Luxury small group tour specialist Cox & Kings has launched a range of single-centre European ‘Spotlight’ tours, taking clients to lesser-visited areas of well-known destinations.
Kerry Golds, managing director, said: “The introduction of a single-centre European tour portfolio based in lesser-explored areas of mainstream destinations matches the future trend towards short-haul travel and adds the peace of mind of staying in one hotel throughout.
“These adventures are all about immersing oneself in the local culture and getting to the heart of the chosen destination.”
There are seven new tours, featuring Malta, Greece, the Azores, Italy, Turkey, Slovenia and Spain.
Prices start at £1,295, including flights, for the eight-day Spotlight on Aegean tour in Turkey, with accommodation in the village of Sirince and excursions to archaeological sites.
The seven-day Spotlight on Malta holiday costs from £1,395, including flights, and offers excursions such exploring ‘the three cities’ of Vittoriosa, Senglea and Cospicua in a small electric car called a Rolling Geek, and a tuk-tuk tour in Gozo.
Also costing £1,395 is Spotlight on Athens & Evia which offers experiences such as learning to make real Greek coffee.
The seven-day Azores itinerary costs from £1,595 and includes sites such including geothermal lakes and volcanic craters, along with the chance to try local gin and pick tea at one of Europe’s few tea plantations.
Also costing from £1,595 are the seven-day Spotlight tours in Slovenia and the Basque Country.
Spotlight on Veneto (pictured) is an eight-day holiday from £1,795, which visits Verona, Padua and Vicenza, with guests staying in an 18th-century hotel in Castelfranco Veneto.
Golds said other key trends being seen by the operator include a rise in solo travel bookings; strong interest in festivals; and growing popularity of wildlife trips.