Moderate activity tours

Each January, Shetland bursts into flame as Lerwick’s Up Helly Aa brings Viking-inspired tradition, music and spectacle to the winter darkness. Watch costumed squads process through the town carrying flaming torches before the dramatic burning of a replica Viking longship, a centuries-old tradition reimagined for the modern islands. Beyond the festival, discover another side of Shetland through its remarkable archaeology, rugged landscapes and distinctive island communities. At Jarlshof, uncover 3,000 years of settlement, while journeys through Yell and Unst reveal dramatic coastlines, ancient history and the remote character of the northern isles. Visit picturesque Scalloway and learn more about Shetland’s rich past before returning to Lerwick for the unforgettable atmosphere of Up Helly Aa. With the excitement of the fire festival balanced by quieter moments of discovery, this is a fascinating winter journey into one of Britain’s most distinctive island cultures.

There’s still time to discover in 2026. Selected departures are still available – simply call 01722 705 215 to find out more. Follow in the footsteps of the ancient caravans through Oman, a crossroads of trade for thousands of years. From the Bronze Age tombs of UNESCO-listed Bat to Iron Age fortresses, Classical trading settlements and Islamic sites, uncover the layers of history that reveal Oman’s pivotal role in the ancient world. Travel from the mountains and coast of Muscat to the spectacular landscapes of the Wahiba desert and the Arabian Sea, with a special journey into the Empty Quarter to discover the once-lost city of Ubar, an important centre of the ancient frankincense trade. Along the way, rock art, ancient settlements and remarkable archaeological remains offer a fascinating insight into the civilisations and commerce that have shaped this extraordinary country.

Discover the impressive snowdrop collections at RHS Rosemoor, where woodland and winter gardens provide year-round horticultural inspiration, and visit the tranquil private garden of Higher Cherubeer, home to hundreds of named snowdrops alongside hellebores and winter-flowering shrubs. We also explore Knightshayes, with its celebrated displays in Sir John’s Wood, the dramatic setting of Castle Drogo overlooking the Teign Valley, and Saltram, where snowdrops, scented shrubs and seasonal planting bring the garden to life. Completing our journey is Kilver Court, an RHS Partner Garden renowned for its winter interest and its special connection to the history of snowdrop breeding.

Discover the Cotswolds at their most enchanting as winter gardens come alive with carpets of snowdrops, from rare galanthus to romantic woodland displays. This February escape is a treat for dedicated galanthophiles and anyone who loves the first signs of spring. Visit Colesbourne Park, renowned for its exceptional snowdrops, alongside Newark Park, Cerney House and Painswick Rococo Garden, home to one of Britain's largest naturalistic snowdrop plantings. Discover the Museum in the Park in Stroud and finish at Arts & Crafts masterpiece Rodmarton Manor, where around 150 snowdrop varieties create a spectacular finale.

There’s still time to discover in 2026. Selected departures are still available – simply call 01722 705 215 to find out more. Learn more about Pompeii at the recently excavated villas. Nowhere in the world could give a deeper insight into Roman life than the dramatic seaside towns of Pompeii and Herculaneum. Before the eruption of Vesuvius, these were thriving, lively seaside towns – Pompeii, a trading town equipped with many bars, shops and brothels, while Herculaneum was an affluent elegant town. All this came to an abrupt halt, however, one autumnal day in AD 79 when Vesuvius, which had done little more than rumble for years, erupted with cataclysmic force. Two thousand years later, the sites of the Bay of Naples confront the modern visitor with a vivid, haunting immediacy like nothing else in the ancient world. In some cases, we even know the names, professions and personal histories of the people who owned the villas and shops we visit, with our expert guide lecturer illuminating the ordinary people of Pompeii, Herculaneum and beyond. This is an exciting time for visitors to these Vesuvian towns, as new discoveries are constantly being made and new houses constantly opened up. Lose yourself in the past, walking the ancient streets in the footsteps of gladiators, slaves, senators and citizens.