As the world begins to dip its toes into travel again, we’re seeing a rising trend for travellers wanting to revisit their all-time favourite destinations but experience them in entirely new ways. Thanks to our team of travel experts and extensive network of in-country Concierges who have the inside track on their destinations, we can craft truly original holidays to classic hotspots like Italy, USA, or - our personal favourite - Egypt. Rather than a short break to Venice or Rome, consider a wildlife spotting trip in Italy’s hinterland, or swap a classic Californian road trip for an exploration of the USA’s Deep South. Read on for some more of our deeper cut holiday ideas, that get you off the beaten track in those most popular destinations…
The USA’s Deep South
Bob Dylan first sang about legendary U.S. Highway 61 back in 1965 and now you can cruise along this famous road that runs through the raw, urban American heartland of the Deep South. Soak up the cities that gave birth to America's famous music scene: blues, jazz, zydeco, country, gospel, soul, R&B and rock 'n' roll... These powerful rhythms, whether live or recorded, will have you tapping your foot in no time. Begin your musical adventure with the Chicago blues, followed by country music in Nashville, rock in Memphis, the blues again in Clarksdale, and finally, jazz in the clubs of the New Orleans French Quarter.
Thailand’s Lesser-Known Islands
Any trip to Thailand should start with a few days in Bangkok, where you can enjoy a private guided tour of the city’s temples and a private boat trip to Don Wai, one of the country’s oldest floating markets, before escaping the bustle for island life. The idyllic islands of Koh Samet and Koh Kood offer incredible beaches and crystal-clear waters – ideal for snorkelling and paddle boarding – but with only a fraction of the crowds you’re likely to find on the likes of Koh Samui and Koh Pha Ngan. Here, the emphasis is on good food, local culture, traditional villages and, of course, R&R, with the scattering of luxurious hotel hideaways offering complete privacy and a generous dose of peace and quiet.
An Intimate Nile Cruise in Egypt
La Flaneuse du Nil – owned by our parent company, Voyageurs du Monde - is a perfect replica of the dahabieh passenger boats which date from the time of the pharaohs in Egypt. The slender, flat-bottomed boat has recently moved from Lake Nasser on to the Nile, where it will not only visit the popular sites, but also takes in small villages and islands which other vessels are too big to access. These visits give a fascinating and exclusive insight into life on the Nile which very few visitors have the privilege to see. The boat has just seven cabins, including a suite with a private balcony at the stern. La Flaneuse du Nil has also just undergone a dramatic overhaul, with the installation of 48 solar panels on the sun deck meaning that she will run almost entirely without a generator from now on.
Wildlife Watching in Italy’s Abruzzo National Park
Italy is a country renowned for its renaissance art and roman ruins, but few Brits explore its national parks and wildlife, and they’re missing out. Accompanied by an expert local guide, explore Abruzzo National Park - home to approximately 60 mammal species and 300 different bird species - and keep your eyes peeled for everything from deer and wolves to bears and wild boar. Along the way, you will have the opportunity to learn about the rewilding efforts in the area and the close connection between the local communities and the natural surroundings. Enjoy an overnight stay in a remote mountain refuge, which offers the chance to be at one with nature as you cosy up in a simple yet comfortable lodge, tuck into a delicious dinner made with local produce and fall asleep to the sound of howling wolves.