As it approaches its centenary, APT continues to innovate its touring product with the launch of a brand-new Small Group Journeys travel style.   Designed by the operator’s specialist tours division, led by product expert, Laura Hughes, who joined APT as its first dedicated Touring Product Manager in December 2023, this collection of itineraries will offer groups of up to 16 guests a deeper immersion into the culture, food and local experiences in some of the world’s most exciting destinations.   Initially, APT is launching Small Group Journeys with three distinct itineraries in India. Operating between October 2024 and December 2025, the new trips will showcase India’s most incredible sights in comfort and style.   Guests can watch the sunrise over the Taj Mahal, hand select ingredients for a cooking lesson on a chef-led tour of spice-scented markets, and search for tigers in Ranthambore National Park. Adventurous experiences are complemented by local dining experiences; luxurious, boutique and unique accommodations; and free time to explore.   APT’S INAUGURAL SMALL GROUP JOURNEYS:   The 15-day Southern India – Quest of the Senses itinerary, from Chennai to Kochi, costs from £3,995 per person and includes accommodation, transport, 27 meals, sightseeing and expert local guides. Highlights include a dive into ‘Pondi’ culinary history with a chef-led market visit where guests will select fresh local produce to prepare in a Creole cooking class, an Ayurvedic massage in Kumarakom, and cruising Kerala’s beautiful backwaters on a traditional houseboat.   The 16-day Northern India - West to East Odyssey itinerary, Delhi return, costs from £4,495 per person, and includes accommodation, transport, 23 meals, sightseeing and expert local guides. Highlights include crafting a personalised fragrance in Delhi, enjoying homemade food in a local family’s home in Jaipur, the atmospheric changing of the guards at the Wagah border between India and Pakistan, and the sights and sounds of an Aarti from the banks of the Ganges.   The 14-day Northern India - Sensory Marvels of Rajasthan itinerary, Delhi return, costs from £3,995 per person, and includes accommodation, transport, 24 meals, sightseeing and expert local guides. Highlights include a ‘Pink City Rickshaw Co.’ tour of Jaipur, an environmentally friendly e-rickshaw tour of the city as part of a project that is creating sustainable livelihoods and economic independence for 200 local women; a local immersion in Jaipur on a visit to a local family’s home, where you can share a meal in traditional Indian dress; and a romantic evening boat cruise in Udaipur.   Laura Hughes, APT’s Touring Product Manager, said:   “Unveiling the first itineraries from our new collection of Small Group Journeys is the proud culmination of months of work to bring APT’s exciting new travel style to market. Complementing the investment that our owners are making to elevate our river cruises, we’re delighted to reveal that touring is getting the same treatment. Almost a century ago, APT was founded on the quality of its guided holidays. For nine decades the brand has remained a global leader in touring by balancing product innovations with a consistent, gold-standard level of service. We continue this legacy with the launch of our Small Group Journeys, keeping APT’s touring product as fresh and appealing as it was 100-years ago.”   For more information please visit www.aptouring.co.uk.   Agents can access more information from the APT Agent Club at www.APTAgentClub.co.uk.