From baroque castles to beautiful bucolic villages, from hilltop medieval ruins to valleys cloaked in the vineyards of age-old wine estates, from mountain scenery to ocean shore, enjoy the ever-changing landscapes of this unique Royal Barge cruise on the Douro

Exceptional value for a journey of discovery from Istanbul to Ephesus via Troy, Pergamon and Bursa through ancient, Ottoman and Byzantine Turkey

In the scenic surrounds of Lakes Como, Lugano and Maggiore, beautiful villas and their bountiful gardens have inspired poets and painters, brilliant botanists, and dedicated designers. This is a week to enjoy the vibrant results of the visionary landscapers’ labours

A magical meandering around the intriguing sites, inviting islands, and inimitable scenery of the Croatian coast, this relaxing and refreshing cruise sees new horizons every day of its seven-night sail on a private Jules Verne small-ship, the elegant MV Admiral

From the “foodie’s favourite” city of Lyon to Beaujolais vineyards, Roman temples, the medieval towns of Provence, and the wild beauty of the Camargue, this river cruise is a tour through time and traditions, between the scenic banks of the Rhône and Saône

Explore Crete on a group walking holiday that takes in golden beaches lapped by turquoise waters, emerald olive groves, seaside villages and ancient ruins

Discover the treasures of the Dalmatian Coast on foot as you ramble from topaz shores and ancient port towns to snaking river gorges and fortress-topped peaks

A four-night tour, to four fascinating cities, this short break shows you ancient, medieval, and modern Albania. From a well-placed base in Durrës, on the shore of the Adriatic, included excursions take you to characterful Kruja, the capital, Tirana, and beguiling Berat

An intriguing, astonishing, affecting introduction to Kraków and its surrounds, this short break spans its historical and cultural spectrum, from an ancient salt mine to a royal palace, medieval old town, spiritual sanctuary, Schindler’s factory, and Auschwitz Museum

Discover the cities, temples, museums, theatres and ‘marbles’ of classical Greece from Athens to Delphi & Olympia, the rock monasteries of Meteora and the dramatic Peloponnese scenery

By train from south to north visiting remarkable cities, crossing scenic landscapes to regional and cultural capitals, through Portugal’s past, to Roman ruins, Moorish enclaves, and medieval towns

A heady blend of ancient sites, stunning scenery, charming towns and glorious churches, this is our ‘grand tour’ of Sicily, its highlights varying from Aeolian Isles to UNESCO sites, Mount Etna to Marsala wine, and the Scicli film locations of Inspector Montalbano