Cultural Tours and Holidays for Discerning Travellers - 2023

Please refer to the Kirker website for the updated list of tour dates including 2024 departures.

MARCH

5th Art Galleries of the Netherlands 61

13th Flemish Art Cities 62

14th Seville & Andalucia 53

20th The Kirker Music Festival, Tresanton, St. Mawes 6

20th The Bay of Naples 48

22nd Byzantine & Ottoman Istanbul 60

26th Sicily – An Enigmatic Island 43

27th Kirker Jazz Festival 10

27th The Grandeur of Rome 44

APRIL

1st The Kirker Music Festival, Lake Como 11

3rd The Ring Cycle in Berlin 22

17th The Metropolitan Opera in New York 28

19th English Touring Opera 19

20th Ávila, Salamanca & Historic Castile 51

21st Gardens of the Riviera 30

24th Villas & Gardens Around Rome 47

24th Villas & Gardens Around Lisbon 50

24th The Vineyards of Kent 65

26th Art of the Côte D’Azur 31

29th The Fall of France 32

MAY

1st Umbria – The Essence of Italy 46

2nd Geneva & Cern with the New Scientist 70

3rd Ravenna, Urbino & Ferrara 40

3rd The Italian Lakes 45

8th Parma, Cremona & Mantua 41

12th Liguria & the Cinque Terre 38

14th La Scala, Milan 25

14th Carcassonne & Albi 33

15th Opera & Art in Vienna 14

21st Palladian Villas & Art of the Veneto 39

22nd Gardens of Scotland’s West Coast 66

JUNE

3rd The Italian Lakes 45

5th The Metropolitan Opera in New York 28

6th Villa Medici Giulini Collection 12

11th The Aldeburgh Festival 18

12th The Kirker Music Festival, Eastbourne 7

19th Nuremberg & Franconia 56

19th Glorious Gardens of the North 67

21st The Grange Festival 16

22nd Opera & Art in Vienna 14

28th Opera in Baden-Baden 23

JULY

3rd The Gardens of Dorset & Somerset 63

7th The Buxton Opera Festival 17

16th The Buxton Opera Festival 17

22nd Three Choirs Festival 19

26th Three Choirs Festival 19

AUGUST

8th Baroque Opera in Sweden 27 9th The Gilbert & Sullivan Festival 21 9th The Puccini Opera Festival 24 15th The North Norfolk Music Festival 20 16th The Grafenegg Music Festival 15 20th D-Day Landing Grounds in Normandy 34 21st Art & Architecture in Munich & Bavaria 55 23rd The Puccini Opera Festival 24 28th Umbria – The Essence of Italy 46

SEPTEMBER

1st Wines of Alsace 35 1st The Scottish Enlightenment with the New Scientist 73 3rd Gardens & Galleries of Cornwall 64 10th Kepler’s Prague with the New Scientist 71 15th Liguria & the Cinque Terre 38 18th The Kirker Music Festival, Suffolk 9 18th Ravenna, Urbino & Ferrara 40 23rd Parma, Cremona & Mantua 41 24th Carcassonne & Albi 33 28th Ávila, Salamanca & Historic Castile 51

OCTOBER

8th Opera at La Fenice,Venice 26 8th Villas & Gardens Around Rome 47 9th Sicily – An Enigmatic Island 43 11th The Kirker Music Festival, Ischia 13 12th Gardens of the Riviera 30 14th Puglia – A Land of Conquest 42 15th Palladian Villas & Art of the Veneto 39 16th Wines of Rioja & Northern Spain 54 17th Art of the Côte D’Azur 31 27th Bordeaux – Wine Capital of the World 36 30th The Bay of Naples 48 30th Duke of Wellington & the Peninsular War 49 31st La Scala, Milan 25 31st Seville & Andalucia 53

NOVEMBER

1st Heritage and History of Malta & Gozo 58 1st Byzantine & Ottoman Istanbul 60 4th Gardens of Marrakech 59 6th The Grandeur of Rome 44 7th The Kirker Music Festival, Alfriston 8 7th Megalithic Malta with the New Scientist 72 13th Jordan – The Land of T.E. Lawrence 57 17th Tenerife – Nature & History of a Volcanic Island 52 19th Reims & Champagne 37

DECEMBER

22nd Christmas on the Côte D’Azur 68 22nd Christmas in Vienna 69 FEBRUARY 2024 20th Jordan – The Land of T.E. Lawrence 57

4 WATERLOO COURT • 10 THEED STREET • LONDON SE1 8ST Tel: 020 7593 2284 • Fax: 020 4593 1461 • culturaltours@kirkerholidays.com • www.kirkerholidays.com

Welcome to the new Kirker Cultural Tours & Music Holidays brochure, which features our comprehensive programme of escorted holidays to a range of destinations throughout Europe and beyond. Each of our Cultural Tours is led by an expert lecturer, and has a focus on art, history, archaeology, architecture, gardens, wine, or battlefields. Our programme of Music Holidays includes visits to major music and opera festivals, from Buxton Opera and the Three Choirs Festival in the UK, to La Scala in Milan, La Fenice in Venice, as well as our own exclusive Kirker Classical Music Festivals – and, new for 2023, our first Kirker Jazz Music Festival with impresario entertainer, Joe Stilgoe and his band (see page 10).

Each group is composed of a maximum of 22 participants, and many of our clients enjoy travelling with like-minded companions, so we include a number of dinners at some of our favourite local restaurants, as well as free time for independent exploration. Prices are based on sharing a twin or double room, but we also offer specially-reduced single supplements, and in the case of some holidays (The Grange Festival, page 16 and North Norfolk Music Festival, page 20), no single supplement, which makes these itineraries excellent value for money for those travelling solo.

Our exclusive Kirker Music Festivals may have larger numbers of participants, and include a programme of private concerts in a unique setting – such as the shores of Lake Como, Lady Walton’s gardens on the island of Ischia, or the ballroom of the magnificent Grand Hotel in Eastbourne. The world-class artists who join us for these Festivals include award-winning string quartets, highly-acclaimed soloists and renowned jazz trios. One of the highlights for many guests is the excellent rapport between audience and artists which is built during a series of intimate recitals, and the opportunity to enjoy drinks and dinner with the musicians in the evenings.

Wherever you travel, the success of our holidays is based on meticulous research and carefully planned itineraries which often include visits to places that are not usually available to visitors. These might include after-hours tours of museums and art galleries such as MoMA in New York, or visits to private houses and gardens with the owners themselves.

Our team of tour lecturers has been carefully selected to provide the perfect combination of expert subject knowledge and the gift of conviviality, so that they can share their expertise with charm and ease and enable all members of the party to get the most out of the experience. Many of our experts have been leading Kirker tours for a number of years and have much experience looking after our clients.

If you are considering creating your own private tour, perhaps to celebrate a special occasion with friends, or travelling with a local society, please do call 020 7593 2284 to speak to an expert. We would be delighted to take full responsibility for the smooth running of your holiday and enjoy sharing our many years of experience and knowledge as we help you to plan the perfect itinerary.

We look forward to hearing from you soon.

Wake Joint Managing Director and Director of Sales & Marketing

expert advice expertsinceadvice 1986 since 1986

DISCERNING TRAVELLERS

Recent Awards:

British Travel Awards 2022 Finalist: Best Travel Company for City/Short Breaks

Luxury Specialist Tour Operator of the Year 2020 – TTG Luxury

Wanderlust Magazine – Highly Commended Top Tour Operator 2018

Comune di Venezia – Lion of St. Mark Gold Award for Tourism 2017

Classic FM – 25th Anniversary ‘Silver Traveller’ Award Winner 2017

Ted

Andrew Layard Joint Managing Director and Commercial & Product Director

EXCLUSIVE KIRKER MUSIC FESTIVALS England

The Kirker Music Festival at the Hotel Tresanton, St. Mawes 6

The Kirker Music Festival at the Grand, Eastbourne 7

The Kirker Music Festival at the Star, Alfriston 8

The Kirker Music Festival in Suffolk 9

Kirker Jazz Festival in Eastbourne 10 Italy

The Kirker Music Festival on Lake Como 11

The Villa Medici Giulini Collection 12

The Kirker Music Festival, Ischia 13

ESCORTED HOLIDAYS TO LEADING MUSIC FESTIVALS & EVENTS

Austria

Opera & Art in Vienna 14

The Grafenegg Music Festival 15 England

The Grange Festival 16

The Aldeburgh Festival 18

The Buxton International Festival 17

The Three Choirs Festival 19

The English Touring Opera 19

The North Norfolk Music Festival 20

The International Gilbert & Sullivan Festival 21 Germany

The Ring Cycle in Berlin 22 Opera in Baden-Baden 23 Italy

Puccini Opera Festival 24 La Scala, Milan 25 La Fenice, Venice 26 Sweden

Baroque Opera in Sweden 27 USA

Metropolitan Opera & Art Galleries of New York 28

CULTURAL TOURS

Austria

Christmas in Vienna 69 Belgium

The Flemish Art Cities of Ghent, Bruges and Antwerp 62 England

The Gardens of Dorset & Somerset 63

The Gardens & Galleries of Cornwall 64

The Vineyards of Kent 65 France

Art of the Côte D’Azur 31

Bordeaux – Wine Capital of the World 36 Carcassonne & Albi 33 Christmas on the Côte D’Azur 68 The Fall of France 32

Gardens of the Riviera 30

The D-Day Landing Grounds in Normandy 34 Reims & Champagne 37 Wines of Alsace 35 Germany

Art & Architecture of Munich & Bavaria 55 Nuremberg & Franconia 56 Italy

Liguria & the Cinque Terre 38 Palladian Villas & Art of the Veneto 39 Parma, Cremona & Mantua 41 Puglia – A Land of Conquest 42 Ravenna, Urbino & Ferrara 40

Sicily – An Enigmatic Island 43 The Bay of Naples 48

The Grandeur of Rome 44

The Italian Lakes – Gardens & Villas of Como and Maggiore 45 Umbria – The Essence of Italy 46 Villas & Gardens Around Rome 47 Jordan

Jordan – The Land of T. E. Lawrence 57 Malta

The Heritage & History of Malta & Gozo 58 Morocco

Gardens of Marrakech 59 Netherlands

Art Galleries of the Netherlands 61 Portugal

The Duke of Wellington & the Peninsular War 49 Villas & Gardens Around Lisbon 50 Scotland

Gardens of Scotland’s West Coast 66 Glorious Gardens of the North 67 Spain

Ávila, Salamanca & Historic Castile 51 Seville & Andalucia 53

Tenerife – The Nature & History of a Volcanic Island 52 Wines of Rioja & Northern Spain 54 Turkey

Byzantine & Ottoman Istanbul 60

NEW SCIENTIST TOURS Geneva & Cern 70

Megalithic Malta 72

Renaissance Astronomy in Kepler’s Prague 71

The Scottish Enlightenment: Edinburgh and Glasgow 73

KIRKER MUSIC HOLIDAYS

Kirker’s programme of Music Holidays includes both Exclusive Kirker Music Festivals, featuring private concerts by highlyacclaimed musicians in beautiful settings, and escorted holidays to leading music festivals and events throughout Europe and beyond, where Kirker guests enjoy carefully-selected tickets for performances as well as a curated itinerary of tours and excursions.

Each of our Exclusive Kirker Music Festivals includes a special programme of music prepared by our Director of Music, Simon Rowland-Jones, and performed exclusively for Kirker clients by musicians of the highest calibre. Artists, concert programmes and venues are carefully arranged to create an atmosphere akin to a country house party – group sizes for our Exclusive Festivals tend to be 30-50 participants – and one of the highlights is the opportunity to enjoy private drinks parties and dinner in the company of the musicians – who also relish building a rare rapport with their audience.

Our range of Music Holidays also includes some of the most important festivals, concerts and events throughout Europe and beyond – with tickets included for performances at magnificent venues, from the Metropolitan Opera in New York to Grafenegg’s striking ‘Tower of the Clouds’ in Lower Austria, and Buxton’s elegant opera house in the Peak District.

EXCLUSIVE KIRKER MUSIC FESTIVALS ESCORTED HOLIDAYS TO LEADING MUSIC FESTIVALS & EVENTS

There will be eight Exclusive Kirker Music Festivals operating between March 2023 and December 2023 – five in England and three in Italy.

The Kirker Music Festival at the Tresanton, St. Mawes, page 6 20 March 2023

Featuring: The Carducci Quartet

The Kirker Music Festival at the Grand, Eastbourne, page 7 12 June 2023

Featuring: The Karski Quartet

The Kirker Festival at the Star, Alfriston, page 8 7 November 2023

Featuring: The Marmen Quartet; Robert Plane, clarinet & Simon Rowland-Jones, viola

The Kirker Music Festival in Suffolk, page 9 18 September 2023

Featuring: The Doric String Quartet & Simon Rowland-Jones, viola Kirker Jazz Festival in Eastbourne, page 10 27 March 2023

Featuring: Joe Stilgoe & Trio

The Kirker Music Festival on Lake Como, page 11 1 April 2023

Featuring: Daniel Lebhardt, piano; Simon Rowland-Jones, viola; Benjamin Baker, violin & Jonathan Bloxham, cello The Villa Medici Collection, page 12 6 June 2023

Featuring: Melvyn Tan, piano

The Kirker Music Festival in Ischia, page 13 11 October 2023

Featuring: The Maxwell Quartet & Thomas Kelly, piano

Opera Holidays

Many Kirker clients enjoy a holiday which includes an opera performance at a famous opera house – it is a magical experience,whether you are an experienced opera aficionado or an enthusiastic amateur.

• Opera & Art in Vienna, page 14

• Puccini Opera Festival, page 24

• La Scala, Milan, page 25

• La Fenice,Venice, page 26

• Opera in Baden-Baden, page 23

• Opera in Sweden, page 27

• The Metropolitan Opera & Art Galleries of New York, page 28

• The Ring Cycle in Berlin, page 22

Music Festivals

We have selected the very best festivals around Europe: many are world famous, like the Schubertiade Festival in Austria. A common theme is that they all take place in beautiful surroundings – none more so than the Grafenegg Festival in Lower Austria – and include excursions to local historical and architectural sights.

• The Grafenegg Music Festival, page 15

UK Holidays

Closer to home, the North Norfolk Music Festival is featured once again, and opera destinations will include The Grange Festival in Hampshire, and the Buxton Opera Festival in the beautiful Peak District. Please note that travel to and from the start of the tour is not included for holidays within the UK.

• The Aldeburgh Festival, page 18

• The Grange Festival, Hampshire, page 16

• The Buxton International Festival, page 17

• The English Touring Opera, page 19

• The Three Choirs Festival, page 19

• The North Norfolk Music Festival, page 20

• The International Gilbert & Sullivan Festival, page 21

Opera & Concert Tickets

For every performance included in one of our Music Holidays, tickets will always be of a high category, to ensure that you get the most out of the experience. The exact category booked depends on the venue and the performance – and we select the tickets which offer the best combination of acoustics, view and value for money (they may not always by the very top category).

Group Sizes & Mobility

Typically, there will be between 10 and 22 participants accompanied by a guest lecturer and, where necessary, a local guide. Our holidays have been created to show you as much as possible of your chosen destination, and often the best way to do this is on foot. Should you have any concerns whatsoever, please speak to one of our team who will provide you with all the advice you need.

Ischia

THE KIRKER MUSIC FESTIVAL AT THE TRESANTON, ST. MAWES

A THREE NIGHT HOLIDAY | 20 MARCH 2023

Our annual visit to Olga Polizzi’s fabled Hotel Tresanton in St.Mawes combines a relaxing escape in Cornwall with a series of world-class chamber music recitals, and is a highlight of the Kirker calendar. In addition to the wonderful music on offer we will also enjoy a visit to the private garden at Lamorran, inspired by Lady Walton’s garden on the island of Ischia.

the hotel

The 5* Hotel Tresanton enjoys a wonderful position overlooking the sea. Olga Polizzi and her brother Sir Rocco Forte have won accolades around the world for their work as renowned hoteliers. The hotel has 29 bedrooms, a terrace, and a cosy bar. The menus for the three candlelit dinners will be carefully selected by the hotel’s chef to ensure guests enjoy the best locally-sourced ingredients. Please note that there is no lift at this hotel.

The concerts are given in the charming Old Methodist Hall in the village. The Hall, which has a fine acoustic ideal for chamber music, was restored and decorated by Olga Polizzi who has donated it to the village for community events. The talks will be given in the Hotel Tresanton. Tea and homemade biscuits will be provided.

MUSIC PROGRAMME

20 March: Rebecca Clarke: Poem

Schubert: String Quartet in E flat Op.10 Beethoven: String Quartet in E minor Op.59, No.2 ‘Razumovsky’

21 March: Mozart: String Quartet in B flat K 458 ‘The Hunt’ Shostakovich: String Quartet in C minor No.8 Mendelssohn: String Quartet in F minor Op.80

22 March: Haydn: String Quartet in B Flat Op.76 No.4 ‘Sunrise’ Rowland-Jones: String Quartet No. 7 ‘Flock of Knot’ This quartet was commissioned for the Carducci Quartet who gave the first performance in Cheltenham Mozart: String Quintet in G minor K.516

THE MUSICIANS

The Carducci Quartet is recognised as one of today’s most successful string quartets. Performing over 90 concerts worldwide each year, the quartet also run their own recording label Carducci Classics, as well as an annual festival in Highnam, Gloucester. Winners of international competitions, including the Concert Artists Guild International Competition 2007 and Finland’s Kuhmo International Chamber Music Competition,the Anglo-Irish quartet has appeared at prestigious venues across the globe including the Wigmore Hall, London; National Concert Hall, Dublin;Tivoli Concert Hall, Copenhagen; Carnegie Hall,NewYork and Library of Congress and John F Kennedy Center,Washington D.C. Festival appearances include Cheltenham Music Festival; Festival Messiaen au pays Meije;West Cork Chamber Music Festival; Kuhmo Festival; and the Wratislavia Cantans Festival in Poland. The Carducci Quartet will play at the 2023 Aldeburgh Festival at The Maltings, Snape.

•

•

•

•

• The services of the Kirker Tour Leaders

Extra pre-tour night including dinner & breakfast available for £220 per person (single occupancy £360). Supplement to stay in a suite is £150 per night (subject to availability).

THE KIRKER MUSIC FESTIVAL AT THE GRAND, EASTBOURNE

A THREE NIGHT HOLIDAY | 12 JUNE 2023

Described by the 11th Duke of Devonshire as ‘the jewel in Eastbourne’s splendid crown’, The Grand enjoys a majestic position in this elegant seaside resort, which was developed by the Cavendish family in the late 19th century and is the perfect home for our exclusive music festival. It is a benchmark of comfort and style from that romantic period, more reminiscent of the grand hotels of the capitals of central Europe than of the English coast.

the hotel

The 5* Grand Hotel overlooks the English Channel, a short walk from the centre of Eastbourne and from Devonshire Park and the Towner Art Gallery. It has spacious public lounges, restaurants and bars, and a spa with indoor pool, gym, solarium, and treatment rooms. Free use of the spa’s facilities is included. Our concerts will be held in the Compton Room. Bedrooms are comfortable and well-appointed.You can choose between an inland facing room or a room with a sea view.

12 June:

MUSIC PROGRAMME

Schubert: String Quartet in E flat, D. 87 Beethoven: String Quartet in A minor Op.132

13 June:

Mozart: String Quartet in D minor K. 421 Dvorak: Terzetto Op.74

Debussy: String Quartet

14 June:

Haydn: String Quartet in B flat, Op.64 No.3

Beethoven: String Quartet in A Op.18 No.5

Bacewicz: String Quartet No.4

One of the most distinguished musical figures in Poland in the first half of the 20th century, Grazyna Bacewicz (1909-1969) won international recognition for her many compositions which include chamber works orchestral pieces. She was also an outstanding violinist and led the Polish Radio Orchestra for many years before devoting her time to her own compositions. She studied with Nadia Boulanger in Paris and taught at the State Conservatoire of Music in Łódz.

Claude Debussy (1862-1918) at the Grand

A certain M. et Mme. Claude Debussy checked into the Grand Hotel on 24 July 1905 but in truth the guests were M. Debussy and his mistress, Emma Bardac, not his wife. Emma was an accomplished singer and married to a rich financier. They had left Paris to avoid the final judgement in Debussy’s divorce from the real Mme. Debussy. News of the divorce settlement, which went against the composer, together with acerbic observations from the judge, came through to them on 2 August. The couple stayed on in Eastbourne until 30 August. Debussy corrected the score of his masterpiece, La Mer, while at the Grand – a perfect location for such work. His stay in Eastbourne played no part in the history of La Mer but while in Eastbourne he did compose ‘Reflets dans l’eau’, part of his Images Pour Piano.

THE MUSICIANS

The Karski Quartet is rapidly gaining recognition on the international music scene for its passionate interpretations of works ranging from Haydn to 21st century repertoire. Formed in Belgium in 2018, the quartet’s founding members are violinists Kaja Nowak and Natalia Kotarba, violinist and violist Diede Verpoest and cellist Julia Kotarba. Having played with one another in many different combinations, the four met as a quartet during the 2018 Resonances Festival Academy. Soon after they were awarded the Grand Prix as well as the Special Prize for the alumni of the Royal Conservatory in Brussels at the 4th International Music Competition Triomphe de l’Art in Brussels. Since the inception of the quartet their mentors have been David Waterman, Philippe Graffin and Amy Norrington.

•

•

•

•

THE KIRKER MUSIC FESTIVAL AT THE STAR, ALFRISTON

A THREE NIGHT HOLIDAY | 7 NOVEMBER 2023

After a successful first visit to Alex Polizzi’s hotel in the picturesque and historic village of Alfriston, we are looking forward to returning for our second Kirker Music Festival at The Star in November. Our musicians are the well-established, awardwinning Marmen Quartet, and the clarinettist Robert Plane, equally at home playing with major orchestras and joining colleagues in chamber music concerts. The third and most recent addition to the Polizzi Collection of hotels, The Star is a superblymanaged and welcoming hotel under the guidance of Edward Johnson. Delicious cuisine is overseen by distinguished chef Tim Kensett and impeccable service is assured under the direction of Sergio Paolo. Music is at the core of our stay at The Star, with three concerts in the Old Chapel just across the road and two talks in the lovely Pilgrims’ Room in the hotel. There will also be time to explore the stunning Sussex coastline and the South Downs, with maps for Alex Polizzi’s favourite walks available at the hotel. Duncan Grant’s murals at Berwick Church and the Towner Gallery at Eastbourne with its collection of works by Eric Ravilious are also within a short drive.

THE MUSICIANS

the hotel

We stay at the 4* Star Hotel, located on Alfriston’s famously picturesque high street with its selection of galleries and shops. Olga and Alex Polizzi unveiled their latest venture to enormous critical acclaim in the summer of 2021. Dating back to 1345, this was a historic hostelry on the route between Battle Abbey and Chichester, and its 15th century façade remains unchanged, as does the extravagantly beamed bar. Behind this, a charming, leafy courtyard now leads to 30 comfortable and stylish bedrooms, each combining new and antique furniture alongside works by local artists. We will dine each evening in the hotel’s elegant restaurant. There is no lift at The Star but staff are available to help you with your luggage. There is a gated private car park right behind the hotel.

The Marmen Quartet was formed at the Royal College of Music in 2013 and were mentored by a number of leading players including Peter Cropper and Simon Rowland-Jones. The next six years were spent building up their career and in 2019 they won first prize at two of the world’s most important quartet competitions – in Banff and in Bordeaux. This led to a series of international engagements around the world including at the Berlin Philharmonie, the Pierre Boulez Saal in Berlin, Lucerne, Dallas, and Austria and at the Gulbenkian Foundation, Lisbon. During the first half of 2023 they will travel to Israel, Ireland, Croatia, Dallas and will give concerts at Wigmore Hall and at the 2023 North Norfolk Music Festival.

Robert Plane, clarinet, was the Principal Clarinettist for the BBC National Orchestra of Wales. Previously he held this position with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and the Royal Northern Sinfonia. He now devotes more time to chamber music and has regularly appeared with leading ensembles, most notably the Gould Piano Trio. Rob has a particular love of British chamber music and will join the Marmen Quartet in a performance of one of his favourite pieces by Sir Arthur Bliss.

MUSIC PROGRAMME

Concerts are given in The Old Chapel a few steps across from the hotel. Much careful restoration work has been done in recent years and the chapel is now an attractive and welcoming venue.The wooden interior and floor ensure there is a fine acoustic for chamber music.

7 November:

Haydn: String Quartet in D, Op.33 No.6

Takemitsu: A Way A Lone Beethoven: String Quartet in E minor, Op .9, No.2

8 November:

Mozart: String Quartet in B flat, K. 159

Stravinsky: Three Pieces for solo clarinet

Bliss: Clarinet Quintet

Debussy: String Quartet

9 November:

Haydn: String Quartet in B flat, Op.64 No.3

Janacek: String Quartet No. 2 ‘Intimate Letters’

Brahms: String Quintet in F, Op.88

Simon Rowland-Jones, viola, has always led a very busy, allembracing musical life. He was founder violist of the Chilingirian Quartet, in which he played for a total of ten years, and subsequently performed with many other leading chamber groups. He teaches viola and chamber music at the Royal College of Music and is codirector of the North Norfolk Music Festival.

TOUR INFORMATION

DEPARTURE

7 November

£360 Our prices are per person, based on the shared occupancy of a twin/double room. Supplement for single occupancy as shown.

WHAT WE INCLUDE

• Three nights’ accommodation with breakfast

• Three dinners

• Three concerts as described with programme notes

• The services of the Kirker Tour Leader

Alfriston Clergy House

THE KIRKER MUSIC FESTIVAL IN SUFFOLK

A FOUR NIGHT HOLIDAY | 18 SEPTEMBER 2023

This picturesque corner of Suffolk, with its rivers and marshes, is closely associated with the artists Constable and Gainsborough, as well as the composer Benjamin Britten, who was born in Lowestoft and lived and worked in nearby Aldeburgh for many years. Based at the elegant Hintlesham Hall, in a charming village just outside Ipswich, we will explore the legacy of these former Suffolk residents as well as enjoying a series of private concerts with the Doric String Quartet and the violist and composer Simon Rowland-Jones.

itinerary

MUSIC PROGRAMME

Make your own way to the village of Hintlesham, just over 5 miles from the centre of Ipswich, where we shall stay at the elegant Hintlesham Hall, a grand property in a manor house which dates from the 1400s.

The first of two open workshops will be given this morning. Later we visit Sudbury this morning to see the house where Thomas Gainsborough (1777-1788) lived as a child and young man. A number of the artist’s works are on display here. Gainsborough House has been closed for three years and reopens this spring, after a three-year development, it will be a National Centre for Art dedicated to the life and work of the artist. Gainsborough’s famous painting ‘The Blue Boy’, which left England a hundred years ago and has been on display at the Huntington Library in California since then.

After breakfast, there will be a second open workshop with the Doric String Quartet and Kirker’s director of music, Simon Rowland-Jones. This afternoon we will drive to Dedham Vale to visit Sir Alfred Munnings’ former home and studio with over 200 paintings, drawings and sculptures on display.

There will be a visit to Aldeburgh, where we shall go to the Red House where Benjamin Britten and Peter Pears lived. The house is very much the same as it was when the couple lived here and many works from their extensive collection are on display. We will visit the library, exhibition centre and the garden.

DAY 1 DAY 2 DAY 3 DAY 4 DAY 5

The Red House © Philip Vile

They will also be in conversation with Barry Cheeseman about their international career as one of the world’s leading string quartets.

THE MUSICIANS

The Doric String Quartet was introduced to Kirker audiences back in 2005. Since then they have performed at many of our exclusive Festivals both on land and at sea. They memorably played Walton’s String Quartet at the Kirker Ischia Music Festival at La Mortella in Ischia with Susana Walton being visibly moved sitting in the front row. Today, they are amongst the most sought-after quartets in the world playing at concert halls and in festivals around the world so it has been hugely rewarding for everyone at Kirker to witness their rise to stardom. They play at every major festival around the world, have a series of several concerts at Wigmore Hall each season and continue to add to their already extensive discography.

Performer, editor, composer and teacher, Simon Rowland-Jones has always led a very busy, all-embracing musical life. He was founder violist of the Chilingirian Quartet, in which he played for a total of ten years, and subsequently performed with many other leading chamber groups. He teaches viola and chamber music at the Royal College of Music and is co-director of the North Norfolk Music Festival.

TOUR INFORMATION

PRICES DATE PRICE SINGLE SUPP 18 September £1,860 £296 Our prices are per person, based on the shared occupancy of a twin/double room. Supplement for single occupancy as shown.

Four dinners

Three concerts as described with programme notes

All sightseeing, entrance fees and gratuities

Services of the Kirker Tour Leader

KIRKER JAZZ FESTIVAL

Joe Stilgoe & The Great American Songbook

A THREE NIGHT HOLIDAY | 27 MARCH 2023

Internationally acclaimed singer, pianist and songwriter, Joe Stilgoe, will host this very special music weekend at The Grand Hotel in Eastbourne, with a series of concerts inspired by film, theatre and the Great American Songbook of Cole Porter. Joe and his Trio will bring to Eastbourne their uniquely entertaining style of performance in three private concerts. During the day there will be included excursions to the nearby Charleston Farmhouse, meeting place for the Bloomsbury Group in the early twentieth century, as well as Eastbourne’s acclaimed Towner Gallery, and we will dine each evening at the hotel with Joe and his band.

the hotel

The 5* Grand Hotel overlooks the English Channel, a short walk from the centre of Eastbourne and from Devonshire Park and the Towner Art Gallery. It has spacious public lounges, restaurants and bars, and a spa with indoor pool, gym, solarium, and treatment rooms. Free use of the spa’s facilities is included.

Joe Stilgoe

Described by The Times as “A very British Harry Connick Jr”, and by The Guardian as “a jazz pianist and songwriter of considerable talent and no less charm” Joe Stilgoe is the son of songwriter Richard Stilgoe and opera-singer Annabel Hunt, and has forged a unique career as a modern-day entertainer with wit, style and a level of musicianship which has seen him recognised as one of the best singer-pianists in the world. Joe has released nine albums, five of which have topped the UK Jazz chart. His live performances offer an enticing mix of his heroes Danny Kaye, Nat King Cole and Dudley Moore, and he has given concerts at the Lyric Hammersmith, the Royal Albert Hall, the London Jazz Festival, St John’s Smith Square and Cadogan Hall, as well as sell-out Edinburgh Festival seasons and a UK tour. He was asked to perform for The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh’s 70th wedding anniversary at Windsor, and has given private performances for members of the Royal family at St James’s Palace, The Ritz in London and Frogmore House, among many others. He works extensively on radio, including BBC Radio 2’s Friday Night is Music Night, JazzFM, and Radio 3 and 4.

MUSIC PROGRAMME

27 March: Cole Porter and the Great American Songbook

From Anything Goes to High Society, Kiss Me Kate to Can Can, Cole Porter was the greatest musical songwriter of the first half of the 20th century. Joe and the band have been adapting his songs for years, and Joe has great tales and jokes from Cole’s life - this then leads into the rest of the Great American Songbook, covering Gershwin, Rodgers & Hart, Irving Berlin, Dorothy Fields, Cy Coleman, Harold Arlen and many more. The trio setting is the perfect way to the capture the brilliance and playfulness of these songs, with scintillating interplay between the musicians and stunning arrangements to make these songs appear as fresh as a daisy (in green pasture…).

28 March: Songs On Film

The greatest movie music! A show which first appeared at the Edinburgh Fringe to rave reviews (5 stars in The Scotsman) and subsequently toured the UK three times. Deft and witty takes on well-known songs, with Joe’s film knowledge and inside trivia coming to the fore. As The Times said “dapper, handsome and quick witted… and gifted with dazzling digits”.

29 March: Theatre

Featuring songs from Joe’s thrilling new album Theatre, recorded with The Metropole Orkest, featuring Rodgers & Hammerstein to Lin Manuel Miranda and everything in between. The show is touring the UK at the moment, and this will be a rare chance to see this show in a beautifully intimate setting

TOUR INFORMATION

DEPARTURE DATE & PRICES

DATE

PRICE SINGLE SUPP

27 March £1,298 £264

Our prices are per person, based on the shared occupancy of a twin/double room. Supplement for single occupancy as shown. Supplement for Front Sea View: £380 Side Sea View: £156

WHAT WE INCLUDE

• Three nights’ accommodation with breakfast and dinner

• Three concerts

• Entrance to Charleston Farmhouse and the Towner Gallery

• Services of the Kirker Tour Leader

THE KIRKER MUSIC FESTIVAL ON LAKE COMO

A FIVE NIGHT HOLIDAY | 1 APRIL 2023

We are returning to the mystical and romantic shores of Lake Como for another Kirker Music Festival. The calm, deep waters of the lake are lined by elegant villas, imposing cypresses and dense vegetation all combining to create an air of timelessness. The low-arching mountains form a dramatic backdrop which has inspired writers, poets, composers, and artists for centuries. Goethe’s Mignon spent her life yearning to be back in the beautiful place where citrus trees blossom. In Moltrasio, a statue of the composer, Vincenzo Bellini, reclines languidly by the lake, an elegant reminder that captures the spirit of the lake.

the itinerary

We stay in the 4* Grand Hotel Imperiale in Moltrasio, a small village on the shores of the lake. The hotel has a lakeside restaurant, renovated bedrooms, spacious lounges, and a spa with an indoor plunge pool. There will be free time for you to use the extensive ferry services that leave from right in front of the hotel. Moltrasio has several excellent restaurants for you to enjoy. We will travel by private boat to the Villa Balbianello, beautifully sited on its private promontory and then continue to Bellagio for some free time. We also go to one of Italy’s finest hotels, the Villa d’Este, for a gastronomic lunch overlooking the lake. Another excursion takes us to the Villa Medici Giulini where we can see and hear some of the historic pianos in the collection of Fernanda Giulini before the recital in the lovely theatre adjoining the villa.

MUSIC PROGRAMME

Daniel’s first of two recitals will be given at the Villa Medici Giulini. Here we can see and hear some of the historic pianos in the collection of Fernanda Giulini before the recital in the lovely theatre adjoining the villa. All other concerts will be given at the Hotel Imperiale.

2 April: Daniel Lebhardt, piano

Chopin: Ballade No. 3

Chopin: Barcarolle

Scriabin: Sonata No. 3 in F sharp minor

Scriabin: Vers la flamme

Liszt: Lugubre gondola

Liszt: Sonata in B minor

3 April, morning concert: Benjamin Baker, violin; Jonathan Bloxham, cello; Daniel Lebhardt, piano

A programme of works for piano trio.

3 April, afternoon concert: Benjamin Baker, violin; Jonathan Bloxham, cello; Daniel Lebhardt, piano

The performance will include a selection of string duos and string sonatas.

4 April: Benjamin Baker, violin; Simon Rowland-Jones, viola; Jonathan Bloxham, cello; Daniel Lebhardt, piano

Mozart: Piano Quartet in G minor

Schubert: Notturno

Brahms: Piano Quartet No.1 in G minor Op.25

5 April: Daniel Lebhardt, piano

Mozart: Rondo in A minor K. 511

Mozart: Adagio K. 358

Mendelssohn: Variations serieuses in D minor, Op.54

Schubert: Sonata in B flat major D. 960

THE MUSICIANS

Pianist Daniel Lebhardt was born in Hungary and studied at the Franz Liszt Academy and later at the Royal Academy of Music. He won First Prize in the Young Concert Artists auditions in Paris and New York. He has appeared as a soloist with orchestras throughout the USA and given many recitals in Europe. As a chamber musician, he works regularly with the Castalian String Quartet and the violinist Benjamin Baker.

Performer, editor, composer and teacher, Simon Rowland-Jones has always led a very busy, all-embracing musical life. He was founder violist of the Chilingirian Quartet, in which he played for a total of ten years, and subsequently performed with many other leading chamber groups. He teaches viola and chamber music at the Royal College of Music and is co-director of the North Norfolk Music Festival.

Benjamin Baker, violin, came to the UK from New Zealand to study at the Yehudi Menuhin School and then at the Royal College Music. He was a Young Concert Artist Trust winner. He appears regular as a soloist with international orchestras and recently played with the Forth Worth Orchestra and in Charleston, South Carolina.

Jonathan Bloxham, cello, has a multifaceted career, equally at home on the recital platform and as a conductor. Last season he conducted Don Pasquale on the nationwide Glyndebourne Tour. He studied at the Yehudi Menuhin School, the Guildhall School of Music and Drama and at the Royal College of Music.

TOUR INFORMATION

DEPARTURE DATE & PRICES

DATE PRICE SINGLE SUPP 1 April £2,897 £475 Our prices are per person, based on the shared occupancy of a twin/double room. Supplement for single occupancy as shown. Supplement for an Executive room with lake view and balcony: £310

FLIGHT DETAILS

Flights with British Airways: Depart London Heathrow 14.45, arrive Milan Malpensa 17.50 Depart Milan Malpensa 18.50, arrive London Heathrow 19.50 Flight times subject to change – regional departures available on request.

WHAT WE INCLUDE

• Return flights

• Five nights’ accommodation including breakfast

• Three dinners

• Two lunches

• All concerts and talks as described

• All sightseeing, entrance fees and gratuities

• Services of the Kirker Tour Leader

THE VILLA MEDICI GIULINI COLLECTION

A FOUR NIGHT HOLIDAY | 6 JUNE 2023

This is a very special and unusual opportunity to join a private house party for Kirker clients, hosted by Fernanda Giulini whose private villa is the base for our visit. It is also an opportunity to get to know the pianist Melvyn Tan who will bring the beautiful instruments to life in three concerts and talks at both the Villa and Signora Giulini’s apartment in Milan. The development of the piano is vividly explained in the three included recitals.

villa medici giulini the itinerary

We fly to Milan Linate and transfer to the Villa Medici Giulini, a journey of 40 minutes. There will be a drinks reception when we will be introduced to Melvyn and Signora Giulini, followed by dinner.

Melvyn will play a series of works on a selection of pianos that Bach, Haydn and Mozart would have known. We will then have lunch and shortly afterwards drive to Monza to visit one of Italy’s most important and historic churches. We will see the chapel of Queen Teodelinda and the famous Iron Cross in the Treasury before continuing to Milan where we will discover the exquisitely decorated keyboard instruments on display in Fernanda Giulini’s own apartment. After dinner here we will return to Briosco.

We drive to Lake Como and board a private boat to Villa Balbianello, romantically sited on its own promontory. Afterwards, we continue to the Hotel Villa D’Este for lunch. We will sail back to Como to board the coach to Briosco. This evening, Melvyn will play works by Beethoven and Schubert on the forte piano by Conrad Graf.

DAY 1 DAY 2 DAY 3 DAY 4

After breakfast we will drive to the home of Fernanda’s brother, Vittorio. His villa is in the village of Velate, north of Varese. An English landscaped park stretches away from the villa. Much fine topiary, parterres and specimen trees and shrubs create a cool, green veil which surrounds the villa. We will stay for lunch with Signor Giulini who is the President of the Association of Historic Houses of Lombardy. Melvyn’s concluding recital is on a Pleyel piano.

DAY 5

After breakfast we will return to Milan Linate airport.

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 pianomakers 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.’

We return to the Villa Medici Giulini, the home of Fernanda Giulini, in the village of Briosco between Milan and Como for the second consecutive year. The internationally known pianist, Melvyn Tan, introduced us to Fernanda Giulini and her matchless collection of historic pianos a couple of years ago. It’s a wonderful experience to hear the pianos played by a pianist of Melvyn’s stature in the magnificent rooms of the 17th century villa, simultaneously both grand and intimate. Three dinners are taken at the Villa and one in her apartment in the heart of Milan where her collection of virginals, harpsichords and harps are kept. Wines from the Giulini vineyards are served with every dinner. After dinner, postprandial drinks will be served in a different room each evening. The Villa is very much a private home, not a hotel and our clients are looked after by Signora Giulini’s own staff.

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.

Concert 1 on the Five Octave Piano Beethoven: Sonata in Op.10 No.1 Mozart: Sonata K. 576 And a sonata by Haydn Concert 2 on the Six Octave Piano Two sonatas by Beethoven including Sonata in C Op.53 ‘Waldstein’ Schubert: Sonata in A Op.120 D. 664

Concert 3 on the Six and a Half Octave Piano – the birth of the modern piano as we know it today Schumann: Sonata in G minor Op.22 Chopin: A selection of nocturnes and scherzos Liszt: A selection of pieces

TOUR INFORMATION

DEPARTURE

DATE & PRICES DATE PRICE SINGLE SUPP 6 June £2,293 £260 Our prices are per person, based on the shared occupancy of a twin/double room. Supplement for single occupancy as shown.

FLIGHT DETAILS

Flights with British Airways: Depart London Heathrow 10.30, arrive Milan Linate 13.30 Depart Milan Linate 14.00, arrive London Heathrow 15.00 Flight times subject to change – regional departures available on request.

WHAT WE INCLUDE

• Return flights

• Four nights’ accommodation with breakfast

• Four dinners and two lunches

• Three concerts as described with programmes notes

• A copy of the illustrated souvenir guide to Villa Medici Giulini

• All sightseeing, entrance fees and gratuities

• The services of the Kirker Tour Leader

THE KIRKER MUSIC FESTIVAL IN ISCHIA

A SEVEN NIGHT HOLIDAY | 11 OCTOBER 2023

Our annual visit to the beautiful and verdant island of Ischia in the Bay of Naples is a highlight in the Kirker calendar. Each year we travel with a group of distinguished musicians who play in a series of private concerts exclusively for our guests in the music room at La Mortella. Sir William Walton and his wife Susana lived here for many years. Lady Walton created what is today one of the world’s most famous gardens. Today La Mortella is a foundation, expertly managed by Alessandra Vinciguerra and her devoted team who ensure that the Walton’s legacy thrives today.

the itinerary

There will be an included half day tour of Ischia, a private tour of La Mortella in the company of the gardeners and a visit to a winery for to taste their local Ischitano wines and produce. During our visit to La Mortella, we will learn how the garden was created by the celebrated garden designer, Russell Page and how Lady Walton’s ideas and foresight inspired the garden’s creation and how her own creativity developed the garden right up until her death in 2010.

There will be an optional tour to Naples where we will enjoy a walking tour and a guided visit to the Teatro San Carlo, one of Italy’s most historic and beautiful opera houses.

MUSIC PROGRAMME

All but one of the concerts included in the tour are private recitals for Kirker clients and are held in the Sala di Musica at La Mortella.

There will one additional concert given as part of La Mortella’s own series of public concerts for young musicians given throughout the summer. Transfers are provided for each concert between the hotel and La Mortella.

The programme will include quartets by Haydn, Mozart, Britten, Brahms and work by the Pulitzer Prize winner, Caroline Shaw, Frank Bridge and Dvorak. Thomas Kelly will include works by Chopin, Debussy, Rameau and Liszt and others.

TOUR INFORMATION

DEPARTURE DATE & PRICES

DATE PRICE SINGLE SUPP

11 October £2,920 £392

Our prices are per person, based on the shared occupancy of a twin/double room. Supplement for single occupancy as shown.

Supplement for Side sea view: £220; Front sea view: £340 Superior park view: £340; Superior sea view: £520

FLIGHT DETAILS

Flights with British Airways: Depart from London Heathrow 10.10, arrive Naples 13.55 Depart from Naples 14.45, arrive London Heathrow 16.40 Flight times subject to change – regional departures available on request.

WHAT WE INCLUDE

• Return flights

• Seven nights’ accommodation with breakfast

• Seven dinners

• Six private concerts as well as one concert given by the Walton Trust

• All sightseeing, entrance fees and gratuities as described

• Private guided tour of La Mortella garden

• Services of the Kirker Tour Leader

the hotel

Our base for the week is the 4* Hotel Tritone, located right on the Bay of San Francesco. The hotel is family owned and surrounded by beautiful gardens overlooking the sea. There are two bars, a restaurant, sun terraces and a luxurious spa offering a wide range of treatments. There are a number of indoor and outdoor swimming pools and guests have direct access to the beach from the pools. Within a few minutes’ walk are a number of restaurants and cafés, and the centre of Forio is about twenty minutes’ walk along the beach. There you will find the historic old town with shops, restaurants and cafés such as Maria’s Bar, a favourite of W. H. Auden and Chester Kallman. Hydrofoil services operate to Ischia Porto, Naples and Procida from Forio port. For those who might want to make additional visits to La Mortella, you can walk up the hill from behind the hotel which leads steeply up to the gardens. Descending is easier and affords a panoramic vista. Bedrooms are simply furnished but comfortable, and we can recommend upgrading to superior rooms overlooking the gardens or the sea. Please ask for details.

THE MUSICIANS

The Maxwell String Quartet was internationally recognised after winning First Prize in the 9th Trondheim Chamber Music Competition in 2017. They very soon started to appear in leading chamber music venues throughout the United Kingdom and Europe, with performances in Copenhagen, Stavanger and Amsterdam. The quartet is comprised of players who grew up together and who played both classical music and Scottish folk music across Scotland.

Thomas Kelly, piano, Thomas Kelly was born in 1998 and won many prizes from a very early age. He studied with Andrew Ball at the Royal College of Music where he now studies with Dmitri Alexeev.

He reached the final five (of more than 60 contestants) in the 2021 Leeds International Piano Competition, a huge personal success which has established him as one of the country’s most important pianists.

Thomas took part with great personal success in the Kirker Lake Como Music Festival giving solo recitals and performing with the Karski Quartet.

They will be joined by a leading singer and accompanist; further details will be announced on our website.

OPERA & ART IN VIENNA

A FOUR NIGHT HOLIDAY | 15 MAY & 22 JUNE 2023

Vienna was the undisputed centre of musical life from the mid18th century until the early years of the 20th. As the capital of the vast Habsburg empire, the city attracted an impressive list of composers, artists and musicians, while its streets were adorned with grand architecture and magnificent palaces accommodating world-class art collections. We will explore the best of the city’s art galleries and museums, from Old Masters at the Kunsthistorisches Museum to the works of the Vienna Secessionists at the Leopold and the Belvedere, as well as including a performance at the splendid Vienna State Opera.

the itinerary

On arrival we transfer to the 5* deluxe Hotel Bristol in the centre of Vienna where the tour is based.

We start our visit at the Belvedere Palace with its collection of works by Austrian artists, including Gustav Klimt’s The Kiss. Afterwards we will drive round the Ring, which encircles the old city and is lined by the great buildings of state. Later we visit the Leopold Museum with its collection of works by Austrian artists including Klimt, Schiele and Kokoschka.

Today we visit the Mozart House where he wrote Le Nozze di Figaro and which is now a museum dedicated to his life in Vienna. We will also go to the Stefansdom Cathedral and then to the Kunsthistorisches Museum to see the Old Masters there.

The day is spent at the Hofburg - the palace from which the Habsburg empire was managed. Later we visit the Austrian Museum of Applied Arts (MAK), a rich collection of the decorative arts including furniture, textiles and jewellery with rooms dedicated to Biedermeier, art nouveau and arts & crafts.

DAY 1 DAY 2 DAY 3 DAY 4 DAY 5

We will depart for the airport at noon for the flight back to London.

TOUR INFORMATION

FLIGHT DETAILS

Flights

Depart Heathrow 10.20,

•

•

WHAT WE INCLUDE

•

• One opera ticket (stalls)

• All sightseeing,

• The services of a Kirker Tour

MUSIC PROGRAMME

Please choose one of the following two operas. If you would like to attend a second performance, tickets cost £230 (face value €195).

17 May: Don Pasquale by Donizetti

First performance given at the Theatre-Italiens, Paris on 3 January 1843. Conductor Francesco Lanzillotta leads the Italian baritone Michele Pertusi in the title role, American reigning queen of coloratura. Brenda Rae as Norina, the Canadian tenor Josh Lovell as Ernesto and Michael Arivony from Madagascar, currently a member of the Opera Studio at the Vienna State Opera.

18 May: Tosca by Puccini

First performance given at Teatro Costanzi, Rome on 14 January 1900. Margarethe Wallman’s much loved classic production was first seen more than sixty years ago in 1958.

Giampaola Bisanti conducts a starry trio of singers - Maria Agresta, Piotr Beczlala and Bryn Terfel.

23 June: Madama Butterfly by Puccini

First performance given at La Scala, Milan on 17 February 1904. Sonya Yoncheva sings the role of the betrayed Cio-Cio-San and Charles Castonovo is Pinkerton, the man who destroys her. Anthony Mingella’s production comes to Vienna by way of London and New York.

24 June: Double Bill Cavalleria Rusticana by Mascagni First performance given at Teatro Costanzi, Rome on 17 May 1890. Daniel Harding conducts Asmik Grigorian as the wronged Santuzza and fast rising Chilean superstar Jonathan Tetelman is Turiddu, the man who pays with his life for deception.

Pagliacci by Leoncavallo

First performance given at Teatro del Verme, Milan on 21 May 1892. Asmik Grigorian sings the role of Nedda and Yonghoon Lee is Canio.

Vienna State Opera

THE GRAFENEGG MUSIC FESTIVAL

A FIVE NIGHT HOLIDAY | 16 AUGUST 2023

Grafenegg’s varied and starry festival in Lower Austria, just one hour from Vienna, runs throughout the summer and always closes with a feast of music-making. Concerts are given in the spectacular Wolkenturm – the Tower of Clouds – an open air space with a stunning acoustic which is much loved by all the musicians who play here. The Austrian pianist, Rudolf Buchbinder is the Director of the Festival and regularly brings the world’s great orchestras and soloists to the Festival. The holiday includes a number of excursions into the beautiful surrounding countryside.

We fly to Vienna and transfer to Krems, a journey of about an hour. Krems is an attractive town on the banks of the Danube and is in the heart of the Grüner Veltliner wine producing region. We stay above the town at the 4* Steigenberger. The hotel has a spa, indoor and outdoor swimming pools and you can walk to the centre of the quaint village of Stein in 15 minutes.

This morning we drive to the village of Kirchstetten, close to St. Pölten. Here we visit the house where W. H. Auden lived with Chester Kallman from 1957, when he bought the cottage, until his death in 1973. We will see the house much as he left it, with his books and with photographs of many of the distinguished visitors who came to Kirchstetten, including Benjamin Britten, Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Spender. Auden is buried in the tranquil churchyard in the village.

MUSIC PROGRAMME

17 August, 19.30:

Estonian Festival Orchestra

Paavo Jãrvi, conductor

Rudolf Buchbinder, piano

Beethoven: Piano Concerto No.30 in C minor, Op.37

Tchaikovsky: Symphony No.1 G minor, Op.35 ‘Winter Daydreams’

18 August, 19.30:

Budapest Festival Orchestra

Iván Fischer, conductor

Selina Ott, trumpet

Haydn: Trumpet Concerto Hob.VII:1 in E flat major

Beethoven: Symphony No.3 Op.55 in E flat major ‘Eroica’

19 August, 19.30:

Tonkünstler Orchestra

Yutaka Sado, conductor Denis Kozhukhin, piano

Gershwin: A Symphonic Picture of Porgy and Bess Gershwin: Rhapsody in Blue from An American in Paris Bernstein: Symphonic Dances from West Side Story

20 August, 19.30:

Philharmonia Orchestra Santtu-Matias Rouvali, conductor Christian Tetzlaff, violin

Elgar: Violin Concerto in B minor, Op.61

Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 5 in E minor Op.64

Today we spend the morning cruising a beautiful stretch of the Danube between Krems and the magnificent Benedictine abbey at Melk. After a tour of the abbey we will return by coach to Krems.

We will drive alongside the Danube to nearby Dürnstein, an attractive village perched high over the river. We have lunch at the Relais & Châteaux hotel overlooking the river.

During the morning we will visit the art gallery in Krems which holds more than 40 works by Egon Schiele, who was born in nearby Tulln.

On the way back to Vienna airport we visit the mighty 12th century Augustinian Monastery which overlooks the Danube river in Klosterneuburg.

TOUR INFORMATION

FLIGHT DETAILS

Flights

WHAT WE INCLUDE

•

• Return flights

•

•

•

•

THE GRANGE FESTIVAL

A FOUR NIGHT HOLIDAY | 21 JUNE 2023

The Grange Festival is held every summer in the heart of Hampshire at one of the country’s most magnificent neoclassical houses, Grange Park. Located on the Baring family’s estate not far from Winchester, it is arguably one of the most beautiful of all country house settings. Today, the Grange Festival is in the hands of the countertenor, Michael Chance, who took on the role of Artistic Director in 2017.

the itinerary

We will spend time exploring the ancient city of Winchester, the original capital of England, including highlights such as the historic Winchester College, which dates from 1382. We go to the College and see the Chamber Court, the Scholars’ Dining Room, and the Gothic Chapel. We shall also visit The Great Hall, all that remains of Winchester Castle, and home to what is considered by many to be King Arthur’s Round Table. The highlight of any visit to the city is the magnificent mediaeval Cathedral where Queen Mary I married King Philip II on 25 July 1554. We will visit Exbury Gardens, one of the finest woodland gardens in Europe. The estate which overlooks the Beaulieu River was purchased by Lionel de Rothschild in 1919. The garden provides yearround interest with its herbaceous and wildflower plantings and choice shrubs. The Centenary and the Sundial Gardens will be at their best at the time of our visit and a walk along the river is always a summer highlight. We stay in the 3* Winchester Royal Hotel in the city centre – one dinner will be served at the hotel, and two at Grange Park.

TOUR INFORMATION

DEPARTURE DATE & PRICES

DATE

21 June £1,948 Our prices are per person, based on the shared occupancy of a twin/double room. Supplement for single occupancy as shown.

WHAT WE INCLUDE

• Four nights’ accommodation with breakfast

• Three dinners

• Tickets for performances as described

• All sightseeing, entrance fees and gratuities

• Services of the Kirker Tour Leader

MUSIC PROGRAMME

21 June: Hospital of St Cross

This evening we will visit the Norman chapel at the Hospital of St Cross in Winchester, for a Kirker concert given by the Alkyona Quartet, current holders of the Royal College of Music String Quartet Fellowship. They are mentored by our own Direct of Music, Simon Rowland-Jones and will perform works by Haydn and Beethoven.

23 June: The Grange Festival

The Queen of Spades by Tchaikovsky First performed at the Mariinsky Theatre, St Petersburg on 29 March 1890.

Two singers from Ukraine, including the First Prize Winner of the 2019 BBC Cardiff Singer of the World Competition, Andrei Kymach and one of the world’s greatest singing actresses, Dame Josephine Barstow, star in Tchaikovsky’s masterpiece.

Conductor: Paul Daniel

Herman: Eduard Martynyuk

Lisa: Anush Hovhannisyan Tomsky: Andrei Kymach

The Countess: Dame Josephine Barstow Polina: Claire Barnett-Jones

24 June: The Grange Festival Così fan tutte by Mozart First performed at the Burgtheater,Vienna on 26 January 1790.

Conductor: Kirill Karabits

Fiordiligi: Samantha Clarke Dorabella: Kitty Whateley

Gugliemo: Nicholas Lester Ferrando: Alessandro Fisher

Despina: Carolina Lippo

Don Alfonso: Christian Senn

The Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra plays at all performances at The Grange Festival

concert at the hospital of st cross and almshouse of noble poverty

Every summer, Kirker organises a concert at the Hospital of St Cross, and this summer we shall enjoy a concert of chamber music on our first evening. The Order of St Cross was founded by Henry Blois, the grandson of William the Conqueror, between 1132 and 1136 making it the oldest charitable foundation in the country. The order of Noble Poverty was formed later. Today, 25 Brothers of the two orders live in the almshouses that are grouped around the lawn in the shadow of the church which was once part of the hospital. The elegance of the architecture, the pastoral, the peaceful setting, and the adjoining garden create a deeply spiritual atmosphere overlooking the water meadows stretching out to Winchester. Many of the Brothers, wearing their Orders’ black or red robes, will join the audience at the concert and for the pre-concert and interval drinks so you will be able to find out about life at St Cross from the residents. Canapés will be served at the concert and a light supper will be provided back at the hotel afterwards.

NO SINGLE SUPP.

THE BUXTON OPERA FESTIVAL

FOUR

HOLIDAYS

The Buxton International Festival was originally founded to present little known operas in the town’s magical opera house, designed by Frank Matcham. The Festival has extended its remit considerably in the past decade or so with one of the most varied and wide ranging programmes of any UK festival. The operas still hold centre stage but throughout the day visitors can enjoy recitals, concerts and a dynamic literary festival, all taking place at different venues throughout the town. Buxton is a lovely spa town in the heart of the glorious Peak District.

Our tours are based at the 4* Buxton Crescent in the very centre of Buxton, recently reopened after a lengthy renovation. This historic hotel has a lounge, bar, and restaurant. There will be a visit to Renishaw Hall. Renishaw has been the seat of the Sitwell family for almost 400 years. Alexandra Sitwell now lives at Renishaw; she inherited the house from her father Sir Reresby Sitwell, the 7th baronet. When he died in 2009, Alexandra Sitwell came to live at Renishaw, thus separating the house from the baronetcy for the first time. We will visit the house and explore the Italian gardens which were awarded the Historic Houses Association/Christie’s Garden of the Year award in 2015. We also visit Tissington Hall. Built in 1609, Tissington has been in the ownership of the same family ever since - the present incumbent is Sir Richard FitzHerbert. The house is a perfect example of a Jacobean manor house and presides over the picture-perfect estate village. There will be a guided tour of Tissington Hall and time to enjoy the garden before returning to Buxton.

MUSIC PROGRAMME

The 2023 Buxton International Festival promises to be a thrilling experience for all opera lovers. The three contrasting works will be a treat for everyone who enjoy operas which put the voice at the forefront of the piece. Works from the 18th and 19th centuries will be performed alongside a newly created work for the theatre set to music by Ivor Novello.

Performances take place in the Opera House and begin at 7.15pm with the exception of Orlando, which will be performed in the Pavilion Arts Centre on 10 July at 2pm.

8 & 19 July:

La sonnambula by Bellini (1801-1835)

First performed at Teatro Carcano, Milan on 6 March 1831.

La sonnambula is for many the quintessential bel-canto opera, a seemingly endless flow of glorious music, dazzling arias and romantic duets, simultaneously romantic, amusing and tragic.

9 & 17 July:

Il re pastore by Mozart (1756–1791)

First performed at the Residenz Theatre in the Archbishop’s Palace, Salzburg on 23 April 1775.

Written for the Archbishop of Salzburg when the composer was just 19. This opera, too, is a work of stratospheric virtuosity, youthful but with many hints of the musical glories that lay ahead for the composer.

10 July (matinee):

Orlando by Handel (1685–1759)

First performed at the King’s Theatre, London on 22 January 1733. Orlando is one of three works by Handel based on the novel Orlando Furiouso. After just ten performances, the opera disappeared from view. Its fortunes were revived following a performance with Dame Janet Baker in Birmingham in 1966.

18 July:

The Land of Might-Have-Been by Ivor Novello (1893-1951)

•

•

•

•

•

This is the first performance of a work telling the story of Vera Brittain and her brother Captain Edward Brittain. The book and lyrics are written by Michael Williams and the music is arranged by Iain Farrington.

Pavilion Gardens, Buxton

THE ALDEBURGH FESTIVAL

A FIVE NIGHT HOLIDAY | 11 JUNE 2023

Founded by Benjamin Britten and Peter Pears in 1948, the Aldeburgh Festival is now one of the world’s best-known and most innovative music festivals. Most concerts are given in The Maltings concert hall, a spectacularly-located venue overlooking the reed beds of this stretch of the Suffolk coast. Some concerts are still performed in a variety of other local venues but it is at The Maltings in Snape, five miles from Aldeburgh itself, where the genius and foresight of Britten and Pears lives on.

Make your own way to the 3* Brudenell Hotel in Aldeburgh. Parking is available in the streets around the hotel, or you may wish to travel by train to Saxmundham, the closest station to Aldeburgh and continue by taxi – pre-booking is essential so ask for details.

After our morning concert, we will drive to The Red House, the home of Benjamin Britten and Peter Pears from 1957 until their respective deaths here in 1976 and 1986. We will see the Library where the world’s most distinguished musicians would come to rehearse Britten’s compositions and his composing studio overlooking the garden. We will stop at Aldeburgh Church where both men are buried.

The morning is free for independent exploration in Aldeburgh before departing for a concert at Snape.

We drive to Helmingham Hall to visit the award-winning gardens, designed by Lady Tollemache. During our tour we will visit the parterre, impressive herbaceous borders, the rose garden, and the knot garden. Originally a half-timbered courtyard manor house, it retains the moat that surrounds the hall, making it an island after the two drawbridges are raised. The concert this evening is held at Holy Trinity Church in Blythburgh, known locally as the Cathedral of the Marshes because of its prominent position close to the sea.

Southwold is one of the most picturesque small seaside towns in the country. It sits on rising ground and offers extensive panoramic views of the North Sea and the town’s elegant greens are lined by stately Victoria town houses and villas. There will be time to explore the traditional shops for which Southwold is well known or visit the famous Adnam’s brewery.

DAY 1 DAY 2 DAY 3 DAY 4 DAY 5 DAY 6

The tour ends after breakfast today.

DATE

TOUR INFORMATION

DEPARTURE DATE & PRICES

PRICE SINGLE SUPP

11 June £1,747 £350

Our prices are per person, based on the shared occupancy of a twin/double room. Supplement for single occupancy as shown. Supplement for Sea View room £150

WHAT WE INCLUDE

• Five nights’ accommodation with breakfast

• Four dinners

• Tickets for performances as described

• All sightseeing, entrance fees and gratuities

• Services of the Kirker Tour Leader

music programme

11 June, 7.30pm: Snape Maltings

BBC Philharmonic Orchestra

John Storgards, conductor

Simone Lamsma, violin

De Falla: Fantasia baetica – arranged for orchestra by Francesco Coll Britten: Violin Concerto Op.15

Sibelius: Symphony No.5 in E flat, Op.82

12 June, 11am: Jubilee Hall

Pavel Kolesnikov and Samson Tsoy, pianos Works by Bach and Shostakovich

Pavel Kolesnikov is a featured artist at this year’s Festival

12 June, 7.30pm: Snape Maltings

BBC Philharmonic Orchestra

Rumon Gamba, conductor

Britten: Sinfonia da Requiem Tchaikovsky: Symphony No.6 in B minor, Op.74 ‘ Pathetique’

13 June, 4pm: Britten Studio, Snape Maltings

Danish String Quartet Programme includes Schubert: String Quartet No. 13 in A minor D. 804 ‘Rosamunde’

14 June, 8pm: Britten Studio, Snape Maltings

Knussen Chamber Orchestra

Ryan Wigglesworth, director and piano

Evan Hughes, baritone

Mozart: Quintet in E flat for piano and winds K. 452 Mozart: Serenade No12 in C minor K. 388/384a

Two short works by Eliot Carter

15 June, 6pm: Snape Maltings

City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra

Kazuki Yamada, conductor Ian Bostridge, tenor

Holst: Japanese Suite Op.33

Britten: Serenade for tenor, horn and strings

Elgar: Symphony No. 1 in A flat, Op.55

THREE CHOIRS FESTIVAL IN GLOUCESTER

A FOUR OR EIGHT NIGHT HOLIDAY | 22 & 26 JULY 2023

The city of Gloucester has the honour of hosting the 295th Three Choirs Festival in July. We will be offering the opportunity for you to choose between two programmes or book for the entire Festival. Performances take place in the city’s magnificent 11th century cathedral, renowned for its matchless fan-vaulting – a technique thought to have been invented here. There are also other superb examples of mediaeval architecture which we will see in the city, as well as making excursions to a number of famous houses and gardens in the area.

the itinerary

You can choose one of two four night holidays or stay for the whole festival (eight nights). We stay at the 3* Mercure Bowden Hall Hotel, an elegant Georgian house set in parkland, five miles from the cathedral. The holiday commencing on 22 July will include a visit to Westbury Court with its perfect example of an 18th century Dutch water garden, and Buscot Park, an 18th century house with a garden that is a prime example of the Italian mode of the Arts and Crafts style. The holiday commencing on 26 July will include a visit to Cheltenham to see the Holst Birthplace Museum, and historic Painswick Rococo Garden, the only surviving complete garden of its kind in the country.

MUSIC PROGRAMME

Musical highlights in 2023 will include major works by Ralph Vaughan Williams as his 150th anniversary draws to a close, with performance of Sancta Civitas, Flos campi and his rarely performed opera The Pilgrim’s Progress. Further highlights will include Elgar’s The Apostles and his violin concerto, performances by Roderick Williams and Marta Fontalals-Simmons, and a magnificent but little known passion by Gottfried Stölzel (1690-1749), a contemporary of Bach. The BBC Orchestra of Wales and the Philharmonia will play at the evening concerts, as well as The Three Choirs Festival Chorus, the flagship choir of 150 auditioned singers from across Gloucestershire, Worcestershire and Herefordshire, and the Three Choirs Festival Youth Choir, composed of singers aged 14-25.

The Three Choirs Festival was not exempt from the challenging budget cuts of recent years, and as a result the full concert programme is still being finalised, to be published in March 2023. Please visit our website for further details when the programmes are announced.

WHAT WE INCLUDE

Please call 020 7593 2284 to register your interest.

• Four nights’ accommodation with breakfast

• Four dinners

• Concerts as described

• All sightseeing, entrance fees and gratuities

• Services of the Kirker Tour Leader

THE ENGLISH TOURING OPERA at The Maltings, Snape

A FOUR NIGHT HOLIDAY | 19 APRIL 2023

A feast of Italian operas spanning a century, English Touring Opera’s wonderful spring season is a treat for opera-lovers. We will attend their performances at The Maltings just outside Aldeburgh in Suffolk, one of the world’s leading concert halls, which hosts the annual Aldeburgh Festival.

Based in Aldeburgh, at the 3* Brudenell Hotel, we will attend three performances with the English Touring Opera at Snape. Giulio Cesare is Handel’s most popular and demanding opera, and will be led by Australian mezzo Catherine Carby, with Susanna Hurrell as Cleopatra and the countertenor Alexander Chance as Tolomeo. Sergey Ribin conducts. Il viaggio a Reims is a comic masterpiece by Rossini, which demands fourteen soloists of the very highest calibre – Lucy Hall is the inn keeper Madame Cortese, joined by a huge cast. Finally, Lucrezia Borgia by Donizetti features a closing aria considered to be his most demanding piece ever written. Accompanied by opera expert Patrick Bade, we shall also discover the legacy of Benjamin Britten and Peter Pears in Aldeburgh, include the Red House where the lived and worked, and the church where they are buried, and we will make a visit to picturesque Southwold.

Price from £1,454 per person (single supp. £264) for four nights including accommodation with breakfast, four dinners, three performances and the services of the Kirker Tour Leader.

Gloucester Cathedral

THE NORTH NORFOLK MUSIC FESTIVAL

A FOUR NIGHT HOLIDAY | 15 AUGUST 2023

The North Norfolk Music Festival reaches its 19th year in 2023. It was founded by Kirker’s very own Barry Cheeseman and Simon Rowland-Jones, viola player, composer, teacher and Kirker’s Director of Music. Concerts are held in the beautiful 13th century Church of Our Lady St. Mary in the peaceful village of South Creake, just five miles from the coast. We stay at Briarfields Hotel in Titchwell with wonderful views out across the marshes to the sea and include visits to three of Norfolk’s most important houses – Holkham, Houghton and Raynham.

Please make your own way to the Briarsfield Hotel in Titchwell. Clients travelling by train should go to King’s Lynn station and continue by taxi (fare is approximately £50 each way), or use the Coast Hopper Bus which is timed to meet the train from London and stops immediately outside the station in King’s Lynn and outside the hotel in Titchwell.

We set off for Holkham Hall, the seat of The Earl and Countess of Leicester, a magnificent Palladian-style house set in a glorious park not far from the sea, designed for the first Earl in the 1750s. There will be a guided tour of the house and a light lunch before we visit a private garden set romantically in the parkland at Holkham Hall. Our host will serve us some refreshments before we return to Titchwell.

We drive to Raynham Hall, the seat of Marquess and Marchioness Townshend, for a private visit. The family have lived here for more than 400 years. William Kent worked at Raynham between 1725 and 1732 and much of his finest work can be seen here in the house’s sumptuous and ornate interiors. We will stay on after the visit for a light lunch.

Today we visit Houghton Hall, the seat of the Lord Great Chamberlain, the Marquess of Cholmondeley. We will enjoy a private tour here followed by some free time in the glorious rose gardens created and designed by the Marquess in memory of his grandmother, Sybil Sassoon whose fortune saved Houghton from ruin. A picnic supper of light savoury and sweet dishes will be served with wine in the festival’s marquee next to the church this evening.

The tour ends today. Taxis for your journey back to King’s Lynn should be pre-booked with the tour leader.

MUSIC PROGRAMME

15 August: Louis Schwizgebel, piano Leoš Janácek’s In the Mists Beethoven: Sonata Op.110 Debussy: Souvenir du Louvre and I’sles joyeuse

16 August: Marmen String Quartet Works by Haydn and Beethoven

17 August: Alim Beisembayev, piano. Works by Schubert, Chopin and John Adams Alim was First Prize Winner at the 2021 Leeds International Piano Competition.

18 August, 16.30: Tim Horton, piano Works by Chopin, Haydn and Ravel’s monumental Gaspar la Nuit

18 August, 19.00: Ensemble 360

Six members of the leading chamber ensemble including Tim Horton, Gemma Rosefield, Benjamin Nabarro and colleagues will bring the 2023 NNMF to as rousing finale which includes performances of Cesar Franck’s Piano Quintet and Mozart’s Clainet Quintet.

Church of Our Lady St. Mary, South Creake

Holkham Hall

THE INTERNATIONAL GILBERT & SULLIVAN FESTIVAL IN BUXTON

A FOUR NIGHT HOLIDAY | 9 AUGUST 2023

The elegant Derbyshire spa town of Buxton will host the 29th edition of its acclaimed festival which celebrates the works of the great English operatic partnership. Productions by international companies of many of Gilbert & Sullivan’s bestloved works are presented in Frank Matcham’s stunning opera house. Our four-night holiday this summer will include four separate productions as part of the Festival, as well as a private talk given by one of the Festival’s trustees, Bernard Lockett, a passionate Gilbert & Sullivan expert who written several books on the subject, and broadcast on BBC Radio and TV. In addition, we will have time to explore Buxton itself and visit some of Derbyshire’s spectacular stately homes.

MUSIC PROGRAMME

Make your own way to the historic 4* Buxton Crescent in the very centre of Buxton, recently reopened after a lengthy renovation. This evening, before the first performance, will have dinner together in the hotel’s restaurant.

Today we will head out of town to Haddon Hall where we find one of the best examples of a Tudor and mediaeval hall together with its delightful Elizabethan garden. After the Dukes of Rutland decided to live at Belvoir Castle in Leicestershire, Haddon Hall lay empty and abandoned for more than two hundred years. In the 1920s, the 9th Duke of Rutland rediscovered and restored Haddon Hall into a house which is both intimate and stately. The Long Gallery is one of the most impressive rooms and much painstaking restoration has been carried out here in recent years to preserve this very special house.

1 DAY 2 DAY 3

This morning we visit the grandest and best-loved of all English stately homes, Chatsworth. Seat of the Cavendish family for five hundred years and today the home of the 12th Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, Chatsworth enjoys a spectacular setting in the Peak District and its treasures include Old Masters, porcelain, clocks and furniture. Its gardens are equally celebrated and are notable for the 300-year-old water cascade and for the vast rock garden designed by Joseph Paxton in the 19th century. We will visit the house before it opens to the public and afterwards there will be some free time to visit the garden independently and have some lunch at Chatsworth’s café or restaurant.

There will be a talk by Trustee of the Gilbert & Sullivan Festival Bernard Lockett, who will explain the enduring appeal of the duo and their place in English musical history. The rest of the day will be free to explore Buxton at your leisure.

the itinerary DAY 4 DAY 5

The tour will conclude after breakfast this morning.

9 August, 19.30:

The Yeomen of the Guard

National Gilbert & Sullivan Opera Company

Composed towards the end of their working partnership, The Yeomen of the Guard opened on 3 October 1888. Set at the Tower of London, the plot marks a slight departure from the G&S farcical comedy format, with a more serious tone – though not without its share of humour. It also features one of Sullivan’s finest scores, including highlights such as: ‘I have a song to sing, O’, ‘When a Wooer goes a-Wooing’, and ‘Free from his fetters grim’.

10 August, 19.30: Ruddigore Savoynet

The tenth of fourteen comic operas written together by Gilbert and Sullivan, Ruddigore was first performed by the D’Oyly Carte Opera Company at the Savoy Theatre in London on 22 January 1887. It tells the supernatural tale of the Baronets of Ruddigore, cursed to commit a crime every day or perish in agony, and the rightful Baron who is disguised as a young farmer in love with the elusive Rose Maybud. In classic Gilbert style, this parody melodrama turns the stock tropes upside-down: good becomes bad, bad becomes good, and ghosts come back to life.

11 August, 19.30: The Mikado

National Gilbert & Sullivan Opera Company

Enduringly popular, The Mikado was the most successful of the Savoy Operas, running for an astonishing 672 performances in London on its first London run, which began on 14 March 1885, and going on to dozens of international productions. The plot pokes fun at English bureaucracy, under the thin veil of a setting in the Japanese town of Titipu, where a decree of the Mikado – or emperor – throws the locals into farcical scenes. Classic musical numbers include: “A wand’ring minstrel”, “Three little maids”, “Tit-willow”, and the Act II finale.

•

•

•

•

•

12 August, 19.30: The Pirates of Penzance National Gilbert & Sullivan Opera Company “Pirates” was premiered at the Fifth Avenue Theatre in New York City in December 1879, before reaching London in April 1880, where it enjoyed no less than 363 performances at the Opéra Comique. It has become one of the most popular Gilbert & Sullivan operas, famous for its brilliant patter song, “I am the very model of a modern Major-General”. The story revolves around Frederic, who, at the age of 21 is released from his pirate apprenticeship before meeting and falling in love with Mabel. The problem, however, arises when he realises that his birthday of 29th of February (during a leap year) means he must serve the pirates for another 63 years…

THE RING CYCLE IN BERLIN

AN EIGHT NIGHT HOLIDAY | 3 APRIL 2023

A full production of Wagner’s operatic epic is always a landmark in the musical calendar. This production by Dmitri Tcherniakov, given in the magnificently restored Staatsoper Unter Den Linden, and scheduled to be conducted by the legendary Daniel Barenboim, promises to be an unmissable event – not just for Wagner aficionados. In addition to the operas, we will attend two performances as part of the annual Easter Festtage, including Beethoven’s choral masterpiece Missa Solemnis and a piano recital with Sir Andras Schiff, both at the Philharmonie.

the itinerary

With so much on offer, we have tried to achieve a well-balanced programme of excursions and performances.Visits to the city’s two leading art collections are included – the Alte National Museum and the Gemäldergalerie. We go to Potsdam, once the residence of the Prussian kings and one of the glories of Baroque architecture, with magnificent landscaped parks.Visits to the towering Deutsche Historisches Museum, Check Point Charlie and the Berlin Wall Museum serve to remind us of the city’s recent history.

the hotel

Standing on the corner of Unter den Linden and Friedrichstrasse, the Westin Grand has one of Berlin’s most prestigious addresses. The Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag, the State Opera House, the Pergamon Museum and Potsdammer Platz are all just a short stroll away. The grand central lobby is dominated by a sweeping staircase leading to the 400 newly renovated rooms. There are two restaurants open daily for lunch and dinner, Coelln where breakfast is also served, and Relish, which offers al fresco dining on the terrace on Friedrichstrasse. In the basement you will find a circular indoor pool, beauty room and fitness centre, whilst on the second floor there is a pleasant garden with fountains and pavilions.

TOUR INFORMATION

DEPARTURE DATE & PRICES

DATE PRICE SINGLE SUPP

3 April £4,876 £792

Our prices are per person, based on the shared occupancy of a twin/double room. Supplement for single occupancy as shown.

FLIGHT DETAILS

Flights with British Airways:

Depart Heathrow 11.05, arrive Berlin 14.00

Depart Berlin 14.50, arrive Heathrow 15.50

Flight times subject to change – regional departures available on request.

WHAT WE INCLUDE

• Return flights

• Eight nights’ accommodation with breakfast

• Three dinners

• Music programme as described including 1st category tickets for opera performances

• All sightseeing, entrance fees and gratuities

• Services of a local guide and the Kirker Tour Leader

MUSIC PROGRAMME

Der Ring des Nibelungen by Wagner 4 April: Das Rheingold 5 April: Die Walküre 8 April: Siegfried 10 April: Götterdämmerung

This production of the Berlin Staatsoper Ring was first given there in the autumn of 2022 and these performances are being presented as part of the annual Berlin Festtage with most of the original cast repeating their roles. Daniel Barenboim was due to conduct the performances but he was unwell and his place was taken by Christian Thieleman and Thomas Guggheis. At the time of writing, Daniel Barenboim is still scheduled to conduct the spring Cycle.

The Cycle was well received musically and, as is expected these days when a new Ring in unveiled, the production draws mixed reviews. Dmitri Tcherniakov, is no stranger to controversy. He has been awarded Russia’s leading award, the Golden Mask, four times. This production was no exception but the powerful combination of the orchestra playing and the singers eventually triumphed, making Berlin’s 2022 Ring one of the most successful cycles of recent seasons.

The Cast

The Financial Times wrote that the cast assembled for the Berlin Ring was ‘nothing less than formidable.’ Michael Volle sings the role of Wotan and The Wanderer, Anja Kampe is Brunnhilde, Vida Mikneviciute from Lithuania is Sieglinde, Peter Rose is Fafner, Rolando Villazon is Loge, Anett Fritsch is Freia, Anna Kissjudit is Erda and Mikhail Kares is Hunding. Canadian tenor Robert Watson takes on the vocal challenges of Siegfried.

7 April, 19.00: Philharmonie Missa Solemnis by Beethoven Staatskapelle Staatskapelle Choir Elena Stikhina, soprano Anna Kissjudith, mezzo-soprano Saimir Pirgu, tenor Rene Pape, baritone

9 April, 11.00: Philharmonie Recital by Sir Andras Schiff, piano

THE MET OPERA IN BADEN-BADEN

A SIX NIGHT HOLIDAY | 28 JUNE 2023

Baden-Baden is one of Europe’s most beautiful and stylish spas and this summer we will visit along with very special guest stars from the Metropolitan Opera in New York, including music director Yannick Nezet-Seguin and the world-famous sopranos Renee Fleming and Joyce DiDonato. The town is surrounded by the Black Forest and has magnificent parks, gardens and open spaces. The Lichtenaler Allee cuts through the town, a verdant and arcadian oasis of trees and shrubs along the River Oos, atributary of the Rhine. With its very smart and comfortable Festspielhaus, opened in 2000 in the town’s former ducal railway station, Baden-Baden is now firmly at the centre of musical Europe with performances of the highest international standard given throughout the year.

the itinerary

We stay at the 4* Hotel Roomers, perfectly located opposite the Festpielhaus. We will include a tour of Baden-Baden with visits to the Festspielhaus, transformed into one of Europe’s largest and most glamorous music venues, the house where Johannes Brahms spent many summer holidays and the Frieder Burda Museum with its collection of Classical Modernism and contemporary art. We make a visit to Schloss Rastatt, the oldest and grandest Baroque palace. Situated on the Upper Rhine, it was designed in 1698 by Domenico Rossi for the ruler of Baden-Baden. A visit to historic Strasbourg, with its charming canals, fine architecture and museums is also included.

MUSIC PROGRAMME

New York comes to Baden-Baden Baden-Baden’s magnificent concert hall, the Festspielhaus, celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2023. Since its opening, Baden-Baden has a become a year-round centre of musical excellence, welcoming visitors from around the world to its superb auditorium. The silver jubilee is being celebrated with a remarkable year of concerts at the highest international level of music making. For our annual visit, we have chosen a splendid series of three concerts celebrating the Metropolitan Opera’s visit. Created by the Met’s music director,Yannick Nézet-Séguin, we will celebrate the orchestra in grand style.Yannick will be joined by divas Renée Fleming and Joyce DiDonato! He will also accompany Renée for her recital.

TOUR INFORMATION

30 June, 8pm: Renée Fleming, soprano Yannick Nézet-Séguin, piano Voice of Nature Songs by Liszt, Grieg, Fauré and others

1 July, 6pm

FLIGHT DETAILS

Flights with Euro Wings:

Depart Heathrow 14.35, arrive Stuttgart 17.10

Depart Stuttgart 13.00, arrive Heathrow 13.50

Flight times subject to change – regional departures available on request.

WHAT WE INCLUDE

The Metropolitan Orchestra Yannick Nézet-Séguin, conductor Joyce DiDonato, mezzo-soprano An all-Berlioz programme including selected highlights from his opera Les Troyens (Dido’s arias, Chers Tyriens, Adieu, fière cité, The Royal Hunt and Storm) and Symphonie fantastique Op.14

2 July, 5pm:

The Metropolitan Opera

Shakespeare in Music

• Return flights

• Six nights’ accommodation with breakfast

• Tickets for performances as described

• Three dinners - two at Aida Restaurant at the Festspielhaus and one at the hotel

• All sightseeing, entrance fees and gratuities

• The services of the Kirker Tour Leader and local guide

Yannick Nézet-Séguin, conductor

Renée Fleming, soprano

Russell Thomas, tenor

Bernstein: Symphonic Dances from West Side Story

Matthew Aucoin: Lear Sketches

Tchaikovsky: Fantasy Overture Romeo and Juliet

Verdi: Fourth act from Otello

THE PUCCINI OPERA FESTIVAL

Giacomo Puccini was born into a musical family in Lucca on 22 December 1858. As a boy Puccini sang in the choir of the Cathedral of San Martino and later received his musical education at the conservatory in Milan. His first opera, Le Villi, was performed in 1884. For the next forty years, until his death in 1924, Puccini composed operas which today are still the most performed works on the stages of the world’s opera houses. From mid-July to the end of August each year the Puccini Festival is held in Torre del Lago near Lucca on the peaceful shores of Lake Massaciuccoli.

the itinerary

We fly to Pisa airport and transfer to Lucca where we stay for five nights at the 3* Albergo Celide, located just outside the city walls.

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, 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 caffè 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 1 DAY 2 DAY 3

Today we begin with a walking tour of Lucca. Highlights include the Duomo where four generations of Puccini’s forebears were organists, and the Church of San Michele in Foro where Puccini was a chorister, another fine example of Pisan Romanesque architecture. This afternoon we visit the villa at Torre del Lago where Puccini lived and worked before staying on for dinner and the opera.

TOUR INFORMATION

DEPARTURE DATE & PRICES

DATE PRICE SINGLE SUPP

9 & 23 August £2,648 £397

Our prices are per person, based on the shared occupancy of a twin/double room. Supplement for single occupancy as shown.

FLIGHT DETAILS

Flights with Easyjet:

Depart Gatwick 12.25, arrive Pisa 15.40

Depart Pisa 16.15, arrive Gatwick 17.30

Flight times subject to change – regional departures available on request.

WHAT WE INCLUDE

• Return flights

• Five nights’ accommodation with breakfast

• Four dinners

• All sightseeing, entrance fees and gratuities

• The services of the Kirker Tour Leader and local guide

DAY 4 DAY 5 DAY 6

Today we visit two great Tuscan gardens – the Villa Reale at Marlia and the Villa Garzoni with its dazzling water cascades.

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. 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.

We are collected from the hotel and transferred to Pisa airport for our return flight.

MUSIC PROGRAMME

10 & 25 August: La bohème

This is the world’s most popular and best loved opera. The poet Rodolfo is visited by his neighbour, the seamstress Mimi. They fall in love and embark on a bitter-sweet doomed love affair. Unbeknown to Rodolfo, Mimi is terminally ill. In the most heart-wrenching scene in all opera, Mimi expires on her bed. The music tells us that she has died with a series of searing chords as Rodolfo sobs uncontrollably, all hope of love extinguished.

11 August: Turandot

An icy and imperious princess’s heart melts against her will when Calaf beats her at her own game and she discovers love and passion.

12 & 26 August: Il Tabarro by Puccini & Duke Bluebeards’s Castle by Bela Bartok

First performed on 14 December 1918 at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City, Il Tabarra is set on a barge on the River Seine tells the story of the poor and struggling people of Paris. It forms the first of Puccini’s magnificent trio of one act operas, Il trittico (The Triptych), which also includes Suor Angelica, and Gianni Schicchi. A grim verismo story of barge-owner Michele and his wife Giorgetta, who has an affair with Luigi. Michele becomes aware of his wife’s infidelity and strangles Luigi, hiding his dead body under his cloakil tabarro - and revealing the corpse in a macabre denouement. Il Tabarro is being performed as the first half of a double-bill with Duke Bluebeard’s Castle by Béla Bartók. First performed on 24 May 1918 at the Royal Hungarian Opera House in Budapest, this short opera is based on the French literary tale La Barbe bleue by Charles Perrault, and features just two singing characters.

24 August: Madama Butterfly

The tragic story of Cio-Cio-San who is betrayed by Pinkerton, a cynical American naval lieutenant who returns to Japan to take away their son.

LA SCALA, MILAN

La Scala, Milan is, for most opera lovers, the world’s most revered and important opera house. The theatre opened in 1778 with a performance of an opera by Salieri and since then many of the greatest Italian operas have received their first performance on its hallowed stage. Two very different divas enjoyed their greatest successes at La Scala – Renata Tebaldi and Maria Callas triumphed here season after season at the height of their careers.

the itinerary

Included in our tour to Milan are visits to the city’s great Duomo, the Brera Gallery, which houses one of the most important art collections in Italy, and the wonderful La Scala Museum with displays linked to all the great conductors, performers and designers associated with the opera house. Also included are visits to the Basilica Sant’Ambrogio, named after Milan’s patron saint, and Casa Verdi, founded by Giuseppe Verdi and dedicated to taking care of musicians who have devoted their working lives to opera. This is an exceptionally special visit for everyone with an interest in opera and those who perform it.

the hotel

We stay at the very comfortable and well established 4* Hotel de la Ville in the heart of Milan’s historic centre and just a short walk from La Scala and the Duomo. The hotel has a restaurant, bar and a rooftop pool and spa overlooking the cathedral.

MUSIC PROGRAMME

Our autumn departure has a choice of two operas. If you would like to attend the second performance, tickets cost £250 (N.B. Face value of the tickets range from €210 to €250).

May departure:

Andrea Chenier by Giordano

First performed at La Scala, Milan on 28 Marc 1896. Andrea Chenier tells the story of the romantic poet, caught up in the bloody terrors of the French Revolution. Chenier’s political beliefs are turned on their head thanks to his love for Maddalena di Coigny, an aristocrat who has lost everything from her former life. It is one of the most popular verismo operas with every leading tenor and soprano including it in their repertory. At this performance, the ill-fated lovers will be sung by Yusif Eyvazov and Sonya Yoncheva. Ambrogio Maestri sings the role of the servant, Gerard. Marco Armiliato conducts.

October departure:

Opera lovers will relish the opportunity to see two contrasting operas from the first half of the 20th century which were landmarks in the musical history of the countries of their composers, Italo Montemezzi and Benjamin Britten. At first glance, an unlikely pair of bed fellows. Britten was at the dawn of post-war British music while Montemezzi’s masterpiece came as the twilight of Italian opera began.

L’amore di tre rei by Montemezzi First performed at La Scala, Milan on April 1913.

Michele Mariotti conducts this now rarely performed work, often hailed as a masterpiece. The opera calls for four singers of the highest calibre – in this performance Gunther Groissböck, Roberto Frontali and the soprano Chiara Isotton as Fiora, one of the most demanding and challenging roles written for soprano, sing the leading roles. At the premiere the conductor was Tullio Serfafin whilst at the opera’s first performance at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City on 4 March 1918, Enrico Caruso led the cast. The opera was last performed at La Scala in 1953.

Peter Grimes by Benjamin Britten

First performed at Sadler’s Wells, London on 7 June 1945.

Flights

FLIGHT DETAILS

WHAT WE INCLUDE

•

•

•

•

•

•

Simone Young conducts the American tenor Brandon Jovanovich as the distressed fisherman, Nicole Car is the woman who tries to save him and Olafur Sigurdarson is Balstrode. A special occasion to see Peter Grimes in one of the world’s most historic opera house.

OPERA AT LA FENICE IN VENICE

A FOUR NIGHT HOLIDAY | 8 OCTOBER 2023

La Fenice in Venice is one of the world’s most historic opera houses. Inaugurated in 1792, the opera house has, like its namesake the phoenix, been destroyed by fire and rebuilt, both in 1836 and 1996. The latest exquisitely restored La Fenice opened its doors in 2003. Along with the Teatro San Carlo in Naples and La Scala, Milan, La Fenice has always been one of the top three opera houses in Italy. During the 19th century many operas were first performed at La Fenice, including two of Verdi’s greatest and most popular works, ‘La traviata’ and ‘Rigoletto.’ A ticket for one performance is included, as are several walking tours and accommodation in one of Kirker’s favourite hotels.

the itinerary

There will be a selection of carefully planned walking tours to some of the city’s churches and galleries. At the Accademia, the ‘National Gallery of Venice’, we see works by the most important Venetian artists from the 14th to the 17th centuries and the more modern Peggy Guggenheim collection at the palazzo overlooking the Grand Canal where she lived. Visits to the jewel-like Santa Maria Miracoli, to Santa Maria della Salute, Santi Paolo e Giovanni, Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari, and to Carpaccio’s fabulous cycle of the story of St. George in the Scuola di San Giorgio degli Schiavoni will all be included. There will be free time each afternoon for independent exploration during which you can use your included Venice pass to visit the Palazzo Ducale, the Museo Correr and the Archaelogical Museum.

TOUR INFORMATION

DEPARTURE DATE & PRICES

DATE PRICE SINGLE SUPP

8 October £2,598 £672

Our prices are per person, based on the shared occupancy of a twin/double room. Supplement for single occupancy as shown.

FLIGHT DETAILS

Flights with British Airways:

Depart London Heathrow 12.55, arrive Venice 16.10

Depart Venice 16.05, arrive London Heathrow 17.20

Flight times subject to change – regional departures available on request.

WHAT WE INCLUDE

• Return flights

• Return water taxi transfers

• Four nights’ accommodation with breakfast

• Two dinners – one at the hotel and one at a local restaurant

• One opera ticket in the stalls at La Fenice

• Sightseeing as described

• The services of a Kirker Tour Leader

the hotel

We stay at the 4* deluxe Monaco & Grand Canal, one of Venice’s most famous hotels. Located just 50 yards from St. Mark’s Square, the entrance leads into a stylish lobby from where a grand staircase takes you up to the beautiful restored 18th century former Venetian theatre, complete with original fresco ceilings. The 92 bedrooms have recently been renovated and breakfast and dinner are served in the hotel’s canalside restaurant or on the terrace in fine weather.

MUSIC PROGRAMME

A wonderful Venetian weekend for opera lovers with two works by Verdi, made even more special by their close associations with the city. You have a choice of two operas. If you would like to attend the second performance, tickets cost £215.

I due Foscari

First performance given at the Teatro Argentina, Rome on 3 November 1844.

Francesco Foscari: Luca Salsi

Jacopo Foscari: Francesco Meli Lucrezia Contarini: Anastasia Bartoli

Loredano: Riccardo Fassi

Francesco Foscari (1373-1457) was the longest reigning Doge in the history of the Venetian Republic. The opera is based on Lord Byron’s play The Two Foscari which paints the family in such an unflattering light that when Verdi finally settled on the play as his next subject, the premiere was not given in Venice for fear of drastic censorship but in Rome.

La traviata

First performed at La Fenice,Venice on 6 March 1853.

Violetta: Rosa Feola

Alfredo Germont: Piero Pretti

Giorgio Germont: Gabriele Viviani

Robert Carsen’s much loved production is a permanent fixture at La Fenice and is equally admired for Patrick Kinmonth’s designs and costumes. If you’ve ever wondered what happens to her loyal servant, Annina at the end of the opera, Robert Carsen provides a telling and heart warming clue.

BAROQUE OPERA IN SWEDEN

A FIVE NIGHT HOLIDAY | 8 AUGUST 2023

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 Baroque 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 old town, Gamla Stan.

DAY 1

We begin with a guided walking tour through the old town’s mediaeval maze of narrow streets ending at Stockholm’s City Hall, Ragnar Östberg’s landmark building on the shores of Riddarfjärden. During the afternoon we will enjoy a cruise around the islands of Stockholm’s archipelago.

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 where today’s opera performance takes place.

DAY 2 DAY 3 DAY 4

We sail to Lake Mälaren today to visit the Royal Palace of Drottningholm, the official residence of King Carl Gustaf and Queen Silvia. Here we will enjoy the performance of The Fairy-Queen by Purcell in the palace theatre.

TOUR INFORMATION

DEPARTURE

Supplement

Flights with British Airways:

Depart Heathrow 13.20, arrive Stockholm 16.55

Depart Stockholm 18.00, arrive Heathrow 19.45 Flight times subject to change – regional departures available on request.

WHAT WE INCLUDE

• Return flights

• Five nights’ accommodation with breakfast

• Three dinners

• Tickets for performances as described

• All sightseeing, entrance fees and gratuities

• Services of the Kirker Tour Leader

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 extraordinarily well-preserved warship can now be enjoyed in a specially-designed museum.

DAY 5 DAY 6

This morning we will visit the Nobel Museum, which features interactive displays with dedicated to the winners of the annual prizes first established by Swedish chemist, engineer and industrialist Alfred Nobel, information on the prize-winners as well as recordings of their acceptance speeches, before leaving for the airport.

the hotel

The Reisen has a great location, overlooking the harbour on the edge of the atmospheric Gamla Stan. A more intimate and appealing hotel than you might expect considering it has 144 bedrooms, there is a cosy piano bar and the ‘Reiss’ dining room offers Scandinavian cuisine with views of the harbour. The bedrooms are decorated in a modern style with an elegant, classic feel and many have exposed brick walls and harbour views. The relaxation centre in the basement has a sauna and plunge pool and a vaulted ceiling dating from 1690.

Where better to enjoy this dazzling duo of baroque rarities than in the splendid and perfect surroundings of two original 18th century theatres close to Stockholm: Confidencen and Drottningholm.

Drottningholm Court Theatre, Drottningholm Palace

The Fairy-Queen by Purcell

First performed at the Dorset Garden Theatre in Dorset House, London on 2 May 1692, this opera was long forgotten after the composer’s premature death. The libretto is based on the story of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Performances are very few and far between so anyone with an interest in English Baroque music will be well rewarded for making a visit to Drottningholm this summer. Confidencen Theatre, Ulriksdal Palace Please see www.kirkerholidays.com for further details.

THE METROPOLITAN OPERA & GALLERIES AND MUSEUMS OF NEW YORK

FIVE NIGHT HOLIDAYS | 17 APRIL & 5 JUNE 2023

We are looking forward to returning to one of the world’s greatest opera houses and have planned two visits to the 2023 season. Our itinerary will include visits to New York’s leading art collections including The Museum of Modern Art and The Frick Collection. Although performances from the Met’s stage are now enjoyed by millions thanks to high definition broadcasts, there is nothing to match the thrill of entering the Met’s plush auditorium and settling down into your seat in person. We will discover just how an opera house of this size and international standing functions on our enthralling backstage tour. Like many performing arts organisations, recent events have paved the way for changes and we are looking forward to returning to the Met to share their renewed vision and energy.

the itinerary

In addition to the included opera performances, we will have a backstage tour of the Met (subject to regulations at the time) and visit a selection of the city’s fascinating museums and galleries. Highlights include the iconic Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Morgan Library and Museum and The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). We shall also see the matchless Frick Collection, temporarily exhibited in a new venue while the elegant Fifth Avenue Gilded Age mansion where Frick lived undergoes some changes. It will now be displayed for two years in the former Whitney Museum of American Art building around the corner on Madison Avenue. We shall also visit the New York Botanical Garden. Three dinners are included at The Grand Tier, the Met’s own restaurant.

TOUR INFORMATION

FLIGHT DETAILS

Flights with British Airways:

Depart from Heathrow 11.40, arrive New York JFK 14.25

Depart from New York JFK 20.10, arrive Heathrow 08.20 the following day Flight

WHAT WE INCLUDE

• Return flights

• Five nights’ accommodation on room only basis

• Tickets in the rear stalls with uninterrupted views of the stage

• Three dinners at the Met’s Grand Tier

• All sightseeing, entrance fees and gratuities as described

• The services of the Kirker Tour Leader and local guide N.B. Biometric passports are required for entry to the USA

the hotel

Located on the Upper West Side with numerous restaurants and cafés close by and 15 minutes’ walk from the Lincoln Center, the Wallace is a sophisticated boutique hotel with 124 rooms and suites. Fresh from a recent renovation, the rooms include all the latest amenities such as Nespresso machines and are decorated in an understated, modern style with luxurious bathrooms.

OPERA PROGRAMME

19 April: L’elisir d’amore by Donizetti

Conductor: Michele Gamba

Adina: Aleksandra Kurzak Nemorino: Jonah Hoskins Belcore: Joshua Hopkins Dulcamara: Alex Esposito

20 April: Der Rosenkavalier by Richard Strauss Production is by Robert Carsen. Conductor: Simone Young The Marschallin: Lise Davidsen Octavian: Isabel Leonard Sophie: Erin Morley Baron Ochs: Gunther Groissböck

21 April: La bohème by Puccini Conductor: Yannick Nezet-Seguin, the Musical Director of the Met Mimi: Eleonora Buratto Rodolfo: Stephen Costello Marcello: Davide Luciano Musetta: Kristina Mkhitaryan

7 June: Der Fliegende Hollander by Wagner Conductor: Tomasz Guggeis The Dutchman: Tomascz Konieczny Senta: Elza van der Heever Erik: Eric Cutler

8 June: Die Zauberflote by Mozart Conductor: Nathalie Stutzmann Pamina: Erin Morley

The Queen of the Night: Kathryn Lewek Tamino: Lawrence Brownlee Pagageno: Thomas Oliemans

9 June: La bohème by Puccini Conductor: James Caffigan Mimi: Susanna Phillips Rodolfo: Charles Castronovo Musetta: Latonia Moore Marcello: Quinn Kelsey

CULTURAL TOURS

Our programme of Cultural Tours has been carefully designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests – including art, architecture, archaeology, history, battlefields, gardens and wine. Each holiday is led by an expert lecturer who will help you experience the best of your chosen destination, and reveal additional insights which you might otherwise miss. Every itinerary is meticulously planned to include visits, not only to the most noteworthy museums and monuments, but also to less-visited points of interest which most visitors overlook. A number of meals are included in both hotels plus good local restaurants, which allow you to sample the regional cuisine, but most tours also allow for some free time for independent exploration as well – of course your Tour Leader or the Kirker Concierge would be delighted to recommend our favourite local restaurants.

EXCLUSIVE GROUPS

We operate our tours with a smaller number of participants to ensure a more personal experience. Typically, there will be between 10 and 20 passengers, with a maximum number of 22 – the only exceptions to this rule are our Exclusive Kirker Music Festivals. All our cultural tours are in the company of a guest lecturer and, where necessary, there will also be a local guide available to help with the smooth running of your holiday.

TOUR SUBJECTS

All our holidays are designed to include a wide range of sights and subjects, from art and architecture to history and archaeology, but certain itineraries have a particular focus, and we have highlighted a few key themes below:

Art Tours

Art & Architecture of Munich & Bavaria, page 55

Art Galleries of the Netherlands, page 61

Art of the Cote d’Azur, page 31

Palladian Villas & Art of the Veneto, page 39

The Flemish Art Cities of Ghent, Bruges and Antwerp, page 62

Garden Tours

Gardens of Marrakech, page 59

Gardens of the Riviera, page 30

Gardens of Scotland’s West Coast, page 66

Glorious Gardens of the North, page 67

The Gardens & Galleries of Cornwall, page 64

The Gardens of Dorset & Somerset, page 63

The Italian Lakes, page 45

Villas & Gardens Around Lisbon, page 50

Villas & Gardens Around Rome, page 47

Archaeology Tours

Jordan – The Land of T. E. Lawrence, page 57

History Tours

Ávila, Salamanca & Historic Castille, page 51

Byzantine & Ottoman Istanbul, page 60

Carcassonne & Albi, page 33

Liguria & the Cinque Terre, page 38

Parma, Cremona & Mantua, page 41

Puglia – A Land of Conquest, page 42

Ravenna, Urbino & Ferrara, page 40

Sicily – An Enigmatic Island, page 43

Tenerife – The Nature & History of a Volcanic Island, page 52

The Bay of Naples, page 48

The Heritage & History of Malta & Gozo, page 58

Umbria – The Essence of Italy, page 46

Architecture Tours

Nuremberg & Franconia, page 56

Seville & Andalucia, page 53

The Grandeur of Rome, page 44

Military History & Battlefields

The D-Day Landing Grounds in Normandy, page 34

The Duke of Wellington & the Peninsular War, page 49

The Fall of France 1940, page 32

Wine Tours

Bordeaux – Wine Capital of the World, page 36 Reims & Champagne, page 37

The Vineyards of Kent, page 65 Wines of Alsace, page 35 Wines of Rioja & Northern Spain, page 54

Christmas Tours

Christmas on the Côte D’Azur, page 68 Christmas in Vienna, page 69

New Scientist Tours

Geneva & Cern, page 70

Megalithic Malta, page 72

Renaissance Astronomy in Kepler’s Prague, page 71

The Scottish Enlightenment: Edinburgh and Glasgow, page 73

OUR TOUR LEADERS

Each of our Cultural Tours is led by a lecturer, chosen not only for their expertise in their chosen field, but also for the charm and character which allows them to share their knowledge with ease and to look after the needs of all members of the party. Visit our website for full biographies – www.kirkerholidays.com.

• Alex Koller

• Andrew Allen

• Andrew Biggs

• Andrew Taylor

• Caroline Howard

• Charlie Hall

• Christopher Monckton

• Declan Hamilton

• Ger van den Munckhof

• Graeme Coles

• Hugh Macdonald-Buchanan

• Jane McNamara

• Jonathan Ray

• Juliet Rix

• Kirsty Fergusson

• Oliver Condy

• Paddy Scott

• Patrick Bade

• Simon Monckton

• Stephen Nelson

• Tim Clarke

GARDENS OF THE RIVIERA

There are many great gardens dotted along the Côte d’Azur between St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat and the border with Italy. Along with the artists, many gardeners were drawn to the Riviera, attracted by both its climate and its beauty. The legacy of these 19th century gardeners still survives, giving inspiration to today’s visitors. Simon Monckton, who lived for many years on the Riviera, leads the tour.

We fly from London to Nice and transfer to Menton where we stay at the family-owned 4* Hôtel Napoléon. Comfortably furnished and offering a high level of personal service, it has a swimming pool, terrace and a fine garden of its own. The hotel does not have a dining room but the centre of Menton is just a few minutes’ walk away and has many fine restaurants.

Our first visit will be to a garden in Italy, the famous Hanbury Gardens at La Mortola. Established in the late 19th century, the garden has an impressive collection of exotic and tender plants and banks of cascading scented flowers. Later we go to Villa Piacenza Boccanegra in Ventimiglia. Since the 1980s Ursula Piacenza has cared for and expanded the garden created by Ellen Willmott in 1906.

We drive to St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat where we visit the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, as famous for its art collection as for its gardens, which harmoniously combine formal and contemporary styles. The villa was built between 1905 and 1912 for the Baroness Béatrice de Rothschild in the most beautiful spot on the Cap Ferrat peninsula. Nine gardens surround the villa, each with its own distinctive and contrasting theme. Later we go to Villa Kerylos, a contemporary and stylish recreation of a classical Greek villa.

DAY 1 DAY 2 DAY 3 DAY 4

Today we walk to the Val Rahmeh Botanical Garden, close to the hotel. The garden was developed from 1905 by Lord Percy Radcliffe, and in the 1950s many unusual plants and trees began to be added. Next we go to the great garden of Lawrence Johnson, designer of Hidcote – Serre de la Madone. The rest of the day is free for you to explore the pretty resort of Menton.

TOUR INFORMATION

DEPARTURE DATE & PRICES

DATE PRICE SINGLE SUPP 21 April £1,977 £320 12 October

Our prices are per person, based on the shared occupancy of a twin/double room. Supplement for single occupancy as shown.

FLIGHT DETAILS

Flights with British Airways: Depart London Heathrow 11.30, arrive Nice 14.40 Depart Nice 15.30, arrive London Heathrow 16.40 Flight times subject to change – regional departures available on request.

WHAT WE INCLUDE

• Return flights

• Five nights’ accommodation with breakfast

• Two dinners and one lunch

• All sightseeing, entrance fees and gratuities

ART & GARDENS OF THE CÔTE D’AZUR

The Waterfield family have owned Clos du Peyronnet since 1915. There is much imaginative use of fountains, ponds and cascades which enhance the artful landscaping. During the afternoon we will drive to nearby Monte Carlo to see the impressive collection of succulents and cacti at the Principality’s Jardin Exotique.

We drive to Nice airport for the flight to London.

• The services of the Kirker Tour Lecturer, Simon Monckton DAY 5 DAY 6

For those who wish to combine the exceptional art and wonderful gardens of the French Riviera, the two tours “Art of the Côte d’Azur” & “Gardens of the Riviera” run consecutively and some clients enjoy the opportunity to book both together.

The price to join both tours is £3,675. Single supplement £690.

Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild

Menton

ART OF THE CÔTE D’AZUR

FIVE NIGHT HOLIDAYS | 26 APRIL & 17 OCTOBER 2023

French artists began to discover the attractions of the Côte d’Azur and the iridescent quality of the region’s dazzling light towards the end of the 19th century. Monet was the first artist to be lured to the Riviera, arriving there in 1885. Matisse, Chagall, Picasso and many more soon followed him. The simple villages they painted may have turned into smart resorts but the light and beauty have not changed and still inspire artists today.

We fly from London to Nice and transfer to the 3* Hôtel Apollinaire in the centre of Nice.

We begin our tour with a visit to the Marc Chagall Museum. When it opened it was originally intended to hold the 17 canvases of The Biblical Message, which depict scenes from Genesis, Exodus and The Song of Solomon. Today, it holds many other works by the artist, primarily those inspired by religion. During the afternoon we go to Vence to see the Chapel of the Rosary, an ambitious project which took Matisse more than four years to complete.

We drive to St-Paul-de-Vence today and enjoy lunch at the Hôtel Colombe d’Or. Our autumn holiday will also include the Maeght Foundation with its stunning collection of works by Picasso, Miró, Hepworth and many others.

DAY 1 DAY 2 DAY 3 DAY 4

We visit the Musée d’Art Moderne et d’Art Contemporain and then in the afternoon the Musée Matisse where the talents of this artist can be enjoyed to the full. Here we see not just his paintings, but also sculptures, ceramics and stained glass.

TOUR LEADER

SIMON MONCKTON

Simon Monckton studied Theology and is one of our most popular tour lecturers. Simon Monckton writes:

“The climate of the stretch of coast between Cannes and Menton is the finest in Europe and provides ideal conditions for gardening and painting. It was because of this, together with the fact that before the Côte d’Azur became so fashionable, life here was relatively cheap, that so many of Europe’s leading artists and gardeners made it their home.”

TOUR INFORMATION

DEPARTURE DATE & PRICES

We visit the Château Grimaldi in Antibes. Most of the paintings by Picasso on display were donated to the town by the artist. Afterwards we go to Le Cannet where Pierre Bonnard lived for many years. The town was the driving force in establishing a museum dedicated to the artist’s work, and in 2011 the Musée Bonnard opened in the Hôtel Saint-Viannay. The collection is constantly being expanded and in February 2014 the artist’s ‘L’Amandier’ was added to the impressive collection.

DAY 5 DAY 6

We drive to Nice airport for the flight to London.

DATE PRICE SINGLE SUPP 26 April £1,998 £390 17 October

Our prices are per person, based on the shared occupancy of a twin/double room. Supplement for single occupancy as shown.

FLIGHT DETAILS

Flights with British Airways: Depart London Heathrow 11.25, arrive Nice 14.35 Depart Nice 15.35, arrive London Heathrow 16.45

Flight times subject to change – regional departures available on request.

WHAT WE INCLUDE

• Return flights

• Five nights’ accommodation with breakfast

• Two dinners and one lunch

• All entrances fees and gratuities as described

• The services of a Kirker Tour Lecturer

ART & GARDENS OF THE CÔTE D’AZUR

For those who wish to combine the exceptional art and wonderful gardens of the French Riviera, the two tours “Art of the Côte d’Azur” & “Gardens of the Riviera” run consecutively and many clients enjoy the opportunity to book both together.

The price to join both tours is £3,675. Single supplement £690.

Pierre Bonnard, Amandier en Fleurs, 1930

© Adagp, Paris 2014

Le Musée Bonnard

THE FALL OF FRANCE 1940

A SIX NIGHT HOLIDAY | 29 APRIL 2023

On 10 May 1940, the day that Winston Churchill became Prime Minister in the UK, German forces launched their invasion of the Low Countries, by which they outflanked the heavily-fortified Maginot Line and entered northern France within weeks. By the end of the month the British Expeditionary Force was being evacuated from the beaches of Dunkirk in a seemingly miraculous endeavour, and the German army was on the Champs-Elysees by 14 June, where they would remain for four years. Join expert historian Hugh Macdonald-Buchanan on a journey through northern France to explore the remarkable course of events and the innovative tactics and technology which made the Fall of France one of the most dramatic events in military history.

Travelling by Eurostar from St. Pancras to Lille, we will be met by our coach for the drive to Reims, where we stay at the Best Western Hôtel Centre Reims. Hugh will introduce the tour before dinner this evening in a local restaurant.

This morning we will visit the site of the Battle of Sedan, where a combination of extraordinary air bombardment and a concentrated armoured attack by the Panzer divisions punctured a hole in the strong defensive front and enabled German forces to cross the Meuse River. We will also see the site of the tank battle at Stonne, where the French Second army made a fierce counter-attack, and the Maginot Line fortress, Ouvrage La Ferté, close to the Belgian border.

The site of the coronation of Kings of France for many centuries, Reims Cathedral is a magnificent landmark in the centre of the city and we will start this morning by visiting the Cathedral on foot. We will then continue to Eisenhower’s headquarters in Reims where the German surrender was signed in 1945.

Checking out of our hotel in Reims, we will drive north today to the site of the British counterattack at Arras. We will see the site of the British rearguard action and massacre at Ferme du Paradis, Bethune, before continuing to Lille, where we stay for the next three nights at the Hotel Hermitage Gantois.

Following the retreat of the British Expeditionary Force from France, today we shall start at the site of the sacrificial British rearguard action at Cassel. We will see the locations where a series of heroic rearguard actions were fought en route to the Dunkirk beaches. Only a third of the soldiers evacuated in Operation Dynamo were picked up from the beach itself; about 200,000 were evacuated off the East Mole, and today you can still see a concrete section of the mole.

We will visit a number of key sites in the Calais area today, including the site of Adolf Galland’s airfield at Audinghem, the massive German Batterie Todt on the coast, and the fascinating La Coupole Museum in the bunker designed for the V2 attack on Britain.

On our final morning in France we shall visit the site of the British rearguard actions around Ypres, before boarding the Eurostar in Lille for the journey back to London.

TOUR LEADER

HUGH MACDONALD-BUCHANAN

Hugh leads a variety of cultural tours in the UK and specialises in military history especially in Wellington’s Peninsular Campaigns 1808-1814, the Battle of Waterloo 1815, the Western Front 19141918 and the D-Day Landings 1944. Military walking tours in London include the London Blitz 1940-1941 (in the City of London), WW1 (in Whitehall and Westminster) and Britain’s Military History (in Whitehall). Hugh has led many small group tours for Kirker, as well as a variety of tailor-made itineraries private groups, students and charities.

TOUR INFORMATION

DEPARTURE DATE &

EUROSTAR DETAILS

Depart London St. Pancras 10.14, arrive Lille 12.54 Depart Lille 18.35, arrive London St. Pancras 19.13

WHAT WE INCLUDE

• Return Standard Premier (first class) Eurostar tickets

• Six nights’ accommodation with breakfast

• Four dinners

• Two picnic lunches

• All sightseeing, entrance fees and gratuities

• The services of the Kirker Tour Lecturer

CARCASSONNE & ALBI

This tour is based at the pinnacle of the mediaeval citadel of Carcassonne where we stay at the luxurious Hotel de la Cité, built into the ramparts with panoramic views of the countryside. It is from here that we will explore the many distinctive regions of this beautiful part of southwest France. The arrival of the Cathars in the 11th century signalled the beginning of a turbulent and bloody period for the Languedoc as they fought with the established church to defend their religious beliefs. Thus began the Albigensian Crusades as the population struggled against the tyranny of Pope Innocent III. The precipitous mountain strongholds, majestic abbeys and breathtaking scenery all come alive as our tour lecturer Simon Monckton unravels the region’s complex history.

Carcassonne

We fly from London to Toulouse and transfer to Carcassonne where we stay for the duration of the tour at the beautiful 5* Deluxe Hotel de la Cité, one of the finest hotels in France and certainly one of the most dramatically situated.

DAY 1 DAY

2

We spend the first day in Carcassonne, a town of two halves, La Cité itself and the more modern town below the hill.

Today is spent in Pays de Foix. We visit the tiny church carved deep into a rock at Vals and then continue to Mirepoix, a perfect example of a small bastide where ancient half-timbered houses line the streets. Finally we see one of the most impenetrable of all Cathar castles at Montsegur which was the centre of Catharism.

Today we drive to Albi, a city whose buildings are made of delicately coloured pink and ochre stone. Here we visit the 13th to 16th century Cathedral of Ste. Cecile and the wonderful collection of works by Toulouse-Lautrec in the museum.

The day is spent in Toulouse, a city still undeservedly little known. Here we see the Musee des Augustins with its important collection of Romanesque sculptures. We will also visit Europe’s largest Romanesque church, St. Sernin; an important stopping point on the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela.

We travel to Narbonne which was the Roman capital of Transalpine Gaul. While little remains from the Roman period, it remained an important centre through to the 13th and 14th centuries when the present cathedral was begun in the ambitious northern Gothic style. We explore the old part of the city before heading to the former Cistercian abbey of Fontfroide.

TOUR

INFORMATION

Flights with British Airways: Depart Heathrow 11:50, arrive Toulouse 14:40 Depart Toulouse 15:35, arrive Heathrow 16.35 Flight times subject to change.

•

Six nights’ accommodation with breakfast

All sightseeing, entrance

fees

The services of the Kirker Tour Lecturer

CULTURAL TOURS the

itinerary

THE D–DAY LANDING GROUNDS IN NORMANDY

A SIX NIGHT HOLIDAY | 20 AUGUST 2023

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, which 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 used as defensive positions during the fighting. Apart from the WWII 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 Normandy cuisine.

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* Manoir de Mathan, which is in the village of Crépon where the only D-Day Victoria Cross was won.

This morning we visit the Green Howards’ D-Day Memorial in Crépon before continuing to the new British Memorial and Mulberry Harbour at Arromanches. Our morning ends at Gold and Juno Beaches. This afternoon there will be free time to explore Bayeux’s cathedral and the famous Bayeux Tapestry.

We begin at the German command post at Hillman Bunker above 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, linked up Major Howard’s glider force.

We dedicate the morning to the excellent Caen Memorial Museum. After an included lunch in Falaise, we visit the wonderful Norman castle where William the Conqueror was born. Our day ends at the Falaise Pocket where the Allied Armies inflicted vast casualties on the retiring German forces but failed to cut them off entirely.

We head to La Fiere Bridge and the town of St Mere Eglise, which US paratroops defended against furious counter attacks, followed by Utah Beach. After a picnic lunch, we follow the progress of the landing and the link up with the airborne troops. Our day ends at the German Cemetery at La Cambe.

We view Omaha Beach where the American army suffered the largest casualties of D-Day. We will also see the Pointe du Hoc, a promontory overlooking the English Channel which was captured by US Rangers scaling a cliff face. We visit the American Cemetery before ending at the great gun battery at Longue sur Mer.

DAY 7

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

TOUR INFORMATION

DEPARTURE DATE & PRICES

DATE PRICE SINGLE SUPP

20 August £2,448 £360

Our prices are per person, based on the shared occupancy of a twin/double room. Supplement for single occupancy as shown.

FERRY DETAILS

Brittany Ferries:

Depart Portsmouth 14.45, arrive Caen 21.30 Depart Caen 08.30, arrive Portsmouth 13.15

WHAT WE INCLUDE

• Return ferry from Portsmouth to Caen

• Six nights’ accommodation with breakfast

• Five dinners

• Two picnic lunches

• All sightseeing, entrance fees and gratuities

• The services of a Kirker Tour Lecturer

Omaha Beach

WINES OF ALSACE

A FOUR NIGHT HOLIDAY | 1 SEPTEMBER 2023

A fascinating cultural blend of French and Germanic influences, Alsace is a region of half-timbered mediaeval towns, delicious cuisine which combines French refinement with hearty Germanic ingredients such as Choucroute, the ‘national dish’. The sunny slopes of the Vosges mountains here offer a rich mosaic of limestone, sandstone, marl and clay soils which provide perfect conditions for aromatic grape varieties such as Riesling and Gewürztraminer, a pink-red grape which produces the distinctive white wines with aromas of lychees and rose. In fact, this is the only region in France to produce mostly varietal wines identified by the names of the grapes. Join wine writer and drinks editor of The Spectator Jonathan Ray for a tour behind the scenes of some of the region’s best vineyards, as well as visits to historic towns and villages and opportunities to sample the delicious Alsatian cuisine.

Departing from London this morning, we will fly to Basel, on the border between France, Germany and Switzerland, where our driver will meet us for the journey north along the Upper Rhine Valley into Alsace. We will stay for the duration of the tour at the 4* Hotel Le Colombier in the centre of the picturesque town of Colmar. This evening Jonathan will host an introductory tasting of some of the region’s varied wines before dinner in the hotel.

DAY 1 DAY 2

Travelling up the Rhine valley this morning we will drive through vineyards with views across the Rhine plain to the Black Forest mountains, arriving in the small town of Ribeauvillé, with its half-timbered buildings and ruined castles. Here we will visit the 13th century Butcher’s Tower before arriving at the Maison Trimbach, where twelve generations of the family have been making wines since 1626. Today, the family vineyard is run by Hubert Trimbach, his nephews Jean and Pierre, and Pierre’s daughter Anne, who will give us a tour of the cellars and a tasting followed by lunch. In the afternoon we visit Domaine Allimant-Laugner, where two families have been cultivating vines since the 17th century. They grow all seven varieties of grapes from Alsace on their 12 hectares of vines, and we’ll taste their fresh and well-balanced Pinot Blanc & their Gewürztraminer.

the itinerary DAY 3 DAY 4

This morning we will begin with a walking tour of the historic centre of Colmar, a picturesque mediaeval town famous for its canals, half-timbered houses and the 13th-century, Eglise Saint-Martin. In the afternoon we continue to the walled village of Riquewihr, passing through the 13th century ‘Dolder’ or defensive gate, to visit the cellars of Hugel & Fils followed by a tasting of some of their excellent wines. The Hugel family has been making wine here since 1639, and has established an enviable reputation for some of Alsace’s finest wines, which pair perfectly with food.

We will depart from the hotel after breakfast and return to Basel airport for our flight back to London.

TOUR INFORMATION

TOUR LEADER

JONATHAN RAY

Jonathan Ray is drinks editor of The Spectator, drinks columnist of The Field and Spear’s Magazine, and former wine editor of both the Daily Telegraph and GQ Magazine. He has a PhD in history and is the author of several best-selling books on wine and spirits including All About Wine, Bloodlines & Grapevines, Drink More Fizz! and That’s the Spirit!

Flights with British Airways: Depart Heathrow 08.15, arrive Basel 10.50 Depart Basel 18.40, arrive Heathrow 19.20 Flight times subject to change – regional departures available on request.

WHAT WE INCLUDE

• Return flights

• Four nights’ accommodation with breakfast

• Two lunches

• Two dinners

• All sightseeing, entrance fees and gratuities

• The services of the Kirker Tour Lecturer

BORDEAUX – WINE CAPITAL OF THE WORLD

A FOUR NIGHT HOLIDAY | 27 OCTOBER 2023

At the confluence of the Garonne and Dordogne rivers, the elegant city of Bordeaux is not only one of France’s most charming, but has become a byword for fine wines over the course of many centuries. Since the Kingdom of Aquitaine, the English have enjoyed the wines of Medoc, Margaux, Graves, Sauternes and St Emilion, and coined the word ‘claret’ to refer to the ruby wines from the region so beloved of English drinkers from King John to the present day. The fame of Bordeaux wines has spread worldwide, but many of the estates here are still small producers, often in the hands of ancient families, whose grand chateaux stand over the vineyards. In the company of wine writer Jonathan Ray, we will visit a range of wineries in the Bordeaux area, meeting experienced winemakers in person, and going behind-the-scenes to sample exceptional wines and enjoy truly memorable dining experiences

Travelling to Bordeaux today we will be whisked to our hotel for the duration of the holiday, the 4* Hotel De Seze in the heart of the elegant centre. Jonathan Ray will host an introductory wine-tasting this evening before dinner in a local restaurant.

This morning we visit the celebrated Château PichonLongueville Baron, an elegant 19th century chateau with a 73-hectare vineyard adjacent to that of Château Latour. We will meet Christian Seely, who has run the estate for the last 20 years, and sample some of their excellent, powerful, Cabernet-dominated wines which have a fabulous reputation. After lunch at the Chateau, we head to Bordeaux’s spectacular new museum devoted to the trade which has made it a world-renowned city – the Cité du Vin. Through a series of well-designed interactive exhibits, the museum introduces the history of viticulture on the banks of the Garonne, and the evolution of Bordeaux into the wine capital of the world. We will conclude the visit with a tasting of a variety of wines from the area, before returning to the hotel.

the itinerary DAY 1 DAY 2 DAY 3

Today we will travel to the ancient city of St Emilion, just a short drive from Bordeaux, and the home of some of the most prestigious wine estates in the world thanks to its complex geology and microclimate. The family De Scheppers are third generation winemakers who first came to Bordeaux in 1938 and winemaker JeanMichel Garcion, has been with them for over twenty years. They run three estates in the region, Château Haut Breton Larigaudière in the world-famous Margaux AOC, Château Tayet, and Tour Baladoz on the eastern edge of St Emilion, which will shall visit this morning. At their La Croizille tasting room, which is suspended over the vines, we will sample all three wines followed by a delicious lunch. In the afternoon we will wander the atmospheric centre of Saint-Emillion, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with more than 2,000 years of history.

TOUR LEADER

JONATHAN RAY

Jonathan Ray is the Drinks Editor for The Spectator, drinks columnist of The Field and Spear’s Magazine, and author of several books on wine and spirits including All About Wine, Bloodlines & Grapevines, Drink More Fizz! and That’s the Spirit!. Jonathan has also written on food, travel and many other subjects for the Guardian, the New Statesman, the Daily Mail, the Mail on Sunday and the Financial Times.

Following the course of the Garonne and its tributary the Ciron, we reach the Sauternes region, 25 miles southeast of Bordeaux. The unique microclimate here creates autumn mists which linger overnight on the vineyards, providing perfect conditions for the Botrytis cinerea fungus. At the elegant Château Lafaurie-Peyraguey, we will learn how this ‘noble rot’ creates wines of intense sweetness. We shall sample their 1855 Premier Grand Cru Classé, produced using traditional organic methods from 18.5 hectares of gravel terraces. After sampling the wines we will enjoy an exquisite lunch in the Michelinstarred restaurant at the Château, before returning to Bordeaux in the afternoon.

DAY 4 DAY 5

We will depart after breakfast and return to London.

TOUR INFORMATION

DEPARTURE DATE & PRICES

FLIGHT DETAILS

Flights with Easyjet:

Depart London Gatwick 13.25, arrive Bordeaux 16.05 Depart Bordeaux 07.25, arrive London Gatwick 08.10 Flight times subject to change – regional departures or travel by rail available on request.

WHAT WE INCLUDE

• Return flights

• Four nights’ accommodation with breakfast

• Three lunches

• One dinner

• Wine tastings as described

• All sightseeing, entrances fees and gratuities

• The services of a Kirker Tour Lecturer

REIMS & CHAMPAGNE

A THREE NIGHT HOLIDAY | 19 NOVEMBER 2023

This new tour offers an insider’s view of Champagne in the company of wine expert Tim Clarke. The heart of the Champagne region is a relatively compact area to the east of Paris around Reims and Epernay. Here you will find the ‘caves’ of the most prestigious marques including Bollinger and Tattinger, as well as excellent smaller houses and growers out in the vineyard villages – and on this tour, you will explore both in comfort and style, going behind closed doors for private tastings and exclusive meals at the cellars. During the course of the holiday, Tim Clarke will share his 30 years of Champagne insights with you and host a series of enjoyable tutored tastings in the evenings, which demonstrate the complexity of Champagne. In just four days you will significantly increase your understanding of this most pleasurable of wines.

the itinerary

We head to the Champagne region in the fastest and most convenient way, travelling from St. Pancras by Eurostar to Lille. Here we will be met by our coach for the drive to Reims in the heart of Champagne, arriving mid-afternoon. We will then check into the 4* Hotel de la Paix, which is perfectly located in the centre of the city and will be our base for the duration of the holiday. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to relax or explore the town. This evening, Tim Clarke will host a Champagne tasting, comparing the styles and quality of a selection of wines, describing styles, evaluating the quality and judging which suit our taste. He will also discuss tasting technique, explain how the production methods used affect the style and no doubt spring a surprise or two. After the tasting we shall dine together.

DAY 1

DAY 2

This morning we will drive to the Montagne de Reims villages outside Reims to visit Vilmart, one of the leading small estate Champagne makers. Next we visit famed Champagne house Bollinger, for a tour of the cellars and lunch, paired with various Champagnes served with the meal. The rest of the afternoon is free before we meet at the hotel for our second masterclass with Tim Clarke, this time focusing on the new face of Champagne. We will examine Champagnes from single vineyards and look at village styles, estate producers and the increasingly important role of organics and bio-dynamics. Dinner will be taken independently or you may wish to join Tim at his choice of restaurant.

TOUR LEADER

TIM CLARKE

Tim was co-founder of the UK’s leading wine tours company, which he ran for nearly 30 years, leading numerous tours to wine regions worldwide. Having sold the company some years ago, Tim has been busy with other projects, including making a delicious passito wine on the Greek island of Samos. In addition to his huge breadth of wine knowledge, Tim is a keen historian and provides a fascinating historical context to his wine talks.

This morning we enjoy a visit to Philipponnat, a smaller house that is a favourite of connoisseurs, for a tour of their famous ‘Clos des Goisses’ vineyard. Then we return to Reims for a guided tour of the magnificent Reims Cathedral, setting for the coronation of many monarchs of France. Late in the afternoon, we visit the beautiful cellars at Taittinger, which date back to the Roman period, before driving to Taittinger’s Chateau de la Marquetterie near Epernay, where we have a fabulous private dinner.

DAY 3 DAY 4

On our final morning we drive to the south side of the Montagne de Reims to Grand Cru village of Bouzy, famous for its powerful Pinot Noir-based Champagne and red wines. Here we visit leading grower-producers, Camille Savès. Our next stop is Gosset, the oldest wine house in the region, for our final tour and tasting. We leave the region in the afternoon, returning by Eurostar to London.

TOUR INFORMATION

PRICES

EUROSTAR DETAILS

•

•

WHAT WE INCLUDE

•

• Two lunches

• Champagne tastings and talks as described

• The services of the Kirker Tour Lecturer, Tim Clarke

Reims Cathedral

LIGURIA & THE CINQUE TERRE

SEVEN NIGHT HOLIDAYS | 12 MAY & 15 SEPTEMBER 2023

One of the most beautiful coastal regions in Italy, stretching between Monaco and Tuscany and with a dramatic range of mountains as its backdrop, Liguria is also one of the least visited. Its main city, Genoa, was a great maritime centre ruled by powerful Doges for 500 years. It became one of the wealthiest cities in Europe and this legacy is apparent today in its historic centre with magnificent palaces built for powerful mercantile families. We will take time to explore the rugged coastline, including le Cinque Terre – the five ‘lands’, or villages – a UNESCO World Heritage site of terraced vineyards, olive and lemon groves, and brightly painted fishing villages which cling to the cliffs. We stay in the centre of the picturesque harbour town of Rapallo overlooking the Gulf of Tigullio, at the elegant 5* Hotel Excelsior Palace. The palm trees, pastel-coloured villas and beautiful gardens of this stretch of coastline make it one of the most exotic and opulent in the entire Mediterranean.

the itinerary

We fly from London to Pisa and transfer to Rapallo where we stay for seven nights at the 5* Grand Hotel Excelsior Palace.

Our first visit will be to the Palazzo Durazzo, a stunning Renaissance palace and garden filled with delicate plants and fine statuary. In the afternoon we will sail to the Benedictine monastery at San Fruttuoso, accessible only by boat.

We make the first of two visits to Genoa today. We will go to via Garibaldi and see some of the town mansions including the Palazzo Rosso and the Palazzo Bianco. Later we will go to the Cathedral of San Lorenzo with its typical Ligurian striped façade.

DAY 1 DAY 2 DAY 3 DAY 4

We travel eastwards to Vernazza, the prettiest of the Cinque Terre. There will be some free time to explore the town square and its attractive harbour where we take our private boat to Lerici, another pretty resort. We will pass by the Casa Magni in San Terenzo where Mary Shelley lived.

We return to Genoa and this time visit the Palazzo del Principe Doria Pamphili, built for Andrea Doria. This huge palace has beautiful 16th century frescoes and tapestries and a portrait of Doria as Neptune by Bronzino. Other visits include the National Gallery at the Palazzo Spinola with its fine picture collection.

We stop at Cervara, originally a small Benedictine abbey with a superb split-level garden overlooking the bay. Afterwards we drive to Portofino, one of the smartest and most picturesque resorts in Europe, where we will have lunch at the fabled Hotel Splendido.

We drive to Pisa airport for the return flight.

TOUR INFORMATION

the

TOUR LEADER

Charlie Hall has known Italy intimately since 1965 when his father set up the excellent John Hall Venice course for gap year students who wished to become enlightened by many aspects of Venetian and Italian culture. He now runs the programme with his father and spends almost half of the year working in Italy. He has designed courses for the Christie’s Education ‘Collecting and Great Collections’ programmes and the Serpentine Gallery ‘Collectors Circle’ as well as for The Soho House group of members’ clubs. Charlie has now led many Italian tours for Kirker, to destinations including Rome, Florence and Venice, and has proved to be very popular with our clients.

Flights

with British Airways: Depart London Heathrow 12.00, arrive Pisa 15.10 Depart Pisa 12.50, arrive London Heathrow 14.10 Flight times subject to change – regional departures available on request.

•

Return flights

nights’ accommodation with breakfast

Four dinners

The services of the Kirker Tour Lecturer DAY 5

Two lunches including one at the Hotel Splendido, Portofino

All sightseeing, entrance fees and gratuities

TOURS

PALLADIAN VILLAS & THE ART OF THE VENETO

SIX NIGHT HOLIDAYs | 21 MAY & 15 OCTOBER 2023

Masters of Renaissance art and architecture designed classical buildings across the Veneto for the sophisticated gentry of the sixteenth century; the most famous of these architects was Andrea Palladio. As the wealth of the region spread from Venice inland across the countryside of the Veneto, educated patrons commissioned villas to be built on ancient principles of classical Roman architecture. Andrea Palladio became the master of this style; he wrote a landmark architectural work and his elegant villas are a testament to his brilliance. Our tour is based in Padua, where contemporaries of Palladio designed new buildings for the mediaeval university, including an anatomical theatre. Padua also features the work of the 14th century artistic genius, Giotto, whose innovative painting style influenced many Renaissance painters.

Villa La Rotonda

On arrival we will transfer to our hotel in Padua. The familyrun Hotel Majestic Toscanelli in the historic heart of Padua is a central base for this tour.

DAY 1

We explore the art and architecture of Padua, including the magnificent Scrovegni Chapel, with its moving and colourful frescoes by Giotto illustrating scenes from the life of Christ. We also see the Palazzo della Ragione, with a vast mediaeval hall, the Basilica of St Anthony and Donatello’s equestrian statue, Gattamelata.

DAY 2

The University of Padua, established in 1222, is one of the oldest in the world and today we discover the rich academic heritage of the city. We visit the 16th century anatomical theatre in Palazzo del Bo and the first university botanical garden.

Vicenza is associated with the work of 16th century architect, Andrea Palladio and we visit his best known villa, called ‘La Rotonda’, on the outskirts of the city. Built as a hilltop summer house, the villa is symmetrical in proportion with four porticoes and a central dome. We will walk through Vicenza’s elegant streets and piazzas, before visiting one of Palladio’s final works, the Teatro Olimpico, built for classical theatrical productions.

We will travel back to the airport for the flight to London.

TOUR INFORMATION

Padua

British Airways: Depart London Heathrow 12.55,

•

with

Return flights

Six nights’ accommodation with breakfast

Three dinners and two wine tastings

The services of a Kirker Tour Lecturer DAY 5

All sightseeing, entrance fees and gratuities

We drive to Bassano del Grappa to see Palladio’s Ponte Vecchio, a wooden bridge rebuilt many times to his original design. Palladio designed Villa Angarano for his friend Count Giacomo Angarano, and although unfinished, this impressive building featured in Palladio’s Four Books of Architecture. We will have a wine-tasting before continuing to Villa Emo, one of Palladdio’s later designs.

the itinerary the

RAVENNA, URBINO & FERRARA

The first of our two holidays to this region 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, in Le Marche, 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.

We fly to Bologna and on arrival transfer to Ravenna where we stay for five nights at the centrally located 4* Palazzo Bezzi.

We spend the first day in Ravenna, famous for its ancient monuments including eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites. We visit the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, with dazzling mosaics from the 4th and 5th centuries, Sant’Apollinare Nuovo, with its procession of martyrs depicted in mosaics, and the National Museum.

This morning we will see the mosaic portraits of Justinian and Theodora at San Vitale and the Basilica of Sant’Apollinare in Classe. A visit to the Cathedral Museum completes the day.

DAY 1 DAY 2 DAY 3 DAY 4

We will spend today in Urbino, one of the most perfect ducal hill top towns in Italy. This was the seat of the Dukes of Urbino and at the Palazzo Ducale, dating from the 15th century, we will see the art collection of Duke Federico da Montefeltro, which includes works by Piero della Francesca, Titian, Gentileschi and Raphael. Afterwards we will see the frescoes at the Oratory of St. John and Raphael’s house.

the hotel

The Palazzo Bezzi is 100 metres from the Basilica of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo with its extraordinary collection of mosaics, and a short walk to the MAR Art Museum and the historic heart of Ravenna. An 18th century palazzo with a pale cream façade, the decoration throughout is refined and contemporary, both in the public areas and the 32 stylish and light-filled bedrooms. Breakfast is served in the quiet internal garden in fine weather – a pleasant place for an aperitif, as is the panoramic roof terrace with its solarium and magnificent views over the city’s rooftops and monuments.Additional facilities include a wellness centre with sauna and steam room and a lounge bar with a billiards table.

TOUR INFORMATION

DAY 5 DAY 6

Ferrara is today’s destination, where we see a collection of outstanding buildings associated with the d’Este family including the Palazzo Diamanti with its great art collection, and there will be some free time during which you may like to visit the Casa Romei.

We drive to Bologna airport for the flight back to London. Clients joining the second part of the tour will travel on to Parma.

DEPARTURE DATE & PRICES

DATE PRICE SINGLE SUPP 3 May £2,194 £475 18 September Our prices are per person, based on the shared occupancy of a twin/double room. Supplement for single occupancy as shown.

FLIGHT DETAILS

Flights with British Airways: Depart London Heathrow 07.40, arrive Bologna 10.50 Depart Bologna 11.45, arrive London Heathrow 13.05 Flight times subject to change – regional departures available on request.

WHAT WE INCLUDE

•

• Return flights

• Five nights’ accommodation with breakfast

• All entrances fees and gratuities as described

• The services of a Kirker Tour Lecturer

THE ART CITIES OF NORTHERN ITALY

Ravenna, Urbino & Ferrara and Parma, Cremona & Mantua run consecutively so why not book both for a 10 night tour of northern Italy’s art cities? The price to join both tours is £4,398 per person (single supp. £950).

Urbino

Ravenna

PARMA, CREMONA & MANTUA

Celebrate the very best of Italian culture – art, music and delicious cuisine –in the company of popular Kirker lecturer, Andrew Allen. Based in Parma, a city synonymous with the best of Italian culinary ingredients and with a key role in the history of Italian music, we will also explore the nearby cities of Cremona and Mantua. We will learn more about the lives and work of some of the region’s many famous sons, from Stradivarius, Verdi and Toscanini, to the artists Mantegna, Correggio and Parmigianino, and of course the two specialities for which the region is world famous, ‘parmigiano e prosciutto’, which we will have ample opportunity to sample at carefully-chosen local restaurants.

We fly from London to Bologna, and transfer to Parma where we stay for the duration of the holiday at our centrally located 4* Hotel Mercure Parma Stendhal.

Parma was once the seat of the influential Farnese family, whose patronage allowed art and music to flourish. Together with a gastronomic reputation that’s renowned around the world, this makes Parma the most perfect of Italian cultural experiences. At the city’s art gallery and former Farnese residence, the Palazzo della Pilotta, we will see works by Correggio and Parmigianino, before continuing to the Teatro Farnese, the wooden theatre of 1628, the first to be constructed with a proscenium arch. We will also see the city’s exquisite opera house, the Teatro Regio, and the frescoes by Correggio at the cathedral.

Nearby Mantua was the base of the rival Gonzaga family, patrons of Mantegna and Romano. We will see works by both artists during our day in the city, as well as the family residence, the Palazzo Ducale, and the elegant Palazzo Te on the outskirts. In the evening we drive to the banks of the River Po for dinner at the magnificent Antico Corte Pallavicino, a distinguished restaurant, which was once a farmhouse on the Pallavicino estate.

In Cremona, birthplace of Stradivarius and where members of the Stradivari family created the world’s finest string instruments, we will see the Museum of the Violin. This museum has one of the world’s most important collections of historic musical instruments. Dozens of craftsmen still continue this tradition today and we will visit a working luthier’s atelier in the afternoon to see the craft in practice.

Today is devoted to the life and work of Giuseppe Verdi, who was born in rural Roncole and who lived most of his life not far away in Busseto. Here we will visit the Villa Verdi where the composer lived for many years. Lunch is included at I due Foscari, a hotel once owned by the son of the great tenor, Carlo Bergonzi. The day ends at the Museo Nazionale di Giuseppe Verdi where the composer’s creative genius and his importance in the world of opera can be appreciated to the full.

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

TOUR

Flights

•

•

FLIGHT DETAILS

WHAT WE INCLUDE

•

•

•

THE ART CITIES OF NORTHERN ITALY

Ravenna, Urbino & Ferrara and Parma, Cremona & Mantua run consecutively so why not book both for a 10 night tour of northern Italy’s art cities?

The price to join both tours is £4,398 per person (single supp. £950).

Mantua

Parma

CULTURAL TOURS

PUGLIA – A LAND OF CONQUEST

A SIX NIGHT HOLIDAY | 14 OCTOBER 2023

Puglia, the ‘heel’ of Italy, is an ancient land that is highly fertile despite its harsh limestone landscape typical of the Mezzogiorno. It was this remote corner of the peninsula that the Normans conquered in the 11th century, dominating the entire south of Italy and the island of Sicily by the mid-12th century. As they established themselves and their influence grew, great churches appeared on the horizons, built in a hybrid style combining architectural influences from France, Ancient Rome and Lombardy. For the first half of the tour we are based in the pretty town of Martina Franca in the rolling hills of the Valle d’Itria, a region of vineyards, olive groves and trulli, the distinctive bee-hive shaped houses unique to central Puglia. We then relocate to the magnificent Baroque town of Lecce, the ‘Florence of the South’.

the itinerary

We fly from London to Bari and transfer to the Baroque town of Martina Franca where we stay for three nights. Our hotel is the privately owned 4* Villa San Martino which sits amongst mature gardens and is a short drive from the town centre.

This morning we drive to Alberobello, a UNESCO Site famous for its countless examples of trulli – the conical-roofed stone houses unique to this region. We will also visit the spectacular limestone Castellana Caves, Italy’s longest natural subterranean network that forms a series of interlinked galleries.

We visit Matera, an extraordinary town built on the edge of a steep ravine whose side is pockmarked with caves. People were still living in them as late as the 1950s, when the last residents were moved out. In 1993 Matera became a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a number of the caves have been restored and are now open to the public.

DAY 1 DAY 2 DAY 3 DAY 4

After leaving Martina Franca, we stop for an olive oil tasting before visiting the whitewashed hilltop town of Ostuni with beautiful views out to the sea. This afternoon we will check into the centrally located 4* Patria Palace in Lecce where we stay for the remainder of the tour.

DAY 5

This morning we will have a guided walking tour of Lecce, one of the best preserved Baroque towns in Italy with rich honey coloured buildings. We will also see the Basilica Santa Croce and the Roman theatre.

TOUR LEADER

STEPHEN NELSON

Stephen Nelson is an artist who divides his time between London and Italy. He has exhibited internationally and recent exhibitions include the Royal Academy summer show and Skin Falls Apart at Francesco Pantaleone Gallery, Palermo. Stephen has taught throughout France, Italy and Mexico, but his speciality is southern Italy “the Mezzogiorno” – particularily the regions of Basilicata, Campania, Puglia and Sicily.

We visit the beautiful coastal town of Otranto, situated on the most eastern peninsula of Italy. We will have a guided walking tour of the city and see the 15th century Castello Aragonese and also the beautiful Norman Cathedral, home to spectacular 12th century mosaics.

DAY 6 DAY 7

We will leave for the airport for the flight back to London.

DATE

TOUR INFORMATION

DEPARTURE DATE & PRICES

14 October £2,398 £398

Our prices are per person, based on the shared occupancy of a twin/double room. Supplement for single occupancy as shown.

FLIGHT DETAILS

Flights with British Airways: Depart Gatwick 13.30, arrive Bari 17.20 Depart Bari 12.30, arrive Gatwick 14.25

Flight times subject to change – regional departures available on request.

WHAT WE INCLUDE

• Return flights

• Six nights’ accommodation with breakfast

• Four dinners

• All sightseeing, entrance fees and gratuities as described

• The services of a Kirker Tour Lecturer

Matera

Alberobello

CULTURAL TOURS

SICILY – AN ENIGMATIC ISLAND

NINE NIGHT HOLIDAYS | 26 MARCH & 9 OCTOBER 2023

The largest island in the Mediterranean, Sicily’s strategic importance has given it a violent, eventful and colourful history. Doric temples, Roman mosaics, elegant and powerful Norman architecture and a wealth of Baroque and Renaissance palaces and churches are a reminder of its great past. Add to this the beautiful Sicilian landscape dotted with remote and traditional villages, the friendly people and an agreeable climate; few places can offer such an uplifting, cultural discovery.

the itinerary

On arrival we go to the 4* Grand Hotel Ortigia in Syracuse where we stay for the first four nights of our tour; should you join our October departure you will be staying at the 4* Ortea Palace Hotel instead.

Syracuse is a charming town and once the most significant city in Magna Graecia. We visit the Greek theatre dedicated to Athena and the important archaeological museum with a superb collection from the Greek, Roman and Early Christian eras. Later we will visit the historic island of Ortigia with its maze of streets.

Today we drive to Taormina, which enjoys a glorious position between Mount Etna and the sea. We visit the Graeco-Roman theatre and the 13th century cathedral. In the afternoon there will be time for independent exploration. We visit a private palazzo in Catania before making our way back to Syracuse.

Today we visit the Baroque buildings and churches of two of the island’s most charming and unspoilt towns – Modica and Noto. Modica became a UNESCO Site in 2002 and Noto is a place of great atmosphere with its grand palaces and crumbling façades.

We leave Syracuse for Piazza Armerina to visit a villa from the late Roman Empire where the floors are paved with magnificent mosaics. We then drive to Agrigento where we spend one night at the 3 star Jolly della Valle, overlooking one of the most mystical sites of the ancient world – the Valley of the Temples.

DAY 5 DAY 6

Palermo

DAY 1 DAY 2 DAY 3 DAY 4 DEPARTURE

The whole day is spent in Palermo. We start with a visit to the Oratorio di San Domenico and continue to the 13th century church of St. Francis of Assisi and the cathedral before enjoying a guided tour of Palazzo Conte Frederico. Later we go to the opulent Norman Royal Palace where we see the Chapel of the Kings, the Palatine Chapel and the Ermeti Chapel.

Our first visit today is to Segesta to see the glorious Doric temples and theatre, the best Greek site on the island, where we see thirty-six temples which date from 430BC. Later we continue to the huge hillside site of Selinunte, which was founded in 650BC.

This morning we travel to Cefalù to see the cathedral. In the afternoon we return to Palermo and visit two impressive Norman buildings, both of which have fine mosaics – the San Cataldo and the Martorana where we see a graceful Norman tower rising above the church, dating from 1153.

DAY 7 DAY 8 DAY 9 DAY 10

TOUR INFORMATION

DATE &

PRICE

FLIGHT DETAILS

SUPP

Flights with Easyjet: Depart Gatwick 11.45, arrive Catania 15.55 Depart Palermo 10.40, arrive Gatwick 12.40 Flight times subject to change – regional departures available on request.

WHAT WE INCLUDE

• Return flights

• Nine nights’ accommodation with breakfast

• Five dinners

• All sightseeing, entrances fees and gratuities

• The services of a Kirker Tour Lecturer

THE GRANDEUR OF ROME

The 3rd century AD saw Rome at its Imperial peak, a densely populated city spreading out over its seven hills, a testament to the power and wealth of the vast Roman Empire. Many of the glorious buildings and sites survive today but added to these are the great architectural and artistic achievements of the Renaissance and Baroque periods. Our tour has been planned to show you the very best from its treasure trove, spanning more than two thousand years.

We fly to Rome and transfer to one of our favourite hotels, the 4* Hotel Capo d’Africa, located close to the Colosseum.

We start our visit at the Pantheon, the best preserved building of ancient Rome, and then go to the Church of San Luigi dei Francesi where we see ‘The Life of St. Matthew’ by Caravaggio. There will be some free time to enjoy the delights of the Piazza Navona and in the afternoon we will go to the Campo de’Fiori, admire the exterior of the Palazzo Farnese and see theTheatre of Marcellus and the Piazza del Campidoglio. Our day ends at the Capitoline Museum.

We start at the Ara Pacis – Augustus’s Altar of Peace - and then visit Santa Maria del Popolo with works by Caravaggio and Raphael. In the afternoon we go to the Villa Borghese with its superb picture collection and then to Santa Maria della Vittoria with its masterpiece by Bernini.

Trajan’s Markets, created by the Emperor in the 2nd century AD, the Forum dotted with temples, triumphal arches and basilicas, and the beautiful Palatine Hill and the Colosseum make up our programme this morning. This afternoon is devoted to three of the most ancient and important churches in Rome where the entire history of the city comes to life – San Clemente, Santa Costanza with its 4th century mosaics, and Sant’Agnese.

Located just five minutes’ walk from the Colosseum and close to the Forum, the Capo d’Africa is truly in the heart of ancient Rome. All 65 bedrooms in this restored 19th century townhouse are furnished with great taste in a very comfortable contemporary style. In the lobby, the attractive bar serves drinks and light snacks throughout the day, whilst a full buffet breakfast is available in the breakfast room on the third floor where you will also find a large summer terrace and solarium. There are several cafés and restaurants in the immediate vicinity.

We spend the day in Tivoli where we visit Hadrian’s Villa and the fabled and fanciful gardens of the Villa d’Este.

The morning is spent at the Galleria Doria Pamphili, one of the greatest art collections still in private hands. The afternoon is spent exploring the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel.

We begin at Bramante’s Tempietto, cool and serene on the Janiculum Hill with its wonderful view over Rome. Raphael’s glorious and colourful frescoes in the Villa Farnesina, Santa Maria in Trastevere and a walk through the lively Trastevere district complete the morning. Our last visit will be to the Baths of Caracalla, Rome’s second-largest public baths built between 212 – 217 AD.

DAY 5 DAY 6 DAY 7 DAY 8

Some free time this morning before we depart for the airport and the flight back to London.

TOUR INFORMATION

DEPARTURE DATE & PRICES

PRICE SINGLE SUPP 27 March £2,795 £498 6 November

DATE

Our prices are per person, based on the shared occupancy of a twin/double room. Supplement for single occupancy as shown.

FLIGHT DETAILS

Flights with British Airways: March departure: Depart Heathrow at 12.20, arrive Rome at 15.55 Depart Rome at 15.10, arrive Heathrow at 16.55

November departure: Depart Heathrow 12.45, arrive Rome 16.20 Depart Rome 17.15, arrive Heathrow 19.00 Flight times subject to change – regional departures available on request.

WHAT WE INCLUDE

• Return flights

• Seven nights’ accommodation with breakfast

• Four dinners and one lunch

• All sightseeing, entrances fees and gratuities

• The services of a Kirker Tour Lecturer

the hotel

Capo d’Africa

Roman Forum

THE ITALIAN LAKES – GARDENS & VILLAS OF COMO & MAGGIORE

SIX NIGHT HOLIDAYS | 3 MAY & 3 JUNE 2023

One has to go far to find a more perfect and peaceful landscape than the shores of Lake Como, where this tour is based. Tranquil, serene and timeless, the mountains that fringe the crystal waters provide a dramatic backdrop, as do the countless pristine villas that stretch up the hillsides from the lake shores. These villas that have been built over the centuries by wealthy Milanese families have superb gardens which we will visit during the tour. A visit to the shores of Lake Maggiore, quite different in atmosphere from Lake Como, completes this discovery of one of the most beautiful regions of Italy.

the itinerary

We fly from Heathrow to Milan before transferring to the lakeside town of Como where we stay at the 4* Hotel Terminus for the duration of the tour.

DAY 1

After a morning walking tour of Como, we travel by hydrofoil to Bellagio, known as the ‘Pearl of the lake’. At the Villa Melzi exotic species thrive in the warm climate – the garden is renowned in spring time for its riotous display of azaleas.

We drive to Villa Carlotta which was built in the 17th century and spreads over 14 acres that tumble down to the water’s edge. We then take a private boat to Villa Balbianello which sits on a promontory in an impossibly romantic setting.

DAY 2 DAY 3 DAY 4

We spend the day at Stresa, the principal town on the shores of Lake Maggiore. We will visit the beautiful Borromean Islands by boat and at Isola Bella will explore a magnificent palace surrounded by terraced gardens. At Isola Madre, we see brightly coloured annuals and other exotic species flourishing around a romantic unfinished villa. Lunch is included today.

TOUR INFORMATION

DEPARTURE DATE & PRICES

DATE PRICE SINGLE SUPP

3 May £3,169 £780 3 June

Our prices are per person, based on the shared occupancy of a twin/double room. Supplement for single occupancy as shown.

FLIGHT DETAILS

DAY 5

Today we visit two stately villas with elegant interiors and formal gardens. First is the Villa Cicogna which is still owned and lived in by the ancestors of the family who built it in the 15th century. Our second garden is at the Villa della Porta Bozzolo. It clings to a steep hill leading from the centre of the village of Casalzuigno. Lunch at the Villa Cicogna is included.

Flights with British Airways: May departure: Depart London Heathrow at 11.55, arrive Milan (Malpensa) at 15.00 Depart Milan (Linate) at 14.15, arrive London Heathrow at 15.15 June departure: Depart London Heathrow 10.15, arrive Milan (Linate) 13.15 Depart Milan (Malpensa) 13.15, arrive London Heathrow 14.20

WHAT WE INCLUDE

• Return flights

• Six nights’ accommodation with breakfast

• Two dinners at local restaurants and three lunches including one at Villa D’Este

DAY 6 DAY 7

We will take the ferry the short distance to Cernobio where we’ll enjoy lunch at the fabulous Villa D’Este, one of the finest hotels in Italy. The afternoon is free for independent exploration; ferries depart from close to the hotel to numerous towns.

On our way to the airport we will visit Monza Cathedral to see the famous Iron Crown of Lombardy used at the coronation of the Holy Roman Emperor, Henry VII in 1312.

the hotel

The Hotel Terminus is a delightful, privately-owned property located in the heart of the fine town of Como. Recently refurbished, the hotel has a lounge and a large hall (with painted ceiling and antique furniture). The most attractive bar, where delicious café-style meals are served, leads on to a terrace with views of the lake and the surrounding hills. The 40 bedrooms are all well furnished.

• All sightseeing, entrance fees and gratuities

• The services of the Kirker Tour Lecturer

Lake Como

Lake Maggiore

CULTURAL

UMBRIA – THE ESSENCE OF ITALY

SEVEN NIGHT HOLIDAYS | 1 MAY & 28 AUGUST 2023

Perugia, the capital of Umbria and one of the finest cities in Italy, is the centre from which we explore this fascinating region. Umbria is filled with historic art towns, perched on their hilltops with wonderful views of the rolling Umbrian countryside planted with olive groves and vineyards. We will visit the most important of these towns including Orvieto, Arezzo and Assisi - each of which is within easy reach of Perugia. Works by some of Italy’s most important artists will be viewed, including frescoes by Giotto, Filippo Lippi and Piero della Francesca.

We fly to Rome and transfer to Perugia where we stay for the duration of the tour at the 4* Brufani Palace Hotel in the centre of historic Perugia. Opened in 1884, the Brufani Palace is a traditional hotel in every sense with spacious public areas, well-appointed bedrooms and a high level of personal service.

Perugia is the capital of Umbria and one of the country’s most beautiful hill towns, still retaining the air of a bustling market town. We will visit the National Gallery of Umbria and the church of San Bernardino and see frescoes by Perugino in a merchant’s hall. The rest of the day is free.

DAY 1 DAY 2 DAY 3 DAY 4

Today we visit Assisi to see the Basilica di San Francesco, the home of the Franciscan Order. The frescoes by Giotto tell the story of the life of St. Francis. There will be time to wander through the picturesque narrow Mediaeval streets and enjoy the marvellous views.

We visit the small town of Todi with its fine Renaissance church, and then continue to Orvieto with its shimmering marble Cathedral and magnificent frescoes by Signorelli. We will see the very grand town hall here, the Palazzo del Popolo.

Our first stop today is Spello, a small hilltop town of the utmost charm where we see the frescoes by Pinturicchio in the church of Santa Maria Maggiore. We then go to Spoleto, one of Umbria’s great cultural centres, nestled in the foothills of the Appenines. It is dominated by one of the most beautiful cathedrals in Italy, famous for its frescoed apse by Filippo Lippi.

We drive back to Rome for the flight back to London.

TOUR INFORMATION

DEPARTURE DATE & PRICES

Flights with British Airways: Depart Heathrow 10.35, arrive Rome 14.15 Depart Rome 15.10, arrive Heathrow 16.55 Flight times subject to change – regional departures available on request.

WHAT WE INCLUDE

•

Arezzo Cathedral

Return flights

The services of a Kirker Tour Lecturer DAY 5 DAY 6 DAY 7 DAY 8

Seven nights’ accommodation with breakfast

• All entrances fees and gratuities as described

•

TOURS

Spoleto Cathedral

the itinerary

VILLAS & GARDENS AROUND ROME

FIVE NIGHT HOLIDAYS | 24 APRIL & 8 OCTOBER 2023

Italy not only has many of the greatest 16th and 17th century gardens in Europe, it also has some which have been extensively restored and indeed created in the 20th century. We visit two of these at Ninfa and La Landriana. Our tour will show you a wonderful selection of villas and gardens in the countryside around Rome as well as some in the city itself. We stay at the traditional 4* Park Hotel Villa Grazioli in Frascati, a charming town surrounded by vineyards which produce its eponymous wine, only 20 kilometres from Rome. Built in 1580 by Cardinal Carafa, the Villa Grazioli has vaulted ceilings and intricate 17th century frescoes.

We fly from London to Rome and transfer to Frascati where we stay for five nights at the 4* Park Hotel Villa Grazioli.

The day will be spent in Rome starting with a visit to the Villa Borghese Gardens and Gallery which were formed in the early 17th century. We will have lunch in a local restaurant and then go to the Villa Torlonia, which recently reopened after a long period of restoration. This is a neo-Classical villa once owned by the Torlonia family, one of the grandest in Rome in the 19th century.

Today’s gardens are the Villa Lante and the Villa Farnese. The Villa Lante at Bagnaia is one of the greatest of all Italian Renaissance gardens: its symmetrical design is absolutely perfect. The Summer and Winter Gardens of the Villa Farnese give way to a path which leads through a wooded landscape and eventually reaches the Casino, used by the all powerful Farnese family as a private refuge. This evening we will drive through vineyards to have dinner at the Cantina di Santa Benedetta. There will be a tasting of Frascati wine with the winemaker, followed by dinner in the lovely old farmhouse.

Today is spent in Tivoli with its two great gardens: the Villa D’Este and Hadrian’s Villa. The narrow terraces of the Villa D’Este create the effect of a dramatic hanging garden, opening out at each descending level.

The garden at La Landriana was created over a thirty-year period by the Marchesa Lavinia Taverna. The garden has over thirty separate compartments; some are devoted to a single species, some to a style and some to a colour. Our next garden is no less wonderful and even more romantic – the garden at Ninfa, planted a hundred years ago over the ruins of the 14th century walled town. We return to Rome Airport for our flight back to London.

The Villa Grazioli was built in 1580 by Cardinal Carafa who chose the site for its tranquillity and its wonderful views of the city. Much of the original decoration has been restored and the public rooms are spectacular, with vaulted ceilings and intricate 17th century frescoes. The highlight is a stunning gallery, painted from floor to ceiling by Pannini in 1736. The 58 bedrooms are simply furnished, many have terracotta tiled floors and beamed ceilings. There are 12 bedrooms in the main villa and the remainder in the ‘Limonia’ and ‘Paggeria’ buildings reached by an underground passageway. There is an excellent restaurant with a large terrace overlooking the park, and a summer swimming pool.

TOUR INFORMATION

FLIGHT DETAILS

Flights with British Airways:

April departure:

Depart Heathrow 10.35, arrive Rome 14.15

Depart Rome 12.55, arrive Heathrow 14.40 October departure: Depart Heathrow 12.20, arrive Rome 15.55 Depart Rome 16.40, arrive Heathrow 18.20

Flight times subject to change – regional departures available on request.

WHAT WE INCLUDE

• Return flights

• Five nights’ accommodation with breakfast

• Three dinners and two lunches

• All sightseeing, entrance fees and gratuities

• The services of a Kirker Tour Lecturer

Park Hotel Villa Grazioli

THE BAY OF NAPLES

The ancient and imperial history of Naples and its glorious bay is so powerfully etched into the minds of travellers to the region that it often comes as a shock to remember that, after the fall of the Roman Empire, Naples was reborn and went on to establish itself as a major historic and cultural centre. After the Romans came the Byzantine influence, followed by the Normans, the Spanish and the Bourbons. With a fascinating history and a vibrant present, Naples is now a city determined to show off its unique charms to the full. Visits to the Roman sites along the coast are included, as is a wonderful day on the verdant island of Ischia.

We travel to Naples and stay for six nights at the 4* Grand Hotel Santa Lucia.

We begin our visit with a panoramic sightseeing tour of the thronging, colourful streets of Naples. Each of the city’s neighbourhoods has its own distinctive flavour, with vastly contrasting worlds. We will visit Castel Nuovo which dominates the seafront and also the vast and impressive Palazzo Reale, where we will see the Museum of the Royal Apartments.

Today we go to Herculaneum, which contrasts in every way with Pompeii. Excavations began here in 1738 under the enlightened patronage of the Bourbon King Charles. Sunk in mud and perfectly preserved, Herculaneum is a mysterious and haunting place. We also visit the beautifully restored Villa Oplontis, once home to Poppaea, the second wife of the Emperor Nero.

DAY 1 DAY 2 DAY 3 DAY 4

We will see several works by Caravaggio today – ‘The Seven Acts of Mercy’ at the Pio Monte della Misericordia and ‘The Martyrdom of St. Ursula’. We will visit the glorious and richly decorated interiors of the Cathedral of San Gennaro, and end the day in the Capodimonte Museum. It was built by Charles VII of Naples and Sicily to house the matchless collection of paintings and ancient sculptures inherited from his mother. We will see a third Caravaggio here, ‘The Flagellation of Christ’.

the itinerary DAY 5

We will cross the Bay of Naples to spend a day on the island of Ischia. Sir William Walton and his wife, Susana, lived on the island from the 1950s. Walton composed many works at their villa, La Mortella and Susana created the garden, which is acknowledged as one of the world’s most ravishing. We will tour the island before ending the day with a guided tour of the garden at La Mortella.

TOUR LEADER

STEPHEN NELSON

Stephen Nelson is an artist who divides his time between London and Italy. He has exhibited internationally and recent exhibitions include the Royal Academy summer show and Skin Falls Apart at Francesco Pantaleone Gallery, Palermo. Stephen has taught throughout France, Italy and Mexico, but his speciality is southern Italy “the Mezzogiorno” – particularily the regions of Basilicata, Campania, Puglia and Sicily.

DAY 6 Back to the world of the Romans, we visit Pompeii, frozen in time for almost 1,700 years. We will see the clearly defined townscape with its houses, shops and amphitheatre, all in the shadow of Vesuvius. The afternoon is spent in the Museum of National Antiquities which is full of impressive finds from the ancient sites around the Bay of Naples.

We drive to the airport for the flight back to London. DAY 7

the hotel

The Grand Hotel Santa Lucia is a fine Liberty style hotel, built in 1900 by the famous architect, Giovan Battista Comencini. It overlooks Castel dell’Ovo and is 15 minutes’ walk from Teatro San Carlo. There is a stylish restaurant, an atmospheric bar and 95 bedrooms.

TOUR INFORMATION

DEPARTURE DATE & PRICES

DATE

PRICE SINGLE SUPP

20 March £2,279 £450 30 October

Our prices are per person, based on the shared occupancy of a twin/double room. Supplement for single occupancy as shown.

FLIGHT DETAILS

Flights with British Airways: March departure: Depart London Heathrow, 14.15 arrive Naples 17.55 Depart Naples 11.05, arrive London Heathrow 12.50 October departure: Depart London Heathrow 14.15, arrive Naples 17.55 Depart Naples 19.45, arrive London Heathrow 21.35 Flight times subject to change – regional departures available on request.

WHAT WE INCLUDE

• Return flights

• Six nights’ accommodation with breakfast staying in classic rooms

• Three dinners

• All sightseeing, entrances fees and gratuities

• The services of a Kirker Tour Lecturer

THE DUKE OF WELLINGTON & THE PENINSULAR WAR

A SEVEN NIGHT HOLIDAY | 30 OCTOBER 2023

Military historian Hugh Macdonald-Buchanan leads our tour to Spain and Portugal, which combines fascinating history with spectacular scenery and delicious food and wine. The Peninsular War began in 1808, one year after Napoleon decided to stop Britain from trading with the rest of Europe. But Napoleon had neither considered that the Portuguese would prove to be a steadfast ally of Britain nor that the Spanish would be swept up in their own revolts. The Battle of Salamanca in 1812 saw the beginning of the end for Napoleon, which eventually led to his abdication and exile in Elba.

We fly to Oporto and transfer to our centrally located hotel, the 4* Hotel Carris Ribeira for a two night stay.

Our first day begins in Oporto itself, spread out along the banks of the Douro. We will have a panoramic tour of the city and see the spot where Wellington made his daring assault across the river in 1809. Later we drive to the battlefields close to the city where The Iron Duke won his unexpected victory over Marshal Soult’s occupying force. We will enjoy a port tasting, followed by dinner, in the elegant Taylor’s Port Wine lodge.

Today we travel on the scenic railway which skirts the River Douro as far as the town of Pinhão, where we spend a night in the 4* Vintage House. This charming property is set on the river bank in the heart of the UNESCO protected Douro Valley wine region.

DAY 1 DAY 2 DAY 3 DAY 4

Leaving Pinhão, we cross into Spain and drive to the small city of Ciudad Rodrigo, a key border fortress during the Peninsular Wars and the site of two major sieges. In 1810, Marshal took the city for the French after a costly battle which delayed the French invasion of Portugal significantly, whilst in 1812 Wellington stormed the city, opening up the route into French-held northern Spain for his Allied force. We stay in the historic Parador of Ciudad Rodrigo for two nights.

TOUR LEADER

HUGH MACDONALD-BUCHANAN

Hugh Macdonald-Buchanan writes: “Starting our tour in Oporto we will follow Wellington’s progress close to the River Douro which flows through some of the loveliest scenery in Portugal. In the vast open spaces around Ciudad Rodrigo and Salamanca it is not hard to imagine the great battles that took place here. Endless vistas, mountains, mighty rivers and steep terraces of vineyards make this a most rewarding trip for anyone who wants to learn more about the extraordinary Duke of Wellington and enjoy this quiet, unspoilt corner of Iberia.”

TOUR INFORMATION

We will explore the countryside today, visiting all the important sites of key battlegrounds. The fortress of Almeida guarded one of the major roads between Spain and Portugal and was besieged by both sides, whilst the surrounding region became a strategic battleground; we will visit the Côa Valley, Fuentes de Oñoro and Barba del Puerco.

Today we travel to the beautiful city of Salamanca, where we stay for the final two nights at the 4* Parador. The Battle of Salamanca was a decisive moment and cemented Wellington’s reputation as a master tactician, leading to the eventual capture of Madrid.

As well as a crucial strategic landmark, Salamanca is also one of the most beautiful cities in Spain, and our visit today will explore the cityscape of tiled roofs, Gothic churches and elegant squares. We will see the the magnificent Plaza Mayor, Patio de las Escuelas, the university and both the new and old cathedrals.

DAY 5 DAY 6 DAY 7 DAY 8

We drive to Madrid for our flight back to London.

DEPARTURE DATE & PRICES

DATE PRICE SINGLE SUPP

30 October £2,889 £560

Our prices are per person, based on the shared occupancy of a twin/double room. Supplement for single occupancy as shown.

FLIGHT DETAILS

Flights with TAP (outbound) & Easyjet (inbound): Depart London Gatwick 12.00, arrive Oporto 14:20 Depart Madrid 16.35, arrive London Gatwick 18.00

Flight times subject to change – regional departures available on request.

WHAT WE INCLUDE

• Return flights

• Seven nights’ accommodation with breakfast

• Five dinners

• All sightseeing, entrance fees and gratuities

• The services of thes Kirker Tour Lecturer

CULTURAL TOURS

VILLAS & GARDENS AROUND LISBON

A FOUR NIGHT HOLIDAY | 24 APRIL 2023

The vast wealth which came from Portugal’s maritime empire in the 16th and 17th century funded and inspired the creation of a host of mansions and palaces as well as their elaborate gardens in the countryside surrounding the city of Lisbon. In the company of expert horticulturalist Kirsty Fergusson, we will discover private homes and gardens – some of which are not open to the public –and royal palaces in the majestic pine forests which cloak the hills of the Serra de Sintra.

the itinerary

Flying to Lisbon, we will be transferred to the Turim Boulevard Hotel, where we stay for the duration of the tour. This evening we will have dinner together at a local restaurant.

Palácio dos Marqueses da Fronteira was built as a hunting lodge and country house for D. João Mascarenhas around 1675 and has been in the family for 13 generations. The Duke of Wellington lived here when defending Lisbon from Napoleon’s army. We will see the house and its gardens, with great stairways, water tanks, coloured glazed tiles (azulejos) and decorative parterres. At Quinta da Alegria, immaculately restored by Elisabeth von Schmieder, Princess von Auersperg, we shall enjoy a delicious lunch in the very private garden with terraces, shaded walkways and flower filled borders. Across the road is the Quinta da Regaleira, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with a romantic palace and chapel, and a luxurious park that features lakes, grottoes, wells, benches, fountains, and a vast array of exquisite constructions.

Monserrate is one of the most beautiful palaces in the Sintra hills, inspiring travellers, writers, and poets including Lord Byron, who decided to write about Monserrate in what later became a classic work of poetry: Childe Harold’s Pilgrimage. The Moorish-style villa was imagined later, by Englishman Sir Francis Cook, who built a summer residence from the ruins of the neo-gothic palace in 1863. After falling into disrepair again, the estate was reopened in 2010 under the management of Gerald Luckhurst. After visit the palace and gardens we will continue to Quinta da Piedade where we will have lunch with current owner, Teresa Schönborn, Condessa de Schönborn e Wiesentheid, who has continued to develop the Italianate gardens by planting Cypress trees in abundance, amongst the typical Sintra garden plants (Agapanthus, Hydrangeas, Camellias, to mention just a few).

The National Palace of Queluz and its historical gardens are one of the most remarkable examples of the harmonious link between landscape and palatial architecture in Portugal. Built in 1747 at the orders of the future King Pedro III, the consort of Queen Maria I, the Palace of Queluz was initially conceived as a summer residence, becoming the royal family’s preferred place for their leisure and entertainment. We will have lunch at the palatial Cozinha Velha restaurant here before returning to Lisbon in the afternoon, where we will visit the wonderful Museu Nacional do Azulejo, devoted to the Portuguese art of coloured glazed tiles.

A classic Renaissance garden with a Portuguese flavour, Quinta da Bacalhoa was the creation of the son of Afonso de Albuquerque, who had been a great mariner and Viceroy of India. He journeyed to Italy, became a connoisseur of Italian art, and was inspired by the gardens there to build his own villa on a peninsula south of Lisbon. It has loggias, patios and a formal water garden flanked by a hall with three pavilions and decorated with glazed tiles (azulejo) and terracotta busts. All is surrounded by their own vineyards and we will enjoy a wine tasting with lunch in the garden. In the afternoon we return to Lisbon airport for the flight home.

TOUR INFORMATION

DEPARTURE DATE & PRICES

FLIGHT DETAILS

TOUR LEADER

KIRSTY FERGUSSON

Kirsty Fergusson exchanged a career in academia (she is a PhD specialising in French philosopher-novelists) for a life in gardening. Trained at Capel Manor, she was head gardener at Mapperton in Dorset during the early nineties, where a series of fortunate encounters opened the door to garden writing. As well as writing a weekly column for The Express, for many years she was a frequent contributor to Gardens Illustrated, House and Garden, Country Life, The Times, The Telegraph and The Independent.

Flights

•

•

•

•

•

•

Heathrow

WHAT WE INCLUDE

ÁVILA, SALAMANCA & HISTORIC CASTILE

SEVEN NIGHT HOLIDAYS | 20 APRIL & 28 SEPTEMBER 2023

Our tour to the province of Castile will include visits to Zamora and Segovia as well as Salamanca and Ávila, home to the best preserved mediaeval city walls in Spain. We stay in Ávila before moving on to the charming Hacienda Zorita Hotel located in gently rolling countryside, 20 minutes from the beautiful university city of Salamanca, whose golden, honeyhued buildings seem to glow in the vivid Spanish light. The magnificent Plaza Mayor rivals Madrid for style and is at the heart of this dynamic city. This is the real Spain, a land of wide open landscapes dotted with farms and villages. It is the most important area in the country for breeding bulls, and as we drive along the open roads we will see them enjoying the pastures and sitting in the shade, like Ferdinand, smelling the flowers.

On arrival we travel to to the 4* Palacio de los Velada.

Today there will be a walking tour of Ávila, whose city walls are the best preserved in the world. Our tour will include the cathedral, the Monastery of the Incarnation, Real Monasterio and the Romanesque Basilica of San Vicente. There is free time to explore Ávila this afternoon.

Today is spent in Segovia. The city is famous for its historical buildings and for three main landmarks: its midtown Roman aqueduct, its cathedral (one of the last in the Gothic style to be built in Europe), and the castle. This afternoon, we will visit The Royal Palace of La Granja de San Ildefonso.

After visiting the Monastario de San Tomas, we depart from Ávila and drive out through the vineyards of the Ribera del Duero to the Hacienda Zorita, where we will stay for the next four nights. En route, we stop in Salamanca for an included lunch. This evening we will have a wine-tasting before dinner.

DAY 5

Today we will enjoy our first of two visits to Salamanca, one of the most beautiful cities in Spain – its Old City is a UNESCO listed Heritage Site. The golden sandstone of Salamanca creates a beautiful, picture-book cityscape of roofs, church spires, convents, academic buildings and elegant squares. We will see its famous university, founded in the 13th century, the convent of San Esteban, the Plaza Mayor and the Town Hall.

We visit Zamora, a beautiful old city on the ancient Via de la Plata, spread out along the banks of the River Duero, which is famous for its Holy Week celebrations and processions to which people throng from all over Spain. We visit the Museo de la Semana Santa, the Plaza Mayor and the 12th century cathedral. Lunch will be included in the Parador, which was once the 15th century palace of the Counts of Alba y Aliste.

Another day in Salamanca where we will see the city’s two cathedrals, the Old and the New, the market, and the Casa Lis museum of Art Nouveau. After our walking tour, there will be free time to explore Salamanca on your own.

DAY 6 DAY 7 DAY 8

We drive to El Escorial, Philip II’s sprawling, isolated palace with an important art collection, before we return to Madrid airport for the flight to London.

TOUR INFORMATION

FLIGHT DETAILS

Flights

WHAT WE INCLUDE

•

•

•

•

•

•

Hacienda

• The services of the Kirker Tour Lecturer & local guides

Ávila

Hacienda Zorita

TENERIFE – THE NATURE & HISTORY OF A VOLCANIC ISLAND

A SEVEN NIGHT HOLIDAY | 17 NOVEMBER 2023

Tenerife, the largest island in the Canaries archipelago, is a volcanic island with an unspoilt and dramatic interior and a beautiful coastline. Perfectly preserved villages with colourful painted houses, pretty squares and churches, lush subtropical gardens and dramatic mountain drives, all add up to a relaxing and fulfilling week in a temperate climate. The Canary Islands have been welcoming visitors for 300 years and although Tenerife has a reputation for mass tourism, this has been cleverly contained in areas not included on our itinerary.

We fly to Tenerife and on arrival transfer to the 5* Hotel Botanico in Puerto de la Cruz. This long-established and very popular property is set within six acres of impeccably maintained gardens. There are spacious lounges, terraces, two swimming pools, one indoor and one outdoor and a spa. All bedrooms have balconies and views of Mount Teide or the sea.

Today is devoted to a selection of the luxuriant gardens on the island. We follow a guided tour of the hotel’s own splendid gardens with visits to the Botanical Garden of Tenerife, the Sitio Litre Orchid Garden where more than 300 varieties of orchid can be seen and the Parque Taoro Water Garden.

We will visit the Mount Teide National Park today, travelling to the 12,000 ft peak by cable car to enjoy spectacular views across the island and over to Gran Canaria. Afterwards, we drive down to Granadilla for an aperitif with Simon and Christopher Monckton, two of Kirker’s most popular tour leaders, and then to lunch in the tiny fishing harbour of Los Abrigos. On the way back to the hotel in the afternoon, we will visit the curious stepped pyramids at Guimar, restored by Thor Heyerdahl in the 1990s.

Wines from the Canary Islands were once very fashionable and sought-after – Shakespeare mentions them in The Merry Wives of Windsor and Twelfth Night - and this morning we will enjoy a tasting. Later we make our way to La Orotava, a lovely small town with 17th and 18th Century houses and churches, where a walking tour will be followed by lunch in a traditional Canarian restaurant.

This morning we drive along the spectacular north coast to Masca, a tiny village of pretty houses clinging to a steep ravine and dwarfed by the most dramatic scenery on the island. We will then drive back to the charming old town of Garachico where we pause for an independent lunch and visit the 17th century Franciscan Convent. For 300 years this sleepy village of cobbled streets, fishermen’s cottages and sun-baked cloisters was the most important port on the island.

We visit Santa Cruz today, the capital of the island and a handsome city of tree-lined streets, parks and art galleries. We will have a guided tour of the stunning concert hall, the Auditorio de Tenerife designed by Calatrava. There will be free time for shopping and an independent lunch before returning to the hotel.

Our final tour starts with a walking tour of the historic university town of La Laguna, the original capital, founded in 1496. After an independent lunch, we continue to the wild Anaga Mountains where the “cloud forest”, like that of the neighbouring island of La Gomera, has survived undisturbed since the dinosaurs walked the earth.

We drive to the airport for the flight back home.

TOUR INFORMATION

DEPARTURE DATE & PRICES

DATE PRICE SINGLE SUPP 17 November £2,798 £462 Our prices are per person, based on the shared occupancy of a twin/double room. Supplement for single occupancy as shown.

FLIGHT DETAILS

TOUR LEADER

CHRISTOPHER MONCKTON

Christopher was a choral scholar at Magdalen College, Oxford where he developed a passion for both performing and teaching. This led to a life-long interest in history, music and art history. He has led countless tours all over the world covering many subjects and periods. He is equally at home in the ancient world as he is in the major art galleries of Europe. Christopher Monckton is also a professional musician and a distinguished organist.

Flights with British Airways: Depart London Heathrow 12.35, arrive Tenerife 17.00 Depart Tenerife 17.50, arrive London Heathrow 22.15 Flight times subject to change – regional departures available on request.

WHAT WE INCLUDE

• Return flights

• Seven nights’ accommodation with breakfast

• Three dinners

• Two lunches

• All sightseeing, entrance fees and gratuities as described

• The services of a Kirker Tour Leader

SEVILLE & ANDALUCIA

Based in the city of Seville, this itinerary has been carefully designed to give you plenty of time in this beautiful and historic city with its impressive cathedral, important art collections and famous tapas bars in the Barrio de Santa Cruz where we stay. We also visit Córdoba which was one of the greatest centres of learning in Europe until the Reconquista expelled the Moors, but they left their timeless legacy in the city’s buildings, notably the great Mezquita and the Juderia area of the city. Excursions into the lovely rural Andalucían landscape with its picture-perfect villages and a visit to Jerez, the centre of the sherry trade, complete the holiday.

We fly to Seville and on arrival transfer to the 4* Hotel Doña Maria in the heart of the Barrio de Santa Cruz district in the centre of the city.

We begin our first day in Seville on foot with a walking tour through the Barrio de Santa Cruz, its narrow streets and alleys lined with picturesque town houses. Most houses keep their courtyard doors tantalisingly ajar to allow passers-by fleeting glimpses of the flower-filled courtyards so typical of Seville. We will visit the world’s largest Gothic cathedral, Seville’s fortified royal palace, the Alcazar and the elegant architecture at the Palacio Duenas, the finest example of a Mudejar town house.

This morning we visit the art collections in the Museo de Bellas Artes and the Hospital de la Caridad. Both collections are displayed in historic buildings and both have important works by Spanish artists including Zurbarán and Murillo. Later we visit the city’s famous bullring.

DAY 1 DAY 2 DAY 3 DAY 4

Today we leave Seville and drive south. Our first stop is to Arcos de la Frontera, one of the pretty white villages ‘pueblos blancos’ of Andalucia. Arcos has a dramatic clifftop position with wonderful views down to the Guadalete River below. We will have an included lunch before continuing to Jerez de la Frontera, the centre of the sherry trade. Here we will visit one of the most famous bodegas for a glass of refreshing, cool manzanilla before returning to Seville.

DAY 5

Seville

The morning is free for further independent sightseeing in Seville. We drive for half an hour to one of our favourite rural hotels in Spain, Hacienda de San Rafael, for a delicious lunch.

Today we drive to Italica, place of the birth of Trajan and Hadrian and embellished by them in the grand manner. We visit the amphitheatre, villas and mosaics before returning to Seville for a free afternoon.

DAY 6 DAY 7 DAY 8

We will drive to historic Carmona, a Roman town that sits high on a hill overlooking a fertile plain. We will enjoy a late lunch and have a guided walk before transferring to the airport for our flight back to London.

TOUR INFORMATION

FLIGHT DETAILS

March departure - Flights with British Airways: Depart Gatwick 15.35, arrive Seville 19.15 Depart Seville 20.05, arrive Gatwick 21.50

October departure - Flights with Easyjet: Depart Gatwick 09.20, arrive Seville 13.05 Depart Seville 13.55, arrive Gatwick 15.40

Flight times subject to change – regional departures available on request.

WHAT WE INCLUDE

• Return flights

• Seven nights’ accommodation with breakfast

• Three dinners

• Three lunches

• All sightseeing, entrance fees and gratuities as described

• The services of a Kirker Tour Lecturer

CULTURAL

WINES OF RIOJA & NORTHERN SPAIN

A FIVE NIGHT HOLIDAY | 16 OCTOBER 2023

A superb wine tour through Rioja and Old Castile to discover some of Spain’s greatest vineyards and enjoy the legendary hospitality of the bodegas. We will travel through the Basque Country, La Rioja and Castile, visiting both famous and lesser-known producers as well as fascinating historic cities, charming hill towns, and spectacular countryside.

On arrival we transfer to the 4* Hotel Eguren Ugarte where we shall stay for the first three nights.You are free to explore for the rest of the afternoon before we meet this evening for an introductory talk and wine-tasting with Tim Clarke, followed by dinner.

This morning we head for Haro, wine capital of La Rioja. Here, in the area of historic bodegas close to the railway that linked Rioja with the outside world, our first visit is to a traditional winery. Lunchtime is free in the hill town of Haro.

Today is devoted to exploring the vineyards of Rioja Alavesa. Highlights will include the innovative Viña Ijalba, who pioneered the revival of Rioja’s classic grape Graciano, the state of the art Viña Real winery and lunch at the farmhouse of Contino, the oldest ‘single estate’ Rioja bodega, one of the most attractive wines and most idyllic places in Rioja. We then visit the Rioja Wine Museum which has its own winery and a permanent exhibition exploring the history of winetasting in the region.

DAY 1 DAY 2 DAY 3 DAY 4

Today we head for Old Castile and the historic city of Burgos where we visit the magnificent cathedral and stop for lunch. We continue to Peñafiel in the Duoro valley, where we stay for two nights at the 4* Hotel Convento las Claras.

Ribera del Duero has risen to challenge Rioja as the top region in Spain for red wine. The cold nights and hot days here give intense uplifted aroma, power and elegance to the wines. We will visit several great cellars here. Our first appointment is at Aalto where the great wines don’t come by accident but from extreme care, old vines and the vast experience of winemaker Mariano García. We taste the spectacular wines of Abadia Retuerta over lunch. This evening, our visit to Bodegas Alejandro Fernández will be a highlight of the tour. They make the great ‘Pesquera,’ Condado de Haza and other superb wines that we enjoy over dinner.

DAY 5 DAY 6

On our final day we travel south through the high plains of Castile. We’ll stop for a tasting at an excellent producer of Rueda white wines, before arriving in Segovia, famous for its Roman aqueduct and eccentric ‘Alcázar.’ We will enjoy a traditional lunch before we drive to Madrid airport for the flight back to London – alternatively, ask about extending your stay with a couple of nights in the Spanish capital.

TOUR INFORMATION

DEPARTURE DATE & PRICES

DATE

PRICE SINGLE SUPP

16 October £2,597 £276

Our prices are per person, based on the shared occupancy of a twin/double room. Supplement for single occupancy as shown.

FLIGHT DETAILS

Flights with Vueling and British Airways: Depart London Gatwick 08.30, arrive Bilbao 11.30 Depart Madrid 18.40, arrive London Gatwick 20.00

Flight times subject to change – regional departures and business class supplement available on request.

WHAT WE INCLUDE

• Return flights

• Five nights’ accommodation with breakfast

• Four lunches and three dinners

• All sightseeing, entrance fees and gratuities

• The services of the Kirker Tour Lecturer, Tim Clarke

Hotel Eguren Ugarte

ART & ARCHITECTURE OF MUNICH & BAVARIA

A SIX NIGHT HOLIDAY | 21 AUGUST 2023

Germany’s third largest city and proud capital of Bavaria, Munich offers sublime baroque architecture, important art collections, and a fascinating history, all set to the backdrop of the distant Alps. Our tour in the company of art historian Patrick Bade, will provide an immersive insight into the history, art and architecture of Munich itself, as well as two longer excursions into the countryside to discover royal summer residences, Benedictine monasteries and Rococo churches. Please note most journeys within the city will be made using public transport, and a good level of fitness is required for this tour.

the itinerary

We fly to Munich this morning, where we will be transferred to the 4* Hotel Torbräu, a historic, family-run establishment in a central location.

Princely and religious powers have left their imprint on Bavaria’s architectural heritage in equal measure, and we shall begin our first morning at Munich’s grand Residenz – the former home of the Bavarian Wittelsbach monarchs – followed by the 17th century Theatinerkirche, built in gratitude for a royal heir. After an independent lunch we will explore the Stadtmuseum, with its rich collections of art and historical artefacts.

DAY 1 DAY 2 DAY 3

Starting at Königsplatz, where we see some of Munich’s imposing 19th century neoclassical architecture, we shall visit the Alte Pinakothek in the morning, one of the world’s finest collections of 14th – 18th century art. After an independent lunch we will visit the Pinakothek der Moderne, one of the world’s largest collections of modern and contemporary art.

Escaping the city this morning we travel north to Schleissheim Palace, the elegant former summer residence of the Bavarian monarchs, which has one of the most important baroque gardens in Europe, as well as the historic Freising Cathedral.

TOUR LEADER

PATRICK BADE

Patrick Bade taught on the University of Glasgow MA programme at Christie’s Education in London where he also gave courses on the history of opera. During his career he has lectured at the Jewish Cultural Centre, the National Gallery, the British Museum, the Victoria and Albert Museum, the Royal Opera House, and the University of Barcelona. Patrick has also participated in programmes on BBC Radio 3, Radio 4 and Classic FM. His first book, Femme Fatale: Images of Evil and Fascinating Women, came out in 1978. Since then he has written monographs and essays on numerous 19th and early 20th century artists and his latest publications include a book on the use of music in World War II: Music Wars, 1937-45, and the essay ‘Neo-Neoclassicism: Classicism between the Wars’.

Today is spent exploring some of Munich’s finest museums, starting at the Lenbachhaus, where we see works by local artists, followed by the Bavarian National Museum and its superlative collection of decorative arts. After time for an independent lunch we will discover the fascinating collection of 19th century German paintings at the Schack Gallery.

Today we head south from the city to the wonderful Benedictine Monastery of Andechs, which is the burial place of Carl Orff and home to dazzling rococo interiors. We will continue to the UNESCO listed Wieskirche, and Ludwig II of Bavaria’s splendid Linderhof Palace in the afternoon.

Our final morning will include a visit to Nymphenburg Palace including its coach and porcelain museums, before we return to Munich airport for the flight home.

TOUR INFORMATION

DEPARTURE DATE & PRICES

DATE PRICE SINGLE SUPP

21 August £2,698 £498 Our prices are per person, based on the shared occupancy of a twin/double room. Supplement for single occupancy as shown.

FLIGHT DETAILS

Flights with British Airways: Depart Heathrow 13.10, arrive Munich 16.05 Depart Munich 16.30, arrive Heathrow 17.30

Flight times subject to change – regional departures available on request.

WHAT WE INCLUDE

• Return flights

• Six nights’ accommodation including breakfast

• Three dinners and one lunch

• Five nights’ accommodation with breakfast

• All sightseeing, entrance fees and gratuities as described

• The services of a Kirker Tour Lecturer

NUREMBERG & FRANCONIA

A SIX NIGHT HOLIDAY | 19 JUNE 2023

The cultural heart of Germany, Franconia is home to some of the most evocative and well-preserved mediaeval art and architecture in Europe. Based in Nuremberg, birthplace of Albrecht Dürer, we will explore the region’s charming towns and cities including Rothenburg, Bamberg, Würzburg and Wagner’s Bayreuth, and we will discover its fascinating history from a patchwork of Teutonic tribes through the Holy Roman Empire to the turbulent 20th century.

We fly to Nuremberg and transfer to the 4* Le Meridien Grand Hotel in the historic centre where we stay for the duration of the holiday.

Our first morning will begin with a guided walk through the old town of Nuremberg, including visits to St. Sebaldus, the city’s oldest church, which holds Peter Vischer the Elder’s bronze shrine, and to the restored mediaeval church of St. Lorenz, with beautiful stained glass and Peter Vischer’s suspended wood carving of the Annunciation. The day ends at the Germanisches Nationalmuseum, which has a collection spanning Germanic culture from the Middle Ages up to the 20th century.

We visit the picture-perfect mediaeval town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber, a popular stop on Germany’s Romantic Road. Highlights include the spectacular 16th century altarpiece by Tilman Riemenschneider at St. Jakob’s Church and the Reichsstadtmuseum. After lunch we will stop at the remains of the infamous Nuremberg Rally Grounds where the Nazi party held their National Congresses between 1933 and 1938.

DAY 1 DAY 2 DAY 3 DAY 4

Today we will travel to the picturesque town of Bamberg, where we will see the extraordinary Altes Rathaus, which straddles the Regnitz River, as well as the Romanesque cathedral containing a statue of the mysterious Bamberg horseman, and the city museum housed in the old bishops’ palace. During the afternoon we explore the palatial rooms, picture collection and rose garden of the Neue Residenz.

Today is spent in the university city of Würzburg where we visit the cathedral, partially reconstructed after WWII, and the town hall, before stopping for a wine-tasting at Julius Spital winery. The rest of the day is dedicated to the Residenz, a wonderful UNESCO-listed Baroque palace designed by Balthasar Neumann with spectacular ceilings by Tiepolo.

We head to Bayreuth this morning, where we will tour the Margravial Opera House, one of the most ornate and bestpreserved baroque theatres anywhere. We shall also visit Wagner’s handsome house, now the Wagner Museum. In the afternoon we will go the house where Albrecht Dürer lived and worked right up until his death, followed by Nuremberg’s Imperial Castle, which overlooks the city.

We transfer to Nuremberg airport for our flight back to London.

TOUR LEADER

CHRISTOPHER MONCKTON

Christopher Monckton writes: “The upheavals of the 20th century have tended to obscure the significance of this very beautiful region at the heart of Europe, as an historical centre of political and religious reform. Associated in my mind with the worst features of WWII, chance and necessity first brought me to these enchanting and hospitable places – in a former existence as a professional musician – and the scales fell from my eyes.”

TOUR INFORMATION

DEPARTURE DATE & PRICES

DATE PRICE SINGLE SUPP 19 June £2,489 £480 Our prices are per person, based on the shared occupancy of a twin/double room. Supplement for single occupancy as shown.

FLIGHT DETAILS

Flights with British Airways: Depart Heathrow 08.25, arrive Nuremberg 11.10 Depart Nuremberg 12.55, arrive Heathrow 13.40

Flight times subject to change – regional departures available on request.

WHAT WE INCLUDE

• Return flights

• Six nights’ accommodation with breakfast

• Three dinners and one lunch

• A winetasting

• All sightseeing, entrance fees and gratuities

• The services of the Kirker Tour Leader

Nuremberg

JORDAN – THE LAND OF T. E. LAWRENCE

EIGHT NIGHT HOLIDAYS | 13 NOVEMBER 2023 & 20 FEBRUARY 2024

The sight of the Great Treasury of Petra is one of the most thrilling travel experiences you will encounter, giving the visitor a great sense of discovery and something very special to savour. There is so much more to Jordan than just Petra though, as this tour will demonstrate. It is a country with a rich and colourful history which has embraced many civilisations. The remarkable site at Jerash reminds us that Jordan was once a prosperous Roman province, and the architecture of numerous churches and castles hints at the country’s Byzantine and Umayyad periods.

We fly from London Heathrow to Amman where we stay for the first three nights of the tour at the centrally located 4* Amman Marriott Hotel.

A visit to the city’s Archaeological Museum and the new Jordan Museum will be followed by a drive into the surrounding countryside to see a selection of the beautiful desert castles that dot the landscape, including Azraq Castle which was used by Lawrence of Arabia during the Arab revolt.

We will explore Jerash, one of the finest and best-preserved Roman sites to be found anywhere. Its altitude of 500 metres makes for wonderful views over the surrounding fertile countryside which we see as we drive through the Jordan Valley.

We leave the capital and drive to Petra, stopping at the Crusader Castle at Shobek. Built in 1115, it is part of a string of imposing castles that stretches from Aqaba to Turkey. We will stay at the 4* Marriott Petra hotel.

TOUR LEADER

ANDREW ALLEN

Andrew Allen read History of Art at the University of East Anglia and undertook his postgraduate study at the University of Essex taking his MA in early Italian painting.

He worked for Phillips Auctioneers and lectured at Anglia Polytechnic University before beginning his extensive work in the travel industry. He is a great traveller, spending much of the year abroad (working and investigating mediaeval iconography) and is one of Kirker’s most popular tour leaders. He often contributes articles to travel publications and has built up particular experience in parts of the Middle East and the great cities of Europe.

Petra

The day is spent at Petra. Situated at the end of the siq, a narrow passage through a cliff, is the magnificent Treasury of Petra. There will be plenty of time for you to explore the other sites of interest, including The Royal Tombs, Qsar El Bint and the Temple of the Winged Lion.

Today we visit Aqaba and Wadi Rum, following the route taken by T. E. Lawrence and Bedouin guerrillas in 1917. We will visit the Ottoman fort at Aqaba in the morning and will then proceed to Wadi Rum for a jeep ride across Jordan’s most spectacular desert landscape.

Today we visit ‘Little Petra’, a smaller archaeological site located north of Petra, which is thought to have been an agricultural and trading centre. The afternoon is free to explore the local area, or you may wish to return to Petra.

We leave Petra and travel along the Escarpment to Mount Nebo, where Moses is said to have seen the Promised Land. The tour moves on to the Dead Sea arriving mid-afternoon, where we spend the final night of the tour at the 4* Kempinski Hotel Ishtar.

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

•

•

•

CULTURAL

THE HERITAGE & HISTORY OF MALTA & GOZO

FIVE NIGHT HOLIDAYS | 1 NOVEMBER 2023

Malta and Gozo are small islands but there is a great deal of fascinating history on each, which will satisfy even the most demanding of travellers. They have beautiful coastlines, attractive fishing ports, pretty villages often dwarfed by immense churches and much fine Baroque architecture. On this tour we will see some of the fascinating treasures of these islands, including prehistoric temples which are thought to be the earliest accessible free-standing buildings in the world, mediaeval settlements and the walled city of Mdina. This is the rich legacy of the Knights of Malta who constructed military fortifications and magnificent buildings, especially in Valletta where the era of British rule, including Malta’s vital role in World War II, will also be explored.

the itinerary

We stay at the 4* deluxe Hotel Corinthia Palace for the duration of the tour. Originally built as a 19th century private villa, the hotel’s location opposite the Botanical Gardens and midway between the Baroque capital of Valletta and the ancient walled city of Mdina makes it a great base from which to explore the many treasures of Malta. It’s also a great place to relax with its peaceful setting and excellent facilities including the superb Anthenaeum Spa.

Today will be spent exploring Valletta which has recently undergone a series of major restorations including the impressive ramparts and Renzo Piano’s new Parliament building. We visit St. John’s Co-Cathedral with Caravaggio’s masterpiece ‘The Beheading of St. John’ and the beautiful jewel-like Teatru Manoel, one of the best surviving baroque theatres in Europe. During the afternoon we will visit Casa Rocca Piccola, the home of the Marquis de Piro and his family and see the audio-visual presentation ‘The Malta Experience’ which reveals the island’s dramatic history. Our day ends with a visit to Fort St. Elmo. The fort was built by the Knights in 1552 to guard the harbours on either side of the Sceberras Peninsula. After restoration, it reopened in 2015, and now contains the National War Museum, which covers Malta’s wartime history including the Great Siege and the country’s ordeal during WWII.

TOUR LEADER

An award-winning journalist, Juliet is a regular visitor to Malta and has considerable specialist knowledge of the Islands. She has written extensively about the country including ‘Malta & Gozo’ (Bradt Guides, 2nd edition, April 2013). She has a particular interest in the islands’ history and pre-history and although Maltese law prevents her from lecturing in some archaeological sites, she looks forward to sharing her knowledge with you on an informal basis during the tour.

We sail across the narrow strait to Gozo, a verdant island of fertile farmland, picturesque villages and monumental Baroque churches. We visit the prehistoric temples at Ggantija and continue to the capital,Victoria, where we walk around the fortifications. After an included lunch, we follow a scenic route to the charming fishing village of Xlendi.

DAY 4

Today we take a Harbour Cruise on board a traditional Maltese ‘Luzzu’ and, from the Grand Harbour, we can fully appreciate the remarkable fortifications of Valletta. We enjoy a walking tour of Malta’s first capital Mdina, known as ‘The Silent City’, with its aristocratic town palaces, Baroque cathedral and its special atmosphere within narrow mediaeval streets, and enjoy lunch at the Xara Palace Hotel.

DAY 5 DAY 6 DEPARTURE

The morning is free for you to relax before we drive to the airport for the flight back to the UK.

TOUR INFORMATION

DAY 1 DAY 2 DAY 3 DATE & PRICES DATE PRICE SINGLE SUPP

Flights with Air Malta: Depart Heathrow at 11.25, arrive Malta at 15.35 Depart Malta at 16.55, arrive Heathrow at 19.25 Flight times subject to change – regional departures available on request.

WHAT WE INCLUDE

• Return flights

• Five nights’ accommodation with breakfast

• Two dinners and three lunches

• All sightseeing, entrance fees and gratuities

• The services of the Kirker Tour Lecturer, Juliet Rix, and a local guide

TOURS

GARDENS OF MARRAKECH

A SEVEN NIGHT HOLIDAY | 4 NOVEMBER 2023

Marrakech is an intoxicating destination for all the senses, and the city and its surroundings are also home to a number of remarkable gardens. In the company of expert horticulturist Kirsty Fergusson, we shall explore some of the finest – from the famous Jardins Majorelle created by Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé, to several private gardens which are not normally open to the public, as well as a day in the magnificent Atlas Mountains. Late Autumn is perfect for enjoying some warm Moroccan sunshine.

We fly to Marrakech and transfer to our hotel, the 4*Jardins’ de la Medina, 25 minutes’ walk from Djemaa El Fna square. Facilities include a restaurant, hammam and an outdoor swimming pool surrounded by tall palm trees and exotic plants.

Today we begin with a walking tour of the Medina. We will walk through a maze of narrow colourful streets, visiting the traditional market quarters of Marrakech. We will then visit Le Jardin Secret – a hidden garden designed by Tom Stuart-Smith in the heart of the old city, before stopping for lunch at Café Arabe.

This morning we visit the Bahia Royal Palace and its courtyard gardens. Built in the late 19th century, the sprawling palace is comprised of 150 rooms all richly decorated in traditional Moroccan style. We will also visit the stunning new Musee de l’Art de la Parure Dar Si Said museum which houses a private collection of jewellery, and richly adorned textiles from Morocco, Africa and the Middle East.

Our day trip to the foothills of the Atlas Mountains includes a visit to the gardens at Hotel La Roseraie, lunch and a private tour of the gardens at Olinto, designed by owner, Fabrizio Ruspoli.

We visit Jardin Majorelle that was famously rescued from dereliction by Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé, now a splendid combination of careful planting and bold colour.We are also fortunate to be able to visit the adjoining garden of the Villa Oasis, where this celebrated couple lived. We then visit the stunning new Musée Yves Saint Laurent.

Travelling outside the city again, we head to Anima, the extraordinary garden made by Andre Heller, where there will be time to enjoy a delicious lunch in the café. We then continue to ‘Nectarome,’ a botanical garden which produces natural aromatic oils and the opportunity for a divinely soothing foot-bath.

This morning we visit the Thiemann Cactus Nursery. We will be met by Magde Thiemann who will give us an introduction to this inspiring collection, created by her father in the 1960s.

DAY 5 DAY 6 DAY 7 DAY 8

We drive to Marrakech airport for our flight home.

TOUR INFORMATION

FLIGHT DETAILS

Flights with British Airways: Depart Heathrow 10.20, arrive Marrakech 15.05 Depart Marrakech 15.55, arrive Heathrow 18.40 Flight times subject to change – regional departures available on request.

WHAT WE INCLUDE

• Return flights to Marrakech

• Seven nights’ accommodation with breakfast

• Three lunches and three dinners

• All entrances fees and gratuities as described

• The services of a Kirker Tour Lecturer

Jardin Majorelle

CULTURAL TOURS

BYZANTINE & OTTOMAN ISTANBUL

A FIVE NIGHT HOLIDAY | 22 MARCH & 1 NOVEMBER 2023

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

We fly to Istanbul and transfer to the 4* Hotel Eresin Crown 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 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.

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 1 DAY 2 DAY 3 DAY 4

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.

TOUR INFORMATION

DEPARTURE DATE & PRICES

DATE PRICE SINGLE SUPP 22 March £1,995 £375 1 November

Our prices are per person, based on the shared occupancy of a twin/double room. Supplement for single occupancy as shown.

FLIGHT DETAILS

Flights with British Airways: Depart London Heathrow 09.25, arrive Istanbul 16.25 Depart Istanbul 17.35, arrive London Heathrow 19.55 Flight times subject to change – regional departures available on request.

WHAT WE INCLUDE

• Return flights

• Five nights’ accommodation with breakfast

• Three dinners and one lunch

• All sightseeing, entrance fees and gratuities

• The services of the Kirker Tour Lecturer and a local guide DAY 5

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.

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

the hotel

DAY 6 The Hotel Eresin Crown Sultanahmet has an excellent location in the heart of the Sultanahmet district. It was built on the site of an Imperial palace and many of the original archaeological finds uncovered during the construction have been incorporated into the design and now form part of the hotel’s unique private museum. The 59 rooms are decorated in a modern style with paintings from the hotel’s collection of over 150 works. The hotel’s bar and excellent restaurant are located on the ground floor – in summer, breakfast, lunch and dinner are served on the rooftop terrace with its spectacular views.

Blue Mosque

Dolmabahce Palace

ART GALLERIES OF THE NETHERLANDS

A FIVE NIGHT HOLIDAY | 5 MARCH 2023

In what will undoubtedly be one of Europe’s blockbuster exhibitions of 2023, the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam will host the largest Johannes Vermeer retrospective ever held. Working in collaboration with the Mauritshuis in The Hague and international loans, this exhibition devoted to the 17th century master will be an unmissable opportunity to view these exceptional pieces all together, and forms the centre of our art tour this spring. Meanwhile at The Royal Picture Gallery Mauritshuis in The Hague, we will see a collection of paintings including some of the great masterpieces of the Dutch Golden Age. In addition to these, we will visit the Stedelijk and the Van Gogh Museums, both recently reopened following lengthy closures for renovations, as well as the Kröller-Müller Museum near Arnhem. This stunning, modern gallery enjoys an unusual location amid the wild beauty of the national park De Hoge Veluwe, and is home to a rich collection of 19th and 20th century paintings including over 90 works by Van Gogh.

the itinerary

We transfer to the 3* NH Museums Quarter Hotel which is conveniently located close to the Museumplein. The hotel has a bar, a restaurant and comfortably furnished bedrooms.

DAY 1

This morning we go to the Van Gogh Museum where over 200 paintings, drawings and letters are on display. Afterwards we will visit the most famous art museum in Holland, the Rijksmuseum, where the new exhibition of works by Johannes Vermeer promises to be one of the most important shows in years. Designed by Pierre Cuypers and first opened in 1895, the Rijksmuseum was reopened in 2013 after a ten-year restoration project, and houses the world’s greatest collection of Dutch paintings dating from the 17th century, Holland’s Golden Age, which includes Rembrandt’s eminent ‘The Night Watch.’ For the new exhibition, a rare gathering of works by Vermeer will include ‘The Girl with the Pearl Earring’ from the Mauritshuis, ‘The Geographer’, from the Städel Museum, Frankfurt am Main, ‘Woman Holding a Balance’ from The National Gallery of Art, Washington DC, and the newly restored ‘Girl Reading a Letter at the Open Window’ (Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister, Dresden).

DAY 2 DAY 3

Today we drive to The Hague, a sedate and dignified town of great charm. Here we visit the Mauritshuis with its wonderful collection of works by Dutch and Flemish masters, including ‘The Goldfinch’ by Carel Fabritius. Although one of the highlights here, Vermeer’s ‘The Girl with the Pearl Earring’, will be at the Rijksmuseum for the spring exhibition, there are an enormous number of masterpieces here including works by Rembrandt,Van Dyck, Rubens and Paulus Potter among others.

Optional Concerts

Amsterdam’s beautiful and distinguished Concertgebouw is one of the best loved concert halls in the world, as much for its superb acoustic as for its long history. We will publish details of optional concerts in due course.

DAY 4

We will enjoy a canal cruise in a private saloon boat and afterwards we will visit The Stedelijk Museum, Amsterdam’s main modern art museum housed in an imposing building which contains collections of paintings, drawings, sculptures and more from 1850 until today. The museum also hosts changing, and sometimes controversial, exhibitions of contemporary art.

DAY 5 DAY 6

We drive to Arnhem this morning to visit the Kröller-Müller Museum, a superb collection displayed in a building surrounded by the great open spaces of the National Park. Helene Kröller-Müller was a collector of great taste and in her lifetime she amassed more than 11,000 objects and works. Her last major purchase was Seurat’s ‘La Chahut’ in 1922.

We drive to the airport for the flight back to the UK.

TOUR INFORMATION

DEPARTURE DATE & PRICES

DATE PRICE SINGLE SUPP

5 March £1,897 £298

Our prices are per person, based on the shared occupancy of a twin/double room. Supplement for single occupancy as shown.

FLIGHT DETAILS

Flights with British Airways:

Depart London Heathrow 10.55, arrive Amsterdam 13.20 Depart Amsterdam 14.10, arrive London Heathrow 14.30

Flight times subject to change – regional departures available on request.

WHAT WE INCLUDE

• Return flights

• Five nights’ accommodation with breakfast

• Three dinners

• All sightseeing, entrances fees and gratuities

• The services of a Kirker Tour Lecturer

THE FLEMISH ART CITIES OF GHENT, BRUGES AND ANTWERP

A FOUR NIGHT HOLIDAY | 13 MARCH 2023

Our new tour to these three great Flemish art cities was inspired by the long-awaited reopening of the Royal Museum of Fine Arts (KMSKA) in Antwerp, and while this wonderful museum may be the highlight of the tour for many, the mediaeval charm of Bruges and Van Eyck’s masterpiece ‘The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb’ in Ghent are not to be overlooked. All three cities offer a vivid insight into the history and art of Flanders in its Golden Age. The spectacular reimagining of the KMSKA in Antwerp puts its extensive collection of Old Masters front and centre, we will see works by Rubens, Memling, Van Eyck and Van Dyck, alongside pieces by Ensor, Fouquet, Titian and Modigliani among others. In Ghent, Jan Van Eyck’s altarpiece has recently been returned to St Bavo’s Cathedral, where visitors can see this remarkable altarpiece with greater clarity than before, after a painstaking renovation restored the work’s original vibrance. Among the highlights of picturesque Bruges are the Groeningemuseum with its own collection of important works by Van Eyck, the Gruuthusemuseum and Michelangelo’s ‘Madonna and Child’ at the Church of Our Lady.

the itinerary

We travel to Belgium in the fastest and most comfortable manner, by Eurostar from London St Pancras to Lille. Here we will be met by our coach for the two hour drive to Ghent, where we stay at the 4* deluxe Hotel Harmony for the duration of the holiday. Run by the charming De Smet family, the hotel is ideally located in the heart of the historic centre. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore the town.

Our first day will be spent in Ghent where we will visit the Museum of Fine Arts and see its varied collection which ranges from works by Hieronymus Bosch and Rubens to Magritte and Rodin. We explore the Ghent City Museum which tells the story of the city from the Middle Ages to the present day from within a 14th century abbey, 17th century convent and a new 21st century building. In the afternoon we will take a walk through the historic centre and visit St Bavo’s Cathedral to view Van Eyck’s masterpiece ‘The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb’.

DAY 1 DAY 2 DAY 3

In Bruges we discover an almost perfect mediaeval townscape, protected from modernisation by the farsightedness of the city’s 19th century fathers. Adding to the charm are the canals that meander through the city. We will visit the Groeningemuseum, home to a world-class collection of Flemish Primitives, and visit the recently refurbished Gruuthusemuseum, which brings the history of Bruges from its prosperous Burgundian period to life, through an exhibition of over 600 items. In the Church of Our Lady we will see Michelangelo’s profoundly moving ‘Madonna and Child’.

Today we will make a full day excursion to Antwerp including a visit to the fully renovated Royal Musuem of Fine Arts. An eleven-year project has added a modern white-cube gallery into the courtyards of the original neo-classical building, which dates from 1890. The impressive collection of Old Masters is hung alongside modern works in a series of thematic rooms, prompting fascinating comparisons and conversations between the pieces. We visit the great Cathedral with the ineffably moving altarpiece by Rubens and the Mayer van den Bergh Museum, an intimate collection assembled by Fritz Mayer van den Bergh in the 19th century which includes Pieter Bruegel’s worldfamous painting, ‘Mad Meg’.

DAY 4

DAY 5

On our final morning there is some free time to explore Ghent independently before our transfer to Lille and our Eurostar back to London St Pancras.

TOUR INFORMATION

DEPARTURE DATE & PRICES

DATE PRICE SINGLE SUPP 13 March £1,985 £198 Our prices are per person, based on the shared occupancy of a twin/double room. Supplement for single occupancy as shown.

EUROSTAR DETAILS

Depart London St. Pancras 11.04, arrive Lille 13.26 Depart Lille 15.30, arrive London St. Pancras 16.00

WHAT WE INCLUDE

• Return Standard Premier Class Eurostar between London and Lille

• Four nights’ accommodation with breakfast

• Two dinners

• One lunch

• Services of the Kirker Tour Leader

• All sightseeing, entrance fees and gratuities as described

Royal Musuem of Fine Arts

© Karen Borghouts

THE GARDENS OF DORSET & SOMERSET

A FOUR NIGHT HOLIDAY | 3 JULY 2023

Expert horticulturalist and popular Kirker tour leader Kirsty Fergusson will escort this itinerary ‘behind the scenes’ of some of the most wonderful gardens in the south-west of England. Based in the picturesque small town of Bridport, close to Dorset’s World Heritage Jurassic Coast, we will join Kirsty in visiting a fascinating range of public and private gardens, many of which will open specially for our visit – including kitchen gardens, meadows, historic orchards, elegant water gardens and subtropical plant collections.

TOUR LEADER

Please make your own way to the charming Bull Inn in Bridport, just over an hour from Bournemouth or Exeter, which will be our base for the duration of the holiday. Dinner will be served at the hotel this evening.

This morning we will visit the home of John and Jenny Makepeace in Beaminster. John Makepeace is a leading designer of contemporary fine furniture, dedicated to exploring the beauty of wood. His wife, Jennie is a distinguished gardener and plantswoman and together they have created complementary “his and hers” gardens, reflecting two very different approaches to garden design and planting. We will continue to Milton Mill in West Milton, the former home of nature writer Kenneth Allsop, where we will have lunch with owner Margaret Morgan-Grenville and a tour of her idyllic garden which has a river flowing through it and its own cider orchard. In the afternoon we will head to Mapperton in Beaminster for a tour of the house and garden where Kirsty was Head Gardener for five years.

Charles Dowding, master of the “No Dig” method, will give us a private tour of his exceptional kitchen garden this morning and will share his insight into how to make your own produce grow and taste better. We then cross the border into Somerset where we will visit England’s newest Grand Garden at The Newt. We will have lunch at the excellent restaurant here and a tour of the gardens bravely created on the site of Penelope Hobhouse’s Hadpsen.

Our first visit today is to Forde Abbey, with its beautiful meadow gardens maintained by young head gardener, Joshua Sparkes.We will then continue to Southwood Farm. Garden designer Arne Maynard has worked with owner, Professor Clive Potter, a researcher at the Centre for Environmental Policy at Imperial College, to create a garden that marries sensitively with the medieval yeoman farmhouse and the wider rural landscape beyond. Courtyards brimming with perennials and neat topiary and a superb kitchen garden overlook hay meadows and woodland beyond.

On our final morning there will be a visit to Abbotsbury subtropical gardens. Winner of the Christie’s Garden of the Year Award 2012, Abbotsbury comprises a Victorian walled garden set in 20 acres of woodland valley with a mixture of formal and informal flowers. The unique micro-climate enables rare and exotic species to thrive here, and it is renowned for magnificent collections of rhododendrons, hydrangeas, magnolias, and Camellia groves. After the tour you may choose to linger at the excellent café and plant centre here.

KIRSTY FERGUSSON

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

TOUR INFORMATION

DEPARTURE DATE & PRICES

DATE PRICE SINGLE SUPP 3 July £1,489 £388 Our prices are per person, based on the shared occupancy of a twin/double room. Supplement for single occupancy as shown.

WHAT WE INCLUDE

• Four nights’ accommodation with breakfast

• Four dinners and two lunches

• All sightseeing, entrance fees and gratuities

• The services of the Kirker Tour Lecturer

Forde Abbey Mapperton

THE GARDENS AND GALLERIES OF CORNWALL

A FIVE NIGHT HOLIDAY | 3 SEPTEMBER 2023

Cornwall’s unique microclimate makes it the perfect destination for a late summer escape, and the warmth combined with the special quality of the light here has – much like the French Riviera – long attracted both artists and horticulturalists. In the company of expert gardener and writer Kirsty Fergusson, we will visit some of the very best of the county’s gardens –both public and private – as well as important art galleries, including the recently extended Tate St Ives.

Please make your own way to Falmouth where we stay for the duration of the tour at the 4* St Michael’s Resort. Dinner will be taken in the hotel’s restaurant this evening.

Today we go to two adjacent gardens on the Helford River. The first, Trebah, is a wonderful sub-tropical paradise with glorious views out across the river. Established over 160 years ago by the Quaker polymath Charles Fox as a pleasure garden, it is full of exotic species. Then we go to Glendurgan, another garden established by the Fox family, who were great gardeners and plant collectors. Now run by the National Trust, Glendurgan combines exotic plants with banks of wildflowers.

This morning we will travel to the Lizard peninsula, the most south-westerly point of the British mainland. Here we visit Bonython Manor gardens, where owners Sue and Richard Nathan arrived from South Africa in 1999, bringing with them a love of South African plants. While the walled gardens remain traditionally English in their inspiration, the lakeside slopes are planted with a bold mixture of grasses and plants native to the Cape. We then cross the Helford River to Trelowarren, home to the Vyvyan family for 600 years to enjoy lunch in the Estate’s own restaurant and explore the gardens.

Our first visit this morning is to Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens. Here impressive exotic and sub-tropical planting is combined with works by internationally renowned artists including James Turrell, David Nash and Richard Long, who have created sculpture to complement the surrounding Cornish landscape. Next we head to the Tate St. Ives. Reopened in October 2017 after a four-year redevelopment, the Tate is now able to display a semi-permanent collection in the original building including several works by artists associated with Cornwall, as well as a programme of temporary exhibitions in the new wing. We will then visit the nearby Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden where the artist and sculptor lived with her husband, Ben Nicholson, after they moved to Cornwall. She died here on 20 May 1975 after a fire swept through the building.

belonging to the Carlyon family, is set on the slopes above St Austell in 20 acres of woodland.Victorian kitchen gardens, and beautifully presented greenhouses are evidence of the family’s deep and knowledgeable affection for plants, particularly those of the southern hemisphere. Tom Hudson, the latest family member to take on the gardens has added to the wonderful collection of trees from his many plant hunting trips in high-altitude Asia. We continue to Polkerris, in Daphne du Maurier country, for lunch at a traditional pub beside the beach. In the afternoon we visit Hidden Valley Gardens where Tricia and Peter Howard have created three-acre garden and nursery brimming with late summer colour, including a pond area with wildlife and bog planting a shady Fernery, Japanese and Mediterranean areas.

family

The tour ends after a visit to nearby Potager Garden; a relatively new garden on the site of a former plant nursery where the emphasis is on enjoyment and relaxation – and there’s a fabulous cafe.

•

•

•

•

Tate St. Ives

Trebah Garden

THE VINEYARDS OF KENT

A FOUR NIGHT HOLIDAY | 24 APRIL 2023

“Kent, sir – everybody knows Kent – apples, cherries, hops and women”, observed Mr Jingle in Dickens’ Pickwick Papers, and whilst we might phrase it differently almost 200 years later, the Garden of England retains a fruitful abundance from the High Weald to the cliffs and beaches of the coast. In recent years, viticulture has taken root firmly in the region, and Kent is the source of the most highly-regarded vineyards in the UK, producing a host of award-winning wines – from Champagne-rivalling sparkling wines to impressive whites and increasingly well-respected reds. On this tour in the company of expert wine critic and author Jonathan Ray, drinks editor of The Spectator, we will meet some of the county’s finest winemakers – and a brewer – and taste the very best that Kent has to offer. Based on the edge of the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, we shall also take time to enjoy exquisite gardens, galleries and plenty of the finest local produce.

Make your own way to the 4* Chilston Park Hotel today. In the evening you will meet Jonathan Ray and the rest of the party for an introduction to the best of Kent’s produce, including a tasting of some local Kent wines and dinner featuring some of the county’s finest seasonal ingredients.

Our first day in Kent will begin at perhaps the most celebrated of its vineyards, Chapel Down, just outside Tenterden. We will enjoy a tour of the wine estate including a tasting of their awardwinning still and sparkling wines, followed by lunch in Chapel Down’s excellent Swan Restaurant. In the afternoon we will travel to nearby Rye, an ancient town and member of the Cinque Ports with a fascinating history as defensive bastion and smugglers’ haven. There will be time to explore the highlights of Rye, including Lamb House, the infamous Mermaid Inn and the church which offers spectacular views over the landscape. We will return to the hotel later and the evening will be free for an independent dinner.

This morning we will visit the wonderful gardens at Sissinghurst, created by Vita Sackville-West and her husband Harold Nicolson from 1930 until her death in 1968. One of the most famous gardens in England, it has gained an international reputation for pioneering the use of ‘garden rooms’ such as the celebrated White Garden, as well as a fine collection of old garden roses. We will then continue to the nearby Balfour Winery, founded by Richard and Leslie Balfour-Lynn in 2002 on the beautiful Hush Heath Estate. Here we shall enjoy a three-course lunch served with paired wines, after which we will explore the 400acre estate, which is also home to oak woodlands and meadows, and the state-of-the-art winery.

Grapes may have gathered the headlines in recent years, but it was the humble hop which put Kent on the drinks map and there is no better guide to the history of brewing in the country than Jonathan Neame, whose family have run Britain’s oldest brewer, Shepherd Neame since 1698. After a tour of the magnificent Victorian brewery in Faversham, we will enjoy a tasting of a selection of beers. We will then visit the excellent Macknade Food Hall for a lunch combining the best local and imported Italian specialities, and an opportunity to pick up some gastronomic souvenirs – there is a very good wine shop on site as well as an extraordinary deli counter. We will then visit our third winery, Simpsons’, where experienced winemakers Charles & Ruth Simpson grow 30 hectares of Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier and Pinot Noir on the chalky soil of the Elham Valley. We will visit the winery and enjoy a tasting before returning to the hotel.

DAY 5

The tour ends after breakfast this morning.

We will be based for the duration of the tour at the elegant Chilston Park Hotel, located on the edge of the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, just 20 minutes from Maidstone and Ashford, and half an hour’s drive from Canterbury. The Grade I listed 17th century manor house sits in 22 acres of Kentish parkland, and offers 53 comfortable bedrooms, located in either the main house or the Mews building nearby. The Culpeper’s restaurant has a good reputation for seasonal dishes created by head chef Adrian Martin with ingredients sourced locally, and afternoon teas are served in the Marble Lounge. There is plenty of parking on site for those arriving by car and the taxi journey from Maidstone West will cost approximately £30.

TOUR INFORMATION

DEPARTURE DATE & PRICES

Our prices are per person, based on the shared occupancy of a twin/double room. Supplement for single occupancy as shown.

WHAT WE INCLUDE

•

•

•

•

• The services of the Kirker Tour Lecturer, Jonathan Ray

Chapel Down

CULTURAL TOURS

GARDENS OF SCOTLAND’S WEST COAST

A FIVE NIGHT HOLIDAY | 22 MAY 2023

Join Paddy Scott for a spring tour of Scotland’s glorious West Coast, including visits to the region’s finest houses and gardens. Travelling by road and ferry, we will traverse the West Coast from (Dumfries) Ayrshire to the Isle of Arran, Oban and back to Glasgow, exploring ancient castles, Palladian mansions, formal gardens, woodland landscapes and some of the country’s most spectacular natural scenery.

The tour starts late morning at the Kimpton Blythswood Square Hotel in Central Glasgow. Please make your own way to Glasgow this morning – we would be delighted to book a room for you at the hotel if you prefer to arrive the night before. We will travel south to Dumfries House Lodge on the estate of the 18th century Dumfries House, where we stay for one night. We will have lunch here before a guided tour of the gardens. A consortium led by HRH King Charles led a vast restoration programme over the past 15 years, which has restored the house and gardens to their original splendour. In the evening, after exploring the house and its collections, which include the finest collection of Chippendale furniture in the world, we shall sit down for a grand dinner in the elegant Dining Room.

Checking out of the hotel we will travel across the Firth of Clyde by ferry to visit Brodick Castle on the Isle of Arran. There has been a fortress on the site at Brodick since the 5th century and we will see its 80-acre woodland garden which includes three National Collections of Rhododendrons, in addition to a walled garden beneath the Castle. We will continue by coach and ferry to Stonefield Castle, overlooking Loch Fyne, where we stay tonight.

This morning begins with a visit to nearby Baravalla, with its world-class collection of rare shrubs and Rhododendrons brought back from Asia to the UK by plant hunters over the last 50 years, followed by lunch at Stonefield Castle. We continue to Arduaine, an outstanding 20-acre coastal garden with superb views out to sea. Plants from all over the world can be found at Arduaine, from a magnificent collection of Rhododendrons and a National Collection of Maddenia hybrids to Magnolias, Camellias, Azaleas and rare trees and shrubs. We stay for the next two nights at the Loch Melfort Hotel.

30 acres of woodland gardens overlooking Loch Etive stretch out from the 19th century house at Achnacloich, where we will see trees and shrubs from Asia, China, Japan, North America and New Zealand and a remarkable collection of Rhododendrons, Azaleas, Magnolias, Maples and Sorbus. There are several interesting trees including native Oaks, Scots Pine, European Larch and a giant Douglas Fir which was part of Douglas’s original introduction to this country. After lunch we visit Ardmaddy, a 15th century castle on the coast with wonderful views out to sea, which overlooks a formal walled garden which was created on the site of a barracks dating back to the 1745 Jacobite rebellion.

Checking out of the hotel this morning we head south to Glasgow, calling first at Inveraray Castle on the shores of Loch Fyne. Seat of the Dukes of Argyll, the castle dates back to the 1740s and was inspired by Vanbrugh, the architect of Castle Howard. The garden covers sixteen acres of formal lawns and flowerbeds, park and woodland. After lunch here we will continue to Ardkinglas with dramatic views over Loch Fyne and a spectacular background of mountains and forest. We will arrive in the late afternoon at the Kimpton Blythswood Square Hotel in Glasgow, where we will enjoy a final dinner together in a private dining room.

Brodick

Inveraray Castle

CULTURAL TOURS

GLORIOUS GARDENS OF THE NORTH

A FIVE NIGHT HOLIDAY | 19 JUNE 2023

Despite its northerly latitude, the Highlands of Scotland, warmed by the effects of the Gulf Stream and cultivated by some of the country’s most skilled and passionate horticulturalists, is home to a surprising diversity of gardens. In the company of local expert Paddy Scott, we will visit a number of private gardens, some of which are rarely open to the public, and enjoy guided tours with the owners and gardeners themselves.

Please make your own way to Bunchrew House Hotel (4*) near Inverness, where we stay for the duration of the holiday. The hotel is located on the banks of the Beauly Firth, ten minutes by taxi from Inverness train station and about 30 minutes from the airport. Speak to a member of the Kirker team if you would like assistance with flights or rail travel to Inverness.

On our first day in the north of Scotland we will visit two private gardens close to Inverness. The first is Glenkyllachy Lodge, in a remote highland glen at an altitude of 1150ft, where a glorious haven of shrubs, herbaceous plants and rhododendrons surround two ponds with a backdrop of a hillside covered with juniper and birch. We then visit a remarkable hillside garden on the banks of the Moray Firth. Despite an apparently inhospitable setting, we will find a truly memorable garden – terraces and paths traverse the steep slope, with trees, shrubs and clever plantings of perennials and annuals along with grasses and bamboo as well as a charming small pond and cascade.

Today we visit two magnificent castle gardens. Dunbeath Castle, situated in a stunning coastal position in Caithness, has two outstanding walled gardens, one re-designed by Xa Tollemache in 1998, with herbaceous borders and a selection of beautiful garden ‘rooms’. In the afternoon we will visit Dunrobin Castle, home of The Earl and Countess of Sutherland, whose extensive gardens are situated between the sea and the imposing Castle above. Sir Charles Barry, influenced by Versailles, created large terraces leading to a level garden that extends to the sea wall.

This morning we shall visit Novar, the glorious country house of Mr and Mrs Ronald Munro Ferguson, which is surrounded by well-planted borders and a magnificent water garden, both re-planted recently by garden designer Michael Innes. We shall then travel to the House of Aigas, where we have lunch with Sir John and Lady Lister Kaye, whose Victorian country house is set in a wonderful position in the River Beauly glen. In the afternoon we visit Old Allangrange, a garden surrounding a charming 17th century lime-washed house that has been created by the owners to encourage wildlife, particularly bees.

PADDY SCOTT

A Scotsman educated at Rugby School and Trinity College, Dublin, Paddy spent twenty years working for the Distillers Company, and has since served eight years as Chief Executive of Scotland’s Gardens, a charity dedicated to raising funds for charity by opening private gardens to the public. Since then as one of the founders of Discover Scottish Gardens, a business dedicated to marketing Scottish gardens to the world, he has maintained an in-depth knowledge of Scottish gardens and close contacts with many garden owners.

Overlooking the glorious Gruinard Bay on the west coast, House of Gruinard features a riverbank garden, heavily planted with herbaceous plants and shrubs sheltered by New Zealand shrubs such as Olearias. A burn-side garden has masses of candelabra primulas in spring. We will continue to the Dundonnell Hotel for lunch, followed by a guided tour at Dundonnell House, a truly magical garden set in some of Scotland’s most beautiful west coast scenery. Finally, we call at the remarkable private coastal garden of Dundonnell’s head gardener, with a rich mix of rare and interesting plants, shrubs and trees.

The tour concludes after breakfast this morning.

TOUR

WHAT

•

•

•

•

• The services of the Kirker Tour Leader, Paddy Scott, and a tour escort

Dundonnell Garden

CHRISTMAS ON THE CÔTE D’AZUR

A FIVE NIGHT HOLIDAY | 22 DECEMBER 2023

The Côte d’Azur has attracted artists since the 19th century, and the unique microclimate and glowing light which brought Monet, Matisse, Chagall and Picasso to the Riviera makes this the perfect destination for an elegant Christmas escape. Our itinerary will include not only the most important museums and galleries in Nice, Antibes and St Paul-de-Vence, but also exquisite French cuisine, including a dinner on Christmas Eve in the hotel’s Royal Salon, Christmas lunch at the wonderful Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, and Boxing Day lunch at La Colombe d’Or, where paintings by Matisse, Picasso, Braque and Chagall adorn the walls. We stay at the iconic Hotel Negresco (5*), which epitomises the glamour and elegance of Old Nice.

DAY 1 DAY 2

On arrival we transfer to the 5* Hotel Negresco in the centre of Nice.

We begin our tour with a visit to the Musée Matisse where the talents of this artist can be enjoyed to the full. Set in a villa surrounded by gardens, the museum displays his paintings alongside sculptures and ceramics. This afternoon we visit the Marc Chagall Museum, designed to hold the 17 canvases of The Biblical Message which depict scenes from Genesis, Exodus and The Song of Solomon. Today it holds many other works by the artist, primarily those inspired by religion.

We visit the Château Grimaldi in Antibes on Christmas Eve, where we will see paintings donated to the town by Picasso, who lived and worked here in 1946. Afterwards we go to Le Cannet, where the Impressionist master Pierre Bonnard lived for many years. The town was the driving force in establishing a museum dedicated to the artist’s work, and in 2011 the Musée Bonnard opened in the Hôtel SaintVianney. Its collection is constantly being expanded and in February 2014 the artist’s ‘L’Amandier’ was added. Dinner tonight is a classic French Reveillon menu in the Negresco’s Royal Salon.

On Christmas Day, we drive to St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat to visit the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, as famous for its art collection as for its gardens, which harmoniously combine formal and contemporary styles. The villa was built between 1905 and 1912 for the Baroness Béatrice de Rothschild in the most beautiful spot on the Cap-Ferrat peninsula. The garden surrounds the villa, each of the nine garden rooms with its own distinctive and contrasting theme. We will have lunch in the restaurant overlooking the gardens at Villa Ephrussi.

We drive to St-Paul-de-Vence today to visit the Maeght Foundation, designed by Josep Lluís Sert, surrounded by sculpture gardens and with a stunning collection of works by Picasso, Miró, Hepworth and many others. We will have lunch at the famous Colombe d’Or restaurant, where the works of many artists adorn the walls. In the afternoon we go to Vence to see the evocative Chapel of the Rosary, an ambitious project which took Matisse more than four years to complete.

After a free morning, we drive to Nice airport for the flight to London.

the hotel

The 5* Hotel Negresco is one of France’s most famous hotels. Built in 1913 by Henri Negresco, the building is recognised as a National Historic Monument and stands on the Promenade des Anglais overlooking the beautiful Baie des Anges. Sumptuously furnished throughout with a spectacular lounge and many original works of art, the hotel has 117 bedrooms and two excellent restaurants, – ‘Le Chantecler’, with two Michelin stars. and ‘La Rotonde’, a less-formal brasserie.

TOUR INFORMATION

Please call 020 7593 2284 to register your interest.

FLIGHT DETAILS

Flights with British Airways: Depart Heathrow 11.40, arrive Nice 14.50 Depart Nice 14.00, arrive Heathrow 15.10 Flight times subject to change – regional departures available on request.

WHAT WE INCLUDE

• Return flights

• Five nights’ accommodation with breakfast

• Three dinners and two lunches

• All sightseeing, entrance fees and gratuities

• The services of the Kirker Tour Leader

CHRISTMAS IN VIENNA

A FIVE NIGHT HOLIDAY | 22 DECEMBER 2023

Vienna is at its best at Christmas time, when exquisitely decorated shop windows and elegant festive lights brighten up the medieval streets in the city centre. We include a performance at the Vienna State Opera on Christmas Day. There will also be visits to the city’s finest museums and galleries, including the Belvedere and the Kunsthistorisches Museum. We stay at one of the city’s finest hotels, the 5* Deluxe Bristol, perfectly located adjacent to the State Opera.

On arrival we transfer to the 5* deluxe Bristol in the centre of Vienna where the tour is based. Dinner is included in a local restaurant this evening.

We enjoy a panoramic sightseeing tour of the impressive State buildings that line the Ring, including the Houses of Parliament, the University, the Burgtheater and the State Opera House. We leave the coach and walk through the historic centre to St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the Mozart House, which is now a museum dedicated to the composer’s life in the city. There are a number of excellent traditional Viennese coffee houses in this area where you can enjoy a light lunch or pastry before we walk to the Museumsquartier, located close to the Volkstheater and the Natural History Museum, where we visit the Leopold Museum with important collections of Gustav Klimt and Egon Schiele. Dinner is taken independently this evening.

We will visit the Belvedere Palace this morning. This lavish Baroque palace was built as the official residence of Prince Eugene of Savoy and today it holds an important art collection which spans many periods. It is best known for works by the artists closely associated with the Vienna Secession and here we see Klimt’sThe Kiss (1908), which represents this golden age in the cultural history of the city. There will be time to see the permanent collection as well as enjoy one of the current exhibitions. This afternoon we have a guided tour of the Hofburg, the seat of the Hapsburgs. This was the centre of court life, a city within a city, providing employment for thousands. The rest of the day is free and Christmas Eve dinner is taken at the Bristol.

This morning is free until we leave for Christmas lunch at one of the city’s most historic hotels. This evening we will go to the Vienna State Opera for an included performance (details will be published in the spring).

We transfer by coach to the Kunsthistorisches Museum, one of the world’s greatest art collections. Here we will see the magnificent collection of Old Masters including works by Vermeer, Brueghel, Titian and Bellotto before visiting the Museum’s Kunstkammer. This displays an awe-inspiring collection of treasures including the golden salt cellar by Benvenuto Cellini.

We depart the hotel for our return flight to London.

the hotel

The 5* Hotel Bristol is traditional and elegant and has been the focal point of Vienna’s cultural life for over a century. With a wonderful location, opposite the State Opera House, it has recently undergone a major restoration and is once again one of the leading hotels in the city. Decorated throughout with antiques, there are 150 beautifully furnished bedrooms. Dining options include the ‘Bristol Lounge’ and the cosy ‘Bristol Bar’ which is one of the oldest American style bars in Austria.

TOUR INFORMATION

FLIGHT DETAILS

Flights with British Airways: Depart Heathrow 14.30, arrive Vienna 17.50 Depart Vienna 18.45, arrive Heathrow 20.10

Flight times subject to change – regional departures available on request.

WHAT WE INCLUDE

• Return flights

• Five nights’ accommodation with breakfast

• Christmas Day lunch and two dinners

• A second category ticket for one performance at the Vienna State Opera

• All sightseeing, entrance fees and gratuities

• The services of the Kirker Tour Leader and local guide

GENEVA & CERN

A FIVE NIGHT HOLIDAY | 2 MAY 2023

Join readers of New Scientist magazine to discover the world’s greatest physics laboratory, accompanied by particle physicist Darren Price. One of the world’s most important centres of science and innovation, Geneva is also a charming lakeside city with a fascinating history. Our focus will be a visit to the CERN complex, where the European Organization for Nuclear Research operates the world’s largest particle physics laboratory, including the famous Large Hadron Collider. The largest machine ever constructed, with a circumference of 17 miles, the LHC is one of the most important research establishments in the world, and several areas are open to visitors. Guest Lecturer and particle physicist Darren Price will give an introductory talk on his work at CERN before we visit the complex. During our stay in Geneva we will also explore the old town, visit the Museum of the History of Science and learn about the traditional craft of watchmaking at the Patek Phillipe workshop. One day will be spent visiting the alpine town of Chamonix, in the shadow of Mont Blanc, where we will visit the Mer de Glace glacier and enjoy a fondue lunch. We also enjoy a dinner cruise on Lake Geneva on our final evening.

the itinerary

DAY

1

Flying direct into Geneva, we will be transferred to the 4* Hotel Royal Manotel in the centre of the city. The afternoon will be free and we will enjoy dinner this evening at a local restaurant.

This morning we will start with a walking tour of the old town centre of Geneva, including the Cathedral where John Calvin preached in the 16th century, and a visit to a traditional watchmaker where we learn more about one of the city’s most famous crafts. After lunch we will take a scenic cruise on Lake Geneva. This evening Darren Price will join us to give a talk on particle physics and his work at CERN.

Today is devoted to the CERN complex, just outside the city centre, where we shall gain an insight into the work which takes place here. Darren will accompany our visit to CERN and we will see the Universe of Particles exhibition inside the Globe of Science and Innovation – a 27-metre-high wooden dome – as well as the Microcosm exhibition, opened in 2016, which displays a range of interactive exhibits including a model section of the Large Hadron Collider, and a simulation of a particle accelerator. We will return to Geneva in the afternoon and say goodbye to Darren before meeting our second expert speaker, glacial archaeologist Laura Spinney. Laura will join the group for dinner and set the scene for tomorrow with a talk on the archaeological remains unearthed by receding glaciers.

Heading out of the city for the day, we will travel into the majestic Alps which provide Geneva’s striking backdrop. We will visit the charming small town of Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, and take the mountain railway to the Mer de Glace where we will visit an ice cave carved into the glacier itself. We will enjoy a traditional fondue lunch and there will be an option to take a cable car up to the summit of the Aiguille du Midi, at over 3,800 metres. Dinner will be taken independently this evening.

DAY 4 DAY 5 DAY 6

DAY 2 DAY 3 DEPARTURE DATE & PRICES DATE PRICE SINGLE SUPP 2 May £2,698 £395 Our prices are per person, based on the shared occupancy of a twin/double room. Supplement for single occupancy as shown.

Today we will start at the Museum of the History of Science, located by the lake, which opened in 1966 in the neo-classical Villa Bartholoni. The museum houses exhibits relating to astronomy, microscopy, meteorology and electricity, including a collection of old scientific instruments from the 17th to 19th century, such as microscopes, telescopes, thermometers and astrolabes. We will continue to the Palais des Nations, built for the League of Nations and still an important UN centre, before returning to the hotel. In the evening we enjoy a dinner cruise on Lake Geneva on board a historic Belle Epoque paddle steamer.

TOUR INFORMATION

Flights

with

Return flights

Five

nights’

RENAISSANCE ASTRONOMY IN KEPLER’S PRAGUE

A FIVE NIGHT HOLIDAY | 10 SEPTEMBER 2023

Join astronomer and lecturer Martin Griffiths for a journey to the heart of early modern science on our tour of mediaeval Prague in the footsteps of Tycho Brahe and Johannes Kepler. Johannes Kepler (1571-1630), namesake of the NASA space observatory, was one of the world’s most influential astronomers whose work on optics and the laws of planetary motion would influence the ground-breaking research of Galileo and Newton after him. He spent some of his most important years working with Tycho Brahe in Prague, whom he replaced in 1601 as imperial mathematician and advisor to Holy Roman Emperor Rudolph II. The Prague of the 17th century was a melting pot of international artists, scientists and thinkers, attracted by the tolerant political climate which made their work possible.

On our five night tour we shall discover the legacy of Brahe and Kepler, including the world’s oldest Astronomical Clock, Benatky Castle where Kepler conducted some of his early experiments; and an evening visit to the Stefanik Observatory.

Martin Griffiths has been an astronomer for 40 years. A former lecturer, he developed adult education programmes for Swansea University and taught undergraduate Astronomy and postgraduate Science Communication at the University of South Wales and the University of the Heads of the Valleys Initiative (UHOVI). Martin has gained an international reputation for his knowledge and science communication and he now volunteers as the Director of the Brecon Beacons Observatory, a public educational resource in the Brecon Beacons National Park, and as a consultant for Dark Sky Wales.

DAY 1

Flying direct into Prague, you will be met at the airport and transferred to the 4* K+K Hotel Central in the centre of the city. The afternoon is at leisure and you will meet Martin in the bar for a drink before an introductory talk. We will then proceed to a local restaurant for dinner.

This morning you shall be met by an expert local guide who will give a guided walking tour of Prague’s mediaeval Old Town. Highlights include the Old Town Square where you will see the Prague Astronomical Clock, which is the oldest continuously functioning example in the world. There will also be a visit to the National Technical Museum including its fascinating astronomical section and to the Tyn Church where Kepler’s mentor Tycho Brahe is buried. Martin will accompany the group throughout the day and give a second talk before dinner this evening.

the itinerary DAY 2 DAY 3

We start today at Benatky Castle, where Tycho Brahe lived from August 1599 to June 1600. These magnificently decorated Renaissance and Baroque palaces were not only the site of Brahe’s observatory, but were also home to the Czech composer Smetana. In the afternoon we return to Prague, to visit the Klementinum, a historic former college, now home to the national library of the Czech Republic. Here we see the magnificent Baroque library hall as well as the Astronomical Tower (steep steps and no lift), and the Meridian hall, previously used for determining noon. In the evening we head to the Stefanik Observatory. Here, with Martin’s guidance and advice from the expert observatory team, we will observe the same night sky which once fascinating the Renaissance astronomers.

The morning is devoted to the Castle District of Prague. Staring at the castle itself, there will be time to explore the complex here including a visit to St Vitus Church and the fine Renaissance palace of the Lobkowicz family, with art works of Velazquez and Canaletto and original manuscripts of Beethoven and Mozart. In the afternoon we will visit the village of Nelahozeves, birthplace of the composer Antonin Dvorak.

The beautiful UNESCO World Heritage site of Kutna Hora is situated about 1 hour from Prague. One of the most fascinating historic towns in Central Europe, highlights include the spectacular Gothic St. Barbara Cathedral and the Sedlec Ossuary – the unique complex of the former Cistercian monastery, also known as the Church of Bones, which is decorated with the bones of 40,000 skeletons. After returning to Prague we shall dine together in a local restaurant this evening.

DAY 5 DAY 6

TOUR INFORMATION

DEPARTURE DATE & PRICES

DATE PRICE SINGLE SUPP 10 September £2,178 £390 Our prices are per person, based on the shared occupancy of a twin/double room. Supplement for single occupancy as shown.

FLIGHT DETAILS

Flights with British Airways: Depart London Heathrow 09.50, arrive Prague 12.55 Depart Prague 13.45, arrive London Heathrow 14.50 Flight times subject to change – regional departures available on request.

WHAT WE INCLUDE

• Return flights

We shall depart after breakfast this morning. DAY 4

• Five nights’ accommodation with breakfast

• Three dinners in local restaurants

• The services of a Kirker tour leader and local guide

• Guest lectures from New Scientist contributor Martin Griffiths

• All sightseeing, entrance fees and gratuities

NEW SCIENTIST TOURS

MEGALITHIC MALTA

A FIVE NIGHT HOLIDAY | 7 NOVEMBER 2023

Malta and Gozo are small islands that conceal a long and fascinating history including several exceptional archaeological sites. From the ancient and mysterious temples believed to be some of the world’s oldest structures, to the fortifications of the Knights of St John which withstood unprecedented bombardment in WWII. Visiting three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, you will discover 7,000 years of history including unexplained carved-stone landscapes, and prehistoric death cults, as well as beautiful coastlines, attractive fishing villages and fine Baroque architecture. The tour will be led by award-winning journalist Juliet Rix.

itinerary

Fly to Malta, where you will stay for the duration of the tour at the 4* deluxe Hotel Corinthia Palace. In the evening meet the tour leader, journalist and broadcaster Juliet Rix, who will introduce you to the tour ahead.You will then enjoy dinner with Juliet at a local restaurant in Valetta.

Today will be spent exploring Valletta which has recently undergone a series of major restorations including the impressive ramparts and Renzo Piano’s new Parliament building.You will visit St. John’s Cathedral with Caravaggio’s masterpiece ‘The Beheading of St. John’, the Grand Master’s Palace and the beautiful jewel-like Teatru Manoel, one of the best surviving Baroque theatres in Europe. During the afternoon marvel at the Auberge de Provence, the Baroque residence of the Knights of Malta from the Provence region of France. This now houses the Archaeological Museum, including some of the most exquisite finds from Malta & Gozo’s prehistoric sites dating back to 5,000 years.

Your day ends with a visit to Fort St. Elmo. The fort was built by the Knights Hospitallers in 1552 to guard the harbours on either side of the Sceberras Peninsula. After restoration, it reopened in 2015, and now contains the National War Museum, which covers Malta’s wartime history including the Great Siege and the country’s ordeal during WWII. In the evening, you will be joined by New Scientist editor Alison George who will give the first of two talks setting the context for the next two days exploration of megalithic sites. After the talk, they will join you for dinner at the hotel’s excellent Phoenix restaurant. They will also accompany you over the next two days of exploration.

Today is devoted to prehistory, starting the day with the recently reopened Hypogeum Saflieni, a remarkable Neolithic subterranean necropolis, buried beneath the streets of Paola.You will travel on to the temples of Tarxien, Hagar Qim and Mnajdra which enable you to trace the development of temple building on Malta from around 3600BC. There will be time to explore the picturesque fishing village of Marsaxlokk, before visiting the fascinating cave Ghar Dalam, where finds include remains of long-extinct species dating back 10,000 years. The earliest evidence of human settlement, 7,400 years ago, was also found here. In the evening Alison will give the second of her talks and will be happy to carry on the conversation and answer all your questions about the sites, pre-history and life at New Scientist.

Sail across the narrow strait to Gozo, a verdant island of fertile farmland, picturesque villages and monumental Baroque churches. The highlight of today is exploring the prehistoric temples at Ggantija, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, 1000 years older than the Egyptian pyramids and the second oldest stone structure in the world. It is the earliest of the Maltese ceremonial sites and one that might have been used for fertility rites and animal sacrifice. Afterwards, explore the fortified capital Victoria (Ir-Rabat), a hill settled since Neolithic times with a citadel that is visible across most of Gozo. After lunch, follow a scenic route to the charming fishing village of Xlendi, where you will discover the enigmatic ‘cart ruts’ which criss-cross rocky sites on both islands but have remained unexplained by archaeologists and historians.

Today you will take a harbour cruise onboard a traditional Maltese ‘Luzzu’ from the Grand Harbour, allowing you to fully appreciate the remarkable fortifications of Valletta. Then enjoy a walking tour of Malta’s first capital Mdina (The Silent City). A fortified city of just 300 inhabitants, it is best known today for its starring-role in the ‘Game of Thrones’ TV series – with its mix of Norman and Baroque architecture including palaces and a cathedral.You will enjoy lunch next to the 5* Xara Palace Hotel, a stunning 17th century palazzo and the only hotel within the walls of the city.

DAY 4 DAY 5 DAY 6

The morning is free for you to relax and explore at your own pace before driving to the airport for the flight back to the UK.

TOUR INFORMATION

DEPARTURE DATE & PRICES

DATE PRICE SINGLE SUPP 7 November £2,298 £250 Our prices are per person, based on the shared occupancy of a twin/double room. Supplement for single occupancy as shown.

FLIGHT DETAILS

Flights with Air Malta: Depart Heathrow at 11.25, arrive Malta at 15.35 Depart Malta at 16.55, arrive Heathrow at 19.25 Flight times subject to change – regional departures available on request.

WHAT WE INCLUDE

• Return flights

• Five nights’ accommodation with breakfast

• All sightseeing, entrance fees and gratuities as described

• Guest lectures from New Scientist contributor

THE SCOTTISH ENLIGHTENMENT: EDINBURGH AND GLASGOW

A FOUR NIGHT HOLIDAY | 1 SEPTEMBER 2023

Discover Edinburgh’s and Glasgow’s most famous scientific thinkers, and how their work underpinned emerging ideas for understanding the world from the 16th century onwards. Explore key sites and moments from the Scottish Enlightenment, a period of unprecedented scientific and intellectual creativity in the 18th and early 19th century. Where leading practitioners in medicine, maths, physics, astronomy, economics and philosophy exchanged and developed scientific thought. Learn about the wide cast of protagonists including such luminaries as James Watt (inventor), Lord Kelvin (temperature), Mary Somerville (polymath), John Napier (logarithms), James Clerk Maxwell (electromagnetism), Sir Charles Bell (spinal nerves), James Hutton (geology), Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (author), Robert Burns (poet) and even Charles Darwin, as he was exposed to early ideas on the evolution of life whilst studying in Edinburgh.

the itinerary DAY 2

DAY 1

After checking in to our hotel in Glasgow, you will meet your fellow guests to hear opening comments from the tour leader and an introductory lecture from author Dr Craig Smith. Craig will cover commercial, philosophical and political factors that led to the Scottish Enlightenment and assess its impact. Afterwards you will have dinner together in the hotel.

After a leisurely breakfast we shall have a brief city tour before our visit at Glasgow’s Hunterian Museum, the oldest museum in Scotland. What started off as a Victorian gentlemens curio collection has expanded to cover nature and life sciences, from Captain Cook’s voyages to anatomical teaching aids and the scientific instruments used by James Watt, Joseph Lister and Lord Kelvin. In the afternoon we visit the nearby Kelvingrove Museum, and will finish the day with a second lecture which focuses on natural history and the work of Sibbald, Hutton and Lyell.

After checking out, you will travel south of Glasgow to Whitelee Windfarm, the UK’s largest onshore windfarm and the second largest in Europe. The 215 turbines can generate up to 539 megawatts of electricity on a windy day and standing under one, when it is in full rotation, is an awe-inspiring experience. The next stop is at the Falkirk Wheel, a visually stunning and unique rotating boat lift with two gondolas that replaced 11 locks and allows ease of navigation between the Union canal and the Forth and Clyde canal. Arriving in Edinburgh, we check in to MacDonald Holyrood Hotel & Spa for the next two nights.Your final visit is an early evening private talk and tour of the James Clerk Maxwell Foundation. Maxwell discovered that light is made up of electromagnetic waves and his work laid the foundation for fields such as special relativity and quantum mechanics. Einstein said “I stand on the shoulders of Maxwell”.

Today you will begin with an orientation tour of the city, before a fascinating visit to The Surgeons’ Hall Museums, including The Wohl Pathology Museum, the History of Surgery Museum and The Dental Collection. Originally developed as a teaching museum for students, here you will see the work of noted surgeons and anatomists such as Sir Charles Bell and John Barclay who developed anatomical nomenclature. A short walk will take us via Greyfriar’s Kirkyard where a number of influential scientists are buried, before reaching the National Museum of Scotland. Half of the museum is housed within a magnificent iron-clad and light-filled auditorium, built in 1866, and the collections cover science, technology, natural history, archaeology and history – one of the more unusual exhibits is the preserved body of Dolly the sheep, the first successful cloning of a mammal from an adult cell. We will enjoy a final dinner together at the Royal Scots’ Club in Edinburgh this evening.

•

•

•

•

•

The Hunterian Museum

DEPOSITS & FULL PAYMENT

If you are booking more than nine weeks prior to departure, a deposit will be required to secure your reservation. The amount of the deposit (a minimum of £400 per person) will be confirmed at the time of booking. Full payment is required no later than nine weeks before departure. We prefer payment by BACS transfer (call 020 7593 2285 or see your confirmation invoice for Kirker bank details) or by cheque made payable to Kirker Travel Ltd. Payment by debit or credit card can be made by calling us on 020 7593 2288.

CANCELLATION CHARGES

Cancellations made more than 70 days prior to departure: deposits forfeited.

70-56 days: 30% of the holiday cost or deposit (whichever is the greater).

55-29 days: 50% of the holiday cost.

28-15 days: 80% of the holiday cost.

Within 14 days of the departure, on the departure date or after the holiday has commenced: all holiday costs forfeited. Any client who curtails their holiday will not receive a refund for unused accommodation, transportation or other services.

SINGLE TRAVELLERS

We recognise that single room supplements are unpopular and, although we do try to dissuade the hotels from charging high single supplements, we do not always succeed. In 2023 our tours to the North Norfolk Music Festival and the Grange Festival have no single supplements.

WALKING & MOBILITY

Our tours have been created to show you as much as possible of your chosen destination, and often the best way to do this is on foot. In order to enjoy these holidays you need to be reasonably fit, able to stroll at a normal pace for at least 20 minutes, to go up and down a staircase without assistance and to stand – perhaps in a queue – for 10 or 15 minutes at a time. Should you have any concerns whatsoever, please speak to our reservations staff who will provide you with advice and perhaps recommend holidays that may involve easier walking.

AGE LIMIT: We do not have an age limit but we do ask that you advise us of your age at time of booking and expect all participants to be able to walk comfortably without assistance. Existing medical conditions and walking difficulties must be declared at the time of booking.

TRAVELLERS WITH DISABILITIES

Although we are pleased to welcome clients with disabilities, their participation will depend on the nature of the disability and in some cases it will be necessary to be accompanied by an able-bodied companion. In order to ensure the comfort and enjoyment of all participants on any tour we must ask you to declare full details of your disability, especially if this affects your mobility, so that we can consider your personal circumstances.

A RESPONSIBLE HOLIDAY COMPANY

As a member of ABTA and AITO, we conform fully to government legislation regarding the protection of clients’ money. In addition, in the event that your holiday is affected by something out of our control, we shall always endeavour to take the appropriate steps to minimise any disruption you may experience.

CHANGES & CANCELLATIONS

We will always do our best to avoid making changes to holidays but the tours are planned many months in advance and amendments may be necessary. All changes notified less than eight weeks before departure give you the right to cancel your holiday and receive a full refund. We do understand the disappointment caused by cancelling a tour, however, we reserve the right to do so because they are dependent on a minimum number of participants. We will try to inform you not less than ten weeks before the departure date if your tour will not be operating.

PRIVACY POLICY

In order to make certain that our holidays run smoothly, and to enable us to maintain the high levels of service our clients require, we need to collect some personal data and store it. All members of the Kirker team take your privacy seriously and our Privacy Policy outlines in more detail how and why we obtain and process data which can identify you. Full details are set out on our website: www.kirkerholidays.com/privacy, but if you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact Patrick Millar (Marketing Manager) on 020 7593 2281 or email patrick.millar@kirkerholidays.com

THE AITO QUALITY CHARTER

AITO is the Specialist Travel Association. Member companies, usually ownermanaged, strive to create overseas holidays with high levels of professionalism and a shared concern for quality and personal service. The Association encourages the highest standards in all aspects of tour operating.

EXCLUSIVE MEMBERSHIP – AITO sets criteria regarding ownership, finance and quality which must be satisfied before new companies are admitted to membership. All members are required to adhere to a Code of Business Practice which encourages high operational standards and conduct.

FINANCIAL SECURITY – AITO members are required to protect money paid by customers to the member for any holiday sold under the AITO logo and to comply with UK Government Regulations in this respect. Members submit details of their bonding and guarantee arrangements to the Association on a regular basis.

ACCURATE BROCHURES and WEBSITES – All members do their utmost to ensure that all their brochures and other publications, print or electronic, clearly and accurately describe the holidays and services offered.

PROFESSIONAL SERVICE and CONTINUAL IMPROVEMENTS – All members are committed to high standards of service and believe in regular and thorough training of employees. Members continually seek to review and improve their holidays. They listen to their customers and always welcome suggestions for improving standards.

MONITORING STANDARDS – AITO endeavours to monitor quality standards regularly. All customers should receive a postholiday questionnaire the results of which are scrutinised by the Association.

RESPONSIBLE TOURISM – All members acknowledge the importance of AITO’s Responsible Tourism guidelines, which recognise the social, economic and environmental responsibilities of tour operating. Those demonstrating their achievements beyond the pure acceptance of this principle are recognised by the award of 2 or 3 star status.

CUSTOMER RELATIONS – All members endeavour to deal swiftly and fairly with any issues their customers may raise. In the unlikely event that a dispute between an AITO member and a customer cannot be settled amicably, AITO’s low-cost Independent Dispute Settlement Service may be called upon by either side to bring the matter to a speedy and acceptable conclusion. Kirker Holidays is a member of the Association of Independent Tour Operators. To contact the Association visit www.aito.co.uk or call 020 8744 9280

BOOKING FORM

CULTURAL TOURS & MUSIC HOLIDAYS

Kirker Holidays, 4 Waterloo Court, 10 Theed Street, London SE1 8ST

Office hours: 09.00 –18.00 (Mon-Fri), 09.00 –13.00 (Sat) Reservations: 020 7593 2288 Fax: 020 7593 1461 Brochure requests: 020 7593 2282 Accounts/administration: 020 7593 2280 travel@kirkerholidays.com www.kirkerholidays.com

CONTACT DETAILS/TRAVEL AGENT’S STAMP DETAILS OF ALL PASSENGERS

Name: Address: Postcode: Contact Phone Number: Email:

PAYMENT

• Deposit: the amount required for deposit will be advised at the time of booking and should be paid in order to confirm your holiday.

• Full balance: must be paid 10 weeks prior to departure. N.B. for Music Cruises the full balance must be paid 14 weeks prior to departure.

• Payments: We prefer to be paid by BACS transfer (call 020 7593 2285 or see your confirmation invoice for Kirker Bank Details) or by cheque made payable to Kirker Travel Ltd. Payment by debit or credit card can be made by telephone on 020 7593 2284.

MOBILITY MATTERS

In order to enjoy Kirker Cultural Tours & Music Holidays (and to ensure that other participants are not held up or inconvenienced) you must be reasonably fit, i.e. able to stroll at a normal pace for at least 20 minutes; go up and down a flight of stairs without assistance; stand – perhaps in a queue – for 10/15 minutes. If your circumstances change after booking and prior to your departure, it is essential that you contact Kirker. We regret that clients who are deemed unfit to take part (at Kirker’s discretion) may be obliged to return home at their own additional cost and no refund will be given. In the event that a client is deemed unfit to take part in certain aspects of the tour, please note that it is unfortunately not possible to offer partial refunds.

ESSENTIAL INFORMATION AND CONDITIONS OF BOOKING

All bookings are subject to our full booking conditions which appear on our website www.kirkerholidays.com. A copy of these can also be emailed or posted to you on request. By asking us to make your booking, you confirm you have had access to and agree to the full booking conditions which you should read.

CAN KIRKER CANCEL MY HOLIDAY? We understand the disruption and disappointment caused by cancelling a tour but we must reserve the right to do so because they are dependant on a minimum number of participants. The minimum number of participants varies according to the tour. Generally, we will try to inform you ten weeks before the departure date if your chosen tour will not be operating.

CANCELLATION CHARGES. Cancellations made by you more than 70 days prior to departure: deposits forfeited. 70 – 56 days: 30% of the holiday cost or deposit, whichever is the greater. 55-29 days: 50% of the cost 28-15 days: 80%holiday cost; of the holiday cost. Within 14 days of the departure, on the departure date or after the holiday has commenced: all holiday costs are forfeited. Any client choosing to leave their hotel before the end of their holiday will receive no refund for unused accommodation. Different cancellation charges apply for Kirker Music Cruises and will be advised at time of booking.

The booking conditions provide for the payment of cancellation charges if you cancel or fail to make payment when due. They also include limitations and exclusions of our liability to you. For international travel by air, sea or rail, our liabilities are limited and excluded as if we were a carrier within the applicable international convention or EU regulation (for example, the Montreal Convention, the EC Regulation on Air Carrier Liability and the Athens Convention).A surcharge may be payable in limited circumstances where certain costs increase after booking.

Your contract will be with Kirker Travel Limited t/a Kirker Holidays. This contract comes into existence when we dispatch our confirmation invoice to the person who makes the booking or your travel agent.

We hold an Air Travel Organiser’s Licence issued by the Civil Aviation Authority (ATOL number 2450). When you buy an ATOL protected air inclusive holiday or flight* from us, you will receive a confirmation

2023

Title Full name as per passport

HOLIDAY

DETAILS

Tour Name: Departure date: Preferred departure Airport/Station: Room Type (Double/Twin/Single):

DIETARY REQUIREMENTS & SPECIAL REQUESTS

Next of Kin name and telephone number NAME: ____________________________ DAY TEL: ___________________ NIGHT TEL: _____________________

On behalf of all persons on this booking form I have read and agreed the conditions of booking contained in this brochure. SIGNATURE: ___________________________ DATE: _______________

invoice from us (or via our authorised agent) confirming your arrangements and your protection under our ATOL. In the unlikely event of our insolvency the CAA will ensure that you are not left stranded abroad and will arrange to refund any money you have paid to us for an advance booking. *The air inclusive holidays and flights we arrange are ATOL protected providing either the person who pays for the booking is present in the UK when the booking is made or the first leg of any flight or flights we arrange for you commences in the UK. For further information, visit the ATOL website at www.atol.org.uk.

We are also bonded with ABTA Limited (membership number V6595). This means that if your holiday does not include flights arranged by us, all monies you have paid to us for an advance booking will be refunded or if your holiday includes return travel and is already underway, you will be returned to the UK in the unlikely event of our being unable to provide your holiday due to our insolvency.

ABTA members help holidaymakers to get the most from their travel and assist them when things do not go according to plan. We are obliged to maintain a high standard of service to you by ABTA’s Code of Conduct. For further information about ABTA, the Code of Conduct and the arbitration scheme available to you if you have a complaint (details in our full booking conditions), contact ABTA at 30 Park Street, London, SE1 9EQ or see www.abta.com

We are also a member of the Association of Independent Tour Operators (AITO). British citizens require a British passport in order to travel to the destinations we feature.This usually takes approximately 6 weeks to obtain unless you are over 16 and haven’t held a passport previously in which case you need to allow at least 6-8 weeks. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office publishes regularly updated travel information on its website www. fco.gov.uk/knowbeforeyougo which you are recommended to consult before booking and in good time before departure.

In the event of any flight delay or cancellation at your UK or overseas point of departure, the airline is responsible for providing such assistance as is legally required by the Denied Boarding Regulations. The ferry, tunnel or rail operator is similarly responsible in relation to any delayed or cancelled sea crossing or international rail departure. Except where

otherwise stated in our brochure or on our website, we regret we cannot provide any assistance in such circumstances other than information and advice to the extent we are in a position to do so.

LOCAL TOURIST TAXES. Many Local Authorities throughout Europe and beyond have now imposed tourist taxes on visitors. In most cases, local legislation imposes the responsibility of collecting the tax on to hoteliers who are instructed to collect this additional tax direct from guests by adding the cost to clients’ extras bills on checkout. N.B. Local Authorities reserve the right to vary the charges and insist that the tax is paid directly by guests to the hotel, and not through an intermediary. Typically, the cost is approximately €2-7 per person per night depending on hotel category.

DATA PROTECTION. For the purposes of the Data Protection Act 1998, Kirker Travel Limited is a data controller. Please be assured that we have measures in place to protect personal data held by us. This information will be passed to the relevant suppliers of your holiday arrangements.The information may also be provided to public authorities such as customs or immigration if required by them and to other third parties who need it to enable us to provide your holiday (such as credit card companies and banks), or as required by law. Certain information may also be passed on to security or credit checking companies. Other than in relation to government/public authorities (over whom we have no control), we will take appropriate steps which are intended to ensure that anyone to whom we pass your personal data for any reason agrees to keep it secure and only uses it for the purposes of providing their services. If we cannot pass personal data to the relevant suppliers or any other third party as applicable, whether in the EEA or not, we will be unable to fulfil your booking. In making your booking, you consent to personal data being passed on to the relevant suppliers and other third parties.

When travelling outside the European Economic Area, controls on data protection may not be as strong as the legal requirements in this country. We would also like to store and use your personal data for future marketing purposes (for example, sending you a brochure or other marketing material) unless you have told us that you do not wish us to do so. Full details of our data protection policy are available on our website and on request.

OUR RANGE OF ESCORTED HOLIDAYS FOR DISCERNING TRAVELLERS

Our Cultural Tours and Music Holidays are designed to appeal to a broad range of clients who enjoy travelling with like-minded companions in the company of an expert tour lecturer, and will be of particular interest to anyone who is curious about art, architecture, gardens, archaeology, history and music.

EXCLUSIVE KIRKER MUSIC FESTIVALS

Our programme of Exclusive Kirker Music Festivals offers private concerts by world-class musicians in carefully-selected settings in the UK and throughout Europe.

MUSIC HOLIDAYS

Small group tours to the finest music events and venues, including spectacular summer opera festivals, celebrated chamber music and orchestral festivals, and short breaks to the great opera cities.

CULTURAL TOURS

A wide range of expert-led escorted tours for those with an interest in art, architecture, archaeology, history, battlefields, gardens, wine and music.

GARDEN TOURS

Visits to exceptional gardens in unique settings around the UK, Ireland and Europe, including access to private gardens not normally open to the public.

WINE TOURS

Holidays for wine experts and amateur enthusiasts alike, including visits to both celebrated and less well-known wine regions, with exclusive access and private tastings.

BATTLEFIELD TOURS

Explore the stories of some of the most important conflicts in history through the ruins, artefacts and memorials, as well as the geography and landscapes that remain.

Kirker Holidays, 4 Waterloo Court, 10 Theed Street, London SE1 8ST

Office hours: 09.00–18.00 (Mon-Fri), 09.00–13.00 (Sat) Reservations: 020 7593 2284

Brochure requests: 020 7593 2282 • Accounts/administration: 020 7593 2280

Telephone calls: please note that in order to manage and train the Kirker team to deliver the best possible telephone service, from time to time we record calls for internal training purposes only.

Recent Awards:

British Travel Awards 2022 Finalist: Best Travel Company for City/Short Breaks

Luxury Specialist Tour Operator of the Year 2020 – TTG Luxury Wanderlust Magazine – Highly Commended Top Tour Operator 2018 Comune di Venezia – Lion of St. Mark Gold Award for Tourism 2017

Classic FM – 25th Anniversary ‘Silver Traveller’ Award Winner 2017