2026 best vacation packages from Exoticca, according to verified Trustpilot reviews

The best vacation package among verified travellers is “Coastal Cities & Cultural Treasures” (Tour of Portugal, 9 days), followed by “Grand Tour & Kasbah Route” (Tour of Morocco) and “Treasures of Anatolia” (Turkey).

How we built this ranking

This ranking is based only on verified reviews from real Exoticca customers on Trustpilot. Only vacation packages with 10 or more verified reviews are eligible, and we use a weighted score that combines review volume with average rating, so a package with hundreds of great reviews outranks one with a perfect score from just a handful of reviewers. See our full methodology

A quick note on this list: a few of these packages have changed names, IDs, or URLs since some of the reviews were written, as Exoticca refreshes its itineraries from time to time. Where that happened, we combined the review history under the current, bookable version of the trip so no package lost credit for reviews that still describe the same core itinerary.

Quick comparison: the 10 best vacation packages

1. Coastal Cities & Cultural Treasures — Tour of Portugal

Portugal · 9 days · 4.71★ · 569 verified reviews · Score 2680

This 9-day tour starts in Lisbon, with a guided visit to the Belém Tower and the Jerónimos Monastery, resting place of explorer Vasco da Gama, followed by a taste of Portugal’s famous pastel de nata custard tart before a walk through the hillside streets of the Alfama quarter, one of the oldest parts of the city. A day trip to Sintra follows, taking in the Quinta da Regaleira, a palace and garden complex known for its romantic 19th-century architecture and symbolic underground tunnels, before a stop at Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of mainland Europe, and the seaside town of Cascais. The route then passes through the walled medieval town of Óbidos and the clifftop town of Nazaré, famous for the biggest waves ever surfed, before reaching Fátima, one of the most visited Catholic pilgrimage sites in Europe. From there, the trip continues to Tomar to see the Convent of Christ, a former stronghold of the Knights Templar, and to Coimbra, home to Portugal’s oldest university, before finishing in Porto with a panoramic tour past the Clérigos Tower and the Dom Luís I bridge over the Douro river, and a stop in the canal town of Aveiro on the way back to Lisbon. Travellers who want to go further can add a Fado dinner show in Lisbon or a Douro river cruise in Porto with a port wine tasting, both optional extras on top of the included sightseeing.

With 569 verified reviews and a 4.71★ average, this is the highest-scoring vacation package in our entire ranking, and by a wide margin. Travellers consistently point to the same reasons: a well-paced route that covers a lot of ground without feeling rushed, guides who know the country in depth, and a good mix of iconic sights and smaller, less-touristy stops like Óbidos and Aveiro.

One traveller praised the trip as “very well organized,” highlighting punctual airport transfers, friendly drivers, and excellent city guides throughout (read the review). Another reviewer, whose flight was delayed by more than 24 hours, praised the team’s quick thinking in arranging private transport to meet the tour group already underway, and singled out having the same guide for the whole trip as a real trust-builder (see review). A third traveller, on the “charm” hotel category, called the itinerary well-paced, with a guide who was “very knowledgeable about history and the areas visited” (read the review).

Good to know: more than one traveller mentions this is a walking-heavy itinerary (often 10,000+ steps a day, much of it on uneven cobblestones), so comfortable footwear matters more than usual on this trip (see review).

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2. Grand Tour & Kasbah Route — Tour of Morocco

Morocco · 11 days · 4.57★ · 283 verified reviews · Score 1292

This 11-day tour begins in Casablanca, with a city tour taking in the Art Deco Dar El Baida White House and Mohammed V Square, before continuing to Rabat to see the Kasbah of the Oudayas, a hilltop citadel of narrow blue-and-white alleyways, along with the Hassan Tower and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V. After a stop in the old Phoenician town of Asilah, the route reaches Tangier, then crosses the Rif Mountains to the blue-painted city of Chefchaouen and on to Fez, where a full day is spent exploring the Royal Palace, the medersas of the world’s largest medina, and its traditional artisan workshops. From Fez, the trip crosses the Middle Atlas through Midelt to the edge of the Sahara at Erfoud, with the option of a night at a Berber desert camp under the stars. The route continues through the Gorges of Todgha and the rose-growing town of Kalaat M’Gouna, on to Ouarzazate to see the Kasbah of Taourirt and the UNESCO-listed Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, a frequent film location, before crossing the High Atlas to finish in Marrakech, with a tour of the Koutoubia Mosque, Menara Gardens, Bahia Palace, and a demonstration of how local spices and argan oil are made, right by the souks of Jemaa el Fna square. Optional extras along the way include a Berber dinner show at Chez Ali and a night of Moroccan music and dance in the Marrakech medina.

With 283 verified reviews and a 4.57★ average, this is the second-highest-scoring vacation package in our ranking. Travellers consistently single out the local guides, from surprise birthday cakes to homemade treats shared along the route, and the desert camp night as one of the trip’s clear highlights.

One traveller, on their first bus tour with Exoticca, called guide Mohammed “awesome,” praising his deep knowledge of Moroccan history, culture, and cuisine, plus a memorable night at the desert camp under clear skies with live music around the fire (read the review). Another reviewer’s guide, Abdel, arranged a surprise birthday cake mid-trip and shared homemade Moroccan treats with the group along the way (see review). A third traveller called the guides and driver “amazing” throughout, with Tangier and Marrakech standing out as favourites among the cities visited.

Good to know: based on their own stay, one traveller recommends upgrading to the “superior” accommodation category, after running into maintenance issues like inconsistent hot water at a “charm” category hotel; as with any hotel issue, it’s worth flagging problems like this to Exoticca directly so they can look into it (see review).

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3. Treasures of Anatolia — Tour of Turkey

Turkey · 12 days · 4.40★ · 176 verified reviews · Score 774

This 12-day tour spends several days in Istanbul, visiting the Suleymaniye Mosque, the Ottoman-era Spice Bazaar, and cruising the Bosphorus, the strait separating Europe and Asia, before crossing to Ankara to see the Mausoleum of Atatürk, founder of modern Turkey. From there, the route reaches Cappadocia, stopping at the Salt Lake along the way, for a visit to the Göreme Valley Open Air Museum’s rock-cut churches and the eroded rock formations known as the Fairy Chimneys, with the option to see it all from above on a hot air balloon flight at sunrise. The trip continues to Pamukkale to explore the ancient city of Hierapolis and the white mineral terraces of the Cotton Castle, then to Ephesus, one of the best-preserved Greco-Roman cities in the world, including the Library of Celsus and the House of the Virgin Mary. From Izmir or Kusadasi, the route heads north to the ancient healing center of Pergamon and the archaeological site of Troy, made famous by Homer’s Iliad, before a stop in Bursa, the Ottoman Empire’s first capital, on the way back to Istanbul. Optional add-ons include a dinner cruise on the Bosphorus with traditional dance performances and a Turkish night in Cappadocia.

With 176 verified reviews and a 4.40★ average, this package ranks third overall, its slightly lower rating offset by a solid review base. Travellers describe it as a fast-paced trip that covers an unusual amount of ground, from ancient ruins to volcanic landscapes, in under two weeks.

One traveller called their final guide, Mehmet, “entertaining and kind,” praising how clearly and patiently he shared instructions with the group, on historical, cultural, and political topics alike (read the review). Another reviewer enjoyed shopping for silk scarves in Bursa’s silk bazaar and found locals in Ankara especially friendly and helpful (see review). A third traveller appreciated the mix of couples and solo travellers in their group, all sharing a common interest in learning about the region’s culture.

Good to know: this is described by more than one traveller as a genuinely fast-paced trip, with early starts most mornings and limited time at each stop, so it suits people who don’t mind a packed schedule over slower travel (see review).

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4. Southeast Asian Odyssey — Vietnam, Cambodia & Thailand

Vietnam, Cambodia & Thailand · 19 days · 4.58★ · 144 verified reviews · Score 659

This 19-day tour begins in Hanoi with visits to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university, the Old Quarter, and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and House on Stilts, before an overnight cruise through the limestone islands of Ha Long Bay aboard a traditional junk boat. From there, a flight south leads to Ho Chi Minh City for a full day taking in a local wet market, the War Remnants Museum, and the colonial-era Notre Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office, with an optional half-day trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels. The trip then crosses into Cambodia, spending a day in Phnom Penh at the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek before continuing to Siem Reap for a full day exploring the temples of Angkor, including the carved faces of the Bayon, the tree-wrapped ruins of Ta Prohm, and Angkor Wat itself at sunset. The final stage moves to Bangkok for a more independent, flexible few days, with an included tour of the Grand Palace, the Emerald Buddha Temple, and the Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho, plus a canal cruise past Wat Arun. Optional extras include a Mekong Delta boat trip, a blessing ceremony at a Buddhist pagoda, and a day trip to the ruined former capital of Ayutthaya.

With 144 verified reviews and a 4.58★ average, this longest itinerary in our ranking lands in fourth place. Travellers highlight the Ha Long Bay cruise and the local guides in Vietnam and Cambodia as the strongest parts of the trip.

One traveller called their Hanoi guide, Tuyen, exceptional, describing how he went “above and beyond” sharing Vietnamese treats and local recommendations with the group throughout the Vietnam and Cambodia legs of the trip (read the review). Another reviewer highlighted the Ha Long Bay cruise as a real highlight, with kayaking, cave visits, and excellent food on board (see review). A third traveller, planning their first trip with Exoticca, praised customer service representative Carolina for patiently answering a long list of questions before departure (read the review).

Good to know: a couple of travellers mention that taxis in Hanoi aren’t metered by default, so it’s worth agreeing on a fare upfront before you set off, a handy tip whether you’re getting around independently or grabbing a cab back from an evening excursion (see review).

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5. Cape & Kruger Explorer — South Africa Vacation

South Africa · 11 days · 4.73★ · 135 verified reviews · Score 638

This 11-day tour begins in Johannesburg before heading to the Kruger region, stopping in Pretoria to view the Union Buildings, the seat of the South African government. In Kruger National Park, a full-day 4×4 game drive through the Southern Circle offers the chance to spot lions, rhinos, elephants, and the rest of the “Big Five” in one of the world’s largest game reserves. From there, a flight takes travellers to Cape Town, where a hop-on-hop-off bus ticket and a cable car ride up Table Mountain give sweeping views over the city and coastline. Free days in Cape Town can be filled with an excursion to the Cape Winelands around Stellenbosch, a full-day tour of the Cape Peninsula, taking in Boulders Beach’s penguin colony and the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, or, for the more adventurous, a shark cage diving experience off the coast near Cape Point.

With 135 verified reviews and a 4.73★ average, the highest rating anywhere in our top 10, this package ranks fifth overall, its slightly smaller review base the only thing keeping it below the four packages above it. Travellers consistently describe the Kruger safari and the Cape Town sightseeing as the two standout halves of the trip.

One traveller ran into a flight mix-up after booking, but praised customer service agent Bola for calmly resolving it and even finding a way to save them money on their new itinerary (read the review). Another reviewer, back home in Toronto, called the whole trip “incredible start to finish,” highlighting the safari, penguin beach visit, and shark diving excursion as standout moments (see review). A third traveller appreciated how Exoticca responded to a concern about the itinerary description by offering a fair resolution before the trip even began.

Good to know: a couple of travellers mention early starts most mornings (often around 4:30 a.m.) for the longer safari drives, so it’s worth planning for some early nights during this leg of the trip (see review).

See the full trip on Exoticca

6. Essence of the Emerald Isle — Ireland Vacation

Ireland · 9 days · 4.71★ · 133 verified reviews · Score 626

This 9-day tour starts with a walking tour of Dublin, passing Trinity College, home to the Book of Kells, the Temple Bar district, and the Ha’Penny Bridge over the River Liffey, with an optional visit to the Guinness Storehouse. From the capital, the route travels via the 13th-century castle town of Athlone to Galway on the west coast, then out to Connemara National Park, known for its wild ponies and rolling, unspoiled landscapes. The trip continues along the coast to the Cliffs of Moher, stretching some 14 kilometres above the Atlantic, with a stop in Limerick before reaching Killarney National Park in County Kerry. From there, the Ring of Kerry offers a full day of dramatic coastline and seaside villages, before the route heads to Cork, Ireland’s culinary capital, and back toward Dublin via the medieval town of Kilkenny and its 13th-century castle grounds. An optional Irish evening in Dublin, with a three-course dinner and a traditional music and dance show, rounds out the trip.

With 133 verified reviews and a 4.71★ average, this package ranks sixth overall. Travellers consistently describe their guides as passionate storytellers, with the countryside stretch through Connemara, the Cliffs of Moher, and the Ring of Kerry standing out as the trip’s emotional high points.

One traveller called their two Irish guides “like walking historians,” with a deep love for the country and its history that came through at every stop, from Connemara to the remotest corners of the itinerary (read the review). Another reviewer’s guide, Michele, and driver, Gerry, were “always available,” introducing the group of 16 to Irish history, traditional food, and local culture throughout the week (see review). A third traveller praised the walking tour of Dublin as an excellent way to start the trip, with a knowledgeable guide setting the tone for the days that followed.

Good to know: more than one traveller mentions that 9 days doesn’t feel like quite enough time to properly see the country, with a couple of stops (like the Ring of Kerry) getting less time than they’d have liked (see review).

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7. From Sacred Valley to Lake Titicaca — Peru Trip

Peru · 10 days · 4.52★ · 132 verified reviews · Score 596

This 10-day tour begins with a city tour of Lima, taking in the Convent of Santo Domingo and the colonial-era Plaza de Armas, before a flight to Cuzco and on to the Sacred Valley. The following day is dedicated to Machu Picchu itself: a scenic train ride from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, followed by a guided visit to the 15th-century Inca citadel, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Back in Cuzco, a half-day walking tour covers the Plaza de Armas, the Koricancha Temple, once an Inca palace dedicated to the sun god, and the artisan neighbourhood of San Blas. From there, an overland bus journey to Puno passes the colonial church of Andahuaylas, the Inca ruins of Raqchi, and La Raya, the highest point on the route, before reaching Lake Titicaca, where a full-day boat excursion visits the floating Uros Islands and the older, pre-Inca community on Taquile Island, known for its traditional weaving.

With 132 verified reviews and a 4.52★ average, this package ranks seventh overall, its solid review base earning it a spot just ahead of a shorter, higher-rated Peru itinerary later in this list. Travellers consistently point to the strength of the local guides and the free time built into each stop as highlights of the trip.

One traveller called the guides across most of the trip excellent, giving particular praise to Hugo, Edder, and Lili for their knowledge and the free time they built in at each stop (read the review). Another reviewer, despite some booking-communication frustrations, called the local guide and airport pickup service “well done,” crediting Exoticca’s local partner for a smooth on-the-ground experience (see review). A third traveller praised the ease of the buying process, singling out travel agent Eli for making the decision-making process feel simple and clear.

Good to know: a couple of travellers mention hotel quality in Cusco specifically fell a little short of the rest of the trip, so it’s worth checking accommodation details for that city before booking (see review).

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8. Amazing Ecuador: From Amazon to Galapagos — Ecuador Vacation

Ecuador · 12 days · 4.43★ · 114 verified reviews · Score 505

This 12-day tour begins with a tour of colonial Quito, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, before heading into the Amazon rainforest near Tena, where a guided night walk reveals the jungle’s nocturnal wildlife and a daytime hike through secondary forest offers a chance to spot monkeys, frogs, and exotic birds. From there, the route crosses to Baños, stopping at the roughly 80-metre Pailón del Diablo waterfall along the way, and includes a tasting of melcocha, a traditional pulled sugar-cane candy. Back in Quito, a stop at the Middle of the World Monument and the Intiñán Museum lets travellers stand with one foot in each hemisphere, before a flight to San Cristóbal Island in the Galápagos, where a walking tour of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno is followed by a day exploring the island’s Highlands, including the Galapaguera tortoise reserve, the remote Puerto Chino beach, and La Lobería, a favourite haul-out spot for sea lions. Optional add-ons include snorkelling with sea turtles and rays at Kicker Rock and a kayaking trip along San Cristóbal’s volcanic coastline.

With 114 verified reviews and a 4.43★ average, this package ranks eighth overall. Travellers highlight the Amazon lodge experience and the Galápagos wildlife encounters as the two most memorable stretches of the trip.

One traveller called their Amazon and Quito guide, Jorge, someone who went “over and above” to look after the group, with a visit to San Cristóbal that left them wishing they’d booked an extra day or two to see Santa Cruz as well (read the review). Another reviewer, on their third trip with Exoticca, praised customer service representative Annie for helping apply a travel credit from a previous trip and answering every question with warmth (see review). A third traveller called the overall trip “amazing,” with a helpful support team throughout.

Good to know: a couple of travellers mention the international flights on this itinerary (via connecting airlines) came with some rough patches, from limited in-flight service to seating arrangements that split up travelling companions, so it’s worth double-checking flight details in advance (see review).

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9. Sacred Land of the Incas — Peru Vacation

Peru · 9 days · 4.42★ · 102 verified reviews · Score 451

This 9-day tour follows a similar route to Peru’s other entry on this list, but in a shorter format: a city tour of Lima, a flight to Cuzco and transfer into the Sacred Valley, then a full day at Machu Picchu via the scenic train through Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes for a guided visit to the Inca citadel. Back in Cuzco, a half-day walking tour covers the Plaza de Armas, the Koricancha Temple, and the San Blas artisan neighbourhood, without the additional overland journey to Lake Titicaca and Puno found on the longer itinerary.

With 102 verified reviews and a 4.42★ average, this package ranks ninth overall, its shorter length translating into a somewhat smaller review base than its 10-day counterpart earlier in this list. Travellers consistently name specific local guides, in Cuzco and at Machu Picchu itself, as the reason the trip stood out.

One traveller, on their second trip with Exoticca, praised the local guides throughout, with particular thanks to Elvis in Cusco for his knowledge and excellent English, and Rafael for capturing great photos at Machu Picchu (read the review). Another reviewer called the trip “well planned, well paced,” and good value for money, since Exoticca handled every reservation from departure to return (see review). A third traveller, initially nervous about the accommodations and guides, called the whole experience “wonderful,” with guides Edwin and Alicia singled out as particular highlights, and had already booked a return trip with Exoticca.

Good to know: a couple of travellers mention that accommodation quality and amenities varied a little more than expected across the trip, so it’s worth reviewing hotel details closely when booking (see review).

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10. Escorted Eternal Cities — Tour of Italy

Italy · 9 days · 4.52★ · 96 verified reviews · Score 434

This 9-day tour spends its opening days in Rome, the “Eternal City,” with a guided tour of the Colosseum and the Roman Forum that traces more than 2,500 years of history. From there, the route passes through the hilltop town of Assisi and the Etruscan town of Orvieto on the way to Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance, before continuing to Bologna, one of Italy’s oldest university cities, and Padova. The trip finishes in Venice, built across more than a hundred small islands, where the canals, bridges, and Piazza San Marco offer a final, unhurried stretch of sightseeing before heading home.

With 96 verified reviews and a 4.52★ average, this package rounds out our top 10. Travellers consistently highlight their local guides, particularly in Venice, as well as the unexpected charm of the smaller stops in Orvieto and Assisi along the way.

One traveller called their guide, Sara, “exceptional,” describing her as “a walking encyclopedia” of Italian history who kept every detail of the itinerary clear and on track (read the review). Another reviewer, on their first trip to Italy, praised the local guides across the board and passed along a practical tip: bring cash, since many stores offer a tax refund on purchases over a certain amount (see review). A third traveller gave a special shoutout to guide Lisa for being “very patient, caring and responsible” throughout the trip.

Good to know: a couple of travellers mention that hotels on this itinerary aren’t always centrally located, sometimes a 15-20 minute drive or an hour’s walk from the historic centre, so it’s worth planning transport into each city stop accordingly (see review).

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Frequently asked questions

What is Exoticca’s highest-rated vacation package in Canada?
Based on verified Trustpilot reviews, “Coastal Cities & Cultural Treasures” (Portugal, 9 days) is the vacation package with the highest combined score of rating and review volume.

How is this ranking calculated?
It’s calculated using a weighted score that combines the number of verified reviews with the average Trustpilot rating, so a package with many strongly positive reviews outranks one with a similar rating but far fewer opinions. Only vacation packages with 10 or more verified reviews are included.

Are the reviews quoted in this article verified?
Yes, every review cited in this article comes from a verified Exoticca customer on Trustpilot, with a direct link to the original review in each case.

Do these vacation packages include flights?
Yes, all 10 packages in this ranking include international flights from Canada, along with accommodations, transfers, and the visits listed in each itinerary.

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