Tailor-made specialist Audley Travel has welcomed the addition of a series of new destinations for clients to explore in the coming year, including Madeira, lesser-explored Cycladic Islands and year-round Northern Spain.

Lesser-visited northern Spain

Audley has expanded its Spanish offering to include Galicia and Asturias in northern Spain. The temperatures are a lot cooler than other parts of the country meaning travel is comfortable year-round (although the winters can be wet).

Galicia

Tucked above Portugal in a northern corner of Spain, Galicia is embraced by the Atlantic Ocean where waves break on brilliant-white beaches, valleys roll down to the sea and ancient trails crisscross through lush forests to Santiago de Compostela.  This less-visited corner of Spain is steeped in history and culture, from medieval towns to modern art museums, and the coastline is filled with ancient port cities and gastronomy. With a climate of mild winters and warm summers, Galicia is a region open to visitors year-round.

 
Asturias

A luscious province on the northern coast of Spain, Asturias sits between the Cantabrian mountains and the deep blue waters of the Atlantic and is a compact region with a lot to offer. Home to varied landscapes from dense forests to sandy beaches, as well as cities rich in history, its isolated location means it has a language, climate, and culture that's distinct from the rest of the country. Visitors will find cities with lively nightlife scenes, rural fishing villages and pristine beaches in secluded bays.

Audley's specialists recommend a holiday that features five-days hiking the Camino de Santiago from Sarria to Santiago de Compostela along 115 km (71 miles) of ancient pilgrim routes steeped in historical importance and spiritual significance.  The route travels around mountains, through deep river valleys, and remote stone villages. Audley arranges comfortable accommodation each night, with luggage transported by road. Clients collect daily stamps for their Credencial del Peregrino (Pilgrim Passport) along the route, proving the pilgrimage and receiving the official Compostela certificate on arrival in Santiago.

 A 10-day custom Northern Spain on foot: Camino de Santiago itinerary costs from £3,180 per person (based on two sharing) and includes flights, transfers, excursions and accommodation. 01993 838 081/ www.audleytravel.com/spain

More European islands to explore

Also new for Audley this year are Madeira, Portugal and two lesser-visited Cycladic Islands, Greece.

In Madeira, Audley recommends clients learn to cook traditional Madeiran dishes at a traditional Quinta, sample fine wine and food at a family-run winery and discover traditional Madeira via a private jeep safari.

Audley suggests combining Madeira with a visit to The Azores, with a 10-day custom Portugal island hopping: The Azores & Madeira itinerary that costs from £4,930 per person (based on two sharing) and includes flights, transfers, excursions and accommodation. 01993 838 081 /  www.audleytravel.com/portugal

Audley's offering in Greece has expanded to include some of the lesser visited Cycladic Islands, Syros and Tinos. Home to classic Greek architecture, hidden beaches, laid-back village life and rugged landscapes, these islands deliver holidays away from the crowds. On Syros, clients admire the neoclassical and Venetian architecture of Ermoupoli and take a food tour, visiting small-scale producers and enjoying a traditional Syros welcome in their local guide's home. Tinos is best known for its villages, and Audley arranges for clients to visit a selection including Pyrgos, best known for its marble production and Volax, unique with huge boulder formations that dot the valley.

Audley recommends pairing the islands with time on the mainland, first in Athens and ending the trip on the Athens Riviera. An 11-day custom Cycladic Islands beyond the crowds: Athens, Syros and Tinos itinerary costs from £6,100 per person (based on two sharing) and includes flights, transfers, excursions and accommodation. 01993 838 027 / www.audleytravel.com/greece