October 2017: The latest trips from Insight Guides

1. Cyclades Islands

What? Island hopping around the Cyclades

Which trip? The Historical and Mythological Cyclades Islands

Fly to Athens and tour the 3,000-year-old city before hopping on a boat to Syros Island, capital of the Cyclades Islands. This adventure will take you on a tour of the Cyclades Islands. In Syros, you'll tour the port city of Ermoupolis and the surrounding beaches. Spend a day driving around the island discovering the traditional white-washed villages and tasting the local produce at wineries and restaurants.

The next island on the tour is Paros, where coastal caves are just waiting to be explored. Take refuge in the cool shade of the rocky formations as the clear water brushes over your feet. Enjoy boat trips to the Unesco World Heritage island of Delos, or the infamous Mykonos before continuing to Santorini. Bask in the sunshine on one of the most picturesque islands in the Mediterranean. Choose between relaing at the hotel pool or on the beach with the calming sound of the waves as company. At the days' end sit back and watch the sunset turn the sky orange in Oia. For something more active, hike around the volcanic terrain and tour the tiny villages including Akrotiri, with its ancient archaeological site.

Greek fishing village in Paros, Cyclades. Photo: Shutterstock

2. Cuba

What? Learning the history and culture of Cuba

Which trip? Cuba: A Feast for the Senses 

Start your Cuban adventure in Havana with a classical car and walking tour of the city. Take in the colourful pastel colours of the rustic plaster-coasted buildings. Smell the salty air brushing over the city and feel the sunshine beaming down. Visit Viñales and its unique rural landscapes: mogotes rise form the earth breaking up the otherwise flat land. Explore the scene on a cycle tour around arrowroot, sweet potato and banana plantations. Learn about the true Cuban traditions in Cojimar. Visit a cigar factory, a rum factory, learn to salsa and cook local cuisine and make the perfect mojito. Afterwards, you are free to take full advantage of tasting sessions.

Next up is a coastal tour on the way to Trinidad. Stop off at the Bay of Pigs for a glimpse of what lies beneath the clear blue water. Dive in and discover a colourful coral world. In Trinidad, take in the Colonial Cuban architecture, listen to jazz and dance the humid nights away. End your tour with a few days relaxing on the idyllic Varadero Beach. 

Street Singer in Trinidad, Cuba. Photo: Shutterstock

3. Crete

What? An historical coastal tour of the island

Which trip? Along the Coast of Crete: From Heraklion to Platanias

Spend a few nights in Heraklion at the beginning of your Cretan discovery. This Venetian port town is made up of narrow streets lined with white buildings, perfect for strolling around on warm afternoons. Explore the surrounding area, including Knossos, where you can take a journey back in time to Minoan civilisation. Go further back, 5,500 years, at the Archaeological Museum where you can take in the full history of Crete. Visit local villages, stopping at wineries for cellar tours and tastings, spend time on one of the numerous beaches or continue your Cretan education.

Travel to Rethymno, stopping at uninhabited ancient Ottoman cities. Enjoy the romantic town when you arrive, try a pastry from a local bakery, the homemade alcoholic beverages and meze dinners. Your final stop is Chania, where you will have a chance to relax at a different sandy cove each day.

Beach Villas Bali, Crete, Greece. Photo: Shutterstock

4. Athens

What? Old and new world discovery

Which trip? Athens: City of the Gods

Enjoy a city break in the ancient sunny city of Athens. Spend time exploring the historical streets, lined with tavernas and wine bars. Embark on guided tours of the old and new towns. Start in Athens Historical Center for a discovery that includes the Greek Parliament Building and National Gardens. Head up to the Acropolis for a private tour before enjoying a romantic dinner with views across Acropolis Hill. Spend your evening relaxing in a coffee shop, taking in the ambience, or enjoy the nightlife found across the city.

The Modern city tour takes in the architecture seen throughout the area, the Museum of Athens and Monastiraki Square. There is also an opportunity for shopping in the Kolonaki district. Catch a catamaran cruise for sunset. Sail on the smooth water of the Greek Riviera and enjoy a traditional Greek dinner. Optional extras on this trip include a music concert in an ancient Greek theatre, an evening e-bike tour, olive oil tasting, learning Greek dance or an ancient Greek food tasting.

Plaka street in Athens. Photo: Shutterstock

Insight Guides covers numerous destinations worldwide so if the latest holidays outlined above don't fit your requirements, there's plenty more to choose from: browse available itineraries online now or talk to a local expert to plan your perfect holiday from scratch