Locations for culture vultures

Book signings in the medieval courtyard, debate in the Great Hall, relaxation in the gardens - Devon's Ways with Words literature festival takes place in 14th century Dartington Hall, less than two miles from Totnes in south Devon.

In its 11th year, the festival's impressive line-up of speakers includes Fay Weldon, Pat Barker and Fergal Keane, plus travel writers Jan Morris, Colin Thubron and Nicholas Crane. You can book a luxury room in the hall's medieval courtyard building, or a simple student room, with the advantage that you may be joined by a writer or two during meals served in the medieval dining room.

Or the brochure lists nearby hotels and guest houses. Five nights' half-board at the hall, including tickets, from £296 to £417. Three-day packages available, with individual tickets.

12-22 July. Nearest railway station: Totnes. Brochures/information on 01803 867373.

MOORISH LEARNINGS

On a six-day Patios and Palacios of Moorish Spain trip with Boxwood Tours you will be whisked to the gardens of Seville, Granada and Malaga as well as many lesser-known private gardens in the exotic landscape of southern Spain. Accommodation is in a converted cortijo (farmhouse) surrounded by orange groves and with a pool.

Tour hosts are gardener Michael Harvey and Blue Badge guide Isabel Wrench. Price of £1,200 (single supp £150) includes half-board, three lunches and drinks with meals at the cortijo.

28 September-3 October. Brochure on 01341 241717; www.boxwoodtours.co.uk

ASIA'S TREASURES

Babylon in Berlin is the title of a fourday tour taking in whole Greek temple façades, the Caliph's Palace at Mshatta, the lost Buddhist caves of Turfan in Chinese Turkestan, parts of palaces and Mesopotamian monuments - all among the great oriental collections of the German city.

Arranged and conducted by archaeologist Warwick Ball, the price of £646 (single supp £56) includes return flights to Berlin, hotel B&B, some evening meals, and museum entrance.

5-8 September. Call Warwick Ball on 01578 730361.