Where to go when...
When you're planning your holidays for the year, where do you begin? Sometimes we love returning to our favourite destinations, places that we go back to year after year. Maybe you have somewhere on your bucket list that you're hoping to tick off in 2023. Or maybe you're looking for pure relaxation on white-powder sands beneath swaying palms.
There are certain destinations which suit certain times of year. Perhaps a swift city break will satisfy your wanderlust while the temperatures are still on the chillier side in Europe. Or, if you're a true beach-lover, you might want to jet off to a far-flung destination for some winter sun.
When spring arrives in the UK it's the ideal time to get out and about exploring all the glorious gardens we have on our shores, or slightly further afield to some of Europe's most renowned botanical gardens.
Autumn is a great season for delving into Europe's gastronomic scene, tasting food and meeting the locals during harvest celebrations. Or maybe incredible scenery does it for you, like the kind you can witness on cruises that meander vine-covered hills.
Whatever your holiday wishes for 2023, whether a short break or a longer adventure, somewhere near or far, we've got some ideas to inspire you.
Where to go in March
Spring is a special season in Cornwall. This county, known for its vast beaches, tranquil coves and sunny climate, sees spring arrive about a month earlier than in the rest of the country. The arrival of the season is marked when the magnificent magnolia trees in six of Cornwall's Great Gardens burst into bloom.
Visiting these gardens at the height of magnolia season is an unforgettable experience for anyone who appreciates the beauty of plants, and you can visit them on our five-night trip to Cornwall this year with gardening expert, Helen Yemm.. You'll see the six gardens that feature these world-class magnolias, including Trebah, Trewidden, Caerhays, Heligan, Tregothnan and Trewithen, and admire them in all their spring glory.
Where to go in April
April is a great month to discover the wonders of Venice, Italy's famous 'City of Water'. There is so much to see and do here, like walking tour of hidden spots usually reserved for locals and visits to world-famous buildings like Doge's Palace and St. Marks Basilica.
Join our exclusive new cruise and you'll experience the best of the city while also discovering the enchanting islands of its beautiful lagoon.
What's more, you will be joined by the world-famous tenor Russell Watson, who will give a special talk and Q&A, sign your complimentary CD, and give an exclusive private concert in this stunning and historic city.
Where to go in May
From deserted beaches to dramatic lochs and lofty mountains, the wild beauty of the Inner and Outer Hebrides makes for an unforgettable experience. In the spring months, these isles are strewn with colourful wild flowers, and birds soar and sing overhead.
Join our island-hopping cruise in May and you'll get to take in the fantastic scenery as you sail. You will stroll along the rugged coastline, see varied bird and wildlife as well as getting a taste of what it's like to live on the Atlantic Ocean archipelago on visits to whisky distilleries and tweed-weavers.
Beginning your journey in Glasgow, you'll board the comfortable, modern and environmentally progressive MS Spitsbergen, which will take you to the Isle of Mull, Arran, Islay, Iona and more.
Where to go in June
Andalucía is the sunkissed land of Spanish fiestas, where flamboyant flamenco dancers swish their skirts to troubadours, and where an intriguing blend of historical influences are reflected in the region's art, architecture and food. June is a great time of year to visit - when temperatures haven't yet reached the soaring heights of midsummer, allowing you to explore the elegant cities comfortably by foot.
Explore three parts of Andalucía with us over six memorable days this June, starting with beautiful Seville, moving on to lovely Córdoba, and ending up in Ronda, a town perched in an extraordinary position high above a gorge. Throughout the trip, you'll stay in comfortable hotels, each well-positioned for exploring.
Where to go in July
The rolling hills of Tuscany are a delight to visit at any time of year. But there's a good reason to time your trip for July. This is when one of the region's most famous faces, Italian opera legend Andrea Bocelli, returns to his hometown of Lajatico to host a spectacular open-air concert.
This very special concert in the Tuscan hills will be the highlight of your six-night stay in Florence, where you'll have plenty of time to take in its many sights, including Michaelangelo's David and the magnificent Duomo.
You'll also visit medieval Siena, home of the Palio horse race, the atmospheric hill-top village of San Gimignano, Lucca, where Puccini was born and foodie paradise Bologna.
Where to go in August
On the sleepy Isles of Scilly you'll find that life passes by at a more peaceful pace. These isles are famous for their breathtaking scenery, beautiful gardens and powder-soft beaches. If you visit in the height of summer, you could be mistaken for thinking you're on a beach in the Caribbean, rather than just a ferry-ride away from the UK mainland.
On our six-day trip in August you'll discover why so many people consider the Isles of Scilly to be the UK's most idyllic archipelago. You'll head to many of the islands' most unforgettable locations, including the sub-tropical Tresco Abbey Garden, described as "Kew without the glass", the rugged coastlines of Bryher, and the quaint harbours of St Martin's.
Where to go in September
Another fantastic Italian trip adventure and one that's sure to appeal to any keen foodie, is our exceptional six-day gourmet tour of Puglia, a real foodie gem in southeast Italy, that stands out even in a country with such a strong culinary reputation.
There are dates available throughout the year, but join in September and you'll be travelling in during wine harvest season in this stunning region - when the fields of vineyards are glowing in fiery tones and locals are celebrating the bounty of grapes. The tour will take you to some of the best spots in Puglia to eat and drink, with trips to historic bakeries, olive farms and farmhouses, with immersive cooking classes along the way so you can learn to cook like a Puglian.