Book Your Place on These Trips as an Early Christmas Treat

Tipped as one of our under-the-radar destinations for 2024, the little island nation of Taiwan should be high on your Christmas wish list. Its unique blend of cultural influences from all over East Asia, coupled with a wealth of natural beauty and lots to see and do, makes it one of the most enriching and exciting destinations yet to hit the mainstream. Our nine-day Rail Trip loops around the whole island, taking in the cities of Taipei, Taichung, Tainan and Kaohsiung, as well as the serene splendour of Sun Moon Lake, before tracing the gorgeous East Coast National Scenic Area on one of the world’s most beautiful train rides. Expect bustling night markets filled with the aroma of freshly sizzled street food, luscious tea plantations, unique architectural masterpieces and a fair share of lovely seaside views – what more could you want?

Mexico is a country as rich in culture as it is vast in scale, so it can be hard to know where to start. Well, we’ve put together a handy eight-day tour that gives you a taste of every facet of Mexico. We’ll start with foodie discoveries and historic sights in the capital, Mexico City, before winding the clocks way back to Mesoamerican times with a visit to the ruins of Teotihuacan. Fall in love with the Unesco-listed architecture of Puebla before escaping to the cacti-filled countryside of Oaxaca. In the city of the same name you’ll learn how to make fresh tortilla and sample locally produced mezcal, before finally seeing the sea at the luxurious beach town of Puerto Escondido. It’s the perfect place to wind down at a stunning coastal resort, fit with its own private sandy beach on the Pacific.

Greece is just as rich in ancient history, but is unrivalled when it comes to dreamy summer jaunts. Our nine-day trip embraces both sides of Greek holidaying, starting in Athens, where you’ll have a guided tour of the Acropolis and Parthenon. From there we’ll embark on an island-hopping epic in the Cyclades, first setting sail for Naxos. Bask on barely touched beaches, chat to locals in rural villages and hop on a day trip to the crystalline waters and hidden beaches of Paros. We’ll wrap things up on the sophisticated shores of Santorini, home to one of the world’s most mesmerising sunsets, which we’ll enjoy during an evening picnic with a view.