The world's most amazing tours to take in 2024
The world's best tours take you to some of the most beautiful corners of the world on an escorted journey, where you can leave all the organising to the experts.
Whether it’s a soothing break to explore the medieval villages and turquoise lakes of northern Italy, an unforgettable train holiday in the Swiss Alps, or a visit to the most impressive palaces in the UK, the top tours of 2024 take you to some of the best holiday destinations.
Exploring somewhere new on an escorted tour is a fantastic way to blow away the cobwebs, meet new people and rediscover the beauty of the world. A trip to an unfamiliar destination will leave you feeling refreshed and restored. And there’s no better way to explore far-flung destinations - as well as the many beauty spots closer to home - than with Good Housekeeping’s exciting range of land tour holidays.
Our exclusive tours take the hassle out of travelling, with everything organised from the moment you arrive to your return home, and they allow you to experience some of the most iconic sights in the world, as well as give you the chance to visit lesser-known corners and enjoy one-off events.
You might even be joined by some famous faces from TV, who will share their expertise, show you around the local area and spend time with you during fun Q&A sessions, demonstrations, activities and talks.
Take a look at our round-up of the best tours available to book now for 2024 and browse our brilliant brochure for more unique holiday ideas.
Taste your way around beautiful Puglia
Puglia is the southern Italian region loved for its Mediterranean coastline, olive groves, white-washed villages, and unique archaeology.
This is where you’ll find quirky trulli, tiny ancient dwellings with conical roofs, many of which have now been turned into unique boutique hotels. Another thing that draws visitors to Puglia is its food and wine.
Puglia is renowned for its fresh produce and wine, which stands out even in a country famous for its food and drink. From traditional Apulian pastas like orecchiette to Pane di Altamura, a traditional durum wheat bread, there's so much to treat your tastebuds to.
When it comes to wine, Puglia is particularly known for its fruity reds, which you can sample on tours of many of the idyllic local vineyards dotted through the Itria Valley.
Taste your way around Puglia with Good Housekeeping. You'll learn to make orecchiette pasta during a special cooking class, enjoy wine and olive oil tastings, and spend the night in one of the region's unique trulli.
Spot amazing wildlife with a top expert in the Isles of Scilly
As the country's most southerly point, the residents of the Isles of Scilly are blessed with warmer weather than most of us, and the islands are a hotspot for rare birds, who stop off there as they migrate south for winter. There's other incredible wildlife here too - whales can sometimes be spotted off the isles’ shores.
Alongside their reputation for fascinating creatures, the Isles of Scilly have some amazing man-made green spaces, like Tresco Abbey Garden, home to 20,000 plants from over 80 countries and described as ‘Kew without the glass’.
There are also many wonderful restaurants to try, and you can enjoy magnificent views on walks along the rugged coastline or on boat trips between the islands.
Join the Chief Executive of the Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust, Julian Branscombe, on a tour of the Isles of Scilly. This tour will take you to many of the islands' most unforgettable locations including Tresco Abbey Garden, Bryher and St Martin's.
Visit Lake Como and experience the Bernina Express
With its chic restaurants, hilltop villages, and stately lakeside homes, it's no wonder Lake Como has been the stomping ground of aristocrats, artists and celebrities for centuries. Nowadays it attracts tourists from around the world who are drawn by its fine hotels and divine lakeside restaurants.
A stay on Lake Como wouldn’t be complete without a boat trip. You can sit back and relax as the views of quaint lakeside ports, pretty villages and magnificent mountain scenery pass you by. Another way to soak in the scenery of the stunning surrounding mountains is to hop on a train.
You can even appreciate the beauty of neighbouring Switzerland with a day trip to swish St Moritz on the Bernina Railway. This enchanting train ride will take you along the highest railway and enjoy the pristine Alpine views.
Stay on Lake Como and enjoy a ride on the Bernina Express on our eight-day tour. Your home for this trip will be the 19th-century Hotel Risi, located right on the lake's shores.
Discover Lake Annecy and tour pristine Alpine landscapes
The glistening Lake Annecy is fed by mountain springs and is believed to hold some of the cleanest natural waters in Europe. It’s less famous than some of Europe's larger lakes, like Lake Garda and Lake Bled, but its jaw-dropping alpine scenery, huge variety of outdoor activities, and picture-perfect French town help make the lake one of the most delightful on the continent.
You’ll be within easy reach of some of the most charming Swiss towns too. Take a day trip to the little Swiss town of St Gervais-les-Bains, which is famous for its natural thermal spa and sits in the shadow of Mont Blanc.
From here you can catch the historic Mont Blanc Express for an unforgettably scenic railway journey to pretty Chamonix, surrounded by glaciers, snowcapped peaks and lush green meadows.
Stay on Lake Annecy and ride the Mont Blanc Express on an exclusive six-day tour of France and Switzerland with Good Housekeeping.
Glide through the majestic Scottish Highlands on an iconic steam train
Along with Edinburgh and its imposing castle and scenic Loch Lomond, the Highlands are perhaps Scotland's most memorable destination.
Their dramatic mountains and wide, glassy lochs have taken on an almost mythical quality, and inspired writers, artists and filmmakers for centuries.
It’s hard to pick just one part of the Highlands to visit, so any trip there is best planned with the idea of packing in as many of its glorious natural and historic features as possible – like mighty Ben Nevis, the massive Glenfinnan Viaduct overlooking Loch Sheil (glimpsed in two Harry Potter films), and the tranquil Loch Katrine.
One of the best ways to see the Highlands is by travelling one of the region's railways. The Fort William to Mallaig railway is frequently voted the world’s greatest, passing rugged scenery of craggy coastlines and inland lochs
You can visit some of the Highlands' most scenic spots on Good Housekeeping’s tour through the Highlands, which includes a nostalgic ride on the Jacobite steam train along the Fort William to Mallaig railway line. You'll also hear from Scottish broadcaster Kirsty Wark, who'll give an exclusive talk and Q&A.
Marvel at the magic of the Swiss Alps
The Swiss Alps might not be the world's tallest mountain range, but they’re certainly one of the most beautiful. They're stunning in all seasons; in winter, fresh dustings of snow make the towns dotted along the Alpine valleys look like something out of a Christmas fairytale, and in spring, the mountains and valleys burst into colourful bloom.
Any visit there should take in picturesque Interlaken, in a narrow valley between two lakes, with an unspoilt feel. Timber-clad buildings line the streets, and it’ll give you a real sense of life up in the Alps.
From there you can make your way to the emerald waters of Lake Thun, surrounded by dramatic landscapes and a 12th-century castle, and the forests of the Bernese Oberland region, also nearby.
Complete your trip with a visit to the summit of Mount Rigi - where you'll be rewarded with sweeping views across glittering Lake Lucerne below.
Ride the Glacier Express through the Swiss Alps with Good Housekeeping. You'll also take the train to Rigi Kaltbad and enjoy a cable car ride to Weggis for panoramic Alpine views.
Ride the little trains of Corsica, the Med’s ‘isle of beauty’
The moment you arrive on the French island of Corsica, you'll understand how it came to be affectionately known as l'ile de beaute, or the 'island of beauty'.
Basking in the Mediterranean sun, the breathtaking beaches and rugged landscapes of Corsica are sometimes overlooked by travellers who head for the glamour of Sardinia or the luxury of the Cote d’Azur. But you’ll be rewarded with a unique holiday here as you enjoy a relaxed island culture with a mix of French and Italian influences.
Corsica is also home to some of the most picturesque railways in Europe. These little trains run on single tracks and pass showstopping scenery as they travel across mountains and along the coastline, stopping at quaint villages along the way.
You can ride some of these little trains on Good Housekeeping’s nine-day trip to Corsica. You’ll travel completely flight-free and enjoy rides on delightful local trains that take you through jaw-dropping scenery.
Learn the secrets of the English country garden with Sarah Raven
Strolling through a well-tended English country garden at the height of summer has to be one of the loveliest experiences to enjoy on a UK staycation. You can take time to truly appreciate the sight and scent of roses, sweet peas, and clouds of azaleas in bloom.
Kent and Sussex are home to some of the most spectacular and famous gardens in the country. Highlights include the shrubs and perennials of Great Comp Garden, Scotney Castle, magnificent Lullingstone Castle, the roses and lavender of Pashley Manor, the classic English garden at Great Dixter, and the famous Sissinghurst Castle Garden.
Another garden worth visiting is the glorious Perch Hill, converted from a ramshackle dairy farm to an organic garden with 90 acres of new seed and plant varieties.
You can visit all of these sites on our fabulous four-day tour of Kent and Sussex’s finest gardens. You’ll be joined by garden designer, writer, and broadcaster Sarah Raven, who’ll also take you for an exclusive tour of her gardens at Perch Hill, which she has lovingly transformed.
Explore the highlights of Spain and Morocco
Spain has many captivating cities, where reminders of the country’s fascinating history can be seen in the architecture, art, and even the food.
In Madrid, you’ll find the world-famous Prado Museum, with one of the world's greatest art collections on display. In Barcelona, you can marvel at the intricacies of Gaudi's architectural gems.
Luckily, the two largest cities in Spain are well-connected by rail. It’s also easy to travel south and cross the Strait of Gibraltar to Morocco, where you can visit Marrakech and explore its medina, enjoy the atmosphere in Jemaa El Fnaa, bargain for a souvenir in the maze of souks, and watch the sunset behind the regal Koutoubia Mosque.
Good Housekeeping has a 10-day trip to Spain and Morocco, where you’ll travel through both countries by rail. You'll explore the wonders of Madrid and Barcelona, before heading south and crossing by ferry to Tangier, from where you'll visit Chefchaouen, Casablanca and magnificent Marrakech.
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Ride nostalgic trains through Italy’s spectacular Dolomites
The magnificent Dolomites are found in a spectacularly scenic part of northern Italy, where you can enjoy lake views, take invigorating lakeside walks and taste wines from local vineyards.
One of the best ways to see the Dolomites is by train, and you can whizz through the mountains on some of the region’s nostalgic railways.
One of the steepest funicular railways in Europe will take you on an exploration of the Mendola mountain ridge - where you’ll be rewarded with unforgettable views. You can also ascend Renon Mountain in a modern cable car to take a ride on a historic narrow-gauge railway.
Good Housekeeping has a nine-day holiday to explore the magnificent Dolomites by train, cable car, and funicular. You’ll spend seven nights staying on the shores of Lake Molveno, where you’ll be perfectly positioned to enjoy peaceful moments by the water between historic rail journeys, castle tours, guided walks, and wine tastings.
Explore Transylvania and sleep in an ice hotel
Transylvania is known for its towering Gothic castles, thick, verdant forests and rugged mountains. The country’s Carpathian Mountains, which separate Transylvania from the rest of Romania, are one of Europe's most atmospheric regions.
Covered by pristine forest, these mountains are home to Europe's largest bear population, along with lynx, chamois and wolves. Dotted among the landscapes are various mediaeval villages and many enigmatic castles, one of which is home to the legend of Dracula.
During the winter months, you’ll find somewhere unique to stay in the Carpathians: the magical Hotel of Ice. This special hotel is built entirely out of snow and ice blocks extracted from a nearby glacial lake.
Good Housekeeping has an exclusive stay in the Hotel of Ice. While there, you can explore the hotel’s Winterpark where you can try snowmobile riding, snow rafting, tubing, and off-piste-skiing. You'll also spend three nights in a boutique hotel in the vibrant capital city of Bucharest, where you'll be staying in the Lipscani district, the city's Old Town.
Experience the railways and walks of the Yorkshire Dales
The green hills and valleys of the Yorkshire Dales are dotted with quintessential English villages, quaint market towns and inviting walking routes, making them a great location for a rejuvenating break in Britain. Many people choose to explore the region on leisurely walks or longer hikes, but there are also several heritage railways to enjoy, which will allow you to visit different corners of this rural playground.
You can be transported back in time on the Embsay and Bolton Abbey Railway, the heritage Keighley and Worth Valley Railway and the Settle-Carlisle Railway to traverse the landscapes which inspired literary classics like Wuthering Heights.
Join Good Housekeeping on a five-day tour of the Yorkshire Dales and you’ll ride these three heritage railways, visit the home of the Brontë sisters, discover the Pennine Bridleway on foot and explore the charming market town of Skipton, where you’ll be based throughout your stay.
See the breathtaking highlights of Jordan
Jordan has so much to offer visitors, from its buzzy capital Amman, to the otherworldly landscapes of the Wadi Rum Desert, where many visitors choose to sleep under canvas and admire the starry skies.
Its star attraction is undoubtedly the archaeological site of Petra, an ancient Nabataean city carved out of quartz sandstone. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is incredible to witness as you consider the lives of the people who lived there over 2,000 years ago.
Another of Jordan's main draws is the Dead Sea, a landlocked saltwater lake where you can enjoy striking landscapes. The lake is the lowest point on earth, and thanks to its high salt content has an incredible buoyancy that allows you to float effortlessly - a truly unique feeling and a must-try for spa seekers.
Join fellow adventurers on an adventurous eight-day women-only trip to Jordan, where you'll learn how everyday life unfolds, sample the local food, visit Petra by candlelight, and float on the Dead Sea.
Enjoy a superb break in Spain’s Andalucía region
Distinctive architecture, white-washed villages, plates of flavoursome tapas, and emotive flamenco shows combine to make Andalucía one of Spain's most enticing regions.
Its cities are the real draw for anyone with an interest in history and architecture. There's the ornate facades of Seville's Moorish palace, the Alcázar, the elegant arches of Córdoba's impressive Mezquita, and the stunning bridge that spans the Tajo gorge in Ronda.
If that wasn't enough, you can punctuate your days with long lazy lunches of delicious tapas on the terraces of traditional Andalucían bars.
Join us for a six-day tour of Andalucía. You'll visit Córdoba's intricate Mezquita, admire the ornate architecture of the Alcázar in Seville, and join an outdoor cooking class in Ronda.
Alternatively, if you'd like a tour of Andalucía with. slightly more rural focus, join us for a trip which encompasses Seville and Cordoba as well as the stunning Sierra de Andújar National Park, where you might spot the incredible Iberian lynx.
Be dazzled by the starry skies above Northumberland
Northumberland's countryside is some of the most spectacular in the United Kingdom. England's northernmost county is also an official Dark Sky Park and one of the best places in the UK for marvelling at the constellations.
There are very low levels of light pollution, meaning the region has the most ‘pristine dark skies’ in England, and on a clear night you will be able to spot thousands of stars, the Milky Way and even the Andromeda Galaxy with the naked eye.
As well as these stunning skies, Northumberland offers landscapes of rolling, heather-clad hills and moorlands, and charming villages of cobble-stoned streets and cosy pubs, like the pretty market town of Hexham.
Northumberland is also home to parts of Hadrian's Wall, the largest Roman archaeological feature in Britain and one of the country’s most iconic historic attractions.
Good Housekeeping is offering a stargazing trip to Northumberland, where you'll visit two observatories with expert local astronomer, Richard Darn, and explore some of the county's dramatic landscapes.
Enjoy a gourmet exploration of Bologna and Modena
Bologna is known and loved for its traditional alleyway bars, buzzing piazzas and Renaissance buildings. But the city is really set apart by its food. It has a hard-earned reputation as Italy's gastronomic capital, and is often nicknamed la grassa - 'the fat one'.
As well as its signature pasta dish - spaghetti Bolognese - the city is famed for its spiced mortadella sausage, tortellini dishes and its sharp and nutty Parmigiano Reggiano. If you venture out to nearby Modena, you can treat yourself to some more of Italy's most beloved foods, including tangy balsamic vinegar.
There's also a wealth of idyllic countryside to explore in the wider Emilia-Romagna region, with gently rolling hills, vineyards, olive groves, and orchards. All in all, it offers all the ingredients for a quintessential Italian escape.
Join Good Housekeeping for a foodie tour of Bologna and Modena, with visits to several local food producers including a local Parmesan factory, and a Balsamic vineyard, and get a hands-on cooking lesson in Modena.
Island-hop around the verdant, volcanic Azores
The Azores are a far-flung Portuguese archipelago in the Atlantic, made up of nine islands thrumming with wildlife and landscapes of verdant hills, sweeping valleys, and volcanic craters.
The largest island in the Azores is São Miguel, famous for its tea plantations, volcanic peaks, cedar forests, and lakes. This is an almost unbeatable destination for whale-watching, diving and marvelling at the local flora and fauna.
The islands of Faial, São Jorge, and Pico form a triangle rich in natural beauty. On Sao Jorge you can hike to hike to Caldeira do Santo Cristo, a vast volcano crater, rich in geological formations and discover the greenery of Sete Fontes Forest Park where you'll see some of the island's fascinating flora.
Good Housekeeping has a ten-night tour of Faial, São Jorge, and Pico where you'll get to explore the highlights of the islands on guided tours and hike to Caldeira do Santo Cristo. There's also the opportunity to book whale and dolphin-watching trips in your spare time.
Tour the exceptional gardens of the Italian Lakes with Carol Klein
The lakes of northern Italy have inspired poets and artists for centuries with their mirror-like waters surrounded by snow-capped mountains, lush hills and quaint villages.
It's no wonder that this region, with its elegant lakeside villas, is also the stomping ground of the rich and famous, with a whole host of A-listers, including Julia Roberts, David Beckham and George Clooney, owning homes on Lake Como.
The lakes are also famous for their horticultural gems, with many ornate gardens surrounding grand villas and palazzos. As well as Como, you'll want to take a moment to explore some of the lesser-known lakes such as Lake Orta, home to Sacro Monte di Orta, a pristine landscaped park with 20 chapels overlooking the lake.
Good Housekeeping is offering an eight-day escorted tour of the jewels of this region, where you'll be joined by horticultural writer and Gardeners' World presenter, Carol Klein, who will spend a full day visiting the pretty gardens of the Borromean Islands with you.
Discover Slovenia's Slovenia's culture, landscapes and cuisine
Like any country sharing so many borders with others, Slovenia has a delightful mix of cultural influences - and eras. From the Romans to their modern Italian counterparts, and the Balkan countries to the south, tiny Slovenia has been shaped by those surrounding it, while forging ahead with its own identity too.
Slovenians pride themselves on being one of the greenest countries in Europe - both in appearance and a determination to protect areas of great natural beauty. You cannot fail to notice their efforts while walking in the Julian Alps, for example, or taking a short cruise on Lake Bled, where natural beauty and a sense of tranquillity have been carefully preserved.
Explore one of the greenest corners of Europe on the unspoiled shores of Lake Bled on a six-day tour with Good Housekeeping. You'll be able to visit the fairytale Bled Island and its beautiful Church of the Assumption by sailing across the lake aboard a traditional Pletna boat.
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Alternatively, join us on a tour of Slovenia with more of a foodie theme. The region of Istria is renowned for its black and white truffles and you’ll get a chance to hunt for these valuable funghi with an expert guide before sampling some delicious truffle-based dishes.
Experience Madeira’s Spectacular Flower Festival
A sub-tropical paradise in the Atlantic Ocean, Madeira is blessed with fertile volcanic soil that makes it the perfect place to grow beautiful, colourful plants. Its warm botanical gardens and immaculately landscaped parks contain everything from purple-blossomed jacaranda trees and rare orchids to the delicate bird of paradise flower, while native flora includes the UNESCO-listed laurel forest.
The scenery is magnificent too; there are sweeping beaches, soaring mountain ranges and lush valleys, as well as cool rock pools and intriguing caves to explore. The capital city, Funchal, is known as Little Lisbon thanks to its elegant tree-lined avenues and lively atmosphere.
It's at its buzziest in spring, when the annual Flower Festival takes place. A riot of colour, with vibrant parades and floats, it’s a fantastic start to the summer and a must-visit for garden-lovers.
Join Good Housekeeping in Madeira for a trip to the Flower Festival and tour the island’s horticultural attractions. You'll spend a day soaking in the joyous atmosphere of the Flower Festival and explore the landscapes of the Ribeiro Frio National Park.
Alternatively, join an extra-special trip to Madeira's Flower Festival with the company of gardening expert Frances Tophill. Frances will give a private Q&A session and join you at the Flower Parade and on a trip to the Quinta do Arco rose garden.
Explore Scotland's magical Western Isles
Perched on the very edge of Britain, the heavenly Outer Hebrides – or Western Isles, as they are otherwise known – are famous for the pristine sands of their vast, empty beaches, bordered by mountains and moorlands rich in flora and fauna, and villages with a leisurely pace of life long forgotten on the mainland.
These islands have been inhabited for over 6000 years, and visitors witness fascinating reminders of their ancient habitants and unique history, like the Calanais Standing Stones, which predate Stonehenge by hundreds of years, and the well-preserved Carloway Broch, a dry-stone fortified tower which was built more than 2000 years ago.
Explore these mysterious isles with Good Housekeeping on a six-day tour that will take you around Skye and Lewis and Harris to see their historic monuments and incredible natural landscapes. As well as the Calanais Standing Stones and Carloway Broch you'll also visit Dunvegan Castle, Loch Duich, and a whole host of vast, empty, white-sand beaches.
Witness the the natural wonders of the Faroe Islands
Sitting halfway between Scotland and Iceland are the wonderful Faroe Islands, an archipelago of 18 islands rich with wildlife and heavenly vistas of towering sea cliffs and lush green hills.
A self-governing territory of Denmark, the Faroe Islands maintain their own unique culture, influenced by their Viking history. Pay a visit to Torshavn, the islands' charming capital and make a stop at Suðuroy to immerse yourself in Nordic culture, learn about Viking history and sample the unique cuisine that is rooted in traditional practices, like salting and drying fish.
On Good Houskepeeing's tour of this delightful archipelago, you'll get to do a spot of your own fishing, all while enjoying jaw-dropping landscapes from the sea. You'll also get to admire these rugged terrains from the sky, as you take a helicopter ride between Torshavn and Suðuroy. You will also get a glimpse at island life with lunch at a local home allowing you an insight into Faroese hospitality.
Venture into Costa Rica’s wildlife-packed jungles
Costa Rica is a true paradise for nature enthusiasts, with cascading waterfalls, imposing volcanos, verdant rainforests and golden tropical shores waiting around every corner. This tropical haven is a great option for adventurous families looking for a tour where they can witness awe-inspiring wildlife roaming freely in one of the planet's most diverse natural ecosystems.
The Monteverde Cloud Forest is a particular highlight for animal lovers. It's home to over 100 species of mammal, including howler monkeys, porcupines, deer, and majestic big cats like jaguars, ocelots and pumas.
Join Good Housekeeping on a nature-focussed tour of Costa Rica You'll get the chance to discover the cloud forest after dark, learning about the habits of the area's nocturnal wildlife including mammals, birds, insects, reptiles, and amphibians and soaking in the symphony of sounds made by the creatures who call the forest home.
Discover the culture, cuisine and wildlife of South Africa and Mauritius
For another unforgettable wildlife experience, a tour of South Africa will never disappoint. One of the best destinations in the world to go on safari, a trip to South Africa offers the chance to spot the 'Big Five'; lions, leopards, rhinoceroses, elephants, and African buffalos.
Why not combine your South Africa trip with a visit to the wonderful island nation of Mauritius? Here, you can swap your safari gear for swimwear and relax on the island's famously beautiful beaches. But once you've had your fill of sunbathing you'll find plenty to do in Mauritius beyond the beach.
You can spend time discovering Mauritian culture with activities like wine and rum tastings, and visit some of the island's exceptional natural attractions, like the remarkable Terres de Seven Couleurs.
Join Good Housekeeping´s tour of South Africa and Mauritius and you'll spend a week in a luxury lodge on the Sebatana Private Reserve enjoying several game drives. Then it's on to Mauritius where you'll be staying at the ocean-facing resort of Tamassa Bel Ombre.
Tour Sandringham and enjoy Norfolk’s timeless landscapes
Famous for its wide skies, glorious coastline, serene rivers and crimson-red poppy fields, Norfolk is the perfect place to stop and enjoy the view. A great way to experience Norfolk’s beauty is on one of its local heritage railways, or with a relaxing paddle steamer cruise on the Broads.
You’ll see how life here moves at a slower pace: even the Royal Family comes here to unwind. Sandringham has been the Royals’ private holiday home since the reign of Queen Victoria, and they spend most Christmases on the vast estate.
In the '70s the house and its 8,000 hectares were opened to the public, so it’s well worth including a tour of Sandringham in your visit, with a chance to roam the carefully manicured grounds and get a flavour of the royal lifestyle.
You can hear an exclusive talk about Sandringham and its history as you tour the estate with historian Lucy Worsley. You'll also admire Norfolk’s pristine countryside and scenic coastline on three historic rail journeys.
Looking for inspiration for your next holiday? Grab a cuppa and browse our brochure packed with unique escapes.
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