Take a trip of a lifetime

There are some amazing destinations to visit across the globe, so get ready to pack your suitcase – this year and next. From the beautiful lakes in the north of Italy to the Moorish architecture of Andalucía, Europe has the most wonderful cultural and historical places for you to discover. Imagine sailing down some of the most iconic rivers in Europe and beyond, glass of something chilled in hand, stopping at many exciting places along the way. Or perhaps you’ve decided to take that trip of a lifetime and discover some faraway, exotic destinations. Here, travel experts Travel Department have put together a list of their favourite holiday destinations, offering inspiration for where you might decide to travel to next...

India, with its exotic sights, sounds and smells is a destination like no other. Discover its cultural delights and marvel at many architectural wonders, from the Taj Mahal in Agra to the Amber Fort in Rajasthan. India is also full of vibrant and historic cities, such as the ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur and Udaipur, the ‘Venice of the East’, an incredible city built around Lake Pichola. Plan to be amazed at this wonderful place.

Italy continues to delight and no matter how many times you may have visited, there’s always something new to uncover. Discover beautiful lakeside towns in Lake Garda, Italy’s largest lake – it’s also the perfect base if you’re looking to take excursions to the wonderful cities of Venice and Verona.

Unwind with a holiday to Lake Como and explore the delights of the Italian Alps, perfectly discovered on a scenic train journey on The Bernina Express. Sorrento offers sweetly scented lemon groves and dramatic seaside cliffs, plus it’s great for trips to Capri or Pompeii. Alternatively, experience one of Europe’s most scenic routes, the Amalfi Coast, exploring the rugged shoreline dotted with pretty, small beaches and pastel-coloured fishing villages.

Whether it’s the glorious Spanish weather you’re after, or to experience the country’s culture, cuisine, art and history there’s something for everyone in this fantastic destination. Tenerife holidays provide a perfect escape; combining sun, volcanic landscapes and fantastic beaches. There are also plenty of excursions from Tenerife, with Mount Teide and the UNESCO World Heritage city of La Laguna in easy distance for a visit. Or choose a holiday to Andalucía, one of Spain’s most vibrant regions. Stay in the charming, authentically Andalusian town of Loja and explore more with day trips to Cordoba, Seville and La Alhambra.

From the stunning city of Porto to the beautiful beaches of the Algarve, whether you want culture or relaxation, you’ll find it all and more with a trip to Portugal. Holidays to the Algarve are some of the most popular in Europe and for good reason, with stunning beaches and year round sunshine you might never want to leave....However, there is so much more to this stunning Portuguese Coast. It is a region full of fascinating culture and history, charming towns and villages and superb cuisine. Take a trip to Estoril & The Lisbon Coast, where you can discover Portugal’s capital of Lisbon, the town of Sintra, famed for its fairytale castle and palaces, as well as medieval Óbidos and the traditional fishing village of Nazaré.

George Bernard Shaw famously stated, “Those that seek paradise on earth should seek it in Dubrovnik.” And he was right. Dubrovnik is a spectacularly preserved 16th century city, known for its defensive walls and red-roofed buildings. Croatia’s Istrian Coast is an incredibly beautiful region, located between the Gulf of Trieste and the Bay of Kvarner, where rolling green hills overlook the lush valleys and sparkling sea, with little towns perched on the hilltops above. Charming villages and three of Croatia’s most attractive coastal towns, Pula, Rovinj and Poreč, await your discovery...

It might be one of the smallest countries in Europe, but Malta packs a mighty punch. With an enchanting blend of history, culture, golden sandy beaches and wonderful weather, it’s a place just waiting to be explored. Discover the fascinating capital Valletta, medieval Mdina, the Three Cities and the nearby island of Gozo. Marvel at the beautiful ‘Inland Sea’ at Dwejra, see the village of il-Qala Belvedere with its breath-taking views, explore the Citadel in Victoria and wander the prehistoric Ggantija Temples.

Egypt has amazed travellers for centuries with its ancient monuments and temples. Take a trip to the magnificent city of Cairo, and visit the Grand Egyptian Museum and Khan El Khalili Bazaar. Of course, no Egypt holiday would be complete without seeing the Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx. See even more iconic sights in style – and with ease - on a cruise down the majestic River Nile, where a range of excursions can also take you to the Temple of Horus, the Valley of Kings, the High Dam and the Temples of Karnak and Luxor and more.

The Rainbow Nation is a fantastic country to visit at any time of year. Explore South Africa, its spectacular scenery, flora and fauna on the Garden Route’s nature reserves. Take a Safari drive in the Kariega Game Reserve and search for the “Big Five” - don’t forget to keep your camera handy.

Travel Department is delighted to partner with Reader’s Digest and offer readers exclusive discounts across any new 2024 holidays. Click here to reveal the current money-off offers, or simply call 0203 966 0527 and mention Reader’s Digest to learn more about the savings available.

Offers are non-transferable, subject to availability, cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer and have no cash value. All deposits are non-refundable.

Travel Department are experts in guided group travel, with nearly 30 years’ experience crafting beautifully curated, inspirational itineraries to worldwide destinations. Their escorted tours include flights, accommodation, transfers and guided excursions to 100s of exciting destinations with each itinerary offering a combination of included excursions, led by knowledgeable guides, plus free days with the opportunity to explore at one’s own pace – the best of both worlds.

They have dedicated Solo Travel holidays and offer a wide range of guided group holidays from City Breaks to adventure holidays (Walking, Yoga and Photography holidays).

In Scotland, Travel Department guided group holidays depart from Edinburgh and Glasgow. In Northern Ireland they fly from Belfast and Dublin (in GBP) and for guests from the South of England they offer the convenience of flights from London Gatwick and Heathrow.

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