Destinations

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.

The term biodiversity may have been coined with Costa Rica in mind, such is the range of different species within its pristine, tropical forests. Throw in some spectacular scenery and resplendently laid-back citizens, and you have all the makings of a life-affirming holiday experience. On this memorable tour, we visit a broad range of gardens both public and private, such as the Else Kientzler Botanical Gardens with its world-class collection of plants. At the Monteverde Cloud Reserve, we see some of the 100 mammals, 400 bird species and more than 2,500 varieties of plants that thrive here, including, if we are lucky, the famously elusive resplendent quetzal.

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.

Ancient Egypt still has stories to tell. Across Cairo and Alexandria, new excavations, technologies and museum developments are bringing fresh discoveries to light and offering new insights into how ancient Egyptians lived, worked and worshipped. From recently excavated tombs at Saqqara to the newly renovated Greco-Roman Museum in Alexandria, uncover remarkable finds that continue to reshape our understanding of the ancient world. At Giza, visit the long-awaited Grand Egyptian Museum, home to an extraordinary collection of artefacts including the treasures of Tutankhamun and the vast solar boat of King Khufu. Alongside these headline discoveries, explore collections that have only recently been brought back into the public eye, revealing just how much remains to be understood about one of history’s most enduring civilisations.

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.