Twenty-five of the world's greatest journeys: The bucket list adventures now within reach

SAIL THE WATERWAYS OF RUSSIA, SCANDINAVIA AND THE BALTICS

Beginning in Moscow, then venturing via Russian waterways to St Petersburg, this journey stops at villages such as Kizhi, home to the World Heritage-listed wooden Transfiguration Church. Signature experiences include a before-hours visit to the gilded State Hermitage Museum in St Petersburg to take in the Hermitage Peacock Clock Ceremony, an automaton featuring three life-sized mechanical birds. There is also the chance to take morning tea with a Russian family. The Russian journey is complemented with land touring throughout Scandinavia and the Baltics, finishing up in Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania. See aptouring.com.au

EXPLORE THE HISTORIC HOTELS AND ARCHITECTURE OF MID-ATLANTIC US

Those who appreciate the stories behind notable hotels and architecture will enjoy this US coach tour. Between checking into presidential suites in historic hotels, there's the opportunity to visit presidential museums and former residences (Trump Hotels don't feature). There are breweries and distilleries to see, you can soak in hot springs, and you can visitarchitect Frank Lloyd Wright's most famous residential creation, Fallingwater, which is suspended over a waterfall in south-western Pennsylvania. See gocollette.com

SADDLE UP FOR A FOOD AND WINE CYCLING TOUR OF THE LOIRE VALLEY, FRANCE

Take in the scenery off-road following the rivers Loire and Cher, stopping in for wine tastings and meals while cycling the Loire Valley. The tour rambles through verdant villages, imposing chateaus (including Sleeping Beauty castle), and includes a stop at Leonardo da Vinci's former home in Amboise. Potential stragglers should note that the tour runs at an easy pace and for those nervous about ability, there's a support vehicle ready to help finish the day's journey if you've gone a bit heavy on the sancerre, brie and baguettes. See tourdevines.com.au

MEANDER THE MIGHTY MEKONG RIVER

It's hard to understate the importance of the Mekong River to those who live along the snaking waterway. A colonial-style river steamer takes passengers directly to villages between Saigon and Siem Reap, giving the opportunity to learn about daily lives from the markets in Sa Dec, where hawkers spruik their wares, to Buddhist monasteries. The journey ends (or begins, depending on the direction taken) among the grand, crumbling temples of Angkor Wat. See cruising.com.au

GO BEHIND THE SCENES OF ITALY'S GREAT CHURCHES AND PALACES

Beginning in Rome, this leisurely adventure through Italy has the added bonus of exclusive experiences including a private tour of the Sistine Chapel, a walk with a local expert through Pompeii, and a cruise around the isle of Capri as well as the coast of Cinque Terre. Discover the secrets of the Venetian Republic on a private evening tour of the Doge's Palace and in San Gimignano savour the taste of the world's finest gelato from world champion maestro Sergio Dondoli. See luxurygoldvacations.com

CRUISE THROUGH EUROPE'S HEART FROM AMSTERDAM TO BUDAPEST

There's a reason why river cruise aficionados name this the one to try for a maiden voyage. On this 15-day Jewels of Europe journey from Amsterdam to Budapest, passengers will feast among the medieval ambience of Marksburg Castle and attend a private Viennese evening concert. Lazily cruise down the Danube and sip a sundowner while taking in the scenery of the Wachau Valley. Expect vistas of gothic spires, verdant forest and vineyards as the journey winds from Amsterdam through Germany and Austria to Budapest. See scenic.com.au

SAIL THE GLITTERING WATERS OF THE GREEK ISLANDS

Sure, ships are commonly docking in the ports of Mykonos and Santorini but this new route aboard the luxury all-balcony 150-guest ship, Le Laperouse, adds lesser visited isles such as Knossos, Rhodes and Delos, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Apollo's birthplace. Another bonus is a private visit to an organic farm in Crete for a cooking demonstration straight from the source, and evening events in Athens and Rhodes featuring Greek cuisine and entertainment. See abercrombiekent.com.au

HIKE TO OBSERVE THE MAGNIFICENT MOUNTAIN GORILLAS IN RWANDA

See some the world's last remaining gorillas by hiking through Rwanda's dense jungles in Volcanoes National Park. This tour begins is the small town of Ruhengeri before heading to the national park. The trek through bamboo forest, alpine moorland, grassland and marshland can take up to four hours, but you will be rewarded with an hour-long viewing of one of the 10 gorilla families. Another option for the tour is the Dian Fossey Trek, where you follow in the Gorillas in the Mist author's footsteps, and pay respects at her grave. See intrepidtravel.com

EXPLORE RUSSIA'S FAR EAST ABOARD A LUXURY SMALL SHIP

Done Antarctica and the Canadian Arctic? Consider taking an expedition cruise to the wilds of Far East Russia to spy brown bears and arctic foxes among the tundra and volcanoes. Bring the zoom lens; Tyuleniy Island is home to tens of thousands of seals and sea lions. Along the way you'll spy slaty-backed gulls, tufted puffins, common murres and pelagic cormorants. A cruise through the Sea of Okhotsk not only highlights nature, an on-board historian introduces passengers to the local history and culture. See silversea.com

EXPERIENCE ANCIENT EGYPT AND JORDAN

Beginning in Amman, the capital of Jordan, this journey starts with a float and mud treatment in the Dead Sea before continuing on to Petra. At night the rock is lit by 1000 candles, making the entrance to the Treasury, carved directly into vibrant red, white, pink, and sandstone cliff faces, all the more dramatic. The Egyptian portion of the trip starts with a tour in Cairo, then to the Great Pyramids of Giza before continuing on to Luxor and the Valley of the Kings. Also included is a visit to World War Two battlefields and to the Commonwealth War Cemetery associated with the battle of El Alamein. See bunniktours.com.au

WALK THE MOUNTAINS, GLACIERS AND VOLCANOES OF ICELAND

Spot puffins, bathe in hot springs and witness Iceland's incredible natural phenomena including bubbling volcanic solfataras, glacial lakes and geothermal lagoons on this comprehensive highlights tour. From Skaftafell, you'll drive through fields of lava created by Laki's famous volcanic eruption of 1783, and in the Hvolsvollur Valley local guides will give insight into how the much more recent eruption of Eyjafjallajokull volcano has affected the area. See peregrineadventures.com

EMBARK ON AN ABRIDGED PILGRIMAGE IN JAPAN

Not everyone has the time or stamina to tackle the renowned 1200-kilometre 88 Temple Pilgrimage on the island of Shikoku, so fortunately there is a tour which takes in the highlights. Twenty-seven of the temples can be experienced on this 11-day day walk, which takes in cliff-lined shores, and deep valleys around the Seto Inland Sea. Each temple is different; at one you may ring a bell, at another you may throw coins or wash your hands in holy water. See walkjapan.com

EXPLORE THE AWE-INSPIRING ANDES BY LUXURY TRAIN

A train journey on the new and luxurious Belmond Andean Explorer journeys from Cusco to Arequipa visiting Puno and Lake Titicaca. Tours on land each day include a visit to the Raqch'i Inca archaeological site, a boat ride out to the Uros Floating Islands and Taquile Island. A private lunch is offered on Collata Beach, with traditional dancing demonstrations. There is also a visit to Sumbay Caves to see cave paintings before heading back on the train. If you somehow tire of the monumental scenery, head to the spa car for a pampering session. See belmond.com

FOLLOW THE EXPLORERS' PATH TO ANTARCTICA

The number of expedition ships cruising Antarctica has risen due to demand, and as it grows, so does the standard of expedition vessels. One such leader is Le Lyrical, where passengers embark on a luxury journey in the footsteps of those who conquered the territories of the far south. The itinerary takes in the Falkland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula and there's a visit to Elephant Island where the crew of the Endurance, led by Shackleton, managed to survive for 129 days in 1916. See ponant.com.au

TRAVEL THE SILK ROAD FROM MOSCOW TO TEHRAN

Trace the ancient trade route, where textiles, spices and grains were exchanged, on this bespoke tour from Moscow to Tehran. Onboard the steam locomotive, the Golden Eagle, the journey of almost 10,000 kilometres takes in the intersection of the Silk Road where traders from Mongolia, Russia, China and Persia once exchanged wares. On offer is a private viewing of the Kremlin Armoury before it opens including its Faberge egg collection. See captainschoice.com.au

EXPLORE THE NATIONAL PARKS OF MADAGASCAR

Known for its abundant wildlife, this island off Africa is home to lemurs and endemic varieties of baobab trees, plus nearly one-quarter of all the flowering plants in Africa. A top adventure in Madagascar explores the collection of the island's national parks including the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Tsingy de Bemaraha. It's an action-packed itinerary including canoeing and beach camping along the Manambolo River, traversing the limestone pinnacles of Tsingy de Bemaraha, hiking the sandstone canyons and swimming in natural pools. See worldexpeditions.com.au

TAKE A LUXURY NORTH AMERICAN COAST TO PEAKS TRAIN JOURNEY

A trip on the Rocky Mountaineer from Seattle through to the Canadian Rockies takes in the sea and mountains. Along the Coastal Passage, the train passes Puget Sound over waterside rail trestle bridges. It's a daylight journey revealing scenic surprises around every bend before arriving in Vancouver. Continue on to see Canada's incredible inland scenery and spot a bear along the way in luxury in the spectacular glass domed carriages. Opt for the Goldleaf service to feast on meals in the luxury dining cart (there's a chef on board). See rockymountaineer.com

GO ON SAFARI IN STYLE IN TANZANIA

Observe Africa's big five – elephant, leopard, lion, rhinoceros, and buffalo – in their natural habitats. As well as viewing the wildlife from open-top safari vehicles, the tour includes a dawn hot-air balloon flight over the Serengeti, to see zebras racing and hippos submerged in the Mara River from another perspective. Following the safari, the journey concludes on the archipelago of Zanzibar to sail in a dhow. Overnight stays are in luxury safari lodges, tented camps and in Zanzibar, a seaside resort. See tauck.com.au

COMMUNE WITH PANDAS ON A GRAND TOUR OF CHINA

Panda lovers know that Chengdu in China is the holy grail, but the city, and even the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, can be difficult to navigate without a guide. This tour takes in a visit to the research base to see baby pandas and adults in spacious leafy habitats playfully wrestling and chomping on bamboo. It's just one of the highlights of the In Pursuit of Pandas tour which also includes a visit to the Terracotta Warriors, the Giant Buddha of Leshan and the Great Wall. See wendywutours.com.au

SEE SRI LANKA'S SCENIC TEA COUNTRY BY TRAIN

Take a train ride from Kandy to the heart of Sri Lanka's Tea Country on one of the world's most scenic train rides as part of a nine-day cultural journey. The tour includes a visit to a tea plantation followed by lunch on the verandah of the Tea Trails. There's also a visit to Colombo's Royal Botanical Gardens, guided by a professor of botany, and a visit to Kandy's Temple of the Tooth, one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites for Buddhists.See lightfoottravel.com

SAIL THE WILDLIFE-RICH ISLANDS OF THE GALAPAGOS

Find out why Charles Darwin called the Galapagos Islands "a little world within itself" by sailing on a mega yacht to this archipelago of 20 islands almost 1000 kilometres west of Ecuador. Roam and paddle among the giant tortoises, marine iguanas, Galapagos penguins and blue-footed boobies. Most of these creatures have never learned to fear humans, so you'll get some close encounters. The scenery is as diverse as the wildlife with lava fields, lava tubes, lagoons, sandy beaches, coral reef-lined bays and cactus forests. See chimuadventures.com

EXPERIENCE HISTORIC CASTLES AND BUILDINGS OF BRITAIN

Beginning with visiting the best of London, this journey then heads to the hallowed halls of Oxford and to Lacock in rural Wiltshire to see Harry Potter's house and other historic buildings used as locations in films. You'll tour the university city of Oxford, then stay in a Welsh castle before venturing further north to discover the home of the Beatles in Liverpool. The tour ends with a two-day visit to the castles and the Royal Yacht Britannia in Edinburgh. See trafalgar.com

GO ADVENTURING IN ECO-FRIENDLY COSTA RICA

Adventurous types keen to learn about local sustainable enterprise can combine zip-lining through a jungle canopy, wildlife viewing (including sloths) with the opportunity to be involved in a reforestation project and a sea turtle conservancy program on this 14-day tour. There is also a visit to a coffee co-operative and the opportunity to learn to make tortillas from scratch in a family home. Surfing and horseback riding are also on offer as is the chance to relax in therapeutic waters in the shadow of the Arenal Volcano. See gadventures.com.au

Q + A TO B

DEBRA FOX, CHIEF COMMERCIAL OFFICER, APT TRAVEL GROUP

THE ESSENCE OF A GREAT JOURNEY IS ... signature experiences. They're the once-in-a-lifetime experiences that you just could not do if you were by yourself.

THE ONE JOURNEY FROM MY COMPANY'S PORTFOLIO THAT YOU REALLY SHOULD TAKE IS … a river cruise, such as Amsterdam to Budapest. It's a great way to experience the history and cultures of Europe and meet local people.

THE NEWEST JOURNEY BY MY COMPANY WHICH I AM MOST EXCITED ABOUT IS … Russia. We've been out for a few years because of the local situation there, so going back in 2018. It's your time in the smaller regional and rural areas that you really learn a lot about Russia. We'll have a historian on board and specialists who conduct the tours – they just bring it to life.

THE GREATEST JOURNEY I'VE EVER UNDERTAKEN WAS … walking the Milford Track in New Zealand with a small group of people. You have to push yourself but it's extraordinarily beautiful and there is the sense of accomplishment at the end.

THE ONE JOURNEY I STILL WANT TO DO IS … Antarctica, and I'm finally going next February. It's been a life-long dream. I did an Alaskan cruise and seeing whales just breach off the front of the ship or an iceberg calve in front of you just brings tears to your eyes.

DENNIS BUNNIK, MANAGING DIRECTOR, BUNNIK TOURS

THE ESSENCE OF A GREAT JOURNEY IS ... Making connections – connections with your fellow traveller, the destination, its history and its people. To achieve this the itinerary must be well designed and well balanced with enough free time to allow for independent exploration.

THE ONE JOURNEY FROM MY COMPANY'S PORTFOLIO THAT YOU REALLY SHOULD TAKE IS … Egypt and Jordan in Depth. There is something very humbling about standing in front of the monuments and treasures of ancient civilisations – it makes you appreciate how time is the great leveler and how fleeting our time is in the history of the world.

THE NEWEST JOURNEY FROM MY COMPANY WHICH I'M MOST EXCITED ABOUT IS … our Italy and France tour, newly revamped this year. We take a more leisurely pace taking time to linger in Tuscany, Italian Lake District and the Cinque Terre before spending three nights in the French Riviera. From here the leisurely pace continues through Avignon, Lyon and the Loire Valley to the city of love, Paris. Along the way we savour the wines, the food and the beauty of the various regions.

THE GREATEST JOURNEY I'VE EVER UNDERTAKEN WAS ... at the age of 17 when I finished high school I took a gap year to go backpacking through Europe. This ignited my passion for travelling. I also learned the best way to connect with a destination was to slow down and join the locals.

THE ONE JOURNEY I STILL WANT TO DO IS … Iceland – it's been on my bucket list for as long as I can remember but I still haven't made it – hopefully in 2018.

ALISON MEAD, GENERAL MANAGER, COLLETTE

THE ESSENCE OF A GREAT JOURNEY IS ... a journey that offers immersion into different cultures to meet locals and experience cuisine and music. Tour managers and local experts are invaluable to give inside knowledge of local gems.

THE ONE JOURNEY FROM MY COMPANY'S PORTFOLIO THAT YOU REALLY SHOULD TAKE IS … our American Music Cities tour where you see a jazz revue, take a cooking lesson and go on a swamp tour in New Orleans.

THE NEWEST JOURNEY BY OUR COMPANY WHICH I AM MOST EXCITED ABOUT IS … Northern Lights of Finland where you stay in glass igloos. It's a great itinerary, though of course there are no guarantees you'll see the northern lights.

THE GREATEST JOURNEY I'VE EVER UNDERTAKEN WAS ... India. When you arrive the first time, it's a culture shock. I loved taking the train from Agra to Varanasi. I'd stay around the river and watch the dawn rituals. They say you haven't been to India if you haven't been to Varanasi.

THE ONE JOURNEY I STILL WANT TO DO IS ... Namibia and Botswana and see the amazing wildlife.

LIZ GLOVER, SCENIC ACTING GENERAL MANAGER SALES AND MARKETING

THE ESSENCE OF A GREAT JOURNEY IS ... Who you travel with and making sure you have enough free time to do everything – or nothing. And then there are the authentic experiences you stumble across and the knowledgeable guides who show you the way – and, of course, the food.

THE ONE JOURNEY FROM MY COMPANY'S PORTFOLIO THAT YOU REALLY SHOULD TAKE IS … Our iconic 15-day Jewels of Europe, from Amsterdam to Budapest, or the other way around. It's really the best introduction to Europe River Cruising, four countries, three rivers, choice of 21 included on shore activities, four exclusive Enrich activities, 41 meals and more.

THE NEWEST JOURNEY BY MY COMPANY WHICH I AM MOST EXCITED ABOUT IS … Scenic Eclipse's first voyage to South Georgia and Antarctica, which departs Buenos Aires on December 17, 2018. This itinerary offers our guests the opportunity to become modern-day explorers on the world's first "discovery yacht".

THE GREATEST JOURNEY I'VE EVER UNDERTAKEN WAS … Africa. There was the thrill of heading out on a safari to spot one of the big five and the sense of achievement from climbing Mount Kilimanjaro.

THE ONE JOURNEY I STILL WANT TO DO IS ... Egypt, but I can't stop at one. The list is so long.

JAMES THORNTON, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, INTREPID TRAVEL

THE ESSENCE OF A GREAT JOURNEY IS ... Feeling that sense of adventure and getting under the skin of a destination. Trying the local food, meeting the local people, and experiencing different types of local transport.

THE ONE JOURNEY FROM MY COMPANY'S PORTFOLIO THAT YOU REALLY SHOULD TAKE IS … trek to see the gorillas in either Rwanda or Uganda deep inside the Volcanoes National Park. Nothing can prepare you for the majesty of coming face to face with a gorilla in the wild.

THE NEWEST JOURNEY BY MY COMPANY WHICH I AM MOST EXCITED ABOUT IS … Peregrine Adventures' new range of Adventure Cruises to Croatia, Greece, Cuba and more. Adventure cruising is more about the destination; stopping at little islands that the big ships can't reach, exploring local markets and trying fresh produce.

THE GREATEST JOURNEY I'VE EVER UNDERTAKEN WAS … my first visit to India as an independent backpacker. I landed in Mumbai, without anything organised, and was faced with complete culture shock. I had some of my most challenging and interesting experiences as I journeyed through southern India.

THE ONE JOURNEY I STILL WANT TO DO IS ... The Trans-Siberian railway. I've been to Moscow, I've been to Beijing – but I'm craving the ultimate train trip that links the two cities, through the heartland of Siberia and the vast grassy steppe of Mongolia.

FIVE CLASSIC JOURNEYS OF THE WORLD

ROUTE 66

It's the highway that symbolised America's mobility, and while these days it's more a byway, Route 66 still kicks. Begin in Chicago with a breakfast of pancakes at Lou Mitchell's and motor west to Los Angeles stopping into mum-and-pop-run motels and diners along the way. See visittheusa.com

VENICE-SIMPLON ORIENT EXPRESS

The grande dame of luxury trains is a moving museum piece of art deco. On board, guests dress in tuxedos and gowns, feast on lobster and drink vintage champagne at a dedicated bar. This London to Venice service could be the finest rail journey in the world. See belmond.com

CAMINO DE SANTIAGO

Pilgrims, and those who want to appreciate the scenery of the Pyranees and the Basque Country have made this route, also known as St James's Way, a busy trek. The 770-kilometre journey takes about two months but shorter itineraries are available. See thecamino.com.au

TRANS-SIBERIAN RAILWAY

An epic journey across Russia, this 101-year-old fabled route takes in a panorama of pine, larch and silver fir. Taking travellers one-quarter of the way around the world from Moscow to Vladivostok or Beijing, the steel ribbon continues to impress. See trans-siberian.com.au

QUEEN MARY 2 TRANSATLANTIC CROSSING

"Cunardists" will tell you this is not merely a cruise, it's a crossing. Cunard lines have been making the seven-night trip from Southampton to New York (and vice versa) since 1847. Expect Veuve Clicquot Champagne, tea, cucumber sandwiches and scones with lashings of buttery cream and jam, and the chance to see animals at sea; there are dog and cat kennels of board. See cunard.com

FIVE GREAT AUSTRALIAN JOURNEYS

TACKLE THE SEVEN PEAKS WALK

A hike offering more vertical gain than Tasmania's Overland Track and the Northern Territory's Larapinta Trail, this is the best way to get an appreciation of the immense beauty of Lord Howe Island, NSW. See greatwalksofaustralia.com.au

TAKE ON AUSTRALIA TOP TO TOE BY LUXURY TRAIN

Now offering a newly enhanced Platinum Club experience, train travel on the iconic journey between Adelaide, Alice Springs and Darwin just got more comfortable and stylish. See greatsouthernrail.com.au

CRUISE THE WILD KIMBERLEY COAST IN STYLE

A small ship cruise along the Kimberley Coast takes in secluded gorges, tumbling falls and towering rock faces. The expedition includes a visit to the seabird breeding ground on Adele Island. See aptouring.com.au

CAMP UNDER THE STARS EAST ARNHEM LAND

On this journey in the Top End of the Northern Territory you can camp under the stars with the traditional owners in Nyinyikay and learn about this ancient Australian culture. There's also the opportunity to spend time on remote Bremer Island. See intrepidtravel.com

EXPLORE THE RED CENTRE BEYOND ULURU

Don't just stop at the rock, an Uluru and Kata Tjuta visit can be combined with a visit to Kings Canyon before heading to the Tjoritja/West MacDonnell Ranges. The tour ends in Alice Springs. See aatkings.com