The world's most amazing tours to take in 2025
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 2024 and 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.
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.
Revel in the beauty of Norway's glacial fjords
Norway is a real magnet for adventurous travellers and those who love the great outdoors. Here you'll find exquisite landscapes of glistening fjords carved by ancient glaciers between towering, snow-capped mountains. These landscapes are perfect for exploring on hikes and walks, with pretty villages of wooden houses to pause in for a break.
The idyllic fjords of Western Norway are particularly inviting. In this part of the country you'll witness incredible sight of Sognefjord which, at 180 kilometres long and 1300m deep, is one of the biggest fjords in the world. In and around the Western fjords you'll be able to take in roaring waterfalls, a diverse range of wildlife and quaint fishing villages which tell takes of Viking history
Good Housekeeping has an eight-day tour where you'll stay in a hotel on the shores of the Sognefjord and discover the beautiful fjords of Norway's western shores as they're ablaze with autumn colours.
Immerse yourself in the fascinating history of Sardinia
With jaw-dropping natural beauty and a rich history, the Italian island of Sardinia really has everything you need for a fabulous holiday. Enjoy secluded bays with pearly sands set against a backdrop of rugged cliffs, where sheltered waters offer perfect swimming conditions.
In between relaxing on beaches and seafront restaurants, there's plenty of history and culture to take in. This island has been inhabited since Neolithic times, and you can see remnants of its layers of diverse history all over the island. Highlights include the intriguing Giants' Grave of Coddu Vecchiu, which served as public tombs in the Bronze Age, and the Nuraghe La Prisgiona archaeological site, with its megalithic tower and ancient village.
Visit Alghero, Bonifacio and historic Olbia on Good Housekeeping's eight-day Sardinian adventure. You'll learn more about Sardinia's storied past with visits to museums and a half-day city tour of Alghero.
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.
Island-hop along Croatia's glorious Dalmatian Coast
After sun, sea and sand? Croatia's Dalmatian Coast offers all of this along with culture-packed cities and vast national parks. Split is the largest city on this stretch of coastline, and makes a great starting point for exploring the region. The city is home to a whole host of fascinating Roman monuments including the palace of Roman Emperor Diocletian.
Dubrovnik, known as the Pearl of the Adriatic, is another city with plenty to offer, from a captivating, mediaeval old town to a range of stylish restaurants and boutiques. After some city living you'll want to explore the coastline's spectacular nature. The breathtaking Krka National Park is not to be missed, with its crashing waterfalls and deep lakes.
See the best of the sunny Dalmatian Coast on Good Housekeeping's eight-day tour. You'll visit the UNESCO World Heritage cities of Split and Trogir, see the waterfalls of the outstanding Krka National Park, and venture into neighbouring Montenegro.
Taste the wines of Portugal's Douro Valley
Portugal’s Douro Valley is the world's oldest demarcated wine-producing region. Its glorious sun-kissed hills make it a wonderful holiday destination for any wine lover, who can spend their time visiting the historic quintas (traditional wine estates) which dot the valley. Here you can sample excellent wines ranging from full-bodied reds to light-bodied whites and, perhaps most famously, delicious, fortified port.
The country's second city of Porto makes a great starting point for exploring the Douro Valley, where you can spend some time exploring its mediaeval buildings and tiled townhouses. From here, set out along the Douro to visit hilltop villages where wine has been produces for centuries, and where tastings take place in atmospheric cellars with expert sommeliers.
Enjoy wine tastings aplenty on Good Housekeeping's Portugal holiday. You'll start in Porto before visiting Viseu, Aveiro and Povoa de Varzim, stopping at traditional quintas and vineyards along the way.
Travel along the Amalfi Coast and tour Pompeii
Exploring the ancient site of Pompeii gives you a unique insight into Roman life. Once a thriving town, Pompeii was buried by Vesuvius's devastating eruption in AD 79 and now provides a hauntingly vivid snapshot of everyday life in ancient Rome. It's a must-visit destination for anyone with an interest in Roman history.
Combine a day trip to Pompeii with an Amalfi Coast holiday and you'll have the perfect balance of history and luxurious relaxation. This stretch of coast is sublime, with dramatic rock faces plunging into the sea, elegant bridges over deep gorges and hillsides covered in vines, fruit and olive trees. The iconic towns of Sorrento, Maiori and Positano all boast a range of stylish, seafront hotels, so you'll be spoilt for choice on a holiday here.
Join Good Housekeeping's Amalfi holiday to tour one of the world's most scenic coastlines. You'll visit the pretty towns of Positano and Maiori and spend a day touring the jaw-dropping ancient site of Pompeii.
Discover the incredible biodiversity of the Galapagos Islands
Calling all wildlife-lovers looking for the holiday of a lifetime. The Galapagos Islands are perhaps the world's most famous destination for spotting incredible creatures in the wild. After all, it was these islands which inspired Charles Darwin as he wrote his revolutionary theory of natural selection.
The islands are 600 miles from the coast of Ecuador, where the majority of tours begin, so you can spend some time exploring the highlights of Quito and Cuenca before heading to the Galapagos. Once on the islands, you'll see an incredibly diverse range of wildlife including blue footed boobies, iguanas, sea turtles, pelicans, finches, flamingos, sea lions, Galápagos penguins, white-tipped reef sharks, and rays.
See the incredible biodiversity of these remote islands on Good Housekeeping's 16-day tour. You'll start in Quito before visiting the UNESCO World Heritage site of Cuenca. You'll then spend five days discovering the unique wildlife of the Galapagos Islands.
Rock out in the Deep South on a musical odyssey
The Deep South of the USA is one of the world's best music destinations, with superstars including Elvis Presley, Dolly Parton and Louis Armstrong having made their names here . From rock 'n' roll to jazz, country to blues, this corner of the world is the birthplace of so many musical genres that are loved worldwide.
Some of the most inspiring destinations to visit include New Orleans' French Quarter, where the sound of live jazz fills the air, Graceland in Memphis, the iconic home, last recording studio and final resting place of Elvis Presley, and the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, where scores of accomplished country stars have performed. Beale Street is another unmissable location — known as 'the home of the blues', it's one of the most famous streets in America when it comes to music
Visit Memphis, the city Elvis called home, Tupelo, his birthplace, New Orleans’ French Quarter and Nashville, the home of country music on an action-packed nine-day tour with Good Housekeeping
Journey through the Japanese Alps between Tokyo and Osaka
Another bucketlist long-haul destination is Japan, where visitors can explore culture-packed cities, tranquil countryside, and villages where traditional craftmanship 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, Shirakawago and Kanazawa, get a glimpse of Buddhist life in Koya-San, and take a trip to the formidable 16th-century Matsumoto Castle high in the Japanese Alps. Another way to truly appreciate Japanese culture is with craft workshops. Perhaps you'll try washi paper-making workshop, a gold leaf workshop, or a lesson in making Miso seasoning.
Traverse the Japanese Alps visiting Shirakawago, Takayama and Kanazawa on Good Housekeeping's immersive tour of Japan. You'll discover a side of Japan that many visitors miss with traditional craft workshops and visits to Buddhist temples.
Search for wildlife in Kenya’s national parks
Kenya is one of the best places in the world to go on safari, giving you a chance to see magnificent animals including leopards, cheetahs, buffalo, elephants, giraffes, zebras, lions and crocodiles, plus a whole host of wonderful bird life. The Amboseli National Park is particularly rich with wildlife, and you can see wonderful creatures roaming free against the backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa.
A different side to the country is the heavenly Mombasa Coast, loved for its crystal-clear waters and powder-soft sands. The Mombasa Coast the perfect place to spend a few days relaxing on the beach after an exciting few days of safari. If you want another wildlife hit, it's a great place for snorkeling and diving to spot the colourful marine creatures who call this coast home.
On Good Housekeeping's 10-day Kenyan adventure you'll spend three days at a luxury resort on Kenya’s unspoilt Mombasa coast before heading to Tsavo West and Amboseli National Parks to enjoy guided game drives.
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.
Be dazzled by the starry skies above Northumberland
Northumberland's countryside is some of the most spectacular in the United Kingdom. England's northernmost county is also an official Dark Sky Park and one of the best places in the UK for marvelling at the constellations.
There are very low levels of light pollution, meaning the region has the most ‘pristine dark skies’ in England, and on a clear night you will be able to spot thousands of stars, the Milky Way and even the Andromeda Galaxy with the naked eye.
As well as these stunning skies, Northumberland offers landscapes of rolling, heather-clad hills and moorlands, and charming villages of cobble-stoned streets and cosy pubs, like the pretty market town of Hexham.
Northumberland is also home to parts of Hadrian's Wall, the largest Roman archaeological feature in Britain and one of the country’s most iconic historic attractions.
Good Housekeeping is offering a stargazing trip to Northumberland, where you'll visit two observatories with expert local astronomer, Richard Darn, and explore some of the county's dramatic landscapes.
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.
Tour the exceptional gardens of the Italian Lakes with Christine Walkden
The lakes of northern Italy have inspired poets and artists for centuries with their mirror-like waters surrounded by snow-capped mountains, lush hills and quaint villages.
It's no wonder that this region, with its elegant lakeside villas, is also the stomping ground of the rich and famous, with a whole host of A-listers, including Julia Roberts, David Beckham and George Clooney, owning homes on Lake Como.
The lakes are also famous for their horticultural gems, with many ornate gardens surrounding grand villas and palazzos. As well as Como, you'll want to take a moment to explore some of the lesser-known lakes such as Lake Orta, home to Sacro Monte di Orta, a pristine landscaped park with 20 chapels overlooking the lake.
Good Housekeeping is offering an eight-day escorted tour of the jewels of this region, where you'll be joined by horticultural expert and Gardeners' World presenter, Christine Walkden, who will spend a full day visiting the pretty gardens of the Borromean Islands with you.
Discover Slovenia's 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.
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.
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 has a trip to the Loire Valley which will take you to several of its grandest chateaux, including the spectacularly ornate Château de Fontainebleau and Amboise, where Leonardo da Vinci spent his last years.
Another highlight of the trip will be a visit to Monet's spectacular garden at Giverny, where you'll see the beautiful Japanese water garden, the inspiration behind some of his most celebrated paintings.
Explore London's royal palaces with a royal expert
The royal palaces of London hold centuries of history within their walls, telling the fascinating and turbulent tales of the British monarchy past and present. From the tumultuous reign of Henry VIII to the highs and lows of the Windsor family, the palaces and castles along the banks of the Thames have been the scene of some of the greatest dramas in English history.
Those with an interest in history or the royals never fail to be impressed by these grand buildings, like Hampton Court Palace, with its vast manicured gardens, Kensington Palace, once the home of Princess Diana, and Windsor Castle, the largest inhabited castle in the world.
Good Housekeeping is offering a special tour of London's palaces and royal buildings with the company of expert Tudor historian Dr Tracy Borman. You'll see the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, Kensington Palace, Hampton Court Palace, and Windsor Castle, all while staying at the five-star Royal Horseguards Hotel, right next to Buckingham Palace.
Discover the culture, cuisine and wildlife of South Africa and Mauritius
For another unforgettable wildlife experience, a tour of South Africa will never disappoint. One of the best destinations in the world to go on safari, a trip to South Africa offers the chance to spot the 'Big Five'; lions, leopards, rhinoceroses, elephants, and African buffalos.
Why not combine your South Africa trip with a visit to the wonderful island nation of Mauritius? Here, you can swap your safari gear for swimwear and relax on the island's famously beautiful beaches. But once you've had your fill of sunbathing you'll find plenty to do in Mauritius beyond the beach.
You can spend time discovering Mauritian culture with activities like wine and rum tastings, and visit some of the island's exceptional natural attractions, like the remarkable Terres de Seven Couleurs.
Join Good Housekeeping´s tour of South Africa and Mauritius and you'll spend a week in a luxury lodge on the Sebatana Private Reserve enjoying several game drives. Then it's on to Mauritius where you'll be staying at the ocean-facing resort of Tamassa Bel Ombre.
Tour Sandringham and enjoy Norfolk’s timeless landscapes
Famous for its wide skies, glorious coastline, serene rivers and crimson-red poppy fields, Norfolk is the perfect place to stop and enjoy the view. A great way to experience Norfolk’s beauty is on one of its local heritage railways, or with a relaxing paddle steamer cruise on the Broads.
You’ll see how life here moves at a slower pace: even the Royal Family comes here to unwind. Sandringham has been the Royals’ private holiday home since the reign of Queen Victoria, and they spend most Christmases on the vast estate.
In the '70s the house and its 8,000 hectares were opened to the public, so it’s well worth including a tour of Sandringham in your visit, with a chance to roam the carefully manicured grounds and get a flavour of the royal lifestyle.
You can hear an exclusive talk about Sandringham and its history as you tour the estate with historian Lucy Worsley. You'll also admire Norfolk’s pristine countryside and scenic coastline on three historic rail journeys.
Looking for inspiration for your next holiday? Grab a cuppa and browse our brochure packed with unique escapes.
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