10 unusual trips to book in October

Whether you choose a rainforest family adventure in Costa Rica or want to explore Jordan's stunning ancient history, we have some unusual small-group tours to take you well beyond the beaten track. Here are ten that are ideal to book this month.

1. Festivals of Bhutan

Peaceful monasteries, Himalayan mountain peak backdrops and deep, green valleys characterise this journey through the Buddhist Kingdom of Bhutan. Experience colourful and traditional festivals with welcoming locals and return via Kathmandu for a flavour of this chaotic yet captivating city.

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2. Peru In Depth and the Inca Trail

Journey from Lima to Cusco, ticking off Peru's must-sees and off-the-beaten-track gems. This tour combines hikes around the country's highlights with trekking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Journey to the mysterious Nazca Lines, visit the 'White City' of Arequipa, see the impressive Colca Canyon and spend a night on Taquile Island, all before finishing up in cosmopolitan Cusco, the former Inca capital.

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3. Jordan Discovery

On this 9-day trip you’ll discover the highlights of Jordan’s fascinating history. The adventure kicks off with a visit to the ancient city of Jerash, considered to be one of the best-preserved Roman provincial towns in the world. Later, marvel at the rose city of Petra, one of Jordan’s most valuable treasures. You’ll spend a couple of days here, allowing you to really immerse yourself in this spectacular site.

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4. Iceland Northern Lights Adventure

Tick the Northern Lights off your bucket list on this short break in the heart of Iceland's Golden Circle. Explore the very best of the country's dramatic landscapes - from waterfalls to glaciers - and take advantage of the shorter days, watching the night sky to catch the Aurora Borealis.

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5. Hiking Turkey's Lycian Way

As you follow the route of Turkey’s Lycian Way, you’ll visit beautifully-preserved ruins and quaint villages from the past. The trip begins in the deserted site of Kayakoy, a ghost town of ancient buildings. Sidyma Ancient City, meanwhile, is home to unusual tombs from the Roman and Byzantine period. For a spot of relaxation and swimming, we’ll hike across lush fields and pine forests, before arriving at Patara Beach.

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6. The Five Stans of the Silk Road

Get off the beaten track with a trip into Tajikistan’s remote Fann Mountains. Jagged peaks tower above you as you wind your way up through the valleys in search of the bright turquoise waters of the Seven Lakes. Feel all of your senses come alive as you dip into a chilly lagoon and take time to enjoy the panoramic views with a delicious lake-side picnic after your swim.

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7. Highlights of El Salvador

Escape the tourist trail and soak up the lively atmosphere of El Salvador. Listen out for the distinctive clapping sound of ‘pupusas’ being cooked up in the streets and watch the locals skillfully wrapping your favourite foods into a corn flour dough, before patting it flat and tossing the stuffed bread onto a poker-hot grill. This delicious gooey treat is the perfect snack to fuel you on your adventure, as you immerse yourself in the eclectic landscape of this vibrant hidden country.

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8. Family Costa Rica Rainforest and Wildlife Adventure

Feel like an intrepid explorer as you navigate the jungle waterways in Tortuguero's ‘Mini Amazon.’ Drift through the dense canopy and cross narrow lagoons in the heart of this tropical forest. Keep your eyes peeled for heron, stork and kingfisher hiding in the everglades, as well as howler and spider monkey swinging through the canopy.

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9. Cycle Southern Spain - Murcia

The fragrant notes of almond and apricot blossom fill your lungs as you pedal through the vast countryside surrounding Cieza, Spain. Marking the beginning of spring, ‘La Floracion’ is a wonderful time to tour the region by bike. Feel the warmth of the sun on your back and witness a sea of pink and white flowers flowing through the valleys against a backdrop of lush mountains and blue skies.

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10. Family Atlas Mountain and Sahara Adventure

From the Atlas Mountains to the Sahara Desert, adventures await across Morocco's stunningly diverse landscapes. Take a stroll in the High Atlas, cycle the southern mountain slopes and head deep into the desert dunes on camelback to sleep under the stars at a Berber camp. Discover all that the country has to offer, from the bustle of Marrakech's souks to the kasbahs that line the dusty desert roads, on a family-friendly exploration of Morocco's highlights.

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