A Little Taste of Euro Luxury – Scott Dunn

Leading luxury global tour operator, Scott Dunn has introduced a new collection of destination itineraries - ‘Perfect Pairings’, which elevate the idea of the ‘long weekend’ to another level.

The team has curated themed itineraries, which pair the heart of much-loved destinations throughout the world, with somewhere a little more off-grid: crowd-free countryside, mountain hideaways, unexplored coastline and charming villages.

From hiking through rural Andalucia to exploring the ancient antiquities of Southern Italy, from the unchartered wilderness of the Utah’s Moab and Zion deserts to the Teotihuacan Pyramids of Mexico, Scott Dunn has tapped into its network of local, on the ground contacts to offer five and six-night trips, which take a deep dive into culture, adventure, culinary offerings, rest and wellness.

The Perfect Pairings itineraries include unique and hard-to-come-by experiences - Michelin starred cooking lessons, behind-the-scenes tours, out-of-hours access and private visits to world-renowned attractions, to name a few.As part of the journey, guests will stay at boutique and characterful properties, which offer an authentic feel for the destination – whether it’s within a bustling city or deep in the wilderness.

A quick overview:

ITALY – Ancient Taormina
Beginning at the neo-classical Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo in the beautiful town of Taormina, guests are instantly immersed in Sicilian culture, beginning with a visit to the Teatro Greco in the company of a prominent expert Sicilian astronomer, who will introduce the fascinating topic of the connection between Sicilian archaeology and astronomy. The next stop is Il San Corrado di Noto, the first boutique resort of its kind in Val di Noto, Sicily’s renowned UNESCO World Heritage destination. Prices start from £6,300 per person based on 5 nights

ITALY – Puglia, Lecce & Apulian Coast
Follow in the footsteps of Lecce’s great families at Palazzo Bozzi Corso, where 18th-century splendour is intertwined with modern art and design. A stone’s throw from the Duomo and Basilica Santa Croce, this 10-suite mansion offers the chance to step back in time, living life as it was enjoyed by the city’s cloaked elite. Next on the agenda is an incredible musical performance at the evocative Abbey of Santa Maria di Cerrate, a hidden gem immersed in a landscape of ancient olive groves. After the historic Lecce, guests will enjoy the laid-back rural Puglian coastline with a stay at the gracious Masseria Torre Maizza. Prices start from £5,900 per person based on 6 nights

SPAIN – Bike & Hike Rural Seville & Andalucia

Palace of Alcazar, Seville

Guests begin their adventure at Corral del Rey, tucked away on one of the narrow streets of Seville’s old quarter. This whitewashed boutique hotel is a reinvention of a 17th-century casa boasting panoramic views of the city. Here, guests will gain insight into authentic Sevillian life by dining with a local, enjoying a privately guided walking tour away from the crowds and discovering the best ‘bites’ in the region on a foodie safari by bike. This is complemented with a stay at Finca La Donaira - an organic farm, equestrian centre and discreetly luxurious eco-retreat set high in the Serranía de Ronda, Andalucía. Guests can hike and bike to their heart’s content in the Sierra de Grazalema National Park, or try horse riding as the estate is complete with 70 Lusitano horses, a dressage area plus lessons and trails for everyone from novice to experienced. Prices start from £4,400 per person based on 5 nights
Scott Dunn is one of the world's most experienced luxury tour operators. With offices in the UK, America and Asia, its global team of travel specialists offer guests round-the-clock support, arranging bespoke holidays and honeymoons with exceptional five-star service.

More information: www.scottdunn.com