Tripsmiths, a pioneering travel company who create unique itineraries led by celebrity experts, has announced an incredible range of exclusive itineraries departing this year.
From exploring the Norwegian Fjords with Ranulph Fiennes and experiencing the ballet with Dame Darcey Bussell in St Petersburg, to gourmet river cruises with Gregg Wallace, and discovering the South West with Jules Hudson, experience a destination like never before with the rare itineraries.
The adventures include:
1 A dance through Russia with Darcey Bussell
May 26 – June 10, 2019
Russia is a must-see destination for fans of art, architecture, and dance. It’s got a staggering cultural history and now’s your chance to explore it on our fabulous river cruise this summer.
Joining you in St Petersburg is Dame Darcey Bussell, one of the world’s most famous ballerinas and recently a judge on Strictly Come Dancing. Darcey will provide insight on Russia’s balletic delights and join you for a special performance by a local dance company.
You’ll also cruise through Moscow and the Golden Ring cities, giving you plenty of opportunity to explore the best of this fascinating country.
14 nights from £4,699. To book, please phone 01615 169 251 or visit ts.tripsmiths.com/darcey.
2 Explore Greece with Dame Mary Beard
June 26 – July 6, 2019
Ancient Greece and the city of Athens had a huge impact on the world we live in today. From maths, medicine and law, to sports and art, there’s little that remained untouched by this eminent era.
There can be few people better placed to lead of a tour of this cosmopolitan metropolis than the acclaimed classist and author of Pantheon Dame Mary Beard. Join Mary and enjoy two days exploring the city’s most fascinating sights before setting sail for the Greek islands on the luxurious tall ship Star Flyer.
10 nights from £2,849pp. To book, please phone 01462 323 675 orvisit ts.tripsmiths.com/beard.
3 Bordeaux and the great foodie cruise with Gregg Wallace
August 27 – September 3, 2019
Bordeaux has long been considered one of the finest destinations in Europe for wining and dining. With world-classes wineries, unrivalled scenery and a deep culinary tradition, this area of France is the ultimate choice for a foodie break.
Now you can join Masterchef’s Gregg Wallace, as well as former Masterchef: The Professionals winner, Steve Groves, on a luxury river cruise through the beautiful Bordeaux countryside.
Taste some of the region’s most celebrated wine as you float through the stunning Medoc – plus enjoy a special plating challenge judged by Gregg.
7 nights from £2,495pp. To book, please phone 0808 239 3865 or visit ts.tripsmiths.com/gregg.
4 See the stunning gardens of Japan with Adam Frost
September 25 – October 13, 2019
Japan is home to some of the most exquisitely designed gardens in the world. Famous for their minimalism, Japanese gardens keep peace and serenity at their core.
Joining a luxury cruise around Japan’s scenic coastline this Autumn is Adam Frost, one of Gardeners’ World’s most popular faces.
Cruising aboard Silversea’s Silver Muse, an ultra-luxurious all-suite ship, Adam will join you on a tour of Kyoto’s best gardens, as well as give a fascinating talk and Q&A on board.
The 14-day cruise will take in the lesser-explored corners of Japan, including the Buddhist haven of Osaka, the Korean port city Busan and Aomori’s Hirosaki park.
18 nights from £6,375pp. To book, please phone 020 8131 6237 or visit ts.tripsmiths.com/frost.
5 Experience the total eclipse with Dr Robin Catchpole
June 23 – July 10, 2019
Witnessing the total solar eclipse is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. When the dark silhouette of the moon completely obscures the bright light of the sun and the world is momentarily plunged into darkness is a truly magical moment.
Taking place this July, the next eclipse is best viewed from La Serena in Chile where our tour will visit and joining you for the special event is the renowned astronomer Dr Robin Catchpole.
You’ll also tour South America’s best sights, from Igauzu Falls, to Buenos Aires, and Machu Picchu, there can be no better time to explore this diverse continent.
16 nights from £6,490pp. To book, please phone 0808 239 4421 or visit ts.tripsmiths.com/eclipse.
6 The glorious gardens of the South West with Jules Hudson
May 5 – May 7, 2019
Britain is a nation of garden lovers and late spring, when the buds have all bloomed and the warmth of summer is beginning to appear, is the perfect time of year to explore what the country has to offer.
The South West is home to some of the UK’s best gardens, from Knightshayes, to spectacular Hestercombe, Dunster Castle and romantic Cothay Manor Gardens. Leading a tour of this stunning region is the expert writer and broadcaster Jules Hudson.
Well-known for his appearances on Countryfile, Jules will talk passionately about his love for English gardens, the perfect accompaniment to an already jam-packed itinerary.
2 nights from £659pp. To book, please phone 02081 312 079 or visit ts.tripsmiths.com/hudson.
7 The Nordic odyssey with Sir Ranulph Fiennes
July 16 – 30, 2019
Sailing around the Norwegian fjords is one of the world’s most beautiful voyages. The astonishing coastline, characterised by tumbling waterfalls, busy birdlife and millions of years of glacial activity, is a sight to behold.
Setting sail for Norway this summer is the legendary explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes, who will give two exclusive talks during a spectacular cruise the stunning landscape.
You’ll take advantage of the lovely long summer days, stopping in the Unesco-listed city of Bergen, Alesund and other picturesque towns. Sir Ranulph will also introduce a special screening of the film showing his three-year circumpolar expedition.
14 nights from £2,995pp. To book, please phone 020 3993 3969; or visit ts.tripsmiths.com/ranulph.
8 Sail the Ganges with Jeremy Paxman
November 28 – December 13, 2019
For first time visitors to India this comprehensive tour ticks all the boxes. From visiting the Taj Mahal at sunrise, to exploring the captivating city of Delhi, and cruising the mighty Ganges, this tour has it all.
What’s more, you’ll be joined by the well-respected BBC journalist Jeremy Paxman as you cruise down one of the world’s great rivers. Y
Sail on the ultra-luxurious Ganges Voyager II – one of the finest boats to make this voyage, and enjoy watching life on the river go by. Plus, you’ll enjoy all that the Golden Triangle has to offer.
14 nights from £5,499pp. To book, please phone 0808 239 2591 or visit ts.tripsmiths.com/paxman/
9 Borneo and beyond with Roger Munns
May 20 – June 8, 2019
Some of the standout scenes from the acclaimed Blue Planet II series were shot by Roger Munns, a British BAFTA- and Emmy-award-winning cameraman, who bases himself in the wildlife mecca that is Borneo.
So who better to join this 20-day itinerary from Borneo to Singapore with experts Cruise Direction.
The trip begins in Roger’s hometown of Kota Kinabalu where he will join the group on a tour of Borneo’s flora and fauna highlights, including a visit to the Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary.
He’ll also lead an underwater filming masterclass in the coral islands of Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park.
Following this, guests set sail on the luxurious Star Clipper tall ship around Malaysia including the volcanic island of Pulau Tiga and the national parks of Miri and the temples and nature trails of Bintulu. Dreamy.
19 nights from £4,949pp. To book, please phone 01462 323 663 or visit ts.tripsmiths.com/rogermunns.
10 The Galapagos with Stanley Johnson
May 7 – 16, 2019
This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to join the writer and environmentalist on this fantastic tour sailing around the astonishing archipelago that inspired Charles Darwin.
Nothing compares to being there – clambering the same banks as Darwin, wandering the same ground as Lonesome George, or hearing the fizz of a Galápagos penguin swim past.
It’s an unrivalled chance to make experience these stunning islands in the company of special guest Stanley Johnson. His passion for the environment and role as ambassador for the Galapagos Conservation Trust make him the ideal travelling companion for this extraordinary destination.
10 nights from £4,799pp. To book, please phone 0808 239 3819 or visit ts.tripsmiths.com/stanley.