Classic 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.

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.

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.

There’s still time to discover in 2026. Selected departures are still available – simply call 01722 705 215 to find out more. Over millennia, countless civilizations have risen and fallen, leaving behind ruins. Yet, Ancient Egypt stands apart. Within 24 hours of arriving in modern Egypt, we encounter one of the world's most iconic monuments – the Great Pyramids and Sphinx of Giza. This marks the beginning of our journey along the Nile, the lifeblood of one of history's greatest civilizations, whose legacy remains remarkably intact. We visit the Step Pyramid, nearly 5,000 years old and the first of its kind, the magnificent Temple of Luxor, Karnak Temple, and the Valley of Kings, home to the funerary temples of countless pharaohs. The Edfu Temple, over 2,000 years old, is among Egypt's best-preserved shrines. Additional highlights include the serene Al-Orman Garden, the lush Aswan Botanical Garden, the impressive Aswan Dam, and the elegant Montazah Palace Gardens in Alexandria. 

Barbados may be small, but it offers pure Caribbean bliss: radiant seas, palm-lined beaches and lush rainforest. Picture gazing across the sweeping vistas of Cherry Tree Hill, watching the lively monkeys of the Andromeda Botanical Garden and exploring the George Washington House, an important remnant of the island’s plantation past. At Hunte’s Garden, we are accompanied by the man himself, owner and creator Anthony Hunte, who introduces us to his multidimensional mix of native jungle and sunny open spaces in one of the island’s top destinations. There is also an optional cruise on a catamaran on offer during this laidback tour.