2020 Our programme for 2020 presents a glittering array of classic and signature tours mingled with tempting new adventures. Early in the year, John Deathridge will accompany a group to New York to hear artists including Yo-Yo Ma, Bryn Terfel and Joyce DiDonato; and Kevin Hand will introduce us to the ancient and natural wonders of the Isle of Man. In April new Tour Director Martin Locker will take a group to discover the mythology and history of the Camino de Santiago, soaking up the rich cultures of Spain; while summer is a perfect opportunity to explore the furthest reaches of the Roman Empire along the Antonine Wall with Andrew Wilson. A particularly exciting addition is our Danube River Cruise in September: in the company of no fewer than nine ACE Tour Directors, we will take a relaxing voyage from Passau through Vienna to Budapest, immersed in the river’s history, musical culture and artistic culture. We bookend the year with a series of spectacular long-haul adventures, from the rock churches of Ethiopia and Khmer temples of Thailand, to the ‘white gold’ of China and shrines of Japan. We hope you enjoy learning more about these and many more 2020 departures in the following pages and look forward to welcoming you on your next ACE tour.
Association for Cultural Exchange • ACE Cultural Tours Cambridge, England
ACE Cult ural Tours
T H E AC E EX PERIENCE 45
38 Over 60 Years of Expertise Established in 1958, ACE Cultural Tours is the UK’s longest established cultural travel tour operator, with over 60 years’ experience. Continuing to build on this heritage in 2020, we look forward to offering tours to new and exciting destinations worldwide, alongside returning and perennial favourites.
The Tours Our tours aim to uncover cultural intricacies and connections across a wide range of subject areas and themes including art, architecture, archaeology, history, music, regional culture and natural history. Rather than exclusively focusing on the isolated history or development of one artistic work, archaeological site or historical occurrence, our itineraries are also designed to take in the bigger picture and provide context within a wider cultural landscape. Our Tour Directors illustrate and illuminate their themes with formal lectures and on-site talks, and where appropriate local guides will supplement their knowledge. Many itineraries include privileged access, exclusive visits and private concerts to further enhance your enjoyment. No prior knowledge is needed, just an interest in the subjects concerned.
Our Tour Directors Chosen not only for their specialist knowledge, but equally for the clarity and enthusiasm with which they communicate and impart their passion to others, our expert Tour Directors are personally involved in the creation and planning of our tours. Biographies and further information about all of our Tour Directors are available at the back of this brochure, as well as on our website. Several of our tours, particularly our river cruises, combine the expertise of multiple Tour Directors, whose specialisms across distinct subject areas combine to create a unique amalgamation of perspectives. On many of our tours, the Tour Director or Directors will be supported by an experienced Tour Manager, responsible for ensuring the smooth day-to-day running of our itineraries.
2
Travelling with Us Our travellers, whilst often independent in spirit, enjoy the relaxed ambience we like to create on our tours. Group dinners, for example, are a wonderful opportunity to get to know new friends and discuss the day’s visits and experiences in a convivial atmosphere. On shorter tours all days will typically have a full itinerary whilst on longer tours we often include some free time to allow for individual exploration or relaxation. Solo travellers make up a significant proportion of all of our groups – so those travelling alone can be assured of finding a welcoming atmosphere amongst like-minded people. We pride ourselves on looking after single travellers very well, from working to minimise the additional cost incurred by single supplements at the booking stage, to ensuring that there’s always somebody with whom to share a coffee or lunch once on tour.
Am I Fit Enough to Travel? Our tours range from fairly strenuous and challenging departures to those with a more relaxed feel, particularly our cruises and gentler tours. Regardless of the type of tour, it is important that our clients meet minimum fitness criteria to ensure that the enjoyment of the rest of the group is not compromised. Most days on tour will involve a considerable amount of walking, perhaps visiting galleries, archaeological sites on rocky terrain, or simply exploring the cobbled streets of hilltop towns and villages. Walks on natural history tours are typically 3–5 miles in length, often in hilly or mountainous regions. Information regarding the fitness requirements for all our tours is available throughout this publication and on our website. For those concerned about their suitability to travel, our Sales & Reservations team, contactable via email or over the phone, are always happy to advise on the specifics of individual tours.
Gentler Tours Our gentler tours have been created specifically by ACE for travellers who prefer a more laid-back, less physically demanding itinerary while retaining the same high level of academic content.
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ACE Cult ural Tours
18 Value for Money
Responsible Tourism
Generally, our tours are very comprehensive and there are few personal expenses apart from some meals and drinks. Customers have frequently complimented us on the value for money offered by our tours, and our policy of including gratuities for most services as standard has proven particularly popular. Our brochure descriptions give a clear indication of what is included for each tour.
We are proud to be the preferred travel provider for people who are committed to supporting local communities in the countries they visit. Each year, the trustees of the ACE Foundation (the Association for Cultural Exchange), an educational charity founded in 1958 which owns ACE Cultural Tours, support charitable and educational projects all over the world in the regions we visit. These include international conservationist and research projects, as well as work closer to home at Stapleford Granary, our base near Cambridge.
Accommodation and Food We work closely with the hotels we use to ensure that facilities, cleanliness and comfort levels are up to expected standards. In selecting accommodation for our tours, we strive to achieve a balance between factors such as accessibility, location and costs. We also recognise that the opportunity to sample different cuisines is an integral part of the cultural experience, so when travelling overseas we like to give you the chance to try traditional dishes. When travelling off the beaten track it is sometimes necessary to use simpler accommodation.
Group Sizes The majority of our tours are designed for groups of approximately 25 participants, enabling everyone to make the most of our itineraries and of the insights of our expert Tour Directors. Some of our natural history tours are limited to 15 participants, ensuring all travellers have the best possible chance to engage with the flora and fauna on offer. Numbers on some of our cruises may be greater, in line with the capacity of the vessels used. In these circumstances, support is provided by additional Tour Directors, Tour Managers, local guides or members of the crew, to ensure due attention is paid to the needs of all group members.
aceculturaltours.co.uk | 01223 841055
A Commitment to Excellence The feedback provided by ACE customers is invaluable in helping us to continue delivering a first-class experience, or helping to identify areas that could be improved for the future. In 2019, ACE Cultural Tours was awarded the Feefo Gold Trusted Service Award for the second year in a row. This is an independent accreditation awarded to businesses that consistently deliver exceptional experiences, as rated by real customers. We are very grateful to those of you who take the time to give us feedback, and are committed to continuing to improve the service we provide.
49
3
ACE Cult ural Tours
T H E AC E FOUNDATI O N
A
CE Cultural Tours supports the ACE Foundation (Association for Cultural Exchange), an educational charity founded in 1958 that provides inquisitive minds with a better understanding of local and international culture through a variety of educational activities. The organisation’s roots are fixed firmly within the philosophy of founder Philip Barnes (who also founded ACE Cultural Tours), but its branches extend worldwide, aiming to support genuinely sustainable projects, taking into account cultural, financial and environmental factors.
T H E AC E F O U N DAT I O N
The ACE Foundation and ACE Cultural Tours are both based at Stapleford Granary, situated in the rural surroundings of south Cambridgeshire. Stapleford Granary is a newly completed study centre for music and the arts, and hosts a full programme of courses and events. Concerts range
4
from classical recitals by world-renowned artists such as Imogen Cooper and the Brodsky Quartet, to intimate gigs by leading exponents of the folk tradition like Martin Simpson and performances of traditional music from across the world, including Roopa Panesar and Kousic Sen. Music courses cater for a wide range of ages and abilities, with a particular focus on ensemble work, ranging from a community choir to flute and clarinet groups and a youth string orchestra. Stapleford Granary is the winner of a Royal Institute of British Architects Regional Award, which recognises the excellence of the transformation of what was a derelict range of 19th-century farm buildings into an innovative arts centre. The judges commended the manner in which the authenticity of the original buildings has been maintained whilst providing an inspiring new learning space. The renovated buildings boast a stateof-the-art concert hall, music studios, art workshops and an exhibition space. Recent
exhibitions have included solo shows by Fred Ingrams and Carry Akroyd, artists who have both explored fen landscapes and the relationship between man and the natural world. With a new, fully-equipped jewellery workshop, Stapleford Granary has become established as the second location for London’s Hatton Garden Central School of Jewellery, with group courses running all year round. The ACE Foundation also supports the spoken and written word, working with Literature Cambridge to provide study courses and seminars examining classics of English literature, whilst our autumn lectures include An Evening with Germaine Greer, the Australian-born best-selling writer, feminist and activist, who will be discussing her life and work with BBC reporter Stephen Chittenden. Continuing to support educational projects at home and abroad, the ACE Foundation has been able to extend its range of activities considerably since the redevelopment of Stapleford Granary.
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ACE Cult ural Tours
Autumn / Winter 2 019 E vents at S tapleford Granary september Friday 13 – Red Priest Sunday 15 – Lepetit Ensemble Thursday 19 – Grasping the Nettle – Ethel Smyth Friday 20 – Cann Twins Sunday 22 – Kevin Flanagan & David Gordon Trio Coffee Concert Friday 27 – Martin Simpson Sunday 29 – Janna Huneke Coffee Concert october Friday 4 – Peddars Way Project – Kevin Flanagan
S TA P L E F O R D G R A N A RY
Saturday 5 – Empirical Tuesday 8 – Leveret Thursday 10 – India – Photography & Traditional Pottery Saturday 12 – Roopa Panesar & Kousic Sen Sunday 13 – Richard Uttley Coffee Concert Friday 18 – Lara Melda Sunday 20 – A Brief History of Music Friday 25 – In the Footsteps of Laurel & Hardy Saturday 26 – Assynt Sunday 27 – Piatti String Trio Wednesday 30 – An Evening with Germaine Greer november Friday 1 – Drepung Kongo Khangsten Monks of Tibet Thursday 7 – Berlin 1945: The Downfall Friday 8 – Alan Barnes Octet Sunday 10 – Goldfield Coffee Concert Friday 15 – Sacre – David Gordon & John Law Wednesday 20 – Steve Swallow & Christian Muthspiel Saturday 23 – Liane Carroll & Claire Martin Sunday 24 – Leon Greening Trio Monday 25 – Blazin’ Fiddles
Autumn / Winter 2019 COURSES AT STAPLEFORD GRANARY september
october
Tuesday 10 – Folk Ensemble
Sunday 6 – String Orchestra Play Day
Wednesday 11 – Silversmithing – Salt & Pepper Set
Monday 7 – Youth String Orchestra
Wednesday 11 – Piano Club
Saturday 19 – How to Read Poetry with Literature Cambridge
Saturday 14 – Horn Day Wednesday 18 – Beginners’ Book Binding Wednesday 18 – Clarinet Choir
Tuesday 15 – Song Writing with Stu Hanna
Wednesday 30 – Stained Glass Leading for Newcomers and Beginners
Wednesday 18 – Flute Choir Thursday 19 – Drawing & Mixed Media with Neil Payne Saturday 21 – Reading the Waves with Literature Cambridge Wednesday 25 – Wind Sinfonia Friday 27 – Discovering Print with Sue Jones
november Sunday 3 – Woodwind Play Day Saturday 16 – Understanding Hamlet with Literature Cambridge Sunday 17 – Brass Play Day
december Sunday 1 – Allan Schiller & John Humphreys Duo Saturday 14 – Prime Bass Family Christmas Concert Sunday 15 – Story Orchestra: The Nutcracker
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Further information and booking: www.staplefordgranary.org.uk 01223 849004
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ACE Cult ural Tours
TO U R S BY SU BJE CT CULTURAL CRUISES 10
Roman Kent: Towns, Forts & Frescoes
44
Citadels of Transylvania
68
45
Jewels of the Loire: Medieval & Renaissance Chateaux
69
Danube Cruise
12-13
Imperial Rome, Ostia & Tivoli
Lycian Cruise
14-15
Jordan 46-47
Provence River Cruise
16-17
Douro River Cruise
18-19
Prehistoric & Roman Anglesea & Snowdonia 48
Rhine Advent Cruise
20-21
Ancient Crete & Santorini
49
ART & ARCHITECTURE 50
Great Bardfield & Beyond: Mid-Century Art & Design in East Anglia 70 Albi & the Languedoc
71
Churches of Norfolk: An Appointment with Angels
72
The Holy Land
24
Orthodox Christmas in Moscow
52
From Madrid to Toledo: Trade, Treasure & the World Of Philip II 73
Pompeii with Herculaneum
25
Art Treasures of Dresden
53
Bauhaus: German Modern Art & Design
Early Christian & Medieval Rome
26
Art on the Côte d’Azur
54
Lorraine 75
Eboracum: York & the Roman North
27
Venice: The Triumph of Light & Colour
55
From Washington to Jamestown
76-77 78-79
ARCHAEOLOGY 22
74
CONTENTS
Aquileia: City Of Antiquity
28-29
Vasari: Father of Art History
56
Baltic States
Roman & Byzantine Ravenna
30-31
Riviera di Levante: From Genoa to Pisa
57
Constable & Gainsborough in Suffolk
80
Algeria: Rome Meets the Sahara
32-33
Art Collections of Liverpool
58
The Golden Age of Dutch Painting
81
Athens, Delphi & the Peloponnese
34-35
Art Treasures of St Petersburg
59
Artists of the North
82
Albania: From the Illyrians to the Ottomans
36-37
Cyclades: Ancient Islands of the Aegean
38-39
Farthest Frontier: Roman Scotland & the Antonine Wall
40
Northern Greece
41
Ancient Sicily
55
42-43
Roussillon 60-61
Pomerania 83
Art in Berlin
62
The Hanseatic League
Glasgow: Patrons, Art & Innovation
63
Medieval Burgundy
86
Flemish Painting: From van Eyck to Rubens
Artists’ Houses In Sussex
87
64
The Dordogne
65
Bologna, Mantua & Parma
66
Cornwall: St Ives & the Newlyn School Of Painters
67
Russia’s Golden Ring
84-85
88-89
Art Collections & Stately Homes of the West Country
90
Denmark: Ancient & Modern
91
Teutonic Knights
92-93
The Pre-Raphaelites in Oxford
94
Art Nouveau in Belgium
95
Hill Towns of Umbria
96
Art & Architecture of Puglia
97
Serbian Monasteries
98-99
Syracuse 100 Bruges 101 In Search of China’s White Gold
6
102-103
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166 houses & gardens 104
NATURE 128
Northamptonshire Country Houses
106
Villas & Gardens of the Italian Lakes
107
Gardens of the Republic of Ireland
108
Houses & Gardens of Herefordshire & the Welsh Borders
109
Edinburgh: Scottish Houses, Castles & Interiors 110 Chichester & the South Downs
111
MUSIC & THEATRE 112 Valletta International Baroque Festival
114
Mozart Festival in Salzburg
115
Leipzig at Easter
116
Wagner’s Ring Cycle in Budapest
117
Wagner’s Ring Cycle in Leipzig
118
Bach Festival in Leipzig
119
Cambridge Churches, College Chapels & Organs
120
Mahler Festival in Amsterdam
121
Shakespeare at Stratford
122
Beethoven in Bonn: A Cycle of Symphonies
123
Music & Opera in New York
124-125
Jazz: From New Orleans to Memphis 126-127
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REGIONAL CULTURE 154
Wildlife of the Suffolk Coast: Minsmere & Orford Ness
130
Somerset Levels in Winter
131
Isle of Man: A Wild & Ancient Heritage
132
Crete: Birds, Flowers & Minoans
133
Wild Poland
Ethiopia 156-157
134-135
Sardinia: Birds, Flowers & Nuraghi
136
Isles of Scilly
137
Wildlife & Walking in Extremadura
138
Donegal & Tory Island
139
Wild & Ancient Orkney
140
Wildlife of the Austrian Alps
141
Iceland: History & Landscape
142-143
Arctic Finland & Norway
144-145
Wild & Ancient Dartmoor
146
The Shetland Islands
147
Flowers of the Fairest Cape: From the Atlantic to the Indian Oceans
Cambodia & Laos
158-159
Uzbekistan: Cities of the Silk Road
160-161
Camino de Santigo: Pilgrims, Cathedrals & Castles
162-163
Chinese Civilisation
164-165
Japan in Springtime: Art, Temples & Gardens 166-167 Madeira: Pearl of the Atlantic
168-169
Kazakhstan 170-171 Mallorca 172 The Ariège
173
Odisha 174-175 West Japan & the Inland Sea: Art & Pilgrimage
176-177
Goa: Portuguese Heritage, Landscape & Wildlife
178-179
Thailand 180-181 148-149
Borneo 150-151
Upcoming Music Tours
Wildlife of Albania
152
2020 Schedule
188–191
Norfolk in Summer
153
Tour Directors
192–195
Booking Procedure & Conditions
196–199
Index
182
2200
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CONTENTS
ACE Cult ural Tours
ACE Cult ural Tours
TO U R S BY COUNTRY GERMANY
ALBANIA Albania: From the Illyrians to the Ottomans
36-37
Wildlife of Albania
152
ALGERIA Algeria: Rome Meets the Sahara
32-33
AUSTRIA Mozart Festival in Salzburg
115
Wild Austria
141 BELGIUM 64
Art Nouveau in Belgium
95
CONTENTS
Bruges
101
Pompeii with Herculaneum
25
Rhine Advent Cruise
20-21
Early Christian & Medieval Rome
26
Art Treasures of Dresden
53
Aquileia: City of Antiquity
28-29
Art in Berlin
62
Roman & Byzantine Ravenna
30-31
Bauhaus: German Modern Art & Design 74
Ancient Sicily
42-43
Pomerania 83
Imperial Rome, Ostia & Tivoli
45
The Hanseatic League
Ancient Crete & Santorini
49
158-159
116
Venice: The Triumph of Light & Colour
55
Wagner’s Ring Cycle in Leipzig
118
Vasari: Father of Art History
56
Beethoven in Bonn: A Cycle of Symphonies
Riviera di Levante: From Genoa to Pisa
57
123
Bologna, Mantua & Parma
66
Hill Towns of Umbria
96
Art & Architecture of Puglia
97
GREECE Athens, Delphi & the Peloponnese Cyclades: Ancient Islands of the Aegean
102-103
Chinese Civilisation
164-165
Denmark: Ancient & Modern
91
41 133
Danube Cruise
12-13
Wagner’s Ring Cycle in Budapest
117
100
Villas & Gardens of the Italian Lakes
107
Sardinia: Birds, Flowers & Nuraghi
136
JAPAN Japan in Springtime: Art, Temples & Gardens
166-167
West Japan & the Inland Sea: Art & Pilgrimage
176-177
Iceland: History & Landscape
JORDAN 142-143
Jordan
78-79
ETHIOPIA
KAZAKHSTAN
Odisha
174-175
Goa: Portuguese Heritage, Landscape & Wildlife
178-179
16-17 54
Roussillon 60-61 The Dordogne
65
Jewels of the Loire: Medieval & Renaissance Chateaux
69
Albi & the Languedoc
71
Lorraine
75
Medieval Burgundy
86
LAOS Cambodia & Laos
IRELAND
FRANCE
Kazakhstan 170-171
Ethiopia 156-157
46-47
INDIA
ESTONIA, LITHUANIA & LATVIA
Art on the Côte d’Azur
38-39
Syracuse
ICELAND
DENMARK
Provence River Cruise
34-35
HUNGARY
In Search of China’s White Gold
Baltic States
84-85
Leipzig at Easter
Crete: Birds, Flowers & Minoans
CHINA
The Ariège
12-13
Northern Greece
CAMBODIA
Danube Cruise
Flemish Painting: From van Eyck to Rubens
Cambodia & Laos
ITALY
158-159
Gardens of the Republic of Ireland
108
Donegal & Tory Island
139
MALAYSIA Borneo
150-151
ISLE OF MAN
MALTA
Isle of Man: A Wild & Ancient Heritage 132
Valletta International Baroque Festival 114
ISRAEL
The Holy Land
24
173
8
aceculturaltours.co.uk | 01223 841055
ACE Cult ural Tours
UK Eboracum: York & the Roman North
27
Farthest Frontier: Roman Scotland & the Antonine Wall
40
Roman Kent: Towns, Forts & Frescoes
44
Prehistoric & Roman Anglesea & Snowdonia
48
Art Collections of Liverpool
58
Glasgow: Patrons, Art & Innovation
63
Cornwall: St Ives & the Newlyn School of Painters
67
158 NETHERLANDS The Golden Age of Dutch Painting Mahler Festival in Amsterdam
SERBIA 81 121
Serbian Monasteries
98-99
SLOVAKIA Danube Cruise
NORWAY Arctic Finland & Norway
144-145
SOUTH AFRICA
PORTUGAL Douro River Cruise Madeira: Pearl of the Atlantic
12-13
18-19 168-169
Flowers of the Fairest Cape: From the Atlantic to the Indian Oceans
148-149
SPAIN
POLAND Pomerania 83 Teutonic Knights
92-93
Wild Poland
134-135
Wildlife & Walking in Extremadura Camino de Santigo: Pilgrims, Cathedrals & Castles Mallorca
ROMANIA Citadels of Transylvania
From Madrid to Toledo: Trade, Treasure & the World of Philip II
138 162-163 172
68
RUSSIA
Orthodox Christmas in Moscow
52
Art Treasures of St Petersburg
59 88-89
72
Constable & Gainsborough in Suffolk
80
Artists of the North
82
Artists’ Houses in Sussex
87
Art Collections & Stately Homes of the West Country
90
The Pre-Raphaelites in Oxford
94
Northamptonshire Country Houses
106
Houses & Gardens of Herefordshire & the Welsh Borders
109
Edinburgh: Scottish Houses, Castles & Interiors
110
Chichester & the South Downs
111
Cambridge Churches, College Chapels & Organs
120
Shakespeare at Stratford
122
Wildlife of the Suffolk Coast: Minsmere & Orford Ness
130
Somerset Levels in Winter
131
Isles of Scilly
137
Wild & Ancient Orkney
140
Wild & Ancient Dartmoor
146
The Shetland Islands
147
Norfolk in Summer
153
USA From Washington to Jamestown
TURKEY Lycian Cruise
Russia’s Golden Ring
73
Churches of Norfolk: An Appointment with Angels
14-15
Music & Opera in New York
76-77 124-125
Jazz: From New Orleans to Memphis 126-127 UZBEKISTAN Uzbekistan: Cities of the Silk Road 160-161
aceculturaltours.co.uk | 01223 841055
9
CONTENTS
Great Bardfield & Beyond: Mid-Century Art & Design in East Anglia 70
C U LT U R A L C RU I S E S River Danube, DĂźrnstein, Austria
Cultural Cruises
Building on the success of our
the histories, landscapes and cultural
inaugural Seine River Cruises
output of the rivers and waterways
celebrating ACE’s 60th anniversary,
upon which we travel. Our privately
2019 has seen ACE offer cruises along
chartered vessels cater for all our
the Rhine and Douro Rivers, as well as
needs, with delicious onboard menus,
along the Lycian Coast in Turkey. We
comfortable modern cabins and
are delighted to announce the return
elegant lounges in which to relax
of these popular tours for 2020, as
as we cruise between stops on our
well as a brand-new cruise along the
itineraries.
C U LT U R A L C RU I S E S
Cultural Cruises
Danube in September. Our cruises consist of guided visits, in the company of our Tour Directors, to both famous and lesser known sites, which are further complemented by onboard lectures and recitals. This approach creates a uniquely layered experience that delves deeply into
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11
Austria/Hungary/Slovakia
DA N U BE RIV ER CRUISE AUGUST 31 – SEPTEMBER 9, 2020
View of the Danube, Budapest
• Nine guest Tour Directors shine a spectrum of lights on the history of this
commanding waterway, its artistic and musical heritage Journey from Passau to Budapest, taking in the treasures of Melk, Vienna, Bratislava and Esztergom en route Relax on board as we cruise alongside some of the most picturesque scenery the river has to offer
• C U LT U R A L C RU I S E S
•
F
ollowing ACE’s voyages along the Seine and Rhône, we are delighted to partner with luxury cruise company CroisiEurope once again for a brand new cultural adventure. Bubbling up in the Black Forest town of Donaueschingen where the Brigach meets the Breg, the mighty River Danube strides across a vast stretch of Europe. For centuries it has formed the borders of
nations and empires, turning the tides of history and inspiring an untold number of writers, artists and musicians. Europe’s second longest river, the Danube flows through or borders a multitude of modern nations before reaching the Black Sea; and its banks have borne witness to an equally diverse array of languages, religions, ethnicities and ruling powers. Often a symbol of division,
This tour will feature a variety of guest Tour Directors who will join us at different stages of our journey:
Lars Tharp, MA, FSA, is a Danish-born art historian, lecturer and broadcaster who is particularly well known for his work on the BBC’s Antiques Roadshow, as well as Hidden Treasures and Art of the Baroque. A former Director of the Foundling Museum, Lars is a ceramics specialist.
Andrew Spira, MA, studied at the Courtauld Institute of Art and City University, London. He has worked as a curator at the V&A Museum, and was subsequently Programme Director at Christie’s Education. He has been leading tours to cultural sites all across Europe for over 20 years. John Bryden, MA, ARCM, ARCO, is a member of the Dartington Piano Duo. He has given concerts from California to Kathmandu via Wigmore Hall. For many years John coached at the Dartington International Summer School, where he performed in master-classes given by Jacqueline du Pré. Ashley Solomon, FRCM, FRAM, is a fellow of the Royal College of Music and the Royal Academy of Music, Chair and Head of Historical Performance at the Royal College of Music and Director of Florilegium. Many of Florilegium’s recordings have garnered international awards, and to date they have performed over 1300 concerts worldwide.
12
Emilie Capulet, MA, MMus, PhD, is a fellow of the Higher Education Academy, Senior Lecturer and Head of Classical Performance at the London College of Music, University of West London. Emilie studied piano at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama and regularly performs in international music festivals and concert halls. Sarah Burles, MA, studied History of Art at Cambridge before going on to a career in museum and gallery education. This included 12 years at the Fitzwilliam Museum as well as work in other Cambridge museums. Sarah has a passion and enthusiasm for making museums and their collections accessible. Tom Abbott, MA, is an independent art and architectural historian with extensive experience directing cultural and art tours in Europe. He
OUR VESSEL: Our vessel is the MS Symphonie, which has been completely refurbished to a five-anchor standard (similar to a good four-star hotel standard). The MS Symphonie has two decks and a sun deck. At 110 metres long, the ship has a total of 55 cabins. the river’s glittering waters have also come to represent a kind of unity through difference, a common thread in the evolution of European culture and identity. Our ten-day journey will illuminate this diverse, yet shared cultural heritage. We will journey from the breath-taking abbey at Melk to the magnificence of Budapest’s has a particular interest in Baroque and Rococo, the Romantic Movement, garden history and the musical heritage of Germany, as well as all aspects of European modern and contemporary art, architecture and history. Nicholas Wearne, MPhil, is a tutor and Junior Fellow at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire. His career as a solo organist has taken him all over the world and he was winner of the Poul Ruders Prize at the 2011 Odense International Organ Competition. Nicholas has held a number of prestigious positions as organist, most recently at St Martin-in-the-Fields, Trafalgar Square. Scottish mezzo-soprano Judy Brown trained at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama and is a much sought-after recitalist, opera and consort singer. She works with the Monteverdi Choir under Sir John Eliot Gardiner, the Dunedin Consort, the Academy of Ancient Music and Scottish Opera. Judy has performed on stages across the world.
aceculturaltours.co.uk | 01223 841055
Melk Abbey
FLIGHTS: ACE is pleased to offer customers the option to travel to and from either London Heathrow or Manchester International airports. Flights to and from Birmingham are available upon request. Please speak to the ACE office for further information. Castle District, stopping at Vienna, Esztergom and Bratislava. Visits to some of the river’s most beautiful and important sites – from Vienna’s Kunsthistoriches Museum to the soaring interiors of Budapest’s Great Synagogue – will combine to shed light on the Danube’s story. To mirror this variety, nine ACE Tour Directors will join us at different stages of our journey, supported by a variety of excellent local guides. Musicians including Ashley Solomon, John Bryden and Emilie Capulet will perform on board our chartered vessel, the aptly named MS Symphonie, giving life to the celebrated opus of works inspired by the river. Meanwhile art historians Andrew Spira, Lars Tharp and Tom Abbott will prepare us for our daytime visits with a series of FITNESS / PRACTICALITIES: This tour is not envisaged to be especially strenuous, however participants should be comfortable walking over cobbles and occasionally uneven terrain, ascending steps, and standing in museums and galleries.
on-board lectures, while also guiding at several sites. We also hope to take in a performance on one of Vienna’s famous stages, subject to forthcoming programme announcements. Visits will be taken at a leisurely pace, with several opportunities to explore
ITINERARY Day 1 Depart London Heathrow 0900 on British Airways, arriving Munich 1155, or depart Manchester International 1050 on Lufthansa, arriving Munich 1350. Transfer to Passau and board MS Symphonie. Welcome drink and introduction to the cruise. MS Symphonie cruises to Melk. Day 2 Melk Bach before breakfast. Morning visit to Melk Abbey including guided tour and organ recital. Short stop in Durnstein before MS Symphonie cruises to Vienna. Evening baroque flute recital with Ashley Solomon. Day 3 Vienna Bach before breakfast followed by visits in Vienna: Kunsthistoriches Museum and Hofburg Palace. MS Symphonie cruises to Esztergom. Day 4 Esztergom Bach before breakfast followed by morning visits in Esztergom, including the basilica and treasury. Afternoon lecture as MS Symphonie cruises to Budapest. Evening piano recital with John Bryden. Day 5 Budapest Bach before breakfast followed by visits including Buda Hill Castle District and the Great Synagogue. Day 6 Budapest Bach before breakfast followed by free morning in Budapest. Afternoon lecture on board as MS Symphonie cruises to Bratislava. Evening piano recital with Emilie Capulet. Day 7 Bratislava Walking tour of Bratislava Old Town before MS Symphonie cruises to Vienna. Afternoon lecture-recital with Emilie Capulet and free time. Day 8 Vienna Morning visit to the Belvedere Palace, followed
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locations independently, and to appreciate the river’s magical surroundings during relaxed stretches of cruising. Please note that the below itinerary represents a guide to what we hope to offer, and some details may be adjusted nearer the time.
by a free afternoon. Evening performance at Vienna State Opera (subject to confirmation). MS Symphonie cruises to Melk. Day 9 Melk Morning visit to Arstetten Castle (last residence of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife). Afternoon lecture as MS Symphonie cruises to Passau. Farewell gala dinner, with after dinner music from Nicholas Wearne and Judy Brown. Day 10 Passau Transfer to Munich for 1625 departure, arriving Heathrow 1725, or 1610 departure, arriving Manchester 1715. Cost of £3295 includes: return travel, accommodation based on sharing a twin cabin (main deck), breakfast, seven lunches, nine dinners with unlimited wine, beer, soft drinks, tea & coffee, shore excursions & admissions, musical performance in Vienna (subject to confirmation), gratuities. Not included: travel insurance, upper deck twin cabin supplement of £250 per person, twin cabin for single use supplement of £600 for a main deck cabin or £1000 for an upper deck cabin. Further supplements available on request. TOUR CODE: DANC20 BOOK NOW: 01223 841055 sales@aceculturaltours.co.uk
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C U LT U R A L C RU I S E S
Austria/Hungary/Slovakia
Turkey Theatre of Antiphellos, Kas
C U LT U R A L C RU I S E S
LYCI A N CRU ISE APRIL 27 – MAY 11, 2020
• Explore ancient cities containing fascinating classical remains on a voyage around the coast of south-west Turkey Journey inland to discover further ancient sites, including the beautifully located town of Pinara with tombs cut into the rock face Cruise down the Loryma Pensinsula, where mountain tops are guarded by impressive fortresses of the Hellenistic age
• •
M
any of the most striking cities in the Greek and Roman world are found along the coast of south-west Turkey, where the towering limestone cliffs and lofty mountain ranges have changed little since classical times. The armies of Alexander, the emperors of Rome and the traders of Byzantium all brought untold wealth to these rugged shores.
The luxury air-conditioned MS Kurt K has eight cabins, all with en-suite facilities, and a spacious deck. It is a traditional Turkish gulet, a twomasted wooden vessel typically seen along the coastline of Turkey.
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One of the most thrilling ways to experience the bygone cities of Lycia and south-eastern Caria is as the ancients saw them: by sea. Our private voyage on board
This cruise will be led by Andrew Wilson, BA, BD, FSAScot, a specialist in archaeology and ancient history with a particular interest in Roman frontier systems and Byzantine mosaics. Andrew studied archaeology then theology before working overseas as an archaeologist, and has led many tours for ACE throughout the Greco-Roman world and also in Britain. He is a member for the Society of Libyan Studies and a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland and the Classical Association of Scotland.
FITNESS / PRACTICALITIES: Participants on this tour should have a good overall level of fitness. Many of the archaeological sites visited will involve short but steep ascents, often on broken paths, with the longest taking about 30 minutes to complete. All ascents are, however, optional and the degree of difficulty will be advised at each site. On occasion participants should be comfortable climbing in and out of a small dinghy via a stepladder.
MS Kurt K, a traditional Turkish gulet, will begin with a cruise to Gemiler, where the vestiges of the once-thriving monastic community conjure up the majesty of high Byzantium at the time of Justinian. After a relaxing day’s sailing we will reach the cities of the Xanthos valley – Xanthos itself, Letoon and the sandblown port of Patara. One of the most fascinating aspects of our cruise will be the opportunity to spot ruins beneath the clear
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Turkish gulet waters of the eastern Mediterranean: the remains of Aperlae and the Byzantine town of Tersane, for example, are clearly visible to the naked eye. The cruise along the Bay of Fethiye to the ancient hilltop settlement of Lydae is always inspiring. At the extreme end of
the Dacta peninsula we will drop anchor at Knidos, one of Asia Minor’s most dramatically-sited cities. Once home to Praxiteles’s celebrated Aphrodite, Knidos retains many original Hellenistic features and current excavations are unearthing more and more of this riveting twin-
harboured settlement. Our journey ends in ancient Halicarnassus, site of the famous mausoleum built in honour of King Mausolus c 350 BC. Please note that opening times in Turkey can change at short notice and so some visits may be subject to confirmation.
ITINERARY Day 1 Depart London Gatwick 1515 on British Airways, arriving Dalaman 2120. Transfer to MS Kurt K for 14 nights. Overnight at Göcek. Day 2 Morning cruise to island of Gemiler (former Byzantine monastic community): ruined churches, vaulted processional way, large ecclesiastical complex. Overnight at Gemiler. Day 3 Cruise westwards to pretty village of Kas (ancient Antiphellos): well-preserved Hellenistic theatre, tombs. Overnight at Kas (quiet inlet for swimming). Day 4 Sail via Uluburun (site of famous Bronze Age wreck) along coast and into bay of Kekova (underwater remains) to small Turkish village of Kaleköy (ancient Simena): dramatic citadel with Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman remains, haunting Lycian necropolis. Overnight at Gokkaya Liman. Day 5 Sail to Myra (superb ancient theatre, rock tombs, fascinating Church of St Nicholas) then ancient town of Teimussa. Overnight in Kekova area. Day 6 Cruise along mountainous shores of Lycian coast to tiny harbour of Kalkan then by minibus to Letoon (temples to Leto, Apollo and Artemis), Xanthos (Roman theatre and Byzantine citadel,
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remains of Nereid Monument, large Byzantine church). Overnight at Kalkan.
Day 13 Cruise to Bay of Bodrum (explore bays and inlets). Overnight in Bay of Bodrum.
Day 7 Travel inland to ancient Pinara in Esençay Valley (acropolis, Hellenistic theatre, rock-cut tombs) and Tlos (imposing bath complex and citadel). Two nights in bay of Fethiye.
Day 14 Sail to Bodrum (ancient Halicarnassus): Mausoleum, Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology (underwater collections excavated from wrecks around the coast of Asia Minor housed in 14th century Crusader castle of St Peter) – subject to confirmation. Overnight at Bodrum.
Day 8 Ancient site of Telmessos: recently-excavated theatre, magnificent tomb of Amyntas. Day 9 Morning sail to Agalimani: walk through pine forest to remains of ancient Lydae (ruined mausolea). Overnight at Agalimani. Day 10 Morning cruise followed by transfer to small boat for visit to site of ancient Caunos (rock tombs, theatre, temple). Overnight in bay near Caunos. Day 11 Cruise along peninsula to Loryma: Hellenistic fort (one of finest in ancient world). Overnight in Loryma. Day 12 Cruise to Knidos: temple of Apollo Karneios, temple of Aphrodite Euploia (once housed famous statue by Praxiteles), Doric portico, early Byzantine churches, harbour theatre. Overnight in ancient harbour of Knidos.
Day 15 Depart Bodrum 1410 on Easyjet, arriving Gatwick 1620.
Cost of £3295 includes: return airfare, accommodation based on sharing a twin or double bedded cabin, full board with water, tea & coffee, shore excursions & admissions, crew gratuities. Not included: visa, travel insurance, cabin for single use supplement £1285. TOUR CODE: LYCI20 BOOK NOW: 01223 841055 sales@aceculturaltours.co.uk
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C U LT U R A L C RU I S E S
Turkey
France Pont du Garde
C U LT U R A L C RU I S E S
PROVE NCE RIV ER CRUISE APRIL 26 – MAY 2, 2020 • JUNE 21–27, 2020
• Discover centuries of history in the
beautiful Provence region between Avignon and Aigues-Mortes Visit museums of the region, including the Musée du Petit Palais with its outstanding art collection Cruise through beautiful waterways and savour delicious on-board menus
• •
Our Tour Director will be Peter Higginson, MA, PhD, expert in art history and consultant lecturer at Christie’s Education. Peter specialises in the art and culture of early modern Europe, and the Modern period. He has taught numerous university courses abroad in Rome, Florence, Venice, Paris, Madrid and Barcelona, and has led a number of ACE tours to destinations in France, Italy and further afield.
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P
eaceful and picturesque, the inland waterways of Provence and the Camargue are one of the most enchanting places within which to savour the cultural inheritance and culinary traditions of southern France. Our cruise aboard Le Phénicien – renowned on the Rhône for its superior cuisine – will call at small Provençal villages and great centres of civilisation. We will embark Le Phénicien in Avignon, the immaculately preserved 14th century capital of Christendom, and enjoy visits to the lavishly decorated Palais des Papes and the Musée du Petit Palais, home to a fine collection of Italian paintings. Our journey surveys the Roman antiquities of the former province of Gallia Narbonensis from the triple-tiered Pont du Gard to the vast Flavian amphitheatre in Arles. The city walls of Arles also shelter the Church of St Trophime, where the 12th century portal is one of the crowning achievements of the Romanesque style. Further highlights of our tour will include Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, where
Our Vessell Aboard the 130-ft long airconditioned Le Phénicien, a maximum of 16 guests stay in eight ensuite cabins. Whilst the main deck is more spacious, please note that the cabin accommodation is more modest. Le Phénicien’s chef devises all the menus using fresh, local ingredients, and the wines are selected from the finest vineyards in the Rhône Valley, Provence and the Languedoc. A complimentary bar is available throughout. Van Gogh painted his famous Starry Night, and the Chartreuse du Val de Bénédiction, France’s most extensive Carthusian monastery. Beyond the ancient fortifications of the former Crusader stronghold of AiguesMortes lies the semi-mystical Camargue, where land, lake and lagoon merge into the Mediterranean.
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C U LT U R A L C RU I S E S
France
Aigues-Mortes
FITNESS / PRACTICALITIES: This tour is taken at a relaxed pace, and we will have time to enjoy cruising on the boat. Please note some historical sites have uneven ground and steps that participants will be required to navigate.
ITINERARY Day 1 Depart London St Pancras 1024 on Eurostar and TGV via Paris, arriving Avignon 1817. Embark Le Phénicien for six nights. Welcome reception. Overnight Avignon. Day 2 Morning lecture: The Popes of Avignon followed by 14th century Palais des Papes. Afternoon: Musée du Petit Palais (outstanding art collection). Overnight Villeneuve-lès-Avignon. Day 3 Morning: walking tour of Villeneuve-lès-Avignon including Tour Philippe-le-Bel and Fort Saint-André (exteriors), Chartreuse du Val de Bénédiction and Musée Pierre-de-Luxembourg (16th and 17th century Provençal painting). Afternoon: Le Pont du Gard (great Roman monument and museum). Evening lecture: Provençalism. Overnight Aramon. Day 4 Morning cruise to Arles. Afternoon: mausoleum and triumphal arch at Glanum, village of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence (Van Gogh) and Les Alpilles hills. Overnight Arles.
Carmargue Horses
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Day 5 Morning in Arles: historical walking tour including St Trophime (Romanesque church with superb sculptures), Les Arènes (1st century BC amphitheatre) and Roman Theatre (exterior). Afternoon cruise to Gallician for overnight.
Day 6 Morning excursion through the Camargue (wetlands, pastures, dunes and salt flats) with visit to working manade (Camargue horses and bulls) followed by Saint-Gilles. Afternoon cruise to Aigues-Mortes for walking tour including Ramparts and Tour de Constance. Overnight Avignon. Day 7 Depart Avignon 1243 on TGV and Eurostar via Paris, arriving St Pancras 1832.
Cost of £2995 includes: return travel, accommodation based on sharing a twin or double bedded cabin, full board whilst on Le Phénicien (including complimentary bar), shore excursions & admissions, crew gratuities. Not included: travel insurance, cabin for single use supplement £1590. TOUR CODE: PRO120 / PRO220 BOOK NOW: 01223 841055 sales@aceculturaltours.co.uk
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Port ugal
DO U RO RIV ER CRUISE ON T H E ROYAL B ARGE MAY 22–29, 2020 • SEPTEMBER 25 – OCTOBER 2, 2020
C U LT U R A L C RU I S E S
Porto
• Sail aboard the Spirit of Chartwell, formerly Her Majesty’s Royal Barge, as it cruises along the ‘River of Gold’ Take in the vineyards and historical towns of Portugal’s northern valleys Learn about the history of port, Oporto and the Douro Valley
• •
Port wine barrels
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B
eginning our tour with an exploration of the old town of Oporto, we cast off for our voyage eastwards. Along the way, we will explore one of Europe’s most handsome Renaissance cities, Salamanca, and pay a visit to the 18th century Mateus Palace. Our tour will also embrace some lesser-known delights, including Pinhão, strikingly situated at the confluence of the Douro and Pinhão Rivers, and the medieval hilltop town of Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo. During an excursion to the pilgrimage town of Lamego, where Baroque mansions and churches grace the skyline, we will enter one of the country’s most majestic shrines – Our Lady of Cures – acclaimed for its monumental Baroque staircase. Continuing into Spain, we will explore Salamanca, famous for its honey-coloured buildings, ancient university, 18th century Plaza Mayor, and twin cathedrals, perched high above the River Tormes. The city has Our Tour Director, Martin Symington, BA, is a travel journalist who contributes to The Times and Wanderlust, and is the author of Dorling Kindersley’s guidebook to Portugal. Martin was born and raised in the region, and is a port expert. He will deliver talks on port, Oporto and the Douro Valley, as well as on Portugal in general and the country’s history.
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Port ugal
passed through the conquering hands of Carthaginians, Romans and Moors, a fact that is evident from its mix of architecture. Upon our return to Oporto, we will visit the historical Factory House of the British Association, and tour Graham’s Port Lodge
– owned by the Symington Family Estates – to discover and taste some of their fine vintage. Please note that while we will endeavour to deliver the below itinerary in full, some visits may be subject to change.
C U LT U R A L C RU I S E S
Douro Valley, Portugal
FITNESS / PRACTICALITIES: Overall, this tour is not especially strenuous, and participants can easily opt out of the more difficult elements.
ITINERARY Day 1 Depart London Gatwick 1150 on TAP Portugal, arriving Oporto 1400. Walking tour of Oporto. Embark Spirit of Chartwell for seven nights. Overnight Oporto. The Spirit of Chartwell Refurbished for use by Her Majesty the Queen and Prince Philip during the Diamond Jubilee celebrations in 2012, the Spirit of Chartwell is the flagship vessel on the River Douro. This royal river barge, now based in Portugal, offers a spacious and sumptuous design with the finest interior furnishings. The vessel is fully equipped with a restaurant, piano bar, observation deck, and 14 comfortable outside-facing cabins, each with private facilities. Professional and highly attentive crew members provide unequalled service during this calm passage through the Douro River Valley.
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Day 2 Cruise up the river through the Douro Valley to Entre-osRios. Continue to Régua for the Douro Museum and overnight stay. Evening lecture: Douro River & the Region. Day 3 Lamego (pilgrimage town): museum, Sanctuário Nossa Senhora dos Remédios (Shrine of Our Lady of Remedies). Cruise to the riverside town of Pinhão for walking tour and overnight stay. Evening lecture: Port. Day 4 Sail past rolling hills and terraced vineyards to Barca d’Alva (on the Spanish border). Afternoon excursion to the medieval Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo. Evening lecture: Portugal’s History followed by Captain’s dinner on board. Overnight Barca d’Alva. Day 5 Whole day excursion to Salamanca (UNESCO World Heritage site): Plaza Mayor, Casa de las Conchas (Gothic building dating from 1493), Salamanca University, New Cathedral (16th–18th century). Overnight Pocinho. Day 6 Morning cruise to Régua. Visit to Mateus Palace (beautiful gardens, chapel and winery). Evening lecture: Portugal in the 20th Century. Overnight Porto Antigo.
Day 7 Morning cruise down river to Oporto (UNESCO World Heritage site): visit to the historical Factory House of the British Association and visit to Graham’s Port Lodge (Symington Family Estates). Overnight Oporto. Day 8 Disembark Spirit of Chartwell. Some free time in Oporto and Vila Nova de Gaia. Depart Oporto 1755, arriving Gatwick 2005.
Cost of £3150 includes: return airfare, accommodation based on sharing a twin or double bedded cabin, full board with unlimited wine, beer, soft drinks, tea & coffee with lunch & dinner, shore excursions & admissions, crew gratuities. Not included: travel insurance, supplement for the Royal Suite £125 (May tour) / £200 (September/October tour), cabin for single use supplement £1750. TOUR CODES: DRRB20 / DRR220 BOOK NOW: 01223 841055 sales@aceculturaltours.co.uk
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Germany
ADV E NT CRU ISE O N THE RHINE DECEMBER 2020
C U LT U R A L C RU I S E S Cochem Castle
• Embark on a unique Advent voyage exploring the musical, cultural and festive heritage of the fairy-tale region surrounding the Rhine Savour a festive on-board atmosphere in the company of multiple ACE Tour Directors From the Christkindlmarkt to candlelit abbeys, explore seasonal traditions alongside on-board musical delights
• •
L Weihnachtspyramide
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ights trail across pointed wooden roofs, illuminating temporary pathways between stalls piled high with carved ornaments. Woolly-hatted crowds mill around shining decorations and nativity scenes as the sweet and spicy scent of Glühwein, hot chocolate and confections mingle with the chilly air. The German Christmas market or Christkindlmarkt is both familiar and mysterious, a classic yet forever evolving tradition, bridging the experiences of the present day with customs that go back
centuries. Its cultural heritage is equally as compelling: ushering in the season of Advent, the first such markets in the world originated in the German-speaking parts of Europe and Eastern France, allowing communities to gather together, exchange gifts and stock up for the winter months. Beginning and ending in the French city of Strasbourg, we will journey through the cities of Frankfurt (whose Christkindlmarkt, dating back to the 14th century, remains one of the oldest and most famous in the world) and Mannheim, as well as smaller
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C U LT U R A L C RU I S E S
Germany
Strasbourg Christmas Market
historical towns. Cochem, for example, is a characterful town with half-timbered buildings, medieval gates and a warren of medieval streets. Several ACE Tour Directors will join us throughout our voyage, each casting a different perspective upon the Rhine and its history, art and music. We will fill our journey on board our privately chartered vessel with music both of the season and beyond, during a series of daytime and evening recitals. Mozart spent time in important centres along the Rhine, including Frankfurt and Mannheim, while Brahms and Schumann both had important connections to the great river. Art historical treasures en route will include Cologne’s cathedral, which is home to the glittering Shrine of the Three Magi – one of the largest reliquaries in the western world; while Kloster Eberbach Abbey is a former Cistercian monastery with renowned Romanesque-Gothic architecture.
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A series of on-board lectures from our expert Tour Directors will illuminate our visits, and participants will also be able
OUR PRIVATELY CHARTERED VESSEL: ACE will charter a private five-anchor vessel for this winter cruise. The ship will feature light and spacious ensuite cabins, split across two decks. All cabins will have large windows, allowing travellers to enjoy the wonderful scenery. The upper deck will feature full height, floor-to-ceiling windows, with a French balcony. The ship’s beautifully refurbished communal areas will be particularly central to our cruise, whether for savouring a three-course meal, relaxing with an evening drink, or enjoying a recital or carol concert in the lounge.
to enjoy leisurely free time spent cruising upon the Rhine. Please note that the above description represents a guide to what we hope to offer, and some elements may be subject to change following the inaugural departure of our Advent Cruise on the Rhine in December 2019.
Full details, including the itinerary, Tour Directors and cost, will be released in early 2020. Please contact the ACE office now to register your interest. TOUR CODE: RHIC20 BOOK NOW: 01223 841055 sales@aceculturaltours.co.uk
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ARCHAEOLOGY Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus
Archaeology Tours
Archaeology On an ACE archaeology tour, a mix of
visits are interspersed with talks from
storytelling and debate, imagination
the Tour Director, as well as free time
and interrogation bring ancient and
to explore and contemplate at each
historical worlds to the fore while
site.
surrounding their existence. In the company of expert Tour
In 2020, we look forward to departures exploring Crete, Jordan
ARCHAEOLOGY
also unearthing the endless mysteries
and Algeria as well as UK-based tours
Directors, many of whom are active
uncovering the Roman histories of
contributors to current archaeological
Kent, York and Scotland.
study, up-to-date research is combined with contrasting perspectives on fundamental questions about the mysterious lands of the distant past and the people who lived there. A carefully chosen selection of daytime
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Israel
T H E H OLY L AND JANUARY 16–23, 2020 Tour Director Andrew Wilson, BA, BD, FSAScot, studied archaeology then theology before working overseas as an archaeologist, specialising in Roman frontier systems and Byzantine mosaics. Andrew first excavated in Israel as a student in the 1970s and continued his research there in the 1980s. A longstanding ACE Tour Director, he has led multiple tours to the Holy Land.
Masada
• Delve into layers of history at ARCHAEOLOGY
Bethlehem, Caesarea, and the archaeologically astonishing fortress of Masada – built by Herod the Great Explore the landscape of the New Testament in Galilee, rich in ancient and Byzantine remains Trace the evolution of Jerusalem, from ancient times until the present day
• •
“T
he view of Jerusalem is the history of the world; it is more, it is the history of heaven and earth”, wrote Benjamin Disraeli in 1847. We will explore Jerusalem from the Early Iron Age (David and Solomon) through the rise of Judaism to the Roman period (Herod, Pontius Pilate and, of course, Christ). We will then examine the Islamic conquest, the Crusades and finally the region’s post-1948 history. Visits will include the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and the Shrine of the Book – the repository for the Dead Sea Scrolls. A morning
FITNESS / PRACTICALITIES: Please note there is some demanding walking around the sites. In particular, the day excursion into the Old Town of Jerusalem includes walking for long periods, over cobbled streets, uneven surfaces, and up steps. Please note Masada is accessed via a ski-style chairlift. Participants should feel comfortable with these conditions and possess a good level of overall fitness.
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excursion to Bethlehem, traditional site of Jesus’s birth as first identified by Constantine and Helena, reveals architecture tracing back to Justinian in the 6th century. Leaving Jerusalem behind, our itinerary will investigate Caesarea, the capital of Palestine under the Romans, and Beit She’an, the only one of the Decapolis trading cities situated to the west of the River Jordan. The rugged natural fortress of Masada, built by Herod the Great in the Judean Desert overlooking the Dead Sea, is the
quintessential symbol of Herodian control and Jewish resistance. It is also a site of huge archaeological significance as the camps, fortifications and siege works are perhaps the most imposing to be found anywhere in the Roman world. The final attraction of our tour to the Holy Land will be the chance to familiarise ourselves with an entirely different landscape – Galilee – where we will devote our attention to historical sites associated with the New Testament, including Tabgha and Capernaum with their very early Byzantine foundations. Our hotel in Jerusalem will be the wellappointed Mount Zion, located beside St Andrew’s Church. In Tiberias our base will be the magnificent Scots Hotel (where our Tour Director lived as a volunteer archaeologist many years ago) with its kilted staff and ceilidh bar.
ITINERARY Day 1 Depart Heathrow 0805, arriving Tel Aviv 1450. Transfer to Mount Zion Hotel, Jerusalem for four nights.
followed by some free time in Tiberias. Evening talk: The Quest for the Historical Jesus.
Day 2 Morning talk: Jerusalem. Visits in the Old City: Mount of Olives, Dominus Flevit Church (built by Franciscans in 1954), Church of All Nations, Garden of Gethsemane and Lion’s Gate. Afternoon: walking tour of Via Dolorosa including St Anne’s Church (beautiful 12th century Crusader church) and Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Evening talk followed by ‘Shabbat of a Lifetime’ dinner.
Day 7 Visits around Sea of Galilee: St Peter’s Primacy (Franciscan chapel on shores of Galilee), Capernaum (Jesus’s ‘own town’), Church of Beatitudes (built on traditional site of Sermon on the Mount), Tabgha (traditional site of the feeding of the five thousand and post-resurrection appearance of Jesus in Christianity), the so-called Jesus Boat at Ginosar, Hamat Tiberias (3rd–5th century synagogue, beautiful mosaics).
Day 3 Morning visits in Bethlehem: Manger Square, Church of the Nativity, Shepherds’ Fields. Afternoon: Israel Museum (including Shrine of the Book, home of Dead Sea Scrolls). Evening talk: The Dead Sea Scrolls. Day 4 Further visits in the Old City: Jaffa Gate (16th century Ottoman gate), Tower of David, Jewish Quarter (including Cardo and Herodian Quarter) and Temple Mount (time permitting). Afternoon: Yad Vashem Museum (memorial to the Holocaust). Evening talk: The Romans in Palestine. Day 5 Dead Sea: Masada (Herod the Great’s rock fortress) and Qumran (site of discovery of Dead Sea Scrolls), then to Tiberias (capital of Galilee) for three nights at Scots Hotel. Evening talk: Bronze and Iron Age in Israel. Day 6 Morning: Beit Alfa and Beit She’an (important Decapolis City). Afternoon: Tel Megiddo (site of battle of Armageddon)
Day 8 Caesarea (hippodrome, amphitheatre, port, fascinating Crusader fortifications). Continue to Tel Aviv for 1640 departure, arriving Heathrow 2000. Cost of £2795 includes: return airfare, accommodation based on sharing a twin or double bedded room, breakfast, dinner with water & coffee, excursions & admissions, gratuities. Not included: travel insurance, double room for single use supplement £625. TOUR CODE: HOLA20 BOOK NOW: 01223 841055 sales@aceculturaltours.co.uk
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Italy
PO M P EII WIT H HERCULANEUM JANUARY 31 – FEBRUARY 6, 2020
• This perennial favourite offers a
thought-provoking window onto Roman life in the company of archaeologist Andrew Wilson Discover Cumae, one of the most important Greek city-states in antiquity, alongside Pozzuoli with its impressive Roman amphitheatre The renowned Archaeological Museum in Naples supports our site visits with an unparalleled collection of artefacts
• •
Tour Director Andrew Wilson, BA, BD, FSAScot, studied archaeology then theology before working overseas as an archaeologist, specialising in Roman frontier systems and Byzantine mosaics. He has led many tours for ACE in the Greco-Roman world, and also several in Britain.
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ARCHAEOLOGY
“M
eanwhile on Mt Vesuvius broad sheets of fire and leaping flames blazed at several points, their bright glare emphasised by the darkness of night…” – so wrote Pliny of the sudden eruption of Vesuvius nearly 2000 years ago. Pompeii and Herculaneum, destroyed yet preserved by the volcanic catastrophe, offer unrivalled insights into day-to-day life in the Roman Empire. As well as investigating the ruins of Vesuvius’s twin victims, we will view the exceptional finds on display at the National Archaeological Museum in the ever-vibrant city of Naples. Paestum, “inexpressibly grand” according to Shelley, was founded c 600 BC by Greek colonists from Sybaris. Here we will pay particular attention to the Doric sanctuaries of Ceres, Hera and Neptune, which rank amongst the best-preserved Greek temples to be found anywhere in the ancient world. Our comprehensive tour in and around the Bay of Naples will take in a wide array of further ancient treasures, such as the vast villa complex at Oplontis. Adorned with sumptuous wall paintings that unveil the extravagant lifestyle enjoyed by the Roman elite, the villa is thought to have been Nero’s wedding present to his second wife, Poppaea. Cumae, one of the most important Greek city-states in antiquity, is also on our itinerary together with Italy’s
Pompeii with Mount Vesuvius
third largest Roman amphitheatre at Pozzuoli. We will stay at the Hotel La Medusa, Castellammare di Stabia, an attractive fourstar establishment set in beautiful grounds. Please note that while we will endeavour to deliver the below itinerary in full, some visits may be subject to confirmation or reordering, as archaeological sites can close or change their opening times at short notice.
FITNESS / PRACTICALITIES: A good level of fitness is required for this tour, and participants should be aware that the terrain at the archaeological sites can be uneven, with few opportunities to sit down. Please note that the optional ascent up Vesuvius involves a steep walk of around 30 minutes.
ITINERARY Day 1 Depart London Gatwick 1430 on British Airways, arriving Naples 1805. Transfer to Hotel La Medusa, Castellammare di Stabia, for six nights. Short evening talk: Introduction to the Roman Bay of Naples. Day 2 Morning visit to Naples Archaeological Museum (artefacts from Vesuvian sites), followed by lunch on the slopes of Mt Vesuvius. Continue the ascent by coach, followed by optional ascent to the crater (weather permitting; must be done on foot). Evening talk: Events of 79 AD. Day 3 Whole day visit to Pompeii (forum, shopping macellum, Houses of the Faun and Venus, baths, theatres) including Villa of the Mysteries. Day 4 Herculaneum (panoramic villas, palaestra, baths, shops) followed by Villa of Oplontis (fine wall-paintings, huge piscina) and Villa Boscoreale. Evening talk: Greco-Roman Religion. Day 5 Cumae (cave of the Sibyl, acropolis), Pozzuoli (amphitheatre) and Stabiae Villa. Evening talk: Greek Colonisation.
Day 6 Whole day excursion to Paestum: Temples of Ceres, Hera and Neptune, museum (fine archaic reliefs and the famous Painted Tomb of the Diver). Day 7 Free time or self-guided visit to Pompeii. Depart Naples 1855, arriving Gatwick 2045. Cost of £1795 includes: return airfare, accommodation based on sharing a twin or double bedded room, breakfast, one lunch, dinner with wine, water & coffee, excursions & admissions, gratuities. Not included: travel insurance, double room for single use supplement £245. TOUR CODE: POM120 BOOK NOW: 01223 841055 sales@aceculturaltours.co.uk
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Italy
E A R LY CHRIS TIAN & MED I EVAL RO M E FEBRUARY 24–29, 2020 This tour will be led by Andrew Wilson, BA, BD, FSAScot, a specialist in archaeology and ancient history. Andrew studied archaeology and theology before working overseas as an archaeologist with a particular interest in Roman frontier systems and Byzantine mosaics. He has led many tours for ACE in the GrecoRoman world, and is a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland and the Classical Association of Scotland. Andrew is also a member of the Hadrianic Society.
ARCHAEOLOGY
Basilica of Our Lady in Trastevere
• Study Rome’s churches and basilicas
in depth on an exploration of the development of early Christian art in Rome Spend time at the Vatican visiting St Peter’s Basilica and examining the papal tombs in the Necropolis See astonishing frescoes in situ, including at the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore
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race the development of early Christian art in the unique context of Rome, where it evolved from the fugitive imagery of a persecuted cult, into the triumphant representation of imperial piety. Highlights of our itinerary will include a visit to the excavated Necropolis under St Peter’s Basilica, with its 3rd century mosaic supposedly portraying Christ as the sun-god Apollo, and Santa Sabina, a fine example of an early Christian church in Rome. In the 4th century Church of Santa Costanza, originally built as a mausoleum, we will discover some of the most important early Christian art in the world. The splendid mosaics, depicting scenes
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of grape harvesting and details of birds and foliage, aptly illustrate Constantine’s policy of adapting old pagan motifs to new, Christian purposes. We will examine a succession of popes responsible for some of the unique images of the Virgin Mary to be found in Rome, from Sixtus III, who built the immense basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, to Nicholas IV, who centuries later commissioned Torriti to produce the
Coronation of the Virgin mosaic in its apse. Our investigation will also consider the development of the ‘Roman’ school, characterised by Pietro Cavallini, whose Last Judgment mural in Santa Cecilia in Trastevere is considered his masterwork. We will stay throughout in the three-star Albergo Santa Chiara, situated in the very heart of Rome. Please note that while we will endeavour to deliver the below itinerary in full, some sites in Rome are subject to last minute closures owing to local events, so some elements may be subject to change.
FITNESS / PRACTICALITIES: Please note that this tour has a full itinerary and involves extensive walking, including over many cobbled streets, so a good level of fitness is required. The coach may not be able to drop the group directly outside the hotel.
ITINERARY Day 1 Depart London Heathrow 1245, arriving Rome Fiumicino 1620. Transfer to Albergo Santa Chiara for five nights. Day 2 Morning talk: Early Christian Rome followed by visits to Santa Cecilia, San Crisogono (Paleo-Christian crypt), Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere. Afternoon: Santa Sabina (fine example of an early Christian church in Rome), Santa Maria in Cosmedin and San Giorgio in Velabro. Day 3 Morning: Santa Costanza and Sant’Agnese. Afternoon: Santa Maria Maggiore (nave and triumphal arch mosaics), Santa Pudenziana and Santa Prassede. Evening talk: The Development of Early Christian Art. Day 4 Morning: San Giovanni in Laterano, Sancta Sanctorum and Baptistery (early mosaics and frescoes) followed by some free time in the area of the Colosseum and Roman Forum. Afternoon: San Clemente and Santi Cosma e Damiano. Free evening. Day 5 Visits in the Vatican City: St Peter’s Basilica and Necropolis. Afternoon: Castel Sant’Angelo.
Day 6 Morning walking tour: Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Santa Maria sopra Minerva and Campo de’ Fiori. Depart Rome 1715, arriving Heathrow 1900.
Cost of £1845 includes: return airfare, accommodation based on sharing a twin or double bedded room, breakfast, four dinners with wine, water & coffee, excursions & admissions, gratuities. Not included: travel insurance, single superior room supplement £95, single standard room supplement £50. TOUR CODE: ECMR20 BOOK NOW: 01223 841055 sales@aceculturaltours.co.uk
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United Kingdom
E B O R ACUM : YOR K & T HE ROMAN NO RTH MARCH 26–30, 2020
• Follow in imperial footsteps as we
explore the far reaches of the Roman Empire Uncover the remnants of Rome’s military past in the crypt of York Minster and at the fortifications at Cawthorn View the stunning mosaics at Aldborough, former ‘capital’ of the Brigantes tribe
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Statue of Constantine the Great in York
This tour will be led by Mark Corney BA, FSA, a specialist in Roman history and presenter on Channel 4’s Time Team. An honorary research fellow at Bristol University, Mark is a former investigator with the Royal Commission on the Historical Monuments of England. Our travels outside York will take us to Roman Aldborough – notable for its in situ mosaics – while at Piercebridge we will admire the massive foundations of the Roman bridge that once carried Dover Street across the River Tees. We stay in the heart of the city at the four-star Hilton DoubleTree Hotel, overlooking the historical city walls and within short walking distance of York Minster.
© Image: Linda Spashett. License: CC BY 3.0
Piercebridge Roman Fort
ARCHAEOLOGY
E
stablished as a fortress in AD 71, Eboracum – Roman York – served as home to the Sixth Legion before evolving into the capital of the province of Britannia Secunda. A triumvirate of Roman emperors visited Eboracum, reflecting the city’s importance in the ancient world: Hadrian passed through in AD 120, Septimius Severus set up court in 208 and Constantius I, father of Constantine the Great, paid his respects a century later. Today York boasts evocative reminders of its Roman past, including, in the crypt of York Minster, substantial traces of the ancient headquarters (principia) of the original legionary fortress. The recently enlarged Yorkshire Museum, one of the earliest purpose-built museums in the world, proudly displays an exquisite statue of Mars and the skeletal remains of the 4th century ‘ivory bangle lady’.
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FITNESS / PRACTICALITIES: Please note that while this tour will be taken at a gentle pace, some sites involve traversing steps and uneven terrain. Participants should have a good overall level of fitness and be comfortable undertaking walks of between one and two hours.
ITINERARY Day 1 Tour assembles 1530 at the Hilton DoubleTree Hotel, York, for four nights. Welcome and introductory lecture. Day 2 Walking tour of Roman York: Yorkshire Museum (statue of Mars, head of Constantine), ‘Roman Bath’ (public house and museum) and York Minster crypt (well preserved remains of Roman headquarters building). Day 3 Cawthorn Roman Camp (fortifications overlooking North York Moors National Park) and Malton (earthwork remains of a substantial fort, including site museum). Day 4 Piercebridge (Roman fort and bridge) and Aldborough (‘capital’ of Romanised Brigantes): museum, mosaics, Roman town wall. Day 5 Tour disperses after breakfast.
Cost of £1095 includes: accommodation based on sharing a twin or double bedded room, breakfast, dinner with water & coffee, excursions & admissions, gratuities. Not included: travel insurance, double room for single use supplement £200. TOUR CODE: YORN20 BOOK NOW: 01223 841055 sales@aceculturaltours.co.uk
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Italy
AQ U I LEIA: CITY O F ANTIQ UI TY MARCH 23–28, 2020 • SEPTEMBER 21–26, 2020
ARCHAEOLOGY Cividale del Friuli
• Visit the city’s remarkable cathedral
with its sequence of 4th century mosaics Journey across a beautiful lagoon to find the cobbled streets and courtyards of Grado, home to historical churches with 6th century mosaics Discover the Lombard Temple and medieval Duomo in Cividale, high above the Natisone River
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From 182 BC, when it became a Roman colony amid the local Gallic peoples, until the arrival of Huns, Goths and Lombards in the late imperial and early medieval
period, Aquileia was revered for its military and economic assets as well as its cultural and spiritual magnificence. Our tour takes in the tranquil cypress-lined forum and
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A
quileia, once described by Emperor Justinian as “the greatest of all towns in the West”, is today a little known but important Roman city perched on the Adriatic coastline. As the ninth biggest city in the Roman Empire during the 1st century AD, Aquileia served as a crossroads, with a wide trading network between Rome and the East.
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Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta
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Italy
harbour, delights in themselves, but the city’s crowning glory is contained within its magnificent Basilica, a remarkable sequence of 4th century mosaics that provide some of the oldest and most illustrious PaleoChristian memoirs in Western Europe. Nearby, we journey across a picturesque ‘Venetian’ lagoon into the beautifully situated town of Grado, a maze of cobbled streets and courtyards with splendid mosaics from the 6th century located in two of its historical churches. Cividale is located high above the Natisone River, and although little remains of this important Roman town (its original name of Forum Iulii gives the modern region of Friuli its name), we will explore the fine medieval Duomo, whose foundations date back to the 8th century, and the lovely Lombard Temple from the same period. Our final excursion is to the enchanting seaport of Trieste. A cultural meeting-point throughout its history, today the city is the site of important Austro-Hungarian architecture alongside superb Byzantine mosaics, a Roman theatre and the medieval Castello di San Giusto. The tour will be based at the Astoria Hotel in the city of Udine, where there is a superb Duomo, and two interesting art galleries, including a pictorial cycle by the Venetian artist Tiepolo. Please note that sites in Italy can close at short notice for restoration works, and so some adjustments may be made nearer the time.
ARCHAEOLOGY
This tour will be led by Andrew Wilson, BA, BD, FSAScot. Andrew studied archaeology then theology before working overseas as an archaeologist, specialising in Roman frontier systems and Byzantine mosaics. He has led many tours for ACE in the Greco-Roman world, and also several in Britain, with a particular emphasis on the archaeology of his native Scotland.
Trieste Cathedral
ITINERARY Day 1 Depart London Gatwick 1235 on British Airways, arriving Venice 1540. Transfer to Udine in the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region for five nights at the Astoria Hotel. Day 2 Morning lecture. Whole day excursion exploring the ancient city of Aquileia including the Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta (mosaics depicting scenes of the prophet Jonah, gospels, apostles and portraits of patrons, 11th and 12th century Byzantine frescoes), followed by the Paleo-Christian Museum, Roman forum and Archaeological Museum. Day 3 Morning in Cividale: Duomo (originally an 8th century structure, rebuilt 15th century), Christian Museum, Lombard Temple (fine Byzantine frescoes and stucco decorations) and Archaeological Museum. Afternoon in Udine: Diocesan Museum (housed in the Patriarchal Palace) and Duomo.
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Day 4 Morning lecture followed by visits in Grado: Basilica of Sant’Euphemia, Santa Maria delle Grazie and old town. Return to Udine via Palmanova (late 16th century defences). Late afternoon visits to Piazza Libertà (15th century town hall and clock tower) and optional visit to Udine’s Civic Museums of History and Art (housed in the 16th century castle). Day 5 Whole day excursion to Trieste via Miramare: walking tour of seafront and downtown Trieste (important Austro-Hungarian architecture, Roman Theatre), St Justus Cathedral (superb Byzantine mosaics) and medieval Castello di San Giusto.
Cost of March tour: £1595 Cost of September tour: £1645 Cost includes: return airfare, accommodation based on sharing a twin or double bedded room, breakfast, dinner with wine, water & coffee, excursions & admissions, gratuities. Not included: travel insurance, single room supplement £105, double room for single use supplement £165. TOUR CODE: AQU120/AQU220
Day 6 Free time. Depart Venice 1630, arriving Gatwick 1730. BOOK NOW: 01223 841055 sales@aceculturaltours.co.uk
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Italy
RO M A N & BYZAN TI NE RAVENNA MARCH 2–6, 2020 • SEPTEMBER 14–18, 2020
ARCHAEOLOGY
Basilica of Sant’Apollinare
• The ‘city of mosaics’ welcomes us for
a five-day tour brimming with some of the most impressive early Christian monuments in the world Stand opposite Ravenna’s earliest mosaics in the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, including an intense portrayal of the martyrdom of St Lawrence The ancient port of Classe, founded by Augustus, awes us with its immense Basilica of Sant’Apollinare, shimmering with gold and turquoise
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oday a small, tranquil town of cobbled streets, Ravenna was once one of the Mediterranean’s most illustrious cities. The final capital of the Western Roman Empire, Ravenna served as the seat of Theodoric, King of the Ostrogoths, before the Byzantines transformed the city into one of Europe’s foremost centres of art and culture.
Ravenna’s surviving collection of early Christian monuments and mosaics is without parallel in Christendom, a beguiling blend of Greco-Roman tradition and Christian iconography. At the heart of this opulent legacy lies the Basilica of San Vitale, begun during the Ostrogoths’ rule and finished under Justinian, where the glittering mosaic portraiture of Justinian
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Our first tour will be led by Andrew Wilson, BA, BD, FSAScot. Andrew studied archaeology then theology before working overseas as an archaeologist, specialising in Roman frontier systems and Byzantine mosaics. Our second tor will be led by Mark Corney, BA, FA, a specialist in Roman history and presenter on Channel 4’s Time Team.
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Pomposa Abbey
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Basilica of San Vitale
and his wife Theodora capture the essence of Byzantium: the emperor, set against a flat, gold background, is resplendent in imperial purple, a gold paten in his outstretched hand, a halo encircling his scintillating crown. The seemingly humble Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, erected a century before San Vitale, boasts Ravenna’s earliest mosaics, including a vivid portrayal of the martyrdom of St Lawrence as he approaches the red-hot grid-iron. Breathtaking, too, is the interior of the Basilica
Tour Director Andrew Wilson, who will lead our first tour to Ravenna, writes: “Standing in the apse at San Vitale with its shimmering mosaics, there is always something more to admire, and out of so many familiar favourites, my eye is always drawn to the glorious representation of Theodora, with her sumptuous robes, Magi-decorated hem, jewelled crown, and emerald, pearl and sapphire earrings. She has gazed down on us for nearly 1500 years, and the least we can do is acknowledge her majesty, power and dignity in this masterpiece of the mosaicist’s art. Come and see for yourself!”
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FITNESS / PRACTICALITIES: Most of our visits will be made on foot, and some involve standing for periods of time without an opportunity to sit down, so a good level of fitness is required for this tour. of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo, erected by Theodoric and later re-consecrated under Byzantine rule: the twin nave mosaics
depict a sparkling ceremonial procession of martyrs and virgins, saints and angels. Just outside the ‘city of mosaics’ we will visit the ancient port of Classe, founded by Augustus, to view the huge Basilica of Sant’Apollinare with its exceptional mosaics rich in gold and turquoise. Accommodation is in Ravenna’s four-star Hotel Bisanzio, situated in a quiet area of the city just a few steps from San Vitale and the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia.
ITINERARY Day 1 Depart London Heathrow 0840 on British Airways, arriving Bologna 1150. Transfer to Ravenna for four nights at Hotel Bisanzio. Day 2 Morning lecture followed by visits: 5th century Mausoleum of Galla Placidia (exceptional late antiquity mosaics), Basilica of San Vitale (famous mosaics of Justinian and Theodora), National Museum of Ravenna (archaeological objects from early Christian and Byzantine periods), cathedral, Neonian Baptistery (outstanding early Christian mosaics). Day3 Morning lecture followed by Arian Baptistery (built by Theodoric), Church of San Giovanni Evangelista, Basilica of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo (splendid frieze of martyrs), 7th century Domus of the Stone Carpets (beautiful floor mosaics), return visit to Mausoleum of Galla Placidia. Day 4 Morning: excursion to 11th century Abbey of Pomposa (interior repainted in 14th century by Vitale de Bologna). Afternoon: Mausoleum of Theodoric and ancient port of Classe for Basilica of Sant’Apollinare (gold and turquoise mosaics) and museum.
Day 5 Transfer to Bologna for 1240 departure, arriving Heathrow 1405.
Cost of £1295 includes: return airfare, accommodation based on sharing a twin or double bedded room, breakfast, one lunch, dinner with wine, water & coffee, excursions & admissions, gratuities. Not included: travel insurance, single room supplement £95, double room for single use supplement £145. TOUR CODE: RAV120 / RAV220 BOOK NOW: 01223 841055 sales@aceculturaltours.co.uk
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ARCHAEOLOGY
Italy
Algeria
ARCHAEOLOGY
Djemila
A L G E R IA: ROME MEETS THE SAHAR A MARCH 24 – APRIL 5, 2020
• Discover the Roman colony of Timgad, the ‘Pompeii of Africa’, founded by Emperor Trajan on the edge of the Aurès Mountains • Seek out the visible traces of the Roman desert frontier in the vicinity of Biskra • Explore Tipasa, an enchanting coastal town featuring Phoenician, Roman and Byzantine ruins above a sparkling azure sea
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lgeria’s diverse eastern landscapes range from coastal panoramas set against the backdrop of the Mediterranean, through the beautiful mountainous hinterland to the Sahara desert. The variety of ancient sites and monuments encompasses ruined cities and traces of the desert frontier of the Roman Empire, medieval oasis towns and the Ottoman and French colonial architecture of the coastal region. We will begin our exploration of ‘Alger la Blanche’ with its labyrinthine Casbah and Ottoman palaces, before flying eastwards to Annaba, where the evocative ruins of Hippo Regius include the cathedral church in which St Augustine once held forth. A stay in Constantine, the ‘City of Bridges’,
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will include visits to the nearby sites of Tiddis and Djémila; while to the south, we will take in the huge military base of Lambaesis and the Roman colony of Timgad. After a southward excursion through the Aurès Mountains to seek out traces of the Roman desert frontier in the vicinity of Biskra, we will return towards Constantine in order to fly south to Ghardaïa in the picturesque M’Zab valley: this is a remote region, to which people have always fled “Far exceeded expectations. Tour leader fantastic. Logistics team were truly amazing.” – ACE customer on 2019 Algeria: Rome Meets the Sahara tour
to avoid population movements on the coast. Our tour will end on the coast again, with visits to the entrancing coastal site of Tipasa and the town of Cherchell, once a glittering royal capital. Algeria is still finding its feet after the bitter experience of its own ‘Arab Spring’ This tour will be led by Philip Kenrick, MA, DPhil, an archaeologist who read Classics at Balliol College, Oxford, where he also gained his doctorate. Philip has worked in Libya at Leptis Magna, Benghazi and Cyrene, and produced a major volume on Sabratha. He has also worked on excavations near Agrigento in Sicily, and on other sites in Italy, Turkey and Jordan. He has recently published a new book on the Classical Antiquities of Algeria.
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ARCHAEOLOGY
Algeria
Tipasa
FITNESS / PRACTICALITIES: This tour offers a unique opportunity to visit places that are difficult to reach alone, but it will be strenuous, over much rough ground, with some long journeys, and potentially hot in places.
in the 1990s; but having left behind many years of civil conflict, the country promises a more stable future. While we venture southward, we will still be a long way from the unsettled Sahara region. The standard of hotels and service rarely matches the levels that we expect in Western Europe, but the warmth of the welcome is genuine, and we are confident that you will find the tour a rewarding introduction to this dynamic yet little known country. Please note that owing to the unpredictability of certain local factors, travellers should expect to be more than usually flexible about the announced programme. The itinerary below represents a guide to what we hope to offer, and some details may be changed nearer the time.
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ITINERARY Day 1 Depart London Gatwick 0850, arriving Algiers 1235. Afternoon: short orientation walk in central Algiers followed by visit to Church of Notre-Dame d’Afrique. Transfer to Hotel Aurassi for overnight. Day 2 Morning: short introductory talk followed by visits in Algiers (exploration of the Casbah and one or more of the Ottoman palaces within it, Jardin d’Essai). Early evening flight to Annaba for two nights at Hotel Sabri. Day 3 Morning: colonial era Basilica of St Augustine and site of Hippo Regius (form, theatre, ancient basilica, market, museum). Afternoon: Annaba and Cap de Garde. Day 4 Guelma (museum, reconstructed Roman theatre) followed by Khemissa (well-preserved theatre, forum). Transfer to Constantine for overnight at Hotel Ibis. Day 5 Morning: hillside ruins of Tiddis. Afternoon: walking tour of the city of Constantine. Transfer to Sétif for two nights at Novotel. Day 6 Sétif and its museum, followed by Roman ruins of Djémila (ancient Cuicul). Day 7 Via Medracen (grandiose pre-Roman tumulus-burial) to Lambaesis (civil town and museum). Afternoon: Timgad (Roman and Byzantine ruins). Continue to Batna for two nights at Hotel Hazem. Day 8 Drive south, crossing the Aurès Mountains through the Gorge of Tighanimine (Roman road-building inscription), visiting Ghoufi (abandoned village in the canyon of the Oued el-Abiod). Continue to Tahouda (site of ancient Thabudeos) and Sidi Okba. Return to Batna via the Gorge of El-Kantara (Roman bridge).
Day 9 Depart Batna for return visit to Lambaesis (2nd century legionary base, amphitheatre), then transfer to Constantine for afternoon flight to Ghardaïa. Two nights at Hotel Belvedere. Day 10 Whole day exploration of Ghardaïa and neighbouring towns, including mosque of Sidi Brahim at el-Atteuf (inspiration for Le Corbusier’s Notre-Dame-du-Haut de Ronchamp). Day 11 Morning flight to Algiers for visit to Mauritanian Royal Tomb followed by UNESCO World Heritage site of Tipasa. Transfer to Hotel Aurassi for two nights. Day 12 Cherchell (Roman port, museums with wonderful mosaics and sculpture). Day 13 Depart Algiers 1215, arriving Gatwick 1510.
Cost of £3595 includes: return airfare, accommodation based on sharing a twin or double bedded room, full board with water & soft drinks, excursions & admissions, gratuities. Not included: visa, travel insurance, single room supplement £295. TOUR CODE: ALGE20 BOOK NOW: 01223 841055 sales@aceculturaltours.co.uk
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Greece
AT H E N S, DEL PHI & TH E P ELO P O NNE S E APRIL 6–16, 2020
ARCHAEOLOGY
Temple of Apollo
• Explore Greece’s classical archaeology, taking in ancient temples, palaces and fortresses Visit Delphi, located in striking surroundings beneath Mount Parnassus Discover the Acropolis of Athens and the Acropolis Museum, containing the enchanting caryatid sculptures
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ur journey across the Peloponnese embraces some of the most evocative names from ancient Greece: Olympia, birthplace of the Olympic Games; Mycenae, from where Agamemnon went to war against Troy; and, soaring above the Gulf of Corinth, Delphi, the ‘centre of the world’. Beginning at the Acropolis Museum in Athens we explore fascinating finds from over two thousand years of history, This tour will be led by Andrew Wilson, BA, BD, FSAScot, who studied archaeology then theology before working overseas as an archaeologist, specialising in Roman frontier systems and Byzantine mosaics. A member of the Society for Libyan Studies and the Society for the Promotion of Byzantine Studies, Andrew has led many tours for ACE in the GrecoRoman world as well as several in Britain, with a particular emphasis on the archaeology of his native Scotland.
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including the mesmerising caryatid statues, followed by a visit to the impressive Parthenon Gallery. Our visit to the Acropolis itself will take in the Propylaia –
the monumental gateway – together with the Parthenon and the Erechtheion. The wealth of Corinth is epitomised by the Doric Temple of Apollo and the magnificent buildings of the Roman forum. In the sanctuary at Epidaurus, the most celebrated healing centre of the ancient world, we will experience the sanctuary of Asklepios, god of healing; the striking tholos; and the well-preserved theatre, renowned for its harmonious proportions and wonderful acoustics.
Acropolis of Athens
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ARCHAEOLOGY
Greece
Epidaurus
Other visits include the Bronze Age site of Tiryns, a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to an evocative fortress, and Argos, one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities. The astonishing Lion Gate at Mycenae is where, tracing the footsteps of Heinrich Schliemann, we will view the grave circle and the palace megaron.
We will also explore Mystras, near Sparta, a former Frankish outpost, including the Palace of Despots, a rare example of Byzantine civic architecture, and numerous churches adorned with 14th and 15th century frescoes. The spectacular sanctuaries of Olympia and Delphi will certainly form highlights of the tour, both sites holding central
positions in the religious world of ancient Greece. The Archaeological Museum at Delphi holds some of the most magnificent artefacts from the Mediterranean world, including the bronze Charioteer of Delphi and the stone omphalos, or, ‘naval of the world’. We will stay throughout in hotels of three and four-star quality.
ITINERARY Day 1 Depart London Heathrow 0855, arriving Athens 1435. Transfer to Hotel Herodion for two nights. Welcome and introductory talk.
ancient Mycenae: Treasury of Atreus (beehive tomb), Lion Gate, grave circle, palace megaron and museum. Evening talk: The Byzantine Church.
Day 2 Whole day on foot visiting the Acropolis: Propylaia, Parthenon and Erechtheion. Afternoon: visits to the Agora and Acropolis Museum (Parthenon sculptures, Peplos Kore and caryatids). Evening talk: Athenian Religion.
Day 6 Mystras: Palace of Despots, beautifully situated churches with 14th and 15th century frescoes. Continue to Pylos for two nights at Hotel Philip. Evening talk: Navarino Bay.
Day 3 Morning: National Archaeological Museum. Depart for Nafplion visiting ancient Corinth (forum, Temple of Apollo, Archaeological Museum, South Stoa) en route. Transfer to Hotel Amalia, Nafplion, for three nights. Evening talk: Greek Theatre. Day 4 Epidaurus (theatre with its remarkable acoustics, sanctuary of Asklepios). Return to Nafplion for short walking tour of the town followed by visit to Palamidi fortress (time permitting). Evening talk: Homer and the Mycenaean Age. Day 5 Visit to Tiryns (Mycenaean fortress with cyclopean walls) followed by Argos (agora, bath complex, theatre). Continue to
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Day 7 Nestor’s Palace at Pylos and Ottoman Neokastro fortress (dramatic views over Navarino Bay). Free afternoon in Pylos. Day 8 Messini (magnificent circuit of 4th century BC walls, sanctuary of Asklepios and stadium) then continue to Olympia for two nights at Hotel Olympion Asty. Evening talk: The Olympic Games. Day 9 Ancient Olympia (home of the Olympic Games): palaestra, Temple of Zeus, Temple of Hera, stadium, Archaeological Museum of Olympia. Some free time. Evening talk: The Oracle at Delphi.
Day 10 Via Rio-Antirrio bridge to Delphi. Medieval port of Nafpaktos (Lepanto) and visits in Delphi: temples of Athena and Apollo, gymnasium, theatre and Archaeological Museum of Delphi. Overnight stay at Hotel Amalia Delphi. Day 11 Further visits in Delphi (time permitting). Depart Athens 1830, arriving Heathrow 2035. Cost of £2745 includes: return airfare, accommodation based on sharing a twin or double bedded room, breakfast, dinner with wine, water & coffee, excursions & admissions, gratuities. Not included: travel insurance, double room for single use supplement £465. TOUR CODE: PELO20 BOOK NOW: 01223 841055 sales@aceculturaltours.co.uk
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Albania
A L B A N I A: FROM THE I LLYR I ANS TO T H E OTTOM ANS APRIL 22 – MAY 1, 2020
ARCHAEOLOGY
Ruins in Apollonia
• Travel the length of this mountainous
country, discovering layers of historical wonders left behind by Illyrians and Greeks, Romans and Ottomans Explore the complex of Apollonia, once home to a famous school of oratory, and discover Virgil’s ‘Troy in miniature’ at Butrint Delve into the extensive archaeological remains at Antigonea, founded by King Pyrrhus of Epirus in honour of his wife
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aturally stunning, spanned by majestic mountains and dazzling coastlines, Albania is home to some of Europe’s most remarkable archaeological treasures. Warmed by the gentle sun of a Mediterranean spring, we will take a voyage into Albania’s absorbing heritage and discover its place in the annals of European history. Our journey begins in the bustling port city of Durrës. This multi-layered centre – which has assumed roles in both trade and conflict – began life as a Greek colony known as Epidamnos, and its walls have
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Tour Director Carolyn Perry was Manager of the Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology, UCL, and since then has worked as a museum consultant with public and private collections in Europe and the Middle East. She frequently lectures on various aspects of the ancient Mediterranean and Islamic world and is a regular contributor to the British Museum’s public programme. She also has experience as a practical archaeologist, having excavated at sites across Italy. Carolyn is currently on the Advisory Board of the Ancient History Encyclopedia, a Trustee of the International Association for the Study of Arabia, and a Board member of CAABU as well as Director of the MBI AI Jaber Foundation, a UK registered charity.
since witnessed centuries of Albanian history. Home to Byzantine, Venetian and Ottoman remains, the old town centre still bears many Italianate buildings from the first half of the 20th century. Durrës is also our base for an excursion north. Originally an Illyrian settlement, Shkodër is one of Albania’s oldest towns, and played an important part in the resistance to the Ottoman invasion. Here we will take in the Great Mosque and English clock tower, and visit nearby
Rozafa Castle, which looms high on a rocky outcrop and is connected with mysterious local legends. Moving south, we will journey on to Krujë, the city of George Kastrioti, or Skanderbeg, Albania’s national hero. Dramatically located against a mountainous backdrop, Krujë also boasts layers of history and houses a museum to Skanderbeg in a historical citadel. It is
FITNESS / PRACTICALITIES: Please note this tour has a very full itinerary involving a significant amount of walking, often over uneven and rugged ground at extensive archaeological sites. Visits often include a lot of steps and relatively steep inclines, for example at castles, and the terrain requires careful negotiation. Participants should have a good level of overall fitness and be able to walk for up to 2 hours at a time. As our itinerary has been designed to make the very best out of our stay in Albania, we will be undertaking a lot of travel, and there will be a number of hotel changes across the tour.
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Gjirokaster castle
paired in the afternoon with a visit to the city of a thousand windows: Berat. A fine example of an Ottoman town, Berat houses a partially inhabited citadel alongside the Byzantine Church of St Mary and the Onufri Museum, which contains an absorbing collection of icons. Two further UNESCO-listed sites are included on our journey: Gjirokastër, originally an Illyrian settlement and now an impressively preserved Ottoman town dominated by its pre-12th century castle; and the ancient city of Buthrotum (Butrint), described by Virgil as ‘Troy in
“Carolyn Perry was outstanding. She was able to combine academic expertise and extremely clear presentation skills with great enthusiasm for her subject and a relaxed, charming and considerate manner.” – ACE customer on 2019 Albania: From the Illyrians to the Ottomans tour miniature’ and boasting remains from both Epirote and Roman times. A scenic drive through the ‘Albanian
Riviera’ takes us via the intriguing castle at Porto Palermo to Fier. From here we make our final excursions to the ancient site of Apollonia, founded as a Greek colony in 588 BC and later home to a famous school of oratory, and to the Monastery of Ardenica, which witnessed the marriage of Skanderbeg and noblewoman Donika Kastrioti in the 15th century. We stay throughout in comfortable hotels of three- and four-star quality. Please note the below itinerary is a guide to what we hope to offer, and some details may be subject to adjustment.
ITINERARY Day 1 Depart London Gatwick 1650, arriving Tirana 2045. Transfer to Durrës for three nights.
Christian basilicas). Continue to Gjirokaster for visits to castle and ethnographic museum. Overnight in Gjirokaster.
Day 2 Morning lecture: An Introduction to Albania and the Illyrians. Morning walking tour of Durrës, including forum and amphitheatre. Afternoon: archaeological museum.
Day 6 Antigonea (extensive archaeological site) followed by ‘Blue Eye’ cold water spring. Continue to Saranda for two nights. Evening lecture: The Greeks & Romans in Illyria.
Day 3 Lezhë (Illyrian gate and burial site of Skanderbeg) followed by Rozafa Castle and Shkodër (walking tour including Great Mosque and English clock tower). Evening lecture: Skanderbeg followed by free evening.
Day 7 Morning in Butrint: 4th century BC walls, sanctuary to Asklepios, theatre. Afternoon: Ksamil followed by free time in Saranda. Evening lecture: From the Byzantines to the Ottomans followed by free evening.
Day 4 Morning visits in Krujë including Skanderbeg Museum, ethnographic museum and Ottoman bazaar. Afternoon in Berat including citadel, Church of St Mary and Onufri Museum (time permitting). Overnight in Berat.
Day 8 Scenic drive through ‘Albanian Riviera’ to Porto Palermo Castle. Continue to Vlora for afternoon visits: Mosque of Sinan, Independence Square. Transfer to Fier for overnight stay. Evening lecture: The Long Road to Independence.
Day 5 Morning visits in Berat including Mangalemi quarters (King’s mosque and Helveti tekke) and Gorica Bridge, followed by archaeological site at Byllis (walls, agora, theatre, early
Day 9 Morning: Apollonia Archaeological Park (including agora and museum of Apollonia). Afternoon: Monastery of Ardenica. Continue to Tirana for overnight stay.
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Day 10 Morning visits in Tirana (time permitting) including Skanderbeg Square and National Museum of History. Depart Tirana 1300, arriving Gatwick 1510.
Cost of £2275 includes: return airfare, accommodation based on sharing a twin or double bedded room, eight lunches (some packed), refreshments on arrival, six dinners with water, wine or beer & coffee, excursions & admissions, gratuities. Not included: travel insurance, single room supplement £165. TOUR CODE: ALBN20 BOOK NOW: 01223 841055 sales@aceculturaltours.co.uk
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ARCHAEOLOGY
Albania
Greece
CY C LA D ES: ANCIENT I SLAND S OF T H E AEGEAN MAY 20–30, 2020
• Sail to six of the ancient Cycladic islands on this tour through the Aegean: Tinos, • •
Paros, Naxos, Delos, Mykonos and Santorini Tread the paths of ancient towns made famous in Greek mythology and discover their wealth of Mycenaean, classical and Byzantine archaeological remains Highlights include Delos, a UNESCO World Heritage site boasting exceptionally extensive archaeological remains, and the ruined Bronze Age city of Akrotiri, preserved under volcanic ash
This tour will be led by Andrew Wilson, BA, BD, FSAScot, who studied archaeology then theology before working overseas as an archaeologist, specialising in Roman frontier systems and Byzantine mosaics. A member of the Society for Libyan Studies and the Society for the Promotion of Byzantine Studies, Andrew has led many tours for ACE in the GrecoRoman world as well as several in Britain, with a particular emphasis on the archaeology of his native Scotland.
T ARCHAEOLOGY
he Cycladic Islands, scattered across the Aegean south-east of Athens, are the timeless repository of countless myths: it was at Naxos that ungrateful Theseus abandoned Ariadne; the tiny island of Delos that nurtured Apollo and Artemis; and could the volcanic island of Santorini really be the lost city of Atlantis? Over the course of our tour we sail to six of these ancient islands, taking a broad approach as we immerse ourselves in the history and character of this special region. Today the Cyclades, inhabited since Neolithic times, preserve numerous Mycenaean and classical remains, Byzantine castles and Venetian fortifications – not to mention a series of beautiful churches, such as Tinos’s Panagia Evangelistria – one of Greece’s most important pilgrimage destinations. Delos, the sacred centre of the Cyclades, once attracted pilgrims from all over Greece, and its wealth is reflected in the grandeur of its extensive archaeological remains. The history of Naxos, the largest and most fertile of the Cyclades, stretches back to 2700 BC. The Venetians, who governed the island from 1207 until the Turkish
Cyclades windmills
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FITNESS / PRACTICALITIES: As much of the travel on this tour involves ferries, participants should be comfortable wheeling luggage up boarding ramps. Some of the archaeological visits will require a good level of fitness as we will be walking over uneven ground. At Delos, there will be an optional short ascent up a steep and poorly maintained pathway to visit the upper part of the island’s impressive remains.
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ARCHAEOLOGY
Greece
Temple of Isis, Delos
invasion of 1566, bequeathed to Hora a labyrinthine Kastro – a medieval Venetian citadel – which today houses the island’s fascinating Archaeological Museum. Paros’s elegant Byzantine cathedral, Panagia Ekatontapiliani, is one of Greece’s most important Christian monuments, and the Archaeological Museum shelters a fragment of the famous marble Parian Chronicle.
The volcanic landscape of Santorini, with its immense crater, is a wonder to behold, and the picturesque town of Oia offers stunning views over the caldera. We will also explore the recently reopened ruins of Akrotiri, an ancient Bronze Age city buried and preserved under the layers of volcanic ash after the sudden eruption in Thera.
We stay throughout in hotels of three and four-star quality; on several occasions we will dine at local tavernas. Please note that while we will endeavour to deliver the below itinerary in full, precise arrangements are dependent on ferry schedules which are influenced by weather conditions, and therefore some elements may be subject to change.
ITINERARY Day 1 Depart Gatwick 0800 on Easyjet, arriving Mykonos 1350. Depart by boat for two nights on Tinos. Welcome and introduction. Day 2 Whole day in Tinos: 4th century BC Temple of Poseidon at Kionia, Archaeological Museum and marble Church of Panagia Evangelistria (miraculous icon), Pyrgos (marble workshops) and Volax (basket weavers). Evening talk: Greek Religion. Day 3 Sail to Paros for afternoon visits to typical Aegean villages of Prodromos and Lefkés. Evening talk: Cycladic Art. Two nights on Paros. Day 4 Visits by boat to small islands of Antiparos and Despotiko. Day 5 Morning in Parikia: Byzantine church of Panagia Ekatontapiliani, Archaeological Museum (Parian Chronicle, artefacts from Saliagos, the Aegean’s oldest settlement) and Venetian Fortress. Depart by boat to Naxos (home to Mount Zeus) for four nights on Naxos. Visits to Temple of Apollo and Grotta archaeological site. Evening talk: Delos.
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Day 6 Whole day cruise to Delos (birthplace of Apollo and Artemis): Sacred Harbour, Agora of the Competialists, Sacred Way, House of the Naxians, Avenue of the Lions; followed by Mykonos: handsome Cycladic architecture, chapels and churches. Day 7 Whole day in Naxos: 7th century Kouros statue at Melanes, Halki (picturesque village), tasting session at Kitro (citrus liqueur) distillery, Panagia Drossiani monastery (6th century Greek Orthodox). Day 8 Further visits in Naxos: Venetian Quarter, museums and Catholic Cathedral. Some free time. Day 9 Morning: Sanctuary of Dionysus at Yria, followed by Sanctuary of Demeter at Giroula. Afternoon: transfer by ferry to Santorini (spectacular geological setting with beautiful whitewashed buildings) for two nights. Some free time to explore Fira, Santorini’s dramatic cliff-top capital. Evening talk: Atlantis.
Day 10 Akrotiri (important Bronze Age settlement), Panagia Episkopi and Museum of Prehistoric Thera (frescoes and artefacts from Akrotiri). Afternoon in Oia (19th century sea captains’ houses). Day 11 Depart Santorini 1500, arriving Gatwick 1650.
Cost of £2995 includes: return airfare, accommodation based on sharing a twin or double bedded room, breakfast, dinner with wine, water & coffee, excursions & admissions, gratuities. Not included: travel insurance, single room supplement £495. TOUR CODE: CYCL20 BOOK NOW: 01223 841055 sales@aceculturaltours.co.uk
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United Kingdom
FA RT H ES T FRONTI ER : RO MAN S C OT LAND & T HE ANTO NINE WALL JULY 22–28, 2020
• Trace the northernmost reaches
of the Roman Empire along the UNESCO-listed Antonine Wall Discover the best preserved remnants of the wall at Watling Lodge and Rough Castle Explore the fascinating collections in Glasgow, Edinburgh and Melrose, which shine a light on Roman life at the fringes of the empire
• •
I
Antonine Wall
Hunterian Museum, Glasgow
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This tour will be led by Andrew Wilson, BA, BD, FSAScot, specialist in archaeology and ancient history. Born and brought up in Scotland, Andrew studied archaeology and theology before working overseas as an archaeologist with a particular interest in Roman frontier systems. This tour is particularly special to Andrew, who has excavated forts along the Antonine wall. are the remains of the turf embankment. The best-preserved fort is located near the eastern end of the wall at Rough Castle, where the fortification, enclosed within double banks of earth, is surrounded by pits, known as lilia, that would once have contained sharpened stakes. Our explorations will not be confined simply to Antonine’s legacy: we will also
visit Roman remains along the ancient route of Dere Street, the strategic road that linked the legionary fortress of Eboracum (York) and Inchtuthil near Perth. Our base will be the three-star Parliament House Hotel, located in the heart of Edinburgh on Calton Hill, with magnificent views of Edinburgh Castle and only a short walk from Princes Street.
FITNESS / PRACTICALITIES: This tour will be taken at a relaxed pace however please note that some sites require walking across rough and uneven ground. Participants should have a good level of fitness and be comfortable walking around outdoor sites for between one and two hours.
ITINERARY
© Image: Lorna M. Campbell. License: CC BY-SA 4.0
ARCHAEOLOGY
n 142 AD, some 20 years after the construction of Hadrian’s Wall began, the Romans embarked on a second great engineering project on our islands: the Antonine Wall, stretching nearly 40 miles across wild, untamed terrain from the Firth of Forth at Bo’ness to the mouth of the Clyde at Old Kilpatrick. This northernmost frontier of the Roman Empire, designed to control the unruly tribes of Caledonia, consisted of a line of auxiliary forts connected by an unbroken wall 12 feet high. To the north of the wall lay a ‘v’ shaped defensive ditch, 40 feet wide and 12 feet deep; to the south ran a cobbled military road. Unlike the stone-built Hadrian’s Wall, however, the Antonine Wall was a murus caespiticius – a turf rampart resting on a stone foundation. Today there is much to discover – and even more to interpret – in the region of the Antonine Wall, which gained World Heritage status in 2008. The most substantial surviving stretch of the wall is at Watling Lodge, where the formidable nature of the ditch is much in evidence, as
Day 1 Tour assembles at Parliament House Hotel, Edinburgh, for six nights. Short orientation tour at 1730 followed by evening lecture: Romans in Scotland.
Day 6 Well-preserved fort at Ardoch (including defensive ditches), Kaims Castle (small fortlet), Crieff, Gask Ridge (military frontier – subject to confirmation).
Day 2 Morning: Cramond Roman fort (where the famous Cramond Lion tomb was found, guarding the river route to the wall) followed by excavated fortlet at Kinneil. Afternoon: Roman exhibits at National Museum of Scotland (including Cramond Lioness and Bridgeness distance slab).
Day 7 Tour disperses after breakfast.
Day 3 Callendar House (museum), Watling Lodge, Falkirk Wheel, Rough Castle (well-preserved fort and defensive pits) and Seabegs Wood (ditch, rampart mound and military way). Day 4 Castle Greg followed by Melrose for museum (Trimontium exhibition) and abbey. Day 5 Bar Hill fort (stone headquarter, bath-house), Bearsden (well-preserved bath-house), Hillfoot cemetery. Afternoon in Glasgow: Hunterian Museum (distance slabs and further Roman artefacts). Free evening.
Cost of £1485 includes: accommodation based on sharing a twin or double bedded room, breakfast, five dinners with water & coffee, excursions & admissions, gratuities. Not included: travel insurance, double room for single use supplement £395. TOUR CODE: ROSC20
BOOK NOW: 01223 841055 sales@aceculturaltours.co.uk
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Greece
N ORT HERN GREECE JUNE 15–27, 2020
• Explore the untamed landscape,
Arch of Galerius and Rotunda, Thessaloniki
classical history and fascinating architecture of northern Greece in the company of archaeologist and specialist in the Greco-Roman world, Andrew Wilson Learn about the region and its history through visits to Byzantine churches, sanctuaries and monasteries, taking in mosaics and early Christian art Uncover the ancient treasures of Vergina, Macedonia’s first capital, and journey to Alexander the Great’s birthplace of Pella
•
B
etween the Ionian and Aegean Seas lie the untamed mountains of northern Greece, where Zeus once roamed. It was here, too, that Philip of Macedon and his son, Alexander the Great, held indomitable sway. Byzantine monasticism once thrived in centres such as Mount Athos – still a semi-autocratic republic inhabited by monks – and Thessaloniki, erstwhile rival to Constantinople. Our varied itinerary will touch both coastlines as we taste the gorges, waterfalls and layered histories of Macedonia and Epirus. Our circuit begins and ends in Thessaloniki, home to an unforgettable array of Byzantine churches, featuring important early Christian mosaics. We will also chart the rise and fall of Roman Thessaloniki with a visit to the ruins of the emperor’s palace. Antiquities galore await discovery in Vergina, the first capital of the kingdom of Macedonia. We will also visit Pella, capital of Philip’s empire and the birthplace of Alexander the Great, and Nikopolis, founded by Augustus to celebrate his victory at the Battle of Actium. At Nekromanteion, we will track down the legendary gates of Hades.
FITNESS / PRACTICALITIES: This tour is designed to make the most of our stay in northern Greece with a wide variety of visits. The itinerary therefore contains some long days and a significant amount of walking, and participants should have a good overall level of mobility.
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This tour will be led by Andrew Wilson, BA, BD, FSAScot, specialist in archaeology and ancient history. Andrew, who has also led many tours for ACE, studied archaeology and theology before working overseas as an archaeologist with a particular interest in Roman frontier systems and Byzantine mosaics. The frescoed monasteries of Meteora, or ‘columns in the sky’, perched on towering pillars of natural sandstone, were first
settled by hermits in the 11th century and were later endowed with 24 seemingly inaccessible monastic communities. We stay in comfortable hotels of three to four-star quality, with some dinners taken in local tavernas or restaurants. Please note that some sites in Greece can close unexpectedly and at short notice; therefore while we will endeavour to deliver the below itinerary in full, some adjustments may be made.
ITINERARY Day 1 Depart London Gatwick 0645 on British Airways, arriving Thessaloniki 1200. Transfer to Hotel Royal for three nights. Introductory talk. Day 2 Thessaloniki (major Greek Orthodox centre): Byzantine walls, Heptapyrgion tower, churches of Agios Acheiropoietos and Agios Dimitrios (6th century pilgrimage centre), Archaeological Museum. Evening talk: Byzantine Church. Day 3 Whole day cruise along western shore of Mt Athos peninsula (spiritual home of Orthodox Church since 1054). Evening talk: Pebble Mosaics. Day 4 Along Via Egnatia to Pella (capital of Philip of Macedon’s empire): peristyle houses, huge palace complex, museum (superb mosaics), ancient site of Loggos, then Edessa (picturesque town famous for waterfalls and old bridges). Continue to Veria for two nights at the Hotel Villa Elia. Day 5 Dion at the foot of Mt Olympus, with visits to sanctuaries of Isis and Demeter. Vergina (former capital of Macedonian empire). Day 6 Veria (Byzantine Museum) and Kastoria. Two nights in Kastoria at Hotel Chloe. Evening talk: Neolithic Greece. Day 7 Kastoria: churches, Folk Museum and Mavriotissa Church (13th century frescoes). Evening talk: Oracle at Dodona. Day 8 Visits in Dodoni (ancient oracles of Zeus), including sanctuary and theatre, followed by Ioannina (major Ottoman centre). Transfer to Hotel du Lac, Ioannina, for three nights. Evening talk: Byron in Epirus.
Day 9 Monodendri (Byzantine monastery), majestic Vikos Gorge then by boat to Nisaki (island monasteries). Day 10 Whole day excursion to Nekromanteion (sanctuary of Persephone and Hades), Kassopi (4th century BC Hippodamian town) and Nikopolis (founded by Augustus after battle of Actium). Day 11 Transfer to Kalambaka for Meteora (‘monasteries in the air’, 16th century frescoes) and overnight at Hotel Amalia. Day 12 Return to Thessaloniki: Roman Forum, Rotunda (Galerius’ mausoleum), Galerius’s Palace, 8th century Agia Sofia (splendid mosaics) and White Tower (part of Turkish ramparts). Overnight at City Hotel, Thessaloniki. Day 13 Thessaloniki: Museum of Byzantine Culture. Depart Thessaloniki 1315, arriving Gatwick 1445.
Cost of £2795 includes: return airfare, accommodation based on sharing a twin or double bedded room, breakfast, dinner with wine & water, excursions & admissions, gratuities. Not included: travel insurance, single room supplement £475. TOUR CODE: NGRE20 BOOK NOW: 01223 841055 sales@aceculturaltours.co.uk
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ARCHAEOLOGY
•
Italy
A N CI E NT SICILY MAY 13–22, 2020
ARCHAEOLOGY
Palermo
• Step into the Villa del Casale to
view its stunning Roman mosaics, widely regarded as one of the richest collections in the world Uncover remarkable architectural fusions, from William II’s NormanByzantine cathedral of Monreale to the Palatine Chapel in Palermo, resplendent with Byzantine mosaics Syracuse offers a wealth of cultural delights including the Archaeological Park with its Roman amphitheatre, Greek theatre and forbidding quarries
listed Norman-Byzantine cathedral of Monreale, built by William II. Palermo, like Monreale, reveals a fusion of Islamic, Byzantine, Norman
and Romanesque traditions. The city’s Palatine Chapel in the Palazzo dei Normanni is distinguished, above all, by its overwhelming Byzantine mosaics – mosaics
•
•
E
ven the most worldly surveyor of ancient civilisations is mesmerised by the monumental grandeur of Agrigento – “Athens with improvements”, according to one 19th century visitor. Our circuit of historical Sicily, starting in the heart of Palermo, travels via Agrigento and Syracuse to Taormina – Goethe’s “patch of paradise”, characterised by idyllic coastal vistas. As well as absorbing the monumental magnificence of Sicily’s classical heritage, we will examine later cultural influences, from the extraordinary Arabo-Norman architecture of Palermo to the UNESCO-
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Villa del Casale
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ARCHAEOLOGY
Italy
Noto balcony
This tour will be led by Philip Kenrick, MA, DPhil, an archaeologist who read Classics at Balliol College, Oxford, where he also gained his doctorate. Philip has worked on excavations near Agrigento in Sicily, and on other sites in Italy, Turkey and Jordan. Philip is a specialist in Roman pottery and has written archaeological guidebooks on Libya and Algeria. that are rivalled by the golden masterpieces on display in the cathedral in Monreale. The Temple of Olympian Zeus at Agrigento was amongst the largest in the entire Greek world, presenting an astonishing display of wealth and power. The highlights of Syracuse, “the greatest Greek city and the most beautiful of them all” in the opinion of Cicero, include the vast Archaeological Park and the island of Ortygia, where the Baroque façade of the cathedral barely conceals the Doric
FITNESS / PRACTICALITIES: This tour requires a good level of fitness as it involves a significant amount of walking. Please note that many sites have uneven ground or require walking through low-lying vegetation. The tour is taken at a pace that allows for breaks and reflection.
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columns of the ancient Temple of Athena. The Roman Villa del Casale at Piazza Armerina contains some of the finest mosaics in existence, with remarkable
depictions of mythological figures and ancient life. We will stay in hotels of four-star standard throughout the tour.
ITINERARY Day 1 Depart London Gatwick 0700 on Easyjet, arriving Catania 1105. Transfer to Palermo for three nights at Eurostars Centrale Palace Hotel. Day 2 Morning introductory talk followed by Palermo Cathedral and Palazzo dei Normanni (Palatine Chapel). Continue to Monreale for visit to cathedral (including cloister). Day 3 Morning: churches of La Martorana and San Cataldo, Oratorio del Rosario di Santa Cita, National Archaeological Museum. Afternoon excursion to ancient site of Solunto followed by Sicilian puppet show (recognised by UNESCO as part of World Intangible Cultural Heritage). Day 4 Morning: Segesta, including temple and theatre. Continue to Marinella for visit to Selinunte. Transfer to Agrigento for two nights at Colleverde Park Hotel. Day 5 Morning talk followed by visits in Agrigento: temple ridge, Museo Archaeologico and adjoining excavation areas. Day 6 Transfer to Piazza Armerina for Villa del Casale (famous for its remarkable mosaic floors depicting hunting scenes, mythological characters and sporting events) and Morgantina archaeological site. Continue to Syracuse for four nights at Grand Hotel Ortigia. Free evening. Day 7 Morning talk followed by visits in Syracuse: Catacomb of San Giovanni, Museo Archaeologico Paolo Orsi, Archaeological
Park. Early evening walking tour of Ortygia including sacred spring of Arethusa and Piazza Duomo (Temple of Athena). Day 8 Whole day excursion to ancient Naxos (early Greek colony) and Taormina (Greco-Roman theatre with superb coastal views). Free evening. Day 9 Visit to Temple of Apollo followed by excursion to town of Noto (fine example of Sicilian Baroque architecture). Afternoon: Villa del Tellaro (4th century with fine mosaics) and Castello Maniace. Day 10 Free morning. Transfer to Catania for 1630 departure, arriving Gatwick 1855. Cost of £2895 includes: return airfare, accommodation based on sharing a twin or double bedded room, breakfast, two lunches, seven dinners with wine, water & coffee, excursions & admissions, gratuities. Not included: travel insurance, double room for single use supplement £575. TOUR CODE: ANS120 BOOK NOW: 01223 841055 sales@aceculturaltours.co.uk
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United Kingdom
RO M A N KENT: TOWNS, FO RTS & F R E S COES AUGUST 10–14, 2020
ARCHAEOLOGY
St Augustine’s Abbey
• Delve into Canterbury’s ancient past with visits to the Roman Museum, St Martin’s Church and St Augustine’s Abbey Explore the imprint of the Romans on the surrounding region including Lullingstone Roman Villa and Richborough Dover’s Painted House offers some of the finest wall-paintings in Britain
• •
F
rom the subterranean vestiges of Roman Canterbury to the singular Bacchic frescoes in Dover’s Painted House, Kent is steeped in Roman history. Our tour begins with an exploration of ancient Canterbury – Durovernum Cantiacorum – first mentioned in the 2nd century Antonine Itinerary. We trace the route of the Roman walls before visiting Canterbury’s Roman Museum, erected around the remains of a town house still adorned with in situ mosaics. Nor will we neglect the rich early Christian history of Canterbury: parts of St Martin’s Church date back to the 6th century. The following day takes us beyond Canterbury to Lullingstone Roman Villa, whose remnants suggest tantalizing glimpses of its wealthy inhabitants – whether native Britons or occupying Romans, possibly enjoying a rural retreat. Faversham Stone Chapel, meanwhile, exhibits the remains of a flint-built medieval church lying partially above Roman ruins: possibly a mausoleum, temple or shrine. Other highlights include Dover’s 2nd century Painted House, which formed part
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of a large mansion or lodge for travellers about to cross the Channel. Whilst the tile and flint walls and elaborate hypocaust are worth a visit in themselves, it is the guesthouse’s colourful wall paintings – the most extensive in northern Europe – that steal the show. We will also devote time to the fort of Richborough, which defiantly retains the walls of a magnificent Roman fortress and the foundations of a monument built to commemorate the conquest of Britain. We stay at the four-star Adobe Canterbury, a charming hotel situated close to Canterbury Cathedral.
Tour Director Mark Corney, BA, FSA, is a specialist in Roman history and presenter on Channel 4’s Time Team. Mark is a former investigator with the Royal Commission on the Historical Monuments of England.
ITINERARY Day 1 Tour assembles 1800 at Adobe Canterbury for four nights. Welcome and introduction. Day 2 Morning: walk around walls (including Roman gateway) of Canterbury followed by Roman Museum (Roman town house with mosaics). Afternoon: 6th century St Martin’s Church and St Augustine’s Abbey. Day3 Excursion to Lullingstone Roman Villa followed by Faversham Stone Chapel (ruined medieval church incorporating Roman remains). Day 4 Dover’s Roman Painted House (finest wall-paintings in Britain), Dover Museum (Bronze Age boat) and Richborough (occupied by Romans from the invasion to the late 5th century AD, site of a fort and ancient amphitheatre). Day 5 Tour disperses after breakfast.
FITNESS / PRACTICALITIES: Please note that while this tour will be taken at a gentle pace, some sites involve traversing steps and uneven terrain. Participants should have a good overall level of fitness.
Cost of £1095 includes: accommodation based on sharing a twin or double bedded room, breakfast, dinner with water & coffee, excursions & admissions, gratuities. Not included: travel insurance, double room for single use supplement £270. TOUR CODE: RTFF20 BOOK NOW: 01223 841055 sales@aceculturaltours.co.uk
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Italy
I M PE R IAL ROME, O STIA & TI VO LI SEPTEMBER 28 – OCTOBER 3, 2020
• Explore the political and religious
heart of the Roman Empire – its glorious capital city, adorned with great monuments, sculptures and villas Visit the harbour city of Ostia, Rome’s ancient port Discover Hadrian’s magnificent villa complex at Tivoli, a UNESCO World Heritage site
• •
This tour will be led by Andrew Wilson, BA, BD, FSAScot, who studied archaeology then theology before working overseas as an archaeologist, specialising in Roman frontier systems and Byzantine mosaics. He has led many tours for ACE in the Greco-Roman world, and is a member of the Hadrianic Society, as well as a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland and the Classical Association of Scotland.
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Roman Forum
FITNESS / PRACTICALITIES: We will explore many of the main sites on foot, so participants should be prepared for some long walks on uneven ground, and will need a good level of fitness. We will walk up to 5-6 miles in total per day.
wealth of the Empire arrived on its journey to the ‘bread and circuses’ of Rome. Another highlight will be our visit to the villa and estate of Hadrian at Tivoli, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This complex was designed as a sacred landscape, incorporating a variety of architectural styles as befits a retreat built for this welltravelled and highly cultured Emperor. We will stay throughout at the three-star Hotel Albergo Santa Chiara, located in the heart of Rome.
ITINERARY Day 1 Depart London Heathrow 1045 on British Airways, arriving Rome 1425. Transfer to Hotel Albergo Santa Chiara for five nights. Introductory talk. Day 2 Morning talk: The Men Who Made Rome followed by excursion to Ostia Antica (ancient port of Rome). Return via Baths of Caracalla (extensive ruins with mosaic decoration). Day 3 Morning: visit to the Colosseum. Afternoon: Roman Forum, Palatine Hill and Musei Capitolini (home of fine civic painting and sculpture collection). Evening talk: Hadrian. Day 4 Morning: Hadrian’s Villa at Tivoli. Afternoon: Museo Nazionale Romano (wonderful frescoes and mosaics) and Diocletian’s Baths. Free evening. Day 5 Morning: Castel Sant’Angelo and Ara Pacis (altar in honour of Augustus). Afternoon: Pantheon and Piazza Navona (Domitian’s Circus) followed by optional visits to Trajan’s Column and Trajan’s Market. Day 6 Some free time. Depart Rome 1515, arriving Heathrow 1700. Cost of £1845 includes: return airfare, accommodation based on sharing a twin or double bedded room, breakfast, four dinners with wine, water & coffee, excursions & admissions, gratuities. Not included: travel insurance, single room standard supplement £80, single room superior supplement £215. TOUR CODE: IMRO20
Ostia Antica
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ARCHAEOLOGY
P
erhaps the greatest empire that the world has ever seen, the Roman Empire expanded from a small city on the banks of the Tiber to dominate the Mediterranean world and beyond. In the mighty city of Rome, Caesar was assassinated and Anthony delivered his powerful eulogy; on the Palatine slopes the wealthy and powerful built their palatial villas; and, nearby, huge arches were constructed as Emperors recorded their victories. This tour focuses on the principal imperial monuments of the ‘Eternal City’, from the massive Flavian Amphitheatre, better known today as the Colosseum, to the Pantheon, whose remarkable unreinforced concrete dome is still the largest of its kind in the world, almost 2000 years after it was built. We will have the opportunity to admire Trajan’s imposing Column with its glorious reliefs, which dominates the forum and marketplace, and, nearer the river, we will see the great Ara Pacis, the altar commemorating the peace ushered in by Augustus after a century of civil war. To complement the magnificent monuments of Imperial Rome, we will travel a few miles down the Tiber to explore Ostia, the astonishingly wellpreserved harbour city where much of the
Jordan
J OR DA N OCTOBER 19–29, 2020
ARCHAEOLOGY Ad Deir
• Delve into the rich layers of Jordan’s • •
history, from the grand colonnades of Rome to the castles of the crusaders Marvel at the awe-inspiring stronghold of Petra, carved from rock by the Nabataeans more than 2000 years ago Journey through the desert landscape of western Arabia, discovering the prehistoric rock engravings of Wadi Rum
We begin our journey on the seven hills of Amman with the biblical city of Madaba, the centre of a Byzantine mosaic school in the sixth century, and home to the famous floor map of the Holy Land and Jerusalem. Meanwhile, at nearby Mount Nebo, site of the mosaic museum and Sanctuary of
Moses, we will enjoy unrivalled panoramas of the Dead Sea and the River Jordan. The superb Hellenistic and Roman city of Jerash was created at the end of the fourth century BC by the Greco-Roman confederation as one of the 10 cities of the Decapolis. Built to integrate Hellenic
Madaba map, Church of Saint George
F
rom the remains of the Stone Age to the magnificence of the Ottomans, Jordan has long felt the tide of history. Today, the country is home to a spectacular array of archaeological sites offering tantalizing glimpses into some of the world’s most iconic cultures: Assyria, Babylon, Persia, Greece, Rome, Parthia, the Byzantines, the Umayyads, Abbasids, Crusaders and Ayyubids have all left their mark.
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and local populations, it is one of Rome’s grandest imperial outposts and boasts a colonnaded oval forum, magnificent theatres, colonnaded Roman streets and the beautifully restored Precinct of Artemis. Petra, the imposing stronghold carved out of rock by the Nabataeans more than 2000 years ago, is a true marvel. On our visit to the rose-red city we will journey through the towering Siq ravine and admire the stunning vista of soaring temples, dramatic halls and lofty altars hand-chiselled into the sandstone cliffs. Highlights include Al Khazneh (the Treasury), the rock-cut theatre, the Great Temple and the Nabataean temple of Qasr al-Bint. Petra’s northern suburb of Siq al-Barid, often referred to as ‘Little Petra’, holds a further gathering of wellpreserved Nabataean tombs, and nearby the prehistoric site of Al-Beidha holds great significance for understanding the beginnings of the Neolithic period in Western Asia and the birth of European civilization. Our journey south takes us into the Valley of the Moon (Wadi Rum Protected Area), a remarkable example of desert scenery, and part of the Hizma basin of western Arabia. Here we will take a ‘safari’ through the magnificent desert landscapes
Tour Director Andrew Wilson, BA, BD, FSAScot, studied archaeology then theology before working overseas as an archaeologist. He has led many tours for ACE in the GrecoRoman world, and also several in Britain, with a particular emphasis on the archaeology of his native Scotland. Andrew is a member of the Society for Libyan Studies and a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland and the Society for Promotion of Byzantine Studies. He has led several ACE tours to Jordan and is thrilled to be returning with a group in 2020.
Qasr Amra
to see the wealth of prehistoric rock engravings and the first century Nabataean temple in Wadi Rum village. Dotted throughout the steppe-like terrain of eastern Jordan is a string of fortified palaces, towers and caravanserais. These desert castles, eloquent examples of early Islamic art and architecture, include Qasr Amra, its interior adorned with lively frescoes and colourful mosaics, and the oasis and fortress of Azraq, where Lawrence of Arabia quartered during the Great Arab Revolt. We will also visit Kerak, home to the famous Crusader castle used as a
stronghold by Reynald de Châtillon. In Amman we will stay at the Amman Marriott Hotel, before transferring to the Mövenpick Resort at the very entrance to Petra. On the shores of the Dead Sea we will stay at the Dead Sea Marriott Resort & Spa. FITNESS / PRACTICALITIES: Please note that some of the walks in Petra take in long, steep and demanding gradients, and a good level of fitness is required for this tour.
ITINERARY Day 1 Depart London Heathrow 1705 on Royal Jordanian, arriving Amman 0010. Transfer to Amman Marriott Hotel for three nights. Day 2 Whole day excursion to Madaba for Church of St George (6th century mosaic floor map of the Holy Land and Jerusalem) and Mount Nebo for mosaic museum, Sanctuary of Moses and decorated early churches. Day 3 Whole day excursion to the Hellenistic and Roman city of Jerash in northern Jordan: early Byzantine remains, oval forum, theatres, colonnaded Roman streets and restored Precinct of Artemis. Day 4 Transfer to Petra via Dhiban (where the famous Mesha Stele was found), Wadi Mujib river and the crusader town of Kerak. Four nights at Mövenpick Resort, Petra. Day 5 Visits in Petra: rock-cut tombs, Al Khazneh (the Treasury), ancient Roman remains, theatre, colonnaded street, the Great Temple and the Nabataean temple of the Qasr al-Bint. Optional walk to Al Deir (rock-cut monastery with preserved tombs).
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Day 6 Morning: Siq al-Barid (‘Little Petra’) for well-preserved Nabataean tombs and archaeological site of Al-Beidha (Neolithic ruins dating back 9000 years). Afternoon: optional return visit to Petra for ascent to the High Place of Sacrifice.
century mosaics); Azraq (oasis and headquarters of Lawrence of Arabia); and Shaumari Wildlife Reserve (chance to see Asiatic wild ass and Arabian oryx). Continue to Umayyad hunting lodge of Qasr Amra (remarkable frescoes).
Day 7 Whole day excursion to southern Jordan into the Wadi Rum Protected Area (safari drive in 4x4s to see the prehistoric rock engravings and magnificent desert landscapes) and Nabataean temple.
Day 11 Depart Amman 1200, arriving Heathrow 1525.
Day 8 Transfer to the edge of the Dead Sea for visit to Bethany (traditional baptismal site of Jesus). Overnight stay at Dead Sea Marriott Resort & Spa. Day 9 Return to Amman by road for two nights at Amman Marriott Hotel. Afternoon: Jordan Archaeological Museum, Roman Theatre and Citadel. Day 10 Whole day excursion to the Umayyad Desert Castles of Qasr al-Kharana (8th century inscriptions) and Qasr al-Hallabat (2nd
Cost of £3245 includes: return airfare, group visa, accommodation based on sharing a twin or double bedded room, breakfast, nine lunches, dinner with water, excursions & admissions, gratuities. Not included: travel insurance, double room for single use supplement £800. TOUR CODE: JORD20 BOOK NOW: 01223 841055 sales@aceculturaltours.co.uk
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ARCHAEOLOGY
Jordan
United Kingdom
PR E H I STORIC & RO MAN ANGLESEY & S N OWDONIA JULY 13–17, 2020
• On this evocative tour, explore the
remnants of forts left behind by the Roman occupation of South Wales Delve into Iron Age settlements including the ‘sacred lake’ at Llyn Cerrig Bach, where workmen discovered a large metalwork hoard Discover the Neolithic chambered tomb of Bryn Celli Ddu, one of the most famous prehistoric sites in Anglesey
• •
ARCHAEOLOGY
N
orth Wales and the island of Anglesey are rich in remains of the prehistoric and Roman periods, many set against the magnificent landscape of the Snowdonia National Park. Journeying deep into Anglesey’s past, our tour will visit a rich variety of these sites and examine the wealth of the Iron Age societies who regarded the island as a sacred landscape. The Roman occupation left behind many well-preserved remains of forts, spanning from the late first to early fifth centuries AD. At Tomen y Mur the visible outlines of a Roman fort, amphitheatre and parade This tour will be led by Mark Corney, BA, FSA, a specialist in Roman history and presenter on Channel 4’s Time Team. An honorary research fellow at Bristol University, Mark is a former investigator with the Royal Commission on the Historical Monuments of England.
Bryn Celli Ddu
FITNESS / PRACTICALITIES: Participants should be comfortable walking over open, rough pasture. A good level of fitness is required for this tour as sites can be located some distance from the road, sometimes involving an uphill climb. ground evoke the power and ostentation of the Roman Army on the fringe of the Empire. At Holyhead, the walls of a late Roman coastal fort still stand to full height. We shall visit the Iron Age huts at Ty Mawr and the ‘sacred lake’ at Llyn Cerrig Bach where a large hoard of Iron Age metalwork was discovered during the Second World War. In addition to site visits, the tour will present the results of the latest archaeological research, and examine new theories on the Iron Age and Roman period in this evocative landscape.
We stay throughout in four-star accommodation at The Management Centre, a historical listed building that is part of Bangor University. Many of the rooms boast stunning views of the Menai Strait and Anglesey.
ITINERARY Day 1 Tour assembles from 1500 at The Management Centre, Bangor, for four nights. 1800 welcome and introductory lecture. Day 2 Anglesey: Din Lligwy Hut Group (well-preserved RomanoBritish settlement), Holyhead Roman Fort, Caer Gybi (late Roman fort), Ty Mawr (Iron Age settlement with well-preserved hut circles), Llyn Cerrig Bach (site of a Late Iron Age ‘sacred grove’), Bryn Celli Ddu (Neolithic chambered tomb). Day3 Conwy Valley: Caerhun (former Canovium, Roman fort site), Church of St Tudclud (important early Christian inscribed stones), Tomen y Mur (Roman fort with extensive remaining earthworks including parade ground and military amphitheatre). Return via Llanberis Pass and remains of a Roman marching camp. Day 4 Dinas Dinlle (hillfort), Segontium (Roman fort built to command the Menai Straits), Hen Wailiau (small Roman fort) and Caernarfon town walls and castle. Day 5 Morning visit to Beaumaris Castle. Tour disperses c 1200 at Bangor station followed by 1215 at the hotel.
Cost of £995 includes: accommodation based on sharing a twin or double bedded room, breakfast, dinner with water & coffee, excursions & admissions, gratuities. Not included: travel insurance, double room for single use supplement £120. TOUR CODE: PRAS20 Beaumaris Castle, Anglesey
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Greece
AN CI E NT CRETE & SANTO RI NI OCTOBER 6–12, 2020
• Delve into Akrotiri, covered by
volcanic ash in the 16th century BC, home to some of the Aegean’s most important Bronze Age art Visit Phaistos, a large palatial complex, where the mysterious ‘Phaistos Disc’ was discovered Spend an afternoon at Knossos, the largest and most famous Cretan archaeological site
•
This tour will be led by Oliver Kenzie, BA, MRes, a Cambridge-based archaeologist specialising in Early Iron Age Greece. Having completed his BA in Archaeology at the University of Birmingham, Oliver continued to postgraduate research with a thesis exploring Early Iron Age religion with a specific focus on the development of Doric architecture on the mainland. He lived for a short time in Athens, conducting research at the British School at Athens and with excavators of the site of Kalapodi (Abai) conducted by the German Institute (DAINST). He continues to research independently and is a member of the Cambridge Antiquarian Society.
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Bull leaping fresco was known in ancient times, developed as a wealthy and vital outpost for Minoan traders. Its volcanism is responsible not only for the dramatic topography we see today but also for the remarkable preservation of Akrotiri. After an eruption of the 16th century BC covered the city in ash and pumice, excavations in the 1960s began to uncover a complex of buildings, shrines and some of the most extraordinary frescoes and wall paintings ever discovered. Our tour continues in Heraklion, from where will explore a number of maze-like palace complexes: Phaistos, where the mysterious Phaistos Disc was uncovered and Ayia Triada, responsible for the biggest collection of Linear A tablets. After visiting the island’s capital in Roman times, Gortyn, we will arrive at Knossos. We will explore the site
extensively on our final afternoon and view and discuss Sir Arthur Evans’s controversial re-imaginings of the remains. We will stay in the charming town of Fira at the Hotel Majestic, before flying via Athens to our base in Crete at Heraklion, at the Hotel Aquila Atlantis. Please note that site opening times in Greece are subject to last minute changes, so some visits may be reordered or adjusted nearer to the time.
FITNESS / PRACTICALITIES: A good level of fitness is required for this tour, and participants should be comfortable spending time walking and standing at outdoor archaeological sites, often involving uneven surfaces and steps.
ITINERARY Day 1 Depart London Gatwick 1410 on Easyjet, arriving Santorini 1955. Transfer to Hotel Majestic, Fira for two nights. Welcome talk. Day 2 Morning visit to Prehistoric Museum Fira, exhibiting finds from across the island of Santorini. Afternoon at the archaeological site of Akrotiri, covered by volcanic ash in the 16th century BC and preserving some of the Aegean’s most important Bronze Age art. Day 3 Visits to Panagia Episkopi, Santorini’s oldest church, and optional walk to the castle at Pyrgos. Afternoon flight from Santorini via Athens to Heraklion. Transfer to Hotel Aquila Atlantis for four nights. Day 4 Morning talk followed by visits to the Minoan complexes at Malia and the town at Gournia. Day 5 Visit to Gortyn (the Roman-era capital of Crete) followed by the Minoan settlement at Ayia Triada, where excavations have yielded more Linear A tablets than any other site. Afternoon at Phaistos (large palatial complex, where the mysterious ‘Phaistos Disc’ was discovered).
Day 6 Morning visit to Herkalion’s Archaeological Museum. Afternoon at Knossos (the largest of the Bronze Age palaces uncovered by Sir Arthur Evans in the early 20th century. Day 7 Free morning in Heraklion. Depart Heraklion 1355, arriving Gatwick 1600. Cost of £2395 includes: return airfare, accommodation based on sharing a twin or double bedded room, breakfast, dinner with wine, water & coffee, excursions & admissions, gratuities. Not included: travel insurance, single room supplement £375. TOUR CODE: ACSN20 BOOK NOW: 01223 841055 sales@aceculturaltours.co.uk
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ARCHAEOLOGY
“A
nd every time it is ships, it is ships, it is ships of Cnossos coming…” So begins the Cambridge classicist Paul Cartledge’s chapter on Knossos in his History of Ancient Greece in Eleven Cities. The words are appropriately borrowed from D H Lawrence’s poem The Coming of the Greeks, to remind us of the importance of trade and contact by sea. Almost exactly equidistant between North Africa and Southern Greece and straddling the eastwest trading and migration routes from the Levant to Egypt, Crete commands a geographical position that was pivotal to the success of the Minoan civilisation. In the sphere of three continents, a material culture developed here that culminated in some of antiquity’s grandest palaces and most dazzling works of art. Indeed, the largest of these palaces is so labyrinthine that its excavator Sir Arthur Evans adopted the name Knossos – the home of the mythical King Minos – and subsequently the whole culture became known as the Minoans. We begin our exploration on the island of Santorini. Renowned for its whitewashed houses clinging to steep cliffs, Thera, as it
Image: Jebulon. License: (CC0 1.0)
•
Image by Livio Andronico. License CC BY-SA 4.0
ART & ARCHITECTURE
Ceiling Fresco, Palazzo Te, Mantua
Art & Arch itect ure Tours
A single structure or work of art can
In 2020, ACE’s artistic and
speak a thousand words – from the
architectural offerings will include
stories of the artists and architects
departures exploring the citadels
themselves and the patrons under
of Transylvania, following in the
which they operated, to the cultural,
footsteps of America’s founding fathers
social, economic and political times
from Washington to Jamestown, and
in which they lived. Our art and
travelling east in search of China’s
architecture tours reach deeply into
white gold.
ART & ARCHITECTURE
Art & Architecture
these worlds, seeking both answers and exponentially increasing questions. Our itineraries are carefully designed to bring thematic, historical and narrative connections to life, illuminated by our expert art historians whose specialisms range as widely as the art explored.
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Russia
ORT H ODOX CHRI STMAS IN MO SCOW JANUARY 5–11, 2020
This tour will be led by Alex Koller, PhD, an art historian who has been leading tours since 1998. An accomplished linguist, Alex’s guiding experience ranges from Eastern Europe, Russia and the Himalayas to Japan and Southeast Asia.
Cathedral of Christ the Saviour
ART & ARCHITECTURE
• Explore the historical and
architectural evolution of Russia’s capital against a backdrop of seasonal festivities Discover a selection of beautiful monasteries, including the UNESCOlisted Trinity-Sergius Lavra Monastery in Sergiev Posad Enjoy the sights, sounds and tastes of Orthodox Christmastide during Moscow’s Winter Festival
• •
O
nion-shaped spires glitter beneath swirling snow, tinged by the glow of vast, illuminated palaces and sweeping, lamp-lined streets. The picture is both familiar and enchanting, a perfect image of Moscow’s distinctive cityscape during Russian Christmastide, a period known as Svyatki (January 7–19). Our tour, far from absorbing the atmosphere alone, will delve deeply into Moscow’s rich architecture and multilayered history. In particular, we will explore the prominence of Moscow as both a political and religious centre, two characteristics that are fundamentally linked both to one another and to the city’s compelling architectural heritage. An early exploration of the Kremlin – Moscow’s ‘fortress within a city’ and today a vast complex of cathedrals, palaces and towers – will include a visit to the Armoury. Meanwhile, just across Krasnaya Square, the warren of Kitay-gorod – historically a centre for trade and prestigious building works – conceals a hidden architectural gem: the Church of the Trinity in Nikitniki.
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Moscow’s charming Zamoskvorechye district is one of its least changed, retaining much of its pre-revolutionary character and atmosphere. Today it is home to several historical buildings, including the 17th century Church of St Gregory of Neocaesarea, a brilliant ochre structure with bold, contrasting decoration. Monasteries were established in Moscow from the 12th century, later forming a chain around the city to protect it from hostile forces. We will dedicate a day to exploring some of these fine structures, including Andronikov Monastery on the bank of the Yauza River, which contains
some of Moscow’s earliest buildings and houses a beautiful collection of Russian iconography and early art. Festive treats are woven around our cultural visits, including a sleigh ride. As Moscow’s famous Winter Festival begins, Revolution Square is transformed into a wonderland of lights, crafts and clothes (including handmade valenki, Russia’s traditional winter footwear), vying for our attention with traditional performances and an enticing array of food and drink. Meanwhile, Poklonnaya Hill, historically of strategic importance, hosts a sparkling ice sculpture exhibition. We will stay in the heart of Moscow at the five-star Hotel National, a luxurious establishment first opened in 1903.
FITNESS / PRACTICALITIES: Please note that we will have a full itinerary and will be exploring the city on foot, so a good level of fitness is required for this tour.
ITINERARY Day 1 Depart London Heathrow 1040 on Aeroflot, arriving Moscow 1740. Transfer to Hotel National, Moscow, for six nights. Evening introductory lecture: The History & Urban Development of Moscow. Day 2 Morning: Kremlin (Armoury and cathedrals). Afternoon: exploration of Red Square with visit to St Basil’s Cathedral, Kitaygorod district with Church of the Trinity in Nikitniki (exterior). Day 3 Orthodox Christmas Day Monasteries of Moscow: Krutitskoe Podvorye Estate, Novospassky (including Christmas Day liturgy), Spaso-Andronikov (Andrei Rublev icon museum), Old Believers’ settlement at Rogozhsky Poselok, Pokrovsky Monastery (relics of St Matrona). Day 4 Coach tour of Moscow including Novodevichy (‘New Maidens’) Convent, Sparrows’ Hill, Leo Tolstoy House-Museum and Church of St Nicholas in Khamovniki. Afternoon: Pokrovskaya Church, Fili and exhibition of ice sculptures on Poklonnaya Hill. Evening lecture: Russian Art at the Tretyakov Gallery. Day 5 Historical Zamoskvorechye district (Church of St Gregory Neocaesarea, Marfo-Mariinsky Convent) followed by Tretyakov Gallery. Afternoon: Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts (largest museum of European art in Moscow with archaeological collection including ‘Priam’s Treasure’) and Cathedral of Christ the Saviour (tallest Orthodox Christian church in the world). Free evening.
Day 6 Morning: Kolomenskoye Historical and Architectural Museum followed by sleigh ride and visits to House of Peter the Great and Church of Our Lady of Kazan. Afternoon monastery visits: Danilov (headquarters of the Russian Orthodox Church) and Donskoy. Day 7 Excursion by coach to Sergiev Posad (ancient Golden Ring town, site of the UNESCO-listed Trinity-Sergius Lavra Monastery). Depart Moscow 1950, arriving Heathrow 2105.
Cost of £2395 includes: return airfare, accommodation based on sharing an inner view studio twin or double bedded room, breakfast, two lunches, five dinners with water & coffee, excursions & admissions, gratuities. Not included: visa, travel insurance, double room for single use supplement £295. TOUR CODE: OCMO20 BOOK NOW: 01223 841055 sales@aceculturaltours.co.uk
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Germany
A RT T REASU RES O F D RESD EN FEBRUARY 3–7, 2020
• Visit the city described as the
‘jewel box’ of Germany, discovering its wealth of cultural riches, from magnificent collections of porcelain to Old Master paintings Discover the treasures of the Historic Green Vault located at Dresden’s Royal Palace Enjoy an excursion to Meissen, a medieval medley of red-tiled roofs and stucco architecture, and go behind the scenes at the celebrated porcelain factory
•
“T
here are unbelievable treasures of all kinds in this beautiful place,” wrote Goethe of Dresden, where the magnificent Baroque dome of the reconsecrated Frauenkirche, in which Bach and Wagner once performed, vies with Augustus the Strong’s Zwinger Palace as the city’s dominant landmark. Dresden’s Royal Palace, the former seat of the Saxon government, hosts the fabulous Green Vault treasure chamber. The gilded and mirrored Baroque chambers of the Historic Green Vault reveal items collected by Augustus the Strong between 1723 and 1730, including his exquisite ceremonial jewellery. The Zwinger is a vast complex of formal gardens, ornate fountains and grand pavilions. It is home to the Porcelain Room, which, flooded with natural light, displays the Dresden porcelain collection. We will also visit the Old Masters Picture Gallery, with works by Raphael (notably his Sistine Madonna), Botticelli, Velázquez, Dürer, Vermeer and Rembrandt. Meissen, a medieval hotch-potch of red-tiled roofs and stucco architecture, is Saxony’s oldest town. It was once home to the alchemist Johann Friedrich Böttger, who discovered the formula for creating white porcelain in 1708. Here
Dresden Porcelain Collection
This tour will be led by Lars Tharp, MA, FSA, an art historian, lecturer and broadcaster who is well known for his work on the BBC’s Antiques Roadshow. Lars is a ceramics specialist who has curated or overseen exhibitions at York Art Gallery and London’s Foundling Museum. He is the author of several works including Hogarth’s China, and has led tours to Dresden, Copenhagen and China.
we will tour the Gothic cathedral and visit the celebrated porcelain factory for a demonstration of the manufacturing processes and an opportunity to view an exhibition of their wares. Further highlights of our tour will include a guided visit to Charlottenburg
FITNESS / PRACTICALITIES: Please note that this tour requires a good level of fitness, as some visits will be made on foot. Lifts are not always available at sites so participants must feel comfortable using stairs. Our visit to Meissen will involve navigating steep steps and cobbles that can be particularly challenging if wet.
ITINERARY Day 1 Depart London Heathrow 0855, arriving Berlin 1145. Transfer by coach to Dresden for four nights at Hyperion Dresden am Schloss. Afternoon visit to Royal Palace (New Green Vault and Historic Green Vault).
“We couldn’t have had a better guide – informative, interesting and witty”
Day 2 Excursion to Meissen for visits to Albrechtsburg (castle), citadel cathedral and modern Meissen Factory (demonstration of manufacturing process, exhibition of wares and Meissen shop). Free evening.
“Lars is hugely knowledgeable and informative. His guided tour of the Zwinger was a masterclass.”
Day 3 Morning lecture followed by visit to Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister (Old Master paintings). Afternoon: Jagdschloss Graupa (Wagner Experience).
– ACE customers on previous Art Treasures of Dresden tours
Day 4 Morning: Zwinger Porcelain Museum (located in the Zwinger Palace). Afternoon: visit to Panometer followed by walking tour including Frauenkirche (exterior).
aceculturaltours.co.uk | 01223 841055
Old Palace with its Porcelain Cabinet. Please note that while we will endeavour to deliver the below itinerary in full, some elements may be subject to confirmation, or may be reordered.
Day 5 Transfer to Berlin with visit en route to Charlottenburg Old Palace (Porcelain Cabinet). Depart Berlin 1940, arriving Heathrow 2035. Cost of £1685 includes: return airfare, accommodation based on sharing a twin or double bedded room, breakfast, one lunch, three dinners with water & coffee, excursions & admissions, gratuities. Not included: travel insurance, double room for single use supplement £150. TOUR CODE: ATDR20 BOOK NOW: 01223 841055 sales@aceculturaltours.co.uk
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ART & ARCHITECTURE
•
France
A RT O N T HE CÔTE D ’AZUR MARCH 2–9, 2020
This tour will be led by Sarah Burles, MA, who studied History of Art at Cambridge before going on to a career in museum and gallery education. This included twelve years at the Fitzwilliam Museum as well as work in other Cambridge museums. Sarah has a passion and enthusiasm for making museums and their collections accessible as well as an interest in the lives of the collectors whose legacies have shaped the museums we see today.
ART & ARCHITECTURE
Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild
• Enjoy the rich art collections of the
Côte d’Azur in the landscape which inspired artists such as Monet and Bonnard Explore museums dedicated to artists including Matisse and Chagall Visit the Musée Renoir, located in the house created by the artist, where he spent the final decade of his life
• •
F
rom the late 19th century onwards, the vivid colours of the Côte d’Azur, not to mention the region’s enchanting architecture and the mildest of climates, captivated a succession of Europe’s leading artists. Monet painted some forty landscapes in Antibes, while Signac built a house in St Tropez, soon to be followed by his fellow ‘Fauves’, Bonnard and Chagall. Renoir was resident in Cagnes from 1907 until his death in 1919, and Picasso spent the last four decades of his life amidst the glorious Mediterranean landscape. During our week in Nice and its environs we will consider the lasting legacy of this panoply of brilliant artists, as well as architectural delights ranging from the Baroque to the Belle Epoque. A number of these artists have museums dedicated to them, amongst which are the Musée Matisse, Musée Renoir and Musée Chagall. The latter is home to the twelve
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great paintings that make up the Biblical Message, whilst the Musée Renoir offers an opportunity to visit the house of this great artist, a few months after the centenary of his death on December 3, 2019. Home to several paintings by the artist, the house also boasts beautiful views. The great strengths of the Musée de l’Annonciade in St Tropez are Signac and the neo-Impressionists, Bonnard and the Nabis, and Matisse and the Fauves. Meanwhile, above the walled village of St Paul de Vence (itself crowned by Rodin’s
Thinker) lies the Fondation Maeght, its pine-wooded grounds adorned with work by Giacometti, Calder and Miró. The foundation possesses one of Europe’s most important collections of 20th century painting, drawing and sculpture: Bonnard, Braque, Chagall and Léger are all represented. We will stay throughout at the characterful Hotel Grimaldi, conveniently located in Nice. Please note that while we will endeavour to deliver the below itinerary in full, some details may be subject to change.
FITNESS / PRACTICALITIES: A good level of fitness is required for this tour, as some visits will be made on foot and by boat. There is a steep walk from the square in Villefranchesur-Mer to the Cocteau church, which takes approximately 15 minutes.
ITINERARY Day 1 Depart London Heathrow 1155 on British Airways, arriving Nice 1505. Continue to Hotel Grimaldi for seven nights. Day 2 Morning lecture: The French Riviera: Art, Love & Life followed by walking tour of Nice. Afternoon: Musée des Beaux-Arts (Old Masters) and Musée d’Art Moderne et d’Art Contemporain. Day 3 Morning lecture: Matisse, Chagall & the Côte d’Azur followed by Musée Renoir. Afternoon: Musée Matisse and Musée Chagall (Biblical Message). Free evening. Day 4 Morning: Fondation Maeght (20th century art including Miró, Chagall, Matisse and Léger) and walk down the medieval Chemin Sainte-Claire to St Paul de Vence. Afternoon: Matisse’s celebrated Chapelle du Rosaire. Day 5 Menton: Salle des Mariages and Musée du Bastion. Afternoon: Eileen Gray House E1027 (icon of modernist architecture) and Villefranche-sur-Mer (Cocteau murals in fishermen’s chapel). Day 6 Morning: Musée National Fernand Léger in Biot. Afternoon in Antibes: Musée Picasso followed by Château Vallauris (Picasso collection and chapel). Free evening.
Day 7 By coach to St Tropez (favoured haunt of artists since the 1890s): walking tour of the old port, Musée de l’Annonciade (Bonnard, Malliol, Matisse and Signac) housed in former chapel of Pénitents Blancs. Return by boat and coach to Nice. Day 8 Some free time. Depart Nice 1555, arriving Heathrow 1705.
Cost of £2295 includes: return airfare, accommodation based on sharing a superior twin or double bedded room, breakfast, one lunch, five dinners with wine, water & coffee, excursions & admissions, gratuities. Not included: travel insurance, classic double room for single use supplement £195, superior room for single use supplement £320. TOUR CODE: ARC120 BOOK NOW: 01223 841055 sales@aceculturaltours.co.uk
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Italy
VE N I CE: T H E T R IUM PH O F LI GH T & CO LO UR
Venice at dawn
• Explore mosaics, monasteries and the magnificence of the golden ages of artistic production in Venice Visit the beautiful Ca’ Rezzonico, a museum of 18th century art and furniture housed in a palazzo overlooking the Grand Canal Enjoy a visit by private boat to the island of San Francesco del Deserto for a guided tour of the monastery
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T
his exploration of Venice, one Europe’s richest cultural cities, will take in a wonderful array of works of art and architecture, across palazzi, galleries and churches. Located in the middle of the Venetian Lagoon, the city today bears witness to its unique heritage as a major financial and maritime power in medieval and Renaissance times as the Republic of Venice. Setting our exploration in context, we will begin with a special tour of the chambers of the Doge’s Palace – where the work of the Venetian administration was carried out – offering an insight into the political history of the Republic. The Galleria dell’Accademia, located in the Dorsoduro district, houses the largest single collection of Venetian art, This tour will be led by Tom Abbott, BA, MA, an independent art and architectural historian associated with the Foundation of Prussian Palaces and Gardens. Tom is a proficient lecturer and tour leader, with extensive experience directing cultural and art tours in Europe including in Italy. His expertise ranges from the medieval to the modern, and he is particularly fascinated with the Baroque and Rococo.
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and offers an opportunity to view a range of paintings showcasing the Venetian masters’ accomplished use of colour. Whilst the concept of ‘disegno’ underpinned the Florentines’ approach to art during the Renaissance, in Venice, ‘colore’ was key. This involved not only the choice of colours themselves, but also their mode of application by layering and blending. Our exploration of the richness of the Venetian palette will continue as we discover the city’s fine churches. The Scuola Grande di San Rocco contains superb decorative schemes by Tintoretto, a notable member of the Venetian school, and the Scuola di San Giorgio degli Schiavoni is home to an exquisite cycle by Carpaccio, a student of Gentile Bellini.
Amongst other fascinating historical churches on our itinerary are the Church of Santa Maria Assunta, known as ‘I Gesuiti’, with its stunning Baroque interior, and the Gothic Church of Madonna del Orto. We will also enjoy excursions by boat to the islands of Burano, San Francesco del Deserto and Torcello: the latter is home to vivid Byzantine mosaics in the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta. We will stay at the four-star Hotel Ca’ dei Conti. Please note that while we will endeavour to deliver the below itinerary in full, some elements may be subject to confirmation and visits may be reordered. Historical buildings in Italy sometimes undergo restoration at short notice.
FITNESS / PRACTICALITIES: Please note that a good level of fitness is required for this tour, as many of our visits will be made on foot, and will involve navigating steps and bridges. A number of journeys will be made by boat, so participants must feel comfortable on water and when embarking and disembarking from boats, which may be rocking.
ITINERARY Day 1 Depart London Gatwick 0835 on Easyjet, arriving Venice 1155. Transfer by water taxi to Hotel Ca’ dei Conti for six nights. Afternoon visits to Santa Maria Formosa and Fondazione Querini Stampalia. Day 2 Morning walking tour of San Marco area and Piazzetta (ceremonial gateway to Venice) followed by visits to Doge’s Palace and Museo di San Marco (famous bronze horses and Treasury). Afternoon: San Giorgio Maggiore for Palladio church (Tintoretto) followed by visit to San Zaccaria. Evening lecture. Day 3 Morning: Baroque Church of Santa Maria della Salute and Galleria dell’Accademia (largest single collection of Venetian art). Afternoon walking tour beginning at the Arsenale: Museo Storico Navale, Scuola di San Giorgio degli Shiavoni (paintings by Carpaccio), Dominican Church of Saints Giovanni & Paolo (San Zanipolo, fine altarpieces) and Santa Maria dei Miracoli (exquisite early Renaissance church). Evening lecture. Day 4 Morning: Gothic Ca’ d’Oro (Franchetti collection of paintings), Church of Santa Maria Assunta (known as I Gesuiti, with stunning Baroque interior), Gothic Church of Madonna del Orto. Afternoon: old Ghetto, coffee & cake at the Ca’ Sagredo (fully restored palace on the Grand Canal). Free evening. Day 5 Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari (Franciscan church, Titian and Bellini altarpieces), Scuola Grande di San Rocco (Tintoretto).
Afternoon: Scuole Grande dei Carmini (Tiepolo frescoes) and Church of San Sebastiano (Veronese). Day 6 Island of San Francesco del Deserto (guided tour of Franciscan monastery); island of Torcello (Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta with vivid Byzantine mosaics); island of Burano (San Martin Burano and Lace Museum). Evening: private visit to Basilica di San Marco (subject to confirmation). Day 7 Morning: Ca’ Rezzonico (beautiful museum of 18th century Venice). Transfer by water taxi to airport for 1615 flight, arriving Gatwick 1730.
Cost of £2245 includes: return airfare, accommodation based on sharing a twin or double bedded room, breakfast, five dinners with wine, water & coffee, excursions & admissions, gratuities. Not included: travel insurance, double room for single use supplement £310. TOUR CODE: VENI20 BOOK NOW: 01223 841055 sales@aceculturaltours.co.uk
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ART & ARCHITECTURE
MARCH 3–9, 2020
Italy
VA S A R I: FAT HER O F ART HISTO RY MARCH 3–10, 2020
This tour will be led by Alex Koller, PhD, an expert in art history and architecture. Alex has lived and studied in Salzburg, Vienna and Cambridge. In addition to his interest in art history, Alex is a linguist, numbering German, French, Italian and Russian amongst his languages. He has been leading tours since 1998.
Pisa Cathedral
ART & ARCHITECTURE
• Discover the artists of Giorgio
Vasari’s The Lives of the Most Excellent Painters, Sculptors and Architects on this art history tour of Florence Visit Vasari’s birthplace of Arezzo, where he spent the first sixteen years of his life Marvel at the paintings of Masaccio and Botticelli and sculptures by Donatello, Ghiberti and Michelangelo
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G
iorgio Vasari’s (1511–74) modern fame derives from his pioneering contribution to art history, The Lives of the Most Excellent Painters, Sculptors and Architects, first published in Florence in 1550. Vasari moved to Florence as a young boy to study under Michelangelo, and it is in this most beautiful of cities, the cradle of the Renaissance, that we will scrutinise the art and architecture of Tuscany through the analytical eyes of Vasari. Vasari’s writing will be brought to life through the artistic treasures of Florence that include celebrated frescoes by Giotto and Ghirlandaio adorning the city’s churches, and the sculptural masterpieces of Ghiberti, Donatello and Michelangelo. These can be viewed both in their original architectural settings and in great museums like the Bargello and Accademia. Florentine painting is, perhaps, even more stunning, ranging from the devotional masterpieces of Fra Angelico to the pioneering works of Uccello, Masaccio and Botticelli. The Uffizi, designed by Vasari for the Grand Duke of Tuscany, offers a feast of religious and secular painting.
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In Prato, we will examine frescoes by Fra Filippo Lippi, who was closely studied by Vasari, and from Florence we will enjoy a day’s excursion to Arezzo, Vasari’s birthplace. Here, we will explore sites including the Casa Vasari – richly decorated with frescoes, which Vasari painted between 1542 and 1568, the house is a veritable celebration of Mannerist art – and the Church of San Francesco with Piero’s Legend of the True Cross. Our tour concludes with two nights in Pisa, where we will investigate the work of Pisano which, according to Vasari, anticipated Renaissance sculpture. We will stay firstly in historical Florence
at the four-star Grand Hotel Cavour, close to the Piazza Signoria, and with a wonderful rooftop terrace overlooking the Duomo. In Pisa we will stay at the four-star Grand Hotel Duomo, ideally located for our visits. Please note that while we will endeavour to deliver the below itinerary in full, some elements may be subject to confirmation. Historical buildings in Italy sometimes undergo restoration at short notice, and we cannot guarantee the availability of all artworks listed. Please be aware that the Vasari Corridor will be closed for restoration in 2020, and is therefore not included in our itinerary.
FITNESS / PRACTICALITIES: Please note that we have a full itinerary and many of the visits will be made on foot, so a good level of fitness is required for this tour.
ITINERARY Day 1 Depart London Heathrow on British Airways 1100, arriving Pisa 1415. Transfer via Prato (Cathedral with Fra Filippo Lippi frescoes, Santa Maria delle Carceri) to Florence for five nights at Grand Hotel Cavour. Day 2 Morning: Santa Croce (tombs of Michelangelo and Galileo) and Museo Nazionale del Bargello (Michelangelo, Donatello). Afternoon: Duomo (Brunelleschi’s dome and Giotto’s campanile), Baptistery (Ghiberti’s famous bronze doors) and Museo dell’Opera del Duomo (housing Duccio’s Maestà). Day 3 Whole day excursion to Arezzo: Vasari’s Abbey of Santissime Fiora e Lucilla, Museo Statale d’Arte Medievale e Moderna, Casa Vasari (decorated by Vasari), Church of San Francesco (Piero’s Legend of the True Cross), Duomo. Free evening in Florence. Day 4 Morning: Museo delle Cappelle Medicee, San Lorenzo (including sacristies), Laurentian Library, Museo di San Marco (Fra Angelico’s Annunciation). Afternoon: Brunelleschi’s Ospedale degli Innocenti, SS Annunziata, Galleria dell’Accademia (Michelangelo’s David and The Prisoners). Day 5 Morning: SS Trinita, Palazzo Rucellai (exterior only), guild church of Orsanmichele (sculptures by Ghiberti, Donatello and Verrocchio) and Santa Maria Novella. Afternoon: Santa Maria
del Carmine (including Cappella Brancacci with Masaccio’s masterpieces), Santo Spirito. Day 6 Morning: Uffizi Gallery and Casa Vasari. Afternoon: Galleria Palatina in the Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens. Transfer to Pisa for two nights at Grand Hotel Duomo. Day 7 Visits in Pisa: Cathedral (Pisano pulpit), Baptistery and Camposanto (The Triumph of Death frescoes and antique sarcophagi), Vasari’s Piazza dei Cavalieri. Afternoon excursion to San Piero a Grado followed by some free time in Pisa. Day 8 Some free time. Depart Pisa 1515, arriving Heathrow 1640. Cost of £2345 includes: return airfare, accommodation based on sharing a twin or double bedded room, breakfast, one lunch, six dinners with wine, water & coffee, excursions & admissions, gratuities. Not included: travel insurance, double room for single use supplement £375. TOUR CODE: VASA20 BOOK NOW: 01223 841055 sales@aceculturaltours.co.uk
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Italy
R I V I E R A DI L EVANTE: F ROM GENOA TO P ISA MARCH 26 – APRIL 2, 2020
Church of St Peter, Porto Venere
• Travel along the Riviera di Levante
tracing the artistic legacy of the Italian city-states from Genoa to Pisa Visit some of Italy’s most impressive architectural sites including Pisa’s Baptistery and Campo Santo Enjoy the picturesque towns and villages of the Italian coastline, including Portofino and Porto Venere on the Cinque Terre
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F
or centuries the maritime republics of Italy dominated the Mediterranean. These powerful city-states were fiercely competitive, and our tour will trace the history of their stormy rivalries as we make our way along the enchanting Riviera di Levante (‘coast of the rising sun’), travelling between Genoa and Pisa. Genoa was one of the longest-lived of the maritime republics, its independence lasting until the threshold of the modern era. Today, its historical heart preserves a fascinating labyrinth of medieval lanes and steps, studded with richly decorated churches and palaces, including the magnificent Cathedral of San Lorenzo. FITNESS / PRACTICALITIES: This tour requires a good level of fitness, as several visits will be made on foot and by boat.
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We will travel down the spectacular Ligurian coastline, where picturesque towns cling to hillsides and reside in narrow valleys where the mountains meet the sea. The area of the Cinque Terre is a UNESCO World Heritage site in recognition of its combination of scenic beauty and human endeavour, and we will journey along the coast discovering Portofino and Porto Venere. The republic of Pisa fell to Genoa following the Battle of Meloria in 1284, but not before the city had developed
one of the strongest architectural styles in Italy. Our visit here will explore the strong influence of classicism combined with medieval models, which culminated in the magnificent complex of the Piazza dei Miracoli surrounding the cathedral. Splendid works of art, such as the intricate Pisano pulpit, adorn these buildings. We will stay in Santa Margherita Ligure at the Hotel Continental overlooking the Gulf of Tigullio; in Porto Venere at the Hotel Paradiso; and in Pisa at the Hotel Bologna, a short walk from the historical centre. Please note that this tour departs from London Gatwick airport and returns to London Heathrow airport. While we will endeavour to deliver the below itinerary, some elements may be subject to confirmation and some may be dependent on local weather conditions.
ITINERARY Day 1 Depart London Gawick 0730 on British Airways, arriving Genoa 1030. Transfer to Santa Margherita Ligure for four nights at Hotel Continental. Evening introductory lecture. Day 2 Genoa: cathedral, old port, National Gallery of Palazzo Spinola, Palazzo San Giorgio, Santa Maria di Castello, Church of Gesù, Palazzo Ducale (exterior). Day 3 Morning: former abbey of La Cervara (beautiful Renaissance Italian-style gardens) followed by Portofino. By boat to San Fruttuoso (abbey founded in the 10th century – weather permitting). Evening lecture. Day 4 Excursions to Chiavari (12th century planned town founded by Genoese Republic) and the Basilica dei Fieschi (fine Romanesque-Gothic church erected by this important Genoese family). Afternoon: walking tour of Santa Margherita Ligure. Free evening. Day 5 By train to Monterosso al Mare with time to visit the town. Transfer by boat along the Cinque Terre to Porto Venere: Gothic Church of St Peter and Romanesque Church of St Lawrence (erected in 1098 by the Genoese) followed by some free time. Overnight stay at Hotel Paradiso.
Day 6 Morning: fortress town of Sarzana (cathedral) and ruined Roman city of Luna (Archaeological Museum). Continue via Carrara and Fantiscritti (Museo Walter Danesi) to Pisa for two nights at Hotel Bologna. Day 7 Pisa: Campo Santo, baptistery and cathedral. Some free time. Day 8 Depart Pisa 1515, arriving London Heathrow 1640.
Cost of £2295 includes: return airfare, accommodation based on sharing a twin or double bedded room, breakfast, six dinners with wine, water & coffee, excursions & admissions, gratuities. Not included: travel insurance, double room for single use supplement £275. TOUR CODE: RIVI20 BOOK NOW: 01223 841055 sales@aceculturaltours.co.uk
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This tour will be led by Christopher Wellington, MA, a graduate in history from Cambridge University. Christopher’s specialisms range from history and the Church through to the art and architecture of the Middle Ages. He has spent most of his career working in Italy, where he lives with his family in Piacenza, and is informed on the many aspects of Italian life and the ways in which they connect with the country’s history and art.
United Kingdom
Tate Liverpool and Royal Albert Dock
ART & ARCHITECTURE
A RT C O L L ECT IONS O F LIVERP O O L MARCH 23–26, 2020
• Discover rich art collections in and around UNESCO-listed Liverpool, from the
holdings of the Walker Art Gallery to Antony Gormley’s coastal sculptures Explore the outstanding collection of Pre-Raphaelite paintings and decorative arts at the Lady Lever Art Gallery Visit Knowsley Hall, historic seat of the Earls of Derby
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O
ver recent years, Liverpool has undergone a cultural renaissance: its majestic waterfront architecture has been awarded UNESCO World Heritage status, and the city is still basking in its success as European Capital of Culture. Throughout the centuries, Liverpool has benefitted from substantial artistic patronage, and is now home to a wealth of works by the Pre-Raphaelites. The Walker Art Gallery, opened in 1877, is known as the National Gallery of the North, and contains a magnificent collection of Old Master and Pre-Raphaelite works, which we will explore in depth on a guided visit. The Lady Lever Art Gallery in Port Sunlight was a gift from the first Viscount Leverhulme in 1922 to his soap factory employees, and contains the country’s largest collection of Pre-Raphaelite
FITNESS / PRACTICALITIES: This is not a demanding tour, but participants must be comfortable with some walking, as well as periods of standing in galleries and navigating steps.
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This tour will be led by Stella Lyons, BA, MA, a freelance art history lecturer and speaker accredited with the Arts Society. Stella lectures regularly throughout the UK, Europe and in Asia. Her particular interests include 19th century British art, American figurative artists from the 20th century, and Renaissance Italian art, having spent a year studying at the British Institute in Florence and in Venice. Stella will be joined by Elizabeth Newell, a registered guide for Merseyside and the North West and experienced Arts Society lecturer, for our cathedral visits on day 1 and a guest lecture on day 3. paintings, as well as an exquisite collection of 18th century English furniture and decorative Wedgwood. Modern and contemporary art will also feature on our tour, with an excursion to see Sir Antony Gormley’s remarkable series of 100 cast-iron figures on Crosby beach, and a visit to Tate Liverpool, located on Albert Dock. Opened in 1846, this historical waterfront was once a treasure house of precious cargoes from all over the world, and today it is home to a number of museums.
We will also make a special visit to one of Merseyside’s hidden treasures: the stately home of Knowsley Hall. Historic seat of the Earls of Derby, the Hall is not frequently open to the public, and boasts extremely fine Jacobean, Baroque and Victorian interiors. We will stay throughout at the fourstar Crowne Plaza Liverpool City Centre, located on the city’s waterfront.
ITINERARY Day 1 Tour assembles 1345 at Crowne Plaza Liverpool City Centre Hotel for three nights. Afternoon: Metropolitan Cathedral (Lutyens Crypt) and Liverpool Cathedral (Sir Giles Gilbert Scott). Evening introductory lecture. Day 2 Morning: Knowsley Hall (seat of the Earls of Derby), Ullet Road Unitarian Church (William Morris stained glass). Afternoon: Albert Dock and Tate Liverpool. Evening lecture. Day 3 Morning: Crosby beach (Sir Antony Gormley’s Another Place) followed by Port Sunlight Village and Lady Lever Art Gallery. Afternoon: Speke Hall (Tudor manor house with Arts & Crafts aesthetics). Evening guest lecture. Day 4 Morning: Walker Art Gallery. Tour disperses 1230. Cost of £965 includes: accommodation based on sharing a twin or double bedded room, breakfast, dinner with water & coffee, excursions & admissions, gratuities. Not included: travel insurance, double room for single use supplement £140. TOUR CODE: LVPL20 BOOK NOW: 01223 841055 sales@aceculturaltours.co.uk
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Russia
A RT T REASU RES O F ST P ETER SB UR G MARCH 23–30, 2020
• Enjoy extended visits to the world’s
largest collection of paintings at the Hermitage Museum – including a visit to the holdings of the State Depository Follow in the footsteps of the protagonists of Tolstoy’s War and Peace with visits to the aristocratic Catherine Palace and Yusupov Palace View the wealth of 18th century architecture, from Tsar Peter the Great’s modest log cabin to palaces
• •
State Hermitage Museum
“Andrew Spira was such an illuminating lecturer – he has such a way of making connections and making you think about works you know well in a totally different way” “This was an outstanding tour for culture and history” – ACE customers on 2019 Art Treasures of St Petersburg tour
Elizabeth by Rastrelli before being remodelled for Catherine the Great by Charles Cameron. Cameron also worked on Pavlovsk, just a few miles away, with its English Park and Temple of Friendship.
Back in St Petersburg we will inspect the log cabin where Peter the Great lived whilst planning his embryonic capital, and the fortress where he is buried alongside his imperial successors. We will stay throughout at the centrally located Hotel Angleterre, a short walk from the State Hermitage Museum.
FITNESS / PRACTICALITIES: Participants will require a good level of fitness for this tour. Please note that it may be snowy and therefore slippery underfoot. Most of the walking will be on level or slightly hilly ground.
ITINERARY
Catherine Palace
This tour will be led by art historian Andrew Spira, MA, who studied at the Courtauld Institute of Art and City University, London. For several years he was a specialist in Byzantine and Russian icons at the Temple Gallery, London, before working as a curator at the Victoria & Albert Museum. Andrew was subsequently Programme Director at Christie’s Education, and has been leading tours to cultural sites in Russia, Armenia, Georgia and all across Europe for over 20 years.
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Day 1 Depart London Heathrow 0920 on British Airways, arriving St Petersburg 1540. Transfer to Hotel Angleterre for seven nights.
Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, Picasso and Matisse collections in the General Staff Headquarters. Free evening.
Day 2 Morning lecture: Icons & the Sacred Art of Russia followed by orientation tour (St Nicholas’s Cathedral, Strelka, Peter & Paul Fortress and Nevsky Prospekt). Afternoon: Kazan Cathedral (exterior only) and Fabergé Museum.
Day 7 Morning: Menshikov Palace and Kunstkammer (Museum of Anthropology & Ethnology, founded by Peter the Great and housing a collection of curiosities). Afternoon: Yusupov Palace.
Day 3 Morning lecture: Russian Avant-Garde Art & the Revolution followed by first visit to the Hermitage: Gold Room, Italian paintings from Simone Martini to Bernardo Bellotto. Free evening. Day 4 Whole day excursion to two of the summer palaces: Catherine’s Palace and Pavlovsk (with its English Park). Return to St Petersburg via Chesma Church. Day 5 Morning lecture: Russia & the West followed by State Russian Museum (world-class collection of art housed in Mikhailovsky Palace). Afternoon: Log Cabin of Peter the Great and Depository of the State Hermitage Collection. Day 6 Whole day second visit to the Hermitage: Dutch and Flemish paintings from Robert Campin to Rembrandt followed by the
Day 8 Morning visit (to be confirmed). Depart St Petersburg 1645, arriving Heathrow 1725. Cost of £2675 includes: return airfare, accommodation based on sharing a twin or double bedded room, breakfast, four lunches, five dinners with water & coffee, excursions & admissions, gratuities. Not included: visa, travel insurance, double room for single use supplement £275. TOUR CODE: ATSP20 BOOK NOW: 01223 841055 sales@aceculturaltours.co.uk
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S
eemingly impervious to the ravages of time, siege and communist levelling, St Petersburg retains much of its pre-revolutionary magnificence. The focal point of our tour will be that museum without compare, the Hermitage, occupying six stately buildings on the banks of the River Neva. As well as reviewing the Hermitage’s unsurpassed collections of Old Master and 20th century canvases, we will venture deep inside the museum’s storage chambers, where we will admire a wealth of rarely-seen treasures, ranging from imperial wardrobes to regal carriages. A number of delights awaits us outside St Petersburg. Just south of the city lies Tsarskoe Selo (Pushkin), where the Catherine Palace was transformed into a Baroque masterpiece for the Empress
France
RO U S SIL L ON MARCH 30 – APRIL 6, 2020 • OCTOBER 5–12, 2020 The Bay of Collioure
ART & ARCHITECTURE
• Explore the varied cultural history of • •
Roussillon Enjoy an excursion to Catalonia to visit the Romanesque monastery of Sant Pere de Rodes and the fishing village of Cadaqués Discover Romanesque architecture and sculpture at Elne, a pre-Roman Iberian citadel, and at St Michel de Cuxa
Sant Pere de Rodes
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R
oussillon, bordered by the Pyrenees and the Mediterranean, is regarded as one of the most picturesque regions of southern France. Often known as French Catalonia, Roussillon overflows with Romanesque architecture and sculpture. In the 20th century, a legion of artists, inspired by the mountains and sea, colonised the former principality: the charming harbour of Collioure was painted by Derain, Braque, Othon Friesz and
This tour will be led by Cathy Oakes, PhD, FSA, an Associate Professor in Art History at Oxford University and a Fellow of Kellogg College. Cathy’s particular interests are the English and French Middle Ages, and she has led a number of tours exploring Romanesque and Gothic art and architecture, as well as published on the subject in books and journals. Matisse, whilst Céret, an old plane-shaded provincial town, became known as the ‘Barbizon of Cubism’. Our itinerary will scrutinise every aspect of Roussillon’s diverse history, from Cadaqués, where the Pyrenees dive into the Mediterranean, to the ancient Catalan
FITNESS / PRACTICALITIES: This tour involves a significant amount of walking on cobbled and uneven surfaces. Because of the age of many of the buildings, steps can be of differing sizes and depths. Lifts are not available at many of the sites, nor at the hotel. Participants must therefore have a good level of mobility.
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Palace of the Kings of Majorca
town of Perpignan, with its monumental Palace of the Kings of Majorca. We will explore sculpture by artists ranging from the 12th century Master of Cabestany to Aristide Maillol, a native of the region who died in 1944, and paintings from the strangely Modernist Romanesque murals now housed at Ille-sur-Têt to the outrageously theatrical work of Salvador Dalí. This is located at his purpose-built museum in Figueres. We will also explore
the remarkable collection at the recently re-opened Musée Hyacinthe Rigaud in Perpignan. Our excursions into the Pyrenees will take us into the enthralling Valley of the Tech. Having crossed into Spain, we will stop to admire the beautifully restored stone-built town of Besalú with its complex fortified bridge. Indeed, the fortress architecture of this frontier zone, studded with 17th century strongholds, is one
of the region’s most fascinating aspects. Forteresse de Salses, keeping watch over the border with Spain, is a masterpiece of 15th century military architecture. We will stay on the Mediterranean just outside the fishing port of Port Vendres, once home to Charles Rennie Mackintosh, at the comfortable Hotel Les Jardins du Cèdre. The terrace enjoys panoramic views overlooking the sea, and the hotel is particularly noted for its restaurant.
ITINERARY Day 1 Depart London Heathrow 1400, arriving Toulouse 1650. Transfer to Port Vendres for seven nights at Hotel Les Jardins du Cèdre. Day 2 Introductory lecture followed by excursion to Collioure: harbour and Church of Notre Dame des Anges. Continue to Elne (pre-Roman Iberian citadel of Ilíberis). Day 3 Whole day excursion into the Pyrenees along Valley of the Tech: Arles-sur-Tech (Church of St Marie) and St Joan de les Abadesses. Continue to Ripoll (Abbey Church of Santa Maria) followed by stone-built town of Besalú in Spain, returning to France via border town of Le Perthus (exterior view of Fort de Bellegarde). Day 4 Whole day excursion to Catalonia: Sant Pere de Rodes (superb Romanesque monastery), Cadaqués (picturesque fishing village) and Figueres (Dalí Museum).
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Day 5 Morning: Serrabone Priory, continue to Prades for Abbey of St Michel de Cuxà (10th century Romanesque church). Afternoon: Villefranche-de-Conflent (fortified town with Church of St Jacques) and Ille-sur-Têt (sacred art museum) Day 6 Morning: St Genís des Fontaines (Romanesque sculptures) and Céret (provincial town frequented by turn of the century artists) for the Musée d’Art Moderne (Picasso). Afternoon in Perpignan: Palace of the Kings of Majorca, Hotel de Ville (Maillol sculpture) and Cathedral of St Jean. Day 7 Morning: Maître de Cabestany Museum. Afternoon: Hyacinthe Riguad Museum followed by Forteresse de Salses (huge complex built to withstand early artillery).
Day 8 Transfer to Toulouse (Basilica of St Sernin – time permitting). Depart Toulouse 1730, arriving Heathrow 1820. Cost of £2095 includes: return airfare, accommodation based on sharing a twin or double bedded room, breakfast, dinner with wine, water & coffee, excursions & admissions, gratuities. Not included: travel insurance, double room for single use supplement £275. TOUR CODE: ROU120 / ROU220 BOOK NOW: 01223 841055 sales@aceculturaltours.co.uk
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France
Germany
A RT I N BERL IN MARCH 30 – APRIL 5, 2020
This tour will be led by Tom Abbott, BA, MA, an independent art and architectural historian who has lived in Berlin for over twenty years. A proficient lecturer and tour leader, he has extensive experience running tours in Germany for groups including the Arts Society. His expertise ranges from the Baroque and Rococo, to German Romantic painting, landscape gardens, musical heritage and modern German history.
ART & ARCHITECTURE
Nationalgalerie
• Discover Berlin’s rich art collections
and historical architecture Enjoy an extended visit exploring the collections of the Gemäldegalerie, part of the Kulturforum, comprising works of art from a range of time periods Visit the royal hunting lodge in the Grunewald – Berlin’s oldest existing palace building
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erlin, once variously known as the ‘Athens of the North’ and the ‘Sparta of the North’, is rightly famed for the wealth of its art collections. These range from the Alte Nationalgalerie’s memorable array of nineteenth century German painting and sculpture, to the Gemäldegalerie’s absorbing assembly of thirteenth to eighteenth century paintings, and the more intimate Käthe Kollwitz Museum, the tranquil setting for a series of poignant drawings and sculptures by one of Berlin’s most gifted daughters. The Berggruen Collection, housed in magnificent buildings commissioned by King Wilhelm IV, houses riveting works by Picasso, Matisse and Giacometti. The Bode Museum, the ‘moated castle’ on the River Spree, proudly accommodates the world’s largest collection of ancient sculpture, with exhibits dating from the early Middle Ages
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to the late eighteenth century, whilst the Pergamon Museum presents a range of ancient treasures. On an excursion into the Grunewald Forest, we will discover Berlin’s oldest remaining palace. Commissioned in 1542 and idyllically situated on the banks of Lake Grunewald, the Jagdschloss was remodelled in a Baroque style in the eighteenth century and today houses paintings by Cranach.
We will also explore Berlin’s architectural and historical highlights during a tour taking in Potsdamer Platz, the Government Quarter around the Reichstag, and the Alexanderplatz, including the Fernsehturm and the Stalinist architecture of former East Berlin. We will stay throughout at the threestar Hotel Albrechtshof, situated near the River Spree in the heart of Berlin’s theatre district. Please note while we will endeavour to deliver the below itinerary in full, some elements may be subject to confirmation.
FITNESS / PRACTICALITIES: This tour will require a good level of fitness, as some visits will be made on foot. We will visit the dome and rooftop at the Reichstag, so participants must feel comfortable at height.
ITINERARY Day 1 Depart London Heathrow 1010 on British Airways, arriving Berlin 1305. Transfer to Hotel Albrechtshof for six nights. Orientation walking tour followed by introductory lecture. Day 2 Tour of Berlin by coach including East Side Gallery, French Quarter and Gendarmenmarkt, Alexanderplatz (including the Fernsehturm and Stalinist architecture of former East Berlin), Unter den Linden, Kreuzberg, Kurfürstendamm, the Embassy district, Potsdamer Platz, and the Government Quarter around the Reichstag. Afternoon ‘Kaffee und Kuchen’ at the Reichstag followed by exploration of the dome and rooftop. Evening lecture. Day 3 Extended visit to the Gemäldegalerie (Italian Old Masters, early German and Flemish painting and 17th century Dutch and Flemish art) followed by optional walking tour of Potsdamer Platz (Sony Centre and Daimler Chrysler Centre) and some free time. Day 4 Morning lecture followed by tour of the Alte Nationalgalerie (19th and 20th century German painting and sculpture). Afternoon: boat trip and visit to the Bode Museum (European sculpture collections). Free evening.
Day 5 Morning: Pergamon Museum and Pergamon Pavilion. Afternoon: further visit on Museum Island. Day 6 Morning excursion to the 16th century Jagdschloss Grunewald (important collection of paintings by Lucas Cranach). Afternoon: Käthe Kollwitz Museum. Day 7 Visits to Schloss Charlottenburg and Berggruen Museum (Picasso, Klee, Matisse and Giacometti). Depart Berlin 1635, arriving Heathrow 1730. Cost of £2045 includes: return airfare, accommodation based on sharing a twin or double bedded room, breakfast, one light lunch, five dinners with water & coffee, excursions & admissions, gratuities. Not included: travel insurance, double room for single use supplement £285. TOUR CODE: ABLN20 BOOK NOW: 01223 841055 sales@aceculturaltours.co.uk
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United Kingdom
GL A S G OW: PAT RONS , ART & INNOVATIO N
Image: Lorna McCampbell. License: (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Mount Stuart House, Isle of Bute
• Follow the work of key figures
including Robert Adam, Alexander ‘Greek’ Thomson and Charles Rennie Mackintosh Take a trip to the Isle of Bute for Mount Stuart, one of the most lavish and individual late Victorian houses in Scotland Enjoy a visit to Dumfries House, a Palladian mansion featuring an outstanding collection of 18th century furniture
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art, architecture, crafts, collectors and increasingly affluent consumers of this great industrial city. We will also take in the beautiful landscape settings of some of the grand houses of the Scottish aristocracy. Highlights within Glasgow range from the modern Riverside Museum, designed by Zaha Hadid, to the splendid and littleknown neoclassical interiors of Holmwood House. Outside the city, Dumfries House, rescued from sale and the dispersal of its contents through the intervention of HRH The Prince of Wales, is a little-altered gem
FITNESS / PRACTICALITIES: This tour will involve some walking but this will be taken at a relaxed pace. Please note that our visit to Mount Stuart on the Isle of Bute will involve travel by ferry. There are steps into some buildings, but generally lifts or ramps are available.
ITINERARY
n recent years, Glasgow has re-emerged as a vibrant cultural city with year-round activity in every area of the arts, while several of the region’s museums and great country houses have benefitted from major conservation programmes. Our focus on this tour will be the 18th to 20th centuries, as we consider the
Day 1 Assemble 1345 at Radisson Blu Hotel, Glasgow, for six nights. Gentle orientation walk followed by tea and cake at the ‘Mackintosh at the Willow’ tea rooms. Evening lecture: Glasgow’s History in Architecture.
This tour will be led by art historian Evelyn Silber, MA, PhD, FMA, FSA, formerly Director of the Hunterian Museum and Chair of the Mackintosh Society. Evelyn studied at Cambridge before becoming curator at Birmingham Museums and Art Galleries, and Director of Leeds Museums and Galleries. She has been based in Scotland for some years, and currently works on the conservation, presentation and marketing of Scottish heritage.
Day 3 Whole day excursion to Dumfries House (18th century house with unrivalled collection of Chippendale furniture) for guided tour and free time.
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designed by Robert Adam and home to Chippendale furniture made specifically for the house. Mount Stuart, which we will visit on an excursion to the Isle of Bute, was built for the vastly wealthy 3rd Marquess of Bute, who also counted Dumfries House amongst his numerous properties. The interiors at Mount Stuart reflect the Marquess’s own distinctive taste and the influence of his friend, the architect William Burges, and embody the wonderful craftsmanship of Welsh workshops. Further highlights of our tour will include a visit to the Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum, and tea at the beautifully restored ‘Mackintosh at the Willow’ tearooms. We will stay throughout at the four-star Radisson Blu Hotel, situated in the city centre. Please note that while we will endeavour to deliver the below itinerary in full, some elements may be subject to confirmation.
Day 2 Morning: Riverside Museum (exhibits of late 19th and 20th century industrial and social history, in a striking building designed by Zaha Hadid). Afternoon: Mackintosh Queen’s Cross (Mackintosh’s only church) and Tenement House. Evening lecture: Art in Glasgow around 1900.
Day 4 Morning: Hill House (Mackintosh’s finest domestic work, undergoing innovative renovation work). Afternoon: Hunterian Art Gallery and Mackintosh House (subject to confirmation). Free evening. Day 5 Whole day excursion by coach and ferry to the Isle of Bute for visit to Mount Stuart (guided tour followed by free time to explore the gardens).
Day 6 Morning: some free time followed by visits to Scotland Street School Museum (building designed by Mackintosh) and House for an Art Lover (designed by Mackintosh as an international competition entry for an imaginary patron – visit subject to confirmation). Afternoon: Holmwood House. Day 7 Morning: Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum. Tour disperses c 1230 at hotel.
Cost of £1495 includes: accommodation based on sharing a twin or double bedded room, breakfast, two lunches, five dinners with water & coffee, excursions & admissions, gratuities. Not included: travel insurance, double room for single use supplement £330. TOUR CODE: GLAS20 BOOK NOW: 01223 841055 sales@aceculturaltours.co.uk
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ART & ARCHITECTURE
APRIL 14–20, 2020
Belgium
F LE M I SH PAINT ING: FRO M VAN EYC K TO RU B ENS APRIL 15–19, 2020
• Discover the Flemish Masters in ‘The Year of van Eyck’, including over half of the artist’s known works in a special exhibition at the Museum of Fine Arts, Ghent Visit Bruges, to see the newly refurbished Gruthuusemuseum and works by Memling in the Hospital of St John Spend a day in historical Antwerp, where Rubens and van Dyck once worked
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o country – with the exception of Italy – has made such a profound contribution to European art as the land we know today as Belgium. With the development of oil painting in the 15th century onwards, Belgium played an essential role in the evolution of western painting, strongly influencing Italy itself. The ‘golden age’ of Flemish art began with the brothers Hubert and Jan van Eyck. 2020 sees a special commemorative year in Belgium celebrating the work of the latter, and we look forward to seeing a “once-in-alifetime” new exhibition at the Museum of Fine Arts, Ghent, dedicated to the life and work of van Eyck. Flemish painting continued to flourish thanks to Hans Memling in Bruges, Rogier van der Weyden in Brussels, and Hugo van der Goes in Ghent. Flemish Mannerist architects spread Renaissance ideas throughout northern Europe, and in van Dyck and Rubens we have two of the most formidable of all Baroque artists. The first stop on our tour will be Bruges, where we will enjoy a visit to the Gruthuusemuseum, a luxurious city palace housing a multitude of artistic treasures celebrating the glories of the Burgundian age. The museum reopened in 2019 after a major refurbishment.
This tour will be led by Rupert Dickens, MA, an art historian specialising in Dutch and Flemish art. Rupert studied art history at Birkbeck, University of London, before gaining a Masters degree in Dutch Golden Age Studies at UCL. Previously a BBC television and radio journalist for more than 20 years, Rupert is now a guide lecturer at the Wallace Collection. He has been visiting and working in the Netherlands and Belgium since the 1980s. Rupert is particularly looking forward to introducing another ACE group to the works of the Flemish Masters in 2020: “The exhibition at the Museum of Fine Arts, Ghent, will be particularly exciting as it includes many van Eyck loans from around the world.”
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We also look forward to visiting the Groeningemuseum, host to an enviable collection of van Eyck and van der Weyden, and the setting for Hieronymous Bosch’s Last Judgment, as well as the Memling Museum, housed in one of Europe’s oldest medieval hospitals. We will also pay homage to Michelangelo’s marble Madonna and Child in the Gothic Church of Our Lady. In Antwerp, the great commercial port on the Scheldt, we will feel Rubens’s presence in his palatial house and studio, and explore the Mayer van den Bergh Museum, home to a collection of northern Renaissance art assembled during the 19th century, including paintings by Pieter Bruegel the Elder such as The Dulle Griet or ‘Mad Meg’. We will stay throughout in the centre of Ghent at the four-star NH Gent Belfort, opposite the town hall. Please note that while we will endeavour to deliver the below itinerary in full, some elements may be subject to confirmation, and we cannot guarantee the availability of all artworks mentioned.
The Elevation of the Cross by Peter Paul Rubens
FITNESS / PRACTICALITIES: Please note that this tour involves a fair amount of walking, including over cobbled streets.
ITINERARY Day 1 Depart London St Pancras 1058 on Eurostar, arriving Brussels 1405. Continue to Ghent for four nights at NH Gent Belfort. Evening lecture: Art in Bruges from Jan van Eyck to Hans Memling. Day 2 Whole day excursion to Bruges: Gruthuusemuseum (recently refurbished), Groeningemuseum (works by van Eyck, Rogier van der Weyden, Hieronymus Bosch, Memling, and special exhibition Jan van Eyck in Bruges), Church of Our Lady, Hospital of St John (Memling Museum, including special exhibition APOCALYPSE NOW: Hans Memling in Contemporary Art). Day 3 Visits in Ghent: Cathedral of St Bavo and Museum of Fine Arts (including Optical Illusions exhibition featuring outer panels of van Eyck’s Adoration of the Mystic Lamb). Evening lecture: Peter Paul Rubens & his Antwerp Studio. Day 4 Whole day excursion to Antwerp: Gothic Cathedral of Our Lady (Rubens altarpieces), Mayer van den Bergh’s Museum (Flemish primitives, major collection of late Gothic sculpture and Pieter Bruegel the Elder’s painting The Dulle Griet or ‘Mad Meg’), Rubens’s House.
Day 5 Morning lecture: Pieter Bruegel the Elder: Peasant or Scholar? followed by departure to Brussels for Musée d’Art Ancien (15th-18th century Belgian painting) and some free time. Depart Brussels 1656, arriving St Pancras 1803.
Cost of £1495 includes: return travel, accommodation based on sharing a twin or double bedded room, breakfast, dinner with water & coffee, excursions & admissions, gratuities. Not included: travel insurance, double room for single use supplement £240. TOUR CODE: FLMP20 BOOK NOW: 01223 841055 sales@aceculturaltours.co.uk
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France
T H E DORDOGNE APRIL 20–27, 2020
• View exceptional works of art
preserved on the walls of the Pech Merle cave, featuring images of mammoths, bison and horses Enjoy a guided tour of the Lascaux caves, viewing reproductions of famous prehistoric paintings Discover the bastide towns of Monpazier and Domme
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Gabares on the Dordogne at La Roque-Gageac
This tour will be led by Juliet Heslewood, MA, and Moira Tait, MA, FRAS. Juliet is an author and art historian who lived in the Dordogne area for over 30 years. Moira studied archaeology in London focusing on the Paleolithic and Mesolithic in Europe, with a particular interest in cave art.
early tools made from carved antler and bone, is a further treasure trove of Ice Age artefacts. We will stay throughout at the elegant four-star Plaza Madeleine Hotel, which is located in the historical town of Sarlat,
Day 1 Depart London Heathrow 1400 on British Airways, arriving Toulouse 1650. Transfer to Sarlat for seven nights at Plaza Madeleine Hotel.
Day 7 Cénac (Romanesque church), bastide town of Domme (Prison des Templiers) and historical river port of La Roque Gageac for a scenic boat trip in a replica traditional gabare.
Day 2 Morning lecture: Prehistoric Art – Method & Meaning followed by walking tour of Sarlat. Afternoon: cave of Rouffignac.
Day 8 Morning: Musée de la Préhistoire, Les Eyzies. Depart Toulouse 1730, arriving Heathrow 1820.
Day 3 Morning lecture: French Architecture – From Romanesque to Renaissance followed by caves of Cougnac (prehistoric paintings and stalactites). Afternoon: Soulliac Abbey.
Day 5 Whole day excursion to Les Eyzies: prehistoric site of Abri de Cap Blanc, Grotte du Sorcier, Abri Pataud and Font-de-Gaume (early animal paintings).
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FITNESS / PRACTICALITIES: This tour will require a good level of fitness, and participants should be prepared for walking on uneven surfaces during the cave visits, two of which will require uphill walks of around 15 minutes. Our walking tour of Sarlat will involve approximately 45 minutes’ walking.
ITINERARY
Day 4 Morning: cave of Pech Merle followed by Cahors. Afternoon: short walking tour of Monpazier (bastide town) followed by Cistercian abbey at Cadouin.
Lascaux caves rock painting
known for its warm-coloured stone and attractive streets revealing architectural features from the Romanesque through to the 18th century.
Day 6 Morning: Lascaux caves (reproductions of famous prehistoric paintings). Afternoon: Périgueux (Church of St Etienne – subject to confirmation), Tour de Vésone and Vesunna Gallo-Roman Museum.
Cost of £2595 includes: return airfare, accommodation based on sharing a twin or double bedded room, breakfast, dinner with wine, water & coffee, excursions & admissions, gratuities. Not included: travel insurance, double room for single use supplement £295. TOUR CODE: DORD20 BOOK NOW: 01223 841055 sales@aceculturaltours.co.uk
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ynastic disagreements following the marriage of Henry II to Eleanor of Aquitaine set the scene for almost 100 years of war throughout the Middle Ages, when the Dordogne witnessed much of the fighting between the French and the English. Churches were fortified and more castles were built, often crowning the rocky cliffs that border the river’s valley. Monpazier, established in 1284 by Edward I, is a fine example of a quadrilateral plan bastide town, where the Place des Cornières still preserves a rich assembly of medieval and 17th century houses. Millennia earlier, the many caves dotted across this limestone region were the home of some of the first modern humans. Extraordinary displays of prehistoric art adorn the cave walls, some around 25,000 years old, bearing rare witness to the lives of our ancient forebears. The Vézère valley is a UNESCO World Heritage site, in recognition of its unique wealth of prehistoric sites. We will view the replicas of the famous cave paintings at Lascaux, the discovery of which in 1940 revealed images of humans and animals remarkable for their detail and lifelike qualities. We will also visit the caves of Font-de-Gaume with their friezes depicting bison and reindeer, and the natural cave shelter at Cap Blanc harbouring superb life-size relief sculptures. The museum at Les Eyzies, with its compelling collection of portable art and
Italy
B OL O GNA, M ANTUA & PAR MA APRIL 25 – MAY 1, 2020
This tour will be led by art historian Andrew Spira, MA. Andrew studied at the Courtauld Institute of Art and City University, London. For several years he was a specialist in Byzantine and Russian icons at Temple Gallery, London, before working as a curator at the Victoria & Albert Museum. Andrew was subsequently Programme Director at Christie’s Education. He has been leading tours to cultural sites in Russia, Armenia, Georgia and all across Europe for over 20 years.
Ducal Palace, Mantua
• Experience the artistic highlights of ART & ARCHITECTURE
northern Italy from bases in historical Bologna and Parma, and enjoy a new excursion to the walled town of Sabbioneta View works of art by the Old Masters, including the superb collection of Bolognese paintings in the Pinacoteca Nazionale Explore fascinating churches and cathedrals, including Mantua’s sumptuous Palazzo Te
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his navigation of northern Italy absorbs the artistic splendours of Bologna, Mantua and Parma and includes a special new excursion to the walled Renaissance town of Sabbioneta. Bologna’s architectural icons include the Gothic Basilica di San Petronio, originally intended to dwarf St Peter’s in Rome, and the lavish Basilica di San Domenico, a Renaissance showpiece that preserves the delicately crafted tomb of the eponymous saint. Mantua – which only joined the kingdom of Italy in 1866 – is famed for the Renaissance Palazzo Te, notable for its sumptuous decorations by Giulio Romano, in addition to the Palazzo Ducale, once the stronghold of the Gonzaga family, today home to majestic works by Rubens and Mantegna. Parma’s Romanesque octagonal baptistery is crowned by the sculptures of Benedetto Antelami, whilst the cupola of the 11th century cathedral is acclaimed for its masterful ceiling frescoes by Correggio. In the imposing Palazzo della Pilotta we find the Galleria Nazionale, presenting paintings by Murillo and Parmigianino. Our 2020 tour will also feature a new excursion to Sabbioneta. This walled
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“Andrew Spira was very well informed, and able to pull together the things that we were looking at and demonstrate how artistic trends developed. I couldn’t have wished for better.” – ACE traveller on previous Bologna, Mantua & Parma tour town is a uniquely preserved example of Renaissance town planning, demonstrating how the ideal of rational order became manifest not only in paintings, sculptures and buildings, but in the urban environment itself. Mostly built in the late 16th century, the town has its own Ducal Palace, now the Town Hall, and is home to the Palazzo Giardino, a richly decorated villa. It also features one of only three surviving examples of a Renaissance theatre,
which we will compare with that in Parma, and a rare 19th century synagogue. Our first three nights will be spent at the four-star Art Hotel Commercianti, just a few steps from the Basilica of San Petronio, in a traffic-free area of Bologna’s historical centre. The final three nights of the tour will be spent at the four-star Hotel Mercure Parma Stendhal, located in Parma’s old town. While we will endeavour to deliver the below itinerary in full, historical buildings in northern Italian cities often undergo restoration works, and this may affect some of our visits. We cannot guarantee the availability of all artworks listed. FITNESS / PRACTICALITIES: A good overall level of fitness is required for this tour. Participants should expect to spend much of each day walking, and be aware that some of our visits will involve standing for periods of time.
ITINERARY Day 1 Depart London Heathrow 0950 on British Airways, arriving Bologna 1300. Transfer to Art Hotel Commercianti, Bologna for three nights. Orientation walking tour including visit to Oratory of Santa Maria della Vita. Evening lecture: Medieval Devotion & the Origin of the Renaissance.
Day 6 Whole day excursion to Sabbioneta: synagogue, Palazzo Ducale, Teatro all’Antica, Palazzo Giardino and Galleria degli Antichi. Return to Parma via former Valserena Abbey (Centro Studi e Archivio della Comunicazione dell’Università di Parma).
Day 2 Morning: Pinacoteca Nazionale (Bolognese paintings). Afternoon: Palazzo Poggi, Oratory of Santa Cecilia (fresco cycle by Costa, Francia and Aspertini) and San Giacomo Maggiore.
Day 7 Transfer to Bologna for 1205 departure, arriving Heathrow 1325.
Day 3 Morning: cathedral and Archiginnasio (Anatomical Theatre). Afternoon: San Petronio and San Domenico. Evening lecture: Humanism & Courtly Culture followed by free evening. Day 4 Depart for Parma for three nights at Hotel Mercure Parma Stendhal. Visits in Parma: Palazzo della Pilotta (former palace of Farnese dynasty), Camera di San Paolo, San Giovanni Evangelista (Correggio’s Vision of St John frescoes), cathedral and baptistery. Evening lecture: Art, Theatre & Propaganda. Day 5 Whole day excursion to Mantua: Palazzo Te (Giulio Romano frescoes), Church of San Sebastiano and Civic Museum (Palazzo San Sebastiano), Mantegna’s House and Guilio Romano’s House (exteriors), Basilica di San Andrea, Palazzo Ducale (Mantegna and Pisanello), Camera Picta and Teatro Scientifico del Bibiena.
Cost of £2145 includes: return airfare, accommodation based on sharing a deluxe twin or double bedded room, breakfast, one lunch, five dinners with wine, water & coffee, excursions & admissions, gratuities. Not included: travel insurance, single room supplement £215, double room for single use supplement £355. TOUR CODE: BOLG20 BOOK NOW: 01223 841055 sales@aceculturaltours.co.uk
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United Kingdom
COR N WAL L : ST IVES & THE NEWLYN S CH O O L OF PAINTERS APRIL 27 – MAY 2, 2020
• Discover the works of the Newlyn
School, who were enchanted by Cornwall in the late 19th century Visit Tate St Ives, reopened in 2017 following a four-year refurbishment and extension Enjoy an afternoon at the romantically named and justly famous Lost Gardens of Heligan, rescued after decades of neglect
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he beauty of the countryside, the drama of the sea and the quality of the light attracted a succession of artists to the Cornish fishing towns of St Ives and Newlyn in the late 19th century. The painters (known as the Newlyn School), led by Stanhope Forbes, subscribed to the Impressionist doctrine of painting en plein air, with a particular emphasis on rural scenes and the life of local fishermen. Penlee House Gallery and Museum houses a large collection of paintings by the Newlyn School. In Truro, a predominantly Georgian town, we will visit John Loughborough Pearson’s controversial neo-Gothic cathedral, and tour the Royal Cornwall Museum, home to Cornish paintings by followers of the Newlyn School. This tour will be led by Sarah Burles, MA, who studied History of Art at Cambridge University before going on to a career in museum and gallery education. This included 12 years at the Fitzwilliam Museum as well as work in other Cambridge museums, and Sarah has recently worked on the St Ives artists and their links to Kettle’s Yard. She is looking forward to running this popular ACE tour again in 2020.
St Michael’s Mount
Reopened in 2017 after a £20 million transformation, Tate St Ives hosts a rich collection of modern art in its dramatic seafront galleries, including pottery and stoneware by Bernard Leach and marine paintings by local artist Alfred Wallis. Barbara Hepworth is also represented at Tate St Ives: the tranquil garden that adjoins the house and studio where she lived from 1949 to 1975 provides the perfect setting for her sculptures. By contrast, Pencarrow is an intimate Georgian country house begun by the prosperous banker Sir John Molesworth, who was painted by Sir Joshua Reynolds.
Day 1 Tour assembles 1730 at The Alverton Hotel, Truro, for five nights. Evening lecture.
Hepworth Museum (bronze, stone and wood sculptures, paintings, drawings and archive material).
Day 2 Truro: neo-Gothic cathedral, Royal Cornwall Museum (Cornish art including the Newlyn School), Lost Gardens of Heligan (giant Himalayan rhododendrons, bamboos, ferns, palms).
Day 6 Tour disperses after breakfast.
Day 4 Morning: Newlyn (Cornwall’s largest fishing port) followed by Penzance for Penlee House Gallery and Museum. Afternoon: by ferry from Marazion to St Michael’s Mount (castle with fine collections of period furniture, paintings and portrait miniatures).
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FITNESS / PRACTICALITIES: Please note that this tour requires a good level of fitness, and the visit to St Michael’s Mount involves travel by boat and a steep walk.
ITINERARY
Day 3 Morning: Lanhydrock (19th century stately home with wooded parkland bordering the River Fowey). Afternoon: Pencarrow (Georgian country house, exquisite furniture and carpets).
Heligan Gardens
Further highlights of our tour will include visits to St Michael’s Mount and the 19th century country house at Lanhydrock. We will stay throughout at the four-star Alverton Hotel in Truro, with elegant and comfortable rooms housed in a Grade II listed building.
Day 5 St Ives: Bernard Leach Pottery, Tate St Ives (including works by Patrick Heron, Alfred Wallis and Naum Gabo) and Barbara
Cost of £1325 includes: accommodation based on sharing a twin or double bedded room, breakfast, dinner with water & coffee, excursions & admissions, gratuities. Not included: travel insurance, double room for single use supplement £275, single room supplement £195. TOUR CODE: SINP20 BOOK NOW: 01223 841055 sales@aceculturaltours.co.uk
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Romania
CI TA D EL S OF TRA NSYLVANI A MAY 6–13, 2020
This tour will be led by Alex Koller, PhD, an expert in art history and architecture. Alex has lived and studied in Vienna, Salzburg and Cambridge. In addition to his interest in art history, Alex is a linguist, numbering German, French, Italian and Russian amongst his languages.
ART & ARCHITECTURE
Peleș Castle
• Explore the fortified churches of the
Transylvanian Saxons in Romania Visit the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Câlnic Castle and the threeaisle Biertan fortified church Travel through Sibiu, Cluj-Napoca and Brașov, and take in the wooden churches and gates of the Maramureș region
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he Transylvanian Saxons – a group of German-speaking artisans, farmers and merchants – were first invited to settle in the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains by the Hungarian Crown in the 13th century. In response to raids in the late Middle Ages, fortresses were erected around their churches, and our tour to present-day Romania will feature visits to a handful of these fortified structures. Visits will include the UNESCO World
FITNESS / PRACTICALITIES: This tour requires a good level of fitness, as we have a full itinerary with some early starts, and many days will involve a lot of walking. Please note that the tour will also involve some long coach journeys, including one of over six hours from Baia Mare to Mediaș, with stops en route. There will be an opportunity to climb a fortress tower in Brașov but this will be optional.
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Heritage sites of Prejmer, where the early Gothic Church of the Holy Cross was walled in the 15th century, and Biertan, with its late Gothic complex dating from c 1522. We will investigate the wooden churches of the Maramureș region, characterised by their slim clock towers, and the walled town of Sighișoara. Dominated by a hill overlooking a bend in the River Tirnava, the town is another superb reminder
of the architectural ingenuity of the Transylvanian Saxons. The narrow streets have conserved much of the town’s medieval fabric: not just an impressive citadel and defensive towers but also the houses of the local craftsmen who were responsible for developing Sighișoara’s prosperity. Medieval Brașov was formerly one of Eastern Europe’s most important trading towns and later a source of the Reformation in Translyvania. Sibiu is home to the Brukenthal Palace, the main 18th residence of the Governor of Transylvania, and is noted for its series of interlocking squares and covered passages with an extensive stock of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture. Please note that while we will endeavour to deliver the below itinerary in full, some elements may be subject to confirmation. We will stay at hotels of three and fourstar standard throughout.
ITINERARY Day 1 Depart London Heathrow 1055 on Lufthansa via Munich, arriving Sibiu 1745. Transfer to Sibiu for two nights. Day 2 Morning visits in Sibiu: Upper Town, Huet Square, Lower Town, Bridge of Lies, Goldsmiths’ Square, Brukenthal Palace and Astra Museum. Afternoon excursion to Cisnădie (15th century fortified church) and Cisnădioara (St Michael’s fortress church with 13th century west portal). Day 3 Morning: Miercurea Sibiului (Saxon fortified church), UNESCOlisted Câlnic Castle, and Sebeș for Lutheran Church with Renaissance triptych, Binder House (exterior) and Zápolya House (exterior). Afternoon: Alba Iulia (former Roman camp, huge Baroque fort). Continue to Cluj-Napoca for overnight stay at Hotel Beyfin. Day 4 Morning in Cluj-Napoca: old town, 14th century Church of St Michael, Bánffy Palace (with art museum), birthplace of Hunyadi Mátyás, and Catholic, Calvinist and Unitarian churches. Continue to wooden church of Șurdești, followed by Baia Mare for overnight. Day 5 Visits to wooden churches and gates of the Maramureș region. Continue to Mediaș for overnight. Day 6 Morning: Mediaș (medieval walls and St Margaret’s Church) followed by Valea Viilor (early 16th century fortified church) and Biertan (three-nave church with excellent Gothic west portal). Continue via Sighișoara to Brașov for two nights at Aro Palace Hotel.
Day 7 Morning excursion to Prejmer (founded by the Teutonic Knights in the 13th century, early Gothic fortified church). Return to Brașov for visit to Black Church (famous organ of 4000 pipes and collection of Ottoman carpets) and further exploration of the old town. Day 8 Morning: 19th century Peleș Castle and 17th century Orthodox Monastery of Sinaia. Continue to Bucharest for 1755 flight on British Airways, arriving Heathrow 1925.
Cost of £1875 includes: return airfare, accommodation based on sharing a twin or double bedded room, one lunch, dinner with water & coffee, excursions & admissions, gratuities. Not included: travel insurance, single room supplement £175. TOUR CODE: TRAN20
BOOK NOW: 01223 841055 sales@aceculturaltours.co.uk
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France
J E W E L S OF T HE LO IRE: MED IEVAL & R E N A I SS ANCE CHATEAUX MAY 11–18, 2020 at Beauregard, untouched since the 17th century. Our itinerary also takes in the picturesque riverside town of Blois, the Fine Art Museums of Angers and Tours, home to masterpieces by artists ranging from Mantegna and Boucher to Monet and Degas. We will stay at the three-star Best Western Central Hotel in Tours for the duration of the tour. The hotel is well situated in a quiet central location, only a short walk from the cathedral, fine arts museum and river as well as local shops and restaurants. It is ideally placed for our visits on foot as well as those further afield.
• Explore the landscape of the UNESCO-listed Loire Valley • Enjoy the magnificent treasure houses of the French kings from the peak of the Renaissance Visit the final home of Leonardo da Vinci and discover a variety of little-known masterpieces
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lthough the Renaissance is typically associated with the revival of interest in classical art and architecture in 15th and 16th century Italy, the French kings oversaw a version of the phenomenon that was very distinctively their own, blending ideas from antiquity with the rich heritage of medieval France. While the powerful influence of Italy on France is epitomised by Leonardo da Vinci’s relocation to the Loire Valley for the last three years of his life, the art and architecture of the region demonstrates very clearly that the spirit of medieval France remained ever-present throughout the period. Our tour provides an engrossing introduction to some of these medieval treasures, including the 12th century Abbey Tour Director Andrew Spira, MA, studied at the Courtauld Institute of Art and City University, London. For several years he was a specialist in Byzantine and Russian icons at the Temple Gallery, London, before working as a curator at the Victoria & Albert Museum. Andrew was subsequently Programme Director at Christie’s Education, and has been leading tours to cultural sites for over 20 years. He looks forward to returning to the Loire Valley with an ACE group in 2020.
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of Fontevraud (burial site of the Angevin kings), the Cathedral of Tours and the unique cycle of 14th century ‘Apocalypse’ Tapestries at the Chateau of Angers. The region is equally rich in Renaissance chateaux, dating from the 15th to the 17th centuries. Among its gems is the Chateau of Chenonceau which, straddling the River Loire, transports visitors back to an age of impeccable courtesy and grace. Other wonders include the ‘double-helix’ staircase at Chambord and the gallery of portraits
ART & ARCHITECTURE
Château de Chenonceau FITNESS / PRACTICALITIES: This tour requires a good level of fitness, as we have a full itinerary, making the most out of our stay in this beautiful region. There is a significant amount of walking, including over cobbles and uneven surfaces. Because of the age of some buildings, steps are of differing sizes and depths and some ceilings are low.
Interior of Chateau de Cheverny
ITINERARY Day 1 Depart London Stansted 0730, arriving Tours 0950. Transfer to Best Western Central Hotel, Tours, for seven nights. Afternoon visit to Cathédrale Saint-Gatien followed by a short cruise on the Loire (weather permitting). Welcome & introduction. Day 2 Whole day excursion to Angers: chateau, cathedral, Musée des Beaux Arts, Musée Jean Lurçat. Day 3 Morning visit to Montreuil-Bellay for a tour of the chateau and wine tasting. Afternoon: Abbaye de Fontevraud. Day 4 Chateaux visits: Clos Lucé (final home of Leonardo da Vinci), Amboise and Villandry. Day 5 Morning in Tours: guided tour of the Musée des Beaux Arts, followed by some free time. Afternoon visit to Chateau de Chambord.
Day 6 Morning visit to Chateau de Chenonceau. Afternoon: Carrière de Tuffeau and underground city. Free evening. Day 7 Chateaux visits: Cheverny, Blois and Beauregard. Day 8 Depart Tours 1015, arriving Stansted 1115. Cost of £2295 includes: return airfare, accommodation based on sharing a twin or double bedded room, breakfast, three lunches, six dinners with wine, water & coffee, excursions & admissions, gratuities. Not included: travel insurance, double room for single use supplement £315. TOUR CODE: LOIR20 BOOK NOW: 01223 841055 sales@aceculturaltours.co.uk
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GREAT BARDFIELD & BEYOND: MIDCENTURY ART & DESIGN IN EAST ANGLIA
ART & ARCHITECTURE
© The Edward Bawden Estate c/o The Higgins Art Gallery
MAY 12–16, 2020
Town Hall Yard, Great Bardfield. Linocut by Edward Bawden (1956)
• Discover the Great Bardfield artists
and the environments within which they lived and worked Enjoy a special visit to the Fry Art Gallery in Saffron Walden, home of the North West Essex Collection of Great Bardfield works Gain an in-depth understanding of mid-century art and design across visits in Cambridge, Braintree and Bedford
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rom 1930 to the early 1970s, the Essex village of Great Bardfield was home to a number of artists whose output has received growing recognition in recent years – most notably Eric Ravilious and Edward Bawden. Their work spanned painting, illustration and design, and they used traditional imagery and techniques with a modern inflexion. The artists’ homes and gardens and the nearby scenery often served as the subject matter for their works, and the details of their lives and connections have come close to displacing the Bloomsbury Group as a subject of curiosity. This tour adopts Cambridge as a base for exploring the sites, collections and private houses associated with the Great Bardfield artists, their contacts, and the parallel movements of their time. Starting at the Fitzwilliam Museum, we will make a special study of watercolours and drawings by
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members of the group, and view items that reveal some of their influences. Our tour continues with a visit to the Fry Art Gallery in Saffron Walden, which has done more than any other institution to showcase this network of artists, and we will also enjoy a walking tour of Great Bardfield itself. A further highlight will be a visit to the Warner Textile Archive, an important resource for textiles of the 1930s, and home to work by Marianne Straub, who lived at Great Bardfield. We will continue with a visit to Silver End, the garden village built between the wars, partly in a Modern style, by the Crittal family who were supporters of the Great Bardfield movement. We also look forward to taking in the principal collection of Bawden’s graphic
This tour will be led by Alan Powers, PhD, who studied at the University of Cambridge and is one of the UK’s leading architectural historians. A former Chairman of the 20th Century Society, Alan has published widely on all aspects of 20th century architecture and design. He was Professor at the University of Greenwich School, and has lectured at New York University in London. His publications include Modern: The Modern Movement in Britain and Bauhaus Goes West. work at The Higgins Bedford, followed by a study session at Cambridge University Library. Here, we will discover the archive of the Curwen Press, which commissioned some of the earliest design work by Bawden and Ravilious, and acted as a major patron for other artists. Our tour concludes with a special visit to Jim Ede’s Kettle’s Yard, where paintings and sculptures in a domestic setting tell a parallel story of interwar art and taste. We will stay throughout at the fourstar Hilton Cambridge City Centre Hotel, conveniently located in the heart of Cambridge. Please note that while we will endeavour to deliver the below itinerary in full, due to the special nature of the visits, some elements may be subject to confirmation. FITNESS / PRACTICALITIES: This tour will involve a moderate amount of walking, so a good level of fitness is required, and it also involves coach journeys of up to an hour.
ITINERARY Day 1 Tour assembles 1400 at the Hilton Cambridge City Centre Hotel for four nights. Afternoon visit to the Fitzwilliam Museum to view items from the Prints and Drawings Archive (sources of inspiration for the Great Bardfield artists, and works by Bawden, Ravilious and others). Introductory lecture. Day 2 Morning excursion to Saffron Walden for visit to Fry Art Gallery. Afternoon walking tour of Great Bardfield (visiting Cottage Museum and viewing sites related to the artists). Day 3 Morning excursion to Braintree for visit to Warner Textile Archive. Afternoon: Silver End Village (nationally important village of 1920s ‘Modern Movement’ architecture) for walking tour and visits to Heritage Centre and a private house. Free evening. Day 4 Morning: The Higgins Bedford (focusing on Bawden). Afternoon: Cambridge University Library (viewing archival items from the Curwen Collection). Evening lecture.
Day 5 Morning: private visit to the house at Kettle’s Yard. Tour disperses c 1230.
Cost of £1295 includes: accommodation based on sharing a twin or double bedded room, breakfast, one lunch, three dinners with water & coffee, excursions & admissions, gratuities. Not included: travel insurance, double room for single use supplement £310. TOUR CODE: GRBB20 BOOK NOW: 01223 841055 sales@aceculturaltours.co.uk
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France
A LB I & T HE L ANGUED O C MAY 13–20, 2020
• Follow in the footsteps of acclaimed
artist Toulouse-Lautrec, taking in his dedicated museum in Albi and his beautiful rural home, the Chateau du Bosc Investigate the narrative of the Albigensian Crusade through the Languedoc’s distinctive historical features and medieval architecture Visit some of France’s most beautiful towns and villages, including the fortified towns of Cordes-sur-Ciel and Carcassonne
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orn in Albi in 1864, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec – who would become famous for his depictions of 19th century Parisian life – must often have gazed up at the Cathédrale SainteCécile, constructed over half a millennium before his birth. This towering edifice was built in the wake of a period of conflict known as the Albigensian Crusade, which began when a rising religious movement, later known as Catharism, emerged in the Languedoc. Our tour through this culturally rich landscape weaves together art, architecture and history, taking in some of France’s most beautiful villages en route. In Albi, we will delve into the Musée ToulouseLautrec, home to over one thousand of the artist’s works. We will explore architectural marvels of the medieval period, including the remarkable abbey church of St Pierre in Moissac, the Cathar stronghold town of Cordes-sur-Ciel, and Sauveterre-deRouergue, a perfect example of a bastide (fortified town). In Toulouse, home of the Counts who were Toulouse-Lautrec’s medieval ancestors, we will explore one of the most impressive Romanesque churches in the world: the Basilica of St Sernin. We will also take in the superlative private art collection in the city’s Hotel d’Assézat. This tour will be led by art historian and author Juliet Heslewood, MA. Juliet studied History of Art at the University of London and later gained an MA in English Literature at Toulouse. For over 25 years she lived in France, where she led study tours on art and architecture. Her publications include The History of Western Painting: A Young Person’s Guide and Van Gogh: A Life in Places.
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Albi A visit to the Languedoc would not be complete without a day spent in Carcassonne, the famous medieval walled city that was originally a Cathar stronghold but was later taken over by crusaders under Simon de Montfort. We will stay throughout at the four-star
Hostellerie du Grand Saint Antoine, a short walk from Albi’s historical centre. Please note that the below itinerary represents a guide to what we hope to offer, and some elements may be subject to change.
ITINERARY Day 1 Depart Heathrow 1400 on British Airways, arriving Toulouse 1650. Transfer to Hostellerie du Grand Saint Antoine, Albi, for seven nights. Day 2 Morning lecture: Toulouse-Lautrec – From Albi to Paris followed by walking tour of Albi and visit to Cathédrale SainteCécile (unique 13th century red brick cathedral). Afternoon: Musée Toulouse-Lautrec (housed in Albi’s former Bishop’s Palace). Day 3 Excursion to Toulouse: Capitole (subject to confirmation) and Les Jacobins (red brick church built in distinctive southern Gothic style) followed by the Hotel d’Assézat (16th century palace housing one of Europe’s most impressive art collections) and Basilica of St Sernin (largest Romanesque church on the Compostela route and UNESCO World Heritage site). Day 4 Morning: Cordes-sur-Ciel (fortified 13th century town) for short walking tour and opportunity to visit market. Continue to Moissac for Church of St Pierre (famous abbey on the Compostela route). Day 5 Morning: Chateau du Bosc (former home of ToulouseLautrec). Continue to Sauveterre-de-Rouergue (example of a bastide town). Afternoon: Monestiés for the chapel of St Jacques (extraordinary religious statuary). Evening lecture: The Cathars and the Languedoc.
Day 6 Whole day excursion to the fortified medieval city of Carcassonne: Chateau Comtal and the Church of St Nazaire (Romanesque and Gothic architecture with beautiful stained glass windows). Day 7 Morning in Castres: Musée Goya (collection of Spanish paintings). Free afternoon in Albi. Day 8 Depart Toulouse 1115, arriving Heathrow 1215.
Cost of £2495 includes: return airfare, accommodation based on sharing a twin or double bedded room, breakfast, dinner with wine, water & coffee, excursions & admissions, gratuities. Not included: travel insurance, double room for single use supplement £195. TOUR CODE: ALBI20 BOOK NOW: 01223 841055 sales@aceculturaltours.co.uk
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CH U R CHES OF NO RFO LK : A N A P POINT MENT WITH ANGELS MAY 19–22, 2020 • SEPTEMBER 22–25, 2020 Tour Director Imogen Corrigan, BA, is a medieval historian. Following almost 20 years in the army, from which she retired in the rank of Major, Imogen obtained a first-class degree in Anglo-Saxon and Medieval History from the University of Kent and has been studying and lecturing ever since. She is currently pursuing further research with the University of Birmingham. Imogen’s new book, Stone on Stone: The Men who Built the Cathedrals, was published in 2019.
ART & ARCHITECTURE
Norwich Cathedral
• View the remarkable ‘Memento Mori’ panels of a surviving medieval rood screen at St Mary in Sparham St Botolph’s in Trunch offers a beautiful 15th century hammerbeam roof alongside fine medieval misericords and a stunning font canopy Appreciate the stained glass at Bale alongside fascinating murals at Wickhampton and Hemblington
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round one thousand medieval churches once stood in Norfolk, and over six hundred and fifty remain – the largest concentration anywhere in the world. Rising above the gently rolling landscape, they survive from the time when East Anglia was the economic heartland of late medieval England, prospering from the wool trade, the wealth of its great landed families, and its thriving coastal port. John Betjeman famously mused that “lovers of Norfolk churches can never agree which is the best and I think one is either a Salle or a Cawston man”. These churches represent two of Norfolk’s most spectacularly vast church buildings, but our exploration of the religious architecture, art and iconography of the Middle Ages will also encompass some smaller and lesser-known examples, many housing unexpected treasures.
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We shall delve into the various media for church art, from misericords and woodcarving to wonderful stained glass at Bale, and fascinating murals at Wickhampton and Hemblington. St Botolph’s in Trunch presents a stunning collection of features from its beautiful 15th century hammerbeam roof to its superb oak font canopy, one of only four of its kind in England. Also included will be the muchmaligned doodling of the medieval graffiti artist, as seen at St Margaret’s in Cley, the grandest of the four churches which stood at the great harbour mouth of Blakeney Haven. Particular highlights
will be those treasures that elucidate the rich pre-Reformation sacramental life of England’s parish churches, such as the splendid rood screens at Cawston and at Ranworth, where the 26 painted saints panels represent one of the great survivals of English medieval art. We stay throughout at the historical four-star Maids Head Hotel in the centre of Norwich. FITNESS / PRACTICALITIES: Please note that on this tour, some of the sites visited will contain uneven flooring, steps, ramps and dimly lit interiors. Our hotel, the Maids Head, is one of the oldest and most characterful in Norwich. Accordingly, it does contain some areas of uneven flooring as well as several staircases, although some of the rooms are accessible by lift.
ITINERARY Day 1 Assemble 1330 at the Maids Head Hotel, Norwich, for three nights. Welcome followed by free time to visit Norwich Cathedral including an introduction to the cloisters. Evening lecture: The Signs of the Times. Day 2 St Peter and St Paul’s Church, Knapton (extraordinary double-hammerbeam roof, rafters filled with angels); St Botolph’s Church, Trunch (14th century chancel, fine medieval misericords and stunning oak font canopy); Holt; St Margaret’s Church, Cley (medieval ship graffiti); All Saints’ Church, Bale (superb stained glass). Day 3 Morning lecture: The Dregs of the People Remain – Black Death and its Aftermath. All Saints’ Church, Weston Longville (mural and Apostles’ Creed screen); All Saints’ Church, Mattishall (beautiful 15th century painted rood screen dado); St Mary’s Church, Sparham (remarkable surviving ‘Memento Mori’ rood screen portion); St Peter and St Paul’s Church, Salle (magnificent wool church); St Agnes’s Church, Cawston (fine 15th century rood screen).
Day 4 All Saints’ Church, Hemblington (best surviving mural of St Christopher); St Helen’s Church, Ranworth (exquisite screen); St Edmund’s Church, Acle (plague inscription); St Andrew’s Church, Wickhampton (14th century murals). Tour disperses 1530 at Norwich Station followed by 1545 at hotel.
Cost of £875 includes: accommodation based on sharing a twin or double bedded room, breakfast, dinner with water & coffee, excursions & admissions, gratuities. Not included: travel insurance, double room for single use supplement £150. TOUR CODE: CHN120 / CHN220 BOOK NOW: 01223 841055 sales@aceculturaltours.co.uk
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Spain
F ROM MADRID TO TO LED O : TR AD E, T R E A S URE & T HE WO R LD O F P HILIP I I JUNE 1–8, 2020
• Explore three spectacular capitals
from across the ages: Madrid, Toledo and Valladolid Investigate the themes of trade and power through visits to the royal centres of La Granja de San Ildefonso and El Escorial Spend a morning among the treasures of the extraordinary Prado Museum in Madrid, a stone’s throw from our hotel
Royal Palace of Aranjuez
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adrid, Valladolid and Toledo: these three remarkable cities overflow with treasure houses whose paintings, sculpture and decorative arts reflect the immense Spanish Empire from its zenith – when the sun truly never set on her dominions – to its declining days. As Bourbons replaced Habsburgs, ardent but austere Catholicism gave way to the more airy Baroque and Rococo. This tour will explore all three capitals from a base in Madrid, beginning with a visit to the National Archaeological Museum for an overview of Spanish culture from the Islamic era to the Napoleonic period. In 1527 the former Spanish capital of Valladolid – situated north of Madrid – witnessed the birth of one of Spain’s most famous kings: the pious Philip II. Under Philip’s reign, Spain reached greater heights than it ever had before, its dominion stretching across continents from Europe to North Africa, and from South America to the Philippines. Today Valladolid is a lively centre brimming with compelling historical narratives and striking monuments. Our tour continues with an exploration of several further sites of regal, political and spiritual significance including the mighty Palace of Aranjuez and the royal sites of La This tour will be led by Lars Tharp, MA, FSA, an art historian, lecturer and broadcaster who is particularly well known for his work on the BBC’s Antiques Roadshow, as well as Hidden Treasures and Art of the Baroque. A former Director of the Foundling Museum, Lars is a ceramics specialist and the author of several works including Hogarth’s China and the Little Brown Encylopedia of Antiques (with Paul Atterbury).
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Granja de San Ildefonso and El Escorial. South of Madrid, perched high above the gorge of the looping River Tagus, lies another of Spain’s former capitals – the captivating city of Toledo. It was here that Hernán Cortés was received by Philip’s father, Charles I, following his conquest of the Aztecs. Toledo will welcome us to its High Gothic cathedral – one of the most superlative examples in Spain – alongside the Synagogue of Santa Maria La Blanca, in the heart of the Jewish quarter. Madrid’s extraordinary Prado Museum will conclude our tour. A major emerging theme will be trade, notably to China and Japan on gold-laden galleons braving the Pacific, the land transfer of goods to Veracruz, and the Atlantic route into Cadiz and Seville. These
epic journeys formed the backbone of Spain’s power and dominance. The results are to be seen across all the arts: from early Arab pottery to paintings and palaces. We will stay throughout in Madrid (accommodation will be confirmed in autumn 2019).
FITNESS / PRACTICALITIES: Please note that this tour will involve a significant amount of walking, including over cobbled and hilly areas, and some sites do not have lifts and will involve navigating steps. Our walk through the Jardin del Principe will cover approximately 2.7km, taken at a slow pace with time to stop and view monuments.
ITINERARY Day 1 Depart London Heathrow 1135 on Iberia, arriving Madrid 1500. Transfer to hotel for seven nights. Day 2 Visits in Madrid including National Archaeological Museum and Naval Museum of Madrid (subject to confirmation). Evening introductory lecture. Day 3 Whole day excursion by train to Valladolid: National Sculpture Museum, Palacio de Pimentel (birthplace of Philip II – exterior) and Oriental Museum (Royal College of the Augustinian Fathers). Free evening. Day 4 Morning: Royal Palace of El Escorial (Philip II’s spiritual and administrative power centre). Afternoon: La Granja de San Ildefonso (spectacular Flemish tapestries, gardens with ‘Baths of Diana’ cascade). Free evening. Day 5 Morning: Palace of Aranjuez (focusing on 18th century porcelain room). Afternoon stroll through Jardin del Principe (views of Fuente de Narciso, Estanque de los Chinescos and Casa del Labrador – exteriors).
Day 6 Whole day excursion to Toledo: cathedral (Gothic architecture, works by El Greco and Titian), Alcazar (court of Carlos V - exterior), Synagogue of Santa Maria La Blanca, Museo El Greco. Day 7 Morning: Museo del Prado. Free afternoon. Day 8 Depart Madrid 1335, arriving Heathrow 1500. Cost of £2595 includes: return airfare, accommodation based on sharing a twin or double bedded room, breakfast, two lunches, five dinners with wine, water & coffee, excursions & admissions, gratuities. Not included: travel insurance, double room for single use supplement £495. TOUR CODE: MDTL20 BOOK NOW: 01223 841055 sales@aceculturaltours.co.uk
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Germany
B AU H AU S : GE R M AN M ODERN ART & D ESIGN JUNE 23–28, 2020
• Discover the highlights of the
Bauhaus School and modernist design in Germany Take in the major centres of Weimar and Dessau alongside the lesservisited but culturally rewarding towns of Chemnitz, Gera and Jena Study the art, architecture and design of the Bauhaus School and related artists, including creations by Walter Gropius, Henry van de Velde and Erich Mendelsohn
The Bauhaus Building, Dessau
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f all the avant-garde enterprises in art and design between the wars, the Staatliches Bauhaus provides a paradigm of modernism. The school taught the unity of art, craft and design with the aim of breaking down traditional disciplinary boundaries to achieve material and spiritual welfare. This tour offers the opportunity to explore not only the Bauhaus but also the wider artistic context of the movement. The Bauhaus opened in 1919 under the directorship of Walter Gropius, taking over the Kunstgewerbeschule (School of Applied Arts) building, designed by Henry van de Velde, its pre-1914 director. In 1925, the school was transferred to Dessau, its most famous location, where Gropius designed a new building to house it that, in its restored state, powerfully evokes what it might have been like to study there. We look forward to visiting the new Bauhaus Museum in Dessau, opening in late 2019 to celebrate the Bauhaus centenary.
Tour Director Alan Powers, PhD, studied History of Art at Cambridge University and is a specialist in the art, architecture and design of the 20th century. A former Chairman of the 20th Century Society, Alan’s wide-ranging research, curation and publication on varied topics pertaining to British art – including the Arts & Crafts movement, the experiences of 1930s German émigrés and the teaching of art and design – form the basis of his interest in the Bauhaus and contemporary movements in Germany. Alan’s latest book, Bauhaus Goes West, was published in spring 2019 to coincide with the centenary year.
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On this tour, we will visit these major centres, but also other cities in Thuringia and Saxony that reveal a wealth of 20th century treasures. In Gera and Jena, our visits will include a finely restored villa by Henry van de Velde as well as Gropius’s pioneering Haus Auerbach. In Chemnitz, we will visit the Gunzenhauser Museum with its wide collection of interwar paintings and a wellpreserved 1935 swimming pool complex by the City Architect, Fred Otto. While briefly passing through Berlin, we will see the exterior of one of Erich Mendelsohn’s well-known designs, the Einstein Tower in Potsdam, still an
operational solar observatory today. Our journey will include stays in three or four-star hotels in the historical centres of Weimar, Chemnitz and Dessau. Please note that the itinerary below represents a guide to what we hope to offer, and some elements may be subject to change.
FITNESS / PRACTICALITIES: A good level of fitness is required for this tour as it involves a significant amount of walking, including over cobbled streets.
ITINERARY Day 1 Depart London Heathrow 1050 on British Airways, arriving Berlin 1340. Transfer to Weimar for three nights at Hotel Russicherhof Bahnhof.
Dessau for visits to Masters’ Houses, Bauhaus buildings and new Bauhaus Museum followed by Törten housing estate (by Gropius). Overnight at Radisson Blu Fürst Leopold Hotel, Dessau.
Day 2 Morning lecture followed by short walking tour of central Weimar. Visits to former Bauhaus Building (including restored office of Walter Gropius), Walter Gropius monument, Nietzsche Archive and Haus am Horn. Afternoon: Neues Bauhaus Museum.
Day 6 Transfer to Berlin via Mendelsohn’s Einstein Tower (exterior). Depart Berlin 1645, arriving Heathrow 1740.
Day 3 Whole day excursion to Erfurt and Jena: Margarete Reichardt Haus (former weaving workshop and museum), Walter Gropius’s Haus Auerbach and Ernst Abbe Mausoleum (by van der Velde). Day 4 Transfer to Chemnitz via Gera: Haus Schulenburg (by van de Velde). Afternoon in Chemnitz: Gunzenhauser Museum (Expressionist paintings), Chemnitz Public Baths (by Fred Otto). Overnight at Hotel an der Oper, Chemnitz. Day 5 Optional walking tour of Chemnitz including exterior of former Schocken department store (by Mendelsohn). Transfer to
Cost of £2095 includes: return airfare, accommodation based on sharing a double bedded room, breakfast, two lunches, dinner with water & coffee, excursions & admissions, gratuities. Not included: travel insurance, single room supplement £170. TOUR CODE: GBAU20 BOOK NOW: 01223 841055 sales@aceculturaltours.co.uk
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France
LO R R A INE JUNE 25 – JULY 4, 2020
• Explore the royal residential centre
of Nancy, home to some of the best Rococo design in France Enjoy a private visit to the Chateau de Fléville, a beautiful example of French-Renaissance architecture See the largest and best-preserved Maginot Line fortress complex at Hackenberg
Stained glass window, Metz Cathedral
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This tour will be led by Tom Abbott, BA, MA, an independent art and architectural historian associated with the Foundation of Prussian Palaces and Gardens. He is a proficient lecturer and tour leader with experience leading groups in France, Germany and throughout Europe. Tom’s expertise ranges from the medieval to the current, and he is particularly fascinated with the Baroque, Rococo and European modern and contemporary art.
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include a subterranean city complete with underground railway system and sophisticated surface defences. In Nancy, the former capital of the Duchy of Lorraine, we will stay at the three-star Hotel des Prélats. In Metz we will stay at the four-star Hotel la Citadelle. Please note that while we will endeavour to deliver the below itinerary in full, some elements may be subject to confirmation or
time permitting, and we cannot guarantee the availability of all artworks.
FITNESS / PRACTICALITIES: This tour will require a good level of fitness, as some visits will involve walking and standing for periods of time.
ITINERARY Day 1 Depart London Heathrow 0820 on British Airways, arriving Luxembourg 1035. Transfer to Hotel des Prélats, Nancy, for six nights. Afternoon visit to Notre Dame Bonsecours (built to commemorate those who lost their lives in the Battle of Nancy) followed by welcome and introduction.
Day 7 Transfer to Metz for Musée de la Cour d’Or (opened 1839), Gothic Cathedral of St Stephen (vast collection of stained glass, including work by modernist Marc Chagall), St Pierre aux Nonnains (built 380 AD, the oldest church building in France) and Templar Chapel (exterior). Two nights at Hotel la Citadelle, Metz.
Day 2 Visits in Nancy: Cathédrale Notre-Dame de l’Annonciation, Place Stanislaus (Rococo grills), Musée Lorrain (artistic and cultural life of the region), Musée des Beaux Arts. Evening lecture.
Day 8 Morning excursion to Pont-à-Mousson (Premonstratensian Abbey) and Church of St Martin, Sillegny (16th century murals, the ‘Sistine Chapel of Sillegny’). Afternoon: return to Metz for Porte des Allemands (13th century fortifications). Evening lecture.
Day 3 Morning excursion to Bar-le-Duc: Church of St Etienne (15th century Gothic architecture with artworks by Ligier Richier) and Church of Notre Dame (built in 11th century by Countess Sophie, with 18th century tower). Afternoon: Chateau des Ducs de Bar. Continue to Toul for Collegiate Church of St Gengoult (flamboyant 16th century cloister) followed by Gothic Cathedral of St Stephen (time permitting). Day 4 Musée de l’Ecole de Nancy (Art Nouveau interiors and decorative arts) followed by lunch at Brasserie Excelsior (one of the finest Art Nouveau interiors in Nancy). Afternoon: Villa Majorelle (exterior), Maison Bergeret (exterior) and further Art Nouveau villas (exteriors). Free evening. Day 5 Morning: Chateau de Fléville and Chateau Horou. Afternoon in Epinal: Imagerie Pellerin (most famous historical printworks in France) and Basilica of St Maurice (Romanesque / early Gothic). Day 6 Morning excursion to Lunéville via Dombasle and Varangeville (historical industrial landscape) for visits to Chateau de Lunéville (rebuilt in the 18th century as the ‘Versailles of Lorraine’) and the Church of St Jacques. Continue to St Nicolas-dePort for Gothic Basilica and Art Deco Museum of French Brasserie. Evening lecture.
Day 9 Morning: fort of Hackenberg (largest and fully restored underground city of the Maginot Line). Free afternoon with opportunity for optional independent visit to Metz Pompidou Centre. Day 10 Depart Luxembourg 1135, arriving Heathrow 1205.
Cost of £2595 includes: return airfare, accommodation based on sharing a twin or double bedded room, breakfast, three lunches, eight dinners with wine, water & coffee, excursions & admissions, gratuities. Not included: travel insurance, double room for single use supplement £330. TOUR CODE: LORR20 BOOK NOW: 01223 841055 sales@aceculturaltours.co.uk
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ucked between the celebrity of the Champagne and the beauty of the Alsace, Lorraine is a relatively unknown region of France, yet it has – in many ways – more outstanding architecture and significant history than its neighbours. Named after Lothair I, grandson of Charlemagne, Lorraine is the only province of France to share borders with Germany, Belgium and Luxembourg, accounting for its mixture of identities. During the 18th century, the former Polish King Stainslaw turned ducal Lorraine into a glorious little Ruritania, with architecture unequalled even in Paris. We will encounter a selection of his masterpieces, including Place Stanislaus in Nancy, a magnificent example of classical French architecture, and Lunéville’s Church of St Jacques, built to impress visiting members of the court. As we tour Lorraine we will appreciate its rich history. Some of the oldest Romanesque churches in France are found in the region. The Gothic cathedral at Metz boasts a spectacular variety of stained glass by artists ranging from 14th century master craftsman Hermann von Münster to modernist Marc Chagall. Furthermore, in Nancy we will explore the most exuberant Art Nouveau schools. We will turn our attention to modern history at Hackenberg, a hill hollowed out during the construction of the Maginot Line prior to World War Two. These extensive fortifications
USA
F RO M WASHINGTO N TO JAMESTOW N JUNE 8–18, 2020
ART & ARCHITECTURE
Capitol Building, Washington DC
• Take in a selection of America’s most prestigious historical architecture, as
we journey from Washington DC, the grand capital of the United States, to Jamestown, where English-speaking America began over four centuries ago Visit splendid plantation houses along the James River, and take in the quiet elegance of Poplar Forest, Jefferson’s remote villa retreat Travel through the wonderful scenery of the Blue Ridge Mountains
• •
I
f Washington was the father of the United States, then Jefferson – scholar, lawyer, writer, architect – was its founding intellect. A student at Williamsburg’s College of William and Mary, Jefferson wrote the American Declaration of Independence before being elected the third President of the United States. Some of Jefferson’s most handsome architectural achievements feature on our itinerary, including his beautiful hilltop plantation home, Monticello, and Poplar This tour will be led by Charles Hind, MA, FSA, an architectural historian who is Chief Curator and H J Heinz Curator of Drawings at the Royal Institute of British Architects. He has curated several exhibitions in Europe and the USA on or related to Palladio. He is a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries and a Visiting Fellow at the Centro Palladio in Vicenza.
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Tour Director Charles Hind writes: “An American colleague once commented to me that this was the most comprehensive tour of colonial Virginia that he had ever come across. From the first settlement at Jamestown to the establishment of the federal capital in Washington, we explore the first two centuries (and more) of the development of American history and society through its architecture and culture.” Forest, his meticulously planned retreat. Thirteen years before the Mayflower landed in Massachusetts, one hundred English adventurers put to shore on the Virginia coast in the spring of 1607. Sponsored by the Virginia Company of London and supported by King James I, this pioneering band founded the outpost
of Jamestown, the first permanent colony in the New World. The site of the original Jamestown settlement is now a national historical park, whilst Williamsburg – the seat of Virginia after Jamestown’s statehouse was destroyed by fire – offers some fine examples of American colonial architecture. Fanning out from Jamestown along the James River is a series of splendid plantation houses and great estates erected by the early colonists from the profits of the tobacco trade. We will spend our first and last nights at The Embassy Row Hotel, centrally located in Dupont Circle close to the White House and George Washington University. We
FITNESS / PRACTICALITIES: The visits on this tour will involve a moderate amount of walking, so a good level of fitness is required, but none are especially strenuous. Please note we will be travelling long distances by coach, with one day including up to four hours’ coach travel, interspersed with visits and stops en route. Our itinerary will also involve several hotel changes.
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Monticello
will transfer to Charlottesville for two nights at Omni Charlottesville Hotel, before continuing for an overnight stay overlooking Abbott Lake at the Peaks of Otter Lodge. Our base in colonial Williamsburg, the former capital of
Virginia, is the Williamsburg Lodge. Please note that while we will endeavour to deliver the below itinerary in full, some details may be subject to confirmation. Although international travel between the UK and Washington DC is not included
in the price of this tour, the ACE office is able to offer participants the same flight arrangements and transfers as the tour personnel (subject to availability) at a supplementary cost. Please contact the ACE office for further details.
ITINERARY Day 1 Tour assembles late afternoon at The Embassy Row Hotel, Washington DC, for two nights. Day 2 Morning in Washington DC: Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, Capitol Hill and Union Station. Afternoon: Washington National Cathedral and Hillwood Mansion (grand collection of European decorative arts assembled by Marjorie Merriweather Post). Day 3 Mount Vernon (Washington’s plantation home overlooking Potomac River), Woodlawn Plantation and Pope-Leighey House (by Frank Lloyd Wright). Transfer to Charlottesville for two nights at Omni Charlottesville Hotel. Day 4 Monticello (Jefferson’s hilltop plantation house) and Thomas Jefferson Visitor Center (exhibits on life and work of Jefferson). Day 5 Morning: buildings of the University of Virginia (exteriors – visit subject to confirmation) followed by Lexington (Stonewall Jackson’s House Museum and Robert E Lee’s Memorial Chapel). Continue along Blue Ridge Parkway (mountain meadows, farmland and forest) via Natural Bridge to Peaks of Otter Lodge for overnight.
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Day 6 Poplar Forest (Jefferson’s remote private retreat) followed by Appomattox Court House National Historical Park (Civil War surrender site). Continue to Richmond (Capitol designed by Jefferson). Transfer to Williamsburg for four nights at Williamsburg Lodge. Day 7 Historical Jamestowne (site of original Jamestown colony), Jamestown Settlement (living history museum of 17th century American history, colonists’ fort, Indian fort) and Battlefield at Yorktown (where the British surrendered to George Washington in 1781). Day 8 Plantation houses on James River: Sherwood Forest (owned by 10th president, John Tyler), Westover (beautiful red brick mansion), Berkeley (birthplace of President Harrison), Shirley (Virginia’s oldest plantation). Day 9 Historical Williamsburg: William and Mary College (Jefferson’s alma mater), Bruton Church (attended by Jefferson and Washington), Peyton Randolph House (home to Virginia’s representative to London) and the reconstructed Governor’s House (final headquarters of British rule) and Capitol (America’s first representative assembly). Free evening.
Day 10 Depart for Fredericksburg: Kenmore (plantation house built by Betty Washington Lewis). Continue via Gunston Hall (English Georgian-style plantation house built for George Mason IV) to Washington DC for overnight at The Embassy Row Hotel. Day 11 Tour disperses after breakfast or following independent exploration of museums in National Mall area. Cost of £4195 includes: accommodation based on sharing a twin or double bedded room, breakfast, one lunch, nine dinners with water & coffee, excursions & admissions, gratuities for group services. Not included: return travel (this can be arranged by the ACE office at a supplementary cost, subject to availability), ESTA, travel insurance, double room for single use supplement £965. TOUR CODE: JWAS20 BOOK NOW: 01223 841055 sales@aceculturaltours.co.uk
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ART & ARCHITECTURE
USA
Estonia/Lithuania/Latvia
B A LT I C STATES JUNE 7–20, 2020 House of the Blackheads, Riga
ART & ARCHITECTURE
• Explore the culturally rich capitals of • •
the Baltics – Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia Wander the cobbled streets of Tallinn, brimming with historical and architectural interest Discover the tranquillity of Estonia’s oldest university town, Tartu
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he capitals of the Baltic republics of Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia are an architectural joy, and the surrounding countryside is studded with isolated manor houses, sturdy medieval castles and graceful Rococo churches. Our tour starts in historical Tallinn, one of the gems of northern Europe, where medieval walls and ancient defensive
Orthodox Church of the Holy Spirit, Vilnius
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This tour will be led by art historian Alex Koller, PhD, who was born in Vienna and has studied in Vienna, Salzburg and Cambridge. He gained his PhD in History of Art from Magdalene College, where he also lectured and supervised. An accomplished linguist, Alex has been leading tours since 1998 and looks forward to returning to the Baltic States with an ACE group in 2020.
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Estonia/Lithuania/Latvia
towers ring the cobbled streets of the old town. The fortified hill of Toompea, once the seat of the region’s bishops and nobility, is the setting for the now Lutheran Toomkirik Cathedral, built by the Danes in the early 13th century, and the 19th century Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, a souvenir of Russian authority. Tartu, its university founded in 1632 by the Swedish King Gustav Adolf, is Estonia’s intellectual heart. Sacked and pillaged throughout history, today the historical core retains an air of peace and refinement, as befits the country’s oldest university town. Tartu also boasts its very own leaning tower and a marvellous neoclassical cobbled square. In the days of the Russian empire, the
Baltic port of Riga yielded in importance only to Moscow and St Petersburg. The Latvian capital is blessed with an eclectic array of architectural styles, with its medieval nucleus reflecting the town’s former prosperity as a major centre of the Hanseatic League. Riga’s ensemble of Art Nouveau edifices, epitomised in the work of local architect Mikhail Eisenstein, is unrivalled anywhere in Europe. Vilnius, the principal city in Lithuania, has exerted a profound influence on the cultural and architectural development of much of eastern Europe. Despite invasion and partial destruction, Vilnius has preserved a valuable complex of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque buildings whilst maintaining much of its medieval layout.
We will stay throughout in accommodation of three-star standard in Tallinn, Tartu, Riga, Kalna Muiža, Kaunas and Vilnius. Please note that while we will endeavour to deliver the below itinerary in full, some elements may be subject to confirmation.
FITNESS / PRACTICALITIES: Please note that this tour has a full itinerary, involving some long days with a significant amount of coach travel. Many visits will be made on foot, and surfaces can be uneven and cobbled, so a good level of fitness is required.
ITINERARY Day 1 Depart London Gatwick 1205 on Easyjet, arriving Tallinn 1655. Continue to Hotel Vana Wiru for three nights. Day 2 Morning: Pirita Convent in Bay of Tallinn, Palmse Manor (German manor house) and Lahemma National Park (extensive tracts of pine forest). Afternoon: Rocca al Mare (open-air museum). Evening lecture. Day 3 Morning visits in Tallinn: Toompea Hill (including 13th century St Mary’s Cathedral and neo-Byzantine Alexander Nevsky Cathedral), Kadriorg Palace (Baroque summer residence of Peter I, Old Masters collection), Gothic Basilica of St Nicholas (15th century ‘Dance of Death’ frieze). Afternoon: 15th century town hall, Church of the Holy Spirit, St Olav’s Church, St Catherine’s (former Dominican monastery – exterior). Free evening. Day 4 Transfer to Tartu via Kose Church, 13th century Paide Castle and Põltsamaa (castle and church). Afternoon: Tartu University (founded in 1632) including Brick Gothic cathedral housing university museum. Overnight at Hotel London. Day 5 Morning: Nõo Church, Otepää Church, Lake Pühajärve and Sangaste Manor (English Gothic Revival). Afternoon: Cēsis (Livonian Order’s formal capital, home to ruins of the castle of the Livonian Order and early Gothic Church of St John). Continue to Riga for four nights at Hotel Gutenbergs.
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Day 6 Morning: Riga Market (1930s airship hangars), Jelgava Palace (museum and crypt with tombs of dukes of Courland), Mežotne Manor House and 18th century Rundāle Palace (by Rastrelli). Afternoon: Bauska (church and castle). Free evening. Day 7 Visits in Riga: Freedom Monument, Swedish Gate, St Jacob’s Church, medieval cathedral, Museum of the History of Riga and Navigation, House of the Blackheads (exterior) and churches of St Peter and St John. Day 8 Morning: Art Nouveau district of Riga including Janis Rozentāls and Rūdolfs Blaumanis Museum (artist’s converted apartment) and Latvian Fine Art Museum. Afternoon: Riga Synagogue and Mentzendorff House (17th-18th century interiors). Day 9 Transfer to Courland (Kurzeme) via Jūrmala (resort with turn-of-the-century villas, Dubulti Church). Courland: Jaunmoku Manor, Kandava (Lutheran church), Sabile (Lutheran church) and Kuldīga (Courland’s best-preserved town). Overnight at Hotel Piena Muiža Berghof, Kalna Muiža. Day 10 Transfer to Žemaitija area of Lithuania: Žemaičiu Kalvarija (pilgrimage site), Telšiai (cathedral), Šiauliai (cathedral and Hill of Crosses). Continue to Kaunas for overnight at Hotel Kaunas. Day 11 Kaunas: synagogue, cathedral, Vytautas and Jesuit churches, St George’s Church and view of Kaunas Castle ruins, St Michael’s Church, MK Čiurlionis National Art Museum and Mykolaš Žilinskas Art Museum. Transfer to Vilnius via former Camaldolese monastery of Pažaislis, for three nights at Hotel Artis.
Day 12 Vilnius: walking tour including President’s Office (exterior), university (founded in 1579) with Church of St Johns (exterior), St Anne’s Church, Church of St Francis and St Bernardine, Upper Castle (Gediminas tower), cathedral (tour of crypt). Afternoon: Baroque churches of Vilnius including Holy Spirit Orthodox Church, Carmelite Church of St Teresa and Gates of Dawn (one of Vilnius’ original city gates). Day 13 Morning: Antakalnis (Church of St Peter and St Paul), 15th century Trakai Castle (island castle once the capital of the Lithuanian state), Karaite Kenesa (prayer house) and museum. Afternoon: Vilnius Picture Gallery (housed in the Chodkievicius Mansion), Church of St Michael. Day 14 Depart Vilnius 1330 on Air Baltic via Riga, arriving Gatwick 1640. Cost of £2950 includes: return airfare, accommodation based on sharing a twin or double bedded room, breakfast, four lunches, eleven dinners with water & coffee, excursions & admissions, gratuities. Not included: travel insurance, single room supplement £380. TOUR CODE: BALT20 BOOK NOW: 01223 841055 sales@aceculturaltours.co.uk
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ART & ARCHITECTURE
Trakai Castle
United Kingdom
CO N S TABL E & GAINSBO RO UGH I N S U FFOL K JUNE 29 – JULY 2, 2020
ART & ARCHITECTURE
The Hay Wain by John Constable (1821)
• Visit Constable’s birthplace, East
Bergholt, to see sites associated with the artist Discover Gainsborough’s House in Sudbury, the painter’s birthplace containing many of his pictures Visit Christchurch Mansion in Ipswich, home to the finest collection of Constable paintings outside London
• •
I
t was only with the rising popularity of Impressionism that John Constable (1776–1837) won whole-hearted recognition in his native country. Now ranked alongside JMW Turner as one of England’s greatest painters, Constable is the source of some of the best-known images in British art. This tour will study the influence of the Suffolk countryside on Constable and his near contemporary Gainsborough, one of the founders of the British landscape tradition. “I fancy I see Gainsborough in every hedge and hollow tree,” said Constable of the Suffolk countryside. As we wander along the banks of the River Stour, where Constable spent his “careless boyhood”,
FITNESS / PRACTICALITIES: This tour will involve some walking so participants must have a good level of fitness. Please note that some sites do not have lifts.
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we will discover that Flatford Mill, Dedham Lock and Willy Lott’s cottage – immortalised in The Hay Wain – have changed little over two centuries. We will stroll through the country lanes of East Bergholt, where the artist’s first studio was located, and view his Ascension in Dedham’s parish church. Slightly further afield, we will visit Christchurch Mansion in Ipswich to see artworks including Willy Lott’s Cottage and the intimate companion pieces Golding Constable’s Vegetable Garden and Golding Constable’s Flower Garden. Constable said of Gainsborough’s paintings, “On looking at them, we find tears in our eyes and know not what brings them”. We will examine Gainsborough’s roots in his native Suffolk with a tour of the house where he was born, now a museum.
This tour will be led by Ian Cox, BA, MA, Cert Ed, a lecturer and travel writer who has held senior posts in the History of Art Department at Glasgow University and as Director of Studies at Christie’s Education in London. For many years he directed the Victorian Society of America London Summer School, and the Christie’s Decorative Arts Summer School in New York. Our base for this tour will be the beautiful four-star Hintlesham Hall Hotel, a 16th century Grade I listed manor house, set in 175 acres of Suffolk countryside. Please note that while we will endeavour to deliver the below itinerary in full, some details may be subject to confirmation, and we cannot guarantee the availability of all artworks listed.
ITINERARY Day 1 Tour assembles 1330 at Ipswich Station or at Hintlesham Hall Hotel for 1430 departure by coach for orientation tour of Stour Valley and the Suffolk villages of Stoke by Nayland and Stratford St Mary. Three nights at Hintlesham Hall Hotel. Day 2 Morning lecture followed by East Bergholt (Constable’s birthplace): walking tour viewing Constable’s first studio and the site of his parents’ house (exteriors), visit to church and bell cage. Afternoon: Flatford Mill, Flatford Lock (subjects of many of Constable’s paintings), Willy Lott’s cottage (featured most famously in The Haywain), site of Boat Building on the Banks of the Stour. Day 3 Morning lecture followed by private visit to The Munnings Art Museum. Afternoon: visit to Dedham Church followed by walking tour viewing Dedham Mill and Dedham Lock (exteriors – featured in Constable’s paintings). Continue to Sudbury for Gainsborough’s House (birthplace museum containing many of his pictures).
Day 4 Morning: Christchurch Mansion (works by Constable and Gainsborough). Tour disperses 1300 at Ipswich Station followed by 1330 at hotel.
Cost of £965 includes: accommodation based on sharing a twin or double bedded room, breakfast, one lunch, dinner with water & coffee, excursions & admissions, gratuities. Not included: travel insurance, double room for single use supplement £185. TOUR CODE: CGSU20 BOOK NOW: 01223 841055 sales@aceculturaltours.co.uk
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The Netherlands
THE GOLDEN AGE OF DUTCH PAINTING JULY 2–6, 2020
• Discover the wealth of 17th century
art in the famous collections of Amsterdam, Haarlem and The Hague Enjoy a visit to the Lakenhal Museum in Leiden, reopening in 2019 after major restoration and expansion Gain an understanding of Dutch patronage in the age of Rembrandt, Hals and Vermeer
• •
A Peddler Selling Spectacles by Rembrandt (1624-25)
This tour will be led by Rupert Dickens, MA, an art historian specialising in Dutch and Flemish art. Rupert studied art history at Birkbeck, University of London, before gaining a Masters degree in Dutch Golden Age Studies at UCL. Previously a BBC television and radio journalist for more than 20 years, Rupert is now a guide lecturer at the Wallace Collection. He has been visiting and working in the Netherlands and Belgium since the 1980s.
We will stay throughout at the four-star Hotel Estheréa, housed in a 17th century building on the Singel, Amsterdam’s oldest major canal.
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FITNESS / PRACTICALITIES: This tour will require a good level of fitness, as several sites will be visited on foot and Amsterdam is not easily navigable by taxi as an alternative to walking. Please note that pavements are uneven, and at some sites participants will be required to navigate stairs as lifts are not always available.
ITINERARY Day 1 Depart London Heathrow 1145 on British Airways, arriving Amsterdam 1405. Transfer to Hotel Estheréa for four nights. Afternoon visit to the Amsterdam Museum. Day 2 Morning lecture: Trade, Tolerance and Technology – Foundations of the Golden Age followed by visit to the Rijksmuseum (17th century collections including Rembrandt’s Night Watch – undergoing restoration but expected to be partially on view). Free afternoon (optional independent visits to Van Gogh Museum or Museum Van Loon). Day 3 Morning lecture: Serenity, Still Life and the City followed by excursion to The Hague for Mauritshuis (Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring). Afternoon: continue to Leiden for Lakenhal Museum and walking tour. Free evening.
Rijksmuseum
Whilst we will endeavour to deliver the below itinerary in full, some elements may be subject to confirmation and we cannot guarantee the availability of all artworks listed.
Day 4 Morning lecture: Rembrandt, Hals & Dutch Portraiture followed by visits to Royal Palace (subject to confirmation) and Amsterdam Hermitage Museum. Afternoon: excursion to Haarlem for visit to Frans Hals Museum.
Day 5 Morning: Oude Kerk (14th century church – oldest building in the city), The Waag (15th century building – exterior) and Rembrandthuis. Depart Amsterdam 1610, arriving Heathrow 1630.
Cost of £1875 includes: return airfare, accommodation based on sharing a twin or double bedded room, breakfast, three dinners with water & coffee, excursions & admissions, gratuities. Not included: travel insurance, double room for single use supplement £325. TOUR CODE: GADA20 BOOK NOW: 01223 841055 sales@aceculturaltours.co.uk
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ART & ARCHITECTURE
A
golden age of Dutch art was heralded in the 17th century, under the patronage of a new merchant class. Dutch painting flourished as never before, as the middle classes commissioned portraits of themselves, and also bought pictures to decorate their homes of a sort rarely seen before: still lifes, flower paintings, marine scenes, landscapes, townscapes and genre paintings – scenes from everyday life. For the first time, artists painted themes of their own choosing, which they sold ‘on spec’ or through dealers. From our base in Amsterdam, we will explore this great period of western art through visits to many important collections. These will include the worldfamous Rijksmuseum, which reopened in 2013 after years of closure, as well as two of the other major repositories of 17th century Dutch art: the Frans Hals Museum in Haarlem and the grand Mauritshuis in The Hague. We also look forward to paying a visit to Lakenhal, Rembrandt’s birthplace, for the newly restored Lakenhal Museum, reopening in summer 2019. A three-year renovation has enabled the 17th century façade of this museum (formerly the Cloth Hall) to be restored to its original appearance. Highlights from the collection include The Last Judgment by Lucas van Leyden and A Peddler Selling Spectacles, one of Rembrandt’s earliest known works. A visit to Rembrandt’s beautifully restored house and studio will be a further highlight of our tour.
United Kingdom
ARTISTS OF THE NORTH JULY 6–9, 2020 This tour will be led by Stella Lyons, BA, MA, a freelance Art History lecturer and speaker accredited with the Arts Society who lectures regularly throughout the UK, Europe and in Asia. Stella studied at the universities of Bristol and Warwick and at the British Institute of Florence. Her particular interests include the Italian Renaissance, 20th century American figurative art, and 19th century British art.
Work by Ford Madox Brown
ART & ARCHITECTURE
• Learn about the artistic heritage of Yorkshire and Lancashire, home to four of
Britain’s most important 20th century artists: Henry Moore, Barbara Hepworth, David Hockney and L S Lowry See works by Henry Moore in the open air at Yorkshire Sculpture Park Explore the Hepworth Wakefield, the Lowry, and the art galleries of Leeds and Manchester
• •
T
he influence of the Yorkshire landscape on the work of Henry Moore and Barbara Hepworth is well known, and its geological forms have continued to inspire a contemporary generation of sculptors. Our tour of the northern counties visits galleries that have been dedicated to four of the most important British 20th century artists. The Henry Moore Institute in Leeds and the Hepworth Wakefield form part of the ‘Yorkshire triangle’ alongside the Yorkshire Sculpture Park, Britain’s most celebrated collection of outdoor artworks. The Hepworth Wakefield was the Art Fund’s Museum of the Year 2017, while the Yorkshire Sculpture Park achieved the accolade in 2014. The spectacular 18th century park includes permanent pieces by both Moore and Hepworth, and others including David Nash, Anthony Gormley and Andy Goldsworthy. Further north, Jonathan Silver, a close friend of David Hockney, amassed a collection of over 300 pieces by the artist, which now occupies a converted mill in Sir Titus Salt’s model village of Saltaire. Manchester Art Gallery also contains
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important 20th century works from Augustus John to Lucian Freud. However, the strength of its collection lies in its late 18th and 19th century pieces, including paintings by the Pre-Raphaelites, and Ford Madox Brown’s iconic piece Work (1865). This work helped to inspire the commissioning of a series of paintings for Manchester Town Hall. We will experience the largest public collection of works by the artist L S Lowry,
including Coming from the Mill and Going to Work on our visit to the Lowry, a quayside arts centre in Salford. The artist spent much of his life in Salford and his works are closely linked to the city. Our tour also includes a visit to the Stanley & Audrey Burton Gallery, which is part of the University of Leeds and since 2008 has been home to an exceptional collection of art. Our base will be the four-star Radisson Blu Hotel in the heart of Leeds, located very close to the Leeds Art Gallery and town hall. Please note that the below itinerary represents a guide to what we hope to offer, and some visits may be subject to change. We cannot guarantee the availability of all artworks listed.
FITNESS / PRACTICALITIES: A good level of fitness is required for this tour, and participants should be prepared for a moderate amount of walking and standing during walking tours and gallery visits. There will be options for participants to take shorter routes on our visit to Yorkshire Sculpture Park.
ITINERARY Day 1 Tour assembles 1430 at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Leeds, for three nights. Afternoon visit to Stanley & Audrey Burton Gallery. Evening introductory lecture. Day 2 Morning: orientation walking tour of Leeds and visit to Leeds Art Gallery followed by optional independent visit to the Henry Moore Institute (world recognised centre for the study of sculpture, with contemporary exhibitions). Afternoon excursion to Yorkshire Sculpture Park (landscaped park including works by Hepworth and Moore). Evening lecture. Day 3 Whole day excursion to Manchester: Manchester Art Gallery (featuring work by Gainsborough, the Pre-Raphaelites and Ford Madox Brown) followed by the Lowry (the largest public collection of the artist’s work in the world, including Coming from the Mill and Going to Work) and Salford Quays. Evening lecture.
Day 4 Morning: Saltaire (World Heritage Site). Afternoon: Hepworth Wakefield. Tour disperses c 1700 at Leeds Station, followed by hotel. Cost of £995 includes: accommodation based on sharing a twin or double bedded room, breakfast, dinner with water & coffee, excursions & admissions, gratuities. Not included: travel insurance, double room for single use supplement £175. TOUR CODE: ARNH20 BOOK NOW: 01223 841055 sales@aceculturaltours.co.uk
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Germany / Poland
PO M E R ANIA AUGUST 25 – SEPTEMBER 6, 2020
• Visit the UNESCO World Heritage town of Stralsund, and the island of Rügen, immortalised by Caspar David Friedrich Discover Güstrow, one of Germany’s finest Renaissance castles Visit Prenzlau, home to perhaps northern Germany’s most perfect Gothic brick church
• •
FITNESS / PRACTICALITIES: Please note that this tour has a full itinerary with several hotel changes, and requires a good level of fitness. Some days involve up to 3 hours’ coach travel. On day 5 the group will enjoy a boat trip to view the chalkstone cliffs and the Baltic Sea.
This tour will be led by Tom Abbott, BA, MA, an independent art and architectural historian associated with the Foundation of Prussian Palaces and Gardens. Tom is a proficient lecturer and tour leader, with extensive experience leading tours across Europe including in Germany, where he has lived for over 30 years. Tom’s expertise ranges from the Baroque and Rococo to the Romantic Movement and European modern and contemporary art and architecture.
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Schwerin Palace with a wealth of Gothic features from its days as a major 14th and 15th century trading centre. The Marienkirche at Prenzlau, perhaps the most perfect of all of northern Germany’s brick Gothic churches, will be a further architectural highlight. Greifswald, in contrast to its Hanseatic neighbours, lies some two miles inland from the Baltic; here we will consider the legacy of the Romantic artist Caspar David Friedrich. Our first three nights will be spent in
Güstrow at the Hotel Am Tierpark. We will then spend three nights on Rügen, an island of sandy beaches, wooded creeks and small fishing villages; here our base will be the four-star Hotel Schloss Spyker. We then move to the Mercure Hotel Greifswald Am Gorzberg in Greifswald before spending our final three nights at the Panorama Hotel on the banks of the Oberuckersee. Please note that while we will endeavour to deliver the below itinerary in full, some elements may be subject to confirmation.
ITINERARY Day 1 Depart London Heathrow 1055 on British Airways, arriving Berlin 1345. Transfer to Güstrow for three nights at Hotel Am Tierpark. Welcome and introduction. Day 2 Morning visits in the fortified town of Güstrow: Güstrow Palace & Gardens (fine Renaissance castle), cathedral (Barlach Chapel of St Gertrude). Afternoon: walled market town of Teterow (town hall, church, medieval town gates), Malchin (Church of St John) and Schloss Burg Schlitz. Day 3 Whole day excursion to Ludwigslust (Baroque palace) and Schwerin (art museum with works by Cranach, Hal and Rubens; castle situated in landscape of lakes and forests). Day 4 Great Hanseatic port of Stralsund: town hall, churches of St Nicholas and St Mary, Stralsund Museum. Continue to island of Rügen for three nights at Hotel Schloss Spyker. Day 5 Vilmnitz (Church of Maria Magdalena), Putbus (19th century neoclassical town based on plans by Schinkel), by historical steam train to Jagdschloss Granitz. Return via prehistoric Lanchen-Granitz gravestones. Day 6 Morning lecture: The Art & History of Pomerania followed by boat trip from Sassnitz to view the famous chalkstone cliffs and Baltic Sea. Afternoon: Jasmund National Park, Waase (medieval wood-carved altarpieces). Day 7 Morning: some free time in Straslund. Afternoon: continue via Brandshagen Church and famous monastic ruins at Eldena (favoured motif of Caspar David Friedrich) to Greifswald for three nights at Mercure Hotel Greifswald Am Gorzberg. Day 8 Morning in Greifswald: Marienkirche, town hall, Cathedral of St Nicholas (where Caspar David Friedrich was baptised), Landesmuseum Pommern (Croy Tapestry and German Romantic paintings). Afternoon: Griebenow (Mannerist round church, Baroque Schloss Griebenow).
Day 9 Morning: Ludwigsburg Castle and Church. Continue to former Swedish port of Wolgast (Petrikirche with ‘Dance of Death’ paintings) and island of Peenemunde (V2 rocket research station). Evening lecture: Caspar David Friedrich & the Art of Romantic Germany. Day 10 Anklam (Gothic Marienkirche, beautiful brick gate) and Prenzlau (brick Marienkirche and some free time). Continue to Oberuckersee for three nights at Panorama Hotel. Day 11 Whole day excursion to Neubrandenburg: spectacular medieval defences, multiple fortified gates, Church of St Mary (exterior) and some free time. Return via Altentreptow (short walking tour) and Wolfshagen (unusual Romantic architecture). Evening lecture: Pomerania Yesterday & Today. Day 12 Whole day excursion into Poland for visit to old Pomeranian Hanseatic port of Stettin (now Szczecin): cathedral, Church of St Peter & St Paul, Church of St John the Evangelist, Castle of the Pomeranian Princes and Town Hall Museum. Day 13 Transfer to Berlin for 1430 departure, arriving Heathrow 1535.
Cost of £2995 includes: return airfare, accommodation based on sharing a twin or double bedded room, breakfast, three lunches, dinner with wine, water & coffee, excursions & admissions, gratuities. Not included: travel insurance, single room supplement £395. TOUR CODE: POME20 BOOK NOW: 01223 841055 sales@aceculturaltours.co.uk
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ART & ARCHITECTURE
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erched on the southern shores of the Baltic lies a region of lakes, rivers and rolling country roads lined with mature oaks and limes, home to a fascinating selection of castles and fortified Hanseatic towns. Much of Pomerania answered to the Swedish crown from the 17th to the 19th century, and it was the Swedes who endowed this corner of south-eastern Germany with so many of its Baroque castles and fortifications. Amongst our first visits will be Güstrow, notable for its castle, the finest Renaissance edifice in northern Germany. The lakeside city of Schwerin, like Güstrow, was for centuries the seat of the Dukes of Mecklenburg. The island fortress, begun in the 14th century, owes its marvellous present-day fairy-tale appearance to a later Renaissance-style refashioning in the manner of a French chateau. The Hanseatic ports offer a captivating insight into Pomerania’s history. Stralsund, for example, combines an elegant Baroque legacy from two centuries of Swedish rule
Germany
T H E H ANS EAT IC LEA GUE JULY 29 – AUGUST 6, 2020
• Discover the history of the Hanseatic League, from Hamburg, Bremen and Lübeck, three major merchant centres Explore medieval church architecture in an array of locations Visit fascinating museums, including the European Hansemuseum in Lübeck
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he Hanseatic League, which in medieval times dictated trade from the Baltic to the North Sea, left a rich legacy in art, architecture and of course maritime tradition. Dominating the townscapes even today are soaring brickbuilt Gothic churches, glories of medieval architecture, built at a time when such edifices were unknown in contemporary England. The League started with the collaboration of Hamburg, Lübeck and Lüneburg in the 13th century, before becoming a union of north European trading cities with the most efficient sailing ships of their time. It was a lean, enterprising forerunner of the European Union, with little bureaucracy and huge commercial success. This tour will be led by Tom Abbott, BA, MA, an independent art and architectural historian associated with the Foundation of Prussian Palaces and Gardens. Tom has extensive experience leading cultural tours in Europe, to destinations including Germany, Poland, France and Italy. His expertise concerning art and architecture ranges widely, and he is particularly fascinated with medieval art and architecture, as well as the Baroque, Rococo and the Romantic Movement.
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Our tour is based in three of the major merchant centres that initiated the first trading associations of ‘Hanses’: Hamburg, Bremen and Lübeck. In Hamburg, home
to the third busiest port in Europe, we will survey the city’s historical buildings and formulate an understanding of the context of the trading association on museum visits. During a day excursion we will explore Lüneburg, which was an important salttrading town, boasting one of the most magnificent and best-preserved town halls in Germany. It was through the vast waterways of Europe that the League built
© Image by Klaus Bärwinkel. GNU Free Documentation License, Version 1.2.
ART & ARCHITECTURE
Bremen Cathedral
Winged altar of the Lukas Brotherhood
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ART & ARCHITECTURE
Germany
Lübeck up its trade, and on our way north we will pass through the harbour cities of Stade and Bremerhaven. The latter is home to the outstanding German Maritime Museum. Lübeck, once the capital of the league, is one of the best preserved of all the Hanseatic towns, with a fine array of Brick Gothic buildings. Here, we will visit the European Hansemuseum, and discover some fascinating churches. From here we will visit the town of Wismar in former East Germany, famed for its 17th century Wasserkunst waterworks. In Hamburg we will stay at the fourstar Hotel Baseler Hof in the centre of the city. We will spend a night in Bremen at the four-star Atlantic Grand Hotel, within walking distance of the city’s town hall, followed by four nights in Lübeck at the Atlantic Hotel, located in the old town. While we will endeavour to deliver the below itinerary in full, some elements may be subject to confirmation. FITNESS / PRACTICALITIES: Please note that a good level of fitness is required for this tour, as it has a full itinerary with some busy days, hotel changes, a journey made by ferry and some walking.
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ITINERARY Day 1 Depart London Heathrow 1040 on British Airways, arriving Hamburg 1320. Transfer to Hotel Baseler Hof for three nights. Afternoon visit to Museum für Kunst und Gewerbe (collection spanning 4000 years). Day 2 Morning lecture: The Hanseatic League – Medieval Globalisation? followed by visit to Hamburg Kunsthalle. Afternoon: walking tour to include exterior views of Chile House, Kontorhaus and Speicherstadt (1880s warehouse and harbour district). Walk through HafenCity (new development on old container harbour) and exterior view of Elbephilharmonie. By ferry to Landungsbrücke (churches and Kramerwitzen Houses – exteriors). Day 3 Morning excursion to Lauenburg: Palmschleuse (the first chamber lock in Europe on the Stecknitz Canal, which brought salt from Lüneburg to Lübeck). Continue to Lüneburg: exceptionally preserved town hall (exterior), churches of St John and St Nicholas, Lüne Kloster (abbey and museum). Day 4 Depart for Bremen via Stade (Schwedenspeicher Museum, Church of St Wilhadi) and Bremerhaven (German Maritime Museum). Overnight at the Atlantic Grand Hotel, Bremen. Day 5 Bremen: Kunsthalle, cathedral, Böttcherstrasse (brick Expressionist buildings – exteriors). Transfer to Lübeck for four nights at the Atlantic Hotel. Day 6 Orientation walking tour of Lübeck including Church of St Peter (exterior), 13th century Church of St Mary, Salzspeicher (16th to 18th century salt warehouses – exteriors), Holstentor Museum and town hall. Afternoon: visit to cathedral and free time for optional visits to Buddenbrookhaus (literary museum) or Marzipan
Museum. Evening lecture: The Art & Architecture of the North – Past & Present. Day 7 Whole day excursion to Wismar with visits to Church of St Nicholas, Wasserkunst (water supply) and Church of St George. Afternoon: Bad Doberan (visit to minster and historical walking tour) followed by historical steam train to Heiligendamm on the Baltic Sea (renowned white architecture). Day 8 Morning: Hansemuseum, Burgtor (exterior), Heiligen-GeistHospital (Brick Gothic), Church of St Jacob, Church of St Catherine (exterior). Afternoon: Museum Behnhaus Drägerhaus (neoclassical art gallery), St Annen-Museum (large collection of medieval sculpture). Day 9 Morning: Laboe Naval Memorial and Kiel (Maritime Museum). Continue to Hamburg for 1625 departure, arriving Heathrow 1725.
Cost of £2795 includes: return airfare, accommodation based on sharing a twin or double bedded room, breakfast, two lunches, dinner with water & coffee, excursions & admissions, gratuities. Not included: travel insurance, double room for single use supplement £415. TOUR CODE: HANS20 BOOK NOW: 01223 841055 sales@aceculturaltours.co.uk
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France
M E D I E VAL B URGUNDY JULY 1–8, 2020
• Explore Guédelon, where a team of
master craftsmen are building an authentic recreation of a medieval castle using only the techniques and materials of the Middle Ages Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Vézelay, an enduring masterpiece of Burgundian Romanesque architecture Spend a day in Dijon, exploring the Cathedral of St Bénigne, Archaeological Museum and Palais des Ducs
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ART & ARCHITECTURE
F
rom 1363 to 1477, the old Duchy of Burgundy – with the glittering court of Dijon at its heart – became the focus of one of the most influential polities of the Middle Ages, extending its authority as far north as the Netherlands. This tour pays tribute to some of Europe’s most delightful Romanesque monuments: the once imposing abbey at Cluny, the great cathedrals at Autun and Dijon, and the sumptuous pilgrimage centre of Vézelay. Here, the 12th century Sainte Marie-Madeleine, with its complex imagery, is a tour de force of the Burgundian Romanesque style. The magnificent church at Tournus, dating back to the 10th century, is a superb example of First Romanesque architecture. We will view Gothic art in its emergent form at the almost complete Cistercian Abbey of Fontenay, and in its late flowering at Brou Monastery. Here, we will see the fine choir stalls and tombs, including that of Margaret of Austria and her husband Philibert who founded the church. Beaune holds one of the greatest Flemish masterpieces by van der Weyden, whilst on the outskirts of Dijon, the former Authentic medieval construction work at Guédelon
Auxerre at dusk
Tour Director Cathy Oakes, PhD, FSA is an Associate Professor in Art History at Oxford University and a Fellow of Kellogg College. She is an Arts Society lecturer and a regular contributor to courses at the V&A Museum. Her particular interests are the English and French Middle Ages, and she has led a number of tours over the years exploring the Romanesque and Gothic in those areas. Carthusian monastery of the Chartreuse de Champmol is home to sculpture by Claus Sluter. We will also enjoy a visit to the Musée Rolin to view the Burgundian Romanesque sculpture.
FITNESS / PRACTICALITIES: Please note that this tour will involve walking over ground that can be uneven, steep or cobbled, and slippery if wet. A good level of fitness is required.
ITINERARY Day 1 Depart London St Pancras 1024 on Eurostar and TER via Paris, arriving Montbard 1748. Transfer to Vézelay for two nights at Hotel de la Poste et du Lion d’Or. Short evening lecture: An Introduction to Medieval Burgundy. Day 2 Morning visit to Guédelon. Afternoon in Auxerre: Abbey of St Germain (Carolingian frescoes) and Gothic Cathedral of St Etienne (11th century crypt). Day 3 Vézelay: La Madeleine (great pilgrimage church and abbey). Afternoon: via 12th century Fontenay (one of Europe’s most unspoiled Cistercian abbeys) to Basilica of St Andoche, Saulieu. Transfer to Beaune for five nights at Hotel de la Poste. Day 4 Whole day excursion via Romanesque village churches in Brancion and Chapaize (subject to confirmation) to Cluny (abbey remains) and Berzé-la-Ville (retreat of abbots of Cluny with spectacular Romanesque frescoes). Day 5 Morning in Autun: 12th century Cathedral of St Lazare and Musée Rolin. Afternoon in Beaune: Hotel-Dieu (van der Weyden’s Last Judgement).
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We begin in Vézelay with two nights at the Hotel de la Poste et du Lion d’Or, before moving to Beaune, where we will stay at the Hotel de la Poste. Please note that while we will endeavour to deliver the below itinerary in full, some elements may be subject to confirmation.
Day 6 Whole day excursion to Dijon: Musée Archéologique, Cathedral of St Bénigne, Palais des Ducs and Chartreuse de Champmol. Day 7 Whole day excursion to St Philibert at Tournus and Bourg-enBresse (flamboyant Brou Monastery). Day 8 Visit to Laon Cathedral. Transfer to Lille, departing Lille 1736 on Eurostar, arriving St Pancras 1806. Cost of £2595 includes: return travel, accommodation based on sharing a twin or double bedded room, breakfast, dinner with wine, water & coffee, excursions & admissions, gratuities. Not included: travel insurance, single room supplement £375. TOUR CODE: MBUR20 BOOK NOW: 01223 841055 sales@aceculturaltours.co.uk
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United Kingdom
A RT I S TS’ HOU S E S IN SUSSEX
Monk’s House, once home to Leonard and Virginia Woolf
• Discover an inviting collection of artists’ houses and galleries scattered around the beautiful Sussex countryside Step into homes belonging to members of the Bloomsbury Group and their contemporaries including Monk’s House (Virginia Woolf) and Charleston (Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant) Explore Limnerslease House and the Watts Gallery and Studio at the Artists’ Village at Compton, once home to George Frederic Watts and his wife Mary
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rom the 1890s to the 1940s, British design was driven by the tension between tradition and modernity. Vibrant houses and interiors created at the turn of the century continued to explore the delightful possibilities of the Arts and Crafts movement – the hand-made, the vernacular, the pastoral. G F Watts’s studio and house at Compton, near Guildford, became the focus of an artists’ community when it opened to the public in 1904, and Philip Webb’s plans for Standen (1891-4) incorporated the brightest and best of Morris & Co interior design. Our tour will visit houses that were inspired by the richness of the past, while
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This tour will be led by Stella Lyons, BA, MA, a freelance Art History lecturer and speaker accredited with the Arts Society who lectures frequently throughout the UK, Europe and in Asia. Stella studied at the universities of Bristol and Warwick and at the British Institute of Florence. Her particular interests include the Italian Renaissance, 20th century American figurative art and 19th century British art. also showcasing how English artists and writers embraced a modern style that looked outwards and forwards. In particular, we will discover the life and work of the Bloomsbury Group. Virginia Woolf, Duncan Grant, Vanessa Bell and their friends wanted to create a Modern movement in Britain, to rival the new art of Paris and Berlin, and so transformed their old Sussex houses through bold colour and abstract pattern-making. Artists like Eric Ravilious were also walking the Downs in the 1920s and 30s, wrestling with the desire to paint in a style that was sensitive to the deep history of the landscape, while responding to the upheavals in art and design since the Great War. Our visit to the Towner Art Gallery in Eastbourne will offer the chance to look at the Ravilious gallery. We stay throughout at the four-star Deans Place Hotel, a classic country house hotel located in the heart of the Sussex Downs in the pretty village of Alfriston.
ITINERARY Day 1 Tour assembles 1300 at Guildford City Station. Visit to Watts Gallery – Artists’ Village (home to Victorian painter and sculptor G F Watts) including guided tour of Limnerslease House. Transfer to Deans Place Hotel, Alfriston for three nights. Evening introductory lecture. Day 2 Morning: Charleston (house and gardens), Berwick Church (Bloomsbury set murals) and St Peter’s Church in Firle (John Piper stained glass). Afternoon: Monk’s House (18th century cottage once home to Leonard and Virginia Woolf). Evening lecture. Day 3 Morning: Farley’s House & Gallery (home to Surrealist photographer Lee Miller and artist Roland Penrose). Afternoon: Standen (Arts and Crafts house with Morris & Co interiors). Day 4 Morning excursion to Eastbourne for Towner Art Gallery (Ravilious gallery and print room). Tour disperses c 1300 at Eastbourne Station followed by hotel.
Cost of £1095 includes: accommodation based on sharing a twin or double-bedded room, breakfast, one lunch, dinner with water & coffee, excursions & admissions, gratuities. Not included: travel insurance, double room for single use supplement £120. TOUR CODE: AHSX20 BOOK NOW: 01223 841055 sales@aceculturaltours.co.uk
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ART & ARCHITECTURE
AUGUST 4–7, 2020
Russia
RUS S I A’S GOL DE N R I NG AUGUST 4–15, 2020
ART & ARCHITECTURE
Tolga Monastery
• Experience the classic tour of ‘Golden Ring’ towns circling Moscow, as well as less frequently visited sites away from the tourist trail Highlights will include the beautiful architecture of the Trinity-Sergius Lavra in Sergiev Posad and the kremlin at Rostov Visit the architecturally impressive Tolga Monastery, accessed via boat along the Volga, Europe’s longest river
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n this circumambulation of the famous ‘Golden Ring’ of Russian towns, we will take in locations that are part of the classic ring tour, but also lesser-known sites. The northern cities of Kostroma and Vologda feature with their important kremlins and monasteries, alongside the rarely frequented southern and south-eastern cities of Murom, Ryazan and Kolomna. In the vicinity of Moscow, we will encounter monuments, churches and monasteries that date from both preMongol and Muscovite times. We will
take in the famous Trinity-Sergius Lavra in Sergiev Posad, an outstanding assembly of influential 14th to 18th century goldtipped buildings. We will pay homage to the princely residence of Bobolyubovo close to
FITNESS / PRACTICALITIES: This tour requires a good level of fitness, as we have a full itinerary and the tour will involve walking and standing for long periods of time.
Vladimir, and take in Suzdal’s wealth of whitewashed monasteries and the Museum of Wooden Architecture, which displays intricate wooden churches from the surrounding area. The city of Yaroslavl, situated on the confluence of the Volga and Kotorsol
The Holy Trinity – St Sergius Lavra
This tour will be led by Alex Koller, PhD, an expert in art history and architecture. Born in Vienna, Alex has lived and studied in Vienna, Salzburg and Cambridge, where he gained his PhD in History of Art from Magdalene College and where he has also lectured and supervised. An accomplished linguist and experienced Tour Director, Alex has travelled extensively throughout Europe and the Far East and has been leading tours since 1998.
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Rostov Kremlin Rivers, was a major commercial centre in the 11th century. Its historical heart is a designated UNESCO World Heritage site, due to its significance as part of the townplanning reform undertaken by Empress Catherine the Great between 1763 and 1830. Here we will encounter the Church of St John the Baptist, which features a heady interior adorned with frescoes and richly glazed tiles beneath its tight configuration of 15 onion domes. From Yaroslavl we will take a boat trip along the Volga to encounter the outstanding beauty of Tolga Monastery: originally built from wood in the 14th century, it was converted to stone after a donation by Ivan the Terrible in 1553. From Vologda, we will visit the enormous monastic complex of the Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery and take in the highly important frescoes of the Ferapontov Monastery.
“Tour Director Alex Koller was, as always, amazingly knowledgeable, an excellent communicator, and full of energy to enthuse and interest us” “Alex Koller was excellent throughout. His enthusiasm and knowledge was impressive and this was accompanied by patience and consideration” – ACE customers on previous Russia’s Golden Ring tours
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The pink façades and green domes of Rostov Veliky’s kremlin rise above the waters of Lake Nero. Despite being one of the oldest centres, first chronicled in the 9th century and originally capital of the Kievan princes, it is less visited on the Golden Route, as is the beautiful cathedral
in Pereslavl-Zalessky, near the huge lake upon which Peter the Great built his fleet. We will stay at comfortable hotels along the Golden Ring route. Please note that the below itinerary represents a guide to what we hope to offer, and some details may be subject to change.
ITINERARY Day 1 Flight from London to Moscow. Overnight Moscow. Day 2 Depart Moscow for Yaroslavl via Trinity-Sergius Lavra in Sergiev Posad, Pereslavl-Zalessky (Cathedral of the Transfiguration of the Saviour) and Rostov Veliky (including kremlin). Two nights in Yaroslavl. Day 3 Morning in Yaroslavl: Spassky Monastery (one of the oldest monasteries of the Upper Volga region), Church of St John the Baptist, Church of Elijah the Prophet (built by wealthy merchants in the 17th-18th centuries) and Art Museum (featuring huge collection of Russian icons). Afternoon boat trip on the Volga to Tolga Monastery. Day 4 Morning: St Sophia Cathedral and tower. Afternoon city tour of Vologda. Two nights in Vologda. Day 5 Excursion to the vast walled enclosure of Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery and Ferapontov Monastery (stunning examples of Russian medieval wall paintings by 15th century artist Dionisy) and Church of St Martinian. Day 6 Transfer to Kostroma for visits to neoclassical town centre, 14th century Ipatiev Monastery, Church of the Resurrection (17th century with patterned exterior) and Epiphany Monastery. Overnight in Kostroma. Day 7 Transfer to Suzdal for visits including the kremlin (vast white fortress) and Museum of Wooden Architecture. Two nights in Suzdal.
Day 8 Suzdal monasteries: the Convent of the Intercession (Pokrovsky Monastery) and Rizopolozhensky Convent (early 13th century) followed by 14th century Monastery of Spasso-Ephimovsky and 13th century Church of Yuriev Polsky. Day 9 Vladimir area: Bogolyubovo (Church of the Intercession on the Nerl River and monastery with remains of princely residence), Vladimir (Dormition and Demetrius cathedrals, Golden Gate). Afternoon transfer to Murom for overnight. Day 10 Morning in Murom: Saviour, Trinity and Annunciation monasteries. Afternoon: continue to Ryazan for kremlin and Dormition Cathedral. Overnight in Ryazan. Day 11 Depart Ryazan via Kolomna (kremlin, Pyatnitsky Gate, Dormition and Staro-Golutvin monasteries). Transfer to Moscow for overnight. Day 12 Morning: New Jerusalem Monastery at Istra (founded 1656 and inspired by Jerusalem’s Church of the Holy Sepulchre). Continue to Moscow for flight to London. Full details, including the cost, will be released later in 2019. Please contact the ACE office now to register your interest. TOUR CODE: RUGR20 BOOK NOW: 01223 841055 sales@aceculturaltours.co.uk
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ART & ARCHITECTURE
Russia
United Kingdom
ART COLLECTIONS & STATELY HOMES OF THE WEST COUNTRY AUGUST 10–14, 2020 FITNESS / PRACTICALITIES: This is not a strenuous tour, but will involve some walking to reach visits and in the grounds of stately homes. Please note that the historical buildings visited on this tour may have uneven surfaces and steps to navigate, and lifts are not always available.
Stourhead Grounds
ART & ARCHITECTURE
• From a base in Bath, explore the art treasures of this fine Georgian city, as well as historical houses in the surrounding countryside Enjoy special access to private houses, including the magnificent Wilton House, rebuilt in the Palladian style by Inigo Jones, and Corsham Court, an Elizabethan manor home to a notable art collection Learn about the lives of individual collectors, such as the remarkable William Blathwayt of Dyrham Park
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he area of the West Country surrounding Bath and Salisbury features some of Britain’s most splendid stately homes, alongside several surprising art collections. This brand new tour will offer an opportunity to explore the careers of individual collectors, and compare the ways they went about compiling their art treasures. Corsham Court is an Elizabethan house transformed in the 18th century by the Methuen family to provide a setting for their extraordinary collection of Old Master paintings. The Picture Gallery, built by Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown and furnished This tour will be led by Rupert Dickens, BA, MA, an art historian and guide lecturer at the Wallace Collection. Previously a BBC television and radio journalist for over 20 years, Rupert studied art history at Birkbeck, University, London, before gaining a Masters degree in Dutch Golden Age Studies at University College London. Following his interest in the history of collections, Rupert developed this brand new ACE itinerary following a reconnaissance trip to the area in spring 2019. He is looking forward to comparing and contrasting the motivations, methods and tastes of different collectors, and examining how they affected the contents of these important art collections.
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perfectly preserved adjoining 19th century village of Laycock. Our base for the tour will be the beautiful city of Bath. At the Holburne Museum, we will see the work of one of the city’s most famous residents, Thomas Gainsborough, who found fame here with his portraits of prominent Georgian citizens. We will also visit the Victoria Art Gallery, home to a municipal collection built largely on bequests of works with a local connection, where we hope to enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour. We will stay throughout at The Bird, a four-star boutique hotel in the heart of Bath.
ITINERARY by Robert Adam, is little changed since the 18th century, and displays works by van Dyck, Murillo and Filippo Lippi. Nearby is Dyrham Park, a Baroque country house nestling in the valley at the centre of a deer park. We will hear about the remarkable career of its founder, William Blathwayt, who served as right-hand man to William III after the Glorious Revolution, and who built a unique collection of Dutch pictures, china and furniture which still adorns the house. We will also visit Stourhead, to savour the splendour of its world-famous landscape gardens and tour the Palladian villa designed by Colen Campbell for the Hoare family. We will examine the art collection assembled by several generations of the family on the proceeds of their banking business. A further highlight of the tour will be a day spent in historical Salisbury, visiting its cathedral, famously depicted by John Constable in one of his most enduring works. We will also pay a visit to nearby Wilton House, the seat of the Earls of Pembroke, for a special private tour. The 17th century interior displays important works by Rembrandt, van Dyck and Bruegel. Meanwhile, Laycock Abbey is a country house with monastic roots, known as the birthplace of British photography. We will have time to explore the grounds and the
Day 1 Tour assembles 1315 at The Bird, Bath, for four nights. Afternoon in Bath: Holburne Museum and Victoria Art Gallery. Evening lecture: The Extraordinary Career of William Blathwayt, Builder of Dyrham Park. Day 2 Morning: guided tour of Corsham Court (18th century Picture Gallery) and visit to Lacock Abbey (with Fox Talbot Museum) and picturesque village. Afternoon: guided tour of Dyrham Park (17th century Dutch collection). Evening lecture. Day 3 Morning: guided tour of Wilton House (famous state rooms and notable art collection) followed by visit to Salisbury Cathedral. Afternoon walking tour of historical Salisbury followed by some free time. Day 4 Morning lecture: Gainsborough & the British Portrait followed by guided tour of Stourhead (Palladian villa with splendid art collection) and some free time. Afternoon: Iford Manor Gardens (beautiful secluded gardens). Day 5 Morning visit to No 1 Royal Crescent Museum, Bath (beautifully refurbished Georgian interiors). Tour disperses 1145. Cost of £1345 includes: return airfare, accommodation based on sharing a deluxe twin or double bedded room, breakfast, dinner with wine, water & coffee, excursions & admissions, gratuities. Not included: travel insurance, standard double room for single use supplement £210. TOUR CODE: ACSH20 BOOK NOW: 01223 841055 sales@aceculturaltours.co.uk
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Denmark
DE N M ARK: ANCIENT & MO D ER N • Discover Denmark’s treasures from
across its remarkable history, in a brand new tour crafted by Danishborn art historian Lars Tharp Explore the wide sweep of Danish culture: from megaliths to palaces, historical towns and sites associated with the monarchy and legendary cultural figures such as Hans Christian Andersen and Bertil Thorvaldsen Enjoy a day excursion by ferry to the island of Ærøskøbing to view remains spanning over five thousand years
Frederiksborg Castle
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enmark, the southernmost of the Scandinavian countries, comprises the peninsular of Jutland and an archipelago of islands. It is celebrated for its Viking past, beautiful architecture, modern design and extensive coastlines. The capital, Copenhagen, hosts fascinating museums, while the countryside is home to a range of prehistoric sites and distinguished castles. ACE Tour Director and art historian Lars Tharp, who was born in Copenhagen, has crafted this new itinerary to offer a personal take on this fascinating country and its history. A handpicked itinerary of impressive town and country sites will together weave a rich tapestry showcasing Denmark ancient and modern: a portrait not just of Danish but also of wider northern European culture. From picturesque megaliths to the spectacular Øresund Bridge, this tour will provide a curated overview of the nation’s history and culture from its place in prehistory to contemporary Scandinavia.
This tour will be led by Lars Tharp, MA, FSA, a Danish-born art historian, lecturer and broadcaster who is particularly well known for his work on the BBC’s Antiques Roadshow, as well as Treasures of Chinese Porcelain. A ceramics specialist, Lars was formerly Director of the Foundling Museum and has guestcurated exhibitions at other art museums including York Art Gallery. He is also the author of several books and has contributed a regular column to The Scandinavian magazine. Lars regularly lectures and leads tours around the world, and he returns annually to his native Copenhagen.
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Particular highlights of our itinerary will include the Jelling Stones, huge carved boulders mixing Christian and Viking ornament, with runes affirming the nation state of ‘Danmark’; and at the other end of Danish statehood, the impressive mid-19th century battleship Jylland, a steam-and-sail ship which gallantly defended Denmark against the united Austrian-Prussian fleets in the Schleswig-Holstein war. We will visit a number of castles, including Rosenholm, Demark’s oldest family-owned castle, showcasing the influence of Italian Renaissance architecture, and Broholm Slot on the
‘garden island’ of Fyn (Funen), home to a pioneer archaeologist’s extensive collections. Our tour will culminate in a threeday stay in Copenhagen, where we will explore some of the city’s architectural and historical highlights on a walking tour of ‘Frederiksstaden’. We also look forward to discovering the Design Museum, home to a world-class collection. The three-star Hotel Helnan Marselis is situated directly on the sandy beach of Aarhus Bay, and the three-star Hotel Ærø is in the attractive seaside town of Svendborg. In Copenhagen we will stay at the four-star Hotel Phoenix in ‘Bredgade’. Please note that whilst we will endeavour to deliver the below itinerary in full, some details may be subject to confirmation. Some sites may not be fully accessible due to weather conditions or last minute closures.
FITNESS / PRACTICALITIES: A good level of fitness is required for this tour, which will walking and standing for periods of time, including over uneven ground. Our walking tour of Copenhagen will be around 2 ½ hours in length. Our itinerary also involves travel by ferry.
ITINERARY Day 1 Depart London Stansted 1125 on Ryanair, arriving Aarhus 1405. Afternoon visit to Den Gamle By. Two nights at Hotel Helnan Marselis, Aarhus.
Day 7 Morning: Frederiksborg Castle, Hillerød (castle, chapel and gardens). Afternoon: Helsinger (Kronborg Castle). Return to Copenhagen for visit to cathedral (time permitting). Free evening.
Day 2 Morning introductory lecture followed by excursion to Rosenholm (one of the best-preserved Danish Renaissance mansions) and Ebeltoft (port town). Afternoon: Fregatten Jylland (19th century Danish ship).
Day 8 Morning walk through Frederiksstaden (Little Mermaid statue, Kastellet, Gefion Fountain, St Alban’s English Church and Amalienborg Palace – exteriors). Afternoon visits to Frederikskirken (‘the Marble Church’) and Design Museum (important collections) followed by some free time. Free evening.
Day 3 Morning: Jelling (Denmark’s foundation stones). Continue to Odense for visit to Hans Christian Andersen Museum followed by Bellinge Church (gabled church with fine medieval frescoes). Continue to Svendborg for two nights at Hotel Ærø. Day 4 By ferry to island of Ærø for visit to town of Ærøskøbing and views of Kragnaes passage grave, Bryn Khoj megalith, churches of Tranderup and Bregninge and visit to Hammerichs Hus. Free evening. Day 5 Morning: Broholm Slot (seat of the Sehested family, housing archaeological museum) and Egeskov Slot (exterior). Afternoon: continue via Ellested megalith (one of the finest in Denmark) and Roskilde Cathedral to Copenhagen for four nights at Hotel Phoenix. Day 6 Morning: Grundtvig’s Church (exterior) followed by Fanefjord Church, Moen. Afternoon: Thorvaldsen Collection at Nysø.
Day 9 Morning visit to National Museum. Transfer via Dragør fishing village to airport for 1720 departure, arriving Stansted 1820.
Cost of £3245 includes: return airfare, accommodation based on sharing a twin or double bedded room, six lunches, five dinners with water & coffee, excursions & admissions, gratuities. Not included: travel insurance, single room supplement £495. TOUR CODE: DENM20 BOOK NOW: 01223 841055 sales@aceculturaltours.co.uk
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ART & ARCHITECTURE
AUGUST 4–12, 2020
Poland
T E U TO N IC KNIGH TS JULY 7–19, 2020
ART & ARCHITECTURE
Malbork
• Discover the headquarters of the
Teutonic Knights at Malbork Visit the site of the battle of Tannenberg Spend time in the beautiful seaside town of Ǵdańsk, one of the key centres of the Hanseatic League
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n the late 13th century, the Teutonic Knights, ruthless advocates of holy war, overthrew the cities of the Hanseatic League and seized control of the profitable amber trade of northern Europe. The knights constructed a network of massive castle-monasteries down the Baltic coast and along the Vistula River,
This tour will be led by Tom Abbott, BA, MA, an independent art and architectural historian associated with the Foundation of Prussian Palaces and Gardens. Tom has extensive experience leading cultural tours in Europe, to destinations including Poland, Germany, France and Italy. His expertise concerning art and architecture is wide ranging, and he is particularly fascinated with medieval art and architecture, as well as the Baroque and Rococo, and the Romantic Movement.
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crushing all opposition for more than a century. Until, that is, July 1410, when on the wooded, rolling hills near the FITNESS / PRACTICALITIES: Please note that a good level of fitness is required for this tour as it will involve a significant amount of walking and standing. The tour will also involve travel by boat, a number of hotel changes, and some long journeys of up to 3 hours by coach.
village of Tannenberg, a coalition of Poles, Lithuanians, Russians and Tartars delivered a fatal blow to the crusading knights. The medieval town of Torun, today a UNESCO World Heritage site, was the first headquarters of the Teutonic Order. Torun’s imposing public and private buildings are striking evidence of the university town’s former prosperity. The monumental fortified monastery at Malbork (Marienburg), dating from the early years of the 14th century, is another architectural marvel: the seat of the grand
Święta Lipka Basilica
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Gdańsk
master following his departure from Venice, this brick-built complex would have been familiar to Chaucer’s knight who “made a journey to Prussia”, as did many medieval nobles who were ordered to crusade against the godless Lithuanians.
In addition to charting the history of the Teutonic Knights, we will also explore contemporary Polish history with a visit to the European Solidarity Centre, opened in 2014. We will stay throughout at hotels of
three and four-star quality in Czosnów, Torun, Gdańsk, Elblag, Olsztyn and Gizycko. While we will endeavour to deliver the below itinerary in full, some elements may be subject to confirmation.
ITINERARY Day 1 Depart London Heathrow 1400 on British Airways, arriving Warsaw 1725. Transfer to Czosnów for overnight stay at Hotel u Witaszka.
Day 6 Gdańsk: Trinity Church, National Museum, European Solidarity Centre and Solidarity Monument followed by excursion to Oliwa Cathedral with organ recital (subject to confirmation).
Day 2 Morning: Modlin Fortress (founded by Napoleon in 1806 on River Vistula – exterior) and Sierpc Museum of the Mazovian Countryside. Continue to Torun (Teutonic headquarters) for two nights at Hotel Heban. Some free time. Evening lecture: The ‘Who, What, Where & Why’ of the Teutonic Knights.
Day 7 Paslek (town founded by the Knights): Church of St Bartholomew. Continue to Paslek Gmina, the beginning of the Elblag (Oberland) Canal. Transfer by boat to Elblag (major Hanseatic port) for walking tour and Church of St Nicholas. Two nights in Elblag.
Day 3 Visits in Torun (well preserved Hanseatic town): old town square, Church of St Mary, Church of St John (Baptismal Font of Copernicus), medieval town hall (now an art museum), Copernicus Museum, Church of St James, Golden Lion (Gothic building now housing the pharmacy) and Church of St Katherine (exterior).
Day 8 Morning: Orneta (14th century church) and Krosno (Baroque pilgrimage church). Afternoon: Frombork for cathedral with organ recital (subject to confirmation) and Copernicus Museum. Evening lecture: The Art & Architecture of Prussian Land.
Day 4 Morning visits to Grudziadz (Benedictine nunnery and old granaries) and Kwidzyn (14th century castle and cathedral). Afternoon at Malbork Castle (14th century headquarters of Teutonic Knights): Palace of the Grand Master, great refectory, chapels, armoury, museum (amber collection), then continue to Gdańsk (Danzig) for three nights at Hotel Qubus. Day 5 Gdańsk (great Hansa port): 16th century Church of St Mary, town hall, Maritime Museum, Old Granaries.
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Day 9 Morning: Górowo Ilaweckie (Greco-Catholic church) and Lidzbark Warmiński (castle museum). Continue to Olsztyn (founded by knights): Gothic Cathedral of St James. Two nights in Olsztyn. Day 10 Morning: Dzialdowo (Interactive Teutonic Knights Museum) and Nidzica (fortress museum). Afternoon: Olsztynek (open-air Museum of Folk Architecture) and site of Battle of Grunwald/ Tannenberg.
Day 11 Barczewo for churches of St Anne and St Andrew with mannerist sculpture (subject to confirmation), Mirbach Palace (exterior), Sorkwity Church and boat trip on the Masurian Lakes (subject to confirmation). Continue to Gizycko for two nights. Day 12 Wolf’s Lair (Hitler’s bunker complex), Ketrzyn (Church of St George – exterior, and fortress museum), Swieta Lipka (pilgrimage church with organ recital – subject to confirmation). Evening lecture: From the Teutonic Knights’ Nation to Today’s Poland. Day 13 Pultusk (impressive basilica with Renaissance vault). Depart Warsaw 1825, arriving Heathrow 2005. Cost of £2795 includes: return airfare, accommodation based on sharing a twin or double bedded room, breakfast, eight lunches, dinner with water & coffee, excursions & admissions, gratuities. Not included: travel insurance, single room supplement £345. TOUR CODE: TEUT20 BOOK NOW: 01223 841055 sales@aceculturaltours.co.uk
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ART & ARCHITECTURE
Poland
United Kingdom
THE PRE-RAPHAELITES IN OXFORD JUNE 1–4, 2020
ART & ARCHITECTURE
The Garden Court (from the Legend of Briar Rose) by Sir Edward Burne Jones
• Discover the world of William Morris, Dante Gabriel Rossetti and Edward Burne-Jones in and around Oxford View works of art of different media, including William Holman Hunt’s painting The Light of the World at Keble College, and stained glass at Christ Church Cathedral View the Faringdon Collection at Buscot Park, containing a wealth of 19th century British art
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This tour will be led by Stella Lyons, BA, MA, a freelance Art History lecturer and speaker accredited with the Arts Society, who lectures regularly throughout the UK, Europe and in Asia. Stella studied at the universities of Bristol and Warwick, and at the British Institute of Florence. Her particular interests include the Italian Renaissance, American figurative art from the 20th century and 19th century British art.
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rom a base in Oxford, this tour takes as its focus Victorian art, taste and design. We will concentrate on Morris and Company, the Pre-Raphaelites and the Gothic Revival’s medievalist Victorian vision in and around the ‘city of dreaming spires’. Highlights will include the stained glass at Christ Church and Harris Manchester Colleges, the sumptuous Victorian chapel at Exeter College, and William Butterfield’s assertive Keble College with its intimate chapel, which houses William Holman Hunt’s The Light of the World. The Oxford Union, containing early and important murals by William Morris, Dante Gabriel Rossetti and Edward Burne-Jones, will be explored alongside the world-class collection of Pre-Raphaelite paintings and drawings at the Ashmolean Museum. A visit to the galleries and Print Room will set Oxford’s Victorian architectural highlights in a broader artistic context.
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From Oxford, we will make an excursion to Buscot Park, which includes an excellent collection of Pre-Raphaelite paintings in Victorian surroundings. We will also visit 13th century Great Coxwell Barn, a favourite of Morris’s, who described it as “unapproachable in its dignity”. Our tour
will conclude with a visit to the Oxford Botanic Garden and Arboretum. Please note that while we will endeavour to deliver the below itinerary in full, as access to colleges is subject to availability, we cannot confirm some visits until nearer the time. We will stay at the three-star Mercure Oxford Eastgate Hotel, situated in the heart of the city. FITNESS / PRACTICALITIES: Please note that this tour will involve a fair amount of walking across flat cobbled ground. Some chapels will require careful navigation of steps and can be dimly lit.
ITINERARY Day 1 Tour assembles 1545 at Mercure Oxford Eastgate Hotel, Oxford for three nights. Afternoon lecture: The Radical & Scandalous Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood followed by optional walking tour through Christchurch Meadow. Day 2 Morning: Oxford Union (library and debating chamber including Pre-Raphaelite murals) followed by Ashmolean Museum (Pre-Raphaelite gallery and Print Room). Afternoon: Keble College Chapel (designed by William Butterfield) and Exeter College Chapel. Option to attend Choral Evensong at New College. Day 3 Morning lecture: William Morris & Edward Burne-Jones followed by Christ Church Cathedral and Harris Manchester College Chapel (stained glass by Morris and Burne-Jones). Afternoon excursion to Buscot Park (spectacular works by Burne-Jones and Rossetti) and Great Coxwell Barn. Option to attend Choral Evensong at Merton College.
Day 4 Morning: Oxford Botanic Garden & Arboretum. Tour disperses c 1200.
Cost of £995 includes: accommodation based on sharing a twin or double bedded privilege room, breakfast, dinner with water & coffee, excursions & admissions, gratuities. Not included: travel insurance, privilege double room for single use supplement £270. TOUR CODE: WM0X20 BOOK NOW: 01223 841055 sales@aceculturaltours.co.uk
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Belgium
A RT N OU V EAU I N BELGI UM SEPTEMBER 3–8, 2020
• This tour provides an overview of the
Art Nouveau style of architecture, furniture and decorative arts in Brussels and Antwerp, where it enjoyed its first flowering in the 1890s See how the style developed, from Victor Horta’s early Autrique House to his magnificent Van Eetvelde and Solvay mansions Enjoy private guided tours of the interiors of Art Nouveau buildings not normally open to the public
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This tour will be led by Christopher Bourne, BA, an expert on the art and architecture of Belgium. Christopher lived in Brussels for 15 years, working as a translator and architectural tour guide. He has translated several books on Art Nouveau, and has given talks on architecture and design to a range of groups in Belgium, France and the UK. Christopher was a member of the national committee of the Victorian Society in London and the ARAU heritage action group in Brussels.
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St Ursula’s School
the dazzlingly opulent style that still astonishes us today. We will also see how the Art Nouveau style was superseded by the more austere, streamlined Art Deco style after 1914, exploring exceptional examples of the early Art Deco style of architecture, influenced by Charles Rennie Mackintosh and Frank Lloyd Wright. We will stay throughout at the five-star Hotel Le Plaza in Brussels. Although we will endeavour to deliver
the below itinerary in full, owing to the special nature of some of the visits, some elements may be subject to confirmation. FITNESS / PRACTICALITIES: This tour requires a good level of fitness, as it will involve significant amounts of walking and standing, including over cobbled streets, and also navigating stairs in properties that do not have lifts.
ITINERARY Day 1 Depart London St Pancras 0854 on Eurostar, arriving Brussels 1202. Transfer to Hotel Le Plaza for five nights. Introductory talk: The Origins & Rise of Art Nouveau followed by some free time or optional visit to Horta’s former Waucquez draper’s store (now the Belgian Comic Strip Centre). Short orientation walking tour of city centre. Day 2 Morning: Autrique House (Horta’s first house in Brussels) and Tassel House (Horta’s first completely Art Nouveau house) followed by walking tour of Ixelles (known as ‘The Cradle of Art Nouveau’ – building exteriors) and visit to Horta Museum (Horta’s former home). Afternoon: Max Hallet House followed by walking tour of Ixelles Ponds (Art Nouveau and Art Deco building exteriors). Day 3 Morning: short walking tour in the Squares district (Art Nouveau building exteriors) followed by visits to Van Eetvelde and Solvay houses. Afternoon: Fin-de-Siècle Museum (Art Nouveau paintings, sculpture and decorative arts) followed by free time for optional visits to other parts of the Royal Museums of Fine Arts, Musical Instruments Museum or Brussels Cathedral. Free evening. Day 4 Morning: winter garden, salon and chapel at St Ursula’s School in Onze-Lieve-Vrouw-Waver. Continue to Antwerp for short
walking tours of Zuid and Zurenborg districts (building exteriors). Free evening in Brussels. Day 5 Morning: Cauchie House (in style of Charles Rennie Mackintosh) followed by Stoclet Palace (exterior) and Van Buuren Museum (in style of Frank Lloyd Wright). Afternoon: exquisite marriage room and council chamber of Forest Town Hall. Day 6 Morning talk: The Zenith of Art Nouveau and After. Depart Brussels 1252, arriving London St Pancras 1405. Cost of £1895 includes: return travel, accommodation based on sharing a twin or double bedded room, breakfast, four lunches, three dinners with water & coffee, excursions & admissions, gratuities. Not included: travel insurance, double room for single use supplement £270. TOUR CODE: ARNO20 BOOK NOW: 01223 841055 sales@aceculturaltours.co.uk
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ART & ARCHITECTURE
D
uring our foray into the Belgian capital of Brussels and a short excursion to the nearby city of Antwerp, we will examine the Art Nouveau style as it was interpreted by a group of avant-garde Belgian designers between 1890 and 1914. Our tour will feature special access to the interiors of buildings including the exceptional Van Eetvelde, Solvay and Max Hallet houses by Victor Horta. We will also visit the Winter Garden at St Ursula’s School, with its magnificent stained glass and original furniture. The Art Nouveau movement started as a protest by young designers against the revivalist styles of the 19th century, and developed into a distinctive style of architecture and applied arts that, briefly, was all the rage in Europe, before being swept away by the First World War. Inspired by writers including Wilde, Proust and Huysmans and by art movements including Symbolism, Japonisme and Arts & Crafts, the movement was financed by nouveau-riche industrialists. Young designers made the most of technological advances to create
© Image: Eddy Van 3000. License: CC BY-SA 2.0
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Italy
H I L L TOWNS OF UMBRI A SEPTEMBER 14–21, 2020
• Take a journey to discover Umbria’s
beautiful hill towns, uncovering the artistic and cultural heritage of the region Palaces, cathedrals, museums and medieval streets come alive through the expertise of our Tour Director Explore the life of St Francis of Assisi, including a visit to the town’s magnificent basilica, one of Italy’s most significant pilgrimage destinations
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ART & ARCHITECTURE
P
erugia, Gubbio, Assisi, Todi and Orvieto: the hill towns of Umbria – a region the Italians themselves call the ‘green heart of Italy’ – survive little changed in a gloriously undulating landscape. Clothed in an abundance of art and architecture from medieval and Renaissance times, Umbria illustrates the intimate link between artistic patronage and piety on the one hand, and political power on the other. Devotion to St Francis transformed Assisi and relaunched interest in narrative art in the West, while the advent of the cult of Corpus Christi led directly to the building of the great cathedral at Orvieto. The power struggles between city governments and magnate families, notably the Baglioni in Perugia, left their imprint in elegant town halls and imposing seigneurial palaces. The Umbrian school of painting, so lavishly displayed in Perugia, produced many painters of great importance, such as Gubbio’s Ottaviano Nelli and Sansepolcro’s Piero della Francesca, and played an important part in artistic evolution
Tour Director Christopher Wellington, MA, graduated in history from Cambridge University and has spent most of his career working in Italy, where he lives with his family in Piacenza. Christopher’s professional interests include not only history and the Church but also art and architecture, especially of the Middle Ages. Having lived in Italy for so long, he is particularly informed on many aspects of Italian life from the early times until today, and the myriad connections between history, art, and ways of life.
Todi
in the territory between the 13th and 19th centuries. This progression – from Byzantine through Gothic to Renaissance – is magnificently illustrated in the National Gallery of Umbria’s collection, which ranges from paintings on wood and canvas, through murals and sculptures in wood and stone, to goldsmiths’ art and fabrics. Our base will be the attractive town of Spello, about 10 miles from Assisi, where the 13th century Santa Maria Maggiore has ravishing frescoes by Pinturicchio. We will stay at the four-star Hotel Palazzo Bocci. This quiet, small residence, situated in the
FITNESS / PRACTICALITIES: Please note this tour involves a good deal of walking, often uphill or over uneven ground, so a good level of fitness is required.
ITINERARY Day 1 Depart London Heathrow 1045 on British Airways, arriving Rome 1420. Transfer to Spello for seven nights at Hotel Palazzo Bocci. Day 2 Perugia: Collegio del Cambio (frescoes by Perugino), Collegio della Mercanzia (15th century wood carving and intarsia work), Palazzo dei Priori (home of Galleria Nazionale dell’Umbria). Day 3 Todi: Church of Santa Maria della Consolazione, Piazza del Popolo, Gothic Palazzo del Popolo (exterior), Palazzo dei Priori (exterior), Palazzo del Capitano (exterior) then continue to Orvieto (exceptional cathedral begun in 1290, housing medieval carvings and frescoes by Signorelli). Day 4 Medieval town of Gubbio: Piazza Grande, Gothic Palazzo dei Consoli, Palazzo Ducale, Church of San Francesco, cathedral. Evening lecture: Assisi. Day 5 Assisi: Basilica of St Francis (frescoes by Cimabue, Giotto, Lorenzetti), Santa Chiara (Francis’s miraculous crucifix), Porziuncola (first Franciscan convent, where St Francis died). Day 6 Spoleto: cathedral, Diocesan Museum with Sant’Eufemia,
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old town centre of Spello, features many original frescoes and beautiful paintings. Sites in Italy can be subject to closure, for example for restoration work, and therefore while we will endeavour to deliver the below itinerary in full, some details may be subject to change.
Roman House. Afternoon: Fountain of Clitumnus, Montefalco’s San Francesco Church Museum (Benozzo Gozzoli frescoes). Day 7 Morning: walking tour of Spello including Santa Maria Maggiore. Afternoon: Palazzo Trinci in Foligno and Wine Museum in Torgiano. Day 8 Transfer to Rome for 1520 departure, arriving Heathrow 1705. Cost of £2245 includes: return airfare, accommodation based on sharing a twin or double bedded room, breakfast, dinner with wine, water & coffee, excursions & admissions, gratuities. Not included: travel insurance, double room for single use supplement £175. TOUR CODE: HUMB20 BOOK NOW: 01223 841055 sales@aceculturaltours.co.uk
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Italy
ART & ARCHITECTURE OF PUGLIA SEPTEMBER 22–28, 2020
• Explore the diverse artistic and
architectural heritage of Bari, Barletta, Ostuni and Otranto Visit the Basilica di San Nicola, the south’s first Norman church and a model for many later churches in Puglia Discover one of southern Italy’s most amazing 15th century narrative fresco cycles, covering every inch of the walls of the Romanesque Church of Santa Caterina d’Alessandria
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estled in the heel of Italy lies Puglia – or Apulia as it was originally named – the most prosperous region in the south of the country, but surprisingly one of its least visited parts. The diversity of its architectural heritage – Greek, Roman, Romanesque, Norman, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque – reflects its multifaceted past and importance on ancient trading and pilgrimage routes. Highlights of our tour will include a visit to the 13th century Castel del Monte, built in the shape of an octagonal prism with an octagonal tower at each corner. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a unique piece of medieval military architecture that reflects the cosmopolitan nature of Puglia, borrowing elements from classical antiquity, the Islamic Orient and the north European Cistercian Gothic. Our tour will also take us to the ‘white city’ of Ostuni, Lecce (the ‘Florence of the South’), and the UNESCO World Heritage site of Alberobello, characterised by its “Andrew Spira was the ideal Tour Director – extremely knowledgeable, patient and friendly” – ACE customer on 2018 Art & Architecture of Puglia tour
Basilica of St Nicholas, Bari
This tour will be led by art historian Andrew Spira, MA, who studied at the Courtauld Institute of Art and City University, London. For several years Andrew was a specialist in Byzantine and Russian icons at the Temple Gallery, London, before working as a curator at the Victoria & Albert Museum. He was subsequently Programme Director at Christie’s Education, and has been leading tours to cultural sites across Europe for over 20 years.
dense concentration of trulli, dry stone whitewashed buildings with unusual conical roofs. We will also enjoy an excursion to Otranto. In the cathedral of this captivating coastal town, we will see the extraordinary 12th century Tree of Life
Day 1 Flight from London to Bari. Evening introductory lecture. Three nights in Andria.
(15th century frescoes). Continue to Otranto: cathedral (12th century floor mosaic) and Byzantine Church of St Peter.
Day 2 Whole day excursion to Bari: Romanesque cathedral and Basilica di San Nicola. Afternoon: Pinacoteca Provinciale (distinguished collection of Old Master paintings, sculpture and 19th century art). Evening lecture.
Day 6 Whole day excursion to Lecce: walking tour including Castello di Carlo V, Piazza Santo Oronzo, Roman theatre & amphitheatre, Church of Santa Chiara, Vittorio Emmanuele II, Piazza del Duomo, Church of Santa Irene, Basilica di Santa Croce and Palazzo dei Celestini (exteriors). Afternoon: Santa Maria di Cerrate (13th century frescoes).
Day 4 UNESCO World Heritage site of Alberobello, capital of trulli country. Continue to Ostuni (walking tour of old centre and some free time), then transfer to Brindisi for three nights.
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FITNESS / PRACTICALITIES: This tour will involve a significant amount of walking around historical towns, some of which may have uneven and cobbled surfaces. Participants must have a good general level of fitness.
ITINERARY
Day 3 Morning in Barletta: Romanesque/Gothic Cathedral of Santa Maria Maggiore, Museo Civico and Pinacoteca De Nittis (housed in Palazzo della Marra). Afternoon: Cathedral of San Nicola in Trani followed by Castel del Monte (early 13th century castle of Swabian Emperor Frederick II). Free evening.
Barletta Cathedral
mosaic, containing biblical references alongside signs of the zodiac, references to Greek mythology and even images of King Arthur and the pre-Islamic Persian lion of the Sassanid Empire. Our tour will be based firstly in Andria, and then in Brindisi. Please note that the below itinerary represents a guide to what we hope to offer, and some details may be subject to change.
Day 5 Morning: 14th century Church of Santa Maria del Casale followed by Galatina for Church of Santa Caterina d’Alessandria
Day 7 Flight from Bari to London. Full details, including the cost, will be released later in 2019. Please contact the ACE office now to register your interest. TOUR CODE: AAPU20 BOOK NOW: 01223 841055 sales@aceculturaltours.co.uk
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Serbia
SE R B I AN M ONASTERI ES SEPTEMBER 21 – OCTOBER 2, 2020
• Enjoy access to remote monasteries and churches in the unspoilt countryside of
Serbia View outstanding pieces of medieval European art such as the White Angel fresco situated at Mileševa Monastery Visit one of the oldest churches in the Balkans, the Church of Saints Peter and Paul located at the UNESCO site of Stari Ras
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This tour will be led by Alex Koller, PhD, expert in art history and architecture. Born in Vienna, Alex has lived and studied in Vienna, Salzburg and Cambridge, where he gained his PhD in History of Art from Magdalene College and where he has also lectured and supervised. An accomplished linguist and experienced Tour Director, Alex has travelled extensively throughout Europe and the Far East and has been leading tours since 1998.
T ART & ARCHITECTURE
he unspoilt sweeping countryside and authentic small towns of Serbia are little visited and provide the perfect backdrop for its wealth of culturally significant monastery complexes. Located at the heart of the Balkan Peninsula, Serbia has historically been influenced both by the Byzantine East and Central European West, which led to the creation of an extremely sophisticated artistic culture in the high and late Middle Ages and a flurry of intensive monastic building projects. The majority of the nation’s art treasures are therefore assembled in Orthodox monasteries and include some outstanding pieces of medieval European art. Our tour begins in the northern region of Vojvodina and its capital, Novi Sad, where the nearby Fruška Gora mountain range is home to a large number of beautiful monasteries that were founded by Serbian migrants fleeing from the 16th century Turkish conquest. Some of the most important monastic buildings are located in central Serbia, where they are invariably situated in extremely scenic locations, often quite isolated among mountains and forests.
“A fascinating variety of monasteries and churches, many in remote places. We always enjoy travelling with Alex Koller who is invariably well informed and thoroughly efficient – and good company too!” “Wonderful monasteries and frescoes; beautiful countryside, plains, mountains and gorges. Alex is always thorough and brings the subject alive.”
White Angel Fresco, Milaseva Monastery
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– ACE customers on previous Serbian Monasteries tour
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ART & ARCHITECTURE
Serbia
Church of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul Many belong to the Morava and the Raška Schools, which feature varying architectural outlooks and monumental schemes of wall paintings. Particular highlights will include the frescoes of Sopoćani, Studenica and Mileševa. To put these religious buildings into context, our journey also takes in the country’s most important historical towns, such as Kruševac, Novi Pazar and Niš (the latter is the birthplace of the Emperor Constantine). We will stay in hotels of three to fivestar quality during the tour. Please note that the below itinerary represents a guide to what we hope to offer, and some details may be subject to change.
ITINERARY Day 1 Flight from London to Belgrade. Transfer to Novi Sad for two nights. Day 2 Morning in Novi Sad: Orthodox and Catholic cathedrals, St Nicholas’s Church, Petrovaradin Fortress. Afternoon excursion to nearby historical town of Stremski Karlovci for Lady of Peace Chapel, Orthodox Cathedral of St Nicholas, Main Square, Upper and Lower Churches and Krušedol Monastery (16th century mural). Day 3 Excursion to monasteries of the Fruška Gora mountain range: Beočin Monastery, Vrdnik-Ravanica Monastery, Jazak Monastery, Novo and Staro Hopovo Monasteries. Continue to Belgrade for two nights. Day 4 Visits in Belgrade: Kalemegdan Fortress, St Michael’s Cathedral, Residence of Princess Ljubica, Bajrakli Mosque, Church of St Sava (one of the largest Orthodox churches in the world). Free evening. Day 5 Monasteries of Ravanica (14th century) and Manasija (15th century). Continue to Čačak for overnight.
FITNESS / PRACTICALITIES: This is one of ACE’s more strenuous tours and requires a good level of fitness. We have a full itinerary and the tour will involve walking (including uphill and over uneven ground) and standing for signficant periods of time. Participants should be prepared for several hotel changes.
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Day 6 Morning visit to Church of Jesus Ascension in Čačak. Continue to Monastery of Blagoveštenje (home to the Blagoveštenje Gospel, written in 1372) and the medieval Nikolje Monastery, both located in the Ovčar-Kablar Gorge. Continue to Zlabitor for overnight. Day 7 Mileševa Monastery (home to the 13th century White Angel fresco). Transfer to Novi Pazar for two nights. Day 8 Morning excursion to UNESCO-listed Stari Ras for Church of Saint Peter and Paul (one of the oldest churches in the Balkans,
with 4th century foundations) followed by monasteries of Sopoćani and Đurđevi Stupovi (13th century frescoes). Afternoon in Novi Pazar: fortress, 16th century Altun-alem Mosque, Hotel Vrbak (unique 1970s architecture). Day 9 Morning visits to Nova Pavlica and Gradac Monastery. Via monasteries of Studenica (13th and 14th century Byzantine frescoes) and Žiča to Vrnjačka Banja for overnight. Day 10 Depart Vrnjačka Banja for monasteries of Veluće, Ljubostinja and Kalenić (fine examples of the Morava school of architecture). Continue to Niš for overnight. Day 11 Morning in Niš: 18th century fortress, former synagogue (now an art gallery), Orthodox cathedral. Via 14th century Poganovo Monastery (16th century wall paintings) and across the SerboBulgarian border to Sofia for overnight. Day 12 Morning: National Archaeological Museum (14th century Poganovo icon) and Boyana Church (13th century frescoes). Flight from Sofia to London.
Full details, including the cost, will be released later in 2019. Please contact the ACE office now to register your interest. TOUR CODE: SERB20
BOOK NOW: 01223 841055 sales@aceculturaltours.co.uk
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Italy
SYRACUSE OCTOBER 1–8, 2020
FITNESS / PRACTICALITIES: As one of ACE’s Gentler Tours, the walking on this tour will not be challenging and any inclines will be taken at a slow pace. There will be plenty of opportunities for participants to take optional independent rest stops in the towns we visit and rejoin the group later. Please note that some ancient sites have uneven ground.
ART & ARCHITECTURE
Grand Hotel Ortigia, built in the 19th century, and located close to the Temple of Apollo. Please note that while we will endeavour to deliver the below itinerary in full, some elements may be subject to confirmation.
Ragusa
• Explore the breadth of Syracuse’s heritage, from classical archaeology to Baroque architecture Visit a range of archaeological parks and sites, including the Neapolis Archaeological Park with its Greek theatre, Roman amphitheatre and famous ancient cave, the Latomia del Paradiso Take in the atmospheric and extensive Catacombs of San Giovanni
ITINERARY
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Day 1 Morning departure from London Gatwick to Catania. Transfer to Grand Hotel Ortigia for seven nights. Welcome and introduction.
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Day 2 Visits in Ortigia including the cathedral, Chiesa di Santa Lucia alla Badia (site of Caravaggio’s Burial of St Lucy), Fountain of Arethusa and Temple of Apollo.
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he city of Syracuse is a true urban palimpsest, telling a story of classical supremacy – having once been the largest city in the ancient world, surpassing Athens and Corinth – and fascinating later history. During a week exploring its ancient Greek ruins, Baroque squares and honeycoloured architecture, we will soak up these layers of history, forming a well-rounded understanding of Syracuse across time. The small island of Ortigia is the historical heart of Syracuse. Our tour begins with an exploration of its landmarks, including the ancient Greek Temple of
Tour Director Christopher Wellington, MA, graduated in history from Cambridge University, but has spent most of his career working in Italy, where he lives with his family in Piacenza. A recognised guide in Emilia Romagna, Christopher’s professional interests include not only history and the Church but also art and architecture, especially of the Middle Ages. Having lived in Italy so long, he is particularly informed on many aspects of Italian life from the early times until today, and the myriad connections between history, art, and ways of life.
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Apollo and the Baroque Chiesa di Santa Lucia alla Badia, dedicated to the city’s patron saint and home to Caravaggio’s Burial of St Lucy. The Fountain of Arethusa was referenced by Virgil, and has since featured in several literary works, including Wordsworth’s The Prelude. Our tour balances city-based visits against longer day excursions to Noto and Ragusa. Exemplifying the many layers of history and culture to be found in the area, Noto is a Baroque town built after the 1693 earthquake, and we will enjoy a leisurely morning of exploration taking in its splendid architecture. The fascinating hilltop town of Ragusa also enjoys Baroque buildings, as well as an archaeological museum. A rich array of archaeological remains forms an important part of Syracuse’s material heritage, and our tour will include several visits to these sites. The Neapolis Archaeological Park contains a beautiful Greek theatre settled into the hillside and considered to be the largest theatre of the ancient world. We will also explore the Museo Archeologico Regionale Paolo Orsi, one of the principal archaeological museums in Europe. We will stay throughout at the five-star
Day 3 Excursion to Noto to explore its beautiful monuments and splendid Baroque architecture. Return to Syracuse via the Roman Villa at Tellaro. Day 4 Morning visit to Castello Eurialo (subject to confirmation) followed by a free afternoon and evening lecture. Day 5 Morning: Neapolis Archaeological Park including the Greek theatre, latomie (famous quarries now turned into gardens) and Roman amphitheatre. Afternoon visit to Catacombs of San Giovanni. Free evening. Day 6 Morning: Castello Maniace and Art Gallery Ortigia di Cetty Midolo. Afternoon: Museo Archeologico Regionale Palo Orsi. Evening lecture. Day 7 Excursion to Ragusa to explore sites including the churches of San Giorgio and San Giuseppe, followed by Ragusa Archaeological Museum. Day 8 Lunchtime departure from Catania to Gatwick. Cost of £2495 includes: return airfare, accommodation based on sharing a twin or double bedded room, breakfast, six dinners with wine, water & coffee, excursions & admissions, gratuities. Not included: travel insurance, double room for single use supplement £395. TOUR CODE: SYRA20 BOOK NOW: 01223 841055 sales@aceculturaltours.co.uk
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Belgium
BRUGES OCTOBER 5–9, 2020
• Explore the delightful medieval town
of Bruges, characterised by its fine churches, canals and cobbled streets Discover the works of the Flemish Primitives, including Jan van Eyck and Hans Memling Enjoy a private reception at the fascinating historical Adornes Domain and Jerusalem Chapel
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Bruges
Art historian Sarah Burles, MA, will lead this tour. Sarah read History of Art at Cambridge before going on to a career in museum and gallery education. This included twelve years at the Fitzwilliam Museum as well as work in other Cambridge museums. paintings and applied arts, while the Church of Our Lady boasts Michelangelo’s beautiful Madonna and Child and a dramatic triptych over the altar by Bernard van Orley. A little further afield, we will visit the extraordinary Jerusalem Chapel built by the Adornes family in the 15th century and based on the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. We will enjoy a private reception in the Adornes mansion, still lived in by the family. We will stay at the four-star Hotel De
Tuilerieën, an elegant 15th century patrician house that has been transformed and extended into a luxurious contemporary hotel. Situated in the heart of Bruges overlooking the Dijver Canal, it is minutes from the Groeningemuseum and other sites on our itinerary. Dinners will be taken at local restaurants. Please note that while we will endeavour to deliver the below itinerary in full, some elements may be subject to confirmation. FITNESS / PRACTICALITIES: As one of our gentler tours, this itinerary will be taken at a more relaxed pace. Participants must be prepared for some walking in Bruges’s historical centre, including over uneven pavements and cobbled streets.
ITINERARY Day 1 Depart London St Pancras 1058 on Eurostar via Brussels, arriving Bruges 1549. Transfer to Hotel De Tuilerieën for four nights. Short walking tour: Vismarkt, Burg, Markt, Belfort, Wollestraat. Day 2 Morning lecture followed by visit to Groeningemuseum (Flemish Primitives and later Bruges artists). Afternoon: St Saviour’s Cathedral (Bruges’s oldest parish church with Treasury). Day 3 Morning lecture followed by visit to St John’s Hospital and Memling Museum. Afternoon: Church of Our Lady followed by gentle walk to Beguinage (founded in 1245). Free evening. Day 4 Morning visit to Gruuthusemuseum. Afternoon: gentle walk to St Anne’s Church followed by Adornes Domain and Jerusalem Chapel (tour with private visit to family house). Day 5 Depart Bruges 1010 via Brussels, arriving London St Pancras 1405.
Cost of £1495 includes: return travel, accommodation based on sharing an executive twin or double bedded room, breakfast, one lunch, three dinners with water & coffee, excursions & admissions, gratuities. Not included: travel insurance, comfort double room for single use supplement £260. Executive double rooms for single use and rooms with a canal view are available at a supplement – please contact the ACE office for more details. TOUR CODE: BRUG20 BOOK NOW: 01223 841055 sales@aceculturaltours.co.uk
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he city of Bruges has been described as the ‘Manhattan of the 15th century’ – a vibrant trading metropolis that was the jewel in the crown of the Dukes of Burgundy. The city’s wealth and prosperity attracted large numbers of cosmopolitan traders, and provided patronage to some of the greatest artists of the period, whose work became famous throughout Europe. The historical centre of Bruges is now a designated UNESCO World Heritage site, and retains much of its medieval character, including the original pattern of streets, squares, canals and open spaces. It is the perfect city to explore in a relaxed manner on foot, with all the main sites within a short distance of one another. Walking through the Cloth Halls and out into the Markt, it is easy to imagine this square as the city’s medieval commercial hub, dominated by the Belfry tower and, up until the 18th century, by the Water Halls, where ships moored to be loaded and unloaded. Look up, and you see Bruges’s unique skyline dominated by the towers and spires of St Saviour’s Cathedral and the Church of Our Lady, whose 115.5 metre brick tower is the second tallest of its kind in the world. We will visit the Groeningemuseum, home to a stunning collection of paintings by the Flemish Primitives including Jan van Eyck’s famous Van der Paele altarpiece, Hans Memling’s Moreel Triptych and Gerard David’s St Luke Painting the Madonna. St John’s Hospital, established in the 12th century, holds seven paintings by Memling, four of which were commissioned by the Hospital itself. We also look forward to visiting the Gruuthusemuseum, following the completion of a renovation project in 2019: this luxurious city palace of the Lords of Gruuthuse hosts outstanding collections of furniture, sculpture, tapestry, lace and silver. The Treasury at St Saviour’s Cathedral contains a small but fascinating collection of
China Qing and Ming Ancient Pottery Factory, Jingdezhen
ART & ARCHITECTURE
I N S E A R CH OF CH I NA’S WH I TE GO L D OCTOBER 23 – NOVEMBER 10, 2020
• Discover the history of Chinese porcelain, which Europeans valued so highly that for centuries they have called it ‘white gold’ Explore China’s sweeping landscapes, cities and villages with visits to stillfunctioning potteries and kilns Spend time in Shanghai Museum, home to one of China’s finest ceramic public collections
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xquisite ceramics have been made in China for many thousands of years. This comprehensive tour traces the fascinating heritage of this art form, and also offers the opportunity to see the impressive mountain scenes and other landscapes that are depicted on so many porcelain treasures.
This tour will be led by Elizabeth Morrell, BA, a sinologist and Chinese speaker, and Lars Tharp, MA, FSA, a ceramics historian, author and broadcaster. Elizabeth has been visiting China since 1976 when she studied modern literature at Fudan University. She is the author of one of the earliest guidebooks to China, published in 1984. Lars is particularly well known for his work on the BBC’s Antiques Roadshow and The Treasures of Chinese Porcelain, and he has curated or overseen exhibitions at the Foundling Museum and York Art Gallery.
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Our tour begins in Shanghai, where a visit to the Shanghai Museum focusing on early Chinese pottery and porcelain will set our investigations in context. We will also have the chance to visit the museum’s collections of bronzes, calligraphy, painting, costumes and furniture. From Shanghai, we will travel to Hangzhou to discover the Lingyin Temple with its wall of carved Buddhist figures, and visit the Grand Canal Museum. Hongcun in Yixian Country is a unique
Nine Bend River
example of an ancient rural settlement in an idyllic setting, while the city of Jingdezhan is known as the ‘porcelain capital’ of China. A visit to the Jia Yang Tao Ci Company, a long established porcelain producer, will offer an opportunity to see underglaze decoration and design. The Great Kiln outside Longquan is famous for its production of celadon ware since the 10th century, and we will
FITNESS / PRACTICALITIES: This tour will require a good level of fitness as it will involve a significant amount of walking, around old kiln sites, villages and on mountain stairways and pathways. Some archaeological sites will have uneven and steep surfaces. Please note that this tour will also involve some long journeys by coach of up to 4.5 hours in duration (approximately 400km), and we will also make use of the bullet train network. In Huangshan we will take a cable car up the mountain to enjoy the views, and later in the tour we will take a ride on bamboo rafts along the Nine Bends Creek to see the dramatic scenery.
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Chinese decorative vases
also visit Shang Yang and see the new Celadon Centre project with its workshop, exhibitions and showrooms. Travelling towards the Wu Yi Mountain scenic area, we look forward to a ride on bamboo rafts along the Nine Bends Creek with its dramatic scenery. Our study of Chinese ceramics continues
in Dehua, home to the Qu Dou Gong local kiln site, the Temple to the God of the Kiln, Dehua Ceramics Museum and the Yueji kiln site, a working kiln. During the tour we will be guided through the evolution of clay, from humble village pots to imperial palace treasures. This will be an absorbing journey, not only
tracing an art form but also exploring the wider culture of a nation of infinite riches. Please note that while we will endeavour to deliver the below itinerary in full, some elements may be subject to confirmation. Kiln sites are sometimes not open to visitors as they are state protected sites, and occasionally sites may close at short notice.
ITINERARY Day 1 Depart London Heathrow 1335 on British Airways. Day 2 Arrive Shanghai 0755. Transfer to Jin Jiang Hotel, Shanghai, for two nights. Visit to Old City, Yu Yuan Gardens. Evening introductory talk. Day 3 Morning: Shanghai Museum (focus on Chinese early pottery and porcelain). Afternoon: walking tour of the Bund. Free evening. Day 4 By coach and train to Hangzhou (West Lake). Visits to Lingyin Temple (Temple of Soul’s Retreat with its wall of carved Buddhist figures) and Dragon Well tea plantation. Continue to Lakeview Hotel for two nights. Free evening. Day 5 Hangzhou: Grand Canal Museum and Grand Canal, followed by boat trip on West Lake. Free evening. Day 6 By coach and train to Huangshan. Visit to village of Chengkan. Continue to Tunxi (one of the districts near to Huangshan) for two nights at Crowne Plaza Huangshan Yucheng. Day 7 By coach to Huangshan scenic area to take cable car up the mountain to enjoy the views. Return to Tunxi for visit to Hu Kai Wen ink stick mould factory and the old city. Free evening. Day 8 By coach to Jingdezhen, the ‘porcelain capital’ of China, with visit en route to ancient village of Hongcun in Yixian County. Transfer to Tao Xi Chuan Traders Hotel for three nights.
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Day 9 By coach through the countryside to Yaoli and Gaoling mountain (where ‘kaolin’ was mined) for visit to traditional village at the foot of the mountain with medieval alleys and waterfront. Free evening. Day 10 Visits to Ceramic Cultural Exhibition area (chicken egg kilns and traditional wheel potting), Dragon Pearl Pavilion, Imperial Porcelain Kiln site and museum, Jia Yang Tao Ci Company (long established porcelain producer in new purpose built premises) and Jin Keng Song Dynasty Kiln site. Free evening. Day 11 By coach to Longquan (400km journey) returning to a remote corner of the wealthy Zhejiang province. Two nights at Longquan International Hotel. Day 12 Visit to the site of the Great Kiln outside Longquan (famous for production of celadon ware since the 10th century), followed by visit to Da Yao Kiln site and village. Continue for visit to Long Quan Celadon Museum. Free evening. Day 13 Visit to Shang Yang with new Celadon Centre project (workshop, exhibitions and showrooms). Continue towards Wu Yi Mountain scenic area, with visit en route to the Jian Yao Kiln (Song dynasty ‘rabbit’s fur’ ware). Transfer to Wu Yi Mountain for two nights at Atour Hotel. Day 14 Morning ride on bamboo rafts along the Nine Bends Creek with its dramatic scenery. Free afternoon with opportunity to learn about the teas of Wu Yi Shan or take an optional walk in the hills. Free evening.
Day 15 By train to Quanzhou for two nights at Hilton Hotel. Visit to Quanzhou Maritime Museum. Day 16 By coach to Dehua for visits to Qu Dou Gong local kiln site, Temple to the God of the Kiln, Dehua Ceramics Museum and the Yueji site (working kiln) and ceramics art centre and studio, followed by a visit to a modern factory. Free evening. Day 17 Morning: Luoyang Bridge, Kaiyuan Temple, exterior view of Mosque, Confucian Temple and Wenxing Wharf. Flight from Quanzhou to Hong Kong. Overnight at Royal Pacific Hotel & Towers. Day 18 Free day at leisure in Hong Kong. Depart Hong Kong 2330. Day 19 Arrive Heathrow 0445. Cost of £5895 includes: return airfare, accommodation based on sharing a twin or double bedded room, breakfast, sixteen lunches, six dinners with water, soft drinks, beer or Chinese tea, excursions & admissions, gratuities. Not included: visa, travel insurance, single room supplement £845. TOUR CODE: CNWG20 BOOK NOW: 01223 841055 sales@aceculturaltours.co.uk
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ART & ARCHITECTURE
China
HOUSES & GARDENS Villa Carlotta, Lake Como
Houses & Gard ens Tours
Spanning visits to houses and estates
and flowerbeds of these residences
across the UK, as well as to several of
were once powerful status symbols,
the finest villas and gardens of Italy’s
indicating not just the availability of
lakes and the Republic of Ireland, our
private land to be used for purposes
2020 tours in this category offer a
other than the production of food, but
chance to explore the history – public
also of labour to handle their upkeep.
and private – of the residences we visit.
Today, these stately gardens are living
We will enjoy private access to many
works of art in their own right.
HOUSES & GARDENS
Houses & Gardens
of these sites, accompanied by expert Tour Directors to help illuminate our visits. As well as exploring the architectural and artistic treasures of the houses, villas and palaces we visit, we often also explore the gardens surrounding these properties. The elaborately designed fountains
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United Kingdom
NORTHAMPTONSHIRE COUNTRY HOUSES MAY 6–10, 2020
• Enjoy visits to an array of stunning
private houses and gardens, from Drayton House to Cottesbrooke Hall Discover the beautiful Grade I-listed gardens at Holdenby Visit Boughton House, seat of the Dukes of Buccleuch and home to a notable art collection
•
N HOUSES & GARDENS
orthamptonshire, known as the ‘County of the Spires and Squires’, offers a wealth of fine stately homes nestled amongst charming, gently rolling countryside in the heart of England. The county is notable for containing more privately owned historical houses than any other, several of which we will visit on our tour. Drayton House, home of the StopfordSackville family, has evolved gradually over the centuries and boasts a magnificent Baroque frontispiece by the architect William Talman, while Holdenby House has a fascinating royal history. Originally built as a palace by Sir Christopher Hatton, Lord Chancellor and favourite of Elizabeth I in 1583, it also served as prison to Charles I following his crushing military defeat at the nearby Battle of Naseby. The house contains a beautiful range of paintings and is surrounded by 20 acres of exquisite gardens. Lamport Hall shows how an enlightened patron could remodel his house during the difficult years of the Commonwealth and adorn it with paintings, which remain in the house to this day. Boughton House, the former seat of the Dukes of Montagu, is a French-style chateau with an extraordinary collection of artistic treasures, whilst Kirby Hall is a magnificent Renaissance ruin. Northamptonshire has traditionally been a popular place in which the privileged This tour will be led by Adam White, PhD, an art historian and museum curator who is an expert in country house collections and one of Britain’s leading authorities on English sculpture of the Elizabethan and Jacobean periods. He originally studied French and Philosophy at Oxford University before gaining a PhD in History of Art at the Courtauld Institute of Art. Adam is currently the Hon Curator of Collections at Lotherton Hall in Yorkshire.
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Boughton House
“Excellent programme of private visits to country houses, all of which were outstanding and all different from one another” “Five stars for Adam White – he is so extremely good in every aspect” – ACE customers on previous Northamptonshire Country Houses tour
have indulged their passion for country sports, and this is nowhere more evident than at the idyllic Cottesbrooke Hall, set in stunning 18th century gardens. Rumoured to be the model for Jane Austen’s Mansfield Park, this splendid Queen Anne house boasts arguably one of the finest collections of sporting art in Europe. Lyveden New Bield and the Triangular Lodge at Rushton parade the beliefs of a
Roman Catholic, whose faith was regarded as treason in late Elizabethan England. The houses will be complemented with a selection of visits to estate churches, containing fascinating family memorials. We will stay at the magnificent four-star Rushton Hall Hotel & Spa, located close to Kettering. This Grade I-listed Victorian mansion is a former prep school whose architecture was influenced by nearby Kirby Hall, and our Tour Director will introduce us to its considerable historical interest.
FITNESS / PRACTICALITIES: A lot of the walking on this tour is over uneven ground, including flagstones and cobblestones that can be slippery when wet. There is a narrow iron staircase to access the viewpoint at Lyveden New Bield.
ITINERARY Day 1 Tour assembles 1330 at Kettering Station followed by 1400 at Rushton Hall Hotel & Spa. Afternoon: St Peter’s Church, Deene, followed by Deene Park (house and gardens). Four nights at Rushton Hall Hotel & Spa. Day 2 Morning: Drayton House and St Peter’s Church, Lowick. Afternoon: Holdenby House & Gardens. Evening lecture. Day 3 Morning: All Saints’ Church, Lamport and Lamport Hall (house and gardens). Afternoon: Cottesbrooke Hall (house and gardens) and All Saints’ Church, Cottesbrooke. Day 4 Morning: St Edmund’s Church, Warkton and Boughton House & Gardens. Afternoon: Kirby Hall, Lyveden New Bield and Rushton Triangular Lodge.
Day 5 Tour disperses after breakfast at hotel or c 1000 at Kettering Station. Cost of £1585 includes: accommodation based on sharing a twin or double bedded room, breakfast, three lunches, dinner with water & coffee, excursions & admissions, gratuities. Not included: travel insurance, double room for single use supplement £220. TOUR CODE: NHCH20 BOOK NOW: 01223 841055 sales@aceculturaltours.co.uk
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Image: Euan Myles. License: CC BY-SA 4.0
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Italy
VI L LA S & GARDE NS O F THE I TALI AN LA KE S MAY 9–16, 2020
• Trace developments in garden design
from the 16th to the 20th century Discover the famous 17th century Sacro Monte beside Lake Orta: a fascinating Counter-Reformation ‘religious garden’ designed to transport pilgrims into the world of St Francis, patron saint of nature Uncover the delights of the Borromean islands of Isola Bella and Isola Madre
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he shores of Lakes Maggiore and Como are home to some of the finest gardens in the world, which owe their presence to the irresistible landscape settings of blue water and mountain peaks; a unique microclimate of protected southfacing valleys; and a rich social, political and religious history. On this tour we will experience the Renaissance intimacy of Villa CicognaMozzoni with its uniquely preserved residence and sunken garden, and the luxurious expansiveness of Villa This tour will be led by Peter Higginson, MA, PhD, an expert in art history and consultant lecturer at Christie’s Education, London. Peter specialises in the art and culture of early modern Europe and the Modern period, and has published on the patronage of Caravaggio, and art and society in 17th century Baroque Rome.
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Taranto, commenced in 1931 by a Scot, Captain Neil McEacharn. The gardens of Palazzo Borromeo on Isola Bella include magnificent terraces evoking the prow of a ship, and an impressive water theatre: perhaps the most extravagant example of Baroque landscape design. Sites on Lake Como include the 18th century Villa Carlotta, the interior of which contains some splendid neoclassical statuary by Canova and Thorvaldsen, and the grounds combine giardini segreti, lemonscented terraces, the Ferns Valley and a
HOUSES & GARDENS
picturesque 19th century English garden. Approaching its promontory by boat gives added romanticism to the enchanting Villa del Balbianello, while on the opposite side of the lake the Villa Melzi d’Eril at Bellagio, built in 1810, served as an inspiration to Liszt and Stendhal among many others. In Verbania Pallanza we will stay at the four-star Hotel Pallanza, wonderfully situated on Lake Maggiore, and in Varenna at the three-star Hotel Villa Cipressi, located on Lake Como and surrounded by gardens. Please note that the itinerary below represents a guide to what we hope to offer and some visits may be subject to confirmation.
Palazzo Borromeo gardens
FITNESS / PRACTICALITIES: A good level of fitness is required for this tour. Participants should be prepared for walking and standing on uneven, steep and sometimes slippery ground at many of the gardens we visit. In particular, the walk down from Sacro Monte uses a long and steep cobbled path; there are no handrails and this could be slippery if wet. There are not always frequent opportunities to sit down. Some transfers are made by boat. In Varenna, there are steep steps down to the ferry embarkation point.
ITINERARY Day 1 Depart London Heathrow 0920 on British Airways, arriving Milan Linate 1220. Transfer to Verbania Pallanza, Lake Maggiore, for four nights at Hotel Pallanza. Evening lecture: Lakeside Paradises – Garden Development in Pre-Alpine Italy. Day 2 Morning: Villa Taranto. Afternoon: by ferry and coach to Villa della Porta Bozzolo (early 18th century Baroque gardens including its beautiful terraced staircase). Day 3 By water taxi to Isola Bella (Baroque Palazzo Borromeo and gardens) then continue by ferry to picturesque fishing village of Isola dei Pescatori. Afternoon: Isola Madre for second Palazzo Borromeo. Day 4 Morning lecture: Sacred Landscapes – The Sacro Monte in Lombardy and Piedmont followed by excursion to Lake Orta for medieval village of Orta San Giulio, Sacro Monte di Orta (17th century sacred garden). Afternoon: by water taxi to the charming Isola San Giulio and its basilica. Day 5 By ferry for special tour and lunch at Villa Cicogna-Mozzoni. Continue by coach and ferry to Varenna for three nights at Hotel Villa Cipressi.
Day 6 By ferry to Bellagio (on picturesque promontory dividing Lake Como and Lake Lecco) for Villa Melzi. Afternoon: 18th century Villa Carlotta. Day 7 By ferry and water taxi to Villa del Balbianello. Afternoon: gardens of Villa Monastero. Day 8 Morning: Villa Litta (16th to 17th century gardens with nymphaeum). Depart Milan Linate 1550, arriving Heathrow 1650. Cost of £2645 includes: return airfare, accommodation based on sharing a twin or double bedded room, breakfast, one lunch, dinner with wine, water & coffee, excursions & admissions, gratuities. Not included: travel insurance, double room for single use supplement £475. TOUR CODE: ILVG20 BOOK NOW: 01223 841055 sales@aceculturaltours.co.uk
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Ireland
GARDENS OF THE REPUBLIC OF IRELAND MAY 13–20, 2020
• From Kilmacurragh to Dargle Glen,
enjoy visits to some of Ireland’s most impressive gardens in the company of head gardeners, curators and owners Explore a selection of private grounds, including June Blake’s beautiful country-style garden Explore designs inspired by William Robinson at Altamont and Mount Usher
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he south-eastern region of the Republic of Ireland encompasses some of the most fertile and picturesque gardens in the country. A favourable climate gives rise to a huge diversity of plants from around the globe, ranging from champion trees to unusual bulbs and herbaceous plants. Spanning grand, historical estates to 19th century botanical collections and more recently created, privately owned gardens, our tour will showcase a carefully chosen selection of the region’s most beautiful horticultural offerings. During our journey we will have the benefit of meeting a variety of owners, gardeners and curators, who will reveal the stories behind each garden, show us their unique botanical treasures, and discuss the maintenance and skill taken to preserve them today. A particular highlight will be Kilmacurragh Botanic Gardens, renowned for their rhododendrons and champion trees. Surrounded by 57 acres of birch and oak woodland, the private landscape garden at Dargie Glen, overlooking the River Dargle, was restored by its new owner in 1998. The grounds boast an awardwinning cantilevered summerhouse built over the gorge. Today the garden features an extraordinary fusion of plants from
This tour will be led by Caroline Hannah, BA, who has a degree in English Literature & History of Art as well as a degree in Garden Design from Writtle University College. For many years and prior to joining the team at ACE Cultural Tours, Caroline ran her own garden design business and has undertaken both commercial and residential projects. She has given talks on garden design, and also conducted a live question and answer session on BBC Radio Cambridgeshire.
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Avoca Mount Usher Gardens
Chile, Japan and America, alongside commissioned sculpture. No exploration of the region would be complete without a visit to Huntington Castle, an irresistible castellated structure remodelled in the 1670s when the formal avenues were laid out. The gardens are famous for their ancient yews and Italianate style terraces. From the spectacular Powerscourt Gardens at the foot of the Wicklow Mountains, to the tranquil, William Robinson-inspired Altamont, we will come away with a nuanced appreciation of the horticulture of this inspiring region. Timings and the nature of some visits may be adjusted on the ground by the Tour Director depending on local conditions, particularly the weather.
We will stay at the four star BrookLodge & Macreddin Village Hotel, based in a beautiful village setting and combining classic accommodation with awardwinning dining. FITNESS / PRACTICALITIES: Please note this tour will involve a significant amount of outdoor walking, often over uneven ground, slopes, steps and bridges. Distances vary from garden to garden: some are very short and compact while others are very extensive. Participants should therefore have a good level of mobility, although there will be options to opt out of the more strenuous walks and join the group later.
ITINERARY Day 1 Depart London Heathrow 1035 on British Airways, arriving Dublin 1210. Afternoon visit to Mount Usher Gardens (along the River Vartry, with over 5000 species). Continue to BrookLodge and Macreddin Village Hotel for seven nights. Welcome and introduction.
Day 6 Morning visit to Russborough House & Parkland followed by June Blake’s garden (country style garden around granite house and farm buildings) and Huntingbrook Gardens (experimental plantsman’s garden with woodland designed by owner Jimi Blake). Free evening.
Day 2 Morning visit to Powerscourt Garden (Italian garden of the mid-18th century; spectacular views and outstanding trees). Afternoon visit to Kilruddery Garden (late 17th century, the oldest garden on our tour). Evening lecture.
Day 7 Morning visit to Dower House Garden (19th century with wild flower meadow and white garden), followed by Patthana Gardens (artist’s garden with bold planting and beautiful birches).
Day 3 Morning foraging experience at the hotel. Afternoon visit to Kilmacurragh Botanic Gardens (trees of historical importance). Day 4 Altamont Gardens (William Robinson-inspired garden with over 1500 species). Afternoon: Huntington Castle including guided tour of the castle and grounds (ancient yews and Italianate terraces). Day 5 Dargle Glen Gardens (romantic landscape garden with unusual plants, surrounded by oak and birch woodland) followed by Prospect House Gardens and K Club (Kildare champion trees). Return to hotel via Sally Gap and scenic route through Wicklow Mountains. Free evening.
Day 8 Depart Dublin 1300, arriving Heathrow 1430. Cost of £2385 includes: return airfare, accommodation based on sharing a twin or double bedded room, breakfast, four lunches (two packed), five dinners with water & coffee, excursions & admissions, gratuities. Not included: travel insurance, double room for single use supplement £270. TOUR CODE: GORI20 BOOK NOW: 01223 841055 sales@aceculturaltours.co.uk
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United Kingdom
HOUSES & GARDENS OF HEREFORDSHIRE & THE WELSH BORDERS JULY 20-24, 2020
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long the Welsh Border lies one of the most gentle and beautiful landscapes to be found in Britain. Hedgerowlined fields are small and interspersed with wooded areas. It is hard to believe this peaceful region ever witnessed turbulent times, though surviving castles suggest otherwise. Although we will visit the mildly defensive Manor House at Stokesay, our tour will predominantly focus upon the products of a settled countryside featuring fine houses. Much of our tour will spent at private country houses and gardens, viewing buildings dating from the 16th century onwards. The beautiful manor at Hellens is one of the oldest dwellings in England, with foundations dating from the 12th century, and also featuring later Tudor, Jacobean and Georgian architecture. Llanvihangel Court, meanwhile, is a Tudor country house with medieval origins set in beautiful surroundings near the Black Mountains and Brecon Beacons. We will visit two major houses dating from the Victorian era: Gothic Revival Treberfydd is located in remote country near Brecon, and Stokesay Court contains a virtually untouched late Victorian interior and was used as the setting for the film Atonement. We will visit three contrasting 20th century gardens, each highly detailed FITNESS / PRACTICALITIES: Please note that participants will need to be comfortable walking and standing for periods of time, including on uneven or slippery ground, and navigating steps and stairs.
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Stokesay Castle and in immaculate order. High Glanau was created before the First World War by H Avray Tipping, Architectural Editor of Country Life and highly adept garden designer whose work also includes the garden at Chequers. Sir Roy Strong’s innovative, complex and entertaining garden at The Laskett is very much a living garden, whilst the huge garden at Hampton Court Castle is a modern masterpiece, spilling out of two walled enclosures. The area is also rich in churches dating from the first half of the 12th century: the time of the so-called Hereford School of Carvers. Besides the familiar dogtooth and chevron carving is much Christian symbolism. We will also visit Hereford Cathedral, with its Norman enrichments, and Ludlow, where we will glimpse the imposing castle ruins and perambulate two
of the finest streets in England, the houses mostly Georgian-fronted. We will stay throughout at the historical three-star Green Dragon Hotel, located in the heart of Hereford. Please note that while we will endeavour to deliver the below itinerary in full, owing to the special nature of the visits, some elements may be subject to confirmation.
This tour will be led by Jeffrey Haworth, who has worked as an architect for historical buildings and who spent over 20 years working for the National Trust as a Historic Buildings Representative and subsequently as a curator. Jeffrey was also Founder-Chairman of the Hereford and Worcester Gardens Trust.
ITINERARY Day 1 Assemble 1145 at Green Dragon Hotel, Hereford, for four nights. Afternoon: St Bartholomew’s Church, Much Marcle (13th century church with Norman tub font), Hellens Manor (house and gardens) and Church of St Mary & St David, Kilpeck (fine Romanesque church). Welcome and introduction. Day 2 Whitfield (gardens), High Glanau Manor (house and gardens) and The Laskett (gardens created by Sir Roy Strong). Free evening. Day 3 Stokesay Court (house and gardens), Stokesay Castle and historical walking tour of Ludlow. Evening guest lecture with David Whitehead (expert on history of Hampton Court Castle): An Introduction to the Churches, Country Houses and Gardens of Herefordshire. Day 4 Llanvihangel Court (house and gardens), tour of gardens at Llanover House and Treberfydd (house, gardens and church). Evening guest talk with the Dean of Hereford Cathedral.
Day 5 Hampton Court Castle (castle and gardens) followed by tour of Hereford Cathedral. Tour disperses 1500 in Hereford.
Cost of £1295 includes: accommodation based on sharing a twin or double bedded room, breakfast, four lunches, three dinners with water & coffee, excursions & admissions, gratuities. Not included: travel insurance, double room for single use supplement £120. TOUR CODE: HEWB20 BOOK NOW: 01223 841055 sales@aceculturaltours.co.uk
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HOUSES & GARDENS
Hereford, enjoy an array of private visits to houses and gardens not frequently open to the public, from Whitfield to Llanvihangel and Treberfydd Explore some of the region’s fine churches, including the Romanesque Kilpeck Church Discover wonderful gardens of the 20th century, including The Laskett Gardens
© Image by Tony Grist. Licensed under CC0 1.0 Universal (CC0 1.0)
• From a base in the cathedral city of
United Kingdom
EDINB URGH: SCOTTISH HOUSES, C ASTLES & INTERIORS SEPTEMBER 3–8, 2020 of the extraordinary Pineapple Folly, built in 1761 by the Earl of Dunmore as a summerhouse. We will stay throughout at the elegant three-star Parliament House Hotel, tucked away in a quiet location in the heart of the city centre.
HOUSES & GARDENS
FITNESS / PRACTICALITIES: This tour requires a good level of fitness and will involve significant amounts of walking. Some sites will feature uneven ground, steep steps and staircases, cobbles and slippery surfaces. Participants must be comfortable navigating these areas, which do not usually have handrails, to access the sites.
Lauriston Castle
• This brand new tour explores fine architecture and interiors in Edinburgh and the
surrounding countryside, from Lauriston Castle to Scone Palace Enjoy a special visit to Marchmont House, described by Country Life as “one of Scotland’s grandest mansions” In Edinburgh, visit the Georgian House on Charlotte Square, a beautifully restored New Town house featuring paintings, costumes and period furnishings
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E
dinburgh and its surroundings are notable for their splendid legacy of historical houses, castles and palaces, which mirror not only Scotland’s history but also changing architectural styles, fashions and interests in collecting. This brand new tour, based in Edinburgh, takes in a range of fascinating properties both in the capital and the countryside, to study the history of the country house in Scotland across several centuries. Buildings such as the grandiose Hopetoun House reveal the work of some of Scotland’s foremost architects in the 18th century. Meanwhile, in the Borders, we will visit the Scots Baronial mansion This tour will be led by Ian Cox, BA, MA, Cert ED, a lecturer who has held senior posts in the History of Art Department at Glasgow University and as Director of Studies at Christie’s Education in London. He has a special interest in material culture and the history of the decorative arts, and for many years directed the Victorian Society of America London Summer School and the Christie’s Decorative Arts Summer School in New York.
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Abbotsford – home to Sir Walter Scott – which presents an intriguing fashion in the development of early 19th century antiquarian taste. Our tour begins with an opportunity to consider the history of the city of Edinburgh from the perspective of the built environment, with a visit to the Castle Esplanade from which we can enjoy views of the New Town from above and learn about the city’s growth and development. Visits in Edinburgh will include Gladstone’s Land, one of the oldest buildings on the Royal Mile, featuring hand-painted interiors; the Museum of Edinburgh; and the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Lauriston Castle, which features stunning views across the Firth of Forth and fine collections of furniture, dates from the 16th century but features 19th century extensions. Marchmont House, recipient of the Historic Houses / Sotheby’s Restoration Award in 2018, is a magnificent Palladian mansion with fine interiors and Arts & Crafts adaptations. Further highlights of the tour will include the famous Stirling Castle and Scone Palace, and a visit to see the exterior
ITINERARY Day 1 Tour assembles 1500 at Parliament House Hotel, Edinburgh for five nights. Orientation walking tour followed by introductory lecture. Day 2 Morning: Castle Esplanade (opportunity to see the New Town from above with focus on the city’s growth and development) followed by visits to Gladstone’s Land (17th century tenement building) and Museum of Edinburgh. Afternoon: Palace of Holyroodhouse and some free time. Evening lecture. Day 3 Morning: Abbotsford (home to Walter Scott) and Melrose Abbey (resting place of Robert the Bruce’s heart). Afternoon: Marchmont House (Palladian mansion with Arts & Crafts adaptations). Day 4 Morning: Lauriston Castle (fine furniture collections) and Hopetoun House (Old Masters). Free afternoon with option to explore Edinburgh’s art galleries independently followed by free evening. Day 5 Morning: Pineapple Folly (exterior only) and Stirling Castle (recently restored). Afternoon: Scone Palace. Day 6 Morning: Georgian House on Charlotte Square. Tour disperses 1145.
Cost of £1465 includes: accommodation based on sharing a twin or double bedded room, breakfast, one lunch, four dinners with water & coffee, excursions & admissions, gratuities. Not included: travel insurance, double room for single use supplement £310. TOUR CODE: EDSH20 BOOK NOW: 01223 841055 sales@aceculturaltours.co.uk
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United Kingdom
CHICHESTER & THE SOUTH DOWNS SEPTEMBER 21–25, 2020
“A very enjoyable and well organised tour.” “I was very pleased to have Richard Pailthorpe leading us. Given his career experiences and his local knowledge, he was a mine of information.”
Weald and Downland Living Museum
• Enjoy a short sojourn in the charming
cathedral city of Chichester, the base from which we will explore the wonderful heritage of the surrounding South Downs Take in architecture covering over 2000 years of history, from Roman floor mosaics to medieval splendour and 18th century opulence Make a special visit to the Weald and Downland Living Museum in the company of its former Director
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C
hichester, one of the country’s smallest cathedral cities, is still surrounded by walls built on a Roman layout, which help to create a charming and compact historical environment. This fascinating tour will explore the city and the beautiful surrounding landscape of the South Downs, our newest National Park, with its spectacular sweeping views of the south coast. Our itinerary will take in the area’s heritage from Roman times through to the 19th century. Its ancient origins are revealed at the Bignor Roman Villa and the magnificent Roman Palace at Fishbourne, which boasts spectacular floor mosaics and an intriguing Roman-style garden. The Normans established Chichester cathedral during the 11th century, and the city’s four main streets, built on a cruciform
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This tour will be led by Richard Pailthorpe, former Director of the Weald and Downland Living Museum. Richard has previously worked for the Goodwood Estate and Parham Park, and is currently the South East Regional Treasurer of the Historic Houses Association. He was Sussex Heritage Trust’s Personality of the Year in 2015, and his publications include Goodwood Country (with Ian Serraillier) and Chichester: A Contemporary View (with Ian McGowan). pattern, meet at the Tudor market cross in the centre. We will visit the Pallant House Gallery with its outstanding collection of 20th century British art, housed in a beautiful Queen Anne townhouse adjoined by a contemporary wing.
Further afield, we will enjoy a special visit to the collection of historical vernacular buildings at the Weald and Downland Living Museum, where we will be introduced to a selection of the fascinating rescued structures, which cover a period of over 900 years. We will also step inside the magnificent stately homes of Goodwood, Petworth, Parham and Arundel Castle. At West Dean – home to a lively conservation and creative arts centre, and previously home to the collector of Surrealist art, Edward James – we will enjoy a tour of the house and gardens. We will stay throughout at the Millstream Hotel in the picturesque Chichester Harbour village of Bosham. Please note that the below itinerary represents a guide to what we hope to offer, and some details may be subject to change.
FITNESS / PRACTICALITIES: This tour has a full itinerary and involves a significant amount of walking and standing, so participants must have a good level of fitness.
ITINERARY Day 1 Assemble 1330 at the Millstream Hotel, Bosham, for four nights. Excursion to Goodwood (house and stables) followed by walking tour of Bosham including quay and church. Evening introductory lecture. Day 2 Morning: Cowdray Castle ruins (early Tudor remains) followed by the Weald and Downland Living Museum. Afternoon: West Dean College and gardens (conservation and creative arts centre and home to the Edward James Foundation). Day 3 Morning: excursion to Chichester including cathedral and private visit to St Mary’s Hospital. Afternoon: Pallant House Gallery (20th century art collection) and Fishbourne Roman Palace (floor mosaics and Roman-style gardens). Day 4 Morning: Petworth House and Gardens (17th century mansion with masterpieces by Turner, Van Dyck, Reynolds and
Blake). Afternoon: Parham House and Gardens (Elizabethan house with stunning Long Gallery) followed by Bignor Roman Villa (floor mosaics). Day 5 Morning excursion to Arundel Castle (including gardens, keep and Fitzalan Chapel). Tour disperses Arundel Station c 1245 followed by 1300 at the hotel. Full details, including the cost, will be released later in 2019. Please contact the ACE office now to register your interest. TOUR CODE: CSDW20 BOOK NOW: 01223 841055 sales@aceculturaltours.co.uk
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– ACE customers on previous Chichester & the South Downs tours
Š Andreas Birkigt Kopie
M U S I C & T H E AT R E La Traviata, Leipzig Opera House
Music & Theatre Tours
Music & Theatre Our gently paced Shakespeare
a combination of performances
at Stratford tour will allow us to see
presented by some of the most
productions in Stratford-upon-Avon,
celebrated artists in classical music,
the town of Shakespeare’s birth,
opera and theatre.
whilst further afield departures to New
Whether attending a grand
York and New Orleans will extend
orchestral piece or an intimate
our musical experiences across the
chamber recital, engrossing
Atlantic.
lectures provide us with the tools
M U S I C & T H E AT R E
In 2020, our music tours will include
A provisional schedule of all of our
to understand and appreciate each
2020 Music Tours can be found on
performance. Our itineraries are
pages 182–187.
designed to showcase the variety of works on offer, from rarities to wellloved works, interspersed with relaxing daytime visits.
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Malta
VA LL E TTA INTER NATI O NAL B ARO Q UE F E S T I VAL JANUARY 10–16, 2020
St John’s Co-Cathedral
• Bask in the blissful sounds of La M U S I C & T H E AT R E
Serenissima and Les Musiciens du Louvre, two of the world’s finest early music ensembles Enjoy an evocative performance from bass and lutenist Joel Frederiksen Delve into Malta’s fascinating history with a visit to the island of Gozo, inhabited for thousands of years
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O
ne of two European Capitals of Culture in 2018, Valletta has for several years offered a magnificent annual festival celebrating some of the finest Baroque music in the world. Our festival tour will encompass not only performances by world-class musicians, but we will also gain an insight into the vibrant history of a country with foundations stretching back to some of the world’s oldest civilisations. The 2020 festival programme promises musical delights in the shape of two performances from early music ensemble La Serenissima, renowned for their interpretations of Vivaldi as well as their engaging rapport with audiences. Another This tour will be led by Ashley Solomon, HonRCM, ARAM, Chair and Head of Historical Performance at London’s Royal College of Music and Director of the Baroque ensemble Florilegium. In 2008, as a result of his work editing and performing music from the Mission Churches of Chiquitos and Moxos Indians in Bolivia, Ashley was the first European to be awarded the coveted Hans Roth Prize. He has performed at the Valletta Festival several times in the past and is delighted to be returning with a group in 2020.
internationally celebrated period ensemble, the Grenoble-based Les Musiciens du Louvre – recently described by The Guardian as “one of the best orchestras in the world” – will enchant us with music by Porpora and Handel. Indeed, the group has been particularly acclaimed for its contribution to the rediscovery of Handelian works, which chimes with the festival’s aims to present both known and lesser-known works. In contrast with these larger groups, award-winning bass and lutenist Joel Frederiksen, who specialises in unaccompanied lute song, will perform a programme of Renaissance and early Baroque music from England, Italy and France.
FITNESS / PRACTICALITIES: This tour involves extensive walking within Valletta and during our excursions to Mdina and Gozo. Participants should be comfortable walking over uneven ground and have a good overall level of fitness.
ITINERARY Day 1 Depart London Heathrow 1125 on Air Malta, arriving Malta 1535. Transfer to the Phoenicia Hotel for six nights. Welcome and introduction followed by evening festival performance featuring Les Musiciens du Louvre: works by Handel and Porpora. Day 2 Morning lecture followed by walking tour of Valletta including Co-Cathedral of St John and Oratory (important masterpieces by Mattia Preti and Caravaggio), Palace of the Grand Masters (Palace Armoury and State Rooms) and Casa Rocca Piccola (16th century palace). Evening festival performance featuring La Serenissima: works by Vivaldi. Day 3 Morning lecture followed by visit to Upper Barrakka Gardens and lunchtime festival performance featuring Les Contre Sujets (baroque ensemble): music by Wilhelm Friedemann Bach, Handel and Telemann. Free afternoon followed by evening festival performance featuring La Serenissima: works by Telemann, Fasch and Vivaldi. Day 4 Rabat for Domus Romana Museum (mosaics) and St Paul’s Catacombs. Afternoon: Mdina for Cathedral and Museum. Evening festival performance featuring Joel Frederiksen (voice and lute): English, French and Italian music from the late Renaissance and early Baroque. Day 5 Whole day ferry excursion to island of Gozo: prehistoric
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Alongside the music, the ancient history of Valletta is investigated in the prehistoric temples and walled city of Victoria on the island of Gozo, while the island’s Roman heritage is presented in Rabat’s Domus Romana Museum. Towards the end of our tour we make a visit to the Casa Rocca Piccola; built in 1580, this resplendent palace is home to one of the most beautiful private collections of Maltese lace in the city. We will stay throughout in Valletta’s fivestar Phoenicia Hotel, a recently renovated luxury hotel with magnificent gardens, located a short walk from the major visits on our tour. Please note that while we will endeavour to deliver the below itinerary in full, the festival’s musical programme may be subject to change. Further details about the musical programme and venues will be released nearer the time.
temple of Ggantija, Dwejra Bay (Fungus Rock of the Knights), Victoria (walled citadel) and St John’s Basilica. Day 6 Morning lecture followed by visits in Valletta – ‘The Three Cities’ tour. Evening festival performance featuring Cantar Lontano, Valletta Baroque Ensemble and the Monteverdi Project: Requiem in C minor. Day 7 Illustrated morning lecture: The Baroque Flute – its History, Development and Repertoire. Free time. Depart Malta 1655, arriving Heathrow 1925.
Cost of £2195 includes: return airfare, accommodation based on sharing a twin or double bedded room, performances as described, breakfast, one lunch, dinner with wine, water & coffee, excursions & admissions, gratuities. Not included: travel insurance, double room for single use supplement £270. TOUR CODE: VALL20 BOOK NOW: 01223 841055 sales@aceculturaltours.co.uk
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Austria
M OZ A RT FEST IVAL I N SALZB URG JANUARY 25–31, 2020
• Experience the best of the composer’s wind and brass works, featuring acclaimed French horn player Radek Baborák Sir András Schiff and Rolando Villazón present Le nozze di Figaro Make an excursion to the neoclassical Kaiservilla
• •
“M
Mozarteum
Tour Director John Bryden, MA, ARCM, ARCO is an organist and pianist who has performed internationally as a soloist, accompanist and chamber musician. Formerly a senior lecturer in music at Dartington College, John has also taught at St Mary’s Music School in Edinburgh.
most beloved operas, and we will have the privilege of experiencing this in concert under the baton of Sir András Schiff, with a spectacular cast, adapted by Villazón for Salzburg’s expansive Felsenreitschule. Uncovering Salzburg’s musical heritage, we will explore Mozart’s birthplace and Wohnhaus and enjoy a unique private tour of original manuscripts.
We stay at the four-star Hotel Imlauer & Bräu Salzburg. Please note that the itinerary below represents a guide to what we hope to offer and some details may be changed nearer the time. Performances are subject to confirmation by the festival office and some visits are weather dependent. FITNESS / PRACTICALITIES: Please note while this tour has a relaxed itinerary it does include several longer excursions. Participants should feel comfortable walking between visits and have a good overall level of fitness.
ITINERARY Day 1 Depart London Gatwick 0925 on British Airways, arriving Salzburg 1220. Transfer to Hotel Imlauer & Bräu Salzburg for six nights. Short orientation walking tour. Evening concert at the Grosses Festspielhaus featuring Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra under Daniel Barenboim (conductor & piano) with Radek Baborák (horn): Mozart Symphony No 33 in B flat major, K 319, Horn Concerto No 3 in E flat major, K 447, Piano Concerto No 20 in D minor, K 466. Day 2 Morning lecture followed by guided walking tour of Salzburg to include Mozart’s birthplace, cathedral and Mozart’s Wohnhaus. Afternoon concert performance at the Felsenreitschule featuring Cappella Andrea Barca and Arnold Schoenberg Choir under Sir András Schiff (conductor, continuo) with soloists: Mozart Le nozze di Figaro. Day 3 Morning lecture followed by guided tour of the original archives in the Mozarteum’s Autograph Vault. Free time. Afternoon concert at the Stiftung Mozarteum featuring Mahler Chamber Orchestra with Mitsuko Uchida (conductor, piano) and soloists: Mozart Piano Concerto No 17 in G major, K 453, Flute Quartet No 1 in D major, K 285, Piano Concerto No 22 in E flat major, K 482.
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Day 4 Morning lecture followed by visit to Salzburg Residenz and free time (optional visit to Cathedral and Franciscan church). Evening concert at the Stiftung Mozarteum featuring L’Arpeggiata and Salzburg Bach Choir under Christina Pluhar (director) with Julia Lezhneva (soprano), Benedetta Mazzucato (mezzo), Topi Lehtipuu (tenor) and Dingle Yandell (bass): Mozart Vesperae solennes de Confessore (Solemn Vespers for a Confessor) for soloists, choir and organ, K 339; Handel ‘Ode auf St Caecilia’, HWV 76, arr. Mozart, K 592. Day 5 Whole day excursion to the Salzkammergut area including private visit to the Kaiservilla (summer residence of Emperor Franz Joseph I) and visit to church in St Wolfgang. Evening concert at the Grosses Festspielhaus featuring the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra with Lahav Shani (conductor, pianist) and soloists: Mozart Concerto for flute, harp and orchestra in C major, K 299, Piano Concerto No 27 in B flat major, K 595, Symphony No 40 in G minor, K 550. Day 6 Morning lecture followed by late morning concert at the Stiftung Mozarteum featuring Andreas Ottensamer (clarinet), Thomas Riebl (viola), Radek Baborák (horn) and the Takács Quartet: Mozart String Quartet No 22 in B flat major, K 589, Horn Quintet in
E flat major, K 407, String Quartet No 21 in D major, K 575, Clarinet Quintet in A major ‘Stadler Quintet’, K 581. Free afternoon with option to visit the Hohensalzburg Fortress via funicular (weather permitting) to enjoy beautiful views over Salzburg. Day 7 Depart Salzburg 1105, arriving Gatwick 1205.
Cost of £2945 includes: return airfare, accommodation based on sharing a twin or double bedded room, performances as described, breakfast, one lunch, five dinners with water & coffee, excursions & admissions, gratuities. Not included: travel insurance, double room for single use supplement £295. TOUR CODE: MOZS20 BOOK NOW: 01223 841055 sales@aceculturaltours.co.uk
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Building on its remarkable legacy of performances over many years, the annual Mozart Festival returns for a celebration of the composer’s works for wind and brass and the personal connections that both inspired and brought these compositions to life. A highlight will be the commencement of a major series of Mozart symphonies and concertos from the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra and Daniel Barenboim. They are joined in our opening performance by acclaimed French horn player Radek Baborák for Mozart’s Horn Concerto No 3 in E flat major; and Baborák later takes to the conducting podium himself to present his own interpretation of a selection of quartets and quintets, featuring the wonderful Takács Quartet. Le nozze di Figaro is surely one of Mozart’s
© Tourismus Salzburg
ozart’s music is not only the wind surrounding us and driving us forward, it is also the treasure trove on the bed of the ocean” – Rolando Villazón, Artistic Director.
Germany
LE I PZ I G AT EAS TER APRIL 8–16, 2020
Thomaskirche, Leipzig
M U S I C & T H E AT R E
• Take your seats for two jewels of the
operatic repertoire – Wagner’s Parsifal and Verdi’s La traviata – alongside Tchaikovsky’s ballet Sleeping Beauty Enjoy Bach’s stirring St John Passion, performed in the surroundings of the Thomaskirche, the composer’s final resting place Make excursions to Dresden for its spectacular Frauenkirche, and Halle, birthplace of Handel
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he city of Leipzig, home to so many great composers who established its reputation as a city of music, celebrates Easter each year with an array of concerts, operas and Easter services. Our 2020 tour commences with a performance of Bach’s St John Passion. Celebrated since its first performance in 1724, this masterpiece of sacred music was composed during Bach’s first year as Leipzig’s director of church music; it
Our Tour Director John Bryden, MA, will play a range of private recitals during our tour in historical houses and churches including the Mendelssohn House Museum, Schumann House, Köthen’s St Jacob’s Church, Halle’s Market Church and th Händel-Haus. A member of the Dartington Piano Duo, John has played across Britain and Europe as a soloist, accompanist and chamber musician. He regularly broadcasts on radio and television and coaches at the Dartington Summer School.
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presents the Passion of Christ as told in the Gospel of John through a series of recitatives, dramatic arias and chorales – building to a deeply affecting conclusion. We continue our musical experiences with Wagner’s Parsifal, fittingly performed on Good Friday and the first of three visits to Leipzig’s stunning opera house. Our second visit presents a dramatic contrast to Wagner’s epic, as talented Belgian choreographer Jeroen Verbruggen brings us Tchaikovsky’s Sleeping Beauty. La Traviata tells the story of the tragic journey of another famous heroine, the doomed
courtesan Violetta, terminally ill yet finally encountering the prospect of love. Cultural experiences are woven around these musical treats. In addition to our day excursion to Dresden, we will visit Handel’s birthplace of Halle. Here we will explore the Moritzburg Museum, a fortified castle that now houses an arts museum of national importance. We also hope to experience a short recital on the 1664 organ that young Handel played in the city’s Market Church, one of the most important late Gothic buildings in Germany. We will stay in the centre of Leipzig at the Seaside Park Hotel, a four-star Art Deco residence situated within easy walking distance of the Leipzig Opera House and Thomaskirche. Please note that while we will endeavour to deliver the below programme in full, some details may be subject to change. FITNESS / PRACTICALITIES: This tour will be taken at a relaxed pace, however some of the days will be busy, particularly those spent exploring central Leipzig, Dresden and Halle. Participants should be comfortable undertaking walking tours of around two hours, and some of the visits will involve steps and uneven or cobbled surfaces.
ITINERARY Day 1 Depart London Heathrow 1050 on British Airways, arriving Berlin 1345. Transfer to Leipzig for eight nights at Seaside Park Hotel. Welcome and introduction. Day 2 Morning lecture followed by walking tour of central Leipzig. Free afternoon followed by evening performance at the Thomaskirche: J S Bach St John Passion. Day 3 Good Friday Visit to Felix Mendelssohn House Museum with a private recital by the Tour Director, followed by Grieg House. Evening performance at Leipzig Opera House: Wagner Parsifal. Day 4 Morning lecture followed by visit to Schiller House and Schumann House Museum (with private recital by the Tour Director). Evening performance at Leipzig Opera House with choreography by Jeroen Verbruggen: Tchaikovsky Sleeping Beauty. Day 5 Easter Sunday Whole day excursion to Dresden including optional service at the Hofkirche, visit to the spectacular Frauenkirche (newly restored) and guided tour of the opera house (subject to confirmation). Day 6 Morning lecture and visit to the Bach Museum, followed by free afternoon. Evening performance at Leipzig Opera House: Verdi La traviata.
Day 7 Excursion to Halle (birthplace of Handel): Market Church with short recital on the 1664 organ that young Handel played, Moritzburg Museum and Art Gallery (fine collection of Expressionist art) and Handel-Haus (Handel’s birthplace) with short organ recital. Day 8 Excursion to the Georgenkirche in Rötha with private recital by the Tour Director on the Silbermann organ (subject to confirmation), Köthen Castle (where much of J S Bach’s music was originally performed) and St Jacob’s Church for private recital by the Tour Director on the Ladegast Organ. Day 9 Depart Berlin 1435, arriving Heathrow 1535. Cost of £2595 includes: return airfare, accommodation based on sharing a twin or double bedded room, performances as described, breakfast, two lunches, two opera plates, five dinners with water & coffee, excursions & admissions, gratuities. Not included: travel insurance, single room supplement £150. TOUR CODE: LPZE20 BOOK NOW: 01223 841055 sales@aceculturaltours.co.uk
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Hungary
WA G N ER’S RING CYCLE I N B UDAP E S T
Budapest
• Enjoy the near-unrivalled acoustics
of Müpa’s Béla Bartók Concert Hall, designed by famous specialist Russell Johnson Appreciate world class performances from this semi-staged production, which has garnered widespread critical acclaim for several years Explore the cultural highlights of Hungary’s capital, from the Great Synagogue and Parliament Building to the Castle District
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I
n 2020 ACE will take its first ever tour to experience Wagner’s Der Ring des Nibelungen in the beautiful surroundings of the ‘Pearl of the Danube’, Budapest. Comprising four dramatic and immersive operas, The Ring tells of a struggle between gods, heroes and mythological beings over the eponymous, all-powerful magic ring.
This tour will be led by Sandy Burnett, MA, a musician and broadcaster who spent a decade as one of the core team of presenters on BBC Radio 3. Conducting credits have included a complete cycle of Bach cantatas as well as work with the Royal Shakespeare Company, Royal National Theatre and in London’s West End where he spent many years as musical director. As a double bassist Sandy collaborates with many leading musicians from the UK and beyond. He is the author of The Idler Guide to Classical Music and has recently been appointed as the Hogwood Fellow of the Academy of Ancient Music.
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Wagner envisaged these operas to be performed across consecutive evenings. While this was not something he experienced in his lifetime, opera houses around the world have gradually stepped up to the challenge of mounting this 15hour epic over four nights; and for several years one such production – Hartmut Schörghofer’s Budapest-based Ring Cycle – has been delighting critics with its high calibre performances and uncomplicated direction. Indeed, the recently concluded 2019 cycle was lauded by the Telegraph as “a revelation”. Our performances will take place inside the “tremendous” acoustic environment of the Béla Bartók Concert Hall, part of Budapest’s award-winning centre for arts and culture, Müpa. Under the experienced
baton of conductor and Artistic Director Ádám Fischer, the mastery of Wagner’s four compositions will shine through, supported by subtle performance directions and minimal sets. Each instalment will be expertly introduced and interpreted throughout during a series of lectures from our Tour Director. Daytime highlights of our tour will include a tour of the city’s Parliament building (subject to confirmation), often said to be inspired by London’s neoGothic masterpiece but in fact much more grandiose, as well as a walking tour of the Castle District, dominated by the spectacular Royal Palace. Inside lies the vast assemblage of the Hungarian National Gallery, which traces Hungarian art from the 11th century through to the present. We stay throughout at the four-star K&K Opera Hotel, a stylish and sophisticated establishment opposite the city’s beautiful opera house.
FITNESS / PRACTICALITIES: To balance out the lengthy evening performances, our daytime visits will not be strenuous, and plenty of free time is given for independent exploration. Participants should, however, be comfortable undertaking walking tours of up to two hours, sometimes over uneven surfaces. The performances will begin at 1600 (1800 for Das Rheingold).
ITINERARY Day 1 Depart London Heathrow 1225 on British Airways, arriving Budapest 1600. Transfer to the K&K Opera Hotel for six nights. Welcome and introductory lecture.
Day 6 Morning lecture: Götterdämmerung. Some free time followed by farewell lunch. Afternoon performance at Müpa Hall: Götterdämmerung.
Day 2 Morning: guided walking tour of Buda, including Matthias Church (interior) and Royal Palace (exterior) and free time to explore the Castle District. Afternoon: guided tour of Parliament House (subject to confirmation).
Day 7 Depart Budapest 1315 on British Airways, arriving Heathrow 1500.
Day 3 Morning lecture: Das Rheingold. Guided walking tour of the city centre, including St Stephen’s Basilica (exterior) and the Great Synagogue (interior). Free afternoon, followed by evening performance at Müpa Hall: Das Rheingold. Day 4 Morning lecture: Die Walküre. Free time followed by afternoon performance at Müpa Hall: Die Walküre. Day 5 Morning lecture: Siegfried. Visit to the Great Market Hall (the largest indoor market in the city). Some free time followed by afternoon performance at Müpa Hall: Siegfried.
Cost of £2595 includes: return airfare, accommodation based on sharing a twin or double bedded room, performances as described, breakfast, two lunches, three opera plates, three dinners (one light) with wine, water & coffee, excursions & admissions, gratuities. Not included: travel insurance, double room for single use supplement £585. TOUR CODE: WRBU20 BOOK NOW: 01223 841055 sales@aceculturaltours.co.uk
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JUNE 16–22, 2020
Germany
WA G N ER’S RING CYCLE I N LEIP ZIG JANUARY 14–20, 2020
Leipzig Opera
M U S I C & T H E AT R E
• Attend the four critically acclaimed
Ring Cycle performances in the city of Wagner’s birth Take a day trip to Dresden, home to the splendid Semper Opera House where Wagner premiered several works Enjoy the musical delights of Leipzig, from an exhibition on the young Wagner to the celebrated Bach-Archiv
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B
orn in 1813 in Leipzig, Richard Wagner undertook much of his musical education in the city, and its myriad of musical offerings left a significant mark on his own development. Attending Leipzig University, Wagner embarked upon the first of his major compositions – the beginning of a lifelong career that would encompass the majestic four-work masterpiece at the heart of our tour: Der Ring des Nibelungen. Tour Director Alberto Massimo, PhD, has studied in Vienna, Salzburg, Sienna, Rome and Edinburgh. He holds a BMus in organ, trumpet, double bass and composition as well as a doctorate and diploma in conducting. In Rome he received appointments as ‘maestro di cappella’ (organist, choirmaster and conductor), and occasionally played for Papal Mass at the Vatican. He has worked with principal singers at the Teatro dell’Opera, and conducted the orchestra of the Opera di Roma at the Church of Sant’Ignazio. Alberto was nominated ‘Professional Musician of the Year in Music 1991’.
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Given his connection with the city, it is hardly surprising that Wagner’s Ring Cycle has come to play such an important role in Leipzig’s operatic calendar. Since 2016 – when its first full Ring received huge critical praise – Leipzig has presented the cycle annually, and we are delighted to be taking in this magnificent production in 2020. Arriving at Leipzig’s stunning opera house, which traces its musical heritage back to the late 17th century, we will take our seats for each of the four performances over a five-night period. Each instalment will be expertly introduced and interpreted throughout during a series of lectures from our Tour Director, who will also accompany us on a range of cultural visits, as well as giving us opportunities to explore our surroundings independently.
Leipzig is a treasure trove of musical delights, from a museum dedicated to Mendelssohn’s life and musical career in the city, to one of the most important centres for Bach scholarship in the world; while an exhibition on the young Wagner, set within the Alte Nikolaischule where he took piano lessons, will occupy another of our mornings. An excursion to Saxony’s capital Dresden, Wagner’s home for more than twenty years, will enable us to explore the composer’s musical development over time. Here we will take in the city’s Frauenkirche, a spectacular example of Protestant sacred architecture, in addition to a tour of the Semper Opera House, which has staged several Wagnerian premieres including Tannhäuser and The Flying Dutchman. We also hope to feature private recitals from our Tour Director, subject to confirmation nearer the time. We stay in the centre of Leipzig at the Seaside Park Hotel, a four-star Art Deco residence situated within easy walking distance of the opera house.
FITNESS / PRACTICALITIES: This tour will be taken at a relaxed pace with free time to relax around the performances. Participants should be comfortable undertaking short walking tours in Leipzig and Dresden, sometimes involving cobbles and uneven surfaces.
ITINERARY Day 1 Depart London Heathrow 1010, arriving Berlin 1300. Transfer to Seaside Park Hotel, Leipzig, for six nights. Welcome and introduction.
Day 6 Morning lecture followed by visit to the Alte Nikolaischule (exhibition on the young Wagner). Free afternoon. Early evening performance at Leipzig Opera House: Götterdämmerung.
Day 2 Morning lecture followed by orientation walking tour of Leipzig. Free afternoon. Early evening performance at Leipzig Opera House: Das Rheingold.
Day 7 Transfer to Berlin for 1350 departure, arriving Heathrow 1455.
Day 3 Morning lecture followed by visit to the Bach-Archiv (the world’s pre-eminent centre of Bach scholarship). Free afternoon. Early evening performance at Leipzig Opera House: Die Walküre. Day 4 Whole day excursion to Dresden, including visit to the Frauenkirche, guided tour of the Semperoper (subject to confirmation) and free time for exploration. Free evening. Day 5 Morning lecture followed by visit to Mendelssohn House Museum with piano recital by Tour Director. Free afternoon. Early evening performance at Leipzig Opera House: Siegfried.
Cost of £2695 includes: return airfare, accommodation based on sharing a twin or double bedded room, performances as described, breakfast, four lunches, three opera plates, two dinners with water & coffee, excursions & admissions, gratuities. Not included: travel insurance, single room supplement £165. TOUR CODE: WRLP20 BOOK NOW: 01223 841055 sales@aceculturaltours.co.uk
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Germany
B ACH FEST IVAL IN LEIP ZIG JUNE 15–22, 2020
• Join a unique ‘family reunion’ of
ITINERARY
specialist J S Bach performers from around the world Experience some of Bach’s most beautiful choral cantatas in the neoclassical surroundings of Leipzig’s magnificent Nikolaikirche, where the composer once worked as Director of Music Further highlights include Bach’s Mass in B minor, St Matthew and St John Passions, and timeless Goldberg Variations
Day 1 Depart London Heathrow 1050 on British Airways, arriving Berlin 1340. Transfer to Seaside Park Hotel, Leipzig for seven nights. Welcome and introduction.
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Day 2 Morning lecture followed by walking tour of Leipzig (Altes Rathaus, Baroque Barthels Hof – exteriors). Afternoon visit to the Bach Archiv (the world’s pre-eminent centre of Bach scholarship). Evening festival performance at the Thomaskirche featuring Patrick Grahl (tenor), Peter Harvey (bass), Dorothee Mields (soprano), Benno Schachtner (alto), Krešimir Stražanac (bass) and Gächinger Kantorei under Hans-Christoph Rademann (conductor): J S Bach St Matthew Passion, BWV 244.
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Day 4 Morning lecture followed by guided tour of the Museum of Historical Musical Instruments including a short recital by the Tour Director (subject to confirmation). Afternoon: guided tour of the Mendelssohn House Museum with piano recital by Tour Director (subject to confirmation). Evening festival performance at the Nikolaikirche featuring Emmanuel Music Boston and soloists under Ryan Turner (conductor): J S Bach choral cantatas – ‘Wie schön leuchtet der Morgenstern’, BWV 1, ‘Christ lag in Todes Banden’, BWV 4, ‘Wär Gott nicht mit uns diese Zeit’, BWV 14, ‘Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme’, BWV 140.
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eipzig lies at the heart of the classical music tradition: Wagner was born here, Mendelssohn died here and Bach spent nearly three decades as Kapellmeister at the Thomaskirche. It is hardly surprising, therefore, that Leipzig plays host to a magnificent annual festival centred on Bach and the composers he inspired. The 2020 festival promises to be a great celebration not only of Bach’s music, but also the ‘extended family’ of Bach musicians, choirs and societies that regularly performs his works all over the world. Drawing on the diversity and specialisms of these artists, the festival’s creators cordially invite us to attend the “greatest ‘family reunion’ the global Bach community has ever held”. Delving into this rich line-up, our tour weaves a carefully selected programme of festival performances around cultural visits in and around Leipzig. We will begin with a performance of the St Matthew Passion from renowned German choir Gächinger Kantorei, later contrasted with a special ‘ballet’ performance of the St John Passion at Leipzig Opera House. Another highlight is sure to be award-winning Canadian pianist Angela Hewitt – one of the most celebrated living performers and interpreters of J S Bach – playing the
FITNESS / PRACTICALITIES: This tour involves several excursions to museums, as well as walking tours, and therefore participants should feel comfortable staying on their feet for extended periods of time. A good general level of fitness is required for this tour.
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Day 5 Whole day excursion to Dresden including visits to the New and Historical Green Vaults. Evening festival performance at Leipzig Opera House featuring Leipzig Ballet, Leipzig Opera Chorus, Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra and soloists under Christoph Gedschold (conductor): J S Bach St John Passion, BWV 245 (ballet). Statue of Johann Sebastian Bach, Leipzig
This tour will be led by John Bryden, MA, ARCM, ARCO. A former member of the National Youth Orchestra of Britain, John is also a member of the Dartington Piano Duo and has played across Britain and Europe as a soloist, accompanist and chamber musician.
composer’s sublime Goldberg Variations. Interspersed with these famous works, we will experience two of the festival’s distinctive ‘choral cantata cycle’ concerts presented by specialist choral societies from the USA and the Netherlands. We will build towards the festival’s magnificent closing concert, Bach’s Mass in B minor, in the stunning surroundings of Leipzig’s Thomaskirche. We stay throughout the tour in the centre of Leipzig at the Seaside Park Hotel, a four-star Art Deco residence situated within easy walking distance of the Thomaskirche. Please note that while we will endeavour to deliver the below itinerary in full, some details may be subject to change.
Day 6 Morning lecture followed by visit to Monument of Nations. Afternoon festival performance at Haus Leipzig featuring Angela Hewitt (piano): J S Bach Goldberg Variations. Evening festival performance at the Nikolaikirche featuring Isabel Schicketanz (soprano), Franz Vitzthum (alto), Thomas Hobbs (tenor), Felix Schwandtke (bass) and the Netherlands Bach Society with Shunske Sato (concert master): J S Bach choral cantatas – ‘Ein feste Burg ist unser Gott’, BWV 80, ‘In allen meinen Taten’, BWV 97, ‘Sei Lob und Ehr dem höchsten Gut’, BWV 117, ‘Nun danket alle Gott’, BWV 192. Day 7 Optional morning service in the Thomaskirche followed by afternoon visit to Leipzig Fine Arts Museum. Evening festival closing performance at the Thomaskirche featuring Christina Landshamer (soprano), Anke Vondung (mezzo-soprano), Sebastian Kohlhepp (tenor) and Krešimir Stražanac (bass) with MDR Rundfunkchor Leipzig and Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra under Andris Nelsons (conductor): J S Bach Mass in B minor, BWV 232. Day 8 Köthen Castle (where Bach served as Kapellmeister for Prince Leopold). Continue to Berlin for 1645 departure, arriving Heathrow 1745. Cost of £2795 includes: return airfare, accommodation based on sharing a twin or double bedded room, performances as described, breakfast, three lunches, four dinners with water & coffee, excursions & admissions, gratuities. Not included: travel insurance, single room supplement £235. TOUR CODE: BACH20 BOOK NOW: 01223 841055 sales@aceculturaltours.co.uk
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Day 3 Whole day excursion to Arnstadt (Bach Church, including private organ recital by the Tour Director – subject to confirmation) and Weimar (walking tour and Liszt Museum).
United Kingdom
C A M B RIDGE CHURCHES, CO LLEGE CH A P E L S & ORGANS FEBRUARY 21–23, 2020
• Experience our Tour Director John
Bryden’s expert organ playing in the stunning surroundings of Cambridge’s famous chapels In the 250th year of Beethoven’s birth, travel to Stapleford Granary to hear a magnificent concert dedicated to the composer’s violin and piano sonatas Enjoy a performance of Schubert’s piano sonatas from distinguished pianist Imogen Cooper
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M U S I C & T H E AT R E
C
ambridge, along with Oxford and Edinburgh, boasts more fine organs than any other city in the UK. On this musical exploration we will enjoy several recitals given by our Tour Director, John Bryden, at many of the university’s historical colleges. Our first afternoon will take us to Madingley Hall for a leisurely lunch, followed by a visit to Girton College Chapel with its four-manual-mechanical action organ by St Martin of Switzerland, installed in 2002. This will be paired with a visit to the innovative 20th century surroundings of Churchill College, whose chapel caused great controversy when first proposed. Eventually founded on the peripheries of the college’s grounds, the building is home to an impressively versatile organ by E J Johnson & Son, later overhauled by Norman Hall & Sons in 2000. The following morning will introduce us to the contrasting atmosphere of Magdalene College, the site of the remarkable 17th century Pepys Library, which houses the famous writer’s original diaries alongside a host of collected books, manuscripts, documents and prints. We will also explore the wide-open courts of St Catharine’s, whose chapel contains a new 1978 organ built by E J Johnson behind the façade of its earlier 1895 instrument, and incorporating many of the original stops. Today, and largely as a result of recent refurbishment, the organ truly sings within the chapel’s acoustics. No visit to Cambridge would be complete without a chance to sample its world celebrated choral tradition, and our tour will include a visit to King’s College to hear Choral Evensong. Meanwhile, Stapleford Granary, home to the ACE Foundation and ACE Cultural Tours, will
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Cambridge
This tour will be led by international concert pianist and organist John Bryden, MA. John studied at Emmanuel College, Cambridge, and is an experienced classical music lecturer. be our venue for a beautiful concert of Schubert piano sonatas by Imogen Cooper, followed on our second evening by a concert dedicated to Beethoven’s piano and violin sonatas – a timely programme during the composer’s 250th anniversary year – performed by violinist Savitri Grier and pianist Richard Uttley. We will stay throughout at Cambridge’s
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, which enjoys a riverside city centre location. As access to the colleges is subject to availability, we cannot confirm some visits until nearer the time.
FITNESS / PRACTICALITIES: This tour is taken at a relaxed pace however please note that visits to some of the colleges will be taken on foot, and participants should be prepared for some busy areas with narrow pavements.
ITINERARY Day 1 Assemble 1130 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, Cambridge, for two nights. Lunch at Madingley Hall followed by afternoon visits to Girton College and Churchill College, including organ recitals. Independent dinner followed by evening performance at Stapleford Granary featuring Imogen Cooper (piano): Schubert piano sonatas. Day 2 Visits including Magdalene College (Pepys Library & organ recital) and St Catharine’s College. Evening concert at Stapleford Granary featuring Savitri Grier (violin) and Richard Uttley (piano): Beethoven violin & piano sonatas. Day 3 Morning: choral service at King’s College Chapel. Tour disperses 1230 at hotel.
Cost of £785 includes: accommodation based on sharing a twin or double bedded room, performances as described, breakfast, two lunches, one light supper with water & coffee (day 2), excursions & admissions, gratuities. Not included: travel insurance, double room for single use supplement £140. TOUR CODE: CCCO20
BOOK NOW: 01223 841055 sales@aceculturaltours.co.uk
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The Netherlands
M A H L E R FEST IVA L IN AMSTERDAM MAY 8–13, 2020 • MAY 13–18, 2020
• Internationally-acclaimed orchestras assemble to bring us a complete series of Mahler symphonies across two tours Musical delights are supplemented with a range of cultural visits in Amsterdam and The Hague Delve behind the scenes at the festival’s venue, Amsterdam’s Royal Concertgebouw
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Het Concertgebouw © Hans Roggen
Our first tour will be led by John Bryden, MA, ARCM, ARCO, a member of the Dartington Piano Duo who has played across Britain and Europe as a soloist, accompanist and chamber musician. Our second tour will be led by Richard Wigmore, MA, AGSM, a writer, broadcaster, lecturer and former professional singer. He frequently appears on Radio 3’s Record Review. Zweden – Musical Director of both the New York and Hong Kong Philharmonics – to the award-winning Iván Fischer and Daniel Barenboim. Players and conductors will be joined by prestigious soloists to bring
us not only the composer’s recognised symphonies, but also additional works showcasing his tremendous emotional and musical range. We will stay throughout at the four-star Park Hotel, located in Amsterdam’s city centre. All concert tickets are in category one.
FITNESS / PRACTICALITIES: These tours are not anticipated to be strenuous, but some visits will be made on foot and our second tour will include a boat trip on Amsterdam’s canals.
ITINERARY ITINERARY – TOUR 1 Day 1 Depart London Heathrow 1145 on British Airways, arriving Amsterdam 1405. Transfer to Park Hotel for five nights. Welcome and introductory lecture followed by evening performance at the Concertgebouw featuring the New York Philharmonic with Roderick Williams (baritone): Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen, Symphony No 1. Day 2 Morning lecture followed by historical walking tour of Amsterdam. Afternoon: visit to the Rijksmuseum. Evening performance at the Concertgebouw featuring the New York Philharmonic with Joélle Harvey (soprano) and Sasha Cooke (mezzo-soprano): Symphony No 2. Day 3 Excursion to The Hague for visit to the Mauritshuis. Return to Amsterdam for free afternoon followed by lecture. Evening performance at the Concertgebouw featuring the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra with Gerhild Romberger (alto): Symphony No 3. Day 4 Morning excursion to Haarlem for organ recital at St Bavo’s Cathedral (subject to confirmation) followed by some free time. Return to Amsterdam for afternoon lecture followed by evening performance at the Concertgebouw featuring the Berliner Philharmonic with Christiane Karg (soprano) and Elisabeth Kulman (mezzo-soprano): Rückert-Lieder, Symphony No 4.
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Day 5 Morning excursion to Alkmaar for organ recital at St Laurens’s Church (subject to confirmation). Return to Amsterdam for afternoon guided tour of the Concertgebouw followed by evening performance at the Concertgebouw featuring the Vienna Philharmonic with Okka von der Damerau (mezzo-soprano): Kindertotenlieder, Symphony No 5. Day 6 Morning visit to the Van Gogh Museum. Depart Amsterdam 1500, arriving Heathrow 1525. ITINERARY – TOUR 2 Day 1 Depart London Heathrow 1145 on British Airways, arriving Amsterdam 1405. Transfer to Park Hotel for five nights. Welcome and introductory lecture followed by evening performance at the Concertgebouw featuring the Berliner Philharmonic: Symphony No 6. Day 2 Morning lecture followed by historical walking tour of Amsterdam. Afternoon: visit to the Rijksmuseum. Evening performance at the Concertgebouw featuring the Vienna Philharmonic: Symphony No 7. Day 3 Whole day excursion to The Hague for visit to the Mauritshuis and guided visit to the Muziek Instituut (subject to confirmation). Return to Amsterdam for evening performance at the Concertgebouw featuring the Gustav Mahler Youth Orchestra with soloists: Symphony No 8.
Day 4 Morning visit to the Amsterdam Museum. Free afternoon followed by lecture. Evening performance at the Concertgebouw featuring the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra: Symphony No 9. Day 5 Morning lecture followed by canal boat trip and some free time. Afternoon: guided tour of the Concertgebouw followed by evening performance at the Concertgebouw featuring the Budapest Festival Orchestra with Gerhild Romberger (alto) and Andrew Staples (tenor): Adagio from Symphony No 10, Das Lied von der Erde. Day 6 Morning visit to the Van Gogh Museum. Depart Amsterdam 1500, arriving Heathrow 1525. Cost of £3295 includes: return airfare, accommodation based on sharing an executive twin or double bedded room, performances as described, breakfast, dinner with wine, water & coffee, excursions & admissions, gratuities. Not included: travel insurance, superior single supplement £515. TOUR CODE: MAH120 / MAH220 BOOK NOW: 01223 841055 sales@aceculturaltours.co.uk
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n 2020 the world-famous Mahler Festival will take place in Amsterdam, the great Austro-German composer’s “second musical homeland”. Marking 100 years since the first Mahler Festival was held here, this spectacular cultural event will focus on the central theme of ‘Mahler’s Universe’; and ACE is delighted to be returning for two consecutive tours covering the festival’s fortnight. At the heart of a remarkable series of concerts will be a selection of eminent orchestras, ranging from the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra and the New York Philharmonic to the Berliner Philharmonic, the Vienna Philharmonic and the Budapest Festival Orchestra. These are presided over by a range of superb conductors, from the prolific Jaap van
United Kingdom
S H A K E SPEARE AT STRATFO R D APRIL 2020
ACE GENTLER TOURS Shakespeare at Stratford is one of a series of more gently paced tours, created specially by ACE for those who prefer a more laid-back, less physically demanding itinerary while retaining the same high level of academic content. Walking distances are typically shorter, visits are more relaxed, and time is dedicated to the gradual appreciation of, and explorations within, our immediate surroundings. Hotels will usually be situated in central locations to allow for ease of access to major amenities; while group members are regularly encouraged to enjoy each location in their own way and at their own pace.
M U S I C & T H E AT R E
W
e look forward to a special tour to Stratford-upon-Avon in spring 2020, coinciding with the month of Shakespeare’s birth. Although the exact date of the event is not recorded, most celebrate the great playwright’s birth on 23 April. The Royal Shakespeare Company will mark the occasion with performances over This tour will be led by Shakespearean actress Vivien Heilbron, an Emmy nominee and honorary Fellow of the Shakespeare Institute in Stratford-upon-Avon. Vivien has vast experience of acting in Shakespeare productions, including the roles of Olivia in Twelfth Night and Titania in A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
Royal Shakespeare Theatre the birthday weekend, to which we look forward to attending on this special tour. Talks and post-performance discussions with our Tour Director will complement the performances throughout and we will also enjoy cultural visits and excursions in and around Stratford-upon-Avon. Previous
tours have included visits to Shakespeare’s Birthplace Trust and Shakespeare’s Schoolroom, and excursions to the beautiful nearby mansion Upton House, and Broughton Castle, a 16th century moated manor house that has been home to the Fiennes family since 1447. “The success of this tour is largely down to the stardust that Vivien sprinkles on every aspect of it. She has a lifetime of experience and her classes are a revelation, always stimulating conversation, much of it very moving and memorable” – ACE Tour Manager Christine Kavanagh on previous Shakespeare at Stratford tour
Full details, including the tour dates, performances and cost, will be available later in 2019. Please contact the ACE office now to register your interest. TOUR CODE: SHST20 Shakespeare’s birthplace
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BOOK NOW: 01223 841055 sales@aceculturaltours.co.uk
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Germany
B E E T H OV EN IN BO NN: A CYCL E OF SYMP H O NI ES MARCH 15–22, 2020
Cologne Cathedral
• Usher in the great composer’s 250th
year with a remarkable ‘cycle of symphonies’, from his promising early works to rousing ninth symphony Widely-acclaimed conductor Teodor Currentzis will present each concert with his early music ensemble MusicAeterna Take in regional highlights including the magnificent cathedrals of Cologne and Aachen
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T
he history of the Bonn Beethovenfest stretches back to 1845 when the Rhineland town celebrated the 75th birthday of its most famous son with three days of unbroken festivities. In 2020 concert halls around the world will resound with the works of the great composer, whose 250th birthday falls in December, but Bonn is taking things one step further by presenting a full cycle of Beethoven’s symphonies. Not only will our tour encompass some of Beethoven’s most recognisable masterpieces – including his ‘Eroica’ (Symphony No 3), which strode boldly towards a new Romantic era, and his instantly familiar Fifth and Sixth
FITNESS / PRACTICALITIES: Please note while this tour has a relaxed itinerary it does include several longer excursions. Participants should feel comfortable walking between visits and have a good overall level of fitness.
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Symphonies – but we will also witness his growth as a composer from his early works (Symphonies No 1 and 2) to his magnificent Ninth Symphony, composed just a few years before his death. Experiencing Beethoven’s symphonies in full will immerse us like no other festival in the vastness of his dynamic, emotional and expressive range, reflecting the transforming landscape of classical music at the turn of the 19th century and the nearunparalleled significance of the composer’s contribution to this world.
Our concerts will be performed by early music ensemble MusicAeterna under the baton of their founder Teodor Currentzis, Artistic Director of Perm State Opera and Ballet Theatre, whose own approach to classical performance has itself been acclaimed for its charismatic – almost ‘revolutionary’ – style. MusicAeterna’s 2017 performance of ‘Eroica’ was lauded for its “irrepressible energy” which “created moments of extreme clarity”, and a 2018 appearance at the Proms garnered praise for “an intensity that makes the music seem somehow Beethoven-plus; more Beethoven than ever before.” In addition to the festival programme, Tour Director John Bryden will enrich our experience with a number of special recitals. We will stay throughout at the four-star Hilton Bonn Hotel, overlooking the Rhine and a short stroll from the Beethoven-Haus.
ITINERARY Day 1 Depart London Gatwick 1135 on British Airways, arriving Cologne-Bonn 1400. Transfer to Hilton Bonn Hotel for seven nights. Free time followed by welcome and introduction. Evening concert at Opera Bonn featuring MusicAeterna (Perm Opera) under Teodor Currentzis: Beethoven Symphony No 1 in C major, Op 21, Symphony No 3 ‘Eroica’ in E flat major, Op 55. Day 2 Morning lecture followed by visit to the Beethovenhaus. Afternoon: orientation walking tour of Bonn, including sites associated with Beethoven. Evening concert at Opera Bonn featuring MusicAeterna (Perm Opera) under Teodor Currentzis: Beethoven Symhony No 2 in D major, Op 36, Symphony No 5 in C minor, Op 67. Day 3 Whole day excursion to Cologne: Gothic cathedral, Ludwig Museum (one of the world’s largest Picasso collections), WallrafRichartz-Museum (Old Masters). Free evening. Day 4 Morning lecture followed by guided tour of the SchumannHaus (including private recital by the Tour Director, subject to confirmation). Free time. Evening concert at Opera Bonn featuring MusicAeterna (Perm Opera) under Teodor Currentzis: Beethoven Symphony No 6 in F major, Op 68, Symphony No 4 in B flat major, Op 60. Day 5 Morning visit to the Bundeskunsthalle (Beethoven exhibition). Free afternoon. Evening concert at Opera Bonn featuring MusicAeterna (Perm Opera) under Teodor Currentzis:
Beethoven Symphony No 8 in F major, Op 93, Symphony No 7 in A major, Op 92. Day 6 Whole day excursion to Aachen: 14th century Rathaus (built on the site of Charlemagne’s Palace), Couven Museum, cathedral (including guided tour of the celebrated treasury and Charlemagne’s marble throne). Day 7 Morning lecture followed by excursion to Ramegan and Maria Laach (12th century Romanesque abbey church) including organ recital. Evening concert at Opera Bonn featuring MusicAeterna (Perm Opera) under Teodor Currentzis: Beethoven Symphony No 9 in D minor, Op 125. Day 8 Depart Cologne-Bonn 1625, arriving Gatwick 1650. Cost of £2945 includes: return airfare, accommodation based on sharing a twin or double bedded room, performances as described, breakfast, five lunches, three dinners (one light on day 2) with water & coffee, excursions & admissions, gratuities. Not included: travel insurance, double room for single use supplement £350. TOUR CODE: BBO120 BOOK NOW: 01223 841055 sales@aceculturaltours.co.uk
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This tour will be led by John Bryden, MA, ARCM, ARCO, a member of the Dartington Piano Duo who has given concerts from California to Kathmandu via Wigmore Hall.
USA
MU S I C & OPERA IN NEW YO R K MARCH 1–7, 2020
• Take in a gala premiere performance
Carnegie Hall
of Der Fliegende Holländer in the company of John Deathridge, one of the world’s foremost experts on Wagner, featuring acclaimed baritone Bryn Terfel Enjoy two superb concerts by Emanuel Ax, Leonidas Kavakos and Yo-Yo Ma at the city’s iconic Carnegie Hall Appreciate New York’s architectural and artistic highlights including the Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty, Metropolitan Museum of Art and Frick Collection
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Wagner’s Der fliegende Holländer and Verdi’s La traviata. Welsh bass-baritone Sir Bryn Terfel takes on the title role in Wagner’s stirring sea-bound epic, partnering with conductor Valery Gergiev against a backdrop that “turns the Met stage into a rich, layered tableau reminiscent of a vast oil painting”. La traviata meanwhile is once again brought to life in luxurious style by Michael Mayer, whose acclaimed production features an excellent cast including tenor Vittorio Grigolo and soprano Lisette Oropesa, recent winner of the Met’s own Beverly Sills Artist Award.
Yo-Yo Ma
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© Gamaliel is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0
M U S I C & T H E AT R E
F
or lovers of opera and classical music, there is nothing quite like the experience of live performances in New York’s world famous venues. Featuring a stellar line-up of instrumentalists, conductors and operatic stars, our tour provides an introduction to the musical heritage of this cultural centre, interspersing concerts of the highest calibre with explorations of the city’s architectural, artistic and political history. We enter the Metropolitan Opera under two huge Chagall murals. As we progress into the auditorium, twelve dazzling chandeliers rise from Dress Circle level to the ceiling just minutes before our performance begins. Here we will enjoy two of the world’s best-known operas:
An equally esteemed cast will bring us a first ever performance for the Met: Agrippina, Handel’s first operatic masterpiece, a thrilling account of that famous Roman figure’s attempt to bring her son Nero to power. Celebrated mezzosoprano Joyce DiDonato performs the title role, joined by countertenor Iestyn Davies, bass Matthew Rose, soprano Brenda Rae and mezzo-soprano Kate Lindsey. Our operatic programme is enhanced by two performances of works by Beethoven at the Carnegie Hall – resplendent with its grand Italianate façade – including the composer’s beautiful cello sonatas, violin sonatas, and piano trios performed by celebrated pianist Emanuel Ax, violinist Leonidas Kavakos and cellist Yo-Yo Ma. Making the most of our time in New York, our tour takes in famous sites including Times Square, Broadway, Greenwich Village, Ground Zero and Central Park. We will enjoy views of the Statue of Liberty on a harbour tour, and ascend the Empire State Building. Complementing the music, our city explorations will also include the city’s artistic highlights at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Guggenheim Museum and Frick Collection. We will stay throughout at the fourstar Marriott East Side in the heart of Manhattan, ideally located for our performances and visits.
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The Metropolitan Opera Please note that the itinerary below represents a guide to what we hope to offer and performances are subject to confirmation in the summer of 2019. Although international travel between the UK and New York is not included in the price of this tour, the ACE office is able to offer participants the same flight arrangements and transfers as the tour personnel (subject to availability) at a supplementary cost. Please contact the ACE office for further details.
Tour Director John Deathridge, MA, DPhil, is Emeritus King Edward Professor of Music at King’s College London. Regarded as one of the world’s foremost Wagner experts and a noted authority on Beethoven, John is currently researching a new study on the history and influence of German music. John is a former President of the Royal Musical Association, Britain’s most learned music society, and has taught at the universities of Princeton, Chicago, Vienna and Cambridge. His new translation of Der Ring des Nibelungen was published by Penguin Random House in 2018, and he continues to be active as a performer and regular broadcaster.
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ITINERARY Day 1 Tour assembles 1845 at the New York Marriott East Side for six nights. Welcome dinner.
Luca Salsi (baritone) with Bertrand de Billy (conductor): Verdi La traviata.
Day 2 Grand Central Station followed by orientation coach tour including Broadway, Times Square, Washington Square, Greenwich Village, Financial District, Ground Zero and Central Park. Afternoon visit to the 9/11 Memorial Museum. Evening performance at the Metropolitan Opera featuring Sir Bryn Terfel (bass-baritone), Anja Kampe (soprano) and Franz-Josef Selig (bass) with Valery Gergiev (conductor): Wagner Der fliegende Holländer (gala premiere).
Day 6 Morning lecture followed by visit to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Free afternoon. Evening performance at Carnegie Hall featuring Emanuel Ax (piano), Leonidas Kavakos (violin) and Yo-Yo Ma (cello): Beethoven Cello Sonata No 2 in G minor, Op 5, Violin Sonata No 6 in A major, Op 30, Piano Trio in E flat major, Op 70.
Day 3 Morning lecture followed by visit to the Frick Collection. Free afternoon. Evening performance at the Metropolitan Opera featuring Joyce DiDonato (mezzo-soprano), Kate Lindsey (mezzosoprano), Brenda Rae (soprano), Iestyn Davies (countertenor) and Matthew Rose (bass) with Harry Bicket (conductor): Handel Agrippina. Day 4 Morning lecture followed by visits to Empire State Building and the Lincoln Center. Afternoon: backstage tour of the Metropolitan Opera (subject to confirmation). Evening performance at Carnegie Hall featuring Emanuel Ax (piano), Leonidas Kavakos (violin) and Yo-Yo Ma (cello): Beethoven Cello Sonata No 4 in C major, Op 201, Violin Sonata No 10 in G major, Op 96, and Piano Trio in C minor, Op 1. Day 5 Morning: tour of New York Harbour (including views of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island). Free afternoon and independent dinner. Evening performance at the Metropolitan Opera House featuring Lisette Oropesa (soprano), Vittorio Grigolo (tenor) and
Day 7 Morning visit to the Guggenheim Museum. Tour disperses after farewell lunch.
Cost of £3595 includes: accommodation based on sharing a twin or double bedded room, performances as described, breakfast, one lunch, five dinners with water & coffee, excursions & admissions, gratuities for group services. Not included: return travel (this can be arranged by the ACE office at a supplementary cost, subject to availability), ESTA, travel insurance, double room for single use supplement £615. TOUR CODE: MUNY20 BOOK NOW: 01223 841055 sales@aceculturaltours.co.uk
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© A. Strakey. Licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0
USA
USA
JAZZ : F ROM NEW O R LEANS TO M E M PHIS APRIL 6–17, 2020
• Delve into the rich sounds, sites and
flavours of the ‘cradle of jazz’ – New Orleans Trace the threads of US history and the evolution of musical genres as we progress along the Mississippi to Memphis Enjoy live music, complemented by relaxing daytime excursions in the cities and surrounding countryside
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t was in spring 1718 that the French Mississippi Company founded a colony on the twin banks of the Mississippi River and called it La Nouvelle-Orléans. Over its subsequent three hundred years, New Orleans’ diverse communities gave rise to deeply distinctive musical and culinary traditions, and from its unique cultural blend emerged one of the world’s most recognisable, multifaceted and popular musical genres: jazz. Evolving towards the end of the 19th century from a mix of African, European, and wider musical influences (including marching brass bands), jazz is inextricably connected with the social, economic and political heritage of the Deep South. It provides our tour with a dynamic focal point for a voyage along the Mississippi that will chart not only transitions within music but also within American society and culture. Led by one of ACE’s most experienced music specialists, we will explore the origins of jazz in its many forms, following in the footsteps of the enterprising musicians who got their early breaks in the city. While Louis Armstrong is the most widely known today, cornetist Buddy Bolden is credited with helping to advance New Orleans’ distinctive ragtime sound, King Oliver’s Creole Jazz Band created some of the very first great jazz recordings, and the arrangements of Jelly Roll Morton retain a near-unrivalled place in jazz history. From the leafy courtyards of the French Quarter, heavily influenced by Louisiana’s Spanish colonial past, to Jackson Square, site of the southern state’s purchase by the United States in 1803, we will seek to understand how and why jazz developed here, and what it meant for the growing popular musical traditions of the USA.
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Preservation Hall Jazz Band
Our stay in ‘The Big Easy’ will encompass several musical events: we will dine at the Palm Court Jazz Café, home to live Dixieland jazz, and take in the music of Snug Harbor alongside our hotel’s very own Jazz Playhouse. We also hope to offer visits to late night venues, including Preservation Hall, a cornerstone of live jazz in New Orleans since its inception in the 1960s; while Tour Director Sandy Burnett will explore the distinctive features of jazz and blues music in a series of lectures, supplemented by a private performance with a jazz band based in the city. An excursion to the nearby Oak Alley Plantation will help to inform our understanding of the distinctive social
This tour will be led by Sandy Burnett, MA, a musician and broadcaster. Sandy spent a decade as one of the core team of presenters on BBC Radio 3, hosting dozens of live broadcasts from the BBC Proms and interviewing many of the world’s finest musicians. As a double bass player, Sandy has performed, toured and recorded with many of the finest musicians, artists and ensembles from Britain and beyond. He is the regular bass player for Blue Harlem, the Hep Chaps, the Tuxedo Jazz Orchestra and for the American singer/songwriter Gerard Kenny; he has a Sunday residency at Le Caprice in London’s West End, appears regularly at Ronnie Scott’s, and in 2016 his playing was featured in the National Theatre’s acclaimed revival of August Wilson’s play based around black American music-making in the 1920s, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.
and economic history of the region, complemented by a visit to the Museum of Rural Life in Louisiana’s capital, Baton Rouge; while the swampy landscape of the Bayou will welcome us for a relaxing riverboat trip. Later we will follow the path of the Mississippi northwards, tracing musical developments within the US at the towns of Leland and Clarksdale (site of the ‘Devil’s Crossroads’), and enrich our knowledge of the Deep South’s history at the civil war site at Vicksburg and Dockery Farms, a major site for the development of Delta blues. Reaching Memphis, our tour turns to the emergence of mid-20th century musical genres with visits to Elvis Presley’s home at
Sandy says: “I am delighted once again to be leading this ACE Cultural Tours trip to the city where jazz began. Always a tricky term to define, jazz reflects a synthesis of various musical influences, and I’m looking forward to exploring both the heritage of this wonderful art form and hearing how it has evolved into the living, breathing form of entertainment that it is today. Jazz isn’t just historical – its style has always had something of the contemporary about it; and the same applies to Memphis, one of the first areas of the United States where black and white musicians could perform and record freely. Radio was king in 1950s Memphis, and it was the experience of growing up listening to bluegrass, country and western, rhythm and blues and gospel that shaped Elvis Presley into the legend he later became.”
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French Quarter
Graceland, the Stax Museum of American Soul Music and the legendary Beale Street – all against the backdrop of profound social change, illuminated by a visit to the National Civil Rights Museum. Late evenings are balanced by several leisurely mornings and free time to explore our surroundings independently, providing ample opportunities to sample the region’s world famous Creole and Cajun cuisine. In New Orleans we will stay in the four-star Royal Sonesta Hotel, a timelessly elegant establishment based in a historical courtyard building in the city’s French
Quarter. Our base in Memphis will be the legendary Peabody Hotel, a grand fourstar institution famous for its resident mallard ducks, who have undertaken a daily march since they were first placed in the hotel’s fountain over eighty years ago. Intermediate stops will be at comfortable hotels in Natchez and Clarksdale. Please note that the music featured on this tour may be adjusted once the full schedules for each venue are released. To enhance the tour experience, some itinerary details may be subject to change nearer the time.
FITNESS / PRACTICALITIES: Although this tour is not physically demanding, a good level of stamina is required to enjoy the evening entertainment, which takes the form of after-dinner performances on a number of occasions. As expected with the jazz genre, the music can be loud at times. Please note this tour also includes four hotel changes as we journey from New Orleans to our final stop in Memphis.
ITINERARY Day 1 Depart London Heathrow 1410 on British Airways, arriving New Orleans 1920. Transfer to the Royal Sonesta Hotel, New Orleans, for six nights.
Harlem Renaissance and The Jazz Age followed by Bayou riverboat excursion. Evening: dinner and live music at Snug Harbor (popular venue located behind a renovated 1800s storefront).
Day 2 Introductory lecture – Jazz: its Origins and Beginnings followed by morning orientation walk of New Orleans including Jackson Square, St Louis Cathedral (founded in the 18th century) and Louis Armstrong Park. Free afternoon. Dinner at the Palm Court Jazz Café (live jazz in historical French Quarter surroundings).
Day 6 Morning: private jazz performance with the Shotgun Jazz Band, featuring the Tour Director and local musicians. Afternoon: New Orleans Museum of Art and sculpture garden.
Day 3 Morning lecture – Jazz Pioneers: A Look at Some of the Early Greats followed by walking tour in the French Quarter (architecture reflecting Spanish colonial influences). Afternoon visit to Hermann Grimma House. Evening: late-night live music at Preservation Hall. Day 4 Free morning followed by afternoon excursion to Oak Alley Plantation (National Historic Landmark, named for its avenue of southern live oak trees) for guided tour. Evening: live music at the Jazz Playhouse, Royal Sonesta Hotel. Day 5 Morning lecture – The Great Migration, Chicago, the
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Day 7 Transfer to Natchez via Baton Rouge for Museum of Rural Life (artefacts and dwellings from 18th-19th century Louisiana) and St Francisville. Overnight at the Natchez Grand Hotel, Natchez. Day 8 Transfer to Clarksdale via Vicksburg Civil War site (short guided tour), Leland (Highway 61 Blues Museum) and Dockery Farms (cotton plantation, believed to be a major centre for the development of Delta blues). Continue to the Hampton Inn, Clarksdale (site of the legendary ‘Devil’s Crossroads’), for overnight. Evening: optional live music at Ground Zero Blues Club. Day 9 Transfer to Memphis for visit to Graceland (mansion owned by Elvis Presley) before continuing to Memphis for two nights at the Peabody Hotel. Free evening.
Day 10 Morning lecture – Welcome to Soulsville: Sun, Stax and Civil Rights followed by visits to National Civil Rights Museum and Stax Museum of American Soul Music. Farewell dinner and live music on Beale Street (Itta Bena and BB King’s). Day 11 Transfer to Memphis Airport for 1714 departure via Dallas Fort Worth. Day 12 Arrive Heathrow 1300. Cost of £4765 includes: return airfare, accommodation based on sharing a twin or double bedded room, breakfast, one lunch, seven dinners with water & coffee, excursions & admissions, gratuities for group services. Not included: ESTA, travel insurance, double room for single use supplement £780. TOUR CODE: NOME20 BOOK NOW: 01223 841055 sales@aceculturaltours.co.uk
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USA
N AT U R E Rhinoceros hornbill, Borneo
Nat ure Tours
Nature From geology and plant life to birds,
experience and expertise both in the
mammals and insects, ACE’s nature
field and during evening discussions.
multi-layered experience. The holistic approach we employ
In 2020, we look forward to tours exploring diverse destinations including the unique rainforests of
when exploring the natural world
Malaysian Borneo and the dramatic
considers an entire landscape and
landscapes of Iceland in summertime.
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tours are designed to create a unique,
the ways in which it plays host to life in all its forms. Many of our nature tours also explore the human aspect – the civilisations that have made their mark on the landscape, as well as modern questions of conservation and preservation. Walks are taken at a relaxed pace, led by our engaging Tour Directors, who share their rich
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United Kingdom
Common seals
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W I L D L I FE OF SU FFO LK : MI NSMER E & OR F ORD NESS JANUARY 27–31, 2020
• Discover the internationally important wetland reserves of the unspoilt Suffolk
coast on this winter wildlife tour Highlights include Minsmere, one of the finest nature reserves in Europe, and the wild and remote shingle spit of Orford Ness Though our emphasis will be on bird-watching, we shall also examine the region’s ecology, including the disappearing cliffs of the coastal village of Dunwich
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t Minsmere we will investigate a wide variety of habitats including reed-beds with bearded tits and marsh harriers, and scrapes designed for avocet and bittern. As well as being one of the country’s premier bird-watching sites, the reserve is home to a huge diversity of other wildlife and, at dusk, there may even be the possibility of spotting otter and red deer. We will enjoy a boat trip down the River Ore to Havergate Island, one of the country’s major sites for breeding and
Starling
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This tour will be led by conservationist and environmental consultant Kevin Hand, MSc, MCIEEM. Kevin has a special interest in birds, mammals and ecotourism, and has led many projects linking nature and communities. He was a Director of the Tree Council and ran National Tree Week in the UK for 13 years, and is currently leading a project on eagles, vultures and other wildlife in Albania. In April 2017 he was appointed President of the Cambridge Natural History Society. wintering avocets, and cross by ferry to Orford Ness, the largest vegetated shingle spit in Europe. The Ness is also home to unique buildings associated with its former use as an Atomic Weapons Research Establishment, and we will explore these dramatic structures during a special tour. The base for our exploration of East Anglia’s bird-rich coast will be the threestar Thorpeness Hotel, set on a private country lane overlooking the lake known as Thorpeness Meare.
ITINERARY Day 1 Tour assembles 1600 at Ipswich Station then continues to Thorpeness for four nights at Thorpeness Hotel. Welcome and introductory talk. Day 2 Boat trip down River Ore to Havergate Island (wintering avocets, waders, common seals, possibility of short-eared owls). Afternoon at Staverton Thicks (ancient deer park with some of the finest old trees in Suffolk). Evening talk. Day 3 Dunwich Heath (disappearing cliffs, estuary) followed by Minsmere for shingle ridges and reed-beds (migrant waders, wintering wildfowl, bearded tits, roosting starlings). Afternoon: walk through woods, marshes and meadows (marsh and hen harrier, barn owl, goldeneye, Bewick’s swan), watch for red deer at dusk. Evening talk. Day 4 Whole day in Orford including ferry to Orford Ness (largest vegetated shingle spit in Europe, tour of AWRE ‘pagodas’). Evening talk. Day 5 Morning at North Warren Reserve (coastal waders, gulls, seabirds). Tour disperses 1300 at hotel and 1400 at Ipswich Station. Cost of £1195 includes: accommodation based on sharing a twin or double bedded room, breakfast, one packed lunch, dinner with water & coffee, excursions & admissions, gratuities. Not included: travel insurance, double room for single use supplement £175. TOUR CODE: WILS20 BOOK NOW: 01223 841055 sales@aceculturaltours.co.uk
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United Kingdom
SOMERSET LEVELS IN WINTER FEBRUARY 12–15, 2020
• Join the RSPB’s Peter Exley on this
winter wildlife tour to look out for Somerset’s growing flock of cranes, recently reintroduced after a 400year absence Visit key historical sites including Glastonbury Abbey, and keep an eye out for bitterns, barn owls and marsh harriers at one of the country’s most exciting and beautiful wildlife projects – the Avalon Marshes Explore one of the RSPB’s oldest and largest nature reserves at West Sedgemoor, walking along an ancient drove route to view the remarkable winter wildfowl roost
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This tour will be led by Peter Exley, BSc, an ecologist and ornithologist who has held posts with BirdLife International and the Albatross Task Force in South Africa. Now working for the RSPB, Peter has led and managed many ACE tours in the United Kingdom, Netherlands, Algarve, New England, Madeira, the Faroes and Shetland. Peter is delighted to be returning to Somerset for this long-standing ACE tour: “The Somerset Levels are one of our greatest historic and cultural landscapes, yet largely ignored by visitors. But they are rapidly and rightly becoming known as one of our country’s best wildlife destinations. And for me, it is the conflicted fusion of nature and people through history that makes this place truly unique and special, that draws me back again and again.”
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RESPONSIBLE TOURISM ACE’s Somerset Levels tour contributes to the local economy during a quiet time of the year, using local cafés and guides and providing income to important conservation organisations in the area.
star Swan Hotel, ideally located in the historical city of Wells, a short distance from its beautiful cathedral. Please note that itinerary alterations during the tour are likely due to changeable local weather conditions. Some details may be changed nearer the time, and we cannot guarantee the availability of all wildlife mentioned.
The Avalon Marshes host one of the country’s most exciting wildlife projects: over 3000 hectares of wetland habitats have been created from former peat workings, giving refuge to bitterns, barn owls and marsh harriers. Greylake, once a series of carrot fields, has been transformed into a wetland reserve teeming with wildlife, whilst West Sedgemoor is home to up to 100,000 ducks and waders during the winter. Our base will be the charming four-
FITNESS / PRACTICALITIES: Walks are along mostly level tracks and paths, which can be muddy in places. These vary from half a mile to just under two miles (over two hours) on the final day, with some stops and occasional seats along the way. The optional climb up Glastonbury Tor is around 250 feet on a narrow paved path with multiple steps.
ITINERARY Day 1 Tour assembles 1500 at Swan Hotel, Wells, for three nights. Visit to Wells Cathedral followed by welcome and introductory lecture. Day 2 RSPB Ham Wall Nature Reserve: wetland and reed beds (bitterns, bearded tits, egrets, harriers) followed by Glastonbury Tribunal (15th century merchant’s house, containing the Glastonbury Lake Village Museum). Afternoon: Glastonbury Abbey, Glastonbury Tor (optional 250-foot climb to the summit). Day 3 RSPB West Sedgemoor (winter wildfowl roost, birds of prey) and look for the crane flock. Afternoon: Willows & Wetlands Visitor Centre (Somerset osier industry), Isle of Athelney (King Alfred’s hiding place), RSPB Greylake Reserve (swans, snipe, peregrines). Evening: Avalon Marshes (starling roost, birds of prey).
Day 4 Shapwick Heath National Nature Reserve: pools, reed beds, wet woodlands (including site of Sweet Track Neolithic causeway) for winter wildlife (bitterns, harriers, waterfowl). Tour disperses 1230 at hotel. Cost of £725 includes: accommodation based on sharing a twin or double bedded room, breakfast, dinner with water & coffee, excursions & admissions, gratuities. Not included: travel insurance, double room for single use supplement £80. TOUR CODE: SOLE20 BOOK NOW: 01223 841055 sales@aceculturaltours.co.uk
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he Somerset Levels have had a colourful history: ‘the land of the summer people’ was once home to a Bronze Age population and it was here, in the house of a swineherd, that King Alfred sought refuge from marauding Vikings. Wildlife is now returning to England’s largest wetland in dramatic numbers – from the millions-strong murmuration of roosting starlings, to the growing flock of cranes recently reintroduced after a 400-year absence. As well as observing the region’s wildlife, our tour will investigate key historical sites such as Glastonbury Abbey, England’s oldest abbey, and Glastonbury Tor, reputed to be the birthplace of King Arthur.
Somerset Levels
Isle of Man
I S LE O F M AN: A W I L D & ANCIE NT H ER I TA GE MARCH 27 – APRIL 3, 2020 This tour will be led by Kevin Hand, MSc, MCIEEM, a conservationist and environmental consultant with a special interest in birds, mammals and ecotourism. Kevin has led many projects linking nature and communities, and was a Director of the Tree Council in the UK for 13 years.
Milner’s Tower, Bradda Head
• From rugged coastal heaths to A R CNHAATEUORLEO G Y
dramatic mountain views, explore the captivating geology and landscape of this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Discover a diversity of seabirds, plant and marine life Human and natural history intersect as we learn more about the island’s Celtic, Viking and early Christian past
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estled in the Irish Sea, the Isle of Man boasts a unique accolade: an independent crown dependency, it is the only entirely self-governing territory to have been awarded UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status, reflecting a harmonious relationship between people and nature. Visitors to its shores soon discover why: the island’s remarkable human history – dating back to 6500 AD – has left evocative traces on the landscape alongside some of the most captivating seascapes and clifftops in the world. Our brand new tour has been carefully designed to reflect this balance between humans and nature. From a base in the small historical Castletown – the island’s former capital and home to Castle Rushen (originally built for a Viking King) – we will explore several of the island’s most rewarding natural environments. The heather moorland of Dalby Mountain Reserve will afford opportunities to spot a wide variety of birdlife including chough, hen harrier, snipe and red grouse; while a rich array of wildlife will greet us at the Ballaugh Curraghs Ramsar wetland, an internationally recognised site of
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biodiversity. Visits to the small villages of Cregneash and Port Erin will present some of the best opportunities to see seabirds including kittiwakes, fulmars and black guillemots, and the stark beauty of the landscape will come alive as we walk along the Point of Ayre alongside its rare lichenrich coastal heathland. Offering a cultural counterpoint to the natural elements, our tour will also touch on the island’s 10,000 year-old social and political history. Our excursion to the fishing port of Peel will take us via Tynwald Hill in St John’s, thought to be the oldest continuous parliament site in the world,
originally founded by Norse settlers over one thousand years ago. We will stay at the historical three-star George Hotel in Castletown, conveniently located for the visits on our itinerary. Please note depending on weather conditions, the order of some visits may be adjusted nearer the time and we cannot guarantee the availability of all the wildlife mentioned.
FITNESS / PRACTICALITIES: This tour includes several walks, some of up to two and three miles, often over rough terrain. While options will be given for those who would prefer not to do the full walks, participants should have a good level of fitness. They should also feel comfortable negotiating uneven steps and occasionally dark interiors.
ITINERARY Day 1 Assemble at the George Hotel, Castletown, for seven nights. 1830 welcome and introduction to the tour. Day 2 Morning walk in and around Castletown including the bay area and Langness Peninsula (Herring Tower, Derby Fort; only UK site for lesser mottled grasshopper). Afternoon visit to Scarlett for visits to old lime kilns and quarry (spring squill, flowers). Day 3 Dalby Mountain Moorland Nature Reserve (heather moorland with adders-tongue fern, bog asphodel and variety of birdlife) including early Christian chapel overlooking the sea. Afternoon: Niarbyl (beautiful sea views) and Ballaugh Curraghs Ramsar wetland site (royal fern, bog myrtle, hen harrier, feral red-necked wallabies). Day 4 Ramsey and Maughold for slate cliffs and seabirds, including Maughold parish church (ancient Celtic crosses). Afternoon: Point of Ayre walk (dramatic sand dune landscape with rare lichen coastal heath, possible migrant birds) and lighthouses. Day 5 Colden Mountain (raven, snipe, stonechat) followed by Douglas for Heritage Museum. Free evening. Day 6 Morning: village of Cregneash for sightings of early activity at seabird colonies (kittiwakes, fulmar, black guillemots) and coastal chasms (fascinating geology). Afternoon: Port Erin for walk
to Bradda Head (choughs, fulmars) and Milner’s Tower (view tower built in 1971 in the shape of a lock and key, in memory of local philanthropist William Milner). Day 7 Whole day excursion to Peel: Tynwald Hill (ancient parliament site), Leece Museum (fascinating collection relating to local fishing and boat building industry), St Patrick’s Isle (exclusive Manx Natural Heritage tour of castle and old cathedral). Day 8 Tour disperses after breakfast.
Cost of £1795 includes: accommodation based on sharing a twin or double bedded room, breakfast, two lunches, six dinners with water & coffee, excursions & admissions, gratuities. Not included: return travel, travel insurance, double room for single use supplement £245, single room supplement £175. TOUR CODE: ISMN20 BOOK NOW: 01223 841055 sales@aceculturaltours.co.uk
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Greece
CR E T E : BIRDS , FLOWERS & MI NOAN S APRIL 14–21, 2020
Our first five nights are spent at the Hotel Miramare, a small hotel close to the sea near Agios Nikolaos. In Omalos we stay at the Neos Omalos, a mountain resort hotel. Please note that while we will endeavour to deliver the below itinerary in full, some elements may be adjusted nearer the time owing to changing local conditions.
Samaria Gorge
• Absorb captivating views across the
Cretan landscape from the beautiful Lassithi Plateau Explore the Minoan palace at Knossos in addition to the remains at Gournia and Malia Look out for waders, migrant pipits and larks in the coastal town of Elounda, followed by a nearby cliff walk where wild gladioli and endemic orchids grow above the sea
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ts mountains and gorges alive with wildlife, Crete possesses a magical quality that entrances every visitor. One of the most exceptional botanical areas in the Mediterranean, Crete boasts a superb flora containing at least 160 endemic species, including ebony, rock lettuce and birthwort. Myriad orchids grace archaeological sites, and fields sparkle with wild gladioli and irises. Crete is also well known for its fauna, from the kri-kri – the wild ancestor of the domestic goat – to the rare bearded vulture that haunts the island’s mountain passes. During our walks across the Cretan landscape we will enjoy breathtaking views, particularly at the Lassithi Plateau, a fertile mountain expanse where raptors glide in the valley below. At the head of the precipitous Samaria Gorge, where centuriesold cypresses stand sentinel, we will seek
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out mountain plants such as aubretia and yellow Star-of-Bethlehem. Although the emphasis of our programme will be on flowers and birds, there will also be a guided tour of the famous Minoan site of Knossos and visits to the smaller remains at Gournia and Malia. The majestic Selinari Gorge, meanwhile, offers opportunities to visit an old chapel and newly founded monastery. Our tour to Crete coincides with Orthodox Easter, and we will take in local events and celebrations on the Friday, Saturday and Sunday of our stay.
Bory’s orchid
ITINERARY Day 1 Depart London Gatwick 0710 on Easyjet, arriving Heraklion 1310. Transfer to Agios Nikolaos for five nights at Hotel Miramare.
transfer for two nights at Neos Omalos Hotel in mountains of western Crete.
Day 2 Morning lecture followed by coastal town of Elounda (waders, migrant pipits, larks in former salt-pans) and peninsula of Spinalonga (sunken city of Olous) for cliff walk (wild gladioli, endemic orchids, birds of prey) followed by boat trip to Venetian island fortress of Spinalonga.
Day 7 Across Omalos plateau to Samaria Gorge, exploring littleknown paths, searching for mountain plants (endemic Cretan tulip, aubretia, yellow Star-of-Bethlehem, centuries-old cypresses), with possible sightings of bearded vulture and agrimi (wild goat).
Day 3 Minoan Palace of Malia (marsh shore with short turf covered in Cretan camomile and catch fly). Afternoon visit to the famous Minoan Palace at Knossos. Day 4 Lassithi Plateau (large, fertile mountain plateau with panoramic views) for orchids, upland plants, fruit groves with optional visit to Dhiktean Cave (birthplace of Zeus). Day 5 Morning: ruins of Gournia (unusual Minoan town), rocky coastline in search of Cretan ebony. Afternoon: gigantic gorge mouth at Monastiraki (chough, Alpine swift). Day 6 Selinari Gorge (chapel, monastery and vulture colony), Rethymnon, Agia Lake (waders and migrant water-birds) then
Day 8 Depart Chania 1435, arriving Gatwick 1635. Cost of £1995 includes: return airfare, accommodation based on sharing a twin or double bedded room, breakfast, dinner with wine, water & coffee, excursions & admissions, gratuities. Not included: travel insurance, single room supplement £155. TOUR CODE: CRET20 BOOK NOW: 01223 841055 sales@aceculturaltours.co.uk
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Tour Director Kevin Hand, MSc, MCIEEM, is a conservationist and environmental consultant with a special interest in birds, mammals and ecotourism. He has led many projects linking nature and communities, and recently led a team providing access to the British countryside for hard to reach groups. Kevin is currently leading a project on eagles, vultures and other wildlife in Albania. In April 2017 he was appointed President of the Cambridge Natural History Society.
Poland
W I L D P OL AND: FRO M ANCIENT RI V E R S TO PRIMEVAL FO REST APRIL 28 – MAY 5, 2020
• Explore the truly unique environment
of Bialowieza, the greatest primeval deciduous and coniferous forest on the continent Journey up the Narew River – where the reed marshes are known as the ‘Polish Amazonia’ – looking out for corncrakes, little bitterns, black storks and short eared owls The magical dawn chorus will greet us on a special early morning outing, complemented by evening walks to observe beavers and the forest nightlife
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n the eastern Polish borders with Lithuania and Belarus lies the green lung of Poland. It is a region of great ecological interest, filled with untouched landscapes, pristine habitats and some of the best wildlife in Europe. Our tour concentrates on the wildlife and habitats of this spectacular and yet rarely visited region, which is of particular interest to bird lovers who will find a number of rare species filling the skies. There is a wealth of wild flowers, an abundance of storks, as well as villages made up of traditional wooden houses. Bialowieza is the greatest primeval mixed deciduous and coniferous forest on the continent. Formerly the hunting grounds of the Czars of Russia, the woodland was declared a national park by the newly independent state of Poland in 1921. During our time exploring the trails through ancient limes, oaks and Norway spruces we will discover the unparalleled
Great spotted woodpecker
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Tour Director Kevin Hand, MSc, MCIEEM, conservationist, ornithologist and environmental consultant, has been leading wildlife tours throughout the world for 30 years. Organisations he has worked with include the Tree Council, the British Trust for Ornithology and the Forestry Commission. Kevin is President of the Cambridge Natural History Society.
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N AT U R E
Poland
Białowieża Forest
diversity of plants and fungi and may glimpse bison, boar and even the shy wolf. At this time of year the cool forests are alive with birdsong, and we will be looking out for red-breasted flycatcher and the nine species of woodpeckers found here all year round, which may be feeding young in their holes. Special early morning and evening excursions will be made to experience the dawn chorus and observe pygmy owl and beaver. Nearby lie the Biebrza Marshes, one of Europe’s most important breeding areas for wetland birdlife. This maze of channels, flooded meadows and marshland offers a contrasting habitat for animals and birds including elk, otter, aquatic warbler and great snipe. We spend four nights at the three-star Hotel Bialowieski situated in the heart
FITNESS / PRACTICALITIES: This tour will be taken at a relaxed pace, usually over flat ground. Please note, however, that participants should be capable of walking over rough terrain and for extended periods of time.
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of Bialowieza primeval forest, before transferring to the Bartlowizna Hotel, Goniadz. While we will endeavour to deliver
the below itinerary in full, please note that some aspects may be adjusted nearer the time, and we cannot guarantee the availability of all the wildlife mentioned.
ITINERARY Day 1 Depart Heathrow 1015 on LOT Polish Airlines, arriving Warsaw 1345. Transfer to Bialowieza via the Holy Mount of Grabarka (sacred building surrounded by forest) for four nights at Hotel Bialowieski. Day 2 Early morning field trip in the National Park of Bialowieza forest (wild boar, red deer and the possibility of wild bison). Afternoon: National History Museum and small Skansen Open-Air Museum (traditional wooden architecture). Evening introduction to tomorrow’s special visit by National Park staff. Day 3 Early morning dawn chorus excursion through the strictly protected zone of the National Park (world famous primeval forest). Some free time at the hotel followed by an evening excursion into the Bialowieza Forest (night life of the forest, possible bison and owls). Day 4 Optional early morning dawn chorus river walk followed by further exploration of the forest including walks in spruce woods (redbreasted flycatcher, woodpeckers, possible bison, boar and wolf). Day 5 Journey northwards to the Narwianski National Park for Narew River trip in punts through reed marshes and flood plain (the ‘Polish Amazonia’ with corncrake, little bittern, black stork, short-eared owl and rare dragonflies). Continue for three nights at the Bartlowizna Hotel, Goniadz.
Day 6 Visits in the area looking for orchids, butterflies and wetland birds. Afternoon: Tykocin village including Jewish museum (the Great Synagogue built 1642). Day 7 Excursion to the Biebrza Marshes, looking out for aquatic warbler, harriers, eagles, elk and beaver. Afternoon visit to the site of the Battle of Wizna (1939), sometimes referred to as the ‘Polish Thermopylae’. Evening river visit to spot beaver colonies and crakes. Day 8 Depart Warsaw 1530, arriving Heathrow 1720.
Cost of £1785 includes: return airfare, accommodation based on sharing a twin bedded room, six lunches (two packed), dinner with water & coffee, excursions & admissions, gratuities. Not included: travel insurance, single room supplement £115. TOUR CODE: WPOL20 BOOK NOW: 01223 841055 sales@aceculturaltours.co.uk
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Italy
S A R DI NIA: B I R DS , FL OWERS & NURA GH I APRIL 7–14, 2020
• Discover Sardinia’s wonderful flora
and fauna in a variety of habitats including cork oak woodland and karstic mountain landscapes Examine the island’s Bronze Age civilisation through their characteristic circular towers – nuraghi The lagoons at Mari e Pauli and Sale Porcus offer opportunities to see uncommon water birds
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nature
This tour will be led by Mark Welch, BSc, PhD, and Harriet Allen, MA, MSc, PhD. Mark is a professional research scientist in the Department of Earth Sciences at the Natural History Museum in London. He has a PhD in geosciences from Edinburgh University and has held research fellowships at Edinburgh and Cambridge. Harriet is a Geographer and Fellow and Director of Studies at Girton College, Cambridge. She has been leading field excursions for over thirty years, and she has extensive experience of flora and birds.
B
ased in the charming towns of Cabras and Cala Gonone, this tour takes in Sardinia’s coastal waters and rugged interior on an exploration of its natural history and archaeology. At the lagoons of Marina di Torre Grande, we are likely to see flamingos, stilts and ospreys. At Mari e Pauli and Sale Porcus we may spot water birds like the purple gallinule, great white egret and redcrested pochard. On the high basalt plateau of Gesturi we will meander through forests of cork oaks looking for spring flowers and survey the streams for migrant birds. We also hope to encounter a variety of orchids
FITNESS / PRACTICALITIES: This tour will be taken at a relaxed pace however there will be a number of walks over rugged terrain, as well as visits to sites with uneven steps and surfaces. Participants should be comfortable standing and walking for two hours at a time, and also with embarking and disembarking small sea-going boats.
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Supramonte and the island’s wild ponies, and look out for dung beetles rolling their dung balls. The most striking evidence of the island’s indigenous Bronze Age Nuraghic civilisation are the circular stone towers dotted across the island. The Nuraghic finds at the museum in Cabras are perhaps the most important in Sardinia and provide an ideal introduction to our nuraghi visits on the island. We will also explore the UNESCO-protected complex at Su Nuraxi
di Barumini, an unparalleled survival from the ancient world. In Cabras we will stay at the three-star Villa Canu, a small and simple family-run hotel, and in Cala Gonone at the four-star Hotel Costa Dorada. Please note that the below itinerary represents a guide to what we hope to offer, but some visits and excursions may be weather dependent and subject to change.
ITINERARY Day 1 Depart London Stansted 1255 on Ryanair, arriving Alghero 1625. Continue to lakeside town of Cabras for four nights at Villa Canu. Day 2 Morning: lagoons at Marina di Torre Grande (flamingos, stilts, ospreys, saltwater plants, bees and other insects), 5th century Church of San Giovanni di Sinis. Afternoon: Tharros (substantial Punic and Roman ruins) on beautiful Mediterranean peninsula (Posidonia beds, insects), Cabras Museum (introduction to mysterious prehistoric Nuraghic civilisation). Day 3 Lagoons of Mari e Pauli and Sale Porcus (purple gallinule, great white egret, red-crested pochard, violet-winged mining bee), Su Pallosu for walk through coastal garrigue vegetation of dunes and cliffs to Aragonese defensive tower (coastal macchia, Dartford warbler, Sardinian warbler, shearwaters, and possibility of rare slender-billed gull). Church of San Salvatore (underground pagan sanctuary, pilgrim huts). Day 4 Good Friday Morning: Barumini Museum, Casa Zapata and high basalt plateau of Gesturi for walk through cork oak woodland (sand crocus, streams, pools, migrant birds, woodlarks, dung beetles, mantids and wild ponies). Afternoon: Su Nuraxi (impressive Nuraghic site with huge towers). Day 5 Via Nuraghic site of Santa Cristina (sacred well, orchids, butterflies and bees) and giant’s tomb of S’Ena e Thomes to
beautiful coastal village of Cala Gonone for three nights at Hotel Costa Dorada. Day 6 Easter Sunday Day spent exploring the surroundings of Cala Gonone. Day 7 Supramonte Mountains: eagles, Barbary partridge, wildflowers (wild cyclamen and peonies) followed by walk around clifftop site of Nuraghe Mannu with Nuraghic tower and village (superb views). Evening: traditional dinner on local farm. Day 8 Transfer to Alghero via impressive nuraghe at Santu Antine for 1650 return flight, arriving Stansted 1825. Cost of £1995 includes: return airfare, accommodation based on sharing a twin or double bedded room, breakfast, one lunch, dinner with wine, water & coffee, excursions & admissions, gratuities. Not included: travel insurance, single room supplement £90, double room for single use supplement £135. TOUR CODE: SARD20 BOOK NOW: 01223 841055 sales@aceculturaltours.co.uk
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United Kingdom
I S L E S OF SCIL LY MAY 12–19, 2020
Porthcressa Beach, St Mary’s
• Explore the botanical and ornithological highlights of the tranquil Isles of Scilly in the company of expert ecologists Visit the famous sub-tropical gardens of Tresco, home to a rich diversity of exotic plants Take in archaeological sites, wetland birdlife and maritime-influenced vegetation
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M
ore peaceful and relaxed than mainland Britain, Scilly embraces five inhabited islands and dozens of rocky outcrops, rich in sea birds. The archipelago’s location and singular maritime micro-climate endows this Atlantic haven with great botanical and ornithological interest; with over 350 days of the year warm enough for plant growth, flora from the Canaries, South Africa, South America, Australia and New Zealand flourish across the islands, and a unique list of migratory birds find a feeding refuge on
the last outpost of south western Britain. We will take in the islands’ spring highlights, with a particular focus upon their flora, in the company of ecologists Peter Exley and Diana Ward. On coastal paths and nature trails, we will discover the
FITNESS / PRACTICALITIES: Participants must be able to walk for a minimum of four miles over uneven ground, and a good level of fitness is required for this tour.
ITINERARY Day 1 Assemble 1800 at St Mary’s Hall Hotel and check in for seven nights. Welcome and introduction.
tropical gardens). Afternoon free in St Mary’s or optional walk on Castle Down, Tresco.
Day 2 By ferry across St Mary’s Sound to St Agnes (superb maritime heath) and Gugh (spectacular coastline walks).
Day 7 By charter boat to Eastern Isles (cobble bars linking small isles, undisturbed coastal and heath vegetation, seals, birds) with visit (sea conditions dependent) to island of St Helen’s: remains of St Elid’s hermitage (8th century chapel), 18th century Pest House.
Day 3 Walk (wetland birdlife and coastal vegetation) to Bant’s Carn (Bronze Age burial chamber), Halangy Down (Iron Age settlement), Holy Vale, Higher Moors, Porth Hellick Down (Bronze Age grave and burial chamber). Return along coastal path over Salakee Down to Old Town and church.
© Joe Pender
Day 4 By charter boat to Western Rocks (seals, coastal birds) and Samson (largest of uninhabited isles with abandoned village) – sea and weather conditions permitting.
Lesser Yellowlegs
exotic vegetation that makes these islands the subject of such great botanical interest. A particular highlight will be Bryher, the smallest community on the Isles of Scilly: the west and north coasts are wild and rugged with superb coastal vegetation and wind-pruned ‘waves’ of heather; the east, sheltered and mild, flourishes with exotic vegetation. We stay at the three-star St Mary’s Hall Hotel on St Mary’s, an elegant townhouse originally built for an Italian noble family. Please note the itinerary below represents a guide to what we hope to offer, and will be flexible to allow for tides, weather conditions and local reports of bird arrivals. Travel to and from St Mary’s is not included in the cost of this tour.
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D ay 5 By ferry to Bryher: superb coastal vegetation (search for rare dwarf pansies) and heather moorland on Shipman Head Down with visits to prehistoric entrance graves and promontory fort. Day 6 Morning: excursion by ferry to Tresco Abbey Garden (sub-
Day 8 Tour disperses after breakfast. Cost of £1995 includes: accommodation based on sharing a twin or double bedded room, breakfast, dinner with water & coffee, excursions & admissions, gratuities. Not included: return travel, travel insurance, double room for single use supplement £145. TOUR CODE: ISCY20 BOOK NOW: 01223 841055 sales@aceculturaltours.co.uk
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This tour will be led by Peter Exley, BSc, and Diana Ward, MSc, CBiol, MCIEEM. Peter is an ecologist and ornithologist who works for the RSPB, and has previously held posts with BirdLife International and the Albatross Task Force in South Africa. Diana is an ecologist and wildlife specialist: her company, Ward Ecology Ltd, carried out ecological assessment work, and she has worked for many years on Sites of Special Scientific Interest and river restoration projects.
Spain
W I L D L IFE & WALK I NG I N EX T R E MADU RA MAY 20–27, 2020 Please note that the Finca el Vaqueril does not have an official star rating and the standard of accommodation is lower than we would normally select, however it has been chosen for its remarkable location and proximity to the wildlife. We recommend you speak to a member of our Sales team for more information about this property ahead of booking.
ITINERARY
Spanish imperial eagle
• Wander over rolling plains and N AT U R E
through cork and holm oak dehesas in one of the most untouched areas of Spain Highlights include the Parque Natural de Monfragüe, perhaps the finest raptor-watching site in Europe Stay first in historical Cáceres and then in a traditional family-run finca set deep within forests of cork oak and steppe grassland
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ith its mighty Tagus and Guadiana rivers, its wild mountain ranges and its limitless rolling plains, Extremadura boasts an enticing variety of landscapes. In the springtime the region’s cork and holm oak dehesas are abundantly carpeted with rock roses and cistus, while the grasslands boast mile after mile of catchfly and marigold. When summer guests such as the lesser kestrel and pallid swift arrive, and winter visitors begin their migration north, the Parque Natural de Monfragüe can justifiably lay claim to be the finest raptor-watching site in Europe. Colonies of up to 200 vultures – griffon, black and Egyptian – make their home at Peña Falcon Rock, accompanied by black storks and rock buntings. At Los Barruecos (where “Spain was born”, according to the locals) storks nest on huge granite boulders strewn beside remote paths. Our tour will also unravel Extremadura’s fascinating regional history, where Romans, Goths, Moors and conquistadors have all
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This tour will be led by conservationist, ornithologist and environmental consultant Kevin Hand, MSc, MCIEEM, who has taken tours for ACE since 1992. In 2017 he became President of the Cambridge Natural History Society. Kevin has a special interest in birds and ecotourism, and has carried out extensive fieldwork in the UK and abroad, making him an ideal director for this Spanish tour. left their mark. The medieval quarter in the UNESCO-protected town of Cáceres ranks among Spain’s finest, whilst the Roman bridge over the Tagus at Alcántara is a masterpiece. We shall spend our first three nights in Cáceres at the NH Collection Cáceres Palacio de Oquendo, a converted 16th century palace just moments away from the ancient walls, before moving to the family-owned Finca el Vaqueril. This 19th century farmhouse is at the heart of a 350-hectare estate studded with granite outcrops and criss-crossed by ancient tracks known as calleja. Bee-eaters, hoopoes, orioles, booted eagles and red-rumped swallows can all be spotted from the farm’s terrace, and a short walk reveals a wealth of wild flowers and majestic oaks. The bedrooms are very simply furnished, with en-suite facilities. FITNESS / PRACTICALITIES: Our tour will include several gentle walks, some of up to five miles, and participants should be comfortable walking over rugged terrain. A good level of fitness is required for this tour.
Day 1 Depart London Heathrow 0915 on Iberia Airlines, arriving Madrid 1240. Transfer by coach to Cáceres for three nights at NH Collection Cáceres Palacio de Oquendo. Welcome and introduction. Day 2 Morning walks in the llanos (plains) and steppe landscape around Cáceres (great bustards, Montagu’s harriers, calandra larks) with visit to roller nesting area followed by some free time in Cáceres (World Heritage site with huge colonies of swifts, storks and lesser kestrels). Afternoon: historical walking tour of Cáceres. Day 3 Whole day excursion to Parque Natural de Monfragüe (birds of prey such as golden and Spanish imperial eagles, owls, black storks and griffon, Egyptian and black vultures). Walk through rare Mediterranean woodland to Monfragüe Castle, and Peña Falcon Rock (vulture and raptor nesting areas). Free evening. Day 4 Travel via Los Barruecos (huge granite boulders, nesting white storks) and Museo Vostell Malpartida (modern art museum housed in an 18th century water mill) to Navas del Madroño for four nights at Finca el Vaqueril. Evening lakeside walk amongst granite boulders, with Visigothic rock-cut graves. Day 5 Walk (5 miles) through cork oak woods and plains (hoopoes, bee-eaters, bustards, thekla and calandra larks, birds of prey) to Brozas. Evening lecture: Dehesa Ecology. Day 6 Historical town of Alcántara in Tagus Valley (giant Roman bridge over gorge), walk beside Tagus River (former border between Spain and Portugal, now national park): nightingales, crag martins, raptors. Day 7 Walk (5 miles) through finca estate with picnic lunch. Afternoon: informal walking tour of the estate with the owner to learn about cork production and famous free-roaming black Iberian pigs. Evening: barbeque (including local liquors). Day 8 Transfer to Madrid for 1630 flight, arriving Heathrow 1755.
Cost of £1795 includes: return airfare, accommodation based on sharing a twin or double bedded room, breakfast, four lunches (some packed), six dinners with wine, water & coffee, excursions & admissions, gratuities. Not included: travel insurance, double room for single use supplement £235. TOUR CODE: EXTR20 BOOK NOW: 01223 841055 sales@aceculturaltours.co.uk
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Ireland
DONEGAL & TORY ISLAND JUNE 21–29, 2020
• Discover the beautiful views,
fascinating landscape and intriguing culture of County Donegal Trace the footsteps of St Columba as we take a short voyage to Tory Island, remote but still inhabited Explore the impressions this part of Ireland made on artists including Derek Hill, founder of the Primitive painters’ group on Tory Island
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his tour provides the perfect introduction to the landscapes, wildlife and cultural history of one of Ireland’s most striking coastal regions. We will follow in the footsteps of Donegal’s most famous son, St Columba, born in 521 AD, with visits to the saint’s birthplace, chapel and holy well near Lough Gartan. We will uncover the legend of the Flagstones of Loneliness, a mystical megalith that legend says has the power to cure the sorrows of those – most notably Columba himself – who fall asleep on it.
FITNESS / PRACTICALITIES: This tour will move at a relaxed pace with a mixture of cultural visits and longer walks taking in the best of the landscape and natural history. Participants should be comfortable both with heights and walking over sometimes rugged and uneven terrain. Longer walks will be between two and three hours. Please note that all visits on Tory Island will be made on foot.
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Our itinerary includes the beautiful coastal scenery around Slieve League, the highest sea-cliffs in Europe, where – for those with a head for heights and a fit pair of legs – the reward will be stunning views and an abundance of seabirds. During our stay we hope to spot red-throated divers, corncrakes, choughs, puffins and perhaps even golden eagles, recently reintroduced to the region. Orchids and various bog plants should also lie along our route. As well as headland and moorland walks, we will enjoy coastal strolls along miles of deserted beaches and rocky coves. From Bunbeg we will take a scenic cruise to Tory Island, the country’s most
remote inhabited island. Once home to a monastery founded by St Columba, the island – an important bird area – was also a favourite location for recently deceased artist Derek Hill, who painted many evocative landscapes of the island. Indeed, primitive painting is another of the themes of our tour, with a visit to Glebe House, Hill’s former home and gallery, and the James Dixon Gallery. Our first two nights are spent at the three-star Bay View Hotel, a recently refurbished establishment in the charming fishing town of Killybegs, followed by three nights near Bunbeg at the four-star An Chúirt Gweedore Court Hotel. Our tour concludes with three nights at the Tory Harbour View Hotel, at the heart of the island’s community life, with simple ensuite rooms.
ITINERARY Day 1 Depart London Stansted 1205 on Loganair, arriving Derry 1330. Transfer to Bay View Hotel, Killybegs for two nights. Welcome and introduction. Day 2 Morning: through beautiful coastal scenery to high sea-cliffs of Slieve League (views and seabirds). Afternoon in Glencolmcille: folk village museum, Stone Age megaliths associated with St Columba. Day 3 Morning: Blue Stack Mountains and Colmcille Heritage Centre (saint’s birthplace, chapel, holy well). Afternoon: Gaeltacht region (where Gaelic is still the first language): Glebe House, home and gallery of Primitve painter Derek Hill. Transfer to An Chúirt Gweedore Court Hotel for three nights. Day 4 Morning: coastal walks along deserted beaches and rocky coves. Afternoon: Horn Head with dramatic views to Tory Island and Malin Head – cliff edge and headland walks, seabirds, moorland flowers. Day 5 Glenveagh National Park with walk along nature trail beside lough and onto moorland (spotting red-throated divers, golden eagles, orchids, bog plants). Visitor Centre with excellent displays on landlords and evictions, ecology and geology. Afternoon: 19th century Glenveagh Castle and gardens (neo-Gothic architecture complete with ramparts, turrets, round tower).
Day 6 Morning ferry to Tory Island with cruise past island and deserted villages. Afternoon: walk along the west of the island – lighthouse, Derek Hill’s remote hut. Three nights at Tory Harbour View Hotel. Day 7 Cliff walks in search of seabird colonies (including puffins). Day 8 Further walks on Tory Island and free time to wander. Day 9 Return ferry to mainland. Transfer to Derry airport for 1730 departure, arriving Stansted 1855.
Cost of £2195 includes: return airfare, accommodation based on sharing a twin or double bedded room, breakfast, six lunches (four packed), dinner with water & coffee, excursions & admissions, gratuities. Not included: travel insurance, single room supplement £120. TOUR CODE: DNTI20 BOOK NOW: 01223 841055 sales@aceculturaltours.co.uk
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Tour Director Kevin Hand, MSc, MCIEEM, is a conservationist and environmental consultant with a special interest in birds, mammals and ecotourism. Kevin has led many projects linking nature and communities, and was a Director of the Tree Council in the UK for 13 years. Kevin recently led a team providing access to the British countryside for hard to reach groups, and is currently leading a project on eagles, vultures and other wildlife in Albania. In April 2017 he was appointed President of the Cambridge Natural History Society.
Slieve League
United Kingdom
W I L D & ANCIENT O RK NEY JULY 4–11, 2020 This tour will be led by Andrew Wilson, BA, BD, FSAScot, an archaeologist and historian with a particular interest in his native Scotland, and member of the Pictish Arts Society. Andrew will be joined by Peter Exley, BSc, a conservationist and naturalist who works for the RSPB and has a strong interest in interpreting man’s influence on our landscapes. Peter will introduce us to Orkney’s remarkable birds, plants, and marine life, as well as exploring their ecology and conservation.
Standing Stones of Stenness
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• Survey the spectacular archaeological treasures of the Orkney Islands, whose Neolithic monuments are a UNESCO World Heritage site Take ferries over to Rousay, Westray and Papa Westray, for an introduction to island life in the extreme north of Britain Enjoy the special Orcadian flora and fauna, from marine mammals and seabird ‘cities’ to the rare and delightful Scottish primrose
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S
eparated from the Scottish mainland by the stormy Pentland Firth, the Orkney Islands bristle with Neolithic treasures: chambered cairns, ceremonial stone circles and one of Europe’s most remarkable early villages. This tour encompasses the whole range of the islands’ history, from prehistory at Skara Brae, through the Pictish and Norse periods, to 20th century events associated with Scapa Flow, which has been one of the great natural anchorages of the world since Viking times. Poetry, sagas and music will also feature during our travels, giving added resonance to these magnificent landscapes and seascapes. Much of the tour will be on the ‘Mainland’, but we will also enjoy the opportunity to take small ferries over to Rousay, Westray and Papa Westray, visiting fishing and crofting settlements to meet locals and begin to understand
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some of the challenges of island life in the extreme north of Britain. We will also be privileged to survey the unique and special Orcadian wildlife. The waters around the islands are rich in marine life, supporting grey and common seals, cetaceans, and teeming seabird ‘cities’ of fulmars, kittiwakes, puffins, and guillemots. Inland, rich moorland and farmland are home to curlews and oystercatchers, as well as majestic birds of prey such as the rare hen harrier and short-
eared owl. They are also home to one of the UK’s few endemic plants, the rare and delightful Scottish primrose. We stay throughout at the Standing Stones Hotel, boasting stunning views over the Loch of Stenness. Please note that depending on weather and local conditions, some visits may be adjusted nearer the time. Travel to and from Orkney is not included in the cost of this tour. We can provide a booking service for return air travel with Flybe from a number of regional airports (via Edinburgh).
FITNESS / PRACTICALITIES: Some sites require walking on rough, often boggy ground, and access to some cairns can be challenging.
ITINERARY Day 1 Check in to Standing Stones Hotel, Orkney, for seven nights (teas and coffees available from 1600). Tour assembles 1830 at the hotel. Evening lecture: Neolithic Orkney.
Day 6 By ferry to Westray (Noltland Castle, St Mary’s Church) and tiny island of Papa Westray: Knap of Howar (earliest standing house in Europe, possible guillemots and Arctic terns).
Day 2 Whole day tour of Neolithic Orkney: Stones of Stenness (3rd millennium BC Neolithic stone circle), Ring of Brodgar (ceremonial stone circle and RSPB nature reserve), Skara Brae (Neolithic village), Unstan Chambered Cairn, Maes Howe (Neolithic chambered cairn tomb). Evening lecture: Island Wildlife.
Day 7 South Ronaldsay: Churchill Barriers (series of causeways), Italian Chapel (beautiful chapel created by Italian POWs), Isbister Chambered Cairn (‘Tomb of The Eagles’), St Margaret’s Hope, coastal walk to Deerness (early Christian/Viking promontory site).
Day 3 Kirkwall for 17th century St Magnus Cathedral (begun in 1137), Earl’s Palace, Bishop’s Palace (dating from 12th century). Afternoon: Orphir Round Church, Stromness (Museum, Pier Arts Centre, Scapa Flow) and Yesnaby (Orcadian geology). Day 4 Morning lecture: Viking Orkney. Rennibister Earth House, followed by ferry from Tingwall to small island of Rousay: Taversoe Tuick and Blackhammer (chambered tombs), optional visit to Knowe of Yarso (cairn). Afternoon: Midhowe Broch and Midhowe Cairn. Day 5 Marwick Head (seabird colonies and Kitchener Memorial), Kirbuster Farm Museum, Iron Age Broch of Gurness, view of Earl’s Palace and Brough of Birsay (Pictish/Norse village). Return via Hillside to look for birds of prey.
Day 8 Tour disperses after breakfast.
Cost of £2095 includes: accommodation based on sharing a twin or double bedded room, breakfast, one lunch, dinner with water & coffee, excursions & admissions, gratuities. Not included: return travel, travel insurance, double room for single use supplement £295. TOUR CODE: ORKN20
BOOK NOW: 01223 841055 sales@aceculturaltours.co.uk
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Austria
WI L D L I FE OF T HE AUSTR I AN ALP S JULY 6–13, 2020
• Wander the meadows and forests of one of Europe’s most stunning regions,
nestled between Germany, Liechtenstein and Switzerland Look out for a rich variety of birdlife, from snowfinch and alpine chough to red crested pochard and golden oriole Delve into the wetlands around Lake Constance and enjoy a relaxing boat trip
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P
erched on the far western tip of Austria, nudging against the borders of Switzerland, Germany and Liechtenstein, the state of Vorarlberg is a cultural visitor’s paradise. Alpine meadows cluster around dramatic mountain peaks; inspiring modern architecture intermingles with medieval cityscapes; and stretches of tranquil forest still play host to a variety of traditional crafts and customs, not to mention a captivating array of wildlife. Based in the charming medieval town of Feldkirch, this brand new tour will go in search of some of the most rewarding outlooks and natural environments the region has to offer. We will seek out a variety of birdlife, flowers, mammals and insects as well as cultural highlights, exploring the ways in which this predominantly mountainous landscape has harboured human societies throughout its history, from ancient forms of agriculture
to modern conservation projects. A particular highlight will be an excursion to the area around Lake Constance and the Rhine delta. Walking through the serene wetlands overlooking the lake, we may catch sight of red crested pochard, golden oriole, Siberian iris, and marsh and fen orchids, and we also hope to take a boat trip on the lake from Friedrichshafen to Bregenz. The flower-filled meadows near Warth (in the mountains) are a further prime site for birdlife, including ptarmigan, rock thrush, water pipit, snowfinch and alpine chough; while a wander through the beautiful nature reserve of Bangs-Matschels on the border of Switzerland and Liechtenstein will introduce us to a remarkable variety of alpine flora. This region is particularly well known for its local produce, and we hope to include opportunities to sample the gastronomy
This tour will be led by Kevin Hand, MSc, MCIEEM. A conservationist and environmental consultant, Kevin has a special interest in birds, mammals and ecotourism. He has led many projects linking nature and communities, including a Darwin Initiative on the taiga forests in Siberia and a programme to identify sustainable use of forest resources in the Ecuadorian Amazon. He was a Director of the Tree Council and ran National Tree Week in the UK for 13 years. In 2017 Kevin was appointed President of the Cambridge Natural History Society.
of the region, from its cheese to its wines, as well as local crafts. Austria’s past, meanwhile, will come alive at the ancient convent of St Peter’s in Bludenz. Founded in 1286, the site has borne witness to stormy waves of human history, from the plague and peasant revolts to the Nazi occupation, and was restored and revived as a Catholic community in 1997.
FITNESS / PRACTICALITIES: Participants should have a good overall level of fitness for this tour. Vorarlberg is a mountainous region, however our visits will be taken at a leisurely pace, with some high-up sites accessed by cable car. Although most walks will be over flat ground, participants should be comfortable ascending mild slopes and also walking across rugged terrain.
Kevin Hand is visiting Austria in July 2019 to prepare for this brand new departure. Further details, including a full itinerary and cost, will be available in September 2019. Please contact the ACE office now to register your interest. TOUR CODE: WIAA20 Alpine chough
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Lake Constance
Iceland
ICELAND: HISTORY & LANDSCAPE
N AT U R E
Vatnajökull
• Uncover Iceland’s extraordinary natural history through visits to several of the
country’s glaciers, waterfalls and steaming vents – including its largest ice cap, Vatnajökull History and legend come alive at the Settlement Centre in Borgarnes, and at UNESCO-listed Thingvellir, home to one of the oldest parliaments in the world Look out for puffins and other birdlife at the cliff faces of Dyrhólaey, where a naturally-formed archway serves as shelter
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R
ising out of the North Atlantic, just south of the Arctic Circle, Iceland is a volcanic island alive with hot springs, geysers, boiling mud-pots and stupendous waterfalls. Our tour concentrating on the
western and southern coasts provides the perfect introduction to the country’s austere beauty, its singular geology, and its incredible wildlife, as well as taking in some lesser-known sites.
Travelling up Iceland’s west coast, we head first to Borgarnes for an introduction to the country’s Viking history at the fascinating Settlement Centre, where exhibits covering the Saga era will set our trip in context. We will explore the famous ‘Golden Circle’: Gullfoss waterfall, the eponymous Geysir, and Thingvellir, where Iceland’s early settlers established their open-air assembly, one of the oldest parliaments in the world. Thingvellir is also one of the few places in the world where the separation of the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates can be observed.
Reykjanes Peninsula
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© Image by Anjali Kiggal. Licensed under Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-SA 4.0).
JULY 5–12, 2020
Borgarnes
This tour will be led by Harriet Allen, MA, MSc, PhD, a geographer and Fellow and Director of Studies at Girton College, Cambridge. Harriet has been leading field excursions for over 30 years, and has extensive experience of flora and birds in Iceland, Norway, Canada, Portugal and the northern islands of Scotland. Harriet will be assisted by Morag Hunter, PhD, a geologist and Teaching Fellow in the Department of Earth Sciences, Cambridge. Morag previously worked as a research scientist for the British Antarctic Survey for 12 years.
Journeying around the spectacular southern edge of the Vatnajökull glacier, we will walk to the snout of the Skaftafell glacier and make a stop at the otherworldly Jökulsárlón lagoon, where luminous blue icebergs drift across the lake. Travelling back west, we will visit cliffs that are home to diverse birdlife, and we hope to
FITNESS / PRACTICALITIES: A good level of fitness is required for this tour, which will involve significant amounts of walking and standing, including over steep and uneven terrain. Steep walks will be taken at a slower pace.
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catch glimpses of puffins, fulmars and guillemots. Accommodation outside Reykjavík can be of a relatively basic standard, but all rooms have private facilities. Breakfasts are buffet style and we will mostly enjoy packed lunches. Please note that while we will endeavour
to deliver the following itinerary, some elements may be subject to change depending on local weather and climatic conditions, and in this case would be substituted with alternative local visits. We cannot guarantee the availability of all wildlife mentioned.
ITINERARY Day 1 Depart London Heathrow 1310, arriving Keflavík 1510. Transfer to Hotel Bifrost, Borgarfjördur for two nights. Day 2 Morning: Settlement Centre in Borgarnes (introduction to Iceland’s Viking history). Afternoon: explore the birds and flowers amongst the moorland, lagoons and tundra of the Borgarfjördur region. Day 3 Whole day excursion to Thingvellir (historic parliament site and crest of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge), Geysir geothermal area and Gullfoss waterfall. Continue to Hotel Selfoss for overnight stay. Day 4 Whole day excursion to the mountain ridge landscape of Thórsmörk (subject to confirmation). Continue to IH Klaustur for overnight. Day 5 Exploration of the coastal and glacial landscape dominated by the Vatnajökull ice cap, including an easy walk to view the snout of the Skaftafell glacier and its lagoon. Continue to Hotel Skaftafell for two nights. Day 6 Further explorations of Skaftafell and Vatnajökull, including Jökulsárlón (glacier lagoon) and Ingólfshöfdi bird reserve (weather and birds permitting).
Day 7 Travel west with possible stops at Vík, Dyrhólaey cliffs, Lava Centre at Hvolsvöllur and Seljalandsfoss (waterfall). Continue to Hotel Selfoss for overnight. Day 8 Morning: visit to Krysuvík geothermal area. Transfer to Keflavík Airport for 1610 departure, arriving Heathrow 2010.
Cost of £3595 includes: return airfare, accommodation based on sharing a twin or double bedded room, breakfast, seven packed lunches, dinner with water & coffee, excursions & admissions, gratuities. Not included: travel insurance, single room supplement £460. TOUR CODE: ICEL20 BOOK NOW: 01223 841055 sales@aceculturaltours.co.uk
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Iceland
Finland/Norway
ARCTIC FINLAND & NORWAY AUGUST 7–15, 2020
Reindeer
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• Travel above the Arctic Circle to
explore some of Europe’s largest remaining wilderness landscapes: from taiga forest to sparse tundra and dramatic coastline Investigate the fascinating Sámi culture and living traditions Look out for arctic flora and fauna, including reindeer and a host of birdlife, from owls to seabirds
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Gyrfalcon
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he most northerly extremes of mainland Europe are a sparsely populated realm of magical landscapes, unique culture and wonderful wildlife. In Finnish Lapland we will explore the surrounding taiga forest, alive with reindeer, Siberian jays, woodpeckers and owls, and discover the homeland of the indigenous Sámi people. We will visit the Lemmenjoki National Park, Finland’s largest national park and one of the most extensive uninhabited wilderness areas in Europe, and watch for birds along the ‘river of gold’. We continue our journey north into Norway, travelling alongside the Varanger Fjord where the forests give way to tundra and dramatic coastline. We will visit the Ekkerøy Nature Reserve, home to over 50 species of bird including thousands
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Finland/Norway
Lemmenjoki National Park
This tour will be led by conservationist and ornithologist Kevin Hand, MSc MCIEEM. Kevin is an environmental consultant with a special interest in birds, mammals and ecotourism. He is President of the Cambridge Natural History Society.
of pairs of breeding kittiwakes, and Varangerhalvøya National Park, where gyrfalcons and lemmings are among our possible sightings. One of the highlights of our trip will be a drive to Hamningberg, one of the northernmost points of mainland Europe. From here we will look out for sea-eagles, kittiwakes and fulmars, as well as possible Steller’s eiders and skuas. We stay first at Hotel Korpikartano in the
FITNESS / PRACTICALITIES: Participants should be comfortable walking over sometimes rugged terrain, and a good level of fitness is required. The group size is limited to 15.
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heart of Finnish Lapland, located on the banks of the wilderness lake of Menesjärvi. Our second base will be the Vadsø Fjordhotell, situated on Vadsøya Island.
Please note that depending on the weather and changing local conditions, some visits and excursions may be subject to adjustment by the Tour Director.
ITINERARY Day 1 Depart London Heathrow 0825 on Finnair via Helsinki, arriving Ivalo 1755. Transfer to Menesjärvi for four nights at Hotel Korpikartano. Day 2 Morning in Lemmenjoki National Park. Afternoon boat trip to Ravadas Falls along River Lemmenjoki. Day 3 Morning: guided tour of the Siida Sámi Museum and Nature Centre. Afternoon: boat trip to Ukko Island (Sámi sacrificial site until the 19th century). Day 4 Morning: birdwatching in the Ivalo River delta (looking out for cranes, short-eared owls, wood sandpipers). Afternoon: guided tour of Sámi Cultural Centre Sajos and free time to explore Inari village. Day 5 Travel north into Norway to Vadsø for four nights at Vadsø Fjordhotell, with stops for birdwatching and a guided tour of Varanger Sámi Museum en route. Day 6 Whole day excursion to Ekkerøy Nature Reserve (chance to see Steller’s eiders, sea eagles, purple sandpipers, razorbills, Lapland buntings and many waders) followed by guided tour of Kjeldsenbruket Museum.
Day 7 Vardø for visit to Steilneset Memorial (dedicated to 91 people executed for witchcraft in the 17th century) followed by drive towards Hamningberg, stopping en route for rock formations, seabirds and walking. Day 8 Whole day excursion to Varangerhalvøya National Park (searching for gyrfalcons, ptarmigans, mountain hares). Day 9 Return to Ivalo for 1245 departure via Helsinki, arriving Heathrow 1805. Cost of £2635 includes: return airfare, accommodation based on sharing a twin or double bedded room, breakfast, six lunches (two packed), dinner with water & coffee, excursions & admissions, gratuities. Not included: travel insurance, single room supplement £315. TOUR CODE: AFNO20 BOOK NOW: 01223 841055 sales@aceculturaltours.co.uk
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United Kingdom
W I L D & ANCIENT DARTMO O R MAY 26–29, 2020 FITNESS / PRACTICALITIES: As we will explore the area largely on foot, participants should be prepared for walks of around three miles over paths that can be uneven, rocky and muddy. Participants should have a good overall level of fitness.
Wistman’s Wood
• The UK’s most southerly upland boasts stunning views and rich wildlife,
interwoven with a fascinating mix of archaeology, history, myth and legend Visit Wistman’s Wood, one of three rare remnants of high-altitude ancient oak woodland Take a tour of Higher Uppacott medieval farmhouse, guided by a member of the restoration team
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Day 1 Tour assembles 1700 at the Two Bridges Hotel, Dartmoor, for three nights. Welcome and introductory lecture. Optional evening walk on Trendlebere Down to listen for nightjars (weather permitting).
D
artmoor is the last, and largest, remaining wilderness in southern England, a landscape steeped in history and culture, made famous by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Hound of the Baskervilles. It is astonishingly rich in wildlife – lush oak woodlands teeming with songbirds, rolling moorlands where the song of the skylark and the call of the cuckoo are still widely heard, high mire systems where dunlin breed, and fast flowing rivers where trout and dippers thrive. Today it is one of our most popular national parks, yet Dartmoor owes its present appearance to millennia of human influence. Our tour shall venture beyond the picture-postcard image of ponies and cream teas to explore Neolithic villages, medieval farms, ancient droves and track ways, and the abandoned industrial landscapes shaped by tin, lead and granite extraction. At Yarner Wood National Nature Reserve we will look out for pied flycatchers, redstarts and wood warblers, and
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Day 2 Rich oak woodlands at Yarner Wood National Nature Reserve (possible pied flycatchers, redstarts, and wood warblers, Haytor Granite Tramway), Trendlebere Down (sundews, orchids, Dartford warblers, butterflies), Hound Tor (abandoned medieval village).
This tour will be led by Peter Exley, BSc, a conservationist and ornithologist who works for the RSPB. Peter lives on the edge of Dartmoor, and is a Board Member of the Moor than Meets the Eye project to restore the landscapes and support the communities of the Moor.
Day 3 Holne Moor (rich historical landscape, home to whinchats, cuckoos and adders), Higher Uppacott (restored medieval longhouse) and Wistman’s Wood (atmospheric ancient oak woodland). Day 4 Walk from Bronze Age settlement of Grimspound through Challacombe (abandoned medieval village) and Soussons Down (wildlife rich valley) to Headland Warren (former commercial rabbit warren). Tour disperses 1300 at the hotel.
Wood warbler
© Image by Frank Vassen. Licensed under (CC BY 2.0)
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investigate the unique granite tramway once used to transport hewn granite blocks to the Teign Estuary to be shipped for construction around the world. A trip to the high moor will take us to eerie Wistman’s Wood, where lichens cling to the boughs of ancient oaks, and we also walk amongst some of the flower-rich hay meadows still to be found here. Please note that itinerary changes are possible owing to changeable weather conditions. We stay throughout at the three-star Two Bridges Hotel in the heart of Dartmoor National Park, perched on the banks of the West Dart River.
Cost of £995 includes: accommodation based on sharing a twin or double bedded room, breakfast, two lunches, dinner with water & coffee, excursions & admissions, gratuities. Not included: travel insurance, double room for single use supplement £150. TOUR CODE: DART20
BOOK NOW: 01223 841055 sales@aceculturaltours.co.uk
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United Kingdom
T H E S HETL AND ISLAND S JUNE 22–29, 2020
Isle of Mousa
• Explore the wonderfully atmospheric, uninhabited Isle of Mousa, home to seabirds and waders including storm petrels Absorb the remarkable history of Shetland, from Neolithic settlements to Viking remains Make an excursion to the island of Unst to visit the Keen of Hamar Nature Reserve, with its otherworldly appearance and rare plantlife
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Reserve, over 2000 acres of dramatic coastal scenery and wild moorland with thousands of nesting seabirds, including the UK’s largest great skua colony. Just south of here lies the Keen of Hamar, a unique lunarlike landscape of fractured serpentine rock home to some of Britain’s rarest plants. The Isle of Mousa welcomes many seabirds and waders, notably the storm petrel. We will look at the vegetation and geo-morphology of the spectacular sandy causeway – known as a tombolo – that leads to St Ninian’s Isle, famed for the
hoard of Pictish treasure uncovered in the ruins of the 12th century church. We will also see something of Shetland’s Neolithic farms, Viking houses and Iron Age brochs, including Jarlshof, where the original Stone Age dwellings are topped by Pictish wheelhouses, Viking longhouses and the remains of a 16th century mansion. Our first five nights are spent in Lerwick (accommodation to be confirmed). We then transfer to the Baltasound Hotel in Unst, Britain’s most northerly hotel, which offers comfortable accommodation in cosy log-cabin style rooms equipped with all the usual amenities. While we will endeavour to deliver the below itinerary, visits in Shetland depend heavily on weather conditions; to make the most of our stay, the Tour Director may need to adjust the order and nature of the visits on the ground. Please note travel to and from Shetland is not included in the cost of this tour.
ITINERARY
T
he Shetland Islands remain little changed since man first set foot on their far-flung shores. This remote, unspoilt archipelago is an ideal place to study seabirds, observe sea mammals and identify wild flowers – the three main themes of our summer tour. Our tour will cover the full length of Shetland, from Sumburgh Head in the south where we will look for colourful puffins, to the northern island of Unst. Here we will visit the remote Hermaness
FITNESS / PRACTICALITIES: This tour will involve frequent walks, some short and others of up to two miles, mostly over paths but occasionally along cliff tops and over rough ground. Participants should be able to walk for up to 90 minutes and stand for 30 minutes.
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Day 1 Tour assembles early afternoon at Sumburgh Airport (subject to 2020 flight schedules – to be confirmed) or midday at Lerwick Ferry Terminal. Afternoon: Sumburgh Head (puffins, guillemots, kittiwakes with possibility of seals, humpback whales). Transfer to Lerwick for five nights. Welcome and introduction. Day 2 South Mainland for Croft House Museum, St Ninian’s Isle then by boat from Sandwick to uninhabited island of Mousa (broch with towering walls), seals and seabirds. Day 3 Tingwall: valley (wild flowers) and loch (whooper swans), Althing (Viking parliament), 18th century Tingwall Kirk then by ferry to island of Whalsay (centre of Shetland fishing industry): Yoxie and Beenie Hoose (Neolithic houses), restored Hanseatic booth (warehouse). Late night excursion to Mousa to view storm petrels (weather permitting). Day 4 North mainland: moorland and coastal scenery around Ronas Hill with visits to Mavis Grind, Ollaberry (Great Glen fault) and Urraforth Ayre. Day 5 By boat to bird cliffs of Noss (guillemot, gannet, Shetland wren, rock pipit) followed by walking tour and free time in historical Lerwick (esplanade, 17th century Fort Charlotte, Victorian town hall).
Day 6 By boat from Toft to Fetlar (waders, whimbrels, serpentine moorland): Houbie, Loch of Funzie, serpentine moorland. By boat from Fetlar to Unst for two nights at Baltasound Hotel. Optional evening walk in search of otters. Day 7 Whole day excursion to Hermaness National Nature Reserve (puffins, gannets, guillemots, razorbills, kittiwakes) and Keen of Hamar (serpentine desert landscape). Evening talk. Day 8 Depart hotel by coach and ferry for Sumburgh via Jarlshof. Arrive Sumburgh Airport in time for Loganair flight departing 1635, arriving Aberdeen 1735. Cost of £1995 includes: accommodation based on sharing a twin or double bedded room, breakfast, seven lunches (five packed), dinner with water & coffee, excursions & admissions, gratuities. Not included: return travel, travel insurance, single room supplement £285. TOUR CODE: SHET20 BOOK NOW: 01223 841055 sales@aceculturaltours.co.uk
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This tour will be led by Peter Exley, BSc, an ecologist and ornithologist who currently works for the RSPB. Peter has also held posts with BirdLife International and the Albatross Task Force in South Africa. He has led and managed many ACE tours in the United Kingdom, Netherlands, Algarve, New England, Madeira, the Faeroes and Shetland.
South Africa
FLOWERS OF THE FAIREST CAPE: FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE INDIAN OCEANS SEPTEMBER 1–16, 2020 FITNESS / PRACTICALITIES: While covering a lot of ground, this tour will be taken at a leisurely pace, with many opportunities to stop and appreciate the flora and our surroundings. Participants should, however, be prepared for a significant amount of coach travel and several hotel stays. They should also feel comfortable walking over uneven, sometimes rugged, terrain and standing for up to two hours at a time. Alternative options will be available for those who feel unable to manage the more demanding walks.
Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
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• Experience the astonishing diversity
of South Africa’s flora, from the spring bulbs and carpets of daisies along the West Coast to the verdant forests of the Indian Ocean coast on the Garden Route Delve into the Klein Karoo, a unique semi-arid but bio-diverse environment set amongst majestic mountains, and with many famous wineries Gaze up at an enormous 800 year-old ‘big tree’ yellowwood at Tsitsikamma National Park, and down on the whales at De Hoop
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his tour has been designed to highlight the diversity of the wonderful and unique Western Cape flora in all its botanical richness, while building a wider appreciation of the landscapes, their geology, the wildlife and the people. Our route sweeps north up the West Coast before exploring east and south to the Indian Ocean coast. This will provide a feast for the senses: from the exquisite wildflowers of Postberg and the sandveld to the towering yellowwoods of the sea-level forest at Tsitsikamma; from the wavecrested ocean fringing Featherbed Nature Reserve to the wineries of Plettenberg Bay. We will experience the Western Cape’s unique fynbos environment, the succulents
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This tour will be led by botanist (and keen bird-watcher) John Parker, MA, DPhil, FLS, VMH. John was Professor of Plant Cytogenetics, Director of the University Botanic Garden, and Curator of the University Herbarium at Cambridge University for 15 years. He is an Emeritus Fellow of Clare Hall, Cambridge. John has served as a Trustee of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, was on the Council and Committees of the Royal Horticultural Society, and has held an Honorary Fellowship of the Natural History Museum, London. He has particular interests in the interactions of humans with their environment, and has led many tours of the Galapagos Archipelago and the Western Cape of South Africa, as well as closer to home exploring the Welsh Marches.
and drought-resisting plants of the Klein Karoo, and bulb-rich renosterveld – their dynamically changing habitats dependent on rainfall, aspect and soil type. There can be no better introduction to the biodiversity of the Western Cape than Cape Town itself. Here the UNESCOlisted Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens will immerse us in over 7000 indigenous plants in a sublime setting beneath Table Mountain. Many of these species we will encounter on our journey. Leaving the capital, we will explore north along the West Coast, visiting reserves resplendent with spring blooms. Facing the South Atlantic, the traditional fishing village of Paternoster is one of the oldest in the country, its whitewashed houses standing
proud against the rich blue sea, while Cape Columbine’s coastal Nature Reserve also has the last manually controlled lighthouse built in South Africa. Northwards and inland, we will linger at Ramskop Wildflower Reserve and the nearby rooibos tea factory, before curving east and south to the Karoo Desert National Botanical Garden and the Vrolijkheid Reserve, introducing us to the semi-desert and succulent plants of the Klein Karoo. A stay at the magical De Hoop Reserve on the Overberg coast affords the opportunity to spot Southern Right whales that gather off the coast here in remarkable numbers between June and November. We then head north and east through the Langeberg Mountains to the mountainfringed, long valley of the Klein Karoo. Its dramatic yet peaceful landscape has fruit farms and vineyards set into a richly
Red mountain protea
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South Africa
blooming semi-desert environment, with charming small towns such as Barrydale, Ladismith and Calitzdorp. Oudtshoorn has been famous since the 19th century for its ostrich farming, and the town provides a fascinating insight into the impact this industry has had on local society and on world culture.
The tour finishes with an exploration of the Cape’s famous Garden Route, facing south onto the Indian Ocean. The town of Knysna is perfectly poised for delving into the forests, lagoons and wetlands of this verdant region. The UNESCO-listed Keurbooms River Nature Reserve has innumerable indigenous trees, including
Outeniqua yellowwoods and Cape beech, supporting an abundant and distinctive bird fauna. Caves here were also the home of some of the earliest Homo sapiens. We will stay throughout in comfortable accommodation of three and four-star standard, with many selected for their proximity to the local flora and fauna.
ITINERARY Day 1 Depart London Heathrow 2135 on British Airways. Day 2 Arrive Cape Town 1000 and transfer to Portswood Hotel for two nights. Afternoon visits to Company’s Garden and Sea Point (Darwin plaque, geology and landscape of Cape Town and the Western Cape). Introductory lecture. Day 3 Cable car up Table Mountain (weather conditions permitting). Afternoon: Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden (established in 1913 and one of the finest botanic gardens in the world) for an introduction to Western Cape flowers. Day 4 Drive north along the coast via Darling Village Renosterveld Reserve, Tienie Versfeld Reserve, West Coast National Park and Postberg Nature Reserve (carpets of brilliant daisies and bulbs). Overnight in Langebaan at Windtown Hotel. Day 5 Exploring the west coast: Paternoster (traditional fishing village), Cape Columbine Nature Reserve (last manually controlled lighthouse built in South Africa; West Coast fynbos and sandveld), Da Gama Monument, Velddrif (birds, fishing town), Hopefield and Moorreesburg (renosterveld flowers). Overnight at the Citrusdal Country Lodge. Evening lecture. Day 6 Clanwilliam for Ramskop Wild Flower Reserve and rooibos factory. Continue via Middelberg, Gydo and Michell’s Passes to Tulbagh for overnight at Tulbagh Hotel. Day 7 Morning: Karoo Desert National Botanical Garden followed by Vrolijkheid Reserve (arid land plants). Afternoon: via
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Kogmanskloof Pass (flowers and geology) and Swellendam to De Hoop Reserve for two nights. Day 8 De Hoop Reserve: vlei (birds, shallow lake), coastal limestone and sandveld flora, possible sightings of zebra, bontebok, eland and ostrich. Afternoon: Koppie Alleen (Indian Ocean coastal reserve; possible sightings of southern right whale), and Potberg trail (flora, vultures). Day 9 Flower Valley Conservation Trust (magnificent Southern Overberg fynbos). Afternoon: Bontebok National Park. Overnight in Swellendam at Hotel Roosje Van De Kaap. Day 10 Via Tradouw Pass to Barrydale for Warmwaterberg Spa (mineral springs). Afternoon: Klein Karoo Nature Reserve Ladismith, and Calitzdorp (famous port production). Two nights at Buffelsdrift Game Lodge (luxury tents). Evening lecture. Day 11 Optional visit to Cango Caves (20 million year-old network of limestone chambers with beautiful formations), or stream-bed flower walk, followed by Safari Ostrich Farm tour and BBQ. Afternoon: the heritage of Oudtshoorn (opulent late 19th century and early 20th century architecture). Evening game drive in Buffelsdrift. Day 12 Robinson Pass (mountain fynbos), Outeniqua Mountains (exquisite mountain scenery, mountain fynbos) and Valley of the Ferns (giant tree ferns, streams, moss meadows). Three nights at Belvidere Manor, Knysna.
Day 13 Featherbed Nature Reserve (stunning lagoon, indigenous fynbos and coastal forest) followed by Plettenberg Bay for wine tasting. Day 14 Keurbooms River Nature Reserve (World Heritage Site with indigenous trees including Cape beech, giant stinkwoods and Outeniqua yellowwoods), Storms River Mouth in Tsitsikamma National Park (dramatic coastal scenery and forest, including 800 year-old yellowwood ‘Big Tree’), and Matjies River Cave. Day 15 Depart George Airport 1530, arriving Cape Town 1620. Depart Cape Town 1930. Day 16 Arrive Heathrow 0630.
Cost of £4895 includes: return airfare, accommodation based on sharing a twin or double bedded room, full board with water & coffee (some packed lunches), excursions & admissions, gratuities. Not included: travel insurance, single room supplement £595. TOUR CODE: FLFC20 BOOK NOW: 01223 841055 sales@aceculturaltours.co.uk
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Tsitsikamma National Park
Malaysia
BORNEO SEPTEMBER 20 – OCTOBER 3, 2020 This tour will be led by Marcus Kohler, BA, an ecologist and ornitholgist. Formerly of BirdLife International, Marcus now works as an international wildlife consultant, supporting international conservation projects as well as leading wildlife tours across the world. He is also Managing Director of MKA Ecology, an ecology consultancy he founded in 1998. A seasoned ACE Tour Director, Marcus is delighted to be bringing his expertise leading group tours to Borneo to ACE’s first tour to the island in 2020.
Proboscis monkey
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• Step into one of the most stunning
wildlife areas of the world, resplendent with a huge variety of flora and fauna, from forest kingfishers and flying squirrels to proboscis monkey and orangutan Explore the rich history and culture of Borneo, including a visit to the magnificent ‘floating’ mosque of Kota Kinabalu Learn more about the importance of conservation on this unique island, and discover how our rainforest lodges are taking measures to limit their mark on the landscape
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“A
n understanding of the natural world and what’s in it is a source of not only a great curiosity but great fulfilment” – Sir David Attenborough. Borneo, the world’s third-largest island, belongs politically to Malaysia, Brunei and Indonesia; yet its landscape is all its own, containing an extraordinary level of biodiversity that natural historians have admired and loved for generations. Home to one of the oldest rainforests on earth – a “hazy-green blanket of jungle” – it was here that Sir David Attenborough witnessed his first wild orangutan, and he has since fought to preserve Borneo’s remarkable habitats. This new ACE tour has been specially designed to introduce travellers to the
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uniqueness of Borneo. Following a stay at the five-star Shangri-La Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa in Kota Kinabalu, we will move on to a series of beautiful lodges set deep within Borneo’s majestic rainforest. We begin at the Nepenthes Lodge, based in the World Heritage site of Kinabalu National Park surrounding Malaysia’s highest mountain, Mount Kinabalu. Populated by an awe-inspiring array of flora and fauna – much of which is endemic to Borneo – the park provides the ideal introduction to the wildlife of our tour. From here we will make the journey via Poring Hot Spring with its canopy walkway and the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre to the Kinabatangan River. Perched on stilts amid raised wooden walkways, our riverside accommodation is the Sukau Rainforest Lodge, which has long been listed among National Geographic’s Unique Lodges of the World. Not only does it maintain an ecologically forward, sustainable relationship with its jungle surroundings – reducing light and sound pollution – but also draws on strong connections with local village communities, who staff and maintain the site. From here we will take several cruises along the life-sustaining river, where mammals including orangutans, pygmy elephants and proboscis monkey gather, and discover the secrets of the nocturnal jungle on a series of night-time cruises and guided walks. The Danum Valley Conservation Area is Sabah’s largest protected lowland rainforest, home to more than 340 species
of bird, 124 species of mammal and 200 species of plants per hectare. Here, the Borneo Rainforest Lodge, winner of multiple awards for luxury and ecotourism, will welcome us for the concluding segment of our tour, offering a gateway onto the rainforest and allowing us to explore this remarkable, pristine jungle landscape on foot and on a night drive. The natural world is never far away, and our accommodation has been chosen to make the most of our environment. Day and night time excursions will provide opportunities to spot a rich variety of birdlife including rhinoceros hornbill, helmeted hornbill, black-and-yellow broadbill, forest kingfisher, orange-backed woodpecker and endemic species such as Whitehead’s trogon and Whitehead’s hornbill. We are likely to catch sight of proboscis monkey, flying squirrel, and the wide-eyed tarsier, and hope to glimpse leopard cat, marbled cat, and perhaps even the rare clouded leopard. At the Gomantong Caves we will linger at dusk to experience the famous ‘bat exodus’ – a soaring cloud pursued across the sky by raptors – while the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre will allow us to witness these magnificent ‘great apes’ during feeding time. We will also visit a project dedicated to the world’s smallest bear, the sunbear. Complementing our experience of the
Crimson sunbird
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Malaysia
wildlife – which forms the major part of our tour – we will seek to understand more about Borneo’s wider cultural and historical heritage. Visits will include Kota Kinabalu’s famous ‘floating’ mosque and serene Pu Toh Tze Temple, and at the nearby town of Kundasang we will walk the paths of four gardens dedicated to those who lost their lives here during the Second World War, including Australian
and British servicemen as well as the civilians of Borneo. Please note that weather patterns and other local conditions are likely to affect the precise nature of our itinerary and we cannot guarantee the availability of all the wildlife mentioned. Please note that international travel between the UK and Koto Kinabalu is not included in the price of this tour.
FITNESS / PRACTICALITIES: This tour will include several walks, some of a strenuous nature, as well as a number of treetop canopy walkways (which can be made optional). Conditions will often be humid, and participants should have a good overall level of fitness.
ITINERARY Day 1 Tour assembles afternoon at Shangri-La Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa, Kota Kinabalu for overnight. Welcome and introduction. Day 2 Morning visits in Kota Kinabalu including Sabah State Museum, City ‘floating’ Mosque, Pu Toh Tze Temple and Kota Kinabalu Wetland Centre. Afternoon: transfer to UNESCO site of biodiversity, Kinabalu National Park, and check in to Nepenthes Lodge for three nights. Evening walk. Day 3 Whole day in Kinabalu National Park: Timpohon Gate (observation deck) followed by walks looking out for flora and fauna including endemic birdlife such as Whitehead’s broadbill and Rajah Brooke’s birdwing (butterfly). Day 4 Early morning bird walk followed by visit to town of Kundasang for War Memorial Park (beautiful gardens commemorating Australian and British servicemen and civilians of Borneo) followed by further explorations within Kinabalu National Park. Day 5 Depart by coach for Poring Hot Spring (canopy walkway) then continue to Sepilok Nature Resort, Sandakan, for two nights. Evening walk at nearby Rainforest Discovery Centre, looking out for nocturnal wildlife.
Day 6 Morning: Rainforest Discovery Centre for canopy walk and botanical garden, followed by Sun Bear Conservation Centre (world’s smallest bear). Afternoon: Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre (including afternoon feeding). Day 7 Morning: visit to Sepilok orangutan nursery. Afternoon: depart for Gomantong Cave (wild orangutans, languars and other wildlife) including dusk exodus of over two million bats pursued by raptors. Continue to Sukau Rainforest Lodge for three nights. Day 8 Early morning cruise up the Kinabatangan river. Morning exploration of the rainforest along the Kinabatangan River, including the migratory path of Borneo pygmy elephants (subject to local conditions), looking out for a variety of local flora and fauna. Afternoon river cruise. Day 9 Morning, afternoon and evening cruises along the Kinabatangan River. Day 10 Transfer via Lahad Datu to Danum Valley, the largest protected area of lowland dipterocarp rainforest in Sabah, for three nights at Borneo Rainforest Lodge. Afternoon jungle walk, including canopy walkway for views over the rainforest. Evening: night drive looking out for nocturnal wildlife. Day 11 Whole day exploring Danum Valley Conservation Area,
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including walk with local botanist Anthea Philips to discover how Danum Valley became one of the richest conservation areas in the world. Evening: night walk looking out for nocturnal wildlife. Day 12 Whole day exploring Danum Valley, including special conservation session involving the creation of ‘mudballs’. Evening: night walk. Day 13 Transfer to Lahad Datu for flight to Kota Kinabalu. Continue to Shangri-La Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa for overnight. Day 14 Tour disperses. Cost of £5595 includes: accommodation based on sharing a twin or double bedded room, full board (except lunch in Kota Kinabalu on day 2) with water & coffee, excursions & admissions, gratuities. Not included: return travel, travel insurance, camera fees, single supplement £590. TOUR CODE: BORN20 BOOK NOW: 01223 841055 sales@aceculturaltours.co.uk
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Albania
W I L D L I FE OF AL B ANI A OCTOBER 2–9, 2020
FITNESS / PRACTICALITIES: Our tour will include gentle local walks of up to five miles. Participants should be comfortable walking over rugged terrain, and access to some sites will involve bumpy journeys. A good level of fitness is required for this tour.
ITINERARY Day 1 Depart London Gatwick Airport 0810 on British Airways, arriving Tirana 1210. Transfer to Pogradec for overnight stay at Hotel Perla. Lake Prespa
• Uncover a little visited European gem, where snow-capped mountains plunge into N AT U R E
bright blue seas, charming villages nestle amongst the forested landscape, and coastal lagoons teem with birdlife Search for the rare Dalmatian pelican during a boat trip on Great Prespa Lake Look out for wetland birdlife and migrating waders on the ‘Albanian Riviera’
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T
he tectonic lakes of Ohrid and Prespa are some of the oldest lakes in the world, and form an area of extraordinary beauty and biodiversity. Surrounded by high mountain peaks and centuries-old juniper forests, the region is home to several species found nowhere else in the world, while the surrounding wetlands and reedbeds provide habitats for hundreds of thousands of wintering water birds. Our tour includes a boat trip on Great Prespa Lake to Maligrad Island, keeping watch along the way for the lake’s most famous residents, the rare Dalmatian pelicans, as well as hundreds of pygmy cormorants. We will spend three nights in the mountain village of Voskopojë, an important cultural centre during its mid 18th century heyday. At its zenith, the city was bigger than Athens and housed a university and a printing press – the second in the Ottomon Empire after that of Constantinople.
Ferruginous duck
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This tour will be led by conservationist and ornithologist Kevin Hand, MSc, MCIEEM. An environmental consultant with a special interest in birds, mammals and ecotourism, Kevin is President of the Cambridge Natural History Society and he currently leads a project on eagles, vultures and other wildlife in Albania.
Voskopojë will be our base for local forest walks, looking out for varied birdlife including goshawk, red-backed shrike, and hawfinch amongst the pine, fir, beech and oak. Our tour will then transfer to the coastal town of Vlorë, surrounded by mountains and overlooking the Adriatic Sea. The ‘Albanian Riviera’ is a patchwork of different habitats, from the forested mountains of Llogara National Park to the lagoons of Orikum, Narta and Karavasta. Here, we will look out for wetland birdlife including flamingos, great white egret, avocet and spoonbill, as well as numerous migrating waders from Russia and northeastern Europe. We will stay at comfortable hotels throughout, well situated for our daytime explorations. Please note that owing to local conditions, some details may be adjusted on the ground, and we cannot guarantee the availability of all wildlife mentioned.
Day 2 Morning visits to Lake Ohrid and Lin (ruined Paleo-Christian church with beautiful views and floor mosaics). Afternoon: Drilon National Park followed by mountain village of Voskopojë for visit to St Nicholas’s Church (wonderful frescoes). Three nights at Hotel Pashuta, Voskopojë. Day 3 Walks in the woodland around Voskopojë (Scots pine, silver fir, Valonia oak, possible sightings of red-rumped swallow and dipper). Some free time with option to do a longer walk. Day 4 Whole day excursion to Lake Prespa for local walks and boat trip to Maligrad Island, where we hope to see rare Dalmatian pelicans, pygmy cormorant and Alpine swift. Visit to 14th century Eastern Orthodox Church of St Mary. Day 5 Transfer via Elbasan (Hammam, Kings Mosque, Naziresha Mosque and old castle walls) to coastal town of Vlorë for two nights at Hotel Partner. Day 6 Orikum Lagoon and saltpans: reedbeds, wetland birdlife. Llogara National Park: pine forests with trees shaped by the wind, breath-taking views, habitat for abundant wildlife including migrating birds of prey such as short-toed eagle and booted eagle. Day 7 Narta Lagoon: salt pans with wide variety of avifauna including black-necked grebe, Mediterranean gull, ferruginous duck and flamingos. Afternoon at Divjaka-Karavasta National Park: lagoons, sand dunes, pine forest, possible colony of Dalmatian pelicans, possible golden jackal. Overnight stay at Hotel Divijaka, Krujë. Day 8 Transfer to Tirana for 1300 departure, arriving Gatwick 1510.
Cost of £1995 includes: return airfare, accommodation based on sharing a twin or double bedded room, full board (some packed lunches) with wine, water & coffee with dinner, excursions & admissions, gratuities. Not included: travel insurance, single room supplement £130. TOUR CODE: WIAL20 BOOK NOW: 01223 841055 sales@aceculturaltours.co.uk
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United Kingdom
N OR F O L K IN SUMMER JULY 6–9, 2020
Tour Director Mark Welch, BSc, PhD, has had an active interest in natural history since he was a boy in Dorset, where he roamed the heaths, woods, beaches and cliff-tops in search for birds and insects. A former Regional Representative for Cambridgeshire for the British Trust for Ornithology, Mark has for the past 26 years been a research scientist in the Department of Earth Sciences at London’s Natural History Museum. He has led many field trips in the UK as a geologist and naturalist, including in Cornwall, East Anglia and northern Scotland, and is delighted to be directing this ACE tour to Norfolk.
• Explore Norfolk’s important and increasingly rare heathland at Kelling and
Salthouse, alongside its distinctive wildlife Enjoy a boat trip from Morston Quay to Blakeney Point before investigating the impact of the last Ice Age on the landscape around Blakeney Take a guided walk through Dersingham Bog National Nature Reserve, a part of the Sandringham Estate, and learn about the practicalities and challenges of front-line conservation in the UK
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I
n a landscape where vast flawless beaches stretch for miles, where wind-tousled reeds bob their heads beneath huge summer sunsets and flint-walled churches cleave to the coastline, we will step out to experience some of the UK’s most captivating wildlife. July is a particularly dynamic time to enjoy Norfolk, which comes alive in early summer with bird, insect and plant life. We expect to see woodlark, waders and warblers, and will enter the mysterious twilight world of the nightjar. Tour Director Mark Welch will explain the environment in a holistic way, illuminating its many dimensions from the distinctive formation of the landscape itself to the insects that call it home. Kelling Heath, a Site of Special Scientific Interest, and Salthouse Heath are both important glacial outwash plains formed by retreating glaciers of the last Ice Age. They provide habitats for a variety of heathland birds among the heather, gorse and bracken, as well as other inhabitants FITNESS / PRACTICALITIES: This tour will involve some walks over rugged terrain, so while the programme of visits will be relaxed, participants should have a good general level of fitness.
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including adder, roe deer and brown hare. An evening visit to Salthouse Heath will provide an opportunity to see nightjar, woodlark and, possibly, tree pipit. Blakeney will welcome us for a day both on land and sea, taking in the colonies of common seal and their pups that loaf in the summer sunshine, as well as terns and early returning migrants. At St Margaret’s Church in Cley we will view the village’s lasting impression of a rare North American visitor, a white-crowned sparrow, that was immortalised in a stained-glass window after this tiny bird was discovered in the vicar’s garden in 2008 and stayed for several weeks. To finish the day, we shall visit the Blakeney esker, a remnant of the last Ice Age, which offers a fascinating insight into the area’s geological history. A special highlight will be a morning visit to Dersingham Bog National Nature Reserve, part of the Sandringham Estate. Incorporating rare lowland “acid” mire habitat, heath and mixed woodland, the reserve is the perfect place to discover unusual species of plants and insects, including the black darter dragonfly. We will enjoy a privileged walk with a Natural England Reserves Manager, who will explain more about the challenges and joys of taking care of this beautiful environment for conservation. Indeed, conservation is an important theme throughout our
tour, which will both celebrate Norfolk’s distinctive coastal landscapes and wildlife, and appreciate the importance of conserving its natural habitats. Our tour finishes with a delicious lunch at the award-winning Rose & Crown Pub in Snettisham. We stay throughout at the four-star Pheasant Hotel, a relaxing country house hotel close to Blakeney village. Please note that while we will endeavour to deliver the below itinerary in full, some details are dependent on local conditions and may be subject to change closer to the time.
ITINERARY Day 1 Tour assembles 1345 at King’s Lynn Station for transfer to The Pheasant Hotel for three nights, with en route stop at Titchwell RSPB Reserve. Welcome and introduction. Day 2 Morning visit to Kelling Heath followed by afternoon visit to Cley Marshes reserve. Optional evening visit to Salthouse Heath (nightjars, woodlark). Day 3 Whole day visit to Blakeney for boat trip from Morston Quay (terns, other migrants and breeding colony of common seal) followed by Church of St Margaret, Cley (window featuring whitecrowned sparrow) and the Blakeney esker (a glacial feature from the last Ice Age). Evening talk. Day 4 Morning visit to Sandringham Estate for Dersingham Bog National Nature Reserve (guided conservation walk). Lunch at the award-winning Rose & Crown pub, Snettisham. Tour disperses 1515 at King’s Lynn Station. Cost of £995 includes: accommodation based on sharing a twin or double bedded room, breakfast, three lunches (two packed), dinner with water & coffee, excursions & admissions, gratuities. Not included: travel insurance, double room for single use supplement £135. TOUR CODE: NORF20 BOOK NOW: 01223 841055 sales@aceculturaltours.co.uk
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Blakeney in Norfolk
R E G I O N A L C U LT U R E
Summer Palace, Beijing
Regional Cult ure Tours
French novelist Gustave Flaubert once
Our brand new Camino de Santiago
wrote that “travel makes one modest,
tour will trace key branches of one
you see what a tiny place you occupy
of the most important pilgrimage
in the world.” This is particularly
routes in Europe, whilst departures
true with regards to our Regional
to Cambodia & Laos, China and
Culture tours, which offer snapshots
Japan offer the chance for an up-close
of interconnected and vibrant global
experience of the Far East.
R E G I O N A L C U LT U R E
Regional Culture
cultures. Drawing out and examining the individual threads in a vast international tapestry of histories and peoples, these tours are aimed at expanding our travellers’ horizons and deepening understanding of destinations across all corners of the globe.
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Ethiopia
E T H I OPIA JANUARY 15–29, 2020
• Journey to the roof of Africa to
discover a country of ancient history and diverse landscapes Explore prehistoric archaeology, dramatic mountain vistas, lakeside monasteries and a wealth of birdlife Visit the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela – the ‘eighth wonder of the world’ – and experience Timkat Festival celebrations in Axum
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O R E G I O N A L C U LT U R E
n the roof of Africa, source of the Blue Nile, lies an ancient country whose Orthodox church plays a guiding role in the second oldest Christian nation in the world. The church exhibits colourful ceremonies and traditions influenced by Judaism as well as historical links with Islam. Exploring this distinctive history, our tour will reveal the country’s wonderful architectural tradition of rockhewn churches, not least some lesserknown sites in the north east as well the extraordinary ‘New Jerusalem’ carved out of the hillside at Lalibela. While the wonders of Lalibela perhaps form the pinnacle of our wide-ranging tour, the rich history, culture and landscape of Ethiopia will captivate us across several other centres. Within the dramatic highland landscapes of northern Ethiopia lies a fascinating array of monuments, many of them UNESCO World Heritage sites. The giant stelae – spectacular monolithic
Ura Kidane Mehret
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Church of St George, Lalibela
obelisks – royal tombs and palace remains at Axum speak of a once powerful kingdom, which stretched from Southern Arabia to Meroe in northern Sudan; in the third century it was considered one of the four great empires of the world, alongside Rome, Persia and China. The Axumites adopted Christianity in 333 AD, and the Ark of the Covenant is claimed to be one of the many treasures housed in the compound of the Church of St Mary of Zion. While in Axum we
Tour Director Rev John Binns, PhD, has researched and lectured in a variety of Eastern Orthodox countries, including Russia, Israel/ Palestine and Serbia. He is Visiting Professor at the Institute of Orthodox Christian Studies in Cambridge and a Research Associate at the School of Oriental and African Studies in London. He has visited Ethiopia many times, and his publications include The Orthodox Church of Ethiopia: A History (I B Tauris, London 2016) and An Introduction to the Orthodox Christian Churches (Cambridge University Press, 2002). He is also chair of trustees of Partners for Change Ethiopia, a community development agency based in Addis Ababa, with a UK office in Cambridge.
will experience Ethiopia’s celebration of Epiphany, the festival of Timkat, which delights and enchants with its spectacular processions, songs, dancing and worship. Equally absorbing is the diverse landscape surrounding these cultural sites. Within the dramatic mountainous region of the Simiens, we will discover unusual Afro-alpine vegetation and glimpses of rare mammals together with many unusual birds. In contrast, where the headwaters of the Blue Nile gather near Bahir Dar,
John says: “Our journey is a full and wide ranging introduction to the landscapes, buildings and culture of this beautiful and extraordinary country. We will visit the historical towns of Axum and Gondar; go by boat to some of the medieval monasteries on Lake Tana; enjoy the most spectacular mountain range of the Simiens; and a special feature will be to visit some of the most interesting and less often visited rock churches of the north east as well as the churches of Lalibela. Ethiopia is a fast developing and vibrant nation whose people are warm and welcoming, and it is they above all who will make our visit a wonderful and unforgettable experience.”
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Ethiopia
shimmering Lake Tana provides island homes for churches dating back to the 14th century, many adorned with magnificent wall paintings. In Addis Ababa, the cosmopolitan capital and administrative centre of the African Union, we will visit the National Museum of Ethiopia, home to the skeleton of 3.2 million year old ‘Lucy’, one of our earliest bipedal ancestors.
FITNESS / PRACTICALITIES: Please note this tour includes several long journeys (two of up to eight hours), taking full advantage of this country’s stunning natural environment. Our route passes through highland areas at altitudes of up to 11,000 ft – Addis Ababa itself is 7200 ft above sea level – and while the elevation makes for a generally very agreeable climate a good level of fitness is required throughout. Travellers should be prepared for a lower overall standard of accommodation than we would expect in Western Europe, however the welcome is warm and genuine, and we will be continually immersed in the cultural richness of this remarkable country. While we will endeavour to deliver the itinerary in full, local conditions can sometimes be unpredictable and so certain elements – including our accommodation – may be subject to change closer to departure.
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ITINERARY Day 1 Depart Heathrow 2015 on Ethiopian Airlines for overnight flight.
artwork) and Fasilides’s Bath (royal retreat used for ceremonial purposes).
Day 2 Arrive Addis Ababa 0650 and check in to Hotel Celeste for overnight. Free morning followed by afternoon visits to the cathedral and National Museum of Ethiopia (archaeological collections, Sabean artefacts, skeleton of 3.2 million year old ‘Lucy’).
Day 10 Morning: depart Gondar on Ethiopian Airlines for Lalibela. Afternoon visits to north-west cluster of churches (Mariam, Medhane Alem, Danagel, Mesqal, Golgota, Mikael) followed by evening lecture: The History and Architecture of Lalibela. Two nights at Sora Lodge Hotel, Lalibela.
Day 3 Morning: depart Addis Ababa Airport on Ethiopian Airlines for Mekelle. Afternoon visits to rock churches of Adi Qosho Medhane Alem and Petros Paulos. Continue to Gheralta Lodge, Hawzen, for two nights. Evening lecture: Introduction to the Church and its Architecture.
Day 11 Morning visits to south-east cluster of churches (Gabriel, Emmanuel, Abba Libanos, Giyorgis) with opportunity to experience Sunday worship. Afternoon: Yemrehanna Christos.
Day 4 Rock churches of the spectacular Gheralta region, including Wukro, Abreha we Atsbeha, Debre Tsion Abraham and Dugem Selassie. Day 5 Journey to Yeha for Temple of the Moon and archaeological excavations. Continue to Axum, passing by Adwa (scene of 1896 victory over Italian invasion) en route. Two nights at Yared Hotel, Axum. Our stay in Axum coincides with Timkat, Ethiopia’s annual celebration of Epiphany. Day 6 Morning visits in Axum: Stelae Park, Church of Mary of Zion and Chapel of the Ark of the Covenant. Afternoon: archaeological sites including tombs of Caleb and Gebre Meskal followed by Queen of Sheba’s Palace (ruins). Evening lecture: Axum and the Ethiopian Kingdom. Day 7 Depart for the Simien Mountains and check in to the Limalimo Lodge for two nights. Our journey today will take between seven and eight hours, including some stops, and offers views across Ethiopia’s stunning natural landscape. Day 8 Whole day exploration of the Simien Mountains National Park (spectacular region known as ‘the chess pieces of the gods’; Gelada baboons, found only in Ethiopia). Day 9 Transfer to Gondar for overnight at Goha Hotel. Afternoon visits to the castle complex (includes 17th century castle of Emperor Fasilides), Church of Debre Birhan Selassie (remarkable Ethiopian
Day 12 Whole day journey by coach to Bahir Dar (scenic views) for overnight at Tana Hotel. Our journey will take between seven and eight hours, including stops, and will pass through Gashena, Nifas Mewcha and Debre Tabor. Day 13 Excursion by boat crossing Lake Tana to visit the monasteries of Naga Selassie and Zege URA Kidane Mehret (spectacular wall paintings). Evening: depart Bahir Dar on Ethiopian Airlines, arriving Addis Ababa. Transfer to Hotel Celeste for overnight. Day 14 Morning: summary lecture followed by visit to Entoto Mariam Complex and Menelik’s Palace. Free time followed by farewell dinner and transfer to Addis Ababa Airport. Day 15 Depart Addis Ababa 0150, arriving London Heathrow 0635. Cost of £4995 includes: return airfare, accommodation based on sharing a twin or double bedded room, full board with water & non-alcoholic drinks, excursions & admissions, gratuities. Not included: visa, travel insurance, single room supplement £765. TOUR CODE: ETHI20 BOOK NOW: 01223 841055 sales@aceculturaltours.co.uk
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R E G I O N A L C U LT U R E
Simien Mountains
Cambodia & Laos
C A M B O DIA & L AO S JANUARY 20 – FEBRUARY 2, 2020
R E G I O N A L C U LT U R E
Wat Si Muang
• Delve into the breath-taking temple
complex of Angkor Wat, one of the world’s largest religious monuments, whose rising galleries come alive with stunning bas-reliefs Experience the evocative atmosphere of UNESCO-listed Ta Prohm alongside the ruins of Preah Khan, slowly being reclaimed by the jungle Discover Laos’ mysterious Plain of Jars, where hundreds of megalithic stone vessels lie scattered across the rolling landscape
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T
he mighty Khmer Empire once ruled over vast swathes of what is now Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam. Its capital at Angkor was once the largest pre-industrial city in the world. On our journey through Laos and Cambodia, we will explore the history, religion, archaeology and culture of two countries whose major sites have long gripped the Western imagination, and a civilisation that was one of the greatest that the world has ever seen. We begin in Luang Prabang, the first capital of the ‘Land of a Million Elephants’, which preserves a fascinating fusion of traditional Lao architecture and European
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This tour will be led by archaeologist Moira Tait, MA, FRAS. After many years specialising in European prehistory, Moira excavated in Southeast Asia where she lived and worked. She has directed tours to France and Southeast Asia for 17 years. Moira says: “I’m delighted to be returning to Laos and Cambodia in 2020. After over 25 years of visiting these countries, I have seen many changes and developments, but both still possess their unique cultures, from the extraordinary architecture of their temples (sites of worship for over 1000 years!) to the rich and heartfelt practice of their religion, not to mention their pungent, spicy cuisines. My aim on this tour is to get you ‘under the skin’ of these incredible people, from prehistory to the present day, from the extraordinary god-kings of the past to the ordinary people today, and how politics and the striving for power, both past and modern, is still shaping these two amazing countries.” survivals. The city’s golden temples shelter barefoot, orange-robed monks, whilst its colonial mansions recall the lost era of l’Indochine française. We travel through beautiful mountain scenery to Xieng Khouang, a melting pot of Lao Loum, Tai Phuan and Hmong cultures, where we will encounter one of Asia’s most puzzling archaeological conundrums, the
Plain of Jars – hundreds of megalithic stone vessels, many weighing up to six tonnes, that lie in haphazard clusters across hills, forests and rice paddies. In Laos’s charming capital of Vientiane we gain insights into the country’s religious history. A sacred site since the 3rd century BC, Pha That Luang with its golden lotusbud spire and 30 surrounding stupas is seen by many as the national monument, while the 16th century temple of Wat Si Muang is a vibrant example of living Buddhist practice.
FITNESS / PRACTICALITIES: Please note this tour covers a great deal of ground both in terms of cultural content and geography. While this will make for a deeply rewarding experience, participants should be prepared for lengthy journeys, often over bumpy ground, in addition to several internal flights. When visiting sites we will frequently be walking over uneven ground and pavements, and steep steps without handrails. Particularly in Cambodia, participants should feel comfortable standing in hot weather, walking through the forest and stepping over fallen stones at some temples.
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Cambodia & Laos
Our first destination in Cambodia will be Phnom Penh, whose former splendour is clearly visible in the Silver Pagoda, the official temple of the king of Cambodia. Today it houses many national treasures including the 17th century baccarat crystal Buddha known as the Emerald Buddha of Cambodia, as well as a life-sized Buddha statue adorned with almost 10,000 diamonds.
The huge complex of Angkor is one of the world’s most memorable archaeological sites and a highlight of our tour. Sheltering the remains of different capitals of the Khmer Empire dating from the 9th century to the 15th, Angkor’s exquisitely carved bas-reliefs and lotus-bud towers stand testament to Khmer skill and ingenuity, whilst the jungle setting underlines the site’s mystical grandeur.
We shall make an atmospheric dawn visit to the magnificent Temple of Angkor Wat before spending the day on the Tonlé Sap Lake to glimpse daily life. We stay throughout in hotels of three and four-star quality. Please note that while we will endeavour to deliver the below itinerary in full, owing to local factors nearer the time, some visits may be subject to confirmation or reordering.
ITINERARY Day 1 Depart London Heathrow 1150 on Thai Airways. Day2 Transfer via Bangkok, arriving Luang Prabang 1135. Continue to Villa Maydou Hotel, Luang Prabang, for three nights. Visits to Wat Visoun (oldest temple in Luang Prabang) and Wat Aham. Day 3 Luang Prabang: Mount Phousi (spectacular views of the city), Royal Palace Museum (treasures of Laos’s recent past) and 16th century Wat Xieng Thong. Day 4 Excursion to the sacred Buddha caves of Tham Ting and Tham Phoum. Return to Luang Prabang by boat along the Mekong. Day 5 Depart Luang Prabang through beautiful mountain scenery via Phoukoun to Xieng Khouang. Two nights at Vansana Plain of Jars Hotel, Phonsavan. Please note today’s journey takes approximately 7–8 hours. Day 6 Visit to the Mines Advisory Group, followed by Plain of Jars (megalithic archaeological site), Hmong settlements.
Day 7 Morning in Xieng Khouang (Sunday market, Mulberries organic silk project) then by air to Vientiane for two nights at Lao Plaza Hotel. Day 8 Vientiane: Wat Si Saket (over 10,000 Buddha images), Ho Pha Keo (built to house Emerald Buddha), Wat Si Muang (city’s foundation pillar), Pha That Luang stupa (Laos’s most revered Buddhist shrine), Patouxai (triumphal arch). Evening dance show. Day 9 By air to Phnom Penh. Afternoon: Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda. Overnight stay at Raffles Hotel Le Royal, Phnom Penh. Day 10 Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (former S-21 prison under the Khmer Rouge), then by air to Siem Reap. Roluos Temples (ancient centre of Khmer civilisation): Preah Ko, Bakong, Lolei (time permitting). Three nights at Victoria Angkor Resort, Siem Reap. Day 11 Tour of the Bayon temple and visit to the West Gate of Angkor Thom. Afternoon excursion to Banteay Srei (10th century temple dedicated to Shiva with intricate red sandstone carvings). Day 12 Early morning excursion to Angkor Wat (breath-taking temple complex) followed by visit to floating village on Tonlé Sap
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Lake (UNESCO Biosphere Reserve). Afternoon: Terrace of Elephants and Terrace of the Leper King. Day 13 Morning: Ta Prohm, Preah Khan, Neak Pean. Afternoon visit to Artisans d’Angkor and local market before evening departure from Siem Reap to Bangkok. Day 14 Depart Bangkok 0015, arriving Heathrow 0620.
Cost of £4295 includes: return airfare, accommodation based on sharing a twin or double bedded room, breakfast, six lunches, eleven dinners with water & coffee, excursions & admissions, gratuities. Not included: visas, travel insurance, double room for single use supplement £615. TOUR CODE: CALA20 BOOK NOW: 01223 841055 sales@aceculturaltours.co.uk
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Bayon
Uzbekistan
Khiva
R E G I O N A L C U LT U R E
UZBEKISTAN: CITIES OF THE SILK ROAD MARCH 20–31, 2020 • SEPTEMBER 11–22, 2020
• Journey to the heart of Central Asia to discover ancient history and culture Visit the Silk Road cities of Khiva, Bukhara and Samarkand Experience Samarkand’s famed Registan Square, bordered by elegant madrasas in shades of gold and turquoise
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U
zbekistan has long been a prized territory: in the 4th century BC Alexander the Great married the daughter of a local chieftain, and in the 14th century Genghis Khan waged war over the region. It was Timur, better known to us as Tamerlane, who finally overpowered the Mongols and established Samarkand as the glittering capital of an empire encompassing much of Central Asia. Our tour begins in the modern capital, Tashkent, where the exhibits of the city’s museums will set our investigations in context. From there we head to the oasis town of Khiva – once the final stoppingpoint of caravan trains before they set out on the long journey across the desert for Persia. The inner citadel of Ichan Kala, surrounded by huge crenellated clay walls, was the first site in the country to be listed by UNESCO. Architectural highlights include the Juma Mosque, with its forest
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of carved wooden columns – the oldest of which date from the 10th century. We shall traverse the Kyzylkum desert to Bukhara, a centre of culture and civilisation from the 6th century BC. The armies of Genghis Khan left little intact from the city’s earliest days, with a notable exception being the perfectly preserved 10th century Ismail Samani Mausoleum. Founded as early as the 7th century BC, the city of Samarkand is one of the oldest in all of Central Asia. Captured by Alexander the Great in 329 BC, it
passed through the hands of successive civilisations before reaching its zenith as the capital of the Timurid Empire. The archaeological site of Afrasiab is preserved, along with astonishing frescoes bearing testimony to the vanished Sogdian civilisation that dominated trade along the Silk Road for centuries. Although the city walls of Samarkand are gone, the medieval layout remains in the narrow streets and many traditional houses. A highlight of our visit here will be the awe-inspiring Registan, bordered on
Amir Temur Square and Monument
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Uzbekistan This tour will be led by Tour Director Steve Mastin, MA, PGCE, FHA. Steve studied history and classics before working as a schoolteacher for 17 years, during which time he organised many trips to Italy, France and Germany. He has worked overseas training history teachers in Singapore, Australia and Kazakhstan. A committed advocate of the power of storytelling, Steve is passionate about bringing a life-long love of history to students of all ages. He is a Fellow of the Historical Association and is a regular speaker at history conferences both in the UK and overseas.
FITNESS / PRACTICALITIES: This tour requires a good level of fitness, and participants should be comfortable walking across uneven ground. Please note that some sites have steep drops and no safety railings. This tour involves some lengthy coach journeys, including a 7-8 hour transfer on day 5 from Khiva to Bukhara, and road conditions can be poor. This tour also involves five separate hotel stays.
R E G I O N A L C U LT U R E
three sides by elaborate madrasas and one of the most important complexes of Islamic architecture in the world. Our journey will also include Shakhrisabz, birthplace of Timur himself and recipient of his considerable architectural patronage. We will stay throughout at comfortable three or four-star hotels close to the key sites on our tour, and our visits will be complemented by regular talks given by our Tour Director. Please note that the below itinerary represents a guide to what we hope to offer, and some visits may be subject to change.
Samarkand
ITINERARY Day 1 Depart London Heathrow 2135 on Uzbekistan Airways. Day 2 Arrive Tashkent 0825 and transfer to hotel for overnight stay. Morning tour of the city: Independence Square, Amir Temur Park, Museum of Applied Art. Afternoon: Khast-i-Imam complex (group of mosques and madrasas dating from the 16th to 20th centuries). Day 3 Morning in Tashkent: State Museum of History of Uzbekistan (archaeological and ethnographical) followed by visit to Chorsu Bazaar. Afternoon: domestic flight to Urgench and transfer to city of Khiva for two nights. Day 4 Khiva: Ichan Kala (ancient citadel surrounded by crenellated clay walls), Juma mosque, Muhammad Amin-Khan madrasa, Kalta Minor minaret, Kunya Ark fortress. Day 5 Drive through the Kyzylkum desert, occasionally sighting the River Oxus (now the Amu-Darya) crossed by Alexander the Great in 329 BC. Three nights in Bukhara.
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Day 6 Bukhara: Poi-Kalyan complex, Mir-i-Arab madrasa, Kalyan minaret, Ulugh Beg and Abdulaziz Khan madrasas. Afternoon: Lyabi-Hauz, madrasas and Ark Citadel. Day 7 Bukhara: Tchor Minor mosque, Sitorai Mokhi Khossa, BoloHauz mosque, 10th century Samanid mausoleum, Chashma-Ayub mausoleum (‘Job’s Spring’) and Ark Fortress. Day 8 Drive to Samarkand via Gijduvan (ceramic workshop, protected by UNESCO), Rabati Malik caravanserai and Sardoba, medieval water keeper. Three nights in Samarkand. Day 9 Samarkand: famed Registan Square with 15th and 17th century madrasas, Guri Amir mausoleum (burial place of Timur), Bibi Khanum mosque and colourful Siyob Bazaar. Day 10 Whole day excursion to Shakhrisabz, hometown of Timur: portal of Ak-Saray palace, Dor-us Saodat Memorial Complex, Dor-ut Tilavat Ensemble.
Day 11 Samarkand: Shakhi-Zinda tiled funerary complex, observatory built by Ulugh Beg. Afternoon at ancient site of Afrasiab (rare 7th century Sogdian fresco), before train transfer to Tashkent for overnight stay. Day 12 Free time in Tashkent. Depart Tashkent 1620, arriving Heathrow 2000. Cost of £2795 includes: return airfare, accommodation based on sharing a twin or double bedded room, full board with water & tea, excursions & admissions, gratuities. Not included: travel insurance, single room supplement £340. TOUR CODE: UZB120 / UZB220 BOOK NOW: 01223 841055 sales@aceculturaltours.co.uk
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Spain
C A M I N O DE SANTI A GO : P ILGRI MS, C AT H E D RAL S & C ASTLES APRIL 17–26, 2020
R E G I O N A L C U LT U R E
Monastery of Yuso, San Millán de la Cogolla
• Trace the stories of generations of
pilgrims along one of the world’s most ancient routes Discover fascinating myths and legends that have grown up around the Camino over the centuries Experience the tastes, smells and sounds of northern Spain with its unique combination of history, awe-inspiring landscapes and mouthwatering cuisine
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onder, mystery and self-discovery form part of the essence of the Way of St James (known as the Camino de Santiago in Spanish). For centuries people have arrived from all over the world, driven by various and often deeply personal motives, to undertake this unique journey to one of the key pilgrimage sites of Western Christendom: Santiago de Compostela, home to St James’s shrine. The cult of Santiago originated in the ninth century when a Galician shepherd is said to have come across the famous apostle’s relics. These remains – which
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This tour will be led by Martin Locker, PhD. Martin completed his archaeology doctorate on the link between the landscape and the pilgrim in medieval England, and he has since worked in education, heritage tourism and publishing. He lives in the Pyrenees and runs an on-going research project focusing on the archaeology, history and folklore of the region. Martin says: “The opportunity to present the very best aspects of the Camino de Santiago is an exciting one: not only is the route one of the cornerstones of European Medieval Christian culture, filled with examples of some of the finest religious architecture on the continent, but it also crosses a wide range of Spanish cultures. From the mountains of the Basque Pyrenees through the plains of Castile and León to the verdant green fields and forests of Galicia, the gastronomic, historical and folkloric variety on offer makes for a rich tapestry that reflects both religious and local cultures.”
came to be buried in the cathedral – were subsequently adopted as a major focal point by the early Christian monarchs of Asturias, León and Castille. Politics and religion became deeply interwoven as this
pilgrimage route to the heart of Santiago de Compostela was harnessed to promote a sense of Christian unity in the struggle against the Muslim caliphate of Al-Ándalus in a process that came to be known as the Reconquista. Our journey across the shifting landscapes of northern Spain will take a relaxed pace as we absorb the history, architecture, cuisine and hidden cultural gems that line the pilgrimage route. We begin in the quaint mountain village of Roncesvalles, where we will have the opportunity to witness the ceremonial mass that has sent pilgrims safely on their way for over a thousand years. From there, we will venture down through the Pyrenees to Pamplona and on through Santo Domingo de la Calzada, Burgos, León, Astorga and Villafranca, to reach the UNESCO World Heritage site that is the Old Town of Santiago de Compostela. On our way we will savour the plethora of Romanesque and Gothic cathedrals, churches, shrines and castles along our route, as well as sampling local cuisine and taking time to soak up the special ambience of the Camino. Captivating myths and legends – from stories of witches’ covens to saintly animals
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Spain
Basílica de San Isidoro
and ambitious monarchs and clergymen – will breathe life into the many places that we visit, as we endeavour to gain a deeper insight into why so many people are drawn to this very special experience. Please note while we will endeavour to deliver the below itinerary in full, sites in Spain can close at short notice, and some details may need to be adjusted on the ground. We will stay in a series of comfortable, and often very historical, hotels. The Hotel
FITNESS / PRACTICALITIES: Journeys between towns and cities will be taken by private coach, with five separate hotel stays. We will enjoy several walking tours, taken at a relaxed pace and interspersed with visits and coffee breaks. Participants should be comfortable spending time on their feet and occasionally experiencing dimly lit interiors in some of the churches. Traditional Spanish restaurants usually serve dinner from 2000 or 2030, so participants should expect slightly later meal times than on other tours.
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Real Colegiata de San Isidoro in León is within an eleventh century monastic complex, and the Parador Hostal dos Reis
Católicos in Santiago de Compostela lays claim to being the oldest hotel in the world, dating back to 1499.
ITINERARY Day 1 Depart London Stansted 1355 on Ryanair, arriving Biarritz 1655. Transfer to Roncesvalles for two nights at Hotel Roncesvalles. Optional orientation walking tour of Roncesvalles (church and museum), followed by introduction and optional pilgrimage mass at Santa María de Orreaga. Day 2 Whole day excursion to Pamplona: walking tour, Navarre Museum, medieval city walls, interpretation centre, cathedral. Day 3 Santo Domingo de la Calzada (medieval streets, cathedral, museum) followed by the UNESCO-listed monasteries of San Millán Yuso and Suso. Continue to Burgos for two nights at Hotel Palacio de los Blasones. Day 4 Morning lecture followed by Burgos walking tour including Santa Maria Arch and cathedral. Afternoon: San Lesmes Abad (14th century Gothic church). Day 5 Morning: Santa María Real de las Huelgas (monastery). Transfer to León for two nights at the Hotel Real Colegiata de San Isidoro. Visits in León: Basilica of San Isidoro, cathedral and museum. Day 6 Morning lecture followed by whole day excursion to Astorga: Gaudí’s Episcopal Palace (pilgrim museum), Roman history, city walls, cathedral. Free evening. Day 7 Transfer to Villafranca del Bierzo via Ponferrada (Templar
Castle) for overnight at Parador de Turismo. Visits in Villafranca del Bierzo: Parador, churches, medieval bridge, castle (exterior). Day 8 Morning lecture followed by transfer to Lugo for visits to the cathedral and excellent Domus Mitreo exhibition. Continue to Santiago for two nights at the Parador Hostal dos Reis Católicos. Free evening. Day 9 Santiago: orientation walking tour of old quarter, including Church of Santa María Salome, Praza da Inmaculada, Monasterio de San Martino Pinario, cathedral and Collegiate Church of Santa María do Sar. Day 10 Depart Santiago 1310, arriving Stansted 1940. Cost of £2895 includes: return airfare, accommodation based on sharing a twin or double bedded room, breakfast, three lunches, seven dinners with wine, water & coffee, excursions & admissions, gratuities. Not included: travel insurance, single room supplement £365. TOUR CODE: CAMN20 BOOK NOW: 01223 841055 sales@aceculturaltours.co.uk
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China
R E G I O N A L C U LT U R E
Yuyuan Garden, Shanghai
CH I N E S E CIV IL ISATI O N APRIL 11–28, 2020
• Discover the history of over 5000 years of Chinese civilisation, exploring the
extraordinary traditional architecture, fine art, garden design, calligraphy and porcelain left by dynasties throughout the centuries Visit several of China’s ancient and modern capitals, including Xi’an, Luoyang, Hangzhou, Nanjing and Beijing Highlights will include the Great Wall, the Forbidden City and the Terracotta Army, as well as many lesser-known sites
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hile in English the term ‘civilisation’ denotes social organisation into cities, the Chinese term wen hua – which is usually translated as ‘civilisation’ – is strongly connected with the idea of a written culture. It is through the development of writing, and the pictograms which contain a wealth of layered meaning dating back thousands of years, that the world is understood. During our journey we will explore the early dynasties of China – once believed to be mythical. We will travel along the Yellow River Valley, often considered to be the cradle of Chinese civilisation, from Xi’an to Luoyang and Zhengzhou, all of
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This tour will be led by Elizabeth Morrell, BA, a sinologist and Chinese speaker who has been visiting China since 1976, when she studied modern Chinese literature at Fudan University in Shanghai. Elizabeth wrote one of the earliest guidebooks to China, published in 1984.
which enjoyed the status of capital city at different periods in Chinese history. From the early elaborate bronzes to the world of the modern Chinese artist, by way of architecture, sculpture, porcelain, garden design and the fast and furious martial arts of Shaolin monks, we will encounter the many facets of Chinese art and creativity.
Our tour will encompass traditional Chinese architecture with visits to the Qing dynasty Qiao Family Mansion (home to a fine collection of period furniture) and the walled city of Pingyao. Fine art in many forms will be represented in the rare Song dynasty sculptures at the Jinci Temple, the Tang Murals at the Shaanxi History Museum, and the painting and calligraphy collection at the Shanghai Museum, while
FITNESS / PRACTICALITIES: This tour has been designed to make the most of our stay in China and introduce travellers to the rich variety of sites and experiences at each of our stops. In line with this, travellers should be prepared for a considerable amount of walking, particularly as many of the historical sites are spread over extensive areas. There will be several early starts, and please note that certain sites can become crowded during busy periods.
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Longmen Grottoes, Luoyang
modern art is found at the 798 Art District in Beijing and the Zhejiang Art Museum in Hangzhou. Shanghai Museum and the Southern Song Dynasty Guan Kiln Museum at Hangzhou will introduce us to
beautiful porcelain, while elegant Chinese garden design awaits us in Suzhou, where the classical gardens are a UNESCO World Heritage site. Our journeys between cities will be
undertaken using the extensive high-speed rail network. We will stay throughout in comfortable modern hotels; please note hotel details may be subject to adjustment.
ITINERARY Day 1 Depart London Heathrow 1430 on British Airways. Day 2 Arrive Beijing 0930 and transfer to the Bamboo Garden Hotel for three nights. Lunch with a Beijing family. Afternoon: Hutong area, Drum Tower. Evening introductory lecture. Day 3 Whole day excursion to the Great Wall at Mutianyu (fully restored according to the Ming design), returning via 798 Art District. Free evening. Day 4 Whole day excursion to Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City (imperial palace from the Ming dynasty) and Summer Palace (huge complex of gardens and lakes making up the royal park). Day 5 By high-speed train to Taiyuan (capital of Shaanxi Province). Afternoon: Jinci Temple (Song dynasty sculptures), Qing dynasty Qiao Family Mansion. Two nights at Yun Jin Cheng Hotel, Pingyao. Day 6 Pingyao old town (one of the few remaining walled cities in China, a banking centre in the 19th and early 20th centuries). Free evening. Day 7 By high-speed train to Xi’an (ancient imperial capital and eastern terminus of the Silk Road). Afternoon: Shaanxi History Museum (Tang murals). Two nights at Titan Times Hotel. Day 8 Whole day excursion to view Terracotta Army site outside Xi’an. Return via Small Wild Goose Pagoda, and Drum and Bell Towers. Free evening.
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Day 9 By high-speed train to Luoyang. Afternoon: Longmen Buddhist Grottoes (UNESCO World Heritage site, comprising over 2300 caves and niches containing almost 110,000 stone carved Buddhas). Overnight stay at Hyatt Palace Hotel. Please note our stay here coincides with the Luoyang Peony Festival. Day 10 White Horse Temple (supposedly the first Buddhist temple in China) and Shaolin Temple (renowned for its martial arts). Continue for overnight stay at Crowne Plaza Hotel, Zhengzhou. Free evening. Day 11 By train to Nanjing on the Yangtze River. Afternoon: Sun Yat-Sen’s Mausoleum. Overnight stay at Holiday Inn. Free evening. Day 12 Nanjing for visits including Nanjing Museum, Confucius Temple and Zhonghua Gate (600 year-old city fortifications also known as the Gate of China). By train to Suzhou for two nights at Scholars Hotel. Free evening. Day 13 Visits in Suzhou: Garden of the Humble Administrator (maze of pools, islands and temples), boat ride on the canal, silk reeling factory. Free evening. Day 14 Transfer to Hangzhou on West Lake: tea plantation, Zhejiang Art Museum. Two nights at Lakeview Hotel.
Day 15 By train to Hangzhou: Temple of Soul’s Retreat, boat ride on West Lake (Three Pools Reflecting the Moon, Bai and Su Causeways, Pavilion for Listening to Orioles), Southern Song Dynasty Guan Kiln Museum. Free evening. Day 16 By train to Shanghai: Yuyuan Garden, Shanghai Museum. Two nights at Jinjiang Hotel. Free evening. Day 17 Morning: Bund and Pudong areas. Free afternoon in Shanghai before farewell dinner at the Floating Restaurant. Day 18 Depart Pudong 1055, arriving Heathrow 1600.
Cost of £4995 includes: return airfare, accommodation based on sharing a twin or double-bedded room, breakfast, fifteen lunches, seven dinners with soft drinks, beer or Chinese tea, excursions & admissions, gratuities. Not included: visa, travel insurance, single room supplement £870. TOUR CODE: CHIN20 BOOK NOW: 01223 841055 sales@aceculturaltours.co.uk
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China
Japan
R E G I O N A L C U LT U R E
Yakushi-ji Temple, Nara
JA PA N IN SPRINGTIME: A RT, T EM PL ES & GARD ENS MAY 17 – JUNE 2, 2020
• Be captivated by Kyoto’s Golden Pavilion, whose top floors shimmer with gold
leaf, and the Silver Pavilion, once the retirement villa of a 13th century shogun Absorb the enchanting atmosphere of mountain-based Takayama, a World Heritage site containing a beautifully preserved old town The historical city of Kanazawa welcomes us with its traditional samurai residences and enthralling museums
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ourney from Tokyo to Kyoto on this multi-layered tour, which looks behind the mask of contemporary Japan to uncover the nation’s artistic, religious and cultural heritage. We will sample local cuisine as we traverse the varied geography of the country, taking part in a traditional tea ceremony and spending a night in a typical ryokan in the historical city of Takayama, located in the ‘Japanese Alps’. In Tokyo, meanwhile, we will delve into fascinating museums such as the Tokyo National Museum with its collections of calligraphy, woodblock prints and decorative arts, and stroll through the tranquil surroundings of the Meiji Shrine,
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This tour will be led by Richard Farmer, BA, who read Religion at SOAS and has lived in Japan for the last ten years, where he works leading tours full-time. Richard’s principal area of interest is Japanese Buddhist art, particularly Edo period Zen ink painting, and the material and visual culture of the esoteric Shingon sect. He is also interested in the practice of Buddhist circulatory pilgrimage, is a keen collector of Japanese antiques, and has undertaken extended monastic training in the UK, Taiwan and Japan. dedicated to the Emperor Meiji and his consort. Our exploration of the country’s
FITNESS / PRACTICALITIES: Please note that a good level of fitness is required for this tour, as excursions will involve a substantial amount of walking. Participants must be prepared for uneven ground at historical sites. Our visit to Hikone Castle involves a steep climb to reach the castle, but those who prefer to opt out can spend time enjoying the gardens instead. We hope to enjoy temperate weather during this tour. religious heritage and its impact on art and architecture will continue in Kamakura, Japan’s first feudal capital. Here, we will visit the Tsurugaoka Hachimangū shrine, and see the Great Buddha, cast in bronze in 1252 and over 13 metres tall – one of the country’s most famous icons. During its imperial reign, Nara flourished, and today the ancient city’s monuments create a vivid picture of life in the 8th century. Here, we will visit the Hōryū-ji Temple, the oldest surviving
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Shirakawa-gō
temple in Japan. Kyoto, the imperial capital for over 1000 years, also has an unrivalled array of religious architecture including the imposing Nijō Castle. Whilst our tour is immersed in ancient culture, we will also take time to appreciate modern Japan, visiting the 21st century
Museum of Contemporary Art and the DT Suzuki Museum in Kanazawa. We will observe how traditional craft-making skills have survived through the centuries, with visits to workshops, including that of a renowned potter who makes distinctive rustic Shigaraki ware.
We will stay in Japanese and westernstyle hotels of a high level of quality and comfort. Some travel will be via Japan’s trains and public transport, one of the best-developed systems in the world. When travelling by train, our luggage will be forwarded separately.
ITINERARY Day 1 Depart London Heathrow 1530 on British Airways for overnight flight. Day 2 Arrive Tokyo Narita 1105 and transfer to central Tokyo for four nights at Asakusa View Hotel. Some free time and short walking tour of Asakusa. Day 3 Morning introductory lecture followed by visit to Tokyo National Museum (Japanese art and Gallery of Hōryū-ji Treasures). Afternoon walk through Ueno Park. Day 4 Whole day excursion to Kamakura: Engaku-ji, Great Buddha and Tsurugaoka Hachimangū Shrine. Free evening. Day 5 Morning: Meiji Shrine, Seitoku Memorial Picture Gallery (Meiji Emperor’s Memorial Museum). Afternoon: Ota Memorial Museum of Art. Free evening. Day 6 Transfer to Takayama (old town in mountainous countryside) by bullet train for overnight stay in Tanabe Ryokan (traditional inn with hot springs). Afternoon walking tour of Takayama including Jinya (Edo period). Day 7 Morning in Shirakawa-go (World Heritage site) including gassho-zukuri farmhouses and museum. Afternoon: transfer to Kanazawa for three nights at Daiwa Roynet Hotel. Evening lecture: Kanazawa – From the Maeda Clan to Modern Art.
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Day 8 Kanazawa: Kenroku-en Garden, Ishikawa Densankan (with opportunity to see lacquerware crafts), 21st century Museum of Contemporary Art. Day 9 Further visits in Kanazawa including old streets of samurai residences, DT Suzuki Museum (commemorating the Zen master) and Yasue Gold Leaf Museum. Free evening. Day 10 Transfer by train to Kyoto for four nights at Royal Park Hotel. Visits to Golden Pavilion and the Ryōan-ji Zen Rock Garden followed by traditional Japanese dinner at Ganko Takasegawa. Day 11 Morning lecture: Kyoto – The Heartland of Japanese Culture followed by traditional tea ceremony. Afternoon: Nijō Castle and garden (Tokugawa Shogun’s residence in Kyoto). Free evening. Day 12 Morning excursion to 17th century Hikone Castle by Lake Biwa. Afternoon in Shigaraki: potter’s kiln and studio. Day 13 Further visits in Kyoto including Tō-ji Temple (9th century sculptural mandala), Fushimi Inari Shrine (torii gates), Sanjūsangen-dō (1001 Kannon statues), Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion). Free evening.
Day 14 Transfer via Uji Byōdō-in (Phoenix Hall) to Nara, the capital of Japan from 710 to 794, for two nights at Hotel Nikko. Afternoon: Hōryū-ji Temple (c 670 AD) with important early Buddhist art treasures. Day 15 Morning lecture: Nara – The First Flourishing of Japanese Buddhism followed by visits to Kōfuku-ji Temple and Tōdai-ji Temple (Great Buddha). Some free time followed by free evening. Day 16 Transfer to Tokyo by bullet train for overnight stay at Shiba Park Hotel. Some free time. Day 17 Depart Tokyo Narita 1255, arriving Heathrow 1720. Cost of £6295 includes: return airfare, accommodation based on sharing a twin or double bedded room, breakfast, twelve lunches, nine dinners with water, excursions & admissions, gratuities. Not included: travel insurance, single room supplement £860. TOUR CODE: JAPS20 BOOK NOW: 01223 841055 sales@aceculturaltours.co.uk
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Japan
Port ugal
M A DE I RA: PEARL O F THE ATLANTI C JUNE 15–21, 2020
R E G I O N A L C U LT U R E
Curral das Freiras
• Explore the history and culture of Madeira from a base in Funchal, capital of the archipelago Visit Blandy’s garden at Quinta do Palheiro Ferreiro, with a variety of exotic flowers, oaks and chestnuts and different species of flora native to Madeira Discover Madeira’s local wines with a cellar tour and tasting
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Church of Our Lady of Monte
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E
ncircled by the Atlantic, crowned by the snow-capped Pico Ruivo and blessed with a mild sub-tropical climate, the Portuguese haven of Madeira lies some 350 miles off the coast of Africa. During our stay we will study the island’s colourful history, from its formal discovery and settlement by the Portuguese explorer João Gonçalves Zarco in 1419, through to the present day. At the Quinta das Cruzes, the former residence of Zarco and his descendants, we survey an impressive range of Madeiran antiques alongside an enviable display of orchids and intriguing collection of 17th and 18th century objets d’art. A visit to Church of Our Lady of Monte will allow us to pay our respects at the tomb of Charles I of Austria, the
This tour will be led by Martin Symington, BA, one of Britain’s most prolific travel journalists. Martin is a regular contributor to The Times and, having been born and brought up in Porto, is the author of the Dorling Kindersley guidebook to Portugal and the AA Essential Guide to Portugal.
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Port ugal
Monte Palace Tropical Garden
last Habsburg emperor, who died in impoverished exile on the island. Madeira’s mild climate means that bananas, avocados and mangoes grow in profusion and the island’s steep terraces, lonely groves and tropical gardens are bedecked with exotic flowers, sugar cane and vines. The island also boasts an impressive network of levadas – irrigation channels – that date back to the pioneering agricultural developments initiated in the 15th century. Sercial, verdelho, bual and malmsey – from driest to sweetest, our tour will familiarise participants with the entire range of Madeira’s local wines. Blandy’s Wine Lodge has been at the forefront of
FITNESS / PRACTICALITIES: This is one of ACE’s more strenuous tours, and will involve significant amount of walking, including over uneven ground and through steep gardens. Therefore it is important that participants have a good level of fitness.
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the island’s famous export for over 200 years and we will learn about its history and evolution during a tour of the cellars, followed by a tasting session.
We stay in Funchal, capital of the archipelago, at the five-star Vidamar Resort. This contemporary hotel enjoys sea views and is surrounded by tropical gardens.
ITINERARY Day 1 Depart London Gatwick 1235 on British Airways, arriving Funchal 1625. Transfer to Vidamar Resort for six nights. Welcome and introduction.
Day 5 Morning: Quinta das Cruzes (manor with museum, fine gardens, orchid house), House-Museum of Frederico de Freitas and Sugar Museum. Free afternoon followed by evening talk.
Day 2 Morning: Funchal market, Fortaleza de São Tiago (17th century fort housing contemporary art museum), São João Evangelist Church and São Pedro Church. Afternoon: Palácio de São Lourenço (state residence), Colégio Church and Blandy’s Wine Lodge (guided tour and tasting).
Day 6 Morning: Quinta do Palheiro Ferreiro (Blandy family gardens with oaks and chestnuts alongside semi-tropical plants). Afternoon: views over Curral das Freiras (panoramic mountain village).
Day 3 Morning excursion to Monte: Church of Nossa Senhora do Monte (burial place of last emperor of Austria), Monte Palace Tropical Garden (7 hectares of tropical gardens including orchids, proteas, ferns). Some free time. Evening talk.
Cost of £1895 includes: return airfare, accommodation based on sharing a twin or double bedded room, breakfast, one lunch, dinner with wine, water & coffee, excursions & admissions, gratuities. Not included: travel insurance, double room for single use supplement £240. TOUR CODE: MADA20
Day 4 Over Encumeada Pass (3000 feet) to São Vicente (one of Madeira’s prettiest villages) and Porto Moniz (natural rock pools). Afternoon: over Paul da Serra (high plateau) to Calheta for Centro das Artes Casa das Mudas (gallery housed in striking modern museum).
Day 7 Depart Funchal 1210, arriving Gatwick 1545.
BOOK NOW: 01223 841055 sales@aceculturaltours.co.uk
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Kazakhstan
R E G I O N A L C U LT U R E
Almaty
KA Z A KHS TAN: FRO M THE SI LK ROAD TO S I R NORM AN FO STER JUNE 1–15, 2020
• Trace the span of Kazakhstan’s history from Bronze Age carvings to futuristic city
landmarks Explore Silk Road connections at the UNESCO site of Turkistan, home to a famous Timurid Imperial mausoleum Discover Kazakhstan’s remarkable landscape and geology, including the aweinspiring ‘Valley of the Castles’ at Charyn Canyon
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vast country harbouring immense cultural wealth, Kazakhstan is a land of crystal lakes and soaring mountains, ancient Silk Road monuments and 20th century cathedrals. To visit is to experience a staggeringly rich geological landscape, some of the most stunning scenery in the world, and a historical and cultural heritage that stretches from the Bronze Age petroglyphs at Tamgaly, through the Timurid mausoleum at Turkistan, to Sir Norman Foster’s futuristic creations in Astana. Our tour makes the most of these cultural and historical layers, balancing city-based visits with excursions into the countryside to discover ancient archaeological sites and places of stunning natural beauty. We will begin in Kazakhstan’s historical
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Tour Director Steve Mastin, MA, PGCE, FHA, studied history and classics before working as a schoolteacher for 17 years. A fellow of the Historical Association, Steve is a regular speaker at history conferences both in the UK and overseas. He has travelled widely, and spent seven years living and working in Kazakhstan. Steve will lead us through three key stages of Kazakhstan’s evolution: its ancient history, its more recent Soviet-era past, and its vision for the future – mirroring our journey from Almaty and Shymkent to the modern capital. former capital of Almaty, its name famously meaning ‘father of apples’; indeed the domestic apple’s wild ancestor, ‘Malus sieversii’, continues to grow on the slopes of the nearby Tien Shan mountains. After familiarising ourselves with aspects
of Kazakhstan’s history and geology, including its religious culture, we will make an excursion to one of its most magnificent and remote sites: often considered as impressive as the Grand Canyon, Charyn Canyon’s array of rare and characterful formations is a testament to millennia of wind and water erosion. Following further explorations within Almaty – including a visit to the Green Bazaar, overflowing with diverse produce from across Asia – we will make a further ACCOMMODATION AT CHARYN CANYON Our visit to Charyn Canyon has been designed to make the most of this stunning natural site, allowing our explorations there to be taken at a relaxed pace. Overnight accommodation will be very simple, within the canyon itself, in a series of shared bungalows with shared but modern facilities. There is also a restaurant on site. We recommend you speak to a member of our Sales team for more information about this property ahead of booking.
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Kazakhstan
excursion to one of the country’s five UNESCO World Heritage sites, the archaeological landscape of Tamgaly. This remarkable place is home to 5000 ancient rock carvings (or petroglyphs), the majority dating from the Bronze Age. Leaving Almaty behind, we will fly to the southern city of Shymkent, originally founded as a caravanserai connected with a nearby Silk Road settlement. From here we will discover Kazakhstan’s trading heritage with a visit to Turkistan, home to the 14th century mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the best preserved monuments from the Timurid Empire. Our final journey will transport us forward in time to Kazakhstan’s strikingly modern capital of Astana, site of several astonishing buildings by Sir Norman Foster, including his pyramid-shaped Palace of Peace and Reconciliation. As in Almaty, we will seek to understand the religious history and culture of Kazakhstan with visits to
Charyn Canyon the city’s cathedral and mosque, while also tracing its extensive history at the brand new National Museum, which houses exhibits ranging from ancient ornaments (including the armour belonging to Kazakhstan’s mysterious ‘golden man’) to artwork and ethnographic artefacts. The country’s recent history as part of the
Soviet Union will also be explored through a visit to ALZHIR Memorial Museum, formerly a labour camp for women and children whose lives are both documented and commemorated at the site. Please note that while we will endeavour to deliver the below itinerary in full, some elements may be subject to confirmation.
ITINERARY Day 1 Depart London Heathrow 1805 via Astana. Day 2 Arrive Alamty 0840. Transfer to Mercure Hotel Almaty City Centre, for two nights. Free time followed by afternoon orientation walking tour (including Gogol Street, site of Trotsky’s exile by Stalin). Welcome and introduction. Day 3 Morning lecture: The History of Kazakhstan. Visits in Almaty (Kazakhstan’s former capital): Ascension Cathedral, WWII Memorial, Museum of Musical Instruments (exterior), Geological Museum and Central Mosque. Day 4 Two day excursion from Almaty: Charyn Canyon National Park via Issyk Museum (site of the discovery of the ‘Golden Man’, whose remains are now displayed in Astana), town and lake. Overnight in Charyn Canyon. Day 5 Morning talk: The Geology and Landscape of Kazakhstan. Free time to explore the canyon. Return to the Mercure Hotel Almaty City Centre, Almaty, for three nights. Day 6 Morning lecture: Apples & Tulips are from Kazakhstan. Further visits in Almaty: Green Bazaar, Museum of Arts and Republic Square.
Day 7 Whole day excursion to UNESCO site of Tamgaly, archaeological landscape in the Chu-Ili Mountains, site of 5000 Bronze Age petroglyphs. Day 8 Morning visit to the Apple Monument. Transfer by air to Shymkent and continue to the Rixos Hotel, Shymkent, for overnight. Day 9 Transfer to UNESCO World Heritage site of Turkistan, via Otrar archaeological site (ancient Silk Road city, now in ruins) and Arystan Bab Mausoleum. Overnight at Hotel Khanaka, Turkistan. Day 10 Morning visit to the Silk Road site of Sauran (one of the biggest desert fortresses in the world). Afternoon exploring the UNESCO site of Turkistan, including the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, erected by Timur. Return to Shymkent for overnight at Rixos Hotel. Day 11 Transfer by air to Astana and continue to Hilton Garden Inn for four nights. Cruise through central Astana (Kazakhstan’s modern capital, now known as Nur-Sultan in honour of its former president) followed by walking tour of the old city. Evening lecture: Kazakhstan in the Soviet Era. Day 12 Cultural visits in Astana including National Museum of Kazakhstan (extensive new museum complex with spaces dedicated to history, ethnography, art and more), Independence
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Square, Hazrat Sultan Mosque and Palace of Peace & Reconciliation (famous pyramid shape, designed by Sir Norman Foster). Day 13 Morning visits in Astana: Bayterek Tower (incredible views over Astana), opera house (exterior), Ethno-Memorial complex and park. Afternoon excursion to ALZHIR Memorial Museum. Day 14 Morning: Expo 2017 and Silk Way Mall. Afternoon: Nazarbayev Centre and Assumption Cathedral. Evening lecture: The Modern Age of Kazakhstan. Day 15 Morning visit to Khan Shatyr, the enormous entertainment centre designed by Sir Norman Foster. Depart Astana 1440 via Moscow, arriving Heathrow 1645. Cost of £3545 includes: return airfare, accommodation based on sharing a twin or double bedded room, breakfast, ten lunches (three packed), thirteen dinners with water & tea, excursions & admissions, gratuities. Not included: travel insurance, double room for single use supplement £365. TOUR CODE: KAZA20 BOOK NOW: 01223 841055 sales@aceculturaltours.co.uk
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FITNESS / PRACTICALITIES: Please note this tour will involve a significant amount of walking, frequently over uneven ground, particularly at Tamgaly and Charyn Canyon. Many of Kazakhstan’s most important sites are spread out from one another and participants should expect some long overland journeys by coach in addition to two internal flights. Some visits will involve heights, including the Bayterek Tower in Astana.
Spain
M A L LORC A OCTOBER 2020
Coastline over the Tramuntana Mountains
R E G I O N A L C U LT U R E
• Explore the bewitching architecture, gardens, landscape and culture of this
Mediterranean island during a quieter time of the year Soak up the idyllic surroundings of Deia, the village where Robert Graves once lived, overlooking a sun-drenched sea Venture north to explore the monastery at Lluc before calling at the island’s Roman capital, Pollença
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allorca is renowned for its scenic beauty, from its sheltered coves, pristine sands and calm turquoise seas to the Serra da Tramuntana (the Tramuntana Mountains), with their sunlit peaks and terraced hillsides, dotted with orange groves and almond orchards, walled villas guarded by sentinel cypress trees and lovingly tended gardens, churches and monasteries. We will explore Mallorca’s cultural and scenic highlights from our base in the capital, Palma, rightly dubbed ‘mini Barcelona’ for its maze of medieval streets, its Gothic churches and palaces, its oldfashioned markets, shops and cafes, and its fanciful Modernista (Art Nouveau) buildings. Having visited the cathedral and the capital’s major museums, churches and palaces, we will visit Valldemossa, the monastery where Chopin wrote some of his most memorable music in 1838/9, and George Sand, his travelling companion, wrote her memoir, A Winter in Mallorca. For many years Deia was the home of poet and author Robert Graves, and we will visit
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This tour will be led by Christopher Catling, MA, FSA, MCIFA, an archaeologist who has worked on sites in Portugal and in the Portuguese African islands of Cape Verde. He is currently based in Aberystwyth as Secretary of The Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales. Christopher is a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries and co-editor of the Antiquaries Journal. He writes for Current Archaeology and is the author of more than fifty books, including the bestselling DK Eyewitness guides to Florence and Tuscany, Venice and the Veneto, Amsterdam and Madeira.
his home, now a museum dedicated to the writer’s life and times, and his modest grave in the cemetery alongside the town’s hilltop church. Enjoying the picturesque limestone scenery of the Tramuntana Mountains, now a World Heritage Cultural Landscape, valued for its wildlife and its steep hillside terraces supported by carefully laid
drystone walls, we will see how water is harboured and used to create lushness amongst the rocks in the Arabic gardens at Bunyola. We will visit Soller, with its lively market, botanical gardens specialising in plants native to the island and Modernista house museum. At the northern end of the mountain range, we will visit the monastery at Lluc before calling at the island’s Roman capital, Pollença, with its extensive theatre and forum ruins and archaeological museum. Our exploration of the island’s central plain and eastern parts of the island will include visits to a richly planted rose garden and sculpture park, the dramatic limestone caves of the Coves d’Arta and the Bodega Biniagual Vineyard and Winery. A final night in the capital provides the opportunity to buy Mallorcan cheeses, olives, nuts and dried fruits as a souvenir of a visit that is best summed up by the words ‘majestic landscapes, stunning scenery, memorable sights and great cultural variety’.
Full details of this tour, including the itinerary and cost, will be released in the autumn of 2019. Please contact the ACE office now to register your interest. TOUR CODE: MALL20 BOOK NOW: 01223 841055 sales@aceculturaltours.co.uk
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France
T H E A RIÈGE JUNE 22–28, 2020
• Explore the Paleolithic cave art
of the Ariège region of France, its development and meaning Visit the impressive galleries at the Grotte de Niaux, its walls covered with highly detailed paintings of animals, including bison, horses, ibex and deer Explore the fortified medieval city of Carcassonne, with its views towards the Pyrenees and Black Mountains
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ith its Mediterranean climate, spectacular scenery, and rich history reaching back millennia, the Languedoc remains one of the most captivating regions in Europe. The high ridges, deep river canyons and rocky plateaux are honeycombed with large caves and caverns, many of which are richly decorated with prehistoric art. In the Grotte de Niaux, one of the few decorated caves whose original art is still open to the public, over 100 wall paintings evoke the wildlife of the Magdalenian period, sheltering depictions of deer, fish and other animals. The Grotte du Mas d’Azil was dug out by the Arize River in the Plantaurel Mountains, and contains fascinating reminders of Magdalenian Era. We will also This tour will be led by Juliet Heslewood, MA, and Moira Tait, MA, FRAS. Juliet is an author and art historian who lived in France for over 30 years. She gained her MA in English Literature at Toulouse University. Moira studied archaeology in London focusing on the prehistory of Europe, with a particular interest in cave art. She has led tours for many years in France and Southeast Asia.
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visit the Parc de la Prehistoire, containing excellent reconstructions of Niaux’s famous ‘salon noir’ galleries as well as part of the Marsoulas Cave. During the 13th century the region’s Cathars (contemporaneously known as Albigensians), with their dualist beliefs and extreme practices, were seen as a grave threat to the medieval church. Cruelly suppressed during a 20 year military campaign that was part religious crusade, part political land-grab, they fled to the mountaintops in a bid for safety. One such stronghold was the spectacular UNESCO World Heritage site of Carcassonne. The city’s massive fortifications, built on walls from late antiquity, dominate the surrounding landscape and shelter the exceptional medieval city within. The castle of Montségur was one of the final Cathar refuges, owned by a nobleman sympathetic to the plight of the persecuted. Today, at the foot of the dramatic mountaintop site, a simple monument
bears testimony to the castle’s fall in 1244, when over 200 Cathars were burned for their continuing faith. We will visit the illuminating museum at Montségur, tracing the history of Catharism and exploring the region’s archaeological remains. We stay throughout at Le Manoir d’Agnès, a beautifully restored traditional manor house in Tarascon-sur-Ariège. Please note that while we will endeavour to deliver the below itinerary in full, some elements may be subject to confirmation.
FITNESS / PRACTICALITIES: This tour has a more strenuous itinerary; a good level of fitness is essential and participants should be comfortable walking over rugged terrain. The Niaux cave visit will entail walks of up to 3km in dark conditions with flashlights, on uneven and sometimes slippery surfaces.
ITINERARY Day 1 Depart London Heathrow 0735 on British Airways, arriving Toulouse 1025. Transfer via the bastide town of Mirepoix (walking tour) and Vals (fortified Romanesque church) to Le Manoir d’Agnès, Tarascon-sur-Ariège, for six nights. Day 2 Morning lecture: Paleolithic / Cave Art followed by visit to Le Parc de la Préhistoire (cave art reconstructions, exhibits on Magdalenian life). Afternoon: Grotte du Mas-d’Azil (huge natural cave, museum) and Museum of Prehistory. Day 3 Excursion to St-Bertrand-de-Comminges (cathedral) via Saint Just-de-Valcabrère (Romanesque). Afternoon: Gargas Caves (hand stencils and figurative engravings). Day 4 Whole day exploring caves of the region including the Grotte de Niaux (extraordinary Palaeolithic cave paintings) – visit details subject to confirmation. Day 5 Morning lecture: The Cathars followed by Chateau de Puivert (links to the Cathars). Afternoon: Montségur (view of castle, memorial and village museum).
Day 6 Excursion to fortified city of Carcassonne (tour of town and citadel) and Abbaye de St Hilaire. Day 7 Depart Toulouse 1050, arriving Heathrow 1150.
Cost of £2195 includes: return airfare, accommodation based on sharing a twin or double bedded room, breakfast, one lunch, dinner with wine, water & coffee, excursions & admissions, gratuities. Not included: travel insurance, double room for single use supplement £355. TOUR CODE: ARIE20 BOOK NOW: 01223 841055 sales@aceculturaltours.co.uk
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Carcasonne
India
OD I S H A
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© Image: Sanjeetkunu License: CC BY-SA 4.0
NOVEMBER 21 – DECEMBER 5, 2020
Mukteshvara Temple, Bhubaneswar
• Explore the tribal heritage of the Indian state of Odisha • Discover craft villages including Dandasahi, to see Pattachitra painting, and the weaving village of Nuapatna Watch the sunset rituals performed by the monks at the Joranda monastery
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ne of India’s most distinctive regions, Odisha (Orissa) stretches along the Bay of Bengal and the flanking hill country. Enriched by ambitious medieval kings but then neglected by both Mogul and British conquerors, it remains a byword for traditional oratory and poetry, dance, crafts, rites and religious architecture. Less widely appreciated is that much of this heritage draws on tribal roots of the deepest antiquity. The state capital, Bhubaneswar, is both a proud Modernist monument to India’s independence, and Odisha’s ancient ‘Temple City’, with scores of shrines and
This tour will be led by Annie Owen, BA, a photographer, illustrator and printmaker with a passion for the Indian subcontinent where she has travelled regularly and extensively, and where she has led many tours. Annie is a trustee of the Kariandusi School Trust, a small but active charity which builds primary schools in rural Kenya.
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sacred ponds, from the towering Lingaraja sanctum to the Muktesvara Temple, known as the ‘gem of Odisha architecture’. Puri is a busy coastal town with the large, soaring medieval temple of Lord Jagannath at its centre, drawing pilgrims and devotees from all parts of India as one
FITNESS / PRACTICALITIES: This tour will include some long journeys and visits that involve walking over rough, steep and uneven terrain. Participiants must have a good level of fitness. of the subcontinent’s four axial shrines. Once a year, the god is hauled along the town’s grand processional way in a mighty ‘juggernaut’. Further up the coast we reach Konark’s unparalleled Sun Temple, now
Konark Sun Temple
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Typical Pattachitra painting
a UNESCO World Heritage site, where the poet Rabindranath Tagore found that the sculpture and “the language of stone surpasses the language of man”. Further afield we explore ancient Jain rock carvings, find the remains of long-lost Buddhist universities and visit villages in
shady tranquillity amidst fertile fields and coconut groves. The villagers preserve the region’s tradition in weaving, metalwork and cuisine. Some of them are still steeped unconsciously in tribal custom and traditional agricultural methods. We end our tour with a visit to the fringes of
Chilika Lake, a beautiful, tranquil haven for countless migratory birds. We will stay in comfortable hotels in Bhubaneswar, Puri and Dhenkanal. Please note some details may be subject to confirmation nearer to departure.
ITINERARY Day 1 Depart London Heathrow 0845 on Air India via Delhi. Arrive Delhi 2225 and check into Hotel Ibis for overnight stay. Day 2 Depart Delhi 1105, arriving Bhubaneswar 1305. Transfer to Mayfair Lagoon Hotel, Bhubaneswar for three nights. Introductory talk: The World of Orissa. Day 3 Excursion to Chandaka Elephant Sanctuary followed by visit to the early rock-cut Jain monastic cell of Udayagiri (created during the reign of King Kharavela) and Kala Bhoomi Crafts Museum. Day 4 Morning: Lingaraja Temple (shrine dedicated to Lord Lingaraja, also known as Shiva), the 10th century Muktesvara Temple, and the 11th century Rajarani temple. Afternoon: optional visit to Sisupalgarh (ramparts and columns of eastern Odisha’s first known capital). Day 5 Transfer to Puri via Pipili (appliqué handicrafts for temple rites). Rickshaw tour of Puri including 12th century Jagannath temple (major Hindu pilgrimage site). Transfer to Mayfair Waves Hotel, Puri for three nights. Day 6 Excursion to Konark for Sun Temple (ruined 13th century Hindu sanctuary) followed by late afternoon drive deep into countryside.
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Day 7 Visit to Dandasahi village for visit to the house of master Pattachitra painter to see Pattachitra processes. Continue to view Gotipua dancers complete their make-up, then watch Gotipua dance performance in idyllic coconut grove setting.
Day 13 Transfer to Bhubaneswar for overnight at Trident Hotel via tribal village making Dhokra (brassware). Late afternoon excursion to Tangi village and dusk at Chilika Lake (boat trip with possibility of seeing wildfowl).
Day 8 Return to Bhubaneswar for visit to Odisha State Museum, followed by visit to Tribal Research Institute Museum. Transfer to Mayfair Lagoon Hotel, Bhubaneswar for two nights. Evening lecture by special guest speaker.
Day 14 Visit to tantric temple at Hirapur, peace monument and Emperor Ashoka’s Kalinga War memorial at Dhauli. Depart Bhubaneswar 2120, via Delhi.
Day 9 Excursion to Prachi Valley: Chaurasi (medieval temple and sculpture) and Madhava (temple). Picnic lunch at Kenduli Sasan (thought to be the birthplace of the 12th century poet Jayadeva and site of his pastoral epic Gita Govinda). Day 10 Transfer to Dhenkanal via Nuapatna weaving village. Transfer to Dhenkanal Palace homestay for three nights. Late afternoon drive to Joranda monastery to watch sunset rituals performed by the monks. Day 11 Visit to the ruins of the ancient Buddhist monasteries of Ratnagiri and Lalitgiri. Day 12 Excursion to Kapilash (medieval Hindu shrine) followed by rural village walk through Santals and Saoras villages. Free afternoon with optional drive to palace farm.
Day 15 Depart Delhi 0215, arriving Heathrow 0630.
Cost of £4295 includes: return airfare, accommodation based on sharing a twin or double bedded room, breakfast, seven lunches (one packed), twelve dinners with water & coffee, excursions & admissions, gratuities. Not included: visa, travel insurance, single room supplement £885. TOUR CODE: ODIS20 BOOK NOW: 01223 841055 sales@aceculturaltours.co.uk
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© Image by Mike Prince. License CC BY-SA 2.0
India
Japan
R E G I O N A L C U LT U R E
Nijo-jo Castle
W E S T JAPAN & TH E INLAND SEA: A RT & PIL GRIMA GE NOVEMBER 1–14, 2020
• Visit the UNESCO-designated Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajama Island, admiring
its floating gate and the hundreds of wild deer that roam the area Journey to the tiny Chikubishima Island in the middle of Japan’s largest freshwater lake, one of the three main sites in Japan where Benzaiten, goddess of knowledge, is worshipped Cross the Inland Sea to Naoshima, the internationally famous ‘art island’
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his brand new tour will focus on art in Japan from pre-modern to contemporary times, particularly in relation to the country’s religious landscape. Visits to castles, hot spring towns, strolling gardens and the pottery village of Imbe will provide insights into the history and culture of this fascinating and beautiful region of coastal Japan. Stopping at Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines, we will explore the combinatory practice and material culture of these two religious traditions, the effects of which can be seen in the present day. These are typified by the Zen-inspired architectural style of Tadao Ando on the
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art island of Naoshima, and the Buddhistinfluenced works of contemporary artist Koji Kinutani. Our tour begins in Kyoto, where we will explore Myoshin-ji Temple, founded as a palace for Emperor Hanazono and the headquarters of the largest sect of Rinzai Zen in Japan, as well as Horin-ji, a serene and little-known temple dedicated to Bodhidharma, the founder of Zen Buddhism. Mii-dera is the head temple of the Jimon sect of Tendai Buddhism. One of the four largest temple complexes in Japan, its main hall is a designated National Treasure and former stronghold of the sohei ‘warrior monks’.
This tour will be led by Richard Farmer, BA, who read Religion at SOAS and has lived in Japan for the last ten years, where he works leading tours full-time. Richard’s principal area of interest is Japanese Buddhist art, particularly Edo period Zen ink painting, and the material and visual culture of the esoteric Shingon sect. He is also interested in the practice of Buddhist circulatory pilgrimage, is a keen collector of Japanese antiques, and has undertaken extended monastic training in the UK, Taiwan and Japan.
We will journey by bullet train and coach to Shinsho-ji, a Zen monastic complex in forested environs combining seventeenth century temple buildings with modern architecture and Kohtei, a contemporary art installation. Within the grounds can be found an art museum housing one of Japan’s largest collections of works by Hakuin Ekaku, one of the most prolific Edo period Zen ink-painting artists. We will also have the opportunity to experience instruction in zazen meditation and have a lunch of udon noodles in a monastic setting.
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Japan
FITNESS / PRACTICALITIES: This tour will require a good level of fitness, as it includes a substantial amount of walking. A number of sites in our itinerary involve navigating series of steps as the only means of access, however these will be climbed at a relaxed pace. We will travel by private coach and public transport, including bullet trains and ferries. Please note that the keep of Matsuyama Castle is accessed via a ski-style chairlift.
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Ritsurin Garden
ITINERARY Day 1 Depart London Heathrow 1330 on British Airways. Day 2 Arrive Kansai International 1000 and transfer by coach to Kyoto for three nights. Free time followed by introductory lecture: Kyoto – The Heartland of Japanese Culture. Day 3 Morning: Myoshin-ji Temple (Taizo-in subtemple with 20th century pond garden) and Horin-ji (Daruma-dera). Afternoon: Nijojo (UNESCO World Heritage site and palatial Kyoto residence of the Tokugawa shoguns during the Edo period). Day 4 Excursion by coach and boat to Chikubushima on Lake Biwa. Continue to Otsu city via Umikido ‘floating’ temple hall at Mangetsu-ji (time permitting). Afternoon: Mii-dera (head temple of the Jimon sect of Tendai Buddhism) and Otsu-e no Mise (the only shop still producing Otsu-e, a simple style of Edo period folk art featuring comical demons). Evening lecture: Japanese Buddhist Art – From A to Zen followed by free evening. Day 5 By bullet train to Fukuyama and coach to Shinsho-ji (temple buildings and art museum – visit subject to confirmation). Afternoon: continue by coach to Hiroshima for two nights. Evening visit to Okonomi-mura to taste Hiroshima’s most famous dish, Okonomivaki. Day 6 Morning excursion by train and ferry to Miyajima (sacred island off the coast of Hiroshima) for visits to Itsukushima Shrine and Daisho-in Temple and some free time. Afternoon: Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Peace Memorial Museum. Free evening. Day 7 By coach and superjet ferry to Matsuyama for Dogo Onsen (opportunity to experience one of the oldest hot springs in Japan housed in a Meiji Period building – please note there are some restoration works ongoing but baths will still be accessible). Afternoon: Matsuyama Castle (one of only 12 castles in Japan remaining from the Edo period). Evening lecture: Going Around – The History & Practice of Pilgrimage in Japan. Overnight in Matsuyama. Day 8 Morning: Zentsu-ji (one of the most important temples on the Shikoku 88-temple pilgrimage route). Continue to Kotohira (pilgrimage town) for afternoon visit to Kanamaruza (backstage tour of the kabuki theatre) followed by optional ascent of Konpirasan (785 steps to the Kotohira-gu shrine complex enshrining the Shinto god of seafaring – a fascinating example of the pre-modern combinatory practice of Shinto and Buddhism). Continue to Takamatsu for three nights.
Day 9 Visits in Takamatsu: Ritsurin-koen (famous historical strolling gardens with tea-houses in the grounds), Yashima (site of a famous battle between the Minamoto and Taira clans in the 12th century), Yashima-ji (one of the 88 Shikoku pilgrimage temples). Afternoon: Shikoku-Mura (open air museum with traditional buildings). Day 10 Whole day excursion by coach and ferry to Naoshima for visits to Benesse House Museum (contemporary art) and Chichu Museum (Monet, Walter De Maria and James Turrell) and Art House Project properties (contemporary art installations – time permitting). Free evening. Day 11 Kurashiki: ‘Bikan’ historical quarter, Ohara Museum (Japan’s first museum of Western art featuring works by Picasso, Gauguin, Rodin and Kandinsky) and some free time. Afternoon: Korakuen (regarded as one of Japan’s three best landscape gardens). Two nights in Okayama. Day 12 Excursion by train to Imbe (Bizen Pottery Museum and visit to kiln), Amatsu Shrine. Day 13 Morning: Himeji Castle (widely regarded as the finest castle in Japan, said to resemble a white egret in flight) with opportunity to visit the adjacent Koko-en (nine small interconnected gardens of different styles, built in the late 20th century). Afternoon: Koji Kinutani Tenku Art Museum (opened in 2016, showcasing mix of Western and Japanese influences on contemporary Kansai region artist Kinutani Koji). Overnight in Osaka. Day 14 Transfer to Kansai International for 1130 departure, arriving Heathrow 1500. Cost of £5795 includes: return airfare, accommodation based on sharing a twin or double bedded room, breakfast, nine lunches, nine dinners with water & coffee, excursions & admissions, gratuities. Not included: travel insurance, single room supplement £745. TOUR CODE: WJIS20 BOOK NOW: 01223 841055 sales@aceculturaltours.co.uk
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We will explore more recent history with a visit to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, marking the hypocentre of the atomic bomb of 1945, viewing memorials and the museum. From Hiroshima we will explore the sacred island of Miyajima, visiting the Itsukushima Shrine and the ‘floating’ gate, one of the ‘three great views of Japan’ surrounded by roaming deer, as well as the Daisho-in Temple, dedicated to a plethora of esoteric deities. Through visits to Konpira-san, a shrine dedicated to the god of seafaring, and Zenstu-ji, birthplace of Kukai – the founder of the esoteric Shingon school of Buddhism – we will learn more about the practice of pilgrimage in Japan from the Edo period to the present day. Our tour continues to Takamatsu, home to Ritsurin-koen, one of the most famous historical strolling gardens in Japan, with tea-houses scattered around the grounds. We will also explore Kanamaruza, one of the oldest surviving kabuki theatres in Japan, enjoying a backstage tour to find out more about this classical Japanese dancedrama. A day excursion to Naoshima, the ‘art island’, will include visits to the world famous Benesse House Museum, featuring contemporary art by Japanese and international artists, and the subterranean Chichu Museum, housing works by Monet, Walter De Maria and James Turrell. Architect Tadao Ando designed both museums. Further highlights of our tour will include a visit to Kurashiki, with its historical ‘Bikan’ quarter containing beautifully preserved Edo period buildings surrounding the willow-lined canal, and to Imbe, the locus of Bizen-ware pottery and one of the ‘six ancient kilns of Japan’. Here, we will see traditional and contemporary examples of local ash-glazed ceramics, and visit one of the area’s kilns to learn about the production of Bizen-ware. While we will endeavour to deliver the below itinerary in full, some details may be subject to confirmation. Please note that participants’ luggage will be forwarded separately on some occasions.
India
R E G I O N A L C U LT U R E
© Image: Bikashrd License: CC BY-SA 4.0
Basilica of Bom Jesus
GOA : PORT UGUESE HERI TA GE, LA N D S C APE & W I LD LIFE NOVEMBER 8–23, 2020
• Journey from south to north Goa, exploring history, culture and wildlife • Discover Portuguese architecture, including mansions dating from the 17th and
18th centuries Make an excursion to the far-flung Dudhsagar Waterfalls, and spend a morning at the spectacular bird sanctuary on Chorão Island in the Mondovi River estuary
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ven the omnivorous Victorian explorer Richard F Burton, who had seen some astonishing sights in his time, was dazzled by Goa. “Most beautiful was the hazy tone of colour all around,” he enthused on an 1851 visit from neighbouring British-ruled India, before going on to describe “huge masses of masonry – some standing out from the cloudless sky, others lining the edge of the creek – ruins of very picturesque form”. Today, Goa is well known for its superb coastline, and on this tour we will enjoy the fabulous sands, sunshine and seafood the state has to offer. Our main theme, however, will be the Portuguese heritage of this small piece of the Indian subcontinent, which in Burton’s time had been governed from Lisbon for three centuries.
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Based first on a little-developed stretch of the Arabian seaside in south Goa, we will set off to discover what lies beyond the famed beaches of India’s smallest state, with visits to imperious mansions and brilliant white churches from the colonial era. Old Goa, the former capital of Portuguese India, was known at its zenith as the ‘Rome of the East’, and rivalled European capitals in scale, splendour and wealth. Deadly plague in the early 19th century forced its complete abandonment, and a new capital, Panjim, eventually replaced it. In Old Goa, we will explore soaring bell towers and triumphalist arches; and at the Basilica of Bom Jesus we will pay our respects at the shrine to St Francis Xavier, the so-called ‘Apostle of the Indies’. At
This tour will be led by Martin Symington, BA, one of Britain’s most prolific travel journalists and former Travel Writer of the Year, who has an abiding passion for India to which he has travelled numerous times. Martin’s career has taken him to over 100 countries on assignments for national newspapers and travel magazines, including Goa. Brought up in Oporto, Martin is author of the Dorling Kindersley guidebook to Portugal and the AA Essential Guide to Portugal, and will be ideally placed to introduce participants to Goa’s Portuguese heritage. Martin will be accompanied throughout the tour by a specialist local guide.
contrasting Panjim, an extraordinary amalgam of Iberia and India awaits us: languid lanes of cottages with shuttered windows; sun-bleached churches and yellow auto-rickshaws; riverfront cafes with Ganesh, the elephant-headed Hindu god sitting trunk-by-jowl with the Virgin Mary. The second theme of our tour will be Goa’s remote and little-known wildlife. We will journey up to the Chorla Ghat Hills for two nights at an exquisite forest resort,
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India FITNESS / PRACTICALITIES: The visits on this tour will be taken at a relaxed pace and our itinerary includes free time for participants to relax and enjoy their surroundings, in line with the way of life Goa has to offer. However, this tour does require a good level of fitness and will involve moderate levels of walking. The visit to the Dudhsagar Waterfalls will involve a 45 minute cross-country offroad drive followed by a 20 minute trek to the waterfalls, and the visit to the Spice Plantation will involve walking over a large area but with regular stops. At Wildernest Nature Resort, participants will be able to partake in optional nature walks and birding tours of varying levels of strenuousness. Viewing the sunset from Swapnagandha Hill is optional as it will involve a climb. The tour will also involve some early starts, for instance to experience the birds on Chorão Island, and some excursions are made by boat.
ITINERARY Day 1 Depart London Gatwick 0705 on Thomas Cook Airlines, arriving Goa 2140. Day 2 Free morning followed by lunch at Palácio do Deão and visit to Braganza House. Day 3 Whole day excursion via Casa Araujo Alvares (18th century Portuguese mansion) to Old Goa, focusing on its Portuguese heritage: walking tour of colonial buildings (exteriors) and churches, view of Viceroy’s Arch, visits to Basilica of Bom Jesus (St Francis Xavier’s Tomb) and cathedral. Day 4 Whole day excursion to Panaji (Panjim) for walking tour of the Latin quarter (Fontainhas and São Tomé) and visit to Church of the Immaculate Conception. Day 5 Morning visit to Goa Chitra Museum. Free afternoon at hotel. Day 6 Whole day excursion to Dudhsagar Falls (second highest waterfall in India). Day 7 Morning visit to Margão for Combra (town in South Goa retaining architecture from pre-Portuguese times) followed by coach tour to see Holy Spirit Church and Portuguese buildings. Free afternoon at hotel. Day 8 Morning: Shri Mangeshi Temple, Ponda for tour and lunch at a spice plantation. Afternoon: continue to Chorla Ghat Hills on the Goa/Karnataka/Maharashtra border for two nights at Wildernest Nature Resort. Day 9 Free day at Wildernest Nature Resort to enjoy optional activities such as forest walks or wildlife-watching. View of the sunset from Swapnagandha Hill.
Head of Shiva statue, Vagator Beach
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Day 10 Cookery demonstration and lunch focusing on Goan cuisine. Continue to Akron Waterfront Resort for five nights.
Day 11 Morning: Calangute (beach and market), Kerkar Art Gallery, Fort Aguada and Anjuna Beach (opportunity to visit the flea market). Afternoon: Chapora Fort and Vagator Beach. Day 12 Whole day excursion to Tiracol, crossing the Mandovi River: Fort Tiracol. Day 13 Early morning visit to Chorão Bird Sanctuary for nature walk, boat trip to Divar Island. Day 14 Morning excursion to Harvalem Caves & Waterfalls (rockcut caves tracing back to the 6th century BC). Afternoon: Lamgao Buddhist Caves (6th century rock-cut caves) followed by Goa Potteries & Kunbhar Pottery (traditional pottery techniques). Day 15 Free day followed by farewell dinner before departure to airport. Day 16 Depart Goa 0155, arriving Gatwick 0715. Cost of £4295 includes: return airfare, accommodation based on sharing a twin or double bedded room, breakfast, ten lunches (one packed), thirteen dinners with water & coffee, excursions & admissions, gratuities. Not included: visa, travel insurance, single room supplement £895, optional activities at Wildernest Nature Resort on day 9. Please note that airline seats in Premium Economy may be available at a supplement, subject to availability. Please contact the ACE office for further information. TOUR CODE: GOPH20 BOOK NOW: 01223 841055 sales@aceculturaltours.co.uk
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where troops of monkeys swing through the trees and graceful hornbills glide by. Our journey culminates in north Goa, where signs of modern India are more to the fore. We will pay a visit to Fort Tiracol, a tiny outpost of Goa in the state of Maharashtra, where birds of prey turn on the trade winds that brought the first Portuguese explorers 500 years ago. We will spend our first seven nights at the four-star Royal Orchid Beach Resort & Spa, followed by two nights at the scenic three-star Wildernest Nature Resort, nestled in a valley overlooking waterfalls. Our final five nights will be spent at the serene fourstar Acron Waterfront Resort, set on the banks of the Baga River. Our itinerary has been carefully designed to balance busier days and longer excursions with free time for relaxation for participants to enjoy their surroundings. We will also enjoy informal pre-dinner talks given by our Tour Director. Please note that some elements may be subject to change.
Dudhsagar Falls
Thailand
T H A I LAND OCTOBER 22 – NOVEMBER 6, 2020
R E G I O N A L C U LT U R E
Sukhothai Historical Park
• Explore the evocative temple ruins left behind by the mighty Khmer Empire • Enjoy a cruise along the Mekong on a converted teak barge, taking in stunning archaeological and natural sites Journey from Chiang Mai to Bangkok via the UNESCO cities of Sukhothai and Ayutthaya
•
W
ith its network of valleys, majestic peaks and roaming forests, Thailand has harboured human civilisations for millennia. From a broader array of ancient, often warring kingdoms emerged the powerful Khmer Empire, leaving its mark on the country in the shape of magnificent Hindu temples, strung like beads along routes leading to Angkor in present day Cambodia. Mekong Cruise Our journey will include a two-night cruise along ‘The Mother of the Waters’ – the Mekong – exploring the temples, traditional villages and relaxing scenery from the comfort of private cabins. We will stay on board the Vat Phou, a lovingly restored teak barge with air-conditioning and private facilities. Our accommodation here will be simple and characterful, with authentic cuisine served on board. Please contact the Sales & Reservations team if you wish to discuss this accommodation further.
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The first leg of our journey – which moves from Bangkok through the northeast of Thailand – will take us to several of
A ‘festival of lights’ Our stay in Chiang Mai has been planned to coincide with the annual Loy Krathong festival. Traditionally in Thailand, small leaf-made containers are filled with candles and other decorations to be floated down the river; however Chiang Mai celebrates by releasing illuminated lanterns into the night’s sky. The city also holds firework displays, parades, and traditional performances in public spaces. The festival offers an opportunity to experience one of Thailand’s most magical and atmospheric traditions. Please note that the streets will be crowded. As the time of the festival changes each year according to the phases of the moon, we cannot guarantee the precise dates until nearer the time.
these sites. Prasat Phimai is the most intricate of the Khmer sites in Thailand with its delicately carved mix of Buddhist and Hindu iconography, while the Shivadedicated Phanom Rung impresses with its series of walkways, bridges, stairways and sanctuaries, as visitors pass from the earthly sphere into the realm of the gods. Crossing into Laos, we will take to the waters of the southern Mekong for a relaxing two-night cruise. As well as enjoying the sight of Laos’s ‘4000 islands’, we will pay a visit to our vessel’s namesake, the UNESCO-listed Vat Phou complex. Its name meaning ‘mountain temple’, the site’s spring-fed Shiva lingam reveals the region’s ancient Hindu past before
FITNESS / PRACTICALITIES: Participants should have a very good level of fitness for this tour. Activities will include a walk through Khao Yai National Park and to the rock art on the Laos border, a long walk up to Phanom Rung and Vat Phou temples, and 300 steps to Doi Suthep in Chiang Mai (with an option to take the cable car). The cities of Sukhothai and Ayutthaya have little shade and it will be hot. The ground will be uneven at times and there will be steps without handrails, as well as climbing in and out of small boats.
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Thailand
Theravada Buddhism became the most prominent religious tradition. Leaving Laos behind, we will venture north to Chiang Mai, Thailand’s largest city northern city, to coincide with the annual Loy Krathong festival, a magical occasion during which illuminated lanterns are released into the night’s sky. From here we will circle back down to Bangkok via the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Sukhothai and Ayutthaya, each an important former
Doi Suthep
capital city, stirring the imagination with glimpses into Thailand’s spiritual and political history as well as its striking artistic achievements. While our tour will concentrate particularly on the history and archaeology of Thailand, we will also soak up its natural and cultural tapestry – from the emerald forests of Khao Yai National Park and the eerie banyan grove at Sai Ngam, to traditional village life along the Mekong
River. We are surrounded throughout by some of the most stunning natural and manmade landscapes the country has to offer. We will stay in a series of three, four and five star hotels chosen particularly for their levels of comfort and proximity to the major visits on our tour. Please note that while we will endeavour to deliver the below itinerary in full, some details may be subject to change.
ITINERARY Day 1 Depart London Heathrow 1605 on British Airways. Day 2 Arrive Bangkok 0945 and transfer to Khao Yai National Park for overnight at Atta Lakeside Resort Suite, Mu Si. Afternoon exploration of the park: superb views, evergreen forest (including possibility of seeing gibbons, hornbills and elephants). Day 3 Morning lecture followed by visits: Prasat Phanom Wan (impressive 11th century shrine), Prasat Phimai Historical Park (one of Thailand’s most important Khmer temples, linked to Angkor), Ban Prasat Archaeological Site and Sai Ngam (Thailand’s largest banyan tree). Continue to Buriram for two nights at Amari Buriram United Hotel.
Day 7 Transfer to Laos and embark the Vat Phou (converted teak barge) for two-night cruise on the southern Mekong. Afternoon: magnificent UNESCO-listed Vat Phou temple complex (10th century) and museum. Day 8 Morning: traditional ways of life at village of Ban Huei Thamo and Oum Muong forest temple. Cruise south past the ‘4000 islands’ (Si Phan Don). Afternoon: village of Ban Deau Tia. Day 9 Khone Island for old French railway and bridge, followed by Xieng Di fishing village. Afternoon: Pha Pheng Waterfall (‘The Niagara of the East’). Transfer from boat for overnight at Tohsang Kongchiam Resort, Ubon Ratchathani.
Day 4 Prasat Muang Tham (Khmer temple) and Phanom Rung (dedicated to Shiva; constructed between the 10th and 13th centuries and one of the most impressive Khmer temples in Thailand).
Day 10 By air from Ubon Ratchathani to Chiang Mai. Visit to Wat Prathat Doi Suthep: stairs or cable car to summit of Doi Suthep Mountain for temple and spectacular views. Three nights at The Rim Resort, Chiang Mai.
Day 5 Transfer to Ubon Ratchathani (near the Laos border) with en route stops at smaller Khmer sites. Afternoon visit to Ubon Ratchathani National Museum (historical and cultural artifacts including Thai-Lao religious images and textiles). Two nights at Tohsang Khongjiam Resort and Spa.
Day 11 Morning lecture followed by Chiang Mai city tour, including Thapae Gate and temples. Free afternoon followed by evening to enjoy the Loy Krathong Festival (honouring both Buddhist traditions and ancient veneration of the waters).
Day 6 Whole day at Pha Taem National Park to see the prehistoric rock art (forest-covered plateau overlooking the Mekong Valley with unusual formations and stunning views).
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Day 12 Visit to ancient city of Wiang Kum Kam (impressive archaeological remains dating back to the 8th century) and Lamphun (temple of Wat Hariphunchai). Day 13 FAE Elephant Hospital (founded in 1993) and Wat Phra That Lampang Luang (one of most magnificent temples in northern
Thailand). Continue to Sukhothai for overnight at Sukhothai Heritage Hotel. Afternoon lecture. Day 14 Morning visit to Sukhothai Historical Park, former capital of the Sukhothai Kingdom (13th–14th century) and now a UNESCO World Heritage site, with temples including Wat Mahathat. Continue to Ayutthaya for two nights at Kantary Ayutthaya. Day 15 Morning visit to Ayutthaya Historical Park (capital of Thailand from the 15th-18th centuries) including royal summer residence of Bang Pa-In. Long-tail boat cruise on the Chao Phraya River followed by Wat Yai Chai Mongkol. Day 16 Depart Bangkok 1125, arriving Heathrow 1735.
Cost of £4445 includes: return airfare, accommodation based on sharing a twin or double bedded room, four lunches, fourteen dinners with water, excursions & admissions, gratuities. Not included: visa for Laos, travel insurance, single room supplement £695. TOUR CODE: THAI20 BOOK NOW: 01223 841055 sales@aceculturaltours.co.uk
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Moira says: “My first experience of Thailand was thirty years ago to undertake an archaeological excavation, and so began a love affair with this extraordinary country. I have long wanted to lead a tour incorporating the less touristy areas of the northeast, where I worked for several seasons excavating Bronze and Iron Age sites, and experiencing the architecture and history of all the amazing later kingdoms to have shaped Thailand over millennia. This tour will give you an insight into aspects of this incredible, vibrant country not seen by most visitors.”
© Image: Khunkay. License: CC BY-SA 3.0.
This tour will be led by Moira Tait, MA, FRAS. Moira read archaeology at the University of London and later gained an MA in the archaeology of Southeast Asia from SOAS. Moira has directed tours to both France and Southeast Asia for over 17 years and she feels fortunate that in addition to the wonderful archaeology and architecture, these two areas of the world also have some of the best cuisines.
Coming Soon
M U S I C TOU RS – CO MING SO O N BERGEN INTERNATIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL
MUSIC TOURS
A dedicated publication in autumn 2019 will see the release of an enticing programme of ACE music tours across 2020. The following pages provide a preview of our planned tours; please contact the ACE office to register your interest. Please note that some details may be subject to change.
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BATH BACHFEST FEBRUARY 2020 WITH SANDY BURNETT
FESTIVAL DE PÂQUES IN AIX-EN-PROVENCE
Alongside its acclaimed and long-established Mozartfest, the beautiful Georgian city of Bath hosts a second annual festival – now a firm favourite in the city’s cultural calendar – celebrating one of Europe’s most eminent composers: J S Bach. Performances take place in some of Bath’s most iconic surroundings, including the elegant Assembly Rooms and the historical Guildhall. Previous years’ festivals have featured world-class ensembles such as the Academy of Ancient Music, The Sixteen and Florilegium, showcasing works not only by Bach but also other composers who wrote during his lifetime. Our tour also includes visits to some of Bath’s impressive museums.
APRIL 2020 WITH EMILIE CAPULET
ELGAR, BIRMINGHAM & WORCESTER
FESTTAGE: MUSIC & OPERA IN BERLIN
FEBRUARY 2020 WITH NICHOLAS WEARNE
APRIL 2020 WITH PAUL JACKSON
On this tour we savour the rich and varied classical music scene to be found in the city of Birmingham, and spend time exploring ‘Elgar country’ in nearby Worcester and the Malvern Hills. Our itinerary will feature highclass concerts at Birmingham’s Symphony Hall, widely considered one of the best concert halls in the world, alongside private recitals from our Tour Director in important historical venues including St George’s Church, where Elgar was organist. Previous tours have included performances by the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and the St Petersburg Philharmonic, as well as visits to Elgar’s birthplace, Great Malvern Priory and Worcester Cathedral.
Join ACE for a programme of musical and operatic delights as Berlin celebrates Easter 2020 with its renowned Festtage, enjoying an array of splendid musical offerings in the German capital. In addition to the festival programme – which has previously included operas by Wagner and Verdi alongside engrossing orchestral performances by Daniel Barenboim – our itinerary will include a range of daytime visits and excursions. We hope to include a tour of the architectural highlights of the city, and a visit to Museum Island to see Berlin’s famous Alte Nationalgalerie with its collection of Romantic and early Modernist masterpieces.
There are few better environments in which to enjoy a rich spectrum of high quality music than the magnificent Easter festival based in the picturesque and sunlit town of Aix-en-Provence. Previous years have presented unrivalled programmes of music, featuring a variety of song, orchestral and chamber works, from some of the most eminent performers in the world alongside emerging stars. The music on our tour is complemented by artistic visits in and around this cultured city: we will follow in the footsteps of Cézanne, exploring his studio and locations from which he painted the Sainte Victoire Mountain.
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Coming Soon
BERGEN INTERNATIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL
MELK BAROQUE MUSIC FESTIVAL
ALDEBURGH FESTIVAL
MAY 2020 WITH NICHOLAS WEARNE
MAY 2020
ACE looks forward to a brand new tour in spring 2020 to Norway’s Bergen International Music Festival, the largest festival in its genre in the Nordic countries. The festival’s signature work is Edvard Grieg’s piano concerto in A minor, performed each year by a series of eminent soloists. Musicians performing at the 2019 edition of the festival included worldrenowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma, pianist Kathryn Scott, the Arctic Philharmonic Sinfonietta and Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra, and the 2020 edition is sure to be no less spectacular. The city of Bergen can trace its roots to the Viking Age, and was an important centre of the Hanseatic League.
There could be no more appropriate setting for a Baroque music festival than the famous Benedictine abbey at Melk: standing high above the Danube, where the river enters the idyllic wine-producing region of Wachau, the 18th century abbey is one of the most spectacular of all Austrian monastic houses. The festival will continue the Melk tradition of offering imaginative, varied and entertaining programmes, with established masterpieces appearing alongside some intriguing rarities. Performances will be interspersed with a variety of daytime excursions: past tours have featured visits to the magnificent abbey of Alternburg, the historical town of Dürnstein, and Vienna.
Stirred by the vast skies and moody seas of Suffolk, Britten was inspired to launch the Aldeburgh Festival with Peter Pears and Eric Grozier. In June each year, established solo artists assemble alongside up-and-coming musicians and internationally acclaimed orchestras to bring us works both old and new, grand and small-scale. Previous tours have included performances by conductor Barbara Hannigan, cellist Alisa Weilserstein and the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. Our tour to Aldeburgh not only encompasses festival highlights across a range of venues, but also engaging local visits to sites such as the Red House, once home to Britten.
JUNE 2020 WITH NICHOLAS WEARNE
Full details of these tours, including the dates, costs and itineraries, will be available later in 2019 or early in 2020. Please contact the ACE office now to register your interest.
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FESTIVAL DE PÂQUES IN AIX-EN-PROVENCE
Coming Soon KUHMO CHAMBER MUSIC FESTIVAL
MUSIC TOURS
RIGA OPERA FESTIVAL JUNE 2020 WITH NICHOLAS WEARNE Built on the banks of the Daugava River, Riga was an important medieval seaport and major centre of the Hanseatic League. It also boasts a strong musical heritage: Wagner lived and worked here during the late 1830s, and the magnificent National Opera House was built in the 1860s to the design of St Petersburg architect Ludwig Bohnstedt. Since 1998 the Latvian National Opera has mounted an annual festival, showcasing some of the brightest stars of the Latvian and international opera stages. Our tour will feature highlights of the 2020 festival alongside daytime excursions in and around this beautiful capital city.
ST MAGNUS MUSIC FESTIVAL JUNE 2020 Established by Sir Peter Maxwell Davies, one of the foremost British composers of our time, the St Magnus Festival on the island of Orkney is now one of Britain’s liveliest classical music events. Past festivals have boasted a wide-ranging programme featuring musicians of international repute alongside members of the local community, with the festival chorus drawn from all parts of Orkney. ACE looks forward to returning in 2020 to enjoy festival events as well as local visits to the island’s famous archaeological sites – from the Ring of Brodgar to Maeshowe and Skara Brae.
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BEAUNE BAROQUE MUSIC FESTIVAL
KUHMO CHAMBER MUSIC FESTIVAL
JULY 2020 WITH ASHLEY SOLOMON
JULY 2020 WITH SANDY BURNETT
Every July, the charming historical town of Beaune hosts a lively summer festival dedicated to Baroque opera, including many significant operatic revivals and premieres, with some performed on original instruments. The festival’s principal venue is the 15th century Hospices de Beaune, where fairy-tale roofs shimmer with colourful glazed tiles above ornate half-timber galleries and dormer windows. Other festival venues include Beaune’s glorious 13th century basilica. This tour takes in evening performances alongside daytime visits to the beautiful chateaux, abbeys and vineyards of Burgundy, offering opportunities to learn more about the wider history and culture of the region.
Visit one of Europe’s most spectacular settings for music, in remotest northern Finland just south of the Arctic Circle, to discover a small but world-renowned festival of chamber music that attracts music lovers and top-class performers alike. Kuhmo’s magical setting, surrounded by the forests and lakes of the Kainuu region, mingles with wonderful music to create a unique atmosphere. Performances take place mainly in the Kuhmo Arts Centre, a comfortable, newly-built concert hall with a magnificent wooden interior and excellent acoustics. The festivities combine a high standard of performance and a wide-ranging repertoire with a strong rapport between artists and audience.
BUXTON FESTIVAL JULY 2020 WITH JOHN BRYDEN Every summer, the Derbyshire spa town of Buxton, surrounded by the glorious hills of the Peak District, presents a feast of opera, literature and music. Talks, concerts and guest performances surround a core of operas by major composers, and the combination of established and up-and-coming performers makes for one of the UK’s most stimulating arts festivals. Previous tours have included operatic masterworks such as Tchaikovsky’s Eugene Onegin as well as rarely performed gems like Antonio Caldara’s Lucio Papirio Dittatore. Performances take place in Buxton’s beautiful Opera House, built in 1903 by the fine theatre architect, Frank Matcham.
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Coming Soon
MENDELSSOHN IN SCOTLAND
WORCESTER THREE CHOIRS FESTIVAL
JULY 2020 WITH JOHN BRYDEN
JULY 25–29, 2020 WITH RUSSELL KEABLE
INTERNATIONAL GILBERT & SULLIVAN FESTIVAL IN HARROGATE
The composer Felix Mendelssohn made an unforgettable visit to Scotland in the summer of 1829, and in 2020 we look forward to returning to the festival celebrating his work on the picturesque Hebridean Isle of Mull. Based in the colourful town of Tobermory where Mendelssohn stayed, we will attend a series of concerts presented by highly acclaimed artists, young professionals and promising conservatoire students. Immersing ourselves in the breath-taking landscapes that inspired the composer, we also hope to take a boat trip to Fingal’s Cave on Staffa, where Mendelssohn was inspired to write The Hebrides overture.
JULY 29 – AUGUST 2, 2020 WITH JOHN BRYDEN
AUGUST 2020 WITH DONALD MAXWELL
For over 300 years, the cathedral cities of Hereford, Gloucester and Worcester have taken turns to host a renowned annual music celebration. In 2020, Worcester’s unique and eclectic cathedral, which notably houses the tomb of King John as well as medieval cloisters and magnificent Victorian stained glass, will play host to the celebrated Three Choirs Festival. At the heart of the festival are large-scale evening concerts, which we will enjoy alongside daytime performances and local visits and excursions. Previous tours have included a day exploring the life of Elgar, with a visit to his birthplace in the Malvern Hills.
Gilbert and Sullivan represent quintessential Victorian England: the brilliant, witty lyrics of W S Gilbert dazzle alongside the attractive melodies of Arthur Sullivan. Harrogate’s annual International Gilbert & Sullivan Festival presents an exciting and memorable programme of operas and fringe events, performed by amateur companies alongside its own professional opera company in the spa town’s beautiful Royal Hall. Previous tours have also included a guest lecture from a Trustee of the Gilbert & Sullivan Festival, as well as a fascinating backstage tour of the Royal Hall.
VERONA OPERA FESTIVAL JULY 2020 WITH SANDY BURNETT Established for over 100 years, Verona’s internationally renowned opera festival ranks as one of the most spectacular in the world. Staged in the awe-inspiring ancient Roman amphitheatre known as the Arena di Verona, the festival has hosted some of the world’s greatest opera singers. Past tours have included performances of works ranging from Verdi’s tragic Il Trovatore, to Bizet’s Carmen. Verona, the city of Romeo and Juliet, is also home to evocative Roman ruins and splendid medieval churches which we will take the opportunity to explore.
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Full details of these tours, including the dates, costs and itineraries, will be available later in 2019 or early in 2020. Please contact the ACE office now to register your interest.
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VERONA OPERA FESTIVAL
Coming Soon GLYNDEBOURNE
MUSIC TOURS
SCHUBERT IN SCHWARZENBERG
LAMMERMUIR FESTIVAL
GLYNDEBOURNE
SEPTEMBER 11–17, 2020 WITH ALBERTO MASSIMO
OCTOBER 2020 WITH NICHOLAS WEARNE
AUGUST 2020 WITH NICHOLAS WEARNE
Founded in 2010, the Lammermuir Festival has already established itself as an important event in the classical music calendar, winning the accolade of the Royal Philharmonic Society’s ‘Best UK Classical Music Festival’ in 2017. The festival draws inspiration from its surroundings, including the breath-taking Lammermuir Hills, which are steeped in history. The festival has a close relationship with several of Scotland’s leading ensembles, whilst also providing a stage to internationally renowned musicians. ACE looks forward to a new tour to this exciting festival in 2020, led by Tour Director Alberto Massimo.
Perennial ACE favourites, our annual autumn tours to Glyndebourne offer an opportunity to take in the operatic highlights of the season, alongside a series of engaging daytime visits in the beautiful county of Sussex. The Glyndebourne Tour produces an exciting programme of worldclass opera each year, and recent ACE tours have included performances of Verdi’s La Traviata, Massenet’s Cendrillon and Handel’s Rinaldo. The operas will be complemented by a series of lectures, whilst local attractions range from Charleston, former home to members of the Bloomsbury Set, to Farleys House & Gallery, where photographer Lee Miller and artist Roland Penrose once lived.
There are few more idyllic settings to appreciate some of the best song, chamber and piano concerts the classical music world has to offer. Schwarzenberg, home to the world-renowned Schubertiade festival, is a charming Austrian village with panoramic views stretching across lush meadows to the soaring Alps. Amidst the tranquil mountain scenery of the Bregenz Forest, some of the best musicians in the world gather each year to perform a selection of Schubert’s music alongside works by other composers. Past tours have featured a compelling mix of concerts ranging from intimate piano works to dramatic lieder and lively string quartets.
CHOPIN INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION OCTOBER 14–21, 2020 WITH JOHN BRYDEN Every five years, Warsaw stages one of the most prestigious musical events in the world: the Chopin International Piano Competition. Its winner in 2015 was Korean pianist Seong-Jin Cho, who has since gone on to debut with the Berliner Philharmoniker. The festival reflects Poland’s passion for Chopin, who was born some 30 miles outside Warsaw and spent almost twenty years in the Polish capital. Our tour will also offer opportunities to visit Chopin’s delightful but unpretentious birthplace museum at Zelazowa Wola, and to explore Warsaw’s fine art and architecture.
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Coming Soon
VERDI FESTIVAL IN PARMA
WEXFORD OPERA FESTIVAL
MUSIC & OPERA IN VIENNA
OCTOBER 2020
NOVEMBER 2020
OCTOBER 2020 WITH JOHN BRYDEN
The superb annual Wexford Opera Festival has grown into one of the leading operatic events of the year. The occasion draws audiences from all over the world to enjoy often-neglected works and forgotten masterpieces performed by up-and-coming stars and conductors. Previous tours have featured premieres of new works, including William Bolcom’s Dinner at Eight and Andrew Synnott’s La cucina. Our tour will include not only the high-class festival performances, but also a number of excursions into the beautiful surrounding area and fascinating visits such as a backstage tour of the National Opera House – Ireland’s most impressive music venue.
Vienna, which has probably inspired more music than any other city, is the setting for our spectacular annual tour featuring performances at famous music venues ranging from the State Opera House to the Theater an der Wien. Rich in history, culture and romance, Vienna was capital of a vast multi-ethnic empire for several hundred years, and many of the world’s most celebrated composers lived and created works of musical genius among its glorious surroundings. Previous tours have also explored the musical and artistic heritage of Vienna, with visits to the Musikverein, Kunsthistorisches Museum and Mozarthaus.
Taking place throughout the month of Verdi’s birth, Parma’s annual festival honouring its most famous local son features a range of the composer’s operatic works, both well known and less commonly encountered. Performances take place in historical theatres including the Teatro Regio di Parma, designed by Nicola Bettoli and built in the 1820s. Free time to reflect on the operas will be complemented by immersive daytime excursions enabling us to learn more about Verdi’s life. His birthplace in La Roncole remains simple and unspoilt, while his villa in Sant’Agata contains rooms that have been preserved as they were in the composer’s time.
BATH MOZARTFEST: 30TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR NOVEMBER 18–22, 2020 WITH SANDY BURNETT Each year pilgrims flock to the beautiful Georgian city of Bath to enjoy the classical music festival that celebrates one of Europe’s favourite composers: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Renowned for offering critically acclaimed concerts showcasing works by Mozart and also those for whom he provided inspiration, the festival is a firm favourite in the ACE calendar, and our 2020 30th anniversary tour promises to be a particularly special occasion. Alongside the musical treats, we look forward to a series of cultural visits within the city of Bath: from the Holburne Museum to Bath Abbey.
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Full details of these tours, including the dates, costs and itineraries, will be available later in 2019 or early in 2020. Please contact the ACE office now to register your interest.
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MUSIC TOURS
MUSIC & OPERA IN VIENNA
ACE Cult ural Tours
2 0 2 0 Full Tour Schedule The tours featured in this brochure are listed here in addition to a selection of forthcoming tour releases, to be released online and in our upcoming publications. Please note that some details are subject to confirmation. New tours are announced on a regular basis on our website – please visit www.aceculturaltours.co.uk for more details.
JANUARY
MARCH
APRIL
5-11
Orthodox Christmas in Moscow
1-7
Music & Opera in New York
6-16
Athens, Delphi & the Peloponnese
10-16
Valletta International Baroque Festival
2-6
Roman & Byzantine Ravenna
6-17
Jazz: From New Orleans to Memphis
14-20
Wagner’s Ring Cycle in Leipzig
2-9
Art on the Côte d’Azur
7-14
Sardinia: Birds, Flowers & Nuraghi
15-29 Ethiopia
3-9
Venice: The Triumph of Light & Colour
8-16
Leipzig at Easter
16-23
3-10
Vasari: Father of Art History
11-28
Chinese Civilisation
15-22
Beethoven in Bonn: A Cycle of Symphonies
14-20 Glasgow: Patrons, Art & Innovation
20-31
Uzbekistan: Cities of the Silk Road
23-26
Art Collections of Liverpool
31-6/2 Pompeii with Herculaneum
23-28
Aquileia: City of Antiquity
23-30
Art Treasures of St Petersburg
The Holy Land
20-2/2 Cambodia & Laos 25-31 27-31
Mozart Festival in Salzburg Wildlife of the Suffolk Coast: Minsmere & Orford Ness
FEBRUARY
24-5/4 Algeria: Rome Meets the Sahara Eboracum: York & the Roman North
14-21
Crete: Birds, Flowers & Minoans
15-19
Flemish Painting: From van Eyck to Rubens
17-26
Camino de Santiago: Pilgrims, Cathedrals & Castles
20-27
The Dordogne
22-1/5 Albania: From the Illyrians to the Ottomans
3-7
Art Treasures of Dresden
26-30
12-15
Somerset Levels in Winter
26-2/4 Riviera di Levante: From Genoa to Pisa
21-23
Cambridge Churches, College Chapels & Organs
27-3/4 Isle of Man: A Wild & Ancient Heritage
24-29
Early Christian & Medieval Rome
Bath Bachfest
27-11/5 Lycian Cruise
Elgar, Birmingham & Worcester
28-5/5 Wild Poland: From Ancient Rivers to Primeval Forest
30-5/4 Art in Berlin 30-6/4 Roussillon
25-1/5 Bologna, Mantua & Parma 26-2/5 Provence River Cruise 27-2/5 Cornwall: St Ives & the Newlyn School of Painters
Festival de Pâques in Aix-en-Provence
Festtage: Music & Opera in Berlin
Shakespeare at Stratford
ORTHODOX CHRISTMAS IN MOSCOW
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ACE Cult ural Tours
CITADELS OF TRANSYLVANIA MAY
JUNE
21-27
Provence River Cruise
6-10
Northamptonshire Country Houses
1-4
The Pre-Raphaelites in Oxford
21-29
Donegal & Tory Island
6-13
Citadels of Transylvania
From Madrid to Toledo: Trade, Treasure & the World of Philip II
The Ariège
Mahler Festival in Amsterdam
1-8
22-28
8-13
Kazakhstan: From the Silk Road to Sir Norman Foster
The Shetland Islands
Villas & Gardens of the Italian Lakes
1-15
22-29
9-16
23-28
Bauhaus: German Modern Art & Design
11-18
Jewels of the Loire: Medieval & Renaissance Chateaux
2-8
Lincolnshire Halls & Houses
25-4/7 Lorraine
8-19
From Washington to Jamestown
29-2/7 Constable & Gainsborough in Suffolk
14-27
Baltic States
Aldeburgh Festival
12-16 Great Bardfield & Beyond: Mid Century Art & Design in East Anglia 12-19
Isles of Scilly
15-21
Madeira: Pearl of the Atlantic
Bach Festival in Leipzig
13-18
Mahler Festival in Amsterdam
15-22
Bach Festival in Leipzig
Riga Opera Festival
13-20
Albi & the Languedoc
15-27
Northern Greece
St Magnus Music Festival
16-22
Wagner’s Ring Cycle in Budapest
13-20 Gardens of the Republic of Ireland 13-22
Ancient Sicily
17-2/6 Japan in Springtime: Art, Temples & Gardens 19-22
Churches of Norfolk: An Appointment with Angels
20-27
Wildlife & Walking in Extremadura
20-30
Cyclades: Ancient Islands of the Aegean
22-29
Douro River Cruise
26-29
Wild & Ancient Dartmoor
Bergen International Music Fesitval
Melk Baroque Music Festival
PROVENCE RIVER CRUISE
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ACE Cult ural Tours
MEDIEVAL BURGUNDY AUGUST
JULY
10-14
Roman Kent: Towns, Forts & Frescoes
1-8
Medieval Burgundy
4-7
Artists’ Houses in Sussex
25-6/9 Pomerania
2-6
The Golden Age of Dutch Painting
4-12
Denmark: Ancient and Modern
31-9/9 Danube Cruise
4-11
Wild & Ancient Orkney
4-15
Russia’s Golden Ring
International Gilbert & Sullivan Festival
5-12
Iceland: History & Landscape
7-15
Arctic Finland & Norway
Schubert in Schwarzenberg
6-9
Artists of the North Norfolk in Summer
Art Collections & Stately Homes of the West Country
6-9
10-14
6-13
Wildlife of the Austrian Alps
7-19
Teutonic Knights
13-17 Prehistoric & Roman Anglesea & Snowdonia 20-24
Houses & Gardens of Herefordshire & the Welsh Borders
22-28
Farthest Frontier: Roman Scotland & the Antonine Wall
25-29
Worcester Three Choirs Festival
TEUTONIC KNIGHTS
29-2/8 Worcester Three Choirs Festival 29-6/8 The Hanseatic League
Beaune Baroque Music Festival
Buxton Opera Festival
Kuhmo Chamber Music Festival
Mendelssohn in Scotland
Verona Opera Festival
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ACE Cult ural Tours
HILL TOWNS OF UMBRIA
SEPTEMBER 1-16
Flowers of the Fairest Cape: From the Atlantic to the Indian Oceans
3-8
Art Nouveau in Belgium
3-8
Edinburgh: Scottish Houses, Castles & Interiors
7-11
Derbyshire Halls & Houses
7-11
Northumbria in the First Millennium
7-13
NOVEMBER
25-2/10 Douro River Cruise 28-3/10 Imperial Rome, Ostia & Tivoli
Herbstgold Festival in Eisenstadt
Lammermuir Music Festival
1-14
West Japan & the Inland Sea: Art & Pilgrimage
8-23 Goa: Portuguese Heritage, Landscape & Wildlife 16-24
Art & Patronage in Renaissance Florence & Siena
1-8 Syracuse
18-22
Bath Mozartfest: 30th Anniversary Tour
Oberammergau Passion Play
2-9
21-5/12 Odisha
8-12
Mid-Century Art & Design in the East Midlands
5-9 Bruges
Music & Opera in Vienna
5-12 Roussillon
South Korea
8-18
Ancient Sicily
6-12
Ancient Crete & Santorini
11-22
Uzbekistan: Cities of the Silk Road
9-15
Pompeii & Herculaneum
14-18
Roman & Byzantine Ravenna
12-19
Piero della Francesca
14-21
Hill Towns of Umbria
OCTOBER Wildlife of Albania
14-21
Chopin International Piano Competition
20-3/10 Borneo
15-24
Palladio & the Villas of the Veneto
21-25
Chichester & the South Downs
19-29 Jordan
21-25
Yorkshire Country Houses
22-6/11 Thailand
21-26
Aquileia: City of Antiquity
23-10/11 In Search of China’s White Gold
21-28
Art on the Côte d’Azur
Advent Cruise on the Rhine
Ancient Cyprus
21-2/10 Serbian Monasteries
Glyndebourne
22-25
Churches of Norfolk: An Appointment with Angels
Mallorca
22-28
Art & Architecture of Puglia
aceculturaltours.co.uk | 01223 841055
DECEMBER
Verdi Festival in Parma
Wexford Opera Festival
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Tour Directors
OU R E X PERT S View their full biographies and range of tours online at www.aceculturaltours.co.uk/tour-directors TOM ABBOTT Tom Abbott, BA, MA, is an independent art and architectural historian associated with the Foundation of Prussian Palaces and Gardens. He is a proficient lecturer and tour leader, with extensive experience directing cultural and art tours across Europe to destinations including Germany, France, Italy and Poland. His expertise ranges from the medieval to the current. HARRIET ALLEN Harriet Allen, PhD, is a geographer and a Fellow, Tutor and Director of Studies at Girton College, Cambridge. Harriet is Chair of the Biogeography Research Group of the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) and a Coordinating Editor for the journal Landscape Ecology.
ARCHAEOLOGY
MARK BALDWIN Mark Baldwin, MA, MSc, PhD, is one of Britain’s most experienced speakers on World War Two intelligence, with a particular expertise in codebreaking and the Enigma Machine. Mark has given lecture tours in Poland and Germany, as well as throughout the British Isles. JOHN BINNS The Rev John Binns, PhD has researched and lectured in a variety of Eastern Orthodox countries, including Russia, Israel/Palestine and Serbia. He is Visiting Professor at the Institute of Orthodox Christian Studies in Cambridge and a Research Associate at the School of Oriental and African Studies in London. His publications include The Orthodox Church of Ethiopia: A History. CHRISTOPHER BOURNE Christopher Bourne, BA, is an expert on the art and architecture of Belgium. Christopher lived in Brussels for 15 years, working as a translator and architectural tour guide. He has translated several books on Art Nouveau, and has given talks on architecture and design to a range of groups in Belgium, France and the UK.
John Bryden
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Sarah Burles
JOHN BRYDEN John Bryden, MA, ARCM, ARCO, is an international concert pianist and organist who has given concerts at venues from Princeton and Kathmandu to the Wigmore Hall. Formerly a senior lecturer in music at Dartington College, John has also taught at St Mary’s Music School in Edinburgh and at Edinburgh University. SARAH BURLES Sarah Burles, MA, studied History of Art at Cambridge before going on to a career in museum and gallery education. This included 12 years at the Fitzwilliam Museum as well as work in other Cambridge museums. Sarah has a passion for making museums and their collections accessible. SANDY BURNETT Sandy Burnett, MA, is a musician and broadcaster who spent over a decade as one of the core classical music presenters on BBC Radio 3, interviewing many of the world’s finest musicians. Sandy has conducted numerous orchestras and choirs, and has masterminded a complete cycle of J S Bach’s sacred cantatas. EMILIE CAPULET Emilie Capulet, RSA, MMus, PhD, is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and Head of Classical Performance at the London College of Music. Emilie studied piano at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, and she regularly performs in international concert halls and at music festivals. Emilie has been broadcast on BBC Radio 3, CBC’s Radio Canada, France Bleu Provence and Nicaraguan television and radio. CHRISTOPHER CATLING Christopher Catling, MA, FSA, MCIfA, is an archaeologist who has worked on sites in Portugal and Cape Verde. He is based in Aberystwyth as Secretary of the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales. Christopher is co-editor of the Antiquaries Journal, writes for Current Archaeology and is the author of more than 50 books, including several DK Eyewitness Guides.
Sandy Burnett
Emilie Capulet
MARK CORNEY Mark Corney, BA, FSA, is a specialist in Roman history and former presenter on Channel 4’s Time Team. Mark is an Honorary Research Fellow at Bristol University and is a former investigator with the Royal Commission on the Historical Monuments of England. IMOGEN CORRIGAN Imogen Corrigan, BA, FRSA, spent nearly 20 years in the British Army and retired in the rank of Major before turning to a life-long interest in Anglo-Saxon and Medieval History, which she studied at the University of Kent. She has been lecturing on medieval history and particularly church art and architecture ever since, and is currently pursuing further research with the University of Birmingham. IAN COX Ian Cox, MA, is a specialist in art history and decorative arts, and has held posts as Director of Studies at Christie’s Education and Course Director at Glasgow University. He has published extensively on the decorative arts, and for many years directed the Victorian Society of America Summer School in London and the Christie’s Decorative Arts Summer School in New York. JOHN DEATHRIDGE John Deathridge, MA, DPhil, is Emeritus King Edward Professor of Music at King’s College London. John is a noted authority on Beethoven and one of the world’s foremost Wagner experts: his translation of Der Ring des Nibelungen was published in 2018. He is a member of the Board of Directors of the European Academy of Music Theatre, based at the University of Vienna, where he has also taught.
Christopher Catling
John Deathridge
aceculturaltours.co.uk | 01223 841055
Tour Directors
KEVIN HAND Kevin Hand, MSc, MCIEEM, is a conservationist and environmental consultant with a special interest in birds, mammals and ecotourism. Kevin led a Darwin Initiative project on the taiga forests in Siberia, a project on sustainable forest use in the Ecuadorean Amazon with the Yachana Foundation, and ran National Tree Week in the UK for 13 years. He is President of the Cambridge Natural History Society.
PETER EXLEY Peter Exley, BSc, is an ecologist and ornithologist who works for the RSPB. Peter has also held posts with BirdLife International and the Albatross Task Force in South Africa. He has led and managed many ACE tours in the United Kingdom, Netherlands, Algarve, New England, Madeira, the Faroes and Shetland.
JEFFREY HAWORTH Jeffrey Haworth has worked as an architect for historical buildings, and was Founder-Chairman of the Hereford and Worcester Gardens Trust. He spent over 20 years working for the National Trust as a Historic Buildings Representative and subsequently a curator. VIVIEN HEILBRON Vivien Heilbron is a Shakespearean actress, Emmy nominee and honorary fellow of the Shakespeare Institute in Stratford. Vivien has vast experience of acting in Shakespeare productions, and her roles have included Olivia in Twelfth Night and Titania in A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
RICHARD FARMER Richard Farmer, BA, read Religion at SOAS and has lived in Japan for the last ten years, where he works leading tours full-time. Richard’s principal area of interest is Japanese Buddhist art, particularly Edo-period Zen ink painting, and the material and visual culture of the esoteric Shingon sect. Richard is also interested in the practice of Buddhist circulatory pilgrimage.
JULIET HESLEWOOD Juliet Heslewood, MA, is an author and art historian. Juliet studied History of Art at London University and later gained an MA in English Literature at Toulouse. For over 25 years she lived in France where she devised and led study tours on art and architecture. Juliet’s books include Van Gogh: A Life in Places.
OLIVER GERRISH Oliver Gerrish, MSt, is an architectural historian who studied at the University of Cambridge. He is a trustee of the Derbyshire Historic Buildings Trust as well as founder of their Architecture Awards. Oliver has written for Country Life, has appeared in a number of BBC and ITV television series on architecture, and has organised and led numerous tours to many of Britain’s historical buildings.
Peter Exley
Kevin Hand
PETER HIGGINSON Peter Higginson, MA, PhD, is an expert in art history and a consultant lecturer at Christie’s. Peter gained his doctorate on Caravaggio and has taught numerous university courses abroad. His publications include Poverty and Papal Piety in Rome and The Pilgrim’s Experience of Old and New in Early Modern Rome.
Peter Higginson
aceculturaltours.co.uk | 01223 841055
Morag Hunter
CHARLES HIND Charles Hind, MA, FSA, is an architectural historian and the H J Heinz Curator of Drawings at the Royal Institute of British Architects. He is a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries and a Visiting Fellow at the Centro Palladio, Vicenza, as well as a Trustee of the Great Dixter Trust, the Lutyens Trust and the Walpole Society. MORAG HUNTER Morag Hunter, PhD, is a geologist and Teaching Fellow in the Department of Earth Sciences, Cambridge, as well as the Director of Studies in Earth Sciences at Churchill College and Girton College, Cambridge. Morag previously worked as a research scientist for the British Antarctic Survey for 12 years. OLIVER KENZIE Oliver Kenzie, BA, MRes is a Cambridge-based archaeologist, specialising in Early Iron Age Greece. Following his BA in Archaeology at the University of Birmingham, Oliver undertook postgraduate research on Early Iron Age religion. He lived for a short time in Athens, conducting research at the British School at Athens. PHILIP KENRICK Philip Kenrick, MA, DPhil, is an archaeologist who gained his doctorate on pottery from British excavations at Benghazi. Philip has worked in Libya, Sicily, Italy, Turkey and Jordan, and is a former treasurer of the Society for Libyan Studies, as well as the author of two Libya Archaeological Guides and co-author of Classical Antiquities of Algeria: A Selective Guide. MARCUS KOHLER Marcus Kohler, BA, is an ecologist and ornithologist. Formerly of BirdLife International, Marcus now works as a freelance international wildlife consultant, supporting conservation projects as well as leading wildlife tours across the world. He is also Managing Director of MKA Ecology, a successful ecological consultancy he founded in 1998.
Philip Kenrick
Marcus Kohler
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ARCHAEOLOGY
RUPERT DICKENS Rupert Dickens, BA, MA, studied art history at Birkbeck, University of London before gaining a Masters degree in Dutch Golden Age Studies at University College London. Previously a BBC television and radio journalist for more than 20 years, Rupert has been visiting and working in the Netherlands and Belgium since the 1980s, and now works as a guide lecturer at the Wallace Collection.
Tour Directors
ALEX KOLLER Alex Koller, PhD, is an expert in art history and architecture. Born in Vienna, Alex has lived and studied in Vienna, Salzburg and Cambridge, gaining his PhD in the history of art from Magdalene College, Cambridge. Alex is an accomplished linguist and has travelled extensively throughout Europe and the Far East. MARTIN LOCKER Martin Locker, PhD, completed his doctorate in archaeology on the link between the landscape and the pilgrim in medieval England, and he has since worked in education, heritage tourism and publishing. Martin lives in the Pyrenees and runs an on-going research project focusing on the archaeology, history and folklore of the region. STELLA LYONS Stella Lyons, BA, MA, is a freelance Art History lecturer accredited with The Arts Society, lecturing regularly throughout the UK, Europe, and in Asia. Stella studied at the universities of Bristol and Warwick, and also spent time studying at the British Institute of Florence and in Venice. Her particular interests include 19th century British art, and the Italian Renaissance. ALBERTO MASSIMO Alberto Massimo, BMus, PhD, studied organ, trumpet, double bass and composition, and has a doctorate and diploma in conducting. In Rome he received appointments as ‘maestro di cappella’ and occasionally played for a Papal Mass at the Vatican. Alberto was nominated ‘Professional Musician of the Year in Music 1991’ and has been appointed Musical Director of the Edinburgh Chamber Orchestra.
DONALD MAXWELL Donald Maxwell is an operatic baritone, director and lecturer. He performs with leading opera companies all over the world, including La Scala and the Metropolitan Opera, and recently appeared as Alcindoro in La bohème at the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden. He was also Director of the National Opera Studio and Head of Opera Studies at the Welsh College of Music and Drama. ELIZABETH MORRELL Elizabeth Morrell, BA, is a sinologist and Chinese speaker who has been visiting China since 1976 when she studied modern Chinese literature at Fudan University in Shanghai. A founding director of Voyages Jules Verne, Elizabeth wrote one of the earliest guidebooks to China, published in 1984. CATHY OAKES Cathy Oakes, BA, MA, PhD, FSA, is an Associate Professor in Art History at Oxford University and a Fellow of Kellogg College. She is an Arts Society lecturer and a regular contributor to courses at the V&A Museum. Her particular interests are the English and French Middle Ages, and she has led a number of tours over the years exploring the Romanesque and Gothic in those areas. ANNIE OWEN Annie Owen, BA, is a photographer, illustrator and printmaker, with a passion for the Indian subcontinent where she has travelled regularly and extensively, and where she has led many tours. Annie is a trustee of the Kariandusi School Trust, a small but active charity which builds primary schools in rural Kenya.
STEVE MASTIN Steve Mastin, MA, PGCE, FHA, studied history and classics before working as a school teacher for 17 years. During this time he organised and led many trips abroad, and has also worked overseas training history teachers in Singapore, Australia and Kazakhstan. Steve is a regular speaker at history conferences.
RICHARD PAILTHORPE Richard Pailthorpe was formerly Director of the Weald & Downland Living Museum in Sussex, and has also worked for the Goodwood Estate, Parham Park and Syon Park. He was instrumental in the discovery of the medieval abbey church of Syon by Channel 4’s Time Team. Richard has also held the post of South East Regional Treasurer of the Historic Houses Association.
Alex Koller
Elizabeth Morrell
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Donald Maxwell
Cathy Oakes
JOHN PARKER John Parker, MA, DPhil, FLS, VMH, is a botanist, former Professor of Plant Cytogenetics, Director of the University Botanic Garden and Curator of the University Herbarium at Cambridge University. John has served as a trustee of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, and has run tours to several destinations including the Western Cape of South Africa. CAROLYN PERRY Carolyn Perry, BA, is an archaeologist and educator with extensive experience of the Mediterranean world. Following a degree in Classics and Archaeology, Carolyn lectured in Ancient History and Mythology at Queen Mary College, University of London, before spending several years in the Education Department at the British Museum. She was also Manager of the Petrie Museum of Archaeology, UCL. ALAN POWERS Alan Powers, PhD, is one of the UK’s leading architectural historians, and has published widely on all aspects of 20th century architecture and design. Alan was Professor at the University of Greenwich School and currently lectures at New York University in London. His books include Bauhaus Goes West: Modern Art & Design in Britain & America. EVELYN SILBER Evelyn Silber, MA, PhD, FMA, FSA, is an art historian and former Director of Leeds Museums and Galleries and the Hunterian Museum, University of Glasgow. She has written extensively on modernist sculpture in Britain and currently works in the conservation, presentation and marketing of Scottish heritage.
John Parker
Carolyn Perry
aceculturaltours.co.uk | 01223 841055
Tour Directors
ASHLEY SOLOMON Ashley Solomon, HonRCM, ARAM, is Chair and Head of Historical Performance at the Royal College of Music and Director of Baroque ensemble Florilegium. As a result of his commitment to editing and performing music from the Mission Churches of Chiquitos and Moxos Indians in Bolivia, Ashley was the first European to be awarded the coveted Hans Roth Prize in 2008. ANDREW SPIRA Andrew Spira, MA, studied at the Courtauld Institute of Art and City University, London. For several years he was a specialist in Byzantine and Russian icons at the Temple Gallery, London, before working as a curator at the V&A Museum. Andrew was subsequently Programme Director at Christie’s Education, and has been leading tours across Europe for over 20 years. MARTIN SYMINGTON Martin Symington is one of Britain’s most prolific travel journalists, regularly contributing to The Times, The Daily Mail and Wanderlust. Born and brought up in Oporto, he is the author of the Dorling Kindersley guidebook to Portugal and the AA Essential Guide to Portugal. MOIRA TAIT Moira Tait, MA, FRAS, read archaeology at the University of London, focusing on Paleolithic and Mesolithic Europe, and later gained an MA in the archaeology of Southeast Asia from SOAS. Moira has directed tours to France and Southeast Asia for over 17 years. LARS THARP Lars Tharp, MA, FSA, Hon DLitt, is a Danish-born art historian, lecturer and broadcaster who has worked on the BBC’s Antiques Roadshow as well as Hidden Treasures and Art of the Baroque. A former Director of the Foundling Museum, Lars is a ceramics specialist who has curated or overseen exhibitions at York Art Gallery and the Foundling Museum. Lars’s publications include Hogarth’s China.
Andrew Spira
Martin Symington
aceculturaltours.co.uk | 01223 841055
LUCREZIA WALKER Lucrezia Walker, BA, MA, lectures at the National Gallery and teaches the London Art History Programme for the University of North Carolina. She has 20 years’ experience of leading cultural tours in major European cities, and has lived, studied and worked in Italy. Lucrezia is the author of several books, and was previously Galleries Correspondent for The Tablet.
CHRISTOPHER WELLINGTON Christopher Wellington, MA, graduated in history from Cambridge University, but has spent most of his career working in Italy, where he lives with his family in Piacenza. He is a recognised guide in Emilia Romagna, and his professional interests include history, the Church, and art and architecture, especially of the Middle Ages.
DIANA WARD Diana Ward, MSc, CBiol, MCIEEM, is an ecologist and wildlife specialist. Her company, Ward Ecology Ltd, carries out ecological assessment work, and she has worked for many years on Sites of Special Scientific Interest and river restoration projects. She was Senior Editor of The Rivers & Wildlife Handbook.
ADAM WHITE Adam White, PhD, is an art historian and curator with expertise in country house collections. He studied at Oxford University and the Courtauld Institute of Art, and is one of Britain’s leading authorities on English sculpture of the Elizabethan and Jacobean periods. He currently works as Hon Curator of Collections at Lotherton Hall in Yorkshire.
NICHOLAS WEARNE Nicholas Wearne, BA, MPhil, is a former ACE Bursary student, who holds a Junior Fellowship at Birmingham Conservatoire. His career as a solo organist has taken him all over the world, and he was winner of the Poul Ruders Prize at the 2011 Odense International Organ Competition. Nicholas has also held the prestigious position of organist at St Martin-in-the-Fields, Trafalgar Square.
RICHARD WIGMORE Richard Wigmore, MA, AGSM, is a writer, broadcaster, lecturer and former professional singer. Richard specialises in Viennese Classics, Lieder and Opera and writes for Gramophone, BBC Music Magazine and other journals. He has lectured at Birkbeck College, the Royal Academy of Music and the Guildhall School of Music, and his publications include Schubert: The Complete Song Texts and the Faber Pocket Guide to Haydn.
MARK WELCH Mark Welch, PhD, has been a research scientist in the Department of Earth Sciences at the Natural History Museum in London for the past 25 years. He has a PhD in geosciences from Edinburgh University, and taught crystallography at Cambridge University for nine years. Mark has led many field trips in the UK as a geologist and naturalist, and is currently involved in surveying bees and flies for a wide range of sites in East Anglia.
ANDREW WILSON Andrew Wilson, BA, BD, FSAScot, is a specialist in archaeology and ancient history with a particular interest in Roman frontier systems and Byzantine mosaics. Andrew is a member of the Society for the Promotion of Byzantine Studies, and a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland. He is also a member of the Hadrianic Society and the Pictish Arts Society.
Moira Tait
Lars Tharp
Nicholas Wearne
Richard Wigmore
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Booking Procedure and Conditions
B OOKI NG PROCED URE AND CO N D I TIONS Please complete the booking form and return it with the deposit required. Provisional bookings may be made by telephone but must be confirmed by a completed booking form and deposit within one week. Upon receipt of your completed booking form and deposit we will, subject to availability, send you a confirmation/invoice with, in most cases, a reading list. An itinerary, practical information and travel documents (if applicable) will be sent to you three weeks before the commencement of the tour.
PAYMENT All tours and courses costing up to £200 per person must be paid in full at the time of booking. For all 2019 tours the following deposits are payable at the time of booking if you are booking 10 weeks or more before departure: £200 per person for UK tours. £300 per person for all European tours. £450 per person for Worldwide tours. If you are booking less than 10 weeks before departure full payment for all tours must be made at the time of booking. For all tours in 2020 and onwards, deposits will be as follows: £250 per person for UK tours. £350 per person for all European tours. £450 per person for Worldwide tours. The balance of the tour cost must be received by us not less than 10 weeks prior to departure. This date will be shown on the confirmation invoice. Reminders are not sent. If we do not receive all payments due (including any surcharge where applicable) in full and on time, we are entitled to assume that you wish to cancel your booking. In this case, we will be entitled to keep all deposits paid or due at that date. If we do not cancel straight away because you have promised to make payment, you must pay the cancellation charges shown in clause 6 depending on the date we reasonably treat your booking as cancelled.
FITNESS All tours involve a significant amount of walking, often over uneven cobbled streets, hillsides or steps. You should be prepared to walk at a reasonable pace for at least 60 minutes and additionally stand for at least 30 minutes without requiring a rest.
MEDICAL CONDITIONS OR DISABILITY We aim to provide authentic cultural experiences and to maximise the time spent on tour. As a result, the majority of itineraries are quite intensive and can be tiring. They may involve a significant amount of walking, uneven surfaces at outdoor sites or in historic buildings, long journeys, and uncomfortable climatic conditions which might exacerbate existing medical or mobility issues. Destinations include many countries with lower standards of health and safety than the UK and limited adaptations for people with reduced mobility. Some destinations do not (and cannot reasonably be expected to) provide emergency and/or health care to the standard that travellers with mobility and/or health conditions may require in the event of any form of incident or emergency. For the above reasons, our holidays may not be suitable for people with certain disabilities, medical conditions or significantly reduced mobility. If you suffer from any medical condition, disability or reduced mobility (including any which affect the booking process) or have any special requirements as a result, please tell us before making your booking so that we can assist you in considering the suitability of the arrangements and in order that we can assess the potential risks to your welfare and health and safety.
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If we feel that we cannot reasonably accommodate your needs, we reserve the right to decline your booking or, if full details are not given at the time of booking or the condition/ disability develops after booking, cancel when we become aware of these details. In any event, you must give us full details in writing at the time of booking and whenever any change in your condition, disability or mobility occurs. You must also promptly advise us if any medical condition, disability or reduced mobility which may affect your holiday develops after your booking has been confirmed. When we refer to reduced mobility, this means any material reduction in mobility whether this is permanent or temporary and whether caused by age or by physical or mental disability or impairment or other cause of disability.
ACCOMMODATION Accommodation in hotels is in twin/double bedded rooms, the majority of which have private bath/ shower and toilet. On cruise ships, accommodation is in cabins with shower and toilet only. Single rooms: despite the fact that single rooms carry a supplement, single accommodation is sometimes not of the same standard as twin/double accommodation. Single rooms may not always be in the same area of the hotel as a twin/double and the single supplement does not necessarily mean a twin/ double room will be provided for single occupancy. Please note that ACE Cultural Tours makes no profit from single room supplements (which result directly from hotel pricing policies). Porterage is included on overseas tours where available.
DIETARY AND SPECIAL REQUESTS Failure to meet any dietary or special request will not be a breach of contract on our part. Inclusion of the dietary or special request on your booking confirmation or any other documentation is not a guarantee that the request will be met. Dietary and special requests must be advised at the time of booking and we will endeavour to pass on any reasonable requests to the relevant supplier.
INSURANCE We consider adequate travel insurance essential for all tours abroad (including Europe), covering comprehensive medical expenses, repatriation and personal liability, as well as cancelled, delayed and missed departure and loss or damage to personal possessions. You must give us details in writing of your insurance preferably on your booking form but in any case no later than before the departure date of your tour. If you fail to do so, we reserve the right to cancel your booking. Please note that insurance premiums must be paid as soon as possible as cover (including cancellation cover) will not be effective until you have done so. Please read your policy details carefully and take them with you on holiday. It is your responsibility to ensure that the insurance cover you purchase is suitable and adequate for your particular needs.
PASSPORTS & VISAS Whilst general guidance is given below, your specific passport, visa and other immigration requirements are your responsibility and you should confirm these with the relevant embassies and/or consulates. In particular, if you are not a British Citizen or hold a non-British passport, you must check the requirements for all countries to or through which you are intending to travel. Requirements may change and you must check the up to date position in good time before departure. For some tours and destinations we will require a copy of the picture page of your passport, please see below for more details. PASSPORTS VISAS
these with the relevant Embassies and/or Consulates. Requirements may change and you must check the up to date position in good time before departure. A British passport presently takes approximately 2 to 6 weeks to obtain. If you or any member of your party is 16 or over and haven’t yet got a passport, you should apply for one at least 6 weeks before your tour. The UK Passport Service has to confirm your identity before issuing your first passport and will ask you to attend an interview in order to do this. If you or any member of your party is not a British Citizen or holds a non-British passport, you must check passport and visa requirements with the embassy or consulate of the countries to or through which you are intending to travel. We require a copy of the picture page of your passport for some further afield tours and destinations requiring a visa, please see the details specific to your intended destination below. The information below should help when booking your tour. ALBANIA British Citizen passport holders can enter and remain in Albania for a maximum of 90 days without a visa. Your passport should be valid for a minimum of 3 months from the date of your entry. We will require a copy of the personal details page of your passport 4 months prior to departure. If you hold any other passport please check with the relevant embassy. ALGERIA A single entry tourist visa will be required. Visas to Algeria are handled for us by CIBT Visas, Skyline House, 200 Union Street, London, SE1 0LX, tel 0207 5936223. Please go to their website where the application form and full instructions may be obtained: www.cibtvisas.co.uk/aceculturaltours. We will provide the supporting documentation to be included with your application approximately 3 months prior to departure. Applications will take at least 20 working days to process. (via CIBT). Current charges are: Consular fee £85 (inc VAT) CIBT handling fee £60 (inc VAT). Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the date of your entry and contain 2 blank pages. If applying directly, you may take your documentation together with £85 in cash to the Algerian Embassy, Visa Section, at 5 Portal Way, London W3 6RT between 9.00 and 12.00 Tuesday to Saturday. You may either collect the passport on or after the date they tell you (generally a week later, between 3.00 and 4.00 p.m. on the same days), or if you supply them with a stamped addressed envelope for Special Delivery they will post it back to you without the necessity for a return visit. We will require a copy of the personal details page of your passport 4 months prior to departure. If you hold any other passport please check requirements with the relevant embassy. ARMENIA & GEORGIA No visa is required for Armenia & Georgia but your passport must have at least 6 months validity beyond your date of entry. We will require a copy of the personal details of your passport 4 months prior to departure. If you hold any other passport please check requirements with the relevant embassy. AUSTRALIA An eVisitor visa is required for British Citizens and this can be obtained from the Department of Immigration & Border Protection www.homeaffairs.gov.au/trav/visa-1/651 There is no application charge or service fee for this. Your passport should be valid for the proposed duration of your stay. We will require a copy of the personal details page of your passport 4 months prior to departure. If you hold any other passport please check requirements with the relevant embassy. BALTIC STATES (LATVIA, ESTONIA, LITHUANIA) Visas are not required for British Citizens for stays of up to 3 months. Your passport should be valid for the proposed duration of your stay. We will require a copy of the personal details page of your passport 4 months prior to departure. If you hold any other passport please check requirements with the relevant embassy.
Your specific passport, visa and other immigration requirements are your responsibility and you should confirm
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Booking Procedure and Conditions CAMBODIA & LAOS Visas for both countries can be obtained on arrival. The Cambodian visa is currently USD $30 cash and 2 original passport-sized photographs will be needed. You can also arrange an e-Visa online before you travel – please go to www.evisa.gov.kh for details. The Laotian visa requires 1 original passport-sized photographs and currently costs USD $35. There is now a Lao Embassy in London. Your passport should have a minimum of 6 months validity. British Citizens arriving by air do not require a visa to enter Thailand for up to 30 days under the Tourist Visa Exemption. This means British Citizens should not need a transit visa for the flight connections at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi. We will require a copy of the personal details page of your passport 4 months prior to departure. If you hold any other passport please check requirements with the relevant embassy. CHINA Visas to China are handled for us by CIBT Visas, Skyline House, 200 Union Street, London, SE1 0LX, tel 0207 5936223. Please go to their website where the application form and full instructions may be obtained:www.cibtvisas. co.uk/aceculturaltours. We will provide the supporting documentation to be included with your application approximately 3 months prior to departure. Please note this should be accompanied by the ACE Booking Confirmation document which was sent to you when you initially made your booking. Applications will take up to 10 working days to process (via CIBT). Visa application forms must be typed electronically by the applicant then printed on A4 paper and signed. Handwritten forms will not be accepted after April 2018. Direct applications may take longer. Current charges are: Consular fee - £151 (inc VAT) CIBT handling fee - £99.60 (inc VAT) Your passport should be the Full Validity type and be valid for a minimum period of 6 months beyond the entry date into China. It should contain at least 2 blank visa pages and should not be damaged in any way. As of 12th November 2018, all Chinese visa applicants in the UK will need to provide fingerprints in person at a Visa Application Service Centre in London, Manchester, or Edinburgh. Upon receipt of your Visa application, CIBT will arrange an appointment for fingerprint submission at a Visa Application Centre in London, Manchester, or Edinburgh. We will require a copy of the personal details page of your passport 4 months prior to departure. If you hold any other passport please check requirements with the relevant embassy. NORTH CYPRUS No visa is required in advance for North Cyprus for British or EU Citizens. Your passport must be valid for 6 months. If you prefer not to have your passport stamped, you may request a stamped visa form which is loosely inserted into your passport and removed on departure. There is no charge. If you hold any other passport please check with the relevant embassy. ETHIOPIA A visa is required to enter Ethiopia. Visas for Nationals from the United Kingdom can obtain a single entry eVisa from www.evisa.gov.et at the cost of US$50. Visas for UK tourists are also available on arrival at Addis Ababa International Airport at the cost of $US50, cash only. A recent passport sized photo will also be required. Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the date of entry and have at least 2 blank pages. We will require a copy of the personal details page of your passport 4 months prior to departure. If you hold any other passport please check requirements with the relevant embassy. INDIA A tourist visa is required and can be obtained either via the internet at http://in.vfsglobal.co.uk, currently £124.57, or, from a visa service company. Your passport must have at least 180 days validity beyond the exit date, be machine readable and contain at least 2 blank pages. We recommend CIBT VIsas, Skyline House, 200 Union Street, London, SE1 0LX, tel 0207 5936223. Please go to their website where the application form and full instructions may be obtained:www.cibtvisas. co.uk/aceculturaltours. Their charge is £60 (inc VAT). We will require a copy of the personal details page of your passport 4 months prior to departure. If you hold any other passport please check requirements with the relevant embassy. ISRAEL You do not need a visa to enter Israel as a tourist. On entry, visitors are granted leave to enter for a period of up to 3 months. Since January 2013 a pilot scheme has been introduced whereby visitors are given an entry card instead of an entry stamp on arrival. You should keep this card with your passport until you leave. Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the date of entry. We will require a copy of the personal details page of your passport 4 months prior to departure. If you hold any other passport please check requirements with the relevant embassy.
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JAPAN British Citizen passport holders can enter Japan as a tourist for up to 90 days without a visa. Your passport should be valid for the proposed duration of your stay. We will require a copy of the personal details page of your passport 4 months prior to departure. If you hold any other passport please check requirements with the relevant embassy. KAZAKHSTAN A visa is not required for UK nationals provided your stay does not exceed 30 days. Your passport must have 6 months validity from the date of your entry into Kazakhstan. We will require a copy of the personal details page of your passport 4 months prior to departure. If you hold any other passport please check requirements with the relevant embassy. MALAYSIAN BORNEO A visa is not required for UK nationals. Your passport must have 6 months validity from the date of your departure and contain adequate blank pages. We will require a copy of the personal details page of your passport 4 months prior to departure. If you hold any other passport please check requirements with the relevant embassy. NEW ZEALAND You can enter New Zealand as a visitor for up to 6 months on arrival without a visa. Visitors must have an onward ticket. Your passport must be valid for a minimum period of 1 month from the date of exit from New Zealand. We will require a copy of the personal details page of your passport 4 months prior to departure. If you hold any other passport please check requirements with the relevant embassy. RUSSIA Visas to Russia are handled for us by CIBT Visas, Skyline House, 200 Union Street, London, SE1 0LX, tel 0207 5936223. Please go to their website where the application form and full instructions may be obtained: ww.cibtvisas. co.uk/aceculturaltours. We will provide the supporting documentation to be included with your application approximately 3 months prior to departure. Applications will take up to 20 working days to process (via CIBT). Direct applications may take a lot longer. Current charges are: Consular fee £108.40 (inc VAT), CIBT handling fee £72 (inc VAT). All individuals applying for a Russian visa in the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland will be required to appear in person at the London of ce of CIBT Visas or at the VFS processing centres in Edinburgh or Manchester in order to provide biometric information. (Each of these options obviates the need to attend in person the Russian Embassy in London.) Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 6 months after the expiry date of your visa and have at least 2 blank visa pages. We will require a copy of the personal details page of your passport 4 months prior to departure. If you hold any other passport please check requirements with the relevant embassy. SOUTH AFRICA Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 30 days from the date of exit from South Africa and have at least 2 blank pages when you present it at immigration to enter or leave South Africa. If you’re visiting South Africa for tourism or business purposes for a period of up to 90 days, you don not need a visa. The South African government does not accept British passports that have been extended by 12 months by British Embassies and Consulates under exceptional measures put in place in mid-2014. You will not be able to enter or exit South Africa on an expired British passport with an extension stamp. We will require a copy of the personal details page of your passport 4 months prior to departure. If you hold any other passport please check requirements with the relevant embassy. SOUTH KOREA British Citizen passport holders can enter South Korea as a tourist for up to 90 days without a visa. Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 3 months from the date of entry into South Korea. We will require a copy of the personal details page of your passport 4 months prior to departure. If you hold any other passport please check requirements with the relevant embassy. THAILAND British Citizen passport holders arriving by air or land can enter Thailand for 30 days without a visa - this is known as a visa exemption. Your passport must have at least 6 months validity remaining on the date of your entry into Thailand. Entry to Thailand is normally refused if you have a passport which is damaged or has pages missing. We will require a copy of the personal details page of your passport 4 months prior to departure. If you hold any other passport please check requirements with the relevant embassy.
TURKEY British Citizen passport holders require a visa to enter Turkey. An e-Visa can be obtained online before you travel at https:// www.evisa.gov.tr/en/ at a cost of $20. You can apply up to 3 months in advance of your travel date. Passports should be valid for at least 6 months from the date you enter Turkey and have a blank page for the visa stamp. We will require a copy of the personal details page of your passport 4 months prior to departure. If you hold any other passport please check with the relevant embassy. USA An Electronic System Travel Authorisation (ESTA) is required for British Citizen Passport holders. Internet registration must be made via https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/ The current cost is USD $14. We will require a copy of the personal details page of your passport 4 months prior to departure. If you hold any other passport please check with the relevant embassy. UZBEKISTAN British Citizen passport holders can enter Uzbekistan as a visitor for stays of up to 30 days without a visa. Your passport should be valid for a minimum of 3 months from the date of your entry. We will require a copy of the personal details page of your passport 4 months prior to departure. If you hold any other passport please check with the relevant embassy. VIETNAM All British passport holders travelling for tourism or business can enter Vietnam for a maximum of 15 days without a visa. Passports must be valid for a minimum of 6 months for this exemption. We will require a copy of the personal details page of your passport 4 months prior to departure. If you hold any other passport please check requirements with the relevant embassy.
HEALTH REQUIREMENTS Details of any compulsory health requirements applicable to British citizens for your tour are shown in your tour details. It is your responsibility to ensure you are aware of all recommended vaccinations and health precautions in good time before departure. Details are available from your GP surgery and from the National Travel Health Network and Centre http://travelhealthpro.org.uk/. Information on health abroad is also available on www.nhs.uk/Livewell/ Travelhealth. For tours in the EU/EEA you should obtain an EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) prior to departure from www.ehic. org.uk. An EHIC is not a substitute for travel insurance. Vaccination and other health requirements/recommendations are subject to change at any time for any destination. Please check with a doctor or clinic not less than six weeks prior to departure to ensure that you have met the necessary requirements and have the applicable information. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of all necessary travel and health documents before departure. All costs incurred in obtaining such documentation must be paid by you. We regret we cannot accept any liability if you incur nes or are refused entry onto any transport or into any country due to failure on your part to carry all required documentation.
DAMAGE & BEHAVIOUR You accept responsibility for any damage or loss caused by you or any other person on your booking form. Full payment for any such damage or loss must be made direct to the accommodation owner or manager or other supplier or to us as soon as possible. You will also be responsible for meeting any claims subsequently made against us and all costs incurred by us as a result of your actions. You should ensure you have appropriate travel insurance to protect you if this situation arises. We expect all clients to have consideration for other people. If you or any other person on your booking form behaves in such a way as to cause or be likely to cause danger, upset or distress to any third party or damage to property, we are entitled, without prior notice, to terminate the tour of the person(s) concerned. We will have no further responsibility toward such person(s) and we will not pay any expenses or costs incurred as a result of the termination.
SAFETY STANDARDS Please note, it is the requirements and standards of the country in which any services which make up your tour are provided which apply to those services and not those of the UK. As a general rule, these requirements and standards will not be the same as the UK and may sometimes be lower.
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Booking Procedure and Conditions BOOKING CONDITIONS The following Booking Conditions together with the Booking Procedure, Important Notes and our promotional information setting out the details of your tour form the basis of your contract with ACE Cultural Tours Limited of Stapleford Granary Bury Road, Stapleford, Cambridge, England, CB22 5BP registered in England and Wales number 07058084. Please read the conditions carefully as they set out our respective rights and obligations. By asking us to confirm your booking, we are entitled to assume that you have read and agreed to these booking conditions. In these booking conditions, “tour”, “booking”, “contract”, “package” and “arrangements” refer to the tour arrangements we have agreed to make, perform or provide, as applicable, as part of our contract with you unless otherwise stated. “You” and “your” means all persons named on your booking (including anyone who is added or substituted at a later date) or any of them as the context requires. “We” and “us” means ACE Cultural Tours Ltd.
our office. As we incur costs from the time we confirm your booking, the following cancellation charges will be payable. Where the cancellation charge is shown as a percentage, this is calculated on the basis of the total cost payable by the person(s) cancelling excluding amendment charges. Amendment charges are not refundable in the event of cancellation. In calculating these cancellation charges, we have taken account of possible cost savings and the generation of income from other bookings which may be able to utilise cancelled services to the extent this is likely to be achievable.
notify you of cancellation for this reason as referred to in clause 5(3). Where we have to cancel your booking in these circumstances, we will refund all monies you have paid to us within 14 days of the date we inform you of the cancellation but will have no further or other liability to you including in respect of compensation or any costs or expenses you incur or have incurred. We will of course endeavour to offer you an alternative tour where possible which you may choose to book in place of that cancelled. We also have the right to cancel if you fail to make payment in accordance with the terms of your contract in which case clause 4 will apply.
Period before departure within which written notification of cancellation Cancellation charge is received by us. per person cancelling
(7) In the event that unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances (see clause 6) occur in the place of destination of your tour or its immediate vicinity and significantly affect the performance of the contracted arrangements or the carriage of passengers to that destination, you will be entitled to cancel prior to departure without payment of cancellation charges. We will notify you as soon as practicable in the event of this situation occurring.
70 days or more
Deposit(s) only (40% for tours/courses costing less than £150)
For information on how we handle your personal data please see our privacy policy. This is available on our website but if you require a printed copy please contact the office.
69 - 29 days *
60%
28 - 15 days *
90%
1. Your contract A binding contract between us comes into existence when we dispatch our confirmation invoice. We both agree that English law (and no other) will apply to your contract and to any dispute, claim or other matter of any description which arises between us (“claim”) except as set out below. We both also agree that any claim (and whether or not involving any personal injury) which arises between us must be dealt with under the AITO arbitration scheme (if the scheme is available for the claim in question – see clause 9) or by the Courts of England and Wales only unless, in the case of Court proceedings, you live in Scotland or Northern Ireland. In this case, proceedings must either be brought in the Courts of your home country or those of England and Wales. If proceedings are brought in Scotland or Northern Ireland, you may choose to have your contract and any claim governed by the law of Scotland/Northern Ireland as applicable (but if you do not so choose, English law will apply).
14 days or less
100%
2. Price information Subject to the correction of errors, the price of our tours is valid when quoted to you. The prices were calculated using exchange rates as quoted in the Financial Times on 25 January 2019: £1 = 1.32 USA Dollars £1 = 1.15 Euros. Once confirmed at the time of booking, we would only consider a surcharge as a result of significant changes to: (i) the price of the carriage of passengers resulting from the cost of fuel or other power sources or (ii) the level of taxes or fees on the travel services included in the contract imposed by third parties not directly involved in the performance of the tour including tourist taxes, landing taxes or embarkation or disembarkation fees at ports and airports or (iii) the exchange rates relevant to the tour. If any surcharge is greater than 8% of the total tour cost, clause 5 will apply on the basis the surcharge is a significant change. You will be notified of any price increase or reduction applied in accordance with this clause together with the justification for and calculation of this not less than 20 days before departure. Where a reduction is applicable, we are entitled to deduct our administrative expenses from the refund. Any surcharge must be paid with the balance of the tour cost or within 14 days of the issue date printed on the invoice, whichever is the later. 3. Changes by you Should you wish to make any changes to your confirmed booking, you must notify us in writing as soon as possible. Whilst we will endeavour to assist, we cannot guarantee we will be able to meet any such requests. Where we can, an amendment fee will be payable together with any costs incurred by ourselves and any costs or charges incurred or imposed by any of our suppliers. You may transfer your booking or your place on the booking to someone else (introduced by you) providing we are notified not less than 7 days before departure and the person to whom you are making the transfer satisfies all conditions which form part of your contract with us. Requests for transfer must be accompanied by the name and other applicable details of the replacement person. Where a transfer to a person of your choice can be made, all costs and charges incurred by us and/or incurred or imposed by any of our suppliers, together with an amendment fee of £50, must be paid before the transfer can be effected. As certain arrangements (e.g. flight tickets) cannot be changed after a reservation has been made, name changes, other alterations and cancellation affecting these services is likely to incur a 100% cancellation charge and the applicable cost of rebooking the service. 4. Cancellation by you You may cancel your confirmed booking at any time before departure. You may also transfer your booking as referred to above. Should you need to cancel your booking, you must immediately advise us in writing. Notice of cancellation will only be effective when it is received in writing by us at
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* For arrangements which include a cruise a 100% cancellation charge applies from 69 days before departure. Should you book any additional services, separate cancellation conditions may apply. Depending on the reason for cancellation, you may be able to reclaim these cancellation charges (less any applicable excess) under the terms of your insurance policy. Claims must be made directly to the insurance company concerned. 5. Changes and cancellation by us. (1) Changes to confirmed bookings sometimes have to be made and we reserve the right to do so in accordance with this clause 5. Most changes will be insignificant and we have the right to make these. Where an insignificant change is made before departure, we will notify you in writing. No compensation is payable for insignificant changes. Occasionally, before departure, we may be constrained by circumstances beyond our control to make a significant alteration to any of the main characteristics of the travel services which form part of your confirmed booking or to any special requirements which we have accepted as referred to in the section headed Medical Conditions, Disability and Reduced Mobility in the Booking Procedure and Important Notes. Where we have to do so, clauses 5(4) and 5(5) will apply. (2) All alterations which are not significant in accordance with clause 5(1) will be treated as insignificant changes. Carriers such as airlines may be subject to change. Any such change will not be significant. A change of flight time of less than 12 hours, airline, departure airport between London airports (Gatwick, Heathrow, Luton, Stanstead or London City), type of aircraft (if advised), destination airport or accommodation to another of a similar standard and with similar facilities will also all be treated as insignificant changes. (3) Our tours require a minimum number of bookings to enable us to operate them and we reserve the right to cancel any tour where this minimum number is not achieved. Failure to achieve this minimum number does not, however, oblige us to cancel. We will notify you of cancellation for this reason not later than 70 days before departure. (4) In the event we have to significantly alter any of the main characteristics of your confirmed arrangements or accepted special requirements, we will provide you with the following information in writing as soon as possible: (i) the proposed alteration and any impact this has on the price; (ii) in the event that you do not wish to accept the alteration, details of any alternative tour we are able to offer (including the applicable price); (iii) your entitlement to cancel your booking and receive a full refund if you do not want to accept the alteration or any alternative tour offered; and (iv) the period within which you must inform us of your decision and what will happen if you don’t do so. (5) If you choose to cancel your booking in accordance with clause 5(4), we will refund all payments you have made to us within 14 days of the date we receive your written cancellation. If we don’t hear from you with your decision within the specified period (having provided you with the above mentioned information for a second time), we will cancel your booking and refund all payments made to us within 14 days of our doing so. No compensation will be payable or other liability accepted where a change results from unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances (see clause 6). (6) Occasionally, it may be necessary to cancel a confirmed booking. We have the right to terminate your contract in the event (i) we are prevented from performing your contracted tour arrangements as a result of unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances (see clause 6) and we notify you of this as soon as reasonably possible or (ii) we have to cancel because the minimum number of bookings necessary for us to operate your tour has not been achieved and we
6. Unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances Except where otherwise expressly stated in these booking conditions, we regret we cannot accept liability where the performance or prompt performance of our obligations under our contract with you is prevented or affected or you otherwise suffer any damage, loss or expense of any nature as a result of unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances . In these booking conditions, unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances means a situation which is beyond our control, the consequences of which could not have been avoided even if all reasonable measures had been taken. Such situations may include actual or threatened war, riot, civil strife, terrorist activity, industrial dispute, natural or nuclear disaster, adverse weather conditions, fire, closure, restriction or congestion of airspace, airports and ports and all other events outside our control. Unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances also include the UK Foreign Office advising against all travel or all but essential travel to any country, region or destination. 7. Our liability to you (1) We promise to make sure that the tour arrangements we have agreed to make, perform or provide as part of our contract with you are made, performed or provided with reasonable skill and care. This means that, subject to these booking conditions, we will accept responsibility if, for example, your contracted tour arrangements are not provided as promised or prove deficient as a result of the failure of ourselves, our employees, agents or suppliers to use reasonable skill and care in making, performing or providing your contracted tour arrangements. Please note, it is your responsibility to show that reasonable skill and care has not been used if you wish to make a claim against us. In addition, we will only be responsible for what our employees, agents and suppliers do or do not do if they were at the time acting within the course of their employment (for employees) or carrying out work we had asked them to do (for agents and suppliers). (2) We will not be responsible for any injury, illness, death, loss (for example loss of enjoyment or loss of possessions), damage, expense, cost or other sum or claim of any description whatsoever which results from any of the following: • the act(s) and/or omission(s) of the person(s) affected; or • the act(s) and/or omission(s) of a third party not connected with the provision of your tour and which were unforeseeable or unavoidable or • unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances as defined in clause 6 above (3) Please note, we cannot accept responsibility for any services which do not form part of our contract. This includes, for example, any additional services or facilities which a hotel or any other supplier agrees to provide for you where the services or facilities are not advertised by us and we have not agreed to arrange them as part of our contract and any excursion you purchase locally. In addition, regardless of any wording used by us on our website, in any advertising material or elsewhere, we only promise to use reasonable skill and care as set out above and we do not have any greater or different liability to you. (4) The promises we make to you about the services we have agreed to provide or arrange as part of our contract and the laws and applicable standards of the country in which your claim or complaint occurred, will be used as the basis for deciding whether the services in question had been properly provided. If the particular services which gave rise to the claim or complaint complied with the applicable local laws and standards, the services will be treated as having been properly provided. This will be the case even if the services did not comply with the laws and standards of the UK which would have applied had those services been provided in the UK. The exception to this is where the claim or complaint concerns the absence of a safety feature which might lead a reasonable tour participant to refuse to take the tour in question. Please note, however, our obligation is to exercise reasonable skill and care as referred to in clause 7(1). We do not make any
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Booking Procedure and Conditions representation or commitment that all services will comply with applicable local laws and standards and failure to comply does not automatically mean we have not exercised reasonable skill and care. (5) Except as set out in clause 7(6) or as otherwise permitted by English law, we do not limit the amount of damages you are entitled to claim in respect of personal injury or death which we or our employees have caused intentionally or negligently.For all other claims, if we are found liable to you on any basis, the maximum amount we will have to pay you is three times the total tour cost (excluding amendment charges) paid by or on behalf of the person(s) affected in total unless a lower limitation applies to your claim under clause 7(6) below. This maximum amount will only be payable where everything has gone wrong and you have not received any benefit at all from your tour. (6) Where any claim or part of a claim (including those involving death or personal injury) concerns or is based on any travel arrangements (including without limitation, the process of getting on and/or off the transport concerned) provided by any air, sea/cruise or rail carrier to which any international convention or EU regulation applies where we have arranged that travel as part of our contract, our liability (including the maximum amount of compensation we will have to pay you, the types of claim and the circumstances in which damages / compensation will be payable) will be limited as if we were the carrier in question as referred to in this clause 7(6). Where a carrier would not be obliged to make any payment to you under the applicable international convention or EU regulation (including where any claim is not notified and issued in accordance with the time limits stipulated in the applicable convention or EU regulation), we, similarly, are not obliged to make a payment to you for that claim or part of the claim. When making any payment, we will deduct any money which you have received or are entitled to receive from the carrier for the claim in question. Copies of the applicable international conventions and EU regulations are available from us on request. Please note that strict time limits apply for notifying loss, damage or delay of luggage to the airline or cruise operator. Any proceedings in respect of any claim (including one for personal injury or death) must be brought within 2 years of the date stipulated in the applicable convention or EU regulation. (7) Please note, we cannot accept any liability for any damage, loss, expense or other sum(s) of any description which (a) on the basis of the information given to us by you concerning your booking prior to our accepting it, we could not have foreseen you would suffer or incur if we breached our contract with you or (b) did not result from any breach of contract or other fault by ourselves or our employees or, where we are responsible for them, our suppliers or (c) relate to any business (including without limitation, loss of self employed earnings. (8) Many of the services which make up your tour are provided by independent suppliers. Those suppliers provide these services in accordance with their own terms and conditions. Some of these terms and conditions may limit or exclude the supplier’s liability to you, usually in accordance with applicable international conventions or regulations. (9) We may provide you with information (before departure and/or during your tour) about additional activities and excursions which are available in the area you are visiting but which do not form part of your tour itinerary. We cannot guarantee accuracy at all times of information given in relation to such activities or excursions or about the area you are visiting generally or that any particular excursion or activity which does not form part of our contract will take place as these services are not under our control. They do not form any part of your contract with us even where we suggest particular operators/other third parties and/or assist you in booking such activities or excursions in any way. We cannot accept any liability on any basis in relation to such activities or excursions and the acceptance of liability contained in clause 7(1) above will not apply to them. We do not however exclude liability for the negligence of ourselves or our employees resulting in your death or personal injury. 8. Complaints and problems In the unlikely event that you have any reason to complain or experience any problems with your tour whilst away, you must immediately inform our local representative or agent (if we have one) and the supplier of the service(s) in question. Any verbal notification must be put in writing and given to our representative / agent and the supplier as soon as possible. If we do not have or you cannot contact our local representative or agent and any complaint or problem is not resolved to your satisfaction by the supplier, you must contact us in the UK giving us full details and a contact number. Until we know about a complaint or problem, we cannot begin to resolve it. Most problems can be dealt with quickly. If you remain dissatisfied, however, you must write to us within 28 days of your return to the UK giving your booking reference and full details of your complaint. If you fail to follow this complaints procedure, your right to claim any compensation you may otherwise have been entitled to may be affected or even lost as a result.
aceculturaltours.co.uk | 01223 841055
9. Arbitration Disputes arising out of, or in connection with this contract which cannot be amicably settled may be referred to arbitration if you so wish. We are a member of the Association of Independent Tour Operators (AITO), and AITO’s Independent Dispute Settlement Service may be called upon by either side to bring the matter to a speedy and amicable solution. Details available on request. 10. Financial security We hold an Air Travel Organiser’s License issued by the Civil Aviation Authority (ATOL number 10204). All flight-inclusive tours we offer are financially protected by the ATOL scheme. When you buy an ATOL protected flight inclusive package from us, you will receive an ATOL Certificate. This lists what is financially protected, where you can get information on what this means for you and who to contact if things go wrong. The price of our ATOL-protected flight inclusive Packages includes the amount of £2.50 per person as part of the ATOL Protection Contribution (APC) we pay to the CAA. This charge is included in our advertised prices. We, or the suppliers identified on your ATOL Certificate, will provide you with the services listed on the ATOL Certificate (or a suitable alternative). In some cases, where neither we nor the supplier are able to do so for reasons of insolvency, an alternative ATOL holder or supplier may provide you with the services you have bought or a suitable alternative (at no extra cost to you). You agree to accept that in those circumstances the alternative ATOL holder or supplier will perform those obligations and you agree to pay any money outstanding to be paid by you under your contract to that alternative ATOL holder. However, you also agree that in some cases it will not be possible to appoint an alternative ATOL holder, in which case you will be entitled to make a claim under the ABTOT Combined scheme (or your credit card issuer where applicable). If we, or the suppliers identified on your ATOL certificate, are unable to provide the services listed (or a suitable alternative, through an alternative ATOL holder or otherwise) for reasons of insolvency, ABTOT Limited may make a payment to (or confer a benefit on) you under the ABTOT Combined scheme. You agree that in return for such a payment or benefit you assign absolutely to ABTOT Limited any claims which you have or may have arising out of or relating to the nonprovision of the services, including any claim against us, the travel agent (or your credit card issuer where applicable). You also agree that any such claims may be re-assigned to another body, if that other body has paid sums you have claimed under the ABTOT Combined scheme. For further information visit the ATOL website at www.atol.org.uk or the ABTOT website at www.ABTOT.com The Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust Limited (ABTOT) provides financial protection under ABTOT Combined and The Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018 for ACE Cultural Tours Limited , ATOL number 10204, and in the event of their insolvency, protection is provided for the following: 1. nonflight packages; 2. flight inclusive packages that commence outside of the EU, which are sold to customers outside of the EU; and 3. flight inclusive packages, flight only and linked travel arrangements (LTAs) sold as a principal under ABTOT Combined. ABTOT Combined cover provides for a refund in the event you have not yet travelled or repatriation if you are abroad. Please note that bookings made by customers outside the EU are only protected by ABTOT when purchased directly with ACE Cultural Tours Limited. In the unlikely event that you require assistance whilst abroad due to our financial failure, please call ABTOT’s 24/7 helpline on 01702 811397 and advise you are a customer of an ABTOT protected travel company. ABTOT’s address is 117 Houndsditch, London EC3A 7BT. The Civil Aviation Authority is the regulator of ABTOT Combined. The CAA can be contacted at Gatwick Airport South, West Sussex, RH6 0YR, UK tel +44 (0)333 103 6350, e-mail claims@caa.co.uk www.caa.co.uk You can access the The Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018 athttps://www.legislation. gov.uk/ukdsi/2018/9780111168479/contents 11. Delay and Denied Boarding Regulations We regret we are not in a position to offer you any assistance in the event of delay at your outward or homeward point of departure. Any airline concerned may however provide refreshments etc. We cannot accept liability for any delay which is due to any of the reasons set out in clause 7(2) of these Booking Conditions (which includes the behaviour of any passenger(s) on the flight who, for example, fails to check in or board on time).
by virtue of these Regulations represent the full amount of your entitlement to compensation or any other payment arising from such cancellation, delay, downgrading or denied boarding. This includes any disappointment, distress, inconvenience or effect on any other arrangements. The fact a delay may entitle you to cancel your flight does not automatically entitle you to cancel any other arrangements even where those arrangements have been made in conjunction with your flight. We have no liability to make any payment to you in relation to the Denied Boarding Regulations or in respect of any flight cancellation or delay, downgrading of any flight ticket or denial of any boarding as the full amount of your entitlement to any compensation or other payment (as dealt with above) is covered by the airline’s obligations under the Denied Boarding Regulations. If, for any reason, we make any payment to you or a third party which the airline is responsible for in accordance with the Denied Boarding Regulations, you must, when requested, assign to us the rights you have or had to claim the payment in question from the airline. If your airline does not comply with these rules you may use the CAA Passenger Advice and Complaints Service. See www.caa.co.uk/passengers/resolvingtravel-problems , for further details. 12. Promotional material accuracy The information contained in our promotional material is believed correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of printing or publication. However, errors may occasionally occur and information may subsequently change. You must therefore ensure you check all details of your chosen tour (including the price) with us at the time of booking. 13. Foreign Office Advice The UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office publishes regularly updated travel information on its website www.gov. uk/foreign-travel-advice and https://travelaware.campaign. gov.uk which you are recommended to consult before booking and in good time before departure. 14. Flights In accordance with EU Regulation No 2111/2005, we are required to bring to your attention the existence of a “Community list” which contains details of air carriers who are subject to an operating ban within the EU. The Community list is available for inspection at http://ec.europa. eu/transport/modes/air/safety/air-ban_en We are also required to advise you of the actual carrier(s) (or, if the actual carrier(s) is not known, the likely carrier(s)) that will operate your flight(s) at the time of booking. Where we are only able to inform you of the likely carrier(s) at the time of booking, we will inform you of the identity of the actual carrier(s) as soon as we become aware of this. Any change to the operating carrier(s) after your booking has been confirmed will be notified to you as soon as possible. If the carrier with whom you have a confirmed reservation becomes subject to an operating ban as above as a result of which we/ the carrier are unable to offer you a suitable alternative the provisions of clause 5 “Changes and cancellation by us” will apply. We are not always in a position at the time of booking to confirm the flight timings which will be used in connection with your flight. The flight timings shown in our brochure, on our website and/or detailed on your confirmation invoice are for guidance only and are subject to alteration and confirmation. Flight timings are outside our control. They are set by airlines and are subject to various factors including air traffic control restrictions, weather conditions, potential technical problems and the ability of passengers to check in on time. Specific instructions relating to departure and travel arrangements will be sent with your air or other travel tickets approximately 2 weeks before departure. You must accordingly check your tickets very carefully immediately on receipt to ensure you have the correct flight times. It is possible that flight times may be changed even after tickets have been despatched - we will contact you as soon as possible if this occurs. Any change in the identity of the carrier, flight timings, and/or aircraft type (if advised) will not entitle you to cancel or change to other arrangements without paying our normal charges except where specified in these conditions. 15. Assistance whilst on tour In the event you end up in difficulty (of any sort) during your tour, we will provide you with appropriate assistance as soon as reasonably possible including by the provision of appropriate information on health services, local authorities and consular assistance and by assisting you to make distance communications and to find alternative travel arrangements as may be applicable. Where you are in difficulty as a result of your negligence, we may charge you a reasonable fee for this assistance which will not exceed the costs we actually incur.
If your flight is cancelled or delayed, your flight ticket is downgraded or boarding is denied by your airline in circumstances which would entitle you to claim compensation or any other payment from the airline under EC Regulation No 261/2004 - the Denied Boarding Regulations 2004, you must pursue the airline for the compensation or other payment due to you. All sums you receive or are entitled to receive from the airline concerned
199
Index F
A Advent Cruise on the Rhine
20-21
Albania: From the Illyrians to the Ottomans
36-37
Albi & the Languedoc
71
Algeria: Rome Meets the Sahara
32-33
Ancient Crete & Santorini
49
40
Flemish Painting: From van Eyck to Rubens
64
Flowers of the Fairest Cape: From the Atlantic to the Indian Oceans
Ancient Sicily
42-43
From Madrid to Toledo: Trade, Treasure & the World of Philip II
Aquileia: City of Antiquity
28-29
From Washington to Jamestown
Arctic Finland & Norway
144-145
Art & Architecture of Puglia
97
P
Farthest Frontier: Roman Scotland & the Antonine Wall
Pomerania 83
148-149 73 76-77
108
Glasgow: Patrons, Art & Innovation
63
Art Collections & Stately Homes of the West Country
90
Art Collections of Liverpool
58
Art in Berlin
62
Art Nouveau in Belgium
95
Art on the Côte d’Azur
54
Art Treasures of Dresden
53
Art Treasures of St Petersburg
59
Houses & Gardens of Herefordshire & the Welsh Borders
Artists of the North
82
I
Artists’ Houses in Sussex
87
Iceland: History & Landscape
142-143
34-35
Imperial Rome, Ostia & Tivoli
45
Athens, Delphi & the Peloponnese
Bach Festival in Leipzig
119
Baltic States
78-79
Bauhaus: German Modern Art & Design
74
Beethoven in Bonn: A Cycle of Symphonies
123
Bologna, Mantua & Parma
66
Borneo 150-151 Bruges 101 C Cambodia & Laos
158-159
Cambridge Churches, College Chapels & Organs 120 Camino de Santigo: Pilgrims, Cathedrals & Castles
162-163
Chichester & the South Downs Chinese Civilisation
Goa: Portuguese Heritage, Landscape & Wildlife 178-179
111 164-165
Churches of Norfolk: An Appointment with Angels 72
70
96 109
102-103
Isles of Scilly
137
J
126-127 69
Douro River Cruise
131
T
The Ariège
92-93 173
The Dordogne
65
The Golden Age of Dutch Painting
81
The Hanseatic League The Holy Land
The Shetland Islands
84-85 24 94 147
U Uzbekistan: Cities of the Silk Road
160-161
Leipzig at Easter
116
Villas & Gardens of the Italian Lakes
114
107
Lorraine 75
W
Lycian Cruise
Wagner’s Ring Cycle in Budapest
117
M
Wagner’s Ring Cycle in Leipzig
118
West Japan & the Inland Sea: Art & Pilgrimage
14-15
168-169 121
Mozart Festival in Salzburg
86 115 124-125
N Norfolk in Summer
153
Northamptonshire Country Houses
106
Northern Greece
176-177
Wild & Ancient Dartmoor
146
Wild & Ancient Orkney
140
Wild Poland
134-135
Wildlife & Walking in Extremadura
138
Wildlife of Albania
152
Wildlife of the Austrian Alps
141
Wildlife of the Suffolk Coast: Minsmere & Orford Ness
130
41
O
E Early Christian & Medieval Rome
26
Odisha 174-175
Eboracum: York & the Roman North
27
Orthodox Christmas in Moscow
Edinburgh: Scottish Houses, Castles & Interiors
Somerset Levels in Winter
55
Music & Opera in New York
18-19
122
L
Medieval Burgundy
139
98-99
Shakespeare at Stratford
56
Crete: Birds, Flowers & Minoans
Donegal & Tory Island
Serbian Monasteries
136
Venice: The Triumph of Light & Colour
Mallorca 172
91
S
Vasari: Father of Art History
Cornwall: St Ives & the Newlyn School of Painters 67
Denmark: Ancient & Modern
88-89
Kazakhstan 170-171
Mahler Festival in Amsterdam
12-13
Russia’s Golden Ring
Valletta International Baroque Festival
Madeira: Pearl of the Atlantic
Danube Cruise
Roussillon 60-61
K
80
D
44
V
68
38-39
57 30-31
Jordan 46-47
Constable & Gainsborough in Suffolk
Cyclades: Ancient Islands of the Aegean
Roman & Byzantine Ravenna
The Pre-Raphaelites in Oxford
Japan in Springtime: Art, Temples & Gardens 166-167
Citadels of Transylvania
133
Riviera di Levante: From Genoa to Pisa
Teutonic Knights
132
Jewels of the Loire: Medieval & Renaissance Chateaux
16-17
Syracuse 100
Isle of Man: A Wild & Ancient Heritage
Jazz: From New Orleans to Memphis
Provence River Cruise
Sardinia: Birds, Flowers & Nuraghi
H
In Search of China’s White Gold
B
48
Roman Kent: Towns, Forts & Frescoes
Gardens of the Republic of Ireland
Hill Towns of Umbria
25
Prehistoric & Roman Anglesea & Snowdonia
R
G
Great Bardfield & Beyond: Mid-Century Art & Design in East Anglia
Pompeii with Herculaneum
52
110
Ethiopia 156-157
200
aceculturaltours.co.uk | 01223 841055