The Best Vacation You Never Planned

Strolling through ancient, sun-kissed towns, and feeling the tug of the tide in warm, turquoise waters. Uncovering rich history on a captivating pilgrimage, or embracing the infinite across 3,471 square miles of wilderness — the best vacations happen when you let curiosity lead, and trust that around every corner, a new adventure awaits.

The hidden gems of Croatia’s Dalmatian Islands, Spain’s storied Camino de Santiago, soul-stirring adventures along the southern edge of Colorado’s Rockies, and a rare, immersive way to experience the world’s first national park — these are just a few journeys best savored when every detail is beautifully orchestrated. All that’s left is to surrender to the magic of the moment.

Here, achingly beautiful coastlines once explored by the ancient Greeks, or towering canyons that have whispered secrets for millennia, remind you that there are still places where time stands still.

Xanterra Travel Collection® makes the experience seamless — fabulous accommodations, delicious meals, and stress-free transportation all thoughtfully taken care of. From there, the choice is yours: explore Europe’s treasures on perfectly planned, off-the-beaten-path adventures, indulge in all-inclusive luxury in vast natural landscapes, or surrender to the magic of your surroundings and wander at will.

Each destination offers its own kind of wonder — unexpected, unforgettable, and ready to surprise you.

Croatia by Bike & Boat: Split & the Dalmatian Islands with VBT Bicycling Vacations

The ancient Greeks first explored the Dalmatian Islands thousands of years ago, establishing walled towns, spas, and vineyards. Yet the islets, hidden caves, and coves of Brač, Korčula, and Hvar, still harbor areas few have fully experienced.

Three ways you’ll explore Croatia’s coast with VBT:

• By Private Yacht: With the ability to sail in locations that larger ships cannot access, guests won’t spend half of vacation transferring from one island to another on ferries. The yacht allows VBT the ability to drop anchor for guests to explore the area seamlessly. This is island-hopping at its most intimate and flavorful.
• By Bike: Cycle a new island nearly every day — exploring a world-famous winery on the Pelješac Peninsula, an olive farm on Brač, and the medieval charm of Hvar’s Stari Grad. Ride along sunlit shores, through fragrant groves, and into quiet villages, experiencing the natural beauty from every angle. VBT handles all logistics and provides the bikes (E-bikes are a favorite), you set the pace.
• By Foot: Mingle with locals at Hvar’s bustling harbor or the charming, walled town of Korčula. Visit one of Brač’s last remaining stonecutter schools, then kick off your shoes to feel the crunch of pebbles at Bijela kuća beach. And for a true taste of the island, enjoy an olive tasting at one of the famous olive farms. Every step of this meticulously planned itinerary reveals a new facet of this paradise, bringing you once-in-a-lifetime moments that cannot be replicated if you visited the coasts of Croatia on your own.

And when the day ends…

As the sun sets, your private yacht’s onboard chef will reveal the secrets of Croatian cuisine, weaving together Greek, Roman, and Mediterranean influences. Indulge in a captivating dinner, expertly paired with Dalmatian wines, as the flavors of the coast linger long after the last bite.

Ready to explore the best of Croatia? Visit vbt.com to learn more.

Spain via the Camino de Santiago Trail with Country Walkers

Every step along Spain’s legendary Camino de Santiago trail connects you to a centuries-old tradition, one that has drawn pilgrims from across Europe since the 9th century. But this isn’t just a walk; it’s a journey through history, culture, and the stunning beauty of northern Spain.

With Country Walkers’ thoughtfully curated route along the Camino’s Northern Way, the pilgrimage has never been easier — or more rewarding. From over 50,000 miles of trails that weave across the Iberian Peninsula, Country Walkers has selected the very best, ensuring you get the true Camino experience. Leave behind the logistical challenges of planning, and let local guides lead you through scenic coastal villages, lush landscapes, and hidden gems you might otherwise miss. Each day unfolds like a new chapter, bringing you closer to the heart of the Camino experience, without the stress of planning a single step.

Sights to Savor

• Watch local shepherds and their agile border collies guide rare Xalda sheep across sun-dappled hills, framed by rugged mountains that whisper ancient tales.
• Discover the steep, vine-clad slopes of Ribeira Sacra’s Cañón del Sil (Sil Canyon), where each step brings you closer to breathtaking views, followed by a lively wine tasting and a delicious regional feast.
• Step into the tranquility of timeless fishing villages, their whitewashed walls contrasting with the deep blue of the sea, where the air is filled with the scent of salt and fresh catch.
• As you travel through Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria, Basque Country, and beyond, local guides will captivate you with stories of the ancient cultures that have shaped this rich landscape, making each step more meaningful.

After your trek…

Return to the grandeur of Spain’s historic paradors — exquisite landmarks transformed into luxurious retreats, each offering spacious, elegantly appointed rooms. These richly historic buildings will be your rest stops for the entire trip, blending charm with modern comfort. With every detail thoughtfully arranged, you’ll be free to fully immerse yourself in the Camino’s time-honored journey, rejuvenated for the next day. Ready to walk the Camino?

Visit CountryWalkers.com to start your journey.

The Broadmoor Wilderness Experiences

Colorado: The very name evokes images of crisp alpine air, wide-open skies, and rugged landscapes—where you can cast a line in a clear mountain stream, relax around a campfire, or watch clouds roll over dense forests below. The Broadmoor’s Wilderness Experience properties offer three distinct ways to experience that magic — whether you’re after rugged adventure or indulgent retreat.

Experience Cloud Camp

Step out of your private cabin and into invigorating mountain air, 3,000 feet above The Broadmoor. From this lofty perch, nature stretches out in every direction. Reach Cloud Camp by shuttle, mule, or a scenic three-hour hike from the Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun — each route offering breathtaking views. Mornings begin with a hearty breakfast at the Main Lodge; evenings bring gourmet Western-inspired meals and lively community dinners. Be ready for mountain weather with layers, a rain jacket, hiking boots, sunscreen, and insect repellent.

Experience The Ranch at Emerald Valley

Tucked deep within the 100,000-acre Pike National Forest, this secluded retreat feels like a storybook come to life — where horses graze beside a pristine lake and birds skim the water’s surface. Thirteen cabins blend Rocky Mountain charm with refined comfort, serving as home base for fly fishing, mountain biking, archery, and more. Broadmoor chefs elevate each meal, from lakeside lunches to fireside dinners. For this rugged-luxury escape, pack hiking boots, a rain jacket, swimsuit, long pants for riding, and layered clothing for shifting mountain weather.

Experience Fly Fishing Camp

Feel the cool waters tug at your waders as you cast your line at this Orvis-Endorsed retreat along a private stretch of the Tarryall River. A five-mile haven for anglers, teeming with wild trout, it also invites hiking and wildlife observation. Stay in seven 1880s log cabins that blend rustic charm with luxurious comforts. Unwind in the restored Main Lodge, where meals crafted from locally sourced ingredients await. Bring thermal layers, heavy socks, books for cozy evenings, and casual wear for a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.

Three ways to experience Colorado’s wild beauty — each one unforgettable.

Plan your escape by visiting Broadmoor.com

The Yellowstone Signature Experience

As you watch rainbows shimmer in the waterfall mist within Yellowstone National Park’s Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, you’re reminded that this is just one of many breathtaking spectacles spread across 3,471 square miles of wilderness — land once home to the Shoshone, Lakota, Blackfoot, and other Native American peoples.

New for 2025, Yellowstone National Park’s Signature Experience offers a week-long adventure to immerse you in the park’s most iconic vistas. By boat, foot, and horseback, each day is unique as you trace the paths of the first Americans through this wonderland of geysers and hot springs (including the world-famous Old Faithful), the geological marvels of Mammoth Springs, and the wildlife-rich Lamar and Hayden valleys.

Convenience at Every Turn

From the moment you’re welcomed at Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport, your journey through Yellowstone unfolds effortlessly. Comfortable shuttles, buses, and minibuses make exploring smooth and stress-free. It’s all part of the bespoke Signature Experience — crafted for ease, with optional hikes and off-trail adventures for those craving a little more.
Convenience meets luxury at the end of each day, with stays in beautiful, historic lodging and some of the finest meals you will ever enjoy.

Your Itinerary at a Glance

Day 1: The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (Mammoth Hot Springs via the Montana Rockies and Paradise Valley).
Day 2: The Old West (wildlife watching at Lamar Valley and sampling the cowboy life at Roosevelt Corral).
Day 3: High Country and Highballs (the iconic waterfalls of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and the magnificent Hayden Valley, capped by sunset dinner and cocktails at Lake Yellowstone Hotel).
Day 4: Boating, Beauty, & Connection (boating across immense Yellowstone Lake and a meeting with acclaimed Indigenous educator Scott Frazier for a slower look at Yellowstone’s natural beauty).
Day 5: Across the Great Divide (up and over the Continental Divide to the Upper Geyser Basin and Old Faithful).
Day 6: Water Up and Down (walking tours of the Midway and Lower Geyser basins, and a return to Mammoth Hot Springs).
Day 7: Happy Trails to You (one last breakfast at the Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel before departing home).

Time to explore Yellowstone like never before at YellowstoneNationalParkLodges.com

The essence of travel lies in the moments that take your breath away and the memories that linger long after the journey ends. With Xanterra Travel Collection® ensuring every detail is seamlessly orchestrated, all that remains is to surrender to the magic of the moment and let curiosity lead the way. So, pack your bags and embark on a journey that promises to surprise and delight at every turn.

For more travel experiences available from Xanterra Travel Collection® and its affiliated properties, visit xanterra.com/stories.

Written by: Robin Brunet