Top 10 Surreal Landscapes

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Landscapes lure us from ourselves. The Romantic poets of the 18th century developed the concept of the ‘Sublime’, the feeling of being simultaneously overwhelmed and invigorated by the raw power of the natural world, leaving behind a sensation of both fear and empowerment.

With Exodus leading the way, seeking out these scenic showstoppers has never been easier.

The World's Greatest Landscapes

Sicilian Volcanoes

Smouldering earth blackened and blistered by a temper tantrum centuries old. Spewing steam from fumaroles and vents, glistening hunks of solid fire lava fields and apocalyptic vistas worthy of science fiction – Mount Etna’s jagged rocks and black, still hot soil form the highest active volcano in Europe.

Find out more: Sicilian tours

Rock of Ages

Striated rainbows of rock transform Jordan’s Petra from ancient city to surreal landscape. The strange pattern alternates between metallic ribbons of copper, demure pinks, heat-stained ruby, fiery orange and bruised purple. The aeons old rock holds enough charm on appearance alone, let alone the fascinating history it hides.

Find out more: Holidays to Jordan

The White Continent

Whales in Antarctica

For a sheer sense of scale, Antarctica wins our vote. Shrink yourself to a tiny coloured dot in a world of white, surrounded by tabular icebergs swollen to the size of shopping malls and hulk-like humpbacks breaching in the wakes of zodiacs. Here, man is minuscule – both in size and in power. 

Find out more: Antarctic Expeditions

The Avenue of the Baobabs

With branches looking more like roots, Baobabs are frequently called ‘upside-down trees’. Turn things on its head with a trip to Madagascar to see these arboreal beauties, their russet-red trunks bulbous with stored water reserves.

Find out more: Holidays to Madagascar

The Black Sands of Vik Beach

The chilly Atlantic Ocean brushes against the brittle flecks of black sand on Iceland’s southern shores. It is easy, standing on these monochrome shores, to see how it inspired mythical beasts of Icelandic sagas.

Find out more: Discover Iceland

Snowshoeing in Finland

Where the Wild Things Are

The forests of almost Arctic Finland groan and bend under the weight of innumerable snowflakes. These strange lumpy creations occur every year as the Ice Queen visits the pristine wilds of Oulanka National Park, resembling a stage for the world’s most bizarre ballet.

Find out more: Winter in Finland

Delicate Arch

65 foot (or 20 metres) above the ground, the highest point of freestanding ‘Delicate Arch’ is a beacon for any landscape enthusiast. Like a bowlegged cowboy, the arch straddles a spectacular panorama across Arches National Park, especially dramatic when the setting sun lights up the orange sandstone.

Find out more: National Parks Walk

The Fairytale Chimney's of Cappadocia

Cappadocia

Cappadocia looks like Gaudi and Dali got together and decided to make art. The “fairytale chimneys” that crown the underground cities create a dreamlike landscape sculpted from almond and honey rocks.

Find out more: Cappadocia trips

Salt of the Earth

The Bolivian salt flats are no stranger to surrealism. The Salar de Uyuni is the ultimate optical illusionist, playing with perspective and messing with minds. Discover vibrant thermal Lagunas, abstract rock formations, flamingos and a cacti oasis amidst the salty expanses as you explore the moonscape on 4x4.

Find out more: Bolivia trips

Dunes & Dust

Silence descends at the same rate as the sun sinking into the horizon. It’s like watching the world through orange-tinted glasses as the light drenches the dunes in a golden haze. Below, a small Himba village winds up the day the way they have for centuries: this is a million miles from home.

Find out more: Holidays to Namibia  

Browse our trips below and start exploring the most surreal landscapes in the world.