Tour Styles

Classic is a well-rounded special-interest holiday with a balanced itinerary and more free time. Essential is expert-led with more independence and fewer included meals. Signature is our most immersive style, with a richer programme and more included. Relaxed offers the same depth at a gentler pace.

Classic tours have a Tour Manager throughout, who may be a subject expert themselves, particularly on garden tours, with specialist local guides joining where their knowledge adds to the day. Essential tours have a specialist Guide Lecturer throughout. Signature and Relaxed tours have both a Guide Lecturer and a dedicated Tour Manager.

Essential, Signature and Relaxed are all limited to a maximum of 18 guests. Classic groups are typically larger and vary by tour.

Signature, with a greater level of included meals, visits and experiences, and accommodation often chosen for its closeness to the sites. Essential includes the least, with all breakfasts but fewer lunches and dinners, which is what buys the freedom to dine independently.

Activity level tells you how physically demanding a tour is. Tour style tells you how it is structured: how full the days are, how much is included, how large the group is and who travels with you. A Relaxed tour can still involve uneven ground, and a Classic tour can still leave you free afternoons.

It depends on how you like to travel rather than on experience. If you want depth and structure, look at Signature. If you want expertise but also independence, Essential. If you want a gentler rhythm, Relaxed. If you want a well-rounded holiday with time to enjoy the destination, Classic.