11 - 25 February 2012

Ethiopia has a unique and ancient heritage. It contains the oldest human bones ever discovered, the 3,000 year old city of Axum, the palace of the Queen of Sheba and the 12th century rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, as well as the castles of Gondar. The mountainous landscapes of northern Ethiopia are breathtaking and the culture vibrant and eclectic. The tour is led by Dr Richard Marsh, an expert and author on the contemporary culture and history of Ethiopia.

18 February - 4 March 2012

Burma is a beautiful and welcoming country with rich layers of culture and history, retaining many old traditions. It is also governed by an oppressive military regime, which has until very recently held the democratically elected Aung San Suu Khi under house arrest for more than 11 years and has forcibly displaced thousands of Burmese ethnic minorities. Some advocate boycotting all travel to Burma to protest against the regime, which benefits from package tourism using government run hotels and facilities.

We decided to go ahead with this tour, on our terms. We use only independent hotels, restaurants and facilities, and as always make an effort to get below the surface to meet everyday people and see society as it really is. We also support a local orphanage and school for the blind. We feel that a private tour that exposes the life and experience of the local people can only benefit the Burmese people – who welcome us with open arms. This tour is led by Dr John Richardson.

20 May - 2 June 2012

Led by Sue Weir on board the Ryndam, this cruise takes you through the otherworldly beauty of the Norwegian fjordlands. Travel up the coast of Norway through the fjords to reach the Arctic Circle and the land of the midnight sun. This journey to a remote, pristine and spectacularly beautiful land also includes cultural shore visits exclusive to the group and private specialist lectures on board.

9 - 18 September 2012

This fascinating tour takes you to from Istanbul to Anatolia, an area rich in ancient history and culture that also lays claim to being the cradle of belief. Travel with Lavinia Byrne to an area undiscovered by mass tourism that offers such gems of antiquity as the first site of worship in the world. Along the way you will experience a traditional society much more in tune with history than the modern day and enjoy the delicious cuisine of this country. Lavinia will give a series of specialist talks during the tour.

21 September - 5 October 2012

Explore the ancient heart of Central Asia’s evocative Silk Road. The stunning architecture of Uzbekistan's ancient cities links the empires of China and Persia and Turkmenistan’s desert splendours have silently observed the passing of some of history’s most dominant empires. An optional side trip to Tajikistan takes you to the abandoned ruins of an ancient city, untouched since its desertion over a millennia ago by a civilisation lost to history. Talks and visits give insight into aspects of contemporary society as well as focusing on some lesser known aspects of the region’s history. The tour is led by Lavinia Byrne.

11 - 27 October 2012

This tour takes you on a breathtaking journey through China's history and culture encompassing both the ancient and the cutting edge of modernity. The tour is led by Dr Frances Wood, a highly respected authority on China and the Silk Road and curator of the Chinese collection at the British Library. From vibrant Shanghai, travel to the ancient water towns of Tongli and Suzhou, before embarking on a four night cruise along the great Yangtze River, winding through some of China's most stunning scenery as a major transport route for thousands of years. Disembark in Chengdu and travel onto the great Silk Road city of Xian to finish in mighty imperial Beijing. Dr Frances Wood will give a number of talks during the tour.

19 - 24 October 2012

In the company of Alex Attewell explore the Crimea. Visit Livadia Palace, where the Yalta Conference took place, the Swallow's Nest Castle and the Chekhov House Museum. Tour the Crimean War battlefields in Sevastapol, visit the submarine base, the “British Hotel”, go wine tasting and learn of Florence Nightingale, Tolstoy, Churchill, Chekhov and Stalin. There are a number of talks from Alex Attewell throughout the tour.

27 October - 12 November 2012

The Andean Journey tour lifts you high onto soaring mountains under cobalt skies in lands where lakes are pink, the earth is made of salt and silver, the sun and the moon are gods and the human history is as vivid as the landscapes. Travel through Peru, Bolivia and Chile to see life, lived differently.

3 - 21 November 2012

Mickey Walker OBE leads her latest bespoke golf tour to vibrant Hong Kong and breathtaking New Zealand. Sample delicious cuisine at a range of restaurants and visit various islands in Hong Kong and play golf at one of Hong Kong’s most prestigious golf clubs. Travel onto New Zealand to unwind in some of the most spectacular scenery in the world and play on world-beating golf courses in magnificent settings. Along the way enjoy the world famous local New Zealand wines, the beautiful towns and wonderful cuisine.

6 - 21 November 2012

Travel through the languid, beautiful lands of the Mekong with Lavinia Byrne. Hear specialist talks on the multi-faceted history, society and culture of Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia while experiencing the magnificent historical sites and vibrant contemporary culture of these neighbouring yet quite distinctive countries.