Latest news with #Cox&Kings'
Telegraph
19-02-2025
- Telegraph
Why north Africa and Arabia should be on your travel list
They're among the oldest travel destinations in the world – but there's never been a better time to visit north Africa and Arabia than now. From the maze-like back streets of Morocco's Imperial Cities to the emerging archaeology of the Saudi Arabian desert, these history-soaked spots, full of ancient marvels, are hot this year. Why? In 2025 you can be among the first to visit a landmark new museum or to enter areas that have long been off-limits. Cox & Kings, the world's longest established travel company, has more than 260 years' experience of organising tours, and knows a thing or two about creating remarkable trips to extraordinary places, as well as changing travel trends and pushing new frontiers. Choose a Cox & Kings trip to north Africa or Arabia and you'll see the region at its most authentic, blending must-see highlights with signature experiences that go deeper under the skin. Egypt: the grand reveal Cairo's Grand Egyptian Museum finally opened in late 2024. Just over a mile from Giza's Pyramids – there are superb views from the museum's rooftop – it's a world wonder in its own right: 500,000 sq m of jaw-dropping artefacts displayed in style in this vast, arresting building that is the largest museum in the world dedicated to one civilisation. Cox & Kings' tailor-made Splendours of Egypt trip combines time in Cairo (and a museum visit) with a Nile cruise. You'll sail in luxury to Aswan and Luxor, where new archaeological treasures have just been unearthed – but also drift on a traditional felucca, to feel the true timelessness of the river. Saudi Arabia: time to explore Long closed to tourists, Saudi Arabia has started welcoming visitors with open arms over the past few years – an outlook shift that makes this kingdom one of 2025's hottest destinations. The recent introduction of e-visas on arrival makes entry a breeze while iconic sites are finally on the travel map. You can explore locations such as Mecca, Jeddah's vibrant Red Sea coast and the ancient, starspangled oasis of AlUla – designated an official Dark Sky Park in late 2024. But it pays to travel with a trusted company to help you navigate this burgeoning destination. Cox & Kings' tailor-made Saudi Arabian Discovery trip links together past and present – from Jubbah's neolithic petroglyphs to the Haramain bullet train – using local guides to explain this fascinating world of old and new. Tunisia: beyond the beach As overtourism becomes a concern worldwide, Tunisia has announced a new focus on 'alternative tourism' that will show the country is so much more than sun-kissed beaches. Cox & Kings' new Tunisian Highlights trip has this covered, deep-diving away from touristy holiday resorts for visits to Carthage, the Great Mosque of Sousse and ancient Dougga (north Africa's best-preserved Roman town). The trip includes a stay in the walled city of Kairouan, little-changed since it was built in the eighth century – it offers a proper immersion in real Tunisian life. Want to go more offbeat? Cox & Kings' experts recommend explorations into the wild southern desert and Berber villages. Morocco: star power Is Morocco ever out of fashion? With its warm hospitality and movie-star looks – often used as a Hollywood location, the country's a top choice for 'set-jetters' – this north African hotspot always delivers. There's a lot to pack in, from intoxicating souks to high peaks and rippling deserts. So a well-planned small-group tour – like Cox & Kings' Moroccan Explorer – is the way to go. The tour visits imperial cities, including heady Marrakesh and the oft-overlooked Rabat, now emerging as a hip alternative. There's also time spent with nomads in the dunes and exploring the fortified village of Ait Ben Haddou, where many a movie has been filmed. Oman and Jordan: two top treasures Oman, one of the least-explored of Arabian destinations, is a land of richness and variety, and its landscape is an enticing blend of city, ocean, desert and mountain. Travellers are finally starting to cotton on to this attractive mix, which Cox & Kings' wraps up on its Oman: An Arabian Odyssey group trip, one that combines Muscat's treasures with turtle watching, a night in the dunes and the peaks of Jabal Akhdar. Or opt for Jordan, the perennial Middle-Eastern favourite, name-checked on Lonely Planet's 2025 Best in Travel list. There's a lot to see here, and Cox & Kings' Splendours of Jordan trip spends two full days exploring Petra, so you get a proper feel for this jaw-dropping site.
Telegraph
13-02-2025
- Telegraph
The perfect way to discover the magic of South America
The Andes, the Pampas, rainforests, coastlines, lost civilisations, starry deserts and sultry tango halls… there are so many reasons for you to succumb to the lure of South America, a vast land of more than 20 million square kilometres that offers myriad opportunities for exploration. And that variety permeates everything: the people, histories, landscapes and the food on your plate – which might range from Michelin-starred dining to corn beer and roast guinea pig. All of life, in all its effervescent, irrepressible, colourful glory, can be found here. It's a lot to take in. But, thanks to centuries of accrued knowledge and expertise, Cox & Kings knows how best to tackle it. Its Grand Tour of South America group trip is a coast-to-coast adventure in high style for curious travellers. Seamlessly linking two oceans, four countries, must-not-miss sites and special experiences – how about meeting a spiritual Kallawaya healer? – it will reveal the continent's contrasts, cultures and unique rhythms. Peru: into the Inca Cox & Kings' Grand Tour begins in Lima where, in the buzzy Miraflores neighbourhood, you can get to know your travel mates over a pisco sour or two. Groups will be no more than 20 like-minded travellers, usually fewer – all the better for sharing the experience. And what an experience, which starts with a tour of this energetic foodie capital. Then it's a short flight to Cusco, centre of the Inca empire, where every perfectly placed stone seems to tell a story. You'll plunge straight into the Sacred Valley, via the cobblestone alleys and hillside fortress of Ollantaytambo, to sleep amid Andean peaks. Next morning it's all aboard the wide-windowed Vistadome train for a scenic rail ride into the cloud forest to reach matchless Machu Picchu. An expert guide will reveal the secrets of the hill-tumbling Inca city; staying at characterful cottages in Machu Picchu Pueblo means there's no need to rush. Bolivia: across the Andes Another of South America's unforgettable rail trips is the literally breathtaking ride from Cusco to Puno. Surging across the mighty Peruvian Andes, it pauses at the Abra La Raya – the journey's highest point at 4,300m – before reaching Lake Titicaca's ethereal shores. After that, Bolivia beckons, one of the continent's lesser-visited countries – which a Cox & Kings escorted tour can help you discover in supreme comfort. Make the most of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity by immersing yourself into local life: visit a local shrine, meet a traditional healer or discover how reed boats are made. It's a good insight to gain before boarding a hydrofoil to Bolivia's Uros Iruitos – floating reed islands – first made by the ingenious Uros people to escape the Inca and still a living culture. From tranquil isles to bustling capital: La Paz is a short drive away. This canyon-draped city, where cable cars are central to the public transport system, is a fascinating place. Don't miss the Witches' Market, where witch doctors offer to tell your fortune and hawkers sell dried llama fetuses for good luck. Argentina: latin sizzle Passionate, elegant, delicious: Buenos Aires is the sort of city you visit and don't want to leave. The Grand Tour spends two nights here, time enough to soak up the atmosphere, wander amid the elegant mausoleums of Recoleta Cemetery (the resting place of Eva Peron), admire the cathedral (where Pope Francis was once archbishop) and hang out in the vibrant La Boca district. Being a Cox & Kings' Superior trip, the hotels are always top-notch; the Alvear Art is no exception – it's a sleek bolthole with artworks on the walls and a rooftop pool that offers sweeping views over the city. Brazil: water wonders If Buenos Aires is one of South America's human marvels, Iguazú Falls is a masterstroke of Mother Nature. This cluster of cascades, over 2km wide, is surrounded by subtropical rainforest that's alive with howler monkeys, tapirs, caimans and even jaguars. It's a short flight to reach and, with two days here, you'll have time to explore the falls from both the Argentinian and Brazilian sides. Also, as you'll be staying at the only hotel inside the Argentine national park, there's the chance to view the crashing torrents at sunrise and sunset when it's closed to day-trippers. Then go out with a bang. Rio de Janeiro is arguably the world's most magnificently sited city, tucked amid jungly mountains and fringed by golden sands. You could do worse than spend your final day listening to bossa nova while lazing on the beach. But a city tour is a must, taking in the views from Corcovado and Sugarloaf mountains, and raising a caipirinha with new friends to toast a magical trip. Four more South America trips to explore 1 Tracing Chile Rather than crossing South America, why not trace its length? Cox & Kings' Splendours of Chile group tour gives a sense of the continent's latitudinal diversity by travelling the skinny country top to tail, from the otherworldly Atacama Desert to the peaks of Torres del Paine. 2 Peru deep-dive Cox & Kings' Train to Machu Picchu group trip is for those looking to plunge into Peru. Combine Inca riches with condor-swooped Colca Canyon, shimmering Lake Titicaca and the charming colonial-era town of Arequipa. 3 A taste of Brazil Brazil is bold, brilliant – and dauntingly big. But Cox & Kings' Brazil: Wildlife & Waterfalls tailor-made trip offers a perfect taster: Rio, Iguazú, the unique urban design of Brasília, and the wildlife-teeming wetlands of Pantanal. 4 Peru and Bolivia paired Peru and Bolivia make the ideal couple. Cox & Kings' tailor-made Andean Highlights trip marries their lakes, peaks and pulsating cities with must-see Machu Picchu and a 4x4 adventure to the dazzling salt pan of Salar de Uyuni.
Telegraph
10-02-2025
- Telegraph
I've travelled all over the world – here's why I prefer to go it alone
Many of my favourite travel memories begin with me heading to the airport alone: the anticipation of that first solo backpacking trip around Central America the summer after graduation; calling in on a friend in Switzerland then setting off solo to explore lakes and mountains by rail; the organised trip to Spain where I met a fellow traveller with whom I later explored Argentina and Nepal. There is an inherent freedom in deciding to travel exactly as you wish, with no need to compromise on destination or experience. Will it be Japan in spring? Perhaps Uzbekistan in early September. Over the years, my reasons for travelling alone have been as varied as the destinations I've visited. Sometimes I haven't had a partner, other times friends haven't been interested in the same places or have had other commitments. But I've never once regretted the decision to strike out on my own. And every single time, I've enjoyed an unforgettable experience. Cox & Kings, the world's oldest travel company, offers small group tours for curious travellers, whether they are travelling with a partner, friends or alone. Many guests join its extensive collection of small group tours alone, paying a small single supplement to have a double or twin room of their own. Cox & Kings has also created a collection of tours designed specifically for solo travellers with no single supplements. These tours are a great way to explore distant shores in good company, with all the details taken care of. You'll enjoy time to share experiences, immersive activities and meals with a small group of like-minded solo explorers and time to explore alone too. Up for a solo escape? Consider these thoughtfully planned itineraries designed for those who are travelling alone or take a look at Cox & King's full collection of small group tours… Central American splendour Experience awe-inspiring landscapes and captivating wildlife as you make your way through rainforests and cloud forests, exploring volcanoes and both the Caribbean and Pacific coastlines. Discover the incredible flora and fauna of Costa Rica on Cox & Kings' 12-night Central America trip Credit : Shutterstock On this 12-night Panama & Costa Rica Experience, you'll cruise through the Panama Canal, visit coffee plantations and spot turtles, crocodiles, monkeys and scarlet macaws. In Costa Rica, you'll get up close to one of the largest volcanic craters in the world at the Poás Volcano National Park, find rare flora and fauna in the magical surrounds of the Monteverde Cloud Forest, stay at jungle lodges and explore lush rivers and lakes. India's Golden Triangle Over 13 nights, Cox & Kings' Exotic India solo travel tour will introduce you to the beauty of India's Golden Triangle, spanning the cities of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. You'll explore historic palaces and majestic forts, while enjoying a few unforgettable wildlife encounters. Majestic forts and historic palaces await travellers on Cox & Kings' Exotic India tour Credit : Getty Take a rickshaw tour of India's historic capital Delhi, weaving your way through one of the oldest and busiest markets in India. Then admire the majesty of the Taj Mahal at sunrise and search for the elusive Bengal tiger at Ranthambore National Park. The Pink City of Jaipur is a true wonder, while the heritage railway and 4x4 journeys will introduce you to the landscapes described by Rudyard Kipling, as well as the villages of the local Bishnoi tribe. Peruvian wonders Rich Incan history meets handsome colonial towns and the raw beauty of the Andes on Cox & Kings' nine-night Treasures of Peru itinerary, curated for solo travellers. Soak up the culture on a visit to local markets in beautiful Cusco Credit : Shutterstock You'll explore the high-altitude beauty of Cuzco, a city of both the Incas and the colonies. You'll take the Vistadome train to mysterious Machu Picchu and visit the Incan sites in the Sacred Valley, as well as the colourful Pisac market. Lake Titicaca is the highest navigable lake in the world, and you'll also visit the floating Uros reed islands, savouring a delicious meal cooked by a local family. Sensational Sri Lanka A 13-night adventure through Sri Lanka's Cultural Triangle and beyond, this Splendours of Sri Lanka tour combines nature and culture. Go in search of leopards and sloths on a wildlife safari in Sri Lanka Credit : Shutterstock Along with your fellow travellers, you'll embark on exhilarating wildlife safaris in search of wild elephants, leopards and sloths, visit the holy Temple of the Tooth and sip tea among the rolling hills of Nuwara Eliya, a favourite spot of the British in the 18th century. You'll scale the Sigiriya rock fortress, visit cave temples and learn about Sri Lankan cuisine before relaxing on a beautiful Indian Ocean beach. Why go solo? Travelling solo doesn't mean travelling alone, when you choose to explore with Cox & Kings. With four- and five-star accommodation along the way, welcome and farewell group dinners to meet your fellow travellers and an experienced local tour manager to make sure everything goes smoothly, Cox & Kings' specially curated solo tours will help you get to the heart of the destinations you visit. And you don't have to worry about paying a single supplement – you'll enjoy a double or twin room for your own use. Many meals are included, as are guided sightseeing and entrance fees. And if you'd like to stay on to explore further, you can plan trip extensions with the Cox & Kings team, as well as organising any room or flight upgrades. Find out more and book your solo at or call 0333 060 3239
Telegraph
29-01-2025
- Telegraph
Discover the cultured way to explore your holiday destination
'Travel leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller,' renowned medieval Moroccan traveller Ibn Battuta once wrote. It takes a special type of storyteller to help you truly connect with some of the world's most unique destinations. And that's what Cox & Kings' specialist tours are all about. Designed for culture lovers, these escorted tours invite you to explore humanity's greatest achievements, escorted by a guest lecturer who can truly immerse you in the places you visit. From marvelling at masterful mosaics in Ravenna and the Arab-Norman splendour of Sicily to witnessing the legacy of Silk Road merchants and the Ottoman and Byzantine culture in Istanbul, you'll discover storied lands and mesmerising cultures. Often curated with a focus on a specific historical or cultural theme, Cox & Kings' specialist-led tours go beyond the guidebook, enriching your travels with insights from both specialists and local guides. The doors open to incredible sites for private visits and you can enjoy encounters with artisans and cultural custodians. Depending on where you travel, you'll hear from archaeologists or art historians, chefs, writers and even a curator at the Victoria & Albert Museum, who will regale you with stories during informal talks and at key sites. You'll be travelling in small groups, with an average of 14 like-minded travellers. You can travel your way, with time to fully explore each unique destination and the freedom to explore independently. You can even add pre- or post-tour extensions to delve further into different destinations. Inspired? Try one of these specialist tours... Piedmont with Valentina Harris Snuffle out the sensory treats of the Piedmont region with passionate Italian chef and author Valentina Harris as your expert lecturer on this tasty five-day tour with the city of Turin as your base. Along with unearthing and tasting prized truffles on truffle hunt demonstrations and a truffle-laced lunch at Alba, you'll visit food markets and delicatessens to taste an array of regional produce from cold cuts and cheeses to chocolate. During one (of many) memorable meals you'll be presented with dishes based on historical recipes from Piedmont's monasteries. This bountiful part of northern Italy is also known for its wines and you'll taste some exceptional barolo at a winery and visit Casa Martini for a tour and vermouth tasting. It's not all about the food and drink, however. A private guided walking tour will take you around the historic centre of Turin, including its palaces, galleries, churches and magnificent duomo, home to the famous shroud. The historic city of Turin will be your base for the five-day culinary tour of the Piedmont region with chef and author Valentina Harris Credit : Getty Uzbekistan: Golden Road to Samarkand Take a trip along the ancient Silk Road, guided by researcher and Islamic expert Diana Driscoll or Dr Taylor, who also specialises in the Islamic world and Orthodox churches. On this 12-day tour, you'll explore the medieval city of Bukhara, which offers an array of wonders, including the one-thousand-year-old tomb of Ismail Samani and the stunning Kalon Tower, both masterpieces of Muslim architecture. Spend some time in one the Silk Road's hidden gems, the city of Khiva, akin to a living museum with its well-preserved ancient streets, mosques and regal palaces, then visit one of Central Asia's oldest cities, Samarkand, founded by the infamous 14th-century Turco-Mongol conqueror Timur. Explore the ancient and storied city of Samarkand in Uzbekistan on the 12-day Silk Road tour Credit : Getty Sicily: Normans in the South The largest island in the Mediterranean has long been at the crossroads of civilisations, and on this six-day tour you'll explore its Norman and Islamic heritage. Guided by former Victoria & Albert Museum curator Andrew Spira and art historian and lecturer Dr Sally Dormer, you'll begin in the capital, Palermo, to explore the Norman Palace and cathedral, and see the Arabic architecture of the Zisa and Cuba Palaces. Take in the imposing cathedral of Monreale and visit Cefalà Diana, a rare example of an intact Arabic hammam, still fed by hot springs. Back in Palermo, admire the Byzantine mosaics at the wonderful 12th-century Church of the Martarano, then visit Cefalu's impressive cathedral. The six-day tour of Sicily, led by experts Andrew Spira and Dr Sally Dormer, begins in the fascinating city of Palermo Credit : Getty Istanbul: Byzantines and Ottomans Uniquely placed at the gateway between Europe and Asia, Istanbul is a tapestry of epic stories and ancient empires. With Dr Taylor or Rowena Loverance as your guides, you'll discover everything from magnificent mosques and opulent palaces to buzzing streets and ancient relics during this sensational seven-day tour. Peel back the layers of this city with visits to the former Constantinople circus site the Hippodrome, the bewitching Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, once the centre of Orthodox Christianity. You'll visit the oldest church in Istanbul and the former Greek district, visit the only Byzantine church that still belongs to the Greek Orthodox patriarchate and sail to the nine-island archipelago of Princes' Islands, dotted with a church, Greek Orthodox seminary and a monastery. Soak up the stunning scenery of the Princes' Islands on a Byzantines and Ottomans tour Credit : Shutterstock Find out more and book your specialist tour at or call 0333 060 3239
