New escorted tours & hotel stays

History, art and culture collide in the most wonderful way on this tour of Germany’s north-east. Beginning in Berlin, we’ll explore both sides of this once-divided city, remembering its history and embracing its modern, cutting-edge culture. In Dresden, we’ll admire opulent architecture and watch Meissen’s world-famous porcelain craftsmen at work. Weaving our way through Saxony, we’ll discover storybook castles, before finishing up in the beautiful Harz Mountains, home to half-timbered towns and heritage steam trains chugging through thick forests. This well-paced tour offers a fantastic introduction to one of our favourite parts of Germany.

The Italian lakes are like something from a film-set with their flashy mountain backdrop and dramatic, curving shores. Great artists and poets have been inspired by them for centuries, and more recently they’ve become a must-have address for A-list celebs. This tour was designed to showcase three of Italy’s most loved lakes: Garda, Como and Maggiore over 12 memorable and easy paced days. We’ve selected some of the smartest hotels, from a lakeside Belle Époque mansion to a converted 600-year-old castle, and included guided sightseeing and a scenic Lake Garda cruise. We’ve also included plenty of free days when you can relax and enjoy the hotels and local areas, or choose from optional excursions including Verona, the Borromean Islands and two spectacular rail trips. Take it easy or pack it all in - this tour can be as active or relaxed as you want it to be.

You’ll feel like you’re walking through all your favourite fairy tales on this fabulous two-week tour. In Germany, we’ll step inside Bavaria’s gilded rococo palaces and hear stories of the reclusive King Ludwig II. We’ll raise a stein (or two) in grand German beer halls to the sound of an oompah band, and in Austria we’ll take spine-tingling drives on zig-zag mountain passes and listen for distant cow bells on high alpine pastures. Italy promises a cruise on Lake Garda, the largest and most famous Italian lake of them all, before we head to Verona, home of the world’s largest open-air opera festival as well as its greatest love story, Romeo and Juliet. With lots of included excursions but plenty of free time too, you’ll get all the highlights of Bavaria, Austria and the Italian Lakes with the chance to add your own sprinkling of local flavours, too.

On our 14-day cultural tour of Portugal and Spain, we'll journey from Porto to Barcelona, discovering how history, religion, cuisine, art, and music have shaped these countries into what they are today. In Portugal, we'll try its famous port and cruise on the Douro River. Marvel at Moorish, baroque, and Gothic churches and, of course, indulge in some delicious pasteis de nata (sweet custard tarts). In Spain, we'll explore Roman ruins, castles, and medieval fortresses. Admire some of the world's most incredible art, including iconic monuments designed by Gaudí - and indulge in some tasty tapas.

Experience la dolce vita (the sweet life) of Italy on our Rome and Sorrento tour, where a heady mix of ancient ruins and iconic landmarks meets the serene beauty of a coastal retreat - it's the perfect combination. We'll start our Italian adventure with four days in Rome, a historic city with lively piazzas and architectural wonders around every corner. Then, we’ll spend the next week in and around stunning Sorrento - a resort with jaw-dropping views overlooking the Bay of Naples and mighty Mount Vesuvius. We'll journey through winding streets lined with lemon groves and take to the sparkling waters to explore the fabled towns along the iconic Amalfi Coast.

From stunning architecture and vast palaces to ancient castles and cultural treasures, Prague, Vienna and Budapest showcase them all, and in their own unique style. On this all-encompassing tour of Central Europe and beyond, we’ll explore icons including Schönbrunn Palace and Buda Castle, as well as sail the mighty Danube. After this trio of cities it’s time to head west, with a peaceful stay in Lake Balaton on the way, and Slovenia’s Lake Bled. Slovenia’s pretty towns and cities will be a focus, as well as time in the uniquely positioned Trieste - full of character, this Italian coastal town will charm your socks off.

Japan is a scenic treat all year round, but in springtime, with the chance to see the famous cherry blossoms in bloom, it’s perhaps at its prettiest. Against this beautiful backdrop, we’ll tour Japan and experience its unique culture and contrasts. After that we’ll slow the pace on a luxury two-week cruise circumnavigating Japan and her islands, hopping between historic ports and maritime towns.

This is a South American adventure of two halves. First off, we’ll get to tour and savour the tropical heat of two of South America’s most awesome cities - Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires. We’ll gasp at the views from Sugarloaf Mountain, soak up the tango-infused atmosphere of Buenos Aires and be wowed by the mighty cascades of Iguazu Falls.

After that we’ll voyage to the white wilderness of Antarctica on a stylish, state-of-the-art HX Hurtigruten Expeditions ship. Over five days at sea we’ll be awed by its quiet majesty and wildlife-rich waters, and inspired by fascinating talks and insights from the HX Expedition Team.

From swimming among sea lions to canoeing through the Amazon rainforest, this small group tour reveals Peru’s incredible wild side. We’ll scan the skies for wonderful birdlife in the Sacred Valley and Andean wetlands, watch the nocturnal world come alive on after-dark walks, and hand-feed fluffy llamas and alpacas. There’ll be culture, too, as we explore vibrant Lima, appreciate Cuzco’s colonial architecture, browse traditionally made textiles and admire the exquisite work of ancient Peruvian jewellers. One of the biggest highlights of our Wild Peru tour is the chance to hike a portion of the famous Inca Trail to the ruined hilltop citadel of Machu Picchu - an experience you’ll never forget.

There are so many pinch-yourself moments on our India & Bhutan tour, it’s hard to pick out the highlights. Exploring India’s north-eastern corner, you’ll embrace Kolkata’s vibrancy and colour, before heading to the hills of Darjeeling for tea, toy trains and an unforgettable sunrise over Mount Everest. We’ll then cross the border into Bhutan, the ‘Land of the Thunder Dragon’, a country closed to visitors until just 50 years ago. We’ll immerse ourselves in Bhutanese culture, heritage and tradition, experiencing everything from a spiritual tea-offering ceremony with nuns to platefuls of deliciously authentic local cuisine at simple, charming hotels.