Prima's ultimate pick of the best holidays to take in 2024

split is a town on croatia
The best holidays for 2024Sasipa Muennuch - Getty Images

Do you have holidays planned for 2023? Sometimes we love planning a trip well in advance, especially if it's an extra-special bucket-list adventure.

But if you haven’t quite got that far yet, we’re here to help you get your planning kickstarted, with a roundup of our best holidays for 2023.

Our pick of top getaways includes holiday ideas for everyone from the most adventurous to those seeking true R&R. There are cosy country breaks in the UK, once-in-a-lifetime adventure cruises to places like Antarctica and Japan, and educational escapes with experts to some of Europe’s most enticing corners.

There are so many different ways to get around too. If you’re looking to reduce your carbon footprint (or if you’re simply sick of airport queues) there are lots of no-fly holidays available, where you can get around by boat or train.

Whether you're planning a grand adventure far from home, or looking for inspiration for more easily-reached destinations, check our round up of the best holidays the best holidays for 2023 to get your planning off to a start.

Searching for inspiration for the best holidays to take in 2024? We’re here to help you get your planning kickstarted with our ultimate selection of the best holidays for 2024.

Our pick of top getaways includes holiday ideas for everyone, from the most adventurous to those seeking true R&R. There are cosy country breaks in the UK, once-in-a-lifetime long haul trips to places like India's Golden Triangle, and educational escapes with experts to some of Europe’s most enticing corners.

There are so many different ways to get around, too. If you’re looking to reduce your carbon footprint (or if you’re simply sick of airport queues), there are no-fly holidays available where you can get around by boat or train.

Whether you're planning a grand adventure far from home or looking for inspiration for more easily reached destinations, check out our round-up of the best holidays for 2024.

Improve your drawing skills in the idyllic Peak District

The Peak District is one of the UK’s most cherished national parks, with its rolling moors covered in purple heather and dotted with historic villages and grand stately homes. It's also a favourite destination for landscape artists who flock here to try to capture these inspiring vistas on paper or canvas.

You can do just that with Prima's special drawing holiday in the Peaks. You'll be joined by an expert art tutor, who'll help you hone your drawing skills during three full days of workshops. You'll be based at Peveril of the Peak, a country house hotel in the tiny village of Thorpe, surrounded by idyllic countryside and 11 acres of manicured grounds.

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vibrant purple heather being illuminated by the setting sun in the peak district
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Visit Norfolk and Sandringham with Lucy Worsley

Another wonderful holiday close to home for 2024 is this trip to lovely Norfolk. Famous for its wide skies, glorious coastline, serene rivers, and crimson-red poppy fields, Norfolk is a slice of quintessential British countryside where visitors flock to admire the views.

It's no wonder that the royals have chosen this area as their country retreat. This is where you'll find Sandringham, which you can explore on our five-day trip. You'll see the formal gardens, vintage vehicles, and exotic curios, and as if that wasn't enough, you'll also have the company of historian Lucy Worsley, who'll share some fascinating insights.

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best holidays for 2023
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Visit Europe’s prettiest Christmas markets as you sail the Rhine

What's better than a Christmas market trip to get us in the festive spirit once the weather starts to get chillier? Germany is the perfect destination for ticking several pretty Christmas markets off your list, with local markets in tiny villages and grand, illuminated market squares in some of the country's most elegant cities.

A festive cruise exploring several of Germany's fairytale winter markets is the perfect way to kick-start the Christmas season. Join Prima on a cruise along the Rhine to visit Cologne, Mainz, Frankfurt and Koblenz while they're at their festive best. You'll sail on the luxurious A-ROSA Aqua, which has a sauna, fitness area, and a whirlpool to enjoy as you sail.

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the cathedral of mainz framed by christmas lights
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RIde the Bernina Express through the Swiss Alps

The glorious landscapes of the Swiss Alps are the perfect destination for anyone who loves mountain scenery, pretty villages and scenic train rides. One of the best ways to see these mountains is on board the Bernina Express, which runs from Chur and St Moritz in the east of Switzerland and across the northern Italian border to Tirano.

On Prima's eight-day tour of Italy and Switzerland, you'll spend a day on board the Bernina Express, travelling to the chic resort town of St Moritz. Your base for this holiday is pretty Colico on the shore of Lake Como, where you'll be charmed by the crystal clear lake waters and the magnificent backdrop of the snowcapped Alps.

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the famous red bernina express train passing by the bell tower of bever alpine village covered with snow, graubunden canton, switzerland
Roberto Moiola / Sysaworld - Getty Images

See the spectacular Swiss Alps on the Glacier Express

Another fabulous way to enjoy the Swiss Alps is with a ride on the iconic Glacier Express. This is known as one of the world’s best train journeys for its panoramic Alpine views, which you can soak in from modern carriages with large, custom-designed windows.

Join Prima on a five-day, no-fly tour of the Swiss Alps and you'll get to ride this historic route from Chur over the Oberalp Pass to Brig. While on board you'll enjoy a delicious three-course lunch as the train glides through the Alps. On other days of the trip, you'll get to visit Bern and Lucerne from your stylish four-star hotel base in Interlaken.

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a train passing along the famous landwasser railway, famous for the viaduct and beautiful scenery surrounding the railway in the switzerland mountains
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Sail along Croatia's sunkissed coast on a boutique ship

If you're seeking a sunny Mediterranean escape, Croatia is definitely worth considering. With chic seaside towns and sun-drenched islands and islets along the sparkling Dalmatian Coast, Croatia is perfect for exploring on a cruise. On a smaller ship, you'll be able to visit some of the coastline's smaller islands, with their stunning natural scenery and hidden beaches.

Prima is offering a Croatian cruise on a boutique ship which will allow you to dock in secluded spots accessible only by boat. You'll start in the stylish city of Split, before navigating crystal-clear waters to Dubrovnik, Hvar, and Mljet National Park, with plenty of chances to take a dip along the way.

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split is a town on croatia
Sasipa Muennuch - Getty Images

Sail India's sacred Ganges and explore the Golden Triangle

India's Golden Triangle is a must-see for many travellers. This iconic route includes Delhi, Jaipur, and Agra, each city showcasing India's rich cultural heritage. In Delhi, you can explore bustling streets and famous landmarks like the Red Fort and Qutub Minar. Jaipur is known for its palaces and vibrant markets, while Agra is home to the world-renowned Taj Mahal.

Visit India's Golden Triangle with Prima prior to an unforgettable cruise along the Ganges on a luxury river ship. As well as iconic landmarks like the Taj Mahal, you'll also get to visit many local villages, like the artisan village of Matiari. You'll be staying in a river-view stateroom with a balcony and floor-to-ceiling windows, so you can really soak in the views as you sail.

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taj mahal is mausoleum on the south bank of the yamuna river housing the tomb of mumtaz mahal, wife of the mughal emperor, shah jahan
Emad aljumah - Getty Images

Discover Scotland's beautiful Highlands with Kirsty Wark

When it comes to wild and wonderful rural scenery in the UK, the Scottish Highlands are hard to beat. A great way to take in this spectacular corner of the country is with a ride on the Jacobite, a historic steam train which chugs over the 21-arch Glenfinnan Viaduct, a filming location from the Harry Potter films.

Prima is offering an excellent four-day staycation, where you'll get to experience this epic train journey. You'll also enjoy a cruise on Loch Katrine in the Trossachs and visit the pretty harbour town of Mallaig, where you can stop for fish and chips. TV's Kirsty Wark will also join you for part of this fabulous staycation, giving a talk and Q&A about her life and career.

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a bridge over a river
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Search for the Northern Lights above Norway's Arctic

Seeing the awe-inspiring Northern Lights is a real bucket list experience. Travel to Norway at the right time of year and you'll have a very high chance of catching this incredible display, as well as discovering the country's exceptional natural scenery while it's blanketed in pristine snow.

Prima has a perfectly timed Aurora-spotting tour of Norway. You'll sail on a special expedition ship through some of Norway's most magical landscapes, sailing past more than 100 fjords and 1,000 mountains up past the Arctic Circle, where sightings of the Northern Lights are almost guaranteed. You'll also be joined on board by a team of experts, who'll host a series of lectures and presentations about Norway's history, biology and traditional culture.

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colorful aurora borealis
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Sail the Danube and visit Vienna's famous riding school with Lucy Worsley

The banks of the Danube have seen the rise and fall of empires and inspired some of the continent's most celebrated artists and composers. It flows past mysterious hillside castles, ancient medieval towns, and a whole host of culture-rich cities, including four European capitals.

One of the most elegant cities on its banks is Vienna, which you can explore on Prima's exclusive Danube cruise. While here, you'll visit the Royal Lipizzaner Stables with historian Lucy Worsley, who'll give an informative talk before you watch the young stallions in training in the imperial atmosphere of the riding school. During this week-long voyage, you'll also visit Budapest and Bratislava, discovering their highlights on guided tours.

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beautiful erzherzog karl memorial
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