Everyday life can be chaotic. Our favourite antidote? Escaping to one of the silent and sacred corners of the world. Whether hiking mystical mountains or observing ancient rituals, spiritual holidays offer a chance to reconnect and slow down. From the cloud-kissing monasteries of Meteora to the heart of Mexico’s Maya culture, read on to discover our favourite spiritual escapes around the world... Meteora monasteries, Greece Himalayas, India Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico Nairobi and Laikipia, Kenya Meteora monasteries, Greece Best for:
24th July 2025 - Culture
Any trip to Fes should include a day out to the Roman ruins of Volubilis, probably the largest and best-preserved ruins in Morocco. With scenery reminiscent of Russell Crowe’s homecoming in ‘Gladiator’ (more for the surrounding countryside than for the grisly welcome he got), Volubilis is a must-see for history buffs and lovers of picturesque vistas alike. Find out why you should visit in our Volubilis guide… 1.
23rd April 2025 - Morocco Culture
Stockholm or Gothenburg, Gothenburg or Stockholm... As Sweden’s stylish capital (and, more importantly, the birthplace of ABBA), the answer to this question appears to be a no-brainer. What could be more iconic than the hometown of the Swedish supergroup? Yet, as trendy and charming as Stockholm is, Gothenburg also has a lot going for it. Built along Dutch-style canals and blessed with leafy boulevards, Sweden’s ‘second city’ has everything you could want from a lively metropolis – without the crowds.
5th April 2025 - Sweden Culture
Purveyors of power and prestige, home to kings and queens, and architectural masterpieces in their own right, palaces offer a glimpse into the opulent and lavish lifestyles of royals past. With stunning examples around the world, it is well worth adding visits to a palace or two to your next holiday itinerary. But what is the most beautiful palace in the world? From the fortress complex of Alhambra to the sprawling courts of The Grand Palace in Bangkok, we’ve compiled a list of most beautiful sites to aid you on your royal voyage.
26th March 2025 - Culture
Easter in Seville is a whole lot more than chocolate eggs and fuzzy yellow chicks. Known as Semana Santa (Holy Week), the seven-day celebration spans from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday and is one of Spain’s most deeply rooted Catholic traditions. In Seville, schools shut, some workplaces close and the whole city pitches in to honour the Passion of Jesus Christ with processions, floats and flamenco-style prayers.
20th February 2025 - Spain Culture
Depicting diverse cultures, identities and landscapes, the art in Brazil is among the best in the world. Showcasing the country’s distinct modern movement during the 20th century is an exciting exhibition by the Royal Academy: Brasil! Brasil! The Birth of Modernism. Focusing on Indigenous identity and the Afro-Brazilian experience, the exhibition presents over 130 works by ten groundbreaking artists, illuminating Brazil's artistic legacy.
4th February 2025 - Brazil Culture
With imposing pyramids and crumbling cities, there’s an abundance of archaeological sites to explore on a trip to Egypt. From Cleopatra and animal-headed gods to pharaohs, sarcophagi and mummies, you don’t need to be an expert Egyptologist to enjoy a glimpse into the country’s past. A cruise down the Nile on a boat such as our very own Steam Ship Sudan takes you to some of the top sites, including Alexandria, Cairo and the Nile Valley.
27th December 2024 - Egypt Culture
It’s (almost) the most wonderful time of the year. As Christmas markets pop up nationwide, festive tunes take over the radio waves, and gift lists begin to be drafted, we’re looking further afield to see how other countries celebrate. Every culture has its own distinct way of marking this merry period, and Japan certainly knows how to put its own spin on Christmas festivities. From deep-fried Christmas dinners to gift-delivering ghosts,
9th December 2024 - Japan Culture
From the dancing streets of Rio to the outlandish floats of Mardi Gras, a country’s carnival offers an electrifying view of a nation and its people, one where serious fun is the name of the game and a non-stop party is always on the cards. The costumes, music and dates may change, but the spirit of carnival across the globe is universal; it’s a chance to indulge the soul and enjoy a moment of free abandon for a few sweet hours or days.
5th December 2024 - Culture
Delving into a destination’s history is one of the major joys of travel. It would be impossible to explore somewhere new without encountering vestiges of its (sometimes storied) past. Understanding how a place has evolved is often as intriguing as charting new territory, proving that holidays can be as informative as they are fun and as enlightening as they are enjoyable. If you share our view that travel is the ultimate form of education, trade the classroom for the Colosseum, swap your encyclopedia for Easter Island or opt for the Alhambra over a lecture hall.
22nd November 2024 - Culture
Despite its wonderful reputation among walkers, Himalayan holidays aren’t reserved for those who enjoy a hearty hike. Slicing its way through six countries, this mountain range is home to rich cultures that don’t require walking boots to be explored. From ancient temples in Tibet to Buddhism in Bhutan, spirituality and culture in the Himalayas are carved into the landscape itself. Leave hiking behind and read on to discover where to find some of the region’s richest cultural and spiritual experiences.
15th November 2024 - China Culture
Dreamlike Venice might be best known for its gliding gondolas, handsome facades and teal canals, but it’s also the site of one of the most important events in the cultural calendar, La Biennale di Venezia. First established in Italy in 1895, the Venice Biennale is often likened to an ‘art world Olympics’, where artists exhibiting for their countries compete for the prestigious Golden Lion Prize. This year,
30th July 2024 - Italy Culture
One of the best ways to get to the heart of a place is to head to a local market for a spot of shopping. There’s nothing quite like the spectacle of frantic arm waving and price haggling as locals try (and sometimes fail) to bag themselves the best deals. From handcrafted ceramics and knitwear to the freshest food around, there’s a market to cater for your every want and need. Discover our list of the best markets in the world for top-notch atmosphere, authenticity and everything in between… 1.
28th March 2024 - Culture
In recent years, there’s been a growing global recognition of the importance of protecting the rights of indigenous communities, and it’s a trend we’re very much on board with. Indigenous people safeguard some of our planet's richest forms of cultural expression. From the Samburu people of Northern Kenya to the First Nations Haidi citizens in Canada, these communities have a profound relationship – both physical and spiritual – with their traditional lands and do all they can to protect them.
20th February 2024 - Culture
Australia is at the forefront of the Indigenous Tourism movement, helping to incubate and codify a number of authentic Aboriginal experiences that connect people with the land, culture and 65,000-year history of what is widely acknowledged as the world’s oldest continuous culture. Meg MacMahon, from our Australasia team, was lucky enough to try out several such experiences on a recent trip down under.
5th February 2024 - Australia Culture
Our team of destination experts will get to know you and your unique requirements for your holiday
We work with you to build an ultra-personalised holiday itinerary with your choice of accommodation, experiences and activities
All of our holidays include little extras designed to make a big difference to your trip, from fast-tracking you through airport check-in and security to our network of local Concierges
