Exploring Europe by taking a trip along the rivers or by rail is easy and hassle-free. It is a civilised way to see the world, suggestive of a bygone era but with modern convenience and comfort!

Specialists in escorted holidays and group travel Diamond Group Travel have just launched a number of exciting new additions to their programme for European travel in autumn and winter 2013. These include a greater choice of festive itineraries as well as opportunities to explore historic sites and breath-taking scenery. The programme features a range of short breaks, river cruises and holidays by rail, all of which offer great value and bespoke arrangements for groups. New rail holidays include several itineraries in Italy. The ten day ‘Italian Adventure’ showcases some of Italy’s most exceptional UNESCO World Heritage sites and cultural treasures on a journey through Venice, Florence, Siena, Rome and Milan. The tour departs on 30th September and is priced from £1,199 per person.  Meanwhile, for those interested in discovering Italy’s dramatic mountain scenery, the new ‘Italian Dolomites Winter Magic’ itinerary offers a wonderful chance to see the enchanting mountain range at its winter best, complete with visits to the Trentino and South Tirol regions and the stylish city of Milan. The tour departs on 24^th February 2014 and is priced from £699 per person.

Those planning festive breaks might consider the new six day ‘Christmas on the Italian Riviera’ rail itinerary, departing on 22^nd December and priced from £699 per person. This includes travelling to the beautiful bay of Diano Marina and exploring hilltop villages, elegant resorts and the glitz and glamour of nearby Monaco and Monte Carlo. Guests will also enjoy a traditional Italian Christmas Eve dinner by candlelight and more traditional specialities on Christmas Day.

Rail holidays offer excellent value for money, and those from Diamond Group Travel include with the package return travel by Eurostar from London St Pancras, all rail journeys, accommodation in individually selected hotels, main visits and excursions, many meals, and the services of an experienced tour manager to ensure smooth running of the trip.

Diamond Group Travel’s programme of European river cruises has also been expanded to include a host of new festive options such as several itineraries on the Rhine incorporating Germany’s famous Christmas markets, aboard the MS Switzerland II, the latest addition to the fleet.

In addition, for those looking to spend Christmas afloat, a brand new seven day cruise along the Dutch waterways offers a chance to really celebrate in style among the diamond-cutting capitals, impressive skylines, and chocolate box scenery of Holland and Belgium. Beginning in Amsterdam on 23^rd December, the new ‘Christmas Cruise: Amsterdam, Antwerp, Ghent and Bruges’ itinerary cruises the waterways at a leisurely pace taking in several of Belgium’s prettiest cities and much more. Guests can enjoy a traditional Dutch Christmas meal onboard on Christmas Eve, plenty of festive fun on Christmas Day and a guided tour of medieval Antwerp on Boxing Day. The trip is priced from £699 per person based on two sharing an ensuite cabin with all meals on board, return ferry crossing from Dover to Calais, transportation and services of a cruise manager on board.

Diamond Group Travel also offers a dedicated brochure for group leaders featuring many more examples of the wide variety of holidays available. Also available is a range of group benefits such as free places, free pick-ups, free excursions, and options for single travellers. Bespoke tailor-made tours are also available on request and the Diamond Group Travel team offer an excellent and attentive service throughout.
Info: For more information or to request a copy of the brochure for group leaders, contact Diamond Group Travel on 0844 544 6587 or visit www.diamondgrouptravel.co.uk