Meet our Special Interest hosts – and learn their top tips

Dr Sheona Urquhart is the perfect person to introduce you to the wonders of the cosmos. A lecturer in astrophysics at the Open University and astronomy secretary for the Royal Astronomical Society, she’s passionate about making science accessible and enjoyable.

Where to go? Our Astronomy and Geology in Tenerife trip

What is so special about this Special Interest trip? “Tenerife is truly a unique place for astronomy. The striking geography of the island makes it ideal for astronomy – visitors can observe the Milky Way from thousands of feet up a mountain! The extraordinary geological features of this active volcanic region make it even more dramatic.”

What will you be guaranteed to see or do? “This trip is weather dependent, so you can never guarantee what you’ll see but that makes clear days and nights even more memorable. We visit the Biosphere Reserve of Anaga Forest, the viewpoint of Pico del Ingles, and Teide National Park, the birthplace of astrophysics in the Canary Islands.”

What’s your own personal highlight? “Spending a whole evening up one of my favourite mountains, Mount Teide. Watching the sunset at altitude is something special, followed by a lovely Canarian dinner with all the guests before heading out to stargaze. A true once-in-a-lifetime experience.”

Top tips for what to bring? “Warm clothes – at sea level it can be very hot but up the mountain can get very, very cold! And don’t forget binoculars.”

Anything else you need to know beforehand? “These holidays fill up fast, so don’t wait too long to book and join me.”

Tapas

Manu Mojarro has been guiding travellers through southern Spain’s landscapes, wildlife and food culture for more than 20 years. Born near Doñana National Park, his company Wild Doñana was inspired by his desire to share the region’s natural and cultural heritage with visitors.

Where to go? A food and wine in Cadiz tour

What is so special about this Special Interest trip? “It brings together three things that define this corner of Andalucía: extraordinary local produce, centuries old culinary traditions, and a landscape that shapes everything people eat and drink. Travellers get unique access to people and places they would never normally encounter, from family run bodegas to artisan producers and local chefs.”

What will you be guaranteed to see or do? “Cádiz province is one of the oldest wine-producing regions in Europe and you get a private visit and tasting in a traditional sherry bodega, a seafood experience in a coastal market seeing the daily catch being brought in, selected and cooked, and a day in the mountain villages with a cheese producer observing traditional cheese-making.”

What’s your own personal highlight? “The moment when guests realise how interconnected everything is – the Atlantic winds, the marshes, the vineyards, the fishing traditions, the villages, the gastronomy. It’s incredibly rewarding to see travellers fall in love with the same things I grew up with.”

Top tips for what to bring? “An open mind – many guests discover flavours they never expected to enjoy. Comfortable shoes for walking, a light jacket as bodegas are cool inside, and a small notebook to note the names of wines, dishes and producers.”

Anything else you need to know beforehand? “Let us know any dietary requirements in advance so we can plan with the chefs and hosts.”

Christine MacFarlane has been playing bridge since her brother taught her as a teenager. A professional teacher since 2006, she ran her own bridge school and club in Bath, and is now a director for the English Bridge Union, working at national competitions.

Where to go? Spain, for Bridge at Hotel Fuerte El Rompido

What is so special about this Special Interest trip? “There’s a big nature reserve next to the hotel which has some wonderful birds, and the town is just five to 10 minutes walk away, plus it includes a day excursion to Seville or Tavira, just across the border in Portugal.”

What will you be guaranteed to see or do? “Play lots of bridge – we have four informal afternoon sessions, games every night after dinner, and two morning seminars, all with good company among fellow bridge enthusiasts. We’ll find you a partner if you don’t have one.”

What’s your own personal highlight? “I get fulfilment from teaching people, and satisfaction at being the lynchpin of the trip.”

Top tips for what to bring? “We bring all the equipment with us – you just need to turn up ready to enjoy the trip.”

Anything else you need to know beforehand? “You need to play bridge to a club standard – I’d recommend you’ve been playing for at least two years. You don’t have to be super competitive, your national grading won’t be affected – although you can win Waitrose vouchers!”

Marimurtra botanical gardens

An expert historical garden tour leader in the UK and across Europe, Esther Peñarrubia María has spent 25 years visiting gardens in different countries, from Greece to the French Indian Ocean island of Reunion.

Where to go? Our Catalonian Gardens trip

What is so special about this Special Interest trip? “This trip visits historical gardens, all designed more than 100 years ago – some in Barcelona, some in Girona and others along the coast, so you to explore these local areas.”

What will you be guaranteed to see or do? “As well as learning about historic gardens in Catalonia, we compare them to other garden styles here and in other countries: French formal garden, English landscape, Italian Renaissance garden, Islamic gardens...”

What’s your own personal highlight? “We talk about the garden designers behind these lovely gardens and their deep knowledge of nature and botany. There are talks on subjects such as women writers or painters from the 19th or 20th century who were garden lovers.”

Top tips for what to bring? “Comfortable shoes, a reusable bottle of water, sun cream and a hat.”

Anything else you need to know beforehand? “Some of the gardens have got slopes so it is a trip for people willing to walk a bit.”

Eurasian spoonbill

Maria Harana grew up in southern Spain and discovered her passion for birds during volunteering programmes as a child when she became fascinated by a flock of pied avocets. After studying environmental science and working in conservation, she has guided birdwatching and nature tours since 2016.

Where to go? Birdwatching in Huelva

What is so special about this Special Interest trip? “The extraordinary diversity of landscapes and birdlife concentrated within one region. Huelva and Doñana are among the most important natural areas in Europe, allowing guests to experience wetlands, marshes, Mediterranean forests, coastal habitats and open countryside within a single trip.”

What will you be guaranteed to see or do? “Depending on the season, guests may see a variety of birds, including countless waterbirds at Doñana National Park, where we look specifically for the region’s scarcer species. The Odiel Marshes is exceptional for large flocks of flamingos, while Sierra Pelada is ideal for observing birds of prey, including the impressive cinereous vulture. Guests may also spot mammals, reptiles, butterflies, dragonflies and amphibians.”

What’s your own personal highlight? “Every visit feels slightly different depending on the season and migration, and there’s always the possibility of an unexpected sighting. Sharing those moments with guests is one of the most rewarding parts of being a guide.”

Top tips for what to bring? “Patience and curiosity – birdwatching is not only about finding rare species, but also about slowing down and enjoying the experience. Bring comfortable walking shoes, layers, a hat, sunscreen and sunglasses. While binoculars are useful and telescopes always welcome, guests do not need expensive equipment.”

Anything else you need to know beforehand? “The holiday is designed to suit all levels of experience so I would encourage anyone interested in nature to feel confident about joining, even complete beginners.”

Explore our full range of Special Interest holidays