From north to south, mountain to shore, this tour charts the history and heritage of ‘Aphrodite’s Island’ via classical temples, Byzantine chapels, Venetian castles, and hidden villages

This journey focuses on unmissable monuments, with time to explore ancient sites to the astounding rock city of Petra, and to enjoy the Red Sea, the Dead Sea, and the desert landscapes

Staying in hand-picked Pousadas (inns), formerly a monastery, manor house and convent, this tour reveals the sights and psyche of Portugal, from regal splendour to religious heritage, from port-wine cellar to Fado show, from Porto to Coimbra and the capital, Lisbon

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 veritable feast of Greek and Roman monuments vie for attention amid the Norman, Phoenician and Saracen landmarks of Sicily’s cultural heritage. The island’s astonishing wealth of well-preserved sites bring the ancient past to life and make this our top tour in Italy

Cruising the Guadalquivir from spirited Seville to coastal Cadiz, and travelling by road to Roman and medieval Cordoba, the wine cellars of Jerez area, and Granada’s magnificent Moorish palace fortress, this tour adds an extra dimension to Andalucian discovery

Sailing in style on a spacious river cruiser, this is a journey of ancient discovery and exceptional experiences. Focused on the stretch of the Nile from Luxor to Aswan, the tour teams legendary temples with a leisurely tempo and excellent value

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

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

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

Cruising the Douro from its mouth on the Atlantic to its crossing into Spain, with daily excursions to medieval towns, majestic palaces, port wine cellars, and vineyard valley landscapes, this beguiling journey includes visits to Guimarães, Lamego, and Salamanca

Explore the largest of the Greek islands on this tour of Crete, and suspend disbelief to enjoy the myths and legends of the ancient sites, as you visit Roman ruins and Ottoman streets, Byzantine churches and Venetian ports, mountain villages and Minoan Palaces