Guide and seek joys
Jewels of Croatia
Delve into Croatia’s rich history and see some of the country’s key sights, including the seaside hotspots of Split, Trogir, Hvar as well as Zastrazisce, Tucepi and Omiš, with plenty of free time factored in for relaxing at the hotel or exploring independently.
There is also the chance to add on optional excursions to popular places such as picturesque Šibernik bay and the Krka Waterfalls, which is reached by catamaran, and the historic city of Dubrovnik.
Departures in June, September and October, including return flights from Gatwick, Luton, Bristol or Manchester, 14 nights all-inclusive accommodation, porterage and services of a tour manager. Optional excursions can be booked in resort. From £1,699pp, justgoholidays.com
Islay and Jura in autumn
Enjoy the spectacular autumn congregations of waterbirds on the Scottish islands of Islay and Jura on this spectacular five-night exploration trip.
At this time, large numbers of barnacle geese arrive from their high Arctic breeding grounds, along with Greenland white-fronted geese and smaller numbers of pale-bellied brent, pink-footed and wild Canada geese. Otters, harbour and grey seals are seen around the coast, while on Jura there are many thousands of red deer.
You’ll also visit Islay Woollen Mill and drop in at a distillery for a tasting.
Includes accommodation, breakfasts, lunches and dinners, ferries, transfers and transport on the islands, expert leader and guided activities. Departs November 16, £1,795pp, wildlifeworldwide.com
Walking in Snowdonia, solo tour
A land of majestic mountains, enchanting castles and Arthurian legends, Snowdonia is the spark to ignite all kinds of wistful adventures.
This five-day tour crosses the spectacular landscapes of Snowdonia National Park and along the North Wales Path led by expert guides. From the serene water of Llyn Idwal lake to the charming village of Beddgelert and a trip on the Welsh Highland Railway, you
will see the very best of Wales’ inspiring landscapes. When it’s time to take off your walking shoes, you can relax in a three-star hotel at the foot of the mountains. Departures until September, includes accommodation, 11 meals, four breakfasts, three packed lunches, four dinners and a welcome drink.
From £1,229pp, justyou.co.uk
Austrian gems featuring Salzburg
Featuring prominently in the classic film, The Sound of Music, the medieval city of Salzburg has gorgeous squares, Gothic churches and is surrounded by mountain scenery.
You’ll visit all the sights, as well as Residenzplatz Square, where Maria splashes in the fountain and takes a carriage ride with the Von Trapp children. This heart-lifting holiday also
‘‘ Visit a land of majestic mountains, legends and enchanting castles
takes in Lake Mondsee, the mountain village of Alpbach and the smallest village in Austria, Rattenberg, as well as giving you the chance to see the spectacular Krimml Falls and visit to the resort of Kitzbühel.
Departures during June and July, includes six nights’ hotel stay with breakfast, overnight stays in Belgium en-route, four evening meals, coach travel, local joining points. From £829pp, leger.co.uk
Splendours of Lake Garda,Venice and Verona
One of Europe’s most beautiful spots, Lake Garda is the largest and most popular of the Italian Lakes and a treasure trove to explore.
Visit the lakeside village of Malcesine with narrow streets and a 14th century castle and the port town of Riva del Garda, with tightly packed houses around the water’s edge.
You’ll then take a trip to Venice with an optional lagoon cruise and to Garda’s south shores and explore the pretty town of Sirmione, with an optional peninsular cruise.
In Verona, enjoy the romantic settings of Juliet’s balcony and Basilica di San Zeno, where Romeo and Juliet are meant to have married in secret. The finale is the Italian Dolomites with lush valleys, towering peaks and breathtaking panoramas.
Departures up to October, including eight or nine nights’ hotel accommodation with breakfast, six or seven evening meals, coach travel, local joining points and porterage at the hotel. From £849pp for nine days, £989pp for 10 days, shearings.co.uk
Nobel’s Stockholm
Embark on a six-day journey of discovery in Stockholm, birthplace to iconic scientific figures such as Alfred Nobel, Carl Linnaeus, and Jons Jacob Berzelius with New Scientist Discovery Tours.
Highlights include a private guided tour of the Nobel Museum, catching a boat to Vinterviken bay for dinner in Alfred Nobel’s old dynamite factory, a visit to the hall of Sweden’s first nuclear reactor, attending a crayfish party on the fortress island of
Vaxholm and exploring the Sweden Solar System, the world’s largest model of a planetary system.
Departs September 21, including B&B in a four-star hotel, some meals, coach, boat and ferry.
Excludes flights. From £2,544pp, newscientist.com/tours
Royal palaces and historic buildings tour
On this nine-night caravan or motorhome tour, exclusive to Caravan and Motorhome Club members, you’ll get to visit some of the country’s finest Royal attractions and historic buildings in London and the Home Counties.
Starting in London, you’ll visit The
Royal Mews at Buckingham Palace, a real working stables, featuring the iconic 260-year-old Gold State Coach. Next, delight in a tour of Kensington Palace, birthplace of Queen Victoria and home to young royals, before visiting the Tower of London. Staying first at Abbey Wood Club Campsite in London, tourers can walk to the Elizabeth Line for fast transport into central London, before moving onto the Club’s Henley Four Oaks site, close to the banks of the River Thames.
From Henley, take a day trip to Oxford for a guided city tour, then on to Blenheim Palace. Another highlight is a guided tour of Windsor Castle. Departs June 13. From £1,649 for two adults plus caravan/motorhome. £68 per year to become a member.
To sign up and book visit camc.com
‘‘
See where Romeo and Juliet are meant to have married in secret