The luxury specialist tour operator has acquired Alternative Escapes and its Alternative Aquitaine and Alternative Portugal brands.

The move will bolster Simpson’s 2019 programme with a range of new properties.

In France, new locations include Hossegot, Cap Ferret, Biarritz and Basque destinations in the Aquitaine region.

Meanwhile, in Portugal, Simpson will now have a presence in Tavira and along the Atlantic Silver Coast.

Alternative Aquitaine and Alternative Portugal will continue to operate as standalone brands.

Joint owners, Justin and Claire Ashby and Alex and Helen Spalding, will remain involved to ensure continuity during the transition.

Graham Simpson, chairman of Simpson Travel, said: “We are delighted to announce the news of this acquisition, which is a perfect fit for the Simpson brand.

“Since Simpson Travel’s launch in 2002, we have continually sought to offer our clients a handpicked choice of beautiful villas, and more recently boutique hotels, around Europe.

“We have a very loyal clientele, who love what we offer, and we are keen to keep expanding our choice of destinations.”

The joint owners added: “We think we have found a truly like-minded partner in Simpson Travel. From our very first meeting, we felt we had a lot in common and shared the same values.

“We’re thrilled to be joining the Simpson team and to see their passion for our beloved regions - Aquitaine and Portugal’s Silver Coast.”