A complete turn-around from its turbulent past, Colombia today is known for the warmth of its welcome and the wealth of its culture. From Bogotá to Cartagena, this tour teams contemporary cities with colonial towns, coffee plantations and Caribbean shores

Aboard the royal steamer SS Misr, this fabulous cruise takes you to Egypt’s most famous and almost forgotten sites, from Cairo’s Sphinx to the ‘living museum’ of Luxor, and Aswan’s High Dam

Combining wonderfully wild Zambia with Malawi, ‘the warm heart of Africa’, lining its namesake lake, this special safari is arranged with the prestigious Robin Pope Safaris company, known for its small, luxurious, remote camps, in pristine wilderness areas

Travel on the Karakoram Highway to the old kingdom of Hunza, where Three Empires meet, and which Eric Shipton regarded “the epitome of mountain grandeur“

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

Experience the essence of Andalucía, from its Roman, Moorish, and medieval monuments to its food, flamenco and penchant for fiestas; as you tour from southern shores to Sierra Nevada scenery, visiting vibrant Seville, Cordoba’s historic core, and grandiose Granada

Spectacular sights, sumptuous scenery and four very varied cities are the hallmarks of this splendid journey, visiting China’s highlights from Beijing to Shanghai, from the Great Wall to the Terracotta Warriors, and including a cruise through Yangtze River gorges

A supremely scenic week, with Meta di Sorrento as your base, includes the evocative remains of Pompeii, a drive along ‘the divine coast’ to Amalfi, Positano and Ravello, and Capri by boat

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

A wonderfully relaxing week, on and around Lake Garda, this beautiful ‘breather’ is a well-balanced blend of unhurried touring and time at leisure. Tranquillity reigns around the lake, and charming towns add culture and character

A fabulous ‘return to Egypt’ for those who have seen its most famous sites, this cruise focuses on the less-visited length of the Nile, between Cairo and Luxor, travelling through tranquil scenery to unsung tombs, temples, and towns, off the tourist track

Explore the scenic splendour and spiritual aura of Nepal, from Himalayan gorges to Hindu temples, and from the birthplace of Buddha to Chitwan’s wildlife and lakeside Pokhara