Homestays & Local Immersion Education / Learning Tours &...

Homestays & Local Immersion Education / Learning Tours & Trips

2,662 Homestays & Local Immersion trips. Tours from 261 tour companies. 11,735 reviews. 4.6/5 avg rating.

231 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
My selections:
Education / Learning
Exploring the Hidden White Villages of Spain’s Andalusia
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4.3/5 Great
100+ reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Seville

Highlights

  • Venture deep into the Sierras to find centuries-old White Villages and a way of life, still passed down through generations
  • Learn about the historical city of Cordoba, home to the Great Mosque and a monument to the famous Jewish philosopher Maimonides
  • Walk in Grazalema's Nature Park, visit a working olive oil mill, and learn about traditional arts & crafts of the White Villages

Themes

50 plus, Education / Learning, Hiking & Walking, Local Immersion & Homestays

What travelers are saying

"I had purchased a Greek Island trip with Roads Scholar for the end of October 2022. I did not purchase travel insurance until after I fell playing pickleball and broke my pelvis, wrist, and sacrum. I purchased the insurance past the deadline and they still accepted it! I felt I could still do the trip as it was over 2 months away. I felt I might need some health protection while I was there. Then it started to become obvious that I could not do this trip…it would become too risky for me! So I cancelled the trip. The company had at least 1 1/2 to 2 months to fill that slot of mine with someone else. I asked for credit for another trip and they refused as it was past the deadline. They have not given me credit for another trip. I feel that under the circumstances that it would be good customer service to at least give me some credit for another trip. They have $6400 of my money that I never got to use."

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Out and About in Santa Fe: Art, Architecture and Local Cuisine
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4.3/5 Great
100+ reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Very Easy
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Santa Fe

Highlights

  • Learn about Santa Fe’s unique blend of architecture, multicultural heritage and emphasis on the arts with field trips to Museum Hill and Chimayó, an international pilgrimage site
  • Discover Native American art traditions on an expert-led excursion to the Indian Arts Research Center at the School for Advanced Research
  • Expand your knowledge as an expert instructor teaches you about the life and art of the long-time Santa Fe resident Georgia O’Keeffe

Themes

50 plus, Education / Learning, Local Immersion & Homestays

What travelers are saying

"I had purchased a Greek Island trip with Roads Scholar for the end of October 2022. I did not purchase travel insurance until after I fell playing pickleball and broke my pelvis, wrist, and sacrum. I purchased the insurance past the deadline and they still accepted it! I felt I could still do the trip as it was over 2 months away. I felt I might need some health protection while I was there. Then it started to become obvious that I could not do this trip…it would become too risky for me! So I cancelled the trip. The company had at least 1 1/2 to 2 months to fill that slot of mine with someone else. I asked for credit for another trip and they refused as it was past the deadline. They have not given me credit for another trip. I feel that under the circumstances that it would be good customer service to at least give me some credit for another trip. They have $6400 of my money that I never got to use."

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Frank Lloyd Wright, Roycroft and the Arts and Crafts Movement
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4.3/5 Great
100+ reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

New York

Highlights

  • Meet Roycroft Renaissance artisans and observe their crafts during on-site demonstrations
  • Delight in evening receptions at two historic Roycroft homes and experience their ambiance
  • Learn about the life and work of Roycroft’s charismatic founder, Elbert Hubbard

Themes

50 plus, Education / Learning, Hiking & Walking, Local Immersion & Homestays

What travelers are saying

"I had purchased a Greek Island trip with Roads Scholar for the end of October 2022. I did not purchase travel insurance until after I fell playing pickleball and broke my pelvis, wrist, and sacrum. I purchased the insurance past the deadline and they still accepted it! I felt I could still do the trip as it was over 2 months away. I felt I might need some health protection while I was there. Then it started to become obvious that I could not do this trip…it would become too risky for me! So I cancelled the trip. The company had at least 1 1/2 to 2 months to fill that slot of mine with someone else. I asked for credit for another trip and they refused as it was past the deadline. They have not given me credit for another trip. I feel that under the circumstances that it would be good customer service to at least give me some credit for another trip. They have $6400 of my money that I never got to use."

Trip dates & details
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Southeast Asia at A Glance
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5/5 Excellent
24 reviews
Private Guided
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Kuala Lumpur

Highlights

  • Singapore city tour with shopping experience;
  • Close to nature-Kuala Lumpur Bird Park;
  • One full day non-stop fun and entertainment at Sunway Lagoon water park;
  • Visit Grand Palace and Wat Phra Keio in Bangkok

Themes

Cultural, Education / Learning, Family Friendly, Local Immersion & Homestays, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Photography

What travelers are saying

"DO NOT BOOK WITH THIS COMPANY!!!! They SCAMMED ME AND MY FAMILY OUT OF 5,000 US Dollars!!!"

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Imperial China and Japan Tour
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5/5 Excellent
24 reviews
Private Guided
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Beijing, Kyoto, Shanghai, Tokyo, Xian

Highlights

  • Explore contemporary imperial Beijing
  • Visit the Great Wall, Forbidden City and hutong
  • Enjoy a taste of Beijing roasted duck
  • Visit the terracotta army in ancient capital, Xian
  • Explore the modern futuristic Shanghai
Show more

Themes

Culinary & Wine, Cultural, Education / Learning, Family Friendly, Hiking & Walking, Local Immersion & Homestays, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Transformative

What travelers are saying

"DO NOT BOOK WITH THIS COMPANY!!!! They SCAMMED ME AND MY FAMILY OUT OF 5,000 US Dollars!!!"

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Paris: City of Light
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3/5 Average
2 reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Dijon, Palace of Versailles, Paris, Rouen

Highlights

  • Flexible Schedule: Pack your time full of activities or enjoy a more leisurely pace—it’s your choice! Talks led by experts and special themed walking tours are complemented by time to pursue personal interests—solo or with new travel friends. Plus, your resident director is always available to advise on other activities so you’ll feel like a Parisian in no time! Live Like a Parisian: Settle into the modern Adagio Paris Opera apart/hotel, located in a historic and bustling neighborhood. Plus, your Paris museum and metro passes provide easy access to the city’s treasures. Walking Tours: Take walking tours featuring Le Marais, the Latin Quarter, and historic sites of World War II, and a special cruise along the Seine, all of which provide a deeper appreciation of Paris. Day Excursions: Go beyond Paris to the Palace of Versailles, the Burgundian town of Dijon, and Rouen, the capital of Normandy on special day excursions.

Themes

Cultural, Education / Learning, Local Immersion & Homestays

What travelers are saying

"My wife and I were on the Smithsonian Journeys Splendors of Australia and New Zealand between April 13 and May 2, 2018. Smithsonian is rated by this site as Luxury travel. However, Smithsonian "farms out" the logistics for their trip to Odysseys Unlimited. Odysseys booked within country air travel with the lowest cost air carriers. Flights were cancelled from Ayers Rock to Sydney and from Queenstown New Zealand to Rotorua. Another flight was significantly delayed so that we did not arrive at our Christchurch destination until 2:00 am, making for a really tired next day. Odysseys Unlimited compensated us $400 per person for missing a day in Sydney and paid for an excursion in Auckland for missing Rotorua. This was wholly inadequate, given that these were highlights of the trip. In addition, our tour guide was rude to several people on the trip. If Smithsonian Journeys is truly a luxury travel outfit, as we had believed, then they would not be farming out travel logistics to such a chinch company as Odysseys Unlimited. We will think twice about traveling with Smithsonian again, and so should others."

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Highlights of Italy
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3/5 Average
2 reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Florence, Rome, Venice

Highlights

  • Showcasing ancient sites, priceless art, outstanding cuisine, and unique lodgings.
  • Discover the city’s most famous sites, including the Roman Forum and Colosseum and the Vatican.
  • Enjoy a wine tasting at a local winery.

Themes

Culinary & Wine, Cultural, Education / Learning, Local Immersion & Homestays

What travelers are saying

"My wife and I were on the Smithsonian Journeys Splendors of Australia and New Zealand between April 13 and May 2, 2018. Smithsonian is rated by this site as Luxury travel. However, Smithsonian "farms out" the logistics for their trip to Odysseys Unlimited. Odysseys booked within country air travel with the lowest cost air carriers. Flights were cancelled from Ayers Rock to Sydney and from Queenstown New Zealand to Rotorua. Another flight was significantly delayed so that we did not arrive at our Christchurch destination until 2:00 am, making for a really tired next day. Odysseys Unlimited compensated us $400 per person for missing a day in Sydney and paid for an excursion in Auckland for missing Rotorua. This was wholly inadequate, given that these were highlights of the trip. In addition, our tour guide was rude to several people on the trip. If Smithsonian Journeys is truly a luxury travel outfit, as we had believed, then they would not be farming out travel logistics to such a chinch company as Odysseys Unlimited. We will think twice about traveling with Smithsonian again, and so should others."

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Voyage to Madagascar
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5/5 Excellent
14 reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Zanzibar

Highlights

  • Six day tour of Madagascar where you stroll through the white sand beaches of Mauritius
  • In Zanzibar, wander through a labyrinth of serpentine alleyways in Stone Town (a world heritage site)
  • Witness 32 species of reptiles; and over 100 species of birds,
  • Enjoy superb snorkeling at Nosy Hara, a World Wildlife Fund coral marine ecoregion

Themes

Cultural, Education / Learning, High Adventure, Local Immersion & Homestays

What travelers are saying

"Zegrahm gets my highest recommendation. I recently returned from a 13-day Seychelles exploration and snorkel/dive adventure beginning in Zanzibar, visiting something like 9 Seychelles Atolls and islands for tons of daily snorkeling and diving, and finishing in Mahe where we departed from. This was absolutely the best cruise/group experience I have ever had on either land or sea. Zegrahm charters the boats and I was lucky enough to be on the Ponant ship, Le Bougainville, which is very posh, with a friendly and polite staff, an amazing french chef, good food, a nice spa, you name it. My bedroom was like a small luxury hotel and each room had a balcony so you could enjoy seaside and ocean views from your bed or balcony whenever you'd like. It was lovely. I especially appreciated coming back to such a haven after long days of sunshine, beach and snorkeling. Not only was the cruise ship and it's staff fantastic, but the Zegrahm staff were all wonderful. I sat and had dinner with many of them every day and they somehow remembered all our names (99 or so of us). They snorkeled and dove with us, pointing out fish and naming species, they went birding, they provided lectures in the mornings and evenings in their areas of expertise, because Zegrahm hires Marine Biologists, Anthropologists, and countless other individuals (with PhDs) to provide insight and lessons into the history and ecology of the places being visited and seen. At the conclusion of the trip - I didn't want it to end. I had made several like-minded friends for travel, was invited on future trips and exchanged information with almost everyone. We were a family by the end, both staff and customers. Hugs all around as we celebrated all we had seen together and promised to keep in touch. Zegrahm fosters that type of environment when you travel with them - and it was welcoming and especially enjoyable for a solo traveler like myself. These trips aren't cheap - but are worthwhile for all you see and do - most things you'd never be able to see on your own and certainly not with trained ecologists and marine science experts. I believe you get what you pay for. I was one of the youngest on board but there was a small group of about ten 30-40 year olds with the vast majority being probably 50-80. This isn't a sit on the boat all day-type thing. You are going to be waking up early, going out 2-3x a day and really seeing and doing things. You almost never have down time and you are always learning, seeing, talking and doing. It's expeditionary, not sedentary. It's fun and really enriching. The best way to know someone is doing a good job at this price point (think around $8-12k per person) is repeat customers and I met countless people who have done 6-12 of these expeditions with Zegrahm and knew the staff already. That's the absolute best recommendation you can get. I'll be booking with them again without any hesitation. Thank you to Brad, Murph, LJ, Merel, Steven, George, George K., Robin, Pepper, Lisa, Shirley, Gemma, Chris, Boli, Marcel, and anyone else who I forgot from this amazing trip. You all did a great job and made me feel like family!"

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231 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
My selections:
Education / Learning

Homestays & Local Immersion Reviews & Ratings

4.6/5  Excellent
11,735  Reviews
See all Homestays & Local Immersion tour reviews
Excellent
5,897
Great
2,080
Average
346
Disappointing
88
Terrible
47
B

Begum

Oct 2015

Written on

I love our tour leader Edith and

I love our tour leader Edith and the support we got from her was excellent!

I

Ida

Oct 2015

Written on

A great variety of experiences (learning about

A great variety of experiences (learning about culture, but also being in nature and doing some more physically challenging activities). Great tour leader and great ...

P

Paul

Sep 2015

Written on

I felt we covered a lot in

I felt we covered a lot in a short time and there was a flexible app...

g

geraint

Sep 2015

Written on

Great country, people, food and quality of

Great country, people, food and quality of the trip & leader

X

Xiao

Sep 2015

Written on

I thoroughly enjoyed my Intrepid tour and

I thoroughly enjoyed my Intrepid tour and all the optional activities on offer. It's great to travel with the comforts of having transport and accommodation already ...

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Homestays & Local Immersion Tour Selection Trips

  • Do your research and ask questions. Homestays can be a wonderful insight into local life, but occasionally hotels are falsely advertised as "home stays".
  • Be a courteous guest. Tidy up after yourself, and look out for house rules, such as taking your shoes off before entering. Your host should enjoy having you as much as you enjoy staying there!
  • Stretch beyond your comfort zone! You may encounter squat toilets, cold showers and strange new foods, but it's all part of the experience. And who knows, you may find you have a taste for boiled frog or fried crickets.
  • Spend time with your hosts. A homestay is more than simply renting a room - it is a chance to get involved with a family's way of life. And don't forget that the reason many people agree to host is to learn about your culture, too.

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