Best Destinations for Touring Holidays
Discover the World’s Most Incredible Places for Escorted Travel Experiences
Choosing the best destinations for touring holidays can completely shape the kind of journey you have. From iconic cities and historic landmarks to breathtaking natural scenery, the right destination turns a great holiday into an unforgettable experience.
At Bressenden Travel, we help travellers discover some of the world’s most rewarding touring routes. These are carefully selected from trusted escorted tour operators. Whether you are exploring Europe’s cultural capitals, venturing through dramatic landscapes in North America, or immersing yourself in the traditions of Asia, there is a touring holiday to suit your travel style.
What makes touring holidays so special is the way they combine comfort, structure, and discovery. You do not just visit a destination. You experience it fully. With expert guides, seamless travel between locations, and thoughtfully planned itineraries, each place comes to life. If you are wondering exactly what is covered, take a look at our guide to what’s included in a touring holiday. This explains everything from accommodation to guided experiences.
In this guide to the best places for touring holidays, we highlight the regions and countries that consistently deliver the most memorable escorted travel experiences. This will help you choose the destination that best inspires your next journey.
What’s on this page:
- Why Destination Matters
- Europe: Touring Holidays
- North America: Touring Highlights
- Asia: Touring Holidays
- Australia & New Zealand: Touring Holidays
- Africa: Touring Holidays
- Best Destinations by Interest
- Choosing Your Perfect Tour
Why Destination Matters on a Touring Holiday
The destination you choose is the foundation of your entire touring holiday experience. While escorted tours take care of the planning, logistics, and travel between locations, it is the destination itself that defines the pace, atmosphere, and type of memories you will take home.
The best destinations for touring holidays offer a strong balance of variety, accessibility, and meaningful experiences. Some regions are rich in cultural heritage. Others are known for dramatic scenery, while some combine both in a single itinerary. Choosing the right one ensures your time on holiday feels rewarding from start to finish.
A Mix of Iconic Sights and Hidden Gems
The most rewarding destinations are those that go beyond the obvious landmarks. While iconic sights are often the highlight of any itinerary, it is the hidden gems that create the most memorable moments.
A well-planned touring holiday allows you to experience both. From world-famous attractions to lesser-known towns, scenic viewpoints, and local cultural spots that you might otherwise miss. In Italy, for instance, you might explore iconic cities such as Rome, Florence, and Venice. This is featured in our Best of Italy touring holiday. Here you can also enjoy quieter Tuscan towns and scenic countryside escapes.
Easy Travel Routes Between Highlights
One of the key advantages of carefully chosen touring destinations is how naturally the journey flows.
The best regions for touring holidays use logical travel routes. This means less time in transit and more time enjoying each location. Whether you travel by coach, rail, or a combination of both, smooth connections create a relaxed and enjoyable experience. This structure also reduces travel stress and improves overall enjoyment.
Strong Cultural or Historical Depth
Some destinations stand out because of their rich history, architecture, and cultural identity. These are places where every city, town, or landmark tells a story. Touring holidays allow you to explore this depth in a structured way. Along with expert commentary and guided experiences bringing meaning to what you see.
India is a strong example. It offers one of the most immersive cultural touring experiences in the world. It combines iconic landmarks such as the Taj Mahal with vibrant cities and spiritual heritage. This is featured in our Golden Triangle, Tigers and the Ganges touring holiday.
Experiences That Benefit from Expert Guidance
Many of the best destinations for touring holidays are those where expert insight makes a significant difference. Whether it is understanding ancient ruins, navigating complex cities, or uncovering local traditions. A knowledgeable guide enhances the experience far beyond what independent travel can offer. This added context turns sightseeing into genuine storytelling, helping you connect more deeply with each destination.
Exploring Egypt’s ancient wonders becomes far more meaningful with guidance. This includes the Pyramids of Giza, the Valley of the Kings, and temples along the Nile. This experience is featured in our Footsteps of the Pharaohs touring holiday.
To understand the full value of travelling with an expert, explore our guide on why to choose a guided touring holiday and how it enhances every part of the journey.
Lake Bled’s iconic island setting
Europe: The Classic Touring Favourite
Europe remains one of the most popular regions and best destinations for touring holidays. It offers an exceptional mix of cultures, landscapes, and historic cities within relatively short travel distances. As a result, it is ideal for travellers who want variety and depth in a single journey.
One of Europe’s greatest strengths is its diversity. Within one touring itinerary, you can experience grand capital cities, UNESCO World Heritage sites, and peaceful countryside. Many tours also include mountain regions and coastal destinations. This balance creates a well-rounded and engaging travel experience.
Rich Cultural and Historical Heritage
Europe is home to some of the world’s most important cultural and historical landmarks. For example, you will find ancient Roman ruins, medieval towns, Renaissance art, and imperial palaces across the continent.
Touring holidays make this heritage easier to experience. Expert guides provide context that brings each destination to life. As a result, every stop becomes more meaningful and memorable.
Whether you are exploring Italy’s artistic cities, France’s architectural landmarks, or Central Europe’s imperial capitals, each destination adds depth to the journey.
Seamless Multi-Country Travel
Another key advantage of Europe is how easy it is to travel between countries. Well-developed transport networks and carefully planned routes make multi-destination itineraries simple and efficient.
In addition, escorted touring removes the stress of managing logistics independently. Therefore, you can focus on the experience rather than the travel arrangements.
This makes it possible to visit several countries in one holiday. For example, you might travel from Western Europe into Central Europe, experiencing different cultures along the way without disruption.
Scenic Variety in Every Direction
Europe also offers remarkable natural diversity. Within relatively short distances, you can experience alpine mountain ranges, rolling vineyard regions, dramatic coastlines, and peaceful lakes.
As a result, every stage of the journey feels visually different. One day may bring panoramic mountain views, while the next explores historic riverside cities or coastal towns.
This variety is one of the reasons Europe works so well for touring holidays. It keeps the experience engaging from start to finish.
Top European Touring Destinations
Europe offers an incredible variety of touring holiday experiences, with each region bringing its own unique character, landscapes, and cultural identity. Below are some of the most popular destinations for escorted touring holidays across the continent.
Italy
Italy is one of the most iconic touring destinations in Europe. It combines world-famous cities with rich cultural heritage and beautiful countryside, as seen on the Best of Italy Tour.
Travellers can explore Rome’s ancient landmarks, Florence’s Renaissance art, and Venice’s canals. Tuscany offers rolling landscapes, historic towns, and exceptional cuisine. As a result, Italy delivers a perfect balance of history, culture, and scenery.
Scandinavia
Scandinavia offers a completely different style of touring holiday. It is known for its dramatic natural landscapes, modern cities, and relaxed pace of travel.
Norway’s fjords are a highlight, with deep waterways surrounded by towering cliffs and waterfalls. Meanwhile, Sweden and Denmark offer vibrant capitals, coastal scenery, and strong cultural heritage. Many itineraries include scenic rail or cruise elements, which enhance the overall experience. The Scenic Scandinavia and it’s Fjords tour covers all three countries in one 14 day itinerary.
Central Europe
Central Europe is rich in history, architecture, and cultural tradition. It is home to some of the most elegant and historically significant cities in Europe.
Vienna, Budapest, and Prague are often key highlights, each offering grand architecture, riverfront scenery, and deep historical roots. Well-connected routes also make it easy to explore multiple countries within a single itinerary.
Greece
Greece combines ancient history with stunning coastal landscapes. It is a destination where mythology, archaeology, and natural beauty come together.
Athens offers iconic landmarks such as the Acropolis, while the mainland and islands provide dramatic scenery, traditional villages, and clear blue waters. Greek cuisine and hospitality add to the overall experience. The Highlights of Greece tour, covers many mainland sites with the beautiful islands.
Spain and Portugal
Spain and Portugal offer vibrant, diverse touring experiences filled with culture, architecture, and coastal charm.
Within Spain, highlights include Madrid, Seville, and Barcelona, each with its own distinct identity. Meanwhile, Portugal offers historic cities like Lisbon and Porto, alongside scenic river valleys and Atlantic coastlines. You can experience both countries, along with Morocco, on the Highlights of Spain, Portugal and Morocco tour.
North America: Big Landscapes, Iconic Cities
North America offers some of the most dramatic and wide-ranging touring holiday experiences in the world. It is a destination defined by scale, where vast landscapes sit alongside vibrant cities and iconic landmarks.
Travelling through North America often means covering large distances. However, escorted touring holidays make this easy and enjoyable. Carefully planned itineraries ensure you experience the highlights without the stress of long-distance travel planning. Making it one of best destinations for touring holidays.
Iconic Cities and Cultural Highlights
North America is home to some of the world’s most recognisable cities. For example, New York, Washington D.C., Toronto, and Vancouver each offer their own distinct identity and cultural experiences.
These cities combine modern skylines with historic neighbourhoods, world-class museums, and diverse food scenes. Many touring holidays typically include guided experiences that help bring each city’s story to life.
As a result, travellers gain a deeper understanding of both the culture and character of each destination.
Dramatic Natural Landscapes
Beyond the cities, North America is known for its extraordinary natural scenery. From vast national parks to mountain ranges and coastal highways, the landscapes are a major highlight of any touring itinerary.
The Rocky Mountains, Yellowstone National Park, and the Grand Canyon are just a few examples of the region’s natural wonders. In addition, scenic routes such as coastal drives and rail journeys allow travellers to experience the scale of the landscape in a memorable way.
This combination of accessibility and natural beauty makes North America especially appealing for travellers seeking both adventure and comfort.
A Journey of Scale and Variety
One of the defining features of touring in North America is the sense of scale. Distances are greater, landscapes are wider, and experiences often feel more expansive than in other regions.
However, escorted tours are designed to manage this effectively. Well-paced itineraries balance travel time with sightseeing, ensuring the journey remains enjoyable throughout.
As a result, travellers can experience a wide variety of destinations in a single holiday, from major cities to national parks and everything in between.
Top North American Touring Destinations
North America offers a wide range of touring holiday experiences, from iconic cities and scenic coastlines to vast national parks and dramatic mountain ranges. Each destination brings something completely different, making the region ideal for varied and immersive itineraries.
Yosemite’s dramatic landscapes
USA National Parks
The USA National Parks are among the most spectacular natural landscapes in the world. They offer dramatic scenery, diverse wildlife, and unforgettable outdoor experiences.
From Yellowstone’s geysers and wildlife to the vast canyons of the Grand Canyon and the dramatic granite cliffs of Yosemite, each park offers something unique. Well-planned touring itineraries make it possible to explore multiple parks in one journey. Such as the America Magnificent National Parks Tour.
California Coast
The California Coast is one of the most iconic touring routes in North America. It combines ocean views, vibrant cities, and relaxed coastal towns along a dramatic shoreline.
Travelling along routes such as the Pacific Coast Highway allows you to experience highlights like San Francisco, Monterey, and Los Angeles. Alongside the main cities, scenic stops along the way offer breathtaking views of cliffs, beaches, and ocean vistas. The Best of California Tour, covers all the main sites in just 10 days.
Moraine Lake in Banff National Park
Canada and the Rockies
Canada and the Rockies offer some of the most breathtaking scenery in North America. It is a destination defined by vast wilderness, mountain landscapes, and crystal-clear lakes.
Highlights include Banff and Jasper National Parks, where snow-capped peaks, turquoise lakes, and abundant wildlife create unforgettable experiences. Journeys often include scenic rail routes that showcase the scale and beauty of the region. The Rocky Mountaineer is often a bucket list trip for many and can be experienced on the Canadas Rockies Tour.
Asia: Culture, Colour, and Contrast
Asia offers some of the most immersive and rewarding touring holiday experiences in the world. It is a region defined by contrast, where ancient traditions sit alongside modern cities, and vibrant cultures meet breathtaking landscapes. It’s widely regarded as one of the best destinations for touring holidays, thanks to its cultural depth and variety.
Touring holidays in Asia are especially rewarding because they allow travellers to experience complex destinations with ease. Expert guides help bring cultural, historical, and spiritual stories to life in a meaningful way.
Deep Cultural and Historical Heritage
Asia is home to some of the world’s most significant cultural and historical landmarks. From ancient temples and imperial cities to sacred sites and traditional villages, the depth of heritage is extraordinary.
Countries such as India, Vietnam, Cambodia, and China each offer unique cultural identities. Many touring holidays are designed to explore this richness in a structured and accessible way.
As a result, travellers gain a deeper appreciation of the region’s history, traditions, and way of life.
Iconic Landmarks and Unforgettable Experiences
Asia is filled with world-famous landmarks and unforgettable sights. For example, the Taj Mahal in India, Angkor Wat in Cambodia, and Mount Fuji in Japan are among the most recognisable highlights.
Touring itineraries combine these iconic experiences with local markets, traditional cuisine, and cultural encounters. This creates a journey that feels both varied and deeply engaging.
Therefore, Asia is ideal for travellers who want a balance of iconic sights and authentic cultural immersion.
Landscapes of Extraordinary Variety
Beyond its cultural richness, Asia also offers incredible natural diversity. Travellers can experience tropical coastlines, mountain ranges, rice terraces, deserts, and bustling megacities within a single region.
Many touring holidays are designed to balance urban exploration with scenic travel routes, ensuring a varied and visually rich experience throughout.
As a result, Asia delivers a touring holiday experience that is both dynamic and unforgettable.
Top Asian Touring Destinations
Asia offers an incredible range of touring holiday experiences, from ancient cultural landmarks to modern cities and breathtaking landscapes. Each destination provides something unique, making the region ideal for immersive escorted touring holidays.
Japan
Japan offers a seamless blend of tradition and modern life. It is a destination where ancient temples, peaceful gardens, and historic shrines sit alongside futuristic cities and high-speed bullet trains.
Travellers can experience cultural highlights such as Kyoto’s temples, Tokyo’s vibrant districts, and scenic rural regions that showcase a quieter side of the country. Japan’s efficient transport network makes it ideal for well-structured touring itineraries. The Splendours of Japan with Hiroshima Tour is just one example of a tour that covers multiple stops.
Vietnam & Cambodia
Vietnam and Cambodia offer a rich combination of history, landscapes, and cultural experiences. Together, they create one of Southeast Asia’s most rewarding touring regions.
Highlights include Vietnam’s dramatic coastline, bustling cities, and river landscapes. Meanwhile, Cambodia offers extraordinary historical sites such as Angkor Wat, alongside traditional villages and cultural landmarks. In addition, many itineraries, such as Vietnam and Cambodia Uncovered, combine both countries into a single, seamless journey.
Taj Mahal in India, an iconic landmark and top destination for touring holidays
India
India is vibrant, diverse, and unforgettable. It is a destination where every region offers a completely different experience, from bustling cities to peaceful countryside and spiritual landmarks.
Travellers can explore iconic sites such as the Taj Mahal, Jaipur’s palaces, and Delhi’s historic streets. India’s culture, cuisine, and traditions create a deeply immersive travel experience. Experience all of these stops and more on the Golden Triangle, Tigers and the Ganges trip.
Lake Hawea’s peaceful landscape
Australia & New Zealand: Scenic and Relaxed
Australia and New Zealand offer some of the most scenic and relaxed touring holiday experiences in the world. These destinations are ideal for travellers who want breathtaking landscapes, unique wildlife, and a slower pace of travel.
Both countries are well suited to escorted touring holidays. Distances can be vast, so carefully planned itineraries ensure you experience the highlights without the stress of long independent travel.
Coastal Drives and Natural Wonders
One of the defining features of Australia and New Zealand is the incredible variety of natural scenery. From dramatic coastlines to mountain ranges and national parks, the landscapes are both diverse and unforgettable.
Touring routes are designed around scenic drives, allowing you to enjoy the journey as much as the destinations themselves. This creates a relaxed and immersive travel experience throughout.
Wildlife Encounters
Both destinations are also known for their unique wildlife. Australia is home to kangaroos, koalas, and a wide range of native species found nowhere else in the world.
Meanwhile, New Zealand offers opportunities to see rare birdlife and marine wildlife in their natural habitats. Escorted tours include guided experiences that bring you closer to these environments in a responsible and informative way.
As a result, wildlife encounters become a memorable part of the overall journey.
Easy-Going Travel Style
Australia and New Zealand are ideal for travellers who prefer a relaxed and well-paced touring style. While distances can be long, itineraries are carefully structured to balance travel time with sightseeing.
Escorted touring removes the pressure of planning routes or managing logistics. Therefore, you can focus fully on the experience and enjoy each destination at a comfortable pace.
Australia
Australia offers a diverse range of touring experiences, from vibrant coastal cities to vast inland landscapes.
You can explore Sydney’s iconic harbour, the scenic Great Ocean Road, and the dramatic Outback. Itineraries include national parks and coastal regions that showcase the country’s natural variety, as featured in our Australian Highlights touring holiday.
New Zealand
New Zealand is famous for its dramatic and ever-changing scenery. It is a destination where mountains, fjords, lakes, and forests are all within easy reach.
Highlights often include the South Island’s fjords, the Southern Alps, and scenic coastal routes. The North Island offers cultural experiences, geothermal landscapes, and lively cities. The New Zealand Uncovered itinerary covers both islands in one seamless tour.
Africa: Wildlife, Landscapes and Once-in-a-Lifetime Experiences
Africa offers some of the most extraordinary touring holiday experiences in the world. It is a destination defined by vast landscapes, remarkable wildlife, and unforgettable safari adventures.
Escorted touring holidays make Africa more accessible and comfortable to explore. Carefully planned itineraries allow travellers to experience key highlights while enjoying expert guidance and seamless travel between locations.
Safari Adventures
Africa is best known for its world-class safari experiences. It is a region where wildlife and nature take centre stage.
Travellers can explore iconic safari destinations such as Kenya, Tanzania, and South Africa. Most itineraries include guided game drives through national parks and private reserves.
These experiences offer the chance to see wildlife such as elephants, lions, giraffes, and rhinos in their natural environment. As a result, every safari feels unique and unforgettable.
Incredible Wildlife and Landscapes
Beyond the safaris, Africa is home to some of the most diverse and dramatic landscapes on the planet. From sweeping savannahs to deserts, mountains, and coastal regions, the scenery is constantly changing.
These natural environments create the perfect backdrop for immersive touring experiences. Travellers can enjoy long scenic drives, cultural encounters, and moments of complete wilderness.
As a result, Africa is ideal for travellers seeking a powerful connection with nature and wide-open spaces.
Top African Touring Destinations
Africa offers some of the most unforgettable touring holiday experiences in the world. From world-famous safari destinations to ancient wonders and vibrant cities, each region provides something completely unique.
Touring holidays make it easier to explore Africa’s vast landscapes and diverse highlights in comfort and safety.
South Africa
South Africa is one of the most popular touring destinations in Africa. It offers a diverse mix of landscapes, wildlife, and cultural experiences.
Travellers can explore vibrant cities such as Cape Town, scenic coastal routes like the Garden Route, and world-renowned game reserves. Tours combine wildlife encounters with wine regions and dramatic mountain scenery. The Best of South Africa includes all of these highlights and is a great example of varied tour.
Kenya
Kenya is one of the world’s most iconic safari destinations. It is known for its vast savannahs, rich wildlife, and unforgettable game viewing experiences.
Highlights include the Maasai Mara, where travellers can witness incredible wildlife in its natural habitat. Itineraries include visits to national parks, cultural villages, and scenic landscapes. Kenya is especially famous for its seasonal wildlife migrations, making it a standout choice for safari-focused touring holidays. The African Safari Adventure touring holiday is a great example of what you can do and see here.
Egypt
Egypt offers a completely different type of African touring experience. It is a destination rich in ancient history, iconic landmarks, and cultural heritage.
Travellers can explore the Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, and the temples along the Nile. In addition, many escorted tours include river cruising, which provides a unique perspective on Egypt’s historic sites. The Splendours of Egypt itinerary for example includes a 7 day cruise along the Nile.
Best Destinations by Interest
Different travellers are drawn to touring holidays for different reasons. Some are inspired by history, others by scenery, cuisine, or ease of travel. Below are some of the best destinations for touring holidays based on travel interests to help you choose the right experience.
| Interest | Top Destinations | Why These Work Well |
|---|---|---|
| History Lovers | Italy, Egypt, Greece | These destinations offer world-famous heritage sites, ancient civilisations, and historic cities. Escorted touring adds expert insight that brings each location’s history to life. |
| Scenic Landscapes | Canada, New Zealand, USA National Parks | These regions feature dramatic natural scenery, including mountains, lakes, and vast open landscapes. Carefully planned itineraries allow you to experience them at a relaxed pace. |
| Food & Wine | France, Italy, Spain | These countries combine sightseeing with exceptional cuisine, local produce, and renowned wine regions, often built into escorted touring itineraries. |
| Culture | Japan, Vietnam & Cambodia, India | These destinations offer rich cultural traditions, vibrant local life, and deep heritage. Escorted touring helps travellers understand customs, history, and everyday life in a meaningful way. |
| Bucket List | South Africa, Peru, Australia & New Zealand | These are once-in-a-lifetime destinations offering iconic experiences such as safaris, Machu Picchu-style landscapes, and vast long-haul adventures. They are ideal for travellers seeking unforgettable journeys. |
| First-Time Touring | Italy, Western Europe, Japan | These destinations are ideal for beginners, offering iconic highlights, smooth travel routes, and well-structured itineraries for a comfortable introduction. |
Choosing Your Perfect Touring Holiday Destination
Choosing the right touring holiday destination depends on the type of experience you are looking for. Whether you are drawn to historic cities, dramatic landscapes, vibrant cultures, or relaxed scenic travel, there is a destination that perfectly matches your travel style.
Throughout this guide, we have explored some of the best destinations for touring holidays across the world. Each region offers something different. However, all share one thing in common. They deliver memorable experiences that are best enjoyed through carefully planned escorted travel.
Touring holidays take the stress out of planning. Expert itineraries, guided experiences, and seamless travel connections allow you to focus entirely on enjoying the journey. As a result, you can experience more in each destination without the pressure of organising the details yourself.
If you are unsure where to begin, consider what matters most to you. For example, you may prefer cultural depth, scenic beauty, or a balance of both. Once you understand your travel style, it becomes much easier to choose the right region and itinerary.
At Bressenden Travel, we offer a wide range of escorted touring holidays across all the destinations featured in this guide. Our carefully selected tours are designed to help you experience each destination at its very best.
There are countless countries to explore, but the best destinations for touring holidays are always the ones that match your travel style. Your next journey begins with the right destination, and from there, everything else falls into place.
Learn More About Touring Holidays
You now know what are the best destinations for touring holidays, but if you are still deciding which touring holiday is right for you, these helpful guides will give you more insight and inspiration:
- Why choose a guided touring holiday – discover how expert guides can enhance your experience and bring each destination to life.
- What’s included in a touring holiday – understand exactly what is covered, from accommodation and transport to guided experiences and meals.
- Escorted tours vs independent travel – compare the two travel styles to see which best suits your preferences.
- Touring holidays for solo travellers – find out why escorted tours are a popular and reassuring choice for those travelling alone.