Cox and Kings

Located in the heart of old Florence, the magnifi cantly restored Boscolo Hotel Astoria is set on the medieval Palazzo Gaddi, a pearl of Florentine baroque, complete with frescos and stunning antiques. Dining in the hotel's restaurant, the Palazzo Gaddi, is superb, whilst the 102 guest rooms are beautifully decorated and feature all modern amenities.

The Corinthia Royal Spa Hotel opened in 2003, transforming the tired old Grand Hotel Royal into an elegant luxurious 5-star property. A key part of the restoration was the Royal Spa, first opened in 1886 and now beautifully restored to its original splendour. The 414 rooms offer contemporary design and modern facilities.

For centuries, Cyprus attracted the major powers of the Mediterranean, resulting in a rich mosaic of culture and tradition. Turkish Cyprus is a quiet haven of unspoilt natural beauty, and this tour explores ancient Roman cities, Crusader castles, Byzantine churches and atmospheric abbeys.

A member of Leading Hotels of the World, this 5 star property is located at the Grand Place in the very heart of Brussels, just a short stroll from the city’s stylish boutiques and the antique market on the Sablon. Chutney's restaurant bar offers traditional Flemish cuisine and a summer terrace, and there is a fitness centre and sauna.

The 5 star Boscolo Hotel, Exedra is set in a 19th century white marble palazzo on the magnificent Piazza della Republica. Each of the 240 rooms of this centrally located hotel feature tasteful and elegant décor. The facilities include 2 restaurants and a rooftop terrace and swimming pool open during the summer months.

Built in 1925 and a member of the Leading Small Hotels Of The World, the boutique Raphael is located close to the Champs-Elysées just walking distance from many of the sights and museums of Paris.

In the 18th century, doing a `Grand Tour of Italy' was something of a cultural rite of passage for the aristocratic and fashionable in European society, completing their education with a tour that took in the grandeur of Venice, the artistic splendours of Florence and Siena, the heritage of Ancient Rome and the wonders of Mount Vesuvius. Following in the footsteps of tradition, this tour visits St Mark's Square, the Uffizi Galleries, Ancient Rome, Vatican City, Pompeii and the Bay of Naples.

Located in a peaceful section of the ancient neighbourhood of Malá Strana (Little Quarter) on the left bank, the new 99 room Mandarin Oriental occupies a complex dating back to the 14th century that was once a Dominican monastery. Its comfortable rooms offer excellent views of the Old Town and the imposing Prague Castle.

Set in an historic palace in Venice's Madonna dell'Orto area, the Dei Dogi, is a hotel of great character, with lovely gardens leading down to a private jetty and the lagoon.

Just one block from the world famous Champs-Elysees and the Etoile, the Warwick Hotel has a prime location in the city. The 149 rooms feature contemporary and elegant décor with modern facilities. The Michelin star restaurant W offers simple European cuisine and the W bar is a perfect place to unwind

Located in the heart of Spain, Madrid is a vibrant and cosmopolitan cultural centre. It is home to the Prado Museum, with its masterpieces by Velasquez, El Greco and Goya, and the Reina Sofia Museum of Modern Art. Also worth exploring is the city’s Moorish quarter, built in the ninth century, and a venue for open-air theatre and music performances during the summer.

Turkey has played a major role in the Mediterranean world and, due to its strategic location between two continents, it has been a crucial staging post on the trade routes between East and West. This tour combines the striking architecture of the Aya Sofia and the Blue Mosque in Istanbul with the natural wonders of Pamukkale and the remarkable classical sites of Aphrodisias and Ephesus.

Built in the traditional style of an Ottoman mansion, the boutique Sirkeci Konak is located in the historical centre of Istanbul. The 52 rooms each have a blend of Turkish and contemporary décor with modern facilities. Leisure facilities at the hotel include a swimming pool, sauna and hamman. During the summer months there is rooftop alfresco dining with views of nearby Gülhane Park.

The five-star Ritz Madrid is owned by Orient-Express Hotels, and is the hotel of choice for visiting royalty and heads of state. Regularly voted in the world's top ten hotels, The Ritz is conveniently located in the centre of the city, directly opposite the Prado Museum. The hotel's facilities include the highly acclaimed Goya Restaurant, two bars, terrace and gardens and a fitness centre.

The Westin Dublin is grand 5-star property with a perfect location for exploring Dublin, just a short walk from the Cultural Quarter, Temple Bar and the famous shops on Grafton Street. Behind the 19th century facade, the 163 rooms have a classic decor with modern amenities.

Peru offers a combination of ancient Inca sites, stunning scenery and a colourful local culture. In Machu Picchu Peru has one of the world's must-see sites, with its impressive architecture, mysterious history  and awesome setting, secluded high up in the Andes. The country also offers the world's highest navigable lake, Lake Titicaca, which borders Bolivia and Peru and whose icy waters reflect the snow-capped Andes mountains like a mirror.