Home to the world’s oldest living rainforest and Four Mile Beach, the small town of Port Douglas is a laidback base for dipping beneath the surface of the Coral Sea with a snorkel or scuba tank. The tropical turquoise water gives way to world-famous visibility – spot colorful corals, coy clownfish, shimmering parrotfish and striped sweetlips. Back on land, A&K’s guides offer the chance to see endangered cassowary, tree-kangaroos and platypus, making the descent to Mossman Gorge all the more exciting. 

Sydney revels in its vibrant stereotypes, and yes, this is a city of morning runs and yoga sessions on the beach, but there is so much more besides: the food, the live music, the effervescent social scene, the dueling architectural styles, plus the world’s most beautiful natural harbor to boot. A&K’s expert guides tap into their network to deliver an action-packed urban adventure with an exhilarating jet boat tour, surf lessons on Bondi Beach and the chance to climb 400ft to the summit of Sydney Harbour Bridge. Sydney’s loveliest landmarks are well worth touring, too: Parliament House, the Botanical Gardens and the historic neighborhood known as The Rocks.