Explore. Dream. Discover.

Learning how to cook authentic Spanish paella. Sipping hot coffee - or ice-cold horchata - in the shadow of the old bell tower, whilst people watching on the Plaza de la Reina.

Valencia is a glorious cornucopia of Spanish sights, sounds and flavours. And with a whole week in the city, we’ll have plenty of time to take it all in, stepping back in time in the twisting alleys of the Old Town, striding into the future in the City of Arts and Science complex, breathing its essence in bustling food markets and relishing its spirit in zesty cocktails. We’ll cruise across the silent waters of Albufera lagoon, wonder at what may - or may not - be the original Holy Grail and master the art of paella making, so we can recreate the flavour of Valencia back home.

• 6 excursions & visits
• 12 meals
• Leisurely pace

Experiencing a traditional Japanese tea ceremony in Kyoto. Exploring the temples in Gyeongju Historic Area, a World Heritage Site. Learning the secrets of Korean cuisine at a cooking masterclass in Seoul.

Combine two incredible Asian destinations for an experience-rich trip you’ll never forget. To start, we’ll follow the route of our bestselling Essence of Japan tour. Tokyo’s skyscrapers, Kyoto’s teahouses, snow-tipped mountains, steamy hot springs - we’ll see them all as we journey between cities, hill towns and riverside hamlets by coach and bullet train. Then, it’s time for South Korea. Visit Seoul and Busan, explore palaces and shrines, browse antique stores and art galleries, and tour the DMZ separating north and south. We’ll also tap into Korea’s foodie heritage with a cooking masterclass and a traditional barbecue. Our Japan and South Korea tours depart in spring and autumn, to make the most of the cherry blossom and leaf-peeping seasons in both countries.

• 23 excursions & visits
• 21 meals
• Active traveller pace

Spending an evening taking in a Kathakali performance at a local theatre. This classic dance form hails from Kerala and involves elaborate costumes and impressive make-up.

With golden beaches, breezy hill towns and sleepy backwaters, Kerala is India at its most laid-back. On our &Classic Kerala& tours, we’ll uncover the best of this south-western state, from its tea and spice plantations to its cultural cities (where you’ll find ancient temples and reminders of the area’s colonial heritage). You’ll also have the chance to spot a little of the local wildlife - as we cruise along Lake Periyar, we’ll keep an eye out for elephants, deer, otters and even tigers along the shoreline.

• 6 excursions & visits
• 29 meals
• Active traveller pace

Taking a jungle walk or bamboo rafting in Periyar, keeping our eyes peeled for elephants soaking in the water and sunbathing on the riverbanks.

Experience the spiritual roots of Southern India, from the colonial-era powerhouses of Chennai and Puducherry to the ancient Chola Empire capital of Tanjore, and the spectacular Hindu temple complexes of Madurai. Discover spice farms in the countryside and wildlife in Thekkady, before winding down with a leisurely houseboat tour on the Indian backwaters in Kumarakom. It’s a journey that will leave you with a deep appreciation for Southern India’s rich history and cultural heritage.

• 17 excursions & visits
• 29 meals
• Active traveller pace

Photographing the awe-inspiring Vatnajökull Glacier. It’s the world’s third-largest ice cap and some 1,000 metres thick.

Glaciers to geysers, waterfalls to woodlands, Reykjavík and back. Join us as we circle this remarkable island nation, beginning and ending in its charming capital. Our Iceland tours take in the strange geothermal landscape of Námaskarð, bubbling with sulphuric mud springs, and the epic beauty of the enormous Vatnajokull glacier and the surrounding Vatnajokull National Park. At Thingvellir we stand, thrillingly, at the exact point where two tectonic plates meet. There&s also time to tour Reykjavík, with its cosy cafes, mountain views and striking concert hall.

• 20 excursions & visits
• 14 meals
• Active traveller pace