Remo’s passion for getting his hands dirty and connecting with the earth is apparent from the outset. He is clearly a man doing what he loves most, as has been the case for over three decades. Remo gardened for the Vogel firm for nearly 36 years, before becoming the lazy gardener with an active life. His hard work promotes using herbs as natural remedies with healing properties plus producing them for award-winning chefs to incorporate into their culinary masterpieces. He and Frances spend their days ploughing the rich Appenzeller soil, cultivating these magical green babies and showing visitors around the garden in Weissbad.

First the hard work: the trek can take anywhere from one to five hours each way, depending on the time of year and which one of the twelve families of gorillas you’ve been allocated to. Most likely you’re not on a set trail, instead following your guide through untouched forest with ever-changing vegetation. It can be steep and challenging, and be prepared to get wet and muddy (so bring the right clothes and boots!) but this is all part of the experience. Believe me when I say that I felt like Indiana Jones starring in a National Geographic documentary.

I is for insomnia. In a city that never sleeps how do you stay awake? By having fun: nightclubs, jazz clubs, gay bars, cocktail bars, whatever you want is here.

J is for JFK. Originally called Idlewild, JFK is the busiest airport in NYC. If you must stay longer than the check-in times, check out the super retro TWA hotel. It’s fab.

K is for King Kong. You don’t have to be a giant ape to admire the Empire State Building in all its glory. With us, you get an exclusive tour of the Art Deco wonder.

L is for Liberty. She’s 46m tall, green, French and over 130 years old. Enjoying the view from inside her crown is only for a select few, so make sure one of them is you.

Copenhagen is an enticing mix of the ancient and modern. We’ll show you both sides: the colourful canal-lined house houses as well as the city’s modern masterpieces.

Where better to have family fun than the birthplace of Lego? Around 75 million Lego bricks are used to create the attractions, such as the world in miniature, and you can build your own creations.

Travelling around Denmark is a delight. The country’s infrastructure is second to none so you can explore by train, bus, boat or bike (don’t worry, it’s much flatter than Switzerland). Whether you want to stroll along cobbled streets or explore the country’s wild side, be sure to stop off to snack on Smørrebrød (open-faced sandwiches) and Kanelsnegle (cinnamon rolls). Speaking of complicated foreign words, while Danish is the official language, English is widely spoken.

Sagamartha (Nepalese for Everest) is the country’s major draw. And Cosa can help you undertake the epic trek to safely reach Everest Base Camp, 5364m up.

Chitwan National Park is a haven for wildlife aficionados. On a safari with Cosa, you could spot rare Bengal tigers, along with the one-horned rhinos and wild elephants.

The Asian nation, which is about 3½ times larger than Switzerland, can be divided into three main areas: the Himalayas in the north, the middle hills and the Tarai plains to the south. While distances aren’t big, getting around Nepal can be challenging due to the terrain. For example, from Kathmandu to  Lumbini in southern Nepal, believed to be the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama (better known as Buddha), is only 280km but takes almost nine hours by car.

Ubud, with its abundance of yoga schools, art galleries and temples, is Bali’s cultural heart. But let us show you the green rice terraces, which are among Bali’s most beautiful. Top picks include the serene Tegalalang Rice Terrace, which has remained unchanged for centuries. On a private tour, our expert local guide will give you an insight into the Unesco-listed irrigation system.

One of Bali’s six key temples, Pura Tanah Lot was established in the 16th century by the legendary Javanese priest Danghyang Nirartha, who fled to Bali from Java because of the rise of Islam. It’s the perfect place for some soul-searching. Cosa can arrange a private tour that takes in a kecak dance ceremony in the temple grounds.

Discover the gorgeous glens, castles and lochs of the Scottish Highlands from the comfort of the Belmond Royal Scotsman. A journey onboard this stylish train – with its Dior spa, mahogany-clad cabins and gourmet restaurant serving locally-sourced food – is sure to transport you back to the golden age of travel. With 12 different routes, we’ll find one perfect for you.
All aboard the Royal Scotsman

Dreaming of a dram? Whisky is Scotland’s national drink and its biggest export. On a private distillery tour with Cosa, skilled distillers will give you an insight into Scotch whisky – which means ‘the water of life’ in Gaelic – and the chance to savour different flavours from sweet to smoky. What’s more, Scotland’s malthouses are often in stunning locations so even tee-totallers will appreciate the tour.

You’ll want a comfortable stylish base on a cruise along the Mekong and we won’t disappoint you. Your ship features panoramic suites, inviting pools, classy restaurants serving gourmet meals, a sumptuous spa and sun-drenched decks from which to take in the sights and sounds of Southeast Asia. This is how you sail the Mekong – and its tributaries – in style.

Discover the remote Upper Mekong on a captivating itinerary with Cosa. Less visited than the Lower Mekong, the upper river is also the most scenic with its lush jungle scenery and untouched villages. If you want to extend your Southeast Asian adventure to include Laos and Thailand, an Upper Mekong river cruise is just the ticket.