Tripsmiths

05/08/2025

5 reasons to cruise...

Our new blog series is here, and if you're new to river cruising, there's a reason why the Danube is often recommended as a first itinerary. Sail through the heart of Europe on a romantic journey, and immerse yourself in Europe's rich history and the scenic splendours that abound from its riverbanks.

The highlights:
🛳️ Cultural immersion
🛳️ Musical links
🛳️ Charming towns
🛳️ Delicious food & wine
🛳️ Stunning scenery and views

Read more:

Often described as a romantic journey, here’s five reasons why a Danube river cruise should feature highly on your bucket list. Read this and other travel inspirations posts from Tripsmiths

31/07/2025

Testimonial Time.

We love to hear feedback from our guests’ travels. First-hand reviews are invaluable to us to ensure each trip is a success and runs smoothly year after year. Some of our most recent testimonials include:

📣 “The trip was extremely well organised. The two local guides were extremely helpful and knowledgeable.”
(A culinary tour of Puglia, May 2025)

📣 “The trip offered a good combination of activities, locations and food and drink experiences.”
(The flavours and landscapes of Slovenia, May 2025)

📣 “Full day itineraries ensured we saw as much as we possibly could in the time available. Expert insights from James and Mike, of course, and seamless tour management provided by Charlie. I am already looking forward to the next tour!”
(Cassino '44 - The Battle for Rome, May 2025)

📣 “Everything was so well organised with knowledgeable tour guides. Fabulous restaurants for tour dinners and lunches. Bernina train ride was lovely and so was the boat excursion. A good mix of free days and busy days.”
(Lake Como and Bernina Railway, June 2025)

Read all of our featured testimonials online:
https://bit.ly/3RYFekh

At Tripsmiths, we love creating unique one-of-a-kind tours and holidays, led by experts – and our customers do too. Read our reviews and feedback here

29/07/2025

Who wants to see some photos of our recent Bocelli tour?

As well as seeing Andrea Bocelli perform live in his home town of Lajatico, our guests enjoyed a walking tour of Florence with free time to explore; a guided tour of Lucca; a visit to a Tuscan vineyard for a tour and tasting; plus free time to see the sights of Pisa.

Here are some destination highlights, courtesy of our team member Sandra!

If you'd like to join the 2026 tour, you can register your interest now: https://bit.ly/3Hb2EBD

24/07/2025

Following on from our last post, another reason to visit France is to join our experts! You could meet author Kate Mosse for a tour of medieval Carcassonne, or cruise Bordeaux and the Medoc region in the company of chef Tom Kitchin! Find out more information using the links below.

📖 5-11 October 2025, from £2,249pp | https://bit.ly/44IoKVa
👨🏻‍🍳 19-26 April 2026, from £2,499pp | https://bit.ly/456SYjL

22/07/2025

🔦 Destination spotlight 🔦

France boasts a bounty of treasures for its visitors: cities jam-packed with culture, enchanting provincial towns, the beauty of the Alps and so much more.

There's always another reason to return to France. If you need further convincing, read our blog post, which highlights:
🗺️ The history
🗺️ The delicious food
🗺️ The tranquil rivers
🗺️ The stylish port towns
🗺️ The excellent wine

France is a fabulous destination, known for its food, wine, fashion and architecture. Read our travel inspiration post and find your next tour with Tripsmiths

17/07/2025

🧑🏻‍🍳 How would you like to join Italian chef Gennaro Contaldo on a cruise around Venice's islands and lagoons?

🍴 This seven-night cruise on board SS La Venezia includes exclusive access to iconic landmarks, such as an atmospheric lighting ceremony at St Mark's Basilica. Gennaro will host a talk, Q&A and cooking demonstration on board, as well as join you on a visit to Rialto's famous market.

Find out more online:

Visit Venice’s key sights and attractions, and explore its lagoons and islands on a luxury cruise, with top chef Gennaro Contaldo. Find out more and book

15/07/2025

River cruises offer a unique and immersive way of seeing the world, and you're sure to find an itinerary that aligns with your hobbies and interests - whether that be historical sights, wine regions or authentic cultural experiences.

Did you know you could also join a river cruise with our experts - explore delicious food markets with a top chef or take in a musical performance from a renowned singer.

If you haven't considered a river cruise holiday before or don't know what to expect, read our latest blog post:

River cruises offer a unique and immersive way of seeing the world and you'll easily find an itinerary that aligns with your hobbies and interests - whether that be historical sights, wine regions or authentic cultural experiences. You can even join a river cruise with our experts -explore delicious...

10/07/2025

2026 NOW ON SALE!

Explore the charming towns and villages of the Swiss and Italian Alps as you discover the region’s dramatic natural beauty on our bestselling tour.

✅ Stay in Colico, on the shores of Lake Como
✅ Ride the Bernina Express to St Moritz
✅ Private Lake Como cruise and Como city tour

For dates, prices and more information:

This best-selling tour is back for 2024. Visit Lake Como, St Moritz and ride the Bernina Railway on this seven-night journey. Book now with Tripsmiths

08/07/2025

Author, battlefield guide and military historian Clive Harris (Battle Honours Ltd) has been writing about, lecturing on and visiting the Somme Battlefields for 40 years. If you've joined one of our history tours in the past, you may have met Clive and learned from his knowledge and expertise.

Ahead of our 110th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme tour next year, Clive sat down with us to talk about his life, career and why the Somme is so special.

Read about it in our latest blog post:

Read our exclusive interview with military historian, Clive Harris and find your next expert-led cruise or tour – only with Tripsmiths

03/07/2025

Looking for your next staycation? You don’t have to travel far for outstanding beaches and dramatic landscapes... Take a look at our UK trips collection! Our expert-led tour recommendations include:

🛥️ Hebrides with John Craven - departs September 2025
🌳 Cotswolds with Adam Henson - departs October 2025
🛤️ Scottish steam with Carol Kirkwood - departs October 2025
👑 Northern Belle to Royal Yacht Britannia with Dickie Arbiter LVO - departs November 2025
🏝️ Isles of Scilly with Julian Branscombe - departs June-September 2026

Find out more:

From miles of dramatic coastline, to beautiful countryside and quintessential English country gardens - you don't need to travel far to appreciate the natural beauty of the British Isles. Whichever season you choose to travel, getaways close to home have an enduring appeal, offering so many exciting...

01/07/2025

Join a very special tour of London's magnificent royal palaces and learn about the history within their walls in the company of former Royal Press Secretary Dickie Arbiter LVO.

📅 4 days: 14-17 December 2025 | From £1,395pp

🔦 Highlights include: Hampton Court Palace tour, Kensington Palace audio tour and festive afternoon tea, enjoy the seasonal illuminations and spirit at Kew Gardens, St Paul's Cathedral tour and stay at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge.

Stay in Westminster and visit Hampton Court Palace, St Paul’s Cathedral and Kensington Palace, as well as Kew at Christmas. Find out more and book

26/06/2025

New for 2025: Ride the GoldenPass Express through Switzerland’s mountains.

🛤️Stay in Montreux and take in the scenic beauty of Switzerland during this no-fly tour, with multiple rail journeys and a Lake Geneva cruise included. You'll also enjoy excursions to the fairytale Castle Chillon and surrounding areas, and visit the region's famous vineyards in UNESCO-listed Lavaux, with tastings.

📅 5-8 October 2025 | 5 days from £1,675pp

Ride the GoldenPass Express from Montreux to Interlaken and stay at a lakeside hotel during this no-fly tour of Switzerland. Find out more and book