Senior Couple walking towards the Colosseum in Rome

Retirement Holidays

Escorted retirement travel

Whether you’ve just stepped into retirement or you’re settling into a well-earned new rhythm, travel has a wonderful way of enhancing this next chapter. Retirement doesn’t mean pressing pause. For many travellers, it’s the perfect moment to explore more deeply, linger a little longer, and say yes to the destinations they’ve always dreamed of. Now that the working day is behind you, there’s finally time to savour the journeys you once had to squeeze into your annual leave.

Our tours offer the perfect post-retirement trip, including flights, accommodation, transfers, guided excursions and the support of an experienced tour manager - so you can focus on enjoying your time away. With departures from regional UK airports and full ATOL and ABTA protection, every trip is organised and secure from start to finish.

If you’re looking for even more options tailored to mature travellers, explore our collection of holidays for seniors for further inspiration.

Retirement trip ideas and inspiration

Whether you dream of Italy’s lakes, Greece’s islands or the wildlife of South Africa, our travel ideas for those in retirement bring the world within reach. It’s a chance to travel at your pace, with no schedules to race back to and no emails waiting on your return.

With nearly four decades of experience in the travel industry, we’ve learnt exactly what makes a retirement trip memorable. Thoughtfully designed itineraries, knowledgeable tour managers, and the reassurance that every detail has been taken care of all contribute to a more relaxed, enriching experience.

Our holidays offer great value, trusted guidance and a relaxed way to see more of the world, together with like-minded people. Now, with the freedom to travel outside peak seasons and make the most of longer adventures - retirement becomes the perfect time to discover somewhere new, with Newmarket Holidays.

Featured holidays ideal for retirement travel

A Sprinter Mallaig Line train going along the railway in the Scottish Highlands
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Scottish Highland Railways
Scotland, United Kingdom
Discover the Scottish Highlands on a rail tour with Newmarket Holidays. Cross the Glenfinnan Viaduct and take a steam trip on Strathspey Railway.Best SellingRail+ 2 More
  • Rail travel from Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh - a truly spectacular ride through the remote northern Highlands and alongside Loch Carron
  • Cross the Glenfinnan Viaduct, as seen in the Harry Potter films, on a train ride from Fort William to Mallaig
  • Journey on the steam-hauled Strathspey Railway through unspoilt Highland scenery and alongside the River Spey
  • 5 days from £795 pp

    was £935 pp

    Flights included
  • Dates Available

    April 2026 - October 2027

  • Duration

    5 days

  • Depart From

    9 airports

  • Excursions & Visits

    12 included

  • Meals

    8 included

Panoramic view of Florence, Italy, with the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore rising amongst the terracotta rooftops
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Portofino, Florence and Tuscany
Italy
Spend a week in one of Tuscany's most celebrated spa-resorts and visit Portofino, Florence and Pisa on this wonderful escorted holiday to Italy.Best SellingFly Local+ 3 More
  • Visit Portofino, one of the Mediterranean's most exclusive corners
  • Spend a day in breath-taking Florence
  • Discover the wonderful cities of Pisa and Lucca
  • 8 days from £1,079 pp

    was £1,269 pp

    Flights included
  • Dates Available

    April 2026 - October 2027

  • Duration

    8 days

  • Depart From

    10 airports

  • Excursions & Visits

    6 included

  • Meals

    14 included

Sh 208811755 Stowe Community Church Stowe Vermont EDIT
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New England in the Fall
United States of America
Take a colourful journey from Manhattan Island to Boston and see the beautiful foliage of New England on this escorted holiday in the fall season.Best SellingIconic Landmarks+ 2 More
  • A drive along the glorious Kancamagus Highway
  • The delights of coastal Maine, including Ogunquit and exclusive Kennebunkport
  • Explore New York, the world’s most exciting city
  • 9 days from £2,082 pp

    was £2,449 pp

    Flights included
  • Dates Available

    October 2026 - October 2027

  • Duration

    9 days

  • Depart From

    2 airports

  • Excursions & Visits

    8 included

What’s included in our retirement-friendly tours

Choosing an escorted holiday with Newmarket Holidays means stepping into a journey shaped around ease, curiosity and the freedom to explore at your own pace, making them ideal for post-retirement travel.

Whether you're searching for relaxation, culture or a little of everything, hopefully our retirement trip ideas will help you find the perfect journey for this new chapter.

As well as including return flights from the UK (where applicable), and offering departures from a wide range of regional airports so you can start your break from somewhere convenient, making the beginning of your adventure smooth and stress-free, all our tours also benefit from:

Our 5 recommended small group tours

Places to stay that offer comfort, character and great locations; a welcoming base for your sightseeing, relaxation and new experiences

Couple Being Served On Train Through Canadian Rockies

Enjoy included excursions led by insightful local experts. These moments help you learn more, see more and make the most of your time away

Newmarket Holidays tour group and guide, Agra

Throughout your holiday, a dedicated tour manager is on hand to keep everything running seamlessly, answer questions and offer guidance

An elderly couple in straw hats sits side by side on a sandy beach, peacefully watching the calm ocean as the sun sets

Alongside guided tours, there’s time to go at your own pace — exploring an old town, enjoying a leisurely lunch, or soaking in the scenery

Our retirement-friendly tour packages

Zoomed out image of Glenfinnan Monument, with the view of Loch Shiel and the surrounding mountains
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The Best of the Scottish Highlands
Scotland, United Kingdom
Find out more about this Newmarket Holidays Scottish Highlands Holiday and book online with confidence.RailFly Local+ 2 More
  • Spot wildlife on a cruise on the Moray Firth
  • Go mythical monster hunting on a boat trip on Loch Ness
  • Marvel at the dramatic, 13th-century Dunrobin Castle and wander around its Versailles-inspired gardens.
  • 7 days from £1,060 pp

    was £1,325 pp

    Flights included
  • Dates Available

    March 2026 - October 2026

  • Duration

    7 days

  • Depart From

    4 airports

  • Excursions & Visits

    9 included

  • Meals

    8 included

Shutterstock 1498340774 Kylemore Abbey Connemara
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Galway, Connemara and Ireland's Stunning West
Ireland
Explore Ireland's beautiful west coast with Newmarket Holidays. Visit Galway, Connemara, and the stunning Cliffs of Moher. Book now with confidence.Fly LocalScenery & Nature
  • See the towering Cliffs of Moher and the lunar-like landscape of the Burren
  • Visit vibrant, colourful Galway City
  • Enjoy a leisurely cruise on the Killary Fjord
  • 6 days from £928 pp

    was £1,159 pp

    Flights included
  • Dates Available

    April 2026 - September 2027

  • Duration

    6 days

  • Depart From

    6 airports

  • Excursions & Visits

    6 included

  • Meals

    10 included

The Taj Mahal framed by an ornate archway, with green gardens in the foreground
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India - Tigers and the Taj Mahal
India
Explore Delhi, Agra and Jaipur, visit the Taj Mahal, and go on safari at Ranthambhore National Park in search of tigers on this action-packed holiday.Best SellingWildlife & Safari+ 3 More
  • On a guided tour, see the pavilions and palaces of Agra Fort and the famed monument of love, the UNESCO-listed Taj Mahal
  • Visit one of Delhi’s most famous and historical monuments, Qutub Minar
  • Travel by Jeep to the red sandstone ramparts of the sixth-century Amber Fort
  • 11 days from £1,412 pp

    was £1,765 pp

    Flights included
  • Dates Available

    May 2026 - November 2028

  • Duration

    11 days

  • Depart From

    6 airports

  • Excursions & Visits

    12 included

  • Meals

    22 included

Tourists observing an elephant on a game drive in Mabula Game Reserve, South Africa
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On Safari in South Africa - Mabula Lodge
South Africa
Discover and experience our escorted On Safari in South Africa at Mabula Lodge tour. Speak with our experts and book your Newmarket Holidays tour today.Best SellingFamily Friendly+ 3 More
  • Go in search of the Big Five on six included safaris into the Mabula Private Game Reserve
  • Enjoy an indulgent, all-inclusive stay at the award-winning Mabula Lodge with daily high teas, drinks and all meals included in the price
  • Enjoy an expert-led wildlife talk and fascinating bush walk
  • 10 days from £2,546 pp

    was £2,995 pp

    Flights included
  • Dates Available

    April 2026 - December 2028

  • Duration

    10 days

  • Depart From

    6 airports

  • Excursions & Visits

    10 included

  • Meals

    21 included

Boats on Lake Garda
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Lake Garda
Italy
Enjoy a taste of the Mediterranean along the sunny shores of idyllic Lake Garda. Take in its breathtaking lakes, mountains and elegant resorts.Scenery & NatureFamily Friendly+ 1 More
  • Enjoy an optional Grand Circular Tour of Lake Garda
  • Partake in an optional full-day tour of Venice
  • Relax and unwind beside the blue waters of Lake Garda
  • 8 days from £994 pp

    was £1,169 pp

    Flights included
  • Dates Available

    April 2026 - October 2026

  • Duration

    8 days

  • Depart From

    11 airports

  • Meals

    7 included

Red and black steam train heading towards the camera on a grassy hill on the coast of the Isle of Man, with a blue sky behind it
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Historic Railways of The Isle of Man
Isle of Man
Ride the historic railways of the Isle of Man with Newmarket Holidays. Enjoy a steam train experience on this fully escorted 4-night holiday. Book now.Best SellingRail+ 1 More
  • Take a trip on the Snaefell Mountain Railway
  • Explore historic Laxey, home of the world’s largest working waterwheel
  • Journey on the narrow-gauge Isle of Man Steam Railway
  • 5 days from £765 pp

    was £899 pp

    Flights included
  • Dates Available

    April 2026 - October 2027

  • Duration

    5 days

  • Depart From

    6 airports

  • Excursions & Visits

    8 included

  • Meals

    8 included

FAQs about our retirement holidays

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