Travellers are always looking for new ways to explore their favourite destinations. Trust us, we get it. Thanks to our expert team of travel specialists and network of clued-up Concierges who have the inside track of their country, we can help craft truly original trips to classic hotspots like Italy, the USA, or - our personal favourite - Egypt. Rather than a short break to Venice, consider a wildlife spotting trip in Italy’s hinterland, or swap a classic Californian road trip for an exploration of the Deep South. Read on to discover how to go under the radar in classic destinations around the world…
1. The USA's Deep South
2. An intimate Nile cruise in Egypt
3. Thailand's lesser-known islands
4. Wildlife watching in Italy's Abruzzo National Park
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. Whether live or recorded, these powerful rhythms 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 jazz in the clubs of the New Orleans French Quarter.
Check out our Deep South by-train itinerary for the ultimate musical journey (with the added romance of a locomotive). How’s that for a classic destination with a twist?
Image by Michelle V. Agins/The New York Times/REA
An intimate Nile cruise in Egypt
La Flaneuse du Nil is a perfect replica of the dahabieh passenger boats, which date back to the time of the pharaohs in Egypt. The slender, flat-bottomed boat visits all the important ancient sites, including the Temple of Horus and Karnak Temple Complex. It also glides towards the small villages and islands that other vessels are too large 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 has also undergone a dramatic overhaul; not only are the furnishings beautiful, but the sun deck’s 48 solar panels mean she runs almost entirely without a generator.
Feeling inspired? Take a look at this itinerary for the full run-down of this classic holiday with a twist.
Thailand's lesser-known islands
Any trip to Thailand should begin in bustling Bangkok. 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 swapping city lights for island life. The idyllic islands of Koh Samet and Koh Kood offer incredible beaches and crystal-clear waters, perfect for snorkelling and paddle boarding. The best part? With only a fraction of the crowds you’ll find on the likes of Koh Samui and Koh Pha Ngan, these lesser-known islands serve up an authentic slice of paradise. Here, the emphasis is on good food, local culture, traditional villages and, of course, R&R, with a scattering of luxurious hideaways offering complete privacy and a generous dose of peace and quiet. It doesn’t get much more blissful than this.
Image by TB[Picnic]/Fotolia
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. We think 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'll have the opportunity to learn about the area's rewilding efforts as well as the close connection between the local communities and their natural surroundings. Stay overnight in a remote mountain refuge and cosy up in a simple yet comfortable lodge, tuck into a delicious dinner of local produce and fall asleep to the distant howling of wolves. This isn’t Italy as you know it…
Header image by Mathias Depardon