Unique Trips to Take This Spring

Spring brings longer days, warmer sunshine, and the perfect opportunity to discover new destinations in unforgettable ways. As landscapes awaken and vibrant seasonal moments unfold around the world, it’s the ideal time to step outside the ordinary and embrace experiences that are truly one of a kind.

Whether you’re rejuvenating in natural, spring-fed pools at The Oasis at Death Valley, embarking on a history journey aboard the legendary Grand Canyon Railway, or witnessing tulip season in full color on an intimate voyage with Windstar Cruises, Xanterra Travel Collection® offers A World of Unforgettable Experiences® just waiting to be discovered.

Here are a few extraordinary journeys to inspire your spring getaway.

In celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, few journeys feel more fitting than a ride aboard the historic Grand Canyon Railway.

Since 1901, this storied railway has transported travelers from Williams, Arizona to the breathtaking South Rim of the Grand Canyon. More than simply a mode of transportation, the experience feels like stepping back in time. Refurbished Pullman railcars dating to the 1920s, lively cowboy entertainment, and the sounds of classic western melodies bring the spirit of the American frontier to life.

Every detail along the journey—from polished wood interiors to onboard refreshments—adds to the sense of nostalgia and adventure. Guests looking to elevate their experience can choose Luxury Parlor Class, where champagne is served on an open-air rear platform as the train winds through the scenic high desert. It’s a memorable way to toast a truly grand adventure.

Few experiences capture the rugged spirit of the American West quite like riding a mule along the rim of the Grand Canyon.

Mules have played an essential role in the canyon’s history since the late 19th century, first carrying prospectors and supplies through the rugged terrain and later guiding visitors through one of the world’s most awe-inspiring landscapes.

Today, the Canyon Vistas Rim Ride offers a unique opportunity to experience the canyon from this historic perspective. Ideal for first-time riders, the four-mile journey follows scenic paths along the South Rim. Along the way, knowledgeable guides share fascinating insights about the canyon’s geology, wildlife, fire ecology, and human history — bringing this natural wonder to life with every step.

The wildflower bloom in Death Valley National Park is a rare and mesmerizing phenomenon, and the kiss of spring sunshine transforms the desert with an array of wildflowers, painting the landscape with vivid colors and delicate textures. Pockets of gold, purple, pink, and white blooms create a stark contrast against the valley’s rugged terrain. The sight of these resilient blossoms, thriving in one of the toughest environments on Earth, is a testament not only to the beauty of nature but also to its remarkable tenacity.

After record rainfall in 2025, Death Valley National Park is experiencing a rare and spectacular wildflower bloom that only occurs once every ten years. And The Oasis at Death Valley offers front-row access to this natural phenomenon. With mild temperatures in the 60s and 70s, spring is the perfect season to explore one of the most dramatic landscapes on Earth.

From mid-March through mid-May, the Netherlands and Belgium burst into brilliant color during tulip season. One of the most memorable ways to experience this spectacle is aboard a small-ship voyage with Windstar Cruises.

Sailing on the elegant Star Pride, this seven-day itinerary departs from Amsterdam and journeys through charming Dutch towns and historic Belgian cities at the most vibrant time of year.

A highlight exclusive to Windstar guests is a visit to a working tulip farm, where travelers can stroll the colorful fields and even pick their own bouquet to bring back onboard. With fewer than 312 guests, the experience feels intimate and unhurried — offering the charm of a river cruise paired with the spacious comfort of an ocean vessel.

Springtime in Italy offers a vibrant blend of culture, cuisine, and breathtaking scenery — and there’s no better way to explore it than on foot or by bike.

With immersive journeys from VBT Bicycling Vacations and Country Walkers, travelers experience Italy at a slower, more meaningful pace. Cycling through the rolling vineyards of Piedmont, wandering through Renaissance towns, or pedaling beneath the dramatic peaks of the Dolomites reveals the country’s beauty from an entirely new perspective.

Along the way, guests savor Italy’s simple pleasures: locally produced wines, freshly pressed olive oils, and regional dishes crafted from generations-old recipes. Whether enjoying a gelato in a Tuscan hill town or pausing in a sun-drenched piazza, every moment becomes part of a rich cultural experience.

With every mile traveled and every village discovered, spring in Italy becomes more than a vacation — it becomes a celebration of life’s finest pleasures.

For travelers seeking rolling green landscapes, centuries of history, and warm hospitality, Ireland in spring offers a truly magical escape.

With expertly guided journeys from Holiday Vacations, visitors can experience the Emerald Isle’s most iconic landmarks—from the dramatic cliffs of Cliffs of Moher to the legendary Blarney Castle—while also venturing into charming villages and hidden corners many travelers never see.

Thoughtfully planned itineraries, comfortable accommodations, and knowledgeable guides make it easy to relax and fully immerse yourself in Irish culture, history, and scenery. Whether it’s your first visit or a return journey, Ireland’s beauty and spirit are sure to leave a lasting impression. Sláinte!

This spring, discover something extraordinary. From iconic American landscapes to colorful European journeys, these one-of-a-kind experiences prove that the season of renewal is also the perfect time to explore the world in unforgettable ways.

For more travel experiences available from Xanterra Travel Collection®, visit Xanterra.com/stories.