Cruise, land and rail: Five must-book Times Holidays packages - The Times

Combining multi-stop land itineraries with time on the water offers a remarkably rich way to see the world. Rather than flying swiftly over captivating terrain, these curated Times Holidays packages allow you to absorb the landscape gradually, whether navigating historic trade routes by train, staying in five-star hotels or dropping anchor at storied ports of call.

Each bespoke getaway is designed for seamless, stress-free discovery. Expect elevated touches throughout, from private guided excursions in bustling metropolises to exclusive events, five-star gastronomy and unhurried sailing aboard the world’s most acclaimed ships.

The real beauty of these offers is that they can all be booked through The Times’s in-house travel agency, Times Holidays. Operated by Times Media Limited, Times Holidays enables readers to book a vast array of specially selected packages, cruises and bespoke tours. Times Holidays only works with operators that have been approved by our expert journalists, and are backed with standard financial protections. Our team of expert travel consultants works tirelessly to find the most competitive prices for our customers. 

Choose your favourite offers below and book with Times Holidays today for stress-free connections and travel support from start to finish.

There is a distinct, romantic rhythm to pairing overland rail with sea travel. After a flight from London and an overnight stay near Venice, board Queen Elizabeth in Trieste for a seven-night, full-board cruise, sailing to Dubrovnik, Corfu, Cephalonia, the Messina Strait, Sorrento and Civitavecchia. 

After disembarking, transfer to Florence for a stylish night at The Hoxton. Then it’s on to Lake Garda for three nights at Solho Hotel Bardolino. This portion of the tour culminates in an exclusive afternoon tea at Villa Cariola, hosted by former royal butler Grant Harrold.

The next day, you’ll board the legendary Venice Simplon-Orient-Express in Verona. This two-day, all-inclusive rail journey to Gare de l’Est, Paris, offers pure theatrical glamour, complete with historic cabins, dedicated steward service and fine dining. Your effortless return to London finishes aboard Eurostar Plus.

Please note, this package is available to book until October 31, 2026. After this date, Times Holidays can still curate this holiday but inclusions and price may vary. Contact us on 0808 258 6817 for more information.

Flights included: From London airports Departing: August 5, 2027 Duration and price: 14 days from £6,299pp* Ship: Queen Elizabeth (Cunard) Departure port: Trieste, Italy Highlights: Seven-night full-board Mediterranean cruise; overnight stay in Florence; exclusive afternoon tea event hosted by Grant Harrold, former royal butler; two-day journey aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express; overnight stay in Venice; three nights at Lake Garda Why book with Times Holidays? Times+ members receive £100 off per booking**. Redeem your unique code here

Japan effortlessly balances ancient reverence with high-octane modernity, and this tour perfectly encapsulates the duality. Kick things off with a captivating 12-night voyage aboard the Celebrity Millennium in a prime concierge-class stateroom, sailing from Tokyo to Yokohama, poignant Hiroshima and South Korea’s vibrant coastal city of Busan. 

After disembarkation, your journey continues with a two-night stay at the luxurious Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo. This five-star haven provides the perfect base for the four-day tour of the capital. Wander through tranquil imperial gardens and sacred Shinto shrines with a guide. Afterwards, enjoy absolute freedom exploring the metropolis’s buzzing culinary backstreets independently.

Flights included: From London airports Departing: May 1, 2027 Duration and price: 18 days from £9,539pp* Ship: Celebrity Millennium (Celebrity Cruises) Departure port: Tokyo, Japan Highlights: 12-night full-board cruise aboard the Celebrity Millennium; stops include Tokyo, Yokohama, Kyoto, Hiroshima and Busan; four-day tour of Tokyo including sacred shrines and gardens Why book with Times Holidays? Times+ members receive £100 off per booking**. Redeem your unique code here

Few journeys match the sheer scale of sweeping from China’s ancient capitals to Japan’s serene coastlines. Blending bullet-train precision, five-star heritage hotels and boutique ocean cruising, this package is a masterclass in grand east Asian travel.

After flying overnight from London, this fully escorted adventure dives into the history of Beijing with four days of cultural exploration in the capital, including the Great Wall. The adventure continues aboard a high-speed train to Xi’an. See the Terracotta Warriors, Chengdu’s giant pandas and Guilin’s mist-wrapped karst mountains, and enjoy a Tang Dynasty dinner and performance before resting in a five-star hotel in Hong Kong.

Here, step aboard Azamara Pursuit for an eight-night, full-board cruise across the East China Sea. Enjoy a selection of complimentary beverages and pre-paid gratuities as you sail to Taiwan’s Keelung harbour, the coral shores of Okinawa and tranquil Kochi. Your voyage concludes in Kobe, gateway to historic Kyoto.

Please note, this package is available to book until October 4, 2026. After this date, Times Holidays can still curate this holiday but inclusions and price may vary. Contact us on 0808 258 6817 for more information.

Flights included: From London airports Departing: February 19, 2027 Duration and price: 22 days from £3,999pp* Ship: Azamara Pursuit (Azamara) Departure port: Hong Kong, China Highlights: Eight-night all-inclusive cruise across the East China Sea; five-star hotel stays; the Great Wall of China, Terracotta Warriors, giant pandas, Tiananmen Square and more Why book with Times Holidays? Times+ members receive £100 off per booking**. Redeem your unique code here

This exquisite journey opens in northern Greece with five nights at Sani Dunes, a chic beachfront haven beside Sani Marina. Days here revolve around pure relaxation: lounge beside one of Greece’s largest heated lagoon pools, stroll private sands or indulge in fine dining before transferring to Athens to board Oceania Allura.

Oceania Cruises’ stunning vessel delivers an outstanding guest-to-staff ratio of nearly one-to-one alongside the renowned cuisine. Sailing for seven nights, your voyage traces classical history across Greece, Malta’s historic Valletta and the sun-drenched Italian coast.

On board, enjoy spacious staterooms, holistic treatments at the Aquamar Spa (charges apply) and exceptional dining ranging from casual poolside bites to opulent gourmet multi-course feasts. This is an effortless combination of Mediterranean shore luxury and maritime sophistication.

Flights included: From London airports Departing: May 4, 2027 Duration and price: 13 days from £4,499pp* Ship: Oceania Allura (Oceania Cruises) Departure port: Athens (Piraeus), Greece Highlights: Seven-night full-board cruise aboard Oceania Allura in a veranda stateroom; pre-cruise five-star hotel accommodation; port stops include Milos, Katakolon, Catania, Valletta, Palermo, Amalfi Coast and Rome Why book with Times Holidays? Times+ members receive £100 off per booking**. Redeem your unique code here

Turquoise waters, volcanic peaks and pastel-hued harbours frame this sun-drenched escape through the Caribbean. Following a flight from London, this idyllic journey opens in Barbados with a three-night stay at the Hilton Barbados Resort. Days here revolve around powdery beaches, Bajan culture and dreamy sunsets in Bridgetown before embarking on the ultra-luxury Seabourn Ovation.

Sailing for seven nights, your voyage explores Saint Lucia’s dramatic volcanic peaks, Antigua’s white sands, the secluded coves of the British Virgin Islands and Sint Maarten’s vibrant Dutch-French elements.

On board, expect world-class dining and a host of complimentary inclusions such as caviar offered throughout the voyage, premium spirits and fine wine, and an in-suite bar stocked to your taste. With unlimited wifi and no tipping expected, this provides an effortless blend of island charm and high-end indulgence.

Please note, this package is available to book until September 22, 2026. After this date, Times Holidays can still curate this holiday but inclusions and price may vary. Contact us on 0808 258 6817 for more information.

Flights included: From London airports Departing: December 9, 2026 Duration and price: 12 days from £3,799pp* Ship: Seabourn Ovation (Seabourn) Departure port: Bridgetown, Barbados Highlights: Discounted “six-star” full-board cruise in a veranda suite; pre-cruise three-night five-star stay in Barbados; selection of complimentary drinks; world-class dining aboard the ship; port stops include St Kitts and Nevis, Terre-de-Haut, Saint Pierre, Roseau and Rodney Bay Why book with Times Holidays? Times+ members receive £100 off per booking**. Redeem your unique code here

Book these cruises and more with Times Holidays today.

*All prices are per person, based on two sharing unless otherwise stated, subject to change and availability and correct at time of publication.** £100 off Times+ offer applicable to each Times Holidays booking made by December 31, 2026 with a minimum spend of £2,000 when quoting your unique Times+ code. Visit thetimes.com/timesplus for full terms and conditions

Yes, all of the packages in this article include flights from London airports. Regional airports are available on request. 

The best time to book a 2027 cruise and tour package is right now and from early January to late March, also known as “wave season” when cruise companies create the best deals to generate summer bookings. 

If you have any concerns regarding the mobility suitability of these packages or any other packages available through Times Holidays, we’d strongly recommend that you contact our travel advisers for guidance. 

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