A brilliant short break in magical Marrakech, this tour is based within the old medina, staying at the traditional Angsana Riad, where historic character is combined with contemporary comfort, and landmark sites, from souks to palaces, are all within easy reach

Experience the essence of Andalucía, from its Roman, Moorish, and medieval monuments to its food, flamenco and penchant for fiestas; as you tour from southern shores to Sierra Nevada scenery, visiting vibrant Seville, Cordoba’s historic core, and grandiose Granada

Spectacular sights, sumptuous scenery and four very varied cities are the hallmarks of this splendid journey, visiting China’s highlights from Beijing to Shanghai, from the Great Wall to the Terracotta Warriors, and including a cruise through Yangtze River gorges

A veritable feast of Greek and Roman monuments vie for attention amid the Norman, Phoenician and Saracen landmarks of Sicily’s cultural heritage. The island’s astonishing wealth of well-preserved sites bring the ancient past to life and make this our top tour in Italy

Explore the Christian and Ottoman heritage of Istanbul (formerly Byzantium and Constantinople) including a Bosphorus cruise and visits to palaces, mosques, churches and bazaars, staying in historic hotels

A wonderfully relaxing week, on and around Lake Garda, this beautiful ‘breather’ is a well-balanced blend of unhurried touring and time at leisure. Tranquillity reigns around the lake, and charming towns add culture and character

A fabulous ‘return to Egypt’ for those who have seen its most famous sites, this cruise focuses on the less-visited length of the Nile, between Cairo and Luxor, travelling through tranquil scenery to unsung tombs, temples, and towns, off the tourist track

Explore the scenic splendour and spiritual aura of Nepal, from Himalayan gorges to Hindu temples, and from the birthplace of Buddha to Chitwan’s wildlife and lakeside Pokhara

Cruising the Douro from its mouth on the Atlantic to its crossing into Spain, with daily excursions to medieval towns, majestic palaces, port wine cellars, and vineyard valley landscapes, this beguiling journey includes visits to Guimarães, Lamego, and Salamanca

Sailing on a stylish river cruiser of the famous CroisiEurope fleet, this vibrant and varied tour takes you from the ‘streets of water’ in Venice, across the island-dotted lagoon, and along the Canal Bianco for excursions to Padua, Mantua and romantic Verona

With five nights in Florence, a feast of art and architecture, an insight of medieval life under Medici rule, and every romantic, Renaissance monument within walking distance, this tour combines detailed discovery with ample time to enjoy the city on the Arno River

Explore the largest of the Greek islands on this tour of Crete, and suspend disbelief to enjoy the myths and legends of the ancient sites, as you visit Roman ruins and Ottoman streets, Byzantine churches and Venetian ports, mountain villages and Minoan Palaces