/
Getting lost in the dazzling dome-topped Old Town of Istanbul and the fascinating history of Antalya is easy, and yet, they hardly scratch the surface of Turkish wonders. From soaring high above Cappadocia in a hot-air balloon to exploring secret subterranean caves in eastern Anatolia, there are endless ways to go deeper. Take in Turkey from above (and below) on this ultimate 12-day tour. You’ll see it all – from a welcome spring swim in the coastal waters in Antalya to hiking through the Red and Rose valleys.
The dawning of spring in Britain will make you thankful you didn’t fly south for winter, with the whole country seemingly bursting into a sea of blossoms. Off the west coast of Scotland, the Hebridean Islands invite you to wade back into the water. This week-long discovery tour will take you far from the mainland and onto remote islands where you can bask in the spring sunshine on empty white-sand beaches. Along with a magical visit to the Fairy Pools on the Isle of Skye, you’ll warm your cockles no matter the temperature with whisky tastings at the Isle of Harris Distillery.
As the camel’s feet kick sand across the Sahara, and you sway gently on its back, you’ll wonder why it took you so long to explore this marvellous sun-warmed landscape. Spring is an excellent time to make the most of Morocco, and though the Sahara will be dry no matter the season, the heat elsewhere in the country hasn’t yet soared to uncomfortable summer temperatures. This nearly two-week tour ensures you stay cool and collected while hiking the Rif Mountains, shopping in the medina in Marrakech and scrambling through the Dades Gorge in the High Atlas.
Lisbon is one of the best European cities to visit in spring for anyone who doesn’t want to get too hot and bothered while seeing the sights. The balmy days and cooler nights keep you comfortable as you bounce between miradouros (scenic viewpoints). Romantic fado music and regional wine will make you surrender your heart to the city. You’ll only have the tiniest bit of guilt on this tour, as you recall your fondness for the colourful quintas (port houses) in Porto you visited only days before arriving in Lisbon.
If Tbilisi isn’t on your list of best European cities to visit in spring, this nine-day Riches and Ruins tour will immediately make that correction. How better to warm up from a long winter than in the geothermal baths in the city? Continue the pampering with a kisa massage and a delicious dinner – the cherries on top of this grand tour through rural Georgia.