The Most Underrated Countries to Visit in 2024

We can’t get enough of Georgia, a country defined by its ridiculously spectacular landscapes and a culture richer and older than most on Earth. Our nine-day trip embraces every facet of what makes this tiny little nation, nestled amid the Caucasus Mountain on the Eurasian border, so special. You’ll discover the oldest winemaking tradition on the planet – learn about underground fermentation, the toastmaster ceremony and, of course, sample some of the goods for yourself. Hearty local delicacies like khachapuri and churchkhela should keep you fuelled up for our trek through the forests of Lagodekhi National Park, and an epic hike up to Gergeti Church, sat high in the Caucasus. The recovery process is taken care of with a visit to Tbilisi’s traditional sulphur baths – what hasn’t this country got!?

China and Japan might dominate the East Asian conversation, but if you want to sample the exotic joys of the Far East in an original way, look no further than the island nation of Taiwan. This place has its own totally distinct sense of identity, infused with influences from a variety of neighbours, from the culinary delights of its bustling city night markets, to the majesty of Buddhist temples and pagodas. Our nine-day Rail Trip loops around the whole island, starting and ending in Taipei. As well as exploring the capital’s most snap-worthy sights and thrilling markets, you’ll also get to discover the cities of Taichung, Tainan and Kaohsiung. Natural splendour, meanwhile, awaits at Sun Moon Lake, which you’ll boat along and cycle around, as well as visiting a nearby tea factory for a tasting session. This itinerary even turns getting from A to B into an activity itself, as our East Coast National Scenic Area route exemplifies.

We’re taking a narrower focus on this one because, as much as we love Portugal, this volcanic archipelago feels a million miles away from mainland Europe. The Azores are a truly surreal place, forged in volcanic flames that have produced a series of verdant mountains, crater lakes and natural hot springs, and yet they don’t get the same spotlight as distant cousins like Madeira and the Canary Islands. You can discover the Atlantic’s best kept secret with us across six adventurous days on the main island of São Miguel. You’ll cycle around and kayak across the volcanic lakes of Sete Cidades, go canyoning in Ribeira dos Caldeirões and keep an eye out for whales on an optional marine safari. Respite comes in the form of cocktail-making classes, hearty cozido stews and, of course, long soaks in soothing geothermal hot springs.