10 places to go in August

Who could resist a summer in Tuscany? Italy is perfect for summer, with plenty of sunshine and warm weather. Our wonderful Tuscany Walking and Wine adventure is a week that will bring out your inner sommelier. Stay in a converted Tuscan farmhouse overflowing with charm and a former Franciscan convent dating back to the 13th century, and spend your days wandering the vineyards and sipping local Chianti wines. The walks here are stunning, with pretty hilltop towns, ancient pilgrimage trails and the rolling hills and cypress trees Tuscany is famed for.

Head to the coast of South Africa in August and there are extraordinary experiences to be had both on land and at sea. Enjoy South Africa’s Garden Route with us, and combine wildlife watching with wine-tasting and incredible scenery. August is a good time for whale watching from the shore, or on an optional boat trip, as southern right, Bryde's and humpback whales visit the coastal waters. We also visit Tsitsikamma National Park, a beautiful coastal park, where you can choose from walking, kayaking or zip-lining. And to top it all off, go on a game drive at Addo National Park, one of the best places to see elephants in the world, with a whopping 600 elephants living in the park. August is a great month to visit as it’s the dry season and is typically quieter. 

August is the dry season in Peru and temperatures are warm. This makes it a great time of year to hike the Inca Trail. June and July are generally the most popular months to visit so August can be slightly quieter on the trail, and there'll be fewer crowds when you reach majestic Machu Picchu. As well as the trek itself we'll visit colourful markets and explore the cobbled streets of Cusco. Plus, why not extend your trip with a stay in the Amazon rainforest? It’s the low-water season, when it’s generally warmer and has the lowest amount of rain.

Boasting two weeks of exploration, Sri Lanka in Depth is the perfect tour for hitting all the highlights of this iconic destination. Hop on a jeep safari in Wilpattu National Park for a chance to spot leopard, elephant and deer, and discover the cave temples of Dambulla, dating all the way from the 1st century BC. For pure relaxation, enjoy an Ayurvedic massage with aromatic oils, or a dip in the sea at Unawatuna Beach Resort.

August is peak season for hiking in Canada, with long daylight hours and little rain. Explore the breath-taking views of Western Canada on our Walking in the Rockies tour, which features several hikes in spectacular national parks. On this adventure we spend eight nights camping in the forests, where you'll get to sit around the campfire and get a fantastic view of the night sky away from light pollution. On all of the hikes you’ll be rewarded with stunning views over mountains, lakes and glaciers.