Renowned tourist destinations abound the world over. From Europe to Asia, from Africa to North and South America, these destinations attract millions of people year after year, thanks in large part to their diverse cultures, rich history, and natural beauty.

However, not all memorable locales draw the same number of annual visitors. What’s more, oft-overlooked destinations are often the ones offering the most rewarding experiences. So with that in mind, here are five Odysseys Unlimited tours to unexpected destinations in West Africa, Central Asia, the Balkans, and South America.

Floating village of Ganvie, Benin

West Africa Discovery

West Africa embraces its complex and fascinating history, boasting a rich tapestry of interwoven cultures and religions. There's much to absorb from the countries we visit on our West Africa Discovery tour: Ghana, the former Gold Coast with its contrasting rural villages and metropolitan cities; Togo, a tiny but memorable land full of palm-lined beaches and hospitable residents; and Benin, the birthplace of West Africa's millenniums-old religion, Vodun (known as Voodoo). We learn about the “Slave Coast” and its involvement in the Atlantic slave trade while immersing ourselves in the daily lives of local people through intimate cultural experiences: learning Voodoo magic from a healer, watching the Zangbeto ("Guardians of the Night") perform their snake-like dances, receiving our Akan names in a sacred ceremony, and much more.

Registan Square | Samarkand, Uzbekistan

Along Central Asia’s Silk Road

The Silk Road was once an intricate network of trade routes facilitating commerce between Europe and Asia starting in the 2^nd century BCE all the way through the mid-15^th century. And while the Silk Road’s trade routes are no longer in use, the region remains as exotic and alluring today as it was 2,000 years ago. From Kyrgyzstan to Kazakhstan to Uzbekistan, the nations along Central Asia’s Silk Road boast a wide range of cultures and religions, along with unique art and architecture that tell tales of widespread trade and prosperity.

Bran Castle | Transylvania, Romania

Bulgaria & Romania Discovery

To many, the Romanian region of Transylvania is best known as the home of Count Dracula, the titular character of Bram Stoker’s 1897 novel. And while Vlad the Impaler – the real-life inspiration for Stoker’s Dracula – was allegedly born there, he represents only a fraction of Transylvania’s story.

Today, the region is a highlight of our Bulgaria & Romania Discovery small group tour. From Transylvania’s medieval fortresses to the Palace of the Parliament in Bucharest, from Romania’s Black Sea coast to the dramatic mountains rising high into the Bulgarian sky, Bulgaria & Romania Discovery gives guests an in-depth look at two truly unique destinations.

Torres del Paine National Park | Chilean Patagonia

Patagonia Explorer and Patagonian Frontiers

It doesn’t get much more “off the beaten path” than Patagonia. Bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the west and the Atlantic Ocean to the east, Patagonia spans parts of Chile and Argentina at the southernmost tip of South America. Here, you’ll find one of the most beautiful and unspoiled landscapes on earth, with vast ice fields, lush rainforests, pristine lakes, snow-capped mountains, and impressive biodiversity.

Dive deep into the wonders of Patagonia on our Patagonia Explorer small group tour. Or, if you’d prefer to explore the region by land and sea, Patagonian Frontiers may be the tour for you.

Interested in taking the road less traveled with Odysseys Unlimited? Start planning your next adventure today.