Highlights of Karnataka with Goa

Karnataka in southern India is a diverse state with vibrant cities, verdant hills, historical temples and lush plantations. Add friendly people and rich culture and you have a fascinating destination. This holiday takes in as many of these varied aspects as possible without overfilling your days, and finishes with time on a quiet bay in Goa for some valuable rest and relaxation.

History lovers will be in seventh heaven, with tours of Mysore city, the Hoysala temples of Belur and Halebidu and the World Heritage Site of Hampi, all led by expert guides. Nature lovers are well catered for too, as the holiday includes boat and jeep safaris in Nagarhole National Park, opportunities for nature walks and coracle rides and time in the lush Western Ghats. Culture vultures will love touring Bylakuppe, one of the largest Tibetan settlements outside Tibet, and will relish spending time at a home-stay with local family near Mysore.

Yes, it's full on, but not unrelenting, so you have several mornings and afternoons where nothing has been planned and you're free to relax by the pool, treat yourself to some pampering at the spa, or simply sit and enjoy the views, though there's plenty of extra activity if you want it. The trip ends in Goa, at a lovely family-run hotel made up of three villas on Dolphin Bay.

You cover a lot of ground during two weeks, but we believe travelling is all part of the experience. On this holiday you have the freedom of the road with your own driver and air conditioned vehicle, meaning you can travel when you want and stop when and where you wish, to take in local scenes and capture fine photographs that will bring back many memories when you are back at home.