This study tour, celebrating the centenary year of Florence Nightingale's death, has been created especially for US Health Workers who have an interest in the life and times of this influential woman. Travel from London, which formed the centre of her professional life after her time in Scutari; to her home in rural England; and finally, to Scutari Barracks in Istanbul where she worked tending the wounded of the Crimean War.

This dramatic tour sweeps along the north coast of Africa, taking in the most magnificent and important sites in the Mediterranean - mythologised ancient cities and sites where modern history was made, as well as looking at contemporary cultural developments. Travel from legendary Alexandria, undergoing a modern re-awakening, to breathtaking Leptis Magna, the finest Roman city in the world. En-route, visit El Alamein and Tobruk; the ancient Greek cities of Cyrene and Appolonia; Byzantine Qasr Libya; Ptolemais and vibrant Tripoli.

Iran is a beautiful, gracious and cultured land that extends a warm welcome to travellers. Starting in Tehran, visit many of the capital’s superb museums. Fly to Shiraz and visit its exquisite teahouses and gardens. At Persepolis, there is the vast and awesome ruined city that was the pride of ancient Persia. Travel to Isfahan, an elegant blue tiled city. On to Yazd, the birthplace of Zoroastrianism where many still practice this ancient religion. Throughout the tour Lavinia Byrne will give a series of illuminating talks.

This tour examines Cuban society and the Cuban medical system, with special focus on eye care, through specially organized visits, talks and meetings. Visit optical outlets, community centres, the Pando-Ferrer Eye Hospital in Havana, and a polyclinic. Hear about the inspirational 'Operation Miracle' programme from Dr Aleida Guevara, meet with rural opticians and optometrists, as well as a Resident Opthamologist in Havana. Visit a cigar factory, farms, villages and examine the restoration of Havana. Enjoy live music, glorious colonial architecture, beautiful landscapes, stunning beaches and the vivaciousness of Cuba.

There is only one Cuba. Poised on the brink of profound change as it adapts to the end of the Castro era and the changing face of America, this is a pivotal time in the history of this defiantly communist island. Explore Cuba's music, art, architecture, dance, culture and society in the company of speaker Lavinia Byrne and local specialist speakers. Along the way, enjoy the vivaciousness of its people and the natural beauty of this tropical island.

Visit beautiful Bulgaria for a glimpse of a traditional rural European way of life that has all but vanished. Travel through spectacular mountain landscapes; be introduced to local villagers who are truly living an ancient way of life, through tour leader Su Hagan's personal friends and contacts; see how rose oil is processed in the Valley of the Roses and stay overnight in the magnificent Rila Monastery in the heart of the mountains.

Cruise in five star comfort on this eleven day cruise from Dover – Copenhagen – Tallinn – St Petersburg – Helsinki – Stockholm – Dover. Hear CPD accredited lectures and enjoy escorted shore excursions to wonderful sites in the Baltic along the way.

Bulgaria produces most of the world's finest rose oil. Spend a week in this beautiful and deeply traditional country in the heart of the Valley of the Roses during rose harvest. You will take part in the rose harvest, meet with local artisans and villagers and gain incomparable insight into a way of life that is fast vanishing in the modern world. Tour leader Su Hagan is both an expert aromatherapist and past President of the International Federation of Professional Aromatherapists, as well as a resident of Bulgaria. She will provide unparallelled access and information about aromatherapy, rose oil and the Bulgarian way of life. (CPD applied for).

Ukraine is a remarkably beautiful country with a rich, tumultuous history and ever-vibrant culture. Today, Ukraine is at a fascinating point in its development, a few short years since the bloodless Orange Revolution that proved to be a watershed moment for the nation's self confidence and optimism. This tour looks at the many cultural and historical sites in the country, its rich literary and artistic heritage, and the significant developments made in medicine on the Crimean battlefields. You will also enjoy the modern, exciting buzz of its cosmopolitan culture and society. The tour is led by Alex Attewell, an expert on social history and one of the world's leading authorities on Florence Nightingale, and her contribution in the Crimean conflict.

Explore the ancient heart of Central Asia’s evocative Silk Road on this tour to Uzbekistan and intriguing Turkmenistan. 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 diversion to enigmatic Tajikistan draws 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.