The most amazing tours to take in 2025
From the Isles of Scilly with a wildlife expert to a culinary tour of Puglia, check out the world's best escorted tours
The world's best tours take you to some of the most beautiful corners of the world on an escorted journey, where you can leave all the organising to the experts.
Whether it’s a soothing break to explore the medieval villages and turquoise lakes of northern Italy, an unforgettable train holiday in the Swiss Alps, or a visit to the most impressive palaces in the UK, the top tours of 2025 take you to some of the world's best holiday destinations.
Exploring somewhere new on an escorted tour is a fantastic way to blow away the cobwebs, meet new people and rediscover the beauty of the world. And there’s no better way to explore far-flung destinations - as well as the many beauty spots closer to home - than with Good Housekeeping’s excellent range of land tour holidays.
Our exclusive tours take the hassle out of travelling, with everything organised from the moment you arrive to your return home, allowing you to experience some of the most iconic sights in the world, as well as giving you the chance to visit lesser-known corners and enjoy one-off events.
You might even be joined by some famous faces from TV, who will share their expertise, show you around the local area and spend time with you during fun Q&A sessions, demonstrations, activities and talks.
Take a look at our round-up of the best tours available to book now for 2025 and browse our brilliant brochure for more unique holiday ideas.
Taste your way around beautiful Puglia
Puglia is the southern Italian region loved for its Mediterranean coastline, olive groves, white-washed villages, and unique archaeology.
This is where you’ll find quirky trulli, tiny ancient dwellings with conical roofs, many of which have now been turned into unique boutique hotels. Another thing that draws visitors to Puglia is its food and wine.
Puglia is renowned for its fresh produce and wine, which stands out even in a country famous for its food and drink. From traditional Apulian pastas like orecchiette to Pane di Altamura, a traditional durum wheat bread, there's so much to treat your tastebuds to.
When it comes to wine, Puglia is particularly known for its fruity reds, which you can sample on tours of many of the idyllic local vineyards dotted through the Itria Valley.
Taste your way around Puglia with Good Housekeeping. You'll learn to make orecchiette pasta during a special cooking class, enjoy wine and olive oil tastings, and spend the night in one of the region's unique trulli.
Spot amazing wildlife with a top expert in the Isles of Scilly
As the country's most southerly point, the residents of the Isles of Scilly are blessed with warmer weather than most of us, and the islands are a hotspot for rare birds, who stop off there as they migrate south for winter. There's other incredible wildlife here too - whales can sometimes be spotted off the isles’ shores.
Alongside their reputation for fascinating creatures, the Isles of Scilly have some amazing man-made green spaces, like Tresco Abbey Garden, home to 20,000 plants from over 80 countries and described as ‘Kew without the glass’.
There are also many wonderful restaurants to try, and you can enjoy magnificent views on walks along the rugged coastline or on boat trips between the islands.
Join the Chief Executive of the Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust, Julian Branscombe, on a tour of the Isles of Scilly. This tour will take you to many of the islands' most unforgettable locations including Tresco Abbey Garden, Bryher and St Martin's.
Visit Lake Como and experience the Bernina Express
With its chic restaurants, hilltop villages, and stately lakeside homes, it's no wonder Lake Como has been the stomping ground of aristocrats, artists and celebrities for centuries. Nowadays it attracts tourists from around the world who are drawn by its fine hotels and divine lakeside restaurants.
A stay on Lake Como wouldn’t be complete without a boat trip. You can sit back and relax as the views of quaint lakeside ports, pretty villages and magnificent mountain scenery pass you by. Another way to soak in the scenery of the stunning surrounding mountains is to hop on a train.
You can even appreciate the beauty of neighbouring Switzerland with a day trip to swish St Moritz on the Bernina Railway. This enchanting train ride will take you along the highest railway and enjoy the pristine Alpine views.
Stay on Lake Como and enjoy a ride on the Bernina Express on our eight-day tour. Your home for this trip will be the 19th-century Hotel Risi, located right on the lake's shores.
Immerse yourself in Japan's ancient traditions
Another bucket list long-haul destination is Japan, where visitors can explore culture-packed cities, tranquil countryside, and villages where traditional craftsmanship is still very much alive. Some of the country's must-see locations include Tokyo, the buzzing capital, and the awe-inspiring Mount Fuji, Japan's most iconic natural landmark.
On a longer trip, you can take in a side of Japan that many visitors miss. Immerse yourself in local culture in Takayama and Kanazawa, get a glimpse of the country's oldest Buddhist temple in Osaka, and take a trip to the formidable 16th-century Matsumoto Castle high in the Japanese Alps. Another way to truly appreciate Japanese culture is partaking in a tea ceremony, where you'll learn how to prepare matcha and wagashi, a traditional Japanese confection often served with green tea.
Immerse yourself in Japanese culture and see many different sides of the country on Good Housekeeping's 16-day tour of Japan. You'll travel from Tokyo to Osaka, stopping off at many lesser-visited places along the way.
Island-hop around Scotland's dramatic Hebrides
Located off Scotland’s western coast lie the breathtaking Hebrides, an archipelago of rugged islands, home to charming fishing villages, abundant wildlife, and some of the world's best whiskies. These remote shores also boast some of the UK’s finest beaches known for their pristine white sands.
There's Taransay, which is featured in the film Castaway, and the unique Cockleshell Beach on Barra, which doubles as the island’s airport. But it's not just beaches you'll find here. The Hebrides are also home to a whole host of fascinating archaeological sites. There's the Standing Stones of Callanish, the tranquil little Norse Mill at Shawbost and the distinctive Black Houses at Gearrannan, all telling, the stories of remote Gaelic communities from centuries ago.
Good Housekeeing's five-day journey takes you through Eriskay, Barra, Benbecula, Harris, and Lewis. Travel journalist and broadcaster Monty Halls will join you on Eriskay and Barra to give an insightful talk about his fascinating career and share his experiences as a volunteer wildlife ranger.
Explore Transylvania and sleep in an ice hotel
Transylvania is known for its towering Gothic castles, thick, verdant forests and rugged mountains. The country’s Carpathian Mountains, which separate Transylvania from the rest of Romania, are one of Europe's most atmospheric regions.
Covered by pristine forest, these mountains are home to Europe's largest bear population, along with lynx, chamois and wolves. Dotted among the landscapes are various mediaeval villages and many enigmatic castles, one of which is home to the legend of Dracula.
During the winter months, you’ll find somewhere unique to stay in the Carpathians: the magical Hotel of Ice. This special hotel is built entirely out of snow and ice blocks extracted from a nearby glacial lake.
Good Housekeeping has an exclusive stay in the Hotel of Ice. While there, you can explore the hotel’s Winterpark where you can try snowmobile riding, snow rafting, tubing, and off-piste-skiing. You'll also spend three nights in a boutique hotel in the vibrant capital city of Bucharest, where you'll be staying in the Lipscani district, the city's Old Town.
Relax in the rolling hills of France's Loire Valley
Often referred to as 'The Garden of France,' the Loire Valley is known for its incredible number of historic chateaux dotted throughout landscapes of rolling hills and vineyards. These expansive vineyards produce award-winning Saumur wines, which many visitors choose to sample guided wine cellar tours.
These hills are also dotted with picturesque villages of cobblestone streets and medieval architecture, like Chinon, where Joan of Arc first met the Dauphin, Amboise, with its royal château on the banks of the Loire, and Tours, the mediaeval capital of France.
Good Housekeeping offers the chance to explore Monet's inspirational gardens in Giverny comes on Good Housekeeping's trip with gardening expert Paula McWaters, who'll give an illuminating talk and Q&A prior to your visit.
The holiday also includes a visit to the Musée de l'Orangerie in Paris, where you'll see Monet's breathtaking Les Nymphéas murals, which depict various scenes from Giverny.
Discover Andrea Boccelli's Tuscany with an unforgettable concert
As far as Italian escapes go, Tuscany really does have it all. From miles of gently rolling, vineyard-covered hills, to culture-packed cities like Florence and Lucca, this central Italian region is not to be missed.
Lovers of art and culture will be particularly at home here. Florence, the region's capital, is home to some of the world’s best-known Renaissance art including Michelangelo’s David and several of Botticelli’s masterpieces. One of the region's most charming towns is Lajatico, known as the hometown of the famous tenor Andrea Bocelli, who returns here each summer to perform at his Teatro del Silenzio.
Join Good Housekeeping for a unique cultural holiday in Tuscany. The highlights will be an evening with Maestro Andrea Bocelli in Lajatico, where you'll have a seat in his Teatro del Silenzio for a captivating concert. You'll also dine at Officine Bocelli, the family's excellent restaurant and taste wines from the Tuscan hills.
Go on safari to spot elusive Bengal tigers in India
India is a destination on many people's bucket lists. The country has incredible wildlife, diverse cultures, exquisite architecture and delicious food to enjoy. The country's Golden Triangle, between the cities of New Delhi, Agra and Jaipur, is particularly impressive, home to some of the country's most revered holy sites and landmarks, like the Amber Palace, the Red Fort and the Jantar Mantar observatory.
If you're looking to explore a more rural side of the country, Northern India's Ranthambore National Park is not to be missed. Its grasslands, streams and watering holes are home to striped hyenas, sambar deer, sloth bears and of course, the elusive and still endangered tigers of Ranthambore.
Explore the Golden Triangle and Ranthambore National Park with Good Housekeeping. You'll take morning and afternoon jungle safaris with expert guides to spot the tigers in their natural habitat. You'll also tour India's Golden Triangle and see the Taj Mahal at sunset.
Discover Slovenia's culture, landscapes and cuisine
Like any country sharing so many borders with others, Slovenia has a delightful mix of cultural influences - and eras. From the Romans to their modern Italian counterparts, and the Balkan countries to the south, tiny Slovenia has been shaped by those surrounding it, while forging ahead with its own identity too.
Slovenians pride themselves on being one of the greenest countries in Europe - both in appearance and a determination to protect areas of great natural beauty. You cannot fail to notice their efforts while walking in the Julian Alps, for example, or taking a short cruise on Lake Bled, where natural beauty and a sense of tranquillity have been carefully preserved.
Join us on a tour of Slovenia with more of a foodie theme. The region of Istria is renowned for its black and white truffles and you’ll get a chance to hunt for these valuable funghi with an expert guide before sampling some delicious truffle-based dishes.
Follow in the Durrell family's footsteps in sunny Corfu
Many of us came to love the island of Corfu through reading the autobiographical books of British naturalist Gerald Durrell, or seeing it on screen in television adaptions of the Durrells' adventures. But nothing quite compares to visiting in real life.
There's so much to see and do on the island, from relaxing on its pristine beaches to exploring the many locations with links to the Durrells. There's the White House in Kalami, once home Lawrence Durrell, Gerald's novelist brother, Mouse Island, a place that Gerald and his sister Margo both loved to visit, and the Lake of the Lillies, one of the family's favourite spots.
See some of the Durrells' favourite locations with the company of writer Lee Durrell. Lee will give a talk about her family's love affair with the island and join you at locations including the Lake of the Lillies, featured in My Family and Other Animals.
Enjoy a gourmet exploration of Bologna and Modena
Bologna is known and loved for its traditional alleyway bars, buzzing piazzas and Renaissance buildings. But the city is really set apart by its food. It has a hard-earned reputation as Italy's gastronomic capital, and is often nicknamed la grassa - 'the fat one'.
As well as its signature pasta dish - spaghetti Bolognese - the city is famed for its spiced mortadella sausage, tortellini dishes and its sharp and nutty Parmigiano Reggiano. If you venture out to nearby Modena, you can treat yourself to some more of Italy's most beloved foods, including tangy balsamic vinegar.
There's also a wealth of idyllic countryside to explore in the wider Emilia-Romagna region, with gently rolling hills, vineyards, olive groves, and orchards. All in all, it offers all the ingredients for a quintessential Italian escape.
Join Good Housekeeping for a foodie tour of Bologna and Modena, with visits to several local food producers including a local Parmesan factory, and a Balsamic vineyard, and get a hands-on cooking lesson in Modena.
Experience Madeira’s spectacular Flower Festival
A sub-tropical paradise in the Atlantic Ocean, Madeira is blessed with fertile volcanic soil that makes it the perfect place to grow beautiful, colourful plants. Its warm botanical gardens and immaculately landscaped parks contain everything from purple-blossomed jacaranda trees and rare orchids to the delicate bird of paradise flower, while native flora includes the UNESCO-listed laurel forest.
The scenery is magnificent too; there are sweeping beaches, soaring mountain ranges and lush valleys, as well as cool rock pools and intriguing caves to explore. The capital city, Funchal, is known as Little Lisbon thanks to its elegant tree-lined avenues and lively atmosphere.
It's at its buzziest in spring, when the annual Flower Festival takes place. A riot of colour, with vibrant parades and floats, it’s a fantastic start to the summer and a must-visit for garden-lovers.
Join Good Housekeeping in Madeira for a trip to the Flower Festival and tour the island’s horticultural attractions. You'll spend a day soaking in the joyous atmosphere of the Flower Festival and explore the landscapes of the Ribeiro Frio National Park.
Marvel at the medieval buildings of Carcassonne and the Dordogne
Winding your way through narrow, cobbled streets flanked by medieval buildings, climbing towering fortresses for jaw-dropping views across the countryside - this is quintessential France, and what draws so many people to the Dordogne for a classically French escape. Sarlat is one of the department's standout villages, and was established after a Benedictine monastery was built there in the early 9th century.
South of the Dordogne you'll find Carcassonne, one of the jewels of southern France. The fairytale citadel is one of the most striking walled settlements on the continent and is a joy to explore, with its quirky cafés, restaurants and craft shops tucked away in its tiny, medieval buildings.
Good Housekeeping is offering an excellent eight-day tour of the Dordogne and Carcassonne. Look forward to walking tours of delightfully medieval Sarlat, perhaps the most picturesque town in the entire Dordogne area, and the remarkable walled city of Carcassonne. While here, you'll also enjoy a meal at the city's Michelin-starred restaurant, La Barbacane.
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Good Housekeeping is offering another memorable trip to Carcassonne with a special guest, bestselling author Kate Mosse. Many of Kate's books have been set in and inspired the ancient streets of Carcassonne, and she'll take you on a fascinating literary tour to see locations from Labyrinth. You can also look forward to an insightful talk and Q&A over dinner with Kate.
Ride in utter luxury through Tuscany on La Dolce Vita Orient Expess
One of the best ways to make the most out of a holiday is to ensure that the journey is part of the experience. And if you're a lover of rail travel, there are plenty of opportunities to explore Europe in style along some unbelievably scenic railway routes. If it's a touch of luxury you're after, it doesn't get much better than the new La Dolce Vita Orient Express, launching in spring 2025.
This ultra-luxurious train has interiors inspired by Italian design’s golden age, with comfortable sleeper cabins featuring mirrored back walls and wooden slats ceilings. Food on board is as mouthwatering as you'd find in Italy's best restaurants, with dishes curated by three Michelin-starred Chef Heinz Beck.
Step on board La Dolce Vita Orient Express with Good Housekeeping and be whisked back to the Italian Golden Age of rail travel. Your journey starts and ends in Rome, where you'll have plenty of time to explore. Board the train and glide through the Tuscan countryside from Rome, alighting in Montalcino, an idyllic hilltop town where you'll taste local wines.
Meet rare farm animals and enjoy the Cotswolds countryside
The Cotswolds are known and loved as one of England’s prettiest regions, with golden, honeystone villages and cutesy cottages dotting sleepy green hills. They're also home to some of the most picturesque gardens and stately homes in the country, like the Painswick Rococo Garden, Batsford Arboretum, and Sezincote House.
The area's postcard-perfect villages are another major attraction. There's Stow-on-the-Wold, with its antique shops and ancient church, Tetbury, with its well-preserved 16th and 17th-century houses, and Broadway, nestled at the foot of Fish Hill and knowns as the ‘Jewel of the Cotswolds’.
Visit Broadway and other dreamy Cotswolds destinations with Good Housekeeping on a five-day tour. A highlight will be visiting Adam Henson's Cotswolds Farm Park, where he'll answer questions about his conservation work and sustainable farming. You'll also visit Batsford Arboretum, Sezincote House, Painswick Rococo Garden and more.
Learn all about Jane Austen’s Bath connections with Lucy Worsley
Anyone with a passion for classic literature will love a trip to Bath, one of the UK's richest cities when it comes to history and literary culture. This is the city where Jane Austen once lived, and which inspired many of the beloved author's novels.
As you wander along the glorious honey-coloured crescents of Georgian houses, you can imagine yourself as a character in one of Austen's novels. You'll also want to pay a visit to the Jane Austen Centre, a museum set in a classically decorated Bath townhouse where guides in period costumes are ready to tell you more about the author's connections to the city.
Good Housekeeping's Jane Austen-themed tour of Bath will be extra special thanks to a guest appearance by Austen expert and biographer Lucy Worsley, who'll join you on a walking tour of Bath, pointing out the finest examples of Georgian architecture in the country. She'll later give a talk on the life and times of Jane Austen followed by a Q&A session.
Ride mountain railways and cableways through the Dolomites
For an exceptional Italian tour, why not head to the wild and wonderful Dolomites? This is a different side of Italy from the sun-kissed shores of the Mediterranean, where hearty German-influenced dishes are more common than pizza and where hiking, cycling and skiing replace leisurely seaside sunbathing.
But if you want to explore these breathtaking peaks in a more leisurely fashion, you're in luck. The region is crisscrossed by several historic train lines and cable cars, including Europe's steepest funicular railway, allowing you to explore the mountains and take in the views without getting too out of breath.
Join Good Housekeeping to ride the local trains of the Dolomites. You'll ride the funicular railway to explore the Mendola mountain ridge, ascend the Renon Mountain using a modern cable car and on a historic narrow-gauge railway, and take a local train with mountain and castle views en route to Caldes from Mezzolombardo.
Spend a magical night at the opera in Verona
For opera fans, there's hardly a more inviting event than the spectacular Arena di Verona Festival. This is one of the world's most renowned opera festivals, where the biggest names in opera take to the stage in the city's atmospheric Roman amphitheatre, which has been standing since 30 AD.
In 2025, the city will host the 102nd edition of the festival, with performances of Aida, Rigoletto, La Traviata and Carmen to look forward to. Of course, those who flock to the city of the opera festival can also spend time exploring everything else the city has to offer, from towering fortresses to elegant piazzas and fascinating sites connected to the world's most famous love story, Romeo and Juliet.
Good Housekeeping has a fantastic trip to Verona to coincide with the opera festival. This unique tour includes a very exclusive experience; backstage access at the festival, where you'll tour backstage areas and meet the people who help the opera to come alive on stage every night before taking your seat for a performance of Rigoletto.
There'll also be plenty of time to see the highlights of the city, with a tour of the city and free time to explore before the concert.
Stroll through the heavenly gardens of Kent and Sussex.
For green-fingered travellers, a tour that takes in a range of beautiful gardens cans be an inspiring way to spend a holiday. Kent and neighouring Sussex are home to some of England's most idyllic country gardens and are a top pick for a horticultural holiday.
A highlight of any trip to Kent is Sissinghurst Castle, which is home to the county's most famous gardens. The Grade I gardens here were created by poet and author, Vita Sackville-West, and her husband, Harold Nicolson. Another of our favourites, Pashley Manor, lies on the border of Kent and Sussex and boasts romantic landscaping, imaginative plantings, ancient trees, fountains, springs and peaceful ponds.
Good Housekeeping is offering the chance to explore some of Kent and Sussex's finest gardens with the company of expert gardener Sarah Raven. Along with Sissinghurst and Pashley Manor, you'll see Great Comp Garden, Scotney Castle, Lullingstone Castle, Great Dixter and Sarah's own garden project at Perch Hill, where she'll tell the story of the site's 25 year transformation.
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