The Luxury of Time

People emerging from furlough over the coming months are likely to have built up several weeks’ holiday allowance, and those who wish to travel will perhaps prefer to opt for one longer-duration trip rather than several short ones. With this in mind, we’ve put together a selection of longer itineraries which allow travellers with the luxury of time to really get under the skin of a destination.

See all the islands of the Azores – 21 nights from £2,288 pp with Sunvil

Witness the Azores in all their glory on this 21-night escape taking in the volcanic landscapes, hot springs and vibrant flora across its nine major islands. Spending two to three nights on each, see São Miguel's verdant rolling hills and crater lakes, observe Flores' impressive basalt columns, visit Corvo – the archipelago’s smallest island, admire the pastel-painted buildings of Horta on Faial and discover Pico’s magnificent volcano. Relax on the beautiful beaches of Santa Maria, see the fajas (coastal plateaus) of São Jorge and explore the Azores’ oldest city on Terceira. The trip costs from £2,288 pp (two sharing) including 21 nights’ B&B, flights (London via Lisbon to São Miguel), all inter-island flights, boat crossings & transfers. Call AITO* member Sunvil on 020 8758 4722 (www.sunvil.co.uk).

A month of island hopping in the sparkling Cyclades – Greece from £2,469 pp with Sunvil

Live the Greek good life for a month, hopping between seven of the gorgeous Cyclades islands in the central Aegean. Explore flat-roofed villages, hike volcanic cliffs, discover tiny chapels, savour hearty Greek cuisine in neighbourhood tavernas, and swim in dazzling azure waters. Spending time on some of the better-known islands such as Santorini – with its hilly whitewashed villages and delicious wines – and Naxos – with its lively waterfront – the itinerary also takes in lesser-visited isles such as Sifnos – home to exceptional, uncrowded beaches and picturesque walking trails. Staying on Paros, Naxos, Santorini, Folegandros, Milos, Sifnos and Serifos, the cost is from £2,469 pp (two sharing), including return flights (London), transfers and ferries, and 28 nights’ accommodation (25 B&B). Call AITO* member Sunvil on 020 8758 4758 (www.sunvil.co.uk).

Time to take a Grand Tour of South Africa – from £4,495 pp with Jules Verne

Where better to spend those precious extra weeks than spectacular South Africa? Travelling from the Kruger to the Cape, this 23-night small group tour promises colonial and African history, rich wildlife and unforgettable unspoilt scenery, as well as climates ranging from the sub-tropical (on the KwaZulu-Natal coast) to semi-desert in regions such as the Karoo. Visit tribal communities, townships, battlefields, winelands, the Garden Route and much more. Departing 21 October 2020, and from January to March and August to November 2021, Grand Tour of South Africa costs from £4,495 pp (two sharing), including flights (Heathrow), transfers, 21 nights’ B&B, seven lunches, 11 dinners, excursions, and the services of guides & local reps. Two overnight flights. Call Jules Verne on 020 3553 3722 (www.vjv.com).

Easy does it – Derbyshire’s Peak District from £564 pp with holidaycottages.co.uk

Keen to get back out there again, but not ‘out out’? This could be the perfect staycation solution. Set in the delightful Peak District village of Taddington, 1 The Retreat (sleeps four plus one dog) blends cottage character with opulence – think cosy comfort, colourful, quirky furnishings and a romantic slipper bath in the master bedroom. Walkers are spoilt for choice, with four Dales to explore and hiking trails that start direct from your doorstep. Or bring along your bikes and explore the miles of quiet country lanes and rolling rural views at your own pace. A three-week stay costs from £564 pp (£2,257 total) plus £20 per week supplement for a dog. Call holidaycottages.co.uk on 01237 459888 (www.holidaycottages.co.uk).

River Valley View for people and pups – Dog-friendly North Devon from £456 pp with Canine Cottages

Reconnect with nature during an extended break on North Devon’s stunning Hartland Heritage Coast, staying at River Valley View (sleeps four plus two dogs). Offered by dog-friendly self-catering specialist Canine Cottages, this stylish holiday home has everything for pampered pooches… and their human companions. Stride out for miles along clifftop walks, explore secluded coves and vast sandy beaches, and visit pretty fishing villages. Or simply opt to enjoy the peace and solitude of the 20 acres of riverside pasture, meadow and woodland in which this property is set. A three-week stay in September costs from £456 pp (£1,823 total) plus £20 per week supplement per dog. Call Canine Cottages on 01237 459821 (www.caninecottages.co.uk).

Experience the varied landscapes of Argentina – from £6,750 pp with Sunvil Latin America

A country as vast and vibrant as Argentina can’t be rushed; Sunvil’s 17-day itinerary takes in the very best that the tango and steak loving nation has to offer. Begin with three nights in stylish Buenos Aires, wander San Telmo’s grand colonial avenues and watch tango dancers in colourful La Boca, before heading to Ushuaia to explore icy national parks and glaciers. Then on to the breathtaking city of Bariloche in the foothills of the Andes, followed by time on a typical Argentinian horse ranch near Cordoba, rounding off the trip by visiting the dramatic Iguazu Falls. The cost is from £6,750 pp (two sharing), including flights (London), domestic travel, 16 nights’ B&B, some meals & excursions as per itinerary. Call AITO* member Sunvil on 020 8758 4774 (www.sunvil.co.uk).

Infinite days overlooking infinite views from your infinity pool – Corfu from £688 pp with CV Villas

Get away from it all with an extended trip to Corfu’s tranquil northeast, staying in the hilltop property, Villa Bliss. Nestled among ancient olive trees and boasting incredible views of the coast and the White House (former home of The Durrells) below, the hi spec property built over three floors is the perfect private base for a family or group of friends to spend a well-deserved three (or even four) week break. With plenty of space for everyone to relax, there’s also no shortage of activities nearby, with hiking trails on the doorstep and water sports on the beaches of Kalami, Kouloura and St Stephano (5 mins’ drive). A three-week stay costs from £688 pp (£5,502 total), with daily maid service. Flights extra. Call CV Villas on 0207 261 5410 (www.cvvillas.com).

A leisurely self-drive holiday along Normandy’s coast – France from £1,380 pp with Kirker

Swap your French city break for a slower-paced holiday, driving along the beautiful and historic coast of Normandy from Cherbourg to Le Havre. Spend three nights at the elegant Château La Chenevière – commandeered by both sides during WWII – then on to the stylish beach resort of Deauville, staying at the 5-star Normandy Barriere. Discover fascinating history from the Bayeux Tapestry to the D-Day Landings, charming harbour towns such as Honfleur, and delicious local cuisine. Tailor-Made Normandy costs from £1,380 pp (two sharing) including car ferry (Portsmouth), seven nights’ B&B, excursions, Kirker Guide Notes & Concierge. Call AITO* member Kirker on 020 7593 2283, www.kirkerholidays.com.

Once-in-a-lifetime Peru – from £1,954 pp with G Adventures

Take an extended trip to southern Peru to experience some of its most astonishing landscapes, culture and history. G Adventures offers an epic three-week tour – one of many tour operator options for exploring the south of the country. Explore the UNESCO city of Cusco, hike the Inca Trail, and spot wildlife in the Amazon. Sample delicious cuisine in Arequipa – UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, see Lake Titicaca’s floating islands of Uros, visit local communities in the Sacred Valley to learn about agriculture and the traditional way of life, and much more. The cost is £1,954 pp, including 20 nights’ accommodation (hotels, homestays & camping), most meals, transfers & excursions. Flights extra. gadventures.co.uk/020 7313 6953. More info: peru.travel/en.

A Grand Aurora Tour in Scandinavia – from £3,525 pp with The Aurora Zone

Maximise your chances of seeing the Northern Lights on The Grand Aurora Tour that encompasses Sweden, Finland and Norway. Beginning in Stockholm, spend two nights at the iconic ICEHOTEL® before heading into Swedish Lapland and over the Finnish border. Activities include a 17km husky safari, 25-30km snowmobile safari, a horse-drawn Aurora sleigh ride, a reindeer sleigh ride accompanied by a local reindeer herder, Arctic sauna experience, Northern Lights hunt by minibus and much more. The trip concludes in the cosmopolitan city of Tromsø, Norway, above the Arctic Circle. The cost is from £3,525 pp (two sharing) including flights (London), transfers, eight nights’ accommodation, seven breakfasts, two lunches, three dinners, activities, cold weather clothing and expert guides. Departs 1 Jan. - 19 March 2021. Extra nights can be added in Stockholm/Tromsø. Call The Aurora Zone on 01670 785 012 or visit www.theaurorazone.com.