Autumn departure deals

Follow in the footsteps of Flaubert and Tennyson, Julius Caesar and Queen Victoria, to enjoy the timeless elegance of Lake Como, where flower-filled gardens and pastel-painted villages punctuate the shore, set against the stunning backdrop of the Southern Alps

From the iconic, whitewashed trulli houses of Alberobello to the ancient stone cave dwellings of Matera, staying in Savelletri, this week-long tour will take you to some of the most captivating spots in Puglia and Basilicata, with the opal blues of the Adriatic for a backdrop

Combine a relaxing few days on the shores of Lake Garda with cultural explorations in Verona and Venice on this laid-back, week-long trip around Northern Italy.

Picture crystalline waters framed by majestic mountains, medieval ruins flanked by opulent palaces and emerald islands floating serenely above the blue, and you’re on your way to understanding the unique charms of Lake Maggiore.

From piazzas and palazzi in Turin to the splendid scenery of Romano Canavese, to Piedmont vineyards and picturesque Portofino, Genoa’s medieval lanes, and clifftop Cinque Terre villages, this is a tour of colour and culture, from Alpine slopes to Ligurian Sea shores

In the footsteps of DH Lawrence, and enjoying the coast and countryside, culture and cuisine of the island, this tour explores Sardinia from charismatic Cagliari to Oliena’s mountains, La Maddalena Islands, medieval and modern Alghero, and elegant Oristano

A very varied journey through Sicily’s less-visited sites, this tour reveals the hidden gems of cultural heritage and contrasting landscapes, from Aeolian Islands to ostentatious Baroque towns, and from fishing villages to the fictional world of Inspector Montalbano

Discover the wonders of western Sicily on this specially-crafted adventure for solo travellers who want to explore with like-minded people, featuring everything from coastal towns packed with history to ancient Greek temples, shimmering salt pans and authentic Italian food experiences.

With five nights in Florence, a feast of art and architecture, an insight of medieval life under Medici rule, and every romantic, Renaissance monument within walking distance, this tour combines detailed discovery with ample time to enjoy the city on the Arno River

A veritable feast of Greek and Roman monuments vie for attention amid the Norman, Phoenician and Saracen landmarks of Sicily’s cultural heritage. The island’s astonishing wealth of well-preserved sites bring the ancient past to life and make this our top tour in Italy

From Bari’s historic Adriatic port to a sublimely different enclave of Italy, this enchanting tour takes you to Lecce’s lavishly adorned baroque buildings, to mystical Matera’s ancient ‘sassi’ cave dwellings, and to the unique cone-topped ‘trulli’ houses of Alberobello

A heady blend of ancient sites, stunning scenery, charming towns and glorious churches, this is our ‘grand tour’ of Sicily, its highlights varying from Aeolian Isles to UNESCO sites, Mount Etna to Marsala wine, and the Scicli film locations of Inspector Montalbano

Based in the beautiful spa resort of Montecatini, this tour takes in the treasure trove of art that forms resplendent Florence, the hidden gem of medieval Pistoia, and a Puccini concert in the place of his birth, Lucca

Sailing on a stylish river cruiser of the famous CroisiEurope fleet, this vibrant and varied tour takes you from the ‘streets of water’ in Venice, across the island-dotted lagoon, and along the Canal Bianco for excursions to Padua, Mantua and romantic Verona

In the scenic surrounds of Lakes Como, Lugano and Maggiore, beautiful villas and their bountiful gardens have inspired poets and painters, brilliant botanists, and dedicated designers. This is a week to enjoy the vibrant results of the visionary landscapers’ labours