Little-visited with a fledgling tourist industry, Georgia is a small country that makes a surprisingly big impression.

Georgia lies at the intersection of Europe and Asia, bordered by Russia, Azerbaijan, Turkey and the Black Sea. The gateway is through its capital city Tbilisi, layered in history and now buzzing with cool cafes and wine bars. A flurry of stylish new hotel openings adds another reason to visit this charm-laden city and we  recommend a few days to wander Tbilisi’s labyrinth-like streets, stopping for bowls of dumplings or a glass of Georgian wine.

From here, discover a land largely untouched by tourism, where caves reveal mysterious monasteries and dramatic, forested mountains are topped with snowy, mist-swirled peaks. Travel along the Georgian Military Highway – one of the Caucasus’ most spectacular journeys, on a road that snakes through hilltops reaching a high of 2,000 metres.

Read more about what Georgia offers as a destination, and contact Matt to plan your tailor-made journey.

Landlocked Laos is a natural bedfellow of Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam as part of a South East Asian tour but we feel that Laos is very much a destination in its own right. The pervading air of Buddhism gives this country a tranquillity mirrored in its welcoming people, and its towns are an atmospheric mix of colonial architecture and temples. Laos’ countryside offers slow-paced exploration in areas little-visited by tourists where immersive and culturally rich experiences await.

Enchanting Luang Prabang will always be a great draw but we recommend looking beyond this to the lesser-seen spots of Northern Laos. Discover stunning scenery from cascading waterfalls to fascinating hill tribes and bright-green paddy fields plus of course, the mighty Mekong River.

A particular highlight is to spend time in remote and picturesque Muang La, approximately five hours north of Luang Prabang. At a peaceful eco lodge, soak up views of the Nam La River and a glorious patchwork of green rice fields and palm trees. Here you can head out on foot or bike to discover small villages built into the terraces of the hillside.

Read more about the highlights of Northern Laos or get in touch with Rob to discuss visiting Laos, or combining with Thailand, Cambodia or Vietnam for a longer journey.

Traditionally a Real Holidays favourite, Cuba exploded with US tourism five years ago. However, with new restrictions on American travel to Cuba, now is an excellent opportunity to experience this colourful destination. And with the steady rise of small stylish places to stay, you can catch Cuba on the cusp of change.

Buzzing with both Caribbean and Latin influences, Cuba is full of character and charm from the crumbling colonial streets humming with salsa to the white-sand beaches lapped by turquoise waters. Wherever you go in Cuba, music will accompany you from roof-down cars, open windows and hidden bars. Salsa forms the backbone of many a melody, often with spontaneous Spanish singing. Evenings see cities like Havana and Trinidad come to life with live bands, atmospheric jazz singers and two-stepping dancers performing an impromptu Cuban rumba, best enjoyed in a smoky bar with a Mojito nearby.

Read more about our highlights of Cuba or get in touch with Sophie for first-hand experience of travelling in Cuba and to plan your own trip to this fascinating country.

We love a holiday that starts at a bustling port, and there’s something rather special about heading to an island that is only accessible by sea. The Cyclades offer just this, and the lack of direct flights mean the islands retain their sleepy, authentic feel with little of the price-elevating that occurs on flashier neighbours Santorini or Mykonos.

It’s possible to hop from one island to another giving you a peaceful passage around the lesser-seen Cyclades, where charming hotels await, rural life remains unchanged for centuries and dazzling beaches are devoid of tourists. We recommend starting your island-hopping adventure on tiny 8-mile Folegandros to experience sleepy Greek village life. A stop at Milos is recommended for its sensational beaches, here you can spend your days wandering from sandy inlets to authentic tavernas. Staying on Sifnos is a must for those with foodie inclinations as it is fast becoming known for its impressive food scene. Lastly, stop on pretty Paros for (relative) activity: water sports by day and authentic nightlife in the warm, drawn-out evenings.

To design your Greek island hopping holiday, get in touch with Sarah, our resident expert who has been organising trips to Greece for over 20 years, resulting in expert knowledge of both the better-known regions and other far-less-visited corners of the country.

For an immersive holiday in a culture so very different from home, Japan is a whirlwind.

From buzzy, neon-lit Tokyo to historic Kyoto, you’ll find a huge range of experiences that will show you the eye-opening world of Japan. Start in Tokyo where, depending on your inclinations, you could have tea with a geisha, take a video games tour, have lunch in a robot restaurant or slurp ramen in the city’s best noodle joints. Kyoto, by contrast, has a slighter slower pace. It’s here that you browse artisan shops, where centuries-old crafts like lacquerware and paper-making are visible today, and the city has some of Japan’s most beautiful shrines and temples.

Heading to the countryside in Japan will show another important part of their culture – where getting out into nature is a way of life. Fly by Mount Fuji in a bullet train, then get up close to the Japanese Alps on hikes through forests where steams trickle. Stay at a traditional ryokan where steamy onsens await.

To plan an adventure in Japan, speak to a member of the Real Holidays team.