Gateway to discovery - 2019 TOUR PROGRAM - Academy Travel
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2019 TOUR PROGRAM
Gateway to
discovery
academytravel.com.au
new tours
Siberia & the Stockholm to Vienna Greece by
Russian Far East St Petersburg to Venice land and sea
35 36 37 41
Opera in Italian Summer Melbourne French Canada
Northern Italy Music Festivals Private Homes & New England
45 50 63 69
Mexico Guatemala, Christmas Istanbul
Honduras & Belize in New York Study Tour
72 73 75 82
2
contents
Gateway to discovery Italy 12
Europe 23
Dear Academy Traveller,
Music & Theatre 42
We’re delighted to present the full range of tours available from January to
December 2019. This brochure outlines 70 different tours, travelling to 38 Asia 52
different countries on five continents. This is an unrivalled range of tours
and destinations for an Australian-based, small group cultural tour company. Australia & New Zealand 59
Behind the diversity of our tours however there lies a consistency of The Americas 65
philosophy and a consistency of approach. Academy Travel’s tours explore
distinct themes, including history, archaeology, the visual arts, architecture,
Africa & The Middle East 76
music and stage performance. Tours are designed and led by acknowledged Study Tours 80
experts in their fields, keen to share their knowledge, passion and
experience with a like-minded group of travellers. 2020 Tour Program 84
Look out for the various styles of tour that we offer. Travellers wanting Tour Index 86
maximum depth and a relaxed pace should think about our residential
and study tours, with long stays, regular background lectures, and time for Visit our website
individual exploration. Academy Travel is the market leader in this style of Our website
tour. If you love archaeology and ancient history, look for our tours to the contains
Mediterranean basin, central Asia and Mesoamerica. And if the performing detailed
arts are your thing, there’s a range of classical music and opera tours, with itineraries,
carefully selected performances designed to appeal to connoisseurs, as well maps and tour
as several tours to New York, with theatre, fine music and great dining. leader profiles.
Our site also
The backbone of our program is a range of tried-and-tested tours to features an online
destinations favoured by cultural travellers, such as Italy, Germany, Egypt, booking form.
academytravel.com.au
Spain, Portugal, Greece, the islands of the Mediterranean and to the world’s
great cultural capitals: Berlin, Paris, London, New York, Rome and Venice. But More information
we’re always adding new destinations to tempt regular Academy Travellers Detailed itineraries for
and keep ahead of trends in cultural travel. Page two opposite lists some of all tours are available
these new tours, including new destinations and new ways of approaching by calling us or by
more traditional ones. downloading from
our website.
This brochure, and the tours it describes, are gateways to discovery – keys academytravel.com.au
to unlocking the endless fascination of our world, its people, history and
cultures. We hope you find a tour that’s right for you. Sold out tours (not listed)
Egypt: from the Great Pyramid
Robert Veel, Director to Abu Simbel
On behalf of the Academy Travel team January 2019, with Lucia Gahlin
Japan Unmasked: art, history & culture
May 2019, with Dr Kathleen Olive
Uzbekistan & Turkmenistan:
a journey through central Asia
May 2019, with Ben Churcher
tailored small
Front: Gate of All Nations, also known as the
group Journeys Gate of Xerxes, Persepolis, Iran
Inset: Frida Kahlo’s Self Portrait with Bonito, 1941
› Expert tour leaders Brochure production: Damien Flint
› Maximum 20 in a group Design: Pro Bono Publico
› Carefully planned itineraries Tour Product Managers: Stuart Barrie, Robina
Frosinini, Nick Gordon, Hannah Kleboe, Matthew
Laing, Mark Lalor, Royna McNamara, Kathleen Olive
and Robert Veel.
Web: academytravel.com.au I Call: 9235 0023 (1800 639 699 outside Sydney) I Email: info@academytravel.com.au 3
Why choose
academy travel? There are lots of tour operators out there, with
lots of tempting offerings. So why choose us?
Great Like-minded Long
itineraries groups stays
Academy Travel works hard to create Over the years we’ve been in Feedback from our clients
itineraries that provide a balanced operation, we’ve developed a loyal consistently tells us that creating
experience – walking tours, museum band of Academy Travellers, some itineraries with three and four-night
and gallery visits, live performances, of whom have travelled with us stops, or even longer, is far more
city and countryside. We’re proud more than 10 times. They say the appealing that rushing from place
to be constantly innovating, from small groups (maximum 20, average to place. Wherever possible, we plan
opening up new destinations, creating 17) and distinct themes of our our tours around a limited number
tours around festivals and special tours attract like-minded travellers of stops, making your travels more
exhibitions, to providing unrivalled and create a relaxed, convivial relaxed and more meaningful.
depth in our residential tours. atmosphere.
“What a wonderful trip! Venice
“The tour was excellent in all “I really enjoyed the tour – good for 15 days was an outstanding
respects, organisation and company, fantastic architecture, experience, with a good balance
preparation were superb. The tour accommodation and an excellent bet ween different activities.
leader was excellent and the tour tour leader.” It was my third time to Venice
manager was always cheerful, – Frank Lloyd Wright: Chicago to New but the first time to most of the
positive and very well organised. York, May 2017. museums and many of the other
An amazing experience.” places. The hotel was a good
– Gardens of Southern England, choice, being right in the middle
June 2018. of everything but quiet.”
– Venice: City, Republic & Empire,
October 2017.
4 Maximum 20 in a group I Carefully planned itineraries I Expert tour leaders
Special Expert tour Years of
Events leaders experience
A private viewing of the Sistine We work closely with a team of Academy Travel was founded in 2004
Chapel? Tickets to a sold-out concert academically qualified and highly by a team with decades of prior
by the Berlin Philharmonic? A world- experienced tour leaders. They don’t experience in small group travel. On
famous art fair? Access to private just ‘rattle off the facts’ – they help average, our tour leaders have over
homes and gardens? Behind-the- us plan our itineraries and, on tour, 11 years’ experience, some with 25
scenes visits? Many of our tours freely share their deep knowledge or more years. To ensure quality, we
feature access to places and events and genuine passion. Most of our have our own office in Rome, Italy
that are usually not offered on tour leaders are still teaching at an and a network of trusted suppliers
most group tours. advanced level and many are still around the world.
undertaking academic research.
“I didn’t want the tour to “For many years Academy Travel
end! It was such a wonderful “I thought this tour, my first has been my ‘tour operator’
introduction to New York – a with Academy, was excellent, of choice. I have recommended
city I had not visited. Matthew’s made so by the combined the company to many friends
comments, notes, talks, knowledge and experience of and they all have agreed the
humour and choices of theatre, the tour leaders. All up, the most attention to detail and choice
restaurants and excursions made professional tour I have done.” of tour leaders is superior.”
this such an exciting, memorable – Puglia to Pompeii, March 2018. – New York: music, theatre, art & food,
experience. I’m still on a high, the March 2018.
group was such fun.”
– New York: music, theatre, art & food,
March 2018.
Web: academytravel.com.au I Call: 9235 0023 (1800 639 699 outside Sydney) I Email: info@academytravel.com.au 5
Our experts
lead the way
Academy Travel’s team of expert tour leaders offers
genuine academic expertise, enthusiasm and the ability
to communicate their knowledge to interested travellers.
FIND OUT MORE
Chloe Sayer Dr Chris Carter
Has conducted extensive research and Has an Honours and Master’s degree in
fieldwork on traditional crafts and archaeology and has recently completed
textiles throughout Mexico. Chloe lived a PhD. He has led tours to Central and
and worked in Mexico for many years. South America for over 20 years.
Upcoming tour: Page 72 Upcoming tours: Pages 68 &73
Elena Ortega Dr Estelle Lazer
Holds degrees from the University of Is an archaeologist who has worked on
Sydney and the National Art School. site at Pompeii for seven seasons and
Born in Zaragoza, she lived for many has an international reputation for her
years in Granada. research on the city’s skeletal remains.
Upcoming tour: Page 26 Upcoming tour: Page 15
Dr Jenny Lawless Dr John Tidmarsh
Has led tours to Turkey, Greece and Iran. Is the former president of the University
Jenny has been awarded a Churchill of Sydney’s Near Eastern Archaeology
Fellowship and a NSW Premier’s History Foundation, and a former lecturer
Prize for her research and writing. in the Department of Archaeology.
Upcoming tours: Page 27 & 82 Upcoming tours: Pages 41 & 79
Lindy Montgomery Lucia Gahlin
Is a graduate of both the University of Is a UK-based Egyptologist with a wealth
Sydney and the Sydney Conservatorium of experience as an educator, researcher,
of Music, where she taught musicology archaeologist and museum curator.
for 13 years. She has led tours to Egypt since 1994.
Upcoming tour: Page 43 Upcoming tour: Page 77
Dr Michael Adcock Michael Carr
Is a social and cultural historian who Has Honours in Art and Law from ANU
specialises in the art and history of and over 20 years’ experience as an
France. He has led several highly art collector and historian, previously
successful tours to Paris. opening a art dealership in Moscow.
Upcoming tour: Page 81 Upcoming tour: Page 24
Robert Gay Robert Veel
Is one of Australia’s leading music tour Holds a Bachelor of Arts and Masters of
leaders and music educators. He has led Education. He is a director of Academy
more than 90 performance-based tours Travel and leads tours to Europe,
to Europe and the US. Scandinavia, the US & Australia.
Upcoming tours: Pages 45, 46, 48, 49 & 51 Upcoming tours: Pages 16, 18, 22, 36 & 53
Dr Sophie Stuart Barrie
Oosterwijk Is a director of Academy Travel and
Is a Dutch art historian who specialises has over 30 years’ experience in travel,
in Medieval, Flemish and Dutch art. including leading groups through Western
Europe, Russia and the United States.
Upcoming tours: Page 30
Upcoming tours: Page 74
6 Maximum 20 in a group I Carefully planned itineraries I Expert tour leaders
Ann MacArthur Ben Churcher
Holds a Bachelor of Arts in East Asian Has a wide range of experience as an
Studies and speaks fluent Japanese. educator, and an archaeologist. Since
She has over 20 years experience as a 1994 Ben has led tours to Jordan,
museum educator. Greece, Syria, Egypt, China & Morocco.
Upcoming tour: Page 56 Upcoming tour: Page 57
Christopher Christopher MEnz
Bradley Is a former Director of the Art Gallery
Specialises in the history and art of of SA. He has published extensively
North Africa and Arabia. on the decorative arts and is a regular
contributor to Australian Book Review.
Upcoming tour: Page 58
Upcoming tours: Pages 29, 44 & 62
Gerald Deslandes Dr Jeni Ryde
Is a former curator and cultural Has a wide-ranging knowledge of
historian with a BA from Cambridge Italian history and cultural traditions.
University, and has led more than Jeni has a PhD focusing on tourism,
50 tours to Europe and the UK. heritage and Renaissance studies.
Upcoming tour: Page 17 Upcoming tours: Pages 14, 25, 26, 28 & 40
Judy Tenzing Dr Kathleen Olive
Has a degree in South Asian History. Has a PhD in Italian Studies, speaks
She has a lifelong passion for travel fluent Italian and lectures on the art,
and over 30 years’ experience as a tour history and culture of Europe. Kathleen
leader on the sub-continent and in Asia. has an outstanding knowledge of Italy.
Upcoming tour: Page 55 Upcoming tours: Pages 13, 17, 25, 60 & 83
Dr Matthew Dr Matthew Laing
Dal Santo Is a historian and political scientist with
Is a writer, historian and foreign affairs a PhD from ANU. Matthew leads tours to
commentator, with a focus on Russia. the United States and Scandinavia and
lectures for Academy Travel.
Upcoming tours: Pages 35 & 38
Upcoming tours: Pages 33,66,67,69,70,71 & 75
Michael Turner Dr Nick Gordon
Is a garden historian and lecturer. Has a University Medal and a PhD in
He is the former Senior Curator of the history and lectures on European art.
Nicholson Museum at the University Nick is also a practising painter and
of Sydney. brings this passion to the visual arts.
Upcoming tours: Pages 19, 31 & 34 Upcoming tours: Pages 20, 21, 32, 37, 61, 63 & 64
Dr RosAMUND Royna McNamara
Bartlett Is a musician, educator & conductor.
Is a cultural historian with a deep She has a passion for travel and has
knowledge of western history and music. spent extended periods of time working
and travelling in Spain and Italy.
Upcoming tours: Page 47
Upcoming tours: Page 50
Sue Rollin Thomas Abbott
Holds degrees in Near Eastern history Holds a degree in art history, specialising
and archaeology, South Asian studies in the architecture of Berlin, the art of
and interpreting. Sue has led tours in 18th-century Germany and the Bauhaus.
India, Central Asia and the Middle East. He has led many tours in Germany.
Upcoming tours: Page 78 Upcoming tours: Page 39
Web: academytravel.com.au I Call: 9235 0023 (1800 639 699 outside Sydney) I Email: info@academytravel.com.au 7
Tour Each of our tours is specifically designed around a distinctive historical,
Themes
artistic or cultural theme, allowing you to explore your passion for
archaeology, music, painting, design or landscape. Use the symbols listed
on each page as an easy reference to find a tour that’s right for you.
Archaeology & Music Fine Arts
Ancient History & Theatre & Design
Qualified and experienced Enjoy great seats to opera and From Renaissance masterpieces to
archaeologists design and lead our orchestral music in the grand the contemporary scene, indulge
in-depth surveys of ancient cultures theatres of London, the United your passion for the visual arts on
and pre-historic sites around the States and Europe, or catch the latest our fine art and design themed
Mediterranean, Middle East & North Broadway plays on our carefully tours, exploring both masterpieces
Africa and in Central Asia. curated performing-arts tours. from the past and cutting-edge
contemporary.
Garden Residential SMALL SHIP
Tours Tours TOURS
Delight your senses as history, Unpack your bags and get to know Our land+cruise itineraries combine
landscape and design come together the world’s great cities in depth on overland travel with a 6-9 night cruise
on our select range of garden tours our residential tours. Extended stays on a select range of comfortable
to the UK and Europe, covering in cities such as Rome, Paris, Venice, 40-90 berth ships. We only select
everything from Renaissance villas New York, London and Berlin. cruise itineraries with a strong
to 20th-century creations. historical or artistic component.
8 Maximum 20 in a group I Carefully planned itineraries I Expert tour leaders
Itineraries, Bookings
& Airfares
Client services Fitness TOUR Booking
team Requirements process
Each of our tours has a dedicated, We have assigned a star grading to We’ve tempted you with one of our
professional consultant who will each tour to give you an indication of tours, so what happens next?
manage all aspects of your booking. the level of physical fitness required for
participation. Academy Travel’s tours Detailed itineraries
We can organise your international
tend to feature extended walking For each tour, we publish a detailed
flights, additional travel before or after
tours and site visits, which require itinerary providing day-by-day
your tour, private airport transfers and
greater fitness than coach touring. descriptions of the tour program and
travel insurance. Your consultant is
other important information. This is
your one-stop point of reference for Grade one published 12 months before departure.
all matters relating to your travel.
Grade One tours are appropriate for
If you are interested in a tour, get in travellers in good health with good Booking on a tour
touch with one of our consultants mobility. You should be able to participate Each person booking on a tour must
below on 02 9235 0023 or 1800 639 699 comfortably in up to three hours of complete and sign a booking form and
outside of Sydney. physical activity per day on most days. send it to us together with a deposit of
$500. Booking forms can be downloaded
Grade two from our website, or you can book online
Grade Two tours are designed for at academytravel.com.au
Lynsey Martin
people who lead active lives and can
Groups administrator Welcome letter and updates
lynsey@academytravel.com.au
comfortably participate in up to five
hours of physical activity per day on Once we have received your booking,
most days, including challenging we will send you a letter confirming all
archaeological sites and a more details of your booking and any special
Hannah Kleboe demanding tour schedule with one requests. We will keep you updated on
Groups travel manager night stops or several internal flights. other matters as they arise.
hannah@academytravel.com.au
Grade three Pre-departure
Grade Three tours are our most About a month before your tour
physically demanding. To participate begins we’ll send you a comprehensive
Kathy Wardrop on these tours, you should be able to package with your travel documents,
Groups travel manager comfortably undertake in up to seven tour notes and practical information.
kathy@academytravel.com.au hours of physical activity per day, over
several days.
A note for older travellers
Jamal Fairbrother
If you are more than 80 years old, or
Groups travel manager
jamal@academytravel.com.au have restricted mobility, you will find a
number of our itineraries challenging.
Grade Three tours are unsuitable for
travellers more than 80 years old,
unless you are exceptionally fit. We
ask travellers more than 80 years
old to contact Academy Travel before
submitting a booking form, so that we
can outline the physical requirements
of the tour.
Web: academytravel.com.au I Call: 9235 0023 (1800 639 699 outside Sydney) I Email: info@academytravel.com.au 9
Why we Choose to travel
with Academy travel...
“We have been friends since our teens and frequent travel companions
ever since. Our shared love of travel has taken us to many parts of
the world, mostly under our own steam.
Ten years ago, after researching how to get the most out of a visit to
Pompeii, we decided that this fascinating site would best be appreciated
as part of a specialist group tour. Luckily for us we discovered Academy
Travel and its Bay of Naples tour and we haven’t looked back since.
The qualities we enjoyed on that first trip have been maintained on all
our subsequent tours with Academy Travel: amazingly knowledgeable
tour leaders who bring the history to life with well-timed talks, the
provision of excellent dining experiences (a memorable seafood meal
on the island of Ischia has yet to be beaten) and fantastic boutique
hotels located in the heart of the cities.
Travelling with a friend on an Academy Travel tour has many
advantages. The twin rooms have always been of good size, you have
someone to share the moment with then later reminisce about those
wonderful sights, memorable meals and, of course, the ongoing
interest in the places you have been. We are hooked!”
Diane Augee and Julie Lawrence.
Since 2007, Diane and Julie have enjoyed five tours with Academy Travel.
Academy Travellers Diane Augee and Julie Lawrence
at Villa Balbianello, overlooking Lake Como, Italy.Tours to Italy
Academy Travel began by offering small-group cultural tours to Italy, and these
remain a cornerstone of our operations. Our most popular itineraries include
Sicily, Puglia to Pompeii and across northern Italy – all difficult to access for the
independent traveller. Equally sought-after are our in-depth ‘residential’ visits to
Rome, Venice and Florence, which offer an unrivalled chance to get to know these
major centres of history, art and architecture.
FIND OUT
MORE
The Doge’s Palace, VeniceArt Cities of Tuscany
Pisa, Siena & Florence
$6,980 pp, twin share
$1,240 single supplement January 7-21, 2019
Experience
• The art and culture of medieval Tuscany,
far beyond what most tourists see
• Tuscany’s glorious small towns,
villages, monasteries and villas – each
one different from the other, each one
beautiful, atmospheric and compelling
• Renaissance masterworks by Donatello,
Michelangelo, Leonardo and Botticelli
• Tuscany beyond Florence, from Pisa’s
maritime excellence to Siena’s Gothic
glories
• The rise of the Medici in Florence, their
power and enduring artistic legacy
• Regional diversity in landscape, FIND OUT
gastronomy, art and architecture MORE
Overview
Travellers flock to the cities and towns of Tuscany to admire the world’s greatest
concentration of medieval and Renaissance art, but rarely devote sufficient time to fully
appreciate its technical brilliance and intellectual richness. Unpack your bags and enjoy
longer stays in Pisa, Siena and Florence on this new 15-day tour exploring the region’s
economic and cultural flowering in the Middle Ages, and its rise to European super-power
with the Medici. Tuscany’s simple, seasonal cuisine is at its best in winter, when there are
also fewer visitors and the weather is generally mild.
Highlights Your tour leader
> World-class art in Florence’s Uffizi and Dr Kathleen Olive
Accademia, Siena’s Pinacoteca and Pisa’s “Kathleen Olive does a great job –
spectacular Museo di San Matteo so knowledgeable, so experienced,
> Beautiful villages and atmospheric abbeys, considerate, generous and fun to be
from Lucca and San Gimignano to San with.” – Masterpieces of Florence and Rome,
Galgano and Monte Oliveto Maggiore January 2017.
> Explore the careers of major Renaissance
artists: Piero della Francesca in Arezzo,
Getting there
Masaccio in the Brancacci Chapel, Filippo Qatar Airways and Emirates offer flights into
Lippi in Prato cities suitable for this tour. Contact us for
> Elegant Siena: time to shop and enjoy the quotes and bookings.
evening passeggiata over four nights
> Savour Tuscany without the tourist hordes:
winter cuisine, wine tastings in stunning
contemporary settings, uncrowded museums
Fitness requirement
Itinerary
Days 1–3: Explore Pisa. Day trip to Lucca.
Pistoia
Days 4–7: Visit Volterra and San Gimignano.
Prato
Discover Siena’s art and architecture, atmospheric Lucca Fiesole
abbeys at San Galgano and Monte Oliveto Florence (7)
Pisa (3)
Maggiore, Renaissance Pienza. Bargino
Day 8: Investigate Piero della Francesca in Arezzo.
Days 9–11: Contemplate Florentine sculpture from San Gimignano
the Middle Ages to Renaissance. Follow the rise of Arezzo
the Medici in San Lorenzo and San Marco. Enjoy Volterra
Siena (4)
day trips to Prato and Pistoia.
Days 12–15: Admire world-class art in Florence’s
Uffizi and Accademia. Survey Fiesole’s Etruscan ITALY
Pienza
and Roman heritage. Enjoy Tuscany’s resurgence
at a stunning contemporary winery.
Web: academytravel.com.au I Call: 9235 0023 (1800 639 699 outside Sydney) I Email: info@academytravel.com.au 13Sicily
Siracusa, Agrigento & Palermo
$6,450 pp, twin share
January 17-29, 2019 $1,150 single supplement
Discover
• The history, art and architecture of
Sicily, showcasing more than 3,000
years of Mediterranean civilisation
• The island’s rich classical heritage at
some of Europe’s best preserved Greek
and Roman archaeological sites
• Palermo’s extraordinary history, where
medieval Arab and Norman rule is
seen today in distinctive art and
architecture
• Varied and dramatic landscapes, from
active volcanoes to rugged seaside
cliffs and pristine coastlines
FIND OUT • The benefits of low-season travel,
MORE with fewer visitors and mild weather
Overview
Sicily has been one of the most sought-after places in the Mediterranean. Phoenicians, Greeks,
Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Normans and Spaniards have each settled here, making it one of
the most culturally dense and diverse regions of modern Italy. The setting for this long and
distinctive history is unmatched – the towering volcano of Mount Etna, rolling hillsides in the
interior and the dramatic coastline. Discover the beauty, history and culture of Sicily – from
ancient cities and Greek temples, to Norman mosaics and elegant baroque towns – on this new
13-day tour, timed to take advantage of low-season visitor numbers and mild weather.
Your tour leader Highlights
Dr Jeni Ryde > Exceptionally well-preserved Greek and
“Jeni Ryde was a most enthusiastic Roman archaeological sites in Siracusa,
and caring leader. She always Agrigento and Taormina
ensured that we knew where we > The exuberant ‘Sicilian Baroque’ architecture
were by providing appropriate maps. She also of Siracusa and Noto
made useful suggestions for activities in our > Delightful 4th-century mosaics in the palatial
spare time.” – Grand Tour of Spain, April 2017. Roman villa at Piazza Armerina
Getting there > Agrigento’s ‘Valley of the Temples,’ including
some of the world’s finest surviving
Emirates offers the best connections to examples of Greek architecture
Rome. Contact us for quotes and bookings.
> The remarkable medieval Arab-Norman
architecture of Palermo
> UNESCO World Heritage-listed mosaics in
Monreale and in Palermo’s Palatine Chapel
Fitness requirement
Itinerary
Days 1–5: Take a group flight from Rome. Arrive
in Siracusa; tour the remarkable archaeological
Palermo (6) park and museum, and admire striking baroque
architecture here and in nearby Noto and Ragusa.
Segesta
Cefalu Take day trips to Taormina and Catania. Enjoy a
Nero d’Avola wine tasting.
Sicily Taormina
Day 6: Travel to Agrigento to survey the
Catania
impressive Greek temples, with an excursion to
Agrigento (1)
the Roman villa at Piazza Armerina to admire the
well-preserved mosaics.
Siracusa (5) Days 7–13: The tour ends in Palermo, exploring
Ragusa
Noto the city’s fascinating heritage and enjoying visits
to Monreale cathedral, the Norman Palace and its
Palatine Chapel. Take day trips to Cefalù, Segesta
and Marsala.
14 Maximum 20 in a group I Carefully planned itineraries I Expert tour leadersPuglia to Pompeii
Classical Southern Italy
$8,370 pp, twin share
March 21 – April 6, 2019
$1,750 single supplement October 17 – November 1, 2019
Explore
• The history and classical archaeology
of southern Italy, from the Greek
colonists at Paestum to the Romans
at Pompeii and Herculaneum
• Thousands of years of foreign rule
and cultural influence, from the Arabs
and Normans in the Middle Ages, to
the Aragonese, Spanish and Bourbons
in the modern era
• Stunning natural beauty, from MORE
rugged mountain ranges to dazzling MAR/APR
Mediterranean coastlines
• The prized regional culinary traditions
of southern Italy MORE
OCT/NOV
Overview
Take ‘the road less travelled’ through Puglia and Basilicata and on to the stunning scenery
and renowned archaeological sites of the Bay of Naples. This tour begins with the fascinating
history of southern Italy, from the cave-dwelling people of Matera to ancient Greek colonies,
Norman castles and cathedrals, and elegant Southern Baroque architecture in Lecce. It then
continues to the Bay of Naples, justly lauded in antiquity for its superb scenery and relaxed
lifestyle, and today a wonderland of art and archaeology, from Pompeii and Herculaneum to
Caravaggio and his followers.
Highlights Your tour leader
> The medieval castles and cathedrals of Puglia, Dr Estelle Lazer
built by Norman and German rulers “I cannot say strongly enough how
> The battlefield of Cannae, where Hannibal much we learned from Estelle. She
defeated the Romans in 216 BC worked so hard to make the tour a
> The unique ‘sassi’ cave dwellings in the success.” – Sicily & the Aeolian Islands, Oct 2017.
ancient city of Matera, one of Italy’s most
remote cities
Getting there
> The hidden artistic and architectural gems of Emirates offers the best connections to
Naples, seen by relatively few tourists Rome. Contact us for quotes and bookings.
> Europe’s premier archaeological sites,
including Paestum, Pompeii, Herculaneum
and Oplontis
> Capodimonte, the Bourbon royal palace
housing a remarkable collection
of fine art
Fitness requirement
Itinerary
Days 1–3: Take a group flight from Rome. Arrive
in Lecce, explore the town, Otranto and Brindisi. Italy
Days 4–5: Tour Taranto, see the ‘sassi’ of Matera. Rome
Days 6–8: In Trani, visit Roman and medieval Trani (3)
sites and sections of the Appian Way.
Days 9–11: Travel to Vietri sul Mare and spend Brindisi
Naples (5)
a day at Paestum. Drive part of the Amalfi Coast Matera (2)
Paestum Lecce (3)
to the hill-top town of Ravello. Vietri sul Mare (3)
Days 12–16/17: Explore the city of Naples,
including the National Archaeological Museum.
Visit key archaeological sites at Pompeii,
Herculaneum and Oplontis, as well as
Capodimonte.
Optional post-tour extension to Capri and Amalfi.
Web: academytravel.com.au I Call: 9235 0023 (1800 639 699 outside Sydney) I Email: info@academytravel.com.au 15Venice
City, Republic & Empire
$7,730 pp, twin share
March 27 – April 10, 2019 $1,960 single supplement
Explore
• The history of Venice and its key role
in the Mediterranean during the
Crusades and the Renaissance
• The unique art and architecture of
Venice, visiting centuries-old sites
and world-class museums
• The all-important and all-
encompassing relationship between
Venice and the sea
• The excellent food and wine of the
Veneto region, from sparkling prosecco
to excellent seafood
• The Renaissance architecture of Andrea
FIND OUT Palladio, from Venice to Vicenza
MORE
Overview
Unpack your bags for 15 days and discover the city that ruled the Mediterranean for 1,000
years. From a family-run four-star hotel just a few minutes from St Mark’s Square, this tour
explores the art, history and culture of Venice, and uncovers the depth of Venice’s influence with
day trips to Ravenna, Padua and the Palladian villas of the Veneto. The tour also takes in quiet
lagoon islands, including Byzantine Torcello and Armenian San Lazzaro, and dines at some of
Venice’s best restaurants. The off-season travel period means fewer crowds and cruise ships.
Your tour leader Highlights
Robert Veel > A legendary lunch at Locanda Cipriani
“This was our second tour under on the island of Torcello
Robert’s leadership and, once again, > Glittering 5th and 6th-century mosaics
he did not disappoint. His knowledge in Ravenna, echoes of the Ostrogoths
of Italian art, architecture, culture and and of Byzantium
history is well renowned. This combined with > The baroque surrounds of opera
his charm and ease of interaction with all at Venice’s rebuilt La Fenice
tour members made this tour a memorable > The colours of Carpaccio, Bellini, Titian and
experience.” – Lakes & Villas of Northern Veronese in palaces and churches
Italy, May 2018.
> The most complete cycle of Giotto’s work,
Getting there in Padua’s Scrovegni Chapel
Emirates has daily flights from most > Outstanding contemporary art at the
Australian cities to Venice, via Dubai. Ca’ d’Oro and the Punta della Dogana
Contact us for quotes and bookings. > Harmonious Palladian villas of the Connect this tour with
Renaissance in and around Vicenza xx on page xx
Fitness requirement
Itinerary
Days 1–3: Orient yourself with a trip around the
Vicenza lagoon, to Burano and Torcello, and visits to key
state history museums.
Venice (14) Day 4: Day trip to Ravenna.
Day 5: Explore medieval and early Renaissance
Padua Venice – the world of the merchants and Crusades.
Day 6: Day trip to Padua.
Days 7–10: Tour the Ghetto’s synagogues, admire
ITALY
fine art in the Accademia, Frari and Scuola di San
Rocco. Baroque exuberance in fine house museums.
Ravenna Day 11: Day trip to Vicenza and Palladio’s villas.
Days 12–15: Modern art at the Guggenheim, glass
on Murano. The islands of San Lazzaro and San
Giorgio Maggiore.
16 Maximum 20 in a group I Carefully planned itineraries I Expert tour leadersSicily & the Aeolian Islands
Jewels of the Mediterranean
$8,870 pp, twin share
March 29 – April 14, 2019
$1,680 single supplement September 20 – October 6, 2019
Discover
• The thriving colonies of the ancient
Greek world – wealthy, cultured
centres of literature and art
• Ancient Phoenician, Carthaginian and
Roman societies, and their struggle
to control the Mediterranean
• The lasting legacy of medieval Arab and
Norman rule, expressed in the impressive
mosaics and architecture of Palermo
• The distinctive period of Sicilian MORE
Baroque architecture MAR/APR
• Dramatic countryside, including active
volcanoes and rugged limestone cliffs
• The natural beauty and traditional MORE
lifestyle of the Aeolian Islands SEP/OCT
Overview
Sicily and the Aeolian Islands have a remarkable history and culture that is a blend of
Mediterranean civilisations. From the well-preserved remains of Greek and Roman cities and
temples, to Norman cathedrals with fine Byzantine mosaics and Arab-influenced cuisine, the
island’s unique and varied history is tangible. This 17-day tour has been designed to give the
first-time visitor an overview of Sicily’s diverse and fascinating past, its art and traditions, and
shows how the extraordinary landscape – volcanoes, rugged coastlines
and the jewel-like sea – has shaped the island’s vibrant history and culture.
Highlights Your tour leaders
> A scenic private boat trip of the Aeolian Gerald Deslandes (March)
Islands, from Lipari to Stromboli and Panarea Gerald joins our program in 2019.
> Outstanding archaeological museums in Gerald is a former curator and cultural
Siracusa, Agrigento and Lipari historian.
> The Sicilian Baroque architecture of Noto Dr Kathleen Olive (September)
and Ragusa that evolved in the 17th and “The tour was excellent and had
18th centuries a good variety to the schedule.
> The exceptionally well-preserved Kathleen is an exceptional tour
4th-century mosaics in the imperial leader and her knowledge is second to none.
Roman villa at Piazza Armerina Brilliant.” – Rome to Turin, October 2017.
> The UNESCO World Heritage-listed
mosaics in the cathedral of Monreale and
Getting there
Palatine Chapel in Palermo, undertaken by Emirates offers the best connections to
Byzantine masters for their Norman rulers Rome. Contact us for quotes and bookings.
> An excursion to the summit of Mt Etna
Fitness requirement
Itinerary Stromboli
Days 1–4: Group flight from Rome to Siracusa; Lipari Islands (3)
tour archaeological sites and the old town. (Aeolian Islands)
Days 5–6: Travel to the Greek temples at Agrigento Palermo (4)
Messina
via the Roman villa at Piazza Armerina. Segesta
Days 7–10: Explore the capital Palermo, including Selinunte Cefalu
Monreale, the Norman Palace and Palatine Chapel. Sicily Mt Etna
Taormina (3)
Visit the tiny island of Mozia.
Piazza Armerina
Days 11–13: Continue on to Cefalù en route to the Agrigento (2) Catania
Aeolian Islands. Take a private boat trip from Lipari
to Stromboli and Panarea.
Siracusa (4)
Days 14–17: From Taormina visit the Greco-Roman Ragusa
Noto
theatre and Mount Etna, before taking a group
flight to Rome.
Optional pre-tour extension to Malta.
Web: academytravel.com.au I Call: 9235 0023 (1800 639 699 outside Sydney) I Email: info@academytravel.com.au 17The City of Rome
Easter in the eternal city
$6,670 pp, twin share
April 16-26, 2019 $1,690 single supplement
Experience
• 2,500 years of Western civilisation,
a ‘living museum’ on display in the
streets, piazze and palazzi of Rome
• The complex legacy of ancient Rome
in history and culture, especially from
the Renaissance to the 20th century
• Little-visited but wonderful sites
tucked away in the heart of the city
• La dolce vita: fine dining, excellent
local trattorie, a symphony concert
or opera
• The masters of the Eternal City, from
emperors and popes to Caravaggio
FIND OUT and Bernini
MORE
Overview
Rome is a city of unique character and charm, and well worth an extended visit. Historic
sites, stretching from Etruscan pre-history to the 21st century, are set among the ageless
laneways and piazze of the old city. Our 11-day tour begins with ancient Rome, source of the
city’s pride and traditions. We then explore the pivotal medieval, Renaissance and baroque
periods, brimming with fine art and architecture by masters such as Raphael, Michelangelo
and Caravaggio, before turning our attention to impressive 20th- and 21st-century sites.
Accommodation is in the perfectly located four-star Hotel Ponte Sisto.
Your tour leader Highlights
Robert Veel > Private evening visit to the Vatican
“Our tour leader Robert Veel was Museums and the Sistine Chapel
humorous, very knowledgeable and > Walking tours and gallery visits, exploring
had an attention to detail that was Rome from its earliest days to today
quite exemplary. He was quite meticulous and > A full day surveying the remarkable art
extremely well organised. One of the best tour of Caravaggio
leaders I’ve ever had the pleasure of travelling > Visits to difficult-to-access sites, such as
with.” – Palermo and Naples, January 2018. the home and studio of 20th-century artist
Getting there Giorgio de Chirico and the Domus Aurea
> Discover distinctive neighbourhoods,
Emirates has daily flights from most cities
including Trastevere, the Spanish Steps
in Australia to Rome. Contact us for quotes
and the Ghetto
and bookings.
> A day trip to Tivoli, visiting the splendid
gardens of the Villa d’Este and Hadrian’s
Fitness requirement Villa
Itinerary
Galleria Borghese Days 1–3: Explore ancient Rome, from the
Etruscans to the age of Constantine, with walking
Spanish Steps
tours and visits to museums.
Days 4–5: Discover the gems of the Renaissance
Vatican City and baroque city, from Bramante’s Tempietto and
Raphael’s frescoes in the Villa Farnesina, to the
Piazza Navona Pantheon playful architecture of Bernini and Borromini.
Hotel Ponte Sisto Days 6–8: Enjoy a day trip to Tivoli, visits to special
Capitoline Museum exhibitions, and a full day examining the works of
Caravaggio in the city and at the Galleria Borghese.
Trastevere
Days 9–11: Get to know modern Rome. Visit the
ROME Forum and experience a private visit to the Vatican
Tivoli
10 nights Museums and the Sistine Chapel.
18 Maximum 20 in a group I Carefully planned itineraries I Expert tour leadersLakes & Villas of
$8,670 pp, twin share
Northern Italy
$1,940 single supplement April 25 – May 9, 2019
Enjoy
• Italy’s genius for art and architecture in
spectacular lakeside and country sites
• The sheer range of art and history in
northern Italy, from medieval towns
to villas and 21st-century estates
• Some of the world’s most beautiful
gardens still in private hands
• Palladio’s finest Renaissance villas,
from Villa Emo to Villa Capra
“La Rotonda” and Villa Barbaro
• The stunning colours and landscapes
of pre-alpine Italy
• The best of northern Italy’s regional
cuisines, famous for prosciutto, FIND OUT
parmigiano and prosecco MORE
Overview
The villas and gardens of the Italian lakes are as spectacular as the alpine landscape
surrounding them. This 15-day tour visits many of the finest villas and gardens of northern
Italy, from the shores of Lake Como to the foothills of the Apennines, with its medieval towns
and contemporary villas, and on to the Veneto to admire the Renaissance country houses of
Andrea Palladio. The tour concludes on Lake Maggiore, best known for the baroque splendour
of Isola Bella, and enjoy the lakes, villas and gastronomy of the region at a gentle pace.
Highlights Your tour leader
> The villas and gardens of Lake Como in Michael Turner
bloom: Villa Melzi, Villa Carlotta and Villa “Michael Turner led a very compatible
Balbianello group of travellers, everyone being
> Bergamo and Asolo: beautiful medieval enthusiastic every day. Northern
hill towns with surprising histories Italy with its lakes, villas and hill towns is very
> Elegant Verona, the historic Giusti Gardens beautiful and tranquil. The preservation of
and a private visit to Villa Arvedi, still the its history is mind blowing, Italy with its rich
home of the Counts of Arvedi countryside is hard to beat. A fabulous trip,
> The fascinating towns of Lake Garda and thank you!” – Lakes & Villas of Northern Italy,
tranquil Lake Orta May 2018.
> Excellent regional cuisine and wine, Getting there
including lunches in country restaurants,
Emirates offers the best connections to
at Villa d’Este and in scenic Valdobbiadene,
Milan. Contact us for quotes and bookings.
home of prosecco
> The Borromean Islands: baroque
masterpieces on Lake Maggiore Fitness requirement
Itinerary
Days 1–4: Arrive in Bellagio and explore Lake
Como by boat, visiting the 18th and 19th-century switzerland
estates of Villa Balbianello and Villa Melzi, with
lunch at the Villa d’Este. Day trip to Bergamo.
ITALY
Days 5–6: From Cremona, explore the hill towns
Stresa (3) Lake Como
and medieval castles of Emilia-Romagna.
Asolo (3)
Days 7–9: Visit Vicenza en route to Asolo. Admire Bellagio (4)
Lake
Palladio’s country houses, palaces and theatre. Maggiore Verona (2)
Days 10–11: Explore refined Verona and Milan Lake Garda Vicenza
picturesque Bassano del Grappa.
Days 12–15: Travel to Stresa via Lake Garda.
Experience the extraordinary villas and gardens
Cremona (2)
of Lake Maggiore and enjoy the tranquillity of
undiscovered Lake Orta.
Web: academytravel.com.au I Call: 9235 0023 (1800 639 699 outside Sydney) I Email: info@academytravel.com.au 19The Venice Biennale
Modern & contemporary art
$5,730 pp, twin share
June 5-13, 2019 $1,640 single supplement
Experience
• The remarkable world of contemporary
art by leading artists from around the
globe, at the world’s largest and oldest
art fair
• The less well-known sites of Venice
and its surrounds: quiet islands,
hidden gems and Roman ruins
• Stunning new modern art spaces
in Rovereto, showcasing Italian and
international art
• The backstreets of Venice, home to
unofficial exhibitions and performances
• The renowned architecture of Venice,
FIND OUT including the Arsenale – only open to
MORE the public during the Biennale
Overview
The Venice Biennale is the world’s oldest, largest and most prestigious contemporary art fair.
Many of the fine Renaissance palaces of Venice, usually closed to the public, open as centres
of modern and contemporary art for its duration. We explore the 2019 Biennale over nine days
from our quiet hotel in the heart of the city, interspersing these visits with trips to Venice’s
modern and contemporary galleries and some of the less well-known historic sites and galleries
in the region, such as the Roman city of Aquileia and MART, a stunning art gallery at Rovereto.
Your tour leader Highlights
Dr Nick Gordon > Well-paced visits to the Biennale’s
“The tour to the Venice Biennale exhibitions, in the historic Giardini and
was everything we hoped for and Arsenale and in palaces throughout the city
more – loved the accommodation, its > Visits to the Peggy Guggenheim Collection
convenience etc. – I found everyone helpful. and Ca’ Pesaro in Venice
Nick was always approachable, kind and > Day trips to two of northern Italy’s best new
informative.” – Venice Biennale, August 2017. modern art galleries in the alpine town of
Getting there Rovereto, and to the World Heritage-listed
Roman ruins and mosaics at Aquileia
Emirates offers good connections to Venice > The tranquil islands of San Lazzaro degli
from Australian airports. Contact us for Armeni and Torcello, where we enjoy a
quotes and bookings. meal at Locanda Cipriani
> The best of today’s international
See also Art Basel, Alsace & the Black contemporary art in one place
Forest on page 32 Connect this tour with
> The excellent food and wine of the xx on page xx
Veneto region
Fitness requirement
To Rovereto, Aquileia
Itinerary
and Grado Days 1–3: Settle in to our hotel in central Venice;
To Torcello
explore the national pavilions located in the
Biennale Giardini, an open park with architecture
Grand Canal by Alvar Aalto, Josef Hoffmann and Carlo Scarpa,
and in the Arsenale, the historic shipyards of Venice.
Rialto Bridge
Days 4–6: Visit Rovereto, an alpine town with
St. Mark's Square Giardini
Arsenale excellent new galleries, and the Roman ruins at
Peggy Guggenheim Aquileia. See hidden gems of Renaissance art
San Giorgio Maggiore in Venice and explore the Biennale’s numerous
collateral exhibitions and unofficial events.
Days 7–8: Continue with the Biennale and visit
VENICE Venice’s modern and contemporary galleries; enjoy
8 nights lunch at the legendary Locanda Cipriani on Torcello.
San Lazzaro degli Armeni Day 9: Depart Venice in the morning.
20 Maximum 20 in a group I Carefully planned itineraries I Expert tour leadersThe Venice Biennale
$5,840 pp, twin share
& Film Festival
$1,610 single supplement August 29 – September 6, 2019
Enjoy
• The Venice International Film Festival,
the oldest and one of the most
prestigious events of its kind
• The remarkable world of contemporary
art by leading artists from around
the globe
• The history of Venice from its
commercial origins to the birth
of the modern “Art City”
• The less well-known sites of Venice:
quiet islands, hidden gems and
charming palaces
• The Regata Storica – historical
pageantry and the annual gondola FIND OUT
race along the Grand Canal MORE
Overview
During the Biennale, the fine Renaissance palaces of Venice open as centres of modern and
contemporary art, showcasing many of the world’s best artists in a kind of ‘Art Olympics’.
We explore the 2019 Biennale from our quiet hotel in the heart of the city, exploring art
exhibitions by day and visiting the International Film Festival in the evening. The tour also
coincides with Venice’s annual gondola race along the Grand Canal – an event by and for
Venetians – and is rounded out with fine dining, Venice’s less-visited gems and tranquil islands.
Highlights Your tour leader
> The best of today’s art in one extraordinary Dr Nick Gordon
city, including visits to the Giardini “Nick was a great tour leader –
Biennale, Arsenale, and exhibitions in knowledgeable, professional, easy-
historic buildings throughout the city going, tolerant and helpful.”
> Excellent modern art collections, including – Venice Biennale & Film Festival,
the Peggy Guggenheim Collection and September 2017.
Ca’ Pesaro
> Four evenings at the Venice Film Festival,
Getting there
arriving in style by private launch Emirates offers the best connections to
and from Venice. Contact us for quotes and
> Tranquil lagoon islands, including lunch
bookings.
at Torcello’s legendary Locanda Cipriani
> The glorious pageantry of Venice, a stage
for social performance from the Middle
Ages to today
Connect this tour with
xx on page xx > Special exhibitions and retrospectives
coinciding with the Biennale
Fitness requirement
Itinerary
Days 1–3: Settle in to our hotel in central Venice, To Torcello
explore the national pavilions in the Giardini
Biennale and Arsenale, visit the best exhibitions
throughout the city, and visit the Venice Film Festival. Grand Canal
Days 4–6: Witness the Regata Storica; visit special Rialto Bridge
exhibitions timed to coincide with the Biennale; Hotel Al Codega
St. Mark's Square Giardini
take in films in competition at the Film Festival; Arsenale
and discover Venice’s less-visited gems, including Peggy Guggenheim
San Lazzaro degli Armeni. San Giorgio Maggiore
Days 7–9: Continue exploring the Biennale, Film
Festival and Venice’s modern and contemporary
galleries. Visit Torcello, one of the oldest VENICE
settlements in the lagoon, and enjoy lunch at 8 nights San Lazzaro degli Armeni
Locanda Cipriani. Lido
Web: academytravel.com.au I Call: 9235 0023 (1800 639 699 outside Sydney) I Email: info@academytravel.com.au 21Malta & Sicily
Aboard the Sea Cloud II
$12,750 pp, twin share
September 23 – October 9, 2019 $5,900 single supplement
Discover
• The complex web of European and
eastern influences that have created
the unique and distinctive cultures
of Malta and Sicily
• The 5,000-year-old prehistoric
civilizations on Malta
• The flourishing colonies of the ancient
Greek world on Sicily – wealthy,
cultured centres of literature and art
• The multi-ethnic kingdom of the
Norman rulers of Sicily
• The active volcanoes and stunning
landscapes of Etna and the Aeolian
FIND OUT Islands
MORE
Overview
Academy Travel is proud to offer a tour that explores the islands of the Mediterranean in style, The Sea Cloud II
featuring a seven-day cruise on the luxury 50-cabin sailing yacht Sea Cloud II. As well as the The Sea Cloud II is a luxurious 3-masted
ancient sites, travellers will encounter masterpieces of medieval Arab, Norman and Byzantine barque, traditionally crafted in teak,
society and the exuberant baroque art and architecture of later periods. All this takes place in but with modern features. White cloth
a setting of remarkable beauty – the spare, rocky shores of Malta, the dramatic mountains and sails and understated elegance create
volcanoes of Sicily and the countless bays and cliffs of the coastline. a unique environment that is at once
nostalgic and luxurious. Although most
Your tour leader Highlights of the journey takes place under motor,
Robert Veel > Cruising for six nights aboard Sea Cloud II, on some days the crew climb the rigging
“A particular highlight for me was a very different experience to mainstream to set the square sails and jibs and you
the Sea Cloud II, which was truly cruising, with outstanding service, fine food experience the thrill of ocean yachting.
magnificent in my opinion. Robert and wine
was truly professional as our tour leader. > Exploring the city-fortress of Valletta,
He was simply outstanding.” – Malta & Sicily constructed by the Knights of St John
aboard Sea Cloud II, October 2017. > Touring the Neolithic temple complex at
Getting there Tarxien and the Hal Saflieni Hypogeum
> Caravaggio’s paintings in Malta and Sicily
Emirates offer flights direct to Malta and
home from Rome. It is also possible to travel > Sailing around the volcanoes of Stromboli
via many major European cities to Malta. and Vulcano, viewing active eruptions
Contact us for quotes and bookings. > Outstanding archaeological museums in
Siracusa and Agrigento
> The UNESCO World Heritage mosaics of
Monreale and the Palatine Chapel in Palermo
Fitness requirement
Itinerary
Days 1–5: Arrive in Valletta and tour Malta’s main
sites, including the Neolithic complex of Tarxien
Lipari
and the medieval walled town of Mdina.
Days 5–11: Six-night cruise on Sea Cloud II,
Palermo (3) Taormina
Trapani disembarking in Siracusa. Ports-of-call include
Sicily Trapani, Palermo, Lipari and Taormina, plus a full
day at sea.
Agrigento (1) Siracusa (2) Days 11–12: Explore Siracusa’s archaeological
(6) sites and baroque architecture.
Days 13–14: Travel to Agrigento’s Greek temples
via the spectacular Roman villa at Piazza Armerina.
Valletta (4) Days 15–17: Explore Palermo, including stunning
Malta mosaics in Monreale and the Palatine Chapel, and
breathtaking stucco oratories.
22 Maximum 20 in a group I Carefully planned itineraries I Expert tour leadersTours to Europe
Our range of cultural tours to Europe is designed to explore the history, art and
architecture of the continent in a way that is more relaxed than most Europe
trips, but at the same time offering depth and focus. We offer broad survey tours
through Spain, Germany, France, Central Europe and Scandinavia, as well as more
specialised explorations of Portugal, Berlin, Moscow and St Petersburg and the
gardens of England.
FIND OUT
MORE
Gaudí’s Casa Batlló, BarcelonaWinter in Moscow
& St Petersburg $10,795 pp, twin share
January 6-20, 2019 $1,675 single supplement
Get to know
• The significance of winter in Russian
culture, from Orthodox Christmas to
cityscapes immortalised by Russia’s
literary giants
• Russia’s incredible history from imperial
power, to revolution and beyond
• Vast repositories of fine and decorative
arts in Russia’s diverse array of
museums and galleries
• Rivalry with the West: from the tsars
to distinctively Russian movements in
modern and contemporary art
• The art of the palace: from the might
FIND OUT of the Kremlin to Catherine the Great’s
MORE country retreats
Overview
Winter has a special place in Russian culture, permeating its literature, performing arts and
national story of triumph through hardship. This new 15-day tour explores the incredible
wealth of culture, history and art in St Petersburg and Moscow at a time of year that
brings quintessential elements of Russian culture to the fore. Experience Russia at its most
magnificent, from the palaces of Catherine the Great, to superb fine and decorative art
collections, including the Hermitage, Fabergé Museum and Tretyakov Gallery, and its cutting-
edge contemporary and performing arts scene.
Your tour leader Highlights
Michael Carr > Marvel at the treasures housed in the
Michael joins our program in 2019. State Armoury and Diamond Fund
He has Honours in Art and Law from > Orthodox Christmas and the joy of the
ANU and over 20 years’ experience festive season
as an art collector and historian, previously > Cathedrals of the Kremlin, site of the
opening a art dealership in Moscow. coronation and funeral processions of the Tsars
Getting there > A private tour with a curator through the
Garage Museum of Contemporary Art
Emirates has daily flights to Moscow and
returning from St Petersburg. Contact us for > Masterpieces of Russian and European art
quotes and bookings. at the Tretyakov Gallery
> Art and architecture in St Petersburg,
including the Hermitage, Fabergé Museum
and the Yusupov Palace
> The magnificent palaces of Catherine
Fitness requirement the Great
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive into Moscow.
Days 2–3: Tour Red Square. Admire the decorated
Metro stations and wander through Gorky Park.
Day 4: Day trip to Kuskovo Park and Estate and
Pushkin Galleries.
St Petersburg (7)
Peterhof Days 5–7: See the Tretyakov collections, Kremlin,
Pushkin State Armoury and Diamond Fund. Visit the
RUSSIA
Tolstoy House Museum and Novodevichy Convent.
Day 8: Travel by fast train to St Petersburg.
Moscow (7) Days 9–11: Explore St Petersburg’s extraordinary
Kuskovo
landmarks, cathedrals, palaces and museums,
including a full day at the Hermitage.
Days 12–15: Day trips to Catherine’s palaces at
Pushkin, Pavlovsk Park and Oranienbaum.
24 Maximum 20 in a group I Carefully planned itineraries I Expert tour leadersYou can also read
