Discover the World One Step at a Time

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to wander through ancient ruins at sunrise or share a laugh with locals over a steaming bowl of street food? That’s the beauty of a land tour—a chance to connect with a destination in a way that feels alive and real. 

Whether you’re drawn to the structure of a guided group or the freedom of a solo journey, land tours have something for everyone. At DVC Advantages and Cruises Plus Travel, we’re passionate about helping you find the perfect adventure. Let’s explore the possibilities, from luxury getaways to independent journeys, and find the trip that’ll fuel your wanderlust.

The Allure of Land Tours – Why They’re a Must

There’s something magical about stepping off a cruise ship or out of a resort and feeling the earth beneath your feet. Land tours trade the deck for boots-on-the-ground exploration, offering a blend of guided insights and the freedom to soak in your surroundings. They’re perfect for adding depth to your travels—whether you’re craving cultural immersion, outdoor thrills, or historical discoveries.

Imagine sipping tea with a Bedouin family in the Jordanian desert, or hiking through a rainforest to the sound of howler monkeys. Land tours let you experience destinations in an intimate and unfiltered way. They’re also a fantastic way to complement your vacation style. If you’re a Disney Vacation Club member, a land tour can extend the magic beyond the parks. If you’re a Cruises Plus Travel client, it’s the perfect pre- or post-cruise adventure to round out your journey. Whatever your travel vibe, land tours bring a new layer of connection to the places you visit.

Adventures by Disney – Where Wonder Meets Wanderlust

For those who love a touch of Disney magic, Adventures by Disney crafts land tours that are nothing short of enchanting. These trips are perfect for families and adults alike, blending education, adventure, and that signature Disney storytelling we all adore.

Picture this: you’re exploring the Peruvian Andes with your family. Expert guides share the history of the Inca as you trek toward Machu Picchu, while the kids get to interact with a local llama herder, giggling as they feed the animals. Later, you’re all savoring a traditional Peruvian meal, the flavors as vibrant as the landscape. 

Adventures by Disney makes every moment feel special—whether it’s skipping lines at iconic sites like the Colosseum in Rome or joining a cooking class to whip up authentic Italian pasta.

What sets these tours apart is their seamless mix of fun and learning. Adults can enjoy sophisticated experiences, like a private wine tasting in Tuscany, while kids dive into hands-on activities designed just for them. It’s the kind of trip where everyone leaves with a story to tell, and for DVC members, it’s a natural extension of the magic you already love.

Beyond Disney – Luxury and Moderate Land Tour Options

Not every traveler wants the Disney touch, and that’s where other land tour companies come in, offering everything from high-end luxury to budget-friendly adventures. Let’s break it down.

Luxury: Kensington or Avanti

If you’re dreaming of a high-end escape, companies like Kensington and Avanti deliver experiences that feel like they were made just for you. These tours are all about private guides, luxurious stays, and itineraries tailored to your every whim.

Take an Avanti trip to Tuscany, for example. You’re staying in a historic villa nestled among rolling hills, the kind of place where you wake up to the scent of cypress trees. Your days are filled with private vineyard tours, sipping Chianti straight from the source, and a truffle hunt with a local chef who teaches you how to turn your finds into a gourmet meal. 

Every detail is polished to perfection, from the chauffeured drives to the five-star accommodations. For Cruises Plus Travel clients, pairing a luxury land tour with a small-ship cruise creates the ultimate indulgent getaway—think a week in the Italian countryside followed by a Mediterranean sailing. It’s the kind of trip that leaves you feeling pampered and inspired.

Moderate: CIE Tours and More

If luxury isn’t your goal, companies like CIE Tours offer affordable guided experiences that still pack a punch. These tours are all about local charm—think cozy inns, expert-led excursions, and just enough free time to explore on your own.

Imagine a CIE tour through Scotland. You’re standing in the shadow of Edinburgh Castle, your guide sharing tales of ancient kings as the city sprawls below. Later, you’re cruising along Loch Ness, half-hoping to spot the monster, before settling into a Highland pub for a dram of whisky with locals. 

CIE Tours strikes a balance between structure and freedom, making it a great choice for those who want value without sacrificing quality. Whether you’re a DVC member looking for a budget-friendly adventure or a Cruises Plus Travel client adding a land tour to your itinerary, these moderate options deliver memories without breaking the bank.

What’s FIT? Decoding Fully Independent Travel

FIT—Fully Independent Travel—is the way to go for travelers who crave total control. FIT means a custom trip built around your desires, from the destinations you visit to the daily plans you follow. It’s all about flexibility, letting you craft a journey that’s uniquely yours.

Picture a solo traveler in Morocco. You’ve got a private driver whisking you to a camp in the Sahara Desert, where you’ll sleep under a blanket of stars after a camel ride at sunset. The next day, you’re free to haggle for spices in the souks of Marrakech, no group schedule holding you back. FIT lets you move at your own pace, diving deep into the experiences that matter most to you.

For DVC members, FIT can feel like the freedom of a Disney villa stay applied to a global adventure—everything is on your terms. Cruises Plus Travel clients might use FIT to explore a port city in depth before boarding their ship, ensuring every moment ashore is exactly what they want. It’s the ultimate way to travel on your own terms, with as much or as little support as you need.

FIT vs. Group Travel – Finding Your Travel Style

So, how do you choose between FIT’s independence and group travel’s structure? Let’s weigh the pros and cons to find the style that suits you best.

Fully Independent Travel (FIT)

• Pros: You call the shots—where, when, and how. It’s ideal for adventurers who want a personalized experience, like a quiet retreat in the Swiss Alps where you can hike at your own pace and sip hot chocolate in a chalet at day’s end. FIT gives you the freedom to linger at a café in Paris or skip a museum that doesn’t spark your interest.
• Cons: It requires more planning, which can feel daunting. But with DVC Advantages and Cruises Plus Travel, we can streamline the process and handle the logistics so you can focus on the adventure.

Group Travel

• Pros: You get instant community, expert guides, and a pre-planned itinerary—perfect for those who love shared experiences. Imagine a group hike in the Grand Canyon, swapping stories with new friends as your guide points out hidden petroglyphs. Group travel takes the stress out of planning and ensures you don’t miss the highlights.
• Cons: You’re tied to the group’s pace and schedule, which might mean less time at a spot you love or a rushed visit to a place you’d rather skip.

The Takeaway: Whether you thrive in a group or crave independence, there’s a land tour style that matches your spirit. Group travel offers connection and ease, while FIT gives you the reins to create your perfect trip. At DVC Advantages and Cruises Plus Travel, we’re here to help you decide which path fits your travel dreams.

Your Next Adventure Is Waiting

Land tours open doors to experiences that linger long after you’re home—whether it’s a Disney-guided journey through the Peruvian Andes, a luxurious Avanti escape in Tuscany, a budget-friendly CIE tour of Scotland, or an FIT adventure tailored just for you in Morocco. With options for every traveler, your next story is out there, waiting to be written.

At DVC Advantages and Cruises Plus Travel, we’re passionate about turning your wanderlust into reality. Whether you’re a DVC member looking to explore beyond the parks or a Cruises Plus Travel client eager to add a land tour to your sea voyage, we’ve got the expertise to make it happen. 

Ready to discover the world one step at a time? Let’s chat and plan your epic adventure!