11 amazing holidays with special guest appearances
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11 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, Madeira and the Scottish Highlands.
From TV gardeners to top chefs and opera legends to antiques gurus or 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 spa break 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 - 2/12
1) A Venice cruise with a concert by Russell Watson
This lovely river cruise takes you around the iconic Italian city and its gorgeous island-dotted lagoon, with a stop-off to enjoy a private concert, talk, Q&A and CD-signing by the world-famous tenor Russell Watson. Said to "sing like Pavarotti and entertain like Sinatra", Russell has won four Classical Brit awards.
Other unforgettable experiences across the six days include a private after-hours visit to St Mark's Basilica and the chance to explore the islands of Burano, Mazzorbo and Torcello and the port of Chioggi. Your vessel will be Uniworld's Super Ship La Venezia, with its fabulous inclusive dining and unlimited premium drinks.
When? April 2023
Getty/Russell Watson - 3/12
2) A Dutch and Belgian cruise with a garden tour by Adam Frost
The week-long Amsterdam round-trip aboard the stylish MS Arena includes a stop-off at Dordrecht, where designer, Gardeners' World presenter and author Adam Frost will take you around Appeltern Gardens. The Netherlands’ largest ‘garden ideas’ park will inspire you with its themed areas including taste, smell and sustainability. Adam will also give an exclusive talk and answer your horticultural questions.
Other highlights of this itinerary – scheduled for spring, when the Netherlands famous flower fields burst into colour – are Hollands canalside windmills, the world-renowned Keukenhof Gardens with their spring tulips, daffodils and hyacinths, Kalmthout Arboretum and Meise Botanic Garden.
When? April 2023
Getty/Adam Frost - 4/12
3) A Peak District break with a Chatsworth House tour with Paul Martin
This three-day sojourn in one of the UK’s most spectacular regions is centred on a visit to one of its finest country estates, Chatsworth, in the company of the presenter of Channel 5's The Great Auction Showdown with Paul Martin. Paul will also share his tips on shopping for antiques, which you can put into practice at the Bolsover Antiques Centre.
Your base throughout will be one of England’s oldest hotels, the cosy, characterful Old Hall in the spa town of Buxton, with breakfasts and dinners included. Other heritage properties on the itinerary are Hardwick Hall (for another behind-the-scenes tour with Paul), Bolsover Castle, Tissington Hall and Renishaw Hall.
When? April 2023
Paul Martin/Shutterstock - 5/12
4) 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 - 6/12
5) A Scottish Highlands and islands yacht cruise with a talk by Carol Kirkwood
Sailing aboard the boutique (27-cabin) Lord of the Glens around Loch Ness, Loch Nevis, Iona and other beguiling spots, you’ll be regaled by tales of the weather presenter’s Scottish heritage and family history – including her grandfather’s role in building the breathtaking Glenfinnan Viaduct.
You’ll also experience the Caledonian Canal, hidden sea lochs and other enchanting islands along Scotland's western shore, including Mull, Eigg and Skye, along the way encountering wild, myth-shrouded landscapes, looming castles and majestic wildlife.
When? May 2023
Getty/Carol Kirkwood - 7/12
6) A Norfolk retreat with a talk and a Sandringham tour by Lucy Worsley
This five-day tour includes an exclusive talk on Sandringham House and Estate and the modern monarchy by acclaimed historian Lucy Worsley, followed by a tour of the Royal Family's country hideaway led by Lucy herself.
During the rest of your stay, you’ll enjoy a Norfolk Broads cruise aboard a paddle-steamer, no fewer than three heritage railway journeys and time to explore the likes of Wroxham, Horning and Cromer – along the way imbibing the deliciously slow pace of life in this region of vast skies and dramatic, often deserted coastline.
When? May 2023
Radcliffe/Bauer-Griffin/Lucy Worsley - 8/12
7) 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 - 9/12
8) 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
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9) 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 - 11/12
10) 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 - 12/12
11) 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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