Mount Fuji And Chureito Pagoda At Sunset

Top five destinations for 2025

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Newmarket Holidays

Rediscover your wanderlust and live your travel dreams in 2025 with a trip to one of these unforgettable locations.

As the year draws to a close and the festive season edges ever closer, it can be tempting to look ahead to the exciting opportunities that await in January and beyond. From taking the path less trodden to exploring familiar favourites, a new year of wish-list experiences is just a click away – and we’re excited to help you find yours!

Our team has been busy tracking the trends, crunching the numbers and listening to your feedback to figure out the very best destinations for 2025 so that you don’t have to. With that in mind, here are our top five places to visit in the new year.

 

 

Spain 

While the Costa del Sol welcomes droves of tourists year after year, the rest of Spain’s south coast stretches are a great alternative with fewer crowds, impressive cultural highlights and just as much sunshine. Enter Seville, the vibrant home of the Flamenco, which promises unforgettable sights, scents and sounds around its lively tapas bars. Take in the city’s dance culture as you spot impromptu performances in the streets, marvel at the magnificent Renaissance architecture of its most impressive landmarks or perhaps embrace life in the slow lane on one of its golden beaches. Whether you’re after a warm-weather break in the summer or some winter sun later in the year, a holiday to Seville is the perfect choice.

A wish-list moment: Marvel at Seville’s spectacular cathedral, one of the largest churches in the world, and take in the neighbouring Royal Alcazar complex.

Our recommended tourSeville, Granada & Classic Spain

 

 

Albania 

Another destination, which is often overlooked in favour of its better-known neighbours is Albania – but that’s not to say it isn’t just as impressive in its own right! With rich heritage sites outlining the country’s colourful past, from its earliest settlements to its defiant opposition to the Ottoman Empire, history buffs will feel right at home across the country’s lesser-explored Mediterranean vistas. Particularly impressive, though, are Albania’s wildlife-rich natural stretches with unique sights such as the azure ‘Blue Eye’ springs. Recharge between excursions with stays in the country’s delightful city centres for a charming blend of modern comfort and traditional Albanian hospitality. While in the capital, be sure to embrace its creative flair with visits to Tirana’s newly emerging, post-communist art installations.

A wish-list moment: Immerse yourself in the folkloric story of Skanderbeg, one of Albania’s national heroes, with a visit to Krujë Castle, where he successfully staged his rebellion against the Ottoman Empire.

Our recommended tourClassic Albania – Land of the Eagle

 

 

Turkey 

Nestled amongst Turkey’s eastern stretches, Cappadocia is a region of magical ‘fairy chimneys’, magnificent subterranean cities and charming rural towns. Whether you’re taking in the region’s spectacular rock features on the road – or perhaps from the skies aboard one of its popular hot air balloons – unforgettable sights await with a break to this Anatolian gem. With unobstructed views and famously clear skies, the region is also a must-see for stargazers and nature enthusiasts alike, making it one of our favourite choices for a Turkish holiday with a difference.

A wish-list moment: Delve beneath the surface of Cappadocia’s rugged natural landscapes and explore the winding tunnels and magnificent rock-carved chambers of Kaymakli Underground City.

Our recommended tourIstanbul & Cappadocia – Turkey’s Historic Gems

 

 

Japan 

Known for its timeless traditions, unique architectural styles and hyper-modern metropolises, Japan is a nation of rich contrasts and is quickly becoming one of our favourite travel destinations. Whether you’d prefer to embrace the country’s serene natural stretches or take part in a tasting tour of Osaka’s favourite street foods, Japan promises enthralling wish-list experiences in abundance. For those who aren’t quite ready to say goodbye to East Asia after a week’s exploration, ferry crossings to glorious South Korea offer a whole host of unforgettable sights.

A wish-list moment: Experience a traditional Japanese tea ceremony in the historic downtown district of Tokyo as an expert guide leads you through the intricate rituals of preparing and savouring matcha tea.

Our recommended tour - Japan Unveiled

 

 

Botswana 

Sustainability has always been at the front of our minds when putting together our tour packages, and that’s especially true of our safari offerings – as you take in the world’s finest natural landscapes, it’s hard not to think this way! With that in mind, few countries embody sustainable tourism quite like Botswana. With a clear focus on conservation to help preserve its impressive local wildlife for future generations and numerous opportunities to engage with local communities, the country is one of the most responsible travel destinations in the world.

A wish-list moment: Glide across the calm waters of the Chobe River as the sun goes down and marvel as its banks come alive with native game, from wallowing hippos to herds of elephants.

Our recommended tour - Ultimate Safari – Botswana, Victoria Falls & Zimbabwe

 

 

Discover the world with Newmarket Holidays in 2025 

The best part about this list – besides allowing us to fanaticise about our own travel plans – is that it barely scratches the surface. Whether you’d prefer to stay within reach of your home comforts or are ready to dive into a world a discovery further afield, there are a whole host of exciting new experiences to discover no matter where you look. Give one of our friendly holiday planners a call, or visit our website, to get the ball rolling on your next dream getaway.

Our recommended tours

 Plaza De Espana Seville
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Seville, Granada and Classic Spain
Spain
+ 2 More
  • Explore Granada's world-renowned Alhambra and its exquisite gardens on a guided tour
  • Stay in the heart of the ‘real’ Andalucia in the hills behind the sun-kissed Costa
  • Enjoy a full-day visit to Seville, the city of flamenco
  • 8 days from £914 pp

    was £1,075 pp

  • Dates Available

    February 2025 - November 2026

  • Duration

    8 days

  • Depart From

    13 airports

  • Excursions

    3 included

  • Meals

    7 included

Saranda, Albania
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Classic Albania - Land of the Eagle
Albania
+ 3 More
  • Discover the post-communist capital, Tirana, and its colourful past with a guided tour of its most historic landmarks
  • Explore authentic Albanian traditions with tours of coastal Vlorë and Berat, the ‘city of a thousand windows’
  • Walk in the steps of Albania’s national hero with visits to the Skanderbeg Museum, Krujë castle and historic Shkodër
  • 8 days from £1,145 pp

  • Dates Available

    April 2025 - October 2026

  • Duration

    8 days

  • Depart From

    4 airports

  • Excursions

    12 included

  • Meals

    7 included

Cappadocia, Turkey
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New
Istanbul & Cappadocia – Turkey's Historic Gems
Turkey
+ 6 More
  • Marvel at the treasures of Turkey’s Ottoman past with entrance to the elegant Topkapi and Dolmabahçe Palaces.
  • Marvel at the Roman and Byzantine heritage of Turkey’s former capital with stops at the pillared Basilica Cistern and famous hippodrome
  • Explore Istanbul’s diverse religious centres, from its iconic Blue Mosque to the opulent cloisters of the UNESCO-listed Hagia Sophia
  • 8 days from £2,409 pp

  • Dates Available

    September 2025 - October 2025

  • Duration

    8 days

  • Depart From

    4 airports

  • Excursions

    4 included

  • Meals

    10 included

Bamboo Forest in Japan
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Japan Unveiled
Japan
+ 5 More
  • Partake in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, an ancient and spiritual practice
  • Journey to the sacred eight natural springs and traditional thatched houses of Oshino and Lake Kawaguchi
  • Immerse yourself in the energy of Japan’s electrifying capital, Tokyo on a guided tour
  • 16 days from £4,782 pp

    was £5,625 pp

  • Dates Available

    March 2025 - November 2026

  • Duration

    16 days

  • Depart From

    1 airport

  • Excursions

    11 included

  • Meals

    15 included

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
BLACK FRIDAY SALE! SAVE 15%
New
Ultimate Safari - Botswana, Victoria Falls & Zimbabwe
Botswana, Zimbabwe
+ 3 More
  • Track the elusive ‘Big Five’ with six small-group game drives across three national parks
  • Catch your breath on Victoria Falls’ most impressive vistas with a scenic excursion to one of the seven wonders of the world
  • Marvel at the wonder of Edwardian engineering with an interactive visit to Victoria Falls Bridge
  • 14 days from £5,615 pp

  • Dates Available

    January 2026 - November 2027

  • Duration

    14 days

  • Depart From

    1 airport

  • Excursions

    15 included

  • Meals

    24 included

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