RT TRAVEL
RT TRAVEL
STEP UP A bamboo forest at Arashiyama, Kyoto
Sumburgh Head
Table Mountain
Join garden expert David Hurrion to discover South Africa’s natural wonders, from Table Mountain to lush gardens, scenic coasts and wildlife reserves. This unforgettable fully escorted tour will take you from the lush beauty of Kirstenbosch botanical gardens to the dramatic Cape of Good Hope, experiencing flora, fauna and safari along the way. Price includes ◼ Return flights from London Heathrow to Cape Town ◼ 11 nights’ accommodation including one night at a eco-luxury safari retreat ◼ Coach touring and entrance fees ◼ Breakfast daily plus five dinners and four lunches ◼ Expert guide travelling from the UK THE GARDEN ROUTE OF SOUTH AFRICA 14 days from £6,575 Departing 8 September 2026
Give yourself the gift of discovery in 2026. Join Brightwater Holidays for an unparalleled six-day journey to Scotland’s rugged northern isles, where the past lies exposed on every shore, and where you will uncover 5,000 years of Scottish history. Guided by an archaeological expert, you will step back in time to explore magnificent Neolithic, Iron Age and Viking sites. Walk the ancient stone lanes of Skara Brae, marvel at the monumental Iron Age Mousa Broch, and uncover the multi-period secrets of Jarlshof. From the finest chambered tomb in Western Europe, Maeshowe, to the poignant Italian Chapel, this tour offers a deep, rewarding dive into Britain’s past. With accommodation on both islands and all ferry crossings and expert visits included, this is your chance to experience the archaeology of Orkney and Shetland up close. Jarlshof AN ARCHAEOLOGIST’S VIEW OF ORKNEY & SHETLAND Six days from £1,895pp Departing 11 April and 24 August 2026
Abu Simbel
DOWN THE DOURO n WHY Because it’s the world’s most relaxed wine-tasting tour — with terraced vineyards drifting by, pretty quintas perched above the river, and port poured generously in golden evening light. n HOW Douro cruises usually start in Porto and wind east to Peso da Régua, Pinhão and the Spanish border. Cabins are hotel-standard, the pace is slow and the scenery does most of the talking. Expect vineyard visits, tiled palaces, olive-oil farms and some splendid lunches. Seven nights is the norm; visit from May to October, with September offering the romance of harvest season. As with all river cruises, everything can be included, making it a simple holiday for couples, solo travellers or multi-gen groups.
n HOW Fly into Christchurch or Queenstown, then loop south via Fiordland (for Milford or Doubtful Sound) and north through Wanaka and the West Coast glaciers. Self- drive is straightforward, with light traffic and plenty of well-located motels and lodges. Add wine tastings in Central Otago and a night in Mount Cook Village for star-filled skies. Aim for a two-week trip to avoid rushing — spring and autumn offer crisp days and fewer crowds. Tour companies can handle the logistics if you’d rather just admire the scenery.
NEW ZEALAND’S SOUTH ISLAND n WHY Because it’s the ultimate “effortless-epic” adventure: cinematic mountains, turquoise lakes, slow roads. It looks like Middle-earth but feels
JAPAN’S ‘GOLDEN ROUTE’ n WHY Because the classic Tokyo-Kyoto-Hiroshima trip serves Japan’s greatest hits on one elegant, efficient journey: neon, temples, bullet trains and deep, moving history. n HOW Follow the classic triangle — three nights in Tokyo, three in Kyoto and one or two in Hiroshima. The shinkansen bullet train links them seamlessly, and English signage makes navigation a doddle. Spring and autumn are the dream seasons for blossom or blazing leaves, but are pricier. Outside those times, Japan can be surprisingly affordable: mid- range hotels are excellent, and the Japan Rail Pass offers good value depending on your route.
EGYPTIAN TREASURES 10 days from £3,799pp Departing 13 November 2026
Step back in time and join Travel Editions on an unforgettable adventure through one of history’s greatest civilizations. From the awe-inspiring Pyramids and the treasures of Tutankhamun to the majestic temples along the Nile, this tour blends world-famous archaeological sites with vibrant cultural experiences. Explore bustling Cairo, cruise the legendary Nile, and marvel at Unesco-protected monuments. Includes entry to the recently opened Grand Egyptian Museum. Price includes ◼ Return flights from London Heathrow to Cairo ◼ Nine nights’ accommodation ◼ Coach touring and entrance fees ◼ Breakfast daily plus five dinners and eight lunches ◼ Expert local guide To book, call 020 7553 6958 quoting RTDEC25 or visit radiotimes.com/holidayoffers
Tour highlights ◾ Mousa Broch, the best preserved Iron Age tower in
modern and welcoming.
CINEMATIC Below: Roys Peak Track, Wanaka. Far right: Porto
existence ◾ The multi-period settlement of Jarlshof ◾ Neolithic Orkney — a Unesco World Heritage Centre ◾ Handling 5,000-year-old artefacts at the Tomb of the Eagles ◾ The Churchill Barriers and Italian Chapel, poignant reminders of more recent history To book, please call 01334 804709 quoting RTORKNEY or visit radiotimes.com/holidayoffers
Price per person based on two sharing. Subject to availability. Brightwater Holidays is part of Specialist Journeys, ABTA Y6300. Single supplements apply.
Double rooms for sole use available at a supplement, and subject to availability. Full terms and conditions at traveleditions.co.uk
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