If you are part of a happily retired couple or group of friends and want to see and do things a little out of your comfort zone, explore the world and see amazing sights in style, then we have five holiday ideas just for you!

1. River Journeys

For couples who enjoy - exploring, all-inclusive, relaxing, off the beaten path places, culture, history, good food

 

River journeys are a tranquil and sophisticated way to explore the world. Rivers are symbols of settlement and fight, life and death and the ever-flowing movement and change of life. They are also a great way of exploring! With more time to explore and really live life, this could be a fantastic way for you to see the culture and architecture of the places you visit.

 

If you want to explore the Far East in style you can have your own Asian adventure over six days covering Southern Vietnam and the city of Ho Chi Minh, alongside stunning landmarks such as the Saigon Opera House and the Can Tho Floating Market.

 

If floating along the Australian rivers is more your thing, a liveaboard cruise lets you enter the more remote and quieter areas of the reef and islands. The maximum number of guests is 44, so it is small and intimate and there are experts on board who know all about the best places to show you special moorings and the most mouth-watering food over 11 days.

2. Safari or Tour

For couples who enjoy - animals, wildlife, exploration, sealife, boating, thermals and big coats

 

If you have both always wanted to see the polar bears and beluga whales in the Arctic, then this could be the adventure for you. Churchill, which is on the banks of Hudson Bay in Canada, is home to 60,000 Beluga Whales. Part of the trip includes a jet boat tour on the bay and river where you will see a multitude of Beluga whales and polar bears in the summer months as they leave the pack ice. Here, they relax on the rocks and swim in the water. If you like exploration and seeing wild animals in their natural habitat then this could be the trip for you. Flights and some meals are included, as is 11 nights accommodation, transfers and many excursions and adventures.

3. Luxury Rail Journeys

For couples who love - luxury, adventure, dining in style, exploring countries, photography, culture, romance

 

Many couples love having adventures on luxury rail journeys as they get to explore many places in comfort and style. There is a luxury rail journey for everyone, from mountain and sea rail to East coast US cities by rail. You can explore whole countries such as Australia on the Indian Pacific which goes from Perth to Sydney via Adelaide where you will see the Blue Mountains, vineyards, goldmines and the contrast of busy cities to ghost towns all in one adventure. Each trip is all-inclusive, includes excursions, hotel accommodation, airport transfers and international flights meaning you are looked after on the trip from start to finish and don’t have to worry about anything!

 

There are also luxury rail journeys to South Africa on the Blue Train and the Orient Express which starts in London and goes to Paris, the French and Italian Alps, the Italian Dolomites and finally Venice.

4. Cruise

For couples who love - fine dining, live entertainment, excursions, authentic experiences, life at sea, socialising, dressing up, culture, shopping

 

Cruises and the experiences you can have on them come in all shapes and sizes depending on what you are looking for as a couple. Some cruise lines focus on certain areas such as gourmet cuisine, traditional experiences, live entertainment or fewer tourist-heavy ports. There is something for all kinds of couples depending on what you want for your cruise holiday. Regent Seven Seas Cruises focus on all-inclusive gourmet cuisine, the staff ratio is 1-1.5 so you get very personalised and attentive service, they are great for an anniversary, and normally offer pre-cruise hotels, flights, shore excursions, dining drinks and gratuities included.

 

The cruise line Holland America focuses on traditions such as afternoon tea and ballroom dancing whilst Azamara places emphasis on destination immersion, choosing less tourist-heavy ports for a more authentic experience.

 

There is a whole host of destinations to choose from including the Caribbean islands, whether you want adventures on the sea or merely to see how many of the 365 beaches you can lie on in Antigua. See it as a challenge! If you would like to stay closer to home, then Europe is a great cruise destination including the Greek Islands, Croatia, Turkey, Italy and Spain. Many of the cruises start from Southampton so all you have to do is get there and you will be returned there safe and sound after your Mediterranean adventures. Other trips start from further afield and the price can include fly cruise or just cruise only. 

5. City Breaks

For couples who enjoy - short flights, short breaks, culture, history, gastronomy, shopping, being on-the-go

 

City breaks are a fantastic way to explore Europe, especially as flights are short and there are a wealth of amazing destinations at your doorstep without the long haul. Some of our most popular city breaks include Venice, Barcelona, Prague, Athens and Paris. Your break can be tailored to your specific needs if you want to explore certain areas, take a gondola, a ferry to the Greek Islands or the beach in Barcelona, whatever you want from your city break it is all yours.