An intriguing, astonishing, affecting introduction to Kraków and its surrounds, this short break spans its historical and cultural spectrum, from an ancient salt mine to a royal palace, medieval old town, spiritual sanctuary, Schindler’s factory, and Auschwitz Museum

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

Unspoilt, uncrowded, and unique in its culture, Albania is a treasure chest of ancient cities, mystical mountains, museums, castles and coastline, its feast of Ottoman architecture the jewel in its crown. This tour lifts the lid on its riches, of heritage and of nature

A few days in Rome at the Casa per Ferie of the Sisters of the Order of St. Joseph of the Apparition overlooking the Vatican or at a hotel close to the Vatican

A four-night tour, to four fascinating cities, this short break shows you ancient, medieval, and modern Albania. From a well-placed base in Durrës, on the shore of the Adriatic, included excursions take you to characterful Kruja, the capital, Tirana, and beguiling Berat

Based in cosmopolitan Tunis and the sea and sand city of Sousse, take a fascinating journey through time, from the ancient archaeological sites of Roman Africa to Islamic architecture

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

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

Based in the beautiful spa resort of Montecatini, this tour takes in the treasure trove of art that forms resplendent Florence, the hidden gem of medieval Pistoia, and a Puccini concert in the place of his birth, Lucca

A fabulously festive, four days away, this mini break offers maximum comfort and cossetting service, to sail through a stress-free Christmas. Go with the flow of the Rhine to explore splendid Strasbourg, beguiling Rüdesheim, and historic Mainz

A short break during the weeks of Advent, this tour combines the history of the Habsburg Empire with the traditions of the Christmas Markets, cruising the Danube to a trio of riverside capitals, from elegant Vienna to beautiful Budapest and medieval Bratislava

A winter wonderland week in Austria, this tour is based in the typically Tirolean village of Obsteig, staying in a family-run hotel, and revealing the region’s character with a snowshoe walk, horse-drawn sleigh ride, and visits to Seefeld, Stams Abbey, and Innsbruck