Audley launches 11 European destinations as well as a new seven-day flexible cancellation promise

Operator also pledges a ‘trip of a lifetime’ to a key worker, to be nominated by the public

Tailor-made travel operator, Audley, has launched 11 new European destinations enabling clients to enjoy the quality and service of a bespoke Audley trip closer to home this summer.

Clients can now book itineraries exploring France, Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Greece, Croatia, Scotland and Ireland. These destinations extend the suite of European trips launched by Audley in recent years in Italy, Spain, Portugal, Turkey and Iceland.

Flexible cancellation promise

To give clients peace of mind in uncertain times, Audley is also offering a new and industry leading flexibility promise for seven of its short-haul destinations. Any trip booked by the end of September to new destinations Croatia, Greece or Scotland as well as Italy, Portugal, Spain or Turkey for travel in 2020 can be cancelled up to seven days before departure, for any reason, and fully refunded with no questions asked allowing travellers to have confidence that their money is protected should their personal situation change.

Highlights of the new destinations

The launch of these 11 destinations, now, is an acceleration of plans set in place over the last few years. As a result, clients can be confident that Audley’s destination specialists have spent significant time in the countries, staying in the hotels and experiencing the tours first hand — the same attention to detail given to all of Audley’s trips and experiences around the world.

Highlights include cycling through Croatian vineyards in Lumbarda, one of Europe’s most overlooked wine regions, sampling grk (a dry white wine known for its peppery finish); perfume making in Paris with a local expert and a private guided wildlife photography session on Scotland’s Rothiemurchus Estate.

Vicky Hawker, Head of Product for Audley, said: “We have always known that our UK clients want to travel in Europe with the same one-off experiences, as well as a curated selection of exceptional hotels, that they have enjoyed in our long-haul destinations. It has always been our intention to launch these destinations here, and the unexpected events of this year have inspired us to bring these launches forward so that we can offer a wider range of Audley experiences closer to home and in a way that clients feel comfortable. That may be taking trains instead of planes, hiking in the mountains instead of walking through big cities, or planning a self-drive trip. Our specialists are able to design the ideal trip for clients in 2020 and beyond, with the added peace of mind from our seven day flexible cancellation promise for travel to seven destinations this year.”

Prices for European tailor-made trips start from £1,850 per person (for a six day trip to Scotland*). More information is available at www.audleytravel.com/europe or by calling 01993 683320.

A trip of a lifetime for a key worker

Audley is showing its appreciation for the UK’s key workers by offering a trip of a lifetime to an individual nominated by members of the public. From 6th July until the end of August, critical workers (as per the UK government definition) can be nominated by any UK resident, together with the details of how they have gone above and beyond their usual duties or made significant sacrifices to their work or home life in response to Covid-19. The selected key worker will receive a trip** for two people to Cambodia with a two night stopover in South Korea. The itinerary will be a typical Audley trip with unique experiences, cultural immersion and the knowledge that everything included will truly support local communities. More information as well as the terms and conditions are available at www.audleytravel.com/key-worker-competition

Notes to editors

Download a selection of new destination images.

*The six day Scotland itinerary (£1,850 per person) visits Edinburgh and the Cairngorms National Park and the price includes all accommodation, in-destination transfers, all activities and excursions and private vehicle hire.

**The itinerary for the winning key worker is:

Day 1 – Economy flight to Seoul.
Day 2 – Connect through Seoul and land in Phnom Penh for a private sunset river cruise on the Mekong River. Overnight in Villa Langka.
Day 3 – Morning tour of Phnom Penh, including The Royal Palace and National Museum. Optional afternoon visit to the Killing Fields outside Phnom Penh and to the genocide museum. Overnight in Villa Langka.
Day 4 – Morning visit to lively local markets before flying to Siem Reap. Overnight in Montra Nivesha.
Day 5 – Visit to Roluos Group temples and Kompong Pluk floating village. Overnight in Montra Nivesha.
Day 6 – Morning visit to Kulen Elephant Experience, a conservation initiative established to provide a sustainable retirement for the working elephants of Angkor. Afternoon at Beng Mealea — a temple first opened to visitors in 2002 after centuries consumed by the jungle. Overnight in Montra Nivesha.
Day 7 – Hidden Trails of Angkor including lunch at Sala Kdei and visit to Banteay Srei Temple and Cambodia Landmine Museum. Overnight in Montra Nivesha.
Day 8 – Angkor Wat at sunrise with monks blessing. Transfer to airport for flight to Seoul and overnight in Lotte L7 Myeongdong.
Day 9 – Private morning city tour of Seoul. Overnight in Lotte L7 Myeongdong.
Day 10 – Private transfer to the airport for flight home.