Reflecting on a wonderful season of touring...

What a wonderful year on the road it’s been! We’re taking the opportunity to reflect on some of our guests’ reflections about what made their 2023 touring experiences extra special. 

Tour overview: World-famous university cities meet hideaway villages on this enchanting tour of Eastern England. Visit the renowned Sandringham Estate, witness a unique behind-the-scenes tour at Newmarket National Stud and delight in a traditional punting experience. 

“Highly recommended, comprehensive but not rushed. 

Our guide Giovanni and driver Karl made a great trip even better. They were flexible and considerate ensuring everyone had a great time. The itinerary, from Edinburgh to London, was great and I loved having 2 nights in each hotel. We had plenty of free time around the included elements” - Michele from Sydney 

Tour overview: Take time to enjoy the finer things in life on this journey of discovery through Southwest France. This tour incorporates savouring tantalising French flavours, soaking up plendid art and history and staying in UNESCO-listed medieval citadels. 

“We did the Back-Roads Touring Jewels of Southwest France tour and enjoyed it very much. We travelled on the back roads, not highways in a small bus. There were 16 in our group and the guide was French but spoke English very well. He was excellent as he was informative and helpful and taught us some French as well as explaining French attitudes and customs. Our driver was careful and considerate and also spoke English very well.  

Instead of packing up and moving to a new hotel every day, we stayed in most places for 2 or 3 nights, which was much easier. We were free to get our own lunches, which was great because we didn't usually want much lunch after a big breakfast. We visited many beautiful and interesting towns, mostly with medieval city walls and were taken to all the most important buildings. I would definitely recommend this trip as we learnt more than we would have if we'd travelled there ourselves” - Carol from Brisbane 

Tour overview: This classic journey delves deep into Britain’s fascinating history and culture. In England, trace the footsteps of famous writers and poets and uncover the scenic countryside that inspired their greatest works. While in North Wales and Scotland, become mesmerised by evocative scenery and dramatic castles. 

“Excellent Tour Guide, itinerary and accommodation. Shabby was knowledgeable, entertaining, organised and caring. I loved the insight into Welsh, English and Scottish lives. Museums, galleries, historic houses and excursions were well chosen and planned” - Josephine 

Tour overview: East meets West and past meets present: Spain and Portugal offer a heady mix of treasures, from Arabic palaces and Roman temples to Catholic cathedrals and Jewish synagogues.   

“Madrid, Cordoba, Seville and Ronda were all fascinating, as was Tio Pepe and the Iberico ham visit. The festival day at Grazalema was an unexpected plus, and Christina's palace at Estremoz was rather special!” - John from Perth 

Eager to unearth more information about any of these tours? Discover your dream 2024 tour here. 

Wishing you all a joyous festive season ahead and may your 2024 be full of spectacular travel adventures...