Rest of Europe tours

There’s still time to discover in 2026. Selected departures are still available – simply call 01722 705 215 to find out more. Malta may be small, but its history is immense. Settled for more than 7,000 years, this island has been shaped by successive peoples and cultures, leaving an extraordinary legacy of temples, churches, fortifications and historic towns. In the walled citadel of Mdina, uncover centuries of Maltese history, while St John’s Cathedral reveals some of the island’s most remarkable artistic treasures. At Ħaġar Qim, encounter monumental temples built around 5,000 years ago, offering a glimpse into one of Europe’s most mysterious prehistoric cultures. Beyond the ancient sites, enjoy Malta’s remarkable coastal scenery on a boat trip to the Blue Grotto and take in sweeping harbour views from the Barrakka Gardens. There is a more indulgent side to the island too, with afternoon tea at the elegant Palazzo Parisio. Together, these experiences reveal a Malta shaped by history, culture, art and an extraordinary Mediterranean landscape.

There’s still time to discover in 2026. Selected departures are still available – simply call 01722 705 215 to find out more. Malta’s small size belies the immense historical and cultural treasures it offers. From its Neolithic past to the present day, the archipelago brims with wonders waiting to be uncovered on this extraordinary tour. Arriving in Malta, with its golden limestone cliffs, crystal-clear seas, charming towns, and breathtaking vistas, you might think you’ve seen it all. Yet, beneath the surface lies a trove of marvels that will leave you in awe. Step into the fortified citadel of Mdina, navigate the narrow, tomb-lined corridors of St Paul’s Catacombs, and embark on a boat trip to explore the dramatic cliffs and caves of the iconic Blue Grotto. However, the most astonishing sites may be the ancient remains of civilizations we are only beginning to understand. The millennia-old Mnajdra Temples and the megaliths of Ħagar Qim promise an unforgettable archaeological journey.

Malta’s first inhabitants The island of Malta might be small but it certainly packs a big punch in historical terms. In the struggle for dominion of the Mediterranean it has played a key role in centuries of sparring between the east and west. Enduring occupation from the Phoenicians, Romans, Greeks, Arabs, Normans, Sicilians, Hospitallers, French, and British, it has a colourful and complex heritage. Our focus, however, is on its earliest and most extraordinary occupation when some 5000 years ago this tiny archipelago was home to an astonishing culture which created elaborate stone temples and rock cut tombs. A thousand years before the Great Pyramid at Giza was erected, people on the tiny island of Malta were moving stones weighing up to 50 tonnes to make huge stone temples. Among the oldest ritual structures in the world, the number of them is astounding and in their complexity must have required considerable planning and organisation. Join us as we explore some of the island’s most extraordinary archaeology of a sophistication, character, and quantity unparalleled elsewhere.

Discover Albania’s extraordinary archaeological heritage, where more than 2,000 years of history lie waiting to be uncovered amid dramatic mountains, deep valleys and the spectacular Albanian Riviera. At the heart of this journey is archaeologist Oliver Gilkes, who has spent more than 30 years excavating and studying the country. Having worked here since the fall of the communist regime and trained generations of Albanian archaeology students at Butrint, Oliver brings fascinating personal insight to the sites we explore. Spend a full day discovering the World Heritage Site of Butrint, alongside a wealth of ancient remains that reveal Albania’s Greek, Roman, Byzantine and Illyrian past. With Oliver’s expert knowledge bringing these places to life, uncover the remarkable story of a country whose archaeological treasures are only now being fully understood.

Diocletian’s legacy. Split is one of the Mediterranean's most remarkable coastal cities. At its core sits Diocletian's Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site that isn't merely a ruin but a vibrant, inhabited city within ancient walls. Wandering its serpentine streets, discovering intertwined Roman, medieval and Renaissance architecture, offers a uniquely immersive historical experience unlike anywhere else. Roman specialist and award-winning guide, John Shepherd, leads us overground, underground and all around the key sites in this lovely laid-back Mediterranean city.