Top 5 Expert-Led Tours for 2025
Join celebrity chef James Martin and cruise the Venetian lagoon on board the luxurious ship SS La Venezia. You'll have exclusive access to some of the city's top sights including St Mark's Basilica, the church on Torcello and Doge's palace. You'll also have the opportunity to spend time in Burano, Murano, Mazzorbo, and Chioggia - with excursions included along the way. James will join you for a day on board for a private Q&A session about his life and career and give a talk as well as curating and cooking a special gala dinner.
Recommeded trip: Alternatively cruise the Venetian Lagoon with Angela Hartnett
Embark the luxurious SS Maria Theresa as you cruise the beating heart of Central Europe - the river Danube - from Munich to Budapest. This is a very special sailing, as you'll be joined by virtuoso Russell Watson, who is celebrating his Silver Anniversary this year and will be performing an intimate concert in Dürnstein. Full of musical links, you'll also watch a Mozart and Strauss concert in the heart of Vienna and call at Salzburg - the birthplace of Mozart and where you'll discover filming locations from the beloved film The Sound of Music on a guided tour.
Spend three nights in Venice exploring historic attractions including St Mark's Basilica and Doge's Palace before stepping aboard the elegant Venice Simplon-Orient-Express for a luxurious overnight journey to Paris. Onboard the train you'll enjoy fine dining with a seasonal four-course d'hôte menu and expertly selected wines that will add an extra touch of luxury to your journey. A highlight of the journey is the company of renowned broadcaster and rail enthusiast, Michael Portillo who will join you on the train for dinner and give a fascinating talk.
Step back in time and explore the regency town of Bath on the 250th birthday of author Jane Austen. Joining you on this special tour is historian and Jane Austen expert, Lucy Worsley who will accompany you on a walking tour of the city and see the locations which inspired the writers best loved novels. You will also visit Jane Austen's House in Chawton, visit two filming locations used for adaptations of Pride And Prejudice and visit the Jane Austen Centre to find out more about the author's connections to the city. After your tour, you'll enjoy a cruise along the River Avon, passing under the historic Pulteney Bridge on this tour of Jane Austen's Bath.
Discover the spectacular islands of the Outer Hebrides, renowned for their scenic beauty, pristine beaches and incredible wildlife. Enjoy scenic ferry crossings from Mallaig to Lochboisdale and Benbecula. Visit historical monuments including the Standing Stones of Callanish, the Norse Mill at Shawbost and the Black Houses at Gearrannan. A highlight of the trip is the company of travel journalist and broadcaster Monty Halls who will join you for one day of the tour as you explore the islands of Barra and Eriskay. He will also host a Q&A where you can ask him questions about his time as a volunteer wildlife ranger during while filming Monty's Hall Great Hebridean Escape.
