With plenty of product launching this year, Clare Vooght rounds up the best tours for mature travellers
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1. History in the US capital region
Clients can take a deep-dive into US revolutionary history on this visit to the Capital Region with Newmarket. Groups will visit Colonial Williamsburg and the site of the first permanent English settlement in 1607, Jamestown.
After a jaw-dropping journey along the Blue Ridge Parkway there’s a stop in Washington DC, to take in the Lincoln Memorial and the White House, before heading to Baltimore to learn about the history of the American national anthem.
Book it: The 11-night trip costs from £1,868 per person, based on a September 19 departure from Heathrow, including flights.
newmarketholidays.co.uk
2. The Portuguese camino
With the Pope extending the Camino de Santiago’s Holy Year into 2022, due to Covid, this year is set to be busy for the famous pilgrimage route. Clients can avoid the crowds with a journey north along the quieter Spanish paths of the Portuguese Camino, from picturesque Tui on the banks of the River Minho and through Galicia to the shrine of St James – staying in premium hotels and tasting wine and seafood along the way.
Book it: Inntravel offers 10-night walking trips from £1,190 per person, based on travel up to May 27, including transfers, maps, plus luggage transportation between hotels, but not flights.
inntravel.co.uk
3. Castles, cities and cheese
Rabbie’s has launched 20 European tours this year and one of the most exciting itineraries follows a route through Italy and Switzerland. Highlights include Area Naturale Le Balze, whose rock formations inspired Leonardo da Vinci, Unesco World Heritage City Bologna, Medieval fairytale-esque castle Chillon and Gruyères, home of the eponymous cheese.
Book it: A 13-day Highlights of Italy & Switzerland trip costs from €3,469, based on travel on July 18, including coach travel, accommodation, but not including flights.
rabbies.com
4. Magic on the Isle of Skye
As well as providing a home for some impressive wildlife, from majestic red deer to shaggy Highland cows, the Isle of Skye has served as the backdrop for famous films such as Roald Dahl’s BFG, Flash Gordon and King Arthur: Legend of the Sword. And clients can strap on a pair of walking boots to see the sweeping coves, glens and waterfalls in real life on this new HF Holidays tour.
Book it: A seven-night walking trip with HF Holidays on August 13 costs from £1,599, including all meals, but not flights.
hfholidays.co.uk
5. Murder mystery
After the success of last year’s UK tours, Shearings has 64 new domestic trips this year.
One of the highlights is a visit to Torquay, the birthplace of crime writer and novelist Agatha Christie. Learn about the plants (poisonous and not) that feature in her stories at Torre Abbey Gardens.
Book it: Four-night trips, including coach travel, accommodation and evening meals cost from £449 based on travel on October 3.
shearings.com
PICTURES: VTC/Mark Edward Atkinson; Shutterstock/Shaiith.
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