It was the Dutch who first brought wine to South Africa, way back in 1659. South Africa is blessed with its coastal influences of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans – creating a near perfect Mediterranean climate, which is marked by intense sunshine and dry heat. South Africa maintains distinct wine regions, such as: Stellenbosch, Franschoek Valley, and others. Our The Cape - Winelands and Walks sets off to Stellenbosch deep in the heart of the Winelands where you embark on a majestic journey through to Franschoek and onward to the Penguin colony at Boulders Beach, Simonstown before summiting Table Mountain and enjoying time in Cape Town. This unforgettable tour melds wine, history, wildlife and the ever present big sky.

Burgundy is one of the stalwarts of the French wine regions, with its central French continental climate that is characterized by hot summers and cold winters making the wine vary considerably. Good Burgundy vintages fetch a pretty penny. Our self-guided cycling holiday ensures you get ample time to discover the dreamy vineyards and quaint French villages at your own pace and of course sample some of the world greatest wines. Starting out in the Dijon – famed for its mustard and crème de cassis, you’ll then embark on a sumptuous journey through vineyards and charming chateaus before finishing in the gentile riverside town of Chalon sur Saone.

As a standard port of call during the Age of Exploration. They stopped there to resupply and pick up some Madeiran wine, a particular fortified wine with neutral grape spirit added to prevent it from spoiling, for the arduous journey ahead. Madeira has an oceanic climate with tropical influences, making for tricky wine producing, however the Madeirans overcame these challenges by using low trellises known as latata. Our Walking in Madeira holiday explores the very best of this island paradise, with plenty of opportunities to taste the wine. The intricate levadas, aqueducts which take much needed water down from the high mountains to the towns and villages, will amaze you and they also form unique walking trails.

One of Europe’s most autonomous provinces: South Tyrol has been at the crossroads of many a historic European squabble. As an amalgamation of nations, South Tyrol has a unique wine making history with Austrian and Italian influences. On our Self-Guided Walking in South Tyrol trip, this ever-interesting region will gradually reveal itself. You’ll set off from the Alpine spa town of Merano, through sun-dappled orchards along Waalwegs (Irrigation channels) to Nalles. Your journey takes you to the region's capital, Bolzano with it’s fascinating history and museums and across the high mountain trail to Molten. You'll then head back to Merano, all in the shadow of awe-inspiring Dolomites panoramas and the ubiquitous vineyards which dominate the lower slopes.