PAINTING WALKING SINGING SIGHTSEEING HOLIDAYS
Here’s to another year of adventures... J.K. Rowling, James Cameron, Dolly the Sheep, and Authentic Adventures. It might look like an odd assortment, but there’s one vital similiarity: we all made a name for ourselves way back in 1997. That’s right, our 20th anniversary is upon us — we can’t quite believe it, but you know what they say... time flies when you’re having fun! And what fun it’s been: from humble beginnings as a specialist Andalucían walking company at the end of the last century to purveyors of singing, painting, walking and sightseeing holidays all over the world today, there seems to be no end to the adventures to be had. Now, we may be getting on a bit, but we’re certainly showing no signs of slowing down. If we may say so ourselves, the year to come is positively bursting with highlights, and we can’t wait to share them with you. So why not start flicking through the pages of this spring update, and let the next adventure begin? On page 2 — although we’re sure you’ll need no encouragement — the singers among you will find yet more reasons to practice your craft. Did you know that singing can help alleviate stress, and even help boost your immune
system? Sing on, we say! Then on page 3, we have an insight into the typical day-to-day of one of our painting tours, courtesy of perennially popular tutor Susanna Bailey. Venture a little further (all from the comfort of your armchair, of course) and you’ll find even more inspiration for your 2017 travels. On page 4, we round up our carefully curated selection of picks for the year ahead, before taking you back to where it all began on page 5, and giving you a tempting snapshot of the Amalfi Coast on page 8. Perfetto. But don’t worry, while we’re daydreamers at heart, you can rest assured that practical matters have also been well and truly attended to. On pages 6 and 7 you’ll find our calendar, colour-coded by holiday type, so that you can see at a glance what, where, and when your next adventure might be. All that’s left for you to do is get choosing — pens at the ready! Once you’ve done so, just give us a call on 01453 823328 to book your place. With that, I’ll leave you to enjoy our brand new newsletter. I sincerely hope that it provides you with some inspiration for your next getaway, and that we’ll see you very soon! Zoe Pearson Product and Operations Manager
Channel Islands Italy Spain Madeira Malta Croatia Montenegro Bulgaria India
AUTHENTIC ADVENTURES: SPRING UPDATE 2017
Faith Watson Faith has enjoyed singing unaccompanied harmony for as long as she can remember, and her huge repertoire of songs includes those from all over the world. A member of quartet The Lovenotes as well as a tutor for AA, Faith loves sharing her enthusiasm for acapella with those of all abilities and from all walks of life, and believes that all can enjoy the thrill of singing in harmony.
Group Singing: Good for the Soul Ask any of the guides on our singing holidays and they’ll tell you: there’s something genuinely magical about singing in a group. It’s not only a question of beauty either; the joy of being transported by a harmony, or successfully hitting the notes of a song. In fact, numerous studies have shown that group singing cultivates multiple mental and physical benefits. There’s the act of filling the lungs itself, which boosts oxygen intake, and strengthens the vocal muscles — a tuneful way to minimise snoring, according to one study. From a chemical standpoint, singing in groups has been found to release endorphins, the happy hormones, as well as oxytocin, which alleviates anxiety and stress. Researchers at the University of California discovered that the activity also raised levels of immune system proteins. A solid
Where can you sing in 2017? Hum your way through the stunning sites of Gujarat, make joyful noise in Istria’s local churches, and prove that the hills really are alive with the sound of music in mountainous Bulgaria. There are as many places in which to practice your repertoire as ways to do it: from India to Italy, Malta to Bulgaria and Spain to Croatia. Choose your dream destination, and let us orchestrate the rest. Visit authenticadventures.co.uk To obtain a typical day-by-day itinerary of all our holidays.
explanation, perhaps, for the finding by Yale and Harvard researchers that being part of a choir is linked to a longer life expectancy. Another study noted that choral work could even increase the pain thresholds of participants. The most rewarding aspect for many singers, however — particularly those on an Authentic Adventures holiday — is the social one. Singing in groups is a great way to bond: to make friends, have fun, and really boost your confidence. And if you’re concerned that you might not sing well enough? Don’t worry: it’s often said that to sing in a group is to truly go beyond yourself. Whether under the palms of a Keralan lagoon, or on the sunlit stones of a seaside restaurant terrace, you’ll always be singing together, and, no doubt, totally absorbed by the results.
“Authentic Adventures lives up to the name” Painter and tutor Susanna Bailey, alumnus of the world-renowned Slade School of Fine Art, joined the Authentic Adventures family in 2015. Here she talks about what to expect when you book on to one of her holidays. Authentic Adventures fosters a really good dialogue between the guests and the tutors. Six weeks before our departure date, I email whoever’s coming, and they can contact me with any questions. On the trip itself I’m a bit of a drillmaster(!) Every morning we do a workshop in the shade where it’s nice and cool — focusing on colours, firstly, then composition, etc. We then shoot off for the rest of the day, sourcing things, taking photographs of our surroundings, maybe sketching. I always go to a local art shop at the beginning of the holiday. That’s a real treat. People can buy lovely paper from the area and use it during their trip. I like to keep things proactive — it’s lots of fun. In the afternoon we return to the comfort of a beautiful, air-conditioned studio where we can settle into our work and do one-to-ones. After a rest we meet
Kochi Nets
all together in the evening for a nice chat, usually with a drink. And then it’s supper. I’m a colourist, so I make sure we work with the colours around us, connecting everything to the landscape. I bring a lot of local history into my tutorials as well, to put things into context. You can’t know a place unless you do that. Authentic Adventures lives up to the name. In India last year we were travelling through the jungle — so beautiful it was unbelievable — when suddenly a vehicle came from the other direction and stopped. Its driver told us there was a rogue elephant up ahead. The locals were very worried, setting off fireworks all over the place to scare it away. Our driver was terrified. Of course we thought it was great! They managed to drive the elephant off the road, but we were lucky enough to see it. That was a real high point. I can’t wait to go back. Susanna February 2017
Castles in the air
Wineries and waterfronts
Colours, canoes, rivers and reflections
A serene agriturismo and a charming medieval village each present unique charms on this wonderfully varied Umbrian holiday.
Ischia’s coastal scenes and isolated medieval castles lend the island an utterly dreamy quality, just perfect for painting.
When we say Kerala is a colourful destination, we really mean it: be sure to prepare your paintbox with a veritable rainbow of hues.
Date 6 June Single occupancy of double room
Date 22 September Single occupancy of double room
Date 25 November Single occupancy of double room
Exc £1,999 £275
Exc £1,549 £133
Exc £2,595 £405
Call today on 01453 823328 | Email: info@authenticadventures.co.uk | Painting, Walking, Singing & Sightseeing Holidays
AUTHENTIC ADVENTURES: SPRING UPDATE 2017
Top Tours: A Few of our Favourites Spectacular Gozo and sun-kissed La Gomera; painting on Jersey and fine Cinque Terre... in the immortal words of Julie Andrews, these are a few of our favourite things, and we hope they’ll be some of yours, too. While it goes without saying that we’re extraordinarily excited about each and every holiday in our programme — when that programme features everything from Gujarati safaris to truffle hunting in Croatia, it’s not hard to see why — there are a few departures that have really caught our eye here in the Authentic Adventures office. Whether you’re a walker, painter, or singer, or are just tempted to tag along, take a look at the holidays below for our pick of the bunch for the year to come.
Gorgeous La Gomera Of the seven Canary Islands, glorious La Gomera is perhaps the most often — and, if you ask us, most unfairly — overlooked. We intend to right that wrong on a wonderful painting tour taking inspiration from the island’s unique flora and timeless terrain, and leaving plentiful time to relax and take it all in. Date Tutor 11 Mar & 11 Nov David Single occupancy of double room
Exc £1,499 £196
Discovering the Five Lands
“This was the best Authentic Adventures holiday I have been on — beautiful location and excellent teaching. Many thanks for organising it.”
The Italian Riviera has long served as a source of inspiration for artists and poets, and it’s not difficult to see why. What with craggy coastlines crowned by rainbow-hued buildings, hushed woodland paths leading to sublime sanctuaries, and panoramic views across azure waters, these are truly landscapes to make the soul soar.
Eleanor Symons Painting in Madeira
Date Guide Exc 7 Oct Cristiano £1,399 No single supplement on single rooms
In Harmony with the Ancient Goddess Take divine inspiration for your morning practice from the serene landscapes of Gozo, a diminutive neighbour of Malta famed for its goddess culture. Enjoy easy breezy coastal walks and rooftop singing sessions on this relaxed holiday. Date Tutor Exc 17 Jun Liz £1,299 No single supplement on single rooms
“This has been my 16th holiday with your company, which speaks for itself. All have been very enjoyable but this has been one of the highlights.” John Cornell Walking in Italy
Visit authenticadventures.co.uk To obtain a typical day-by-day itinerary of all our holidays.
Bays and Boats around St Brelade’s Bijou Jersey’s wonderfully compact nature means that all of our locations are close at hand. That means less time travelling and more time soaking up artistic inspiration from shimmering beaches, pellucid blue bays, and the heady mix of British and French culture that’s all around on this jewel of an island. Date Tutor 7 Oct Angela Single occupancy of double room
Exc £1,099 £150
By popular demand: Authentic Andalucía Those of you who’ve known us for a long time are sure to remember that, while we’ve always been Authentic Adventures by nature, we haven’t always been Authentic Adventures by name. In fact, back in 1997, we were just starting out under the banner of Andalucían Adventures. That’s why this year, exactly two decades on, it seems only right to pay homage to the place where it all began. There are so many reasons to fall in love with this southern Spanish region, from the electrifying buzz of Seville to the Gothic splendour of Málaga. We hope, if it hasn’t already, that a trip to Andalucía will soon have you under its spell.
As you may well expect from its name, this sightseeing tour is one that’s truly deserving of the ‘Authentic Adventures’ mantle. First of all, the size of our group is restricted to six travellers, making for an intimate on-tour experience from the very outset, and our guest of honour is Simon Harding, an experienced local guide who has lived in Spain for more than twenty years. Then there’s the itinerary itself... hidden streets, private gardens, quirky restaurants and cosy tapas bars all feature as we build up an alternative topography of these southern Spanish towns — far outside of the usual tourist hotspots. That said, there will always be sites whose reputations as must-sees are well-deserved: the Alcázar of Seville, the royal palace designed for Moorish kings; the Giralda, a towering minaret with Renaissance flourishes, and La Mezquita, one of the most famous mosques ever built. We see it all — and then some. As magnificent as Andalucía’s architecture is, however, not all of the region’s wonders are
manmade. Don’t just take our word for it though, see it for yourself during river crossings to isolated beaches, or on 4x4 expeditions through dunes, pinewoods and marshlands at the heart of the Doñana National Park. We know that all that adventuring is thirsty work, which is why we take a leisurely day to discover the delights of Jerez — famous for flamenco, fine horses and, most importantly, we think, its wine and sherry — topped off with an afternoon of tasting in the wine cellars of Gonzalez Byass. With sumptuous food, stunning architecture and fabulous scenery, Andalucía encapsulates all the delights of Spain within its borders. It should come as no surprise, then, that we’re giving our guests a second chance to sample its unique magic. Why not book your place on tour with us this November, and discover it for yourself?
Date Guide 6 Nov Simon Single occupancy of double room
Exc £1,199 £154
Call today on 01453 823328 | Email: info@authenticadventures.co.uk | Painting, Walking, Singing & Sightseeing Holidays
2017 HOLIDAY CALENDAR
May Colours, Cliffs and Capri
Illustrating Istria
Take your creative cues from ancient Roman frescoes, spectacular Moorish architecture, and the characteristic charms of the colourful Amalfi coast.
From the smallest town in the world to grand waterside architecture with a Venetian past, bountiful charms are everywhere you look on this Croatian peninsula.
12 May Tutor: Angela
17 June Tutor: Kevin
£1,599 exc flight
£1,599 exc flight
Coast, Contours and Capri
Immersion in the Istrian Peninsula
As you stand above the blue-green Med, or wander through fragrant olive groves, it becomes readily apparent that this is a trip for all the senses.
With the Adriatic Sea serving as a mesmerising backdrop, explore a wonderfully varied terrain through truffle hunts, coastal walks and village visits.
12 May Guide: Stefano
17 June Guide: Ilija
£1,399 exc flight
£1,399 exc flight
Venetian Reflections
In Harmony with the Ancient Goddess
Bring history to life with the stroke of a brush as you admire Montenegro’s plentiful subjects: Venetian buildings, remote villages, and limestone peaks.
Swim, stroll and sip in the laid-back beauty of Gozo, where great company and grand vistas are sure to put a song in the heart of any chanteur or chanteuse.
21 May Tutor: David
£1,499 exc flight
Limestone, Lakes and Lovely Lustica Follow Austro-Hungarian military paths and the contours of Lake Varsar to see for yourself the extraordinary topography of beautiful Montenegro.
21 May Guide: Milan
£1,299 exc flight
June Croatian Culture and Song in Idyllic Istria
“As a single traveller, meeting friends from previous AA holidays added enormously to the enjoyment and pleasure of the whole experience.” Monica Richmond Walking in Croatia
Enjoy sightseeing, gastronomy and mornings bursting with song from a scenic base in the old hilltop fishing village of Vrsar, overlooking the waters of the Adriatic.
3 June Tutor: Faith
£1,599 exc flight
17 June Tutor: Liz
July The Hills are Alive… Experience a holiday full of high notes (in more ways than one), as we carry a tune to the heart of the Rila Mountains, via ancient churches and hot springs.
29 July Tutor: TBA
Tenors, Todi and Titignano: FULLY BOOKED Sing to your heart’s content in the ‘green heart of Italy’ itself — better yet, do so in the grounds of our own private estate, set among rolling hills and vineyards.
3 Sept Tutor: Faith
A serene agriturismo and a charming medieval village each present their own unique charms on this wonderfully varied Umbrian painting holiday.
Illustrating Istria
£1,999 exc flight
The Highs and Lows of Umbria Undulating Umbria is a walker’s dream, and when soaring peaks and placid lakes, wooded valleys and lush meadows all feature, it’s not difficult to see why.
6 June Guide: Marianna
£1,599 exc flight
£1,399 exc flight
From the smallest town in the world to grand waterside architecture with a Venetian past, bountiful charms are everywhere you look on this Croatian peninsula.
16 Sept Tutor: Kevin
£1,599 exc flight
Immersion in the Istrian Peninsula With the Adriatic Sea serving as a mesmerising backdrop, explore a wonderfully varied terrain through truffle hunts, coastal walks and village visits.
16 Sept Guide: Ilija Visit authenticadventures.co.uk To obtain a typical day-by-day itinerary of all our holidays.
£1,199 exc flight
September
Castles in the Air
6 June Tutor: Susanna
£1,299 exc flight
£1,399 exc flight
Wineries and Waterfronts
Natural Harmonies
The dreamy quality of islands makes them perfect for painting, and Ischia is dreamier than most, with serene coastal scenes and isolated medieval castles.
Visit Kerala’s four distinct regions, each a sensory haven of tea plantations, spice gardens and lustrous lagoons, on this exuberant singing holiday.
29 Sept Tutor: Susanna £1,549 exc flight
28 October Tutor: Liz
Colours, Cliffs and Capri
Harbours, Valleys and Villages in Nature’s Paradise
Take your creative cues from ancient Roman frescoes, spectacular Moorish architecture, and the characteristic charms of the colourful Amalfi coast.
22 Sept Tutor: Angela
Visiting painters to Madeira — Sir Winston Churchill included — have long been spellbound by the island’s calm coastline, evergreen valleys and mountain peaks.
£1,599 exc flight
30 October Tutor: Mike
Coast, Contours and Capri
Get up close and personal with Madeira’s abundant exotic plant life on dreamy, shady levada walks and downright magical spring-side strolls.
£1,399 exc flight
30 October Guide: Stefano £1,099 exc flight
October Between Sea and Sky
November
Take in the colourful coastal landscapes of Cinque Terre, the very same which have stirred the souls of artists and poets for centuries.
7 October Tutor: Kevin
£1,549 exc flight
Discovering the Five Lands Follow in the footsteps of Shelley, Byron, and countless others as you make your way along the Italian Riviera, criss-crossed by unbelievably scenic routes.
7 October Guide: Cristiano £1,399 exc flight Bays and Boats around St Brelade’s Shimmering puddled beaches and verdant valleys make for a striking contrast on Anglo-French Jersey; see it for yourself on our laid-back painting holiday.
7 October Tutor: Angela
£1,299 exc flight
By Waterways through a Botanical Paradise
As you stand above the blue-green Med, or wander through fragrant olive groves, it becomes readily apparent that this is a trip for all the senses.
22 Sept Guide: Marianna
£2,595 exc flight
£1,099 exc flight
Moors, Museums and Modern Málaga Capture the irresistible vibrancy of intricate Moorish architecture, buzzing harboursides and street-side café culture in the much-loved municipality of Málaga.
“This holiday brought together the two things I love best: singing with a great teacher and travelling to new places. I will be recommending you to all my friends” Christine Burgess Singing in India
Sightseeing in Andalucía Experience the best of both worlds on species-spotting trips through wild beauty spots, gorge-side lunches and backstreet tours among Moorish splendour.
6 Nov Guide: Simon
£1,199 exc flight
Gorgeous Gomera After a hard day admiring the waving palms and prickly pears that serve as our striking subjects, sit back, relax, and watch the sun sink into the Atlantic.
11 Nov Tutor: David
£1,499 exc flight
Colours, Canoes, Rivers and Reflections When we say Kerala is a colourful destination, we really mean it: be sure to prepare a rainbow of hues for the flash of wings, the swish of a sari, and much more.
11 Nov FULLY BOOKED 25 Nov Tutor: Susanna
£2,595 exc flight £2,595 exc flight
16 October Tutor: Amanda £1,399 exc flight Painting
Walking
Singing
Sightseeing
Call today on 01453 823328 | Email: info@authenticadventures.co.uk | Painting, Walking, Singing & Sightseeing Holidays
In the Footsteps of the Gods – a Taster of Walking along the Amalfi Coast You’ve no doubt seen images of Amalfi, with its colourful houses and crystal-clear seas. But nothing compares to the vivid sensory extravaganza of the real thing...
Your day sack packed with water and lunch, your hiking shoes snugly laced, you take a short bus ride up into the hills along with your friendly guide and walking group. Today you are trekking along the famous Sentiero degli Dei, the Walk of the Gods, and it’s clear almost immediately why the route deserves its name. The trail heads gently down from the hilltop, cutting along the side of the steep Amalfi coast, and boasts breathtaking views of Capri and the boatstudded Bay of Naples. The azure water below you looks out of this world: it stretches for miles as it kisses the sky. You soon settle in to a comfortable walking pace with the rest of the group. There is no desire to rush. The sun warms your skin, stone cabins nestle amid the crags, the scent of heather and lemon trees fills your nostrils, local grapes ripen on the vine. From time to time you rest on one of the benches along the way, admiring this coastal vista that never grows dull.
There’s plenty of life to be seen on this walk: you might spot a farmer, leading his donkey across terraced fields; a peregrine falcon, dancing on a light sea breeze; a shepherd tending to a herd of goats. The path passes through vibrant green woodland. Birds sing. Butterflies flit above wild orchids. Your destination, Positano, is nearing. You can see the houses clinging to the side of the hill, the winding streets, the sparkling bay. The smell of food cooking wafts briefly towards you. Bottles of the local Piedirosso await. The cool sea beckons. As your legs lead you easily along the last kilometre of path, all you need think about is which reward you’ll opt for first. Date Guide Grade 12 May Stefano 3+* 22 Sep Marianna 3+* Single occupancy of double room *Up to 9 miles/14 kilometres with some challenging terrain
Authentic Adventures The Clock Tower, Unit 4 Oakridge Office Park Southampton Road, Whaddon, Salisbury SP5 3HT www.authenticadventures.co.uk +44 (0)1453 823328
Exc £1,399 £1,399 £133