November 17 - 25, 2023 | Maximum Group Size: 15 Participants | Availability: Open

This trip has been specifically designed to avoid the tourists and take in the culture of this multifaceted island In November, the weather is still warm, and the historical sites will be blessedly free of tour buses.

Our base is the fabulous Gran Hotel in the historic town of Sóller, set in the beautiful Tramontana Mountains. Sóller is accessible to the capital, Palma, by a wonderful antique electric train that affords incredible views as it weaves up through the mountains and out the other side.

We’ll celebrate Thanksgiving Mallorcan style with slow-roasted lamb at a very special restaurant up in the mountains. This year don’t spend all day in the kitchen. If you like your relatives, bring them along - if you don’t, leave them to it and join us for fun in the sun on an island paradise!

Join our most popular tour guide, Gavin Miller, who will take us to many very special places on this beautiful island that he calls home.

October 21 - 30, 2023 | Maximum Group Size: 15 Participants | Availability: Open

We invite you to join us on this journey through classical Greece! Long ago, the ancient poets wrote the first epics of war and love, families and feuds, trickery and revenge, Gods and Heroes.

Here, in glorious Greece, you’ll see where theater was born, consult the oracle at Delphi, stand where St. Paul preached to the Corinthians, and walk under the Lion Gate at Mycenae, just as the blind poet Homer recorded it nearly 3,000 years ago. Our first stop is the small fishing village of Tolo, an ideal base from which to explore much of “Classical Greece.”

Visits will include the theater at Epidavros and ancient Mycenae, famous from The Iliad. We’ll cross the Gulf of Corinth, stopping in the ancient city for a visit, and travel back in time to Delphi where the most famous oracle in ancient Greece was consulted. In Athens, we’ll visit the Acropolis, explore the National Museum, soak up the city’s history, and sample food and nightlife in the Plaka, the old section of the city.

We’ll end our adventure with an optional 4-day Greek Island Cruise, visiting Mykonos, Kusadasi (for Ephesus), Rhodes, Patmos, Crete and Santorini. With warm sun and sea, delicious food and thousands of years of fascinating history, join Discover Europe on The Glory of Greece.

October 20 - 28, 2023 | Maximum Group Size: 15 Participants | Availability: Open

Halfway between Europe and Africa and commanding the passage between the east and west parts of the Mediterranean Sea, the island of Sicily has always been at the crossroads of history. With a balance of guided excursions and leisure time to explore at your own pace, you’ll have an opportunity to experience Sicily’s winding medieval streets, glittering beaches, and, of course, the incredible variety of its food and wine.

Your traveling party will be escorted by Discover Europe’s Fiona Bennett as she leads you through scenic landscapes and ancient towns on this customized tour.

Optional Malta extension.

October 5 - 14, 2023 | Maximum Group Size: 15 Participants | Availability: Open

The County of Kent takes up most of the southeastern tip of England, the closest point to the continental mainland. The gentle slopes of its chalk hills and the rich clay soils of its central valleys, combined with the mild climate of the south of England have provided such a fertile environment that the area has been known for centuries as the Garden of England.

From the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, Hever Castle; to Chartwell, the home of Sir Winston Churchill; with stays in ancient Canterbury and Battle, named for the Battle of Hastings, we have opted for a mixture of sites, ranging from the historic to the scenic, from the literary to the whimsical, that we hope will give an accurate flavor of the region.

October 5th - 14th, 2023 | Maximum Group Size: 15 Participants | Availability: Open

Le Marche sits in rural tranquility, happily devoid of convoys of tourist coaches clogging up the countryside, and is the perfect destination for those who want to experience Italy, away from the throngs of tourists.

A highlight of the tour for many will be the visits to three gorgeous renaissance villas, complete with their spectacular gardens. Additionally. we’ll take part in Aqualagna’s National Truffle Festival, visit a mozzarella and cheese farm, taste wine from ancient vines only found in this region, experience the enchanting Frasassi Caves, and spend an evening devoted to a traditional Italian cooking class.

Join Discover Europe and long-time guide, Fiona Bennett on this journey to the undiscovered jewel, Le Marche.

September 28 - October 7, 2023 | Maximum Group Size: 15 Participants | Availability: Open

When you think of soul-satisfyingly good food, you think of Italy. Bowls of heaping semolina pasta as yellow as the sun. Seafood right off the hook, grilled, and served to perfection. Vegetables are plucked from the earth just moments before they grace your plate. Wine, ever flowing, rich and robust.

Take a journey from farm to table in the Piedmont and Emilia Romagna regions of Italy. In a country where food is royalty, these regions are king. From the frenzy of white truffle season to the majestic grapes that are aged into the Barolos and Barbarescos, and cheese crafted with perfection, we will loosen our belt buckles and explore the gastronomic masterpieces, as we soak in the history of the culture of this famed region.

September 21 - 30, 2023 | Maximum Group Size: 15 Participants | Availability: Open

This trip is for travelers who want to see beyond the tourist façade and explore the deeper artistic and cultural facets of this small complex island. From literary haunts to dramatic seascapes, our itinerary offers an experience of the full range of the Emerald Isle.

Starting in Dublin for three nights, where we will see the celebrated Book of Kells, we will then venture on to Sligo with a visit to the Neolithic Newgrange, one of the most spectacular archeological sites in Europe; to Galway where we will drive along the Connemara Coast and venture to Inishmore, the largest of the Aran Islands.

With a balance of guided and free time in the ancient country, you’ll revel in the mystical beauty and literary references as we explore this magical land.

September 14 - 23, 2023 | Maximum Group Size: 15 Participants | Availability: Open

Exploring the birth of the Protestant Reformation and ending with a stay in the city of Berlin

September 21 - 30, 2023 | Maximum Group Size: 15 Participants | Availability: Open

This exquisite tour will highlight the picturesque towns and villages of the Veneto and highlight the connections that the region has with Asia Minor and the artistic and cultural influences that have been absorbed over the centuries.

This fall, why not join Discover Europe’s Fiona Bennett for a visit to a vineyard (Soave), a stroll through the quiet back streets of Venice, or an ancient village in search of the perfect gelato, Here is an opportunity to sample the rich cuisine of the north and toast the beauty of the Veneto region.

September 20 - 28, 2023 | Maximum Group Size: 15 Participants | Availability: Open

A collaboration with our partners at The Culture Concierge and hosted by Alexandra Messervy, this tour takes you through the lowlands and into the Scottish borders.

With rolling hills often regarded as the poor relations of the highland mountains, famous fishing rivers and burns and some spectacular coastal scenery including the Isle of Arran and the Mull of Galloway, this land is filled with history, castles and beautiful estates, as well as some glorious gardens with late summer colour abundant in September.

September 14 - 23, 2023 | Maximum Group Size: 15 Participants | Availability: Open

Join us in a celebration of the finest English landscapes of the Peaks, Lakes and Yorkshire; inspiration for poets, artists and writers as well as gardeners and aristocratic collectors through the centuries.

September 8 - 16, 2023 | Maximum Group Size: 15 Participants | Availability: Open

Set in the southwest of France, in the foothills of the Pyrenees, we’ve found the perfect setting for a week—The Château de Camon.

This past Benedictine Abbey where troubadours, crusaders, itinerant knights, Spanish princesses, and persecuted Cathars passed through seeking sanctuary, has the authentic historical charm of the 16th century with modern luxury amenities of the 21st century. Four poster beds, beautiful fabrics, and exquisite accommodations await us after we explore the antiquities of the Aude and Ariege regions.

From the prehistoric cave paintings at Niaux to the medieval grandeur of Carcassonne, it will be impossible to return home without feeling touched by the shadows of the past!

September 4 - 14, 2023 | Maximum Group Size: 15 Participants | Availability: Open

Celebrate the life and legacy of Queen Elizabeth II on the first anniversary of her passing.

Curated by Alexandra Messervy, a former member of The Royal Household of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, we have put together a programme which celebrates the history and traditions of the British Monarchy and will commemorate the events to come.

Guided by our superb experts throughout, visits include hosting by a cousin of The Prince of Wales, our own Alexandra Messervy who gives insight into Royal service, and some of London’s finest history and art guides.

August 31 - September 9, 2023 | Maximum Group Size: 15 Participants | Availability: Open

This island sojourn is an adventure off the beaten track that explores port towns, prehistoric villages, Viking harbors, archaeological sites, and extraordinarily rich wildlife and scenery.

Jutting from the northern tip of Scotland into the North Sea, Orkney, and the Shetland Islands have a unique history of Nordic and Viking heritage. Beginning in Edinburgh we fly to Orkney where we will travel back in time to visit the World Heritage sites of Orkney’s Neolithic Heartland. From there, we will travel to Shetland Island where we’ll spot razorbills, guillemots, puffins, gannets, and abundant aquatic life.

Come join naturalists from around the world to experience for yourself the abundant island beauty in the North Sea.

August 25 - September 3, 2023 | Maximum Group Size: 15 Participants | Availability: Open

Well over a thousand years ago the Vikings sailed across the North Sea, first to raid and then to settle in the Hebrides and Western Scotland. They mingled with the native Gaelic people and brought a special gift – their mastery of the sea and their fast, flexible ships. Before long, a race of strong and independent leaders was born. The highest title, the Overlord, was claimed by the Norse King. Somerled, the earliest ancestor of Clan Donald, rebelled to lead a great revival of Gaeldom. The Norse were driven out of Western Scotland and the Isles, and Somerled crowned himself “King of the Isles.”

Join Discover Europe on this magical and historical journey through the Western Isles of Scotland as we explore both the landscape and culture of this powerful clan.

August 24 - September 3, 2023 | Maximum Group Size: 15 Participants | Availability: Open

Medieval cities, charming small towns, gothic cathedrals—we’ll experience all this and more, in a journey that crosses the English Channel, taking us from London to the islands of Jersey and Guernsey, across the beaches of Normandy, to the beauty of Monet’s gardens and the elegance of Parisian boulevards.

It’s a visit that spans a spectrum of experiences—from the drama of medieval villages to the broad vistas of seaside towns to the cosmopolitan beauty of city life, with all of their attendant architectural, artistic, and gastronomic masterpieces—truly a feast for the senses!

August 2 - 13, 2023 | Maximum Group Size: 6 Participants | Availability: WAITLIST ONLY

The recently released second season of the wonderful TV series, All Creatures Great and Small, was a co-production between Channel 5 in the UK and America’s PBS and has been a huge success on both sides of the Atlantic. The title, of course, comes from the hymn by Mrs. Cecil Alexander, which begins “All things bright and beautiful, . . .” Here is your opportunity to visit some of the locations at which the series was filmed.

But there is so much more . . .We begin our adventure in Edinburgh in time to attend the opening of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, which, in turn, heralds the beginning of the annual Edinburgh Festival of Arts.

This summer, join tour guide Thomas Randall and explore the north of England from Edinburgh, through the “border country” to the beautiful Yorkshire Dales, immortalized in James Herriott’s novels.

July 14 - 22, 2023 | Maximum Group Size: 15 Participants | Availability: Open

Windmills and waterfowl, tiny stone churches, rambling country mansions, and vast gentle fens stretching to the sky.

East Anglia is an area of England often overlooked by visitors and it is truly worth discovering. Our guide, Gavin Miller, has designed this itinerary to showcase the hidden treasures of the region where he grew up.

Along the way, we’ll explore the cities of Norwich with its beautiful cathedrals (possibly in time for Evensong); and Cambridge for a walking tour of the ancient university with 800 years of architecture and tradition. For the duration of the visit, Gavin has chosen a wonderful, four-star country house hotel that is also recognized locally for its excellent restaurant.

This summer, come join Gavin, in this special place and share his love of what he once called home.

July 3 - 12, 2023 | Maximum Group Size: 15 Participants | Availability: Open

This Summer, join garden blogger Michael Gordon for a stroll through England’s best gardens. Experience the expression of Britain’s top garden designers, who have set the standard for the rest of the world in horticulture for centuries.

Our tour will show that a well-designed garden continues to delight through various seasons. From William Kent’s masterpiece landscape garden, Rousham, to Christopher Lloyd’s innovative garden at Great Dixter, to the contemporary private garden at Pettifers, plus a day at the Hampton Court Flower Show, we will see English garden design from the traditional to the cutting edge. This trip is designed for the passionate gardener with first-class hotels and wonderful meals.

Follow Michael on Instagram: @thegardenerseye

*Optional Ireland Extension: July 12 - July 16

June 23 - July 1, 2023 | Maximum Group Size: 15 Participants | Availability: Open

The wonders of nature, from Mount Vesuvius to the azure grotto of Capri; classical landmarks from both Greek and Roman eras; villas and gardens of delightful villages of the cliff-hung Amalfi Coast; the splendid cuisine of the region; and coastal cities saturated with art and architecture all await.

The Sorrento Peninsula and the Amalfi Coast have long been a playground for the rich and famous, and with very good reason. The mountains tumble down into the azure waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea, providing breathtaking views around every bend in the road. The Island of Capri glistens like a jewel set in the Bay of Naples; it is a small wonder that Roman emperors made this their “home away from Rome.” Scenic landscapes, ancient towns, and sculpture-filled gardens on this wonderful discovery of southern Italy.

June 17 - 26, 2023 | Maximum Group Size: 15 Participants | Availability: Late Registration*

This Summer, join Discover Europe and like-minded friends for a look at the history of English aristocracy in the 20th century. Spanning from the Norman invasion to the Victorian era, we will try to understand how the English class system came about and still exists in the legacy that it has bequeathed the nation.

With visits to Hever Castle, the childhood home of Anne Boleyn; Oxford, with its treasured buildings dating back to the 13th and 14th centuries; Waddesdon Manor, the home of Lord Rothschild; Blenheim Palace, the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill; and other stately homes of historical significance, we will gain a deeper understanding of Royalty and its history. With time to stop for a pint in a cozy pub and picturesque landscapes along the way, we will journey into the tales and traditions housed in the stately homes of England.

*Back to back with: Treasure Houses of Southern England, June 9 - 18, 2023

* Late registrations (received within 60 days of departure) may also incur extra fees as discounted rates for hotels and airfares may no longer be available so close to departure. Participants will be made aware of any such charges before their registration is accepted.

June 17 - 26, 2023 | Maximum Group Size: 15 Participants | Availability: Open

The southwestern corner of Scotland comprises the counties of Ayrshire, Wigtownshire, Dumfriesshire, and Kirkcudbrightshire, located in the regions of Strathclyde and Dumfries & Galloway — we call it Burns’ Country.

The name derives from the region’s claim to fame as the home of Scotland’s “favorite son,” the “Bard of Ayrshire,” Robert (Robbie or Rabbie) Burns. His fame is now so widespread that Scots worldwide have founded Burns Clubs and celebrate his birthday every year on January 25th.

This part of Scotland is well off the usual tourist track, which heads up into the Highlands or down through the Borders into England. The gently rolling hills dotted with ruined castles, medieval abbeys, and megalithic stone circles will charm you with a beauty all their own.

June 9 - 18, 2023 | Maximum Group Size: 15 Participants | Availability: Late Registration*

From the ancient city walls of York to the Lake District, here is an adventure in Northern England that takes you behind the usual tourist facade. We meander past ruined abbeys, country mansions, and breathtaking scenery, traversing from one side of the country to the other.

We will take in several literary locales, including Wordsworth’s Dove Cottage and Beatrix Potter’s charming cottage, and understand why other Lakeland poets (Coleridge, Southey, et al.) decided to make this area their home. From Castle Howard, immediately recognizable from the BBC television series, Brideshead Revisited, to Fountains Abbey, Britain’s largest and most beautiful monastic ruin, this trip promises to take you back in time to explore the wonderful Treasure Houses of Northern England.

*Back to back with: Treasure Houses of Southern England, June 17 - 26, 2023

* Late registrations (received within 60 days of departure) may also incur extra fees as discounted rates for hotels and airfares may no longer be available so close to departure. Participants will be made aware of any such charges before their registration is accepted.

June 8 - 18, 2023 | Maximum Group Size: 15 Participants | Availability: Late Registration*

From the Rose of Tralee to Dublin’s fair city, Ireland is an almost mythical land of lyrical folk song, romantic poetry, turbulent history, and deep green fields. Wild Ireland focuses on the dramatic beauty of the rugged West Coast, where the Atlantic Ocean first hits the European continent.

Join Discover Europe for an in-depth exploration of the Wild Atlantic Way, stretching from County Donegal in the north down to County Clare. From the pre-Celtic hill forts punctuating the island to her dramatic seascapes and fabulous formal gardens, Ireland is a land of gracious discoveries. Our itinerary offers an introduction to Ireland for travellers who want to see beyond the tourist façade and explore the epic history of this small island.

* Late registrations (received within 60 days of departure) may also incur extra fees as discounted rates for hotels and airfares may no longer be available so close to departure. Participants will be made aware of any such charges before their registration is accepted.

June 1 - 11, 2023 | Maximum Group Size: 15 Participants | Availability: Late Registration*

Few visitors travel to Skye without leaving part of their heart in the Highlands. The breathtaking landscapes, the romance of the tales and legends, and the drama of noble and fiercely independent inhabitants all leave a lasting impression.

Starting in Edinburgh, “the Athens of the North,”; we will travel on to Inverness- “the capital of the Highlands” with a day trip excursion on Loch Ness; Skye — home of Dunvegan Castle and Talisker Whisky Distillery; Mull, where we will go to the holy island of Iona where Christianity in Scotland started; and Stirling — the gateway between the highlands and the lowlands. With plenty of time to enjoy a wee dram in a pub or two, join us this summer for this unforgettable northern journey into Scottish culture, history, and stunning scenery.

* Late registrations (received within 60 days of departure) may also incur extra fees as discounted rates for hotels and airfares may no longer be available so close to departure. Participants will be made aware of any such charges before their registration is accepted

May 30 - June 8, 2023 | Maximum Group Size: 15 Participants | Availability: Open

Join Discover Europe and explore the ancient route of the Camino de Santiago in northwest Spain. Also known as The Pilgrim’s Way or Way of St. James, it has been travelled a foot by those seeking redemption since AD 1085.

Starting in Bilboa, we will go to the stunning Guggenheim Museum, designed by Frank Gehry, all while staying in hotels along the path, getting an idea of what life is like walking the Camino. With visits to the beautiful stained-glass cathedral in Leon, Gaudi’s The Bishop’s Palace, and O Cebreiro, a traditional Galician Mountain settlement with pallozas (stone huts topped with thatched roofs), we will wind our way to Santiago, where present-day pilgrims celebrate the end of their 500-mile journey, with swollen feet and big smiles.

May 26 - June 3, 2023 | Maximum Group Size: 15 Participants | Availability: Late Registration*

As France’s largest wine-producing region, Bordeaux has much to offer both the wine connoisseur and the novice alike.

Situated on the Garonne River upstream from the Gironde estuary, Bordeaux is France’s undisputed wine capital and, as such, attracts visitors from all over the world. But it is much more than that. From our base near St. Émilion, this one-stop tour focuses on this region's delicious food and exquisite wines.

* Late registrations (received within 60 days of departure) may also incur extra fees as discounted rates for hotels and airfares may no longer be available so close to departure. Participants will be made aware of any such charges before their registration is accepted

May 25th - June 3rd 2023 | Maximum Group Size: 15 Participants | Availability: Open

Dreamy spires and picturesque villages capture the romance and gentle beauty of the Cotswolds, a corner of England where lush, rolling hillsides meet the horizon.

From the soaring towers of Oxford University, where we will take a walking tour, to the quaint, tumbling thatched-roofed cottages, along the riverside, to the gorgeous Georgian architecture of ancient Bath, we will slow down, stay a while, and dream. We begin and end our tour in Royal Windsor, which is convenient for meeting the various arriving flights of our group members. From here, we will wend our way with stops at Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of Shakespeare, to the beautiful gardens of Sudeley Castle and the romantic ruins of Kenilworth.

Experience the gentle scenery in the full glory of an English summer and be transfixed by the stunning Cotswolds Hills.

May 19 - 27, 2023 | Maximum Group Size: 15 Participants | Availability: Open

Let’s unpack in Tuscany this Spring!

Come experience the sights, smells, and tastes of this fertile cultural, historical, and bucolic land. We will make our base in Montecatini where we will take daytime excursions to Florence, the Cradle of the Renaissance; San Gimignano, the “city of beautiful towers”; Pisa, famous for its leaning tower; and the Cinque Terre, five towns that are perched along a stretch of cliffs, an area of such unspoiled natural beauty that it was added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 1997.

With our luxury home base in The Grand Hotel Francia & Quirinale, we will explore and taste our way around this heavenly place called Tuscany!

May 16 - 25, 2023 | Maximum Group Size: 15 Participants | Availability: Open

This spring, join fellow garden lovers for a stroll through The Best of English Gardens.

At a relaxed pace, with wonderful meals, first-class hotels, and a panorama of magnificent blooms unfolding before us, we will explore England’s most famous gardens, from Vita Sackville-West’s crowning achievement at Sissinghurst Castle to magnificent Stourhead Gardens. We’ll tour the Royal Horticultural Society’s flagship gardens at Wisley, Kiftsgate, and Hidcote Manor, along with visits to the Georgian city of Bath, and conclude with a full-day visit to the Chelsea Flower Show on the members-only day.

A quintessential springtime celebration, this tour will plant colorful memories for years to come.