12 amazing holidays with special guest appearances
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12 amazing holidays with special guest appearances
Going on holiday is always a treat but what if you could meet one of your favourite celebrities or experts to make the experience all the more special?
That's exactly what you can do with Good Housekeeping Holidays as we chatted to some of our favourite stars and asked them to join our readers on trip to incredible places, including Venice, Bordeaux and the Scottish Highlands.
From esteemed gardeners to top chefs and opera legends to eminent historians, our holidays with expert guests and celebrities include tours, talks, demonstrations and even exclusive concerts in exciting locations all over the UK and continental Europe.
Whether you choose a leisurely river cruise through the gorgeous landscapes of Italy or France or an English country escape with visits to nearby gardens, there’s something here to please all tastes.
Here are the best holidays with celebrity and expert guests for 2023.
Hearst Owned - 2/13
1) A luxurious railway journey to a Kent vineyard and a talk from Joanna Lumley
While this one isn't a holiday per se, it's a fantastic day trip from London to Kent that's as glorious as a week in the sun. On this exclusive day out in June, you'll not only get to experience a ride on the glamorous British Pullman, A Belmond Train, but you'll get to meet the legendary Dame Joanna Lumley, too.
After enjoying bubbles and a three-course brunch on the train, you'll arrive at the gorgeous Hush Heath Estate and Vineyard in Kent for a tour and wine tasting, before hearing a talk by Joanna Lumley. You'll then return to London in style as you feast on a four-course dinner while taking in the beautiful countryside.
When? June 2023
Joanna Lumley/Hush Heath Estate - 3/13
2) A six-night stay in Florence with a concert by Andrea Bocelli
This blissful week in the cradle of the Renaissance includes a once-in-a-lifetime chance to hear one of the world's greatest opera singers perform in his hometown of Lajatico, at a spectacular open-air concert in the Teatro del Silenzio built only to host him (and hence silent for the rest of the year).
Now in its 18th year, this much-coveted event includes performances of some of Andrea Bocelli’s favourite arias and greatest hits, accompanied by a cast of other globally revered artists. As well as time to take in Michelangelo's David, the Duomo and other key Florence sights, you’ll visit other glories of Tuscany including Siena, San Gimignano, Lucca and Bologna.
When? July 2023
Or, you could enter the world of Bocelli by exploring the family's vineyard, enjoying a seafood lunch at their restaurant and enjoying a wine tasting with a member of the family in Tuscany. You'll watch Andrea perform at the Teatro del Silenzio, the outdoor theatre in Bocelli's hometown.
When? July 2023
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3) Sail along the Seine and watch a private cooking demonstration from Michel Roux Jr
Paris is always a good idea and when you're in the company of a renowned celebrity chef, you can be sure that excellent food is on the menu, too. This eight-day cruise along France's River Seine takes in the nature, beauty and cuisine of France. There'll be time to explore Paris, whether you're a first-timer or returning, but you'll also get to explore pretty Giverny, the home of Claude Monet.
The hilltop Château de La Roche-Guyon is on the itinerary, as is Normandy city Rouen and the Palace of Versailles. You'll even get to discover some beaches in Normandy. When it comes to the culinary experiences, there is a cooking demonstration, talk and Q&A session with Michel Roux Jr. You'll also be sailing on the luxurious S.S. Joie de Vivre, where meals are prepared using the freshest ingredients. Plus, you'll be in Paris during the Rugby World Cup Final to soak up the energy of the city during the huge sporting event.
When? October 2023
Michel Roux Jr/lupengyu - 5/13
4) A short break in Kent and Sussex with garden tours and a talk by Sarah Raven
This three-night stay at the four-star spa hotel in Tunbridge Wells includes an exclusive talk by garden designer, writer and broadcaster Sarah Raven about the 25-year transformation of her Perch Hill gardens from a dairy farm into 90 acres of botanical delight.
There’ll also be a private tour with the gardeners and a two-course lunch based on produce freshly picked from the garden itself. Other delightful experiences are a private early-bird visit to Sissinghurst before these superb manicured gardens are open to the public, and trips to Great Comp Garden, Scotney Castle, Lullingstone Castle, Pashley Manor and Great Dixter.
When? June 2023
Getty/Sarah Raven - 6/13
5) A Bordeaux river cruise with an interactive cooking demo and Q&A by Raymond Blanc
This week-long all-inclusive cruise on the chic Scenic Diamond through France's Médoc region with its wineries and châteaux features an appearance by much-fêted French chef Raymond Blanc, who will show you how to cook some of his favourite dishes and answer your culinary questions. There are also cookery classes onboard the ship so you can learn to recreate local specialities using produce you’ve chose yourself during a local food market tour with a chef.
You can take part in wine tastings and learn about wine-making during estate visits, and discover sights including Blaye’s UNESCO-listed citadel, Saint-Emilion’s catacombs and Libourne's Gothic church, while the vessel’s e-bikes are the perfect way to experience Sauternes’ vineyards.
When? October 203
Getty/Raymond Blanc - 7/13
6) A boutique cruise Scotland's lochs with a talk from journalist Kirsty Wark
Scotland is packed with outstanding lochs, islands and pretty coastal towns and one way to experience the best of them is on Good Housekeeping's small ship cruise along the Caledonian Canal and into Loch Oich, Loch Lochy and over to the Inner Hebrides island of Mull. You'll have six days to explore Scotland's waterside wonders, calling at picturesque Oban, passing the romantic Urquhart Castle and enjoying a train ride on the West Highland Railway, where you'll pass over the 21-arch Glenfinnan Viaduct.
To make the cruise all the more exciting, you'll be joined by Scottish TV presenter Kirsty Wark who will give a talk about her life and career. You will also sail on the Lord of the Glens, a boutique ship that carries a maximum of 52 passengers, so you can get to know fellow travellers if you wish.
When? October 2023
Kirsty Wark/Lord of the Glens - 8/13
7) An exploration of Rome with Mary Beard
Who better to take you back in time to Ancient Rome than classicist Mary Beard? Join Mary in Rome in September 2023 for a five-day walking tour with some fascinating insights into the people who lived here when the empire was at its mightiest. After a scene-setting tour of the Colosseum, you’ll delve into Rome’s Capitoline Museums before Mary joins you for an exclusive dinner and a full day of touring key sites of Ancient Rome the following day.
At the end of each busy day, you’ll return to a central four-star hotel with a pretty roof terrace to enjoy the magical light over Rome when dusk descends.
When? September 2023
Mary Beard/Getty - 9/13
8) The glamour of the French and Italian Rivieras with James Martin
There's no denying the food is delicious on the Mediterranean coasts of France and Italy, but when you savour them with a celebrated TV chef, they're all the more delicious. On Good Housekeeping's exclusive cruise to the likes of St Tropez, Cannes and Lerici, you'll get to meet James Martin and learn some cooking tips from him.
Sailing on the luxurious Royal Clipper, you'll watch St Tropez’s annual sailing regatta, watch an onboard cooking demonstration from James and explore some of the most beautiful places in all of Europe. It's set to be the Mediterranean cruise of the year.
When? September 2023
Getty/James Martin - 10/13
9) A glimpse into a Cotswold farmers’ life with Adam Henson
Visit the fascinating Cotswolds Farm Park for a special guided tour by its owner, Adam Henson, one of the UK's best-known farmers, who often presents Countryfile from his farm. You’ll join Adam for lunch, where he’ll take questions from guests during a special Q&A, before venturing out and exploring the farm for yourself.
Other highlights on this five-day itinerary include visits to glorious Batsford Arboretum, Sezincote House, Sudeley Castle, Chedworth Roman Villa, and Painswick Rococo Garden. There’s also a delightful afternoon tea in the pretty Cotswolds town of Broadway to look forward to. At the end of each day, you’ll return to a four-star hotel in Tewksbury, where there’s a spa, pool, and health club to enjoy.
When? September 2023
Adam Henson/Getty - 11/13
10) An Andalucian tour with a guest appearance from Nick Bailey
The cities of Andalucía are where you'll find the archetypally Spanish, white-walled villages, winding cobbled streets, magnificent Moorish palaces, and sun-dappled olive groves. Andalucía is also the home of fiery flamenco and the type of delicious tapas imitated the world over. Our trip takes you from Granada to Córdoba, Seville and Ronda to reveal the very best of the region’s sights, flavours, and culture.
When you’re in Granada, leading garden designer Nick Bailey will make a special guest appearance and join you on a visit to the famous Alhambra Palace and the summer palace of the Sultan of Granada, giving his expert opinion on the dazzling displays.
When? September 2023
Gonzalo Azumendi - 12/13
11) A cruise to Iceland with a special visit from Carol Kirkwood
Sail to Iceland from Southampton on the lovely Fred Olsen Balmoral for a two-week cruise of the Icelandic fjords. On the three-day voyage to Iceland’s shores, there’s time to ease into your trip and enjoy the facilities onboard. Once you arrive in Iceland, there’s a busy itinerary, including a scenic sailing through the nation’s longest fjord. You’ll disembark Balmoral to venture into the dramatic Icelandic landscape — a land celebrated for its geology with volcanic terrain and steaming, fizzing geysers.
When you reach the capital Reykjavik, Carol Kirkwood joins the ship to give an insightful talk about her career and experiences as one of TV’s most beloved weather presenters. It’s a no-fly cruise, so you’ll take a leisurely journey back to the UK with plenty of time to look back on incredible photographs of Iceland from your trip and reflect on your experiences.
When? September 2023
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12) A Venetian Lagoon cruise including a few days with Rick Stein
After drinking in some of the Veneto’s most stunning architecture, artworks and deeply rooted history, you’ll be joined for the last few days aboard the cosseting S.S La Venezia by super-chef Rick Stein. He’ll accompany you on a tour of Rialto food market before hosting a small-plates cooking demonstration and taking your questions.
Exceptional local food and wine is one of the highlights of your eight days aboard this elegant, opulent small ship; others are an exclusive after-dark visit to St Mark's Basilica for an atmospheric lighting ceremony, early-morning VIP access to the Doge's Palace, walking history tours and cycling along the beaches of Chioggia.
When? October 2023
Looking for more inspiration for your next holiday? Grab a cuppa and browse our brochure packed with unique escapes.
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