The most 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, Egypt 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, continental Europe, and further afield.
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.
Exclusive access to top landmarks in Venice and cooking demos with chef James Martin
An eight-day cruise with special out-of-hours access to some of its top landmarks is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in this elegant city. You'll visit St Mark's Basilica after dark for a peaceful lighting ceremony, tour Torcello's basilica with an art historian, and get VIP access to Doge's Palace.
Making this cruise unique is the company of top chef James Martin, who'll join you on your luxury ship, SS Venezia, host a talk and Q&A about his career and design and cook a grand gala dinner.
When? April 2025
Three heritage rail journeys, a Sandringham tour and a talk by Lucy Worsley
This fantastic five-day jaunt through the decades is centred on an exclusive talk and Q&A about Sandringham and the modern-day monarchy by fêted historian Lucy Worsley, who will also accompany you on a tour of the Royal Family's iconic country retreat and its formal gardens, sharing her insider knowledge.
You’ll travel around Norfolk by vintage train (the Bure Valley Railway, Bittern Line and North Norfolk Railway) and by paddle-steamer on the stunning Broads – the latter giving you the chance to take in thatched cottages, windmills and water birds. And there’s even some free time left over to explore the much-loved likes of Wroxham, Horning and Cromer at your leisure.
When? April to September 2025
Ride the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express with Michael Portillo
A legend on wheels and a bucket-list experience, there's simply nothing like the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, A Belmond Train. Boarding it is like stepping back in time to the golden age of travel, with opulent restored carriages and fine dining as standard.
On this exclusive trip, you'll stay in Venice for two days, before hopping aboard and travelling to Paris. You'll also get to enjoy the company of journalist and rail enthusiast, Michael Portillo, who will join you for an evening talk and night on board.
When? March 2025
Take a gourmet cruise of Bordeaux and the Médoc with Tom Kerridge
This delicious river cruise will winds its way through three of France's prettiest rivers – the Garonne, Dordogne and Gironde – as well as the fine wining and dining available along their banks. Any gourmand's dream come true, this trip includes classic French cuisine aplenty, as well as fine wine tasting and a host of specially curated excursions.
Excitingly, it also includes an appearance from Michelin-starred chef Tom Kerridge, who will join for part of the cruise. He'll host a live cooking demonstration and answer all of your questions in a Q&A.
When? April 2025
Marvel at Northumberland’s skies with astronomer Richard Darn
Due to incredibly low levels of light pollution, Northumberland is home to a Dark Sky Park, where you can marvel at constellations, planets, and galaxies without the interference of the modern world. This trip allows you to soak up the stars, as well as this county's magnificent moors and meadows in the daylight.
Local expert astronomer Richard Darn will also join as a guide, and you'll get to enjoy private visits to two of Northumberland’s observatories: the Twice Brewed Observatory and the Kielder Observatory. There will also be time to visit Hadrian’s Wall.
When? March 2025
Discover the Durrells' Corfu with Lee Durrell
Corfu is full of magical coves and pristine beaches, but it's also famous for its links to the Durrell family, who moved to the island in 1935. Perfect for fans of the television series based on the family, this tour will help you to discover the natural magnetism of this Greek hotspot, while also visiting key sights linked to the Durrells.
You'll visit filming locations from the show, like the famous White House in Kalami, once home Lawrence Durrell. And there will also be the chance to meet Lee Durrell herself, who will give a talk and join you on excursions.
When? May 2025
Cruise down the Danube and see a performance by Julie Madly Deeply's Sarah-Louise Young
The mighty Danube and its scenic surroundings are irresistibly reminiscent of Alpine adventure, majestic cities and The Sound of Music. This special cruise trip combines all three, with stops in Vienna, Krems, the Wachau Valley and Salzburg, where the beloved musical was memorably filmed.
As part of the six-day cruise aboard the stylish A-ROSA FLORA, you'll get to enjoy a very special cabaret performance from Sarah-Louise Young. Young is the star of Julie Madly Deeply, a musical inspired by the legend that is Julie Andrews.
When? July 2025
Wonderful wildlife and glorious gardens in the Isles of Scilly
Discover one of the sunniest parts of the UK on this six-day tour of the Isles of Scilly. This trip takes you to the incredible sub-tropical Tresco Abbey Garden, described as 'Kew without the glass', the rugged coastlines of Bryher and the quaint harbours of St Martin's.
You'll be delighted by the diverse flora and fauna on the Isles, with many species that can't be seen anywhere else in the UK. The head of the Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust, Julian Branscombe, will give a talk about the Isles' delightful native wildlife, including porpoises, dolphins, seals, and many species of birds.
When? April and September 2025
See the sights of the Venetian Lagoon and visit a local market with top chef, Monica Galetti
There's nothing quite like the inspiring hustle and bustle of a lively Venetian food market – just as you'll find out on this unique tour of the Floating City and its irresistible surroundings. You'll get to meet locals selling fantastically fresh produce, and all in the company of top chef Monica Galetti, who will join for part of this cruise. After a talk and Q&A, she'll accompany you on a visit to the market on Chioggia, a seaside town south of Venice.
As well as this, you'll get to explore the islands of Torcello, Murano and Burano hidden gems that are often overlooked. And, of course, you'll get exclusive access to the top sights of the city of Venice itself, including a special lighting ceremony at St Mark’s Basilica and VIP entry to the Doge's Palace.
When? April 2025
See a Christmas concert in Maastricht with André Rieu
This trip promises an extraordinary night of musical entertainment in time for Christmas, setting the magical festive tone perfectly. André Rieu and The Johann Strauss Orchestra will perform a special concert at the incredible 'Winter Palace' at the Maastricht Exhibition and Concert Centre.
There will also be free time to explore the atmospheric Christmas markets of Maastricht and Aachen. It's wonderfully flexible too – you can travel by Eurostar or fly to Amsterdam from your chosen airport.
When? December 2024
Visit London’s royal palaces and meet Dr Tracy Borman
Discover the stories and mysteries of the British royal family past and present on a tour of some of the most important royal buildings in London with historian Dr Tracy Borman. Dr Borman is an expert in Tudor history and will join you on a trip to the UK’s most famous Tudor palace, Hampton Court, where she’ll give an exclusive talk.
Other visits to look forward to include guided tours of the beautiful Westminster Abbey, the intriguing Tower of London, and Windsor Castle, where you'll get a private behind-the-ropes tour of the castle and enjoy a glass of sparkling English wine.
When? April 2025
Seek Norway's Northern Lights with photographer Doug Allan
Catching a glimpse of the colourful Aurora Borealis is near the top of many a bucket list, and this once-in-a-lifetime cruise will help you to tick this unforgettable sight off. You'll pass through beautiful fjords, spot wonderful wildlife (including whales and even polar bears) andexplore the Arctic capital of Tromsø, all from the comfort of MS Midnatsol, one of Hurtigruten's specialist vessels.
Of course, the highlight will be trying to see the magical Northern Lights – and there's a high chance you'll do so at this time of year. Accompanying you for part of this amazing trip will be wildlife photographer and cameraman, Doug Allan, who will give a talk, answer questions and run a photography workshop.
When? March 2025
Explore Norway’s Arctic during the Midnight Sun with presenter Adam Frost
A two-week cruise through Norway's Svalbard archipelago will let you discover the Arctic wilderness at its very best. You'll board MS Trollfjord, which has been specially built for this type of voyage and will follow Hurtigrtuen's historical voyage to Svalbard.
Along the way, there will be striking scenery, of course, but also cute wildlife (from puffins to Arctic foxes) and sumptuous food prepared with local produce. On your hiking excursion in the Urke Valley, you'll be joined by award-winning gardener and Gardeners' World presenter Adam Frost, who will also give an exclusive talk and a Q&A.
When? July 2025
Explore the Venetian Lagoon and meet top chef, Angela Hartnet
A brilliant chance to discover the delights of Venice and the Veneto region is on our cruise with acclaimed chef Angela Hartnett. You’ll have exclusive access to top landmarks including St Mark's Basilica and Doge's Palace and will also dock on the islands of Burano and Mazzorbo.
Angela joins you on board for three days, accompanying you on a tour of the famous Rialto food market before hosting an exclusive cooking demonstration and answering some of your questions. You'll be sailing on the luxury SS Venezia, where you can look forward to five-star food inspired by classic Italian cuisine.
When? May 2025
See the works of the Dutch Masters with art critic Andrew Graham-Dixon
Marvelling at masterpieces is always a thrill, but even more so in the company of a top art critic, which is exactly how you'll find yourself on this six-day Netherlands art tour. Full of the works of Rembrandt and Vermeer, this trip will fully immerse you into the Dutch Golden Age – and the beautiful cities around it.
You'll visit Delft, where Vermeer lived for his whole life, as well as Amsterdam, where The Rijksmuseum and Rembrandt’s house await. A highlight of the trip will be a visit to Mauritshuis, which you'll explore with an expert local guide before hearing a private talk from art critic Andrew Graham-Dixon, who is an expert on Vermeer.
When? May or October 2025
Explore the glorious gardens of Northern Italy with Christine Walkden
From the formal terraces of Villa Carlotta on Lake Como to the English-style gardens of Villa Taranto on Lake Maggiore and the floral splendour of the Borromean Islands, there are no end of glorious gardens to explore on and around the lakes of Northern Italy. And this eight-day tour gives you the chance to see them all.
What's more, gardening expert Christine Walkden will give an exclusive talk and join you for a day exploring the Borremean Islands. You'll visit three of these – Isola Bella, Isola Madre, and Isola Pescatori – seeing beautiful walled gardens and ornate palazzi on each.
When? March - April 2025
Learn to draw some of the inspiring scenery of the Peak District with expert art tutor Alison Carr
Staying in a cosy country house oozing character, immerse yourself in the natural wonders of the Peak District by translating it onto paper, thanks to tutorials by Alison Carr, whose work is inspired by her country walks. Three full days of workshops with lots of scope for personal guidance will take place inside or out in the hotel’s 11 acres of beautifully tended grounds, as the weather permits.
Enjoying such treats as afternoon tea on your first day and hearty cooked breakfasts, you’ll also have free time to wander around taking in the local countryside under your own steam.
When? October 2024
Sail the Ganges in ultimate luxury and learn about Indian cuisine from Atul Kochhar
A fantastic cultural voyage with a foodie theme, this one is a bit further afield. The unforgettable 15-day cruise along the sacred Ganges River will take you to several of India’s most spectacular attractions, including the iconic Taj Mahal, which you will witness at both sunset and sunrise.
Joining this cruise is the British-based Indian chef Atul Kochhar, who has two Michelin stars for his London restaurants Tamarind and Benares. Atul will share his passion for Indian cooking with you during a talk and join you on a visit to Kalna Market, after which he'll host a cooking demonstration with freshly purchased ingredients from the market.
When? November 2024
An intimate performance by Russell Watson and a cruise of the Venetian Lagoon
Another unique cruise around the Venetian Lagoon, this time with a musical theme. On this luxury sailing, you'll be joined by the world-renowned tenor Russell Watson, who'll give a special talk and Q&A, sign your complimentary CD, and perform an exclusive intimate concert.
This wonderful trip includes some unique extras too, like a private visit to the iconic Doge's Palace and a private lighting ceremony in St. Mark's Basilica, without the crowds. As well as visiting Venice you will also explore its islands of Burano, Mazzorbo and Torcello, all from the luxurious comfort of your ship, SS La Venezia.
When? October 2024
You Might Also Like
