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Welcome back Isabelle Kent

Fri, 22 Aug 2025 15:55:42 GMT

Isabelle has led tours for us in the past but has been taking a break to complete her PhD. We are delighted to have her back for 2025 leading our Bishop Auckland residential course and in 2026, our tour to Madrid and Toledo.

I'm excited to be leading the tour 'Madrid and Toledo: Two Jewels in the Spanish Crown'. These two cities are the ideal starting points to explore Spain’s rich history, vibrant art and stunning architecture. Perched dramatically above the Tagus river, Toledo is sometimes called the “City of Three Cultures” for its unique blend of Christian, Muslim, and Jewish heritage. Wandering through its labyrinthine streets we will come across ornamented synagogues, moorish architecture and ancient roman fragments, as well as countless exquisite churches. Even after losing its status as capital, Toledo remained a centre of learning , attracting scholars, theologians and artists such as El Greco. During this trip we will visit the artist's greatest work, a painting that, due to its size, never leaves the church for which it was created: the Burial of the Count of Orgaz.

Madrid is the perfect contrast. A sprawling modern metropolis, it is one of the cultural capitals of Europe. It is also a fairly new city as it was only in the 1560s that Philip II chose this once-sleepy town as the seat of his capital, instantly transforming it into the heart of the world's most powerful empire. The city’s architecture soon reflected its newfound status and grandeur, most notably in the Royal Palace, with its lavish frescoes by Tiepolo and magnificent ceremonial halls. Yet alongside these grand monuments, Madrid holds quieter treasures, such as the Convent of the Descalzas Reales. Founded in 1559, the convent was where queens retired, and its rich interiors blend regal opulence with monastic intimacy. We will also venture out of the city to the imposing Palace-Monastery of El Escorial. This vast building is a monumental expression of Philip II’s vision, one that fuses imperial might with catholic devotion Madrid is also home to perhaps the greatest art collection in Europe: the Museo Nacional del Prado. Over the course of two visits, we will study the extraordinary collection from Bosch's fantastical religious panels to Velázquez's enigmatic portraits and Goya's black paintings. We will also visit the new museum – the Galería de las Colecciones Reales, which houses the many beautiful objects and artworks still in the possession of the Kings of Spain.

New Paragraph

The Pursuit of Beauty

Fri, 22 Aug 2025 15:37:55 GMT

With Nigel McGilchrist

As we continue to expand our programmes with visits to some of the world’s most historically rich destinations, we are delighted to announce the return of our Japanese Art History tour, led by expert Lecturer Nigel McGilchrist. In anticipation of the journey ahead, we sat down with Nigel to discuss the appeal of Japanese art and culture, and why this tour is such a distinctive experience. In our conversation, Nigel reflects on how Japan’s unique artistic legacy has been shaped, revealing a culture where aesthetics are not merely admired but lived – offering participants a deeper understanding of a civilisation that continues to fascinate, challenge and inspire.

Our inaugural Japan tour in 2023 was a remarkable success and were thrilled to be offering it again. Could you share some of the highlights that made the experience so memorable for you?

Every day has some new highlight - often quite unexpected: a sudden vista of a swathe of ruby autumn colours caught by the evening sunlight beneath a wooden bridge high above, just as it would be in a Hiroshige print; or that effortless speed and precision of the Japanese bullet trains; or some marvellous teppanyaki dish of fresh vegetables and meat prepared in a theatrical flare of flames by an experienced Japanese chef; a glimpse of Fuji’s snow-capped summit; or simply the quiet streets and wooden houses of old Kyoto, engraved by the light of gentle lamps. But perhaps what I remember most vividly from the 2023 visit, was our very first evening in Japan, in Nara, just after our arrival. We walked across the deer park to the great temple of Todai-ji - which is, in many ways, the mother of all Buddhist temples in Japan, dating from the mid-8th century - smaller now than it was originally, but still the largest, entirely wooden building in the world, sitting there, unbelievably vast and quiet, like some great ship at anchor. We entered perhaps half an hour before closing time. Little by little, all the other visitors left, and we suddenly found ourselves alone, save for a few polite guards, with the 50ft high bronze figure of the seated Buddha towering above us, and no sound but the gentle settling of the wooden roof. Then...leaving the building into the almost silent precinct in front of it, in the day’s last rays of light. There are many such moments of unexpected peace and beauty which I remember from that tour.

What can guests expect from this tour, and what is likely to be among your personal highlights?

Time to reflect and to absorb deeply. Temples and gardens, and museums and collections, are mostly quite small by comparison with those in the West. They do not overwhelm. Their craftsmanship and beauty set you at peace so that you can contemplate them in quite new ways. It can be a revelation. I think the Miho Museum, high in the pine-clad hills between Nara and Kyoto, is a particular highlight for me. A small, exquisite collection; amazing views from every window, framing the works of art; and a uniquely dramatic arrival to the entrance, choreographed by the astonishing architectural ideas of l.M. Pei, make it surely one of the most striking museum visits in the world.

What are the characteristics of Japanese gardens? Why are Japanese religious practices linked so closely to garden design?

Japanese gardens are first and foremost sacred precincts - places of contemplation, of spiritual repose and instruction, of peace and refuge from the rush of life. They can be demanding, however, because they can be approached on so many levels - intellectual, emotional, aesthetic, horticultural...Often they have literary allusions or mythological suggestions; sometimes they are almost disturbingly simple, while at other times, complex and involving. Yes, they need some explanation ... but after that, it is a matter of just being receptive to their magic, listening to what they tell you. Buddhism always prioritises attentiveness and listening. And that is why the Japanese garden is the classic 'Buddhist space'.

What kind of influence have traditional Japanese gardens and temples had on modern Japanese art, if at all?

A very interesting question. Modern art in Japan (which for me can actually be found in almost all aspects of 21st-century life in Japan) is never gratuitously 'grungy' as so much Western modern art is; it is rarely 'in your face'. It is exciting, yes, thought-provoking and cutting-edge (especially the architecture and museum designs), but it always harks back to those basic qualities of craftsmanship and apparent simplicity (I say 'apparent' because in fact it is often very complex underneath!) which underpin the beauty of the Japanese garden.

Japanese art comprises a wide variety of styles and materials. Are there any artworks you're especially excited to share with your guests?

Yes: I think, most of all, I would say the temples and sculptures of Nara. Nara is the old capital of Japan, pre-dating the much more famous and grander capitals of Kyoto and, later, Tokyo. It is much less visited by comparison with them, yet, in some ways, it offers a richer experience. The material of the arts here is mostly wood - different kinds of beautiful wood - crafted into very moving sculptures of the 9th- and -1Oth-Centuries, and into huge wooden temples that have survived from as early as the 7th and 8th centuries. They creak like vast wooden ships: they remind you are on a journey - but in a different element from the sea!

Are there any elements of this tour that you feel may surprise people?

Knowing what the weather in November is like in Europe, people may be surprised by our choice of timing. But, in Japan, November is generally a month of stable weather and clear skies, gentle sunlight and moderate temperatures - ideal for catching glimpses of the ever-elusive Mount Fuji. Few tourists and crowds, furthermore. And of course, the gardens are still in the glory of their autumn colours.

How would you like your guests to feel? What would you like them to take away from their experiences in Japan?

A realisation that there is a small corner of the world where all things, from the most humble to the most important, are done with a consideration for beauty and courtesy - something that we could well learn to do better in the West!

Mantua in focus

Fri, 22 Aug 2025 15:18:25 GMT

Tracing a Renaissance vision

An insight into the city of Mantua by Kevin Childs

Kevin Childs is a freelance writer and lecturer on culture and art history in the United Kingdom and Italy, where he leads specialised tours of Rome, Venice, Florence and parts of Northern Italy. He has a BA degree from Oxford and a doctorate from the Courtauld Institute looking at aspects of Michelangelo’s influence on his contemporaries. As well as convening and contributing to courses at the Victoria and Albert Museum he has taught on the Art History and Visual Culture BA course at Exeter University. He has written regularly for The Independent and Huffington Post and has published articles and reviews in The New Statesman, The Guardian and The Times.

The Northern cities of Italy have always been fascinating and beautiful. For example, the courts of Mantua and Ferrara were at the cutting edge of art and culture during the 15 ^th and 16 ^th centuries. It’s exciting enough to consider the lives and works of artists like Andrea Mantegna and Leon Battista Alberti in Mantua, Cosimo Tura and Dosso Dossi in Ferrara, and the powerful rulers who patronised them from the Gonzaga and Este families. But both cities boasted equally important women who were politically and culturally significant in their own right. Isabella d’Este, sister of Duke Alfonso I d’Este of Ferrara and wife of Marquis Francesco Gonzaga of Mantua, was one of the most important patrons of art of the Renaissance. The famous Lucrezia Borgia was married to her brother and contributed significantly to the cultural life of Ferrara. Another sister-in-law, Elisabetta Gonzaga, would preside over the cultured court of Urbino, inspiring Baldassare Castiglione to write his Book of the Courtier.

Music was at the centre of court life in Ferrara. Alfonso d’Este and Lucrezia Borgia would also commission artists such as Giovanni Bellini and Titian to decorate their palace, and in Mantua Isabella’s son, Federico II Gonzaga, would commission Giulio Romano to design and decorate the most extraordinary pleasure palace in Italy, the Palazzo del Te, just outside the city.

If that’s not reason enough to visit, both cities are famous for their food and wine.

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New York City

Fri, 22 Aug 2025 14:48:00 GMT

An interview with Kathy McLauchlan

Kathy McLauchlan will be leading tours to two of the great capitals of modern art; Paris and New York. We spoke with Kathy to particularly ask her why she is drawn to New York and her personal thoughts on the city.

What was your inspiration for designing this itinerary?

I have been visiting New York for many years and have grown to love it – it’s one of the most exciting and inspiring cities in the world. I wanted to design a trip that tells the story of modern art from the late 19 ^th to the early 20 ^th century, a time when New York itself emerged as a leading global art centre. The itinerary combines visits to some of the city’s outstanding museums with opportunities to experience the sheer spectacle of New York itself.

Are there any hidden gems or personal favourite works you're especially excited to show us?
Absolutely—there are works I return to every time. Among the ‘must sees’ are portraits by Ingres at both the Frick and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. From the 20 ^th century, I’m especially looking forward to sharing Edward Hopper’s work at the Whitney Museum of American Art, followed by a stroll through his home turf (Greenwich Village) including the studio in Washington Square where he produced some of his most iconic works.

What makes New York such an important city for an art history tour compared to others?
New York is particularly strong in art from the turn of the 19 ^th and 20 ^th centuries, the starting point for European modernism. The Museum of Modern Art, for example, houses masterpieces by some of the era’s most celebrated artists – including Picasso’s Les Demoiselles d’Avignon (1907), often cited as the starting point for Cubism.

What do you personally think of Frank Lloyd Wright’s design of the Guggenheim?
Wright’s Guggenheim can be a dizzying experience if you are prone to vertigo - which I am. But the building’s design has the great virtue of clarity. Starting at the top and working your way downwards means that you don’t need to worry about finding your way – you can concentrate on the story the pictures tell. I approve of that!

Are there artworks in the Cloisters that you think visitors often miss or underappreciate?
Yes—don’t miss the collection of boxwood miniatures from the early 16 ^th century. These are remarkable, intricately carved objects that reward close and careful inspection.

How has your own relationship with these museums and works evolved over the years?
Over time, I’ve come to feel at home in certain places - above all the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Its collections and displays have evolved to reflect new perspectives on art history, ensuring that there is always something new to learn, and as well as old favourites to revisit.

Which moment or site during the tour do you think will be the most memorable for clients?
A trip around Manhattan on the Circle Line is a great introduction to the city. You experience the dramatic skyline and discover a remarkable diversity among the city’s neighbourhoods – from the financial district in the south to the almost pastoral areas remaining in the north. And the unfolding drama of a walk across Brooklyn Bridge is always unforgettable.

Introducing Dr Claudia Daniotti

Fri, 22 Aug 2025 13:46:09 GMT

AQUILEIA Cultural crossroads from Antiquity to the Lombards | by Claudia Daniotti

I am thrilled to be joining Art Pursuits and lead the tour Aquileia: Cultural Crossroads from Antiquity to the Lombards.

Let me start by introducing myself.

I was born and raised in the Veneto region of Italy and have been fascinated with the “tangible remains” of the past for as long as I can remember. At 15, I decided that I would become an art historian when I grew up and I went on to study at Ca’ Foscari University in nearby Venice. It is in that unique city that I fell in love with the art of the Renaissance that soon became my area of expertise. Yet, one other strong interest emerged in me: a passion for the ancient world, for the arts of the Greek and Roman civilisations, their myths and legends, and the way in which those stories were transmitted, appropriated, and reinterpreted over centuries and up to the present day.

I left Venice and relocated to England as an art historian of Renaissance Italy trained in the classical tradition, a peculiarity of mine that a PhD at the Warburg Institute in London strengthened and consolidated. As an academic, I taught at universities like Warwick, Buckingham and Bath Spa, and have several publications in the fields of both art history and reception studies. I spent the last ten years researching, among other things, the captivating figure of Alexander the Great, and wrote a book on the huge popularity he enjoyed in the arts and culture of medieval and Renaissance Italy. I am also very passionate about sharing my knowledge and research with a wider interested public, and have been doing so for years by lecturing at the Courtauld Institute of Art, the V&A Academy and the Royal Academy, and by leading bespoke guided tours to the National Gallery, the British Museum, the V&A and the Estorick Collection of Modern Italian Art in London.

In the tour Aquileia. Cultural Crossroads from Antiquity to the Lombards we will explore a wonderful and yet little-visited part of Italy’s northeastern region of Friuli-Venezia Giulia. This is a complex land, which was prosperous and thriving under the Roman Empire, rose to unprecedented religious power amidst the war devastation and depopulation brought about by Attila the Hun in 452 CE, and was fully restored to political, cultural and strategic importance in the late sixth century, when the invading Lombards established here the first capital of their empire, later to be conquered by Charlemagne. Covering over seven hundred years of history, from Roman times to late antiquity and the early Middle Ages, our tour, based at Udine, will have at its core the UNESCO World Heritage site of Aquileia. A major trading centre connecting the Mediterranean to Central Europe, Aquileia was among the largest and wealthiest cities in the early Roman Empire, as the impressive remains of its port and forum help us understand. Its crown jewel, however, is the Basilica, still retaining its vast 4 ^th -century mosaic floor, from which the Patriarchs (bishops) of Aquileia wielded both religious and political power for over a thousand years. Immersed in a picturesque lagoon, the seaside town of Grado preserves two striking 6 ^th -century churches that cannot be missed, while nearby Concordia Sagittaria provides yet another example of an ancient Roman town turned into a prominent medieval diocese. The exquisite Tempietto of Cividale del Friuli will introduce us to the sophisticated, classically-inspired artistic language of the Lombard royal court, whereas the tucked-away Abbey of Sesto al Reghena will show us one of the best-kept secrets of the region: a fortified monastery founded by three Lombard brothers, decorated with remarkable medieval and Renaissance frescoes at the crossroads of local tradition, Northern European narrative and the artistic revolution championed by Giotto.

Dr Claudia Daniotti

A Fête des Roses: From Lyon to Beaujolais and Back

Mon, 11 Aug 2025 13:36:05 GMT

9 days | £4995 per person | 6 - 14 June 2026

From Lyon to Beaujolais and Back

Join us for an opportunity to tour the gardens of the Rhone Region of France. If you love the rose gardens, cuisine, wine and culture of France, this is an opportunity to see and experience them with a decided French flair. From renowned public gardens such as the Parc Tête d’Or in Lyon, to private ones including the legendary La Bonne Maison Garden of Odile Masquelier, this tour will cover it all. We will even visit garden and cultural sites such as the village of Cluny, touring Chamboeuf— the ancestral village of the Meilland family— with special guest Matthias Meilland, and also a private workshop at the nursery of Fabien and Florence Ducher. During the garden visits you will have the opportunity to discuss all things rose gardening: under-planting, mulching, pruning, budding, and training with our tour host. Discussions continue over meals together and of course a glass of wine. We will spend the first four nights at the Hotel de l’Abbaye in Lyon and then move to the French countryside of Beaujolais for three nights at the Ch â teau de Pizay before returning to Lyon for our last night. Both hotels offer good food and hospitality: dinners with local wines and bed & breakfast all included. We will also often have lunch and dinner at local restaurants.

Day to day Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival day at the Hotel de l’Abbaye in Lyon where we will enjoy a special champagne reception. Dinner is independent this evening, but suggestions will be given on where you can dine together locally.

Day 2

We spend the full day at the legendary Parc Tête d’Or in Lyon where we will visit its three rose gardens. The morning will be spent exploring both the Grande Roseraie Internationale which covers 12 acres and includes more than 16,000 rose bushes and then the International Rose Contest Trial Garden. After a delicious lunch, we finish the day in the Botanical rose garden which traces the history of the rose through its collection of wild and historic rose bushes. We return to the hotel for our first group dinner together.

Day 3

After breakfast we depart for Roseraie Ducher , the home and nursery of Fabien and Florence. It was in 1845 in Lyon that Claude Ducher prepared the first world exhibition dedicated to the ‘Queen of flowers’, since then the legacy has been carried onwards, currently in the capable hands of Florence and Fabien Ducher. Our visit begins with welcome drinks followed by a tour of the nursery, it is here that they produce their organic rose water, something we have opportunity to help make later today. After a group lunch, we return to Roseraie Ducher for a talk on the history of roses in the Ducher family. Return to Hotel de l’Abbaye for an independent dinner.

Day 4

We spend the morning in the private rose garden of Margot, Jardin de l’Hermitage at St Genis de Laval. This exceptional private garden houses some 700 varieties of roses set among hundreds of perennials and is still lovingly cared for and overseen by its founders who will be there to guide us through the garden. We return to Lyon in time for independent lunch and then the afternoon and evening is free for sightseeing and shopping at your own leisure. Consider visiting the Gallo-Roman Museum of Lyon-Fourvière, a large Roman archaeological site with collections of art and pottery on display or simply indulge in the local delicacies nearby cafés and restaurants have on offer. A visit to the covered market is also highly recommended and we will have other recommendations on the day should you wish. Dinner will be independent this evening.

Day 5

We depart our hotel in Lyon after breakfast with our luggage as we are moving hotel this day. Our first stop is the Garden of old roses in Saint Galmier . We will have lunch outside and be joined by Matthias Meilland of the famed Meilland Rose Family and Nursery. After lunch we will take a short ride to Chamboeuf which is the seat of the Meilland Family. Matthias will be our guide through this village planted with close to 10,000 roses. He will also do a presentation on the history of the Meilland family and guide us through the Meilland Family Museum there. After a full day of ‘All Things Meilland’ we depart for an early evening check in to Ch â teau de Pizay for the next three nights. Dinner together in the hotel preceded by wine tasting at the hotel’s cellar.

Day 6

After breakfast we have a morning planned of wine and roses. We begin with a garden tour of the quintessentially French gardens of Ch â teau de Pizay , our beautiful base for three nights. This formal, romantic garden features grand topiaries depicting a life-size chess game, framed by vibrant seasonal flowerbeds. Guests visiting the garden will also enjoy expansive views over the neighbouring vineyards. We depart the hotel for an included group lunch before visiting Château de la Chaize . The Château is beautifully situated in the Beaujolais rolling hills and dates to 12th century, surrounded by an extensive wine estate. The original château was replaced in the 17th century and André Le Notre (gardener to the king) was entrusted with designing the surrounding gardens. After a tour of the estate and exploration of the wine cellar, followed by tastings, we return to the hotel. An included group dinner is included tonight at the hotel.

Day 7

Today we head to southern Burgundy to the Château de Cormatin . Built from 1606 onwards and surrounded by wide moats we will have a guided visit of the interiors and then extensive gardens with boxwood parterres, green theatre, potager and a maze. We will have lunch in nearby village and then in the afternoon will spend time in the small town of Cluny famous for its tenth century Benedictine Abbey, medieval architecture, rounded pink tile roofing, winding cobbled streets, Romanesque houses and the famed Cluny rose garden – 350 varieties of mostly old roses and some modern. Dinner is back at the hotel this evening.

Day 8

After breakfast we depart with luggage as our day will finish back at the Hotel de l’Abbaye in Lyon. The morning will be spent at the hillside gardens of La Rejonière created and planted by Cristiana Gouverneyre for her floral artist workshops. It is a sustainable garden of all kinds of plants including roses grown for creating floral art. We will have a hands-on workshop led by Cristiana Gouverneyre so you can personally try your hand at the art form of floral arranging. After lunch nearby we head back to Lyon for our final garden, which is the legendary garden of Odile Masquelier, La Bonne Maison overlooking the river Saone in Lyon. A stunning hillside garden with terraces beautifully planted with roses and perennials. The roses here are allowed to grow naturally and ramble and scramble throughout the gardens. Our final dinner will be in a restaurant nearby to the hotel.

Day 9

After breakfast we bid farewell to our fellow travellers and conclude our tour.

Hotel de l’Abbaye

Set within the beautifully restored former presbytery of Saint-Martin d'Ainay basilica, Hotel de l'Abbaye blends heritage architecture with warm, contemporary design. Each of the 21 rooms is individually styled, offering a cosy, elegant retreat with thoughtful details and modern comforts. The hotel is perfectly situated between the Perrache train station and Place Bellecour, providing guests with easy access to the main sites of Lyon and local shopping districts.

Château de Pizay

Ch â teau de Pizay is a serene vineyard resort in the heart of Beaujolais, surrounded by 80 hectares of historic vines and artfully designed French gardens. Built between the 11th and 19th centuries, its an exceptional location for lovers of nature, fine wines and regional specialties. Guests can enjoy the timeless charm, luxury accommodations and impeccable service throughout their stay. Whether relaxing in the award-winning spa, strolling through the vineyards or savouring a gourmet meal.

Price: £4995

Single Supp: £995

Deposit: £450

Departure Dates:

6 - 14 June 2026

Duration:

8 nights / 9 days

Your Holiday Includes:

Five nights' bed and breakfast at the Hotel de l'Abbaye
Three nights' bed and breakfast at Ch â teau de Pizay
Private coach transfers and excursions
Four evening meals and seven lunches
Guided visits to sites listed in the programme
Services of the Tour Host and Tour Leader
Detailed programme and garden notes
All entrance fees, taxes, and gratuities for coach drivers and serving staff

Tour Host & Leader

Paul Zimmerman

Paul Zimmerman is the owner of Paul Zimmerman Roses and has been an independent garden designer and consultant to botanical and private gardens for 10 years. He has written articles for Fine Gardening, Organic Gardening, American Nurseryman and many other magazines. While living in Los Angeles, California Paul founded and ran “Hundred Acre Woods Rosescapeing”, a company specializing in the care, design and

installation of rose gardens; particularly Antique, Shrub and David Austin Roses. He now leads garden tours in Europe, Australia and New Zealand, it is this hands on experience with roses and gardening that Paul draws on for his tours.

Kirsty Fergusson

Kirsty exchanged a career in academia (she has a PhD specialising in French philosopher-novelists) for a life in gardening. Trained at Capel Manor, she was head gardener at Mapperton in Dorset during the early nineties, where a series of fortunate encounters opened the door to garden writing. As well as writing a weekly column for The Express, for many years she was a frequent contributor to Gardens Illustrated, House and Garden, Country Life, The Times, The Telegraph and The Independent. In 2003 she moved to SW France, where she continues to explore the possibilities of her own (very forgiving) garden – when not travelling, writing or leading tours.

Travel Information

The price does not include extras at the hotels or travel insurance.

Please note that Boxwood Tours use hotels of character featuring a variety of rooms & styles.

Stamina

Please note that some of our tours can involve a fair amount of walking, sometimes across uneven

ground. We ask that clients inform us if they have difficulties before booking to avoid any issues whilst on tour.

A Grand Tour of British Motorcars | FULL Please enquire

hello@fineandcultural.com (Mellissa Taylor) — Wed, 05 Feb 2025 10:34:37 GMT

10 days | £4995 per person | 13 - 22 September 2026

From Heritage to Horsepower

We invite you to join us on a captivating journey through England’s motoring heritage. This carefully curated tour offers an unparalleled exploration of the history, craftsmanship and passion behind some of the world’s most iconic cars. We’ll trace the evolution of British motoring through landmark destinations, exclusive factory visits with engineers and thrilling events. From the bustling streets of London, where you’ll tour the vast London Transport Museum, to the quaint town of Malvern and the scenic roads of the Cotswolds, home to gems like the Morgan Motor Company and many private collections. As we venture further south, we reach Chichester, a city known for its rich history, landmarks such as Chichester Cathedral and proximity to the world-famous Goodwood Estate. Here, you’ll be immersed in the atmosphere of the Goodwood Revival, a celebration of vintage motorsport where classic cars race in period-perfect fashion and the spirit of a bygone era comes to life. Our tour draws to a close with visits to the Beaulieu National Motor Museum, home to one of the finest car collections in the world and the British Motor Museum in Warwickshire— a fitting conclusion to our exploration of British motoring heritage.

Day to day Itinerary

Day 1 - Sunday 13th September

Arrive in London where we will meet at The Resident Victoria hotel with time to settle in before dining together at a classic British restaurant.

Day 2 - Monday 14th SEPTEMBER

This morning, we depart the hotel for a visit to the London Transport Museum to explore the history of British transportation. Established in 1980, the museum houses 200 years’ worth of London’s transport history including Victorian cabs and post-war vehicles. The collection spans the evolution of travel, here you will see iconic vehicles such as the famous red buses and the first underground trains. After some free time for lunch, we continue to our next visit, a private tour of Classic Car Club London, showcasing a variety of vintage and classic cars. Return to The Resident Victoria hotel for a free evening.

Day 3 - TUESDAY 15TH SEPTEMBER

Leaving the bustling streets of London behind, we enjoy a scenic drive through the Cotswolds passing the villages of Bourton-on-the-water, Stow-on-the-Wold and settling at Broadway in the Lygon Arms hotel. After checking-in, we meet for lunch at a local country pub before an afternoon at leisure.

Day 4 - WEDNESDAY 16TH SEPTEMBER

Full day excursion to Malvern, the proud home of the Morgan Motor Company for more than 110 years after being founded in 1909. This special visit will include an exclusive tour of the Morgan Motor Company factory, where you’ll have the chance to test drive some of their renowned cars and enjoy a classic afternoon tea. Enthusiasts at the factory will be there to guide you through every step of the experience, providing expert insights and answering any questions you may have about these iconic vehicles. Return to the Lygon Arms hotel in the Cotswolds.

Day 5 - THURSDAY 17TH SEPTEMBER

Our final day in the Cotswolds takes us to the picturesque village of Bourton-on-the-water, famous for its honey-coloured stone architecture and the lovely River Windrush that weaves through the heart of the community. Here we will make a visit to the Cotswold Motoring Museum, this quaint museum is packed full of cars, motorbikes, toys, caravans and motoring memorabilia. The collection started back in 1978 and spans from Austin, Ford and Jaguar all the way to Morgan, Morris and Triumph. After free time for lunch, our final visit takes us to a classic car showroom hidden among the vast countryside of the Cotswolds. Following an afternoon at leisure, we return to the Lygon Arms hotel for our final night and a group dinner.

Day 6 - FRIDAY 18TH SEPTEMBER

This morning, we depart the hotel to drive to Chichester where our entire day is dedicated to the Goodwood Revival with the Admission and Grandstand package included. This immersive experience is a must do for any classic car enthusiast and attracts 150,000 visitors annually from all over the globe. Don your best period attire and prepare for a day of thrilling vintage car races, showcasing the very best of motorsport history. As well as the exciting races, you’ll be able to enjoy period fashion, air displays and captivating exhibitions that celebrate the golden age of motoring. The atmosphere at Goodwood is truly one of a kind, where every detail transports you back in time, an unforgettable day for all who attend. Head to The Ropemaker hotel to check-in for our first night.

DAY 7 - SATURDAY 19TH SEPTEMBER

Stepping away from Chichester we travel to Beaulieu for the National Motor Museum, one of the UK’s most celebrated automotive attractions. Here, we’ll explore an extensive collection of over 250 vehicles, ranging from early motoring pioneers to iconic models from the 20 ^th century. The museum’s exhibits offer stunning examples of classic cars, racing legends and rare gems that highlight the evolution of design and engineering. This afternoon is free for leisure or local exploration, maybe you’d like to take the opportunity to stroll through the beautiful grounds of Beaulieu, taking in the historic surroundings and rich heritage of the estate. Return to The Ropemaker hotel in Chichester.

DAY 8 - SUNDAY 20TH SEPTEMBER

Return to the Goodwood Revival for a full day with the Admission and Grandstand package included. For those of you who may wish to elevate your Goodwood experience, VIP hospitality packages can be booked upon request. Return to The Ropemaker hotel.

DAY 9 - MONDAY 21ST SEPTEMBER

Our last day of ‘The Grand Tour’ brings us to the British Motor Museum in Warwickshire. This Museum covers a whopping 65 acres of land and features a Motoring Cinema, a purpose-built collections centre to house over 200 reserve collection vehicles and a chronological ‘Time Road’. Some of their most popular featured displays include the Land Rover Defender used in the opening sequence of the James Bond Skyfall movie, the ‘fabulously pink’ FAB 1 from Thunderbirds and a replica of the DeLorean from Back to the Future 2. Our day concludes with a farewell group dinner before checking in to The Resident Victoria in London for our final night.

DAY 10 - TUESDAY 22ND SEPTEMBER

Check out of the hotel and group departure.

The Resident Victoria, London

The Resident Victoria Hotel is a stylish and modern property located just a short walk from iconic landmarks like Buckingham Palace and the West End theatres. Its rooms are elegantly furnished with a mix of contemporary decor and comfort, featuring sleek furniture and luxurious bedding.

The Lygon Arms, Broadway

This charming and historic hotel is situated in the heart of the picturesque Cotswolds, offering a tranquil escape and stunning countryside surroundings. The hotel's interiors are traditional with elegant furnishings, cosy rooms and luxurious touches. Guests can also enjoy exceptional dining, a spa access during their stay.

The Ropemaker, Emsworth

The Ropemaker Hotel in Emsworth is a welcoming establishment nestled within a quant seaside town, just a short stroll from the harbour and local shops. Rooms are thoughtfully designed with a warm, classic style, offering comfort and modern amenities.

Without Flights: £4995 pp

Single Supp: £1600

Deposit: £500 pp

Departure Dates:

13 - 22 September 2026

Duration:

9 nights / 10 days

Your Holiday Includes:

Three nights’ bed and breakfast at The Resident Victoria in London
Three nights’ bed and breakfast at the Lygon Arms in the Cotswolds
Three nights’ bed and breakfast at The Ropemaker in Emsworth
Private coach transfers and excursions
Three evening meals and two lunches
Visits to the sites listed in the programme
Admission and Grandstand package at the Goodwood Revival
All entrance fees, taxes, and gratuities for coach drivers and serving staff

Foothills British Car Club of South Carolina

Travel Information

The price does not include extras at the hotels or travel insurance.

Please note that Fine & Cultural Tours Ltd uses hotels of character featuring a variety of rooms & styles.

My Unforgettable Journey in Marrakech | Article

hello@fineandcultural.com (Mellissa Taylor) — Mon, 11 Nov 2024 16:00:58 GMT

Gardens of Marrakech with Kirsty Fergusson | by Faye Anderson

I have just returned from our wonderful Boxwood tour, Gardens of Marrakech , led by the talented Kirsty Fergusson. This was not only my first Boxwood tour but also my very first garden tour and my inaugural visit to Morocco! I was excited to experience this vibrant culture and the stunning landscapes.

The itinerary was thoughtfully designed, with each day centred around a unique theme that highlighted the incredible variety of gardens in Marrakech. We enjoyed access to some truly remarkable sites, from the enchanting Villa

Oasis—once the home of Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé, in the French quarter, to private tours nestled in the breathtaking Atlas Mountains. There was truly something for everyone.

A standout moment for me was on day four, themed around contemporary garden design. We had the privilege of being guided through the stunning Villa Nouria by its owner, Helena Oswald. Her garden, designed by the talented Helene Lindgens, was nothing short of spectacular. Later that afternoon, we ventured into the Atlas Mountains to visit Olinto, where we were warmly welcomed by occupier Jose, who shared the beauty of their grounds in that stunning setting.

Our culinary experiences throughout the tour were equally memorable. We dined at the exquisite La Mamounia restaurant and enjoyed lunch at the Yves Saint Laurent Museum and many more. A particularly special evening was spent at Jnane Tamsna, hosted by Dr. Gary Martin and his wife Meryanne. Their daughter Thais introduced us to their beautiful property and gardens, and we were captivated by their charity work with the Global Diversity Foundation—a truly inspiring visit.

Our stay at the five-star La Maison Arabe, right in the heart of Marrakech, added to the magic of the tour. The attentive staff, impeccable service, and beautifully prepared meals were the perfect way to unwind after a day of exploration.

Lastly, I must express my gratitude to Kirsty Fergusson, our garden expert. Her deep knowledge and passion for gardening enriched each visit, making the experience all the more engaging. Thank you, Kirsty, for your invaluable insights!

I also want to thank my fellow participants. We formed a wonderful group that made this tour enjoyable and created memories I will never forget.

I’m already looking forward to my next visit to Marrakech and my next Boxwood adventure!

- Faye Anderson

Exploring the Gardens of Corfu | Article

lisa@firstdigitalstudio.com (Lisa Coetzee) — Thu, 31 Oct 2024 10:44:38 GMT

Exploring the Gardens of Corfu | By Meghan Galloway

This October, I was lucky enough to join the Boxwood tour to Corfu. A Greek island famed not just for its sun-kissed beaches and turquoise seas, but for its lush, subtropical landscapes and mesmerising gardens. The Hotel Rodostamo was a wonderful base for our tour, rooms were modern, comfortable, and the staff could not have been more helpful. Its privileged location allowed for easy access to all the gardens listed in the itinerary, one of which, a highlight of the tour, was the Rothschild Estate. Comprised of the two beautiful peninsulas of Strongilo & Kanonas and nurtured by three generations of the family, the design skilfully embraces

the wild landscape with more intense planting in courtyards and around the beautiful pools. One of my favourite moments during this visit was having the opportunity to visit the infinity pool situated within a former quarry, it was absolutely breathtaking! Another experience I thoroughly enjoyed was our very special visit to Loutses - Olive Farm. Our host was brilliant in educating us about olive oil and we even got to taste some of it! To top off the experience, they had saved a 2-year-old olive tree that needed planting for our group, a truly fantastic way to end a special tour.

It was an excellent week getting to know our clients, Kirsty Fergusson and Sophie Piebenga, I would not hesitate to join them on another tour!

- Meghan Galloway

Focus on Le Grand Hôtel Cayré, Paris | Report

hello@fineandcultural.com (Mellissa Taylor) — Fri, 18 Oct 2024 14:48:18 GMT

Le Grand Hôtel Cayré | by Julie Kirkup

October 2024

I was lucky enough to test out this week the hotel we shall be using for our Paris Nouveau tour next June and with its combination of historic charm, modern amenities and a prime location, I have no doubts that our clients will have a very comfortable stay!

Le Grand Hôtel Cayré, an historic establishment located in the heart of the chic Saint-Germain-des-Prés district in Paris, has been a symbol of Parisian elegance since it first opened its doors in 1920. After a significant renovation, the hotel was

completely refurbished and reopened to the public in July 2024.

Among its distinguished former residents is Annette Kolb, a Holocaust survivor and acclaimed writer who made the hotel her home for many years. To honour her legacy, the hotel's signature restaurant has been named after her. The brasserie serves contemporary French cuisine overseen by Bruno Brangea, a former chef for Alain Ducasse and where we shall enjoy our first group meal together. Each morning a continental breakfast is served directly to the table offering a choice of hot drink, juices and eggs, with a basket of viennoiserie.

The rooms at the Grand Cayre have been meticulously designed and beautifully finished, offering guests a luxurious stay with every modern comfort. Features include luxury bed linen, tea and coffee facilities, a minibar, a safe and a range of personal care items such as bathrobes, slippers hairdryer, magnifying mirror and toiletries.

With its excellent location near to the Quai d'Orsay for a stroll along the Seine, and many brasseries and bars within walking distance, I cannot hesitate to recommend this hotel and I am sure that our stay at the Grand Cayré will be very enjoyable.

Julie Kirkup

Product Manager

Join Justine and myself on the Art Pursuits tour PARIS NOUVEAU Art and architecture in the 'Belle Epoque' | 24 - 28 June 2025

Introducing Neil Porteus | Article

hello@fineandcultural.com (Mellissa Taylor) — Fri, 04 Oct 2024 13:20:38 GMT

We speak to Neil Porteus ahead of our new tour 'The Irish Collection: Spring Gardens of County Antrim and County Down'

We are delighted to announce that Neil Porteous joins Boxwood Tours as a Tour Host on our April 2025 tour to Gardens of County Antrim and County Down, where the mountains of Mourne sweep down to the sea. With an exceptional knowledge of plants, Neil has explored numerous species in their natural habitats, travelling to China, North and South Africa, Australia, and the Himalayas. His passion for history and love for researching the stories behind historic gardens led to an MA in Garden History and a BSc. Hons in Landscape Management & Horticulture. Neil frequently

appears on local radio, sharing his expertise and insights. Offering over a dozen different talks and tours, he relishes public speaking and garden guiding, enjoying the opportunity to meet and learn from other gardeners. Currently, Neil works as an independent garden consultant, advising private clients, Mount Stewart in Co. Down, and the Office of Public Works at Annes Grove and Doneraile Court in Co. Cork. Additionally, he is researching the histories of the gardens at Mount Stewart and Brook Hall in Co. Londonderry.

We caught up with Neil to learn a little bit more about him and what we can expect from our special tour.

What first sparked your interest in gardening and horticulture?

I was born and spent my first five years in Kolkata in India. I loved playing in the garden in the shade of beautiful trees and in the monsoon, we went up to Sikkim, to Darjeeling, in the foothills of the Himalaya. On our return to the north of Scotland, on a visit to my grandparents, my grandfather showed me how to raise vegetables and when it rained, we brewed up in an old Anderson shelter and he taught me chess.

What is your personal philosophy or approach to garden design and maintenance?

I think good design is usually simple – letting the garden speak to you – res ipsa loquitur! Garden maintenance is an art involving timing, forward planning and an opportunistic approach.

Are there any particular plants or garden styles that you are especially passionate about?

I really like naturalistic planting where a plant from China is growing next to one from Chile, looking natural, as though a supernatural flora of some enchanted island.

Can you share a memorable experience or anecdote from your work in any of the gardens?

Mount Stewart has the most depth and complexity of any garden I know, combining Gaelic and Classical mythology with personal commemoration. It is a magical place. One day, early in the morning, I was walking round the lake and was beneath Tir n’an Og, when a small typhoon settled on the lake, raising the water up 40’ for several minutes – observed only by me and a nesting swan! I have a photograph.

What do you enjoy most about leading garden tours and sharing your expertise with others?

Well, we all learn from each other, and a tour is an interaction rather than a monologue, so I take the time to speak with people.

What is unique about the gardens in this area of Northern Ireland?

The presence of the Gulf Stream allows us to grow a surprising range of plants from around the world so far north – we have an equivalent latitude to Hudson Bay but have an unusually benign climate.

The tour visits several gardens maintained by passionate horticulturists. Can you elaborate on what makes these locations special in terms of horticultural knowledge and plant collections?

Because of the possibilities in terms of plants which can be grown in Ireland, Irish gardeners tend to be incredibly knowledgeable about the plants in their care and often have great insights on how to get the best from them.

Among all the gardens and locations on the itinerary, do you have a personal favourite or a particular highlight that participants shouldn't miss?

For me, Mount Stewart is the epitome of both design and planting, but all the gardens are unique and eccentric.

The tour includes special private invitations, such as a visit to Ballywalter Park with Lord and Lady Dunleath. How do these personal touches enhance the overall experience for participants?

All gardens are a complex combination of imagination and what can be grown in a particular climate. Speaking to the garden’s inspiration first hand, really gives valuable insights into how a particular garden has evolved.

Join Neil on his Boxwood Garden Tour through Ireland in 2025 now!

- The Irish Collection: Spring Gardens of Country Antrim and County Down | 28 April - 2 May 2025

Hortus goes to Benton End and Beyond | Article

hello@fineandcultural.com (Mellissa Taylor) — Fri, 04 Oct 2024 12:52:23 GMT

Benton End | by Sarah Cook

Benton End was the home of Cedric Morris from the early 1940’s until his death in 1982. Morris was proud of his Welsh ancestry; his family roots can be traced back to the 1800’s. He made his first home in Suffolk at The Pound in Higham, about 5 miles from Benton End, running his Art School at Dedham, but moved the Art School to Benton End in the late 1930’s – after a devastating fire in his studio.

Morris started breeding Irises in the mid 1930’s. His early work in breeding took place at the Pound, and continued at Benton End after he had moved there in the early 1940’s. He took a ‘scientific’ approach to Iris breeding, carefully choosing the seed and pollen parents. It would have taken about 5 years from making the first crosses to seeing flowers on the plants. He grew approximately 100 seedlings to flowering every year, most of these seedlings were discarded. The Irises he named were sold via nurseries such as Orpington Irises and Wallace Irises.

In addition to Iris Breeding, and in complete contrast Morris grew a large number of specie plants. He was one of the first gardeners to turn from formal ‘Edwardian’ style gardens to the ‘naturalistic gardens’ of recent years. A list of plants in the garden at Benton End was compiled by Jim Bingley in the 1960’s. The list of plants runs to over 700 species, to my mind shows that Morris was at the forefront of ‘Naturalistic Planting’ which has, in various guises influenced gardening in Britain for the last 30 years. In the early 1960’s Beth Chatto visited Benton End with a friend, Nigel Scott, Beth wrote of the occasion ‘I was like a child in a sweetshop wanting everything I saw’ …… ‘ecstatic I knew I must grow such plants in my own garden’ .

I think that Morris, through people such as Chatto, has had a huge influence on modern ‘naturalistic plantings’. He removed the formal beds of the garden at Benton End and replaced them with amorphous ‘natural’ shapes.

Morris understood that after his death the garden and plants were unlikely to survive; he appointed the late Jenny Robinson (herself a noted plantswoman) to be his plant executor. This was a wise move and many of the plants are still grown by his friends, and their friends, they have been generous in helping to repatriate the plants to Benton End.

The Garden Museum and the Pinchbeck Charitable Trust are renewing the garden. It is not intended to return the garden to any of its previous forms, but rather to encourage many of the bulbous and other plants planted by Morris which still grow in the same areas in the garden at Benton End, re-appearing each year in the grass. (An area we now know as ‘Cedric’s Ghost)

The richest areas in the lower garden are now being specifically maintained to this aim. Other areas are being developed in which to grow as many of the (over 700!) plants which were listed by Jim Bingley, (a friend of Morris and warden at Flatford Mill Field Studies Centre) in the 1960’s. A time which was probably the ‘heyday’ of the garden. This list has been published in ‘Cedric Morris – A life in Art and Plants’ and contains over 700 plants, many of them bulbous, but also plants such as Clematis, Roses, Salvias and Daphnes, to name but a few!

Morris was very aware of ‘modern’ issues such as pollution, a theme in a few of his paintings.

The Garden Museum and the Pinchbeck Trust are renewing the garden. It is hoped that Benton End will inspire future generations of gardeners.

- Sarah Cook

Explore Benton End in 2025 and book now!

- Hortus goes to Benton End and Beyond | 2 - 5 June 2025 with Charles Fox

Beautiful Liguria | Article

hello@fineandcultural.com (Mellissa Taylor) — Fri, 04 Oct 2024 11:35:54 GMT

Beautiful Liguria | By Charles Quest-Ritson author of RHS Encyclopedia of Roses and Ninfa: The Most Romantic Garden in the World

Why do so few people visit Liguria? It has everything to delight and intrigue the English visitor. On this tour we will explore the sumptuous gardens and exotic plant collections first created by Genoese nobles and rich English expats more than 100 years ago—curated, ever since, by keen and knowledgeable gardeners.

The Ligurian coast is Italy's most beautiful - a succession of rocky promontories, deep-water ports and elegant small resorts. It runs in a narrow ribbon from the frontier with Menton in France to the borders of Tuscany near the marble quarries of Carrara. The Alps rise up dramatically behind, and

protect the coastline from cold wind and rain. Sanremo, Portofino and the Cinque Terre bask in the Riviera sunshine. Our wealthy ancestors came here to spend the months from November to April in sunlight and in warmth. The hills are covered by Taggiasca olive trees, famous for the mildest, sweetest olive oil in Italy. The museum at Imperia has a fascinating record of the production of Ligurian olive oil over the ages. We shall also have a tutored tasting of Ligurian wines – much livelier than the wines over the border in Provence.

Spring arrives much earlier here than in Britain. April is high season for flowers. We shall see rare and beautiful plants in every garden. Wisteria, irises and roses will be in full bloom. After we land at Nice airport, the tour will begin with a visit to La Mortola where Sir Thomas Hanbury in 1867 started the greatest English garden on the whole Riviera. Carolyn Hanbury will tell us the story of the family over tea and panettone in her house within the twenty-acre gardens.

We shall spend the first two nights at Villa della Pergola, above Alassio, as guests of Antonio Ricci in a sumptuous villa built by Scottish General McMurdo in 1876 and later bought by the Hanbury family. Antonio is a famous Italian broadcaster; his wife Silvia is deeply involved in the Italian equivalent of the National Trust. The garden contains forty different wisterias and the largest collection of agapanthus in the world. Part of their house has a period collection of books, paintings and commemorations relating to the English colony in Alassio.

We then go on to spend two nights on a promontory above the turquoise sea at Rapallo, where the English writer and caricaturist Sir Max Beerbohm lived for forty years. Five-star Hotel Excelsior dates back to the Belle Époque and offers modern luxury and complete relaxation.

British visitors flock to Florence, Venice and Rome, but few know the elegant and historic city of Genoa. It was a prosperous maritime republic to rival Venice, governed by its own Doge, and rich in palaces, gardens and churches that we shall explore on foot. It is the great unknown city where Christopher Columbus was born, Lord Byron lived and Oscar Wilde's wife Constance is buried. The people are hospitable and have a reputation for elegant living. Two hundred years ago, in 1825, the English art historian Anna Brownell Jameson wrote that 'Beauty is no rarity at Genoa: I think I never saw so many fine women in one place.'

One of the highlights of the tour will be a morning at the stupendous Villa Pallavicini-Durazzo, voted 'Italy's most beautiful landscaped park' whose palace, gardens, lakes, follies and underground caverns were made in the 1840s by one of Genoa's richest families. Our final visit will be Boccanegra, on the next promontory east of Mortola, where Carolyn Hanbury's best friend Ursula Piacenza has restored the garden made by famous English lady gardener Ellen Willmott. Ursula is Italy's greatest living plantswoman, so the garden has a fabulous collection of plants, old and new, with views westwards along a succession of bays and headlands: La Mortola, Menton, Monte Carlo and Nice. Sometimes you can see as far as Antibes. Eastward lies the coast of Liguria, with Ventimiglia and Bordighera in the foreground. Finally, on our way back to Nice, we shall indulge in a very special lunch - a memorable ending to a memorable tour.

Join Charles on our Liguria Tour in 2025 now!

- Country Life: Enchanted April in the Italian Riviera | 7 - 11 April 2025

Introducing Dr Steve Kershaw | Article

hello@fineandcultural.com (Mellissa Taylor) — Wed, 02 Oct 2024 12:41:31 GMT

We speak to our new expert lecturer Dr Steve Kershaw to find out about his passions

We are excited to announce the addition of Classical tours to our programme for 2025, designed for those with an enthusiasm for ancient history and classical civilisations. Leading these tours is Dr Steve Kershaw, our new expert lecturer in Greek history.

We’re delighted to add you to our team of experts for the 2025 season. Could you tell us a little bit about yourself please?

Yes, I’d be delighted. I’m Steve Kershaw and I’m a Classicist. So essentially, I’m an “it’s all Greek to me”/“Latin is a language, dead as dead can be, first it killed the Romans, now it’s killing me” person. I live in the wonderful world of dead languages and the art and culture of the people who don’t speak them anymore! I’ve been a Classics tutor for some 35 years now, operating at all levels from complete beginner to PhD, and I’ve spent much of that time travelling in the world of the ancient Greeks, both physically and intellectually. The core of my work has been at Oxford University, but I also teach on courses at the Victoria and Albert Museum. Some of my former students include the Princess of Jordan, and I translated Matthew Pinsent’s 4th Olympic Gold Medal for him after his victory in Athens. You might have seen or heard me on documentaries and podcasts for the likes of BBC Radio 4, Channel 5, and the History Channel, or you’ve possibly read one or two of my various publications, maybe Three Epic Battles that Saved Democracy: Marathon, Thermopylae, and Salamis or my children’s book Mythologica. I’m also a jazz double bass player, by the way, touring and performing in clubs, concert halls and festivals all over the world.

What initially sparked your interest in Greek architecture?

A couple of things, really. My father was an architect, so I grew up surrounded by all things architectural. But my special interest in the world of the Ancient Greeks really happened when I was introduced to Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey by an inspirational teacher at my primary school – all those gods, monsters and heroes were so exciting. And they still are!

Can you share a particular moment or experience that solidified your passion for this field?

I think it really was reading about those gods, monsters and heroes with my torch under the bedclothes at the age of 10. Then, when they made me do Latin at my Grammar School, I was actually quite excited about it, and the opportunity to do Ancient Greek was pure bliss. It still is!

Can you discuss a favourite Greek architectural site or structure and explain why it captivates you?

I have so many favourites. Usually, it’s the last one I’ve been to, or the one I’m just about to go to! But the Parthenon at Athens never fails to captivate me. There’s a real ‘wow’ factor as you approach it, and once you get over the power of the mighty first impression, the subtle nuances of its construction start to filter through. The whole story of its creation, through its transitions from a pagan temple to a church, then a mosque, and ultimately to a highly symbolic monument is riveting. And, of course, there are the stunning sculptures that once adorned it, and the lively and ongoing debates about the ‘Elgin Marbles’ and where they should reside. It’s endlessly fascinating.

Can you share an anecdote about a memorable research trip or excavation related to Greek architecture?

I’ll always remember an extraordinary visit to the Temple of Apollo at Bassai, high up in the mountains of Arcadia in Greece. You ascend through an incredibly beautiful natural environment where eventually your only companions are the goats blocking the road, until you find the temple, which is now preserved under a high-tech tent to protect it from the harshness of the climate. On this occasion, it began to snow just as we arrived. As we sheltered in the tent, exquisite white columns of snow tumbled through the holes in the roof structure, in a silent dialogue with the majestic limestone columns of the building itself. It was awesome, in the true sense of the word…

Join Steve on an Art Pursuits Study Tour in 2025 now!

- ATHENS The Artistic excellence of Ancient Greece | 9 – 16 May 2025

- MINOAN GLORIES The Art and Architecture of Bronze Age Crete | 15 – 21 October 2025

Paris Nouveau | Article

hello@fineandcultural.com (Mellissa Taylor) — Wed, 02 Oct 2024 11:47:31 GMT

Art and architecture in the 'Belle Epoque' By expert lecturer Dr Justine Hopkins

Art Nouveau was the first self-consciously modern style: decorative, dramatic and daring, with an international appeal which made it the most pervasive influence in art, craft, architecture and design throughout the turbulent years of the turn of the nineteenth century. Born of the conflicting ideologies of the Arts & Crafts and Aesthetic movements - the one determined to revive the craftsmanship of the past in the face of mass-production in a post-industrial society, the other abandoning utility altogether to proclaim the doctrine of ‘art for art’s sake’ - the practitioners of the new style were equally inspired by the natural world and the innovations of contemporary technology; by the elegant asymmetry of Japanese prints, the enigmatic patterns on Celtic shields, the elaborate decorations of Rococo furniture and the soaring lines of Gothic cathedrals. Art Nouveau was idiosyncratic, diverse and immediately recognisable - and endlessly fascinating to artists, dealers and public alike.

Representing a deliberate break with academic orthodoxy and traditional values, Art Nouveau struck a resounding chord that echoed the impulse of the age. The determination of its adherents to champion all creative endeavour and put an end to the hierarchical divisions that privileged the fine arts of painting, sculpture and architecture above the applied or decorative arts likewise proved sympathetic, at a time when society at large was also challenging historical hierarchies of privilege, while the deliberate sensuality of much Art Nouveau imagery fed the growing appetite for the edgy and scandalous which characterised the zeitgeist of the fin-desiècle. At the same time trade fairs and international exhibitions opened the way for artists and designers to disseminate their ideas and their products more widely than ever before, whether as factory-made ‘editions’ available in the increasingly popular department stores, or unique masterpieces sold through specialist retail shops such as Siegfried Bing’s ‘Maison de l’Art Nouveau’ in Paris, opened in 1895.

In a world increasingly urban-centred and consciously commercial, the style also found a natural niche in the newly-burgeoning world of advertising and Art Nouveau posters quickly became a commonplace feature of the modern town and city. By the turn of the century there was no area of visual experience that the style had not reached, from buildings to biscuit tins, postcards to porcelain. In the art gallery and at home, in commercial showrooms and on billboards, and by any one of a dozen different names, the new style took its place at every level of contemporary life. Art Nouveau changed not only the look of designed objects but the attitude with which they were designed and made. More than a style, more than simply a reflection of the spirit of its age, at its best it represented a whole complex of ideas, intentions and aspirations; a state of mind which would affect future generations of architects and designers, while producing works in all media - from public buildings to private houses, stained glass to furniture to jewellery - which continue to feel modern today. In past years, Art Pursuits has followed the ‘Art Nouveau trail’ from Nancy to Glasgow to Brussels, observing at first hand how the style adopted and adapted local influences, both historical and contemporary, to shape itself to the particular spirit of the place. For 2025 we will be exploring Paris, home to such leading Art Nouveau luminaries as Hector Guimard and Alphonse Mucha, and site of the International Exhibition of 1900, which marked the climax of the Art Nouveau phenomenon as some fifty-one million visitors from all over Europe and beyond flocked to admire the widest diversity of objects, buildings and images in the new style ever assembled. International Exhibitions were notoriously ephemeral, but many of the glories of Paris 1900 are still to be found, if you know how and where to look!

Join Justine on an Art Pursuits study tour in 2025 now!

- PARIS NOUVEAU Art and architecture in the 'Belle Epoque' | 24 - 28 June 2025

Styria | Article

hello@fineandcultural.com (Mellissa Taylor) — Wed, 02 Oct 2024 11:32:45 GMT

The Mediterranean side of Austria | By expert lecturers Dr Ulrike Ziegler & Sascha Pirker

Dr Ulrike Ziegler introduces us to Sascha Pirker

Styria is located in the southeast of Austria and sheltered by the main Alpine ridge in the north. This “Green heart of Austria” boasts a wide variety of natural landscapes, from dense forests in the north to ample orchards and vineyards in the south. The Mediterranean climate makes Styria Austria’s most fertile province with the characteristic trilogy of wine, pumpkin and apple. Set amongst these lush Styrian landscapes abundant cultural treasures await their discovery. The capital city Graz, our home on this tour, is not only a UNESCO world heritage site due to its pristinely maintained old town, but was also named UNESCO City of Design for its cutting-edge architecture and contemporary art. Mighty Mediaeval and Baroque abbeys alternate with small tucked away chapels and churches replete with fresco painting and wooden carved sculpture. Knightly castles and opulent palaces showcasing furnishings and art collections betray the wealth of this region in past centuries.

I will be joined on this new Art Pursuits study tour by tour lecturer and Austrian guide Sascha Pirker from Vienna. We met through a mutual employer, the Austrian study tour operator Zeitspuren. When I joined Sascha’s Zeitspuren group in Vienna last autumn for a study day on tapestries, I knew that he would fit with Art Pursuits. During our enjoyable group lunch at the Kunsthistorisches Museum the idea was born that we could join forces on a new Austrian tour to Styria, that I have had in the planning for a long time. Sascha’s expertise stretches from University lecturer to professional tour guide. He was particularly keen on incorporating the modern art and architecture of Graz to the programme and I’m excited to hear what he will have to tell us.

To introduce himself in his own words, Sascha kindly agreed to a short interview.

What first sparked your interest in art history?

When I was a child, I had the opportunity to travel the world with my family and visit some of the most important art historical sites. I also got to explore the cultural landscape of my hometown, Vienna, in Austria. From an early age, I loved visiting museums and thinking about the objects I saw. Later I have been working in cultural education for many years, including several years at the Architekturzentrum Wien, a museum for modern and contemporary architecture, and at the Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien with its collections ranging from antiquity to the late 18th century.

Do you have a favourite museum or gallery, and why?

One of my favourites is the Fondation Maeght in the south of France. It combines architecture, art, and landscape in a truly unique way. It is a great place to learn about art in a relaxed setting.

What can we expect to learn and see during the tour?

In the Castle of Eggenberg, we will unravel artistic programs that blend astrological and hermetic ideas, numerical symbolism, and mythology into complex allegories. We also meet the little sister of St Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna, the pilgrimage church of Maria Straßengel, learn that there is a Styrian Tuscany, which is called a "friendly alien“ in the otherwise Alpine landscape.

Can you share an interesting or surprising fact about a specific piece or artist that we will see?

The amazing Staircase of Reconciliation in Graz is a hidden gem. It is made up of two opposing spiral staircases that briefly join, separate, and then reunite on each floor.

Can you tell us about a memorable experience from one of your tours over the years

One of my most memorable experiences was on a trip to Florence. We were visiting L'Opificio delle Pietre Dure when work was underway on Vasari's Last Supper. Since the flooding of the Arno in 1966, it had been secured, covered and no longer visible to anyone; we were among the first to see it again.

- STYRIA The Mediterranean side of Austria | 20 - 25 October 2025 | Coming soon...

A taste for tiles | Article

hello@fineandcultural.com (Mellissa Taylor) — Wed, 02 Oct 2024 11:16:17 GMT

A taste for tiles | By expert lecturer Sue Rollin

We are delighted to have expert lecturer Sue Rollin leading three tours for Art Pursuits in 2025, to Uzbekistan, Morocco and Seville, destinations with distinct histories and traditions, but which share a taste for the use of colourful glazed tilework. Glazed brick and tile decoration goes back to ancient Egypt, Assyria, Babylonia and Persia, and although it went out of fashion in the Roman and Byzantine periods, it reappeared in the 9C in the Islamic world where it became one of the finest and most accomplished art forms.

When in the late 14C the great Central Asian conqueror Tamerlaine became master of a vast empire he brought the best architects, artists and craftsmen to his royal atelier in Samarkand. As the artisans pooled their skills, the decorative arts flourished and the international Timurid style was born. Buildings were embellished with glazed bricks and tiles and the results are spectacular. Few architectural ensembles can compare with the Registan in Samarkand and the brilliant blue, bulbous fluted dome over the Gur Emir, Tamerlaine’s mausoleum, is a masterwork. Interiors and portals of the mausolea at the Shah-i Zinda necropolis display an extraordinary range of colours, techniques and designs. Delicately carved and glazed tiles in white, cobalt blue and turquoise contrast with cuerda seca panels with a wider colour palette. Designs are based on curvaceous and angular calligraphy, geometry and the arabesque, with floral and vegetal patterns showcased in tile mosaic.

In the far west of the Islamic world, the art of zillij, cut tile mosaic, has been a characteristic feature of Moroccan architecture since the 10C. Skilled craftsmen use pieces of coloured glazed terracotta tiles to create complex geometric patterns for which they have a choice of an astonishing 360 different rectangular and curvilinear shapes, each of which has a different name. They include triangles, squares, polygons, rhombuses, diamonds, incredible stars with up to 96 points, and shapes which are named after the objects, plants and animals from which they are abstracted. Zillij decorates mosques, tombs, religious colleges, fountains, patios, baths, palaces and mansions and for wealthy patrons it was a statement of luxury and sophistication. Initially the palette was restricted to white and brown, but as the art form developed, green, yellow, blue and red, representing the four elements, were introduced. Fes boasts some of the best traditional Moroccan zillij, in the 14C Bou Inania and El Attarine merdersas, where walls and floors are clad in exquisite patterns.

Across the straits of Gibraltar, where parts of Iberia were under Muslim rule for almost 800 years (711-1492), a distinct Islamic art evolved, which drew much of its inspiration from Islamic Africa but also absorbed elements from Roman and Visigothic Spain. Following the Christian reconquest a hybrid Christian-Islamic artistic style emerged, known as mudéjar, popular with wealthy patrons and used to decorate their residences. In Seville there are notable examples of mudéjar, in stucco, marquetry and tilework. Pedro I remodelled the Alcázar as an Islamic palace in the 14C: dados are clad with tile mosaic panels, using the same geometric patterns as Moroccan zillij. Around 1500 the potters invented a new method of tile-making, in which moulds were pressed onto unfired tiles, creating recesses (cuencas), which were filled with coloured glazes, and ridges (aristas), which prevented the colours from running during firing. Vast quantities of arista tiles were produced in the Seville potteries, and used to create panels which copied the designs of Islamic tile mosaic but which also incorporated Renaissance motifs. The Casa de Pilatos is a perfect example of the blending of the two styles and a testament to the enduring taste for tiles, which decorate rooms, courts and stairs and show the coat-of-arms of Pedro Enríquez, the governor of Andalusia, who founded the palacio c.1490.

Join Sue on an Art Pursuits study tour in 2025 now!

- A TASTE OF SEVILLE Gastronomy and artistic heritage in the capital of Andalusia | 13 – 19 May 2025

- UZBEKISTAN The Golden Road to Samarkand | 24 May – 3 June 2025

- NORTHERN MOROCCO Imperial Cities and more | 29 October – 7 November 2025

Art Pursuits 2025

hello@fineandcultural.com (Mellissa Taylor) — Wed, 02 Oct 2024 10:43:14 GMT

Introducing our new 2025 Art Pursuits Brochure!

As we look ahead to a new year of travel opportunities, we are pleased to announce our 2025 brochure, showcasing a variety of fascinating tours that feature both iconic sights and lesser-known gems. We are delighted to have reached this milestone and hope you will feel inspired to join us on one of our forthcoming tours or events.

A vast range of tours have been specially curated for our 2025 programme. These include the return of our Malta tour with Nigel McGilchrist, following in the footsteps of the Knights of St. John Hospitaller, and tales of gods, monsters, and heroes in Athens with our new expert lecturer, Dr Steve Kershaw. For those looking to travel further afield, join our ancient Islamic and Middle East specialist, Sue Rollin, for her tour through history-rich Royal Moroccan cities, from Chefchaouen to Casablanca.

Each tour is accompanied by subject matter specialists and well-rounded Tour Managers who are always on hand to ensure you enjoy a seamless travel experience. From your initial enquiry, you will enjoy the same personal service of our small, friendly team, with in-depth knowledge of all our tours.

For further information on any of our tours, please email us at abroad@artpursuits.com or call us on 01280 430 175.

We look forward to welcoming you on a tour or event with us soon.

Fine & Cultural Tours Ltd

Tue, 01 Oct 2024 09:08:13 GMT

The F&C Team

Fine and Cultural Tours was established as recently as 2023 as the new independent home of Art Pursuits and Boxwood Tours, delivering escorted Art History and exclusive Garden Tours. We work together with a passion for maintaining the integrity of Art Pursuits and Boxwood Tours, carrying forward the ethos established by their founders of delivering exceptional service and delighting you with our tours. Being a small and friendly team of travel advisors ensures that you will enjoy personalised service every step of the way.

Achieving the milestone of launching Fine and Cultural tours independently fills us with joy and pride, and as the decision-makers, you can trust that we are driven by a commitment to our clients, staff and tour partners. We invite you to join us as we explore the vibrant world of art and gardens, where each journey promises to inspire and captivate.

We are excited to introduce our newest member of the team, Meghan, who has recently joined the Fine and Cultural team as sales & admin assistant. Meghan has always had a passion for travel, from living in and travelling around Australia and New Zealand for four years to partaking in a six-month solo backpacking trip around South East Asia, visiting over six different countries. She now looks forward to applying her extensive knowledge to elevate the experiences we offer our clients.

'My favourite part of travel is meeting new people and immersing myself in their culture.'

Boxwood Tours: A look into 2027...

hello@fineandcultural.com (Mellissa Taylor) — Wed, 22 May 2024 11:32:07 GMT

Where are we going in 2027?

EARLY SEASON

Gardens of the Gods: Spring gardens and wild flowers in Greece

G ardens of the Côte d'Azur

Gardens of Mallorca

West Ireland: Spring gardens of Galway and The Burren

Gardens of the Lothians & Dumfries House: The Prime of Scottish gardens

Devon on the Wildside: Featuring the renowned Hotel Endsleigh

Bavarian gardens: Land of The Blue Riders

LATE SEASON

South African gardens: The Cape of Good Hope and Babylonstoren

Gardens of Burgundy

Secret Gardens of Norfolk

Venice & the Veneto

This is just a taste of what is planned for our 2027 programme.

To register your interest please contact the office on 01280 430 175 or email us at mail@boxwoodtours.co.uk

Country Life | Florentine villa gardens: From the illustrious Medici dynasty to contemporary designs

Sun, 29 Jan 2023 15:50:17 GMT

5 days | £5295 per person with flights | 11 - 15 May 2026

From the illustrious Medici dynasty to contemporary designs

This late Spring tour has been carefully designed to include some of the most beautiful and exclusive gardens in and around Florence and is timed to coincide with the flowering of the Iris florentina , emblem of the city since 1251, a white flowering bearded iris from which the perfumed orris-root is made and attributed to being the inspiration for the fleur-de-lis. It was in Tuscany that the Renaissance took root in the 15 ^th century, and garden features from that time are still in evidence. By way of contrast, the tour also features important gardens of the early 20 ^th century when English speaking expatriates comprised one sixth of the population of Florence. We include gardens designed by Cecil Pinsent who worked in the early 1900s for the expatriate community. On one day we venture out of Florence to Villa La Foce, to see the gardens created for Iris & Antonio Origo in the 1920s. Our host, Nick Dakin-Elliot will discuss how these masterpieces of garden architecture are being managed in Italy today particularly referring to his work at the helm of the restoration work at Villa La Pietra . This tour includes many rare and private visits with special invitations to lunch with owners. We are accommodated for four nights at the elegant 5-star Hotel Regency .

Day to day Itinerary

Day 1

Arriving in Pisa late morning we transfer to Florence where you are invited for a light lunch and a tour of Giardino Torrigiani , a remarkable private garden in central Florence owned by the Torrigiani families since the 16 ^th century. En route to the hotel we visit Villa Medici Castello, a fine example of an early Medici Garden that has been restored. At the Hotel Regency there is time to settle in before dining together with local wine included.

Day 2

We start the day visiting the gardens of Villa Gamberaia , one of the most perfect examples of garden architecture. Although the original garden dates to the 17 ^th century, the famous water terrace was designed by Princess Ghyka of Serbia in the late 19 ^th century. Explore a unique water parterre, bowling lawn, secret garden, nymphaeum, lemon garden and bosco with magnificent views over the Arno Valley. After a group lunch, our final visit of the day is to the fascinating Giardino dell’Iris . The garden is open for around one month each year and is a colourful oasis containing over 1500 varieties of Iris from all over the world. We return to Hotel Regency before dining out in a local restaurant together with local wines included.

Day 3

Today we drive to the Palazzo Piccolomini , built in 1459 by Enea Silvio Piccolomini (Pope Pius II from 1458 to 1464) . The palace features a grand hanging garden with views of the Val d’Orcia and Mount Amiata. We enjoy lunch together before continuing to Villa La Foce in the Val d’Orcia, a beautiful and miraculously intact valley in Southern Tuscany. When Antonio & Iris Origo bought the estate, they engaged the English architect Cecil Pinsent to restructure the main buildings and create a garden to enhance the Renaissance house and expand the spectacular view over the valley. Perfect harmony between buildings, garden and nature helps La Foce stand out as one of Pinsent’s best works. Return to Florence for a free evening.

Day 4

Our day begins in the garden of Vignamaggio , heart of the Chianti Classico region. The garden showcases a rich array of plantings and flowing fountains with stunning views across rolling hills and vast vineyards. Before we sit for lunch, we take part in a Terracotta experience in Impruneta, discovering the art of the most durable terracotta in the world. Following an independent lunch, we conclude our day at Torre di Sopra , a garden of romantic plantings and citric delights. The original layout of the garden remains and forms a series of garden rooms reminiscent of the Arts and Crafts movement. Return to the hotel for dinner.

Day 5

On this last day of the tour, we visit Cecil Pinsent’s dramatic treatment of the steep hillside at Villa Le Balze in Fiesole as well as the gardens of Villa Medici Fiesole, one of the earliest Medici gardens that was sensitively overlaid by the work of Cecil Pinsent in the early 19 ^th Century. We then have a picnic lunch at Villa La Pietra, t he magnificent Acton family villa now owned by New York University (NYU). Here, Nick Dakin-Elliot will explain the implementation of Kim Wilkie’s ingenious restoration plan for this important site. Travel to Pisa Airport for our return flight to London.

Regency Hotel

This stunning 5-star Florentine villa is located just a short step away from the centre of Florence. The property was built in the second half of the 19th century and was furnished by interior designer Tito Chini, the Art Nouveau style has been meticulously maintained and today guests at the Regency Hotel can appreciate Chini's stained glass windows and ceiling details in the dining room. Each room has been individually styled and provides a comfortable retreat for guests with elegant furnishings and modern amenities. Overlooking the hotel's private inner garden is the Restaurant Relais Le Jardin, it is here that Gastronomic wonders are curated combining flavours of Italian tradition with creative interpretation.

With Flights: £5295

Join Direct: £5145

Single Supp: £750

Deposit: £450

Departure Dates:

11 - 15 May 2026

Duration:

4 nights / 5 days

Your Holiday Includes:

Return flights (Economy class) from London to Pisa
Four nights' bed and breakfast at the Hotel Regency
Private coach transfers and excursions
Three evening meals and four lunches
Guided visits to sites listed in the programme
Services of the Tour Host and Tour Leader
Detailed programme and garden notes
All entrance fees, taxes, and gratuities for coach drivers and serving staff

Tour Host & Leader

Nick Dakin-Elliot

Nick Dakin-Elliot, as Horticultural Associate, is responsible for the Renaissance Revival gardens and grounds of Villa La Pietra and, as Garden Manager, the new Arts and Crafts-style garden of Villa Torre di Sopra, both in Florence, Italy. Previously, he was senior lecturer in horticulture at Pershore College of Horticulture in England. He studied ornamental horticulture at Askham Bryan College, York and the University Botanic Gardens, Cambridge and

studied education at the Universities of Wolverhampton and Worcester in England. Whilst Nick’s lifelong love of plants, their beauty and the challenges of both propagating and growing them remains, his current

fascination is with organic vegetable growing and the practice of sustainable gardening.

Marion Mako

Based in the Cotswolds, Marion is an accomplished freelance garden designer, historian, researcher, author, and tour leader. Inspired by a trip to Italy, she left the corporate world to study garden design and practical horticulture, later earning a Master’s in Garden History from the University of Bristol, where she focused on the Arts and Crafts era and the artist and garden designer Alfred Parsons. Marion has written five books, contributed to journals, and appeared on British TV and the American PBS series ‘A Short History of the English Garden’. For over twenty years, she has led garden tours across England and Europe. It is her great joy to discover and share new gardens with fellow garden enthusiasts and she is renowned for her engaging storytelling about the creators of these places.

Travel Information

The price does not include extras at the hotels or travel insurance.

Please note that Boxwood Tours use hotels of character featuring a variety of rooms & styles.

Stamina

Please note that some of our tours can involve a fair amount of walking, sometimes across uneven

ground. We ask that clients inform us if they have difficulties before booking to avoid any issues whilst on tour.

The Majesty of Ancient Macedonia

Sun, 29 Jan 2023 12:24:56 GMT

1 day | £99 per person | 9 October 2026

The Majesty of Ancient Macedonia

The Ancient Greeks continually struggled to make up their minds about the Macedonians, who lived in the transitional area between Northern Greece and barbarian Thrace: were they barbarians or not? It was a question that mattered a great deal to the Macedonians, who firmly believed that they should not be thought of as barbaric, and the stunning artworks found in their royal burials certainly speak of artistic achievements at the highest level. This Lecture Day gives us the chance to explore this fascinating area of the Greek and Roman world, through the personalities of King Philip II and his fabulous grave goods at Vergina, his son Alexander III ‘the Great’ and the royal palaces at Pella and Aigai, and their cultural legacy from the Hellenistic Ages onwards. In his lectures Dr. Steve Kershaw will lead us on a journey through this intriguing region, taking in the heritage of its mighty kings, the extraordinary recent finds at the Kasta Tumulus at Amphipolis, the city of Philippi where Mark Antony and Octavian (later Rome’s first Emperor Augustus) defeated Brutus and Cassius, and to whose inhabitants St Paul wrote, and the great city of Thessaloniki, named after Alexander the Great’s half-sister, which grew to become the heart of the Roman Diocese of Macedonia, with all the majestic monuments that mark out a mighty Roman Imperial capital city.

Dr Steve Kershaw will be leading a tour of Thessaloniki in 2027. More details will be available soon.

This Lecture is held at the Art Workers' Guild in Queen Square London.

TIMETABLE FOR THE DAY

10.30-11.00 Welcome refreshments

11:00-12:00 – Lecture 1

12:00- 12.30 Refreshments

12:30-13:30 – Lecture 2

13:30-14:30 – Lunch

14:30-15:30 Lecture 3

Price: £99

Date:

9 October 2026

Your day includes:

Three lectures
Refreshments
Light lunch

Expert Lecturer

Dr Steve Kershaw

As a Classics Tutor for Oxford University Department for Continuing Education, and as a lecturer for the V&A and The Arts Society, Dr. Steve Kershaw has spent much of the last 40 years travelling extensively in the world of the Ancient Greeks both physically and intellectually. His media appearances include featuring as an expert contributor to the History Channel’s Barbarians Rising series and as a guest on BBC Radio 3’s You’re Dead to Me, and his publications on Greek history include A Brief Guide to the Greek Myths, A Brief Guide to Classical Civilization, Three Epic Battles that Saved Democracy: Marathon, Thermopylae and Salamis, and a children’s book on Greek Mythology entitled Mythologica that was Amazon.com’s Best Children’s Non-Fiction Book of 2019.

SICILY: Cultural crossroads of the Mediterranean

Sat, 28 Jan 2023 09:42:37 GMT

1 day | £99 per person | 16 October 2026

Cultural crossroads of the Mediterranean

Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. It has a long and diverse coastline with several natural harbours and a mountainous hinterland dominated by Mount Etna, with its fertile volcanic soils. The island has always been a meeting ground of peoples and civilisations as its natural assets and strategic position at the heart of the Mediterranean attracted successive waves of invaders, adventurers and colonists who shaped its culture and identity. In this lecture day we look at some of the peoples who contributed to Sicily’s multicultural history and whose legacy is still visible in the island’s rural and urban landscape. Greek colonists began settling in Sicily in the 8C BC and in time several of the Greek cities became wealthy metropolises with opulent courts which sponsored artists and scholars, including the great mathematician Archimedes. Bronze and marble sculpture, ceramic and metal vessels, attest the skill of their creators. Today there are more well-preserved Greek temples in Sicily than in mainland Greece. Western Sicily was controlled by the Phoenicians, or Punics as they were known in the west, under the aegis of Carthage, until Rome destroyed the Carthaginian fleet in 241BC. Under the Roman empire Sicily saw the development of large agricultural estates with luxurious country mansions attached. The Villa del Casale spread over 1.5ha, with rooms, courts, galleries, baths and corridors covered with c.3500sq.m of mosaic, one of the largest areas of floor mosaic anywhere. Mythological, hunting and sports scenes reflect the interests and activities of the wealthy hedonistic landowner. During the Byzantine period Sicily was ruled from Constantinople, temples were converted into churches and catacombs proliferated. The next invaders were Arabs, expert hydrologists who introduced lemons and oranges, sugar cane and sugar mills, silkworms and mulberry trees into Sicily and transformed the landscape. They made Palermo their capital. Muslim rule lasted over 200 years until towards the end of the 11C, when adventurers from northern France in search of new opportunities took the island from the Arabs. The Norman conquest ushered in a period of enlightenment which, though short, was one of the most brilliant in Sicilian history. The hallmark of Norman achievement was the ability to absorb and mix different traditions, Arabic, North European and Byzantine. Palermo remained the capital and many of the craftsmen were Arabs, while court ceremonial and protocol were taken from Byzantium. The royal palace and Palatine Chapel in Palermo and the enormous Benedictine abbey and stately cathedral of Monreale are splendid examples of Norman-Saracenic art. The polychrome marble panelling, Byzantine style mosaics and carved and painted wooden ceilings are quite simply magnificent.

Lecture 1: Persephone’s Isle: Sicily and the Greeks

Lecture 2: War and Peace: Carthaginians and Romans

Lecture 3: Arab legacy and Norman Conquest

This Lecture is held at the Art Workers' Guild in Queen Square London.

TIMETABLE FOR THE DAY

10.30-11.00 Welcome refreshments

11:00-12:00 – Lecture 1

12:00- 12.30 Refreshments

12:30-13:30 – Lecture 2

13:30-14:30 – Lunch

14:30-15:30 Lecture 3

Price: £99

Date:

16 October 2026

Your day includes:

Three lectures
Refreshments
Light lunch

Expert Lecturer

Sue Rollin

Sue Rollin specialises in the ancient and Islamic Middle East, India and the Mediterranean. An archaeologist, historian and linguist by training, Sue lectures for the Arts society and the V&A and has led Study Tours in Spain, Sicily, Morocco, the Middle East, Central Asia and India. Sue speaks Spanish, Italian, French and German. She is co-author of two travel guides: the Blue Guide to Jordan and Istanbul: A Traveller’s Guide.

Gardens of the Welsh Borders: Arts & Crafts gardens and beyond

Fri, 27 Jan 2023 12:26:27 GMT

4 days | £2550 per person | 15 - 18 June 2026

Arts & Crafts gardens and beyond

The mountains and moorlands straddling the borders of England and Wales are carved up by wooded river valleys, verdant farmlands, and a surprisingly rich vein of outstanding private gardens. This tour is a wonderful opportunity to view the work of some key designers and garden writers on their home patch, and to explore an array of exceptional gardens. The tour is based at The Angel Hotel , a welcoming, luxurious, 4 Silver Star hotel, located in the centre of Abergavenny, the vibrant market town in Monmouthshire, overlooked by mountains like Blorenge and Sugar Loaf.

Day to day Itinerary

Day 1

This tour starts at Bristol Parkway Railway Station. We journey together to Wyndcliffe Court for lunch, followed by a tour of the garden. Described as an Italianate garden in the Arts & Crafts Style, it was created by Eric Francis and H. Avray Tipping in 1922. More recently the garden designer Sarah Price laid out the new, scented rose garden. In the afternoon we visit a very special private house to explore the lush grounds. Travel on to The Angel Hotel for a warm welcome with time to settle in before an evening meal together.

Day 2

We start the day with Brockhampton Cottage , a memorable private garden made by innovative designer Tom Stuart Smith for Peter Clay , owner of the online garden nursery, Crocus . Following lunch in a local inn Stephen Anderton will take us to his home in the Black Mountains for a private view of the fabulous garden he has laid out over the past 20 years at New Inn Farm . The planting, as you would expect, is exuberant and exquisite – but in places also very restrained, when the far-reaching views take over. Return to The Angel Hotel to dine together.

Day 3

Today we visit two private gardens laid out by Henry Avray Tipping (1855 – 1933), the French-born British writer on country houses and gardens, garden designer, and Architectural Editor of Country Life magazine for 17 years. Our guide for the day is Helena Gerrish , author of two books on Tipping. First up is Helena’s own house, High Glanau , one of the finest and best-preserved Arts & Crafts houses and gardens in Wales. Helena and her husband Hilary will welcome us into their home and garden with a special invitation to a delicious lunch. In the afternoon we visit Mounton House , one time home of Avray Tipping . Mounton House has recently undergone a transformation aided by the garden designer Arne Maynard , to reinstate the garden as envisaged by Tipping.

Day 4

For our final day, we begin with a visit to Highfield Farm , the childhood home of owner and professional horticulturalist Jenny Cook and her husband Roger . Together they have been gardening Highfield Farm on a ‘plants-first’ basis. Venturing on, we arrive at Llanover House , home of Elizabeth Murray , where we are invited to lunch on the terrace before discovering the garden she is passionately developing. Our final stop is to Allt y Bela , private home of the renowned garden designer Arne Maynard. This garden's sensitive planting, abundance of roses and bold topiary makes for a standout visit, Arne admits to obeying strict discipline when designing the garden to ensure the house could ‘breathe’ and seamlessly blend into the surrounding landscape. Concluding the tour, we return to Bristol Parkway Railway Station to pick up cars or continue your journey by train.

The Angel Hotel

The Angel Hotel in Abergavenny is a beautifully resorted Georgian coaching inn, now a grade II listed, AA 4-Silver-Star hotel located in the centre of the town. The hotel offers a range of individually styled rooms, guests can enjoy the award-winning dining in the Oak Room restaurant or indulge in the hotel's special Afternoon Tea. Located just a few steps away from Abergavenny Castle and on the edge of the Brecon Beacons, it truly is the ideal place to explore the history of Abergavenny and its stunning surrounding countryside and gardens.

Price: £2550

Single Supp: £350

Deposit: £350

Departure Dates:

15 - 18 June 2026

Duration:

3 nights / 4 days

Your Holiday Includes:

Three nights' bed and breakfast at The Angel Hotel
Private coach transfers and excursions
Three evening meals and four lunches
Guided visits to sites listed in the programme
Services of the Tour Host and Tour Leader
Detailed programme and garden notes
All entrance fees, taxes, and gratuities for coach drivers and serving staff

Tour Host & Leader

Stephen Anderton

Stephen is the long-standing garden writer for the Times, as well as a lecturer and author. Trained originally in Drama and then Landscape Design, he worked in historic gardens where, latterly as National Gardens Manager for English Heritage, he was responsible for several major restoration projects. Discovering Welsh Gardens was published in 2009; his official biography Christopher Lloyd, His Life at Great Dixter appeared in March 2010 and Lives of the Great Gardeners in 2018. He now lives in the Black Mountains where he is making a large woodland garden.

Sophie Piebenga

Born in The Netherlands and based in the Cotswolds, our expert Sophie Piebenga has lived most of her life in the UK. Trained with the National Trust and qualified at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, all whilst working as head gardener of a private estate, Sophie quickly developed a particular interest in the conservation of historic gardens. This eventually led to a doctoral study at the University of York, researching the work of the early Victorian landscape gardener, William Sawrey Gilpin. Sophie has since worked freelance, mostly in the field of historic landscape conservation, and, for the last 25 years, has regularly led Boxwood tours around the UK and to Ireland, France, Spain and The Netherlands.

Travel Information

The price does not include extras at the hotels or travel insurance.

Please note that Boxwood Tours use hotels of character featuring a variety of rooms & styles.

Stamina

Please note that some of our tours can involve a fair amount of walking, sometimes across uneven

ground. We ask that clients inform us if they have difficulties before booking to avoid any issues whilst on tour.

VENETIAN SCUOLE: The Confraternities of Venice

Thu, 26 Jan 2023 11:06:25 GMT

1 day | £99 per person | 23 October 2026

Patronage and Magnificence in the Italian Renaissance

Carpaccio, Gentile and Giovanni Bellini, Tintoretto, Titian, Giambattista Tiepolo and more: almost all the greatest painters in the history of Venetian art worked for the confraternities (or scuole) of Venice at some point in their careers. This study day explores the art, architecture, and broader material culture of these guilds from their emergence in the Middle Ages to the fall of the Venetian Republic in 1797, with a special emphasis on the Renaissance. Attendees will learn about the history, patronage and original appearance of the magnificent Scuole grandi (or great schools) as well the arts of a range of Scuole piccole (the smaller, often parish-based guilds). Founded in the Middle Ages as lay institutions and dedicated to charitable and devotional endeavours, the activities of the guilds were closely overseen by the Venetian State. Due to their focus on mutual aid and communal solidarity, the proliferation of these confraternities contributed to a system of city-wide welfare. In the ambit of the arts, these guilds proved to be prodigious patrons, their elaborate meeting houses, paintings, relics, chapels and altars contributing to the visual splendour of the lagoon city. From Tintoretto’s Crucifixion in the Scuole Grande di San Rocco (1565) about which John Ruskin pronounced ‘I never was so utterly crushed to the earth before any human intellect as I was today’, to the unparalleled charm of Carpaccio’s cycle at the Scuola Dalmata (1501-1507/12), the activities of the confraternities of Venice provide a fascinating lens through which to examine the artistic and architectural achievements of the Italian Renaissance.

Dr Marie-Louise Lillywhite will be leading a tour of Venetian Scuole in 2027. More details will be available soon.

This Lecture is held at the Art Workers' Guild in Queen Square London.

TIMETABLE FOR THE DAY

10.30-11.00 Welcome refreshments

11:00-12:00 – Lecture 1

12:00- 12.30 Refreshments

12:30-13:30 – Lecture 2

13:30-14:30 – Lunch

14:30-15:30 Lecture 3

Price: £99

Date:

23 October 2026

Your day includes:

Three lectures
Refreshments
Light lunch

Expert Lecturer

Dr Marie-Louise Lillywhite

Marie-Louise Lillywhite is a research associate at Keble College and a member of the History Faculty at the University of Oxford. She is a specialist in Italian Renaissance and Baroque Art and lived for many years in Venice, having previously taught at the University of Warwick. Marie-Louise has published on topics that include aspects of confraternal artistic patronage in early modern Italy; seventeenth-century drawings of women and children; the limits of artistic liberty in post-Tridentine Venice; and twentieth-century garden design in Sri Lanka. Her first monograph, entitled ‘'Reforming Art in Renaissance Venice', will be published with Cambridge University Press this year. This book explores how artists articulated belief in the decades following the Reformations, at a time when the significance and power of the sacred image was highly contested by both Protestants and Catholics.

Deepest Somerset: Gardens of earthly delights | One room left!

Wed, 25 Jan 2023 10:46:34 GMT

4 days | £2995 per person | 29 June - 2 July 2026

Gardens of earthly delights

It is said that the soils of Somerset are the richest in Britain; no wonder that this pastoral region of England contains so many exciting gardens that hold a bounty of flourishing horticultural delights. It is rare indeed to visit a garden designer’s own garden - on this tour you have two such opportunities, with visits to the home gardens of Dan Pearson and of Isabel and Julian Bannerman . There will also be a chance to buy plants at Derry Watkin’s exciting nursery and discover the latest developments at The Newt. This is a tour that encompasses a wide range of choice gardens that illustrate the very best that Somerset has to offer. You are accommodated at the quintessentially perfect country house hotel; Summer Lodge is a haven of elegance and tranquillity.

Day to day Itinerary

Day 1

The tour starts and finishes at Bristol Parkway Station where parking is available. Hotel pickups can also be arranged from Summer Lodge. At the end of a tiny lane among fields is Hanham Court , the former home of garden designers Isabel and Julian Bannerman . A deeply romantic and enchanting garden, it offers a striking blend of formal elegance and natural beauty. After lunch nearby, we are invited to visit Caisson Gardens , a remarkable garden set on the site of the previous Somerset Coal Canal Company Headquarters containing reminders of its previous function in the form of the dry derelict canal that winds through the landscape punctuated by old stone locks. This all sounds quite severe, but the current owners have produced a surprisingly sensitive and stylish garden in this unlikely landscape. Continue to Summer Lodge, our base for the duration of the tour. Dinner is at the hotel this evening.

Day 2

Today we visit the extensive gardens of the infamous Newt . While the central, walled garden contains numerous, beautifully trained fruit trees, beyond are plenty of exuberant herbaceous borders, some planted according to colour. The Produce Gardens lower down display beautiful fruit cages and well-maintained no-dig vegetable beds. A scenic path leads on to the Four Seasons, a new, large ornamental garden with areas dedicated to each season. Horticultural and architectural excellence abounds. A delicious lunch, using fresh garden produce, is served in the café. From there it is but a short distance to the private home of garden designer Libby Russell . Set on sloping grounds in a delightful village, its layout subtly but cleverly reflects its rural surroundings. Return to Summer Lodge to dine together.

Day 3

When Isabel and Julian Bannerman move home, there is a buzz of horticultural intrigue and excitement to see what they will conjure up in their new garden. Today, the garden gates of Ashington Manor have been opened for us to view what they have achieved around their Elizabethan home. They started by importing from Belgium 21 large beehive shaped clipped yews that provide the structure to the garden and frame the view to the Norman church. They subsequently created outstanding flower borders to give seasonal delight by combining their favourite plants. We go on to Yews Farm where Louise & Fergus Dowding invite us to lunch in their voluptuous organic garden behind their village farmhouse. The lush planting continues into the potager, and even into the farmyard beyond. Finally, we enjoy an exclusive visit to a richly planted and beautifully kept, Grand II registered, private garden which surrounds a large country house. At the end of our visit, we are treated to a traditional English tea. We return to Summer Lodge to dine together.

Day 4

Hillside is the private home of renowned garden designer Dan Pearson and Huw Morgan . Here, in a secluded valley in the outer reaches of the Cotswolds, we are privileged to view the wonderful gardens that Dan has created for his own use. Hillside showcases his unique ability to harmonize with the surrounding environment while creating an inviting and inspiring space. We will sit down together for a light picnic lunch after which there will be plenty of opportunity to explore the garden at leisure. We finish off with a visit to Special Plants Nursery , well-known for its huge range of excellent, well-performing garden plants. Owner Derry Watkins will guide us around her own, adjacent garden too, generously sharing her wide knowledge. Return to Bristol Parkway Station.

Summer Lodge Country House Hotel

This beautiful family-owned hotel is located in the enchanting village of Evershot, set within 4 acres of manicured gardens. Facilities at the Summer Lodge Hotel include an indoor pool, a spa and a three AA Rosette-awarded restaurant. Guests can relax in elegantly appointed rooms and suites, each individually designed with classic furnishings and modern comforts. Whether you're strolling through the rose gardens, unwinding in the spa or indulging in a special afternoon tea, Summer Lodge provides the perfect blend of luxury and rural charm, an ideal base for our tour.

Price: £2995

Single Supp: £450

Deposit: £350

Departure Dates:

29 June - 2 July 2026

Duration:

3 nights / 4 days

Your Holiday Includes:

Three nights' bed and breakfast at the Summer Lodge Country House Hotel
Private coach transfers and excursions
Three evening meals and four lunches
Guided visits to sites listed in the programme
Services of the Tour Host and Tour Leader
Detailed programme and garden notes
All entrance fees, taxes, and gratuities for coach drivers and serving staff

Tour Host & Leader

Helen Yemm

Helen Yemm is probably best-known for her weekly Thorny Problems page that has been a fixture for nearly twenty years in the Saturday’s Daily Telegraph. In ‘real life’ she is a hands-on, self-taught, keen-as-mustard gardener and lecturer with a garden in East Sussex that she occasionally opens for small groups. Helen is a sometimes television presenter (Gardening from Scratch and Gardening Week for BBC Two) and is the author of several gardening books (the latest being Gardening in Pyjamas). She is also a regular feature writer for The English Garden magazine. However, hosting garden tours is, she says, the icing on the cake – she gets enormous pleasure from discovering gardens in the company of others who share her passion.

Sophie Piebenga

Travel Information

The price does not include extras at the hotels or travel insurance.

Please note that Boxwood Tours use hotels of character featuring a variety of rooms & styles.

Stamina

Please note that some of our tours can involve a fair amount of walking, sometimes across uneven

ground. We ask that clients inform us if they have difficulties before booking to avoid any issues whilst on tour.

The Gardens of SW Ireland: Wild, exotic & luxurious planting to inspire | Selling fast!

Mon, 23 Jan 2023 10:44:34 GMT

5 days | £3550 per person with flights | 6 - 10 July 2026

Wild, exotic & luxurious planting to inspire

In this Emerald Isle, the further west one ventures, the more the romantic wonder of the gardens intensifies. Gardens incorporating views of rugged coastlines with overwhelming peace and beauty. Gardens with verdant groves of almost unrecognisable plants that are thriving beyond the dreams that we may hold for the same species in our own patches. In her book ‘The Irish Garden’ (2015), Jane Powers asks “How can such exotics survive on an island that is as far north as the prairies of Canada and the pine forests of Siberia? The answer of course lies in the Gulf Stream, that warm and watery embrace which bestows the renowned ‘soft’ climate that allows a wide and exotic range of plant species to thrive” . Irish gardeners are making full use of this natural phenomenon. We visit the lush garden of Derreen, the Italianate Gardens of Bantry House and Harold Peto’s Ilnacullin, as well a very exclusive, private garden on an island. We will be staying one night in the renowned Ballymaloe Hotel before pushing further west to Parknasilla Resort & Spa on the shores of Kenmare Bay, described by George Bernard Shaw as “a place of long sea views and intricate walks, between ferns and fuchsias, rocks and rhododendron […] along the various fingers of land that point Southwest into the warm Atlantic. This place does not belong to any land that you or I have ever worked or lived in… it is part of our dream world” .

Day to day Itinerary

Day 1

Fly from London to Cork. From here we drive to meet Adam Whitbourn , Head Gardener of Blarney Castle Gardens, who will walk us through the gardens. After a simple lunch we move on to the fabulous Ballymaloe Hotel with time to explore the hotel’s garden and its well-stocked shop. Dine tonight at the Ballymaloe Hotel.

Day 2

Travelling westwards our first stop is Bantry House where Richard White, 2 ^nd Earl of Bantry , laid out a series of formal terraces adorned with statuary. A hundred steps lead up to the top of the garden, affording far reaching views across Bantry Bay. After lunch at Bantry House we cross the waters, past the small islands draped with seals, to Garinish Island to view the Italianate gardens of Ilnacullin laid out by the English garden architect Harold Peto . We then travel on westwards into County Kerry and on to the Parknasilla Hotel with time to settle in. We will stay here for the next three nights, dining together each evening.

Day 3

Across Kenmare Bay is Derreen Garden, a luxuriant sub-tropical woodland garden in a dramatic setting with rare plants and good sea views. After a simple lunch we will visit Dawros Gallery & Garden which was laid out by Dutch artist Charlotte Verbeek . Charlotte settled here 20 years ago and was inspired by the natural surroundings and by the work of Dutch garden designer Piet Oudolf . Return to the hotel for a group dinner this evening.

Day 4

Our first visit this morning is to Kells Bay , a garden nestled along the scenic Ring of Kerry. Here lies a strong emphasis on exotic species, particularly a renowned collection of tree ferns, many of which date back to the mid-19 ^th century. Following a simple café lunch, we return to Parknasilla for an afternoon visit to a very private garden on an island in Kenmare Bay. A very short boat crossing away, richly planted with wonderful sea views, this is a rare and privileged visit.

Day 5

A late start allows time for exploring the magnificent coastline, or the Parknasilla walled garden . We then make our way back east, stopping off at The Austen Garden, home of Stephen & Louise Austen. Wonderfully situated in the hills of Co Kerry, Stephen and his wife have shaped a comfortable garden from the bog and rock which surrounds an ancient farmhouse. Return flight from Cork to London.

Ballymaloe Hotel

A unique Irish Country House experience. Ballymaloe House is a family run Country House Hotel and restaurant on 300 acres of farmland located in beautiful East Cork countryside. Internationally recognised as the birthplace of Modern Irish Cuisine, Ballymaloe House offers you the very best of Irish hospitality and seasonal locally sourced or homegrown food. Accommodation at Ballymaloe House has a calm and relaxed feel. There are a range of rooms in the main house, some large and airy with beautiful views over the fields as well as cosier rooms at the top of the house, in the eaves and newer garden rooms which look on to the river and trees beyond.

Parkansilla Resort & Spa

Nestled in the shadows of the Kerry mountains amidst islands, inlets, and hidden beaches. Parknasilla is tucked away in its own 500-acre estate on the Ring of Kerry along the Wild Atlantic Way, close to the charming town of Kenmare. Parknasilla enjoys a rich heritage dating back to 1692 with the Manor House designed by eminent architect James Franklin Fuller. Over 126 years, presidents and poets, royalty and writers, actors and actresses have chosen Parknasilla as their haven of rest. Rooms here are light and airy with views of the sea or mountains and the hotel features a spa and swimming pool.

With Flights: £3550

Join Direct: £3400

Single Supp: £450

Deposit: £450

Departure Dates:

6 - 10 July 2026

Duration:

4 nights / 5 days

Your Holiday Includes:

Return flights (Economy class) from London to Cork
One night's bed and breakfast at the Ballymaloe Hotel
Three nights' bed and breakfast at the Parkansilla Resort & Spa
Private coach transfers and excursions
Four evening meals and three lunches
Guided visits to sites listed in the programme
Services of the Tour Host and Tour Leader
Detailed programme and garden notes
All entrance fees, taxes, and gratuities for coach drivers and serving staff

Tour Host & Leader

Neil Porteous

With an exceptional knowledge of plants, Neil has explored numerous species in their natural habitats, traveling to China, North and South Africa, Australia, and the Himalayas. His passion for history and love for researching the stories behind historic gardens led to an MA in Garden History and a BSc. Hons in Landscape Management & Horticulture. Neil frequently appears on local radio, sharing his expertise and insights. Offering over a dozen different talks and tours, he relishes public speaking and garden guiding, enjoying the opportunity to meet and learn from other gardeners. Currently, Neil works as an independent garden consultant, advising private clients, Mount Stewart in Co. Down, and the Office of Public Works at Annes Grove and Doneraile Court in Co. Cork. Additionally, he is researching the histories of the gardens at Mount Stewart and Brook Hall in Co. Londonderry.

Sophie Piebenga

Travel Information

The price does not include extras at the hotels or travel insurance.

Please note that Boxwood Tours use hotels of character featuring a variety of rooms & styles.

Stamina

Please note that some of our tours can involve a fair amount of walking, sometimes across uneven

ground. We ask that clients inform us if they have difficulties before booking to avoid any issues whilst on tour.

Jardins Haute Normandie: Exquisite gardens, coast to coast, from Varengeville to Honfleur

Sat, 21 Jan 2023 13:05:51 GMT

5 days | £3450 per person with Eurostar | 6 - 10 July 2026

Exquisite gardens, coast to coast, from Varengeville to Honfleur

Travel through Upper-Normandy visiting a select collection of the finest French gardens. Start with the unusually garden-rich village of Varengeville-sur-Mer on the Alabaster Coast (La Côte d'Albâtre) just west of Dieppe. This village has long been popular with artists and aristocrats with strong British links just across the channel. We include a very private contemporary garden, and the important hydrangea collection of Shamrock. Other highlights of the tour include Le Jardin Plume as it moves into its peak flowering phase and Jardin d’Etretat with its sensational modern topiary. For the first two nights we will be staying at the four-star Hotel la Présidence , a bright modern hotel in old Dieppe, between the castle and the medieval gatehouse, all reserved rooms with glimpses of the sea. For the last two nights we are based at the charming thatched five-star La Ferme Saint Siméon s ituated in Honfleur, facing the Seine estuary. For two centuries, La Ferme Saint Siméon has been the epitome of luxury hotels and excellence, offering guests a unique experience combining authenticity, heritage and the art of living.

Day to day Itinerary

Day 1

We take a morning Eurostar from London St Pancras to Paris Gare du Nord, then travel together by coach to a local inn in the pretty small town of Lyons-la-Forêt for a welcome lunch together. This is followed by an afternoon visit to the wonderful Le Jardin Plume where rustic charm meets French formality. Owners, Patrick & Sylvie Quibel’s seven-acre garden features swathes of tall grasses restrained by finely manicured, geometric hedges and vibrant, flower-filled beds. Continue to Dieppe to check in at Hotel la Présidence before dining together in a local restaurant.

Day 2

A day looking at gardens in Varengeville-sur-Mer starting with a visit to a very private contemporary garden . This beautiful garden is set in a dell dramatically overlooked by a striking house. The passion, knowledge and enthusiasm of the owner makes this garden so very special, with their excellent eye for the placement of choice trees and shrubs on a grand scale, many selected for outstanding bark or foliage. Down a country lane on the outskirts of Varengeville we meet Robert Mallet (grandson of Guillaume Mallet ) for a guided tour of Shamrock , a garden dedicated to a fine Hydrangea collection that thrives beneath the plantation of Paulownia trees. Following lunch in the village, we visit Le Vasterival, the delightful woodland garden created by Princess Sturdza and still owned by her family. Return to Dieppe for a free evening.

Day 3

Leaving Dieppe, travel down through Upper Normandy first stopping at Château de Miromesnil, Mme Romatet , the owner, welcomes you a tour of the château and the garden that includes a fine working potager followed by lunch together. Our next visit is to Jardin Agapanthe , described by the owner and garden designer, Alexandre Thomas , as his laboratory, a site of ongoing research. This contemporary garden is defined by a powerful structure and rich planting designs. Continue further west to Honfleur and La Ferme Saint Siméon where we dine together this evening with wine included.

Day 4

Following the Normandy coast northwards, we arrive at Etretat, a seaside resort, famous for its towering chalk cliffs and elephantine natural arch, frequently painted by Monet and other impressionist artists. Across the small bay and offering a dramatic view, we discover the highly original Jardins d’Etretat , opened to the public in 2017 to critical acclaim. Contemporary sculpture, sound installations and swirling topiary reflecting the natural landscape beyond the gardens are the work of Russian-born landscape artist, Alexander Grivko . A picnic lunch is included today. Return to La Ferme Saint Siméon to dine together with wine included.

Day 5

Jardins d’Angelique was created in loving memory of a cherished daughter. It is planted with a profusion of roses, hydrangeas and perennials to give gentle colour and perfume throughout the growing season. The coach will then drive to Gare de Nord for our return journey to London St Pancras.

Hotel la Présidence

The Hotel sits below the walls of the 15th century Chateau de Dieppe in the city centre. Features of the hotel include a restaurant serving regional cuisine, a cocktail bar with billiards and a spacious terrace and lounge. Rooms offer a contemporary design with comfortable amenities and refreshing sea views, its central location makes it the perfect base for our exploration of gardens around Dieppe.

La Ferme Saint Siméon

This magnificent 17th-century inn offers an authentic French stay in their charming thatched property situated in the heart of Honfleur. Honfleur is often referred to as the birthplace of impressionism and many renowned artists have stayed at La Ferme Saint Siméon from Boudin to Corot, and Bazille to Monet. Each room has its own unique character, in keeping with the hotel's history and charm, but provides all relevant modern comforts to enhance your stay.

With Eurostar: £3450

Join Direct: £3350

Single Supp: £195

Deposit: £450

Departure Dates:

6 - 10 July 2026

Duration:

4 nights / 5 days

Your Holiday Includes:

Return travel with Eurostar from London to Paris
Two nights' bed and breakfast at the Hotel la Présidence
Two nights' bed and breakfast at the La Ferme Saint Siméon
Private coach transfers and excursions
Three evening meals and four lunches
Guided visits to sites listed in the programme
Services of the Tour Host and Tour Leader
Detailed programme and garden notes
All entrance fees, taxes, and gratuities for coach drivers and serving staff

Tour Host & Leader

Amy Kupec Larue

Amy Kupec Larue is from upstate New York and has been living, working and traveling in Europe for over 35 years. After creating a floral decorating business in 1994, she began hosting garden tours in 2005. Her passion for plants, people and landscape design has taken her to many public and private gardens across France as well as Portugal and Italy. She also enjoys writing and published a map about the Remarkable Trees of Paris in 2023 along with articles for Bonjour Paris, France Today and the Guardian. When not traveling, she divides her time gardening between the Ile de France region and a small island off the coast of Brittany.

Marion Mako

Travel Information

The price does not include extras at the hotels or travel insurance.

Please note that Boxwood Tours use hotels of character featuring a variety of rooms & styles.

Stamina

Please note that some of our tours can involve a fair amount of walking, sometimes across uneven

ground. We ask that clients inform us if they have difficulties before booking to avoid any issues whilst on tour.

FLOWERS OF LORRAINE: Art Nouveau in Nancy

Fri, 20 Jan 2023 12:59:23 GMT

1 day | £99 per person | 29 October 2026

Art Nouveau in Nancy

Historic capital of the ancient Duchy of Lorraine, Nancy has thrived as a centre of trade, commerce and craftsmanship from the 11th century. It has also nurtured the vision of some extraordinary men, whose artistic ambitions made it what it is today: a World Heritage city with an outstanding legacy of art and architecture stretching back over five hundred years. From Ducal stronghold to Enlightenment masterpiece Nancy was shaped to fit the ambitions of kings; only to be transformed again at the dawn of the Modern Age by the artists and architects of Art Nouveau, whose legacy is not merely found in museums, but as part of the essential fabric of Nancy today.

Lecture 1: Nancy: Capital of Lorraine to Queen of Art Nouveau

An introduction to the extraordinary phenomenon that is Nancy, from mediaeval beginnings, through the Age of Reason and the upheavals of Revolution and war, to rebirth as a leading centre of Art Nouveau, the dynamic, diverse and resolutely modern style of the turning century.

Lecture 2: Style Nancy: Artists, Architects, Patrons

Art Nouveau thrived in Nancy largely because of the collaborative efforts of an extraordinary group of creative spirits. This lecture takes a closer look at some of the outstanding figures of the École de Nancy, including Émile Gallé, the finest glassworker of his (or arguably of any) age; Louis Majorelle, master of wood and metal; the brothers Daum, whose family-run glassworks stills produces fine art glass in Nancy today; architects Émile André and Lucien Weissenberger, and their patrons: printer Albert Bergeret and businessman Eugène Corbin.

Lecture 3: Nancy International: The Exhibitions of 1900 and 1909

A look at Nancy’s contribution to the spectacular Paris Exposition of 1900: climax of Art Nouveau and showcase for some of Gallé’s most extraordinary creations alongside outstanding works by his École de Nancy colleagues - many of which were acquired for the collections of the South Kensington Museum (now the V&A). Five years later Gallé was dead and Nancy mounted its own International exhibition, a celebration of the recovery of the region after the loss of Alsace which was also a celebration of Nancy’s greatest son and, as it turned out, a swansong for a style already being overtaken by history.

This Lecture is held at the Art Workers' Guild in Queen Square London.

TIMETABLE FOR THE DAY

10.30-11.00 Welcome refreshments

11:00-12:00 – Lecture 1

12:00- 12.30 Refreshments

12:30-13:30 – Lecture 2

13:30-14:30 – Lunch

14:30-15:30 Lecture 3

Price: £99

Date:

29 October 2026

Your day includes:

Three lectures
Refreshments
Light lunch

Expert Lecturer

Dr Justine Hopkins

Dr Justine Hopkins is a freelance writer and lecturer, specialising in art of the 19th and 20th centuries. Justine has taught for various universities, including Bristol, Cambridge, Oxford and London and lectures at Tate, the V&A, the National Gallery and for numerous independent art groups. She has published articles in various journals, most recently on the 2024 National Gallery bicentenary celebrations.

Hortus goes to Yorkshire: Northern lights - bright shining gardens of delight

Thu, 19 Jan 2023 12:55:07 GMT

4 days | £2995 per person | 1 - 4 September 2026

Northern lights - bright shining gardens of delight

This special garden tour is jointly hosted by Daniele Altieri , an Italian former biologist who has evolved into a passionate garden designer, resident in England for 30 years and Yorkshire man, Troy Scott Smith , Head Gardener of the prestigious Sissinghurst Castle as well as being a garden writer, speaker, lecturer and RHS Floral Committee member. These two garden enthusiasts have discovered that they jointly have a special complementary way to present gardens to interested groups. They will be guided by Sophie Piebenga , well known to many Boxwood travellers. Yorkshire is renowned for extensive National Parks, rugged landscapes, wild moorlands, small market towns and unspoilt villages. Staying at The Pheasant Hotel in the very small village of Harome, we will be well-placed to explore some of the region’s other celebrated jewels, its host of beautiful gardens numbered by aficionados as among Britain’s best, where you will meet many delightfully diverse owners and gardeners. The Pheasant Hotel not only provides a comfortable scenic retreat but also delights the palate, holding 2 AA-rosettes for its use of the finest local and seasonal ingredients.

Day to day Itinerary

Day 1

The tour starts at York Railway Station. Our first visit is to Middlethorpe Hall , a William III country house (now an exclusive hotel). Following coffee together and a warm welcome from the tour hosts, Daniele, Troy and Sophie, there will be a visit to the restored gardens. After a group lunch, we then journey together to Mount St John , a private country garden on the edge of the North York Moors with a stunning layout designed by Tom Stuart-Smith . Continue to the village of Harome to check-in and for a welcome meal together at The Pheasant Hotel.

Day 2

Start the day with a visit to Scampston Hall , where we are invited to lunch and a special tour of Sir Charles & Lady Legard’s exquisite walled garden. Recognised as one of Piet Oudolf’s design masterpieces, the garden includes a perennial meadow, Serpentine Garden, grass drifts and a silent garden. Our final visit of the day is to a private garden overlooking the North York Moors. Return to The Pheasant Hotel with evening meal included.

Day 3

A morning visit to Middleton Lodge owned by the Allisons family who have transformed the estate’s walled gardens, farmhouse and outbuildings into a fine hotel with two award-winning restaurants. After lunch, we explore the gardens of Raby Castle where the 18 ^th century walled garden has been remodelled by renowned garden designer Luciano Giubbilei and Lady Barnard putting Raby clearly on the map of notable English gardens. Our final visit takes us to another beautifully designed private garden . We dine tonight at The Star at Harome with its 1 Michelin star.

Day 4

Parcevall Hall sits comfortably in the Yorkshire Dales and was the former home of Sir William Milner , a gentle giant (of 6 foot 7 inches tall) and a reluctant socialite, he dedicated his time to creating a unique garden with all year round attraction using a wide range of plants, more recently the garden has been restored to highlight its late season attraction. We meander our way back to York calling at York Gate , for a light lunch and a garden tour showcasing great style and fine craftsmanship, recognized as one of the late twentieth-century's best small gardens and Cliff Bank Nursery set up in 2022 by a young and very enthusiastic couple who specialise in Anemones. Return to York Railway Station.

The Pheasant Hotel

Tucked away in the heart of North Yorkshire in the quaint village of Harome, is The Pheasant Hotel, a quintessential country retreat overlooking a charming duck pond and garden. Each room offers a blend of rustic English elegance and modern comforts, with stylish furnishings creating a homely and welcoming environment for all. Guests staying at The Pheasant Hotel can enjoy using the indoor swimming pool, located in the sheltered courtyard, or savour dishes from their locally sourced à la carte menu in the conservatory.

Please note that due to the limited capacity of The Pheasant Hotel, we may need to accommodate you at its sister property, the award-winning Starr Inn. Should this be necessary, you will be informed at the time of booking.

Price: £2995

Single Supp: £290

Deposit: £350

Departure Dates:

1 - 4 September 2026

Duration:

3 nights / 4 days

Your Holiday Includes:

Three nights' bed and breakfast at The Pheasant Hotel
Private coach transfers and excursions
Three evening meals and four lunches
Guided visits to sites listed in the programme
Services of the Tour Host and Tour Leader
Detailed programme and garden notes
All entrance fees, taxes, and gratuities for coach drivers and serving staff

Tour Host & Leader

Daniele Altieri

Daniele Altieri is an Italian-born garden designer and former scientist. After leaving his scientific career in Italy, he retrained in horticulture and worked as a gardener at Sutton Place and in National Trust gardens including Sissinghurst, The Courts and Smallhythe Place, where he was Head Gardener. Trained by John Brookes, the doyen of British garden design, he has designed gardens in Italy, Japan, and England. He is an experienced tour leader and lectures frequently on garden design, including training Sissinghurst gardeners. Daniele uses his designer’s eye to reveal how gardens create emotional responses, showing how spaces can delight, surprise or draw visitors into a deeper appreciation of the garden.

Troy Scott Smith

Troy Scott Smith is a highly experienced horticulturalist who has worked with the National Trust since 1990. He has spent most of his career as Head Gardener at three National Trust gardens, including the renowned Sissinghurst Castle Garden! After two years at Iford Manor Gardens, Troy returned to his role in Sissinghurst to help preserve its fascinating legacy.

Sophie Piebenga

Travel Information

The price does not include extras at the hotels or travel insurance.

Please note that Boxwood Tours use hotels of character featuring a variety of rooms & styles.

Stamina

Please note that some of our tours can involve a fair amount of walking, sometimes across uneven

ground. We ask that clients inform us if they have difficulties before booking to avoid any issues whilst on tour.

CENTRAL TURKEY AND CAPPADOCIA Ancient civilisations of Asia Minor

Thu, 19 Jan 2023 11:14:23 GMT

11 days | £5395 per person with flights | 26 May - 5 June 2026

Ancient civilisations of Asia Minor

Volcanoes, fairy chimneys, cities built in caves and beneath the ground: appropriately for a landscape that seems to have sprung from a storybook, the history of the region of Cappadocia is hard to separate from its myths. Among its legendary kings were Croesus, Midas, and Gordias, whose knot was cut and eponymous capital occupied by Alexander on his path through Asia. It was also once the heart of the empire of the Hittites, whose traces can still be observed today in Boghazkale. They were succeeded by Phrygians, Persians, and Greeks and Romans. But it was in the Christian era that Cappadocia saw its richest period of artistic and architectural achievement, in the shape of the extraordinary, honeycombed cave-churches that were built in the unearthly landscapes of Goreme and the Ihlara valley. Built by monks in the early Christian and medieval periods, many such churches are painted with astonishingly beautiful and well-preserved frescoes.

Day to day Itinerary

Day 1

Fly to Antalya and transfer to our first hotel in the old town. Enjoy our first group meal together at the hotel’s restaurant.

Day 2 - ANTALYA

Morning visit to the ancient Pisidian city of Termessos on a mountainside in Mount Gulluk National Park. Within the city walls remains from the Hellenistic and Roman periods include the agora, temples and the magnificently situated theatre with spectacular views over the Pamphylian plain more than 1000m below. After an independent lunch in Antalya, we visit the Antalya Archaeological Museum and take a walking tour of the old town. This evening, we enjoy a group dinner at a restaurant by the harbour.

Day 3 - KONYA

Check out and drive to Perge in Pamphylia, birthplace of Greek mathematician Apollonius, and visited by St. Paul. We see the Roman stadium and theatre, walk through the imposing Hellenistic Gate to the agora and follow the grand colonnaded avenue to the palaestra and nymphaeum. Continue to Beysehir for a group lunch by the lakeside, followed by a visit to the 13thC Esrefoglu Mosque, its roof supported by 42 cedarwood columns. We drive on to Konya where we check in to our hotel for the next two nights. Tonight, a dinner is included.

Day 4 - KONYA

Today a busy modern metropolis, Konya (Iconium to the Greeks) has a long and storied history as a Phrygian, Greek, Roman, Byzantine and Seljuk town. Visit the splendid Alaeddin Mosque, which contains the tombs of eight Seljuk sultans, and the Ince Minare and Karatay medreses. See too the Mevlana Tekke which houses the mausoleum of the Sufi mystic and poet Rumi, who died here in 1273, and a museum of carpets, manuscripts and musical instruments. After lunch, explore nearby Catal Huyuk, one of the world’s largest Neolithic sites, where wall paintings, reliefs and artefacts over 7000 years old have been found. Tonight, a dinner is included.

Day 5 - ankara

By coach to Gordion, the capital of ancient Phrygia. The ancient necropolis is dotted with burial tumuli, including the enormous ‘Midas Mound’, traditionally associated the legendary king, but now more commonly believed to be that of his father, Gordias. We also visit the Gordion Museum which displays finds from the archaeological excavations. Continue to Ankara. Today, a lunch and dinner are included.

Day 6 - boghazkale

Morning visit to Ankara’s Museum of Anatolian Civilisations, a rich repository of artifacts dating from the Palaeolithic to the Classical period. Assyrians, Hittites, Phyrgians, and Lydians are all well-represented. After lunch, by coach to Boghazkale, a small town beside the Hittite capital, Hattusas. Tonight, a dinner is included.

Day 7 - BOGHAZKALE

A full day to explore the Hittite archaeological sites, including the UNESCO-listed Hattusas, with the famous Lion Gate, impressive fortifications and remains of several temples. Visit the rock shrine of Yazilikaya, containing magnificent reliefs of Hittite deities, and northeast of Hattusas, the settlement of Alaca Huyuk, originally occupied by the pre-Hittite Hatti people, its city gate flanked by two great stone sphinxes. Today, a lunch and dinner are included.

Day 8 - CAPPADOCIA

Check out and drive from Boghazkale to Cappadocia with its astonishing volcanic landscape. Goreme National Park contains an open-air museum that showcases the best of Cappadocia’s astonishing painted cave churches. Many date from the early Christian period, and are unusually well-preserved, having escaped Byzantine iconoclasm relatively unscathed. Tonight, a dinner is included.

Day 9 - CAPPADOCIA

Visit an underground city, large enough to house and feed over two thousand people, which for centuries served as a refuge from military and religious conflicts. The subterranean tunnels, many of which remain unexcavated, contained stables, kitchens, and religious spaces, and connect with other underground cities elsewhere in the region. Continue to the beautiful Ihlara valley to visit more painted rock-cut churches and have a leisurely walk along the river. Today, a lunch is included.

Day 10 - cappadocia

Drive to the beautiful and less-visited Soganli Valley which contains more painted churches and monasteries carved out of the spectacular rock formations. There are also dovecotes carved into the hillsides. After our exploration of the valley, we return to our hotel and enjoy a free afternoon before gathering for a farewell dinner.

DAY 11 - CAPPADOCIA

Optional sunrise balloon flight from Goreme. Transfer to hotel and return flight to the UK.

Tuvana Hotel, Antalya

Tuvana is a charming boutique hotel located right in the centre of town near to the historic district; offering home comforts with all modern luxury and amenities with the ambiance and spirit of historical times.

Hich Hotel, Konya

Located close to the Mevlana Museum, the Hich Hotel Konya is within walking distance of all historical sites in the town centre. There are restaurants, cafes and shops nearby. Some rooms overlook the Mevlana complex.

Crown Plaza, Ankara

The Crown Plaza is newly built offering a warm welcome to the capital city with its prime location on Fatih Sultan Mehmet Boulevard . Rooms are modern and fully equipped with every amenity required.

Asikoglu Hotel, Bogazkale

Located in Boghazkale, close to the Hittite sites, the Asikoglu hotel is simply furnished and offers private bathroom, television, hairdryer and fridge

Yunak Evleri, Cappadocia

Yunak Evleri is a special cave hotel carved into the mountainside above the town of Urgup, overlooking Cappadocia's spectacular rock formations, It was created from several original cave houses, some dating back to the 5C and 6C, alongside a 19C Greek mansion. Cave rooms have private bathrooms and patios and are tastefully decorated with hand-crafted furnishings. Guests can also enjoy an outdoor pool and a spa.

With Flights: £5395

No Flights: £5195

Single Supp: £695

Deposit: £550

Departure Dates:

26 May - 5 June 2026

Duration:

10 nights / 11 days

Your Holiday Includes:

Return flights (Economy class) from London to Antalya, returning from Kayseri via Istanbul
Ten nights’ bed and breakfast in locally 4-star rated hotels
Private coach transfers and excursions
Nine evening meals and five lunches
Guided visits to monuments and museums listed in the programme
Services of the Tour Lecturer and a Tour Manager
Detailed programme and study notes
All entrance fees, taxes, and gratuities for coach drivers and waiters

 Optional sunrise balloon flight for £275pp. Please note, it is important to ensure your travel insurance policy will cover this type of activity.

Expert Lecturer

Sue Rollin

Travel Information
The price does not include extras at the hotels or travel insurance.

Please note that Art Pursuits use hotels of character featuring a variety of rooms & styles.

Stamina

Please note that most of our tours involve a large amount of walking, across uneven ground and often without the opportunity to sit down for at least half an hour. We ask that clients inform us if they have difficulties before booking to avoid any issues whilst on tour.

Hotels

Please note that the listed hotels are subject to change based on the availability provided by our local agent. For further information, please contact the office or email us at abroad@artpursuits.com .

Designed in Denmark: Gardens of Copenhagen, Zealand and Funen

Tue, 17 Jan 2023 16:12:01 GMT

5 days | £4250 per person with flights | 20 - 24 September 2026

Gardens of Copenhagen, Zealand and Funnen

Spread across a myriad of islands with a population of only five and a half million (about as many as Scotland), Denmark is a remarkably successful country: Danes are said to be happier in their daily lives than anyone else in the world. It is no surprise, therefore, to find many well-loved exceptional gardens that reflect the nation’s finest qualities. The nation is also renowned for being environmentally aware (with more than twice the number of bicycles than cars on its roads). Danish designers are well known for their work in furniture, but we also see evidence of innovative design in parks and gardens throughout the tour. We are based on the island of Zealand, starting in Copenhagen at the Phoenix Hotel : We then move to the island of Funen (Fyn) otherwise known as the garden island of Denmark, where we stay at Falsled Kro , a delightful stylish inn with comfortable fresh rooms and delicious Scandinavian food.

Day to day Itinerary

Day 1

Fly from London to Copenhagen. Transfer to the Copenhagen Phoenix Hotel with time to settle in before departure by taxi for a special tour of the Tivoli Gardens focusing on the innovative horticultural features of this tasteful pleasure park. We will enjoy welcome drinks and dinner at Nimb, a luxury boutique hotel that resides in the grand Moorish–style palace in the gardens. Nimb was affectionately named after the original restaurateur, Frau Nimb in the late 19 ^th century who welcomed guests adorned in a white apron and a friendly smile, serving fine dishes to all including royalty, politicians and writers. The evening concludes with Tivoli’s spectacular end-of-season firework display.

Day 2

We travel north to spend the morning in the recently restored and replanted Frederiksborg baroque gardens, followed by lunch at the Rabarbargaarden ‘Rhubarb Garden’ restaurant in the castle courtyard. Returning to Copenhagen, we stop at Exillion, a garden that expresses its owner, Peter Wibroe’s lifelong delight in Baroque architecture and garden design. The tour concludes with a glass of wine in the spectacular conservatory. We will also have time at the end of this day to visit the Botanical Garden as a group. The rest of the evening will be free for you to dine as you wish.

Day 3

Leaving Copenhagen, we initially cross Zealand (Sjaelland) to Gisselfeld Paradehuset , a remarkable late 19 ^th Century orangery where Stig Lauritsen and Greg Kobett have overseen the restoration and filled the large glasshouse with rich displays of exotic plants, finding room also for a shop crammed with an eclectic range of goodies. Following coffee, we continue to a very interesting private garden where the present owner has transformed the area around the house to a series of garden rooms each with their own themes incorporating the surrounding landscape and forestscape. This garden is only open to one group of visitors once a year in May though we have been offered an exclusive visit for our group only; in September. We will then drive then across to the island of Funen (Fyn) to our second hotel, renown for fine Danish cuisine and high standards of hospitality. The evening meal is included today.

Day 4

A morning visit to De Japanske Haver , an exquisitely manicured creation divided into four distinct areas: the Garden of Life; the View Garden; the Walking Garden and the Meditation Garden. This disciplined and immaculate garden is tidied and pruned each morning and evening and includes a small restaurant and shop with an interesting array of pruning tools, traditional paper products and beautiful ceramics. Following lunch together visit Sanderumgaard Romantic Garden where the owners have been engrossed in reawakening their late eighteenth-century sleeping beauty. Initially a garden created by Johan Bulow , Lord Chamberlain to Crown Prince Frederick. At its peak the garden boasted thirteen pavilions and more than a mile of canals. This is a gentle green garden of meandering waterside walks interspersed with follies. Return to Falsled Kro to dine together.

Day 5

Leaving Funnen to cross back to Zealand via the privately owned Sandstone show garden before returning to the airport to check in for the return flight to London.

The Phoenix Hotel

Located between the majestic Amalienbord Palace and the colourful Nyhavn is the Phoenix Hotel. As soon as you step through the door you are welcomed with open arms and charmed by its elegant interiors. Each room offers luxury beds and amenities to enhance your stay, as well as being furnished with neutral tones to ensure a calming and restful stay. Its central location is perfect for venturing out to various gardening gems and for independent exploration of the local shopping districts.

Falsled Kro

The Falsled Kro is a historic and charming inn nestled in the coastal countryside of Southern Funen, Denmark. The hotel is surrounded by lush gardens and is also just a short step away from the sea. Since being transformed into the stunning hotel it now is, it has helped Denmark earn its reputation as a culinary powerhouse - despite the country's modest size. Guests will sleep comfortably in contemporary designed rooms and enjoy sumptuous Michelin-level cuisine in the hotel's restaurant.

With Flights: £4250

Join Direct: £4100

Single Supp: £745

Deposit: £450

Departure Dates:

20 - 24 September 2026

Duration:

4 nights / 5 days

Your Holiday Includes:

Return flights (Economy class) from London to Copenhagen
Two nights' bed and breakfast at the Phoenix Hotel
Two nights' bed and breakfast at the Falsled Kro
Private coach transfers and excursions
Three evening meals and three lunches
Guided visits to sites listed in the programme
Services of the Tour Host and Tour Leader
Detailed programme and garden notes
All entrance fees, taxes, and gratuities for coach drivers and serving staff

Tour Host & Leader

Greg Kobett

Greg Kobett is a distinguished landscape architect specialising in the stewardship and creative revitalisation of historic gardens and estates across Denmark. At Gisselfeld Monastery, Greg co-restored the remarkable Paradehuset orangery—an enchanting greenhouse filled with exotic plants, softly glugging water features, and filtered daylight through skylights. His deep-rooted commitment extends to public and private estate landscapes. Greg played a key role in replanting and design initiatives at Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen, enhancing the botanical charm of this historic public attraction. He also advises on the management of Denmark's larger estate gardens—applying exquisite attention to detail and landscape heritage frameworks. Greg Kobett’s approach fuses tactile plant knowledge, architectural intuition, and quiet sensibilities.

Kirsty Fergusson

Travel Information

The price does not include extras at the hotels or travel insurance.

Please note that Boxwood Tours use hotels of character featuring a variety of rooms & styles.

Stamina

Please note that some of our tours can involve a fair amount of walking, sometimes across uneven

ground. We ask that clients inform us if they have difficulties before booking to avoid any issues whilst on tour.

NORTHERN SPLENDOUR Highlights of French Gothic | LIMITED AVAILABILITY

Tue, 17 Jan 2023 12:24:41 GMT

6 days | £2695 per person with Eurostar | 2 - 7 June 2026

Highlights of French Gothic

‘Gothic’ is one of the most recognisable forms of architecture. Northern France, where this innovative style originated, is the best place to experience its visionary character and feel the thrill of standing beneath soaring clerestories and majestic ribbed vaults, while bathed in the iridescent light of stained glass.

Our meander through the landscape of northern France will allow us to examine the full evolution of the Gothic fashion. Noyon Cathedral perfectly exhibits the transition from the Romanesque to Gothic styles, whilst the highly communicative portal sculpture of Reims’ western façade marks the start of the classicising trend that prevailed in the mid-13th century. In Beauvais and Amiens we will encounter the refined splendour of the High Gothic style, typified by soaring dimensions and an ambitious incorporation of stained glass, flooding such spaces with swathes of awe-inspiring colour. At Beauvais we will also glimpse the Flamboyant Gothic style, which pushed the tenets of Gothic expression to wondrous excess before a stylistic shift to the more measured and proportioned principles of the Renaissance took hold.

A unique opportunity to explore the rich oeuvre of the Gothic style, our mediaeval melange will also leave room to sample the sparkling delights of the terroir through which we traverse, with a champagne tasting and lunch in Reims. From culture to viniculture, this Study Tour is bubbling with delights!

Day to day Itinerary

Day 1

Eurostar from London to Paris. On arrival, transfer by private coach to the Basilica of Saint-Denis. A major royal necropolis, 147 kings, queens, princes, princesses and noblemen are entombed here. This opening visit of our tour aptly showcases what is considered to be the first example of Gothic architecture, thanks to Abbot Suger’s pioneering renovations during the 12th century to the former Carolingian-era abbey. Continue to Chartres, our base for two nights, where some time to settle into our hotel will be followed by an evening meal together.

Day 2

After breakfast, we set out for a day’s exploration of Chartres on foot. The UNESCO-listed Chartres Cathedral is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture sculpture and stained glass and the cathedral remains a popular and important destination of pilgrimage to this day. In the morning, we will thoroughly explore the exterior with its striking mismatched towers, one a simpler Romanesque tower dating from the 12th century, the other an ornate 16th century Gothic spire. The afternoon will be devoted to a study of the cathedral interior, which possesses a truly outstanding stained-glass ensemble. The evening is at leisure for your own activities but for those seeking inspiration, the Chartres illuminations will bathe the cathedral and other landmarks in a spellbinding array of colours.

Day 3

Depart Chartres for Beauvais, arriving for independent refreshments. Our first stop of the afternoon will take in the High Gothic majesty of Saint-Pierre Cathedral, with its tower of 153m. Internally, architectural ambition is equally matched, the Gothic choir impressively remains the world’s highest. To the western end of the cathedral is the Notre Dame de la Basse Œeuvre, the remaining portion of the cathedral which served the city before the construction of Saint-Pierre. Before departing Beauvais, we will also admire the exterior of the Eglise Saint Etienne, which interestingly combines plainer Romanesque features with subsequent architectural additions in the Flamboyant Gothic style. Continue by coach to Amiens, our base for the night.

Day 4

Morning exploration of Amiens Cathedral, described by John Ruskin as the ‘Parthenon of the Gothic’. The majority of the structure was completed between 1220 and c.1270, a remarkably succinct timeline for such a project, resulting in a level of cohesion that is not often seen in Gothic architecture. Afterwards, enjoy some free time for lunch in this charming city before our coach takes us on to Noyon, where the Cathedral of Notre-Dame is a fine transitional example of early Gothic architecture. Continue by coach to Reims, our base for the remainder of this tour.

Day 5

Walk to Reims Cathedral focusing on the exterior in the morning. The sculptural figure style, exemplified by the sweetly smiling Angel of the Annunciation on the central doorway, is characterised by deep swathes of drapery adorning graceful bodies as they elegantly bend and sway. After an independent lunch, we explore the interior of Reims’ impressive Cathedral of Notre-Dame, which was the site of the coronation of all but six French kings since 987. Exceptional stained glass of styles from the Middle Ages to the 20th century, including the mighty rose window of the western façade and the electrifying designs of Marc Chagall (1974). Evening at leisure.

DAY 6

Check out of our hotel after breakfast and travel by coach to the Abbey of Saint-Remi. The adjoining museum’s exhibits include a remarkable collection of militaria as well as several Roman objects. Afterwards, a Champagne tasting at a Reims Champagne House followed by lunch. By coach to Champagne-Ardenne TGV to pick up our Paris-bound train, connecting with our homeward Eurostar to London.

Hotel Grand Monarque

Formerly a post house and now a family home run by the Jallerat family since 1968, Le Grand Monarque embodies the passion of both hospitality and the art of living. Located in the centre of Chartres and a few steps away from the iconic Cathedral, Hotel Grand Monarque welcomes guests with its attentive service and luxuriously appointed rooms.

Hotel Mercure Cathedral

Located in the heart of Amiens, the hotel is ideal for an overnight stop. Just a step away from Amiens Cathedral and many more cultural attractions, shops and restaurants. Rooms are comfortably furnished with modern amenities including flat-screen TVs and spacious bathrooms.

Hotel Continental

The Continental Hôtel, a prestigious 4-star establishment in the heart of Reims, invites you to experience a unique and refined ambiance. Housed in a historic 19th-century mansion converted into a hotel in 1880, it has preserved the charm of its original architecture while offering the comfort and elegance of a luxury stay. With a warm, personalised welcome reminiscent of a family home, the Continental Hôtel embodies the true art of hospitality, defined by meticulous attention to detail and exceptional service.

With Eurostar: £2695

Join Direct: £2595

Single Supp: £355

Deposit: £450

Departure Dates:

2 - 7 June 2026

Duration:

5 nights / 6 days

Your Holiday Includes:

Return travel with Eurostar from London to Paris and TGV from Reims
Two nights’ accommodation at the Hotel Grand Monarque, in Chartres
One night's accommodation at the Hotel Mercure Cathedral, in Amiens
Two nights' accommodation at the Hotel Continental, in Reims
Private coach transfers and excursions
Three evening meals and one lunch
Guided visits to sites listed in the programme
Services of the tour lecturer and tour manager
Detailed programme and study notes
All entrance fees, taxes and gratuities for coach drivers and serving staff

Tour Lecturer

Dr Richard Plant

Richard is an architectural historian specialising in the Middle Ages, with a strong interest in the modern. After reading English at Cambridge, he obtained an MA in the History of Art and a PhD on English Romanesque and the Holy Roman Empire at the Courtauld. He went on to teach at the Courtauld, as well as at University College and Queen Mary College, London, where he taught both medieval and modern architectural history. He was formerly the Deputy Academic Director at Christie’s Education and has published on English and German architecture.

Tour Manager

Julie Kirkup

Travel Information

The price does not include extras at the hotels or travel insurance.

Art Pursuits use hotels of character featuring a variety of rooms & styles.

Stamina

PARIS Worlds of art in the 19th century

hello@fineandcultural.com (Mellissa Taylor) — Sun, 15 Jan 2023 15:20:19 GMT

6 days | £2895 per person with Eurostar | 9 - 14 June 2026

Worlds of art in the 19 ^th century

In the 19th-century, Paris was the centre of the European art world. This trip is a chance to explore the city, and recapture in imagination the vitality of an artistic community that accommodated such diverse talents as Ingres, Delacroix, Courbet, Meissonier, Gérôme and Degas. For these and many others Paris was a place to make and sell art as well as a spur to creativity. Caillebotte and Manet made the city their setting for scenes of modern life, while others helped turn Paris itself into a monument to art: major decorative projects included the Louvre, St Sulpice and the Pantheon.

The city's importance as an art centre grew out of the diversity of its art scene - that it was home to major state-financed institutions like the Ecole des Beaux-Arts and the Salon as well as a vibrant avant-garde. Explore some of the sites where artists created and displayed their work to reach a better understanding of the Paris art scene during a period of dynamic change. The trip will include visits to major museums (the Louvre and the Musée d’Orsay), together with other, less familiar sites such as the Ecole des Beaux-Arts and the Musée Gustave Moreau.

Day to day Itinerary

Day 1
Eurostar from London to Paris. Transfer by coach to our hotel to drop off our luggage. Strolling along St Germain, we will pause to take in one of Hector Guimard’s fabulous Metro station entrances. Continuing across the Pont Alexandre III, we glimpse the Jardin des Tuileries, before arriving at the Petit Palais. Now home to the collection of the City of Paris, we see important works by Courbet, Tissot, Monet, Carpeaux and Vuillard. Return to our hotel.

Day 2

A morning to embed ourselves in the formalised art scene of 19th-century Paris exploring treasures of the Louvre. In the Denon Wing we will spend time in the Salon Carré, the space that housed all of the Salons of the first half of the 19th century. Elsewhere we will study les grands formats, by the likes of David, Gros, Géricault and Ingres. Afterwards, walk through the Tuileries to the Musée de l’Orangerie. Some free time for lunch will be followed by a visit to the galleries here, where an encounter with Monet’s enormous Water Lilies is always moving. Walk back to our hotel.

Day 3

By coach to the picturesque village of Barbizon where, in the first half of the 19th century, Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot led a quiet revolution in landscape painting that would influence the Impressionists. Here we walk in the footsteps of the Barbizon painters, with stout footwear recommended for the 6 km circuit of sites, such as the Auberge Ganne, home to the Musée des Peintres de Barbizon. There is also time to explore the studio museum of Jean-François Millet. Before returning to Paris for the evening, we detour via Marlotte, Grez-sur-Loing and Chailly.

Day 4

A day devoted to the bohemian and avant-garde of 19th-century Paris. Visit the Musée d’Orsay, where our focus is ‘the artist at work’. We shall seek out images of the artist’s studio, with works by the likes of Bazille, Degas, Renoir and Fantin-Latour. Transfer by coach to the Musée Montmartre and afterwards we take in the sites and studios of Impressionist Paris on a walking tour down from Montmartre to the former home and studio of Gustave Moreau, whose spectacular and often bizarre interpretations of classical and biblical subjects inspired later artists. This fascinating museum offers the chance to see Moreau’s paintings and studies within their original studio context. Return by coach to our hotel.

Day 5

By coach to the Musée Marmottan Monet, which houses a major collection of work by Monet and other Impressionists. The museum also holds a series of monumental paintings featuring the water lily pond in Monet’s garden at Giverny. Afterwards, we travel on by coach, leaving Paris behind to visit the artist’s immortal gardens at Giverny. Our tour here will take in the house, studio and art collection. There will also be time to visit the Giverny Museum of Impressionism before returning to Paris by coach.

Day 6

We set out on foot once more this morning. A short walking tour will take in some of the leading institutions of the stunning 19th Century art community, such as the École des Beaux-Arts and the Institut Francais. Continue to the Musée Delacroix, home of the painter from 1857 until his death in 1863. The collection includes portraits, drawings and watercolours by the artist alongside various mementoes of his life. Continue to the Church of St Sulpice, where Delacroix worked on the enormous murals of the Chapelle des Saintes-Anges. Cleaned and conserved in 2015, the murals are brilliantly vibrant, the paint as if freshly applied. Return to our hotel to collect luggage and transfer to Gare du Nord, where our Eurostar returns to London.

Hôtel le Grand Cayré

Located in the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, the historic Hotel Cayré has been restored to its former glory. With a roaring Twenties, -inspired design, fitting for our tour, individually designed rooms come with everything needed to relax and recharge.

With Eurostar: £2895

Join Direct: £2795

Single Supp: £380

Deposit: £450

Departure Dates:

9 - 14 June 2026

Duration:

5 nights / 6 days

Your Holiday Includes:

Return travel with Eurostar from London to Paris
Five nights’ bed and breakfast at the Hotel Le Grand Cayré
Private coach transfers and excursions
Two evening meals and two lunches
Guided visits to the sites and monuments listed in the programme
Services of the Tour Lecturer and a Tour Manager
Detailed programme and study notes
All entrance fees, taxes, and gratuities for coach drivers and serving staff

Tour Lecturer

Dr Kathy McLauchlan

Dr Kathy McLauchlan is Course Director of three year courses at the V&A Museum. After graduating from Oxford Kathy obtained her PhD from the Courtauld Institute with a thesis on the work of students at the French Academy in Rome. Kathy lecturers widely to adult audiences.

Travel Information

The price does not include extras at the hotels or travel insurance.

Please note that Art Pursuits use hotels of character featuring a variety of rooms & styles.

Stamina

EGYPT: From the Pyramids to Tutankhamun

Sun, 15 Jan 2023 13:16:46 GMT

1 day | £99 per person | 12 November 2026

The evolution of the Egyptian royal tomb

The great pyramid at Giza was one of the great wonders of the ancient world, the biggest building ever constructed in its day, and it would remain the tallest building anywhere in the world for c. 4000 years until the spire of Lincoln Cathedral was completed in 1311 AD. By the time Tutankhamun was buried with the most spectacular assemblage of grave goods ever discovered the pyramid was already over thousand years old, and the setting could not have been more different. While the pyramids were built to be seen from miles around, Tutankhamun’s tomb was deliberately hidden from sight in the far-distant Valley of Kings. These lectures will tell the story of that evolution.

Dr Chris Naunton will be leading a tour to Cairo in 2027 from 18 - 24 January, visiting the newly opened GEM Museum and other famous sites mentioned in this lecture day. More details will be available by the end of February.

This Lecture is held at the Art Workers' Guild in Queen Square London.

TIMETABLE FOR THE DAY

10.30-11.00 Welcome refreshments

11:00-12:00 – Lecture 1

12:00- 12.30 Refreshments

12:30-13:30 – Lecture 2

13:30-14:30 – Lunch

14:30-15:30 Lecture 3

Price: £99

Date:

12 November 2026

Your day includes:

Three lectures
Refreshments
Light lunch

Expert Lecturer

Dr Chris Naunton

Dr Chris Naunton is an Egyptologist and author of several books including Searching for the Lost Tombs of Egypt (2018) and Egyptologists’ Notebooks (2020). He has presented numerous documentaries for TV in the UK and internationally including The Man Who Discovered Egypt (BBC 4 2012), Tutankhamun: Mystery of the burnt Mummy (Channel 4, 2013), Secrets of King Tut’s Treasures (Channel 5, 2018), Egypt’s Lost Pyramid (Channel 4, 2019) and The Story of Egyptology (History Hit, 2022). He regularly leads tours to Egypt and lectures around the UK and overseas, and also online via his YouTube channel. He was Director (CEO) of the Egypt Exploration Society from 2012 to 2016, President of the International Association of Egyptologists from 2015 to 2019 and is now Director of the Robert Anderson Trust and London-based charity that provides support to young scholars and performers.

English Lakeland gardens: Romantic Cumbrian creations

Sun, 15 Jan 2023 12:10:33 GMT

4 days | £2995 per person | 21 - 24 September 2026

Romantic Cumbrian creations

The English Lake District is renowned for its dramatic beauty including England’s highest mountains, finest lakes and a host of sensational contrasting gardens. This is a region that has inspired many artists, poets and authors including William Wordsworth , the Lakeland poets and Beatrix Potter . Standing on the shores of Lake Windermere we find the Langdale Chase Hotel where we stay for the duration of the tour. The Victorian house dates to 1891 becoming a hotel in the 1930’s. It recently completed a sensitive and meticulous restoration that includes a new garden designed by Annie Guilfoyle around the original Thomas Mawson design. In addition, fabulously comfortable bedrooms, superb locally sourced food, walks through the gardens and to the water's edge, help to make this a memorable and inspirational tour.

Day to day Itinerary

Day 1

The tour departs from Lancaster Railway Station, heading first to Gresgarth Hall . This rare and wonderful garden is the country home of Lady Arabella Lennox-Boyd , an Italian born garden designer with an international reputation. Every detail is carefully thought through with much to see at all times of the year, including the fine productive kitchen garden. After a group lunch at a local inn, we drive to The Langdale Chase Hotel with time to settle in before a special walk around the Langdale Chase gardens that have been designed by Annie Guilfoyle . Weather permitting, we may even venture out onto the lake on the hotel’s own steam launch, before enjoying an evening meal together. This is our base for the next three nights.

Day 2

In the morning, we travel up North to Lowther Castle , to visit an exciting project designed by the well-known landscape designer Dan Pearson . Here you will discover, amongst many features, the Courtyard dominated by clipped hornbeam sentinels, their sculptured shape reflecting the castle architecture; the Parterre planted with bold combinations of herbaceous perennials, woolly grasses and clipped yews; and the Garden-in-the-Ruins, a fine example of naturalistic planting with a collection of botanical rarities. After a lovely lunch together at Lowther we will enjoy an exclusive visit to a very private garden in the Lake District.

Day 3

We start the day at Brantwood, former home of John Ruskin that overlooks Coniston Water. It was here that Ruskin sought solace from the pressures of fame and set about creating a ‘paradise of terraces’, heavily influenced by the Italian poet, writer and philosopher, Dante Alighieri . We will be given a tour of parts of the house before exploring the intricate gardens intended by Ruskin for the close observation of nature and philosophical reflection. We then head to the atmospheric formal gardens of Holker Hall with fine topiary and extensive woodland gardens leading out to the deer park. Lunch and a guided tour are included at Holker.

Day 4

We drive to the iconic Levens Hall and its remarkable topiary garden where we meet head gardener, Chris Crowder who will show us the ancient, clipped yews, holly, beech and box that frame the wonderful summer flowering borders. Lunch is included at Yew Tree Barn , where owner Clive Wilson has been preserving the history of days gone by with his architectural reclamation service since 1986. Finally, we visit Abi & Tom’s Garden Plants , the nursery of Tom Attwood and his wife Abi , both genuine plant enthusiasts who propagate, grow, sell, write about & advise on, eat, sleep and breathe herbaceous perennials, with an in-depth knowledge of plants that thrive in the Lake District. We then return to Lancaster Railway Station.

The Langdale Chase Hotel

The Langdale Chase Hotel truly is a jewel in the Lake District's crown, after a major refurbishment back in 2023, it reopened to the public boasting restored original architectural features and a stunning garden laid out in the 1890's by Thomas Henry and built upon more recently by Annie Guilfoyle. The hotel offers guests spacious rooms, each individually designed and offering stunning views over Lake Windermere with all comforting amenities provided. Guests can escape the hotel for exploration of the lake on the hotels own motoryacht, Albatros, or enjoy their beautifully unique Swallows & Amazons Afternoon Tea on the terrace.

Price: £2995

Single Supp: £450

Deposit: £350

Departure Dates:

21 - 24 September 2026

Duration:

3 nights / 4 days

Your Holiday Includes:

Three nights' bed and breakfast at the Langdale Chase Hotel
Private coach transfers and excursions
Three evening meals and four lunches
Guided visits to sites listed in the programme
Services of the Tour Host and Tour Leader
Detailed programme and garden notes
All entrance fees, taxes, and gratuities for coach drivers and serving staff

Tour Host & Leader

Tom Attwood

Tom Attwood started working with plants in his parent’s garden before working in a traditional Cumbrian nursery roused his passion. He then went on to formally train at Edinburgh and Kew before taking on head gardener posts in the Lake District and Lancaster. Tom now manages the gardens at Halecat Estate. Tom has lectured at Newton Rigg College and writes for Cumbria Life, Living Magazine, Garden Design Journal and Gardens Illustrated.

Sophie Piebenga

Travel Information

The price does not include extras at the hotels or travel insurance.

Please note that Boxwood Tours use hotels of character featuring a variety of rooms & styles.

Stamina

Please note that some of our tours can involve a fair amount of walking, sometimes across uneven

ground. We ask that clients inform us if they have difficulties before booking to avoid any issues whilst on tour.

The Cultural crossroads of Aquileia

Sat, 14 Jan 2023 15:57:10 GMT

1 day | £99 per person | 20 November 2026

The Cultural crossroads of Aquileia

After more than six hundred years of protecting Rome’s northern frontier against barbarian incursions, the city of Aquileia was besieged, conquered and razed to the ground by Attila the Hun in 452. At the time of its destruction, Aquileia was one of the largest and most important cities in the Roman world, and its imperial splendour reveals itself in the exquisite fourth-century mosaic floor that survives under its eleventh-century basilica. The ruins of its once thriving harbour and the fragmentary treasures in its archaeological museum, one of Italy’s largest, also bear witness to the city’s size and significance. During what used to be called the Dark Ages, a rebuilt Aquileia fell under the artistic and political influence of the Lombards, whose first Italian capital was at nearby Cividale. A protracted religious rivalry ensued between Lombard Aquileia and its former port of Grado, now dominated by Byzantium, which saw both towns construct some of the finest early medieval buildings in northern Italy. These local conflicts were settled definitively however by the hegemonic rise of Venice, and the footprint of the Most Serene Republic is clearly visible in the later architecture of the region.

Dr Claudia Daniotti will be leading a tour of Aquileia in 2027. More details will be available soon.

This Lecture is held at the Art Workers' Guild in Queen Square London.

TIMETABLE FOR THE DAY

10.30-11.00 Welcome refreshments

11:00-12:00 – Lecture 1

12:00- 12.30 Refreshments

12:30-13:30 – Lecture 2

13:30-14:30 – Lunch

14:30-15:30 Lecture 3

Price: £99

Date:

20 November 2026

Your day includes:

Three lectures
Refreshments
Light lunch

Expert Lecturer

Dr Claudia Daniotti

Claudia Daniotti is an art historian specialising in Italian Renaissance art, with an emphasis on the reception of antiquity and the transmission of visual motifs from ancient times to the present day. A Research Associate at Keble College, Oxford, and a Honorary Research Fellow of the Centre for the Study of the Renaissance at the University of Warwick, Claudia earned her BA (Hons) and MA from the Ca’ Foscari University, Venice, and her PhD from the Warburg Institute, London. She taught and lectured for years both in academia and museums, including Warwick, Buckingham and Bath Spa universities, the Courtauld Institute of Art, the V&A Academy, and the Estorick Collection of Modern Italian Art in London. Among her publications, is the monograph Reinventing Alexander: Myth, Legend, History in Renaissance Italian Art (Brepols, 2022).

MANTUA AND FERRARA The Splendours of the Gonzaga

Fri, 13 Jan 2023 15:25:23 GMT

6 days | £2595 per person with flights | 16 - 21 June 2026

The Splendours of the Gonzaga

From a distance, the city of Mantua with its medieval skyline of towers and battlements appears like an impregnable castle. Its island-like position in the middle of three artificial lakes fed with water from the river Mincio adds to this ambience. And just like Venice, Mantua’s beauty is unveiled through the ever changing interaction of light and water. Against this backdrop one of the most illustrious courts of northern Italy was staged. Ever since the Gonzaga had risen to lordship over Mantua in 1328, it had developed into one of the most distinguished and admired cities in Europe. Countless artists, musicians and writers added to its fame: Pisanello, Leon Battista Alberti, Andrea Mantegna and Giulio Romano. While Claudio Monteverdi wrote his first opera there, Peter Paul Rubens had been court painter to the Gonzaga. The town is the background to Verdi’s Rigoletto and the setting of Romeo’s exile in Shakespeare’s play. On this redesigned Art Pursuits tour we’re going to explore the hidden treasures in those narrow, atmospheric cobbled lanes and the cultural must-haves lining the cities beautiful piazzas such as the grand Palazzo Ducale or the Palazzo del Te with their world-famous wall paintings. Together with Mantua, the walled town of Sabbioneta became a UNESCO world heritage site in 2008. Unlike Mantua that was renewed and extended during the Renaissance, Sabbioneta is the built reality of the period’s ideas of an ideal city. But just like Mantua, this city is also a testimony to the architectural and artistic ambitions of the Gonzaga family and the role they played in the dissemination of the ideals of the Renaissance.

Day to day Itinerary

Day 1

Morning flight from London to Bologna. By coach to Modena, birthplace of Pavarotti, Lamborghini and Ferrari and where the Este family fled after their exile from Ferrara. After an independent lunch near to the piazza, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, we study the exquisite Romanesque architecture and sculpture of the cathedral with its early gothic campanile. We continue to the Galleria Estense housing much of the Este collection with works by El Greco, Guido Reni and Bernini, to mention just a few. Upon arrival in Mantua, an introductory walk including the 11th c. Rotonda di San Lorenzo and the Cathedral of St Peter will be followed by our first group dinner.

Day 2

The grand Piazza Sordello, Mantua’s oldest square encapsulates the town’s history. Bordered by medieval palaces and towers, this square has always been the political centre of town. Next to the Episcopal palace and cathedral, reminder of Mantua’s early history, the labyrinthine complex of the Palazzo Ducale is witness to the rise of the Gonzaga family. This monumental building with countless rooms, halls, corridors and courtyards houses an abundance of art ranging from Andrea Mantegna’s head-spinning Camera degli Sposi to Isabella d’Este’s famous grotto and studiolo. In the afternoon, we visit the Duomo and the imposing church of Sant’Andrea designed by Alberti in 1472 on commission of Ludovico Gonzaga

Day 3

Coach excursion to Sabbioneta where Vespasiano Gonzaga’s architectural dream of an ideal Renaissance city had come true. As military engineer to King Philip II of Spain he paid much attention to the still surviving fortifications. Our visit will take us to the Palazzo Ducale, the Teatro all’antica, designed by Vincenzo Scamozzi in 1588 and the Galleria degli Antichi. After an included lunch, return to Mantua for some free time.

Day 4

A pleasant morning stroll will take us towards the green urban fringe of Mantua. Still within the city’s limits lies the Casa del Mantegna. Even here, in the architecture of his private home, Mantegna plays with perspective surprises. The Casa di Giulio Romano of 1540 is matching Mantegna’s home with an outstanding facade. The church of San Sebastiano is a second superb example of Alberti’s church designs. The Palazzo di San Sebastiano, originally built as summer residence to Francesco II – now housing the Municipal Museum with wall paintings by Andrea Mantegna “Caesar’s Triumphs” – was then preplaced by the extraordinary Palazzo del Te. This masterpiece of an Italian villa suburban was created by Giulio Romano for Federico II to equally meet his private passions such as his horses (and his mistress) as well as public, political aspirations.

Day 5

This morning, we check out of our hotel for a coach journey to Ferrara, one of the jewels of northern Italy with its remarkable Renaissance palaces and Romanesque cathedral. Ferrara has been granted the status of World Heritage Site by UNESCO. After coffee in a cafe on one of the old mediaeval streets, our first visit is to the Cathedral of Ferrara, the Basilica of San Giorgio, its exterior one of the finest examples of Italian Romanesque architecture. The interior, remodelled in the 18th century, houses paintings by Guercino, Il Garofalo and Francesco Francia. We will then visit the Cathedral Museum, housed just across the road in the old Church of San Romano, with its wealth of sculptures by Jacopo della Quercia, paintings by Cosme Tura and Garofalo, tapestries and illuminated manuscripts. Lunch will be independent, but we reconvene in the Piazza Cattedrale for the short walk through the Addizione Erculea, a remarkable piece of Renaissance town planning from the end of the 15th century, to the Palazzo Diamanti which now houses the city’s main art gallery. From there we will walk to the old pleasure palace of the Este lords, Palazzo Schifanoia, with its frescoes depicting the court of Duke Borso d’Este including representations of the zodiac and the months of the year by the Ferrarese artist Francesco del Cossa. Check in to our hotel in Ferrara with some free time before our farewell dinner.

DAY 6

This morning, we check out of our hotel and take a short walk to the House of the poet Ludovico Ariosto. One of the most important writers of the Italian Renaissance, Ariosto's epic, Orlando Furioso, would become an inspiration for writers, artists and composers throughout the following centuries. In all probability designed by the court architect Girolamo da Carpi, the museum houses early editions of Ariosto’s work, as well as furniture and writing paraphernalia associated with him. From there, we walk to Castello Estense, the great fortress built from 1385 by the Este lords of Ferrara to overawe their own subjects. By the end of the 15th century, what had been an austere castle had become a luxurious palace under the renovations of Duke Ercole I and his son Alfonso I. This would be where Alfonso’s sister, Isabella d’Este would grow up and it would become the home of his second wife, Lucrezia Borgia, as well as their son Ercole II and his wife Renee of France. From the Castello we will walk through the old Jewish quarter of Ferrara to explore the city’s rich Jewish history, thanks to the protection of the Este family. An independent lunch will be possible among the streets here (I’d suggest the Osteria del Ghetto). After some free time, we will reconvene at the hotel for the coach to take us to the airport.

Hotel Casa Poli

The Hotel Casa Poli is located in the heart of Mantua. Its location, hospitality and refined atmosphere offers guests a comfortable stay. Rooms combine minimalistic design with luxurious finishings.

Hotel Ferrara Casa d'este

Nestled within the centre of Ferrara is Hotel Ferrara, a stunning 14th-Century castle turned Hotel. Rooms are elegant and spacious with views over the Estense Castle featuring traditional designs, wooden flooring and elegant furniture.

With flights: £2595

Join Direct: £2445

Single Supp: £215

Deposit: £450

Departure Dates:

16 - 21 June 2026

Duration:

5 nights / 6 days

Your Holiday Includes:

Return flights (Economy class) from London to Bologna
Four nights' bed and breakfast at Hotel Casa Poli
One night's bed and breakfast at the Hotel Ferrara Casa d'este
Private coach transfers and excursions
Two evening meals and two lunches
Guided visits to sites listed in the programme.
Services of the lecturer and tour manager.
Detailed programme and study notes.
All entrance fees, taxes, and gratuities for coach drivers and serving staff

Tour Lecturers

Kevin Childs

Travel Information

The price does not include extras at the hotels or travel insurance.

Art Pursuits use hotels of character featuring a variety of rooms & styles.

Stamina

Gardens of the Italian Lakes: Lakes Como & Maggiore featuring the Orticolario garden festival

Fri, 13 Jan 2023 15:05:05 GMT

5 days | £3890 per person with flights | 28 September - 2 October 2026

Lakes Como & Maggiore featuring the Orticolario garden festival

Our journey to the Italian Lakes will take us to some of the finest lakeside and island gardens of this uniquely beautiful region. We will travel mostly by boat, discovering landscapes of quiet enchantment and sublime grandeur. While our days will be infused with exquisite light, by night we will revel in the fin de siècle atmosphere of our lakeside hotels. The warm, humid microclimate results in exceptional growing conditions, with much to enthuse the plantsman. Combining great botanical interest with the fascinating history of the gardens’ origins, our tour will move from the Renaissance to the twentieth century through compelling and often neglected chapters of Italian garden history. The tour culminates with a visit to Orticolario, an unusual, small garden festival at Villa Erba on Lake Como. We are accommodated at two lovely lakeside hotels offering a perfect combination of elegance, tradition and charm: the Grand Hotel des Iles Borromees on the shores of Lake Maggiore and The Palace Hotel at the water's edge in historic Como.

Day to day Itinerary

Day 1

Fly from London to Milan Linate Airport. Our first visit is to Rocca d’Angera for aperitifs and stunning views overlooking Lake Maggiore. We arrive at Grand Hotel des Iles Borromees with time to settle in before dining together.

Day 2

After breakfast we board a private boat and make the short crossing to the breath-taking island garden of Isola Bella with plenty of time to explore the terraces and admire the Baroque fountains, statues and water theatre, all set against the magnificent backdrop of Lake Maggiore and the distant mountains. After a delicious lunch on the tiny Isola dei Pescatori , we cross to Isola Madre to admire the Borromeo family’s wonderful 19 ^th century collection of exotic trees and plants. We return by boat to the hotel where we dine together.

Day 3

Leaving Lake Maggiore, we visit Villa Taranto and the extraordinarily rich range of plants collected in the 1930s by Neil McEacharn . We then take the ferry across the lake to Laveno and the short drive to Villa Cicogna , where our charming host Count Jacopo Mozzoni Cicogna has invited us to lunch. He then will guide us around the richly frescoed Renaissance villa, with 16 ^th century terraced garden, water staircase, and 19 ^th century giardino inglese . We arrive at The Palace Hotel in Como with time to settle in before dining together at a local restaurant with local wine included.

Day 4

We take a private boat from our hotel to enjoy the terraced botanical collection established by Charlotte, Duchess of Saxe-Meiningen , at Villa Carlotta , with time to visit the villa and its fine collection of paintings and sculpture. We then cross the lake to the picturesque town of Bellagio time for a group lunch at a local restaurant. From thence by water again to the exquisite Villa del Balbianello , a late 18 ^th century villa set in steeply sloping gardens at the tip of a wooded promontory. After a tour of the art collections assembled by its last owner, mountaineer and polar explorer Count Guido Monzino , we explore the spectacular garden. On the return journey to Como, we stop for afternoon tea at Villa D’Este followed by a short garden visit. Return to Como for a free evening.

Day 5

Our final morning of the tour will be spent at the Orticolario Garden Festival based at Villa Erba on the shores of Lake Como. Orticolario is a small, very Italian, quirky new garden festival set up and promoted by Moritz Mantero , a local silk manufacturer, who still gardens at his family home on the terraces of the lake. Return to Milan Linate airport in good time to check in for our return flight to London.

Grand Hotel des Iles Borromees

On the shores of Lake Maggiore stands the Grand Hotel des Iles Borromees, an elegant Italian Hotel in a 'little corner of paradise', a short distance from Milan. Each room has been individually designed with sumptuous furnishings in shades of purple, gold and indigo, regal colours seen throughout the hotel. From the moment you step foot through the grand entrance, you are greeted with true Italian Hospitality. The hotel features several restaurants, each offering fine cuisine and luxury aperitifs, and two magnificent spas with a range of calming treatments available.

The Palace Hotel

Located in the historic centre of Como is The Palace Hotel, a perfect base for our exploration of Como and its gardening wonders. The 19th century Liberty-style building sits at the water's edge with views out onto the lake, offering 'the best of both worlds' with historic sites and shopping districts just a short walk away. Rooms are equipped with air conditioning and a range of complimentary amenities to enhance your stay.

With Flights: £3890

Join Direct: £3740

Single Supp: £695

Deposit: £450

Departure Dates:

28 September - 2 October 2026

Duration:

4 nights / 5 days

Your Holiday Includes:

Return flights (Economy class) from London to Milan
Two nights' bed and breakfast at the Grand Hotel des Iles Borromees
Two nights' bed and breakfast at The Palace Hotel
Private coach transfers and excursions
Three evening meals and three lunches
Guided visits to sites listed in the programme
Services of the Tour Host and Tour Leader
Detailed programme and garden notes
All entrance fees, taxes, and gratuities for coach drivers and serving staff

Tour Host & Leader

Daniele Altieri

Marion Mako

Travel Information

The price does not include extras at the hotels or travel insurance.

Please note that Boxwood Tours use hotels of character featuring a variety of rooms & styles.

Stamina

Please note that some of our tours can involve a fair amount of walking, sometimes across uneven

ground. We ask that clients inform us if they have difficulties before booking to avoid any issues whilst on tour.

Country Life | Gardens of Marrakech: Featuring the gardens of Yves Saint Laurent

Wed, 11 Jan 2023 09:33:35 GMT

6 days | £4595 per person with flights | 16 - 21 November 2026

Featuring the gardens of Yves Saint Laurent

Marrakech has become a destination of choice for the discerning traveller seeking a taste for the exotic infused with sophistication and luxury. In a picture-book setting with views of the High Atlas Mountains, wonderful climate and cuisine and great shopping, visitors will discover a warm and friendly city with almost a thousand years of history. Known as ‘the rose among the palms’, Marrakech is characterised by its pink-coloured pisé (rammed earth) architecture and its deep-rooted tradition of making and preserving gardens and green spaces. We have negotiated a wonderful selection of visits ranging from gardens of old palaces to those of modern private properties. Highlights of this tour include: a visit to the garden of Villa Oasis, former home of Yves Saint Laurent and his partner Pierre Bergé; Tom Stuart-Smith’s ‘Le Jardin Secret’ and another new exquisite private garden in the foothills of the snow-capped Atlas Mountains. The tour includes a visit to the souk with a local guide to see (and buy) some of the world’s most irresistible fabrics and artefacts. We are accommodated at the sumptuous La Maison Arabe a luxurious riad-hotel set in the heart of the ancient medina.

Day to day Itinerary

Day 1

Fly from London to Marrakech Airport. From here we drive the short distance to La Maison Arabe and enjoy a welcome drink together. With time to settle-in before dining together at the hotel with a chance to uncover the secrets of refined Moroccan cuisine.

Day 2

This day is much about Yves Saint Laurent and his love of Marrakech and Morocco. We start with a visit to the garden of Villa Oasis , former home of Yves Saint Laurent , to see one of the world’s most heavenly gardens, studded with pale blue, lemon yellow and lime green painted pots. We then enter the beautiful, so very blue garden that has attracted so many to Marrakech. La Majorelle is a rhapsody of intense plantsmanship, incorporating the exquisite Berber Museum, housed in Cubist artist, Jacques Majorelle’s former studio. Followed by time to purchase your own lunch in the Cafe Le Studio. In the afternoon we visit the YSL Museum. From here we go to La Mamounia for an afternoon tea in the gardens then back to our hotel to rest before travelling to The Palm Orchids Nursery where a light meal will be included.

Day 3

We drive to the walled Medina, Marrakech’s heartbeat, starting with a visit to Dar El Bacha Museum, a former palace with courtyards filled with orange groves and fountains. A short walk to Le Jardin Secret with contrasting Islamic and exotic courtyards. A walk through the souk accompanied by excellent guides including a visit to Monde des Arts de la Parure including lunch at the rooftop restaurant. Return to La Maison Arabe for a free evening.

Day 4

Riad Noria is a relatively new garden designed by Hélène Lindgens and Hans Achilles , a very ambitious project rolls out in front of the Riad like a richly intricate carpet with a backdrop of the snow-capped Atlas Mountains. Then a special invitation to a private garden in the Atlas Mountains with lunch included. Return to La Maison Arabe for a free evening.

Day 5

André Heller , Viennese multi-media artist, perhaps best known as a musician, is also a creator of gardens. His latest venture, Anima , a few miles outside Marrakech, has much to delight, impress, and perhaps challenge the keen garden visitor. Lunch will be served in the shaded garden of Nectarome , Jardin Bio-Aromatique d’Ourika, a herbal garden and shop promoting herbs and plant extracts for beauty, health and culinary use. Back to the hotel for some free time before venturing out to La Palmeraie to Jnane Tamsna where Gary & Meryanne Martin will host a gala dinner and garden walk in the grounds of their special guest house. Return to La Maison Arabe.

Day 6

We are invited to the Thiemann Cactus Nursery with lunch included before we return to Marrakech, Menara Airport for our return flight to London.

La Maison Arabe

Experience the soul of Moroccan hospitality at the legendary La Maison Arabe, a luxurious riad-hotel set in the ancient medina of Marrakech. An authentic haven of tranquillity that echoes the city’s rich history, heritage and culture; this oasis celebrates a rich storied past. Palates are pampered with exquisite dining experiences, from the heights of Moroccan refinement, to the finest of international flavours. With just 45 rooms and suites which are charming havens of comfort and refinement, set around the patio or on the garden side of the hotel, each room is unique in layout and design, combining contemporary elegance with Moroccan decorative elements. The bathrooms are crafted from Moroccan marble and granite, immersing you in the highest levels of luxury.

With Flights: £4595

Join Direct: £4395

Single Supp: £395

Deposit: £550

Departure Dates:

16 - 21 November 2026

Duration:

5 nights / 6 days

Your Holiday Includes:

Return flights (Economy class) from London to Marrakech
Five nights' bed and breakfast at La Maison Arabe
Private coach transfers and excursions
Three evening meals and four lunches
Guided visits to sites listed in the programme
Services of the Tour Host and Tour Leader
Detailed programme and garden notes
All entrance fees, taxes, and gratuities for coach drivers and serving staff

Tour Host & Leader

Kirsty Fergusson

Marion Mako

Travel Information

The price does not include extras at the hotels or travel insurance.

Please note that Boxwood Tours use hotels of character featuring a variety of rooms & styles.

Stamina

Please note that some of our tours can involve a fair amount of walking, sometimes across uneven

ground. We ask that clients inform us if they have difficulties before booking to avoid any issues whilst on tour.

Textile treasures of the Middle Ages

Tue, 10 Jan 2023 09:30:31 GMT

1 day | £99 per person | 27 November 2026

Textile treasures of the Middle Ages

Woven, embroidered, appliquéd, quilted, and painted textiles were some of the most precious commodities of the Middle Ages, as costly as precious metal objects and schemes of stained-glass windows, far more expensive than a painted panel or an illuminated manuscript. This lecture day will consider the craftspeople, often women, who made them, the materials and techniques employed, and the contexts, sacred and secular, in which textiles were used. Eventhough they were immensely fragile and vulnerable to wear and tear, neglect, exposure to high levels of light, fire, and flood, a remarkable number of medieval textiles survive, including the 70 metre-long Bayeux Tapestry (an embroidery despite its familiar title!), the centrepiece of a forthcoming exhibition at the British Museum (September 2026 - June 2027).

This Lecture is held at the Art Workers' Guild in Queen Square London.

TIMETABLE FOR THE DAY

10.30-11.00 Welcome refreshments

11:00-12:00 – Lecture 1

12:00- 12.30 Refreshments

12:30-13:30 – Lecture 2

13:30-14:30 – Lunch

14:30-15:30 Lecture 3

Price: £99

Date:

27 November 2026

Your day includes:

Three lectures
Refreshments
Light lunch

Expert Lecturer

Dr Sally Dormer

As Director of the Early Medieval Year Course at the V&A, Sally is an expert in medieval art and history. She completed her PhD at the Courtauld Institute, and was, until recently, Dean of European Studies, a study-abroad semester for undergraduates at the University of the South and Rhodes College, TN, USA. Sally also lectures for the Art Fund, the Arts Society, and Ciceroni.

NORTHERN LIGHTS The Arts and Crafts from the lakes to the borders

hello@fineandcultural.com (Mellissa Taylor) — Mon, 09 Jan 2023 08:45:14 GMT

5 days | £2195 per person | 7 - 11 July 2026

The Arts and Crafts from the lakes to the borders

Mention the Arts and Crafts Movement and most people’s minds will go immediately to the south of the country: to the Cotswolds, home to Chipping Campden and William Morris’ beloved Kelmscott Manor, or perhaps the Home Counties, where Morris’ first home, The Red House, and Munstead Wood, Gertrude Jekyll’s first collaboration with Edwin Lutyens are to be found. But the magnates of the North, whose money came by commerce rather than inheritance, were nothing if not ambitious, and determined to set their own mark on the long traditions of the aristocratic country house built in the style of the age. Which, for the late Victorians, increasingly meant some variant on the theme of the Arts and Crafts.

This tour explores that Arts and Crafts blossoming in the North, introducing masterly buildings and their spectacular gardens as we travel in time from the beginnings of the Movement to its maturity, and in spaces from John Ruskin’s historic home and garden on the banks of Coniston Water to Lindisfarne Castle on Holy Island. Even the landscape plays its part, as at aptly-named Cragside, literally nestled into a Northumbrian cliff-face, where a modest hunting lodge became a stately home fit to entertain Royalty with the help of a visionary architect, a large budget and the judicious use of dynamite.

Arts and Crafts architects prided themselves on their sympathy with local styles, materials and techniques in their designs. The diversity of Northern building traditions, from simple farm cottages to towering castles, filtered through the artistic visions of more than a hundred years of Picturesque enthusiasm, offered ample material for inspiration of which they took full advantage. From the Lake District to the Scottish Borders the legacy of Morris and his admirers can be found - less generally celebrated than the Cotswolds, perhaps, but certainly no less splendid.

Day to day Itinerary

Day 1
The tour begins at Lake Windermere, where we will meet at the hotel before setting off for an afternoon at Mackay Baillie Scott’s magnificent Blackwell, one of the finest Arts and Crafts houses. It has a deliberately crafted aesthetic of simplicity where furniture and surroundings are seamlessly integrated into a whole and nothing is merely for show. The house retains almost all its original architectural features, and the Lakeland Arts Trust - which acquired the house in 1999 - have refurnished it with a carefully chosen selection of outstanding Arts and Crafts pieces, many by Baillie-Scott himself. Outside, the gardens have also been lovingly restored to the original designs of renowned garden designer Thomas Mawson. After taking time to appreciate this unique place, we return to the hotel to settle in and enjoy a group dinner.

Day 2

Today begins with a trip back to the roots of the Arts and Crafts Movement, as we visit Brantwood, on the shores of Coniston. The best way to appreciate Brantwood is from the water, and we will take a launch across from Coniston Pier to Ruskin’s own harbour at Brantwood. John Ruskin’s treasured haven from the modern world, and the place where he passed the final years of his life. The house today is a splendid amalgam of architectural styles, including the Turret Room, Lodge and Dining Room added as part of Ruskin’s extensive renovations, which continued throughout his 28 years in residence. After an independent lunch at the café in the former Coach House, enjoying spectacular views over the lake, we will explore the gardens, planned and managed by Ruskin and his cousin, Joan Severn. Returning by water and after a short break, we continue on to another outstanding Arts and Crafts creation: Charles Voysey’s Broad Leys, completed in 1899 and considered to be his masterpiece. The house, where Beatrix Potter spent family summer holidays and which was used as a hospital during World War I, now belongs to the Windermere Motor Boat Racing Club, which has taken care to preserve its original architectural features. Exploration of the house and gardens (also laid out by Mawson), is followed by dinner in the Dining Room - still as Voysey imagined it, including glorious views across the lake to the fells - before returning to the hotel.

Day 3

Today we head north across Hadrian’s Wall, with a stop at Chesters, the best-preserved Roman cavalry fort in Britain. After a coffee stop at the Chesters Tea Room, we continue north to our next Arts and Crafts architectural phenomenon and architect Norman Shaw’s most dynamic achievement: Cragside. Cragside was the first house ever to be lit entirely with electricity, generated in true Arts and Crafts style by the world’s first hydroelectric power station, built on the estate. The house had to be built literally into a cliff-face, dropping a full storey from the back rooms to the entrance front. The interior has remained largely untouched and features fine works by Morris and Co and their local disciples. Cragside’s gardens are as breathtaking as the house, spanning both sides of an immense gorge which William Armstrong bridged with an elegantly arched iron footbridge made in his own workshops. Margaret Armstrong was an enthusiastic gardener, and much of her planting remains. After an independent lunch in Cragside’s charming Tea Rooms we spend the afternoon touring the house and gardens, before proceeding to the luxurious Doxford Hall Hotel and Spa for an evening at leisure.

Day 4

Today begins early in order to take advantage of the tide for our most exciting excursion: across the tidal causeway to the Holy Island, Lindisfarne, whose history as a centre of Christianity in Britain dates back to the 6th century. Henry VIII closed the priory and had a towering castle built on the island’s highest point as defence against the Scots. In 1901 it was bought by Edward Hudson, proprietor of Country Life. Edwin Lutyens and Gertrude Jekyll transformed the starkly utilitarian remnants of the fort into an Arts and Crafts marvel, expertly integrating old with new to provide Hudson with the perfect setting for the lavish ‘country house weekends’ he delighted in hosting. Our time on Lindisfarne will be spent exploring the Castle and gardens, with the option of a walk through the ruins of Lindisfarne Priory, before we proceed to our second castle, the mighty Bamburgh, high on the Northumbrian cliffs. Sixth century capital of the Kings of Northumbria, Bamburgh was a Royal palace until the Civil War, when it had the dubious distinction of being the first English castle to be destroyed by cannon-fire. Acquired by William Armstrong of Cragside, began died before seeing his million-pound convalescent home project completed, but the Armstrong family still live at the Castle today. The staterooms represent the Victorian mediaevalising imagination at its finest, especially the King’s Hall, with its huge fireplace, false hammerbeam roof and minstrels’ gallery, rich in typical Arts and Crafts details. We will have ample opportunity to explore its splendours - including, weather permitting, a walk along the headland to enjoy some of the finest views in Northumbria - before returning to Doxford Hall for our last night and a final group dinner in the award-winning restaurant.

Day 5

Our final day takes us south again to visit St Andrew’s Church, Roker, one of the glories of the Arts and Crafts in the north. Designed by Arts and Crafts maestro, Edward Schroeder Prior, and dedicated in 1907, the church has interior fittings by the leading lights of the movement, including a William Morris carpet and a version of the famous Morris & Co tapestry ‘The Coming of the Magi’ designed by Burne-Jones. Metalwork and furniture by Ernest Gimson, Harry Payne’s fine stained glass and a ceiling painting by Lutyens’ favourite, Macdonald Gill, who also worked at Lindisfarne. We continue to Mount Grace Priory, House and Gardens for independent lunch and a visit to the house, site of the best-preserved relics of the Carthusian monastic order in England. During the Dissolution of the Monasteries; most of the priory buildings were left to decay, but part of the guest wing was converted to a manor house, which in 1898 was bought by ironmaster, Lowthian Bell. Bell conserved the monastic ruins, and refurbished Mount Grace as a weekend house in fine Arts and Crafts style, employing Morris & Co to oversee the project alongside architect Ambrose Poynter. Now managed by English Heritage, a recent make-over has restored the rooms to their nineteenth-century glory, and most recently the gardens have also been restored to reflect the combined monastic and Victorian heritage. Coach to Northallerton Station.

Belsfield Hotel

The Belsfield Hotel is a luxurious property located on the eastern shore of Lake Windermere. The hotel boasts beautifully appointed rooms, blending classic elegancy with contemporary comfort and modern amenities. Guests can enjoy a several dining options at the hotel from their Belsfield Restaurant, awarded to AA Rosettes, to The Terrace, offering a selection of cocktails and light bites.

Doxford Hall Hotel & Spa

This beautiful country house hotel situated in the serene countryside of Northumberland is set within 10 acres of private grounds, providing guests with the opportunity to truly relax. Individually styled rooms embrace original features of the Georgian building such as grand windows and exposed beams and brickwork.

Price: £2195

Single Supp: £225

Deposit: £350

Departure Dates:

7 - 11 July 2026

Duration:

4 nights / 5 days

Your Holiday Includes:

Two nights’ accommodation at the Belsfield Hotel
Two nights’ accommodation at the Doxford Hall Hotel and Spa
Private coach transfers and excursions
Three evening meals
Guided visits to the sites and monuments listed in the programme
Services of the Tour Lecturer and a Tour Manager
Detailed programme and study notes
All entrance fees, taxes, and gratuities for coach drivers and serving staff

Tour Lecturers

New Paragraph

Dr. Suzanne Fagence Cooper is a writer, broadcaster and curator with expertise in 19 ^th and 20 ^th century British art and culture. She spent 12 years at the V&A Museum, researching the Victorian collections, and is in demand as historical consultant for TV and film. She is an invited lecturer for the Arts Society and Cunard voyages. Suzanne is an honorary visiting Research Fellow at the University of York. Suzanne was Research Curator for Ruskin, Turner & the Storm Cloud (York Art Gallery, 2019). She has written The Model Wife: Effie Gray, Ruskin & Millais and To See Clearly: Why Ruskin Matters. Her latest book is At Home with Jane and William Morris. She curated the exhibition, ‘The Beauty of the Earth: May, Jane & William Morris’ for The Arc, Winchester (November 2025- February 2026).

Follow her on Instagram & Bluesky @suzannefagence www.suzannefagencecooper.blogspot.com

Tour Manager

Julie Kirkup

Travel Information

The price does not include extras at the hotels or travel insurance.

Please note that Art Pursuits use hotels of character featuring a variety of rooms & styles.

Stamina

PADUA City of learning and light | Last places remaining...

hello@fineandcultural.com (Mellissa Taylor) — Sat, 07 Jan 2023 12:45:19 GMT

4 days | £2150 per person with flights | 1 - 4 September 2026

City of learning and light

One of Northern Italy’s oldest cities, Padua owes its origins to the Trojan prince Antenor, who is said to have led the people of Eneti from Paphlagonia, in the north of modern-day Turkey, to Italy, where the city was founded in the late 12th century BC. Some periods of strife ensued but by 1222, the city was stable enough to establish a university, which upholds its status as one of the oldest academic institutions in Europe to this day. Classical roots and learning bought fame far superior to that of the mercantile upstart of Venice – at least according to many Renaissance Paduans. The long list of luminaries in the city span the arts and sciences, from Dante and Petrarch to Giotto, Palladio and Galileo, who described his time in the city as ‘the best years of my entire life’ in a letter to a friend.

Governed by the Carrara family from 1318 to 1405, it was under the leadership of Francesco il Vecchio, who ruled from 1354-1388, that Padua enjoyed its most bounteous artistic flourishing. During the reign of il Vecchio and his wife, Fina Buzzaccarini, the da Carrara court was a hotbed of artistic and intellectual fervour, radiating an influence that spilled beyond Northern Italy to the most prominent courts of Northern Europe. Padua eventually submitted to the indomitable power of the Venetian Republic at the beginning of the 15th century, mostly remaining under its sway until the fall of the republic in 1797. Despite this enmeshed past, Padua remains distinct from its most starry neighbour, offering a vibrant atmosphere that is perhaps more authentically Italian today. Mediaeval marketplaces bump up against fascist facades and renaissance splendour, whilst the streets hum with the lively atmosphere of a hip student population. Join Clare Ford-Wille on this new Art Pursuits tour, where our intellectual focus will be the treasures of Padua’s mediaeval and renaissance past but our senses are sure to be equally captivated by the vibrant bustle of the contemporary city.

Day to day Itinerary

Day 1

Fly from London to Venice. Coach transfer to our hotel in Padua before setting out on foot for the Piazza Eremitani, where there will be some free time to find refreshments before we gather at the Church of the Eremitani for an introductory talk and visit. A blend of mediaeval and Renaissance styles, the church was established in 1264 by the Hermits of Saint Augustine. Despite sustaining significant damage during World War II, the interior has been meticulously restored and retains its original grandeur. Notable treasures include a series of frescoes by Andrea Mantegna, which showcase his early mastery. Return to our hotel for some free time before enjoying an evening meal together.

Day 2

Our first visit this morning will take us to the jewel in Padua’s crown, the Scrovegni Chapel, home to Giotto’s unparalleled fresco cycle. Painted in the early 1300s, the cycle of 39 remarkably well-preserved frescoes are considered a pivotal milestone in the development of Western painting. Nearby, the Eremitani Museum presents artefacts from Padua’s Roman and pre-Roman history, as well as works by Bellini, Giorgione, Tintoretto and Veronese. Some free time for lunch will be followed by a visit to the majestic pilgrimage church of Sant’ Antonio, an enormous complex which includes the Oratorio San Giorgio and the Scuola del Santo in which we will explore works by Altichiero, Donatello, Mantegna and Titian. The evening is free for your own activities.

Day 3

Travel by coach to Pomposa, in the Po Delta, where a 48-meter mediaeval bell tower rising from the plains signals one of the most important abbeys of Northern Italy. The architecture that stands today represents just a small part of a monastery that was extremely large and prosperous during the Middle Ages, an esteemed cultural environment that hosted princes, noblemen and pilgrims as they journeyed along the via Romea, from Venice and northern Europe to Rome. After included lunch near the Abbey, continue to Rovigo to the Palazzo Roverella, a Renaissance palace renowned for its elegant architecture and richly decorated interiors. After a walk around the town, return by coach to Padua where we will share an evening meal together.

Day 4

Walk to Basilica Santa Giustina, dedicated to one of Padua’s four patron saints, which sits on the southern edge of the city’s historical centre. Initially built in the 6th century, the enormous basilica that stands today is a 16th-century rebuild and is among the largest Christian churches in the world. Treasures housed within include Paolo Veronese’s altarpiece, depicting the Martyrdom of Santa Giustina and the reputed mortal remains of St Luke the Evangelist. Walk back to Palazzo della Ragione, the city’s town hall and palace of justice dating from 1218. The Great Hall on the upper floor, believed to be one of the largest mediaeval halls in existence, was dedicated to town and justice administration until 1797, whilst the ground floor is still host to the city’s historical covered market. The four walls of the Great Hall are frescoed by Nicolò Miretto, who was engaged in this decorative project after a fire in 1420 destroyed an earlier set of frescos by Giotto’s workshop. Miretto’s frescoes are notable not only for their abundance, some 300 scenes line the walls, but for their subject matter, which is one of the only mediaeval astrological frescoes to have survived anywhere in the world. After our visit, enjoy some free time for a final lunch in the city before returning by coach to Venice airport for our return flight to London.

Hotel Toscanelli

This boutique hotel is located in the heart of Padua’s historic centre, housed in a 16 ^th -century building, it offers classical beauty and comfort for guests exploring the city. Just a short stroll away, guests will find iconic squares like Piazza delle Erbe and Piazza dei Signori, both of which offer an array of local Italian dining spots.

With Flights: £2150

Join Direct: £2000

Single Supp: £160

Deposit: £450

Departure Dates:

1 - 4 September 2026

Duration:

3 nights / 4 days

Your Holiday Includes:

Return flights (Economy class) from London to Venice
Three nights’ bed and breakfast at the Hotel Toscanelli
Private coach transfers and excursions
Two evening meals and one lunch
Guided visits to the sites and monuments listed in the programme
Services of the tour lecturer and a tour manager
Detailed programme and study notes
All entrance fees, taxes, and gratuities for coach drivers and serving staff

Tour Lecturers

Clare Ford-Wille

Clare Ford-Wille is an independent art historian. She has led study tours to Europe and the USA. Clare has lectured on European art, architecture and sculpture for more than thirty years, primarily for the University of London, the National Gallery, the V&A, Morley College and the Arts Society. She has also contributed to several academic guides.

Travel Information

The price does not include extras at the hotels or travel insurance.

Please note that Art Pursuits use hotels of character featuring a variety of rooms & styles.

Stamina

GENOA The British legacy

hello@fineandcultural.com (Mellissa Taylor) — Thu, 05 Jan 2023 13:24:56 GMT

4 days | £2735 per person with flights | 10 - 13 September 2026

The British legacy

Steeped in centuries of history and maritime legacy, Genoa is a particularly rewarding destination for the discerning traveller. This special Art Pursuits Art History Tour offers privileged access to noble palaces, private art collections and institutions rarely open to the public. We explore the city not as visitors, but as honoured guests. Whether dining in the home of a distinguished art historian, wandering through the salons of Renaissance palazzi with their present-day owners, or discovering hidden treasures under the guidance of museum directors, every encounter is personal and authentic. We are welcomed not just into the buildings, but into stories of families, traditions and lives devoted to art, music and heritage.

Highlights span centuries, beginning with Old Master paintings from the personal collection of Barone Paolo Mangiante and continuing with rare liturgical artefacts, including the Sacro Catino – a mediaeval glass vessel once believed to be the Holy Grail. At the Romanesque complex of Santa Maria di Castello, guests will discover exquisite, illuminated manuscripts and 15th-century frescoes. Genoa’s influence can also be seen in global textile history, during our viewing of a rare sample of 16th-century indigo canvas – the origin of modern denim. Its Musical legacy is brought vividly to life with a private viewing of Paganini’s violin, followed by a live performance. Seize this rare opportunity to experience this extraordinary cross-section of culture and artistic heritage.

Day to day Itinerary

Day 1

Fly from London to Pisa, transferring to our 5-star hotel in the heart of the city via private coach. After some time to settle in, a very special opening evening awaits us. The Barone Paolo Mangiante is an art historian and renowned expert on Goya, the Spanish romantic painter who was greatly influenced by his time spent studying in Italy and by the work of Italian Masters such as Tiepolo. Mangiante’s private collection of Old Masters is one of the most significant in the city and we will be treated to a viewing of the collection before a special dinner with the Count in his home.

Day 2

Depart our hotel on foot for a walking tour of the old city. Our first stop will be a private visit to the Museum Diocesano, where director Paola Martini will show us the fourteen Passion canvases, a remarkable series of artworks dating between 1538 and the late 17th century. Considered some of the earliest ancestors of modern denim, they were created for the Benedictine abbey of San Nicolò del Boschetto inspired by Albrecht Dürer’s engravings. Continuing on our tour, Paola will escort us to the Museo del Tesoro, in the sacristy of the Cattedrale de San Lorenzo, designed by Albini. Afterwards, a well-deserved break will acquaint us with one of the city’s famous sweet delights, Panera, an irresistible coffee ice cream. Our last scheduled visit for the morning will be to the UNESCO-listed Via Garibaldi, the elegant cobbled street renowned for its Renaissance palaces, one of which will be opened to us by Lorenzo Bagnara, Ambassador of Genoa. After a group lunch at the very best club in Via Garibaldi in Palazzo Spinola, a leisurely afternoon of activities awaits us. First will be a visit to the Palazzo Tursi, where, escorted by Enrico de Barbieri, we shall view the violin of Paganini, before being treated to a performance by violinist Pietro Gaia Genova. By coach, we visit the Villa dello Zerbino, a remarkably ‘rural’ 16th-century villa, unspoilt by the urban expansion of the surrounding city. Return to our hotel for free time and an evening meal together.

Day 3

Setting out on foot again, our guided walk will take in further examples of the Palazzo dei Rolli, the Genoan Renaissance and Baroque noble residences of which there are an impressive 42 UNESCO-listed examples in total. Passing the Piazza Giustiniani, we will admire the imposing Palazzo Giustiniani, before continuing to the Santa Maria di Castello, where the Romanesque religious complex houses an excellent museum with works by Ludovico de Brea, illuminated manuscripts and 15th-century frescoes. Return to Palazzo Giustiniani, where contemporary art curator Laura Garbarino will be waiting to greet us and show us around her home, a splendid apartment that harmoniously marries bold modern details with the handsome features of the 16th-century palazzo. After lunch at the renowned il Genovese, which specialises in Ligurian fare, transfer to the Fondazione Conservatorio Fieschi, initially dedicated to the care of orphaned and impoverished girls from Genoa. During our visit, we are hosted by the owner, a descendant of the Fieschi family, in a very special tour of the house and its splendid art collection. Afterwards, transfer back to our hotel to rest before a grand dinner at the oldest club in the city in Palazzo Lomellino.

Day 4

Our final day in Genoa rounds off our time in the city in suitable Italian style. After breakfast we enjoy a tour of the harbour by private boat, one of the most important seaports in Italy. Critical to the development of the city, the Port of Genoa dates back to the 6th century BC, growing to rival the mighty powers of Venice and Pisa in the Middle Ages. Renzo Piano’s 1992 redevelopment to honour the 500th anniversary of Christopher Columbus’ discovery of America, successfully reintegrated the city and port. A final group meal together will be enjoyed at the oldest sailing club in the city before making our way back to Pisa for our homeward flight to London.

Hotel Bristol Palace

The Hotel Bristol has been recently renovated, maintaining its elegance and exclusivity. Ideally located in the centre of the city, rooms are each different, embellished with fine details and featuring antique furniture. They are soundproofed and air conditioned.

With Flights: £2735

Join Direct: £2585

Single Supp: £200

Deposit: £450

Departure Dates:

10 - 13 September 2026

Duration:

3 nights / 4 days

Your Holiday Includes:

Return flights (Economy class) from London to Pisa
Three nights’ bed and breakfast at the Hotel Bristol Palace
Private coach transfers and excursions
Three evening meals and three lunches
Guided visits to the sites and monuments listed in the programme
Services of the tour lecturer and a tour manager
Detailed programme and study notes
All entrance fees, taxes, and gratuities for coach drivers and serving staff

Tour Lecturers

Prof Francesca Centurione

Francesca Centurione Scotto Boschieri is a distinguished Professor of Italian Literature and History, journalist, art curator and Honorary Ambassador for Genoa throughout the world. After earning her degree at the University of Genoa, she lived there for thirty years before relocating to London in 2006. Here Francesca established herself as a prominent advocate for Italian culture, organising musical events, exhibitions, and collaborative projects. Her published works include Un tea con Batoni (2008), Italiani a Londra (2012), and the award winning Inglesi in Liguria (2023, now also in English), co edited with Alessandro Bartoli. She regularly contributes to the national newspaper Il Giornale, and is often interviewed for Italian TV. Francesca’s career embodies a commitment to safeguarding and sharing Italy’s literary and cultural legacy— flourishing in London and reaching a global audience. She was awarded the prestigious Freedom of the City in 2024, becoming one of the first Italian women to receive this honour.

Tour Manager

Dr Ulrike Ziegler

Travel Information

The price does not include extras at the hotels or travel insurance.

Please note that Art Pursuits use hotels of character featuring a variety of rooms & styles.

Stamina

MADRID AND TOLEDO Two jewels of the Spanish Crown

hello@fineandcultural.com (Mellissa Taylor) — Tue, 03 Jan 2023 13:10:01 GMT

6 days | £3995 per person with flights | 22 - 27 September 2026

Two jewels of the Spanish Crown

A short drive south of Madrid is Toledo, often considered a convenient day trip option from the capital but with so much more to reveal than can be appreciated in just a few short hours. The ancient capital of Spain is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and its beautifully preserved centre reflects more than 2,000 years of history. Known as the ‘City of Three Cultures’, the peaceful co-existence of Christian, Jewish and Muslim communities is mirrored in the rich mosaic of architectural styles that make up the old city. This is also the city that El Greco chose to make his home, flourishing as an artist here and finding widespread appreciation.

In 1561, Philip II chose the town of Madrid to be his new capital. Since then, it has become one of the world’s greatest treasure troves of art. Fueled by riches from the New World, the Habsburg and Bourbon dynasties embellished the city to project an image of princely magnificence. They employed the greatest artists of the age, including El Greco, Diego Velázquez and Francisco Goya to decorate their palaces and churches. When in 1819 the Museo del Prado opened the Royal Collections’ doors to the public, it instantly manifested itself as one of the world’s richest museums of European painting. But the Prado’s masterpieces are certainly not the city’s only treasure: along the promenade of the Paseo del Prado, it is joined by the eclectic Thyssen-Bornemisza Collection and the Centro de Arte Reina Sofía, Madrid’s matchless museum of Spanish 20th-century art. Beyond this plethora of outstanding museums, the Royal Palace and the Monasterio de las Descalzas Reales are spectacular historic structures located in the heart of the old town. With stays in both Toledo and Madrid, this study tour offers the chance to compare and contrast capitals present and past, showcasing Spanish painting from El Greco, Velázquez and Goya to Picasso.

Day to day Itinerary

Day 1

Fly from London to Madrid. By private coach to Toledo, our base for the first two nights at our centrally-located hotel, and head out for an introductory walk to the Iglesia de Santo Tomé with its 14th-century Mudéjar tower, most famous as the home of El Greco’s masterpiece, the Burial of the Count of Orgaz. Continue to the El Greco Museum, housed in a 16th-century building characteristic of the homes in which the artist stayed during his time in the city. Works on display include View and Plan of Toledo. We enjoy our first group meal together.

Day 2

A day on foot to explore beautiful Toledo, beginning with the handsome 13th century cathedral. Besides being one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in Spain it also holds a wealth of art, with works by El Greco, Titian, Velázquez, Caravaggio, Goya and Bellini among others. Continue to the Museo de Santa Cruz, a broad and impressive arts and ceramics collection housed in a 16th century former hospital building. After an independent lunch, we regroup to walk to the Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes, an impressive 15th century Franciscan monastery and church founded by the Catholic Monarchs Isabella and Ferdinand situated in the heart of the Jewish quarter, a defiant display of religious supremacy. Return to the hotel for an evening free for independent activity.

Day 3

Coach transfer to the centre of Madrid and to our new hotel to store our luggage. After a coffee break, we walk to the Galería de las Colecciones Reales, showcasing a stunning array of Spain’s royal treasures, including paintings, tapestries, and historic artifacts from the Spanish monarchy’s vast collection. A visit to the Royal Palace to view the famous ceilings by Giambattista Tiepolo — the painter’s last works — and an exquisite armoury, featuring Charles V’s parade armour. We return to our hotel through the Plaza Mayor to check in and enjoy an included dinner together.

Day 4

An in depth visit to the Prado: we will focus on the Golden Age of Spanish painting headed by the genius of Velázquez, Titian and Rubens, both of whom worked extensively for the Spanish Habsburgs. After a break the second part of our visit will present the wider highlights of the collection from Rogier van der Weyden to Bosch and Dürer. After an independent break, walk to Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum. The museum’s collection — since 1993 owned by the Spanish state, but once the world’s second-largest private collection — presents highlights of all periods and schools, from Duccio and van Eyck to Kandinsky and Lichtenstein. Return to hotel on foot. The evening is free for independent activity.

Day 5

Morning coach excursion to the monastery of El Escorial, built by Philip II, who appointed Juan Bautista de Toledo as royal architect and entrusted the monastery to the Hieronymite Order. The buildings are adorned with a plethora of frescoes, altarpieces and paintings; highlights including El Greco’s Martyrdom of St Maurice, Titian’s Martyrdom of St Lawrence, and other fervent religious subjects, while precious objects, including over 500 silver reliquaries are found in palatial surroundings. Return to Madrid for a visit to the chapel of San Antonio de la Florida, frescoed by Goya, and to the 16th-century foundation of the Monasterio of the Descalzas Reales, to this day housing a cloistered community as well as an important art collection. Farewell dinner together.

Day 6

Check out and depart on foot for a private ‘pre-opening’ visit to the Reina Sofía Museum, exhibiting works by all major Spanish artists of the 20th century. Picasso’s Guernica, his denunciation of war and fascism of 1937 — is one of the icons of modern art. Continue to the Real Academia de Bellas Artes, with works by Goya, Velázquez and Zurbarán. Independent lunch before our transfer back to Madrid airport for our flight home.

Hotel Pintor El Greco

The Pintor el Greco Hotel is a comfortable and cosy 4-star hotel in Toledo located in the city’s historical centre. With a mix between classic and modern decor, our elegant hotel in the centre of Toledo has 57 completely renovated rooms, all equipped with the necessary services to offer you the maximum comfort after a day visiting the city.

NH Collection Madrid Palacio de Tepa

The NH Collection Madrid Palacio de Tepa is a uniquely charming setting for your stay in historic Madrid. Located in an elegant palace designed by the architect of the Prado Museum, Juan de Villanueva and decorated by award winning Ramón Esteve the hotel is a stroll away from the city’s sights.

With Flights: £3995

Join Direct: £3845

Single Supp: £240

Deposit: £450

Departure Dates:

22 - 27 September 2026

Duration:

5 nights / 6 days

Your Holiday Includes:

Return flights (Economy class) from London to Madrid
Two nights’ bed and breakfast at Hotel Pintor el Greco in Toledo
Three nights’ bed and breakfast at the NH Palacio de Tepa in Madrid
Private coach transfers and excursions
Three evening meals and one lunch
Guided visits to the sites and monuments listed in the programme
Services of the tour lecturer and a tour manager
Detailed programme and study notes
All entrance fees, taxes, and gratuities for coach drivers and serving staff

Tour Lecturers

Isabelle Kent

Isabelle is an academic and educator specialising in the art and culture of Spain. After reading History of Art at Cambridge she worked at The Wallace Collection where she fell in love with adult education and teaching in front of the object. Since then, she has taught widely for museums and universities including the V&A, University of Cambridge, NYU and Cornell. She has published on the art of Bartolomé Esteban Murillo, Diego Velázquez and Francisco Goya, and she is currently completing a PhD at Trinity College, Cambridge.

Tour Manager

Julie Kirkup

Travel Information

The price does not include extras at the hotels or travel insurance.

Please note that Art Pursuits use hotels of character featuring a variety of rooms & styles.

Stamina

REGENSBURG Mediaeval metropolis on the banks of the Bavarian Danube | Last places remaining

hello@fineandcultural.com (Mellissa Taylor) — Sun, 01 Jan 2023 13:23:49 GMT

7 days | £2835 per person with flights | 1 - 7 October 2026

Mediaeval metropolis on the banks of the Bavarian Danube

The origins of Regensburg, situated on the northernmost point of the Bavarian Danube, lie behind the sturdy Roman walls of Castra Regina. Built to intimidate and ward off Germanic tribes these walls did not only defy fierce attacks but also the disintegration of the empire itself. As a mighty fortress it served the Bavarian dukes as residence and first capital of the Duchy of Bavaria. Since the 8th-century Ratisbona was favoured by visits of Frankish kings and emperors as well as by the establishment of an Episcopal see. Its citizens developed into undaunted and enterprising merchants dealing in luxury goods from all over the then known world. Regensburg’s political significance and economic prosperity soon precipitated in major ecclesiastical and secular building projects. An exceptionally large number of these outstanding architectural treasures from a Carolingian ring crypt to a grand Gothic cathedral have survived the ravages of time. Furthermore, the virtually intact mediaeval townscape, listed as UNESCO World Heritage, makes Regensburg so memorable. This tour focuses on the riches and often hidden treasures of medieval art and architecture in Regensburg, some of which are only accessible by special appointment. The region’s other towns may be less well-known but are just as attractive: Straubing and Landshut are mediaeval towns founded by the Bavarian dukes brimming with art and architecture from late-Gothic to Renaissance and Mannerism. The surrounding countryside invites exploration of an unspoilt landscape of cliffs, rivers and forests, which inspired Albrecht Altdorfer and the painters of the Danube School in the early 16th-century to “invent” landscape painting. Travelling by coach and by boat we will discover this less well-known, yet culturally rich part of Bavaria.

Day to day Itinerary

Day 1

Fly from London to Munich. From there continue to Regensburg for an introductory walk past the surviving Roman city gate to the mediaeval bridge across the Danube.

Day 2

Explore the unspoilt mediaeval centre of Regensburg on foot: the day focuses on the Gothic cathedral embellished with beautiful sculpture and stained glass windows. Its freshly restored cloister with 11th- and 12th century chapel is a special highlight (by special appointment). The afternoon is dedicated to the newly refurbished Diocesan Museum and the Cathedral treasury, both displaying a plethora of art from the early Middle Ages to the Baroque.

Day 3

A second day in Regensburg will take us to the church and cloister (by special appointment) of the Scottish Benedictine abbey of St James which is a gem of Romanesque architecture. Continue to the abbey of St Emmeram. The church boasts an unparalleled wealth of three mediaeval crypts ranging from Carolingian to Salian (special access) while its cloister is an art historical picture book of Gothic architecture. We conclude the day with a visit to the Dominican church with its soaring Gothic architecture and another beautiful cloister (by special appointment).

Day 4

Excursion to the market town of Straubing, where the Gäubodenmuseum houses a stunning Roman hoard treasure. The town’s main church of St James is a splendid example of a Late Gothic hall church, while the basilica of St Peter is a Romanesque building virtually untouched by later interventions. In the afternoon return to Regensburg via the Neoclassical temple of the Walhalla. Located on a hill top above the Danube a great vista connects this national monument with the Neo-Gothic spires of Regensburg cathedral seen in the distance.

Day 5

In the morning the coach will take us to Kelheim from where we take a boat through the nature reserve of the Danube gorge, the deepest and narrowest section of the Bavarian Danube. Our destination is the Benedictine monastery of Weltenburg, situated at one of the river’s most beautiful spots. Apart from savouring some of the culinary delights of the abbey’s production we focus on the exceptional abbey church built and decorated by Cosmas Damian Asam in the early 18th-century. From here continue to the village of Rohr, to admire the spectacular “theatrum sacrum” of the Assumption by Egid Quirin Asam of the early 1720.

Day 6

A day on foot in Regensburg. Our morning walk will take us to the subterranean chapel of St Erhard (by special access), a 10th-century edifice with a building history still not fully deciphered. The nearby Niedermünster church not only houses St Erhard’s outstanding early Gothic tomb, but also allows us to descend into the archaeological excavation site underneath today’s church. Our visit to the History Museum focuses on the paintings of Albrecht Altdorfer and further superb early Gothic sculpture. The rest of the day is free.

Day 7

In the morning the coach will take us to Landshut. Depending on the finalisation of restoration work in the Stadtresidenz, we either visit this elegant Italianate Renaissance palace, or Trausnitz Castle, perched above the town and containing a stunning late-Romanesque chapel and rare Renaissance wall-paintings. After lunch continue to Munich for our return flight to London.

Hotel Goliath am Dom

Just a stone’s throw from Regensburg Cathedral is the Hotel Goliath am Dom, a boutique hotel housed in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town. Each room has its own unique design to reflect the hotel’s historic character whilst providing all necessary amenities to keep guests feeling comfortable. This charming hotel is the ideal base for our exploration of the city.

With Flights: £2835

Join Direct: £2685

Single Supp: £325

Deposit: £450

Departure Dates:

1 - 7 October 2026

Duration:

6 nights / 7 days

Your Holiday Includes:

Return flights (Economy class) from London to Munich
Six nights’ bed and breakfast at the Hotel Goliath am Dom
Private coach transfers and excursions
Three evening meals and one lunch
Guided visits to the sites and monuments listed in the programme
Services of the tour lecturer and a tour manager
Detailed programme and study notes
All entrance fees, taxes, and gratuities for coach drivers and serving staff

Tour Lecturers

Dr Ulrike Ziegler

Specialising in mediaeval art and the cultural politics of post-war Germany at the universities of Regensburg and Aberdeen, Dr Ulrike Ziegler is a well-respected member of Art Pursuits and has lectured at universities and for multiple cultural institutions, along with organising and leading many study tours in both Germany and Austria. Ulrike is now working on Art Pursuits' German programme.

Travel Information

The price does not include extras at the hotels or travel insurance.

Please note that Art Pursuits use hotels of character featuring a variety of rooms & styles.

Stamina

DURHAM From Bede to Bishop Puiset | FULL Please enquire

hello@fineandcultural.com (Mellissa Taylor) — Fri, 30 Dec 2022 13:37:05 GMT

3 days | £1195 per person | 14 - 16 October 2026

From Bede to Bishop Puiset

Described by Sir Walter Scott as “half church of God, half castle ’gainst the Scot” Durham Cathedral is perched upon a rocky promontory surrounded by a meander of the River Wear. It is justly viewed by many as the finest, and most precocious, example of English Romanesque architecture. By 1093 when the present building was founded, the area already possessed an illustrious past. In the 7 ^th and 8 ^th centuries, Northumbria was one of the most powerful kingdoms in the British Isles, and home to a number of monasteries that were beacons of culture and learning. One of the kingdom’s most famous sons, the Venerable Bede, was a monk at the twin monasteries of Monkwearmouth and Jarrow. His most famous work, Historia ecclesiastica gentis Anglorum, earned him the title ‘The Father of English History’.

Our visits to churches in the vicinity of Durham chart the development of religious architecture from the Anglo-Saxon church at Escomb to the serene simplicity of the Romanesque at Pittington, as well as offering the chance to look at wall paintings, sculpture and coloured glass windows. Finchale Priory was built on the site of the hermitage of St Godric, a retired sailor and merchant, who settled here after a life of adventure and travel, was an outpost of Durham Cathedral and functioned as a holiday retreat for the monks until its suppression in 1538. The final day of our tour is devoted to a thorough exploration of Durham Cathedral, where St Cuthbert’s shrine space survives as well as Bede’s tomb in Bishop Hugh de Puiset’s Galilee Chapel; and the excellent Treasury Museum.

Day to day Itinerary

Day 1
Arrive in Durham in the afternoon and settle into your hotel room. Our introductory walk through the historic city centre will include a guided tour of Durham Castle, which was begun in the late 11 ^th- century by William the Conqueror and functioned as the home of the mediaeval Prince Bishops of Durham.

Day 2

By coach to St Paul’s Monastery, Jarrow. Founded by the Northumbrian nobleman Benedict Biscop (c.628-690) after he was inspired by the Christian life he saw in Rome. St Paul’s was one of the most influential centres of learning and culture in Europe. The monastery’s reputation spread throughout the continent chiefly because of the scholarly writings of the Venerable Bede, who entered St Paul’s as a child oblate in about 680. We continue to nearby Finchale Priory, founded in 1196. After lunch we visit Pittington Church, with its fine Romanesque architecture and wall paintings, before continuing to one of England’s oldest surviving Anglo-Saxon churches in the pretty village of Escomb. Return to Durham for dinner.

Day 3

Today we undertake a thorough study of Durham cathedral – the finest example of English Romanesque architecture. We continue to the newly opened Cathedral Treasury Museum to marvel at the stunning metalwork and stone objects on display in the magnificent Claustral buildings. After a private lunch in the Prior’s Hall, we return to the hotel where the tour concludes.

Hotel Indigo, Durham

Set in former university offices at Old Shire Hall, Indigo Durham is conveniently situated in the centre of Durham city. Step into a world of Victorian luxury; brass etchings, marble tiled floors and stained glass. Bespoke prints and textiles furnish elegant guest rooms.

Tour Price: £1195

Single Supp: £95

Deposit: £350

Departure Dates:

14 - 16 October 2026

Duration:

2 nights / 3 days

Your Holiday Includes:

Two nights’ accommodation at the Hotel Indigo in Durham
Private coach transfers and excursions
One evening meals and one lunch
Guided visits to the sites and monuments listed in the programme
Services of the Tour Lecturer and a Tour Manager
Detailed programme and study notes
All entrance fees, taxes, and gratuities for coach drivers and serving staff

Tour Lecturers

Dr Sally Dormer

Tour Manager

Marion Van Hoecke

Travel Information

The price does not include extras at the hotels or travel insurance.

Please note that Art Pursuits use hotels of character featuring a variety of rooms & styles.

Stamina

Please note that some of our tours can involve a fair amount of walking, sometimes across uneven ground. Please contact us if you would like more information.

BUDAPEST Pearl of the Danube

hello@fineandcultural.com (Mellissa Taylor) — Wed, 28 Dec 2022 10:30:29 GMT

5 days | £2995 per person with flights | 21 - 25 October 2026

Pearl of the Danube

Budapest, the Paris of the East or the Pearl of the Danube, enjoyed a renaissance at the close of the 19th century. The Hungarian Millennium provided the impetus; the nation-state is said to have been founded in 896 AD and national pride during the national millennium celebrations helped to transform the city into a modern metropolis. The stunning Parliament building, echoing London’s Palace of Westminster, graces the shores of the Danube, the river that divides the city. However, if the river is a necklace from which the jewels of Budapest are suspended, the Hungarian Parliament is but one of many. St Matthias Church is one of the best-known and most impressive landmarks of Buda, while Pest’s Andrássy út, an elegant avenue two miles long, takes you to the magnificent Heroes’ Square. This Art Pursuits tour will begin to untangle the complex history of a fascinating and eclectically beautiful city.

Day to day Itinerary

Day 1

Fly from London to Budapest. En route to our hotel we will stop at the iconic Heroes’ Square, a huge semicircular colonnade featuring, amongst other heroes of Hungarian history, the statues of the Seven Chieftains of the Magyars — the leaders of the seven tribes of the Hungarians at the time of their arrival to the Carpathian Basin in 895 AD. Continue to our hotel situated on the spectacular Andrássy Avenue, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2002. Continue to St. Stephen’s Basilica and the intriguing tale of ‘The Holy Right’, hand of St Stephen, first Hungarian king (1000-1038). Enjoy our first group meal together.

Day 2

‘Budapest’ is the amalgamation of the cities Buda and Pest, which, together with Óbuda, united in 1873 to form the modern-day metropolis. In the morning, enjoy the delights of Buda: from the Church of St Matthias, the site of many important coronations, the Fisherman’s Bastion, to the Hungarian National Gallery, which will introduce you to the celebrated national artists, Mihály Munkácsy, József Rippl-Rónai and Aladár Körösfői-Kriesch. In the afternoon we cross back over to Buda to visit the Hungarian Parliament, the third largest parliament building in the world. Inaugurated on the 1000th anniversary of Hungary in 1896, the building is a magnificent example of Neo-Gothic architecture. Our tour of the building will also take in the Holy Crown of Hungary, one of only two Byzantine crowns to survive. We return to our hotel on foot via the very moving Jewish Shoes Memorial on the riverbank. Evening at leisure.

Day 3

A visit to the Sipeki Villa designed by architect Ödön Lechner in 1903 for Dr. Béla Sipeki Balás and completed in 1905. A coffee break in the park, followed by visits to two more villas; . György Ráth (1828–1905) was the first director-general of the Museum of Applied Arts. His art collection, one of the most significant private collections of the era, earned him widespread recognition even in his own time. The former home of opera singer Rózsi Walter and her family, a residential building designed by József Fischer and Eszter Pécsi, is a unique architectural landmark in Budapest and the only publicly accessible modern villa in Hungary. We enjoy an included lunch in Gundel palace, one of Budapest’s best-known historical restaurants. The Museum of Fine Arts in Budapest, opened in 1906 and underwent a major renovation, reopening in 2018. It is one of Europe’s leading museums, known for its extensive and historically rich collections of international and Hungarian art. Independent evening.

Day 4

We start the morning visiting one of the workshops contributing to the decorative buildings of Budapest. Glass painter Miksa Róth’s sparkling windows, panels and mosaics are celebrated at the Miksa Róth Memorial House. These decorative elements are brought together and explored in context at the Franz Liszt Academy of Music, boasting some of the city’s richest Secession interiors. Independent lunch followed by an afternoon exploring the city’s magnificent Secessionist architecture. Our wandering will take us to the Kazinczy Street Synagogue, which reveals an unexpected and characterful Art Nouveau interior in contrast to the Moorish Revival style of The Great Synagogue, the largest in Europe. Farewell meal.

Day 5

The Wekerle Estate in Budapest’s XIX district, also known as Kispest, shows the influence of the English Arts and Crafts style. Interestingly, the area was developed in line with the theories of Sir Ebenezer Howard, English founder of the Garden City movement, to offer Kispest workers and clerks a new way of life in the 20th century that was harmonious with nature. After a short walk through the area, we will continue to Budapest Airport for our return flight to London.

Moments Hotel

Hotel Moments is an elegant hotel located on the stunning World Heritage site of Andrássy Avenue, only a few steps away from the Hungarian State Opera House, the St Stephen’s Basilica and other spectacular sights of Budapest. Rooms feature WiFi, air conditioning, television minibar and hairdryer, with free tea, coffee and water in the Lounge Bar.

With Flights: £2995

Join Direct: £2845

Single Supp: £195

Deposit: £450

Departure Dates:

21 - 25 October 2026

Duration:

4 nights / 5 days

Your Holiday Includes:

Return flights (Economy class) from London to Budapest
Four nights’ bed and breakfast at the Moments Hotel
Private coach transfers and excursions
Two evening meals and one lunch
Guided visits to the sites and monuments listed in the programme
Services of the tour lecturer and a tour manager
Detailed programme and study notes
All entrance fees, taxes, and gratuities for coach drivers and serving staff

Tour Lecturers

Tom Abbott

Tom Abbott studied psychology and art history in the US before completing his graduate research in the history of art and architecture in Berlin, where he now lives. Tom also studied at the Louvre School of Art History in Paris and has lectured around the world, specialising in architecture and art from the Renaissance to the Baroque and beyond.

Travel Information

The price does not include extras at the hotels or travel insurance.

Please note that Art Pursuits use hotels of character featuring a variety of rooms & styles.

Stamina

ROME Before the Renaissance

hello@fineandcultural.com (Mellissa Taylor) — Mon, 26 Dec 2022 11:21:34 GMT

7 days | £3450 per person with flights | 18 - 24 October 2026

Before the Renaissance

The casual visitor to Rome could be forgiven for imagining that the city's history ground to a halt with the Fall of the Empire in the West in 476 and that it only re-ignited when Michelangelo took a paintbrush to the Sistine Chapel ceiling in 1508. But between Roman Antiquity and the Renaissance lie a thousand years of early Christian and mediaeval history whose complex and prestigious monuments are the objects of this new Art Pursuits Abroad Study Tour. They may lie concealed behind and between those of earlier and later epochs, but nowhere is the period between the pagan world of Late Antiquity and the Christian Middle Ages more tangible than here, in the area between the Roman Forum and the Via Appia, the Capitoline, Aventine and Esquiline Hills. Up to thirteen metres of soil, rubble and later buildings separate the modern city from its Ancient and Early Christian past, and more than once one has to go underground to come face to face with this fascinating and mysterious world. The Roman Middle Ages saw barbarian invasions, from Goths to Lombards, civic strife, and the controversial rise of a belligerent papal court, yet despite prolonged periods of turmoil they produced stunningly beautiful works of art, from glowing mosaic vaults and intricately inlaid floors to sophisticated wall paintings which only recently have begun to be accorded their proper place in art history. This Study Tour will illuminate a captivating and turbulent historical epoch which confirms Rome’s title as the truly eternal City.

Day to day Itinerary

Day 1

Fly from London to Rome. By private coach we reach our four-star hotel located in the heart of Rome. After some time to settle into our rooms, we leave the hotel on foot and walk across the Tiber to see two gems of medieval art. In Santa Cecilia, hidden for many years, are the remains of a fresco cycle by Pietro Cavallini. Cavallini is also represented at Santa Maria in Trastevere, but the main attractions here are an early icon of the virgin and child and the spectacular 12th-century mosaic in the apse. We return to the hotel on foot before heading out again for a group dinner.

Day 2

The morning takes us to the heart of ancient Rome, but we start with a monument to the first Christian emperor, Constantine, whose arch inspired countless imitations. Apart from an overview of the ancient monuments, the morning concludes with the church of Santa Maria Antiqua. Buried in the 9th century, the church contains a compendium of early Christian painting from before that date. The Case Romane are among Rome’s most beguiling sights: a warren of excavated spaces, revealing changes in living patterns, artistic taste and religious belief. We follow this with a visit to Santo Stefano a 5th-century church built to an unusual, and circular, plan.

Day 3

We begin the day at the Pantheon, the finest building to have survived from antiquity and astonishing not only for its space, but also for the surviving wall decoration. It has been a church since the 7th century, dedicated to the Virgin. We then visit one of Rome’s few gothic churches, the richly painted Santa Maria Sopra Minerva. The afternoon visits take us to the Baths of Diocletian, the best-preserved of the Imperial baths, partly due to their conversion into a church. The Museum in the Palazzo Massimo houses some of the greatest treasures of ancient art, the wall-paintings of the villa of Livia, the Boxer, and a fascinating collection of sarcophagi.

Day 4

San Clemente provides an ideal vision of the development of religion in Rome: at the very bottom, a temple of Mithras, at the top an ornate Baroque ceiling, but the real jewels (perhaps) are found in the frescoes – of the eleventh and fifteenth centuries – and the apse mosaic of the twelfth. The nearby church of SS. Quattro Coronati is a much-remodelled structure and preserves in the chapel of St Sylvester paintings reflecting the Pope’s struggles with secular power from the 13th century. The afternoon takes us to the quiet of the Aventine Hill, and the best-preserved early Christian church, Santa Sabina with its carved wooden doors.

Day 5

The morning is taken up with three of the most interesting of Rome’s churches: Santa Pudenziana which retains its late-antique apse mosaic showing Christ among the apostles, Santa Maria Maggiore, the first great Roman church dedicated to the Virgin containing very early (and some later) mosaics and Santa Prassede a fine example of how the early Middle Ages sought to recapture the glories of early medieval art.

DAY 6

We spend the day outside the centre of Rome, visiting the tombs of the great (and not so great). Catacombs always intrigue, and the catacombs of Domitilla have some of the finest early Christian funerary art. We visit the Circus of Maxentius (with the mausoleum which housed his son), and, after lunch on the Appian way, we travel by coach to visit the church of Sant’Agnese, and the mausoleum of Costanza, Constantine’s daughter, with its intriguing mix of Christian and pagan mosaics.

DAY 7

We conclude our tour visiting the Lateran, Rome’s first Cathedral, with the 4th- and 5th-century Baptistery, and an enchanting medieval cloister. After an independent lunch, we travel by coach to the airport for our return flight to London.

Hotel Ponte Sisto, Rome

Hotel Ponte Sisto is a comfortable 4-star hotel conveniently located in a largely pedestrianised area in the heart of Rome within walking distance of the relaxed Trastevere district and the colourful Campo del Fiori – the hotel is modern with well-lit interiors and with a spacious courtyard garden adjacent to the bar. Room facilities include en suite bathroom, flat screen, TV, safe, hairdryer, minibar and air conditioning

With Flights: £3450

Join Direct: £3300

Single Supp: £435

Deposit: £450

Departure Dates:

18 - 24 October 2026

Duration:

6 nights / 7 days

Your Holiday Includes:

Scheduled return flights from London to Rome
Six nights' bed and breakfast at the Hotel Ponte Sisto, Rome
Private coach transfers and excursions
Three evening meals and two lunches
Guided visits to sites listed in the programme
Services of the tour lecturer and tour manager
Detailed programme and study notes
All entrance fees, taxes and gratuities for coach drivers and serving staff

Tour Lecturers

Dr Richard Plant

Travel Information

The price does not include extras at the hotels or travel insurance.

Art Pursuits use hotels of character featuring a variety of rooms & styles.

Stamina

JAPAN The Pursuit of Beauty: Gardens, Temples and Cutting-edge Architecture | NEW DATES

hello@fineandcultural.com (Mellissa Taylor) — Sat, 24 Dec 2022 14:10:58 GMT

12 days | £9195 per person | 13 - 24 November 2026

The Pursuit of Beauty: Gardens, Temples and Cutting-edge Architecture in Japan

Japan is a country of exhilarating contrasts, where hyper-pop culture abuts ancient tradition, a country at the cutting edge of technology with a great admiration for traditional craftsmanship, a nation with the deepest reverence for nature that has built some of the world’s most futuristic cities. For many Western travellers, it beckons inexorably and yet it remains a mystery. Perhaps this can be explained by the fundamental difference between Western and Japanese pursuits of beauty; where the West is perhaps preoccupied with the final product, the Japanese ideal concerns itself far more with the process, to the extent that aesthetics are an integral part of daily life.

The theme of our tour will take as its starting point this devotional approach to the pursuit of beauty. In gardens from Nara to Tokyo we shall see how some 1,600 years of gardening tradition has evolved to highlight and express nature through the seasons in a deeply symbolic and almost painterly way. We will also encounter a kaleidoscope of architectural styles, from a 7th-century timbered temple, to the contemporary ingenuity of I.M. Pei’s Miho Museum. There will, of course, be ample opportunity to sample Japan’s exquisite cuisine, an art form in its own right. This tour is an unmissable chance to journey deep into the heart of a culture that can, at times, seem dauntingly different. In the company of an expert guide, allow Art Pursuits to reveal the magic and beauty of this captivating country.

Day to day Itinerary

Day 1

Depart London. Nonstop flight to Tokyo.

Day 2

Flight to Osaka. Transfer by private coach to Nara, Japan’s ancient capital. Time for a traditional Shokado Bento Lunch before checking in to the Marriott Nara, our base for the next three nights. Later we visit Nara Park, with its free-roaming deer, to visit the world’s largest and most magnificent surviving wooden structure, the 7th century temple of Tōdai-ji with its great bronze Buddha effigy. Return to the hotel for our first group dinner.

Day 3

Short journey by private coach to Hōryū-ji Temple. Built in the early 7th century, it is Japan’s oldest temple complex and contains some of the earliest examples of wooden buildings in the world, as well as a fine collection of artworks. After an included lunch together close to the temple, we return to Nara for a brief rest. In the afternoon, visit two important early temples in the surroundings of Nara: Tōshōdai-ji and Yakushi-ji, which is dedicated to the healing buddha, Yakushi. Depart our hotel in the evening for dinner together in the market area.

Day 4

Our day begins at Shin-Yakushi-ji Temple, founded in 747 by Empress Kōmyō, to see its powerful wooden sculptures. After a coffee break, walk into the park to visit the Kasuga-Taisha Shinto Shrine. We continue our walk to the picturesque zen temple of Kaidan-In, and our first visit to a traditional garden, the exquisite and compact Yoshiki-en. After an independent lunch we view the Kōfuku-ji for its magnificent example of pagoda architecture. Return to the hotel for an evening at leisure. Final night in Nara.

Day 5

Bid farewell to Nara in the morning and transfer by private coach to the Miho Museum, a masterpiece of choreographed architecture and design by architect I.M. Pei (who also conceptualised the Louvre pyramids), to view the small but exquisite art collection. The design was inspired by the ethereal utopia described in the ancient Chinese fable Taohua Yuan Ji (The Peach Blossom Spring), written by Tao Yuanming, and a visit is certainly a breath-taking experience. After an included lunch in the museum cafe, continue to the temple of Byōdō-In, set on the edge of water, to visit its impressive 11th-century Phoenix Hall and famous Amida image. Travel on to Kyoto and check in to our hotel in the city’s heart. After some time to settle in, enjoy a twilight walk through the streets of the traditional Gion area. The rest of the evening is independent. First of four nights in Kyoto.

DAY 6

Transfer by private coach to Ginkaku-ji (the Silver Pavilion) and its justly famous ‘moon-viewing’ garden. We begin the long ‘Philosopher’s Path’ below the Eastern Hills of Kyoto, a pedestrian walk that follows a cherry-tree-lined canal, named for the 20th-century Kyoto philosopher, Kitaro Nishida, who would walk along it on his way to university. Along the way, we will visit the temple of Hōnen-in and the important Nanzenji Temple complex, famed for its unusual aqueduct. After an included tofu lunch, continue by foot to the Chion-in temple complex. Return to the hotel where the rest of the afternoon and evening are at leisure.

DAY 7

By coach to the shore of the wide Katsura river at Arashiyama – frequently drawn and painted by the Japanese masters. We will visit one of Kyoto’s most important gardens at the Temple of Tenryū-ji, which incorporates elements of distant landscape or ‘borrowed scenery’ to enhance its beauty. Afterwards, a walk in the impressive bamboo grove and, if time permits, a visit to Jojakkoji temple and garden nearby. Independent lunch and shopping time in Arashiyama, we then visit gardens and some special windows in the north of the city: the garden of Daisen-in, one of the most succinct and meaningful of all Zen gardens, and the great monumental buildings of Daitoku-ji Monastery. Continue to the garden of Entsu-ji, one of Kyoto’s least known, least-visited, but simplest gardens with a particularly fine ‘borrowed’ landscape. We finish with the ‘Infinity window’ at Genkō-an, perfectly designed for quiet contemplation. In the evening, there will be a Japanese fine-dining experience at Izuyasu Ryokanin Gion.

DAY 8

After preparing luggage to be sent ahead to Tokyo, we have free time in central Kyoto for independent visits, shopping and exploring. For those who wish to join a curated visit, there will be the opportunity to depart the hotel early to visit the tiny and very famous Zen garden of Ryōan-ji. Reconvene in the late afternoon to travel by coach to the dramatic Tōfuku-ji monastic complex of gardens, temples and parkland. Independent evening. Last night in Kyoto.

DAY 9

Check out of our hotel after breakfast and transfer to Kyoto station where we board the Shinkansen ‘Bullet Train’ and travel east and north to the coastal city of Atami. Private transport will meet us and take us to our next state-of-the-art museum (reached by seven escalators with varying light effects and works of art): the MOA Museum of Art, with a fascinating and eclectic collection of Japanese art. Independent lunch at the museum cafe. Transfer to Okada Museum via Moto-Hakone. On the way our drive into the mountains takes us to a potentially very good viewing point for Mt. Fuji, weather permitting! Arriving in Hakone, situated in the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, we will enjoy an afternoon visit to the stunning collection of the recently opened Okada Museum, where a large assortment of East Asian sculptures, paintings and ceramics make for fascinating viewing. Continue to Tokyo, arriving in the early evening, and check in to our hotel in the heart of the fashionable Ginza district. Independent dinner.

DAY 10

A first Tokyo tour, with our own vehicle, to include a whole panoply of fabulous art. Our first visit is to the Toyko National Museum, located in Ueno Park, which holds one of the best and most extensive collections of art and archaeological artefacts in Japan. Continue to view the Gallery of Horyu-ji Treasures in Yoshio Taniguchi’s serene 1999 building, which is part of the same museum. The collection consists of some 300 pieces donated to the Imperial Household in 1878 by Horyuji Temple in Nara. After an independent lunch, transfer to the Sumida Hokusai Museum, where the glorious works of Katsushika Hokusai and his disciples are exhibited within a remarkable building designed by Sejima Kazuyo. Afterwards, take in the Asakusa Shrine at Sensō-ji, Tokyo’s oldest temple and the popular ‘heart’ of the city. Our day concludes at ‘team Lab Borderless’ in Koto City for a sensational and completely different experience of contemporary art in Tokyo. Independent dinner.

DAY 11

A second tour of Tokyo, this time with a focus on the western side of the city. We begin at the Meiji Jingū (National Shinto Shrine) and its surrounding park, a lush oasis of forest in the heart of Tokyo. Continue to the fashionable area of Omotesandō for window-gazing and shopping, a good chance to spot examples of Tokyo’s famed street style. Next stop is the beautiful Nezu Museum, with its private collection – a diverse selection of Japanese and Asian premodern art – and serene garden. Independent lunch at the Nezu Museum before an afternoon free for your own explorations. Meet in the evening for cocktails at the famous Imperial Hotel, followed by a delicious tempura dinner, an elegant way to mark our final evening in Japan.

DAY 12

Today we bid farewell to our new-found friends for our independent journeys onwards.

JW Marriott Hotel, Nara

The JW Marriott Hotel in Nara is a luxurious and elegant hotel in Nara, Japan, blending modern sophistication with traditional charm. Located near historic attractions such as Todaiji Temple and the Nara deer park, it offers spacious rooms, gourmet dining, a spa, and a fitness centre. Experience exceptional luxury and tranquillity in the heart of Nara.

Hotel Granvia, Kyoto

The Hotel Granvia is set within the contemporary Kyoto Station complex, this grand hotel features modern art and a vast selection of restaurants for guests to indulge in local delicacies. Each room includes a variety of carefully selected amenities, complimentary Wi-Fi and room service.

The Blossom Hibiya, Tokyo

The Blossom Hibiya is a modern and stylish hotel in Tokyo's fashionable Hibiya district. With chic rooms and convenient amenities, it offers a comfortable retreat near popular attractions, shopping destinations and dining options. Guests staying at The Blossom also have access to privileged views across the vibrant city of Tokyo.

Join Direct: £9195

Single Supp: £995

Deposit: £550

Departure Dates:

13 - 24 November 2026

Duration:

11 nights / 12 days

Your Holiday Includes:

Three nights’ bed and breakfast at the JW Marriott Hotel Nara
Four nights’ bed and breakfast at the Hotel Granvia Kyoto
Three nights’ bed and breakfast at The Blossom Hibiya
Private coach transfers and excursions
Four evening meals and four lunches
Guided visits to the sites and monuments listed in the programme
Services of the tour lecturer and a tour manager
Detailed programme and study notes
All entrance fees, taxes, and gratuities for coach drivers and serving staff

Tour Lecturers

Nigel McGilchrist

Living and teaching in the Mediterranean area (Italy, Turkey and Greece) for over forty years, Art Historian Nigel McGilchrist began work with the Italian Ministry of Arts in the field of wall painting conservation. He has taught for universities both in the USA and in Italy, and now lectures independently for the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, the Santa Barbara Museum of Art, and for a number of other cultural organisations.. He has accompanied over eighty art and architecture tours in both Europe and Asia. With a particular interest in Buddhism and its art, and a family connection with Japan, he has taken groups to Bhutan, India, Cambodia, Thailand and Japan. He is the author of a 20-volume series of books on the art, history and architecture of the Greek Aegean Islands; and his most recently published book on Pythagoras (When the Dog speaks, the Philosopher listens) draws on the deep connections between Greek and Eastern philosophy.

Travel Information

The price does not include extras at the hotels or travel insurance.

Flights are not included for this tour, however, we are happy to assist clients with selecting flights. We can also book these on your behalf, please contact us for further information.

Please note that Art Pursuits use hotels of character featuring a variety of rooms & styles.

Stamina

DRESDEN Advent in the heart of Saxony

Thu, 22 Dec 2022 15:56:45 GMT

6 days | £3195 per person with flights | 30 November - 5 December 2026

Advent in the heart of Saxony

After 30 years of tireless restoration and reconstruction, Dresden's baroque splendour has been resurrected. The art collections of the ‘Florence on the Elbe’ have always been world-class and worth a visit, but now they are once again on display in their original, restored rooms in the Royal Palace, the freshly restored Zwinger building and along Brühl's Terrace, famous from countless vedute painted by Canaletto. The modest Slavic settlement, founded in the 11th century, only rose to become the residence of the Wettin dukes and electors of Saxony 500 years later, with a mediaeval castle forming the core of today's palace. Augustus the Strong (1670-1733) had himself elected King of Poland in 1697, further enhancing Dresden's prestige. Dresden's outstanding art collection is largely due to his excessive passion for collecting. Dresden during the Christmas season offers an additional treat: the Striezelmarkt. This oldest documented Christmas market in Germany takes its name from the delicious Dresden Christmas stollen. Although this study trip to Dresden focuses on the city's major cultural highlights, from the Old Masters to the spectacular Kunstkammer and the Green Vault, we will also venture to Freiberg in the Ore Mountains where the House of Wettin had itself an opulent Mannerist tomb erected. Our second trip outside Dresden leads us to Meissen, famous for its porcelain but – albeit much lesser known – also for its spectacular late-Gothic castle, now reopened after extensive renovation, and the neighbouring cathedral.

Day to day Itinerary

Day 1

Fly from London to Berlin. Transfer by private coach to our hotel in Dresden. Take an introductory walk of the local area before enjoying a group dinner.

Day 2

Our first full day is devoted to the Royal Palace. We begin by exploring the building's architectural history and Dresden's rise to become the capital of the Electorate of Saxony before visiting the art treasures in the Historic and New Green Vault, including the largest green diamond ever found and Melchior Dinglinger's depiction of the birthday of the Great Mogul Aurangzeb, a piece of goldsmith's work decorated with no less than 5,120 diamonds, 160 rubies, 164 emeralds, one sapphire, 16 pearls and two cameos. The state rooms of Augustus the Strong bring the day to a close.

Day 3

In the morning, we will travel to Freiberg, a historic mining town. The cathedral has an art-historically significant, richly sculpted Romanesque portal known as the Golden Porch. The choir area was used as the ‘burial place of Saxony’ for some time. The predominantly Mannerist and early Baroque tombs were created by important German and Italian artists and will gain exclusive excess to this otherwise closed off part of the church. We end our tour to the sounds of the Freiberg Silbermann organ. Back in Dresden the afternoon is dedicated to the Old Masters Picture Gallery in the Zwinger.

Day 4

We return to the Royal Palace. The restored ‘Riesensaal’ (Great Hall), the former banquet hall, is appropriately dedicated to courtly festivities and tournaments. The section ‘Worldview and Knowledge around 1600’ provides a fascinating insight into the leisure activities of the princes of the late Renaissance. The neighbouring ‘Electoral Wardrobe’ presents clothing and accessories from the 16th and 17th centuries – a unique collection spectacularly presented. The rest of the day is free for your own explorations.

Day 5

We take the coach to neighbouring Meissen, the ‘cradle of Saxony’. It was here that King Henry I had his first castle built on a rock above the Elbe in 929. We visit its successor, the late Gothic-Renaissance Albrechtsburg Castle and the neighbouring cathedral with works by the Naumburg Master. A second focus is, of course, the history of Meissen porcelain. In the porcelain factory, the show workshop provides an insight into its production. The museum displays exhibits from 300 years of work by Europe's oldest porcelain manufacturer.

Day 6

After a morning visit to the Albertinum with its collection of German Romantic and Expressionist paintings we take the coach back to Berlin airport for our return flight to London.

Steigenberger Hotel de Saxe

Located right next to the famous Frauenkirche, Steigenberger Hotel de Saxe in Dresden boasts an extremely convenient central position. Landmarks such as Semper Opera House, Zwinger and Royal Palace are within easy walking distance, each no more than seven to ten minutes away.

With Flights: £3195

Join Direct: £3045

Single Supp: £375

Deposit: £450

Departure Dates:

30 November - 5 December 2026

Duration:

5 nights / 6 days

Your Holiday Includes:

Return flights (Economy class) from London to Berlin
Five nights’ bed and breakfast at the Steigenberger Hotel de Saxe
Private coach transfers and excursions
Two evening meals and one lunch
Guided visits to the sites and monuments listed in the programme
Services of the tour lecturer and a tour manager
Detailed programme and study notes
All entrance fees, taxes, and gratuities for coach drivers and serving staff

Tour Lecturers

Dr Ulrike Ziegler

Travel Information

The price does not include extras at the hotels or travel insurance.

Please note that Art Pursuits use hotels of character featuring a variety of rooms & styles.

Stamina

Please note that some of our tours can involve a fair amount of walking, sometimes across uneven ground. Please contact us if you would like more information.

CAIRO From ancient to modern in the city of all cities

Sat, 17 Dec 2022 13:39:28 GMT

7 days | Coming soon! | 18 - 24 January 2027

From ancient to modern in the city of all cities

A country or city’s nicknames belie much of its essential character and those bestowed upon both Egypt and Cairo reflect its magisterial presence in the great canon of time. ‘Gift of the Nile’, ‘Mother of the World’, ‘City of a Thousand Minarets’, ‘Paris of the Nile’, ‘City of all Cities’, such names conjure the ancient splendour, impressive scale and cultural verve of this magnetic place.

Thanks to its strategic location at the junction of the Nile Valley and Nile Delta regions, the area surrounding Cairo has been of great importance since Ancient Egypt. Memphis, located a short distance from contemporary Cairo, was the capital of Egypt during the Old Kingdom but modern Cairo was founded as the new capital of the Fatimid Caliphate in 969 AD. The city flourished, quickly becoming an important centre of Islamic learning and philosophy and further evolving under subsequent prosperous eras of Ayyubid and Mamluk rule to a golden age in the 14 ^th century. Cairo fell to Ottoman rule in 1517 and although this led to a period of relative decline, the Ottomans maintained and enriched much of the existing Islamic architecture of Old Cairo. Napoleon’s invasion of the city in 1798 ushered in a new European style, felt today in the wide avenues and handsome civic buildings of Downtown Cairo, another important layer in the city’s rich cultural timeline.

An exciting new foray for Art Pursuits, this tour will take in unmissable wonders of the ancient world alongside time to explore the phenomenal new Grand Egyptian Museum, a modern architectural marvel unto itself. Travellers will also experience the captivating energy of Old Cairo, offering a thrilling snapshot of life in this ancient and magical city.

Day to day Itinerary

Day 1
Fly from London to Cairo. Transfer by private coach to our hotel for some time to rest and relax before an evening meal together in one of the hotel’s restaurants.

Day 2

Our first full day in Cairo presents Egypt’s most iconic site, the pyramids at Giza. Last surviving Wonder of the Ancient World, the 4,500 year-old complex is comprised of three pyramids — the Great Pyramid, the Pyramid of Khafre and the Pyramid of Menkaure — the Great Sphinx, and several subsidiary temples and burial sites, or mastabas. Your first glimpse of these mysterious and awe-inspiring structures will be intoxicating, and the experience will be further heightened by an optional visit of the interior of one of the pyramids, a wonderful opportunity to study the architecture away from the thronging crowds. We will break during the visit for a group lunch with a view of the pyramids, a tradition enjoyed since ancient times by philosophers, emperors, writers and adventurers alike. The visit will also allow for some time to explore the complex at your own pace, a nice opportunity to linger where you are most captivated. With VIP access and transport around the site in private golf buggies, this will be a very special first day. Return to the hotel where the evening is at leisure.

Day 3

From ancient wonders to modern, today’s visit will showcase the recently opened Grand Egyptian Museum. Located a few kilometres from the Giza Pyramid Complex, this national archaeological museum covers an impressive 500,000 m ² and is the largest museum in the world dedicated to a single civilisation. Treasures housed here are arranged in twelve halls and span the prehistoric era through to the Roman and Greek periods of Ancient Egypt. Notably, two of the twelve halls are dedicated to reuniting the 5,398 artifacts belonging to King Tutankhamun, the first time the entire collection has been displayed in one place. A group lunch in one of the museum’s restaurants will be included with our visit. We will return to the hotel at the end of the day, where the evening is free for your own activities.

Day 4

Some twenty kilometres southeast of Giza lies the Saqqara Acropolis, which served as the necropolis for the Ancient Egyptian capital of Memphis. This complex is also home to several pyramids, including the stepped Pyramid of Djoser, the oldest Egyptian pyramid and the earliest colossal stone structure in Egypt. Designed by the great Imhotep, a dazzling polymath and chancellor to the Third Dynasty’s King Djoser, Imhotep’s vision would impact all subsequent royal memorial monuments. Other wonders at Saqqara include Serapeum, a temple dedicated to the Greco-Egyptian god Serapis and serving as a necropolis for the sacred Apis bulls, and several fascinating mastabas, many of which retain wonderful relief carvings depicting daily life in Ancient Egypt. We will spend the day exploring this remarkable site, breaking for an included group lunch at a nearby country club.

Day 5

We begin at Bab al-Fatuh, one of three remaining gates in the old city wall, passing through this magisterial portal to al-Muizz, one of the oldest streets in the city and home to a dense concentration of preserved mediaeval architecture. The area is also considered to be the largest open-air museum for Islamic monuments in the world and our tour will take in fine architectural examples of 10 ^th -century Fatimid planning, such as the Mosque of al-Hakim, as well as those developed in the subsequent Ayyubid and Mamluk eras, many of which remain impressively dominant in the modern skyline. In the heart of the Khan el Kahlili bazaar, we will stop for lunch at the Naguib Mahfouz Café, an enchantingly historic establishment that has served as meeting place for countless writers, artists and thinkers in its century-long existence. Our tour continues after lunch but there will also be some free time to explore the surrounding shops and bazaars. The evening is yours for independent activity.

Day 6

A short journey south of Cairo will take us to Memphis, the first capital of Ancient Egypt, which was founded after the unification of Upper and Lower Egypt in c.3100 BCE. Today it is the site of an impressive open-air museum and lapidarium, built around the magnificent fallen limestone colossus of Ramses II and numerous other statues, colossi, sphinx and architectural elements. After an included lunch, we will explore Dahshur, the southern part of the necropolis of Memphis and site of several notable pyramids, including Sneferu’s Bent Pyramid and the Red Pyramid. The construction of these pyramids ultimately equipped the Egyptians with the knowledge to transition from step-sided to smooth-sided pyramid building, and this architectural evolution can be fascinatingly tracked via the structures here. Our last evening in Egypt will be marked with a farewell group meal.

Day 7

Before we depart, we have time for one final visit. The National Museum of Egyptian Civilisation houses the famous Royal Mummies Hall, where we shall see the preserved remains of ancient pharaohs, alongside interactive exhibits that explore Egypt’s culture, science, and daily life across thousands of years. Time for an independent lunch before transferring to the airport for an early evening flight back to London.

Crowne Plaza West Cairo - Arkan

Part of the Arkan Plaza, the Crowne Plaza offers a refined stay. With stylish modern rooms, a rooftop infinity pool and diverse dining options it is the perfect location from which to explore Cairo. Adjoined to the vibrant Arkan Plaza provides further dining and shopping.

With Flights: TBC

Join Direct: TBC

Single Supp: TBC

Deposit: TBC

Departure Dates:

18 - 24 January 2027

Duration:

6 nights / 7 days

Your Holiday Includes:

Scheduled return flights (Economy class) from London to Cairo
Six nights’ accommodation at the Crowne Plaza West Cairo-Arkan
Private coach transfers and excursions
Two evening meals and five lunches
Guided visits to the sites and monuments listed in the programme
Services of the Tour Lecturer and a Tour Manager
Detailed programme and study notes
All entrance fees, taxes, and gratuities for coach drivers and serving staff

Tour Lecturers

Dr Chris Naunton

Travel Information

The price does not include extras at the hotels or travel insurance.

Please note that Art Pursuits use hotels of character featuring a variety of rooms & styles.

Stamina

Please note that some of our tours can involve a fair amount of walking, sometimes across uneven ground. Please contact us if you would like more information.

SIENA Tuscany's Mediaeval Heart | Selling fast!

Mon, 12 Dec 2022 15:56:01 GMT

5 days | £2395 per person with flights | 10 - 14 March 2027

Tuscany’s Mediaeval Heart

Siena is the most proud and majestic of Italy’s great mediaeval cities. Its ornate Gothic churches and palaces are the perfect pendant to Renaissance Florence, and beyond its mighty city walls lies a countryside that is the very essence of Tuscany. According to myth founded by Senius and Aschius, sons of Remus, Siena experienced a golden age in the Ducento and Trecento, covering roughly one hundred years from the victory over the rival Florentines in 1260 to the disastrous outbreak of the Black Death in 1348. Siena was never to recover fully from the epidemic’s aftermath, though it submitted to Medicean Florence only in the middle of the 16th century — and thus sinking into relative oblivion. As a result, it has uniquely preserved its intact mediaeval cityscape, created by merchants and bankers whose wealth was founded on the flourishing wool trade. In the 14th century, they were among the richest in Europe, and the sophistication of their comparatively small city state was on a par even with Paris. This short Art Pursuits Abroad Study Tour is a treasure hunt across atmospheric squares and along narrow streets, up and down the city’s three hills, to explore richly endowed museums and sumptuous historic buildings, to discover the monumental marble masterworks of Nicola and Giovanni Pisano, and study the graceful paintings of Duccio, Simone Martini and the Lorenzetti.

Day to day Itinerary

Day 1
Fly from London to Florence. Transfer by private coach to our hotel in Siena to store our luggage. Introductory walk and independent lunch before a visit to the Pinacoteca Nazionale, located in the handsome 14th-century Palazzo Buonsignori. Here, on the tour’s first visit, we will study the history of Sienese Gothic painting. Return to our hotel to check in and enjoy our first group meal together.

Day 2

First of two days exploring Siena on foot, starting with the enormous, scallop-shaped Piazza del Campo, venue of the Palio horse race, one of the greatest Italian festivals. The square is dominated by the Palazzo Pubblico, arguably the finest civic building of Italian Gothic, whose council halls were frescoed by the Lorenzetti, Simone Martini and others. In the afternoon, walk up to the super-sized cathedral, symbol of Siena’s aspirations during its heyday in the 13th and early 14th centuries, to study the murals in the recently discovered crypt, Giovanni Pisano’s intricate façade, and an elaborately carved pulpit by Nicola Pisano. The adjacent Piccolomini Library was frescoed by Pinturicchio, illustrating the life of Pope Pius II, Siena’s most famous son. In the substructure of the cathedral’s choir, the baptistery houses an early 15th-century font embellished with gilt bronze reliefs by Ghiberti and Donatello. The evening is at leisure.

Day 3

A day trip by coach to visit Orvieto, a city perched on a dramatic volcanic outcrop, high above the Umbrian plain, site of an important Estruscan settlement and a papal stronghold in the Middle Ages. We will begin at the late 13th centry Duomo, a fine example of Italian Gothich architecture, celebrated for its façade embellished with mosaics, cast bronze figures and marble reliefs. Inside we will admire the contorted nudes that populate Luca Signorelli's dramatic Last Judgement fresco cycle. Alongside the Duomo, the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo contains panel painting, goldsmiths' work and sculpture by, amongst others, Simone Martini, Ugolino di Vieri and Lorenzo Maitani. After a group lunch we will walk through the historic town centre to San Domenico, a Dominican church associated with St Thomas Aquinas and home to Arnolfo di Cambio's influential wall-tomb of Cardinal de Braye. Late afternoon coach return to Siena.

Day 4

A second day in Siena will take us walking past elegant Sienese palaces to the Opera del Duomo with Duccio’s great Maestà altarpiece. After lunch we shall visit the labyrinthine complex of the historic Ospedale di S. Maria della Scala with its Renaissance frescoes in the main ward and the remains of Jacopo della Quercia’s Fonte Gaia, originally made for Siena’s principal piazza. We continue to the church of Sant’Agostino and the Basilica of San Bernardino, both featuring precious works of art. We share a farewell meal together in the evening.

Day 5

Early coach transfer to Florence airport for our return flight to London Heathrow.

Hotel Chiusarelli

Located in the heart of historical Siena, minutes from the Piazza del Campo, Hotel Chiusarelli is set in a neoclassical villa built in 1870. Whilst the hotel has been renovated, the original style of the palace remains. Rooms are well equipped with a safe, hairdryer and toiletries.

With Flights: £2395

Join Direct: £2245

Single Supp: £160

Deposit: £450

Departure Dates:

10 - 14 March 2027

Duration:

4 nights / 5 days

Your Holiday Includes:

Scheduled return flights (Economy class) from London to Florence
Four nights’ accommodation at the Hotel Chiuserelli
Private coach transfers and excursions
Two evening meals and one lunch
Guided visits to the sites and monuments listed in the programme
Services of the Tour Lecturer and a Tour Manager
Detailed programme and study notes
All entrance fees, taxes, and gratuities for coach drivers and serving staff

Tour Lecturers

Dr Sally Dormer

Travel Information

The price does not include extras at the hotels or travel insurance.

Please note that Art Pursuits use hotels of character featuring a variety of rooms & styles.

Stamina

Please note that some of our tours can involve a fair amount of walking, sometimes across uneven ground. Please contact us if you would like more information.

SICILY Palermo and the West

Tue, 22 Nov 2022 11:49:43 GMT

9 days | Coming soon! | 11 - 19 April 2027

Palermo and the West

For Oscar Wilde, Palermo was ‘the most beautifully situated town in the world – it dreams away its life in the Conca d’Oro, the exquisite valley that lies between two seas’. Founded by the Phoenicians in the 8C BC, called Panormus by the Greeks and known as Bal’harm under the Arabs, Palermo is an exciting and complex city with a rich cultural heritage. Sicily’s capital reflects the history and geography of the island, at the heart of the Mediterranean, a steppingstone between North Africa and Europe, where Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Normans, Germans, French, Spanish and Italians have all passed through and left their mark. As well as giving you a thorough introduction to Palermo, its Norman architecture and exquisite mosaics, magnificent baroque churches and oratories, palaces, art collections, gardens and lively street markets, our tour will take you to some of the most beautiful sites in the west of Sicily. The Greek temples of Agrigento and Selinunte are among the grandest and best preserved anywhere and the Dancing Satyr at Mazaro del Vallo is one of the loveliest Greek bronze statues to survive. On display in the museum at Marsala is a rare example of a Punic ship, brought up from the coastal waters nearby, and just a short boat ride across the lagoon of Lo Stagnone the little island of San Pantaleo is the site of the ancient Phoenician settlement of Motya. Gastronomy should be a part of any Sicilian tour. We enjoy typical Sicilian cuisine and a variety of regional wines in our carefully chosen restaurants and visit an agriturismo near Agrigento where we sample the local olive oil and have a light lunch focusing on local produce after our sightseeing of the temples.

Day to day Itinerary

Day 1

Fly from London to Palermo. By private coach to our hotel in the city centre. After settling into our rooms, we begin our exploration with an orientation tour of Palermo by coach. We conclude the afternoon with a short walk around the area of the Vucciria and a visit to the Oratorio di San Lorenzo, decorated in 1699 by the master stuccodore Giacomo Serpotta. We return to the hotel where we enjoy a welcome drink followed by dinner.

Day 2

A day in Palermo. In the morning we visit the royal apartments of the Palazzo dei Normanni and the 12C Cappella Palatina, with its splendid mosaics and painted wooden ceiling, a masterpiece of Arabo-Norman art. Not far from the palace is the charming church of San Giovanni degli Eremiti, also built by Roger II, which has five red domes, a pretty garden and little cloister. After an independent lunch we visit the Duomo founded in the 12C on the site of an earlier church which had been turned into a mosque in the 9C by the Arab rulers of the city. Within the cathedral, which has seen many additions over the centuries, are six royal tombs, including that of Roger II, the first King of Sicily, who was crowned here on Christmas Day 1130.

Day 3

A morning excursion east of Palermo to Cefalù, where a walk through the old town takes us to the magnificent Norman cathedral, in a dramatic setting, below the high rock of the ancient Greek acropolis. The powerful mosaic figure of Christ Pantocrator in the apse is a masterpiece of Norman Byzantine art. In the Museo Madralisca is the Portrait of a Man by Antonello da Messina, Sicily’s great Renaissance painter. Our lunch is at a local establishment in Cefalù. On our return to Palermo we visit La Zisa, a Moorish style pavilion that was once a summer retreat in the extensive pleasure park and hunting grounds bordering the royal palace to the west. Dinner is independent.

Day 4

Our first stop is the Villa Malfitano, built for the Whitaker family at the end of the 19C, which has an opulent interior and is surrounded by lovely gardens. We continue to the lively Ballarò market and the Chiesa del Gesù decorated in exuberant baroque style with sculpted figures, marble reliefs and coloured stone inlay. After an independent lunch we make our way to the crossroads of Quattro Canti, which displays statues of four Spanish kings of Sicily and the four patron saints of Palermo, was the heart of the 16C and 17C city, while in the nearby Piazza Pretoria is the monumental Fontana Pretoria, purchased from Florence in 1574 church of La Martorana, which was founded by George of Antioch, admiral and first minister under Roger II, and contains some fine mosaics. From here we head to the Archaeological Museum Antonio Salinas which houses a fine collection of objects from prehistoric to Roman times including the metopes which once adorned the Greek temples at Selinunte. Dinner is independent.

Day 5

A morning visit to Monreale on the mountain slopes overlooking Palermo and the Conca d’Oro, where the great 12C Norman cathedral built by William II is one of the most impressive buildings in Sicily. The interior glitters with over 6400sq.m of magnificent mosaics showing traditional scenes from the Old and New Testaments, while the adjoining cloister has over 200 double columns with figurative Romanesque capitals supporting ArabNorman arches. We return to Palermo for an independent lunch. In the afternoon we visit the Regional Art Gallery in the Palazzo Abatellis, the highlight of which is the Virgin Annunciate by Antonello da Messina. In the evening we are invited by special arrangement to a private tour, drinks, and dinner with the Duchess Nicoletta Polo at the Palazzo Lanza Tomasi, last home of Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa, author of one of Sicily’s bestknown novels, ‘The Leopard’.

Day 6

We leave Palermo in the morning and drive west towards Marsala, famous for its sweet wines. We stop on the way to take a short boat ride to the island of San Pantaleo. Here we explore the ruins of Punic Motya and visit the small museum, which houses a remarkable marble statue known as the Motya charioteer, a masterpiece of ancient Greek sculpture, before stopping for lunch at the Whitaker Foundation café (included). We then continue our journey to Marsala where we visit the archaeological park of Lilybaeum by the seafront, which includes the Baglio Anselmi Museum, in a former Marsala distillery and wine cellar. One hall contains a Punic warship discovered by British underwater archaeologist Honor Frost in 1969. We then continue by coach to to Mazara del Vallo, a lively fishing port with a distinct Arab character. In 1998 a superb Greek bronze statue of a dancing satyr, the jewel of the small local museum, was discovered in the waters off Mazara by a local fisherman. We continue by coach to Agrigento for the first of three nights. Dinner is in our hotel, overlooking the Valley of the Temples.

Day 7

We spend the morning in the impressive Valley of the Temples. The Temple of Concord, which was converted into a church in the 6C, is one of the best preserved of all Greek temples and the vast Temple of Olympian Zeus, now in ruins, is the largest Doric temple known. The archaeological museum houses a superb collection of finds from Agrigento and sites nearby, including a telamon from the Temple of Zeus, 7.6m high, reconstructed from fragments. Lunch is at a local fattoria in the countryside near Agrigento, where we also enjoy olive oil tasting. The afternoon and evening are free.

Day 8

We leave Agrigento by coach in the morning to travel to Burgio, a small town dominated by the ruins of an Arab castle and famous for its carved stone portals and local ceramics industry. Our visits include the ceramics museum, housed in the 16C former monastery of Santa Maria delle Grazie and the workshop of a local potter. After lunch (included) we continue by coach and drive west to visit the archaeological park of Selinunte, ancient Selinus, the most westerly of the Greek cities on Sicily, in a beautiful location overlooking the sea. The extensive ruins include an acropolis and several grand temples. We return to Agrigento for a farewell dinner.

Day 9

This morning we leave Agrigento and travel to Piazza Armerina to see the Villa Casale. Constructed in the early 4th century it represents one of the most exquisite and well-preserved examples of late Roman domestic architecture and decorative art with its opulent mosaic floors. In the afternoon, we continue to Palermo airport for our flight to London.

Piazza Borsa

A 4-star hotel centrally located that blends ancient architecture with all necessary comforts. The hotel has many dining opportunities and a panoramic roof garden where breakfast is served during the summer months. All rooms are air conditioned and have free Wi-Fi.

Hotel Park Colleverde

The Colleverde Park Hotel is a modern and comfortable 4-star hotel successfully combining traditional tastes and modern comforts. Immersed in a lush park overlooking the Valley of the Temples and the sea, the hotel boasts fine ceramics, 19th Century Sicilian furniture and Persian carpets which create a prestigious, welcoming and familiar atmosphere.

With Flights: TBC

No Flights: TBC

Single Supp: TBC

Deposit: TBC

Departure Dates:

11 - 19 April 2027

Duration:

8 nights / 9 days

Your Holiday Includes:

Return flights (Economy class) from London to Palermo
Five nights’ bed and breakfast at the Hotel Piazza Borsa, Palermo
Three nights’ bed and breakfast at the Hotel Park Colleverde, Agrigento
Private coach transfers and excursions
Five evening meals and four lunches
Guided visits to monuments and museums listed in the programme
Services of the Tour Lecturer and a Tour Manager
Detailed programme and study notes
All entrance fees, taxes, and gratuities for coach drivers and waiters

Expert Lecturer

Sue Rollin

Travel Information
The price does not include extras at the hotels or travel insurance.

Please note that Art Pursuits use hotels of character featuring a variety of rooms & styles.

Stamina

ISTANBUL The Capital of Empires

Sat, 12 Nov 2022 10:15:26 GMT

6 days | Coming soon! | 3 - 8 May 2027

The Capital of Empires

Constantinople and Istanbul, two names for one city, capital of the mighty Byzantine and Ottoman empires, a city where East meets West, astride two continents, Europe and Asia. The shores of Istanbul are lapped by the Sea of Marmara, the Golden Horn and the Bosphorus, and its monuments are ranged over seven hills. Minarets and domes dominate the famous skyline and a stroll through the streets reveals the city's diverse and magnificent heritage. Hagia Sophia, great cathedral of Byzantium, with magnificent marbles and mosaics vies with Ottoman mosques clad in beautiful Iznik tiles, the Topkapi palace, luxurious residence of the sultans, elegant fountains, bathhouses and bustling covered markets. Every visit to Istanbul is a pleasure, for it is one of the most fascinating cities in the world.

Day to day Itinerary

Day 1

Fly from London to Istanbul. Transfer by private coach to our five-star hotel and enjoy our first meal together.

Day 2

A day spent exploring the Byzantine monuments, beginning with the Hippodrome, once Constantinople's great arena for chariot races and other public entertainment. Continue to the majestic 6 ^th century cathedral of Hagia Sophia, a remarkable testament to Byzantine architectural geometry. After an early lunch together, we visit the little church of St. Saviour in Chora, a jewel of a house with late Byzantine mosaics and frescoes. We end the day at the Yerebetan Sarayi, an extraordinary underground cistern with a forest of over 300 columns. Evening at leisure.

Day 3

We begin our exploration of the Ottoman city with a morning visit to the Süleymaniye mosque complex, masterpiece of the great Ottoman architect Sinan, including the Suleyman and Roxelana tombs. After an independent lunch there will be free time for a walk through the covered bazaar. In the afternoon we visit the Topkapi Palace, opulent residence of the Ottoman sultans and political centre of the empire. We see the magnificent collection of Chinese porcelain and Ottoman textiles, as well as the Imperial Treasury with its wealth of gold and jewels. Included dinner.

Day 4

A special treat this morning will be a private boat trip along the Bosphorus, the straits separating Europe and Asia, past castles and ornate Ottoman mansions and palaces. We visit the Sadberk Hanim museum, which displays fine archaeological collections spanning the Anatolian Neolithic to Byzantium and a magnificent range of Ottoman textiles, ceramics, calligraphy and metalwork. (This visit may be replaced with the Sakip Sabanci Museum). After a group lunch by the Bosphorus we return to the Golden Horn and see the mosque of Rüstem Pasha, Süleyman the Magnificent's grand vizier. The interior of the building is covered from floor to ceiling in high-quality Iznik tiles. Finally, we walk through the colourful Spice Market, with some time to stroll around the bustling market area. Evening at leisure.

Day 5

Morning visit to the Kucuk Ayasofya, the little Hagia Sophia mosque, continuing to the Dolmabahce Palace to see the opulent state rooms and ostentatious ceremonial hall. The palace’s extravagant 4.5 ton chandelier was a present from Queen Victoria to the sultan, unique in Turkey with its six elegant minarets. Visit the Palace of Ibrahim Pasha, another grand vizier of Süleyman the Magnificent, which now houses the excellent Museum of Turkish and Islamic Art. The rest of the afternoon is yours for further exploration or relaxation. In the evening, we enjoy a farewell dinner together.

Day 6

After checking out of our hotel, we visit the mosque of Sultanahmet, also known as the 'Blue Mosque'. Drive beside the majestic Land Walls of Constantinople to Yedikule, the 'Fortress of the Seven Towers', built by Mehmet the Conqueror and used as a notorious prison. The Ottoman fortress contains a section of the Byzantine walls, which includes the famous Golden Gate. Drive across the Golden Horn and walk from Taksim Square to the Pera Palas hotel along the former Grande Rue de Pera, the height of fashion among 19 ^th century European residents and still lined with the imposing façades of their former embassies. Our final visit will be to the Pera Museum, a private museum which houses an interesting collection of Orientalist painting. In the afternoon we transfer to the airport for our late afternoon return flight to London.

Eresin Hotel Sultanahmet

The five-star Eresin Hotel Sultanahmet is located near the main sites in Istanbul, including the Haghia Sophia and Topkapi Palace and is close to the Sea of Marmara. The hotel displays many historic artefacts from mosaics to ceramics and sections of ancient column decorate the bar area. There is a restaurant and rooftop terrace with city views.

With Flights: TBC

No Flights: TBC

Single Supp: TBC

Deposit: TBC

Departure Dates:

3 - 8 May 2027

Duration:

5 nights / 6 days

Your Holiday Includes:

Return flights (Economy class) from London to Istanbul
Five nights’ bed and breakfast at the Eresin Hotel Sultanahmet
Private coach transfers and excursions
Three evening meals and two lunches
Guided visits to monuments and museums listed in the programme
Services of the Tour Lecturer and a Tour Manager
Detailed programme and study notes
All entrance fees, taxes, and gratuities for coach drivers and waiters

Expert Lecturer

Sue Rollin

Travel Information
The price does not include extras at the hotels or travel insurance.

Please note that Art Pursuits use hotels of character featuring a variety of rooms & styles.

Stamina

NANCY AND METZ The Flowers of Lorraine

Wed, 02 Nov 2022 16:11:40 GMT

5 days | Coming soon! | 29 June - 3 July 2027

The Flowers of Lorraine

The historic capital of the ancient Duchy of Lorraine, Nancy has been a centre of trade, commerce and craftsmanship since the 11th century. But it was an artist and glassworker, Emile Gallé, who, around the turn of the 20 ^th century, made his native city internationally famous as the vanguard of the Art Nouveau style. As the founder and first president of the École de Nancy, Gallé unified a group of artists from Lorraine who would electrify the world with their spectacular creations – energetic, elegant and deeply rooted in a close and passionate observation of local flowers, fruits and creatures. This was apparent no more so than at the 1900 Exposition Universelle in Paris, which presented to the world the climactic achievement of the style commonly known as Art Nouveau. Here, the work of the Ecole de Nancy in particular, drew such admiration that by the time the Exposition closed, ‘Style Nancy’ had become an accepted way of referring to the movement as a whole.

Day to day Itinerary

Day 1
Travel from London St Pancras via Paris to Nancy. Transfer to our hotel on foot or by taxi. Introductory stroll around the magnificent Place Stanislas before our first meal together.

Day 2

The morning is spent in Place Stanislas, Europe’s most beautiful royal square, viewing and visiting two of Nancy’s finest buildings: the majestic Hôtel de Ville occupies the square’s entire south side (viewing from the outside), while the Musée des Beaux-Arts, as sleekly modern inside as it is classically elegant outside, displays works by Caravaggio and Delacroix, as well as the Daum Collection of Art Nouveau glassware. After a stroll along Rue Félix Faure to see the house façades, visit the museum devoted to the Nancy School of artists and craftsmen associated with Emile Gallé, featuring work by all its major representatives, including Gallé himself, Antonin Daum and Eugène Vallin. Evening at leisure.

Day 3

Today we take the train out of Nancy on a short ride through the lovely Lorraine countryside which so inspired Gallé and his fellow École de Nancy artists, to Metz on the banks of the Moselle river. Now the official capital of Lorraine, Metz has a spectacular architectural heritage of its own, very different from sister-city and long-standing rival Nancy. Ceded to Germany in the aftermath of the Franco-Prussian War, Metz’s Art Nouveau was shaped by Kaiser Wilhelm II’s determination to ‘Germanise’ his new possession. His new Imperial Quarter or Neue Stadt (promptly renamed Nouvelle Ville when France took back the city in 1918) took shape between 1902 and the Great War, with a style more closely allied to the Jugendstil of Munich and Vienna than the sinuous curves of Nancy or Paris. Arriving into the spectacular Metz-Ville station (nick-named the Station Palace) with its magnificent clocktower and elaborate façade, we take time to explore the immediate surroundings, including the stunning 40m tall Water Tower built in 1908 to supply the steam engines. We then proceed through the Imperial Quarter along Avenue Foch (formerly Kaiser-Wilhelm-Ring), lined with grand villas in diverse styles united by their unmistakeable Art Nouveau-influenced details; highlights include the stone and ceramic Villa Bleyler, Villa Wildenberger with its expansive friezes and fine ironwork and the enchanting half-timbered Villa Salomon. After lunch in the historic Place St-Jacques, the heart of the ancient city, we proceed to the nearby Cathedral, built between the 14th and 16th centuries and nick-named ‘God’s Lantern’ for the splendour of its stained glass: the largest expanse in the world, spanning 700 years and including three windows designed by Chagall. We then return to the station past the magnificent Governor’s Palace, with a detour (time and weather permitting) to view the latest addition to Metz’s architectural tapestry - Shigeru Ban’s new Pompidou Centre, which revives Art Nouveau’s whiplash curves and enthusiasm for all things Japanese with a distinctively modern flair - before returning to Nancy. Evening at leisure.

Day 4

We start the day with a visit to the Villa Majorelle, the crowning example of Nancy’s Art Nouveau architecture, with features in ceramics, iron, glass and wood. Return to the town centre for a viewing of the Jacques Gruber stained-glass at the CCI building followed by an independent lunch. In the afternoon we visit the Maison Bergeret, designed by Lucien Weissenburger, decorated with stained-glass windows by Gruber and Janin. Continue to the Quartier Saurupt (Art Nouveau Garden Estate). Share a farewell dinner at the refined Brasserie Excelsior, which has been welcoming clients for over 100 years, a great café of the ‘Belle Epoque’. On our way to the restaurant, we shall also explore Nancy’s finest Art Nouveau exteriors, including the blue ceramic façade of the Point-Central pharmacy.

Day 5

After checking out, return by trains from Nancy via Paris to London St Pancras.

Hôtel Littéraire Stendhal

Freshly renovated and inspired by the world of Stendhal, Hôtel Littéraire Stendhal offers a refined stay in the center of Nancy, moments from Place Stanislas. Enjoy thoughtfully designed rooms, a luminous bar under its glass canopy, and a peaceful wellness area.

With Eurostar: TBC

Join Direct: TBC

Single Supp: TBC

Deposit: TBC

Departure Dates:

29 June - 3 July 2027

Duration:

4 nights / 5 days

Your Holiday Includes:

Return travel with Eurostar from London to Paris and TGV to Nancy and local train travel
Four nights' accommodation at the Hôtel Littéraire Stendhal , Nancy
Private coach transfers and excursions
Two evening meals and one lunch
Guided visits to the sites and monuments listed in the programme
Services of the Tour Lecturer and a Tour Manager
Detailed programme and study notes
All entrance fees, taxes, and gratuities for coach drivers and serving staff

Tour Lecturers

Dr Justine Hopkins

Travel Information

The price does not include extras at the hotels or travel insurance.

Please note that Art Pursuits use hotels of character featuring a variety of rooms & styles.

Stamina

AVIGNON Roman Mediaeval Provence

Wed, 12 Oct 2022 12:46:23 GMT

5 days | £2695 per person with flights | 13 - 17 October 2027

Roman Mediaeval Provence

Provence, in southern France, is home to the vibrant cities of Avignon, Arles, Saint-Gilles, and Orange each an important centre in Roman Gaul and each a key player in the cultural, religious, and political life of the area in the Middle Ages. Avignon, Roman Avenio, on the River Rhone, rose to international prominence between 1305-77 when, as home to the Popes, during what St Catherine of Siena dubbed the Babylonish Captivity, it attracted scholars, craftsmen, and clergy, many of whom hailed from Italy and effected fascinating cultural exchange. Arles, once the thriving Roman port of Arelate, situated near the mouth of the Rhone, became an important centre of the Early Christian church under its first bishop, Trophîme, and a stopping point on the Via Tolosana pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela. Nearby, Saint-Gilles du Gard, the starting point of the Via Tolosana is renowned for its abbey with an entrance façade embellished with fine Romanesque sculpture. Further north, Orange, Roman Arausio, preserves a magnificent Roman theatre and triumphal arch, which added to the town’s prestige during the Middle Ages. Together, these towns reflect the enduring legacy of Roman civilization blended with the evolving spirit of the medieval Provencal Church.

Day to day Itinerary

Day 1
Fly from London to Marseille and transfer to the hotel. We begin at the Pont St Bénézet to think about Avignon’s origins. A short walk will take us to Notre Dame des Doms, the 12th-century cathedral with important monuments that include: an early Romanesque altar table; the lofty tomb canopy of Pope John XXII; and the tomb of Pope Benedict XII. We will study the shadowy remains of frescoes painted in the late 1330s by Simone Martini. Enjoy our first group meal together.

Day 2

Visit to the Palais des Papes. The upper layers of plaster from Simone Martini’s Cathedral frescoes are on show. These, together with the Grand Tinel, the Popes’ grand banqueting hall and adjoining kitchen, plus chapels and papal apartments with walls painted by other Italian artists such as Matteo Giovanetti of Viterbo will be highlights of the visit. After lunch together, a visit to the Petit Palais. This museum houses some finely carved Romanesque capitals from a cloister at Notre Dame des Doms and the remains of a grand transi or cadaver tomb. There is also an exceptionally fine collection of Italian panel paintings. We will concentrate on those which are contemporary with the Popes’ stay in Avignon. Evening at leisure.

Day 3

Drive by private coach to Alyscamps, an ancient Roman necropolis before heading to the excellent, modern, Museum of Ancient Arles and Provence where we look at a fine collection of sarcophagi and other objects from Roman and Early Christian Arles. A short transfer to Arles for independent lunch and after to visit the 12th-century church of St Trophîme which demonstrates, with clarity, the debt owed by Romanesque masons to Antique models. The church contains altars made from repurposed Early Christian sarcophagi and a cloister with a magnificent set of 12th-century figurative reliefs and historiated capitals. Continue to St Gilles du Gard situated at the gateway to the Camargue. St Gilles was a local hermit saint of 7th century; the abbey church dedicated to him, became the starting point of the Via Tolosana pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela. At the west end a triple entrance portal teems with Old and New Testament figures and scenes arranged in a format that resembles clearly a Roman triumphal arch. Return to Avignon for an evening at leisure.

Day 4

We drive north to Orange where we see the Triumphal Arch on the outskirts of the town. Continue on to see one of the best-preserved Roman theatres; much of its scaenae frons remains intact, with adjacent ruins of a Forum and associated museum nearby. After an independent lunch in Orange drive to Villeneuve lès Avignon, a suburb on the west bank of the Rhone which was home to many cardinals in the 14th century. The Carthusian monastery, or Chartreuse, has more frescoes by Matteo Giovanetti in a chapel dedicated to St John the Baptist, and the small Musée Pierre de Luxembourg houses a Gothic, Parisian, ivory Virgin and Child statuette and a Coronation of the Virgin by Enguerrand Quarton, a 15th-century French painter. Arrive back in Avignon to enjoy a farewell meal together.

Day 5

Check out and drive to the Pont du Gard, in the valley of the River Gard, to see all that remains of an extensive 1st-century B.C. Roman aqueduct built to bring fresh water to the city of Nîmes. The structure bears eloquent testimony to the engineering expertise of the Romans. Time for an independent lunch before departing for our return flight to London.

Hotel Cloître Saint Louis

Built in the 16th century The Hotel Cloître Saint Louis is listed in the ‘Register of Historical Monuments’ and has, over the centuries, been a military hospital and a branch of the Hôtel des Invalides de Paris. Set in the heart of Avignon, the hotel is close to the Pont and the Palais des Papes. Rooms are furnished with high end amenities including Occitane toiletries, tea and coffee facilities, safe and hairdryer.

With Flights: £2695

Join Direct: £2545

Single Supp: £195

Deposit: £450

Departure Dates:

13 - 17 October 2027

Duration:

4 nights / 5 days

Your Holiday Includes:

Scheduled return flights (Economy class) from London to Marseille
Four nights’ accommodation at the Hotel Cloître Saint Louis
Private coach transfers and excursions
Two evening meals and one lunch
Guided visits to the sites and monuments listed in the programme
Services of the Tour Lecturer and a Tour Manager
Detailed programme and study notes
All entrance fees, taxes, and gratuities for coach drivers and serving staff

Tour Lecturers

Dr Sally Dormer

Travel Information

The price does not include extras at the hotels or travel insurance.

Please note that Art Pursuits use hotels of character featuring a variety of rooms & styles.

Stamina

Please note that some of our tours can involve a fair amount of walking, sometimes across uneven ground. Please contact us if you would like more information.

JORDAN Ancient cities, Biblical sites and desert castles

Fri, 07 Oct 2022 13:59:11 GMT

8 days | Coming soon! | 24 - 31 October 2027

Ancient cities, Biblical sites and desert castles

Jordan's romantic associations – lost cities, biblical stories, Lawrence of Arabia – are well known, but the country is still a mystery to many. Many civilisations have left their mark on Jordan. The modern state has grown out of these, its rich cultural heritage reaching back to the prophets of the Old Testament. Our tour includes spectacular sites created by Romans, Christians and Muslims: flourishing cities of the Decapolis, Byzantine basilicas with resplendent mosaics, a fascinating Umayyad desert baths complex and a crusader stronghold towering high above the valley of the Dead Sea. Perhaps most breath-taking of all, the rock-cut stronghold of Petra, hidden away in the mountains south of Edom, was the capital of the enigmatic Nabateans, a nomadic people of Arabian origin who created there a city unique in the ancient world. In addition, Jordan offers a most diverse and magical landscape, ranging from the canyons of the King’s Highway and the geologically interesting basalt zone of eastern Jordan to the wild beauties of the desert.

Day to day Itinerary

Day 1

Mid-afternoon flight at with British Airways from London Heathrow to Amman. Transfer by private coach to the hotel. First of three nights in Amman.

Day 2

A morning devoted to exploring the centre of Amman and the ancient citadel, with remains from the Bronze Age to early Islamic periods including the Roman Temple of Heracles and palace of the Islamic Umayyad governors. There is also a small archaeological museum. Continue to Jerash, one of the most beautiful and best-preserved Roman cities in the region, situated in the hills of ancient Gilead. After lunch we explore the extensive ruins: temples, theatres, Byzantine churches, elegant plazas and colonnaded streets. Return to our Amman for our evening meal.

Day 3

Today we drive south and east of Amman to explore forts of the eastern Roman frontier and a desert complex of the early Umayyad rulers. Our first stop is Umm ar-Rasas, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The fortified settlement was once an important Roman frontier station. In the Byzantine period several churches with splendid mosaics were built within the impressive walls and in the settlement, which grew up outside. We continue into the eastern desert and stop for lunch at the RSCN Eco-Lodge, a converted 1940s British field hospital, before visiting the black basalt Roman fort at Azraq where Lawrence of Arabia stayed in 1917. At Qasr Amra, another UNESCO World Heritage site, there is a unique early 8th-century Umayyad baths complex, richly decorated with striking wall paintings representing a formative stage in the development of Islamic art. Return to Amman for dinner and the last of three nights in the city.

Day 4

After breakfast we bid farewell to Amman and travel by coach to Madaba. Here we visit the Archaeological Park, which houses a collection of Byzantine mosaics, and the Greek Orthodox Church of St. George with the famous mosaic map of the Holy Land. North-west of Madaba is Mount Nebo, from where Moses is said to have glimpsed the Promised Land. The Moses Memorial church has more fine mosaics. We continue along the Kings’ Highway, crossing the spectacular gorge of the Wadi Mujib, to the Crusader castle of Karak. We arrive in Petra in the early evening, checking in to our second hotel for the first of three nights. Dinner in the hotel.

Day 5

Today we begin our exploration of one of the world’s most famous archaeological sites, the fabulous Nabatean city of Petra, half-built, half-carved into the warm sandstone rock, a wonderful blend of ancient Near Eastern and Hellenistic traditions. We walk through the Siq, a narrow gorge, to the famous ‘Treasury’ and beyond, past tomb facades, the rock-cut theatre and an early Byzantine church to the city centre. After lunch we climb past other monuments to the great ‘High Place’ from where there are magnificent views over the ancient site and surrounding landscape. Return to our hotel for dinner.

Day 6

This morning we continue our discovery of Petra. We walk the ancient processional route up to the Deir, the largest monument in Petra, high above the city centre, and see more of the surrounding plateau before descending for lunch. The afternoon is free for further exploration of this wonderful site. Dinner in our hotel, last of three nights in Petra.

Day 7

By coach to Siq al-Barid or ‘Little Petra’, with rock-cut chambers and the famous ‘Painted House’, decorated with bird and ‘cupids’ among vines, flowers and foliage in typical Hellenistic Alexandrian style. A scenic drive takes us down to the Wadi Araba and the Museum at the Lowest Place on Earth, below the Sanctuary of St. Lot with the remains of a 6th-7th-century Byzantine church. We continue along the eastern shore of the Dead Sea to our last hotel for the final night of this tour, and to enjoy a farewell dinner together.

Day 8

Transfer to Amman airport for an early morning flight, scheduled to arrive in London Heathrow late morning.

Intercontinental Hotel Amman

An iconic landmark in bustling Amman, Intercontinental Jordan Hotel offers spacious rooms and cosmopolitan amenities with a Middle Eastern touch.

Mövenpick Resort Petra

The Mövenpick Resort Petra is located close to the entrance of the historic site of Petra. This resort showcases oriental design with an exciting combination of natural stone, hand-crafted wood and traditional fabrics and furniture.

Mövenpick Resort And Spa Dead Sea

The luxury Mövenpick Resort and Spa Dead Sea features a traditional village design set amidst lush gardens leading down to the shores of the Dead Sea, the lowest spot on Earth. Pools, flowing water, spa facilities, courtyards and cafes all contribute to a sense of tranquillity and well-being in this 5 star resort.

With Flights: TBC

No Flights: TBC

Single Supp: TBC

Deposit: TBC

Departure Dates:

24 - 31 October 2027

Duration:

7 nights / 8 days

Your Holiday Includes:

Return flights (Economy class) from London to Amman
Seven nights’ bed and breakfast in locally 4 and 5-star rated hotels
Private coach transfers and excursions
Seven evening meals and six lunches
Guided visits to monuments and museums listed in the programme
Services of the Tour Lecturer and a Tour Manager
Detailed programme and study notes
All entrance fees, taxes, and gratuities for coach drivers and waiters

Expert Lecturer

Sue Rollin

Travel Information
The price does not include extras at the hotels or travel insurance.

Please note that Art Pursuits use hotels of character featuring a variety of rooms & styles.

Stamina

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