Top 5 Expert-Led Tours for 2025
Join Italian chef Gennaro Contaldo 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. Gennaro will join you during the cruise, hosting a talk, Q&A, and cooking demonstration. He'll also accompany you on a visit to Rialto's famous market, and talk you through some of the wonderful Italian produce on offer.
Join a very special tour of London's magnificent royal palaces, in the company of Dickie Arbiter LVO, the best known of all the former Royal Press Secretaries. Dickie will join you on visits to St Paul's Cathedral and Kensington Palace. Having spent much of his working life within the walls of the latter, he will be well-placed to regale tales of serving the Royals. You'll also visit Hampton Court Palace during the trip. And with Christmas around the corner, take in London's beautiful festive illuminations and Christmas tree - as well as a visit to Kew Gardens for their immersive light trail.
Cruise through Bordeaux & the Médoc wine region with renowned chef Tom Kitchin. Enjoy wine tasting experiences at local vineyards and the beautiful Château Royal de Cazeneuve wine estate which includes sampling some fresh oysters, a real regional delicacy. Tom will join you on board for part of the cruise to host a cooking demonstration and answer your questions in a Q&A session. He will also accompany you on a visit to Libourne Famers' Market.
The island of Madeira is known for its horticultural highlights and on this eight-day tour, you'll experience them all. From the orchid nurseries at Palheiro Gardens to the vibrant colours of the Monte and the exceptional rose gardens at Quinta do Arco in São Jorge - whether you're a garden hobbyist or a budding horticulturist, this tour is for you. The highlight is seeing the fabulous Flower Festival with Gardeners' World presenter Adam Frost. Adam will also give a talk and answer your questions in a Q&A.
Our best-selling tour of the Scottish Highlands with Carol Kirkwood returns for 2025, and now's your chance to ride the iconic Jacobite steam train. This four-day itinerary sees you travel over land, sea and loch, with multiple journeys powered by steam - with the highlight being a trip on the Fort William/Mallaig line on the Jacobite steam train with Carol Kirkwood. The route is frequently voted the world's greatest, passing rugged scenery of craggy coastlines and inland lochs.
