Guided tours offer a remarkable way to learn far more about a region from knowledgeable locals and experts. By offering insight into a location’s unlimited depth of history, culture and things to do and see, you’re much more likely to uncover new places and learn nuggets of information that you may not have discovered on your own.

Discover the guided tours on offer from some of our HIP Hotels.

Downton Abbey Experience with Flemings Mayfair

Ever the provider of fantastically unique experiences, Flemings Mayfair is allowing you to combine the luxuriousness of a stay in this iconic area of London with a sophisticated visit to the set of Downton Abbey, otherwise known as Highclere Castle. Throughout the autumn months, tours will take you through the State Rooms where so many iconic scenes were filmed, but also where many real life encounters throughout history have taken place. This round trip includes transport to and from Berkshire, and doesn’t disappoint in the food department either. Expect a delectable Champagne afternoon tea for two which will be held in the delightfully vibrant Drawing Room, which draws influence from Georgian history and features Indian-inspired wall panels. You can guarantee that Flemings Mayfair knows how to throw a delicious afternoon tea—after all, they have a room solely dedicated to it! This smart pairing of experiencing one of the capital’s oldest established hotels, alongside a tour of the filming location of Downton Abbey, will certainly please fans of the show and those wishing to learn about its history, alike.

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Discover the beauty of Galle Fort with Why House

For an intimate jungle setting amid tranquil gardens, Sri Lanka’s Why House offers the perfect setting for yogis, artists, and writers alike. Host, Henrietta, will make your stay as delightfully accommodating as possible, whilst ensuring all appropriate covid safety measures are in place.

Located just fifteen minutes from UNESCO World Heritage Site, Galle Fort, experiencing this European-feel city is a must when visiting the area. Uncover the picturesque lighthouse, get lost amongst the winding lanes and old-style buildings of the historic centre, explore Galle’s many markets, where stocking up on spices comes naturally, and allow yourself to delve beneath the surface of Galle Fort, a city with an alluring melting pot of cultures. Allow Henrietta and her team to organise a walking tour—whether you want to traverse the city or get a taste of the famous Ceylon tea on a plantation tour, fall in love with its vibrancy.

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Experience nature in urban Stockholm with Downtown Camper by Scandic

For a Scandi-chic city break, look no further than Downtown Camper. Based in Brunkebergstorg, one of Stockholm’s least explored neighbourhoods, for the everyday adventurers, this area proves that you don’t have to be in rural country to uncover exhilarating experiences. Collaborating with various partners, on-demand activities can be booked when you stay. Picture kayaking in the Stockholm Archipelago with food and drink included, traversing the wooded islands, rocky cliffs and sandy beaches. If you’re someone who needs a dose of nature after too much of the city, you’re in luck! Stockholm’s surroundings are home to almost 300 nature reserves, national parks and lakes, and you can explore the outskirts with Downtown Camper’s dedicated explorer and expert, Alexandra. If anything else takes your fancy or you have any queries, Lifestyle Concierge, Kristian Hell, is your go-to for new experiences, so your getaway can be as personally fulfilling as possible.

Walking & cycling tours in Piedmont with La Villa Hotel

One of Italy’s most luxurious regions, known for its fine wines and delicious foods, characterised by verdant hillsides and medieval towns—Piedmont pleases the gastronomically-inclined, as well as anyone searching for a spot of tranquility and indulgence.

The gorgeous countryhouse of La Villa is set among rolling hills, with rooms that remain rustic and truly authentic, with local antiques and chic decor. Its spectacular surroundings, from the UNESCO World Heritage Monferrato to visions of the Alps, make for a spectacular setting for any form of getaway in mind. Partnering with Butterfield & Robinson, explore the scenery and quaint, sleepy villages either on foot or by bike. There are a number of routes you can explore around the hotel as well as a few mountain bikes for hire. For those looking to expand their exploration, La Villa will arrange guided walking tours as well as bike tours, including e-bikes. This small group tour is guided the entire way and is certainly where you’ll discover the true meaning of “slow food”. This wine country biking experience includes delicious meals paired with some of the best vintage wines, finalising with a delightful stay at La Villa.

Delve into the Sörmlandsleden with Bomans Hotell

Nature lovers will rejoice at the wonder that is Trosa—a town in Stockholm’s Sörmlands archipelago, located just an hour south of the centre. With sprawling forests, countless lakes, and tranquil beaches, this location permits the space so rarely enjoyed in the city.

If you love eclectic style, you’ll love the “more is more” mantra at Bomans Hotell. Each room carries a different personality, so there’s sure to be one that strikes just the right chord with you. After a day filled with activity in Sörmland, settling in the idyllic town of Trosa is a must. If both nature and eclectic style are your calling, you’ll love Boman’s hiking package. Choose from one of two guided trails, where you’ll enjoy open landscapes and watering holes, where you can enjoy a nice dip in warmer weather. Inclusive of transport, a picnic, three-course dinner, an overnight stay and breakfast, this neatly curated itinerary ensures you receive a wonderful dose of fresh air.

Personalised local tours in Lazio with Casale San Pietro

With a stay at Casale San Pietro, it seems anything is possible. This 300-year old farmhouse is the brainchild of owner’s Joe and Alana’s wish to create a space where guests can enjoy being in the heart of the Italian countryside, whilst only being 50 minutes away from the iconic city of Rome. Ever passionate about making each and every guest’s visit as unique and personal as possible culminates in their offering of exciting packages, which can also be booked as stand-alone tours. Joe will show you the famous sights and hidden gems of Rome, chauffeured in the Casale’s air-conditioned Mercedes Benz, where you’ll also enjoy some delicious cuisine at some local cafes and restaurants. This long-weekend tour is currently taking place in November, so book now if you’d like to benefit from a personal service. Other stand-alone tours include a local tour of Ciociaria where you’ll see the wonderful countryside around the Casale and all the towns they inhabit. Anagni, the City of Popes was once the centre of the Catholic faith before the Vatican was built, and so is certainly a hidden gem to uncover. Or how about Fiuggi? Famous for its healing waters, it was once frequented by Rome’s aristocracy and to this day, a place where people travel from all over the world to drink the water from the picturesque gardens. What’s more, a trip to Castel Gandolfo will ignite your senses to the volcanic Lake Albano, where you’ll be able to bask in its allure and explore the quaint, sleepy village.

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With the ability to add a personal touch to your holiday, guided and local tours offer a special privilege that allows you to uncover a destination in a completely new light. Insider tips, introductions to hidden places, and the assurance of never getting lost—certainly a bonus—means that you can spend more time absorbing the wonder of your surroundings than thinking about what to do next.

Please be assured that the hotels in this article have the appropriate COVID-19 safety measures in place for your stay. Please contact the hotel directly to find out more information.