Where to travel in 2025?

Cool-cations

As summers in Europe become increasingly hot, cool-cationing is here to stay with holidaymakers seeking refreshing breaks to colder climates. New destinations in the Cox & Kings tailormade portfolio include Scandinavia, Iceland and the Faroe Islands, offering alternative getaway destinations with head-turning nature and cooler temperatures. With 2025 set to bring the best Northern Lights displays in 20 years, these destinations provide year-round, awe-inspiring beauty, from the fjords of Norway to Iceland’s glaciers. 

Food and Wine 

Food and wine are gateways to culture, with travel allowing us to discover different cuisines and vintages and learn about a destination, its history and its people. More and more travellers are looking to explore locations through food, and Cox & Kings’ new small-group tours in Portugal and Italy feature culinary adventures and tastings. Italy continues to remain a favourite holiday destination globally, with food and wine being integral to this popularity; and from Port to pastel de natas, Portugal offers a rich history, stunning architecture and a cuisine to match. 

Pioneering Adventures 

The most curious holidaymakers are now looking to avoid the crowds and explore less-obvious locations. Saudi Arabia has fully opened its doors to tourism, and from breathtaking natural beauty to ancient city centres and hypermodern infrastructure, this is a top spot to watch in 2025. Cox & Kings has expanded its tailor-made itineraries to include Saudi Arabia and Tunisia as new destinations in its 2025 brochure. With an array of attractions for the culturally curious, they both offer fascinating experiences off the beaten path.

Situated on the historic Silk Road, Uzbekistan has recently announced its first major biennial, which will take place in Bukhara in September 2025. Juxtaposing contemporary art within the ancient city, this international project is part of a wider initiative which will see the opening of a number of new museums and galleries, making this a cultural alternative not to miss. 

Biophilia Travel 

Biophilia travel (the innate love for and connection we feel to the natural world) looks to surge in 2025, aligned to the continued demand for transformative and immersive experiences that enhance wellbeing and bring people closer to the natural world. As one of the most ecologically diverse places on Earth, Costa Rica is a nature lover’s paradise, offering pristine rainforests, unspoilt beaches and the opportunity to see protected wildlife in its natural habitat. Sri Lanka also combines history with nature through its remarkable cultural and geographical diversity, from rolling green hills and nature reserves to ancient temples and a stunning coastline. From October 2024 to April 2025, British citizens will be eligible for a free 30-day tourist visa to Sri Lanka, waiving the usual fee and making it a must-visit for some winter sun.

Solo Travel 

Up on last year, solo travellers now make up more than a quarter of Cox & Kings’ group-tour clients, reflecting the continued trend for personal growth and self-discovery through travel. Both Costa Rica and Sri Lanka feature in Cox & Kings' portfolio of dedicated ‘Solo Travellers’ tours, along with best-selling destinations and the firm favourites India and Peru.

See our full list of destinations, tours and itineraries here. 

Peru

Peru offers a compelling combination of stunning scenery, colourful local culture and fascinating history. It contains many unforgettable sights, from colonial cities and pre-Columbian remains to soaring mountain ranges, deep canyons, blue lakes and the Amazon River and rainforest. This is a place where the Inca culture is very much present in the wonderfully preserved ancient sites, the Quechua language and the colourful weavings of the Andean people. Today, the country is also known for its irresistible flavours and is fast becoming a foodie destination.

Cox & Kings offers a 16-day small-group tour Train to Machu Picchu from £3,595pp based on two people sharing, including flights, transfers and accommodation. Peru offers a wealth of magnificent ancient, colonial and scenic sights. Staying in good hotels with great character and with some free time to relax, this tour reveals Peru’s many wonders, including Cuzco and Arequipa, the Colca Canyon, Lake Titicaca and, of course, Machu Picchu. 

Costa Rica

One of the most ecologically diverse places on Earth, Costa Rica is a nature lover’s paradise. Its landscapes range from smouldering volcanoes, cloud forests and coffee plantations to pristine rainforests and beautiful beaches on the Caribbean and Pacific coasts. National parks and reserves protect more than a quarter of its territory and its incredible biodiversity, including thousands of plant varieties, numerous kinds of colourful butterflies and more than 800 bird species. The country’s relatively small size, combined with unspoilt beaches and tropical forests, provides opportunities for self-drive exploration, memorable family holidays and a perfect balance of adventure and relaxation.

Cox & Kings offers an 11-day small-group tour Natural Splendours of Costa Rica from £2,795pp based on two people sharing, including flights, transfers and accommodation. This journey explores some of the major national parks and the astonishing variety of wildlife and contrasting habitats found here, including rainforest, cloud forest, volcanoes, lakes and canals. 

India

The Indian Subcontinent – encompassing India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan and Sri Lanka – is as inspiring as it is enigmatic. The majesty of the landscape, the warmth of the locals and the spirituality of the region is utterly enchanting. The vibrancy and the colour of the land is intoxicating, and we are proud to say that our history, stretching back over 265 years, gives us unrivalled experience at organising tours to India and the subcontinent. Our travel consultants have all travelled extensively throughout the region and are well-versed in our holiday range – from luxury tours of Rajasthan to backwaters cruises in Kerala, trekking in Nepal, beach holidays in Sri Lanka and cultural tours through the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan.

Cox & Kings offers a 17-day small-group tour The Grand Tour of India from £4,295pp based on two people sharing, including flights, transfers and accommodation. Explore the diverse cultural influences that have created the fascinating heritage of India. This tour encompasses holy cities, the resplendent Taj Mahal, Jodhpur’s blue-washed houses, and the beautiful lakes and palaces of Udaipur. 

Sri Lanka

For a relatively small island, Sri Lanka has remarkable cultural and geographical diversity: rolling green hills carpeted with tea plantations, ruins of ancient capital cities, biodiverse wildlife reserves, all wrapped up within a stunning coastline. Colombo, the capital, offers a wealth of interesting attractions, including the National Museum, the Pettah Bazaar and colonial buildings beautifully restored from the Dutch, Portuguese and British eras. Food is also a highlight – you can dine at one of the eateries in the Old Dutch Hospital or be adventurous and try some of the delicious street food.

Cox & Kings offers a 14-day solo travellers tour Splendours of Sri Lanka from £3,995pp (with no single supplement), including flights, transfers and accommodation. This group tour for solo travellers explores Sri Lanka’s famed Cultural Triangle and beyond. Admire ancient cities, scenic hill country, man-made marvels and abundant wildlife. Your journey includes safaris in search of wild elephants and leopards, a visit to the UNESCO-listed rock fortress of Sigiriya, and a relaxing stay on a palm-fringed beach. 

Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan is home to a fascinating blend of arid desert, open steppe, lush oases and fertile river valleys. It is, however, the ancient history and culture that makes this the most alluring destination in Central Asia. Set on the ancient Silk Road, Uzbekistan was besieged for centuries by waves of traders, nomads and conquerors. The architectural legacy that remains is awe-inspiring. Visit intricately decorated mosques, madrasas and mausoleums, as well as immense palaces and fortresses in Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva – once some of the most powerful cities in the world. In the capital, Tashkent, the more recent remnants of Soviet rule are equally fascinating.

Cox & Kings offers a 12-day small-group tour Uzbekistan: Heart of Central Asia from £2,895pp based on two people sharing, including flights, transfers and accommodation. Set on the Silk Road, Uzbekistan has played host to waves of conquerors and nomads, from Alexander the Great to Timur. See the legacy they left behind in the towering fortresses of Khiva and Bukhara, and the blue-domed mosques of Samarkand. 

Sicily 

The Mediterranean’s largest island, Sicily is as culturally rich as it is beautiful. It is home to superb Norman architecture, vibrant Roman floor mosaics, Arab-inspired gardens, and probably the finest Greek temples to be found anywhere in the world. Alongside this, the island has some magnificent natural scenery, from volcanic Mount Etna to quiet beaches in the south.

NEW FOR 2025: Cox & Kings offers a 6-day small-group specialist-led tour of Sicily: Normans in the South for £2,695pp based on two people sharing, including flights, transfers and accommodation. Situating you in the heart of Palermo – capital for both Norman kings and Islamic emirs – this tour reveals the island’s unique history, including the Romanesque architecture of the Normans, the legacy of Byzantine artisans, and the enduring Arabic influence on Sicilian cuisine.

Cox & Kings also offers an 8-day small-group tour Classic Sicily for £2,495pp based on two people sharing, including flights, transfers and accommodation. 

Portugal

Portugal charms with its picturesque villages and medieval castles. Porto and Lisbon are great places to explore on foot, both having excellent restaurants, energetic nightlife, picturesque neighbourhoods and wide plazas. Beyond the cities, Portugal’s scenery ranges from vineyards to dramatic windswept coasts.

NEW FOR 2025: Cox & Kings offers an 8-day small-group tour of Portuguese Pousadas for £2,095pp based on two people sharing, including flights, transfers and accommodation. Discover the old-fashioned charm of Portugal on this eight-day journey from Lisbon to Porto. Staying at two of the country’s famed Pousada properties, one of which was once a Moorish castle, explore historic regional centres including Coimbra and Porto; and the picturesque, terraced hillsides of the Douro valley, where port – the world-renowned fortified wine – is produced. Signature experiences include a boat ride on the Douro River and a visit to a bakery to learn how to make pastel de nata tarts. 

Piedmont 

Italy’s north is a postcard of zig-zagging mountains, dreamy lakes, fashionable cities, and food to fly for. Not to mention the superabundance of World Heritage sites – more than any other part of Italy, which in turn boasts more than any other country. Piedmont means ‘foot of the mountains’, and the snowy Alps and rolling vineyards gift this northwestern region the most photogenic of backdrops. Piedmont’s capital, Turin, was Italy’s first capital city, and boasts a bounty of baroque architecture, the landmark Mole Antonelliana building, and world-class museums including the Egyptian Museum. The region is famed for wines such as Barolo and Barbaresco, and culinary delights including rich chocolates, hazelnuts, and both black and white truffles.

NEW FOR 2025: Cox & Kings offers a 5-day small-group specialist-led tour of Piedmont with food writer and chef Valentine Harris for £2,595pp based on two people sharing, including flights, transfers and accommodation. Delve into the gastronomy of Piedmont. Based in Turin throughout, your tour will reveal the delicacies and prized ingredients of this corner of northern Italy, known for its truffles, wine, vermouth, grappa, chocolate, and cheese. 

Saudi Arabia 

Saudi Arabia’s hypermodern, oil-rich cities and highspeed trains contrast with its sand-dusted archaeological treasures, including six UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Mingle with the locals, traverse vast deserts and green oases, relax on the Red Sea coast, or venture to the cool, verdant mountains and forests of the south-west. The Nabataean heritage of Hegra in AlUla makes Saudi Arabia an excellent pairing with neighbouring Jordan, or combine with tours of Oman, Egypt or the United Arab Emirates.

NEW FOR 2025: Cox & Kings offers an 8-day tailormade suggested itinerary Saudi Arabian Discovery from £6,595pp based on two people sharing, including flights, transfers and accommodation. Visit the glittering capital of Riyadh, Ha’il and its prehistoric rock art, and the AlUla archaeological area, including the rock-carved relics of the Nabataean’s second city, Hegra. Finish with a tour of holy Medina, and Jeddah’s vibrant Corniche on the Red Sea coast. 

Tunisia 

In its long and eventful history, Tunisia has been ruled by the Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs and, briefly, even the Normans. With such a varied heritage, it is therefore unsurprising that the country has an array of attractions for the culturally curious, including nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Following in the footsteps of Hannibal, tour the ancient city of Carthage, steeped in legend. To the south lies Kairouan, arguably North Africa’s principal holy city and once the seat of the region’s emirs, while El Djem’s vast Roman amphitheatre is one of the best preserved in the whole of the Mediterranean.

NEW FOR 2025: Cox & Kings offers an 8-day tailormade suggested itinerary Tunisian Highlights from £2,495pp based on two people sharing, including flights, transfers and accommodation. Explore the rich history of Tunisia on this private journey. Highlights include visiting ancient Carthage, Monastir’s Ribat fortress, the walled city of Kairouan and its historic mosques, the well-preserved Roman town of Dougga, and the old centre of the capital, Tunis. 

Scandinavia 

In Scandinavia, head-turning nature abounds. Fjords cut through vaulting mountains and emerald forests, islands stagger jaggedly out from crystalline waters, and the ephemeral ribbons of the northern lights ripple above the Arctic Circle. Some of Earth’s most picturesque water, rail and road journeys are here waiting for you. Amid this pleasing nature, you’ll find cities that exude understated confidence and boast some of the world’s highest standards of living. On their own or in combination, Norway, Sweden and Denmark are destinations worth venturing north for.

NEW FOR 2025: Cox & Kings offers an 8-day tailormade suggested itinerary The Heart of Scandinavia: Stockholm to Trondheim from £4,495pp based on two people sharing, including flights, transfers and accommodation. This leisurely Scandinavian holiday combines Sweden and neighbouring Norway, exploring Stockholm, Åre and Trondheim by rail, road, and boat.

Iceland & The Faroes 

Way out west in the Atlantic lies the ‘Land of Fire and Ice’. True to its sobriquet, Iceland’s volcanoes, geysers and hot springs offer insight into Earth’s fiery beginnings, while its glaciers are some of Europe’s largest. Summer here is for hikes along green, undulating trails past smoking waterfalls, while winter is for snowmobiling, husky sledding, and chasing the northern lights. Nature takes centre stage, but hip capital Reykjavík punches above its weight, with an effervescent nightlife and a wave-making arts scene. Scattered between Iceland and Britain’s northern isles, you’ll find the Faroes. This sparsely populated archipelago is typified by plunging headlands and treeless, mist-quenched hills, where small farms and fishing communities shelter.

NEW FOR 2025: Cox & Kings offers a 5-day tailormade suggested itinerary Iceland: The Golden Circle & The South for £3,195pp based on two people sharing, including flights, transfers, accommodation with breakfast included.

The new Cox & Kings Worldwide 2025-26 brochure is available to order and view online here