Cultural Tours & Music Holidays Spring Newsletter 2019 | Kirker Holidays by Kirker Holidays

cultural tours & music holidays S P R I N G

N E W S L E T T E R

Welcome to our new 2019 Cultural Tours & Music Holidays newsletter. We have included a selection of our favourite tours where we still have some places available, as well as details of a number of new holidays due to depart in 2019 and early 2020. We are delighted to reveal details of a six day itinerary to Istanbul in October, a fascinating nine night tour to Romania, and a holiday to Finland where we attend the annual Sibelius Festival on the shores of Lake Lahti. Further afield we shall head to Oman - the ‘Pearl of Arabia’ in October and the beautiful island of Sri Lanka in early 2020. Closer to home, we have a range of itineraries within the British Isles, including a tour of the elegant architecture of Georgian Dublin (see below), visits to music festivals in Cheltenham, North Norfolk, Aldeburgh and Suffolk – and our own exclusive Kirker Music Festival in Cornwall. In Italy, we will be travelling to some of the most charming and unspoilt towns including Parma in Emilia-Romagna for the annual Verdi Festival, Lucca in Tuscany, and the hill towns of Le Marche. We shall be marking the 400th anniversary of the death of Leonardo da Vinci with a tour to Florence and Milan in the autumn and will commemorate 75 years since the D-Day landings with a tour to Normandy in the company of military historian Hugh Macdonald-Buchanan. We do hope you will join the increasing number of our clients who enjoy travelling on our Cultural Tours and Music Holidays, and look forward to hearing from you soon – 020 7593 2284.

Ted Wake - Joint MD & Director of Sales & Marketing

2 0 1 9 Index Cornwall Music Festival

Villa Medici Giulini Collection 3 Verdi Festival, Parma

Handel in Sweden

Cheltenham Music Festival

Aldeburgh Festival

Sibelius Festival

Glyndebourne

North Norfolk Music Festival 10 Kirker Music Festivals

Hill Towns of Le Marche

Leonardo’s Italy

Lucca & The Lucchese Hills

Istanbul

Journey Through Romania

Sri Lanka

Oman

D-Day in Normandy

Italian Cultural Tours

GEORGIAN DUBLIN A SIX NIGHT HOLIDAY | 10 OCTOBER 2019 Dublin has one of the best preserved and most complete Georgian aspects; gracious squares, stately terraces and splendid public buildings hide sumptuously decorated interiors. This itinerary will not only include the finest examples in Dublin itself, but also takes us out of the city to a number of Georgian mansions, some still in private ownership. The tour will be led by Roger White, an architectural historian specialising in the Georgian period, formerly Secretary of both the Georgian Group and Garden History Society. His recent book on the cottage orné genre has been widely and enthusiastically reviewed.

The itinerary We will visit a number of private houses as well as see the Georgian interiors of Trinity College, the King’s Inns and Leinster House, now home to the Irish Parliament. Outside Dublin we will go to Castletown and Carton, two of Ireland’s grandest houses, have lunch at Beaulieu and visit Russborough in the Wicklow Mountains. Sir Alfred Beit amassed a superb art collection here which is now on display in the National Gallery of Ireland. Castletown is Ireland’s largest, and first, Palladian-style mansion, built in 1722 as the residence for William Conolly, Speaker of the Irish House of Commons. Neoclassical Rathfarnham Castle, austere Townley Hall, the water garden at Kilruddery Castle and the romantic Shell Cottage at Carton are all included. We have left time for independent exploration – the Book of Kells, the newly revamped National Gallery of Ireland and the National Museum all deserve a visitor’s time. Our base for the duration is the 4* The Green Hotel, ideally located on St. Stephen’s Green in the heart of Dublin.

Price £2,219 per person (single supp. £598) for six nights including flights, accommodation with breakfast, four dinners, two lunches, all sightseeing, entrance fees and gratuities and the services of the Kirker Tour Lecturer. E HOLI

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020 7593 2284 Published January 2019. Terms and conditions apply. Prices are per person based on 2 sharing.

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EXCLUSIVE KIRKER MUSIC FESTIVALS

THE KIRKER CORNWALL MUSIC FESTIVAL A FOUR NIGHT HOLIDAY | 1 OCTOBER 2019 The highlights of our popular Cornwall Festival are the visits we make to Boconnoc near Lostwithiel. This magnificent house is set in twenty acres of wonderful gardens. We will be welcomed at Boconnoc by Elizabeth Fortescue who lives on the estate and we will visit the house twice – once for a morning concert after which we will stay on for lunch and a talk on Boconnoc, and again for an evening concert followed by dinner in the house. The tour is based in the pretty town of Fowey, ten miles from Boconnoc. Fowey overlooks the glorious River Fowey estuary and is a town of great charm with a lively quayside and narrow, atmospheric streets. There is much to explore here including the parish church, St Fimbarrus, a harbour cruise, or a journey on the ferry across the river to Polruan. This area has close associations with the life and work of Daphne du Maurier, who lived here for many years and who died in Fowey in 1989.

Boconnoc House

The itinerary

THE MUSICIANS

Please make your own way to The Fowey Hotel. Clients travelling by train should book to Par and continue their journey by taxi (call us if you would like us to arrange taxis for you). Hotel car parking can be prebooked for a nominal charge. The Fowey Hotel is a traditional resort hotel with magnificent views of the Fowey River. It has comfortable bedrooms, an atmospheric bar and restaurant.

THE SACCONI QUARTET Formed in 2001 the quartet still has its four original members, and now, in its 18th year, ranks high among the most established British string quartets. They have enjoyed a highly successful international career, performing regularly throughout Europe, at London’s major venues, in recordings and on radio broadcasts. In 2017 they released three new CDs; “In Damascus, music by Jonathan Dove”, was chosen as Gramophone Magazine’s Recording of the Month. 2019 plans include two Wigmore Hall concerts; the Irish premiere of In Damascus with tenor Robin Tritschler; a tour of the rarely heard John Ireland Sextet with Robert Plane and Alec Frank-Gemmill; a new commission by Judith Bingham, and performances at festivals including Buxton International, Swaledale, Newbury, Salisbury, Halesworth and Gower. 2018 saw the eleventh year of the Sacconi Chamber Music Festival in Folkestone, with Graham Fitkin as composer in residence and collaborations with the London Bridge Trio, Moray Welsh and African trio Chesaba.

DAY

We are driven to Boconnoc this morning for our first visit. Coffee will be served on arrival before a welcome and introduction by our hostess, Elizabeth Fortescue. Having fallen into disrepair, restoration work began here in 2000 saving the house from demolition, and we will visit the house and the surrounding outbuildings, including its Georgian bath house and church. Our first concert will be followed by lunch and then we will return to Fowey. DAY

This afternoon we drive to St. Mawes, a picturesque and fashionable village overlooking the sea. On arrival, we visit Lamorran House for a tour of the evergreen garden. Afterwards, we will go to the old Methodist Chapel for our second concert which has a lovely acoustic and is ideal for chamber music. We will then walk down to the Hotel Tresanton where we will have dinner before returning to Fowey. DAY

We spend today at leisure in Fowey. In the evening we return to Boconnoc for our final concert and then enjoy dinner together afterwards. DAY

DAY

The tour ends after breakfast.

Optional excursion: St. Ives, 4 October (9.30am – 4.30pm) £55 per person About 90 minutes from Fowey, our visit to St. Ives starts at the Tate, which reopened in October 2017 after a four year redevelopment. The Tate displays a semi-permanent collection in the original building including several works by artists with close association to Cornwall as well as a programme of changing exhibitions in the new wing. We will also visit the nearby Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden.

Music Programme 2 October: Haydn: String Quartet in D Op.64 No.5 “The Lark” Beethoven: String Quartet in F minor Op.95 “Serioso” Mendelssohn: String Quartet in E flat Op.12 3 October: Rachmaninov: Romance, for string quartet Korngold: String Quartet No.3 in D, Op.34 Brahms: String Quintet in F Op.88 4 October: Simon Rowland-Jones: String Quintet No.2 “Trouvaille” Schubert: String Quartet in D minor D.810 “Death and the Maiden”

Price from £1,567 per person (single sup. £248) including four nights’ accommodation with breakfast, one lunch at Boconnoc, four dinners – two in the hotel, one at the Hotel Tresanton and one at Boconnoc, excursions as described, three concerts and the services of the Tour Leader. Supplements for rooms with sea view range from £60 to £168 per person – please call for further details.

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EXCLUSIVE KIRKER MUSIC FESTIVALS

THE VILLA MEDICI GIULINI COLLECTION A FOUR NIGHT HOLIDAY | 7 MAY 2019 ‘The progress of the piano’ with Melvyn Tan We were delighted when one of the world’s best known pianists, Melvyn Tan, introduced us to Fernanda Giulini’s matchless collection of historical keyboard instruments at her villa in Lombardy. Staying in the villa you will be able to admire these beautifully decorated instruments and hear them played as Melvyn brings them to life in a series of talks and recitals. We will also visit Monza Cathedral, the elegant Villa Cicogna and take a boat trip on nearby Lake Como.

The itinerary We fly to Milan Linate airport and transfer to the Villa Medici Giulini in the heart of the Brianza countryside, a journey of 40 minutes. At the welcome drinks party, Melvyn Tan will give a short introduction to Fernanda Giulini’s collection, followed by dinner at the villa. DAY

This morning we focus on the instruments in the collection that composers such as Haydn, Mozart and Bach would have known, 2 and Melvyn Tan will play a selection of pianos by various makers. After lunch we will drive to nearby Monza to visit one of the most beautiful and important cathedrals in Italy. We will return to the Villa Medici Giulini for our first concert, a programme played on the Johann Schanz and Anton Walter pianos. DAY

We drive to Lake Como and board a private boat to sail to the 3 Villa Balbianello, romantically sited on its own promontory, before continuing to Lenno where we have lunch at a lakeside hotel. Back at the Villa Medici Giulini we will take a look at the exquisitely decorated harpsichords and virginal in the collection. At this evening’s concert Melvyn will play music by Beethoven and Schumann on Conrad Graf ’s fortepiano. DAY

This morning there will be a talk on Pierre-Orphée Erard and his pianos. We then drive to the Villa Cicogna, where we will enjoy the impressive interiors and views across the garden to the mountains. We will have lunch here before returning to the Villa Medici Giulini. This evening Melvyn Tan will play his final concert on a piano by Pleyel. DAY

DAY

After breakfast we will return to Milan Linate airport.

VILLA MEDICI GIULINI Built in the 17th century,Villa Medici Giulini is located in the village of Briosco, 20 miles south of Como. The Marignano branch of the Medici family lived here in the 19th century and it is now the home of Fernanda Giulini. On the piano nobile we find the main music room with frescoes by Zuccarelli, and throughout the villa we will see the unique collection of pianos and harpsichords from different periods. Adjoining the main villa is a sympathetically designed extension that houses the well-appointed bedrooms in which we will stay. When capacity is reached additional rooms will be provided in a hotel nearby. FLIGHT Information

Flights with British Airways: Depart London Heathrow 11.55, arrive Milan 15.00 Depart Milan 14.00, arrive London Heathrow 15.00

Music Programme The recitals will be planned chronologically so that Melvyn will take you on a musical journey in which the development of the piano comes alive, in a setting of the utmost grandeur and intimacy. He will give musically-illustrated introductions to pianos associated with Haydn and Mozart, through to Beethoven and Schubert and finally to Liszt and Chopin.

The pianos at Villa Medici Giulini and their makers: Johann Schanz (1762 - 1828) opened his own workshop in Vienna in the 1780’s. Beethoven admired his pianos and recommended them to his patrons. Anton Walter (1752 - 1826) was appointed as Imperial Organ Builder and Instrument Maker. Beethoven had a Walter piano in his collection. Conrad Graf (1782 - 1851) was appointed the Royal Court Piano and Keyboard Instrument Maker and became famous throughout the Hapsburg Empire for the quality of his work. Sebastien Erard (1752 - 1831) produced pianos for the French court. He fled to London in 1792 to escaped the revolution and set up his business. He was succeeded by his nephew Pierre-Orphée Erard (1796 - 1855) and won many distinguished admirers including Mendelssohn, Liszt and Queen Victoria. Ignace Pleyel (1757-1831) pianos found favour with the leading composers of the time, notably Chopin who became a close friend of Camille Pleyel, Ignace’s son. Pleyel pianos continued to be popular with later composers such as Debussy, Ravel and Stravinsky.

melvyn tan One of the world’s best known pianists. Melvyn Tan came to the UK from Singapore as a small boy and studied at the Yehudi Menuhin School and the Royal College of Music. He has played in concert halls around the globe. Melvyn writes: ‘Although I have been performing from the collection for the best part of 30 years, I am still discovering new musical miracles. With the instruments from Mozart and Haydn’s time we hear a brittle, glass-like sound which was very much the kind the composers heard, and was reflected in the music they wrote. Beethoven of course, when he became the toast of Vienna a few decades later, disliked these instruments and encouraged piano-makers to strive for a fuller sound, so the player could achieve a ‘cantabile’, a singing quality to imitate the singers and string players of the day.The rest, as they say, is history, and the concept of the piano as we know it today was born.’

Price from £1,947 per person (single supp. £198) including flights, accommodation with breakfast, four dinners, two lunches, talks and concerts as described, a copy of the illustrated souvenir guide to Villa Medici Giulini, all sightseeing, entrances and gratuities and the services of the Kirker Tour Leader.

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KIRKER MUSIC HOLIDAYS

THE VERDI FESTIVAL IN PARMA A SIX NIGHT HOLIDAY | 1 OCTOBER 2019 The annual Verdi Festival takes place in one of Italy’s most beautiful historic cities, Parma. It is here in the countryside around Parma that Verdi was born, grew up and lived for much of his life. The special charm of Parma’s Verdi Festival is that performances take place not just in the Teatro Regio, one of the loveliest theatres in Italy, but also at the Teatro Verdi in Busseto when singers from the Verdi Voci Competition get a chance to perform. The tour will be led by art historian and opera specialist, Patrick Bade.

The itinerary We fly from London to Bologna and transfer to Parma where we stay at the 4 star Mercure Parma Stendhal in the centre of this vibrant city. DAY

The day is spent in Parma, which was the seat of the all-powerful Farnese family. We visit the important art collection at the Palazzo della Pilotta with many fine works including paintings by Correggio and Parmigianino. We will also see the Teatro Farnese – the first theatre with a proscenium arch – and the great Romanesque cathedral with frescoes by Correggio. DAY

DAY Staying again in Parma we will visit the house where Arturo 3 Toscanini was born on 27 March 1867. Later we will go to the Camera di San Paolo where we will see one of the jewels of Parma – the frescoed ceilings by Correggio. The rest of the day is free.

The entire day is devoted to Verdi. We will drive to Busseto to 4 visit Villa Verdi where many of the rooms are arranged just as the composer left them. Later we visit the Museo Nazionale Giuseppe Verdi, dedicated to the life and works of the composer. We will have lunch at the Hotel I due Foscari, once owned by one of the greatest Verdi singers of all time, Carlo Bergonzi. Today, his son Marco welcomes guests. We end the day with a visit to the humble farm dwelling where Verdi was born in 1813. DAY

The day is spent in Cremona, a delightful historic town in Lombardy. Stradivarius was born here and today the town is full of luthiers still producing finely crafted instruments in their ateliers. We also visit the cathedral and the Museum of the Violin which has an unrivalled collection of historic instruments. DAY

The morning is free for further enjoyment of Parma which in addition to its musical heritage, is considered to be the gastronomic capital of Italy. We will have lunch at the Antico Corte Pallavicino, a magnificent restaurant on the banks of the River Po. DAY

DAY

We return to Bologna today for the flight back to London.

Price from £2,998 per person (single supp. £398) for six nights including flights, transfers, accommodation with breakfast, two dinners, three lunches, tickets for three operas (seats at Busseto may be in boxes), all sightseeing, entrance fees and gratuities and the services of the Kirker Tour Lecturer, Patrick Bade and a tour escort. FLIGHT Information

Flights with British Airways: Depart London Heathrow 14.50, arrive Bologna 17.55 Depart Bologna 12.05, arrive London Heathrow 13.25

OPERA Programme The programme for the 2019 Verdi Festival includes two familiar works, and a rarity based on a play by Lord Byron. What all three operas have in common is the theme so close to the composer’s heart - the complex relationships between father and daughter, and between public and private life. 3 October: Teatro Verdi, Busseto Aida First performed at the Khedivial Opera House, Cairo on 24 December 1871. The first performance in Italy, which Verdi considered to be the real première, was given at La Scala, Milan on 8 February 1872. Usually presented as an opera on the grandest scale imaginable, some of the finest performances of Aida are given in small theatres. Here the intimacy of the story, and the conflicts between the three principal characters, shine through thanks to the chamber-music style of writing that Verdi employed on this score. Aida is about so much more than the famous but atypical pomp of the triumphal scene. 4 October: Teatro Regio, Parma Nabucco First performed at La Scala, Milan on 9 March 1842. Another opera that is well-known for its stirring chorus, Nabucco is full of wonderful writing that cemented Verdi’s reputation as the greatest composer of Italian opera of his time. 6 October: Teatro Regio, Parma I due Foscari First performed at the Teatro Argentina, Rome on 3 November 1844. The rarest opera in this year’s programme, it is set in Venice in the mid 15th century and tells the tale of the two Foscari – the Doge and his son, Jacopo. The story has one of the cruellest endings in opera, with the Doge witnessing the death of his son and, a few moments later, being told by the Council that due to his age, he must relinquish his role as Doge of Venice. 5 October: Optional Performance, Teatro Farnese, Parma Luisa Miller £270 per ticket First performed at Teatro San Carlo, Naples on 8 December 1849. Is this a tale of a father’s uncompromising love for his daughter, or of a meddlesome old man unable to face his life without his daughter by his side? A complex and unsettling insight into this familiar theme.

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KIRKER MUSIC HOLIDAYS

HANDEL IN SWEDEN A FIVE NIGHT HOLIDAY | 2 AUGUST 2019 Built across 14 of the 20,000 islands that shelter the city from the Baltic, Stockholm is a revelation and undoubtedly one of the world’s most elegant capitals. The number of Swedish opera singers who enjoy top-level careers and who grace the world’s stages is nothing less than astonishing. Sweden has a population of fewer than ten million and yet there often seems to be a Swedish singer in an opera every night in the world’s most important houses. This has been the case for two hundred years, no doubt due to the enormous number of people who sing in choirs from a very early age. The holiday includes performances of two Handel operas at Stockholm’s historic 18th century theatres.

The itinerary We fly to Stockholm where we stay at the 4* First Reisen Hotel which has a great location overlooking the harbour on the edge of the atmospheric Gamla Stan. DAY

We begin with a guided walking tour through the old town 2 with its mediaeval maze of narrow streets. The morning ends at Stockholm’s Royal Palace with its commanding views of the harbour. This afternoon we will visit the Nobel Museum which features interactive displays with information on the prize-winners, and recordings of their acceptance speeches. DAY

We go to Ulriksdal Palace, located in the leafy environs of the National City Park. We will tour the palace and the Orangery, as well as the exquisite 18th century rococo theatre, Confidencen. DAY

We sail to Lake Mälaren today to visit the Royal Palace of Drottningholm, the official residence of King Carl Gustaf and Queen Silvia. We will have dinner before enjoying a performance in the historic theatre. DAY

Today we go to Sweden’s largest art museum, the recently reopened National Museum of Fine Art. Next as a complete contrast we go to the wonderful Vasa Museum to learn about the dramatic sinking of the Vasa as she sailed out of Stockholm’s harbour on her maiden voyage in 1628. Raised from the seabed in 1962, the Vasa can now be enjoyed in a specially-designed museum. DAY

DAY

The final morning is free before leaving for the airport.

OPERA Programme Theatre Confidencen, Ulriksdal The story of how another court theatre was saved from ruin is remarkably similar to that of Drottningholm. The opera singer Kjerstin Dellert made it her personal mission to save the Rococo theatre after she first visited it in 1976. The first performance at the Theatre Confidencen took place in 1753. 4 August: Acis and Galatea by Handel Acis and Galatea was first conceived as a one-act masque, performed for the first time in the open air in the summer of 1718 on the terraces of the Duke of Chandos’s stately home, Cannons, in Stanmore where Handel was employed as resident musician. Handel revised the opera in 1739 into a two-act work. Today the work is widely known as a pastoral opera, extolling the delights of the simple bucolic life, an ironic gesture by Handel to his patron who spent, at today’s values, almost £30 million building Cannons. Drottningholm The first theatre at Drottningholm was destroyed by fire in 1762. It was rebuilt and given by Queen Lovisa Ulrika to her son, the future Gustavus III. After the king’s assassination the theatre fell into disuse and lay forgotten for more than 100 years. It was rediscovered in 1921, and today it remains exactly as it was when first built, with its original colours, papier mâché walls and stucco. The stage machinery is original, including the thunder machine, still used to dramatic effect. 5 August: Ariodante by Handel Forgotten for more than 100 years since its first performance at the Covent Garden Theatre, London on 8 November 1735, Ariodante is now one of the most frequently performed of all Handel’s operas and contains some of his most beautiful and virtuosic composition. The role of Ariodante is sung by the Swedish mezzo-soprano Ann Hallenberg, one of the leading baroque singers of the day. The opera is conducted by Ian Page, the founder of Classical Opera.

FLIGHT Information

Flights with British Airways: Depart London Heathrow 11.15, arrive Stockholm 14.50 Depart Stockholm 15.45, arrive London Heathrow 17.25

Price from £2,287 per person (single supp. £356) for five nights including flights, accommodation with breakfast, three dinners, tickets for performances as described, all sightseeing, entrance fees and gratuities and the services of the Kirker Tour Leader, Andrew Taylor.

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KIRKER MUSIC HOLIDAYS

CHELTENHAM MUSIC FESTIVAL A FIVE NIGHT HOLIDAY | 9 JULY 2019 Cheltenham is the perfect place to host a festival, with its elegant streets, parades and squares lined by Regency houses and buildings. The internationally renowned music festival, one of the oldest in the country, is just one of four held throughout the year. Festivals for jazz, science and literature and, of course, music combine to make Cheltenham a true city of festivals. Pittville Pump Room and the imposing Town Hall are the most important venues for the concerts. Our tour is based at the Queen’s Hotel, in the heart of Cheltenham and just across the green from the Town Hall. With so many unmissable concerts in 2019, our tour this year spends more time in Cheltenham but we will still include visits to two of Gloucestershire’s finest houses and gardens, Painswick and Stanway.

The itinerary Please make your own way to Cheltenham. Cheltenham Spa train station is half a mile away and taxis are available for approximately £7 each way. For those who are driving, the hotel has its own car park which is available at a cost of £12 per day to guests. DAY

Painswick Rococo Garden

Music Programme

DAY

10 July: Pittville Pump Room, 12.30 Gabriela Montera, piano Venezuelan pianist Gabriela Montera has a formidable reputation not only as one of the world’s foremost pianists but as a composer and improviser of considerable genius. Her programme will show off all these talents to the full.

This morning we go to Painswick Rococo Garden, tucked away in a remote and mysterious valley. It is one of the most complete 18th century gardens in Europe. We will return in time for the afternoon and evening concerts.

Town Hall, 19.30 Danielle de Niese, soprano Julius Drake, pianist Danielle is one of the most popular and versatile sopranos of the day, equally at home in opera, music theatre and song. Her pianist is the distinguished Julius Drake.

This morning we will walk to the house where Gustav Holst was born on 21 September 1871 and spent the first eight years of his life. The museum tells the story of Holst’s family and friends as well as providing an insight into middle class life at the end of the 19th century. We will attend two concerts today. 2

DAY

After this morning’s concert we will go to Stanway House, a mellow Jacobean country house and the seat of the Earl of Wemyss. The water garden here is one of the finest masterpieces of the landscape designer, Charles Bridgeman. We attend the second of the day’s concerts in the evening. DAY

11 July: Pittville Pump Room, 15.00 BBC Radio 3 Young Generation Artists Tenor Alessandro Fisher, Thibaut Garcia, classical guitar and Quatuor Arod present a versatile programme.

Our final concert will be followed by a visit to the Wilson Art Gallery and Museum, where we see an important and varied collection of fine and decorative art. The eponymous Edward Wilson directed Captain Scott’s expedition to Antarctica.

Pittville Pump Room, 20.00 Viktoria Mullova, violin Misha Mullov-Abbado, jazz double bass A rare combination of the two instruments is made all the more intriguing by the pairing of one of the most famous violinists of recent time and her son. Misha, the son of Viktoria Mullova and Claudio Abbado, studied at Cambridge and The Royal Academy. Programme to be announced.

DAY

The tour ends after breakfast.

Price £1,547 per person (single supp. £398) including accommodation with breakfast, four dinners, tickets for concerts as described, all sightseeing, entrance fees and gratuities and the services of the Kirker Tour Leader. Pittville Pump Room

12 July: Pittville Pump Room 11.00 Angela Hewitt, piano Bach: Toccatas The reputation of the world famous Canadian pianist’s career was founded on Bach and here she devotes this recital to the composer. Town Hall, 19.30 Academy of Ancient Music Nicola Benedetti, violin Richard Egarr, harpsichord A programme including works by Vivaldi and Telemann. 13 July: Pittville Pump Room 11.00 Heath Quartet Ravel: Quartet in F Beethoven: Quartet in B flat major Op.130

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KIRKER MUSIC HOLIDAYS

THE 72ND ALDEBURGH FESTIVAL A FIVE NIGHT HOLIDAY | 16 JUNE 2019 It’s always a challenge to settle on a date for our tour when presented with the Aldeburgh Festival’s programme. So many richly varied concerts taking place every day over a three week period in midsummer make it a difficult task. We try to choose a selection of concerts which will reflect the very spirit and diversity of the seventy one years of The Festival’s legacy and how it has developed, especially under the direction of the Chief Executive of Aldeburgh Music as it is now known, Roger Wright, and his Head of Artistic Planning, Dan Whitfield. The magic formula, begun by Benjamin Britten and Peter Pears for the first Festival in 1948, always included performances by the most distinguished musicians of the day, plenty of new music and works by composers regarded so highly by the pair. Our programme tries to include all these things.

The itinerary Please make your own way to Woodbridge where we stay at the Seckford Hall Hotel, five minutes by taxi from the centre of the town. Seckford Hall is a magnificent Tudor building set in more than 30 acres of grounds. Whilst there is no lift, staff are on hand to assist with luggage and rooms in the modern annexe are all on the ground floor. Please let us know if you would like to reserve one of these rooms at the time of booking. DAY

This morning we begin our tour with a visit to The Maltings at Snape, the centre of the Festival. There will be time to soak up the atmosphere of what is surely one of the most beautifully-sited concert halls in the world. There will be time for refreshments here before we move on to The Red House in Aldeburgh where Britten and Pears lived from 1957 until their deaths. The house is presented as it was during their time here. We will see the rooms and garden and the library where many of Britten’s works were prepared for performance under the watchful eye of the composer. There is a permanent exhibition of memorabilia as well as a series of temporary exhibitions. After the visit we will return to the hotel, leaving again for a pre-concert dinner at Snape. DAY

There will be some free time after our morning concert before dinner in the restaurant at The Maltings, followed by the evening concert. DAY

We drive to Helmingham Hall where we see the beautiful awardwinning gardens, designed by Lady Tollemache. We return to the hotel for a free afternoon. We will have a pre-concert dinner at Snape before driving to Blythburgh Church for this evening’s concert. Holy Trinity Church towers over the Blyth estuary and its adjoining marshes. DAY

We drive to Aldeburgh this morning to explore this quirky seaside town. There will be time to enjoy some of Aldeburgh’s famous fish and chips and have fun spotting the characters from Peter Grimes, made famous all over the world by Britten’s opera. Dinner at The Maltings will precede the opera this evening. DAY

DAY

The tour ends after breakfast today.

Price from £1,485 per person (single supp. £298) for five nights including accommodation with breakfast, five dinners, tickets for concerts as described, all sightseeing, entrance fees and gratuities and the services of the Kirker Tour Leader.

Music Programme 17 June: The Maltings, Snape, 19.30 A programme based on Schubert’s very last concert, given in March 1828. Mark Padmore, tenor Roderick Williams, baritone Richard Watkins, horn Roger Vignoles, piano; Trio Isimiz and others. The programme includes songs, his piano trio in E flat D929 and the first movement from the String Quartet in G major D887. The complete work will be performed in the next day’s concert. 18 June: The Maltings, Snape, 11.00 Diotima Quartet Szymanowski: String Quartet No. 2 in F major Op.56 Thomas Larcher: Quartet No 4 ‘Lucid Dreams’ Schubert: String Quartet in G major D887 The Maltings, Snape, 19.30 Vox Luminis, director Lionel Meunier Vox Luminis is an early music ensemble from Belgium, founded by Lionel Meunier in 2004. Works by Henry Purcell written for the coronation of Queen Mary II (1689) and her funeral (1695) along with other pieces by Purcell, Blow and Morley. 19 June: Blythburgh Church, 19.30 Alisa Weilerstein, cello One of the world’s leading cellists, Alisa will play four of Bach’s six Cello Suites - No.1 in G, No. 3 in C, No. 5 in C and No.6 in D in one of East Anglia’s grandest churches. 20 June: The Maltings, Snape, 19.30 ‘The Rake’s Progress’ by Stravinsky First performed in Venice in 1951 and a libretto by WH Auden, this is a perfect choice for this year’s Aldeburgh opera. Acclaimed Canadian conductor and singer Barbara Hannigan takes audiences by storm wherever she goes. Here she conducts the Ludwig Orchestra and the Equilibrium Young Singers, a team mentored by Barbara and founded by her in 2017.

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KIRKER MUSIC HOLIDAYS

THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE SIBELIUS FESTIVAL A FOUR NIGHT HOLIDAY | 4 SEPTEMBER 2019 The annual Sibelius Festival in Lahti celebrates its twentieth anniversary in 2019. Held every autumn in the magnificent 1,200 seater Sibelius Hall on the shores of Lake Vesijärvi, it is one of the most important cultural events in Finland. The Hall is universally recognised by musicians who have played there as having one of the best acoustics anywhere. The largest wooden building in Finland, it overlooks the lake and is on the site of a sawmill, reminding us that Lahti was once an important manufacturing and industrial centre.

The itinerary We fly from London Heathrow to Helsinki and on arrival transfer by coach to Lahti, a journey of just over one hour. We stay at the centrally located 4* Sokos Hotel Lahden Seurahuone for the duration of the holiday. DAY

We begin our tour with a visit to Hameenlinna where Jean Sibelius was born into a Swedish-speaking family on 8 December 1856. The house where he was born is now a museum with an important collection of photographs, letters and documents relating to his life and works which has been gathered from family members. He spent his childhood and youth in Hämeenlinna before moving to Helsinki. He first studied law at the city’s university before quickly changing direction and studying music at the conservatoire, today The Sibelius Academy. Lunch is included before we travel back to Lahti.

Sibelius Hall, Lahti

DAY

The day is spent around the shores of Lake Tuusula, an unspoilt rural area which has always attracted musicians, artists and writers. In Järvenpää, on the north shore of the lake, we will visit the villa designed by the great Finnish architect, Alvar Aalto, for the composer Joonas Kokkonen (1931 - 1996). The Sibelius Academy has a summer school here and we will have lunch there. DAY

This morning we will take a boat ride on the calm waters of Lake Vesijärvi. The typical Finnish landscapes of open views, deep lakes and forests were the source of inspiration for Sibelius’s entire music collection. The afternoon is free to explore independently. DAY

We bid farewell to Lahti and drive to Ainola, the lovely house where Sibelius and his wife Aino lived. Members of their extended family (the couple had five daughters) lived on in Ainola until 1972 before they sold it to the Finnish state, at which time it became a monument to the composer. The couple are buried side by side in the peaceful garden here. We have lunch in a traditional restaurant close by before continuing to the airport for the flight back to London. DAY

Music Programme This year’s guest orchestra is the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra under the direction of the Danish conductor Thomas Dausgaard. He is well known to British audiences as Chief Conductor of the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra. 5 September: Lahti Symphony Orchestra Dina Slobodeniouk, conductor the orchestra’s Principal Conductor. Kullervo Op.7 An early work for orchestra, soprano, baritone and male chorus based on the story of Kullervo from the epic poem, Kalevala. 6 September: Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra Thomas Dausgaard, conductor Programme to include Symphonies No.5 and 6 7 September: Lahti Symphony Orchestra Dina Slobodeniouk, conductor Major works for chorus and orchestra will be performed at this concert including Sibelius’s best known work, Finlandia.

FLIGHT Information

Flights with Finnair: Depart London Heathrow 10.20, arrive Helsinki 15.15 Depart Helsinki 17.00, arrive London Heathrow 18.10

Price from £2,497 per person (single supp. £480) for four nights including flights, accommodation with breakfast, four dinners, three lunches, tickets for three concerts, all sightseeing, entrance fees and gratuities and the services of the Kirker Tour Leader and a local guide.

Hämeenlinna

Please speak to us if you would like to extend your stay to include a few nights in Helsinki, a vibrant seaside city of beautiful islands, green parks and fine architecture.

call 020 7593 2284 to reserve your place

KIRKER MUSIC HOLIDAYS

GLYNDEBOURNE IN AUTUMN THREE-NIGHT HOLIDAYS BETWEEN 11 AND 26 OCTOBER 2019 One of our most popular holidays every autumn, a visit to Glyndebourne is a wonderful way for all opera lovers to end the year. In October 2019, for the first time in several years, the Glyndebourne Tour will present three operas at its Sussex home. There will be a choice of departure dates, based at either The Grand Hotel in Eastbourne or Deans Place in the historic village of Alfriston.

Glyndebourne

the operas Rigoletto by Verdi. First performed in 1851. Rigoletto has never been performed at Glyndebourne, and this production will be seen first at the Glyndebourne Festival during the summer of 2019. L’elisir d’amore by Donizetti. First performed in 1832. Donizetti’s sparkling romantic comedy is an ideal opera for Glyndebourne, and this production returns for several performances in the autumn. Rinaldo by Handel. First performed in 1711 Handelians have always flocked to Glyndebourne which has a special affiliation with the composer. Performances of Rinaldo will be available in late October.

Call 020 7593 2284 to register for details, which will be available early in 2019.

Prices are per person based on two people sharing and include flights, transfers, accommodation with breakfast, meals as described, a full programme of sightseeing, entrance fees and gratuities and the services of the Kirker Tour Leader.

THE DRESDEN MUSIC FESTIVAL

THE PUCCINI OPERA FESTIVAL

The annual Dresden Music Festival adds to the rich fabric of musical life in the Saxon capital, who’s grand Baroque architecture has been meticulously restored after the destruction wrought in 1945. During our visit we will see the symbolic Frauenkirche, the magnificent rococo Zwinger Palace, and the art collections of the Electors of Saxony at the Albertinum. We shall attend five Festival performances, including the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra at the recently modernised Kulturpalast, an iconic example of GDR architecture, and Verdi’s Nabucco at Gottfried Semper’s famous opera house.

Giacomo Puccini was born into a musical family in Lucca on 22 December 1858, and each summer his operas are performed in nearby Torre del Lago on the peaceful shores of Lake Massaciuccoli. Our holiday includes three performances and the operas this summer are La bohème,Tosca and Madama Butterfly. We stay at the 3* Albergo Celide, just outside Lucca’s magnificent walls and from here we shall enjoy a walking tour, including a visit to the house where Puccini was born and two great Tuscan gardens – the Villa Reale in Marlia and the Villa Garzoni. Price from £2,249 (single supp. £389) for five nights including four dinners, three opera tickets and one concert ticket. Departs 8 August 2019

Price from £2,835 (single supp. £298) for seven nights including two lunches, three dinners and tickets for five performances. Departs 22 May 2019

NAPLES & LA MORTELLA

THE RING CYCLE IN LEIPZIG

Our new music holiday to Naples includes a performance at the distinguished Teatro San Carlo, located next to the Royal Palace. Founded by the Bourbon monarchs, the opera house opened in 1737 making it the world’s oldest opera house in continuous use. We will have a guided tour of the theatre and also visit two exceptional museums, the Capodimonte and the Archaeological Museum. A day will be spent on the island of Ischia where we have been presenting our own exclusive music festival every year since 2006. Here we will visit La Mortella, the garden created by Lady Walton.

For Wagner enthusiasts a Ring Cycle is always an important event, but it could not be more special than when given in the composer’s birthplace with performances by the world-famous Gewandhaus Orchestra. Our holiday to Leipzig will include not only the four opera performances, but also visits to the Wagner Museum in Graupa, the houses in Leipzig where Schumann and Mendelsohn both lived and worked, and the St Thomas Church where JS Bach was cantor.

Price from £1,698 (single supp. £260) for four nights including one lunch, three dinners and one opera ticket. Departs 30 May & 19 September 2019

Price from £2,798 (single supp. £298) for six nights including three lunches, two dinners, tickets for the Ring Cycle and three intermission snacks at the Leipzig Opera. Departs 30 April 2019

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KIRKER MUSIC HOLIDAYS

THE NORTH NORFOLK MUSIC FESTIVAL A FOUR NIGHT HOLIDAY | 12 AUGUST 2019 The North Norfolk Music Festival celebrates its 15th anniversary in 2019: it was founded by Kirker’s very own Barry Cheeseman and musician Simon Rowland-Jones in 2005. Concerts are held in the beautiful 13th century church of St. Mary in the village of South Creake, a few miles inland from the North Norfolk coastline. This year’s performances will include pianists Melvyn Tan, Sholto Kynoch and Gary Matthewman, the Castalian String Quartet, cellist Bjørg Lewis and soprano Louise Alder.

The itinerary We stay at the 3* Briarfields Hotel, overlooking the wide open marshes at Titchwell, six miles from South Creake where all the concerts are given. We visit three of Norfolk’s greatest houses – Holkham Hall, seat of the Earl of Leicester; Raynham Hall, the home of Marquess and Marchioness Townshend which is not open to the public; and Houghton Hall, seat of the Marquess of Cholmondeley. The nearest railway station is King’s Lynn, and from there you can continue by Coast Hopper bus right to the hotel, or by taxi – fare approximately £40 each way.

Price from £1,235 for four nights including accommodation with breakfast, two dinners at the hotel and two in the Festival Marquee, one lunch, all sightseeing, entrance fees and gratuities, tickets and programmes for six concerts, the services of the Kirker Tour Leader. NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT

Music Programme 12 August: 8pm Castalian String Quartet; Bjorg Lewis, cello Janacek: String Quartet No.1 ‘Kreutzer Sonata’ Fanny Mendelssohn: String Quartet in E flat major Schubert: String Quintet in C D956 13 August: 4.30pm James Newby, baritone; Gary Matthewman, piano Schubert: Die Schone Mullerin 7pm Castalian String Quartet; Simon Rowland-Jones, viola; Melvyn Tan, piano Chopin: Piano Concerto No. 2 Rowland-Jones: String Quartet No 8 – world premiere, composed for the Castalians. Mozart: String Quintet in C K515 14 August: 7pm Louise Alder, soprano; Stef van Herten, horn; Sholto Kynoch, piano Works by Gounod, Schumann, Debussy, Richard Strauss,Verdi, Puccini and Donizetti 15 August: 4.30pm Jonathan Stone, violin; Sholto Kynoch, piano Mozart: Sonata in B flat K454 Beethoven: Violin Sonata No.9 Op.47 ‘Kreutzer’ 7pm Melvyn Tan, piano Brahms: Sonata Op.2 in F minor Clara Schumann: Romances Schumann: Three Fantasiestucke Op.111 Brahms: Klavierstucke Op.11

THE GRAFENEGG MUSIC FESTIVAL

OPERA & MUSIC IN BERLIN

Grafenegg’s celebrated festival in Lower Austria, just one hour from Vienna, runs throughout the summer and always closes with a feast of music-making. Concerts are held in the architecturally dramatic, and acoustically excellent, Wolkenturm, on the Metternich estate. For 2019, Austrian pianist and Director of the Festival, Rudolf Buchbinder, has recruited the Chamber Orchestra of Europe, the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra, the Tonkünstler Orchestra and the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. Staying at the 4* Steigenberger Hotel, we will also enjoy day trips to picturesque Dürnstein, the Benedictine Abbey at Melk, and the artist Egon Schiele’s home town of Tulln.

One of Europe’s great opera houses, the Staatsoper Unter den Linden reopened recently following a seven year refurbishment programme. Join us in Berlin for three performances at the Staastoper as well as visits to world-class art collections, several excellent museums which reveal the turbulent recent history of the city, and excursions to the nearby Prussian palaces at Potsdam and Max Lieberman’s villa and garden on the lakeshore at Wannsee. The March departure includes performances of Boris Gudunov and Eugene Onegin as well as a concert by the Moscow Cathedral Choir with the Berlin Philharmonie; the June departure features three operas - Rigoletto, Otello and Manon Lescaut.

Price from £2,767 per person (single supp. £198) for five nights including one lunch, five dinners and tickets for five concerts. Departs 28 August 2019

Price from £2,139 (March, single supp. £298) or £2,224 (June, single supp. £336) for six nights including three dinners and tickets for three performances. Departs 7 March & 4 June 2019

call 020 7593 2284 to reserve your place

EXCLUSIVE KIRKER MUSIC FESTIVALS Prices shown are per person and include flights & transfers (excluding UK holidays), accommodation with breakfast, meals and guided excursions as described and the services of a Kirker Tour Leader.

THE KIRKER SPRING MUSIC FESTIVAL AT THE HOTEL TRESANTON, ST. MAWES

THE KIRKER MUSIC FESTIVAL AT THE GRAND, EASTBOURNE

Our annual visit to Olga Polizzi’s fabled Hotel Tresanton in St Mawes combines a relaxing spring escape in Cornwall, with a series of worldclass chamber music recitals. Performances in 2019 will be given by the Castalian String Quartet in the Old Methodist Hall, and include works by Schumann, Haydn and Beethoven. There will also be a series of musical talks and a visit to the private garden at Lamorran, inspired by Lady Walton’s garden on the island of Ischia. Dinner is included each evening at the excellent Tresanton restaurant which overlooks the sea and is lit by candles in the evening.

The Maxwell String Quartet join us in spring 2019 for our Kirker chamber music festival based at the aptly named Grand Hotel. Music has always been a central feature of life at The Grand: Debussy, Elgar, Dame Nellie Melba and many others stayed at the hotel. As well as their three concerts, Simon Rowland-Jones, Kirker’s Director of Music, will present two musically-illustrated talks during the festival. Price from £996 (single supp. £180) for three nights including three private concerts and two talks. Departs 27 April 2019

Price from £1,175 per person (single supp. £265) for three nights including accommodation with breakfast and dinner and three concerts each preceded by a musically illustrated talk. Departs 11 March 2019

THE KIRKER MUSIC FESTIVAL IN MALLORCA

THE KIRKER CHAMBER MUSIC FESTIVAL IN ALFRISTON

The works of Frédéric Chopin are central to our Festival in Mallorca and this year we will be joined by the Phoenix Piano Trio, Marta FontanalsSimmons, soprano and Lorena Paz Nieto, mezzo-soprano. Based in the village of Banyalbufar, we will discover the gloriously unspoilt north coast of Mallorca. There will be visits to the picturesque artists’ village of Deia, the capital Palma and the villa of San Marroig. Our series of private concerts includes a recital in the villa of the Habsburg Archduke Luis Salvador at Son Marroig.

In 2019 we will be presenting our eighth consecutive season of chamber music concerts here, joined by The Navarra Quartet; Adam Walker, flute and Simon Rowland-Jones, viola Alongside the three concerts, Simon Rowland-Jones will give two musically illustrated talks at Deans Place Hotel in the heart of this historic and picturesque Sussex village, with superb views of the South Downs.You can enjoy gentle walks along the banks of the River Cuckmere, visit the 14th century Clergy House, and in nearby Berwick you can see the once controversial church murals by Duncan Grant.

Price from £2,290 per person (single supp. £189) for six nights including two lunches, six dinners and five concerts. Departs 29 May 2019

Price from £968 (single supp. £129) for three nights including three dinners, three concerts and two talks. Departs 2 September 2019

THE WEST COAST OF FRANCE: BORDEAUX, ROUEN & BRITTANY

THE KIRKER MUSIC FESTIVAL ON LAKE COMO

with The Chilingirian String Quartet; Simon Rowland-Jones, viola; Carole Presland, piano and Henry Neill, baritone We set off from Liverpool on board Black Watch and enjoy river cruising, spectacular coastal scenery and two historic cities – as well as a programme of world-class music. Our first port of call will be Lorient, then two days in Bordeaux, renowned as the world’s wine capital. Sailing around the Brittany peninsula, we will travel almost 70 miles up the Seine as far as Rouen, before our last stop in picturesque Saint-Malo.

The destination for our autumn Music Festival is one of the most beautiful corners of Italy. Lined with villas, cypress trees and low-arching mountains, Lake Como has a peaceful timelessness like no other. The lake has inspired many composers, and we will enjoy performances by a renowned group of international soloists, including pianists Melvyn Tan and Iain Burnside, tenor Luis Gomes, baritone Sergio Vitaleis, violinist Elisabeth Perry and violist Simon RowlandJones. There will be an optional performance of L’elisir d’amore by Donizetti at La Scala in Milan. We stay at the 4* Imperiale in the village of Moltrasio, the hotel has a lakeside restaurant and a spa with an indoor pool.

Prices from £2,635 per person for an inside cabin or £3,795 per person for a Terrace Balcony Suite for ten nights including full-board, private drinks parties, all concerts, plus exclusive talks and interviews. Departs 10 September 2019

Price from £2,947 per person (single supp. £580) for seven nights including five dinners, one lunch and five concerts. Departs 23 September 2019

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KIRKER CULTURAL TOURS

THE HILL TOWNS OF LE MARCHE SIX NIGHT HOLIDAYS | 30 SEPTEMBER 2019 & 20 APRIL 2020 Le Marche is one of the hidden gems of Italy. Settled in the fourth century BC by Greeks from Syracuse, colonised by Emperor Trajan in the first century, part of the Papal States and home to one of the most important Humanist courts during the Renaissance, the region has always played an important role in Italian history. The unspoilt, rolling countryside of vineyards, forests and hill-top villages is breath-taking, with the Sibillini range of the Appenines at its Western borders and the Adriatic Sea to the East. It was also the birthplace of great musicians, poets and composers and offers wonderful local cuisine, from both the sea and the mountains. Urbino

The itinerary DAY

We fly to Bologna and then transfer to Recanati where we stay at the 4* Gallery Hotel, located close to the main square. Originally a 17th century palace, today the hotel has stunning views across the countryside.

Today we go to Macerata to see Vanvitelli’s church of Madonna della Misericordia and the art collection at the Palazzo Buonacorsi that houses some of the most gorgeous Baroque paintings in Le Marche. On our way back we visit the spectacular Baroque Giardini Buonaccorsi.

We start our walking tour of Recanati with a visit to the Villa Colloredo-Mels, its art collection notable for extraordinary works by the Venetian artist, Lorenzo Lotto. Next we visit the opera house and museum dedicated to one of the town’s famous sons, the singer Beniamino Gigli, one of the greatest tenors of the 20th century. We end the morning at Palazzo Leopardi, birthplace of Giacomo Leopardi, Italy’s greatest modern poet and philosopher and one of the most important thinkers of the 19th century. In the afternoon we go to Loreto, to see the ‘Santa Casa’, the sanctuary that houses the remains of the home of the Blessed Virgin Mary, created by Donato Bramante, first architect of St. Peter’s in Rome.

This is a day to really appreciate the wonderful scenery and unspoilt countryside as we visit a couple of the gems of this region. We begin in Jesi, a vibrant university town.Visits include the Palazzo Pianetti that houses the wonderful art collection, and the Teatro Pergolesi, named for the composer who was born in Jesi in 1710. The day ends at Cingoli, whose elevated location gives it the nickname “The Balcony of the Marches.”

DAY

Today we travel to Ancona, the capital of Le Marche. Founded in the fourth century BC by Greek settlers from Syracuse, it has wonderful Roman and Byzantine architecture, stunning Romanesque churches and is a thriving and vibrant port. We will visit the old town, taking in Ancona Cathedral, The Arch of Trajan and the National Archaeological Museum.

DAY

On the return journey to Bologna airport we stop in Rimini to see the Malatesta Temple, one of the grandest Renaissance buildings in Italy, dating from 1461, with sculptural reliefs by Duccio. DAY

DAY

We drive to Urbino today, a perfect Renaissance hill town, developed by the mercenary prince Federico III Montefeltro who had a magnificent Humanistic court established. Here we see the wonderful art collection in the Palazzo Ducale. Highlights include works by Piero della Francesca, Barocci, Uccello and Raphael who was born in Urbino in 1483. In the afternoon we see the magnificent frescoes from 1416 depicting the Crucifixion and scenes from the life of St John the Baptist. DAY

FLIGHT Information

Flights with British Airways: Depart London Heathrow 08.00, arrive Bologna 11.10 Depart Bologna 18.50, arrive London Heathrow 20.10

Price from £1,967 per person (single supp. £288) for six nights including flights, accommodation with breakfast, three dinners, three lunches, all sightseeing, entrance fees and gratuities and the services of the Kirker Tour Lecturer, Charlie Hall.

SICILY – AN ENIGMATIC ISLAND Discover the four corners of this fascinating island, starting in Syracuse which was once the most important city in Magna Graecia. We will visit a private palace in Catania and spend some time in the beautiful resort of Taormina. Next comes a day in Agrigento to see the spectacular Valley of the Temples before moving on to Palermo, a city of great contrasts. We will visit the great Norman Royal Palace and the Chapel of the Kings, the Martorana with its impressive Norman tower, and visits will also be made to Monreale Cathedral, shimmering with its mosaics dating from 1172, Segesta with its romantic collection of Doric temples and Selinunte. Price from £2,698 (single supp. £456) for nine nights including flights, transfers, accommodation with breakfast, seven dinners, all sightseeing, entrance fees and gratuities and the services of the Kirker Tour Leader. Departs 20 October 2019

call 020 7593 2284 to reserve your place

KIRKER CULTURAL TOURS

LEONARDO’S ITALY A SIX NIGHT HOLIDAY | 20 OCTOBER 2019 To mark the 500th anniversary of Leonardo da Vinci’s death, join our new tour following in the footsteps of Leonardo, from the small Tuscan village where he was born, to his magnificent masterpiece ‘The Last Supper’ in Milan. Perhaps the world’s greatest polymath, Leonardo’s legacy includes not only exceptional paintings, but also innovative machines and inventions which were centuries ahead of his era. We will see reconstructions of some of his greatest inventions, and visit galleries which hold some of his most famous works.

The itinerary Fly to Milan and check in to our hotel, the 4* Superior Hotel Manzoni. This evening we will have dinner together in the hotel’s restaurant. DAY

Our day in Milan will begin with a walking tour of the city centre, including the Duomo and the Castello Sforzesco, where we will see the Sala delle Asse, which Leonardo decorated while he was painting his famous Last Supper. In the afternoon we will visit the church of Santa Maria della Grazia, where we have a timed entrance ticket to see the Last Supper itself. DAY

This morning we will visit the Pinacoteca Ambrosiana, the picture gallery of Milan’s historic library the Biblioteca Ambrosiana, where we will see Leonardo’s Portrait of a Musician, alongside masterpieces by Caravaggio and Raphael. In the afternoon we will travel to Florence by high speed train, where we will stay for the remainder of the holiday at the 4* Superior Hotel Santa Maria Novella. DAY

Our first day in Florence begins with a walking tour which will include Brunelleschi’s magnificent Duomo, and the Ponte Vecchio over the River Arno. We will arrive at the Uffizi Gallery for our timed entrance, to include the new Leonardo room which has brought together the artists’ works in a striking modern display, as well as the adjacent room devoted to Michelangelo and Raphael. There will be free time for lunch and in the afternoon we will visit the Leonardo museum where we see reconstructions of some of Leonardo’s inventions. DAY

Today we will travel by coach to the charming small town of Vinci, about an hour from Florence, where we will see Leonardo’s birthplace, the Leonardo Museum and a gallery housing reproductions of all his paintings. We will have a private tour and there will be free time for lunch in Vinci before we return to the hotel in the afternoon. DAY

This morning we will travel to the charming Tuscan town of Arezzo, about 70 minutes’ from Florence. Here we will start with a visit to the former home of art historian Giorgio Vasari (Leonardo’s first biographer) and see the famous Piero della Francesca frescoes. After time for an independent lunch in Arezzo, we will visit the thirteenth century Buriano Bridge just outside the town, which is thought to be the one behind the Mona Lisa’s left shoulder. We will return to Florence in the afternoon, and our final dinner is taken in a local restaurant this evening. DAY

DAY

We drive to Pisa airport for our flight home.

FLIGHT Information

Flights with British Airways: Depart London Heathrow 12.00, arrive Milan Malpensa 15.00 Depart Pisa 11.20, arrive London Heathrow 12.30

Price from £2,798 per person (single supp. £450) for six nights including flights, accommodation with breakfast, three dinners, three lunches, all sightseeing, entrance fees and gratuities and the services of the Kirker Tour Lecturer. Prices are per person based on two people sharing and include flights, transfers, accommodation with breakfast, meals as described, a full programme of sightseeing, entrance fees and gratuities and the services of the Kirker Tour Leader.

ART, MUSIC & LITERATURE IN MOSCOW The spiritual and political heart of Russia, Moscow is also the city of Tolstoy, Chekhov and Dostoevsky. Our tour will encompass dazzling Orthodox cathedrals, imposing Soviet era monuments, and the spectacular treasures at the Kremlin – accumulated by generations of powerful Tsars. We shall also uncover the legacy of Russia’s greatest writers and artists at the Pushkin and Tretyakov galleries, the former home of Anton Chekhov, and the country dachas where Tolstoy and Tchaikovsky created their greatest works. Price from £2,598 (single supp. £398) for five nights including two lunches, two dinners and a Russian visa service. Departs 2 May & 10 October 2019

GARDENS OF THE RIVIERA Based at the 4* Hôtel Napoléon in Menton, we visit the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild in St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, the Villa Kerylos, and the Val Rahmeh garden, as well as Lawrence Johnston’s Serre de la Madonne. In Monaco we see the collection of succulents at the Jardin Exotique, and in Italy we visit the famous Hanbury garden at La Mortola and the Villa Piacenza Boccanegra. Price from £1,698 (Apr, single supp. £268) or £1,878 (Sep, single supp. £268) for five nights including three dinners. Departs 7 April & 15 September 2019

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KIRKER CULTURAL TOURS

LUCCA & THE LUCCHESE HILLS A FOUR NIGHT HOLIDAY | 10 NOVEMBER 2019 A perfect example of a beautifully preserved Tuscan town, Lucca has artistic treasures of the first order. A popular destination for day visitors, it rewards those who stay a little longer with secrets which are slowly revealed. A four night stay provides the perfect amount of time to enjoy its charms such as the gourmet shops which line Il Fillungo in the heart of the city, as well as an opportunity to explore the beautiful hills which surround the city itself. An easy way to absorb the Lucchese spirit is to take a walk along the four kilometres of impeccably maintained pathways which have been created on top of the ramparts.

The itinerary We fly to Pisa and transfer just 30 minutes to Lucca where we stay in the lovely 4 star San Luca Palace, located centrally but quietly in a mediaeval square within the city walls. Dinner is included every evening, in carefully selected local restaurants. DAY

Today we will begin our exploration of Lucca with visits to its cathedral, San Martino, with important sculptures and San Michele in Foro with its close associations with the Puccini family. Giacomo Puccini was born in Lucca in 1858 and later today we’ll visit his birthplace, now a museum dedicated to the composer’s life and music. DAY

The morning is spent visiting the Romanesque church of San Frediano and the Villa Guinigi which houses an important collection of local and regional art works. The afternoon is free for independent exploration – perhaps a wander through the cobbled streets, around the Renaissance city walls, or a relaxing afternoon enjoying one of the charming alfresco bars and cafés.

This morning we drive to Pistoia, a lovely small town whose fortunes were eclipsed by its more powerful and wealthier neighbours, Lucca and Florence. We will explore the compact historic centre and visit the cathedral of San Zeno Duomo, the Baptistery with its typical Tuscan Gothic green and white striped marble. There will be time to enjoy a coffee in the historic Café Valiani – Puccini often stopped by for a macchiato. Returning back to Lucca we will visit the smallest public theatre in the world – the Teatro Vetriano, located just outside the city in the Lucchese Hills. Built in 1890 and donated to the community by an enlightened farmer, the theatre was saved from ruin by FAI – the Italian equivalent of our own National Trust. DAY

DAY

FLIGHT Information

Flights with British Airways: Depart London Heathrow 07.45, arrive Pisa 10.55 Depart Pisa 15.15, arrive London Heathrow 16.40

DAY

En-route to the airport we will visit Pisa to see the Romanesque Campo dei Miracoli, dominated by the famous Leaning Tower.

Price from £1,195 per person (single supp. £146) including flights, accommodation with breakfast, four dinners, a ticket for a recital of arias from popular Italian operas at the Basilica of San Giovanni, all sightseeing, entrance fees and gratuities and the services of the Kirker Tour Lecturer, Charlie Hall.

VILLAS & GARDENS AROUND ROME

MADRID & OLD CASTILLE

The countryside surrounding Rome is home to a number of wonderful gardens including the beautiful and romantic gardens of La Landriana and Ninfa. A day will be devoted to Tivoli with its two great gardens: the Villa D’Este and Hadrian’s Villa and another to Rome itself where we will visit the Villa Borghese Gardens and Gallery and a private garden. We also visit the Villa Lante - one of the greatest of all Italian Renaissance gardens and the gardens of the Villa Farnese.

Madrid not only has some of the finest art collections in the world but it is also a wonderful base from which to explore the surrounding region. Based at the 4* Hotel Emperador, our tour spends three days in the capital where highlights include the Prado, Thyssen and the Sorolla Museum. There will also be three visits further afield to Segovia, Toledo – the historic capital of Castille – and the monastery complex at El Escorial.

Price from £1,766 (single supp. £298) for five nights including two lunches and three dinners. Departs 26 May & 6 October 2019

Price from £1,898 (single supp. £378) for six nights including three dinners. Departs 21 March & 31 October

call 020 7593 2284 to reserve your place

KIRKER CULTURAL TOURS

BYZANTINE & OTTOMAN ISTANBUL FIVE NIGHT HOLIDAYS | 9 OCTOBER 2019 & 25 MARCH 2020 Istanbul is one of the world’s most fascinating cities and has a colourful and complex history, spanning many centuries. Our five night holiday will introduce you to both the Byzantine and Ottoman periods; spanning 1,600 years from 330 AD until the early 20th Century. It was during the long period as capital of the vast and sprawling Ottoman Empire that Istanbul took on much of the appearance visitors today can still enjoy. During our visit, there will be a comprehensive programme of sightseeing as well as some free time to explore the Grand Bazaar.

The itinerary DAY

We fly to Istanbul and transfer to the 4 star Hotel Eresin Sultanahmet where we stay for the duration of the tour.

Today begins with a guided tour of the sprawling city of Istanbul, starting at the Hippodrome, the most important relic from the city’s Roman period and rebuilt by Constantine in 330 AD. Next we visit the Blue Mosque before proceeding to the Islamic Arts Museum where we see unrivalled collections of decorative arts from all periods of Turkish history displayed in the splendid setting of the Palace of Ibrahim Pasha. Our day ends at the Topkapi Palace, the Sultan’s residence and the nerve centre of the Ottoman Empire. Here we see the dazzling Imperial Treasury and the important collections of ceramics and silver. DAY

We begin our day at the ancient Serefiye Cistern, built by Roman Emperor Theodosius II. Next we visit the Hagia Sophia, considered one of the finest examples of Byzantine architecture. It became a mosque in 1453 and served as a model for all future Ottoman mosques. This afternoon, we will wander through Istanbul’s fabled Grand Bazaar, an ideal place to shop for souvenirs including textiles, food, ceramics and spices. DAY

This morning we visit the vast Dolmabahce Palace which served as the centre for the Sultan’s extended domestic life. We then board a boat for a journey along the Bosphorus and finish with lunch at a local fish restaurant. Later we visit the Sadberk Hanim Museum with its superb collection of decorative arts before returning to the hotel.

We start with a visit to the small but beautiful Church of St. Saviour in Chora which dates from 1077 and has some of the finest mosaics and frescoes in Istanbul. Then we make our way through the Ottoman districts of Balat and Fener to the spice market before ending our day at the magnificent Süleymaniye Mosque, one of the city’s landmarks. DAY

DAY

This morning is free for independent exploration. We drive to Istanbul airport for the flight back to London. FLIGHT Information

DAY

Flights with British Airways: Depart London Heathrow 10.25, arrive Istanbul 16.40 Depart Istanbul 17.35, arrive London Heathrow 19.55

Price from £1,515 per person (October, single supp. £270) or £1,668 (March, single supp. £285) including flights, accommodation with breakfast, three dinners, one lunch, all sightseeing, entrance fees and gratuities and the services of the Kirker Tour Lecturer, Andrew Allen and a local guide. Prices are per person based on two people sharing and include flights, transfers, accommodation with breakfast, meals as described, a full programme of sightseeing, entrance fees and gratuities and the services of the Kirker Tour Leader.

GARDENS OF MARRAKECH Marrakech is an intoxicating destination for all the senses, and the city and its surroundings are also home to a number of remarkable gardens. We shall explore some of the finest – from the famous Jardin Majorelle created by Yves Saint Laurent, to several private gardens which are not normally open to the public. Our base for the duration is the 5* Palais Aziza & Spa, which is surrounded by five acres of gardens and patios. Price from £3,396 (single supp. £595) for seven nights including seven lunches and four dinners. Departs 2 May 2019

SEVILLE & ANDALUCÍA Revealing the fascinating history and the wonderful scenery of Andalucía, our new holiday is based in the beautiful city of Seville – home to elegant architecture and flower-filled patios. As well as visits to the city’s most important museums and galleries, we will make excursions to the Moorish city of Cordoba with its imposing Mezquita, Jerez where we will visit one of the famous sherry bodegas, and to several of the most picturesque ‘pueblos blancos’ – the white villages typical of the region. Price from £2,145 (single supp. £348) for seven nights including three lunches and four dinners. Departs 12 March 2019

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KIRKER CULTURAL TOURS

A JOURNEY THROUGH ROMANIA NINE NIGHT HOLIDAYS | 20 SEPTEMBER 2019 & 17 MAY 2020 Romania has experienced a colourful and dramatic history over the past 1,000 years. Under the control of Bulgaria, Hungary and then both the Ottoman and Habsburg empires, it was not until the downfall of Ceausescu that Romania was able to forge its own independent path. Saxon villages, painted monasteries and churches, superbly preserved medieval towns and a welcoming people all combine to create one of the most enigmatic countries in Europe.

The itinerary DAY

We fly to Bucharest and transfer to our centrally located hotel, the 4* Athénée Palace Hilton, for a three night stay.

Our stay in Bucharest will begin with a walking tour of the historic district close to the hotel. Later we will go to the National Museum of Art in the former Royal Palace and see two magnificent collections, one of Romanian and modern art, and the other of European art. We then visit Ceausescu’s ‘Parliament Palace’– a permanent reminder of the grim years when Romania was ruled by the despised couple. DAY

Bucharest

We start with a visit to the impressive former synagogue, to discover more about the history of the Jewish community in Romania. We then go to the Choral Temple, Bucharest’s main synagogue, and then to the church of Stavropoleos. We will have lunch in a traditional tea house and then visit the Rural Museum, a much loved institution. Here in a lovely three acre park, over 300 houses from villages around the nation can be seen. DAY

We travel by train to Suceava, in the region of Bukovina. A picnic lunch will be provided. We spend two nights at the 4* Gerald’s Hotel in Radauti. DAY

Today is spent discovering some of the famous painted churches and monasteries for which Romania is famous.Visits include the Arbore Church which is a typical example of the churches built during the reign of Stefan the Great and the Voronet Monastery with its great fresco of ‘The Last Judgement.’ DAY

FLIGHT Information

Flights with British Airways: Depart London Heathrow 11.40, arrive Bucharest 17.00 Depart Bucharest 18.00, arrive London Heathrow 19.25

On our journey to Sighisoara we will stop at Târgu Mures to see the Art Nouveau Palace of Culture and have lunch at the Golden Crown Inn. We then reach Bukovina and drive though Székely Land. Two nights will be spent in Sighisoara at the 5* Hotel Binderbubi. DAY

There will be a walking tour through the small fortified mediaeval town of Sighisoara, known for its cobbled streets and colourful houses. During the afternoon we explore Saxon Land - the area surrounding Sighisoara – with visits to the fortified churches in Malancrav and Biertan. DAY

We drive to Brasov today, passing the UNESCO listed church in Viscri. This is where the main office of The Prince of Wales’s Foundation Romania is based. Brasov is the most beautiful town in Romania. Perfectly preserved, it dates back to the12th century. We will see the stately town square, the Gothic Black Church and the city art gallery. We stay for two nights at the 5* Aro Palace Hotel. DAY

We drive to the resort of Sinaia to visit Peles Castle, built in archetypal fairy tale style and surrounded by glorious scenery and gardens. Returning to Brasov we will stop at Bran Castle, the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s castle of Count Dracula. DAY

DAY

We drive back to Bucharest airport for the flight to London.

Price £2,184 per person (single supp. £276) for nine nights including flights, accommodation with breakfast, nine dinners, two lunches and a picnic lunch on the train, all sightseeing, entrance fees, gratuities and the services of the Kirker Tour Lecturer, Dr Neil Faulkner and a local guide. AN INTRODUCTION TO ALBANIA Small in size but big on spirit and variety, Albania’s unique character, dramatic topography and gripping history make it seem isolated from the rest of Europe, surrounded by towering mountains and bordered by the Adriatic Sea. The capital Tirana is a dynamic modern city yet steeped in traditions, and we stay here for the first three nights. We drive though the dramatic scenery of the Sari Saltik mountain range to Krujë where, at the Skanderbeg Museum, we learn how the eponymous hero saw off the forces of the Ottomans three times. We will discover ancient Durrës, and Byllis, an important city of ancient Illyria before spending a night in Vlora. Finally, a magnificent coastal drive along the Albanian Riviera will bring us to Butrint, an unspoilt site dating from the 7th century BC, which overlooks the Greek island of Corfu. Price from £1,664 per person (single supp. £235) for seven nights including flights, transfers, accommodation with breakfast, seven lunches and dinners, all sightseeing, entrance fees and gratuties and the services of the Kirker Tour Lecturer and a local guide. Departs 21 June & 6 September 2019

call 020 7593 2284 to reserve your place

KIRKER CULTURAL TOURS

THE HEART OF SRI LANKA A THIRTEEN NIGHT HOLIDAY | 11 MARCH 2020 Located off the southern tip of India, the island of Sri Lanka combines ancient temples and palaces, ornate Buddhist shrines, and charming colonial architecture, but it is the warm welcome and delicious cuisine – tropical fruits, coconut curries, fiery sambals, and fresh seafood – which linger in the memory. One of the great charms of the country is the ease with which you can travel between diverse landscapes – and this tour of the most important regions will take you through high altitude tea plantations via scenic jungle railways, to verdant national parks and the palm-fringed beaches of the south coast. We shall be accommpanied throughout by art historian and Kirker Tour Leader Dr. Alex Koller who has made many visits to Sri Lanka and has a particular interest in Buddhist art and architecture

The itinerary DAY

DAY

We depart from London on an overnight flight to Colombo.

Nuwara Eliya

The day begins at Kandy’s Royal Palace with a visit to the sacred Buddhist shrine, the Temple of the Tooth, followed by a gentle walk through the peaceful Peradeniya Botanical Gardens. This afternoon is free to enjoy the city – you may wish to go shopping for some precious gem stones, for which Kandy is renowned. DAY

On arrival we will transfer to the beach resort of Negombo where we stay at the 4* Heritance Hotel for one night.

After breakfast we will have a walking tour of Negombo including the Catholic and Anglican churches, Dutch colonial houses and the market square. We depart late-morning for the rock fortress of Yapahuwa before continuing to Anuradhapura where we stay for two nights at the 4* Forest Rock Garden. DAY

We spend the day exploring the ancient capital city of Anuradhapura. Here we will discover imposing dagobas, royal gardens and shimmering pools surrounded by forest. DAY

We make an early morning visit to Sigiriya, the towering 5th century palace fortress which stands on a 600 foot vertical rock. The rest of the day is spent at leisure at our hotel on Lake Kandalama, the 4* Lake Lodge. DAY

Today is dedicated to Polonnaruwa, the former medieval capital of Sri Lanka. Remains here, including a palace, temples, baths and an audience hall, reveal that this was once an important commercial and religious centre. We will see five magnificent Buddhas, carved from the bedrock in the standing, sitting and sleeping positions. DAY

Our first visit is to the Dambulla rock temple where each of the caves contains a collection of Buddhas carved from the stone. Some are life sized whilst others depict the sleeping Buddha on a giant scale. Then we drive south to Kandy stopping en route at a spice garden. We spend two nights at the 4* Cinnamon Citadel hotel in Kandy. DAY

Price from £4,498 per person (single supp. £889) including flights, twelve nights’ accommodation with breakfast, twelve dinners, all sightseeing, entrance fees and gratuities and the services of the Kirker Tour Lecturer, Dr. Alex Koller and a local guide. Please call us if you would like to extend your stay to include one of Sri Lanka’s excellent beach resorts.

Today we take a scenic journey on the historic train to Nuwara Eliya, a former colonial hill station surrounded by tea plantations in Sri Lanka’s interior highlands. We shall visit a tea plantation before checking in to our hotel, the 4* Heritance Tea Factory. DAY

We depart for Udawalawe National Park, breaking our journey at the hill-country village of Ella, where the views are spectacular. After checking in at the 4* Grand Udewalawe Safari Resort, we set out on a game drive to see wild animals, including elephants, in their natural habitat. DAY

There will be an early morning elephant safari today, before we leave for the historic city of Galle, where we stay for two nights at the 4* Fort Bazaar. DAY

Originally occupied by the Portuguese and subsequently fortified by the Dutch, Galle has long been Sri Lanka’s most crucial trading port. We have a morning tour of the colonial centre and then the afternoon is free to wander around the fort and visit its boutiques and cafes, which were once merchants’ houses. In the early evening there will be an opportunity to visit the Kosgoda Sea Turtle Conservation Project along the coast. DAY

We leave Galle and drive to Colombo. After checking in at the 4* Galle Face Hotel, we will have a tour of Sri Lanka’s bustling capital city. DAY

DAY

Today we leave Sri Lanka and fly back to London.

FLIGHT Information

Flights with Sri Lankan Airlines: Depart London Heathrow 20.40, arrive Colombo 12.40 the following day Depart Colombo 12.50, arrive London Heathrow 19.10 Supplements for business class flights available on request.

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KIRKER CULTURAL TOURS

OMAN – PEARL OF ARABIA A SIX NIGHT HOLIDAY | 10 OCTOBER 2019 Known as the Pearl of Arabia, Oman simultaneously surprises with its diversity – of landscape, history and culture – and encapsulates the epitome of the Arabian experience. This itinerary combines the best of the country in a leisurely tour: from azure sea to jagged mountains and the vast dunes of the Wahiba Sands. You will learn about the fascinating mediaeval history of the region, see modern Muscat’s astonishing architecture, and absorb the natural environment, including the hustle of traditional souqs, the colour and sounds of local fishing villages, and the unique atmosphere of the desert at night. In a Middle East largely overwhelmed by 21st century tourist resorts, the Omanis are rightfully very proud of the traditional culture that they have carefully nurtured in one of the last remaining authentic destinations in the region.

The itinerary We will fly out to Muscat on the daytime flight this morning, arriving late afternoon, and will be transferred to our hotel, the Radisson Blu (4*) in the centre of Muscat, where we will stay for the first two nights. DAY

This morning we will begin with a tour of Muscat itself, starting with a visit to the magnificent Grand Mosque built with sandstone and marble and home to the second largest chandelier, and handmade Persian carpet in the world. After a drive through the Embassy area we will stop to see the Royal Opera House before arriving at Al Alam Palace, the residence of the Sultan. We shall visit the Mirani and Jalali forts briefly and explore the Bait Al Zubair Museum, a privately-owned museum in the old town of Muscat which provides an insight into old Oman. In the afternoon we continue to Muttrah Souq, which is one of the oldest markets in Oman, dating back about two hundred years. DAY

Checking out of our hotel this morning, we will travel along the coast, pausing at the picturesque fishermen’s village of Quriyat, known for its stocks of kingfish and tuna, and then at Bimmah Sinkhole, a deep natural depression filled with water. At Wadi Tiwi, a spectacularly narrow gorge carved out of the mountains, we will see traditional villages surrounded by lush plantations of date and banana. In the afternoon we will arrive in the coastal city of Sur, where we can still see the traditional dhow manufacturers at work. We stay at the 3* Sur Plaza Hotel this evening. DAY

Leaving Sur in the morning we will visit the enchanting Wadi Bani Khalid, where there will be time to cool off in the crystal clear waters for those who wish to swim. We will then continue to the vast dunes of Wahiba sands, a region of sandy desert stretching 200km to the Arabian Sea. This area has been home to the Bedouin for 7000 years and we will spend an unforgettable night watching the sun set over the dunes before a barbecue dinner under the stars. DAY

Wadi Tiwi

We will visit the local Bedouin market this morning before heading up into the historic interior of Oman. There will be a brief visit to Bahla Fort, begun in the third millennium BC, followed by the carefully-reconstructed Jibreen Castle, notable for the frescoes that adorn its rooms and ceilings decorated with paintings and Islamic-era style inscriptions. We will then stay tonight in the old capital of Oman, Nizwa, at the 4* Golden Tulip Hotel. DAY

This morning we will venture into the Cattle Market of Nizwa, which takes place every Friday, before exploring the famous Nizwa Fort and the vibrant souq which has remained in use for hundreds of years. In the afternoon we will see some of Oman’s most well-preserved towns and villages, including traditional mud houses with palm frond roofs, built on solid rock foundations, as well as the UNESCO-listed Omani irrigation channels (known as Falaj) which feed ancient agricultural terraces.We will finish the day at Jebel Shams, Oman’s highest point at 3,009m, with panoramic views of the “Grand Canyon”, before returning to our hotel in Muscat in the early evening. DAY

DAY

The final morning will be at leisure before we are transferred to Muscat airport for the flight home.

FLIGHT Information

Flights with Oman Air: Depart London Heathrow 08.25, arrive Muscat 18.50 Depart Muscat 14.30, arrive London Heathrow 19.10

Price from £2,929 per person (single supp. £398) for six nights including flights, accommodation with breakfast, five lunches, five dinners, all sightseeing, entrance fees and gratuities and the services of the Kirker Tour Lecturer and a local guide.

call 020 7593 2284 to reserve your place

KIRKER CULTURAL TOURS

THE D-DAY LANDING GROUNDS IN NORMANDY A FIVE NIGHT HOLIDAY | 25 AUGUST 2019 This tour is designed to tell the story of the famous D-Day landings in June 1944 that launched the invasion of France and opened the Battle for Normandy that led directly to the capture of Paris in August. Thereafter, the Allies would advance steadily towards Nazi Germany where the European war would end in May 1945. The beaches are extremely evocative with so much of the original battlefields remaining intact replete with bunkers, gun emplacements and many of the farm buildings and villages that were involved in the fighting. Apart from the WW2 interest, Normandy is a beautiful area to tour with glorious scenery, ancient churches, strong local character and a fascinating history that has for centuries been so closely intertwined with that of the British Isles. Time will be found to explore beyond the battlefields and to take full advantage of the Norman cuisine.

Omaha Beach

The itinerary We leave London by coach and travel to Portsmouth where we visit the Portsmouth D Day Museum. Then we continue to the port terminal for the afternoon ferry service to Caen. On arrival we will transfer to the 3* Ferme de la Ranconniere, which is in the village where the only D-Day Victoria Cross was won. DAY

This morning we visit the Longue Sur Mer battery, the Mulberry Harbour at Arromanches, as well as Gold and Juno Beaches. This afternoon there will be free time to explore Bayeux and visit the Cathedral and the famous Bayeux Tapestry. DAY

We begin at Sword Beach and follow the fighting inland through the bunker system in front of Caen to Perier Ridge where the German Panzers were beaten off. We will view Pegasus Bridge where Lovat, famously accompanied by his piper, relieved Major Howard’s glider force. The day ends with a visit to the heights above Ranville and the excellent Caen WW2 museum. DAY

Our first stop today is Utah beach followed by the town of St Mere Eglise which US paratroops defended against furious counter attacks. The morning ends at the German cemetery at La Cambe. After lunch, we go to Omaha Beach where the American army suffered the largest casualties of D-Day. We will see the Pointe du Hoc, a promontory overlooking the English Channel which was captured by US Rangers scaling a cliff face, the beach landing ground, The American Cemetery and the Omaha Museum. DAY

Today we will explore the battlefields around Caen including The Falaise Pocket where the Allied Armies inflicted vast casualties on the retiring German forces but failed to cut them off entirely. We also see the wonderful Norman castle at Falaise where William the Conqueror was born. DAY

DAY

We leave on the early ferry from Caen back to Portsmouth and then travel back to London by coach, arriving late-afternoon.

Price from £1,859 per person (single supp. £288) for five nights including return ferry from Portsmouth to Caen, accommodation with breakfast, four dinners, two lunches, all sightseeing, entrance fees and gratuities and the services of the Kirker Tour Lecturer, Hugh Macdonald-Buchanan. Prices are per person based on two people sharing and include flights or Eurostar, transfers, accommodation with breakfast, meals as described, a full programme of sightseeing, entrance fees and gratuities and the services of the Kirker Tour Leader.

THE WESTERN FRONT – THE ROAD TO VICTORY Led by military historian Hugh Macdonald-Buchanan, we will visit the principal battlefields of the British Expeditionary Forces, starting at the notorious Ypres Salient which saw intense action throughout the war. We follow the progress of the troops until we reach Amiens where in August 1918 the Allies began their journey to victory. In between, we visit Passchendaele, Arras, the Somme and Cambrai.Visits to some exceptional museums help tell the story of how the troops fought both underground and above, in the mud and on horseback. Price from £1,498 (single supp. £358) for five nights including five dinners. Departs 30 October 2019

THE BATTLES OF MONTE CASSINO Our new tour to the Amalfi coast includes spectacular scenery, ancient Greek temples, and the infamous battlefields of Monte Cassino. Military historian Richard Goldsbrough will take us from Salerno, northwards to Monte Cassino, allowing us to follow the landings of the US 36th Infantry Division, visit the Allied headquarters at Caserta and learn about the four battles for Cassino. Ending at Anzio, where the last major Allied landings took place, the tour takes us to the spectacular Amalfi coastline, to Paestum, and through the mountainous landscapes of Lazio and Campania. Price from £2,160 (single supp. £290) for seven nights including five lunches (some will be picnics) and seven dinners. Departs 24 October 2019

www.kirkerholidays.com

Prices are per person based on two people sharing and include flights or Eurostar, transfers, accommodation with breakfast, meals as described, a full programme of sightseeing, entrance fees and gratuities and the services of the Kirker Tour Leader.

THE GRANDEUR OF ROME We start our holiday with a visit to the Pantheon, before going to the Campo de’Fiori, the Theatre of Marcellus, the Piazza del Campidoglio and the Capitoline Museum. There is also time for the art collections at the Doria Pamphilj, the Borghese and the Vatican, as well as Hadrian’s Villa and the fabled gardens of the Villa d’Este. Crowning all this is a visit to the Sistine Chapel where the full majesty of Michelangelo’s sublime achievement can be enjoyed. Price from £2,198 (single supp. £398) for seven nights including one lunch and four dinners. Departs 19 May & 27 October 2019

Price from £1,896 (Apr, single supp. £398) or £1,798 (Nov, single supp. £378) for six nights including three dinners. Departs 5 April & 8 November 2019

RAVENNA, URBINO & FERRARA Our holiday focuses on three historic cities in the western part of Emilia-Romagna and Le Marche. Ravenna was the last capital of the Western Roman Empire, and remains a treasury of some of the world’s most dazzling mosaics and Byzantine architecture – memories of the final glowing embers of imperial glory. In Urbino we discover an idealised city state created by the Duke of Urbino and in Ferrara we will learn more about the powerful d’Este family whose court was based here. Price from £1,684 (single supp. £298) for five nights including three dinners and one lunch. Departs 1 May & 25 September 2019

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Departs 6 May & 30 September 2019

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Price from £1,698 (May, single supp. £260) or £1,738 (September, single supp. £278) for five nights including two lunches and two dinners.

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Our second tour to this relatively unknown corner of northern Italy is based in Parma, a city synonymous with the very best food and produce in Italy. Musically, too, the region has the finest credentials; Giuseppe Verdi was born in the small farming village of Roncole and Arturo Toscanini was born in Parma itself. A number of fine lunches and dinners are included and there will be an opportunity to learn more about the two specialities for which the region is world famous, ‘parmigiano e prosciutto’.

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Price from £1,873 (single supp. £298) for five nights including three dinners and two lunches. Departs 12 June & 11 September 2019

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Staying at the 4* Grand Hotel Savoia we spend two full days in Genoa visiting magnificent mansions, the Cathedral of San Lorenzo and the Museo del Tesoro with its religious art brought back from the Crusades. One day will be spent driving east along the beautiful Ligurian coastline towards Santa Margherita Ligure, and on to Portofino where we have an included lunch at the fabled Hotel Splendido overlooking the picturesque harbour. We also visit the mediaeval town of Chiavari to meet and have lunch with the owner of the Palazzo Ravaschieri.

The holidays featured within are just a small selection from the wide range that we offer - to speak to an expert or request a Cultural Tours & Music Holidays brochure please call 020 7593 2284. Full details of all our tours are also available on our website at www.kirkerholidays.com.

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CULTURAL TOURS & MUSIC HOLIDAYS

Our tour is based at the 4* Hotel Terminus, in the lakeside town of Como. After a walking tour, we travel by hydrofoil to idyllic Bellagio, known as the ‘Pearl of the Lake’. We shall explore the gardens at the Villa Carlotta before taking a private boat to Villa Balbianello. A day is spent at Stresa, and we will also visit the beautiful Borromean Islands. In Cernobbio we shall enjoy lunch at the renowned Villa D’Este, one of the finest hotels in Italy. Price from £2,288 (April, single supp. £460) or £2,547 (June, single supp. £470) for six nights including three dinners and three lunches. Departs 24 April & 5 June 2019

GENOA – CITY OF THE DOGES

THE BAY OF NAPLES Naples was once one of the most important and beautiful cities in Europe. It is so closely associated with the Romans, that visitors often overlook the city’s fascinating later history. We discover many of the city’s magnificent treasures and in addition to visiting Pompeii and Herculaneum some days will be spent in Naples itself. The tour is based at the 4* Hotel Santa Lucia, located on the waterfront.

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THE ITALIAN LAKES – GARDENS & VILLAS OF COMO & MAGGIORE

CERNING

MUSIC

CULTURAL TOURS: ALBANIA • belgium • FRANCE • italy • Jordan • morocco • Portugal • Russia • Spain EXCLUSIVE KIRKER MUSIC FESTIVALS: alfriston • eastbourne • ischia • villa medici giulini • Lake como • mallorca st. mawes • TENERIFE • music cruises 2019

ESCORTED Holidays TO LEADING MUSIC FESTIVALS & events: amsterdam • berlin • Buxton dresden • three choirs • GRAFENEGG • grange festival • La FENICE, venice • LA SCALA, milan • leipzig • malta • naples • new york north Norfolk • the ruhr • schubertiade • thuringia & saxony • puccini • vienna

Published January 2019. Terms and conditions apply. Please ensure that you have adequate travel insurance cover before booking your holiday. See www.kirkerholidays.com for full booking conditions.