New! Discovery Travel Style - VBT

A new style of travel over 50 years in the making

Small-Group Cultural Experiences for Active Minds

Discovery is a new style of travel created by VBT Bicycling Vacations and Country Walkers. Immersive, hands-on, locally led, and low-impact by design, it opens doors to destinations we could never reach with biking or walking routes alone, from the Nile to the outback. Now, nothing is off the map.

Everywhere you go, moments unfold that are authentic, low-impact, and unforgettable—crafted by locals, enriched by tradition, and shaped by decades of expertise from VBT and Country Walkers. Discovery isn’t sightseeing. It’s living the culture.

Inclusions

An expert local leader to introduce you to the best of your destination
Off-the-beaten-path places you’d never find on your own
Immersive hands-on experiences daily
Delicious multi-course meals–a majority are included
A maximum of 16 fun-loving fellow travelers to share the journey
Gracious accommodations that are a clean, comfortable home away from home
Experts to handle all the details
Tour + Travel Packages include plane tickets, airport shuttles, and pre- and post-tour hotel nights

More Hands-On Experiences.

Culture isn’t something you see—it’s something you do. From cooking with locals to exploring vibrant markets, every moment is immersive.

More Local Insight.

Each itinerary is shaped by the people who live there, ensuring you experience their culture from their perspective.

More Opportunities to Make It Yours.

Built-in unscheduled time gives you freedom to follow your own path, with expert suggestions always close at hand.

Low Impact, High Immersion.

Stimulate your heart and mind without pushing your physical limits—enjoy travel that’s engaging, authentic, and welcoming.

Everything You Expect from VBT | Country Walkers.

We crafted these itineraries with all the hallmarks that have led guests to trust us for over 50 years—from seamless Tour + Travel Packages to unforgettable cultural experiences you won’t find on your own.

View All Discovery Tours

Activity Level Guide

From Easy to Challenging, each rating outlines typical distance, time on your feet, elevation, and activity expectations so you can choose the adventure that feels just right for you.

Easy

Slow-paced cultural exploring with short walks and gentle movement—great for relaxed, low-impact days.

Walk up to 1-2 miles over some uneven surfaces, with walk durations of 1-2 hours
Climb 25 stairs consecutively
Stand for up to 30 minutes at a time
May include walking tours, various modes of transportation
Altitude ranging from zero to 5,000 feet

Easy / Moderate

Light activity with occasional stairs, cobblestones, and short walks on varied surfaces.

Walk up to 1-3 miles over some uneven surfaces, with walk durations of 1-2 hours
Climb 40 stairs consecutively
Stand for up to 60 minutes at a time
May include outdoor activities, walking tours, various modes of transport
Altitude ranging from zero to 5,000 feet

Moderate

Active cultural days with longer village walks, mixed surfaces, and intermittent elevation.

Walk up to 2-4 miles over steep slopes and uneven surfaces, with walk durations of 2-3 hours
Climb 60 stairs consecutively
Stand for up to 90 minutes at a time
May include outdoor activities, walking tours, various modes of transport
Altitude ranging from 5,000 to 7,000 feet

Moderate / Challenging

Full days of exploration with extended walking, uneven ground, or higher-altitude environments.

Walk up to 4-6 miles steep slopes and uneven surfaces, with walk durations of 2-4 hours
Climb 80 stairs consecutively
Stand for up to 90 minutes at a time
May include kayaking, rafting, cycling, hiking, and long days
Altitude ranging from 7,000 to 9,000 feet

Challenging

Ambitious cultural immersion with long walking days, rugged footing, and sustained elevation.

Walk up to 6-8 miles over steep slopes and uneven surfaces, with walk durations of 2-4 hours
Climb 100 stairs consecutively
Stand for up to 90 minutes at a time
May include kayaking, rafting, cycling, hiking, and long days
Altitude ranging from 10,000 feet or more