of a world unencumbered by the forces of humankind through a private cruise that unearths the diverse ecosystems of each island. The vibrant textiles of Andean culture take you beyond the lush foothills and snowcapped peaks of the mountains to reveal a different side of Peru in the shadow of the Inca and Spanish conquest.

“Take full advantage of the exceptional hotel properties and services available in Peru and Ecuador; you might be astonished at what is on offer,” says Paul. Peru is home to some of the world’s most celebrated cuisine, while Ecuador possesses incredible luxury properties. Your travel specialist will ensure that your journey takes you into the heart of the Inca Empire while also offering an alternative way to discover ancient cultures where travelers rarely visit.

“Book early for a cruise,” Paul says, as early bookings ensure the best experience. “Include a catamaran or a trimaran boat, as they offer larger cabins and remain more stable in the water. Take your time to explore Machu Picchu.” You can find inspiration in this trip of a lifetime or build your own customizable trip with a Zicasso travel specialist.

Related: Galapagos Tours & Vacations | Peru Tours & Vacations 

At first, the past and the future seem opposed, but in Japan, they beautifully come together to reveal where we came from and where we are going. “After experiencing the colorful and busy Tokyo, strolling the exquisite Zen temples and gardens of Kyoto, travel via bullet train to the older Japan in Kyushu where traditional lifestyle lingers, delicious regional cuisines delight your heart, and sublime volcano mountains and ancient Shinto shrines embrace your soul,” says Charlotte, a Japan travel expert for Zicasso. The contrasts of Japan become part of the exquisite experience.

Designed by Charlotte and her team for Zicasso, the Premier Enchantments of Japan Tour focuses on the nation’s incredible diversity, whether in Tokyo’s ultra-modern ambiance or customary inns of the mountains. “Late October and early November are filled with bright red, yellow, golden, and brown colors,” Charlotte says. “This is the best season to enjoy the stunning colors in every turn.”

Through the eyes of the traveler, Japan feels like part myth and part treasure, where enchanting gardens highlight antique collaboration and modern boutiques reflect a sense of global and historic perspective. Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples dating back to before the construction of Europe’s detailed cathedrals capture the elaborate design and a connection to surrounding nature. Tradition is preserved and celebrated from ceramics to textiles, while cedar groves and cherry trees lead to hidden bubbling hot springs. Culinary delights embody custom, push new boundaries, and constantly change with the seasons.

Japan honors its heritage while pushing beyond Western trends, celebrating its distinctive history while unafraid to forge a new path in modern society. Japan will be ready for us to visit both conserves its past and breaks new ground into the future. “Knowing we will continue traveling to a part of the world that we have dreamed of is a beautiful and positive feeling we need to cultivate,” Charlotte says. “Booking a trip soon is an exciting thing. Americans can feel super safe in every aspect when traveling in Japan,” Charlotte says. “Our local guides take special care of our guests.”

Related: Japan Tours & Vacations | Japan Travel Guide

Part 1 of our Trips of a Lifetime series focused on how the experience of travel is personal. Each of us is affected differently by how we experience the allure of Patagonia and Antarctica’s extraordinary scenery, accomplishing our long-held dreams of visiting Europe, or by understanding the classic glamour of an African safari.

Part 3 of our Trips of a Lifetime asks us how we wish to see the world and experience the unfettered splendor of travel to capture the essence of exploration and unexpected joys of discovery in exciting new ways that can take us to the ancient wonders of Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia, uncover an evocative Southern Africa safari, or create the perfect trip around the world by private jet to demonstrate how we can make our dream trip come true.

We can always treat travel like an old friend, ready to walk with it hand-in-hand across the globe. Because we do not travel for ourselves alone. We travel for the people we meet along the way. We travel to see the wildlife that only lives in one remote corner of the world. We travel to understand the roots of tradition. Most importantly, we travel to experience the unexpected. By planning our next trip, we dedicate ourselves to the ideals of the experiences we have already had and the promises of experiences yet to come.

Every trip that you take should be a trip of a lifetime. While this three-part series is meant to push the limits and eliminate boundaries, every trip is designed together with our travelers. We invite you to dream, and to plan ahead.  If you could only take one more trip, where would you go? You can start looking ahead with Zicasso by submitting a Trip Request, or by calling our team at 1-888-265-9707.  We are here for your questions, and ready to help you embark on your next extraordinary journey.