The enchanting Kiso Valley, nestled in the heart of Japan, is a timeless treasure, where history breathes through its ancient pathways and rustic architecture. Four centuries ago, the picturesque villages of Magome and Tsumago served as crucial staging posts along the 500 km Nakasendo Highway, where feudal warlords journeyed annually to Edo (now Tokyo). Today, these villages retain their historic charm, with Magome seamlessly blending modern amenities with its traditional core, easily accessible by rail and bus from Nagoya. As you step onto the broad foot trail of 'old' Magome, the echoes of the past resonate, transporting you to an era untouched by time.

The Grotte du Mas d'Azil is a significant prehistoric site, renowned globally for its importance during the Magdalenian and Azilian periods. The cave boasts impressive illumination that showcases its natural beauty, and with the help of virtual techniques, visitors can explore the inaccessible decorated galleries. The tour also includes an educational experience that covers the geological formation of the cave, the lives of prehistoric humans, the work of the first diggers, the challenging construction of the road, and many other exciting surprises.

The yellow-eyed penguins of the Otago Peninsula are only found in New Zealand and are the rarest ones in the world, with just 4,000-5,000 penguins currently in existence. You can get up close and personal with these delightful creatures along with the thriving New Zealand fur seals and sea lions on an eco-tour that combines all three.