Why go?
This is the trip your bucket list puts on its bucket list. It’s a one-of-a-kind, once-in-a-lifetime, best of the best adventure around the world. After five continents in two months, you will have quite literally seen it all. It doesn’t get more ultimate than this.
What you'll get
- All transportation while on the trip (Note: flights to/from your tour’s starting/ending cities are not included, but you can add them)
- 53 nights in handpicked accommodations
- 53 breakfasts, 5 lunches & 9 dinners
- Expert Tour Director
- 24/7 support
- 12 insider tours with local guides
- 3 game drives in Kenya
- Desert Safari in Dubai
- Ang Thong Island excursion from Koh Samui
- Admission to Machu Picchu, the Acropolis, Grand Palace, and so much more
Picture yourself
- Hiking above the clouds at Machu Picchu
- Picnicking by the Eiffel Tower, sipping champagne
- Yodeling from atop the majestic Swiss Alps
- Capturing photos of wild animals you never dreamed of seeing
- Exploring the busy streets of Bangkok, searching for the city’s best noodles
Chat with a Trip Expert!
Call or text: 1-617-917-5039
Monday–Thursday, 9am–9pm ET
Friday, 9am–8pm ET
Saturday, 10am–6pm ET
Itinerary
Day 1: Board Your Overnight Flight to Peru
Hop on your flight to your first stop: Lima, Peru, once the center of the “New World” and now a bustling metropolis. Say goodbye to your old self, because in less than two months, you’re going to be a new person.
This tour requires a visa for U.S. citizens. Check entry requirements or call us with questions at 800-766-2645.
Days 2–9: Peru
Up the altitude and dive into jungles, cities and ancient ruins During this eight-day stretch, you’ll live like a local in Lima, journey to vibrant Cuzco, and hike around the always enchanting Machu Picchu, where you can learn about its mysterious past, watch the sunrise, and feast your eyes on a real-life llama.
- Land in Lima, head to your accommodation, and meet your fellow travelers as they arrive.
- Walk through Cuzco, a modern city at a staggering elevation of 11,150 feet.
- Explore the Sacred Valley of the Incas, rich in Peruvian tradition.
- Visit several Incan archaeological sites, including the fortress at Ollantaytambo.
Days 10–13: England
You’re off to a new continent: Europe! Your first stop is England, home of the Queen, tea, a wonderfully different form of the English language, and the largest city in the United Kingdom: London. It’s here that red busses zip down the left side of the road, Big Ben chimes at tea time and medieval castles accent a futuristic skyline. Brimming with history and unique architecture, you’ll soon understand why it’s one of the most visited cities in the world.
- Put your walking shoes on for a guided tour that brings you outside Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, and St. Paul’s Cathedral.
- Experience a royal ritual during the changing of the guards at Buckingham Palace.
- Get a proper view of London from above on an optional London Eye & Tea excursion.
Days 14–16: France
Next up: Paris, France, a city known for world-class art and gastronomical perfection. There’s nothing quite like a warm croissant, except for maybe croque monsieur AKA next-level French grilled cheese. From the major landmarks like the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower to the serenity of the River Seine, you’re going to see it all. Study up on high fashion, watch the Hunchback of Notre Dame, and get used to having only one free hand since your other hand will always have a fresh baguette in it. Now you’re ready for France.
- Arrive to your accommodation and get settled in the city of love and cheese: Paris.
- Float down the River Seine during a scenic boat ride that makes its way through the true heart of the city.
- Watch the world-famous lights of the Eiffel Tower sparkle (every hour, on the hour after sunset).
- Opt in for the optional (and oh-so-elegant) tour of the Palace of Versailles.
Days 17–18: Switzerland
You’re off to Switzerland, home to postcard-worthy views everywhere you look. Breathe in fresh lake air with hints of fresh chocolate (it might only be your imagination) as you explore a charming city overlooked by the snow-capped peaks of the Alps. It won’t take long to see why so many people flock to Switzerland—and seemingly never want to leave.
- Get introduced to the city with a guided tour from your Tour Director.
- Stand in wonder before Löwendenkmal, an impressive sculpture of a wounded lion carved into a sheer rock cliff.
- Stroll across the Kapellbrücke, a covered wooden footbridge featuring a series of paintings dating back to the 17th century.
- Shout from the top of a mountain during an optional excursion up the Swiss Alps.
Days 19–24: Italy
It’s everybody’s favorite boot-shaped country, recognized for Renaissance art, people that use outdoor voices all the time, and infinite carbs: Italy! It’s safe to say, whether you’re consuming art or pizza, Italy is a cultural mecca begging to be explored. And even though Italians don’t actually eat spaghetti and meatballs, it doesn’t mean you can’t finally have your Lady and the Tramp moment. Start in Venice, and make your way down through Florence and then Italy’s capital city of Rome, where hustle and bustle is served with a side of ancient ruins.
Note: There is no included entry to the Duomo during the guided sightseeing in Florence, but you will have free time to return if you so choose.
Disclaimer for Rome in 2025: Please be aware that due to the Jubilee and associated events taking place in Rome, there may be changes to our scheduled activities. This could include modifications to timings, relocation, or cancellations.
- Stand in the footprints of history on the Rialto Bridge, the oldest spanning the Grand Canal.
- Stroll the Piazza della Signoria, home to Florence’s seat of power, the Palazzo Vecchio, as well as several intricate sculptures.
- Visit the final resting place of some of the most illustrious Italians such as Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli at the Basilica di Santa Croce.
- Stop for a photo outside of Rome’s Colosseum, where gladiators battled to the death in mortal combat, and be glad you live in the 21st century.
Days 25–29: Greece
Hop over to Athens, Greece, a vibrant metropolis that was once the center of art, politics, and literature. Ancient monuments, feta cheese, and people socializing in the streets make this country stand out from the rest. After experiencing Greece, you’ll know two things for sure: The Mediterranean Sea is bluer than most things (including, but not limited to, Eiffel 65’s hit song from the 90s), and baklava is a dessert sent from the gods. After a few days in Athens, journey out into the Mediterranean to begin your epic Greek island adventure to Santorini. Get ready for beaches by day, and nightlife by—you guessed it—night.
- Switch from Italian to Greek as you make your way to Athens, the center of Greek mythology and home to The Acropolis, the remains of an ancient citadel built 2,500 years ago.
- Update your watch to island time on the ferry to Santorini, famous for its white-washed and blue-domed buildings, volcanic landscapes, and picture-perfect sunsets that you can happily post with #nofilter.
- Sit back and relax at your beachside hotel. (Seriously, this is all you have to do.)
- Head back to Athens for one more opportunity to see the sites and put tzatziki on everything.
Days 30–32: United Arab Emirates AKA Dubai
You are now entering the Middle East, a region made up of 15-20 (depending on who you ask) countries in North Africa and Southwest Asia. The first cities were born here, religions arose, and humans figured out how to express ideas through abstract characters on clay tablets (also known as writing). Touch down in Dubai, a futuristic desert city that is hard to put into words. Picture pet cheetahs instead of dogs, indoor ski resorts, and the most expensive hotel in the world. It’s incredibly wealthy, outrageously over the top, and expats make up 80% of its population. Prepare your mind, because it’s about to be blown.
- Kiss Europe goodbye, and hop on your flight to Dubai, a city plopped in the middle of the desert, that needs to be seen to be appreciated.
- Help yourself to a geography lesson, brought to you by the World Islands, 300 man-made islands off the coast, placed together to look like a map of the world.
- Put on your bargaining shoes, and walk through the Dubai souk, a traditional marketplace that sells everything from jewelry to textiles.
- Look waaaaaay up at Burj Khalifa. It’s the tallest building in the world, and almost twice as tall as the Empire State Building.
- Count the number of luxury cars you pass, not including the police in Lamborghinis.
- Hop aboard a Land Rover 4x4 for an adrenaline pumping, desert safari through the sand dunes outside the city, followed by a barbecue dinner and belly dancing performance.
- Cheers to being half-way through your trip with an included Half-way lunch.
Days 33–39: Kenya
New continent alert: welcome to Africa! When it comes to historical significance, Africa takes the cake; human beings literally came into existence here over 6 million years ago. You’ll spend the next seven days in the East African country of Kenya exploring national parks, coming face-to-face with countless wild animals, and simply enjoying the peaceful serenity of the great outdoors.
- Arrive in Nairobi, Kenya’s capital and East Africa’s most cosmopolitan city.
- Hit the open road towards Amboseli National Park, known for three things: elephants, birds, and jaw-dropping views of Mt. Kilimanjaro.
- Enjoy two days in the Masai Mara, a huge area of savannah grasslands.
- Keep your eyes peeled during your game drives for The Big Five (lions, elephants, buffalos, leopards, and rhinoceroses).
Days 40–43: Thailand
Asia, unknown to much of the Western world, is a behemoth of a continent with a couple billion people, beautiful beaches, and thousands of years of rich history—the perfect adventure for the culturally curious. Hopefully you’ve worked up an appetite, because you’re going to the home of delicious spicy noodles: Thailand. But this country is more than thin strips of dough and spices. There are tropical forests, floating markets, and golden Buddhas everywhere. On the way to Bangkok, sit back, relax, and practice some yoga. Try corpse pose, which, is essentially sleeping. Bangkok’s mixture of modern day norms is juxtaposed with traditions of the old world. As night falls, the energy of the busy city streets turns into world-renowned nightlife.
- Arrive in City of angels, great city of immortals, magnificent city of the nine gems, seat of the king, city of royal palaces, home of gods incarnate, erected by Visvakarman at Indra's behest (a rough translation of the city’s full name).
- Board a longtail boat and find out why Bangkok is known as the “Venice of the East.” Hint: it’s not because of gelato.
- Look up at the Emerald Buddha, Thailand’s most important religious icon, which happens to be a two-foot-tall jade statue of Buddha.
- Gawk at the intricately adorned Grand Palace in the heart of Bangkok, and then travel by speedboat an hour outside of the city to behold the floating markets.
- Explore the busy streets of Bangkok as you search for the city’s best noodles.
Days 44–52: Islands of Thailand
Yes, you’re still in Thailand, but the islands are as special as they come, which is why they get their own section. After you’ve had your fair share of Southeast Asia’s mainland, it’s time for some island fun. Phuket, Phi Phi & Koh Samui Islands in Thailand are your places to lounge in the sun on a white sand beach and snorkel in crystal-clear water among tropical fish. These islands are part tropical paradise, part party central. Which style will you pick? Spoiler: there’s no wrong answer.
- Snorkel, sunbathe, or take a walk along the beach in Phuket before picking from a breadth of dinner options and hitting the town.
- Zoom over to Ang Thong National Marine Park on a speedboat and get ready to hit the beach, snorkel the colorful reefs with exotic fish, and kayak around the islands.
- Learn about the essential herbs, vegetables, and sauces in Thai cuisine by creating some of the country’s most famous dishes during a cooking class.
- Enter a real life Planet of the Apes as you pass by a beach with hundreds of monkeys lining the sand and cliffs, hoping you’ll toss them a banana.
- Lounge at Maya Bay, where Leonardo DiCaprio filmed The Beach.
- Find a beach bar and watch Islanders test fate as they juggle flaming batons and you question whether you could do that, too. Spoiler: You can’t.
Days 53–56: Australia
Sydney, Australia's oldest and largest city is the last stop on your adventure around the world. It has an energizing combination of beautiful landscapes, vibrant culture, and nightlife. The moment you step foot in Sydney, you’ll feel the buzzing energy all around you. It’s loud, it’s attractive, and it knows it. And there’s no better way to end your trip than with four days of beaches, delicious food, and extravagant nightlife.
Farewell Dinner
Share some last laughs (and maybe shed a few tears) at an included farewell dinner with the group.
- Check out all that Sydney has to offer on a guided tour from your Tour Director.
- Learn about Sydney’s most famous hydrated amorphous form of silica (it’s opal, if you couldn’t guess).
- Enjoy a scenic boat ride out on the picturesque Sydney Harbor.
- Hit Manly Beach, catch some rays and watch surfers in their natural habitat (like Planet Earth but instead of birds it’s bros).
- Get out of town for a day hike in the Blue Mountains, where you can balance out the constant endorphin-high of traveling with the peaks and troughs of the Jamison Valley.
Day 57: Fly Home
Goodbye, friends/family!
Let’s face it. After 57 days, you’re practically family. But your next destination awaits—home. Before you head to the airport, enjoy your last few moments together. Take one more group photo. Grab that final drink. (Fine, maybe a couple of drinks.) But this isn’t goodbye. It’s “See you later.” The only question is, where?
Customize with excursions
Enhance your experience with hand-picked optional excursions—designed to add adventure, culture, and unforgettable moments to your journey.
Traveler photos
Reviews
Weather
Sydney, Australia
Weather averages
Cuzco, Peru
Weather averages
Lima, Peru
Weather averages
Flights
When you include flights with your trip, our dedicated team of experts will handle all the details, so your travel experience is as seamless as possible. Just select your dates and airport to see pricing.
Perks of booking flights with us
- Airport transfers to and from accommodations
- Ability to pay for flights over time, interest free
- Convenience of travel plans all in one booking
- 24/7 guidance through flight changes or delays
- Free delayed and lost bag tracking with Blue Ribbon Bags
- Locked-in price (barring post-booking changes)
- Flexibility for pre- or post-trip travel
- Major international airlines only
Learn more
FAQ
Well, ideally, 5 minutes ago. But we get it takes some time to figure out the best trip for you. We do recommend booking as soon as possible, this not only secures your spot on the trip, it also allows you the most time to pay for your trip. The closer we get to departure the more challenging securing your reservation becomes. If you’re booking under 99 days prior to departure, give us a call to book your trip. For more information on the late reservations process, visit our Help Center.
You can see the most up-to-date entry requirements for the destination(s) you’ll visit on your trip here. Simply type in the name of the tour and you’ll see all of the entry requirements including passport validity, visas, and electronic transit authorizations.
Note that this information will default to US passport holders. If you hold a passport from outside the US, please make sure to consult your country’s immigration and travel site to determine the best documentation needed for your travels.
Not necessarily! While most people on this trip will be between 20-28, these trips are designed – from pacing and destinations to accommodations and activities – for either the age you are or the age you feel. Age is just a number, after all.
Groups can vary in size (often between 20–44 travelers) but are guaranteed to leave you with memorable friendships that often last a lifetime. With a group of adventurers who are game to tackle a new sidequest every day, there’s sure to be an energetic and supportive group atmosphere for whatever you’re looking for. Check out our Rules of the Road and the role all travelers play in creating a fun and inclusive group.
Traveling solo? Have no fear! Over 60% of our travelers join an Ultimate Break tour solo. It doesn’t matter if you’re an introvert, an extrovert, or anything in between, our tours are designed to build connections that will last a lifetime. You get to know the rest of the group through the EF Ultimate Break app before you even depart, and our EF Tour Director expertly helps the group get to know each other and bond during experiences like the Welcome Dinner, excursions, and throughout the tour. First time traveling with us? Check out our resources for first time travelers here.
That’s up to you! Prices default to booking without flights but we are happy to take one more thing off your plate and book your roundtrip airfare.
When you book flights with us you’ll get:
- The ability to roll the cost of your airfare into our interest-free monthly payment plan.
- One checked bag per traveler included.
- Expert guidance on how to work with the airline when flight delays and cancellations occur.
- Transfers to and from the airport on your tour’s arrival and departure dates.
- Flexible rebooking options if your itinerary changes.
- Flexibility around your arrival and departure airports. You’ll have the option to fly in or out of most airports if you want to add any independent travel before or after your tour.
- Assurance that you will only be booked on airlines that meet our rigorous safety standards.
If you have preferences regarding an airline or are traveling with someone and wish to be on the same flight as them, you can read more about flying with your friend here. We’re always happy to look into it however we can’t guarantee we will always be able to accommodate.
Flight details are released for preview 60 days before departure and your e-ticket and confirmation number will be available 30 days before you depart.
If you choose to book flights yourself, keep in mind that you’ll be responsible for transfers to and from the airport. For more information about choosing your own flights, including general arrival and departure times, visit our help center.
During your trip, you’ll stay at accommodations handpicked by our team of local experts. Each property is centrally located, so the sights, shops, restaurants, and nightlife you came to experience are right outside your door.
Rooms are exclusively for EF Ultimate Break travelers and are group share style, separated by gender. Everyone gets their own bed and rooms include an en suite bath.
Your Tour Director is with you during your entire trip. They’re part logistics master, making sure you get to see all that we have planned; part rockstar, sharing with you local hotspots; and part guru, sharing and inviting you into the culture. Our Tour Directors are fully trained and ready to support you in making your journey safe, seamless, and unforgettable!
In some locations you will be met by a local guide who will lead you through our traveler-inspired walking tour. You’ll get some local history and culture while also making sure you hit the photo stops. You’ll walk away with an insider’s perspective and some great pictures.
Excursions are available for purchase at a discounted rate prior to departure. Some excursions may be available for purchase while you are on tour directly through your mobile app but are subject to availability and will be more expensive.
We recommend purchasing excursions at least 3 days prior to your tour departure. Please note some excursions have advance booking deadlines. Check your tour itinerary for more information to ensure you don’t miss the deadline to add them.
This is your classic sightseeing tour. Think lots of walking and taking in all the sites. On these tours, be prepared to:
- Walk a minimum of 10k steps per day (more if you add excursions)
- Use public transportation
- Climb on and off a motor coach unassisted
- Manage your own luggage (including carrying luggage upstairs if there is no elevator)
- Climb occasional stairs, hills and navigate various terrains (think cobblestones) to different sites
- Stand for periods of time during guided commentary and photo stops
With over 60 years of experience, our travelers safety is a top priority. Our expert teams are constantly review national and international travel guidelines to ensure your trip will meet our rigorous safety—and satisfaction—standards. While our destinations are safe, it’s always important to stay aware of your surroundings and follow basic safety guidelines. Pickpocketing can occur, especially in crowded areas or tourist hotspots. Keep your belongings secure and be cautious with strangers offering unsolicited help or deals.
Here are a few additional points:
- Health and safety: Talking with your healthcare provider about any vaccinations or medication you may want to consider. Here are some additional tips for traveling with medication and traveling with allergies.
- International data plan: In the event you need to get in touch with your Tour Director or Ultimate Break while abroad, it’s important to invest in an international data plan. Call your cell phone provider to understand their plans or look into purchasing a sim card.
- Transportation safety: Keep your belongings close and stay alert. At the end of a night out, use trusted transportation like a licensed taxi, Uber of Uber like service, and always have cash on hand.
You can learn more about our safety commitment here.
Ultimate Break trips are a welcome environment for all. While we work hard to cultivate an inclusive environment in our groups, we recognize some people may have additional reservations based on their identity that they need to consider while traveling. Check out some resources on our identity and international travel page and reach out if you have any questions.
When you travel with Ultimate Break, you’ll make a positive impact on the places you visit and the people and animals you meet along the way. That’s because our three core Responsible Travel commitments—protecting the environment, supporting local communities, and promoting animal welfare—are at the heart of every tour we offer.
Learn more about EF’s Impact approach here.
Your safety is priority #1
Our parent company EF has been ensuring the safety of travelers abroad since 1965 with:
- 24/7 global on-call support
- Highly trained Tour Directors
- Quality & safety checks on accommodations
- 50,000 EF staff on the ground in 50 countries
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