TAILOR-MADE HOLIDAYS TO EUROPE

From the arid plains and Moorish cities of Andalucia to the northern soul of Gaudíesque Barcelona and the beauty of the Balearic islands, Spain successfully combines the classic with the contemporary. A land where passions run deep, cultural identity is celebrated at every opportunity and the good life is the cornerstone of existence. Family and spa resorts are some of the best in Europe, as are its tranquil villa hideaways.

Land of the Gods, birthplace of democracy and Western philosophy, you would be hard pressed to find a country with so rich and fascinating a history as Greece. From the ancient architectural gems of the Acropolis to the whitewashed villages and blue-domed churches of its stunning islands, Greece's architecture is as diverse and as splendid as its landscapes.

Titanic forces have crafted Iceland - an island of majestic mountains, cascading waterfalls, powerful geysers and volatile volcanoes. Come here for the most awe-inspiring landscapes, legends of feuding Vikings, delicious neo-Nordic cuisine and cosmopolitan café culture. Outside of the main sights in the southwest, splendid isolation reigns; Route One is one the world’s ultimate road trips.

A wonderful adventure awaits you when you visit Norway: imagine the most staggeringly beautiful fjords and mountains coupled with a vibrant culinary scene and a bustling capital city. Explore the fascinating history and vast wildlife of the archipelago of Svalbard on snowmobile or dog sled and maybe camp out under the stars, but what will probably astound you the most is the magnificent and pure silence.

Arguably one of Europe's most underrated tourist destinations, Slovenia is perfect for lovers of the great outdoors, with its glorious mountain scenery, plethora of recreational activities and charming ski resorts. Delightful towns such its capital Ljubljana and lakeside Bled enhance its overall appeal.

To the east stands the Sedlec Ossuary, a chapel that has stood for hundreds of years, where more than 40,000 skeletons serve as a unique form of design. There is, too, a darker history in the country’s north, in Terezín, where a former military fortress also served as a Nazi concentration camp. The Czech Republic is an historically fascinating country, in every direction.

The diminutive stature of this proud little group of islands belies the United Kingdom's global influence through the course of history. Cosmopolitan cities offer world-class international restaurants and haute couture boutiques whilst the dramatic scenery of the Scottish Highlands, the Lake District and peaceful villages of the Cotswolds offer an altogether different experience.