2025 is shaping up to be a year for bold travelers. From thrilling outdoor adventures to immersive cultural celebrations and gourmet delights, there’s something for everyone. Craving excitement? Explore heart-pounding bike trails, scenic river rafting, and rock music at sea. Prefer indulgence? Savor masterfully crafted cocktails and world-class cuisine. These adventurous experiences promise unforgettable journeys.
A Borderless Celebration: Nova Gorica & Gorizia Open the European Capital of Culture
Slovenia & Italy
In 2025, Nova Gorica, Slovenia, and Gorizia, Italy unite as the European Capital of Culture. This year-long celebration will highlight art, music, gastronomy, and history across both cities.
The official opening on February 8, 2025, will transform streets and squares into vibrant performance spaces. Musicians, dancers, and folklorists will take center stage. Highlights include March for Europe (May 1–9), where border crossings become artistic installations. Tastes Without Borders (September 26–28) will celebrate cross-cultural gourmet traditions.
Beyond the events, travelers can explore Vipava Valley, often called Slovenia’s Provence, or Goriška Brda, a poetic wine region. Both offer breathtaking landscapes and top-tier wines. Visitors can stay updated using the GO! 2025 web app. The BulevAR augmented reality app also brings the twin cities’ history to life.
More about the European Capital of Culture
Official Opening & Events
Bikepacking the Aquarius Trail Hut System in Southern Utah
Utah, USA
For travelers who crave a mix of rugged adventure and comfort, the Aquarius Trail Hut System offers a six-day, 190-mile journey through Utah’s “Color Country.”
Imagine pedaling past Bryce Canyon’s towering hoodoos, winding through Red Canyon’s dramatic landscapes, and climbing up to Powell Point, where explorer John Wesley Powell once surveyed the land. Instead of rough camping, riders stay in fully stocked huts featuring solar power, cozy beds, hot showers, and gourmet kitchens.
Tours run from July–October 2025, with self-guided options starting at $1,049 per person, while guided tours start at $2,049 per person. eBike-friendly routes and charging stations make this an adventure for all skill levels.
Hoover Dam Rafting Adventures: Valentine’s Day with a View
Nevada, USA
This Valentine’s Day, skip the usual restaurant scene and opt for a romantic rafting tour along the Colorado River.
Hoover Dam Rafting Adventures offers two unique experiences:
- The Hoover Dam Raft Tour is a three-hour adventure that stops along the shoreline beneath the Hoover Dam, allowing guests to soak in the breathtaking scenery. A continental breakfast and gourmet lunch are included.
- The Hoover Dam Postcard Raft Tour is a shorter 1.5-hour journey, ideal for those looking for a quick yet awe-inspiring experience. Guests will float beneath the Mike O’Callaghan Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge while enjoying the serene waters.
Prices start at $49 for children and $69 for adults, with transportation available from Las Vegas hotels.
Relaxed Cycling in Mallorca with The Cycling House
Mallorca, Spain
For those who love cycling but prefer a relaxed, scenic experience, The Cycling House’s Mallorca Tranquilo Tour blends adventure with European charm.
Instead of intense training rides, this seven-day cycling retreat emphasizes leisurely coastal rides, scenic mountain routes, and espresso breaks in charming villages. Stops include wine tastings, beachside swims, and iconic Mediterranean views.
Accommodations at the Petit Hotel Alaró provide a tranquil retreat, with prices starting at $4,985 per person, covering meals, guided rides, and full support from cycling experts.
More on the Mallorca Tranquilo Tour
Monsters of Rock & On the Blue: The Ultimate Music Cruises
At Sea: Bahamas & Canada/New England
Two epic music cruise experiences set sail in 2025!
Monsters of Rock Cruise (March 10–15, 2025) – Aboard the Norwegian Joy, this floating rock festival features 35+ legendary hard rock and metal artists, including Tesla, Queensrÿche, and Night Ranger. Stops include Great Stirrup Cay and Nassau, Bahamas, plus exclusive onboard experiences like Cooking with Rock Stars.
On the Blue Cruise (August 22–29, 2025) – Hosted by Justin Hayward of The Moody Blues, this classic rock cruise sails from Boston to Halifax, Sydney (Nova Scotia), Saint John (New Brunswick), and Portland (Maine). Expect 25+ world-class performances and interactive fan experiences.
Monsters of Rock Cruise
On the Blue Cruise
A Masterclass in Mixology: Takuma Watanabe’s First Bar Takeover in Canada
Toronto, Canada
For cocktail lovers, Takuma Watanabe, one of the world’s most celebrated mixologists, brings his craft to Deauville Club in Toronto for two exclusive nights (February 23–24, 2025).
Known for his work at Martiny’s, ranked #4 on North America’s 50 Best Bars, Watanabe’s cocktails blend Japanese precision with Italian influences. The February 23 event spotlights Martiny’s signature creations, while February 24 introduces cocktails inspired by Italian heritage.
Reserve your spot at Deauville Club
Final Sip for the Hungry Traveler
From borderless cultural festivals to bikepacking through the wild, from raft tours to rock cruises, and world-class cocktails, 2025 is the year of adventure and indulgence. Whether you prefer the thrill of the outdoors or the refinement of a perfectly crafted drink, there’s something here to satisfy every appetite.
